bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolated Mega Cisterna Magna: A Preliminary Study from Eastern Iran
Authors: Pishjoo Masoud , Safdari Mohammad , Safdari Zohre , Ghaemi Mahtab , Kheradmand Daniel , Jouzdani Ali Fathi , Saghbdoust Sajjad
Published: January 2025

Background The clinical significance and incidence of isolated mega cisterna magna (MCM) have been thoroughly investigated. While MCM has been reported in association with psychiatric disorders in adults, current study sought to report its incidence and relationship with gender and age in a consecutive series of patients without psychiatric comorbidities.

Materials and Methods We retrospectively reviewed 1,016 consecutive computed tomography scans of patients between the age of 1 and 80 with a history of minor head trauma, headache, or vertigo from April to August 2023. Two perpendicular diameters inside the MCM were measured: the first diameter (D1) was measured longitudinally on the midsagittal plane (anteroposterior diameter), whereas the second one (D2) was measured transeversely (transverse diameter). An MCM with D1 > 20 mm was defined as “huge MCM.” The relationship between age, gender, and the two diameters were subsequently analyzed.

Results Over a course of 5 months, 92 cases with MCM, including 76 men, were evaluated. The mean age of MCM cases was 35.31 ± 26.14, with no significant relationship observed between age and MCM. No significant difference in D1 was found between genders, while D2 significantly differed between men and women (p < 0.029). “Huge MCM” was exclusively observed in 18 men (p < 0.035). There was also no significant correlation between D1 and D2.

Conclusion MCM appears to be a normal variation in the general population with no clinical significance. Despite the small sample size, the current study can provide a foundation for further studies to investigate the correlation of isolated MCM with different aspects of cognitive functions and its potential clinical relevance.
Adjuvant Therapy in Early Uterine Serous Carcinoma
Authors: Garrett Alison A , Orellana Taylor H , Soong T Rinda , Rives Taylor A , Taylor Sarah E , Coffman Lan , Buckanovich Ronald , Mahdi Haider , Beriwal Sushil , Sukumvanich Paniti , Bhargava Rohit , Olawaiye Alexander B
Published: January 2025

Objective: Uterine serous carcinoma (USC) is a rare diagnosis but associated with high mortality. There is limited data to guide adjuvant treatment decisions in early stage disease. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of adjuvant therapy on recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) in early stage USC.

Methods: Patients with stage I and II USC treated at a single institution from 1/2006-12/2019 were identified. Demographic, clinicopathologic, treatment and outcome data were collected. Data were compared using descriptive statistics. Survival analyses were performed using Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazard methods.

Results: Ninety-four patients were identified. Median follow-up time was 33.5 months. The median age was 68 years (range 49-87), the majority of patients were white (n=78, 83.0%), and the median BMI was 30.7 (range 14.2-57.3). Minimally-invasive surgical staging was performed in 59.6% of cases (n=56). Most patients had stage IA disease (n=70, 74.5%). Most patients (n=79, 84.0%) received adjuvant therapy, and a majority of patients received a combination of systemic chemotherapy and radiation therapy (n=55, 58.5%), with the most common combination being chemotherapy plus vaginal brachytherapy (n=42, 44.7%). Most patients (n=77, 81.9%) remain without evidence of disease, while 17 patients (18.1%) have recurred. Patients receiving 6 cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy experienced improved OS (p=0.004) and improved RFS (p=0.02) compared to those receiving no adjuvant chemotherapy.

Conclusion: Patients with early stage USC who received six cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy had significantly improved OS and RFS when compared to those patients who did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy.
Flower size evolution in the Southwest Pacific
Authors: Ciarle Riccardo , Burns Kevin C , Mologni Fabio
Published: January 2025

Background and Aims

Despite accelerating interest in island evolution, the general evolutionary trajectories of island flowers remain poorly understood. In particular the island rule, which posits that small organisms become larger and large organisms become smaller after island colonization, while tested for various plant traits, has never been tested for flower size. Here, we provide the first test of the island rule for flower size for animal- and wind-pollinated flowers, and the first evidence for generalized in situ evolution of flower size on islands.

Methods

Focusing on ten archipelagos in the Southwest Pacific, we amassed a dataset comprising 129 independent colonization events, by pairing each island endemic to its closest mainland relative. We then tested for the island rule in flower size and for gigantism/dwarfism in floral display for animal- and wind-pollinated flowers.

Key Results

Animal-pollinated flowers followed the island rule, while wind-pollinated flowers did not, instead showing evidence of gigantism. Results remained consistent after controlling for breeding system, mainland source pool, degree of taxonomic differentiation, taxonomic family and island type.

Conclusions

While in situ evolution of flower size is widespread on islands in the Southwest Pacific, animal- and wind-pollinated flowers exhibited unexpected and markedly different evolutionary trajectories. Further studies are needed to understand the mechanisms behind these patterns.
Effects of a home-based multicomponent exercise programme on frailty in post-cardiac surgery patients: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Huang Wan-Ting , Liu Chieh-Yu , Shih Chun-Che , Chen Yih-Sharng , Chou Chen-Liang , Lee Jen-Ting , Chiou Ai-Fu
Published: January 2025

Aims

A randomized controlled trial was conducted to examine the effects of a home-based multicomponent exercise programme on frailty in patients who underwent cardiac surgery.

Methods and results

A convenience sample of 92 patients who underwent cardiac surgery at two medical centres in Taiwan were recruited and randomly allocated to the intervention (n = 46) and control (n = 46) groups. The intervention group underwent a 12-week home-based multicomponent exercise programme, including individual nursing consultation, home-based exercise intervention, nutritional assessment and guidance, and continuous support. The control group did not receive any interventions. Frailty was assessed with the Fried frailty phenotype at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. The prevalence rates of prefrailty and frailty at baseline were 67 and 33%, respectively, and no statistically significant differences in frailty status were noted between the two groups at baseline. However, patients in the intervention group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in their frailty scores, handgrip strength, and physical activity than the control group at 6 and 12 weeks post-intervention, with no adverse events reported.

Conclusion

A home-based multicomponent exercise programme is safe and effective in improving frailty outcomes among post-cardiac surgery patients and is suitable for application in clinical practice. Future studies with larger sample sizes and long-term follow-up are needed to verify the long-term effects of this home-based multicomponent exercise programme.

Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04332887
Slow slip events and megathrust coupling changes contribute to the earthquake potential in Oaxaca, Mexico
Authors: Villafuerte C , Cruz-Atienza V M , Tago J , Solano-Rojas D , Garza-Girón R , Franco S I , Dominguez L A , Kostoglodov V
Published: January 2025

Stress accumulation on the plate interface of subduction zones is a key parameter that controls the location, timing and rupture characteristics of earthquakes. The diversity of slip processes occurring in the megathrust indicates that stress is highly variable in space and time. Based on global navigation satellite system and interferometric synthetic aperture radar data, we study the evolution of the interplate slip-rate along the Oaxaca subduction zone, Mexico, from October 2016 through October 2020, with particular emphasis on the pre-seismic, coseismic and post-seismic phases associated with the 2020 June 23 Mw 7.4 Huatulco earthquake (also known as La Crucecita earthquake), to understand how different slip regimes contribute to the stress accumulation in the region. Our results show that continuous changes in both the aseismic stress-releasing slip and the coupling produced a high stress concentration [i.e. Coulomb failure stress (CFS) of 80 kPa] prior to the event on the region with the highest moment release of the Huatulco earthquake (between 17 and 30 km depth) and a stress deficit zone in the adjacent updip region (i.e. shallower than 17 km depth with CFS around −90 kPa). This region under negative stress accumulation can be explained by possible recurrent shallow slow slip events (SSE) offshore Huatulco as well as by the stress shadow from adjacent locked segments. Absent in the literature, the shallow rupture is characterized by a secondary slip patch (between 7 and 14 km depth) that overlaps with the highest concentration of aftershocks. Two months prior to the event, a Mw 6.6 long-term SSE also occurred about 80 km northwest from the hypocentre, between 25 and 55 km depth. Transient increments of the interplate coupling around the adjacent 1978 (Mw 7.8) Puerto Escondido rupture zone correlate with the occurrence of the last three SSEs in Oaxaca far downdip of this zone, possibly associated with along-dip fluid diffusion at the subduction interface. Throughout the 4-yr period analysed, the interface region of the 1978 event experienced a high CFS build up of 80–150 kPa, primarily attributable to both the coseismic and early post-seismic slip of the Huatulco rupture, that, considering the 55 yr average return period of the region, indicates large earthquake potential near Puerto Escondido. Continuous monitoring of the interplate slip-rate thus provides a better estimation of the stress accumulation in seismogenic regions than those given by long-term, time-invariant coupling models and improves our understanding of the megathrust mechanics where future earthquakes are likely to occur.
Can public education campaigns equitably counter the use of substandard and falsified medical products in African countries?
Authors: Wagnild Janelle M , Owusu Samuel Asiedu , Mariwah Simon , Kolo Victor I , Vandi Ahmed , Namanya Didacus Bambaiha , Kuwana Rutendo , Jayeola Babatunde , Prah-Ashun Vigil , Adeyeye Moji Christianah , Komeh James , Nahamya David , Hampshire Kate
Published: January 2025

Substandard and falsified (SF) medical products are a serious health and economic concern that disproportionately impact low- and middle-income countries and marginalized groups. Public education campaigns are demand-side interventions that may reduce the risk of SF exposure, but the effectiveness of such campaigns, and their likelihood of benefitting everybody, is unclear. Nationwide pilot risk communication campaigns, involving multiple media, were deployed in Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Uganda in 2020–21. Focus group discussions (n = 73 with n = 611 total participants) and key informant interviews (n = 80 individual interviews and n = 4 group interviews with n = 111 total informants) were conducted within each of the four countries to ascertain the reach and effectiveness of the campaign. Small proportions of focus group discussants (8.0–13.9%) and key informants (12.5–31.4%) had previously encountered the campaign materials. Understandability varied: the use of English and select local languages, combined with high rates of illiteracy, meant that some were not able to understand the campaign. The capacity for people to act on the messages was extremely limited: inaccessibility, unavailability, and unaffordability of quality-assured medicines from official sources, as well as illiteracy, constrained what people could realistically do in response to the campaign. Importantly, reach, understandability, and capacity to respond were especially limited among marginalized groups, who are already at the greatest risk of exposure to SF products. These findings suggest that there may be potential for public education campaigns to help combat the issue of SF medicines through prevention, but that the impact of public education is likely to be limited and may even inadvertently widen health inequities. This indicates that public education campaigns are not a single solution; they can only be properly effective if accompanied by health system strengthening and supply-side interventions that aim to increase the effectiveness of regulation.
Beurling–Fourier Algebras of q-Deformations of Compact Semisimple Lie Groups and Complexification
Authors: Lee Heon , Voigt Christian
Published: January 2025

We study Beurling–Fourier algebras of $ q $-deformations of compact semisimple Lie groups. In particular, we show that the space of irreducible representations of the function algebras of their Drinfeld doubles is exhausted by the irreducible representations of Beurling–Fourier algebras associated to a certain family of central weights.
Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis boosts stress resistance and host defense mechanisms in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Ali Mohammad Shaokat , Ahmed Shamima , Tanimoto Yoshihiko , Wada Takayuki , Kage-Nakadai Eriko
Published: January 2025

Aims

To investigate the effects of Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis strains LL100933 and LL12007 on the host defense mechanisms of Caenorhabditis elegans against pathogenic infections and stressors.

Methods and results

Caenorhabditis elegans fed a 1:1 mixture of Escherichia coli OP50 and LL100933 (OP50 + LL100933) or E. coli OP50 and LL12007 (OP50 + LL12007) had significantly higher survivability than the control diet (OP50). Moreover, when OP50 + LL100933 and OP50 + LL12007 were fed to C. elegans deficient in daf-16 and pmk-1, survival did not exceed that of control-fed worms under Salmonella infection. Therefore, these strains may enhance the survivability of C. elegans through the p38 MAPK and DAF-16-related pathways. Gene expressions responsible for these enhanced defense responses were estimated using RNA sequencing and gene ontology analysis. The test groups showed significant upregulation of glutathione S-transferase (gsto-1, gst-5, and gst-17), UDP-glucuronyl transferase (ugt-13, ugt-16, and ugt-21), heme-responsive (hrg-4), invertebrate-type lysozyme (ilys-2), and C-type lectin (clec-52) genes compared to those in the control group.

Conclusion

Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis LL100933 and LL12007 strains demonstrated promising benefits as probiotics for enhancing host defense mechanisms in C. elegans.
Life table analyses and feeding behaviors of cannabis aphid, cotton aphid, and green peach aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on industrial hemp
Authors: Leede Alex E , Davis Jeffrey A
Published: January 2025

Industrial hemp, Cannabis sativa L., is an herbaceous annual plant that has recently re-entered crop production both in the field and in greenhouses within the United States. Like many agronomic crops, hemp production faces several insect pest challenges. Aphids pose a unique threat to hemp, being found in both indoor and outdoor production. Aphids affect hemp by reducing plant growth, bud production, concentrations of cannabinoids, and removing photosynthate. Additionally, aphids are vectors of plant viruses, and several species are known to transmit viruses to hemp. Limited research exists regarding the host suitability of hemp for common aphid pests in Louisiana. Thus, experiments were conducted to determine the life table statistics and feeding behaviors of Myzus persicae, Aphis gossypii, and Phorodon cannabis to determine the potential pest population dynamics of these pests on hemp. Hemp cv. Maverick was not a good host for either A. gossypii or M. persicae, resulting in negative intrinsic rates of increase and no sustained colonization. Although individuals of M. persicae and P. cannabis initiated probes at comparable rates, M. persicae probe durations were significantly shorter and probes were more frequent, indicating an absence of positive responses to probing hemp. A significant difference was observed in the percentage of individuals of A. gossypii initiating probes, and probe duration was significantly shorter than P. cannabis and significantly longer than M. persicae. Both A. gossypii and M. persicae spent significantly less time probing in phloem when compared with P. cannabis. These electrical penetration graph results indicate that A. gossypii and M. persicae do not find C. sativa cv. Maverick a suitable host; however, both species of aphids may still pose a threat to C. sativa production as virus vectors.
Impact of time to treatment initiation on the development of cachexia and clinical outcomes in lung cancer
Authors: Katsushima Utae , Kurose Satoshi , Fukushima Takuya , Nakano Jiro , Ogushi Naoya , Fujii Kazuki , Nagata Yutaro , Kamisako Keisuke , Okuno Yukiko , Okazaki Yuta , Nakanishi Kentaro , Yoshida Kiyori , Ikoma Tatsuki , Takeyasu Yuki , Yamanaka Yuta , Yoshioka Hiroshige , Hase Kimitaka , Kurata Takayasu
Published: January 2025

Background

Pre-cancer onset of cachexia raises uncertainties regarding the optimal timing for early intervention in lung cancer patients. We aimed to examine changes in physical function, nutritional status, and cachexia incidence in patients with lung cancer from the initial visit to treatment initiation and determine the effect of these changes on lung cancer treatment.

Methods

This single-center retrospective cohort study enrolled patients suspected of having advanced lung cancer who visited Kansai Medical University Hospital between January and February 2023 and were definitely diagnosed with the disease. Patients were categorized into three groups based on their cachexia status: those with cachexia at initial diagnosis (group C), those who developed cachexia between the initial visit and treatment initiation (group OC), and those without cachexia (group NC).

Results

Out of 61 patients, 21 had cachexia at their first outpatient visit (group C). The time between the first visit and treatment initiation was 42.5 days. The rate of cachexia in patients with stage IV lung cancer in group OC was significantly higher than that in patients with other stages (P = 0.008). Of the 33 patients with advanced lung cancer, 11 received supportive care only. The first-line treatment induction rate for the OC group was low. Half of the patients declined chemotherapy and received the best supportive care; their disease control rate (37.5%) was significantly worse than that of the other groups (P = 0.007).

Conclusions

Cachexia negatively impacts the effectiveness of initial cancer treatment, necessitating early anti-cachexia interventions at the first clinical visit.
Adenosine accumulation in the blood of newborn mice weakens antimicrobial host defenses
Authors: Ledderose Carola , Valsami Eleftheria-Angeliki , Elevado Mark , Stevenson Ava , Abutabikh Reem , Curatolo Julian , Junger Wolfgang G
Published: January 2025

Pediatric intensive care patients are particularly susceptible to severe bacterial infections because of ineffective neutrophil responses. The reasons why neutrophils of newborns are less responsive than those of adults are not clear. Because adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and adenosine (ADO) tightly regulate neutrophils, we studied whether the ATP and ADO levels in the blood of newborn mice could impair the function of their neutrophils. We observed significant changes in plasma ATP and ADO levels throughout the lifespan of mice. ADO levels in newborns were significantly higher than in older mice, while ATP levels were significantly lower. These changes were particularly striking in newborn and juvenile mice with ATP and ADO levels of about 80 and 600 nM in newborns versus 130 and 190 nM in juveniles, respectively. The ratios of the ATP versus ADO levels of newborns were (with 0.2) significantly lower than those of juveniles (1.4) and adults (0.5). These low ATP/ADO ratios correlated with significantly weakened neutrophil activation responses following in vitro stimulation with a formyl peptide receptor agonist and a markedly higher morbidity and mortality rate of newborns following bacterial infection. We found that enhanced AMP hydrolysis via CD73, a lack of ADO breakdown by adenosine deaminase, and reduced ADO uptake by nucleoside transporters are responsible for the low ATP/ADO ratios in blood of newborn mice. We conclude that the extracellular ADO accumulation in newborn mice impairs inflammatory responses and reduces the ability of neutrophils to mount effective antimicrobial defenses against bacterial infections.
Spatial Dialectology of Texts: Isoglosses for Presentatives in Written Algerian Judaeo-Arabic
Authors: Tirosh-Becker Ofra , Becker Oren M
Published: January 2025

In this article, we introduce an innovative methodology that applies concepts of geographic dialectology to the realm of corpus texts. As a case study, this methodology is applied to the diverse array of presentative particles found in Algerian Judaeo-Arabic, based on a substantial textual corpus from 19th and 20th century Constantine, Algeria. This corpus encompasses texts categorized into four distinct groups: Judaeo-Arabic translations of the Bible, post-biblical texts, non-canonical Hebrew texts, and original writings. We identify six primary presentative forms, each with distinct usage patterns across text groups. Analyzing these patterns, we calculate text similarity and construct a ‘geographical-like’ map of the corpus. This map serves as a visual representation upon which we delineate lexical isoglosses corresponding to specific presentative particles. This analytical approach illuminates the utilization of presentative particles throughout the textual corpus, revealing underlying relationships and idiosyncrasies that might otherwise evade detection.
Photobiomodulation therapy for the treatment of vulvar pain among those with provoked vestibulodynia: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: I Antonio Flavia , Pukall Caroline , McLean Linda
Published: January 2025

Background

Provoked vestibulodynia (PVD) is characterized by recurring pain confined to the vulvar vestibule; histological studies show inflammatory mediators and neural proliferation in the vulvar tissues.

Objective

To determine whether a 15-session photobiomodulation (PBM) intervention is more effective than sham-PBM for reducing vulvar pain. Secondary objectives were to evaluate the effect of the PBM intervention on broader domains of vulvar pain, psychological outcomes, sexual function, perceived improvement and satisfaction, as well as to describe adverse events and adherence.

Design

Randomized controlled trial.

Participants

Participants with PVD were recruited from the local community.

Allocation

Randomized allocation to real- or sham-PBM (1:1) was concealed from participants and all members of the research team until after data analysis was complete.

Outcomes

Primary outcomes: pressure pain threshold (PPT), pain reported on the tampon test, and vulvar pain sensitivity reported on the Vulvar Pain Assessment Questionnaire (VPAQ). Secondary outcomes: pain-related domains reported on the VPAQ, sexual function, depression, anxiety and stress, pain catastrophizing, central sensitization to pain, Patient Global Perception of Improvement (PGPI), Perceived overall percent improvement (P%I), perceived satisfaction with treatment (%), adherence and adverse events. The primary end point was one week following the last PBM intervention session.

Intervention

Fifteen sessions of a real- or sham-PBM intervention were delivered over an 8-week period, progressing through five stages of incremental exposure to light in the red and near-infrared spectra applied to the vulvar vestibule, the perineum, and the sacral region.

Results

Thirty participants (16 real-PBM, 14 sham-PBM) enrolled and received their intended intervention; one (sham-PBM) was lost to follow-up. Vulvar pain was reduced more in the real- compared to the sham-PBM group; between group differences were 28.2-112.0 g/cm2 (d = 0.61) for PPT, 0.1-2.5 1(d = 0.60) for pain reported on the tampon test, and 0.1-0.9 (d = 0.87) for pain sensations reported on the VPAQ. Changes in other pain-related domains reported on the VPAQ, psychological outcomes and sexual function were not different between the real- and sham-PBM groups. Adherence to the intervention was nearly 100% among those who completed the study. Most participants in both groups were satisfied or very satisfied with the intervention (real-PBM = 80%; sham-PBM = 64%), with no group differences in satisfaction or perception of improvement.

Conclusions

The PBM intervention resulted in greater reductions in vulvar pain than the sham intervention. However, patients did not perceive that the real-PBM was significantly better than the sham-PBM intervention, and the intervention did not impact psychological outcomes or sexual function.

ClinicalTrials.gov  Identifier: NCT04234542.
Implementation of Military Onboarding for Medical Students and its Effect on Student Confidence in the Health Professions Scholarship Program
Authors: Bowers Andreanna E , O’Boyle Ethan , Garg Rahul , Lyons James
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) medical students typically enter the military with minimal military experience, commissioning specifically for the scholarship. During medical school, the only required training is a 5- to 6-week officer training course, which is neither specific to medicine nor guaranteed to be at the beginning of school, since it can be taken at any time. This lack of prior experience can lead to decreased confidence and understanding of the HPSP, specifically the medical school timeline leading up to the military match process and overall military. Our study investigated the effect of implementing a new military-specific orientation module on improving students’ confidence and specific knowledge about the HPSP and military training.

Materials and Methods

Two current HPSP students gave a 1-h presentation on the following topics: medical school reimbursements and finances, active duty training, military training, deferrals, the medical school timeline, and the types of medical residencies available associated with the HPSP. The orientation was held for first- and second-year medical students who were either enrolled or interested in the HPSP. The study participants (n = 21) completed a pre- and post-survey that assessed case-based knowledge (12 questions) and students’ confidence levels regarding the program (1 question each for the HPSP, overall military, and medical school timeline leading to the residency match). The pre- and post-survey results were analyzed using Fisher’s exact test to assess the change in students’ confidence and knowledge change after the presentation.

Results

The program significantly improved students’ confidence in understanding the HPSP (P = .0004), military (P = .003), and medical school timeline leading to the residency match (P = .002). Our study also significantly improved participants’ knowledge regarding reimbursements for medical school supplies (P = .041) and board exams (P = .001), active duty definition (P = .039), and deferment because of failure (P = .010) or fellowship (P = .025).

Conclusion

Overall, the students felt more confident regarding the HPSP and showed improved knowledge after the orientation program. We found higher baseline knowledge regarding active duty tours, which their coordinators communicate well with HPSP students. Similar orientation programs could effectively improve the onboarding process of incoming HPSP students and those interested in applying for HPSP across multiple medical schools. Such programs can improve long-term student satisfaction and the duration of service following the minimum service commitments. Future research with a larger sample size and prospective design is needed to understand the long-term effects of this increased confidence on overall program satisfaction and military career.
FORECASTOR – II. Simulating galaxy surveys with the Cosmological Advanced Survey Telescope for Optical and UV Research
Authors: Marshall Madeline A , Amen Laurie , Woods Tyrone E , Côté Patrick , Yung L Y Aaron , Amenouche Melissa , Pass Emily K , Balogh Michael L , Salim Samir , Moutard Thibaud
Published: January 2025

The Cosmological Advanced Survey Telescope for Optical and UV Research (CASTOR) is a planned flagship space telescope, covering the blue-optical and UV part of the spectrum. Here, we introduce the CASTOR image simulator, a python GalSim package-based script capable of generating mock CASTOR images from an input catalogue. We generate example images from the CASTOR Wide, Deep, and Ultra-Deep surveys using simulated lightcones from the Santa Cruz semi-analytic model. We make predictions for the performance of these surveys by comparing galaxies that are extracted from each image using Source Extractor to the input catalogue. We find that the Wide, Deep, and Ultra-Deep surveys will be 75 per cent complete for point sources down to $\sim 27$, 29, and 30 mag, respectively, in the UV, u, and g filters, with the UV-split and u-split filters reaching a shallower depth. With a large area of $\sim 2200$ deg$^2$, the Wide survey will detect hundreds of millions of galaxies out to $z\sim 4$, mostly with $M_\ast \gtrsim 10^{9}\,{\rm M}_{\odot }$. The Ultra-Deep survey will probe to $z\sim 5$, detecting galaxies with $M_\ast \gtrsim 10^{7}{\rm M}_{\odot }$. These galaxy samples will enable precision measurements of the distribution of star formation in the cosmic web, connecting the growth of stellar mass to the assembly of dark matter haloes over two thirds of the history of the Universe, and other core goals of CASTOR’s legacy surveys. These image simulations and the tools developed to generate them will be a vital planning tool to estimate CASTOR’s performance and iterate the telescope and survey designs prior to launch.
A comparative analysis of GNSS-inferred precipitable water vapour at the potential sites for the Africa Millimetre Telescope
Authors: Frans Lott , Backes Michael , Falcke Heino , Venturi Tiziana
Published: January 2025

The Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) is a network of antennas across the globe currently used to image supermassive black holes (SMBHs) at a frequency of 230 GHz. Since the release of the image of M87$^{\ast }$ in 2019 and, subsequently, that of Sgr A$^{\ast }$ in 2022 by the EHT collaboration, the focus has shifted to dynamically imaging SMBHs. This has led to a search for potential sites to extend and fill in the gaps within the EHT network. The Gamsberg Mountain and the High-Energy Stereoscopic System (H.E.S.S.) site are both located within the Khomas highlands and have been identified as potential sites for the Africa Millimetre Telescope (AMT). Precipitable water vapour (PWV) in the atmosphere is the main source of opacity and noise from atmospheric emissions when observing at millimetre to sub-millimetre wavelengths. This study aims to establish the PWV content and the atmospheric transmission at 86, 230, and 345 GHz at the AMT potential sites using Global Navigation Satellite System derived PWV data. Results show both sites have potential for observations at 86 and 230 GHz, with 345 GHz possible at the Gamsberg Mountain during winter. The overall median PWV of 14.27 and 9.25 mm was calculated at the H.E.S.S. site and the Gamsberg Mountain, respectively. The EHT window had PWV medians of 16.62 and 11.20 mm at the H.E.S.S. site and Gamsberg Mountain, respectively. Among the two sites, the Gamsberg Mountain had the lowest PWV conditions, therefore making it the most suitable site for the AMT.
Most m5C Modifications in Mammalian mRNAs are Nonadaptive
Authors: Li Zheng , Mi Kai , Xu Chuan
Published: January 2025

5-Methylation (m5C) on mRNA molecules is a prevalent internal posttranscriptional modification in eukaryotes. Although m5C modification has been reported to regulate some biological processes, whether most mRNA m5C modifications are functional is unknown. To address this question, we analyzed the genome-wide evolutionary characteristics of m5C modifications in protein-coding genes of humans and mice. Our analysis of RNA sequencing data from 13 tissues of both species revealed that (i) the occurrence of m5C modification is exceedingly low, (ii) the fraction of m5Cs decreases with the amount of Cs across genes or tissues, (iii) m5C modifications are mostly unshared between species, and (iv) m5C sites and motifs do not exhibit greater evolutionary conservation. Additionally, we estimate that a large fraction of the observed mRNA m5C modifications may be deleterious. Together, these observations suggest that most m5C modifications in mammalian mRNAs are nonadaptive, which has important implications for understanding the biological significance of m5C and other posttranscriptional modifications.
Insectivore diet and abundance determine the contribution of bird species to services and disservices in an agricultural ecosystem
Authors: Jiménez-Albarral José Javier , Morán-López Teresa , Illera Juan Carlos , Miñarro Marcos , García Daniel
Published: January 2025

Insectivorous birds provide an essential ecosystem service in agriculture by feeding on arthropods considered pests but can also consume arthropods considered to be natural enemies of such pests. Therefore, depending on the dietary composition of the birds, intraguild predation could outweigh pest control services. This study addressed the agronomic quality, defined as the trade-off between ecosystem services (pest control) and disservices (intraguild predation), of 26 insectivorous bird species in culturally and economically important cider apple orchards in northern Spain. We used DNA-metabarcoding techniques to analyze birds’ diets. First, we examined whether the trophic position of bird species can be inferred from functional traits related to foraging and movement behavior and from the degree of insectivory in their diets. Then, we tested whether bird abundance and trophic position influenced agronomic quality, based on the proportion of arthropod crop pests and natural enemies in their diet. Finally, we combined bird abundance, insectivory, and agronomic quality to infer the potential contribution of each bird species to pest control. Bird trophic position was positively related to the degree of insectivory, with this effect being modulated by traits related to body size. The trophic position of birds was inversely related to their agronomic quality. Nevertheless, the agronomic quality only slightly affected the differential contribution of bird species to the whole assemblage effect. Overall, we found the potential of insectivorous bird species to control pests can be estimated based on their trophic position. Yet, in agroecosystems with uneven avian species abundance, the potential contribution of bird species to pest control services may be driven by their quantitative contribution rather than by the bird’s per capita, qualitative effects. Finally, our results suggest that rare insectivorous birds may have a redundant role in pest control, due to the overwhelming functional dominance of common species.
Invisible secularity: American theism beyond belief
Authors: Voas David
Published: January 2025

It is often asserted that religion is changing rather than declining and that the usual indicators give a misleading impression of growing secularity. The evidence presented here suggests that on the contrary, social measures like affiliation and attendance may understate the weakening of personal religiosity. The apparent persistence of belief in God conceals erosion in its substance, strength, salience, and stability. The levels of religiosity and spirituality among the religiously unaffiliated are declining, notwithstanding the rapid expansion in their numbers. Moreover, belief has not just diminished among Americans who no longer belong to religious organizations: it is fading from one generation to the next among people who continue to belong. Americans are becoming less confident in the existence of God, less persuaded that God is active and judgmental, less inclined to see God as important, and less likely to express consistent conviction. Contrary to claims that apparent secularization masks enduring (if unorthodox) invisible religion, implicit religion, diffused religion, lived religion, and so on, the evidence shows that continuing religious involvement disguises waning religiosity. The research is based on six waves of the Baylor Religion Survey (2005–2021) in conjunction with the General Social Survey (1972–2022).
Inference of multiple mergers while dating a pathogen phylogeny
Authors: Helekal David , Koskela Jere , Didelot Xavier
Published: January 2025

The vast majority of pathogen phylogenetic studies do not consider the possibility of multiple merger events being present, where a single node of the tree leads to more than two descendent branches. These events are however likely to occur when studying a relatively small population or if there is high variability in the reproductive chances. Here we consider the problem of detecting the presence of multiple mergers in the context of dating a phylogeny, that is determining the date of each of the nodes. We use the Lambda-coalescent theory as a modelling framework and show how Bayesian inference can be efficiently performed using a Billera-Holmes- Vogtmann space embedding and a customised Markov Chain Monte Carlo sampling scheme. We applied this new analysis methodology to a large number of simulated datasets to show that it is possible to infer if and when multiple merger events occurred, and that the phylogenetic dating is improved as a result of taking this information into account. We also analysed real datasets of Vibrio cholerae and Mycobacterium tuberculosis to demonstrate the relevance of our approach to real pathogen evolutionary epidemiology. We have implemented our new methodology in a R package which is freely available at https://github.com/dhelekal/MMCTime.
Robotic transumbilical single-site re-staging surgery of ovarian granulosa cell tumor – case report and technical points with video
Authors: Cong Rong , Xue Yan , Li Yaling , Li Qiling , Zhao Lanbo
Published: January 2025

Introduction:

Robotic laparo-endoscopic single-site (R-LESS) surgery is a potential advancement from the conventional single-site surgery in minimally invasive surgery (MIS) management for early ovarian cancer including granulosa cell tumors. This case report details the use of a novel robotic surgical system for a trans-umbilical single-site re-staging procedure to assess its feasibility and safety. It also discusses the technical challenges encountered during omentectomy, one of the most challenging steps of the surgery, since it requires changing of instrument direction from pelvic to abdominal area.

Case presentation:

We presented a case of a female in 40 years old who came to our hospital for a re-staging surgery. She underwent open abdominal right ovarian and fallopian tube resection in local hospital, and post-operative pathology reported ovarian granulosa cell tumor. Since she insisted to have MIS, robotic laparo-endoscopic trans-umbilical single-site re-staging surgery was planned for her. The scope of the surgery was total hysterectomy, left ovarian and fallopian tube resection, and omentectomy. The whole surgery took 240 min. Console time was 173 min. Intra-operative bleeding was 50 mL. The patient left our hospital 3 days after surgery with no complications.

Discussion:

Ovarian granulosa cell tumor is not common. Staging can be performed under MIS in highly selected patients. During infra-colic omentectomy, spaces were rather narrow for valid movement of robotic arms. To solve this problem, assistant played crucial role for traction and exposure.

Conclusion:

To conclude, single-site robotic surgery was feasible for staging of ovarian granulosa cell tumor with highly selected patients.
A rare case of necrotizing fasciitis secondary to a perforated appendix
Authors: Iqbal Rana Sikandar , Gohar Ali , Azhar Rida , Tahir Seemal , Afzal Usama , Ayyan Ahmed , Ali Masab , Ahmad Muhammad Husnain
Published: January 2025

Introduction and importance:

Acute appendicitis is a common emergency, but its variable presentation can delay diagnosis and treatment, leading to severe complications. Necrotizing fasciitis, although rare, can arise as a life-threatening consequence of perforated appendicitis. Prompt recognition and intervention are crucial to prevent fatal outcomes.

Case summary:

A 23-year-old male presented with right iliac fossa pain and vomiting. Physical examination revealed tenderness and rebound tenderness in the right iliac fossa, with an Alvarado score of 7/10 and leukocytosis, suggestive of acute appendicitis. Emergency laparotomy revealed a perforated appendix with purulent fluid, which was drained, and abdomen was irrigated. Postoperatively, the patient initially stabilized but deteriorated on the second postoperative day. A CT scan revealed multiple abscesses and necrotizing fasciitis of the abdominal wall. Re-exploration with abscess drainage and debridement was performed, but the patient developed septic shock and multiple organ failure, leading to his death.

Discussion:

This case underscores the potential for severe complications like necrotizing fasciitis following perforated appendicitis, even in previously healthy individuals. Delays in diagnosis and imaging, as well as reliance solely on clinical judgment, can contribute to adverse outcomes. Early recognition of necrotizing fasciitis and aggressive management, including broad-spectrum antibiotics and surgical debridement, are essential to improve survival in such cases.

Conclusion:

Delayed diagnosis and management of acute appendicitis can result in rare but fatal complications such as necrotizing fasciitis. This case emphasizes the importance of timely intervention, imaging, and a high index of suspicion to mitigate mortality in these uncommon but severe presentations.
Very rare Palestinian case report of PRUNE1 p.Asp106Asn mutation: a mutation of global developmental delay
Authors: Idkaidak Sara , Abu-Hilal Lila H. , Atawneh Osama , Janem Abdelrhman Muwafaq , Alqarajeh Firas
Published: January 2025

Introduction and importance:

The PRUNE1 gene (prune exopolyphosphatase 1), situated on chromosome 1q21.3, encodes a protein crucial for early fetal brain development, regulating processes like the polymerization of microtubules, migration of cells, and proliferation. Common features of Neurodevelopmental disorder with microcephaly, hypotonia, and variable brain anomalies (NMIHBA) include progressive microcephaly, hypotonia, spastic quadriparesis, intellectual disability, and abnormal brain magnetic resonance imaging findings.

Case presentation:

A 4-month-old male infant, born at 39 weeks and 2 days via Cesarean, prenatal ultrasound findings were positive for ventricular dilation (hydrocephalus). Postnatally, the infant required admission for transient tachypnea of the newborn. Developmental delays and limb stiffness were evident by 2 months of age, prompting neurological evaluation. Examination at 4 months revealed dysmorphic features, including frontal bossing, low-set, malformed ears, and dolichocephaly, alongside axial hypotonia, spasticity, and knee contractures. Genetic testing confirmed a c.316G>A mutation in the PRUNE1 gene, establishing the diagnosis of NMIHBA.

Clinical discussion:

PRUNE1-related NMIHBA is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by profound developmental delays, microcephaly, and variable neurological findings. This case emphasizes the importance of early recognition and genetic testing in infants with suggestive dysmorphic and neurological features. While management remains supportive, early diagnosis aids in family counseling and long-term care planning.

Conclusion:

This report describes a rare presentation of NMIHBA in a Palestinian infant with a PRUNE1 gene mutation, contributing to the limited literature on this disorder. Further studies are required to understand the phenotypic spectrum and molecular mechanisms underlying PRUNE1-related disorders.
The 100 most influential papers on Lewy body dementias: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Nadeem Zain Ali , Danial Ahmad , Imran Zoya , Jamil Adeena , Nusrat Butool , Jawed Sara , Siddiqui Amna , Shaikh Unsa Habib , Saleh Aalaa , Rao Rameen
Published: January 2025

Introduction:

Lewy body dementias (LBDs) are poorly understood neurodegenerative diseases. We aim to uncover the most cited articles and authors in the field, and to analyze the citations for gender differences.

Methods:

Two authors extracted the relevant articles from Scopus and ranked them according to the number of citations. Separate lists were prepared for the top 100 original articles and the top 15 review articles.

Results:

The 100 original studies were published from 1980 to 2019, with the greatest number published in the year 2000. The total citations ranged from 350 to 2640, with a median of 494.5. These articles originated from 17 countries, with major contributions from the USA (n = 31). While most of the first authors were men (n = 67), the citations per year were higher where the first authors when women. The last authors of the top 100 original articles were also predominantly male (n = 70). The greatest number of articles were published in neurology (n = 12) and brain (n = 11).

Conclusion:

Our results provide insights into the research trends and provide a list of the most influential papers on LBDs. Resolving the observed differences and promoting contribution from people all over the world is necessary to accelerate advancement in the field.
The importance of neurosurgical nursing in low- and middle-income countries – a critical review
Authors: Inshutiyimana Samuel , Uwishema Olivier , Ramadan Nagham , Ghanem Laura , Al Maaz Zeina , Mukamitari Victoire , Wojtara Magda , Mshaymesh Sarah
Published: January 2025

Background:

Neurosurgical nursing involves the provision of pre- and post-operative care to neurologic patients. Specialized nurses in the field of neurosurgery are vital for patient outcomes and wellbeing. Nevertheless, there is underestimation and limited access to neurosurgical nursing in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This review primarily aims to shed light on the significance of nursing in the neurosurgical department of LMICs. It provides insight into the healthcare systems, the collaborative approaches that emerged in this concern, and the issues pertaining to integrating neurosurgical nursing in these countries.

Methods:

Literature search was conducted from March 2024, where the articles were retrieved from PubMed/Medline, EBSCOhost, Google Scholar, and Embase. The terms “neurosurgical nursing,” “neurosurgery,” “neurosurgical care,” “neurosurgical nurses,” and “low- and middle-income countries OR LMICs” were used to search relevant studies. Previous articles discussing neurosurgical care in LMICs were considered in this review.

Results:

Nurses participate in 90% of interactions between healthcare providers and patients. They provide holistic care by considering the physical, cultural, and psychosociological needs pertaining to their patients. Furthermore, they possess ability to establish rapport via communication with patients which improves the standard of care delivered. To achieve results satisfactory to the wellbeing of affected populations, neurosurgical disciplines necessitate the aid of skilled nursing colleagues. However, there is a lack of relevant technology, innovations, and funding alongside human resources in LMICs.

Conclusion:

Education, training, and dynamic collaboration are crucial factors for neurosurgical nurses to provide the best quality of care to patients. It is also pivotal to focus on research concerning the present issue, implement further policies which encourage dynamic cooperation between the neurosurgical multidisciplinary team, and collaborate on a global level to enhance neurosurgical nursing in LMICs.