bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genomics‐Enabled Mixed‐Stock Analysis Uncovers Intraspecific Migratory Complexity and Detects Unsampled Populations in a Harvested Fish
Authors: Gibelli Julie , Won Hari , Michaelides Sozos , Jeon Hyung‐Bae , Fraser Dylan J.
Published: February 2025

The contributions of distinct populations to annual harvests provide key insights to conservation, especially in migratory species that return to specific reproductive areas. In this context, genetic stock identification (GSI) requires reference samples from source populations to assign harvested individuals, yet sampling might be challenging as reproductive areas could be remote and/or unknown. To investigate intraspecific variation in walleye (Sander vitreus) populations harvested in two large lakes in northern Quebec, we used genotyping‐by‐sequencing data to develop a panel of 303 filtered single‐nucleotide polymorphisms. We then genotyped 1465 fish and assessed individual migration distances from GPS coordinates of capture locations. Samples were assigned to a source population using two methods, one requiring allele frequencies of known populations (RUBIAS) and the other without prior knowledge (STRUCTURE). Individual assignments to a known population reached 93% consistency between both methods in the main lake where we identified all five major source populations. However, the analyses also revealed up to three small unsampled populations. Furthermore, populations were characterised by large differences in average migration distance. In contrast, assignment consistency reached 99% in the neighbouring lake and walleye were assigned with high confidence to two populations having a similar distribution throughout the lake. The complex population structure and migration patterns in the main lake suggest a more heterogeneous habitat and thus, greater potential for local adaptation. This study highlights how combining analytical approaches can inform the robustness of GSI results in a given system and detect intraspecific diversity and complexity relevant for conservation.
Evaluation of school food policies for secondary schools in Europe: Results for health, acceptance, and affordability from a scoping review
Authors: Blecha Nadia , Meuer Janina , Hübner Wiebke , Christianson Lara , Wolters Maike , Busse Heide , Hebestreit Antje , Forberger Sarah
Published: February 2025

Introduction

All European Union (EU) countries have established national school food policies. However, evaluations of those policies for secondary schools remain limited. This scoping review aims to synthesize the evidence of school food policies in secondary schools on child health, acceptance, and affordability in the EU, UK, Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland.

Methods

The scoping review adheres to the PRISMA‐ScR guideline. Searches were conducted in four databases from 2000 to September 2023 without language and methods restrictions following a published protocol. After a two‐stage screening process, reviewers extracted data using a standardized and predefined coding scheme.

Results

The search identified 185 records with N = 10 articles meeting the inclusion criteria (n = 7 UK, n = 1 each in Norway, Sweden, and Portugal). Among the included articles, n = 7 addressed school meal acceptance, n = 6 addressed health impacts, and n = 3 addressed affordability. Findings indicate low acceptance rates of school meals. Results of several studies showed that the reformulated menus did not meet nutritional standards and were not accepted because of taste, quality, and pupils' different food preferences. Affordability was reported as a barrier across the three articles addressing this topic.

Conclusion

The existing literature highlights challenges in interpreting the impact of school food policies on health, acceptance, and affordability. Further research is needed to strengthen the methodological approaches and increase the evidence to inform policy development and implementation.
Ichthyosis Prematurity Syndrome: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Li Grace X. , Chen Kathryn , Sebaratnam Deshan F. , Pham James P.
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives

Ichthyosis prematurity syndrome (IPS) is a rare autosomal recessive congenital disorder characterized by premature birth, neonatal respiratory distress, eosinophilia, and a thick, clay‐like vernix at birth. This review aims to summarize the available reported cases of IPS, including genetic etiology, clinical features, management, and prognosis.

Methods

A search was conducted using MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL, from inception to September 3, 2024 using the search terms “IPS” or “ichthyosis congenita type IV”. This systematic review was registered on the PROSPERO database (CRD42024533988). Any publication reporting a case of IPS was suitable for inclusion. Quality appraisal was performed according to CARE guidelines. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed using R v4.3.1 (R Foundation, Vienna, Austria).

Results

We identified 26 studies reporting 59 cases of IPS (PROSPERO database: CRD42024533988). While IPS was previously thought to predominantly affect Norwegian and Swedish patients, we identified cases from a broad range of ethnicities. The median duration of the cutaneous scale was 10 weeks, though patients usually have persisting atopy. Long‐term prognosis is generally good, although six (10.2%) fulminant cases were identified with an estimated 6‐month survival rate of 87.6% (95% confidence interval: 78.8–97.4). Mortality in these cases was attributed to respiratory and/or cardiac sequelae or sepsis. Limitations include heterogeneity in the reporting of cases and low quality of data in several aspects of data collection.

Conclusions

The cutaneous manifestations of IPS resolve over a period of weeks, and patients generally have a favorable long‐term prognosis. However, rare cases of death and other complications have been reported.
Educating for peace in the culture wars: The example of sojourner truth
Authors: Riddle Karie Cross
Published: February 2025

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) education in the United States (US) is embattled, facing charges of “wokeness” from the right as well as critical scholarship questioning its transformative capabilities from the left. Students, however, require effective instruction about difference if they are to navigate changing US demographics. I argue that DEI education and peace education can deepen a fruitful partnership to address critiques from both left and right. Peace educators can reframe DEI education as a vital tool for solving problems and building nonviolent relations, while DEI education, in turn, can help peace education re‐examine its own racial silences. I demonstrate this partnership through a peace‐oriented diversity lesson about Sojourner Truth, a Black feminist activist from the nineteenth century. As a strategic problem‐solver constrained by race‐ and gender‐based power relations, Truth shows us how to navigate difference while staying true to her goal of universal rights.
Seeded Acropora digitifera corals survive best on wave‐exposed reefs with grazing from small fishes
Authors: Whitman Taylor N. , Jurriaans Saskia , Lefevre Carine , Sims Carrie A. , Radford Ben , Puotinen Marji , Hoogenboom Mia O. , Negri Andrew P. , Randall Carly J.
Published: February 2025

Coral seeding is a restoration technique developed to replenish degraded reefs; however, grazing by herbivorous fish can impede coral survival post deployment. To investigate the impacts of hydrodynamics and fish grazing on seeded‐coral survival, we deployed aquaria‐reared Acropora digitifera spat on engineered‐seeding devices across 10 sites spanning a wave‐energy gradient at Moore Reef (Great Barrier Reef, Australia). Two devices were used to investigate the role of grazing: a fish‐exclusion device and a featureless control. After 1 year, over 60% of devices had live corals. High‐energy sites had 83–91% yield (i.e., device‐level survival) and three times more survivors than low‐energy sites. Exclusion devices significantly improved survival at moderate‐to‐low flow sites where excavating parrotfish were abundant. Survival was also influenced by the biological characteristics of the site, with more survivors at sites with Labrids (Thalassoma, Gomphosus), Acanthurids (Acanthurus, Zebrasoma), Blennids (Cirripectes), encrusting non‐Acropora Scleractinian corals, coralline algae, and ascidians. Our study demonstrates that wave energy, fish activity, and benthic constituents all impact coral survival after seeding. Assessing potential sites for positive drivers of survival prior to deployment could improve the efficacy of coral seeding.
The Rise of Investor‐Driven Climate Governance: From Myth to Institution?
Authors: Kaplan Rami , Levy David L.
Published: February 2025

Investor‐driven climate governance (ICG) is premised on mobilizing finance to address climate change by leveraging investors to pressure companies to reduce emissions. Examining the rapid growth of ICG from an institutional political economy perspective, we argue that powerful financial and regulatory actors with varied interests coalesced to promote the discourse that climate risks equal financial risks, and to develop a finance‐centered mechanism of climate governance. The flourishing field created market opportunities for other actors such as data vendors and accountants, and attracted activists seeking leverage on emitters. In turn, institutionalization exerted isomorphic pressure on financial firms to adopt ICG practices. However, ICG practices of disclosure and emission commitments became increasingly decoupled from actions to reduce emissions due to the weak business case for decarbonizing investors' portfolios and corporate operations; the core economic mechanism was largely a myth. This decoupling created contradictory forces: it erodes the legitimacy of the ICG discourse, but we also identified dynamic feedback loops that strengthen the field, potentially making the myth self‐fulfilling. Overall, we conclude that the field's momentum, interests of key actors, and feedback effects are likely to sustain the field, which is deeply institutionalized despite the current headwinds.
Soil GHG flux potentials and their microbiological mechanisms under urban forest and grassland
Authors: Zhang Mengke , Fu Wenjing , Han Chenglong , Ye Yuhang , Zhao Yifan , Xu Mengyao , Tang Yongqi , Feng Li , Zhang Zhiyong , Feng Xiaoting , Zhang Bo , Lu Xueqiang
Published: February 2025

Urban soils, both sources and sinks for greenhouse gases (GHGs) like carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O), significantly impact Earth's temperature. However, knowledge gaps remain regarding how variations in vegetation types, soil horizons and seasons affect GHG fluxes, complicating predictions of soil‐atmosphere exchanges. Soil samples collected from the forest and grassland in Jinnan District, Tianjin, China, were used to determine physicochemical properties, extracellular enzyme activities (EEAs) and GHG fluxes. Meanwhile, the structures and functional genes of the soil microbial community were analysed using metagenomic sequencing technology. Compared to the forest soil, the GHG flux potentials in the grassland soil were greater. Although not statistically significant, the forest soil demonstrates lower CO2 flux potential and CH4 flux potential compared to the grassland soil. Notably, the N2O flux potential in the grassland soil significantly surpasses that in the forest soil. Metagenomic analysis confirmed the conclusion; the relative abundance of functional genes related to fermentation, aerobic respiration and carbon fixation was higher in the forest soil compared to the grassland soil. The forest soil also exhibited a higher relative abundance of functional genes involved in CH4 oxidation (pomABC) and methanogenesis. The grassland soil shows higher levels of the N2O source gene (nirS) and lower levels of the N2O sink gene (nosZ) than the forest soil. Combining the three major GHGs, the grassland soil has a larger global warming potential than the forest soil.
Expected outcomes of stratified post‐donation testing in whole blood donation in England: A discrete event simulation modeling study
Authors: Qi Hongchao , Wood Angela M. , Kaptoge Stephen , McMahon Amy , Mehenny Susan , Kingston Nathalie , Ouwehand Willem H. , Danesh John , Roberts David J. , Di Angelantonio Emanuele , Kim Lois G.
Published: February 2025

Background

In England, blood donors with low hemoglobin concentration are deferred following on‐session testing to prevent donations below regulatory thresholds, thereby protecting donors' health and blood supply quality. However, deferrals are costly, time‐consuming and may discourage donors. Post‐donation testing (PDT), where hemoglobin levels are measured after donation, offer potential alternatives as used in some European countries.

Study Design and Methods

We compared four PDT strategies to the current approach: (A) no on‐session testing, (B) on‐session testing if low hemoglobin at previous visit, (C) on‐session testing if low/medium hemoglobin at previous visit, all with delayed reinvitation if low hemoglobin at previous donation, and (D) on‐session testing if low/medium hemoglobin at previous visit without delayed reinvitations.

We employed discrete event simulation modeling, informed by data collected from 16,941 donors returning under the current strategy in England, to simulate and compare total donations, under‐threshold donations, and deferrals for each strategy over 18 months.

Results

Strategy A eliminated deferrals but led to increased under‐threshold donations compared to the current strategy in men (6.5% vs. 2.3%) and women (11.8% vs. 4.5%).

Strategies B–D reduced deferrals rates for men (1.0%–3.7% vs. 5.5%) and women (2.2%–6.3% vs. 8.9%) but showed slightly higher under‐threshold donations in men (3.0%–5.1% vs. 2.3%) and women (5.3%–8.8% vs. 4.5%). Strategies with more on‐session testing had lower under‐threshold donations.

Discussion

PDT strategies incorporating on‐session testing for low/medium hemoglobin at previous visits could reduce deferrals while maintaining a low proportion of under‐threshold donations, thereby balancing donor safety with operational efficiency.
Patients’ Information Needs for Informed Consent to Participate in First‐in‐Human Pig Kidney Xenotransplant Clinical Trials: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Gordon Elisa J. , Gusmano Michael K. , Gacki‐Smith Jessica , Brooks Hannah L. , Matthews Margaret M. , Manning Dahlya , Leventhal Joseph , Maschke Karen J.
Published: February 2025

Background

Transplant programs preparing to initiate first‐in‐human pig kidney xenotransplant clinical trials must be especially careful when obtaining participants’ informed consent. Little is known about the kind of information patients want for making an informed decision about trial participation.

Methods

We conducted semi‐structured telephone interviews with waitlisted kidney transplant patients about information needs regarding participating in a first‐in‐human pig kidney xenotransplant trial, which guided development of a prototype consent form. Subsequent usability testing interviews sought patient feedback on the consent form. We analyzed qualitative data by thematic analysis and quantitative data by descriptive statistics.

Results

Twenty‐eight patients participated in semi‐structured interviews; 16 patients participated in usability testing interviews. Most interview participants were male (68%, 56%), White (54%, 56%), or Black (36%, 31%), respectively. Interview participants identified five types of information needs: (1) the potential for infection contraction and transmission; (2) risks, benefits, and impact of xenotransplant trials; (3) xenotransplant clinical trial and recipient experience; (4) clinical trial logistics; and (5) the pig and its kidney. Usability testing participants suggested adding details to the prototype. Participants’ preparedness to make a decision about participating in a xenotransplant trial increased after reviewing the prototype (12.5% vs. 31.3%, n.s.).

Conclusion

We identified multiple unique types of information patients desired to make informed decisions about pig kidney xenotransplant trial participation. Transplant programs initiating xenotransplant trials should be prepared to address patients’ information needs to optimize informed decision‐making for trial participation. The prototype consent form may support a patient‐centered approach to informed consent.
How to Detect Porcine Endogenous Retrovirus (PERV) Infections in Patients After Transplantation of Pig Organs
Authors: Denner Joachim , Jhelum Hina , Ban Jinzhao , Krabben Ludwig , Kaufer Benedikt B.
Published: February 2025

Porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERVs) are integrated into the genome of all pigs and can infect human cells in culture. However, no PERV infections have been reported in recipients following preclinical or clinical xenotransplantation or deliberate infection experiments. Detection of PERV infection in transplanted recipients is challenging due to microchimerism, such as the presence of pig cells containing PERV proviruses in the recipient. Based on our previous publications on PERV detection in xenotransplant recipients, particularly from the first clinical trials, we developed a comprehensive strategy to screen for PERV infections. Recipients can be monitored for increasing levels of viral genomic RNA and mRNA using real‐time reverse transcriptase (RT)‐PCR, which can indicate PERV expression and replication. To test this strategy, explanted pig hearts and organs from baboons after pig heart transplantation were analyzed. No PERV genomic RNA or mRNA was detected in these tissues, although both were found in PERV‐producing human control cells. Screening for antibodies against PERV as indirect evidence of infection is the method of choice. Recombinant viral proteins were prepared for use in Western blot assays. Animal antisera generated through immunization with recombinant PERV proteins served as positive controls. No antibodies against PERV were detected in transplanted baboons, even though microchimerism was observed in many of the animals' organs. For effective antibody screening, at least two PERV proteins should be used as antigens.
Local soft niches in mechanically heterogeneous primary tumors promote brain metastasis via mechanotransduction-mediated HDAC3 activity
Authors: Tang Kai , Zheng Yufan , Hu Guanshuo , Xin Ying , Li Keming , Zhang Cunyu , Chen Xi , Zhang Bai , Li Xueyi , Hu Bing , Jia Qiong , Zheng Yong-ping , Yang Mo , Tan Youhua
Published: February 2025

Tumor cells with organ-specific metastasis traits arise in primary lesions with substantial variations of local niche mechanics owing to intratumoral heterogeneity. However, the roles of mechanically heterogeneous primary tumor microenvironment in metastatic organotropism remain an enigma. This study reports that persistent priming in soft but not stiff niches that mimic primary tumor mechanical heterogeneity induces transcriptional reprogramming reminiscent of neuron and promotes the acquisition of brain metastatic potential. Soft-primed cells generate brain metastases in vivo through enhanced transendothelial migration across blood-brain barrier and brain colonization, which is further supported by the findings that tumor cells residing in local soft niches of primary xenografts exhibit brain metastatic tropism. Mechanistically, soft niches suppress cytoskeleton-nucleus–mediated mechanotransduction, which promotes histone deacetylase 3 activity. Inhibiting histone deacetylase 3 abolishes niche softness-induced brain metastatic ability. Collectively, this study uncovers a previously unappreciated role of local niche softness within primary tumors in brain metastasis, highlighting the significance of primary tumor mechanical heterogeneity in metastatic organotropism.
An endogenous GLP-1 circuit engages VTA GABA neurons to regulate mesolimbic dopamine neurons and attenuate cocaine seeking
Authors: Merkel Riley , Hernandez Nicole S. , Weir Vanessa , Zhang Yafang , Caffrey Antonia , Rich Matthew T. , Crist Richard C. , Reiner Benjamin C. , Schmidt Heath D.
Published: February 2025

Recent studies show that systemic administration of a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonist is sufficient to attenuate cocaine seeking. However, the neural mechanisms mediating these effects and the role of endogenous central GLP-1 signaling in cocaine seeking remain unknown. Here, we show that voluntary cocaine taking decreased plasma GLP-1 levels in rats and that chemogenetic activation of GLP-1–producing neurons in the nucleus tractus solitarius that project to the ventral tegmental area (VTA) decreased cocaine seeking. Single-nuclei transcriptomics and FISH studies revealed that GLP-1Rs are expressed primarily on GABA neurons in the VTA. Using in vivo fiber photometry, we found that the efficacy of a systemic GLP-1R agonist to attenuate cocaine seeking was associated with increased activity of VTA GABA neurons and decreased activity of VTA dopamine neurons. Together, these findings suggest that targeting central GLP-1 circuits may be an effective strategy toward reducing cocaine relapse and highlight a functional role of GABAergic GLP-1R–expressing midbrain neurons in drug seeking.
Spike gene variability in porcine epidemic diarrhea virus as a determinant for virulence
Authors: Li Wentao , Hangalapura Basav N. , van den Elzen Paul , van den Born Erwin , van Kuppeveld Frank J. M. , Rottier Peter J. M. , Bosch Berend-Jan
Published: February 2025

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is a pathogenic coronavirus that targets the swine intestinal tract, leading to acute diarrhea and high mortality in neonatal piglets. PEDV is categorized into different genotypes based on genetic variations, especially in the spike (S) gene. The S protein is crucial for viral entry and a major immune target. Significant differences in virulence have been observed among PEDV genotypes, particularly between classical strains and newly emerging strains. In this study, we explored the impact of spike gene variability on PEDV pathogenicity. Using targeted RNA recombination, we generated recombinant PEDV (rPEDV) variants carrying spike genes from contemporary strains (moderately virulent strain UU and highly virulent strain GDU), all within the genetic background of the avirulent DR13 vaccine strain. Pathogenicity was assessed in 3-day-old piglets. The rPEDV carrying the DR13 spike gene was nonpathogenic, with no detectable viral RNA in feces. The rPEDV with the UU spike gene induced mild to severe diarrhea, with moderate viral shedding but no mortality. Conversely, the rPEDV with the GDU spike gene caused severe diarrhea, high viral titers, and high mortality. These findings highlight the critical role of the spike protein in PEDV virulence, informing future development of effective control strategies, including the design of live-attenuated vaccines.

IMPORTANCE

This study significantly advances our understanding of how genetic variations in the spike (S) protein of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) influence its ability to cause disease. By engineering viruses with spike genes from different PEDV strains, variations in this protein could be directly linked to differences in disease severity. We found that the spike protein from highly virulent strains caused severe diarrhea and high mortality in piglets, while that from less virulent strains led to milder symptoms. These findings emphasize the central role of the spike protein in determining PEDV virulence, which may enable the design of more effective vaccines to combat PEDV and reduce its impact on the swine industry.
Peripapillary atrophy in patients with birdshot chorioretinitis
Authors: Ferreira de Moura Thomas , Enjalbert Aurélie , Monnet Dominique , Kecili Souhila , Imikerene Linda , Loeliger Jordan , Thorne Jennifer E , Brézin Antoine P
Published: February 2025

Aims

This study aims to analyse peripapillary atrophy (PPA), its frequency, extent and relation with measures of visual function in patients with birdshot chorioretinitis (BSCR).

Methods

Patients of the single-centre prospective COhort of patients with BIRDshot chorioretinitis (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:NCT05153057) were included. The areas of the optic nerve head (ONH) and PPA were measured on red–green and autofluorescence fundus images acquired by ultrawidefield retinal photography. The main outcome measure was the frequency of PPA. Correlations between the PPA/ONH ratio and disease duration, age, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and visual field results (mean deviation (MD) and the pattern SD (PSD)—Humphrey perimeter 30–2) were evaluated using the Spearman coefficient.

Results

A total of 752 eyes from 384 patients (mean age 62.4±12.1 years) were included. The median disease duration was 13.0 (7.0–19.0) years. PPA was observed in 717 (95.4%) eyes. The mean PPA/ONH ratio was 2.9±2.2 on red–green images, 3.1±2.2 on autofluorescence, and these measures were highly correlated (R=0.95, p<0.0001). The ratio of PPA/ONH increased with the duration of the disease (R=0.57, p<0.0001) from 1.6±0.6 in the 0–5 years group to 5.2±2.9 after 25 years and with age (R=0.51, p<0.0001). PPA was also associated with a worse BCVA (R=−0.42, p<0.0001) and worse visual field results: MD (R=−0.41, p<0.0001), PSD (R=0.42, p<0.0001). A strong intereye symmetry of the PPA/ONH ratio was observed (R=0.91, p<0.0001), which was greater than that of BCVA (R=0.58, p<0.0001), MD (R=0.76, p<0.0001) or PSD (R=0.70, p<0.0001).

Conclusions

Almost all patients with BSCR exhibit PPA and its extent increases over time. PPA is associated with poorer vision.
Association of targeted temperature management on progression to brain death after severe anoxic brain injury following cardiac arrest: an observational study
Authors: Paul Marine , Hickel Charles , Troché Gilles , Laurent Virginie , Richard Olivier , Merceron Sybille , Legriel Stephane
Published: February 2025

Objective

Targeted temperature management (TTM), through its physiological effects on intracranial pressure, may impede the progression to brain death (BD) in severe anoxic brain injury post-cardiac arrest (CA). We examined the potential association between the use of TTM and the occurrence of BD after CA.

Design

Monocentric, retrospective study.

Setting

Intensive care unit, Versailles Hospital, France.

Participants

Comatose survivors of CA who died from BD or postanoxic encephalopathy (PAE) after 24 hours.

Main outcome measures

PAE deaths corresponded to withdrawal of life-sustaining therapy (WLST) due to irreversible postanoxic coma or vegetative state according to prognostication guidelines. BD corresponded to the cessation of cerebral vascularisation secondary to intracranial hypertension. The diagnosis of BD was definite by clinical diagnosis of deep coma according to the Glasgow Coma Scale 3, loss of all brainstem reflexes and the demonstration of apnoea during a hypercapnia test. A cerebral omputed tomography (CT) scan or two isoelectric and unreactive electroencephalograms were used to confirm BD. To identify the independent association between TTM and BD, we conducted a multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Results

Out of 256 patients included between 2005 and 2021, 54.3% received TTM for at least 24 hours, and 56 patients (21.9%) died from BD. In the multivariable analysis, TTM for 24 hours or more was not associated with a decrease in BD (Odds Ratio 1.08, 95% CI 0.51 to 2.32). Factors associated with BD included a total duration of no-flow plus low-flow exceeding 30 min, CA due to neurological causes or hanging and a high arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide between days 1 and 2 after admission.

Conclusions

This exploratory analysis of post-CA patients with severe anoxic brain injury did not find an association between TTM ≥24 hours and a reduction in BD. Further studies are needed to identify specific subgroups of post-CA patients for whom TTM may be especially futile or even harmful.
Scoping review for pain mitigation during intralesional injections of corticosteroid for hypertrophic scar and keloid treatment
Authors: Halim Ahmad Sukari , Heng Sophia , Saipolamin Ainna Qistina
Published: February 2025

Background

Intralesional corticosteroid injection (ILCSI) has been proven to successfully treat hypertrophic scars (HTSs) and keloids and attain remission in 50% of keloids. Pain is a significant problem with ILCSI, which can affect treatment compliance and effectiveness. To date, many techniques involving ILCSI have been described and used to achieve scar treatment while reducing side effects. The injection technique remains the most widely available method in many healthcare centres.

Objective

This scoping review explores strategies for alleviating pain while administering ILCSIs for hypertrophic scarring and keloid management. ILCSI is a second-line treatment for HTSs and a first-line treatment for keloids.

Eligibility criteria

This scoping review included studies where HTSs and keloids were treated with ILCSI and considered diverse demographics and injection methods. This review excludes other methods of corticosteroid drug delivery where injection is not involved and where the pain assessed is unrelated to injection or infiltration of the scar.

Sources of evidence

This review systematically searched critical databases from inception to December 2023, including ScienceDirect, PubMed and Web of Science, and handpicked articles traced from available review papers. Only English-language publications focused on pain management during ILCSIs for HTSs and keloids were included. All levels of scientific evidence were considered. An in-depth evaluation of the injection technique, type of analgesia or anaesthesia administered, effectiveness of pain management and overall treatment outcomes was conducted.

Charting methods

Citations were compiled in an Excel spreadsheet, with three authors screening the titles and abstracts based on inclusion criteria. Decisions were finalised collaboratively, exclusions were documented and results were presented using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses flow diagram.

Results

16 prospective studies, 2 retrospective studies, 1 case study and 15 journal articles were included. These studies examined ILCSI for hypertrophic scarring and keloid treatment. No differences in pain intensity between HTSs and keloids were reported. 11 studies systematically explored pain reduction methods such as topical analgesia, cryoanaesthesia, mixing triamcinolone acetonide with local analgesics, slow infiltration techniques, vibration analgesia and needle-free injectors.

Conclusion

Pain can significantly impact patient compliance and treatment outcomes. This review offers a foundational reference for healthcare providers and researchers in the field of scar management, providing insights into current practices and highlighting areas for future research and development.
Assessment of frontal EEG measurement in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a prospective observational feasibility study – study protocol
Authors: Eichinger Michael , Zoidl Philipp , Reisinger Alexander C , Orlob Simon , Hatzl Stefan , Eichlseder Michael , Pichler Alexander , Eberl Anna , Kuenzer Thomas , Zajic Paul , Heuschneider Lioba , Honnef Gabriel , Rief Martin , Bornemann-Cimenti Helmar
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Nowadays, managing out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) prioritises measures that achieve a good neurological outcome. Monitoring neurological function early is an essential step in identifying patients who could benefit from invasive techniques, such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, compared with patients suffering from irreversible hypoxic–ischaemic brain injury. Electroencephalography (EEG) has been used in the hospital; thus, its prehospital data are lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of non-invasive EEG in the prehospital environment as a potential tool for neurological assessment.

Methods and analysis

This feasibility trial will recruit 45 OHCA patients aged 18 and over in the catchment area of the physician response unit at the University Hospital Graz, Austria. Two different measurement conditions will be assessed: (1) during the phase of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and (2) after the return of spontaneous circulation for those who achieve this condition. EEG not only has the potential to provide an early neurological prognosis for immediate treatments or outcome-related decisions but can also aid in better managing CPR-induced consciousness.

Ethics and dissemination

The ethics committee of the Medical University of Graz (IRB00002556), decision number 35-352 ex 22/23, reviewed and approved this study protocol, registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (IdentifierNCT06072092). The data generated from this research will be published openly alongside the study results.

Trial registration number

NCT06072092.
Tumor-specific CD8+T cells from the bone marrow resist exhaustion and exhibit increased persistence in tumor-bearing hosts as compared with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes
Authors: Zawidzka Elizabeth M , Biavati Luca , Thomas Amy , Zanettini Claudio , Marchionni Luigi , Leone Robert , Borrello Ivan
Published: February 2025

Background

Immunotherapy is now an integral aspect of cancer therapy. Strategies employing adoptive cell therapy (ACT) have seen the establishment of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells using peripheral blood lymphocytes as well as tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) with significant clinical results. The bone marrow (BM) is an immunological niche housing T cells with specificity for previously encountered antigens, including tumor-associated antigens from certain solid cancers. This study sought to improve our understanding of tumor-specific BM T cells in the context of solid tumors by comparing them with TILs, and to assess whether there is a rationale for using the BM as a source of T cells for ACT against solid malignancies.

Methods

We used the murine B16 melanoma model examining both the endogenous OVA-specific T cell response using an OVA-specific tetramer or examining the OVA-specific response with OVA-specific transgenic CD8+ (OT-1) T cells. Specifically, we compared baseline intrinsic properties of TILs or BM T cells from tumor-bearing mice and their changes following adoptive transfer in the tumor and bone marrow (as well as other compartments when indicated).

Results

In tumor-bearing mice, endogenous tumor-specific T cells could be detected in the BM early in the course of tumor progression and possessed a more stem-cell-like and memory phenotype in an unsupervised cluster analysis compared with TILs which appeared more exhausted. The BM and tumor microenvironments significantly impact the fate of T cells. Naïve OT-1 transferred T cells acquired an exhausted phenotype in the tumor but maintained a more memory-like phenotype in the BM with tumor progression. Importantly, in a competitive transfer experiment, BM T cells infiltrated the tumor more efficiently than TILs, displayed a higher polyfunctionality with interleukin-2, interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α production and showed greater persistence compared with TILs.

Conclusions

T cells from the BM appear superior to TILs as a source of cells for cellular therapy. They possess a memory-enriched phenotype and exhibit improved effector function, greater persistence within a tumor-bearing host, and the capacity for increased tumor infiltration. These data provide a foundation for further exploring the BM as a source of tumor-specific T cells for ACT in solid malignancies.
Disruption of GPSM1/CSF1 signaling reprograms tumor-associated macrophages to overcome anti-PD-1 resistance in colorectal cancer
Authors: Chen Yang , Jia Huiqing , Zhang Xiangyan , Zhao Han , Xiao Yujing , Li Na , Yao Yifan , Xing Xiaoming
Published: February 2025

Background

Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies, particularly anti-PD-1, benefit only a limited subset of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. G-protein signaling modulator 1 (GPSM1) is implicated in immunity and oncology, yet its role in regulating the CRC tumor microenvironment (TME) and contributing to anti-PD-1 resistance remains poorly understood.

Methods

We employed single-cell RNA sequencing and multiplex immunofluorescence on tumor samples from anti-PD-1-resistant CRC patients to evaluate GPSM1 expression and its impact on macrophage polarization. An orthotopic CRC xenograft model in C57BL/6 mice was used to assess the role of GPSM1 in vivo. An in vitro co-culture system, alongside mass cytometry and flow cytometry, explored GPSM1’s biological functions within the TME. We further used ChIP-PCR, mass spectrometry, and co-immunoprecipitation to elucidate the mechanisms regulating GPSM1 activity.

Results

GPSM1 expression was significantly elevated in anti-PD-1-resistant CRC tissues. Enhanced GPSM1 levels promoted anti-PD-1 resistance by driving macrophage polarization toward an immunosuppressive M2 phenotype, facilitating their infiltration into the TME. We identified the deubiquitinase USP9X as a key factor preventing GPSM1 degradation through K63-polyubiquitination. This stabilization of GPSM1 led to MEIS3 nuclear translocation, activating macrophage colony-stimulating factor expression. Importantly, ruxolitinib emerged as a promising GPSM1-targeting candidate, demonstrating improved efficacy in combination with anti-PD-1 therapy in both microsatellite instability-high and microsatellite stable CRC models.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight the pivotal role of GPSM1-driven M2 macrophage infiltration in mediating anti-PD-1 resistance in CRC. Targeting GPSM1 offers a novel therapeutic strategy to enhance ICB efficacy, potentially broadening the patient population that may benefit from these therapies.
To what extent should doctors communicate diagnostic uncertainty with their patients? An empirical ethics vignette study
Authors: Cox Caitríona , Hatfield Thea , Parry Matthew , Fritz Zoë
Published: February 2025

Background/aims

Although diagnostic uncertainty is common, patient-focused research examining its communication is lacking. We aimed to determine patient preferences for the communication of diagnostic uncertainty, and examine the effects of such communication on patients.

Methods

We applied an empirical ethics approach, integrating the data collected with ethical analysis to form normative recommendations about diagnostic uncertainty communication. In this randomised crossover study, n=111 members of the public sequentially watched two video vignettes depicting either high or low communicated diagnostic uncertainty, in one of two clinical scenarios. After watching videos, participants completed online questionnaires. Primary outcome was preferred video (high vs low communicated uncertainty); secondary outcomes included satisfaction, trust, worry and understanding. Quantitative data were analysed using logistic regression and a linear mixed effects model; qualitative data were analysed thematically.

Results

Quantitative analysis demonstrated that participants preferred greater diagnostic uncertainty communication, even though these vignettes were more worrying. Qualitative data revealed heterogeneous participant views justifying their communication preferences. These data raise issues relating to how doctors might balance harms versus benefits in diagnostic uncertainty communication and how doctors might communicate in the face of heterogeneous patient information preferences.

Conclusions

We argue that doctors should err on the side of greater diagnostic uncertainty communication: to not do so (eg, based on benign paternalistic ideas about avoiding patient worry) or to do so variably (eg, based on unevidenced assumptions about patient information preferences) risks depriving patients of information they may value and may create or exacerbate inequalities.
Vaping cessation interventions: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Heshmati Javad , Pandey Avinash , Benjamen Joseph , Furqan Muhammad , Salman Muhammad , Visintini Sarah , Mullen Kerri-Anne , Guyatt Gordon , Pipe Andrew L , Mir Hassan
Published: February 2025

Objective

Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), such as e-cigarettes, have surged in popularity. While long-term risks remain unclear, known dangers include nicotine addiction, E-cigarette or Vaping Use-Associated Lung Injury and potential extrapulmonary effects on the heart, immune system and neurodevelopment. Addressing ENDS addiction may require strategies akin to smoking cessation. However, evidence is lacking; there are no currently approved vaping-cessation aids. The objective of this review is to summarise the available literature addressing interventions for vaping cessation.

Data sources and study selection

A librarian-assisted search was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase and Scopus, as well as preprints in Europe PMC, Open Science Framework, and the grey literature searches until January 2024. Six included studies used self-report methods to determine the abstinence rate, while one study used cotinine-level-verified self-reported abstinence. We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that examine ‘rates of vaping cessation’ outcomes. An intention-to-treat approach was used for data extraction, and random-effects meta-analyses models were applied.

Data synthesis

Seven RCTs were included, which studied pharmacological therapy, digital interventions and/or educational content. The primary meta-analyses demonstrated a statistically significant increase in the odds of achieving 7-day point prevalence abstinence (PPA) (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.15 to 2.01, number of participants=3244, moderate-certainty) and continuous abstinence (OR 2.71, 95% CI 1.31 to 5.61, number of participants=164, low-certainty) following intervention. A non-significant increase in odds was noted at 30-day PPA (OR 1.32, 95% CI 0.72 to 2.42, number of participants=1994, very low certainty).

Conclusions

Vaping cessation interventions increase 7-day PPA rates at 1–12 months follow-up and this was consistent across prespecified subgroup analyses of the intervention type, outcome and duration of follow-up. More high-quality studies with reproducible findings are needed to enhance the certainty of the evidence and guide clinical interventions.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022383670.
A calculation model for the width of bank collapse induced by wind waves
Authors: Liu Zhengguo , Liu Xiushui , You Xue-yi
Published: February 2025

Wind wave erosion on reservoir slopes is an important problem that seriously threatens the safety of reservoirs and soil and water conservation. This paper proposes a method of calculating wind wave erosion and bank failure based on empirical formulas and the principle of bank slope stability, which simulates the evolution of bank slope stability in the process of wind wave erosion. Two seriously eroded bank slopes of Huangbizhuang Reservoir in Hebei Province, China, were selected as study cases. The erosion and bank failure process were simulated between 1968 and 2020, and the computed width of wind wave failure of bank slopes was compared with that of field measured one. The result showed that the proposed method can simulate the amount of wind wave erosion of the reservoir bank and the process of bank failure well. The proposed method provides guidance for the design, protection and reinforcement of bank slope.
Factors affecting the survival of Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) embryos in upper and middle Columbia River watersheds, Washington State, USA.
Authors: Johnson Christopher , Roni Philip , De Boer Trenton , Murdoch Andrew R. , Quinn Thomas P.
Published: February 2025

Greater understanding of environmental effects to salmon survival during incubation can aid in prediction and facilitate population modeling at local and regional scales. Four basin-scale studies of Chinook salmon egg-to-fry survival were conducted between 2009 and 2021in spawning in tributaries of the upper and middle Columbia River; each study populations being currently supplemented or have a recent history of supplementation, and most listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Together, these studies provided a unique opportunity to assess factors influential to egg-to-fry survival, such as fine sediment infiltration and substrate scour, in the context of differences in survival among rivers and study years. We detected a 16.8% decrease in the odds of survival for every 1-cm increase in substrate scour, a 1.0% decrease in the survival odds with each one-unit change in the percentage of accumulated fines, distinct differences in survival within and among rivers (from 30.5% to 82.5%), and subtle effects of parentage in the presence of environmental factors. The causal and predictive relationships provided here will inform conservation, restoration, and further research.
Understanding cell wall signaling to open new opportunities for modifying plant cell walls.
Authors: Shin Gaeun , McFarlane Heather E.
Published: February 2025

Plant cell walls are polysaccharide-based extracellular matrices that surround all plant cells. Cell walls provide support and protection to the plant cell, while also remaining flexible enough to allow plant growth by cell expansion. Plant cell walls are important renewable resources and cell wall polysaccharides can be processed into components of food, materials, or biofuels, making plant cell wall modification a key goal of biotechnology. However, plants sense the status of their cell walls via largely unknown mechanisms, collectively called “cell wall signaling”. Here, we review the evidence that activating cell wall signaling can limit plant growth, and this growth limitation presents a key barrier to effective cell wall modification. We next discuss the molecular mechanisms of cell wall signaling; although several receptors have been implicated in detecting cell wall changes at the cell surface, their downstream signaling partners inside the cell are less clearly defined. Finally, we discuss how changes to cell wall synthesis can affect polysaccharide solubility and secretion, making some cell wall changes more detrimental than others. Altogether, uncovering the molecular mechanism of plant cell wall signaling and the extent to which plant cell walls can be modified without triggering growth limitations may allow cell wall modification to generate improved cell wall bioproducts.
Traditional Chinese Medicine for Alzheimer’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chen Yuqing , Zhang Danning , Chen Teng , Zhao Lixia , Wen Lei , Hou Ruihua
Published: February 2025

The treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) remains a challenge for modern medicine due to its complex pathogenesis. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has demonstrated significant success in the prevention and treatment of variable medical conditions. For AD pharmacological management, TCM could provide promising approaches. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the current evidence of the effects of TCM therapies on AD. A systematic search of the literature was performed on electronic databases including PubMed, the Cochrane Library, the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Web of Science. Thirteen studies were included in this review, subject to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Screening, data extraction, and quality assessment were undertaken following the guidelines for Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Our results show that TCM offered a significant improvement in cognitive functioning compared to the control group, measured on both MMSE and ADAS-CoG scales, suggesting its potential utility in slowing cognitive decline and improving cognitive function as compared to conventional drug treatments and placebos. No significant difference was found for scores of neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPI) or ability to perform daily living activities (ADCS-ADL). These findings highlight TCM as a potential adjuvant therapy, in combination with conventional medicine, to improve the effectiveness and reduce the limitations of conventional AD drug regimes. Studies with larger sample sizes, rigorous study designs, accurate long-term reporting, and correlation to neuropathological markers are needed in the future to enhance the evidence base for the use of TCM in AD patients, and to further confirm its efficacy.