bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nidotherapy
Authors: Tyrer Peter
Published: January 2025

Nidotherapy is the collaborative and systematic manipulation of the environment, including physical, social, and personal aspects, to make a better fit between a person and his or her setting. It does not aim to treat symptoms, only to effect environmental change so that both behavior and symptoms improve as they are no longer in conflict with the environment. It is a transdiagnostic form of care and so it does not slot easily into treatment manuals, but its most effective contribution is in the management of personality disorder, where it can treat many problems that other treatment strategies fail to touch. Examples are given of its effectiveness, including the results of two controlled trials. It can be understood further by looking at www.nidotherapy.com.
Treatment Planning and Evaluation
Authors: Gamache Dominick , Savard Claudia , Leclerc Philippe , Faucher Jonathan
Published: January 2025

This chapter will examine the practical applications of the World Health Organization’s International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 11th Edition (ICD-11) conceptualization of personality disorders (PD), with a specific focus on how clinicians can utilize its two main components—the global level of severity of PD and the five trait domain specifiers—to inform treatment planning and evaluation. By leveraging its two main components, clinicians can gain invaluable insights into relevant treatment targets and anticipate challenges that may arise during therapy (e.g., therapeutic alliance issues and risk of treatment dropout). A number of useful clinical tools to assist clinicians in treatment planning and monitoring are briefly reviewed. Three clinical vignettes (corresponding to mild, moderate, and severe PD) provide concrete illustrations of how assessment of global level of severity and trait domain specifiers can be translated into concrete information for treatment planning.
Forever Girls
Authors: Choi Jinhee
Published: January 2025

Forever Girls explores the girlhood and the image of death manifest in contemporary South Korean cinema. In both classical and contemporary South Korean cinema, girls’ bodies have repeatedly embodied various conflicting socio-political forces that shaped the nation: coloniality, post-colonial and post-war traumas, modernity, and democracy. The book reorients the direction of current scholarship on contemporary Korean cinema from patriarchy, masculinity, and violence, to consider girls as a social imaginary. Drawing on the depiction of girlhood from the 1970s as a reference image, including that of low-wage working-class girls, it explores the extent to which the girlhood represented in the millennial South Korean cinema still resonates with such an image. Girls have begun to earn limited agency as subjects who remember the past, experience the present, and envision the future; their interiority lies beyond their status as victims of sexual violence and national trauma. From the popular teen pictures and male auteurs’ work of the 1970s, to a contemporary film cycle on military sexual slavery (“wianbu”), to Bong Joon-ho’s girl trilogy and to Korean independent cinema of the 2010s, directed by women directors, Forever Girls focuses on girls’ sexuality, labor, and leisure, and critically engages with the girlhood associated with unproductivity and dismissed as mere irreality. It foregrounds the ways in which cinema could adequately mourn girls’ deaths or grant them shelter and idleness that they desperately need: the very girlhood that has long been denied due to girls’ familial and gender roles.
Polygenic prediction for underrepresented populations through transfer learning by utilizing genetic similarity shared with European populations
Authors: Zhu Yiyang , Chen Wenying , Zhu Kexuan , Liu Yuxin , Huang Shuiping , Zeng Ping
Published: January 2025

Because current genome-wide association studies are primarily conducted in individuals of European ancestry and information disparities exist among different populations, the polygenic score derived from Europeans thus exhibits poor transferability. Borrowing the idea of transfer learning, which enables the utilization of knowledge acquired from auxiliary samples to enhance learning capability in target samples, we propose transPGS, a novel polygenic score method, for genetic prediction in underrepresented populations by leveraging genetic similarity shared between the European and non-European populations while explaining the trans-ethnic difference in linkage disequilibrium (LD) and effect sizes. We demonstrate the usefulness and robustness of transPGS in elevated prediction accuracy via individual-level and summary-level simulations and apply it to seven continuous phenotypes and three diseases in the African, Chinese, and East Asian populations of the UK Biobank and Genetic Epidemiology Research Study on Adult Health and Aging cohorts. We further reveal that distinct LD and minor allele frequency patterns across ancestral groups are responsible for the dissatisfactory portability of PGS.
Linezolid Dosing and Pharmacokinetics in North American Patients With Tuberculosis
Authors: Maranchick Nicole F , Peloquin Charles A , Haley Connie A
Published: January 2025

Background

Linezolid is recommended in treatment regimens for rifampin- or multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (TB). However, considerable pharmacokinetic variability exists, and long-term use is limited by adverse effects. This study evaluates the pharmacokinetics of linezolid in patients with TB from an international therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) service.

Methods

Linezolid trough, 2-hour, and 6-hour postdose clinical samples from across North America were tested by the University of Florida Infectious Disease Pharmacokinetics Laboratory. Total serum concentrations were measured using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. TDM was performed, and measurements were compared to typical linezolid concentrations including a trough value of <2 μg/mL and peak value between 12 and 26 μg/mL.

Results

From January 2019 to December 2023, 1604 linezolid samples from 500 patients and 817 unique TDM occasions were analyzed. Trough concentrations were measured on 670 samples (median, 1.19 [range, 0.00–20.06] μg/mL), and 232 troughs (34.6%) were >2 μg/mL. Among trough samples from linezolid dosing of 600 mg daily, 43.2% were >2 μg/mL. Of 600 peak samples, 264 (44%) were outside the typical range, most (89%) being subtherapeutic at <12 μg/mL.

Conclusions

High serum linezolid trough concentrations were measured in approximately one-third of samples and in >40% of those taking the recommended dose. More than 40% of peak concentrations were outside typical range, of which 89% were <12 μg/mL. This study demonstrates that TDM can be used to identify patients with serum linezolid concentrations outside of targeted ranges, allowing clinicians to make appropriate dose adjustments to improve outcomes.
Destructive Behaviour, Judgement, and Economic Decision-making under Thermal Stress
Authors: Almås Ingvild , Auffhammer Maximilian , Bold Tessa , Bolliger Ian , Dembo Aluma , Hsiang Solomon M , Kitamura Shuhei , Miguel Edward , Pickmans Robert
Published: January 2025

Accumulating evidence indicates that environmental temperature substantially affects economic outcomes and violence, but the reasons for this linkage are only partially understood. We study whether temperature directly influences behaviour by evaluating the effect of thermal stress on multiple dimensions of economic decision-making, judgement, and destructive behaviour with 2,000 participants in Kenya and the US who were randomly assigned to different temperatures in a laboratory. The main finding is that most major dimensions of economic decision-making are unaffected by temperature. We also find that heat significantly increases willingness to voluntarily destroy other participants’ assets in the Kenyan sample.
Clinical risk factors caused by third molar levelling following extraction of a mandibular second molar
Authors: Kato Chiho , Ishizuka Keita , Ono Takashi
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives

Mandibular second molar (MdM2) is often lost, and its space is filled with a bridge or implant. MdM2 extraction followed by orthodontic treatment protracting mandibular third molar (MdM3) towards the MdM2 position may overcome the missing of MdM2. The objectives of our study were to describe the outcome of the procedure and examined clinical risk factors such as external apical root resorption (EARR) and alveolar bone loss (ABL), as the indicators of poor orthodontic treatment outcomes.

Materials/Methods

This retrospective study included 70 cases in 56 patients who received orthodontic treatment at Tokyo Medical and Dental University Hospital between 2007 and 2018. Multi-bracket appliances were used in all patients for MdM3 protraction. Using linear mixed effects models, EARR and ABL were regressed on various factors, including panoramic and cephalometric variables.

Results

With the mean treatment duration of 1040.4 ± 441.8 days, MdM2 space closure was achieved in 92.8% (65 cases). The ANB angle (P = .023) and the use of temporary anchorage devices (TADs) (P = .021) were significantly associated with the greater EARR, while the mandibular plane angle (P = .033) was associated with the greater ABL. MdM3 protraction using the fixed appliances resulted in the closure of MdM2 space in > 90% of cases without evident root resorption.

Limitation

There is a possibility of residual confounding due to the nature of observational study.

Conclusion/Implication

Orthodontic treatment of MdM3 protraction may be a feasible strategy to close the space of the missing MdM2.
Scpep1 inhibition attenuates myocardial infarction-induced dysfunction by improving mitochondrial bioenergetics
Authors: Chen Guilin , Gan Jing , Wu Fan , Zhou Zengxian , Duan Zikun , Zhang Ke , Wang Songxue , Jin Hua , Li Yulin , Zhang Chi , Lin Zhuofeng
Published: January 2025

Background and Aims

Myocardial infarction (MI) is an ischaemic cardiovascular disease associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Previous studies have suggested that serine carboxypeptidase 1 (Scpep1) is involved in vascular diseases; however, its role in cardiac diseases remains unclear. This study aims to explore the role of Scpep1 in regulating cardiac homeostasis during MI.

Methods

The impact of Scpep1 deficiency or cardiac-specific knock-down and Scpep1 overexpression on heart function was evaluated in mice with MI. Its downstream functional mediators of Scpep1 were elucidated using proteomic analysis and confirmed by employing loss- and gain-of-function strategies.

Results

Circulating and cardiac Scpep1 levels were up-regulated in mice with MI. Genetic ablation or cardiac-specific knock-down of Scpep1 alleviated MI-induced cardiac dysfunction and damage in mice. In contrast, cardiac-specific Scpep1 overexpression aggravated these adverse effects. Mechanistically, Scpep1 exacerbated MI-induced cardiac dysfunction and damage by impaired mitochondrial bioenergetics via binding to Pex3 to promote its degradation, ultimately contributing to mitochondrial fission and apoptosis. Moreover, the expressional profiles of Scpep1 in plasma samples and heart tissues of patients with MI or ischaemic cardiomyopathy were in line with those observed in the mouse models. In addition, pharmaceutical inhibition of Scpep1 notably improved MI-induced cardiac dysfunction and damage by improving mitochondrial fragmentation and bioenergetics post-MI.

Conclusions

Scpep1 deficiency mitigates MI by improving Pex3-mediated mitochondrial fission and subsequent cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Scpep1 constitutes a potential therapeutic target for attenuating MI.
RcSRR1 interferes with the RcCSN5B-mediated deneddylation of RcCRL4 to modulate RcCO proteolysis and prevent rose flowering under red light
Authors: Wang Weinan , Sun Jingjing , Fan Chunguo , Yuan Guozhen , Zhou Rui , Lu Jun , Liu Jinyi , Wang Changquan
Published: January 2025

Light is essential for rose (Rosa spp.) growth and development. Different light qualities play differing roles in the rose floral transition, but the molecular mechanisms underlying their effects are not fully understood. Here we observed that red light suppresses rose flowering and increases the expression of Sensitivity to Red Light Reduced 1 (RcSRR1) compared with white light. Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) of RcSRR1 led to early flowering under white light and especially under red light, suggesting that this gene is a flowering repressor with a predominant function under red light. We determined that RcSRR1 interacts with the COP9 Signalosome Subunit 5B (RcCSN5B), while RcCSN5B, RcCOP1 and RcCO physically interact with each other. Furthermore, the RcCSN5B-induced deneddylation of Cullin4-RING E3 Ubiquitin Ligase (RcCRL4) in rose was reduced by the addition of RcSRR1, suggesting that the interaction between RcSRR1 and RcCSN5B relieves the deneddylation of the RcCRL4-COP1/SPA complex to enhance RcCO proteolysis, which subsequently suppresses the transcriptional activation of RcFT and ultimately flowering. Far-red Light Related Sequence Like 1 (RcFRSL3) was shown to specifically bind to the G-box motif of the RcSRR1 promoter to repress its transcription, removing its inhibition of RcFT expression and inducing flowering. Red light inhibited RcFRSL3 expression, thereby promoting the expression of RcSRR1 to inhibit flowering. Taken together, these results provide a previously uncharacterized mechanism by which the RcFRSL3–RcSRR1–RcCSN5B module targets RcCO stability to regulate flowering under different light conditions in rose plants.
The optimal ordering and packaging policies in e-commerce environment
Authors: Lin Tien-Yu , Ye Ning , Dai Shu-Long
Published: January 2025

Accepted by: M. Zied BABAI

Refunds pose a considerable challenge for e-tailers in China, and the primary cause of customer returns often stems from damage to goods attributed to improper logistics and shipping. However, employing appropriate packaging materials or techniques can significantly diminish the refund rate associated with commodity collision or crush. This paper concentrates on optimal ordering and packaging policies, wherein retailers allocate additional costs to enhance packaging techniques or materials, aiming to curtail the rate of damage to goods in transit. The theoretical findings indicate that retailers investing in new packaging materials or technologies can substantially impact the order quantity compared to scenarios where no such investments are made. An algorithm has been devised to investigate optimal ordering and packaging policies, with numerical examples illustrating the proposed model and algorithm. Through a sensitivity analysis, the paper explores the influence of four critical parameters—demand rate, setup cost, refund rate, and holding cost—on the optimal strategy. The discussion also provides managerial insights into the implications of the study.
Analytical Validation and Performance of a Blood-Based P-tau217 Diagnostic Test for Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Abel Adam , Chambers Antonio , Fill Jeff , Reiske Heinz , Lu Ming , Morris Amanda , Faya Paul , Beck Rose C , Pontecorvo Michael J , Collins Emily C , Schade Andrew E , Mintun Mark A , Hodsdon Michael E
Published: January 2025

Background

Blood-based biomarkers, especially P-tau217, have been gaining interest as diagnostic tools to measure Alzheimer disease (AD) pathology.

Methods

We developed a plasma P-tau217 chemiluminescent immunoassay using 4G10E2 and IBA493 as antibodies, a synthetic tau peptide as calibrator, and the Quanterix SP-X imager. Analytical validation performed in a College of American Pathologists-accredited CLIA laboratory involved multiple kit lots, operators, timepoints, and imagers. Florbetapir positron emission tomography was used to quantify amyloid for clinical validation.

Results

Precision across 80 runs was ≤20% CV using 23 patient-derived samples ranging from 0.09 U/mL to 3.35 U/mL. No significant lot-to-lot differences were observed. There was no interference from purified tau (2N4R) or lipemia, but hemolysis greater than 2 + was not acceptable. Functional analytical sensitivity (lower limit of quantitation) was 0.08 U/mL. Linearity studies support the use of a standard 1:2 plasma dilution. Samples demonstrated stability at 7 freeze/thaw cycles, with room temperature and refrigerated stability established for up to 72 hours. The final analytical measurement range was 0.08 to 2.81 U/mL. The calibration curve maintained ≤20% CV for raw signal intensity and 80% to 120% relative error for back-fitted concentration using a log-log power regression. Initial clinical assessment using plasma samples from 1091 individuals screened in TRAILBLAZER-ALZ 2 demonstrated an area under the curve of 91.6% (95% CI 0.90–0.94) with brain amyloid as the comparator. Positive and negative predictive value was >90% and >85%, respectively.

Conclusions

Through analytical validation, this assay demonstrated robust performance across multiple lots, operators, and instruments and could be used as a tool for diagnosing AD.
Prevalence, predictors and natural history of hypophosphatemia following iron infusion
Authors: Dawson Chloe , Pak Lai-Ming Kathleen , Paul Eldho , Szwarcbard Naomi , Hackman Kathryn
Published: January 2025

Iron deficiency is the leading cause of anemia, which affects one quarter of the adult population globally. Intravenous iron is a well-established treatment option and is generally well tolerated. However, there is increasing recognition that it can cause hypophosphatemia, which can result in fatigue, nausea, myalgia, weakness and osteomalacia. We sought to determine the prevalence, natural history and predictors of hypophosphatemia following iron infusion in a tertiary hospital. All adult patients who received one or more iron infusions between January 1st 2019 to December 31st 2021 were included in this retrospective study. 2367 subjects were identified, receiving a total of 7063 infusions over the study period. Hypophosphatemia was defined as a serum phosphate level of <0.75 mmol/L (<2.32 mg/dL), with severity classified as mild 0.65-0.75 mmol/L (2.01-2.31 mg/dL), moderate 0.32-0.64 mmol/L (0.99-1.98 mg/dL), or severe <0.32 mmol/L (<0.99 mg/dL). Prevalence of hypophosphatemia was 48.9%, with the highest prevalence from day 4 to 20 post-iron infusion (39.3-44.1%). Risk factors were receipt of iron polymaltose (OR 2.33, CI 1.71-3.19, P<.0001), receipt of ferric carboxymaltose (OR 1.79, CI 1.29-2.48, P=.001), male gender (OR 1.35, CI 1.09-1.66, P=.006) and multiple iron infusions (OR 1.56, CI 1.20-2.03, P=.001). Risk was reduced in recipients with higher baseline phosphate (OR 0.18, CI 0.11-0.28, P<.0001), higher baseline creatinine (OR 0.83, CI 0.74-0.92, P=.001) and increased weight (OR 0.99, CI 0.99-1.00, P=.016). Risk factors for moderate to severe hypophosphatemia were the same, except that gender became non-significant, while increasing age (OR 0.99, CI 0.99-1.00, P=.002) was also associated with reduced risk. These findings may aid clinicians in identifying those at greatest risk of developing significant hypophosphatemia, thereby preventing adverse outcomes.
Comparison of colored sticky traps for Stomoxys calcitrans (Diptera: Muscidae) on dairy cattle farms in Saraburi province, Thailand
Authors: Phasuk Jumnongjit , Jhaiaun Pairpailin , Rungchalermlak Chattraporn , Nguyen Giang Thi , Chimnoi Wissanuwat , Tongyoo Pumipat , Kamyingkird Ketsarin
Published: January 2025

A sticky trap is a simple, low-cost method for the field estimation of insect population density. The present study was investigated the attraction of Stomoxys calcitrans using 5 different colors of sticky trap (blue, gray, transparent, white, and yellow). Throughout the sampling period, the sticky traps collected 1,559 S. calcitrans adults, of which 560 (36%) were females and 999 (64%) were males. The mean numbers of S. calcitrans on the 3 dairy cattle farms sampled differed significantly among the different trap colors, with both sexes being preferentially attracted to white or blue sticky traps. However, the white sticky traps were more effective at trapping S. calcitrans than the yellow and transparent sticky traps. Thus, a white-colored fly trap design was recommended for monitoring purposes.
Impact of hilling timing on soybean gall midge (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) abundance, plant injury, and yield
Authors: Gupta Pragya , McMechan Anthony Justin
Published: January 2025

In 2019, the soybean gall midge (Resseliella maxima Gagné) was identified as a new pest and species in the US Midwest, causing injury to soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.). Infestation of R. maxima in soybean starts with females laying eggs in the fissures or cracks that develop at the base of soybean at the V2 growth stage. These fissures can be found on soybean from the soil surface to the cotyledonary node. After eggs hatch, larvae feed inside the stem, leading to wilting and death of the plants. In 2021, hilling was tested as a cultural tactic at the V2 stage, where soil was placed at the base of stems covering the fissures, resulting in a reduction in soybean gall midge infestation. To better understand this cultural control practice, hilling was performed at different timings at different vegetative (V2, V5) and reproductive (R2) soybean growth stages during the 2022 and 2023 growing seasons. We hypothesized that a greater abundance of larvae and increased plant injury would occur with later hilling applications. The results showed that soybean hilled at V2 and V5 stages had a lower infestation and higher yields compared to hilling later. The results of this study demonstrate that hilling during vegetative growth stages can reduce R. maxima infestation and prevent yield loss.
Multiscale wave equation reflection traveltime inversion based on time-lag method
Authors: Zhang Xinwen , Huang Jianping , Li Yuanyuan , Li Zhenchun
Published: January 2025

As a high accuracy velocity reconstructed method, full waveform inversion (FWI) has been widely applied in geophysical exploration due to the full use of seismic wave information. A notable challenge associated with FWI is the poor precision of initial velocity model. FWI with constrained offset makes it difficult for diving wave to reach deep layers. Reflection wave traveltime inversion can use the wave path information of reflected wave to build gradient, which has advantages in building deep background velocity field for FWI. However, single time window size can cause mismatch in traveltime shift extraction. In this study, a time-lag based wave-equation reflection traveltime inversion (TLWERTI) method by frequency division is developed to deal with this issue. Firstly, the gradients between time-lag full waveform inversion (TLFWI) and TLWERTI are analyzed to indicate the necessity of time-lag strategy on reflection wave traveltime inversion. Secondly, Sigsbee2a model is used to obtain a background model by TLWERTI. The comparison between the results of background inversion model and linear model in FWI highlights the advantage of this method. Thirdly, to test the robustness of TLWERTI in recovering a background velocity field using low signal-to-noise ratio data, a Marmousi noisy data is simulated. Numerical results show that our research method can obtain more accurate initial velocity for FWI, and make the reconstruction process of mid- to deep- layers background velocity more robust and controllable.
Caecal lipoma causing acute appendicitis—a case report
Authors: Alam Fahreyar , Chikukuza Stewart , Okkeh Omar , Jones Rachel M , Haynes Harry R , Omar Ifrah , Helal Alaa , Tsvetkov Filip
Published: January 2025

Colonic lipoma is a rare mesenchymal tumour of the gastrointestinal tract that is composed of well-differentiated adipose tissue (1). The commonest site of colonic lipomas is the ascending colon (45%), followed by the sigmoid colon (30.3%), descending colon (15.2%), and transverse colon (9.1%) (2). Lipomas of the large intestine represent the third most common benign tumours after hyperplastic and adenomatous polyps (3). They arise from the submucosa in ~90% of cases, but occasionally extend into the muscularis propria; up to 10% are subserosal (3). Colonic lipomas >2 cm may occasionally cause abdominal pain, changes of bowel habits, rectal bleeding, intussusception, bowel obstruction, or prolapse (4). Appendicitis is primarily caused by obstruction of the appendiceal lumen leading to inflammation. In adults, acute appendicitis is commonly attributed to fecaliths, tumours, or infections. In this case we present a patient, who presented with acute appendicitis, secondary to a caecal lipoma.
Perforation of the sigmoid colon with formation of a sigmoido-ureteral fistula caused by an ingested denture: a case report
Authors: Schraps Nina , Korte Joelle C , Willner Antonie , Hackert Thilo , Melling Nathaniel , Mercanoglu Baris
Published: January 2025

Accidentally ingested objects such as dentures can have serious health consequences with damage to the gastrointestinal tract. We report the case of a patient who ingested her dental plate unnoticed, leading to a sigmoid perforation and formation of a sigmoido-ureteral fistula. The patient presented to our emergency department with symptoms 3 months after ingestion. After unsuccessful endoscopic retrieval, a low anterior rectal resection with retrieval of the swallowed denture and resection of the left ureter with subsequent reconstruction surgery was performed.
A left paraduodenal hernia causing bowel obstruction: a case report
Authors: Sah Raju , Rawal Sushil B , Malla Srijan , Rayamajhi Jyoti , Bhat Pawan S
Published: January 2025

Paraduodenal hernias (PDHs) are rare congenital internal hernias, constituting 50% of internal hernias and 0.2%–0.9% of small bowel obstructions. Left PDHs are more common and arise from midgut malrotation during embryonic development. We present the case of a 59-year-old male with acute small bowel obstruction caused by a left PDH. Imaging revealed clustered small bowel loops in the left upper quadrant, a hallmark of left PDH. Diagnostic laparoscopy confirmed the condition but was converted to open surgery due to dense adhesions. The herniated loops, initially edematous, were viable after reduction and warm compression. The hernia orifice was closed with non-absorbable sutures. Early diagnosis using imaging, particularly CT, is crucial, with findings such as clustered bowel loops, displaced structures, and engorged mesenteric vessels converging at the hernia orifice. Surgical intervention is the definitive treatment, highlighting the importance of prompt recognition to prevent complications and ensure favorable outcomes.
Selective penile artery angioembolization for high flow priapism – a step-by-step overview for the non-radiologist
Authors: Bretzman John P , Ziegelmann Matthew J , Reisenauer Chris J
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Selective angioembolization for high flow priapism (Step-by-step guide).

Aim

Describe the indications and techniques of angioembolization for high flow priapism.

Methods

We outline patient selection, preparation, technique, outcomes, and potential complications of angioembolization for high flow priapism as supported by the literature.

Main outcome measure

The effectiveness of embolization for treating high flow priapism.

Results

Transarterial embolization is minimally invasive, low risk, and effective method from managing high flow priapism. Success rates range from 70% to 87% depending on the type of agent used for embolization. Side effects include erectile dysfunction with a reported rate of 7%-19%. Complications may be mitigated by embolizing as selectively as possible and using temporary embolic agents.

Conclusion

Embolization is a safe and effective treatment for nonischemic, high flow priapism in patients who have not responded to conservative management.
In-silico study of molecular adaptations in halophilic Cas9
Authors: Debnath Anisha , Sengupta Aveepsa , Rudrapal Sujata , Kumar Ashutosh , Rani Mamta
Published: January 2025

This study explores the structural adaptations of the CRISPR–Cas9 system in halophilic bacteria, focusing on Cas9 protein of halophilic bacterium Salicibibacter cibi. Protein sequences were analyzed using different tools such as ExPASy ProtParam for different physicochemical properties, Predictor of Natural Disordered Regions web server for disordered regions, and InterPro server and WebLogo for domains. Protein structures were generated using the AlphaFold database, and the quality of the modelled structure was checked through PROCHECK. The protein surface’s amino acids and electrostatic potential were visualized using PyMOL, APBS server, and UCSF chimera. Comparative analysis revealed that halophilic Cas9 proteins possess a higher abundance of acidic residues, resulting in enhanced stability and hydration in saline conditions; halophilic Cas9 proteins also shows higher intrinsically disordered regions. Electrostatic potential maps confirmed that S. cibi Cas9 proteins maintain a highly negative surface charge, crucial for adaptation to salt-rich environments. These findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms driving the structural and functional adaptations of Cas9 in salty environment, highlighting its potential applications in genome editing-based biotechnological approaches in extreme conditions.
The JWST EXCELS survey: tracing the chemical enrichment pathways of high-redshift star-forming galaxies with O, Ar, and Ne abundances
Authors: Stanton T M , Cullen F , Carnall A C , Scholte D , Arellano-Córdova K Z , McLeod D J , Begley R , Donnan C T , Dunlop J S , Hamadouche M L , McLure R J , Shapley A E , Bondestam C , Stevenson S
Published: January 2025

We present an analysis of eight star-forming galaxies with $\langle z \rangle = 4.0$ from the JWST Early eXtragalactic Continuum and Emission Line Survey for which we obtain robust chemical abundance estimates for the $\alpha$-elements O, Ne, and Ar. The $\alpha$-elements are primarily produced via core-collapse supernovae (CCSNe) which should result in $\alpha$-element abundance ratios that do not vary significantly across cosmic time. However, Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) models predict an excess production of Ar relative to O and Ne. The ${\rm Ar/O}$ abundance ratio can therefore be used as a tracer of the relative enrichment of CCSNe and SNe Ia in galaxies. Our sample significantly increases the number of sources with measurements of ${\rm O/Ar}$ at $z \gt 2$, and we find that our sample exhibits subsolar Ar/O ratios on average, with $\rm {Ar/O} = 0.65 \pm 0.10 \, (\rm {Ar/O})_{\odot }$. In contrast, the average Ne/O abundance is fully consistent with the solar ratio, with $\rm {Ne/O} = 1.07 \pm 0.12 \, (\rm {Ne/O})_{\odot }$. Our results support a scenario in which Ar has not had time to build up in the interstellar medium of young high-redshift galaxies, which are dominated by CCSNe enrichment. We show that these abundance estimates are in good agreement with recent Milky Way chemical evolution models, and with Ar/O trends observed for planetary nebulae in the Andromeda galaxy. These results highlight the potential for using multiple element abundance ratios to constrain the chemical enrichment pathways of early galaxies with JWST.
Biases in galaxy spectral analysis from strong lensing differential magnification effect and correction methods
Authors: Xu Wenshuo , Xu Dandan , Er Xinzhong , Ge Junqiang
Published: January 2025

Strong gravitational lensing has significantly advanced the study of high-redshift galaxies, but the differential magnification effect inevitably introduces biases in the spectral analysis of source galaxies. This work investigates these biases using mock lensing systems from MaNGA survey data and IllustrisTNG simulations. We analyze the impact of lensing effect on several spectral properties, including stellar age, metallicity, Hα flux, and optical emission line ratios. Our results show significant biases in all properties after lensing. The values of quantities can be either over- or under-estimated, except for the consistently enhanced Hα flux. The bias varies with lensing configurations and always arises when part of the source galaxy falls into the strong lensing regime. We evaluate two correction methods to recover the intrinsic source properties: the average magnification factor ($\bar{\mu }$) and full ray-tracing. While both methods reduce the overestimated Hα flux, the $\bar{\mu }$ method shows a much larger discrepancy. For stellar population properties and emission line ratios, the $\bar{\mu }$ method fails whereas the ray-tracing method proves effective. Applying these two methods to a statistical sample of mock systems further shows their strong dependence on lens modeling accuracy. As a demonstrative study, our results highlight the importance of spatially resolved spectroscopic observations and precise lens modeling for reconstructing spectra of strongly lensed galaxies. While our conclusions are based on a specific source and lens galaxy, further studies with a statistical sample of realistic mock lensing systems are needed for understanding any systematic differences between the two correction methods.
Mitigating baryon feedback bias in cosmic shear through a theoretical error covariance in the matter power spectrum
Authors: Maraio Alessandro , Hall Alex , Taylor Andy
Published: January 2025

Forthcoming cosmic shear surveys will make precise measurements of the matter density field down to very small scales, scales which are dominated by baryon feedback. The modelling of baryon feedback is crucial to ensure unbiased cosmological parameter constraints; the most efficient approach is to use analytic models, but these are limited by how well they can capture the physics of baryon feedback. We investigate the fitting and residual errors of various baryon feedback models to a suite of hydrodynamic simulations, and propagate these to cosmological parameter constraints for cosmic shear. We present an alternative formalism to binary scale-cuts through the use of a theoretical error covariance, which is a well-motivated alternative using errors in the power spectrum modelling itself. We depart from previous works by modelling baryonic feedback errors directly in the matter power spectrum, which is the natural basis to do so and thus preserves information in the lensing kernels. When including angular multipoles up to $\ell _{\mathrm{max}}= 5000$, and assuming Euclid-like survey properties, we find that even multiparameter models of baryon feedback can introduce significant levels of bias. In contrast, our theoretical error reduces the bias in $\Omega _{\mathrm{m}}$ and $S_{8}$ to acceptable levels, with only a modest increase in parameter variances. The theoretical error approach bypasses the need to directly determine the per-bin $\ell _{\mathrm{max}}$ values, as it naturally suppresses the biassing small-scale information. We also present a detailed study of how flexible HMCode-2020, a widely used non-linear and baryonic feedback model, is at fitting a range of hydrodynamical simulations.
Positive Selection on Mammalian Immune Genes—Effects of Gene Function and Selective Constraint
Authors: Nandakumar Mridula , Lundberg Max , Carlsson Fredric , Råberg Lars
Published: January 2025

Genome-wide analyses of various taxa have repeatedly shown that immune genes are important targets of positive selection. However, little is known about what factors determine which immune genes are under positive selection. To address this question, we here focus on the mammalian immune system and investigate the importance of gene function and other factors such as gene expression, protein–protein interactions, and overall selective constraint as determinants of positive selection. We compiled a list of >1,100 immune genes that were divided into six functional categories and analyzed using data from rodents. Genes encoding proteins that are in direct interactions with pathogens, such as pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), are often expected to be key targets of positive selection. We found that categories containing cytokines, cytokine receptors, and other cell surface proteins involved in, for example, cell–cell interactions were at least as important targets as PRRs, with three times higher rate of positive selection than nonimmune genes. The higher rate of positive selection on cytokines and cell surface proteins was partly an effect of these categories having lower selective constraint. Nonetheless, cytokines had a higher rate of positive selection than nonimmune genes even at a given level of selective constraint, indicating that gene function per se can also be a determinant of positive selection. These results have broad implications for understanding the causes of positive selection on immune genes, specifically the relative importance of host–pathogen coevolution versus other processes.
Spreading the Word
Authors: Buchler Michael
Published: January 2025

This essay contemplates how we can expand the widespread public perception—especially among young people—of what music theory and music analysis entail. Our conferences and journals have been home to increasingly diverse analytical methodologies and repertoires, examining a wide breadth musical styles, genres, and cultures. But stereotypes are persistent things, and many young musicians still harbor notions that music theory is (a) rule based; and (b) based upon strictly classical, European, and old music. The growing body of public music theory articles, videos, and podcasts reflect a widely varied field that is open to anyone who wants to better understand music—any music. So how can we help pre-college teachers and students locate, read, view, and listen to these important materials?
A phase II study of ramucirumab and somatostatin analog therapy in patients with advanced neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Perez Kimberly , Kulke Matthew H , Zheng Hui , Allen Jill , Clark Jeffrey , Enzinger Andrea C , Enzinger Peter C , Johnson Bruce E , McCleary Nadine J , Parikh Aparna , Patel Anuj , Rubinson Douglas , Yurgelun Matthew B , Ramsey Kaitlyn , Johnson Emma , Graham Christopher , Chan Jennifer A
Published: January 2025

Objectives

Well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (NET) are highly vascular tumors characterized by their expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). This trial investigated the activity of ramucirumab, a monoclonal antibody that targets VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) and inhibits activity of VEGF, in combination with somatostatin analog therapy in patients (pts) with advanced extra-pancreatic NET.

Methods

We conducted a single-arm phase II trial enrolling pts with advanced, progressive extra-pancreatic NET. Patients were treated with ramucirumab 8 mg/kg intravenously on days 1 and 15 of each 28-day cycle. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary endpoints toxicity, radiographic and biochemical tumor response rate, and overall survival (OS).

Results

The trial enrolled 43 patients. Primary tumor sites included small intestine 20 (46%), lung 10 (23%), thymus 3 (7%), rectum 1(2%), kidney 1(2%), and unknown primary 8(18%). Median PFS was 14.2 months (95% CI, 9.0-25.6 months), and median OS was 24.9 months (95% CI, 20.7-43.1 months). Best response by RECIST 1.1: partial response 5% (95% CI, 0.6%-15.8%). Chromogranin A levels dropped by at least 50% in 10% of the 37 patients who had elevated levels at baseline. Most common all-grade adverse events included fatigue (84%) and hypertension (84%).

Conclusion

Ramucirumab demonstrated efficacy and safety in this single-arm phase II trial. These findings support the continued evaluation of angiogenesis inhibitors in the treatment of NET.

Clinical trial registration

NCT02795858.
Association between Physical Therapists’ Attitudes and Beliefs and the Functional Outcomes of Patients with Low Back Pain: A Multilevel Analysis Study
Authors: Nudelman Yaniv , Pincus Tamar , Ami Noa Ben
Published: January 2025

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the association of physical therapists’ attitudes and beliefs about low back pain treatment outcomes within a publicly funded health care system.

Methods

Data from a national outpatient physical therapist service provider were analyzed. Functional status data were collected at intake and discharge. The Attitudes to Back Pain Scale in Musculoskeletal Practitioners Questionnaire was used to assess physical therapists’ attitudes. Multilevel regression models were employed to examine the effects of physical therapists’ attitudes while controlling for patient and physical therapist characteristics.

Results

The study included 68 physical therapists and 1043 patients. The physical therapist level explained a small portion of the variance in patients’ function (2%–4%). A more biomedically oriented attitude was associated with a slightly lower patient function level (β = −.08), but patient characteristics largely influenced this effect. Other attitude factors were not significantly associated with function. Sensitivity analyses aligned with the main findings.

Conclusions

The study suggests that physical therapists’ attitudes have a limited impact on low back pain treatment outcomes within a publicly funded health care system. While a more biomedically oriented attitude was associated with slight negative effects, the clinical relevance is questionable. Further research in diverse settings is needed to validate and contextualize these findings. The study underscores the importance of considering patient-level factors and health care system context in interpreting practitioner effects on treatment outcomes.

Impact

Patient characteristics are more significant in explaining functional outcomes than physical therapists’ characteristics and attitudes. A marginally small association was observed, indicating that a more biomedically oriented attitude among physical therapists was linked to slightly lower patient functioning. Despite the observed association, the clinical relevance of physical therapists’ attitudes in low back pain treatment outcomes remains modest.
“Something Works” in U.S. Jails: Misconduct and Recidivism Effects of the IGNITE Program
Authors: Alsan Marcella , Barnett Arkey , Hull Peter , Yang Crystal S
Published: January 2025

A longstanding and influential view in U.S. correctional policy is that “nothing works” when it comes to rehabilitating incarcerated individuals. We revisit this hypothesis by studying an innovative law-enforcement-led program launched in the county jail of Flint, Michigan: Inmate Growth Naturally and Intentionally Through Education (IGNITE). We develop an instrumental variable approach to estimate the effects of IGNITE exposure, leveraging quasi-random court delays that cause individuals to spend more time in jail both before and after the program’s launch. Holding time in jail fixed, we find that one additional month of IGNITE exposure reduces weekly misconduct within jail by 25% and three-month recidivism by 24%, with the recidivism effects growing over time. Surveys of staff and community members, along with administrative test score records and within-jail text messages, suggest that cultural change and improved literacy and numeracy scores are contributing mechanisms.
In clinical hand osteoarthritis research, self-reported pain questionnaires do not reflect the patient experience
Authors: van der Meulen Coen , van de Stadt Lotte A , Kroon Féline P B , Niesters Marieke , Rosendaal Frits R , Kloppenburg Margreet
Published: January 2025

Objective

Pain in hand osteoarthritis (OA) is evaluated with repeated pain questionnaires. It is unclear whether these questionnaires adequately capture changes in pain recalled by patients. This study investigated whether changes on pain questionnaires (real-time evaluation) correspond to recalled pain.

Methods

Data from hand OA patients from the HOSTAS cohort (four one-yearly) and HOPE trial (one six-week interval) were used. Pain was measured with the Australian/Canadian hand Osteoarthritis Index (AUSCAN, range 0–20) and a recall question (how is the pain compared with your last visit). Changes in AUSCAN pain were categorized into improved (≤−1), stable or worsened pain (≥1) and compared with the recall question using Cohen’s kappa and percentage agreement. We determined concordance between measurement methods, and investigated associations of mental well-being and illness perceptions with concordance using generalized estimating equations (GEE).

Results

Of 708 intervals from HOSTAS (307 patients, 82% women, mean age 61.0 years, mean AUSCAN 9.1), AUSCAN changes and recall were concordant in 42% (Cohen’s kappa 0.13). There was concordance in 47% of 86 intervals (Cohen’s kappa 0.14) from the HOPE trial (86 patients, 80% women, mean age 63.5, mean AUSCAN 10.7). The most frequent recall answer was worsened pain in the HOSTAS (60%), improved pain in the HOPE trial (76%). In both studies, AUSCAN pain most frequently improved. Depression and anxiety showed no association with concordance.

Conclusion

Changes in repeatedly measured AUSCAN pain often differ from the recalled course of pain over the same period. This has profound implications for evaluating patient-reported pain in clinical trials.
The Paradox of the AKP’s Gender Regime: Gender Identity of Religious Women in Türkiye
Authors: Yelsalı Parmaksız Pınar Melis
Published: January 2025

This article investigates the changing gender regime in Türkiye over the past two decades, by focusing on the experiences of religious women under the gender regime of the Justice and Development Party (Adalet ve Kalkınma Partisi, AKP). The analysis is developed through an inductive and interpretative process of in-depth interviews with sixteen self-identified religious women and expert interviews with five publicly engaged, high-profile, self-identified religious female intellectuals, and also writings of Islamic female authors about religious women published after 2000. The analysis reveals a shift in the AKP’s gender regime from a public-progressive approach to a public-conservative one, characterized by a paternalistic leadership model. This article contributes to the discussion on gender regimes by providing an interpretation of how the gender regime has been experienced by religious women, and highlights the paradox within the AKP’s reframed gender regime, where gender justice is used as a substitute for gender equality.