bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Travel burden and carbon dioxide emission reductions through a model of cancer care closer to the patient
Authors: Cavanna Luigi , Citterio Chiara , Bosi Costanza , Vecchia Stefano , Proietto Manuela , Mordenti Patrizia
Published: January 2025

Background

Traveling to healthcare facilities, particularly in the case of patients requiring frequent visits and repeated treatments, such as cancer patients, is associated with substantial carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Moreover, travel burdens can delay diagnosis and negatively influence prognosis.

Materials and Methods

In 2004, a programme called territorial oncology care (TOC) was initiated in the province of Piacenza (northern Italy) to relieve travel burdens by providing treatment closer to patients’ residences. Patient management is performed by oncologists traveling from the city hospital’s oncologic ward to rural centers. Patients are managed at 3 rural hospitals and a health center called Casa della Salute. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed all files containing the schedules of patients enrolled in the TOC programme from 2 January 2017 to 31 December 2022. We calculated the driving distance (in kilometers) to the outpatient facility closest to each patient’s residence and the CO2 emissions saved compared with the distance to the city hospital.

Results

A total of 2132 cancer patients on active treatment were enrolled in the TOC programme during the study period. The total travel saved by treating patients closer to their residences over this 6-year period amounted to 1 975 105 km, representing carbon emission savings of 241.56 tonnes.

Conclusion

Our findings show a significant reduction (241.56 tonnes) of CO2 emissions for the entire cohort of patients over a period of 6 years.

Cancer patients’ travel burdens and associated carbon emissions can be substantially reduced by programmes such as TOC.
Fatty acid desaturase 3-mediated α-linolenic acid biosynthesis in plants
Authors: Gishini Mohammad Fazel Soltani , Kachroo Pradeep , Hildebrand David
Published: January 2025

Omega-3 fatty acids (ω3 FAs) are essential components of cell membranes that also serve as precursors of numerous regulatory molecules. α-Linolenic acid (ALA), one of the most important ω3 FAs in plants, is synthesized in both the plastid and extraplastidial compartments. FA desaturase 3 (FAD3) is an extraplastidial enzyme that converts linoleic acid (LA) to ALA. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that FAD3 proteins are distinct from FAD7 and FAD8 desaturases, which convert LA to ALA in plastids. Structural analysis of FAD3 proteins indicated a positive relationship between enzymatic activity and transmembrane pore length and width. An inverse relationship between temperature and ALA biosynthesis was also evident, with ALA accumulation decreasing with increasing temperature. These findings suggest that certain FAD3 enzymes are more effective at converting LA to ALA than others. This information could potentially be used to engineer crop plants with higher levels of ALA.
Removal of Radioactive Noble Gas Radon from Air by Ag-Zeolite
Authors: Ogawa H , Takeuchi Y , Sekiya H , Iyoki K , Matsukura M , Wakihara T , Nakano Y , Hirano S , Taniguchi A
Published: January 2025

This paper investigates the removal of radon from purified and ambient airs by Ag-zeolite. Ag-zeolite is known to have very high performance in terms of airborne radon removal. The dependence on zeolite type and silver content of the performance of radon removal was evaluated. The performance of radon removal by a single pass and radon emanation were also evaluated. In addition, the adsorption performance due to zeolite solidification and the change in adsorption performance due to moisture in the gas were evaluated in order to investigate properties that should be considered for future practical use. These properties will be applicable to the development of air purification systems for large-volume ultra-low-radioactivity experiments.
Monitoring Treatment Fidelity in a Pragmatic Pediatric Rehabilitation Trial Comparing Two Physical Therapy Schedules: Analysis and Unexpected Findings
Authors: Maus Elizabeth , Scott Kimberley , Ferrante Rachel , Antoszewski Sandy , Heathcock Jill
Published: January 2025

Objective

This study aimed to describe the monitoring of treatment fidelity in a pragmatic pediatric rehabilitation trial using the National Institutes of Health Behavior Change Consortium framework, and to identify child and therapist factors that influence treatment fidelity.

Methods

Therapists (n = 28) were trained in the key ingredients (1-on-1, functional, goal-directed, motor learning intervention) and study protocol for a comparative effectiveness trial titled: A Comparison: High Intensity periodic vs. Every week therapy in children with cerebral palsy (ACHIEVE) for children ages 2 to 8 years with cerebral palsy. Therapists were instructed to record every tenth hour of treatment. A subset of recordings were used to monitor treatment fidelity so that each therapist was rated twice using the study- specific ACHIEVE Treatment Fidelity Checklist. Generalized linear mixed effects modeling and logistic regression were used to analyze child and therapist factors related to treatment fidelity.

Results

Median treatment fidelity scores were high (>80%). With training, therapist’s years of experience and specialty certification do not significantly impact treatment fidelity. There is a trend toward lower treatment fidelity scores for children with communication difficulties, particularly for therapist’s use of multi-modal instructions to direct the child in the desired activity.

Conclusion

Functional, goal-directed, motor learning intervention can be delivered with high fidelity for children with cerebral palsy within a busy clinical setting. Motor learning principles may be implemented differently for children with communication difficulties. More research is needed to explore optimal motor learning strategies for these children.

Impact

With training, physical therapists can deliver high-fidelity intervention to children with cerebral palsy across all Gross Motor Function Classification System levels within a busy clinical setting. Therapists may use motor learning principles differently in children with communication delays.
Oxytocin enhances creativity specifically in approach-motivated individuals
Authors: Yang Chen , Guo Zhaoyang , Cheng Liang
Published: January 2025

Oxytocin, a neuropeptide pivotal in social and reproductive behaviors, has recently gained attention for its potential impact on cognitive processes relevant to creativity. Yet, the direct intricate interplay between oxytocin and creativity, particularly in the context of individual differences in motivational orientations, remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated the effects of intranasal oxytocin on creative thinking in individuals characterized by varying levels of approach and avoidance motivations. The initial study, involving participants with high approach or avoidance motivation, employed the Alternative Uses Task (AUT) to assess creativity under oxytocin administration. Subsequently, the second study induced different motivational states through a recall task, aiming to validate and extend observed effects. Results revealed a significant enhancement of creativity in individuals with approach motivation following oxytocin administration, while no parallel effect was discerned in those with avoidance motivation. Aligning with behavioral findings, functional connectivity and graph theory analyses of neural data illuminated the coordinated effects of oxytocin on creativity-related neural networks. These outcomes collectively suggest that oxytocin exerts a dissociable influence on creativity contingent upon an individual’s motivational tendencies, providing insights into the intricate relationship between oxytocin and human creative behavior.
ALKBH5 knockdown suppresses gastric cancer progression by reducing the expression of long non-coding RNA TUG1
Authors: Fan Peng , Huang Yu-jie , Xie Xiang-yu , Wang Liu-hua , Liu Bin , Wang Dao-rong
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aimed to explore the relationship between m6A demethylase ALKBH5 and long noncoding RNA TUG1 (TUG1), as well as their effects on proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis in gastric cancer (GC) cells.

Methods

The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was utilized to analyze the relative expression levels of ALKBH5, TUG1, and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA). Survival analyses of TUG1, ALKBH5, and VEGFA were performed using the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) and Kaplan–Meier databases. The binding sites of TUG1 and ALKBH5 were predicted using the Annolnc2 database. The correlation between ALKBH5 and TUG1 expression was analyzed using the GEPIA database. Subsequently, small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting ALKBH5 and TUG1 was transfected into SGC-7901 cells, and functional studies were conducted using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), CCK-8 assays, colony formation assays, transwell assays, and angiogenesis assays.

Results

Bioinformatics analysis indicated that ALKBH5, TUG1, and VEGFA were highly expressed in gastric cancer tissues and exhibited a positive correlation. Survival analysis revealed that high expression levels of ALKBH5, TUG1, and VEGFA were significantly associated with poor prognosis in gastric cancer patients. Binding sites for TUG1 and ALKBH5 were identified. Functional experiments demonstrated that the knockdown of ALKBH5 resulted in the downregulation of TUG1, which subsequently reduced the proliferation, invasion, migration, and angiogenesis of gastric cancer cells.

Conclusion

The m6A demethylase ALKBH5 promotes gastric cancer progression by erasing the methylation modification of TUG1 and increasing TUG1 expression. This finding provides a new perspective for the treatment and prognosis assessment of gastric cancer.
Outcomes of Triceps Surae Lengthening Surgery in Children With Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease: A Multisite Investigation
Authors: Õunpuu Sylvia , Pierz Kristan A. , Rethlefsen Susan A. , Rodriguez-MacClintic Jennifer , Acsadi Gyula , Kay Robert M. , Wren Tishya A. L.
Published: January 2025

Background:

Orthopaedic surgical intervention in children with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) often includes triceps surae lengthening (TSL) and foot procedures to address instability and pain due to equinus and cavovarus deformities. These surgeries may unmask underlying weakness in this progressive disease causing increased calcaneal pitch and excessive dorsiflexion in terminal ﻿stance leading to crouch. The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in ankle function during gait following TSL surgery in children with CMT.

Methods:

Nineteen participants (11 male; age 12.8, SD 3.6 y) with CMT underwent gait analysis and clinical examination preoperatively and postoperatively to determine the outcomes of (1) triceps surae lengthening (TSL) and (2) plantar fascia release with bony foot surgery with or without TSL. TSL was performed in limbs with limited passive dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) and decreased peak dorsiflexion in terminal stance, with gastrocnemius recession (GR) being preferred over tendo-Achilles lengthening (TAL) in cases with smaller dorsiflexion deficits. Passive dorsiflexion ROM, gait kinematics and kinetics, and foot posture index (FPI) were examined within and across surgical groups using linear mixed models.

Results:

Dorsiflexion ROM, peak dorsiflexion in terminal stance and mid-swing, and peak nondimensional plantar flexor moment improved significantly after both GR (n=8 limbs) and TAL (n=11 limbs) (P≤0.02). After plantar fascia release with bony foot surgery (n=20 limbs), FPI changed significantly, indicating reduced cavovarus regardless of whether TSL was done (P<0.05). Passive and dynamic dorsiflexion and ankle kinetics (moment and power) increased only when concomitant TSL was done (P≤0.04).

Conclusions:

In patients with increased equinus due to reduced passive dorsiflexion range of motion, TSL is an effective surgery for reducing excessive equinus in terminal stance and mid-swing, decreasing toe-walking, and improving swing phase clearance. It can be combined with extensive foot surgery to correct cavovarus deformity without leading to excessive dorsiflexion in terminal ﻿stance and crouch gait. Clinical gait analysis is an important tool to help identify appropriate candidates for TSL based on the key indicator of peak dorsiflexion in terminal stance.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV.
Loneliness and social isolation in people with HIV
Authors: Blanco José Ramón , Baeza Alicia Gonzalez , de Miguel Buckley Rosa , De La Torre-Lima Javier , Cano Smith Joanna , Olalla Julián
Published: January 2025

Purpose of review

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has significantly extended the life expectancy of people with HIV (PWH). However, as this population ages, they face increased risk of social isolation and loneliness (SIL), driven by stigma, discrimination, and shrinking social networks. SIL is a major public health issue, closely linked to mental health conditions, reduced adherence to treatment, and lower health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This review examines the prevalence, risk factors, health impacts, and interventions related to SIL, highlighting its critical importance for improving HRQoL in PWH.

Recent findings

SIL is common among PWH and strongly associated with HIV-related stigma, depression, anxiety, and systemic inflammation. These factors accelerate aging and contribute to chronic conditions while undermining ART outcomes. Recent research supports the effectiveness of interventions like psychological therapies and social prescribing in reducing SIL and improving HRQoL. However, progress is limited by the lack of standardized tools to assessment SIL, which hampers consistent research and the development of targeted solutions.

Addressing SIL is essential to advancing holistic and person-centered HIV care. Integrating SIL evaluation into routine clinical practice, creating standardized assessment tools, and implementing targeted interventions can improve HRQoL and reduce health burdens, particularly as the aging PWH population grows.
Parents' Experiences and Views About Use of Wearable Technology for Research and Treatment Monitoring of Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Authors: Xifaras Rachel , Amor David J. , Turbitt Erin , Kraan Claudine M.
Published: January 2025

Objective:

Wearable technology has potential benefits for clinical measurement with children who have neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). However, this cohort may experience sensory processing disorder, behavioral dysregulation, and cognitive challenges. For effective and considerate implementation, the experiences and views of parents of children with NDDs on this topic need in-depth investigation.

Method:

This qualitative semi-structured interview study used purposeful sampling of families with experience with wearable technology in a research setting. The cohort included 12 parents of 14 children with a diagnosis of Fragile X (n = 6), Prader-Willi (n = 4), or Angelman (n = 4) syndromes. The data were processed using NVivo software (QSR International Ltd. 1999–2013). Data analysis was conducted using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results:

Theme 1: Parents are willing to use wearable technology in the home or community if it is feasible. Aspects of feasibility were the ease of embedding technology into existing routines, device robustness, and device invasiveness. Theme 2: Parents are guided by previous healthcare and research experiences. Wearables were considered low burden in the context of everything else their child experiences through health care. Theme 3: Early engagement with families in the design and research process of new technologies is important. Parents had strong views on how to introduce a wearable to their child. In this article, parents stressed that the child's behavioral phenotype needs to be considered early in the design and rollout phases.

Conclusion:

A shared decision-making approach between researchers and parents will improve the uptake and success of NDD-focused research adopting wearable technology approaches for clinical measurement.
Use of Diced Cartilage for Management of Internal Mammary Vessel Exposure Sites in Autologous Breast Reconstruction
Authors: Dornseifer Ulf , Truong My L. , Grumbrecht Stephan , Pfeiler Peter P. , Haide Uli D. , Moog Philipp , Kimelman Michael
Published: January 2025

Background:

Exposure of internal mammary vessels in autologous breast reconstruction often requires removal of a rib cartilage segment, which can lead to breast contour deformity. This study evaluated the use of diced cartilage (DC) to counteract substance loss in the microvascular anastomosis area.

Methods:

This retrospective, single-center cohort study included all breast reconstructions in which DC was used from October 2021 to June 2023. Reconstructions using DC were subdivided based on previous breast radiotherapy (DC versus DC with prior breast radiotherapy [DCR]). The control group consisted of an equal number of consecutive reconstructions performed before the use of DC. The effect of DC on breast contour was investigated using magnetic resonance imaging (>6 months postoperative) and photographic documentation (6-month follow-up).

Results:

DC was used in 114 of 173 included reconstructions (DC, n = 55; DCR, n = 59; control, n = 59). Magnetic resonance imaging analysis revealed less soft tissue sinking into resection zones in both DC groups (DC 0.2 ± 1.3 mm versus control 6.0 ± 1.6 mm, P = 0.002; DCR 0.4 ± 1.6 mm versus control 6.0 ± 1.6 mm, P < 0.003). Previous irradiation did not affect DC stability. The photographs indicated that there were no deformities after DC use, but deformities occurred in 13.6% of patients in the control group (P < 0.05). Flap failure did not occur in any group.

Conclusions:

DC is a safe procedure that prevents contour deformities associated with rib cartilage removal in breast reconstruction, regardless of prior breast irradiation.
New therapies to treat cardiac amyloidosis
Authors: Nguyen Olives , Kamna Daniel , Masri Ahmad
Published: January 2025

Purpose of review

Review advancements in therapies for transthyretin (ATTR-CM) and immunoglobulin light chain (AL-CM) cardiac amyloidosis.

Recent findings

In ATTR-CM, tafamidis remains the cornerstone therapy, with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for over 5 years. Acoramidis, another transthyretin stabilizer, has very recently been FDA-approved following positive results in the ATTRibute-CM trial. Vutrisiran, a transthyretin gene silencer, demonstrated efficacy in the HELIOS-B trial and awaits FDA review. Eplontersen's CARDIO-TTRansform trial, the largest ATTR-CM study to date, is expected to report by late 2025. Innovative approaches such as NTLA-2001 (a CRISPR-Cas9 therapy) and fibril depleters like ALXN2220 and coramitug are advancing in clinical trials. In AL-CM, daratumumab, cyclophosphamide, bortezomib, and dexamethasone (Dara-CyBorD) has established itself as the standard of care. Novel antiplasma cell therapies include CAR-T cells and bispecific antibodies (teclistimab) and fibril depleters. Birtamimab improved survival in advanced AL-CM during the VITAL trial and is under investigation in AFFIRM-AL. Anselamimab is in phase III CARES trials, whereas AT-02 undergoes early-phase testing for ATTR-CM and AL-CM.

The therapeutic landscape for ATTR-CM and AL-CM is rapidly evolving, driven by novel therapies targeting diverse mechanisms. Ongoing clinical trials promise to further refine the standard of care and improve outcomes for patients with cardiac amyloidosis.
Patient Perspectives Regarding Chaperone Use During Pelvic Physical Therapy Vaginal Examination and Treatment
Authors: Austin Mary M. , Arnold Nora , Teasley L. , Roemmich Ryan T.
Published: January 2025

Purpose:

This study examines patient perceptions of their experience with having a chaperone present for vaginal examination during a pelvic physical therapy initial evaluation.

Methods:

Quantitative survey results from 102 eligible participants seen in outpatient pelvic physical therapy between November 2021 and December 2023 are presented. A paper survey using a visual analog scale was provided to participants following the initial pelvic physical therapy visit, rating the degree to which it made them feel more comfortable having a chaperone, their preference to not to have a chaperone, and their preference to have a choice of having a chaperone.

Results:

Survey results show, 53.9% of the women surveyed reported feeling more comfortable having a chaperone present for their vaginal exam, 34.3% reported a preference not to have a chaperone present, and 68.6% indicated a preference to have a choice of whether or not a chaperone was present, regardless of age and treatment diagnosis.

Discussion:

A majority of pelvic physical therapy patients prefer a choice to decide if a chaperone is present or not for a vaginal exam, and over half were more comfortable having a chaperone present, regardless of age and treatment indication in a setting with a mandatory chaperone policy. These findings support the use of an opt-out chaperone policy in which a chaperone is planned and provided for at every vaginal exam, allowing the patient to decline use of a chaperone.
How Trauma-Informed Care Is Perceived and Delivered by Pelvic Health Physical Therapists
Authors: Bridgeman Michelle , Snyder Kailey , Peterson Julie
Published: January 2025

Background:

Traumatic experiences may lead to emotional distress and can affect pelvic floor muscle function. Many healthcare professionals do not feel comfortable practicing trauma-informed care (TIC), and with the high prevalence of women reporting traumatic events, it is imperative that pelvic health providers confidently deliver TIC. The purpose of this study was to qualitatively investigate how trauma-informed practices are currently being implemented by pelvic health physical therapists and whether formal guidelines for TIC would be beneficial.

Methods:

Subject recruitment included licensed pelvic health physical therapists (n=13). Semi-structured interviews were completed to assess perceptions of the TIC principles developed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Interview findings were analyzed using qualitative analysis software, and a direct content analysis was performed.

Results:

Themes for safety included ensuring a private space, setting session expectations, and providing the right to refuse care. Themes for trustworthiness and transparency included patient-provider connection, and verbal and nonverbal communication. Themes for collaboration and mutuality included shared decision making and providing options to fit patient needs. Themes for empowerment, voice, and choice included patient autonomy, patient making the final decision on treatment, and ensuring the patient feels in control of the session. Lastly, themes for cultural, historical, and gender issues included use of gender-neutral terminology/pronouns and continuing education. Participants reported they would like more information on TIC approaches and felt guidelines would be helpful.

Discussion:

Several trauma-informed practices are implemented by pelvic health physical therapists; however, participants desired further education to enhance their TIC practices.
Prevalence and Impact of Urinary Incontinence and Other Pelvic Floor Symptoms in Female Aerialists
Authors: Winder Brooke , Heineman Heather , Scherb Emily
Published: January 2025

Purpose:

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common issue in female athletes and is known to impact quality of life and sports performance negatively. UI and related pelvic floor issues in circus artists have not been specifically investigated, despite their high-impact demands. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and impact of UI and other symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction in female aerialist circus artists.

Methods:

An observational study was performed by developing and distributing an anonymous online survey via e-mail and social media. The survey included the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF) as well as questions related to circus training, urogenital health history, common UI risk factors, potential stressors to the pelvic floor, experiences of anal incontinence (AI), and symptoms consistent with pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

Results:

The survey was completed by 452 female aerialist circus artists (mean age; 33.97 ± 8.67, mean hours of weekly training; 8.78 ± 7.83). 46.0% of participants reported experiencing UI, with stress UI more prevalent than urge UI. The mean ICIQ-UI SF score was 5.54 ± 2.97, and the mean score for impact on everyday life was 1.87 ± 1.97 for those with UI. 55.9% of respondents reported pain with intercourse, and 16.4% reported POP-related symptoms. UI was significantly associated with age > 40, pregnancy, parity, POP-related symptoms, history of falling onto the tailbone, and history of sudden or uncontrolled impact to the pelvis.

Discussion:

The prevalence of UI in female aerialists is similar to that in other high-level female athletes.

Based on the prevalence of pelvic floor symptoms, healthcare professionals working with circus artists should consider regularly screening for symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction.
Radiation in the Bronchoscopy Suite
Authors: Tsai Wilson S. , Haywood Erin , Li Xinhua , Rosenbaum Jeremy , Lindsey Brenna
Published: January 2025

Background:

This study aimed to quantify radiation doses during navigational bronchoscopy procedures, comparing them with reported cohorts and evaluating the LungVision (Body Vision Medical Inc.) system’s efficacy in dose reduction.

Methods:

This retrospective observational study included 52 consecutive navigational bronchoscopy cases, categorized into 4 imaging groups based on the C-arm: Cios Spin (Siemens Healthineers), or OEC 9900 (GE HealthCare); and the 3D tomographic imaging algorithm: Cios Spin’s onboard imaging, or LungVision’s AI-driven imaging. Patient and lesion data, outcomes, and radiation indices were collected. Existing literature on 3D image guidance for bronchoscopic lung nodules was reviewed to compare reported radiation doses.

Results:

Combining LungVision with Cios Spin significantly reduced radiation dose in all cases compared with using Cios Spin alone: Cumulative air kerma (Ka,r) reduced from 238.7 to 119.1 mGy (P=0.03), and air kerma-area product (KAP) decreased from 28.19 to 15.09 Gy·cm2 (P=0.03). For biopsy cases, LungVision led to notable dose reductions: Ka,r of 279 to 129.1 mGy, and KAP of 30.70 to 16.27 Gy·cm2. LungVision notably reduced radiation indices in 7 paired spins, isolating the 3D imaging algorithm as the sole variable with the same Cios Spin C-arm. A literature review provides additional context on radiation for bronchoscopic biopsies.

Conclusion:

Following the “as low as reasonably achievable” (ALARA) principle minimizes ionizing radiation exposure, benefiting patients and operators. Physicians should compare baseline radiation levels with the literature and adopt dose-reduction techniques. LungVision’s lower dose indices render it effective for real-time 3D imaging during navigational bronchoscopy while reducing radiation dose.
Assessing patient-reported outcomes in primary sclerosing cholangitis: an update
Authors: Evon Donna M. , Reeve Bryce B.
Published: January 2025

Purpose of review

Patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures validated in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) are needed for clinical trials. This review describes the recent US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Patient-Focused Drug Development (PFDD) guidelines, existing PRO measures used in PSC studies, and the design of PSC-specific symptom measures adherent with the guidelines.

Recent findings

FDA released updated guidance reflecting best practices for the design and evaluation of clinical outcome assessments (including PROs) and the design of trial endpoints. Two recent systematic reviews (2018, 2020) identified multiple PRO measures used in PSC studies, with two additional measures published since. Of these, four were developed in samples inclusive of PSC patients and six have been psychometrically evaluated in PSC. Published evidence to sufficiently support alignment with the recent guidance is sparse. We review the design of three symptom measures for PSC to illustrate alignment with FDA guidance, including qualitative and quantitative studies to provide evidence for their validity for use in adult PSC trials.

Investigators planning to use PRO measures as study endpoints for PSC need to be adherent with the recent FDA guidelines and build the evidence base to support the measure as fit-for-purpose as an endpoint for clinical trials.
The ratio between SARS-CoV-2 RNA viral load and culturable viral titer differs depending on stage of infection: case study of household transmission in an adult male
Authors: Porter Michael K , Viloria Winnett Alexander , Hao Linhui , Shelby Natasha , Reyes Jessica A , Schlenker Noah W , Romano Anne E , Tognazzini Colton , Feaster Matthew , Goh Ying-Ying , Gale, Jr Michael , Ismagilov Rustem F.
Published: January 2025

Effective public health measures for communicable diseases rely on the ability to identify infectious individuals and prevent transmission from those individuals. For SARS-CoV-2, the presence of replication-competent virus in specimens from an individual is the gold standard for confirming infectiousness. However, viral culture from clinical specimens is difficult and infrequently performed. Instead, infectiousness may be inferred based on the abundance of viral RNA (or viral load) in a specimen, which is more easily assessed. For this reason, understanding the relationship between RNA viral load and infectious viral titer has important implications for public health strategy. In this case report, we quantified incident, longitudinal SARS-CoV-2 viral loads collected from saliva and nasal-swab specimens, and viral titer from nasal-swab specimens. We observed that the relationship between viral load and viral titer decreases by over five orders of magnitude throughout the course of the infection. Our work demonstrates the potential for infectious virus even in specimens with low viral loads collected during the early phases of infection.
Cardiac fibrosis inhibitor CTPR390 prevents structural and morphological changes in collagen and fibroblasts of engineered human connective tissue
Authors: Maestro David , Palanca Ana , Soto Helena , Llarena I , DeGrave Alisa Nicole , Guedes Gabriela , de Oliveira Guilherme Henrique , Conceição André Luiz Coelho , Mieites Verónica , Icardo Jose M. , Sanchez-Cano Carlos , Conde Olga M. , Lutz Susanne , Cortajarena Aitziber L. , Villar Ana V.
Published: January 2025

Cardiac fibrosis is a key characteristic of heart failure, with no effective treatment available. Using three-dimensional human models and cutting-edge biotechnology to evaluate new therapies offers a significant advancement. CTPR390, an experimental anti-fibrotic inhibitor targeting Hsp90, has shown success in animal models, but remains unexplored in human cardiac models. This study evaluated a cardiac three-dimensional engineered connective tissue (ECT) model treated with CTPR390, focusing on changes in the extracellular matrix and fibroblasts. Results showed that CTPR390 prevented architectural changes in TGFβ1-activated ECT, preserving tissue perimeter, collagen fibers alignment while reducing percentage of structured areas and degree of collagen structuration. Additionally, the treatment reduced cell area of elongated fibroblasts under tension, without changes in the internal rounded cells devoid of tension. Fibroblast recruitment to tension areas was diminished, showing biomechanical behavior similar to control ECT. This treatment also lowered the gene and protein expression of key pro-fibrotic markers. For the first time, advanced biotechnology was employed to detect the detailed structure of tissue fibrosis reduction after administering CTPR390, representing a significant advancement toward clinical application for cardiac fibrosis treatment.

Graphical Abstract
Social buffering as an indirect effect: mixed-effects modeling approaches
Authors: Sekhar M. A. , Dochtermann Ned
Published: January 2025

The potential for an individual's social partners to buffer--or otherwise modify--how individuals respond to their environment has been demonstrated to be important in many contexts. This buffering has the potential to affect responses to human modifications of environments. Unfortunately, statistical tools for identifying buffering effects have not been well developed. Here, we demonstrate how social buffering fits into the context of a phenotypic equation conceptual approach and then connects to mixed-effects modeling for estimating buffering and other modifying effects of social behavior. We explore the power and accuracy for buffering in response to known environments, providing a guide for empirical investigation. We found that increasing the sampling of social interactions decreases bias and increases precision and power to a greater extent than increasing sampling of focal individuals. We also introduce how buffering in response to unknown environmental variation can be statistically modeled and tested. If environments are unknown, social buffering can be statistically tested for using double hierarchical generalized linear models by including social partner identity as a random effect that influences residual variation. Finally, we discuss how these approaches fit into the broader literature on indirect effects and indirect genetic effects. Placing social buffering in the context of indirect effects reveals that the evolution of social buffering is affected by both variation in an individual's behavior and variation in how individuals affect each other. This has important implications for social and evolutionary organismal responses to changing environments.
An integrated anatomical, functional and evolutionary view of the Drosophila olfactory system
Authors: Benton Richard , Mermet Jérôme , Jang Andre , Endo Keita , Cruchet Steeve , Menuz Karen
Published: January 2025

The Drosophila melanogaster olfactory system is one of the most intensively studied parts of the nervous system in any animal. Composed of ~60 independent olfactory neuron classes, with several associated hygrosensory and thermosensory pathways, it has been subject to diverse types of experimental analyses. However, synthesizing the available data is limited by the incompleteness and inconsistent nomenclature found in the literature. In this work, we first 'complete' the peripheral sensory map through the identification of a previously uncharacterized antennal sensory neuron population expressing Or46aB, and the definition of an exceptional 'hybrid' olfactory neuron class comprising functional Or and Ir receptors. Second, we survey developmental, anatomical, connectomic, functional and evolutionary studies to generate an integrated dataset of these sensory neuron pathways — and associated visualizations — creating an unprecedented comprehensive resource. Third, we illustrate the utility of the dataset to reveal relationships between different organizational properties of this sensory system, and the new questions these stimulate. These examples emphasize the power of this resource to promote further understanding of the construction, function and evolution of these neural circuits.
ERGA-BGE genome ofPinctada radiata(Leach, 1814): one of the first Lessepsian migrants
Authors: Vasileiadou Katerina , Manousaki Tereza , Dailianis Thanos , Skouradakis Grigorios , Vernadou Emmanouela , Karakasi Danae , Böhne Astrid , Monteiro Rita , Fernández Rosa , Escudero Nuria ,   Genoscope Sequencing Team, Moussy Alice , Cruaud Corinne , Labadie Karine , Demirdjian Lola , Istace Benjamin , Couloux Arnaud , Wincker Patrick , Oliveira Pedro H. , Aury Jean-Marc , Haggerty Leanne , Martin Fergal , Bortoluzzi Chiara
Published: January 2025

Pinctada radiata, commonly known as the Gulf pearl oyster, is a species of pearl oyster found primarily in the warm waters of the Red Sea, the Persian Gulf, and parts of the Indian Ocean.Pinctada radiatacontributes to marine ecosystems by filtering water, which helps maintain water quality and supports other marine life. This species is the first bivalve Lessepsian migrant, having migrated from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea via the Suez Canal. The reference genome ofPinctada radiatacould help identify genes enabling adaptation to varying temperatures and salinities, facilitating survival in diverse and newly colonized habitats allowing comparisons with other bivalves to uncover shared and unique genetic adaptations. Additionally, the genome could support targeted management practices and conservation initiatives, such as habitat restoration and selective breeding, ensuring the long-term sustainability ofP. radiata. The entirety of the genome sequence was assembled into 14 contiguous chromosomal pseudomolecules. This chromosome-level assembly encompasses 0.93 Gb, composed of 220 contigs and 44 scaffolds, with contig and scaffold N50 values of 8.1 Mb and 63.8 Mb, respectively.
Vibrational modes as the origin of dielectric loss at 0.27–100 THz in
a
-
SiC
:
H
Authors: Buijtendorp B.T. , Endo A. , Jellema W. , Karatsu K. , Kouwenhoven K. , Lamers D. , van der Linden A.J. , Rostem K. , Veen H.M. , Wollack E.J. , Baselmans J.J.A. , Vollebregt S.
Published: January 2025

Low-loss deposited dielectrics are beneficial for the advancement of superconducting integrated circuits for astronomy. In the microwave band (approximately 1–10 GHz) the dielectric loss at cryogenic temperatures and low electric field strengths is dominated by two-level systems. However, the origin of the loss in the millimeter-submillimeter band (approximately 0.1–1 THz) is not understood. We measured the loss of hydrogenated-amorphous-SiC films in the 0.27–100-THz range using superconducting-microstrip resonators and Fourier-transform spectroscopy. The agreement between the loss data and a Maxwell-Helmholtz-Drude dispersion model suggests that vibrational modes above 10 THz dominate the loss in hydrogenated amorphous SiC above 200 GHz.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Optical Imaging of Laser-Driven Fast Electron Weibel-like Filamentation in Overcritical Density Plasma
Authors: Dover N. P. , Tresca O. , Cook N. , Ettlinger O. C. , Kingham R. J. , Maharjan C. , Polyanskiy M. N. , Shkolnikov P. , Pogorelsky I. , Najmudin Z.
Published: January 2025

We report on the measurement of filamented transport of laser-generated fast electron beams in near-critical density plasma. A relativistic intensity long-wave-infrared laser irradiated a hydrodynamically shaped helium gas flow at an electron density ne≃1025  m−3, generating a large flux of fast electrons that propagated beyond the critical surface. The beam-to-background electron density ratio was sufficiently high to drive growth of Weibel-like filamentation, which was measured by optical probing to extend up to 800  μm with radii ∼10  μm. Particle-in-cell simulations reproduce the main features of the filamentation generation, suggesting that collisionless processes are dominant in these interactions. Expansion of the filaments after formation infers a fast electron heated plasma temperature ∼400  eV in the overcritical density plasma.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Cooperative
CO2
capture via oxalate formation on metal-decorated graphene
Authors: Popoola Inioluwa C. , Shi Benjamin X. , Berger Fabian , Michaelides Angelos , Zen Andrea , Alfè Dario , Al-Hamdani Yasmine S.
Published: January 2025

CO2 capture using carbon-based materials, particularly graphene and graphene-like materials, is a promising strategy to deal with CO2 emissions. However, significant gaps remain in our understanding of the molecular-level interaction between CO2 molecules and graphene, particularly in terms of chemical bonding and electron transfer. In this work, we employ random structure search and density functional theory to understand the adsorption of CO2 molecules on Ca-, Sr-, Na-, K-, and Ti-decorated graphene surfaces. Compared to the pristine material, we observe enhanced CO2 adsorption on the decorated graphene surfaces. Particularly on group 2 metals and titanium-decorated graphene, CO2 can be strongly chemisorbed as a bent CO2 anion or as an oxalate, depending on the number of CO2 molecules. Electronic structure analysis reveals that the adsorption mechanism involves a charge transfer from the metal adatom to the adsorbed CO2. Overall, this study suggests that reducing CO2 to oxalate on group 2 metals and titanium-decorated graphene surfaces is a potential strategy for CO2 storage.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Spectroscopy and Modeling of
Yb171
Rydberg States for High-Fidelity Two-Qubit Gates
Authors: Peper Michael , Li Yiyi , Knapp Daniel Y. , Bileska Mila , Ma Shuo , Liu Genyue , Peng Pai , Zhang Bichen , Horvath Sebastian P. , Burgers Alex P. , Thompson Jeff D.
Published: January 2025

Highly excited Rydberg states and their interactions play an important role in quantum computing and simulation. These properties can be predicted accurately for alkali atoms with simple Rydberg level structures. However, an extension of these methods to more complex atoms such as alkaline-earth atoms has not been demonstrated or experimentally validated. Here, we present multichannel quantum defect models for highly excited Yb174 and Yb171 Rydberg states with L≤2. The models are developed using a combination of existing literature data and new, high-precision laser and microwave spectroscopy in an atomic beam, and validated by detailed comparison with experimentally measured Stark shifts and magnetic moments. We then use these models to compute interaction potentials between two Yb atoms, and find excellent agreement with direct measurements in an optical tweezer array. From the computed interaction potential, we identify an anomalous Förster resonance that likely degraded the fidelity of previous entangling gates in Yb171 using F=3/2 Rydberg states. We then identify a more suitable F=1/2 state, and achieve a state-of-the-art controlled- gate fidelity of F=0.994(1), with the remaining error fully explained by known sources. This work establishes a solid foundation for the continued development of quantum computing, simulation, and entanglement-enhanced metrology with Yb neutral atom arrays.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Development of a comprehensive sustainability performance index for takaful operators: integrating Maqasid Al-Shariah and stakeholder perspectives
Authors: Mohd Zain Fahru Azwa , Wan Abdullah Wan Amalina , Muhamad Nasir Muhamad Nasyat , Hassan Mohd. Faharizan
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to develop a comprehensive sustainability performance index tailored for Takaful operators. It integrates Maqasid Al-Shariah’s principles with key stakeholders’ expectations, ensuring a holistic evaluation of sustainability practices.

Design/methodology/approach

The index is formulated through a multi-step process, beginning with a thorough literature review to identify pertinent economic, social, environmental and religious indicators. Using a Multi-Attribute Utility Theory approach, the process incorporates expert consultations, stakeholder workshops and the analytical hierarchy process. The framework amalgamates diverse sustainability attributes, focusing on regulatory compliance, financial performance, customer satisfaction, workplace environment and community engagement. The final index is tested with data from various Takaful operators to validate its reliability and robustness.

Findings

The newly developed index effectively captures the multifaceted aspects of sustainability specific to Takaful operators, offering a balanced assessment across economic, social, environmental and religious dimensions. Findings suggest that while Takaful operators excel in community welfare and ethical compliance areas, there are notable gaps in integrating environmental and social governance factors. The index successfully highlights these gaps, providing a structured framework to enhance the sustainability practices of Takaful operators. Initial applications of the index reveal significant variability in sustainability performance among Takaful operators, pointing to areas needing improvement.

Research limitations/implications

The development of the index is limited by the availability and quality of data from Takaful operators. Future research should aim to improve data collection methods and expand the index’s application to a broader range of operators.

Practical implications

Takaful operators can use the index as a transparent and objective tool to evaluate and improve their sustainability practices, facilitating better decision-making and strategic planning towards achieving sustainable development goals.

Social implications

By incorporating Maqasid Al-Shariah and stakeholder perspectives, the index promotes socially responsible and ethically sound business practices within the Takaful industry, aligning with broader societal values and expectations.

Originality/value

This paper introduces the first comprehensive sustainability performance index specifically designed for Takaful operators, integrating religious principles with conventional sustainability metrics. The index provides substantial value for researchers, practitioners and policymakers dedicated to enhancing sustainability in the Islamic finance sector.
Can China Destabilize US Government Debt? The Biggest Threat Comes from within
Authors: Arnal Judith
Published: January 2025

China is the second‐largest foreign holder of US government debt, after Japan. As of May 2024, China‐based investors held $768.3 billion worth of US government debt. In recent years, however, Chinese investors have been reducing their holdings of US government debt. Despite the large figure, Chinese holdings represent only 9.6% of total foreign holdings, and less than 3% of total US public debt held by the public. This significantly reduces China's potential destabilizing power, especially since Chinese investors cannot entirely do without US government debt, widely used as collateral in financial transactions. However, this does not mean that the US is free from financial tensions. Surprisingly, these tensions would not be inflicted by any geopolitical adversary but rather by the US' own economic policies. Poor fiscal governance, combined with a high public debt ratio, large public deficits projected for the coming years, an economic strategy reliant on expansionary fiscal policies, and trade policies centered on tariffs, risks increasing the US' cost of borrowing in the short term. If the United States continues down this path of fiscal imbalances, a fiscal crisis could arise in the medium term, with significant implications for the international financial system. When it comes to financial stability in the United States, the biggest threat comes from within.