bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hospitalizations for bronchiolitis among infants before and after the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: an area-based study of the Emilia-Romagna Region, Italy
Authors: Ballardini Elisa , Manfrini Marco , Fattori Silvia , Pellacani Elena , Ćosić Branislava , Gargano Giancarlo , Berardi Alberto
Published: February 2025

Background

Bronchiolitis is the most frequent lower respiratory tract infection and a leading cause of hospitalization in infants. Our aim was to assess the incidence and characteristics of bronchiolitis requiring hospital admission in an Italian region before and after the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Methods

This area-based retrospective study analyses 4,396 hospital discharge records (HDR) of children under 1 year of age admitted with a diagnosis of bronchiolitis (ICD9-CM codes 466.11 and 466.19), in Emilia-Romagna (Italy) from January1st, 2018 to December 31th, 2021. Weighted t-testing and Z-testing was carried out.

Results

in the study period, 2–4% of infants were admitted for bronchiolitis (10% of all admissions under 1 year) and 59% of them were aged less than 90 days. After a significant decrease in 2020, bronchiolitis resurged in 2021, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) cases reached 82%. RSV cases were more likely to undergo non-invasive ventilation (NIV), oxygen supplementation and to receive i.v. (intravenous) infusions. There was an overall increasing trend in NIV and oxygen supplementation, and a decreasing trend in chest X-rays.

Conclusions

This area-based study shows reduced hospital admissions due to bronchiolitis during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and a resurgence of RSV infection after the easing of preventive measures. We also provide information on length of stay and need for hospital treatments. These area-based information will be helpful in assessing the impact of future universal prevention measures.
The utilization of the multimodal immunotherapy for the opsoclonus–myoclonus syndrome can reduce relapses and permanent neurological sequelae
Authors: He Fang , Kessi Miriam , Zhang Ciliu , Peng Jing , Yin Fei , Yang Lifen
Published: February 2025

Background

There is no known effective treatment strategy to prevent relapses and avert permanent neurological sequelae in opsoclonus–myoclonus syndrome (OMS). To describe the treatment strategy that reduced relapses and led to remission of OMS without permanent neurological sequelae.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University. Patients diagnosed with OMS from January 2014 to July 2022 were enrolled. Exposures included treatment with multimodal immunotherapy. Main outcomes and measures included the OMS severity grading scale and DQ/IQ scores. The clinical data was collected and analysed.

Results

Of the six recruited patients, three were (50.00%) males. The median age of onset was 15.50 months. Preceding manifestation was present in one patient and two cases had neuroblastoma. The mean duration from disease onset to the initiation of therapies was 1.86 months. The combinations of ≥ two therapies were used: combination of the intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) plus intravenous dexamethasone plus rituximab was used for three (50.00%) patients and the combination of the IVIG plus intravenous dexamethasone plus rituximab plus mycophenolate mofetil for one (16.67%) case. Besides, the combination of the intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP, which was switched to intravenous dexamethasone later) plus rituximab was utilized for one (16.67%) case and the combination of the IVIG and IVMP for one (16.67%) patient. Total numbers of the therapies used comprised of dual therapy (33.33%), triple therapy (50.00%), and other multiple agents (16.67%). Besides, surgical resections were done for the cases with tumors. The disease course was monophasic for five cases and five cases achieved remission. OMS scores improved significantly at the end of follow up. Five (83.33%) patients did not have permanent neurological sequelae.

Conclusions

The combination of the intravenous dexamethasone plus IVIG plus rituximab for the OMS can reduce relapses and permanent neurological sequelae.
SpatialLeiden: spatially aware Leiden clustering
Authors: Müller-Bötticher Niklas , Sahay Shashwat , Eils Roland , Ishaque Naveed
Published: February 2025

Clustering can identify the natural structure that is inherent to measured data. For single-cell omics, clustering finds cells with similar molecular phenotype after which cell types are annotated. Leiden clustering is one of the algorithms of choice in the single-cell community. In the field of spatial omics, Leiden is often categorized as a “non-spatial” clustering method. However, we show that by integrating spatial information at various steps Leiden clustering is rendered into a computationally highly performant, spatially aware clustering method that compares well with state-of-the art spatial clustering algorithms.
Application of spectrophotometry in novel simultaneous dissolution profiling of a single pill triple therapy of amlodipine, perindopril and indapamide; whiteness evaluation
Authors: Soudi Aya T.
Published: February 2025

Simple, diverse univariate spectrophotometric methods were developed and validated for the determination of amlodipine besylate (AM), perindopril arginine (PE), and indapamide (ID). The first method involved direct measurement of AM absorbance at 365 nm within a concentration range of 2.00–40.00 µg/mL, where PE and ID exhibited no spectral interference. To eliminate the contribution of AM from the ternary mixture, its spectrum was divided by a reference spectrum of AM (12 µg/mL), followed by mathematical subtraction of the resulting constant. The spectrum was then multiplied by the AM divisor to yield a corrected spectrum of the PE and ID binary mixture, allowing their quantification. Various approaches were used to quantify both drugs, including measurement of their second (2DD) and first derivative (1DD) spectra at 231.30 nm and 251.00 nm, respectively. Additionally, the ratio difference (RD) technique and dual wavelength (DW) method were employed. The concentration ranges for PE and ID were 5.00–100.00 µg/mL and 1.00–20.00 µg/mL, respectively. Among these methods, the DW technique was the simplest, so it was chosen for dissolution monitoring of PE and ID. These methods were successfully applied to determine AM, PE, and ID in bulk powder, as well as in Triplixam® tablets, without interference from excipients and in different used dissolution media. The whiteness of the method was evaluated, demonstrating its excellent environmental, analytical and practical efficiency.
The tryptophan-aspartate (WD) repeat domain of bovine Coronin-1A promotes mycobacterial survival by inhibiting calcium signaling-mediated phagosome-lysosome fusion
Authors: Yang Jing , Li Zhunan , Li Aicong , Liu Yayi , Zhang Xinyan , Zhang Yong , Gao Yuanpeng
Published: February 2025

Bovine tuberculosis is a chronic consumptive zoonosis, causing significant economic losses and critical public health risks. Coronin-1A is a host cytoskeleton-associated protein that is crucial for understanding the inhibition of phagosome-lysosome fusion by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) to evade host innate immune clearance. However, the involvement of bovine Coronin-1A (bCoronin-1A) in M.tb infection and whether it can be manipulated so as to enhance host resistance against bovine tuberculosis remains to be seen. Here, we explored the role of bCoronin-1A in phagosome-lysosome fusion in M.tb-infected macrophages. We found that bCoronin-1A was upregulated at both the transcriptional and protein levels following M.tb infection of embryonic bovine lung (EBL) cells. Notably, bCoronin-1A was recruited to M.tb-containing phagosomes where it hindered phagosome-lysosome fusion, leading to increased intracellular mycobacterial survival. Further investigation revealed that mycobacterial lipoamide dehydrogenase C (LpdC) interacted with a single tryptophan-aspartate (WD) unit within the WD repeat domain of bCoronin-1A to sequester it on the phagosomes. The WD repeat domain mediated a decrease in intracellular calcium levels, which reduced levels of calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII) and its activated forms, thereby inhibiting lysosomal delivery. Overall, our findings revealed that bCoronin-1A had a critical impact on mycobacterial survival in macrophages by inhibiting calcium-mediated phagosome-lysosome fusion. This suggests that targeting bCoronin-1A as a key factor influencing mycobacterial survival may be an effective breeding strategy to develop tuberculosis-resistant dairy cows.
Seroprevalence of brucellosis in camels and humans in the Al-Qassim region of Saudi Arabia and its implications for public health
Authors: Almuzaini Abdulaziz M. , Aljohani Abdullah S. M. , Alajaji Ahmed I. , Elbehiry Ayman , Abalkhail Adil , Almujaidel Abdulrahman , Aljarallah Sahar N. , Sherif Hazem R. , Marzouk Eman , Draz Abdelmaged A.
Published: February 2025

Brucellosis is a significant zoonotic disease caused by intracellular, gram-negative bacteria from the genus Brucella. Although camels are classified as secondary hosts for Brucella species, they are among the most susceptible and vulnerable animals to brucellosis, particularly Brucella abortus (B. abortus) and Brucella melitensis (B. melitensis). The present study aimed to investigate the epidemiology of camel brucellosis as a zoonotic disease by determining the seroprevalence of brucellosis in both camels and humans, assessing potential risk factors (e.g., age, size, and location), and conducting molecular characterization of Brucella spp. associated with abortion in camels. The Rose Bengal Test (RBT), Antigen Rapid Brucella Antibody Test (ARBT), indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (I-ELISA), and complement fixation test (CFT) were used to detect brucellosis in both camels and humans. Additionally, a molecular method using polymerase chain reaction was used as a confirmatory technique. A total of 625 camel serum samples and 100 human serum samples were collected in sterile vacuum tubes from various camel farms and individuals across different localities in the Al Qassim region. Additionally, samples from 10 confirmed Brucella-infected camels (including the uterus and supramammary lymph nodes) were analyzed. The results indicated that the overall prevalence of brucellosis in camel sera was 9.72%, as determined by RBT, and 8.16%, as determined by ARBT. In contrast, the overall prevalence of brucellosis in human sera from febrile patients was found to be 17% via RBT. Notably, 57.98% of camel sera that tested positive for Brucella antibodies via RBT were also positive according to I-ELISA and CFT. Furthermore, 42.1%, 70.58%, and 47.05% of human sera that were positive for Brucella antibodies as determined by RBT were also positive according to I-ELISA and CFT, respectively. The highest seropositivity for camel brucellosis was observed in female camels, particularly in the Unaizah area of the Qassim region and among the Homr breed. The prevalence of human brucellosis was highest among females and individuals who consumed raw milk. At the molecular level, B. melitensis biovar 3 was detected in the examined tissues. In conclusion, intervention measures are vital for reducing brucellosis in humans and camels. Public awareness campaigns should highlight the importance of protective clothing when handling aborted she-camels and the need to boil or pasteurize milk. Additionally, studies should differentiate between vaccinated and nonvaccinated camels, and standardizing serological tests for diagnosing brucellosis should be prioritized.
TOPBP1 as a potential predictive biomarker for enhanced combinatorial efficacy of olaparib and AZD6738 in PDAC
Authors: Tang Xiao-Mei , Shi Min-Min , Wang Jia-Cheng , Gu Yi-Jin , Dai Yu-Ting , Yang Qin-Xin , Liu Jia , Ren Ling-Jie , Liu Xin-Yun , Yang Chun , Ma Fang-Fang , Liu Ji-Bing , Yu Hong , Fu Da , Wang Yun-Feng
Published: February 2025

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive and often lethal malignancy, requiring the development of enhanced therapeutic approaches. The DNA damage response (DDR) pathway is frequently altered during PDAC development, leading to an increased occurrence of DNA damage. DNA topoisomerase II-binding protein 1 (TOPBP1) plays a supportive role in regulating the DDR pathway, and its overexpression has been linked to the tumorigenesis of various cancers. This study investigated the biological role of TOPBP1 in PDAC pathogenesis and evaluated its clinical relevance in guiding treatment regimens. We examined the relationship between TOPBP1 expression, DDR pathway modulation, and therapeutic response in PDAC cell lines, primary cells, and subcutaneous mouse models. We found that elevated TOPBP1 expression was positively correlated with increased histologic grade and reduced patient survival in PDAC. TOPBP1 knockdown increased the sensitivity of PDAC cells to olaparib treatment and improved therapeutic efficacy in both PDAC cell lines and subcutaneous mouse models. Combination treatment with olaparib and AZD6738 effectively induced P53-dependent apoptosis via inhibiting the ATR pathway and enhancing signaling through the ATM pathway, which significantly reduced the viability of pancreatic cell lines. Notably, this combination therapy was more effective in PDAC cell lines exhibiting high TOPBP1 expression, indicating that TOPBP1 may serve as a useful predictive biomarker. In conclusion, TOPBP1 is a potential marker for optimizing the olaparib and AZD6738 combination therapy in PDAC. This study highlights the clinical significance of TOPBP1 in the treatment of PDAC and emphasizes the potential implications for a broader population of patients.
Biochemical analysis of miR-217 and miR-532 in patients with fibromyalgia
Authors: Ayoub Shymaa E. , Ahmed Azza M. , Abdelwahed Mostafa Y. , Khalefa Abeer A. , Awaji Aeshah A. , Zekry Samer S. , Ibrahim Enas G. , Eid Hana M. , Elasmer Shimaa M. , Fares Reham
Published: February 2025

About 5% of the population suffers from fibromyalgia (FM), a chronic multi-symptom pain illness whose pathophysiology is still unknown. We aimed to be the first to investigate the possible association of sera levels of miR-217 and miR-532 in patients with fibromyalgia and correlate their expression levels to different clinical and biochemical disease criteria. This study included 80 participants who splitted into two groups: 40 fibromyalgia sufferers (12 male and 28 female), and 40 healthy volunteers (10 male and 30 female) who served as the control group. Venous blood samples were collected from all subjects. The miR-217 and miR-532 serum expressions were detected using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). According to our data, the fold changes of miR-217 and miR-532 in fibromyalgia patients were significantly lower than in controls, for miR-217 (median = 0.1359, IQR: 0.038–0.287, P < 0.001) and miR-532 [median = 0.2199, IQR: (0.114–0.421), P < 0.001]. In addition, there was a significant negative relationship between Aspartate transaminase (AST) and both miR-217 and miR-532 (r = − 0.480, P = P < 0.001 r = − 0.462, P = P < 0.001), respectively. Serum miR-217 and miR-532 could serve as potential diagnostic biomarkers for fibromyalgia.
Advancing the Indian cattle pangenome: characterizing non-reference sequences in Bos indicus
Authors: Azam Sarwar , Sahu Abhisek , Pandey Naveen Kumar , Neupane Mahesh , Van Tassell Curtis P , Rosen Benjamin D , Gandham Ravi Kumar , Rath Subha Narayan , Majumdar Subeer S
Published: February 2025

Background

India harbors the world’s largest cattle population, encompassing over 50 distinct Bos indicus breeds. This rich genetic diversity underscores the inadequacy of a single reference genome to fully capture the genomic landscape of Indian cattle. To comprehensively characterize the genomic variation within Bos indicus and, specifically, dairy breeds, we aim to identify non-reference sequences and construct a comprehensive pangenome.

Results

Five representative genomes of prominent dairy breeds, including Gir, Kankrej, Tharparkar, Sahiwal, and Red Sindhi, were sequenced using 10X Genomics ‘linked-read’ technology. Assemblies generated from these linked-reads ranged from 2.70 Gb to 2.77 Gb, comparable to the Bos indicus Brahman reference genome. A pangenome of Bos indicus cattle was constructed by comparing the newly assembled genomes with the reference using alignment and graph-based methods, revealing 8 Mb and 17.7 Mb of novel sequence respectively. A confident set of 6,844 Non-reference Unique Insertions (NUIs) spanning 7.57 Mb was identified through both methods, representing the pangenome of Indian Bos indicus breeds. Comparative analysis with previously published pangenomes unveiled 2.8 Mb (37%) commonality with the Chinese indicine pangenome and only 1% commonality with the Bos taurus pangenome. Among these, 2,312 NUIs encompassing ~ 2 Mb, were commonly found in 98 samples of the 5 breeds and designated as Bos indicus Common Insertions (BICIs) in the population. Furthermore, 926 BICIs were identified within 682 protein-coding genes, 54 long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA), and 18 pseudogenes. These protein-coding genes were enriched for functions such as chemical synaptic transmission, cell junction organization, cell-cell adhesion, and cell morphogenesis. The protein-coding genes were found in various prominent quantitative trait locus (QTL) regions, suggesting potential roles of BICIs in traits related to milk production, reproduction, exterior, health, meat, and carcass. Notably, 63.21% of the bases within the BICIs call set contained interspersed repeats, predominantly Long Interspersed Nuclear Elements (LINEs). Additionally, 70.28% of BICIs are shared with other domesticated and wild species, highlighting their evolutionary significance.

Conclusions

This is the first report unveiling a robust set of NUIs defining the pangenome of Bos indicus breeds of India. The analyses contribute valuable insights into the genomic landscape of desi cattle breeds.
Systematic analysis of the pharmacogenomics landscape towards clinical implementation of precision therapeutics in Greece
Authors: Patrinos George P. , Karamperis Kariofyllis , Koufaki Margarita-Ioanna , Skokou Maria , Kordou Zoe , Sparaki Eirini , Skaraki Margarita , Mitropoulou Christina
Published: February 2025

Pharmacogenomics (PGx) aims to delineate a patient’s genetic profile with differences in drug efficacy and/or toxicity, particularly focusing on genes encoding for drug-metabolizing enzymes and transporters. Clinical implementation of PGx is a complex undertaking involving a multidisciplinary approach that includes, among others, a thorough understanding of a country’s preparedness to adopt this modern discipline and a detailed knowledge of PGx biomarkers allelic spectrum at a population level. In several European populations, particularly in countries with lower income, clinical implementation of PGx is still in its infancy. We have previously performed a pilot study to determine the prevalence of PGx biomarkers in 18 European populations, as the first step towards population PGx at the European level. Here, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the current state of PGx in Greece, including a detailed allelic frequency spectrum of clinically actionable PGx biomarkers, the level of PGx education in academia, the provision of PGx testing services from public and private laboratories, and the aspects of the regulatory PGx environment, especially with respect to the discrepancies between the Greek National Organization of Medicines and the European Medicine Agency and health technology assessment. This study would not only provide the foundations for expediting the adoption of PGx in clinical reality in Greece but can also serve as a paradigm for replicating future studies in other European countries, to expand on previously available pilot studies.
Environmental, socioeconomic, and sociocultural drivers of monkeypox transmission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: a One Health perspective
Authors: Lu Guangyu , Chong Zeyin , Xu Enyu , Na Ce , Liu Kaixuan , Chai Liying , Xia Pengpeng , Yang Kai , Zhu Guoqiang , Zhao Jinkou , Müller Olaf
Published: February 2025

Background

Monkeypox (mpox) is an emerging zoonotic disease that has persistently impacted public health in endemic regions of West and Central Africa for over half a century. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) remains one of the countries most affected. Understanding the risk factors for disease transmission from a One Health perspective is of great importance in the risk assessment, prevention, and control of zoonotic diseases. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the risk factors for human mpox transmission at the human–animal–environment interface in the DRC.

Methods

Epidemiological, environmental, socioeconomic, and sociocultural data from the DRC from 2000 to 2015 were obtained from publicly available dataset. Using these data, we applied negative binomial regression model, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression model, and principal component analysis (PCA) to identify key environmental, socioeconomic, and sociocultural factors contributing to mpox transmission. Moreover, a grey prediction model GM (1, n) was constructed to predict the epidemic trend of mpox post-2015 and validated using suspected mpox case data in the DRC from 2016 to 2021, sourced from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Results

Between 2000 and 2021, a total of 43,628 suspected mpox cases were reported in the DRC, with a peak of 6216 cases in 2020. From 2016 to 2021, suspected cases accounted for over half (24,379/43,628, 55.9%) of the total reported during the 2000–2021 period. The proportion of primary forest [incidence rate ratio (IRR): 1.023, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.018–1.027], index of economic well-being (IRR: 1.046, 95% CI: 1.039–1.052), and mean annual precipitation (IRR 1.040, 95% CI: 1.031–1.049) were positively associated with mpox incidence. PCA identified five principal components, explaining 69% of the variance in the environmental, socioeconomic, and sociocultural variables. The first component was characterized by socioeconomic factors. The GM (1, n) model, based on the proportion of primary forest, index of economic well-being, and mean annual precipitation, predicted the epidemic trend (revealed relative error: 2.69).

Conclusions

Both socioeconomic and environmental factors play important roles in mpox transmission. Our study further highlighted the importance of considering the interconnectedness among humans, animals, and the environment, and treating these factors as a whole to explain the transmission and emergence of mpox outbreaks in the DRC according to the One Health concept.
Using the alternative model of personality disorders for DSM-5 traits to identify personality types, and the relationship with disordered eating, depression, anxiety and stress
Authors: Gilmartin Tanya , Gurvich Caroline , Dipnall Joanna F. , Sharp Gemma
Published: February 2025

Background

There is a substantial and growing evidence base that has identified three distinct personality types (Overcontrol, Undercontrol and Resilient) among samples of individuals with eating disorders, as well as non-clinical samples. Even in studies where up to six personality types have been identified, the three core types representing Overcontrol, Undercontrol and Resilient consistently emerge. The aim of the research was to explore whether latent Overcontrol and Undercontrol personality types could be identified using pathological personality types as part of the Alternative Model for Personality Disorders published in DSM-5. We further aimed to understand how these personality types were associated with eating pathology, depressed mood and anxiety.

Methods

A total of 391 women, 167 men and 10 gender-diverse individuals aged 16 to 31 years completed measures of the alternative model of personality disorder traits, disordered eating behaviours, eating pathology, depression, anxiety and stress. A systematic four-step process using hierarchical, k-means, and random forest cluster analyses were used to identify the best fitting cluster solution in the data.

Results

The results revealed a four-cluster solution that represented overcontrol, undercontrol, resilient and an antisocial/psychoticism cluster. The overcontrol, undercontrol, and antisocial/psychoticism types were all associated with increased disordered eating, eating pathology, depression, anxiety and stress compared to the resilient types, with the undercontrol cluster scoring significantly higher than the other three clusters on all measures of clinical pathology.

Conclusions

Pathological personality traits, as conceptualised within the DSM-5 alternative model of personality disorders may have merit for identifying overcontrol and undercontrol personality types. Our findings provide additional evidence that both overcontrol and undercontrol personality types are associated with increased eating pathology, depression, anxiety and stress.
Patient experiences and discomfort associated with mid-palatal temporary skeletal anchorage devices
Authors: Barry Aoife P. , Knode Vanessa , Fleming Padhraig S. , Ludwig Björn
Published: February 2025

Background

Mid-palatal placement of temporary skeletal anchorage devices (TSADs) has become increasingly popular among clinicians due to high success rates, low associated risk and streamlining and enhanced customization of associated supra-structures. There is however limited patient data in relation to associated experiences and impacts.

Methods

A survey of patients undergoing mid-palatal TSAD insertion was undertaken using a 27-item bespoke questionnaire. Questionnaires were sent using both electronic and surface mail with a 3-month period allowed for response. Pain experience; the use of analgesia; requirement for additional visits; impacts on hygiene, speech, eating, and hobbies; and social impacts were assessed. Reponses involved the use of a Visual Analogue Scale as well as binary information.

Results

Overall, 152 responses were obtained with 87.5% describing experience of TSAD insertion either “as expected” or “better”. Procedural pain was reported as mild in 62.5%. Local post-operative pain was scored as moderate in 21.1%. Some functional impairment was reported with 63.2% attributing difficulty with speech and 67.8% difficulty with eating due to the implant. However, these functional impairments were generally considered mild (by 68.1% and 60.2%, respectively) and most were very likely to recommend this treatment to others, with 65.1% (n = 99) scoring 8 or above out of 10.

Conclusions

Appreciable levels of pain, discomfort and functional impairment were noted with the use of mid-palatal TSADs. However, any unpleasant experiences were generally regarded as mild with most highly likely to recommend mid-palatal TSADs to prospective patients.
Freestanding VO2 membranes on epidermal nanomesh for ultra-sensitive correlated breathable sensors
Authors: Kim Dongha , Lee Dongju , Park Jiseok , Bae Jihoon , Chen Aiping , MacManus-Driscoll Judith L. , Lee Sungwon , Lee Shinbuhm
Published: February 2025

The interest in highly sensitive sensors is rapidly increasing for detecting very tiny signals for Internet of Things devices. Here, we achieve ultra-sensitive correlated breathable sensors based on freestanding VO2 membranes. We fabricate the membranes by growing VO2 films onto sacrificial Sr3Al2O6 layer grown on SrTiO3, selectively dissolving the Sr3Al2O6 in water, and then rendering freestanding VO2 membrane on nanomesh. The nanomeshes are extremely flexible, sweat permeable, and readily skin-adhesive. The resistance of the VO2 membranes is reversibly tuned by human’s tiny mechanical stimuli and breath stimuli. The stimuli modulate the Peierls dimerization of one-dimensional V−V chains in the VO2 lattice which concomitantly controls the electron correlation and hence resistivity. Since our breathable sensors operate based on quantum-mechanical correlation effects, their sensitivity is 1−2 orders of magnitude higher than conventional tactile and respiratory sensors based on other materials. Thus, the freestanding membranes of correlated oxides on epidermal nanomeshes are multifunctional platforms for developing ultra-sensitive correlated breathable sensors.

Graphical Abstract
Shortening duration of untreated illness in young people with first episode eating disorders: protocol of a randomised controlled feasibility trial of a smartphone friendly multi-modal decision-making tool (FREED-M) to improve help-seeking
Authors: Grycuk Luiza , Monssen Dina , Davies Molly R. , Sharpe Helen , Allen Karina L. , Prasad Vibhore , Potterton Rachel , Popat Priya , Mountford Victoria A. , McNeil Sheryllin , Lawrence Vanessa , Grant Nina , Goldsmith Kimberley A. , Glennon Danielle , Byford Sarah , Brown Amy , Schmidt Ulrike
Published: February 2025

Background

Early intervention gives young people the best chance to recover from eating disorders (EDs). An important focus of early intervention is shortening the time between a person first developing symptoms and starting treatment (duration of untreated eating disorder; DUED). Patient-related factors (e.g. poor mental health literacy and help-seeking difficulties) are strongly associated with DUED. The aims of our study are to co-design and test the feasibility of FREED-Mobile (FREED-M), an online intervention tool for young people with early-stage EDs. This tool aims to improve knowledge about EDs, increase motivation to seek treatment and teach early steps towards change or recovery, thus reducing DUED.

Methods

We will carry out a randomised controlled feasibility trial comparing the FREED-M tool with a control intervention where individuals are sign-posted to an ED charity website. The objectives of the proposed trial are to establish/estimate: (a) attrition rates at follow-up (primary feasibility outcome); (b) participant recruitment; (c) intervention uptake, completion rates and acceptability; (d) intervention effect sizes and standard deviations for outcomes to inform the sample size calculation for a large-scale randomised controlled trial (RCT); (e) stakeholder views on the intervention.

We aim to recruit 116 participants (young people, aged 16–25, with first episode ED) from primary care, schools and universities, ED services and social media. Online assessments will be carried out at baseline, end of intervention and follow-up (weeks 0, 4 and 12 post-randomisation, respectively). Outcomes will include motivation and readiness to change, attitudes and intentions towards help-seeking, ED symptoms, mood and social functioning, and health-related quality of life. Additionally, we will carry out a qualitative evaluation of participants’ views of the intervention and study design.

Discussion

The results of this feasibility trial will inform adaptations to the intervention as needed, as well as the study design (e.g. sample size, primary outcomes) of a future large-scale RCT to assess the effectiveness of the FREED-M intervention. If effective, this novel, online intervention has the potential for wide dissemination and for substantially reducing DUED to improve long-term patient outcomes.

Trial registration

ISRCTN, ISRCTN15662055. Registered 27 July 2022, https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN15662055.
Context-dependent modulation of spatial attention: prioritizing behaviourally relevant stimuli
Authors: Britt Noah , Chau Jackie , Sun Hong-jin
Published: February 2025

Human attention can be guided by semantic information conveyed by individual objects in the environment. Over time, we learn to allocate attention resources towards stimuli that are behaviourally relevant to ongoing action, leading to attention capture by meaningful peripheral stimuli. A common example includes, while driving, stimuli that imply a possibly hazardous scenario (e.g. a pedestrian about to cross the road) warrant attentional prioritization to ensure safe proceedings. In the current study, we report a novel phenomenon in which the guidance of attention is dependent on the stimuli appearing in a behaviourally relevant context. Using a driving simulator, we simulated a real-world driving task representing an overlearned behaviour for licensed drivers. While driving, participants underwent a peripheral cue-target paradigm where a roadside pedestrian avatar (target) appeared following a cylinder cue. Results revealed that, during simulated driving conditions, participants (all with driver’s licenses) showed greater attentional facilitation when pedestrians were oriented towards the road compared to away. This orientation-specific selectivity was not seen if the 3-D context was removed (Experiment 1) or the same visual scene was presented, but participants’ viewpoints remained stationary (Experiment 2), or an inanimate object served as a target during simulated driving (Experiment 3). This context-specific attention modulation likely reflects drivers’ expertise in automatically attending to behaviourally relevant information in a context-dependent manner.
Prospective evaluation of the diagnostic accuracy of FDG-PET/CT for the detection of sternal wound infection post-sternotomy
Authors: Cai Angela , Bakhshi Mehrshad , Lamarche Yoan , Harel Francois , Pelletier-Galarneau Matthieu
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Sternal wound infections (SWI) are complications of sternotomy and can be divided into deep SWI (DSWI) and superficial SWI (SSWI). In recent years, the use of 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) in diagnosing infections and inflammation has expanded significantly, with a growing number of clinical indications. This study assesses FDG-PET/CT diagnostic role in DSWI detection, the evolution of FDG uptake intensity in patients without DSWI and the potential biomarkers for DSWIs prediction.

Methods

We conducted a single center prospective study of consecutive patients referred for suspected SWI post-median sternotomy. Gold standard diagnosis was established by chart review of clinical follow-up, surgical findings, and cultures. To characterize the time between sternotomy and imaging, participants were subsequently subdivided into recent (< 3 months) or remote surgery (≥ 3 months) groups.

Results

44 FDG-PET/CT scans, 12 (27%) of which had DSWI according to the gold standard, were collected and analyzed. 20 studies were assigned to the recent group, and 24 studies to the remote surgery group. Sensitivity and specificity of FDG-PET/CT for detection of DSWI were 67% and 66%, respectively and an accuracy of 66% was obtained. Positive and negative predictive values were 42% and 84%, respectively. The NPV was higher in the remote surgery group (100%) compared to the recent surgery group (73%). SUVmax of the median sternal wound was significantly higher in the DSWI (9.3 ± 2.3) than the non-DSWI group (7.1 ± 3.0) (p = 0.025). There was however significant overlap of SUVmax between the two groups. CRP, WBC counts, and PCT levels were not significantly different between the DSWI and non-DSWI groups (p ≥ 0.34).

Conclusion

FDG-PET/CT has modest sensitivity and specificity for the detection of DSWI post-sternotomy. FDG-PET/CT results must take into account time since surgery; when PET/CT is performed more than 3 months following surgery, a negative scan can exclude DSWI with a high level of certainty.
Benign mature teratoma of the conus medullaris in a 57-year-old-female: case report and literature review
Authors: Yamba Yamba Daniel , Cissé Dramane , Hmamouche Oualid Mohammed , Lakhdar Faycal , Benzagmout Mohammed , Chakour Khalid , Chaoui Mohammed El Faiz
Published: February 2025

Background

The diagnosis of a mature teratoma in the conus medullaris is extremely rare, and few cases are reported in the literature.

Case presentation

We present a case of a 57-year-old woman who was referred from the neurology department for sudden weakness of the lower limbs. The patient has a medical history of chronic low back pain. She has normal bowel and bladder function. The neurological examination found reduced lower limb power, where the right and left proximal power were 0/5 and 2/5, respectively. Spinal cord MRI was performed, showing a well-delineated intramedullary mass at the level of the conus medullaris. Emergent surgery was performed using a surgical microscope, and the patient underwent a total resection of the tumor after T12–L2 bilateral laminectomy. The histological results were consistent with a benign mature teratoma and no additional postoperative neurological deficits were reported by the patient.

Conclusion

Adult’s cases of mature teratoma of the conus medullaris are extremely rare. The tumor present various symptoms primarily caused by compression, and definitive diagnosis is made by histological examination. Surgical excision is the most effective treatment, and total resection should be the aim. However, the surgical excision should be made under neurophysiological monitoring to avoid some injury to the surrounding neural tissue. Furthermore, the paucity of literature on the Adjuvant therapy for spinal teratoma is a challenge for neurosurgery for aiming of total resection.
Exploring physiological beta-hydroxybutyrate level in children treated with the classical ketogenic diet for drug-resistant epilepsy
Authors: Qiao Xiaoying , Ye Zimeng , Wen Jialun , Lin Sufang , Cao Dezhi , Chen Li , Zou Dongfang , Zou Huafang , Zhang Man , Chen Zhibin , Kwan Patrick , Scheffer Ingrid E. , Qin Jiong , Liao Jianxiang
Published: February 2025

Background

The ketogenic diet (KD) therapy is a primary treatment for drug-resistant epilepsy, and beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is the main ketone produced during KD. However, the pattern of increase in BHB levels is not well understood, and the reference range for BHB need to be defined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the BHB levels in the first three months, especially one week, after KD initiation, and to explore the physiological reference range for BHB.

Methods

In our study, a fasting initiation strategy was used for the majority of patients (252/300, 84%) who underwent fasting for 24–48 h, the rest fasted for at least 12 h. The concentration of blood BHB was measured four times a day during the first week, at one month and three months. Seizure frequency was recorded at one week, one month and three months. Responders were defined as those with a seizure reduction 50% or more compared to baseline. BHB levels were compared between responders and non-responders. The BHB levels of responders were used to calculate the reference range.

Results

A total of 300 patients were recruited, of whom 172 (57%) had accessible BHB data. BHB levels rapidly rose to 2.0 mmol/L at 19 h, peaked at 4.2 mmol/L at 43 h of therapy, and stabilized by three months. The reference range for BHB was 1.1 to 4.9 mmol/L.

Conclusions

BHB levels increased rapidly following fasting, reaching the peak at day 2, stabilizing from the end of the first week through three months. The lower reference limit for BHB to ensure KD efficacy should be set at 1.1 mmol/L.
Optimizing implant positioning in total hip arthroplasty via the direct anterior approach: The role and technique of conventional traction table and fluoroscopy
Authors: Ishii Seiya , Baba Tomonori , Hayashi Koju , Homma Yasuhiro , Muto Osamu , Ishijima Muneaki
Published: February 2025

Background

Precise implant positioning during total hip arthroplasty (THA) is an important factor influencing dislocation rate and long-term implant survival. Although a special carbon fiber traction table for THA improves the accuracy of implant positioning, it is too expensive. We aimed to report the accuracy of cup positioning and complication rate in patients undergoing THA via the direct anterior approach using a conventional noncarbon fiber traction table, which is generally used for osteosynthesis of femoral fractures.

Methods

This retrospective study included 101 patients who received primary THA via the direct anterior approach using a conventional traction table with fluoroscopy between July 2022 and October 2024. Two observers evaluated radiological outcomes using postoperative anteroposterior X-rays. The intraclass correlation coefficients of cup positioning angles were calculated (inclination: 0.92, anteversion: 0.89 for intra-observer agreement; inclination: 0.91, anteversion: 0.85 for inter-observer agreement). Complications were defined as dislocation, periprosthetic fracture, ankle fracture, implant loosening, nerve injury, surgical site infection, deep vein thrombosis, and revision surgery for any reason.

Results

Radiographic analysis showed an average cup inclination of 38.1° ± 4.1° (99.0% within Lewinnek’s safe zone). The average cup anteversion was 12.0° ± 4.7° (97.0% within Lewinnek’s safe zone). None of the patients experienced any complications.

Conclusion

The use of a conventional traction table to perform THA using fluoroscopy may not interfere with precise cup positioning. This technique, which does not require a special carbon fiber traction table for THA, could be a feasible alternative for performing THA at general hospitals.
Assessing the backwater rise of floating barriers with racks for various blockages in open channels
Authors: Zayed Mahmoud , Saleh Mahmoud
Published: February 2025

One major risk in the stream is thought to be debris. The general effects of debris spreading have a detrimental effect on water infrastructure and water activities. A rack (curtain) with float units on top is the component of a floating barrier with a rack that is used in Egypt to trap the stream debris. It is installed upstream of water structures to collect debris and protect such structures from clogging. Units of the steel barrier that float have racks that do not extend or rest to the level of the channel bed. The majority of earlier researches examined the hydraulics of trash racks; however, there is a lack of knowledge involving the hydraulic performance of floating barriers and racks with debris blocking. One hundred experiments were conducted to study the hydraulic performance of such floating barriers in open channels, regarding the effects of discharges, flow depths, and blockage rack ratios which was defined as the rack blocked area relative to the projected area of the rack. The findings show that backwater rise (Δh) increased through the rack with increasing Froude numbers and rack blockage ratio. Whilst, increasing water depth caused a decrease in Δh at a constant blockage ratio of the rack. A new equation is developed with the tested parameters to predict Δh of floating barrier with rack for the range of 0.013 ≤ F

o
 ≤ 0.077, 0.25 ≤ B

r
 ≤ 1, and 0.063 ≤ B

c
 ≤ 0.40. The developed Δh values for the tested limits and flow conditions were considered minor in terms of practical applicability, with Δh ≤ 100 mm in the prototype. Consequently, this type of floating barrier is considered the optimal choice for trapping debris before reaching the body of the structure, serving as a primary line of defense.
Real-World Evidence of Combination Therapy Use in Metastatic Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer in the United States From 2017 to 2023
Authors: Raval Amit D. , Lunacsek Orsolya , Korn Matthew J. , Littleton Natasha , Constantinovici Niculae , George Daniel J.
Published: February 2025

PURPOSE

Treatment of metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) has evolved with robust clinical trial evidence on the benefits of combining androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) with androgen receptor pathway inhibitors (ARPIs; abiraterone, apalutamide, darolutamide, and enzalutamide) and/or docetaxel (DOC). To understand current treatment approaches in clinical practice, we examined combined therapy for mHSPC in US real-world practice.

METHODS

This retrospective study used administrative claims in the Komodo Research Dataset (January 2016-September 2023). Individuals with mHSPC were identified on the basis of their earliest claim for metastasis on/after prostate cancer diagnosis date without evidence of castration resistance. Index date was the earliest ADT claim after mHSPC. Combination therapy included the addition of ARPI, DOC, or both to ADT within 4 months of index date. Multinomial regression was used to examine factors associated with combination therapy.

RESULTS

Study population consisted of 10,717 individuals, with a median age of 65 years and a majority of de novo mHSPC cases at diagnosis (62%). Overall, 28% received combination therapy with ARPI (18% abiraterone; 10% apalutamide, darolutamide, or enzalutamide), 9% with DOC, and 2.5% with ARPI plus DOC. From 2017 to 2023, combined hormonal therapy with ARPI increased from 13% to 47% and with ARPI plus DOC from 0.8% to 15%, whereas use of ADT plus DOC declined from 12% to 3% and ADT alone from 74% to 36%. Key factors associated with combination therapy were younger age, fewer chronic comorbidities, de novo mHSPC, and bone metastases.

CONCLUSION

Although one third of men received ADT alone in 2023, the use of combination hormonal therapy with ARPI and/or DOC increased between 2017 and 2023, highlighting uptake of guideline-recommended treatment, driven by available clinical evidence, disease burden, and tolerability.
Size-specific strategies of sympatric cetaceans to reduce heat loss
Authors: Glarou Maria , Rasmussen Marianne Helene , Poldner Alyssa , Ruppert Silva Naomi Sophie , Sotiropoulou Dido , Sadozai Zaynab , Jarzynowska Małgorzata , Iversen Maria Refsgaard , Sigurðsson Guðjón Már , Halldórsson Sverrir Daníel , Chosson Valerie , Clapham Phillip J. , Ivashchenko Yulia , Tormosov Dmitry , Christiansen Fredrik
Published: February 2025

Maintaining a stable core body temperature is essential for endotherms. Cetaceans live in a highly thermally conductive medium, requiring special adaptations to reduce heat loss and maintain homeothermy. We employed a combination of aerial photogrammetry and existing data sources to estimate heat loss rates in five sympatric cetaceans of varying sizes, inhabiting the sub-arctic waters (∼3.7 °C) of NE-Iceland: harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena, 1.0 - 1.6 m, n=50), white-beaked dolphins (Lagenorhynchus albirostris, 1.1 - 2.9 m, n=294), minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata, 4.4 - 8.6 m, n=30), humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae, 6.0 - 14.2 m, n=282) and blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus, 13.2 - 24.2 m, n=29). Further, we investigated the effect of body size (length), body shape (surface-area-to-volume ratio, SVR), body temperature, and blubber thermal conductivity and thickness on heat loss for all species. Smaller species had higher volume-specific heat loss compared to larger species due to their higher SVRs, a fundamental consequence of scaling. Apart from body size, blubber thickness had the largest effect on heat loss, followed by thermal conductivity. Smaller cetaceans seem to rely primarily on physiological and morphological adaptations to reduce heat loss, such as increased blubber thickness and lower thermal conductivity, whereas larger species offset heat loss by having larger bodies and lower SVRs. Our findings provide valuable insights into the thermal biology of these species and its implications for habitat use and prey requirements.
Personalized Injury Risk Assessment and Exercise Prescription Based on Tendon Strain
Authors: Mersmann Falk , Bohm Sebastian , Domroes Theresa , Weidlich Kolja , Arampatzis Adamantios
Published: February 2025

Tendon strain determines the mechanical demand on a tendon and regulates the metabolic and structural response. Imbalances of muscle strength and tendon stiffness can substantially change tendon operating strain, affecting the individual consequences of loading. Such imbalances can be identified based on maximum tendon strain during fixed-end contractions, with implications for a personalized assessment of injury risk and exercise prescription.