bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
UK-based clinical testing programme for somatic and germlineBRCA1/2, ATMandCDK12mutations in prostate cancer: first results
Authors: Evans D Gareth , Burghel George , Schlecht Helene , Sachdeva Ashwin , Hudson Andrew , Parikh Omi , Lalloo Fiona , Bristow Robert , Woodward Emma R 
Published: February 2025

ObjectiveGermlineBRCA2pathogenic variants (PVs) are known to cause ~4% of prostate cancer, but other homologous repair genes,BRCA1, ATM, PALB2and Lynch syndrome genes are also involved. Our objective was to assess the contribution of germline and somatic gene variants to prostate cancer.Methods and analysisWe reviewed germline/tumour DNA testing from 450 localised or metastatic prostate cancer cases in NW England mainly from 2022 to 2024. ORs for additional genes used detection rates in controls from the BRIDGES study.Results450 cases underwentBRCA1/2germline/somatic testing with 2 germline PVs inBRCA1(0.4%) and 27 inBRCA2(6.0%)—total 6.4% and 6/328 (1.8%) inATM. There were 280 metastatic prostate cancer samples tested with 11 (4%) somaticBRCA2and 7 (2.7%) somaticATMidentified with 1 somaticBRCA1. Total PVs inBRCA2were 31/280 (11%), including germline and indeterminate.CDK12somatic PVs were found in 9/220 (4.1%), including 2 digenic withBRCA2and 2 which were biallelic.ConclusionIn this continuous clinical evaluation,BRCA2is the most frequently identified prostate cancer gene with over 10% involvement in metastatic disease.BRCA2andCDK12somatic PVs do not appear to be mutually exclusive.BRCA1does not appear to be a significant contributor to prostate cancer progression.
Depression among individuals with disabilities: a community-based cross-sectional study in Nepal
Authors: Ghimire Apekshya , Mishra Durga Kumari Khadka 
Published: February 2025

ObjectiveTo assess the prevalence of depression and its associated factors among individuals with disabilities.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingCommunity-based study conducted in Ilam municipality, Nepal, from October to November 2019.ParticipantsThe study was conducted among 164 people with physical, hearing and vision-related disabilities. Participants were selected through a simple random sampling method using the sampling frame obtained from Ilam municipality.Main outcome measureDepression and its associated factors among people with disabilities. Depression was assessed via a validated Nepali version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Data collection was based on a pretested structured questionnaire.ResultsThe prevalence of depression was 39% among people with disabilities, and 29.9% of the respondents were in borderline depression. In an unadjusted analysis, depression was significantly (p<0.05) associated with comorbidities, absence of medical intervention, severe disabilities and disabilities acquired at birth. After adjusting for individual-level factors (age, sex, education, employment and physical activities), the level of disability and treatment accessibility were significantly associated with depression. After adjusting for family and community-level factors (economic status, experience of violence and social participation), depression remained significantly associated (p<0.05) with having comorbidities, absence of medical intervention and presence of very severe disabilities. When adjusting for both individual-level and community-level factors, the level of disability continued to show a significant association with depression (OR 6.36 (moderate vs mild), 2.11 (severe vs mild) and 13.3 (very severe vs mild), overall p-value of 0.045). Across all three adjusted models, the level of disability was significantly associated with depression (p<0.05).ConclusionDepression is one of the major global public health concerns, with people with disabilities being particularly vulnerable. Ensuring the health and well-being of people with disabilities requires focused attention and strategic planning, emphasising disease prevention, health promotion and improved access to care.
Accuracy of machine learning methods in predicting prognosis of patients with psychotic spectrum disorders: a systematic review
Authors: Tay Jing Ling , Ang Yun Ling , Tam Wilson W S , Sim Kang 
Published: February 2025

ObjectivesWe aimed to examine the predictive accuracy of functioning, relapse or remission among patients with psychotic disorders, using machine learning methods. We also identified specific features that were associated with these clinical outcomes.DesignThe methodology of this review was guided by the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Diagnostic Test Accuracy.Data sourcesCINAHL, EMBASE, PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus and ScienceDirect were searched for relevant articles from database inception until 21 November 2024.Eligibility criteriaStudies were included if they involved the use of machine learning methods to predict functioning, relapse and/or remission among individuals with psychotic spectrum disorders.Data extraction and synthesisTwo independent reviewers screened the records from the database search. Risk of bias was evaluated using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool from Cochrane. Synthesised findings were presented in tables.Results23 studies were included in the review, which were mostly conducted in the west (91%). Predictive summary area under the curve values for functioning, relapse and remission were 0.63–0.92 (poor to outstanding), 0.45–0.95 (poor to outstanding), 0.70–0.79 (acceptable), respectively. Logistic regression and random forest were the best performing algorithms. Factors influencing outcomes included demographic (age, ethnicity), illness (duration of untreated illness, types of symptoms), functioning (baseline functioning, interpersonal relationships and activity engagement), treatment variables (use of higher doses of antipsychotics, electroconvulsive therapy), data from passive sensor (call log, distance travelled, time spent in certain locations) and online activities (time of use, use of certain words, changes in search frequencies and length of queries).ConclusionMachine learning methods show promise in the prediction of prognosis (specifically functioning, relapse and remission) of mental disorders based on relevant collected variables. Future machine learning studies may want to focus on the inclusion of a broader swathe of variables including ecological momentary assessments, with a greater amount of good quality big data covering longer longitudinal illness courses and coupled with external validation of study findings.PROSPERO registration numberThe review was registered on PROSPERO, ID: CRD42023441108.
Optimising timely and safe oxygen delivery systems for enhanced patient care: a quality improvement project at Wallaga University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, 2024
Authors: Bayisa Gedefa , Edessa Dechassa , Limenu Kebena , Deyasa Meskerem , Gobana Ganna , Obsa Dereje , Tilahun Temesgen , Enkossa Gurmessa , Takele Amsalu , Gonfaa Lammii , Abera Tsega , Dereje Olbirat , Regasa Misganu Teshoma 
Published: February 2025

In a hospital setting, the supply and utilisation of oxygen are crucial for high-quality healthcare. This quality improvement project aimed to increase the rate of timely and safe oxygen delivery from 30% to 75% at Wallaga University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from 1 January to 30 June 2024.Using the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle, the project team identified root causes through fishbone and driver diagrams. Key interventions included staff orientation on safe handling of oxygen devices, clear job descriptions for compliance, improved handover processes between shifts, regular maintenance and inventory checks, increasing the number of oxygen cylinders, using hospital vehicles for transport and establishing a communication system with suppliers for timely requests.Results showed that the inventory of regular oxygen delivery devices improved to 76%, with equipment checks conducted 65% of the time. Emergency preparedness reached 20%, and onsite training for staff achieved 75%. Oxygen usage monitoring was nearly perfect at 99%, with delivery times reduced to 1 day for 70% of orders. A standard protocol for oxygen supply and use was established, resulting in a significant increase in timely and safe oxygen delivery from 30% to 75%.This project effectively optimised oxygen supply management, highlighting the importance of proactive management, communication and continuous monitoring in building a reliable oxygen therapy service. Improvements in inventory management and delivery efficiency were facilitated by a dedicated dashboard, standardised operating procedures and comprehensive staff training.
Melatonin supplementation and oxidative DNA damage repair capacity among night shift workers: a randomised placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Zanif Umaimah , Lai Agnes S , Parks Jaclyn , Roenningen Aina , McLeod Christopher B , Ayas Najib , Wang Xiangtian , Lin Yan , Zhang Junfeng (Jim) , Bhatti Parveen 
Published: February 2025

ObjectivesA decreased ability to repair oxidative DNA damage, due to melatonin suppression, is a compelling mechanism by which night shift workers are at an increased risk of cancer. We sought to determine if melatonin supplementation would improve oxidative DNA damage repair among night shift workers.MethodsWe conducted a parallel-arm randomised placebo-controlled trial of melatonin supplementation among 40 night shift workers. Supplements were consumed before engaging in day sleep over a 4-week period. All urine excreted during a representative day sleep and night work period before and during the intervention period was collected for measurement of creatinine-adjusted 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG) as an indicator of oxidative DNA damage repair capacity, with higher concentrations indicating better repair. Linear regression models were used to analyse the association between ln-transformed 8-OH-dG concentration and intervention status during day sleep and night work.ResultsThe melatonin intervention was associated with a borderline statistically significant 1.8-fold increase in urinary 8-OH-dG excretion during day sleep (95% CI 1.0, 3.2, p=0.06). No statistically significant difference in 8-OH-dG excretion was observed during the subsequent night shift (melatonin vs placebo excretion ratio=0.9; 95% CI 0.6, 1.5; p=0.7).ConclusionsOur results suggest that melatonin supplementation improves oxidative DNA damage repair capacity among night shift workers. Future larger-scale trials are needed to evaluate the impact of varying doses of melatonin supplements and examine the impacts of longer-term use of melatonin supplements by night shift workers.
Vitamin D levels in Portuguese Navy military personnel: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Henriques Moisés , Serranheira Florentino , Viegas Susana , Sacadura-Leite Ema 
Published: February 2025

ObjectivesEvaluate vitamin D levels in Portuguese active-duty Navy military personnel during winter and explore the relationship between Navy occupational settings and vitamin D levels, as well as between vitamin D levels and fatigue, sleep health, and burnout.MethodsAll active-duty Navy military personnel who collected a blood sample at the Naval Medicine Centre during the winter of 2023–2024 were included in a cross-sectional study. Serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25(OH)D), calcium, phosphorus and parathyroid hormone were added to their analysis request. They were asked to complete a questionnaire that included questions about work, sun exposure, vitamin D-rich foods and/or vitamin D supplements or medication intake, fatigue, sleep health and burnout. Blood samples were processed at the Clinical Pathology Service of the Portuguese Armed Forces Hospital. T-test/median test and z-test were applied to compare homologous means/medians and prevalences, respectively.ResultsOf the 735 participants, 42.2%, 41.1% and 16.7% were vitamin D deficient, insufficient and sufficient, respectively. The median serum 25(OH)D level was significantly lower (p<0.001), and vitamin D deficiency prevalence was significantly higher (p=0.000) in ‘onboard’ and ‘indoors’ groups, as well as in the ‘mixed shifts’ group (p=0.030; p=0.004). Median serum 25(OH)D level was not statistically different between groups with and without fatigue, poor sleep health, and personal or work-related burnout.ConclusionsThe high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in a sample of Portuguese active-duty Navy military personnel, during winter, especially those working onboard, indoors and with mixed shifts, must be addressed by Navy occupational health services. Future research should include submariners.
Effects of external gravitational field on highly rarefied gases: analysis based on stochastic soft-sphere collision models
Authors: Tsuzuki Satori 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This study examines the effects of an external gravitational field on highly rarefied gases in the transitional-flow regime near the free-molecular-flow regime. In our theoretical study, we rederive the classical kinetic theory for an ideal gas in terms of the kinetics of the constituent particles to account for the effect of particle acceleration by an external gravitational field. Subsequently, we derive an extended expression for the virial pressure equation as a generic description of the dynamics under an external gravitational field. We employ the soft-sphere model for the following reasons: In highly rarefied gases, short-range and instantaneous collisional interactions are dominant. Thus, by expanding the asymmetric two-body potential in the virial pressure equation and retaining only the contribution of the short-range interaction, we can obtain a soft-sphere model that represents the interaction in the collision direction as a harmonic oscillation. In the absence of dissipation, the soft-sphere model has been confirmed to reproduce fully elastic collisions. In our collision simulations, we define two parameters. The first parameter represents the collision probability between each pair of approaching particles, and the second represents the ratio of the magnitude of the external potential energy to the total kinetic energy of the particles. The behavior of the system is analyzed by varying the values of these two parameters. Our analysis shows that if the external potential energy is sufficiently small (1%–5%) compared with the total kinetic energy, then a pressure difference emerges between the walls. However, the system retains the properties of equilibrium statistical mechanics, as indicated by the Maxwell–Boltzmann (MB) distribution. In conclusion, highly rarefied gases obey the MB distribution even when placed under weak gravitational fields.
Alternative pipeline for option pricing using quantum computers
Authors: Manzano Alberto , Ferro Gonzalo , Leitao Álvaro , Vázquez Carlos , Gómez Andrés 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
In this work we present an alternative methodology to the standard Quantum Accelerated Monte Carlo (QAMC) applied to derivatives pricing. Our pipeline benefits from the combination of a new encoding protocol, referred to as the direct encoding, and an amplitude estimation algorithm, the modified Real Quantum Amplitude Estimation (mRQAE) algorithm. On the one hand, the direct encoding prepares a quantum state which contains the information about the sign of the expected payoff. On the other hand, the mRQAE is able to read all the information contained in the quantum state. Although the procedure we describe is different from the standard one, the main building blocks are almost the same. Thus, all the extensive research that has been performed is still applicable. Moreover, we experimentally compare the performance of the proposed methodology against the standard QAMC employing a quantum emulator and show that we retain the speedups.
Multicenter Results of a Novel Pediatric Pacemaker in Neonates and Infants
Authors: Berul Charles I. , Haack Lindsey , Sherwin Elizabeth D. , Whitehill Robert D. , Nash Dustin , Dasgupta Soham , Johnsrude Christopher , Chandler Stephanie F. , LeGras Marc D. , Clark Bradley C. , Jimenez Erick , Giacone Heather M. , Ceresnak Scott , Goya Garbiñe , Jackson Lanier B. , Pham Tam Dan , Valdes Santiago O. , Rhee Edward , Brucker Rachel , Olson Sonja , Whitman Teri 
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND:
To address the unmet need for a smaller pacemaker for babies, a specially modified implantable pulse generator was developed containing a Medtronic Micra subassembly in a polymer header connecting to a bipolar epicardial lead. The aim of this study was to report midterm follow-up data and outcomes of patients who underwent implantation of this device.

METHODS:
Deidentified data were collected from 12 of 15 sites in the United States implanting the pediatric implantable pulse generator between March 2022 and February 2024. All 29 patients at these 12 sites within this timeframe were included in the analysis.

RESULTS:
The median age at implant was 15 days (range, 0 days to 3 years, including 1 outlier). The median weight was 2.3 kg (range, 1.3–11.4 kg). Gestational age was 28.5 weeks to term, with 23 (79%) patients born prematurely. Of those with anatomic information, 25% had congenital heart disease. The average duration of implant was 325 days (73–808days). The most recent lead impedance mean was 612 ohms (450–840 ohms), ventricular capture threshold mean was 1 V @ 0.4 ms (range, 0.38–2.75 V), and R-wave sensing mean was 12.5 mV (3.6–20 mV). There were 7 generator explants (24%), removed at 6.5 to 31 months of age.

CONCLUSIONS:
The pediatric implantable pulse generator can be safely implanted in neonates and infants. This multicenter report demonstrates that the devices remain stable, with effective pacing, normal electrical parameters, and battery longevity aligned with projections. This novel pediatric pacemaker provides a viable alternative to standard-size generators and addresses a vital unmet need for these small patients.
Succinylation of SERCA2a at K352 Promotes Its Ubiquitinoylation and Degradation by Proteasomes in Sepsis-Induced Heart Dysfunction
Authors: Yang Ni , Li Linus , Shi Xiao-Lu , Liu Yong-Ping , Wen Ri , Yang Yu-Hang , Zhang Tao , Yang Xin-Ru , Xu Yang-Fan , Liu Chun-Feng , Ning Wanshan , Zhang Tie-Ning 
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND:

Intracellular Ca
2+
cycling governs effective myocardial systolic contraction and diastolic relaxation. SERCA2a (sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca
2+
ATPase type 2a), which plays a crucial role in controlling intracellular Ca
2+
signaling and myocardial cell function, is downregulated and inactivated during sepsis-induced heart dysfunction. However, the cause of this dysregulation remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of lysine succinylation in lipopolysaccharide-induced septic heart dysfunction through global succinylome analysis of myocardial tissues from septic rats.

METHODS:

We conducted a succinylome profiling and developed a protein language model–based framework to prioritize succinylation at a functionally important site, and further analysis revealed crosstalk between ubiquitination and succinylation of SERCA2a. The succinylation of SERCA2a in septic rats or lipopolysaccharide-treated cells were detected by co-immunoprecipitation. Thereafter, a desuccinylated SERCA2a
K352R
was introduced and its function and stability were determined by Ca
2+
transient and Western blot, respectively. Meanwhile, the effect on SERCA2a
K352R
on heart function was assessed in vivo by echocardiography and hemodynamics.

RESULTS:
We identified 10 324 succinylated lysine sites in heart tissues, including 1042 differentially succinylated lysine sites, in response to lipopolysaccharide. SERCA2a was hypersuccinylated in the myocardial tissues of septic rats and lipopolysaccharide-treated cardiomyocytes. Increased ubiquitination level, reduced protein level, and activity of SERCA2a were observed, along with increased succinylation of SERCA2a in vivo and in vitro. K352 was essential for SERCA2a succinylation, which reduced SERCA2a protein level by promoting formation of the K48 ubiquitin chain on SERCA2a and its degradation by proteasomes. Co-immunoprecipitation combined with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry identified that SIRT2 (sirtuin2), a deacylase, exhibited interaction with SERCA2a. Furthermore, SIRT2 decreased K352 succinylation of SERCA2a, suggesting that SIRT2 may function as a desuccinylase for SERCA2a.

CONCLUSIONS:
Succinylation of SERCA2a at K352, which was controlled by SIRT2, promotes its ubiquitinoylation and degradation by proteasomes in sepsis-induced heart dysfunction.
Acute Intermittent Hypoxia in People Living With Chronic Stroke: A Case Series
Authors: Pearcey Gregory E.P. , Barry Alexander J. , Sandhu Milap S. , Carroll Timothy J. , Roth Elliot J. , Rymer W. Zev 
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND:
Acute intermittent hypoxia (AIH) is a novel therapeutic intervention that facilitates recovery of function, but the tolerability and effectiveness have not been tested in people living with chronic stroke. The purpose here was to examine whether AIH is tolerable and effective in this population.

METHODS:
Ten participants with a unilateral, hemispheric stroke were assessed before and after 4 sessions of AIH separated by ≥48 hours in a case series at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (Chicago). Physician-assessed signs and symptoms (assessed via: repeated symptom reviews, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, cranial nerve assessment, a muscle strength test, the Brunnstrom scale, sensory changes, reflexes, assessment of heart and lung status, Fugl-Meyer test, Chedoke-McMaster Stroke Assessment, Modified Ashworth Scale for Spasticity, and Delis Kaplan Executive Function System Color-Word Interference Test) and bilateral upper limb strength (grip and elbow flexion) were assessed before, ≈15 to 30 minutes, and ≈60 minutes after the intervention.

RESULTS:
AIH was well-tolerated and there were no adverse events observed. After AIH, grip strength (12.91% and 16.53% improvement at 30 and 60 minutes post-AIH, respectively) and elbow flexion force (5.87% and 7.01% improvement at 30 and 60 minutes post-AIH, respectively) improved in the more-affected limb.

CONCLUSIONS:
AIH is potentially safe and effective for improving strength in the more-affected limb in people living with hemiparetic stroke. Future work should explore the use of AIH to enhance task-specific training-induced plasticity.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT04019522.