bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cost-effectiveness of trans-abdominal ultrasound for gallbladder cancer surveillance in patients with gallbladder polyps less than 10 mm in the United Kingdom
Authors: Lowin Julia , Sewell Bernadette , Prettyjohns Matthew , Farr Angela , Foley Kieran G 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Objectives
Gallbladder polyps (GBPs) are commonly detected with trans-abdominal ultrasound (TAUS). Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is associated with GBPs but the risk of malignancy is low. International guidelines recommend ultrasound surveillance (USS) in selected cases of GBPs &lt;10 mm, with cholecystectomy advised if the polyp size increases. USS (including potential cholecystectomies) is resource intense. We evaluated the costs and potential cost-effectiveness of USS in a theoretical UK patient cohort with GBPs.

Methods
A health economic model mapped expected management pathways over 2 years for 1000 GBP patients with and without USS, stratified by the initial size of GBP (&lt;6 mm and 6–9 mm). We estimated USS resource and costs under alternate referral thresholds for cholecystectomy. Clinical data were extracted from a large-scale cohort study. TAUS and cholecystectomy costs were based on NHS tariffs. GBC costs were estimated from the literature. Outcomes included USS costs, expected numbers of GBC, and incremental cost for each case of GBC avoided.

Results
The 2-year additional cohort costs of USS (n = number of cholecystectomies) were estimated between £213 441 (n = 50) and £750 045 (n = 253) in GBPs &lt;6 mm and between £420 275 (n = 165) and £531 297 (n = 207) in GBPs 6–9 mm, balanced against avoidance of 1.3 (&lt;6 mm) and 8.7 (6–9 mm) cases of GBC. Model findings were robust to plausible changes in inputs.

Conclusions
Using published data, we demonstrated that, in patients with GBPs &lt;10 mm, the costs of USS to avoid GBC outweigh potential GBC cost offsets and would result in high rates of cholecystectomy. Additional evidence is needed to establish the formal cost-effectiveness of GBP USS in the UK.

Advances in knowledge
• We developed a health economic model, based on published data, to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of guideline-recommended ultrasound surveillance (USS) in patients with gallbladder polyps measuring less than 10 mm in the UK.
• The analysis provides a transparent platform to explore potential numbers of trans-abdominal ultrasound studies and cholecystectomies that might be expected if USS protocols are adhered to and discovers important gaps in current evidence that could be filled by additional targeted research.
Integrating genome-wide association studies and transcriptomics prioritizes drug targets for meningioma
Authors: Liao Wan-Zhe , Wang Jia-He , Zhong Hua-Jie , Wen Shen-Yu , Chen Yang , Chen Jia-Qi , Zhang Xue-Kun , Wu Xin-Yi , Tan Jia-Nuo , Li Kun-Yi , Mo Shao-Cong , Wang Li-Jun 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Meningioma, a prevalent central nervous system tumor, presents a significant challenge in neuro-oncology. This study harnesses genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and transcriptomic analysis to illuminate the pathological underpinnings of meningioma and spearhead the discovery of novel drug targets. By employing Summary-data-based Mendelian Randomization (SMR), colocalization analyses, and Mendelian randomization, we pinpointed four genes as pivotal therapeutic targets. The integration of bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing confirmed the upregulated expression of three of the genes (XBP1, TTC28, and TRPC6) in meningioma tissues, unraveling their cellular distribution and hinting at the tumor's intrinsic heterogeneity. Molecular docking further identified dexamethasone and levonorgestrel as potential modulators of these targets, paving the way for personalized meningioma treatment strategies. This research advances our understanding of meningioma's molecular landscape and illustrates the power of genomic and transcriptomic integration in the realm of precision oncology.
A novel technique for non- invasive diagnosis of different skin conditions herpes virus-related
Authors: Verzì Anna Elisa , Lacarrubba Francesco , Dimarco Stefano , Micali Giuseppe 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Line-field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC-OCT) is a new noninvasive imaging technique that provides high-resolution skin imaging close to histopathology.

Objectives
The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of LC-OCT in the diagnosis of herpes virus skin infections.

Methods
Patients with a clinical or anamnestic suspicion of herpes virus infection underwent LC-OCT evaluation followed by Tzanck test. The examinations were performed in a blinded manner by different dermatologists.

Results
A total of 72 patients (M: 38; F: 34; age range: 13-84) were evaluated. In 57 cases, LC-OCT allowed the recognition of the typical herpetic intraepidermal vesicles containing giant, ballooning/multinucleated cells, as confirmed by Tzanck test. The final diagnosis was herpes simplex in 16 cases, herpes zoster in 31 cases, chickenpox in 8 cases, and Kaposi varicelliform eruption in 2 cases. In the remaining 15 cases, both LC-OCT and Tzanck test excluded the diagnosis of herpetic infections.

Conclusions
Although the diagnosis of herpes virus skin infections is generally clinical, in minimal and/or atypical cases, LC-OCT could be a rapid and valid alternative to semi-invasive/invasive and time-consuming procedures, such as Tzanck test, viral cultures, PCR, or histopathology.
Gender differences of the brain structures in young high-altitude Tibetans
Authors: Zhang Xinjuan , Fan Cunxiu , Liu Yanqiu , Zhao Cunhua , Zhao Yuhua , Yin Wu , Lin Jianzhong , Zhang Jiaxing 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Gender differences in adaptation to high-altitude environments are evident, but the specific patterns in Tibetan brains remain unclear. We analyzed T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging scans and neuropsychological test results from 61 male and 68 female Tibetans, with lowland Han participants as controls. Tibetan females had poorer performance than males in digit serial accumulation and forward digit span. Both Tibetan and Han males had significantly larger global gray matter volume and white matter volume than females, only Tibetan female brains contained a larger proportion of gray matter than male brains. Tibetan females (vs. males) had smaller regional gray matter volume in the left rostral middle frontal gyrus and pars opercularis and right caudal middle frontal gyrus, and gray matter volume in the left pars opercularis in all Tibetans had a significant positive correlation with forward digit span. Conversely, Tibetan females had greater cortical thickness in these regions, which negatively correlated with altitude. Han populations exhibited different gender-based patterns in gray matter volume and cortical thickness compared to Tibetans. These findings suggest that Tibetan female brains are more susceptible to high-altitude, and the observed gender differences in brain volume may relate to distinct neuropsychological performances.
Incomplete Kawasaki Disease Complicated by Coronary Aneurysm: A Case Report
Authors: Coelho Mariana Caetano , Ferreira Fernando , Castelo Alexandra , Reis João , Ferreira Rui Cruz 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Kawasaki disease is a vasculitis affecting medium-sized vessels, particularly coronary arteries, and is a leading cause of acquired heart disease in children. It is diagnosed clinically based on prolonged fever and specific symptoms. We present a case of incomplete Kawasaki disease, highlighting how it can result in delayed diagnosis and elevate the risk of coronary artery aneurysms.

Case summary
A 31-year-old patient with an unrecognized history of Kawasaki disease presented to the emergency department with symptoms of angina. Imaging revealed significant coronary artery aneurysms, and he successfully underwent coronary artery bypass grafting.

Discussion
Early recognition and treatment of Kawasaki disease are crucial to prevent serious complications like coronary artery aneurysms.
Sex-specific associations between total cholesterol and non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and the presence and extent of coronary artery calcifications
Authors: Leth Kasper Westphal , Dalgård Christine , Gerke Oke , Lindholt Jes S , Lambrechtsen Jess , Frost Lars , Karon Marek , Egstrup Kenneth , Busk Martin , Diederichsen Axel C P 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Aims
Investigate sex-specific associations between total cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol (non-HDL-C), and the burden of atherosclerosis assessed by coronary artery calcium (CAC) score.

Methods and results
A total of 10 049 participants (women: 958, men: 9091) aged 49–75 years, without known cardiovascular disease (CVD) or current use of lipid-lowering medication, were included from the Danish Risk Score study and the Danish Cardiovascular Screening Trial cohorts. Logistic regression models and zero-inflated negative binomial regression models were used to estimate odds ratio (OR), the incidence rate ratio (IRR), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between total cholesterol, non-HDL-C, and CAC presence (CAC &gt; 0) and extent. All analyses were adjusted for age, body mass index, diabetes, smoking, hypertension, and family history of CVD. The OR for presence of CAC and total cholesterol was 1.09 (95% CI: 0.94–1.27) in women and 1.26 (95% CI: 1.19–1.33) in men. The OR for presence of CAC and non-HDL-C was 1.12 (95% CI: 0.96–1.29) in women and 1.25 (95% CI: 1.18–1.33) in men. No significant association between increased total cholesterol and extent of CAC was found, regardless of sex (women: IRR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.83–1.19; men: IRR: 1.04; 95% CI: 0.997–1.07). Non-HDL-C was significantly associated with extent of CAC in men (IRR: 1.04; 95% CI: 1.001–1.08) but not in women (IRR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.78–1.12).

Conclusion
Total cholesterol was associated with presence of CAC, and non-HDL-Cs were associated with presence and extent of the CAC score in men. No association by total cholesterol or non-HDL-C was found among women.
Limited similarity in microbial composition among coral reef fishes from the Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Authors: Costa Vincenzo A , Bellwood David R , Mifsud Jonathon C O , Geoghegan Jemma L , Harvey Erin , Holmes Edward C 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Reef fishes exhibit enormous biodiversity within a highly interactive ecosystem. Relatively little is known about the diversity and evolution of microbial species associated with reef fish, even though this may provide valuable insights into the factors that shape microbial communities. Through metatranscriptomic sequencing we characterised the viruses, bacteria, and single-celled eukaryotes from 126 reef fish species inhabiting Lizard Island and Orpheus Island on the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. We assessed whether microbial communities differed between islands that are separated by 450 kilometres, and to what extent fish viruses emerge in new hosts. Despite strong ecological interactions within the species-rich reef environment, and the presence of the same families of viruses on both islands, there was minimal evidence for the presence of individual viruses shared among fish species, reflecting low levels of cross-species transmission. Among bacteria, we identified the opportunistic bacterial pathogen Photobacterium damselae in apparently healthy cardinalfish species from both islands, indicating that these fish species are natural reservoirs. These data suggest that reef fishes have microbial-host associations that arose prior to the formation of the Great Barrier Reef, likely leading to strong host barriers to cross-species transmission and hence infectious disease emergence.
How Does Age Matter? Investigating Financial Strain, Health, and Well-Being among Adults Who Need Long-Term Services and Supports
Authors: Chen Lei , Kietzman Kathryn 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Being or becoming disabled over the life course can have profound effects on one’s financial well-being and health-related quality of life. Adults of different ages and abilities who need long-term services and supports (LTSS) may perceive and experience financial strain and its impact on their health and well-being differently. Yet research on LTSS has typically studied defined age groups separately. This study explores how age may differentiate the associations between disability status, financial strain, and the subjective health and well-being of adults with LTSS needs in California.

Research Design and Methods
Using representative population-level data from the 2019-2020 California Long-Term Services and Supports survey, merged with data from the California Health Interview Survey (N = 2,030), descriptive and conditional process analyses were applied to answer the primary research questions.

Results
Findings indicate that young and middle-aged adults with LTSS needs struggled more than older adults to make financial ends meet. Middle-aged and older adults reported worse self-rated health, while younger adults were more likely to experience serious psychological distress. The indirect effects of difficulty in performing instrumental activities of daily living and the experience of serious psychological distress through financial strain were significant for young and middle-aged adults but not significant for older adults.

Discussion and Implications
These findings suggest the need to calibrate services to be more responsive to diverse experiences of disability, and to reset aging and disability silos to create coordinated LTSS networks for people with disabilities of all ages.
Interlaboratory testing of thermal properties at ambient pressure on reference samples and core samples from the COSC-1 scientific drill hole, central Sweden
Authors: Löwe R , Renner J , Pascal C , Adl-Zarrabi B , Balling N , Bording T S , Long M , Schwarz G , Sundberg J 
Published: February 2025

SUMMARY
We conducted comparative measurements of thermal properties of samples from nine cores of the ICDP COSC-1 borehole and four widely used rock references, using a steady-state and a transient divided-bar device, a transient plane source device, a modified Ångström device, as well as two optical thermal conductivity scanners. In addition, a caloric method provided benchmark values for specific heat capacity. A complementary thin-section analysis of the COSC-1 samples allowed us to calculate specific heat capacity according to Kopp’s law and thermal conductivity according to commonly used mixing models. Our results demonstrate agreement between the various test methods within $\pm 10$ per cent for about one half of the investigated samples. Furthermore, almost all results for specific heat capacity agree with the predictions of Kopp’s law, though the significance of this correspondence is limited owing to large uncertainties in the experimental and theoretical values. The results for thermal conductivity fall within the most extreme theoretical bounds that account for anisotropy but for an amphibolite. Thermal anisotropy seems to contribute significantly to the deviations between results of the different transient methods that, however, cannot be reconciled by the available theoretical relations for apparent thermal conductivity of transversely isotropic materials. The combination of characteristic investigation volume of the individual methods and sample heterogeneity has to be considered responsible for variability of results, too, an issue whose clarification is calling for dedicated numerical modelling in the future, with the prospect to characterize thermal heterogeneity from observed differences.
Wo interacts with SlTCP25 to regulate type I trichome branching in tomato
Authors: Wang Junqiang , Yuan Shoujuan , Zhao Yihao , Shu Xin , Liu Zhiling , Wang Taotao , Ye Zhibiao , Yang Changxian 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Plant trichomes serve as a protective barrier against various stresses. Although the molecular mechanisms governing the initiation of trichomes have been extensively studied, the regulatory pathways underlying the trichome branching in tomato remain elusive. Here, we found that Woolly (Wo) mutant and its overexpression transgenic plants displayed branched type I trichomes. The expression level of SlTCP25, a transcription factor of type TB1 of the TCP subfamily, was obviously decreased in Wo mutant and Wo overexpressing lines. Knockout of SlTCP25 resulted in the formation of type I trichome branches on the hypocotyls. Genetic evidence showed that SlTCP25 is epistatic to Wo in the branched trichome formation. Biochemical data further indicated that Wo can directly bind to the L1-box cis-element in the SlTCP25 promoter and repress its transcription. We further determined that SlTCP25 interacts with Wo to weaken Wo-regulated the expression of SlCycB2, a trichome branching inhibitor. In addition, the number of trichome branches was significantly increased in Sltcp25Slcycb2 double mutant, suggesting that SlTCP25 and SlCycB2 coordinately repress trichome branching in wild type. In conclusion, we elucidate a molecular network governing the morphogenesis of multicellular trichomes in tomato.
Contemporary outcomes of open thoraco-abdominal aortic repair: a single-centre experience
Authors: Hasami N A , Smulders M , Verkroost M W A , Li W W L , Saouti N , Nauta F J H , Geuzebroek G S C , Heijmen R H 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Untreated cases of thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysms pose significant challenges, often leading to severe morbidity and high mortality. While promising, endovascular treatment is not suitable in all cases, particularly younger patients and those with collagen disorders. This study reports on the contemporary outcomes of open thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm repair at our academic medical centre from 2015 to 2023.

METHODS
All patients with thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm (Crawford-Safi Types I–V), including elective and non-elective cases, who underwent open surgical repair between January 2015 and December 2023 were included. Patient characteristics, intraoperative variables and postoperative outcomes were prospectively recorded and analysed retrospectively. The primary end point was operative mortality; secondary end points included rates for spinal cord injury, stroke, tracheostomy, need for dialysis and a comparison of outcomes between elective and non-elective cases.

RESULTS
190 patients (146 elective/44 non-elective) were included, with a mean age of 63.8 years (standard deviation 11.5), and 58% were male. Operative mortality was 7.9%, with 7.5% in elective cases and 9.1% in non-elective cases. Stroke with persisting symptoms at discharge occurred in 5.8% of patients, and tracheostomy was required in 3.7%. Spinal cord injury symptoms were observed in 7.4%, with persistent paraparesis in 2.1% and paraplegia in 1.6% at discharge. Acute kidney injury occurred in 38.4% of patients, with 6.9% requiring dialysis and 3.7% continuing dialysis at discharge.

CONCLUSIONS
Open thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery, supported by a multidisciplinary team approach and strict perioperative protocols, remains effective in managing this complex patient population, demonstrating low rates of mortality and severe complications.
Degrees-of-freedom penalized piecewise regression
Authors: Volz Stefan , Storath Martin , Weinmann Andreas 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Many popular piecewise regression models rely on minimizing a cost function on the model fit with a linear penalty on the number of segments. However, this penalty does not take into account varying complexities of the model functions on the segments potentially leading to overfitting when models with varying complexities, such as polynomials of different degrees, are used. In this work, we enhance on this approach by instead using a penalty on the sum of the degrees of freedom over all segments, called degrees-of-freedom penalized piecewise regression. We show that the solutions of the resulting minimization problem are unique for almost all input data in a least squares setting. We develop a fast algorithm that does not only compute a minimizer but also determines an optimal hyperparameter—in the sense of rolling cross validation with the one standard error rule—exactly. This eliminates manual hyperparameter selection. Our method supports optional user parameters for incorporating domain knowledge. We provide an open-source Python/Rust code for the piecewise polynomial least squares case which can be extended to further models. We demonstrate the practical utility through a simulation study and by applications to real data. A constrained variant of the proposed method gives state-of-the-art results in the Turing benchmark for unsupervised changepoint detection.
Castelnuovo–Mumford Regularity of Unprojections and the Eisenbud–Goto Regularity Conjecture
Authors: Choe Junho 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
McCullough and Peeva found sequences of counterexamples to the Eisenbud–Goto conjecture on the Castelnuovo–Mumford regularity by using Rees-like algebras, where entries of each sequence have increasing dimensions and codimensions. In this paper we suggest another method to construct counterexamples to the conjecture with any fixed dimension $n\geq 3$ and any fixed codimension $e\geq 2$. Our strategy is an unprojection process and utilizes the possible complexity of homogeneous ideals with three generators. Furthermore, our counterexamples exhibit how singularities affect the Castelnuovo–Mumford regularity.
Stocking density in intensive housing and the implications for beef cattle behaviour, stress physiology and liveweight
Authors: Mayes Bonnie T , Dundon Sharon G , Cowley Frances C , Norman Lee-Emma K , Morton John M , Tait L Amy 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Stocking density can potentially impact cattle welfare during livestock export voyages. The aim of this study was to assess selected measures that reflect the welfare of cattle housed at three allometric stocking densities (k = 0.027, 0.030, 0.047). Bos indicus cross Bos taurus steers were housed in 12 pens, each with 5 steers, for 10 days. Scan sampling of standing and lying behaviours were conducted on d 2, 5, 7 and 9, at hourly intervals. Continuous observations were conducted on the same days between 1030 and 1130 h, to count aggressive interactions. Liveweights were recorded at the start of the study, and on d 6 and d 10. For a subset of focal steers (3 per pen), white blood cell counts, and faecal glucocorticoid metabolite (FGCM) concentrations were assessed on days 0, 6 and 10. More pen space led to a small increase in the number of steers lying, as well as a small increase in lying synchronicity. Results also indicated that the number of cattle lying in isolation from conspecifics is higher when more space is available. More pen space also resulted in more steers lying with outstretched legs on days 2 and 5, but there was no evidence of this after day 5. Stocking density had no important effect on day 6 or 10 liveweights or FGCM concentrations. Only small decreases in total white blood cell and lymphocyte counts between days 6 and 10 were observed, as well as small increases in neutrophil counts and the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, but all mean counts still fell within reference intervals for healthy cattle. The lack of important effects on stress physiology and liveweight suggests that the cost of attempting to adapt to pen space restriction was relatively low, leading to behavioural responses only. Results for lying behaviours also suggest that additional pen space may facilitate adaptation upon introduction to a new housing environment and is beneficial in facilitating the expression of some lying behaviours. While designed to emulate stocking densities applicable to Australian cattle export voyages, other environmental factors that may induce stress during these voyages were not present, and so the conclusions must be interpreted in the context of the controlled experimental conditions.