bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cost‐effectiveness of plasmapheresis and hemoperfusion in COVID‐19 survivors: A six‐month follow‐up analysis after hospital discharge
Authors: Dianaty Soroush , Gholami Farshid , Gholamrezaie Hamid Reza , Mirzaei Abasat 
Published: January 2025

AbstractIntroductionTo evaluate the short‐ and long‐term clinical and financial outcomes of apheresis in COVID‐19 survivors after hospital discharge.MethodsIntensive care unit‐discharged patients were followed for 6 months. Vital signs, laboratory markers, quality of life, and direct medical costs were analyzed to calculate incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICER) and to plot cost‐effectiveness planes and acceptability curves.ResultsA total of 68 patients (45 control, 18 plasmapheresis, and 5 hemoperfusion) were included. ICERs for plasmapheresis and hemoperfusion patients at discharge were $867.58 and $198.89 per quality‐adjusted life years (QALY) gained, respectively. Respiration and blood pressure improved significantly at discharge. The improvements in oxygenation markers for plasmapheresis and hemoperfusion groups were lower than controls (8.56 ± 10.31 and 11.75 ± 16.88 vs. 11.37 ± 7.28 percent for SpO2, 11.15 ± 21.15 and 11.05 ± 24.95 vs. 16.03 ± 5.61 mm Hg for PaO2, respectively) However, the respiratory rate improvements corresponded to ICERs of $1034.77 and $269.94 for plasmapheresis and hemoperfusion, respectively. The ICERs for increasing mean arterial pressure were $24.83 and $30.94 per mm Hg, and plasmapheresis was more cost‐effective than hemoperfusion in increasing serum calcium levels ($1649.35 per mg/dL). At 1‐month post‐discharge, both treatments showed worse outcomes compared to controls. At 6 months, the plasmapheresis ICER ($1884.95) exceeded the willingness‐to‐pay threshold. The ICER for plasmapheresis at 6 months was $112.83 per rehospitalization day avoided, while hemoperfusion remained less effective than controls.ConclusionWhile plasmapheresis and hemoperfusion improved some clinical outcomes, their high costs and limited long‐term cost‐effectiveness suggest that these interventions may not be economically justified for treating COVID‐19 patients. Careful evaluation is needed when considering their use in clinical practice.
Single‐egg comet assay: A protocol to quantify DNA damage in natural bioarchives
Authors: Salimraj Rejin , Perotti Alessio , Wojewodzic Marcin W. , Frisch Dagmar 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

The comet assay (CA), originally developed as toxicity test, quantifies DNA integrity from DNA distribution across an electric field. Compromised DNA moves across electric fields faster than intact DNA strands, leaving quantifiable signatures that resemble comet tails. Comet tail dimensions reflect relative DNA damage.

We optimised the CA protocol for individual dormant propagules (single‐egg comet assay or SE‐CA) to inform downstream analyses such as DNA sequencing of the DNA quality contained in natural genetic archives of past populations. As a model, we used dormant eggs of the microcrustacean Daphnia.

We evaluated the feasibility of the SE‐CA protocol to quantify DNA damage caused by processing and storage conditions for dormant eggs and in dormant eggs retrieved from recently deposited to centuries‐old lake sediment.

In conclusion, our protocol provides a cost‐effective method of assessing DNA damage in sedimentary propagules such as dormant Daphnia eggs. More generally, the SE‐CA is applicable to testing DNA integrity in individual propagules prior to genome sequencing or to quantify environmental impacts on natural sedimentary biobanks.
Applied Mandibular Osteometry in Young Lambs: Morphometric and Clinical Insights
Authors: de Lana Julyana Fernandes , Lopes Carolina Figueiredo , Pereira Vitor Pires , Chiarello Guilherme Pereira , Depedrini Jurema Salerno , Pérez William , de Morais‐Pinto Luciano 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTOsteometric studies of the mandible are useful for identifying polymorphisms that are affected by general factors of anatomical variation, such as breed and gender, but age‐related changes have not yet been reported in sheep. Our results showed that the morphometric parameters of the mandible were significantly affected by the age of the lambs. However, at 155 days of age, the mandible already presents all the morphological characteristics observed in adult animals. Furthermore, this study revealed, by analysing Person's correlation coefficient, that the position of the mental and mandibular foramen is already established at 155 days of age and will not be affected by the proportional growth of the mandible. These data have direct implications for veterinary practice, as they can increase the precision and effectiveness of clinical and anaesthetic procedures on the mandible. This contributes to maintaining the health and well‐being of animals, improving productive performance in farming systems.
An Overlooked Early Report of Chimpanzees Using Tools to Forage for Oysters
Authors: Tye Alan , Jones Adam 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTWe report a record made in 1682, in Sierra Leone, West Africa, of local people showing a European visitor evidence of ‘apes’ using sticks to obtain oysters as food. Circumstantial evidence suggests that the observation can only refer to the western chimpanzee Pan troglodytes verus and the West African mangrove oyster Crassostrea tulipa. This appears to be the only known record of wild chimpanzees eating marine bivalves, and of using tools to obtain any aquatic animal prey.
Clinical Trial: Study to Investigate the Efficacy and Safety of the Alpha‐2‐Delta Ligand PD‐217,014 in Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Houghton Lesley A. , Gao Simiao , Gilbert Steven A. , Coffin Benoit , Simren Magnus , Gale Jeremy D. ,   the A4451007 study investigators
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTIntroductionDespite the emergence of drugs to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), improving abdominal pain can still be challenging. α2δ ligands, such as gabapentin and pregabalin, are sometimes used off‐label to tackle this problem. However, evidence for efficacy is limited, and no large‐scale studies have been published.AimTo study the efficacy of the α2δ ligand PD‐217,014 in IBS.MethodsThis multi‐centre, double‐blind, randomised, placebo‐controlled, parallel group study randomised participants with Rome II‐defined IBS to 150 or 300 mg b.d. of PD‐217,014 or placebo b.d. for 4 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was responder, defined as having adequate relief of abdominal pain/discomfort for ≥ 50% of the active treatment period. Key secondary endpoints were change from baseline in abdominal pain, bloating, stool frequency/consistency, and global assessment of IBS symptoms.ResultsWe randomised 330 participants [aged 19–73 years; 209 (65%) female] satisfying Rome II criteria, 322 (98%) were treated, and of whom 271 (84%) completed the study. In this study, 321 satisfied Rome IV criteria. Neither dose of PD‐217,014 improved the percentage of participants reporting adequate relief of abdominal pain/discomfort compared with placebo, either using the Rome II‐defined total cohort or Rome II and IV IBS bowel habit sub‐types. There were similar observations for secondary endpoints, and no association between abdominal pain or anxiety levels at baseline with participant improvement. PD‐217,014 was generally well tolerated.ConclusionThis first large, dose‐ranging trial examining the efficacy of PD‐217,014 showed no significant efficacy in participants with IBS or bowel habit sub‐types, irrespective of their pain and anxiety levels.
From Participation to Presence—What Young People Have to Say About Family Group Conferences
Authors: Mischel Netanya , Shemer Orna 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTFamily Group Conferences (FGCs) is a model for promoting child welfare created to help families in managing concerns related to at‐risk children, while respecting cultural contexts, and does so by integrally involving them and their families in solution creation and implementation. This study examines the experiences of 18 at‐risk youths in Israel's FGC pilot programme and is part of a larger scale study of the Israeli FGC pilot programme. Thematic analysis identified six key themes related to the perceived success of the conference. The first three—receiving pre‐conference information, FGC structure and setting, and perceived support, underscore the importance of implementing the FGC model effectively. The remaining three themes—participants' and their families' characteristics, perceived consequences of participation, and family dynamics, focus on the young people involved. This study emphasizes the importance of both participation and presence among young people, and their equal significance in fostering the undertaking of active roles in FGC. This study found that execution matters, as does calibrating the FGC to the unique characteristics of the at‐risk young people and their family in order to promote their participation and presence. This research uniquely amplifies young peoples' voices in FGC in Israel and underscores the necessity of considering both participation and presence in programme design for at‐risk youth.
Missing women in colonial India
Authors: Fenske James , Gupta Bishnupriya , Neumann Cora 
Published: January 2025

AbstractWe construct novel data on female population shares by age, district, and religion in South Asia from 1881 to 1931. Sex ratios skew male in Northern India and are more balanced in Southern and Eastern India, including Burma. Male‐biased sex ratios emerge most visibly after age 10, and this is not specific to any one region, religion, or time period. Sikhs have the most male‐biased sex ratios, followed by Hindus, Muslims, and Jains. The female share correlates across religious groups within districts. Evidence that sex ratios correlate with suitability for wheat and rice is weaker than suggested by the existing literature.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Inter‐Pulse Interval Does Not Influence Corticospinal Excitability to the Biceps Brachii During Submaximal Isometric Elbow Flexion
Authors: Imeson David H. , Gerditschke Lea , Brown Liana E. , Forman Davis A. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTPrevious research on resting muscles has shown that inter‐pulse interval (IPI) duration influences transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) responses, which can introduce serious confounding variables into investigations if not accounted for. However, it is far less clear how IPI influences TMS responses in active muscles. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between IPI and corticospinal excitability during submaximal isometric elbow flexion. Corticospinal excitability to the biceps and triceps brachii was measured using motor evoked potentials (MEPs) elicited via TMS. Stimulation intensity was set to 120% of the biceps brachii's active motor threshold while participants produced 10% of their biceps' maximal muscle activity. TMS was delivered as separate trains of five stimulations, with experimental conditions differing between IPIs of 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 or 14 s. Results demonstrated that IPI had no influence on MEP amplitudes for either the biceps or triceps. However, when MEP amplitudes were expressed as a unitless ratio to pre‐stimulus muscle activity, a main effect of time was found for the biceps; MEP amplitudes progressively decreased with successive stimulations (MEP 1:32.8 ± 5.9; MEP 5:27.7 ± 4.3, p < 0.05). These results suggest that IPI is unlikely to represent a confounding variable in TMS studies utilizing active contractions. However, studies looking to compare the amplitudes of single MEPs over time should be aware of the possibility that amplitudes may decrease with continuous stimulation. Future research should seek to examine even longer IPIs and explore the influence of higher stimulation intensities.
Cenobamate as add‐on treatment for SCN8A developmental and epileptic encephalopathy
Authors: Gjerulfsen Cathrine E. , Oudin Madeleine J. , Furia Francesca , Gverdtsiteli Sopio , Landmark Cecilie Johannessen , Trivisano Marina , Balestrini Simona , Guerrini Renzo , Aledo‐Serrano Angel , Morcos Ricardo , Previtali Roberto , Veggiotti Pierangelo , Ricci Emilia , Rubboli Guido , Gardella Elena , Møller Rikke S. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractObjectivesDevelopmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) caused by pathogenic variants in SCN8A are associated with difficult‐to‐treat and early‐onset seizures, developmental delay/intellectual disability, impaired quality of life, and increased risk of early mortality. High doses of sodium channel blockers are typically used to treat SCN8A‐DEE caused by gain‐of‐function (GoF) variants. However, seizures are often drug resistant, and only a few patients achieve seizure freedom. In this retrospective study, the effect of cenobamate was assessed in patients with SCN8A‐DEE.MethodsAcross multiple centers and through collaborations with SCN8A patient advocacy organizations, patients with SCN8A‐DEE treated with cenobamate for ≥6 months were identified. Data were obtained from patients' caregivers or treating physicians through a (Research Electronic Data Capture) REDCap survey. The functional effect of the SCN8A variants was obtained from the literature or assessed by prediction tools.ResultsTwelve patients (3–25 years of age (median 8 years), 9 females) with presumed GoF SCN8A variants were treated with cenobamate for a mean period of 17 months (range 6–42 months). Countable motor seizures were meaningfully reduced in 10 of 12 patients (83%). Six patients experienced a seizure reduction above 70%, of which two achieved seizure freedom. In addition, two patients achieved a reduction in seizures ranging between 50% and 70%. An increase in seizure‐free days per patient was also reported. Rescue medication was decreased in six of seven patients (85%) in need. Furthermore, 80% of patients reported non–seizure‐related improvements, which included increased alertness, better sleep, and improved muscle tone. Adverse effects were reported by 50% of patients, and half resolved spontaneously or through the reduction of concomitant antiseizure medications.SignificanceOur data suggest that cenobamate is a promising and safe treatment for SCN8A‐DEE, even during early childhood. As a potential precision approach to treatment, cenobamate significantly reduced seizure burden and improved non–seizure‐related symptoms. These positive outcomes may also be achieved in patient cohorts with GoF variants in other voltage‐gated sodium channel genes.
Quasistatic Tensile and Fatigue Performances of Titanium Alloy Open Hole Structures Strengthened by Different Cold Expansion Mandrel Front Cone Angles
Authors: Chen Junpeng , Ma Yingxiang , Chen Yingxin , Zuo Yangjie 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTIn this paper, the cold expansion test of titanium alloy open hole structures was conducted, and the fatigue performance was also assessed. A parametric study of the mandrel front cone angle revealed a correlation with the strengthening quality and fatigue performance evolution, providing valuable insight for optimization of open hole structure designs. The results showed that the strengthening resistance decreased and then increased with the increase of the front cone angle. The microhardness of the hole edge increased and exhibited obvious sensitivity to the mandrel front cone angle. As expected, the fatigue life of specimens increased after strengthening. The best fatigue life strengthening front cone angle was 15°. Although the front cone angle exhibited little influence on the location of the fatigue crack initiation zone and crack propagating direction, the crack extension rate and the stiffness degradation rate could be reduced by the proper mandrel front cone angle.
Marked Variability in Distance‐Decay Patterns Suggests Contrasting Dispersal Ability in Abyssal Taxa
Authors: Simon‐Lledó Erik , Baselga Andrés , Gómez‐Rodríguez Carola , Metaxas Anna , Amon Diva J. , Bribiesca‐Contreras Guadalupe , Durden Jennifer M. , Fleming Bethany , Mejía‐Saenz Alejandra , Taboada Sergi , Van Audenhaege Loïc , Jones Daniel O. B. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTAimWe assess the role of spatial distance and depth difference in shaping beta diversity patterns across abyssal seascape regions. We measured the decrease of faunistic similarity across the northeast Pacific seafloor, to test whether species turnover rates differ between deep and shallow‐abyssal biogeographical provinces and whether these patterns vary across functionally or taxonomically different biotic groups.LocationAbyssal NE Pacific Ocean.Time PeriodPresent.Major Taxa StudiedBenthic Invertebrates (13 Phyla).MethodsWe examined the relationship between compositional similarity (𝛽sim) and spatial distance, distance‐decay, in benthic megafauna communities (animals > 10 mm) based on seabed imagery data (> 36,000 specimens in 402 species) collected across 28 abyssal seascape locations spanning a total of 4000 km. By comparing the statistical parameters (intercept and slope) of decay curves, we investigated whether distance‐decay patterns differ (i) between communities above and below the carbonate compensation depth (~4400 m at N Pacific), (ii) among taxa with contrasting life‐habits and (ii) across dominant phyla.ResultsWe found steeper species turnover rates in communities below 4400 m and variations in distance‐decay patterns across biotic groups. Turnover was higher for taxa facultatively growing on hard‐substratum patches (polymetallic nodules) than for sediment‐dwelling or swimming organisms. Cnidaria and Porifera, respectively, depicted the most and least evident spatial decays in community similarity.Main ConclusionsWe demonstrate the utility of combining seabed imaging with distance‐decay modelling to capture macroecological patterns in poorly explored deep‐sea ecosystems. Our results suggest that chemical boundaries associated with depth are a very relevant niche‐sorting mechanism driving large‐scale beta‐diversity patterns and an association between species life‐habits and dispersal limitation in abyssal seabed communities. These findings have important implications for biodiversity conservation plans in the deep ocean, amid the need to protect vast abyssal seascape ecosystems from globally rising human threats.
Pulp sensibility responses following complete and partial pulpotomy in mature permanent molars with carious pulpal exposure and symptomatic irreversible pulpitis: Analysis of pooled data from three randomized clinical trials
Authors: Sangwan Pankaj , Ramani Ankita , Mishra Soumyashree , Durga Kanaga , Popat Shyam , Sangwan Aditi 
Published: January 2025

AbstractAimThe objective of pulpotomy is to preserve the pulp vitality. However, the assessment of pulpal status following pulpotomy is often overlooked. This retrospective analysis aimed to compare the pulp responses to EPT (Electric pulp test) and cold test in mature permanent molars that have undergone either complete pulpotomy (CP) or partial pulpotomy (PP) for managing carious pulpal exposure and symptomatic irreversible pulpitis (SIP) and completed 12 months follow‐up.MethodologyThis retrospective analysis pooled data from three randomized clinical trials of pulpotomy (one using CP and two using PP) conducted in the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics of the Postgraduate Institute of Dental Sciences, Rohtak, from December 2020 to May 2024. The present study included a total of 220 cariously exposed mature permanent molars with SIP, that underwent either CP (n = 45) or PP (n = 175) using ProRoot Mineral Trioxide Aggregate, and were followed‐up for 12 months. The teeth were evaluated for outcomes (clinical and radiographic), and pulp sensibility responses to EPT and the cold test, both individually and collectively as positive response to either test. Pulp sensibility responses were further analysed following teeth distribution considering variables like age, gender, number of tooth surfaces restored, preoperative pain intensity and hard tissue formation. Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi‐squared test, Fisher's exact test and Mann–Whitney U‐test, with significance at p < .05.ResultsAt 12 months follow‐up, 209 of 220 teeth analysed had a successful pulpotomy outcome. Amongst these, PP‐treated teeth responded more predictably to EPT and cold test as compared to CP‐treated teeth. However, the difference was significant with EPT analysis only (p = .001). The proportion of teeth with a positive response was significantly higher in both the groups, when considering a combined positive response to either EPT or cold test, compared to the positive response to each test alone (p < .001). None of the included variables influenced the pulp sensibility responses in either group (p > .05).ConclusionsPP‐treated teeth responded more predictably to EPT and cold test than CP‐treated teeth. Future studies must consider positive response to either EPT or the cold test collectively, whilst assessing the pulpal status following CP and PP.
Conceptualisation and Measurement of Resilience of Adults With Cancer: An Umbrella Review
Authors: Luo Dan , Foster Kim , White Kate 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTAimsTo (1) clarify the key components of resilience of adults with cancer; (2) summarise and analyse the resilience measures used in this population; and (3) discuss future evaluation directions.DesignAn umbrella review.Data SourcesMEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, Cochrane library and Epistemonikos were searched in December 2023.MethodsThe Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines were followed for undertaking this umbrella review. Systematic and narrative reviews that defined resilience of adults with cancer and reported resilience measures, published in English, were included. The methodological quality was assessed using the JBI appraisal tool.ResultsFourteen eligible reviews were included. Four key resilience components from various resilience conceptualisations were identified. Twenty resilience measures were used among cancer patients, with the 25‐item Connor‐Davidson Resilience Scale providing a relatively comprehensive assessment of individual resilience. Recommended future research with cancer patients includes assessing these resilience components: (1) available individual resources—key psychological factors that enhance individual resilience; (2) access to social resources—close interpersonal relationships, family cohesion and social support; (3) adaptive coping ability—problem‐solving skills, emotional management strategies and experiences in managing adversity; (4) ability to regain mental health and well‐being—the capacity to recover a relatively stable psychological state and promote positive psychological functioning.ConclusionThe findings provide evidence for refining future resilience measurement in the adult cancer population. Examining the four key components of resilience with this population across cultures is warranted.ImpactUnderstanding the key components of resilience of cancer patients can help healthcare professionals identify individuals who may need further support and facilitate early intervention or referral to psychosocial support services. The 25‐item Connor‐Davidson Resilience Scale is recommended over other tools for use in the cancer population.Patient or Public ContributionPatient or public involvement is not applicable in this study.