bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and Validation of a Shorthand Knee MRI Atlas for Bone Age Estimation in the Korean Population
Authors: Lee Wonik , Yu Su Yeon , Cho Yoon Joo , Song Mi Hyun , Choi Young Hun , Cho Tae-Joon , Shin Chang Ho 
Published: February 2025

Background: Estimating skeletal maturity is crucial for treating pediatric knee conditions. Recently, a knee bone age atlas based on the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data of pediatric and adolescent population in Southern California (the San Diego atlas) was published. However, its accuracy in other populations has not been verified. Purpose: To (1) validate the San Diego atlas in a South Korean pediatric and adolescent population and (2) create and validate a shorthand knee MRI atlas for bone age estimation tailored to South Korean pediatric and adolescent population (the Korean shorthand atlas). Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 695 participants aged ≤18 years with normal knee MRI findings between 2000 and 2019. To create the Korean shorthand atlas, age-specific features based on the San Diego atlas that appeared on the evaluated MRI scans (n = 417) were modified to reduce the standard deviation of age. In a separate data set (n = 278), the accuracy of both the San Diego and the Korean shorthand atlases was validated by comparing the knee bone age with the chronological age and determining the correlation between bone age and chronological age. Results: In the overall study population, the mean bone age based on the San Diego atlas did not differ from the mean chronological age, and a very strong correlation was observed between them ( rS = 0.95). However, the mean bone age based on the San Diego atlas significantly differed from the mean chronological age in female participants aged 7 to 12.9 years (0.6 years younger; P = .003) and in male participants aged 14.0 to 18.0 years (0.4 years older; P = .045). The mean bone age assessed based on the Korean shorthand atlas did not significantly differ from the mean chronological age in any age or sex subgroup and was also very strongly correlated with the mean chronological age ( rS = 0.94) in the overall population. Conclusion: The San Diego atlas was accurate in estimating bone age in Korean pediatric and adolescent population except for certain age ranges. The Korean shorthand atlas was an accurate tool for estimating bone age in the Korean pediatric and adolescent population at any age range.
Single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptome analysis in bladder cancer: Current status and future perspectives
Authors: Yoshihara Kentaro , Ito Kagenori , Kimura Takahiro , Yamamoto Yusuke , Urabe Fumihiko 
Published: February 2025

Background Bladder cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies, and the mechanisms underlying its progression and the role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) are unclear. Recent advancements in single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and spatial transcriptomics (ST) enable detailed analysis of the cellular heterogeneity, gene expression, and cell–cell interactions in bladder diseases. Methodology We conducted a comprehensive search for recent articles that have investigated bladder diseases using scRNA-seq and ST. Results scRNA-seq and ST have led to significant discoveries in bladder disease research. These technologies have enabled the identification of multiple molecular subtypes within individual tumors and of the mechanisms of treatment resistance. Additionally, molecular differences based on gender have been explored, explaining the heterogeneity of the incidence and progression of bladder cancer. These findings deepen our understanding of the pathology of bladder diseases and highlight the transformative potential of scRNA-seq and ST in identifying novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Conclusions Integrating scRNA-seq and ST has considerably enhanced our understanding of tumor heterogeneity and the tumor microenvironment within tissues. These insights may lead to the development of personalized therapies and the improvement of patient outcomes. Several challenges, such as technical limitations and access difficulties, need to be addressed for the future clinical application of these technologies.
Single- versus multi-fraction spine stereotactic radiosurgery (ALL-STAR) for patients with spinal metastases: a randomized phase III trial protocol
Authors: Pratapneni Aniket , Klebaner Daniella , Soltys Scott Gerard , Rahimy Elham , Gibbs Iris Catrice , Chang Steven Daniel , Li Gordon , Hayden Gephart Melanie , Veeravagu Anand , Szalkowski Gregory Arthur , Gu Xuejun , Wang Lei , Chuang Cynthia , Liu Lianli , Jackson Scott , Lu Rong , Skerchak Jillian Adele , Huang Kelly Zhe , Wong Samantha , Brown Eleanor , Pollom Erqi Liu 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
For patients with spine metastases, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) provides excellent local control and pain response. Despite increasing use of this treatment modality, there is no consensus on the optimal dose and fractionation of spine SRS for efficacy and toxicity. We have initiated a single-center phase III randomized trial that compares two dose regimens with similar biological equivalent dose (BED) to determine the isolated effect of SRS fractionation on local control.

Methods
Patients with one to three cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine metastases spanning no more than two contiguous vertebral levels in need of radiation will be eligible for enrollment. Patients will be assigned 1:1 to receive either 22 Gy in 1 fraction or 28 Gy in 2 fractions. Biased coin randomization will be used to randomly assign patients while balancing the following stratifying variables between the two treatment arms at baseline: gastrointestinal histology (yes/no), paraspinal tissue extension (yes/no), epidural compression (low-/high-grade), and number of sites treated (one to three). The primary endpoint is one-year local control, defined per Spine Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology (SPINO) criteria. The secondary endpoints include patient-reported health-related quality of life (HRQOL), pain associated with the treated site, vertebral compression fracture (VCF), and two-year local control. Patients will be followed for these outcomes at one to two weeks, one month, three months, and six months after treatment, and every six months thereafter until 24 months after treatment. While on the study, patients will receive routine co-interventions as clinically indicated.

Discussion
The studies published thus far comparing the single- and multi-fraction SRS are lacking long-term local control outcomes and are limited by selection bias as well as single-fraction arms with higher BED, which is correlated with improved local control. Our study will isolate the effect of fractionation by comparing one-year local control in patients treated with single- and multi-fraction SRS with equivalent BED. We anticipate that the results of this, as well as secondary endpoints such as pain response, adverse effects, and quality of life will provide much-needed guidance regarding optimal dose and fractionation for both maximizing local control and minimizing toxicity.

Clinical trial information
NCT#06173401. Approved by Stanford Scientific Review Committee (study ID: BRN0060) on 9/12/2023 and Stanford Institutional Review Board (study ID: IRB-72248) on 11/14/2023
Persistent impact of antenatal maternal anaemia on child brain structure at 6–7 years of age: a South African child health study
Authors: Ringshaw Jessica E. , Hendrikse Chanelle J. , Wedderburn Catherine J. , Bradford Layla E. , Williams Simone R. , Nyakonda Charmaine N. , Subramoney Sivenesi , Lake Marilyn T. , Burd Tiffany , Hoffman Nadia , Roos Annerine , Narr Katherine L. , Joshi Shantanu H. , Williams Steven C. R. , Zar Heather J. , Stein Dan J. , Donald Kirsten A. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
This study aimed to determine whether associations of antenatal maternal anaemia with smaller corpus callosum, caudate nucleus, and putamen volumes previously described in children at age 2–3 years persisted to age 6–7 years in the Drakenstein Child Health Study (DCHS).

Methods
This neuroimaging sub-study was nested within the DCHS, a South African population-based birth cohort. Pregnant women were enrolled (2012–2015) and mother–child dyads were followed prospectively. A sub-group of children had magnetic resonance imaging at 6–7 years of age (2018–2022). Mothers had haemoglobin measurements during pregnancy and a proportion of children were tested postnatally. Maternal anaemia (haemoglobin < 11 g/dL) and child anaemia were classified using WHO and local guidelines. Linear modeling was used to investigate associations between antenatal maternal anaemia status, maternal haemoglobin concentrations, and regional child brain volumes. Models included potential confounders and were conducted with and without child anaemia to assess the relative roles of antenatal versus postnatal anaemia.

Results
Overall, 157 children (Mean [SD] age of 75.54 [4.77] months; 84 [53.50%] male) were born to mothers with antenatal haemoglobin data. The prevalence of maternal anaemia during pregnancy was 31.85% (50/157). In adjusted models, maternal anaemia status was associated with smaller volumes of the total corpus callosum (adjusted percentage difference, − 6.77%; p = 0.003), left caudate nucleus (adjusted percentage difference, − 5.98%, p = 0.005), and right caudate nucleus (adjusted percentage difference, − 6.12%; p = 0.003). Continuous maternal haemoglobin was positively associated with total corpus callosum (β = 0.239 [CI 0.10 to 0.38]; p < 0.001) and caudate nucleus (β = 0.165 [CI 0.02 to 0.31]; p = 0.027) volumes. In a sub-group (n = 89) with child haemoglobin data (Mean [SD] age of 76.06 [4.84]), the prevalence of antenatal maternal anaemia and postnatal child anaemia was 38.20% (34/89) and 47.19% (42/89), respectively. There was no association between maternal and child anaemia (χ
2 = 0.799; p = 0.372), and child anaemia did not contribute to regional brain volume differences associated with maternal anaemia.

Conclusions
Associations between maternal anaemia and regional child brain volumes previously reported at 2–3 years of age were consistent and persisted to 6–7 years of age. Findings support the importance of optimising antenatal maternal health and reinforce these brain regions as a future research focus.
Plasmodium falciparum gametocyte burden in a Tanzanian heterogeneous transmission setting
Authors: Mulamba Charles , Odufuwa Olukayode G. , Kweyamba Prisca A. , Lazaro Linda O. , Chabo Muhamed S. , Kamage Janeth J. , Kreppel Katharina , Olotu Ally I. , Williams Chris L. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Malaria transmission depends on the presence of gametocytes in the peripheral blood of infected human hosts. Understanding malaria infectious reservoirs enables transmission-blocking interventions to target the most important hosts for the disease. This study characterized the distribution of gametocyte carriage as a baseline for the clinical evaluation of a Pfs25-based transmission-blocking vaccine candidate in Bagamoyo, Tanzania.

Methods
A malaria survey was conducted in five locations from May to August 2022. A total of 467 participants—192 children (5–12 years), 65 adolescents (13–17 years) and 210 adults (18–45 years)—were enrolled. Malaria was detected using three methods: rapid diagnostic tests, light microscopy and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The geometric mean of the gametocyte density, and weighted arithmetic mean of the gametocytes sex ratio were estimated.

Results
Overall, 23.5% (110/467) of the participants tested positive for malaria parasites, with the majority of positives (> 92%) being Plasmodium falciparum. The overall gametocytaemia was 5.6%, with a percent positivity of 6.8% (13/192), 6.2% (4/65) and 4.3% (9/210), in children, adolescents, and adults, respectively. The geometric mean gametocyte density (gametocytes/μL) was greater in adults (124.6) than in children (71.7) and adolescents (50.5). Regression analysis revealed that gametocytes were more likely to be present among male participants than among female participants [ORa: 2.79 (95% CI: 1.19 – 6.59) p = 0.019]. The gametocyte sex ratio in children and adult gametocyte carriers was similar but greater than that in adolescents.

Conclusion
The observed gametocyte densities and distribution across age groups suggest the need for malaria transmission-blocking interventions to target all populations in heterogeneous transmission settings. The implication of targeting only children may leave residual malaria transmission and reinfection from the left-out groups.

Graphical abstract
An ALG12-CDG patient with a novel homozygous intronic mutation associated with low ALG12 mRNA
Authors: Vuillaumier-Barrot Sandrine , Dupré Thierry , Andriantsihoarana Tiffany , Desportes Vincent , Cheillan David , Moore Stuart E. H. , Chantret Isabelle 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Type I Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation (CDG-I) are inherited diseases presenting deficits in protein N-glycosylation involving either the biosynthesis of the lipid-linked oligosaccharide Glc3Man9GlcNAc2-PP-dolichol or transfer of its oligosaccharide to protein.

Results
We describe a patient harbouring hypoglycosylated transferrin, a characteristic of CDG-I. NGS revealed a homozygous RFT1 (c.16G > T p.Val6Leu) variant of unknown significance that is predicted to be benign. Metabolic radiolabelling of the patient’s fibroblasts did not reveal the accumulation of truncated Man5GlcNAc2-PP-dolichol expected of RFT1-CDG but rather an accumulation of Man7GlcNAc2-PP-dolichol, characteristic of ALG12-CDG. Revaluation of the NGS data revealed a homozygous (22_50311909A_G, c.-79 + 2 T > C) variant that modifies the second nucleotide of the first intron of the ALG12 gene upstream of the first coding exon (exon 2). Sequencing of ALG12 cDNA revealed a 4-base insertion between exon 1 and exon 2 suggesting a shift in mRNA splicing in this intron to a putative new GU donor site. The patient’s fibroblasts display 3% of control ALG12 mRNA levels.

Conclusion
This is the first description of a pathogenic intronic ALG12 variant upstream of the first coding exon. The modification of the splicing process between intron 1 and exon 2, the very low transcript level and the absence of other mutations in the patient's ALG12 gene lead us to conclude that this ALG12 variant is a predicted Loss of Function (pLOF) variant.
Molecular detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in field-collected Haemaphysalis larvae in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Ahn KyuSung , Alkathiri Badriah , Lee Seung-Hun , Lee Haeseung , Kwak Dongmi , Cho Yun Sang , Lee Hyang-Sim , Youn SoYoun , Yoo Mi-Sun , Kim Jaemyung , Shin SungShik 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background

Anaplasma spp., zoonotic tick-borne pathogens affecting livestock, companion animals, and humans, exhibits 15–18% seropositivity among hunting dogs in the Republic of Korea (South Korea). The dominant tick species in South Korea, Haemaphysalis longicornis, can transmit these pathogens to both humans and animals. Given the limited understanding of transovarial transmission of Anaplasma spp., our study aimed to assess the prevalence of questing larval ticks containing Anaplasma DNA. Additionally, we aimed to gather data for establishing a nationwide forecasting and alert system on seasonal variation of tick developmental stages and tick-borne zoonotic pathogens.

Methods
From March to October 2021 and again from March to October 2022, we collected a total of 36,912 unfed, questing ticks of Haemaphysalis spp. from 149 sites in South Korea. Ticks were collected from herbaceous vegetation using the flagging method using a white flannel cloth. After species identification, one-third of collected ticks underwent analysis for Anaplasma DNA. Nymph ticks were pooled in groups of 1–10 and larvae in groups of 1–50, while adults were examined individually. Nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to detect the genus Anaplasma by amplifying the 16S rRNA gene, followed by sequencing for species identification and phylogenetic analysis.

Results
Of the 36,912 questing ticks collected, 13,082 (35.4%) were identified as nymphs and adults of H. longicornis and 3850 (10.4%) as those of Haemaphysalis flava. The morphologically indistinguishable larval stage of Haemaphysalis spp. predominated, with 19,980 (54.1%) collected primarily from July to October. From the 939 tick pools, 24 pools (2.6%) tested positive for Anaplasma, with the larval stage exhibiting the highest number of positive pools (16, 1.7%). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that 21 of the 24 Anaplasma-positive pools contained A. phagocytophilum-specific genes, with 1 identified as Anaplasma sp. and the remaining 2 as A. bovis.

Conclusions
Our study provides evidence of transovarial transmission of A. phagocytophilum in Haemaphysalis spp. larvae under field conditions, showing that the bacteria are transmitted from mother ticks to unengorged, questing larvae. Additionally, our findings contribute significant data for establishing a nationwide forecasting and alert system on seasonal variation of tick developmental stages and tick-borne zoonotic pathogens.

Graphical Abstract
Lifestyle intervention to prevent type 2 diabetes after a pregnancy complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis update
Authors: Bracco Paula Andreghetto , Reichelt Angela Jacob , Alves Luísia Feichas , Vidor Pedro Rodrigues , Oppermann Maria Lúcia Rocha , Duncan Bruce Bartholow , Schmidt Maria Inês 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Women with prior gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are at increased risk of type 2 diabetes, and lifestyle intervention (LSI) offered a decade after pregnancy is effective in preventing diabetes. However, since diabetes frequently onsets in the initial years following pregnancy, preventive actions should be implemented closer to pregnancy. We aimed to assess the effect of lifestyle interventions, compared to standard care, in reducing the incidence of diabetes following a pregnancy complicated by GDM.

Methods
We searched the Cochrane Library, Embase, MEDLINE, and Web of Science from inception to July 21, 2024, to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) testing LSI to prevent diabetes following gestational diabetes. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We evaluated the risk of bias with the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias tool RoB-2 and the certainty of the evidence with GRADE methodology. We used the DerSimonian-Laird random effects pooling method and evaluated heterogeneity with the I2 statistic and the Chi2 test.

Results
We identified 24 studies involving 9017 women. In studies without high risk of bias (18 studies; 8,357 women), LSI reduced the incidence of diabetes by 19% (RR = 0.81; 95%CI 0.71.0.93). The effect was significant and more protective (RR = 0.78; 0.65, 0.94) in studies evaluating women with GDM identified specifically as at a higher risk of diabetes, compared to those intervening on women with GDM irrespective of risk (RR = 0.85; 0.70, 1.04). Similarly, when expressed in absolute terms, the overall number needed to treat (NNT) was 56 considering all studies, 71 for women with GDM irrespective of risk, and 31 for women with GDM at high risk. The intervention produced a lower weight gain (mean difference=-0.88 kg;-1.52, -0.23 for all studies; -0.62 kg;-1.22, -0.02 for studies without high risk of bias). The effects were robust in sensitivity analyses and supported by evidence of moderate certainty for diabetes and weight change.

Conclusions
LSI offered to women with GDM following pregnancy is effective in preventing type 2 diabetes, despite the small postpartum weight change. The impact of LSI on incidence reduction was greater for women with GDM at a higher diabetes risk.

PROSPERO
Registration number CRD42024555086, Jun 28, 2024.
Unravelling physical and radiobiological effects of proton boron fusion reaction with anionic metallacarboranes ([o-COSAN]-) in breast cancer cells
Authors: Belchior Ana , Alves Bianca C. , Mendes Edgar , Megre Francisco , Alves Luís C. , Santos Pedro , Nishimura Kai , Nakamura Hiroyuki , Teixidor Francesc , Viñas Clara , Sampaio Jorge Miguel , Marques Fernanda , Pinheiro Teresa 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Protons, which are considered low-LET (Linear Energy Transfer) radiation, have an average RBE (relative biological effectiveness) of 1.1, with a range from 0.7 to 1.6. Thus, increasing biological effectiveness is of high interest in radiation oncology, and one way to enhance this is by using radiosensitizers. The present work investigates the effectiveness of the proton boron fusion reaction (PBFR) at the cellular level, using the sodium salt of metallacarborane [3,3’-Co(C2B9H11)2]− (Na[o-COSAN]) as the boron source, aiming to explore the potential of this type of boron clusters as a radiosensitizer for proton therapy. Therefore, the main goal was to test the hypothesis that loading the cells with boron will favour the PBFR at energies close to the Bragg peak. This would enhance the radiation-induced biological effects through the production of alpha-particles.

Results
MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells were used. Nuclear microscopy assessed [o-COSAN] uptake and distribution in single cells, while biodistribution was studied in tumor-bearing Balb/cSlc-nu/nu mice (MDA-MB-231 xenograft), with boron accumulation in target organs and tumor measured by ICP-OES. The cells were irradiated with a proton beam tuned to reach the PBFR resonance energy of 675 keV at the cell layer. DNA damage was assessed with the g-H2AX assay and cell survival with the clonogenic assay. Beam parameters and dose calibration curves using radiochromic films validated Monte Carlo dosimetry simulations. As expected, we observed higher biological damage in irradiated cells and the presence of [o-COSAN]− potentiated the damage. These results translate into a lower cellular viability, indicating that DNA damage imposed colonies smaller than their non-irradiated counterparts. This suggests that these damages either took longer time to be repaired or made the cells undergo less efficient survival mechanisms.

Conclusions
The radiosensitizing effect of [o-COSAN]− by strategic cellular 11B placement and proton irradiation intensifies the DNA damage, making the nucleus particularly susceptible and thus increasing the destructive capability of alpha-particles, generated in the nuclear fusion reaction, which may lead to increased cell mortality.
Synergistic antireflection and SERS enhancement in hybrid silicon nanowires by LIL and MACE
Authors: Saeed Sadaf , Zia Ali , Tariq Sana , Shakoor Umema , Liu Dongdong , Liu Ri , Cao Liang , Liao Changrui , Wang Zuobin 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This paper presents an innovative approach to fabricating dual-functional hybrid silicon nanowire (SiNW) arrays that demonstrate antireflection and Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) potentials. Three-beam laser interference lithography (TBLIL) is used to create interference fringe patterns on a Si substrate, which serves as a template for subsequent NWs creation. Subsequently, metal-assisted chemical etching (MACE) selectively etched the substrate and stimulated the formation of SiNWs with various aspect ratios. The morphological and optical features of the hybrid SiNWs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), finite difference time domain (FDTD), and Raman spectroscopy. The resulting structured surface morphology effectively reduced the reflection losses at various wavelengths. The Raman spectra of rhodamine 6G (R6G) analytes at concentrations of 10–4 to 10–8 are examined, indicating that the Raman signals were significantly enhanced and had long-term stability and reliability. The Raman characteristic peaks of R6G were observed at 620, 1361, and 1660 cm−1, which are potentially useful in sensitive chemical sensors.