julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound-Guided Deep Parasternal Intercostal Plane Block in Off-Pump Cardiac Arterial Bypass Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Single Center Study
2025-07-04

Background/Objectives: Sternal pain after cardiac surgery results in considerable discomfort and may contribute to the development of chronic postoperative sternal pain syndrome. Parasternal intercostal plane blocks have been shown to improve postoperative sternal pain and can be an essential part of enhanced recovery after cardiac surgery (ERACS). This cohort study evaluated the postoperative impact of a single-shot deep parasternal intercostal plane block (PIPB) on the requirement of analgesic medication and pain sensation up to 48 h. Methods: This retrospective single-center analysis evaluates the postoperative acute pain in 157 patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) with median sternotomy. The additive analgesic effects of deep PIPB (38 patients) were compared to a group with standard therapy but without PIPB (119 patients). To strengthen the findings, a propensity score matching analysis was performed. Outcomes included the consumption of emergency pain agents (piritramide), the requirement of the total morphine equivalent (ME), time to extubation, and ICU length of stay. Furthermore, we examined pain sensation with evaluation by using the behavioral pain score (BPS) and numeric rating score (NRS) up to 48 h after extubation. Results: The deep PIPB reduced the piritramide administration 24 h and 48 h after OPCAB surgery. Moreover, the requirement of ME was 24 h and 48 h after bypass surgery also significantly decreased. The one-to-one propensity score matching confirmed our primary findings and showed a decreased requirement for intravenous agents. Additionally, we observed a reduced time for extubation and a decreased NRS rating. However, no significant changes were observed in ICU length of stay, incidence of nausea, and vomiting. Conclusions: Our data suggests that an ultrasound-guided single-shot deep PIPB can be a valuable tool for a multimodal analgesic protocol on patients undergoing OPCAB surgery.
nf-core/detaxizer: a benchmarking study for decontamination from human sequences
2025-07-04

Abstract Privacy is paramount in health data, particularly in human genetics, where information extends beyond individuals to their relatives. Metagenomic datasets contain substantial human genetic material, necessitating careful handling to mitigate data leakage risks when sharing or publishing. The same applies to genetic datasets from the environment or datasets from contaminated laboratory samples, although to a lesser extent. Completely removing human sequence data while retaining unbiased nonhuman reads is not achievable currently, but several tools exist. To address these topics, we developed nf-core/detaxizer, a nextflow-based pipeline that employs Kraken2 and bbmap/bbduk for taxonomic classification, identifying and optionally filtering Homo sapiens reads. Due to its generalized design, other taxa can also be classified and filtered. We benchmark its filtering efficacy for human reads against Hostile and CLEAN, demonstrating its utility for secure data preprocessing. The comparison showed that the choice of tool and database can result in differences of up to an order of magnitude in both the amount of human data not removed and the amount of microbial data mistakenly removed. As part of the nf-core initiative, nf-core/detaxizer adheres to best practices, leveraging containerized dependencies for streamlined installation. The source code is openly available under the MIT license: https://github.com/nf-core/detaxizer.
Earliest evidence of Neanderthal multifunctional bone tool production from cave lion (Panthera spelaea) remains
2025-07-05

Abstract Throughout history, humans have had a complex relationship with lions, both reverencing and fearing them. Interactions between Neanderthals and cave lions ( Panthera spelaea ) remain poorly documented due to the scarcity of direct evidence. This study examines the selective use of cave lion bones by Neanderthals to determine whether this behaviour was driven by practical, functional, or symbolic factors, through a detailed zooarchaeological analysis. Previous studies highlighted Neanderthals’ skinning and butchering of cave lions, yet new discoveries at Scladina Cave (Belgium) offer deeper insights into this relationship. Dated to the end of the Saalian, the faunal assemblage provides the earliest evidence of bone tools crafted from cave lion remains. A tibia was deliberately processed into multifunctional tools, initially serving as an intermediate tool before being repurposed as retouchers. Proteomic analysis applied on the remains, confirmed the specific identification. These findings reveal that Neanderthals not only competed with but actively utilized cave lions for practical purposes, indicating complex ecological and behavioral interactions. Relationships between pre-humans and large predators, rooted in the Middle Pleistocene, suggest a strategic exploitation of carnivore remains. However, opportunistic procurement cannot be entirely ruled out as a potential factor influencing animal choice in tool production. The intentional transformation of lion bones into functional tools highlights Neanderthals’ cognitive skills, adaptability, and capacity for resource utilization beyond their immediate survival needs.
The Silent Transformation of Stereotactic Brain Biopsies After the Introduction of Robotics
2025-07-05

ABSTRACT Background In frame‐based stereotaxy, the design of the frame limits trajectory selection, e.g., to the temporal lobe and posterior fossa. We hypothesise that frame‐less neuronavigation and robotic technology might have expanded these stereotactic corridors. Methods We analysed 376 frame‐based, neuronavigated and robotic brain biopsies. We analysed entry (EP) and target (TP) point coordinates, trajectory lengths (TL) and angles ( α 1 , α 2 ), skin‐to‐skin time (STS), diagnostic yield and morbidity. Results Robotics liberated TP and EP selection, enabling trajectories not applicable with the frame. There was an increased application of lateral trajectories (reducing α1 ) while decreasing TL . There was a significant STS reduction attributable to a modification of the surgical approach (twist drill vs. burr hole). Conclusions Robotics modified trajectory selection and the surgical approach. Duration and invasiveness of brain biopsies were decreased without affecting diagnostic yield or morbidity. This may represent a clinical benefit of robotics compared with frame‐based and frame‐less stereotaxy.
Exploring the boundaries between neoplastic and reactive lymphoproliferations: lymphoid neoplasms with indolent behavior and clonal lymphoproliferations—a report of the 2024 EA4HP/SH lymphoma workshop
2025-07-05

Abstract The boundaries between neoplastic and reactive lymphoproliferations were discussed during the 2024 European Association for Haematopathology/Society for Hematopathology workshop in Dubrovnik, Croatia. Session 5 focused on indolent lymphoid neoplasms and clonal lymphoproliferations. Seventy-two cases were submitted, representing good examples of indolent lymphomas and lymphoproliferative disorders (LPD) and their diagnostic challenges. The morphologic spectrum of primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphoma/lymphoproliferation (PC-MZL/PC-MZLPD) was discussed. PC-MZL/PC-MZLPD is divided in the immunoglobulin heavy chain switched-type and non-switched-type with some clinicopathological differences. The overlapping features between PC-MZL/PC-MZLPD and PC-CD4 + T-cell LPD were highlighted. The criteria for the diagnosis of indolent T-lymphoblastic proliferation (iT-LBP) were reviewed. Indolent T-cell lymphoproliferation of the gastrointestinal tract (iT-LPD-GI) is a rare clonal, non-destructive, and non-epitheliotropic T-cell LPD occurring in adults with a male predominance. The cases submitted to the workshop revealed clinicopathological heterogeneity. Unusual features like infiltration of the complete intestinal wall, mesenteric lymph node involvement, and splenomegaly were observed. A novel group of PD1 + /CD4 + indolent cases with intestinal tropism and dissemination to blood, bone marrow, lymph node, and skin was identified. Other indolent clonal B- and T-cell LPDs were discussed including transient, clonal CD8 + T-cell proliferations, usually the result of immune-mediated cytotoxic T-cell response to virus or neoantigens, and the recently described follicle center lymphoma (FLC) of the lower female genital tract. The increasing awareness of the existence of indolent LPDs should avoid unnecessary treatments. In this report, novel findings, recommendations for diagnosis, open questions, and diagnostic challenges raised by the cases submitted to the workshop will be discussed.
Variability of Metabolic Rate and Distribution Volume Quantification in Whole-Body Parametric PATLAK [18F]-FDG PET/CT—A Prospective Trial in Patients with Lung Cancer
2025-07-05

Background: The recent introduction of whole-body positron emission tomography/ computed tomography (PET/CT) scanners and multi-bed, multi-time point acquisition technique enable calculating fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) kinetics in the whole body. However, validating parametric, Patlak-derived data is difficult on phantoms. Methods: This prospective study investigated the effect of quantification methods mean, max, and peak on the metabolic rate (MR-FDG) and distribution volume (DV-FDG) quantification, as well as the diagnostic accuracy of parametric Patlak FDG-PET scans in diagnosing lung lesions and lymph node metastases, using histopathology and follow-up as reference standards. Dynamic whole-body FDG PET was acquired for 80 minutes in 34 patients with indeterminate lung lesions and kinetic parameters extracted from lung lesions and representative mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes. Results: All quantification methods—mean, max, and peak—demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy (AUC: MR-FDG: 0.987–0.991 and 0.893–0.905; DV-FDG: 0.948–0.975 and 0.812–0.825) for differentiating benign from malignant lymph nodes and lung lesions. Differences in the magnitude of MR-FDG (−4.76–14.09) and DV-FDG (−10.64–46.10%) were substantial across methods. Variability was more pronounced in lymph nodes (MR-FDG: 1.37–3.48) than in lung lesions (MR-FDG: 3.31–5.04). The variability was lowest between mean and max quantification, with percentage differences of 40.87 ± 5.69% for MR-FDG and 39.26 ± 7.68% for DV-FDG. Conclusions: The choice of method to measure MR-FDG and DV-FDG greatly influences the results, especially in smaller lesions with large and systematic differences. For lung lesions, a conversion factor between mean and max methods of 40% provides acceptable agreement, facilitating retrospective comparisons of measurements, e.g., in meta-analyses.
Achieving Chemical Recognition, Recycling, and Circularity With Radical Nanostructures
2025-07-06

Abstract Although still in its early stages, the production and investigation of 3D magnetic nanostructures signify a major advancement in both fundamental research and practical applications, with immense potential for next‐generation technologies. Here, for the fabrication of the 3D nanostructures, an innovative approach selecting a S = 1/2 4,4′‐dicyano‐2,2′‐biphenylene‐fused tetrazolinyl radical is adopted, chemically stable and thermodynamically robust, allowing thin film processing and growth. Interdigitated gold‐silicon dioxide hybrid surfaces are used as substrates since gold and silicon dioxide are two technologically relevant materials. The ability to: (1) grow radical nanostructures are demonstrated that retain their magnetic properties, (2) adjust their morphology and size, (3) selectively remove nanostructures from specific substrate regions using distilled water, and (4) return substrates to their pristine condition, making them reusable after washing. This research not only aims to produce innovative 3D nanostructures but also strives to improve efficiency and minimize consumption, aligning with the principles of circular economy. This approach is particularly beneficial for expensive materials, such as gold, or patterned hybrid substrates that require complex fabrication techniques.
Neoadjuvant intralesional targeted immunocytokines (daromun) in stage III melanoma
2025-07-07

Neoadjuvant daromun resulted in a significantly longer RFS than upfront surgery in patients with locally advanced melanoma. TRAEs were transient and manageable. Neoadjuvant daromun is a new therapeutic option for patients with stage III melanoma, including those with locoregional recurrence after surgery and previous adjuvant therapy.
Neural Representation of Time across Complementary Reference Frames
2025-07-07

Abstract Humans conceptualize time in terms of space, allowing flexible time construals from various perspectives. We can travel internally through a timeline to remember the past and imagine the future (i.e., mental time travel) or watch from an external standpoint to have a panoramic view of history (i.e., mental time watching). However, the neural mechanisms that support these flexible temporal construals remain unclear. To investigate this, we asked participants to learn a fictional religious ritual of 15 events. During fMRI scanning, they were guided to consider the event series from either an internal or external perspective in different tasks. Behavioral results confirmed the success of our manipulation, showing the expected symbolic distance effect in the internal-perspective task and the reverse effect in the external-perspective task. We found that the activation level in the posterior parietal cortex correlated positively with sequential distance in the external-perspective task but negatively in the internal-perspective task. In contrast, the activation level in the anterior hippocampus positively correlated with sequential distance regardless of the observer’s perspectives. These results suggest that the hippocampus stores the memory of the event sequences allocentrically in a perspective-agnostic manner. Conversely, the posterior parietal cortex retrieves event sequences egocentrically from the optimal perspective for the current task context. Such complementary allocentric and egocentric representations support both the stability of memory storage and the flexibility of time construals.
Rotating scalarized black holes: The role of the coupling
2025-07-07

We perform an in-depth analysis of rotating scalarized black holes in scalar-Gauss-Bonnet gravity, where scalarization is induced by the spacetime curvature. Our results show that even for very large spins, the scalar charge can reach values comparable to those in the static limit, meaning it is not significantly suppressed. Consequently, curvature-induced scalarization can lead to non-GR signatures of similar magnitude in both static and rapidly rotating cases. For certain coupling parameters, these scalarized black hole solutions remain within the regime of validity of the effective field theory, where the theory has well-posed formulations.
Paediatric acute liver failure: A prospective, nationwide, population‐based surveillance study in Germany
2025-07-07

Abstract Objectives Paediatric acute liver failure (PALF) is a rare but life‐threatening condition, yet comprehensive epidemiological data in Germany are lacking. Our study aimed to systematically analyse incidence, aetiology, and outcome of PALF in Germany. Methods In a nationwide, population‐based surveillance study, cases of PALF (defined following the PALF study group inclusion criteria) were queried from 2016 to 2018 through the German Paediatric Surveillance Unit (ESPED). Demographic, clinical, laboratory, therapeutic, and outcome data were collected and analysed. In case of unexplained aetiology, whole exome and virus sequencing was offered as a complementary diagnostic. Results Over the 3‐year period, 148 cases were reported, yielding an estimated incidence of 3.7 per 1 million children per year. Neonates and infants were predominantly affected (45% of the cases); median age at PALF was 1.2 years (range: 0–17.9 years). Metabolic/genetic diseases were the most common cause (23%), followed by infectious causes (17%). The overall diagnostic yield was 73%, diagnosis remained unknown in 40 cases. Clinical outcome was age‐dependent: new‐borns showed a significant higher lethality (42%), followed by infants (29%), toddlers (15%), and school children (12%). Liver transplantation was reported in 22% of cases. Conclusions This study provides comprehensive insights into PALF epidemiology in Germany. Metabolic/genetic causes and infectious diseases were most common. Advances in standardised diagnostic work‐up and genetic analysis have enhanced diagnostic yield, yet mortality remains substantial, particularly among neonates. Further research is warranted to improve diagnostic accuracy, therapeutic outcomes, and overall management of PALF.
Phenotypic and Genomic Associations of a Common Executive Function Factor and the p-Factor with the Big Five Personality Traits
2025-07-07

<title>Abstract</title> A substantial number of patients with mental disorders struggle with goal-directed behavior. Both differences in personality and executive functions (EFs) are studied as potential mediators. On a latent level, EFs are highly heritable and have been shown to represent a genomic neurocognitive correlate of mental disorders. Here, we study the interplay of a latent common EF factor (cEF), both phenotypic and genomic, with the Big Five personality traits. We also study the genomic influence of a latent factor for general psychopathology on personality. Personality assessments, executive test performance and genomic data were available from two deeply phenotyped cohorts (PsyCourse Study and FOR2107). In both samples, a phenotypic cEF was derived by confirmatory factor analysis and polygenic scores (PSs) were calculated for the cEF and the p-factor. In a two-step regression analysis approach the phenotypic cEF, genomic cEF-PS and p-factor PS were associated with each of the Big Five personality traits, followed by a fixed-effects meta-analysis. All personality traits were associated with the phenotypic cEF. The direction of effect was negative for Neuroticism and positive for Extraversion, Openness, Agreeableness and Conscientiousness. On a genomic level we found a negative association between the cEF-PS and Neuroticism, and a positive association with Openness. Regarding the p-factor PS we found a positive association with Neuroticism and a negative association with Conscientiousness. For the first time we report associations of a latent phenotypic cEF with all Big Five personality traits as well as associations of individual-level cEF and p-factor PS scores with the Big Five.
The situatedness of instructional quality—How situated are college students' ratings?
2025-07-08

Abstract Background Student ratings are commonly used to evaluate classroom processes. Research suggests that these ratings are not solely based on objective situational characteristics but also reflect rater characteristics. Although research has been conducted in K‐12 settings, little is known about how person‐specific and situation‐specific factors affect student ratings in higher education. Aims This study investigates to what extent students’ ratings on instructional quality (INQ) vary in response to various data collection across teaching situations. In this way, we also investigate the role of motivational beliefs in these ratings. Sample The study uses data from 1,745 undergraduates (26.5% self‐identified as male students) from a university in California, U.S.A. Methods We employed single trait‐multistate models (STMS) to decompose INQ variance (classroom management, student support, cognitive activation). We estimate the consistency and situation specificity of ratings across courses, time, and course type. Also, we estimated correlations between motivational beliefs and the consistent component across ratings, i.e., the person effect. Results High consistency in student ratings of INQ was found within the same course over time. This consistency was lower when INQ was rated across different courses. The consistency was higher in courses that students perceived as difficult than to courses that were perceived as important. Students who reported higher expectancies for success and interest value in these courses also rated INQ more positive across teaching situations. Conclusions Our findings suggest that student ratings of INQ are situated and shaped by course characteristics but also rater characteristics. Motivational beliefs contribute uniquely to students’ INQ ratings beyond situational characteristics.
Symptom Development in Plant Viral Diseases: What, How, and Why?
2025-07-08

Plant viruses are obligate intracellular pathogens that hijack host cellular machinery to support their replication and spread. Viral infection induces a variety of structural and physiological changes in the plant as a result of viral biology and its interplay with host processes; these alterations can manifest as visible disruptions of normal growth and development, like stunting, leaf curling, chlorosis, or necrosis, which we recognize as disease symptoms. Despite their significant economic impact, the molecular mechanisms behind symptoms remain poorly understood, and their biological significance is in most cases still unclear. This review explores the possible sources of viral symptoms in plants, their elucidated molecular underpinnings, and the potential implications of symptom development for viral infection and ecology as well as plant health.
Media use in groups of friends: Relationships with connectedness
2025-07-08

Friendships are important throughout the lifespan, but groups of friends who disperse geographically need communication media to stay connected. Prior research on the use of media in long-distance communication focused on dyads, thereby neglecting issues like the heightened coordination effort in groups. We conducted a survey on a representative sample of German adults to discover the media ensembles of (geographically dispersed) friend groups and to explore the relationship between these ensembles and connectedness. A cluster analysis revealed four clusters, ranging from a traditional cluster occasionally communicating through emails and voice calls to a cluster that frequently uses several media, including games and discussion forums. The use of group chats was common in three clusters. Feelings of connectedness increased with communication frequency and number of media used. Psychological processes, namely social presence and ambient awareness, influenced connectedness as well.