Nevin Manimala

Nature. 2025 Jan;637(8044):43-47. doi: 10.1038/s41586-024-08184-4. Epub 2025 Jan 1.

ABSTRACT

Fast radio bursts (FRBs) last for milliseconds and arrive at Earth from cosmological distances. Although their origins and emission mechanisms are unknown, their signals bear similarities with the much less luminous radio emission generated by pulsars within our Miky Way Galaxy¹, with properties suggesting neutron star origins^2,3. However, unlike pulsars, FRBs typically show minimal variability in their linear polarization position angle (PA) curves⁴. Even when marked PA evolution is present, their curves deviate significantly from the canonical shape predicted by the rotating vector model (RVM) of pulsars⁵. Here we report on FRB 20221022A, detected by the Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment Fast Radio Burst project (CHIME/FRB) and localized to a nearby host galaxy (about 65 Mpc), MCG+14-02-011. This FRB shows a notable approximately 130° PA rotation over its about 2.5 ms burst duration, resembling the characteristic S-shaped evolution seen in many pulsars and some radio magnetars. The observed PA evolution supports magnetospheric origins^6-8 over models involving distant shocks^9-11, echoing similar conclusions drawn from tempo-polarimetric studies of some repeating FRBs^12,13. The PA evolution is well described by the RVM and, although we cannot determine the inclination and magnetic obliquity because of the unknown period or duty cycle of the source, we exclude very short-period pulsars (for example, recycled millisecond pulsars) as the progenitor.

PMID:39743599 | DOI:10.1038/s41586-024-08184-4

BMC Infect Dis. 2025 Jan 2;25(1):2. doi: 10.1186/s12879-024-10405-0.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is the most successful obligate protozoan that can infect warm-blooded vertebrate hosts. Some researchers suggest that the presence of Toxoplasma cysts in the brain can lead to mental disorders. Bipolar disorder (BD) is one of the serious neuropsychiatric disorders. Several studies have shown a high seroprevalence of T. gondii in bipolar patients. Therefore, this study aims to determine the prevalence of this infection in patients with BD.

METHODS: In this case-control study, anti-Toxoplasma immunoglobulin (Ig) G and IgM antibodies were measured in serum samples from 115 patients with BD and 115 subjects without this disorder from the general population using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Demographic characteristics of the patient and control groups, information about T. gondii infection and BD, and their potential risk factors were analyzed. We utilized the Mann-Whitney U test for continuous variables, the chi-square test for categorical data, and multivariate logistic regression to assess T. gondii infection and BD, with significance set at P < 0.05.

RESULTS: Twenty-eight (24.34%) of 115 patients with BD and 10 (8.7%) of 115 controls had anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies. IgM antibodies against T. gondii were not reported to be positive in any participants. Furthermore, there was a statistically significant difference in the results [odds ratio (OR) = 2.89: 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.08-7.73. P = 0.03]. Within the study population, various factors were identified as significant risk factors for BD: sex (OR 8.10, 95% CI 3.16-20.75), age 20-50 (OR 5.11, 95% CI 1.81-14.45), age over 50 (OR 19.54, 95% CI 4.02-94.89), education level (OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.09-0.60), working status (non-employment, OR 4.12, 95% CI 1.65-10.30), and income (middle, OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.10-0.89; high, OR 0.12, 95% CI 0.01-0.77), all with P-values less than 0.05. In addition, in the group of patients, there was no statistically significant relationship between T. gondii infection with the type of bipolar disease (P = 0.93), the severity of the disease (P = 0.61), and the history of suicide attempts (P = 0.63).

CONCLUSION: This study showed that toxoplasmosis is a risk factor for BD and increases the chance of developing BD. However, more studies with a larger sample size are recommended to clarify the development pathways of this disorder and provide new strategies for the prevention and treatment of this disease.

CLINICAL TRIAL: Not applicable.

PMID:39743583 | DOI:10.1186/s12879-024-10405-0

J Dent Child (Chic). 2024 Sep 15;91(3):137-145.

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To investigate the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of young children in a randomized clinical trial (RCT) of silver diammine fluoride (SDF) and five percent sodium fluoride varnish (NaFV) to manage early childhood caries (ECC). Methods: Children younger than 72 months of age with active dentinal caries lesions (ICDAS 5 or 6) in primary teeth received two applications of 38 percent SDF and five percent NaFV as part of an RCT testing three different frequency regimes (one, four, and six months apart). The Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) questionnaire was completed at three study visits. Statistical analyses included descrip- tive and parametric methods. A P -value of ≤0.05 was significant. Results: Eighty-two children (58.5 percent male) were recruited with a mean age of 44.3±14.2 months. Significant improvement in total ECOHIS scores for all children was observed following treatment (baseline mean scores=4.52±4.77 versus third visit mean scores=3.19±3.78, P =0.01) and family impact scores for all children (base- line mean scores=3.00±2.98 versus third visit mean scores=1.68±2.01, P ≤0.001). However, no significant change in the mean child impact score was observed among all the children ( P =0.97). The parental distress and family function domains showed the most improvement with SDF treatment. No significant ECOHIS score differences were found among the three frequency groups across visits. Conclusions: Children showed better OHRQoL after applying 38 percent SDF and five percent NaFV. No significant differences were found between treatment groups. SDF is a viable non-restorative option for managing ECC as it has a positive effect on OHRQoL.

PMID:39743577

J Dent Child (Chic). 2024 Sep 15;91(3):129-136.

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To assess the effectiveness of Biodentine^™ (BD), mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and ferric sulfate (FS) as pulpotomy agents in primary molars and evaluate the impact of behavior guidance strategies on pulpotomy success.Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, data from 374 cases (50.5 percent male, aged two to 10 years) undergoing 469 pulpotomies at a university pediatric clinic between April 1, 2016 and January 1, 2020 were analyzed. Clinical and radiographic outcomes were evaluated by two calibrated examiners using validated criteria. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, logistic regression (P <0.05), Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox proportional hazard models, with inter- and intra-examiner reliability confirmed by Cohen’s Kappa. Results: Among the materials, BD and MTA showed the highest clinical (98.5 percent and 97.9 percent, respectively) and radiographic (95.2 percent and 93.6 percent, respectively) success, significantly outperforming FS (88.9 percent and 80.9 percent, respectively). Pulpotomy failures were notably higher with the use of protective stabilization (P =0.002), while treatment under general anesthesia and good patient cooperation were associated with better outcomes. Conclusions: BD and MTA demonstrated superior effectiveness over FS for primary molar pulpotomies. The success of pulpotomy is significantly influenced by behavior guidance techniques, with less restrictive methods correlating with improved outcomes.

PMID:39743575

BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2025 Jan 2;26(1):1. doi: 10.1186/s12891-024-08241-z.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Adhesion formation poses a significant challenge for both patients and hand surgeons following tendon repair. One common strategy to prevent adhesion formation is the use of physical barriers. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of extensor tendon repair with and without the application of the OrthoWrap^® bioresorbable Sheet, specifically in terms of adhesion prevention.

METHODS: This triple-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted on patients with trauma to the extensor zone VI tendons. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups. In the intervention group, OrthoWrap^® bioresorbable Sheet was applied in addition to the standard tendon repair protocol. Over a three-month follow-up period, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, extension lag, and metacarpophalangeal joint flexion were assessed. Additionally, the mobility of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) and distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints was evaluated using the Strickland classification.

RESULTS: A total of 42 patients in the OrthoWrap^® group and 43 in the control group were evaluated over the three-month period. Both groups showed a significant reduction in mean extension lag at the metacarpophalangeal joint over time. No significant condition-by-time interactions were found for MP joint flexion or VAS scores (p > 0.05). However, significant improvements in MP joint flexion and VAS scores were observed over time. The OrthoWrap^® group demonstrated significantly more favorable outcomes compared to the control group.

CONCLUSION: The clinical application of OrthoWrap^® in extensor tendon repair demonstrated statistically significant but modest improvements in extension lag (2.5°). While patients treated with OrthoWrap^® showed better outcomes in Strickland’s classification, the clinical significance of these small differences and their impact on patient function requires further investigation.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: IRCT, IRCT20180627040252N3. Registered 20,220,617, Https//irct.behdasht.gov.ir/trial/56,652.

PMID:39743570 | DOI:10.1186/s12891-024-08241-z

BMC Res Notes. 2025 Jan 2;18(1):1. doi: 10.1186/s13104-024-07072-4.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Using neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBA) in pediatric induction protocol is a challenging matter. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to find a safer way for anesthesia in children. We compared the effects of dexmedetomidine with atracurium on intubation conditions in children aged 6-12 years under general anesthesia. If dexmedetomidine has the similar effect as atracurium, we can use it for intubation and anesthesia of children in situations where the use of atracurium is challenging for any reason.

METHODS: This clinical trial was carried out on children between 6 and 12 years in Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran between January 2018 and February 2020. Participants candidates for tracheal intubation and general anesthesia were enrolled. Patients were distributed into two groups: Patients received Dexmedetomidine (Group D) and patients received Atracurium (Group A).

RESULTS: We enrolled 25 patients in each group. Most of them were male. The intubation quality score consists of 5 items including laryngoscopy, vocal cord, coughing, jaw relaxation and limb movement was assessed between two groups. This score had no statistically significant difference between study groups. Immediately after induction and one minute after it, heart rate was statistically significant higher in group A than group D (P < 0.001 & P = 0.04 respectively). All of the intubations in our study were successful. More coughing was seen in group A compared with group D (P = 0.01).

CONCLUSION: In children aged 6-12 years, the administration of intravenous dexmedetomidine 1mcg/kg over a period of 10 min before the induction of anesthesia with sufentanil 0.3 µg/kg and propofol 3 mg/kg showed no statistically significant difference in quality of intubation score when compared to the use of 0.5 mg/kg atracurium to facilitate intubation. Decreased heart rate and less coughing were observed when using dexmedetomidine. This trial was registered retrospectively in the Iranian Clinical Trials Registry at 2021-24-05 ( https://www.irct.ir/ ), and its registration number is IRCT20201028049177N1.

PMID:39743554 | DOI:10.1186/s13104-024-07072-4

NPJ Syst Biol Appl. 2025 Jan 2;11(1):2. doi: 10.1038/s41540-024-00483-w.

ABSTRACT

Interconnected feedback loops are prevalent across biological mechanisms, including cell fate transitions enabled by epigenetic mechanisms in carcinomas. However, the operating principles of these networks remain largely unexplored. Here, we identify numerous interconnected feedback loops implicated in cell lineage decisions, which we discover to be the hallmarks of lower- and higher-dimensional state space. We demonstrate that networks having higher centrality nodes have restricted state space while those with lower centrality nodes have higher dimensional state space. The topologically distinct networks with identical node or loop counts have different steady-state distributions, highlighting the crucial influence of network structure on emergent dynamics. Further, regardless of topology, networks with autoregulated nodes exhibit multiple steady states, thereby “liberating” network dynamics from absolute topological control. These findings unravel the design principles of multistable networks implicated in fate decisions and can have crucial implications in engineering or comprehending multi-fate decision circuits.

PMID:39743534 | DOI:10.1038/s41540-024-00483-w

Expert Rev Med Devices. 2025 Jan 1. doi: 10.1080/17434440.2024.2449504. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The Mobi-C Cervical Disc Replacement is a motion preserving alternative to anterior cervical discectomy and fusion in properly indicated patients. In 2013, Mobi-C became the first cervical disc in the United States approved to treat more than one level of the cervical spine. The FDA determined Mobi-C to be statistically superior to fusion at 2 levels, based on the primary endpoint of a prospective, concurrently controlled and randomized multicenter clinical trial.

AREAS COVERED: The history of Mobi-C and cervical disc arthroplasty are discussed. The unique biomechanics and structure of Mobi-C, the clinical results, the long term follow up, the disc’s biomechanics, and cost effectiveness research are described. The competitive landscape is overviewed.

EXPERT OPINION: The evidence in this article supports the use of the Mobi-C cervical disc prosthesis as a viable alternative to fusion surgery in selected patients. Mobi-C has a relatively long track record compared to most other cervical discs prostheses. Thus far, Mobi-C is a very good option for preserving cervical motion based on long term follow-up, for achieving favorable clinical outcomes, and for maintaining patient safety. The Mobi-C cervical disc prosthesis is generally viewed positively, supported by clinical experience and research findings.

PMID:39743533 | DOI:10.1080/17434440.2024.2449504

NPJ Syst Biol Appl. 2025 Jan 2;11(1):1. doi: 10.1038/s41540-024-00484-9.

ABSTRACT

CITE-seq provides a powerful method for simultaneously measuring RNA and protein expression at the single-cell level. The integrated analysis of RNA and protein expression in identical cells is crucial for revealing cellular heterogeneity. However, the high experimental costs associated with CITE-seq limit its widespread application. In this paper, we propose scTEL, a deep learning framework based on Transformer encoder layers, to establish a mapping from sequenced RNA expression to unobserved protein expression in the same cells. This computation-based approach significantly reduces the experimental costs of protein expression sequencing. We are now able to predict protein expression using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data, which is well-established and available at a lower cost. Moreover, our scTEL model offers a unified framework for integrating multiple CITE-seq datasets, addressing the challenge posed by the partial overlap of protein panels across different datasets. Empirical validation on public CITE-seq datasets demonstrates scTEL significantly outperforms existing methods.

PMID:39743530 | DOI:10.1038/s41540-024-00484-9

J Orthop Surg Res. 2025 Jan 2;20(1):1. doi: 10.1186/s13018-024-05435-y.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Sever’s disease is among the most common causes of foot pain in childhood.The etiology of Sever’s disease is still under debate.The objective of this prospective study is to investigate the relationship between Sever’s disease and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD).

METHODS: The study was prospectively conducted for 1 year between 2023-2024.Of 238 children admitted to our clinic with foot pain, 88 children diagnosed with Sever’s disease were included in the study.A control group including 90 individuals was employed.Patients diagnosed with Sever’s disease in the orthopedics outpatient clinic and healthy control group were evaluated by a pediatric psychiatrist in terms of ADHD based on the DSM-4 diagnostic criteria.

RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients were male, and 31 were female.While 45 male patients were diagnosed with ADHD, 12 of them did not have ADHD.While 17 female patients were diagnosed with ADHD, 14 did not have ADHD. ADHD was detected in 12 (13.3%) of 90 patients in the control group, comprising 9 boys and 3 girls. The prevalence of ADHD in the Sever’s disease cohort was 62 (70.5%) out of 88, significantly higher than the control group’s 12 (13.3%) out of 90 patients (p < 0.01). The high number of the patients diagnosed with ADHD among the Sever’s patients who were not engaged in sports was found to be statistically significant(p < 0.01).The diagnosis of ADHD was found to be statistically more significant in boys with Sever’s disease compared to girls(p < 0.018).

CONCLUSION: Children with Sever’s disease can be the candidates for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.It is thought that evaluating children, especially male children, diagnosed with calcaneal apophysitis within the framework of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder will be valuable.

PMID:39743527 | DOI:10.1186/s13018-024-05435-y