bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The challenges of implementing earlier surgery for terminal ileal Crohn's disease—A qualitative study of the clinician's perspective
Authors: Husnoo Nilofer , Morgan Jenna L. , Wyld Lynda , Lobo Alan J. , Brown Steven R.
Published: February 2025

Aim

Evidence suggests that earlier bowel resection may offer more stable remission in localized luminal terminal ileal (TI) Crohn's disease compared with ongoing medical therapy. Surgery is still considered late in the treatment pathway. The aim of this study was to understand the clinician's perspective on ‘early’ surgery by qualitatively exploring how clinicians make treatment‐related decisions.

Method

Semistructured interviews with clinicians across the UK with an interest in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) were undertaken using videoconferencing (February–November 2022). Inductive thematic analysis of interview transcripts was performed; 10% of the data were double‐coded. Data saturation was confirmed before stopping recruitment.

Results

Participants included nine consultant surgeons, seven consultant gastroenterologists and seven specialist nurses (n = 23) from secondary care and tertiary referral centres. Five key themes were identified: timing of surgery in practice, barriers to timely surgery, factors influencing decision‐making, offering choice and the patient's perspective. A practice of exhausting medical options before considering surgery was commonly described. A lack of IBD specialists (especially surgeons), inadequate opportunities for multidisciplinary teamwork and long waiting lists for surgical clinics and theatre were cited as barriers to timely surgery. According to interviewees, patients prefer medical therapy over surgery; the most dreaded risk is thought to be that of a stoma.

Conclusion

This study provides new insights into the barriers to earlier surgery for TI disease. Organizational barriers should be considered when designing local services. Collaborative multidisciplinary teamwork may allow clinicians to consider surgery sooner. A study investigating the patient perspective is warranted.
The Illegal Trade in Live Western Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) in Guinea‐Bissau and Proposed Conservation Management Actions
Authors: Ferreira da Silva Maria Joana , Regalla Aissa
Published: February 2025

The western chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus) is classified as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with an 80% decrease decline between 1990 and 2014. A major threat to its survival is the illegal trade in live chimpanzees (ITLC), a highly organized criminal activity with national and international scope. Here, we compile the existing information on ITLC in Guinea‐Bissau, highlight relevant knowledge gaps, and suggest immediate conservation management actions. ITLC in Guinea‐Bissau is likely extensive and is a major factor contributing to the declining of the chimpanzee population. The most urgent measures needed to prevent the ITLC in Guinea‐Bissau are to (i) build a centralized database containing information on wildlife kept as pets, (ii) train officials on national and international laws and regulations related to the wildlife trade and to identify protected and threatened species, (iii) define/update penalties for perpetrators holding live chimpanzees, (iv) raising awareness in society on the risks of maintaining wildlife, (v) investigate the ITLC supply trade‐chain and the actors’ profile, and (vi) build a sanctuary or rehabilitation center within Guinea‐Bissau. Considering the high risk of extinction of the subspecies, addressing the ITLC in Guinea‐Bissau and elsewhere in West Africa is urgent.
A qualitative exploration of triggers for alcohol use and access to support during the COVID‐19 pandemic among people identifying as problem drinkers in the United Kingdom
Authors: Yaqubi Hadia , May Tom , Burton Alexandra
Published: February 2025

Introduction

A polarisation of drinking behaviour was observed during the coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) pandemic, with some people reported to be drinking more alcohol and others less. We aimed to understand how and why the COVID‐19 pandemic and associated restrictions impacted alcohol use and access to support and services during this time.

Methods

We conducted semi‐structured qualitative interviews with 27 participants, including 20 people identifying as problem drinkers and seven alcohol service providers. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

We identified two main triggers for alcohol use during the pandemic: (i) loss of daily routine and activity resulted in drinking to cope with social isolation and boredom; and (ii) drinking alleviated feelings of fear, anxiety and anger over the imposition of pandemic restrictions. Regarding access to services, two main themes were generated: (i) remote service provision was perceived as inferior to in‐person services; and (ii) the need to offer choice and flexibility in how services were provided, with service providers reporting more positive experiences of online and telephone service delivery than service users.

Discussion and Conclusions

This study provides new insights into potential triggers for alcohol use among people identifying as problem drinkers during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The acceptability of remote forms of service provision were dependent on service user access to, and comfort with using technology. Hybrid delivery models may therefore be suitable in some but not all circumstances, and efforts should be made to promote equitable access to services.
Hegel on the right to private property
Authors: Koehler Benedikt
Published: February 2025

Canons of liberal classics exclude the work of G. W. F. Hegel. Hegel's approach to the right to own private property, however, reflected his reading of James Steuart and of Adam Smith, and certain questions raised in Law and Economics urge reading anew Hegel on property.
Parent reactions to coming out as lesbian, gay, or bisexual: Investigating a theoretical framework
Authors: Chrisler Alison
Published: February 2025

Objective

The aim of this study is to explore parents' reactions to their child's lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) identity by applying an existing theoretical framework of parent reactions to coming out.

Background

Because family rejection leads to a number of negative outcomes among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and/or questioning (LGBTQ) youth, understanding parent reactions is critical. There is a need to validate existing theoretical frameworks that capture parent reactions to LGBTQ disclosure.

Method

Using deductive thematic analysis, eight a priori themes and additional subthemes derived from the existing theoretical framework were used to analyze a convenience sample of 20 in‐depth, parent interviews.

Results

The analysis demonstrated that the components of the theoretical framework that guided the study mostly mapped onto each transcript. One proposed change to the theoretical framework includes adding a pathway that demonstrates how parents who suspect their child is LGB do not necessarily engage in uncertainty reduction behaviors.

Conclusion

Findings from this study suggest that parents navigate through a series of processes when learning about and coming to accept their child's identity.

Implications

There is a need for future empirical studies to further refine and validate the existing theoretical framework.
Late Holocene “Turn‐Off” of Coral Reef Growth in the Northern Red Sea and Implications for a Sea‐Level Fall
Authors: Feldman B. , Torfstein A. , O'Leary M. , Blecher N. Simon , Yam R. , Shaked Y. , Shemesh A. , Huang D. , Levy O.
Published: February 2025

Coral reefs, known for their remarkable diversity, serve a pivotal function in modulating the global oceanic carbon cycle and act as natural barriers that protect coastlines from erosion and storm surges by dissipating wave energy. Despite their importance, their sensitivity to temperature fluctuations, sea‐level shifts and anthropogenic changes in the future is highly unknown. In this study, we create a comprehensive documentation of coral growth, sedimentology and ecology spanning the middle to late Holocene in the Gulf of Eilat/Aqaba, northern Red Sea. We then integrate these findings with a reconstruction of the area's environmental conditions over time. The findings reveal a noticeable hiatus of reef growth between 4400 and 1000 years BP (Before Present; “present” being defined as 1950), aligning well with comparable observations made across various locations in the Southern Hemisphere. The coral diversity and abundance along the cores display surprisingly similar patterns before and after the hiatus. This implies that the distinctive coral community thriving during the initial growth phase reappeared nearly 4000 years later, presumably sourced from the deeper reefs. The results are evaluated in the context of a potential sea‐level drop and the resilience of coral communities to perturbations of this magnitude. We conclude that the hiatus at this site is due to a combination of factors, including tectonic activity and glacio‐eustatic sea‐level changes. Our research highlights the critical importance of understanding and managing coral reef ecosystems' responses to sea‐level fluctuations to mitigate future impacts on these vulnerable environments.
Implementation and Acceptance of Oral Health Assessment Tools in Residential Aged Care Facilities: A Scoping Review
Authors: Pritchard Lyndal , Burden Kelly‐Jean , Carlson‐Jones William , Stormon Nicole , Do Loc
Published: February 2025

Background

The global ageing population has increased demand for healthcare services in residential aged care (RAC), with oral health recognised as crucial for overall well‐being. Despite this, the implementation of oral health assessment tools in RAC faces significant challenges.

Objective

This scoping review explored the implementation and acceptance of oral health assessment tools in RAC facilities, identifying key barriers and facilitators influencing their adoption by non‐dental healthcare professionals.

Methods

Five databases were searched, including Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, Medline OVID and CINAHL, with a focus on oral health assessment tools utilised by non‐dental healthcare professionals in residential aged care. The review adhered to the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Methodology and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses Scoping Review guidelines, with data extraction guided by the Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services framework, focusing on evidence, context and facilitation.

Results

The review included 26 studies on the implementation of oral health assessment tools in residential aged care facilities, highlighting diverse barriers and facilitators impacting tool adoption by non‐dental professionals. Key barriers included insufficient training, high staff turnover and inconsistent prioritisation of oral health across facilities. In contrast, facilitators involved targeted in‐service training and the presence of oral health champions to support tool usage. Despite the variety of tools identified, none of the studies employed an implementation science framework.

Conclusions

There is a need to incorporate implementation science to enhance the sustainability and effectiveness of oral health assessment tools in RAC settings. Addressing the identified barriers and using facilitators could improve the adoption and integration of oral health assessment tools, ultimately enhancing residents' oral health and well‐being.
Self‐Reported Items That Predict the Risk of Oral Health Deterioration and the Need for Dental Referral in Older People: A Systematic Review
Authors: de Jong M. H. S. , van der Maarel‐Wierink C. D. , Ket J. C. F. , Jerković‐Ćosić K. , Rozema F. R.
Published: February 2025

Background

Detecting deterioration in frail oral community‐dwelling older people's oral health may be delayed as a consequence of decreased visits to oral health care professionals. Older people are becoming increasingly dependent on medical care and visit other healthcare professionals, highlighting the importance of interprofessional collaboration. There is a need for an easy‐to‐use, time‐ and cost‐efficient oral health assessment tool for non‐oral healthcare professionals. This systematic review aimed to identify self‐reported items that predict the risk of oral health deterioration in older people to inform such a tool.

Method

The OVID/Medline, Embase, EBSCO/CINAHL, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched. An additional reference check was performed to ensure that no records were missing. The primary outcome was predictive value, defined as the probability of a specific question or self‐reported item predicting the risk of oral health deterioration or the need for dental referral. When available, the data were presented as sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV).

Results

The initial search resulted in 2471 records. Eleven articles met the inclusion criteria and were analysed. A high predictive value for oral health deterioration was observed for the self‐reported items: “Are you generally pleased with your mouth and teeth?” (specificity: 93.0%), “Would you say your mouth health is generally good?” (specificity: 95.2%), “Does your mouth feel dry?” (specificity: 82.7%), and “Do you have regular dental checkups?” (sensitivity: 90.0%–100%); and “Do you have tooth and/or mouth problems that make it hard to eat?” (specificity: 92.0).

Conclusion

A screening tool for use by non‐oral health professionals, that consists of 2–4 highly predictive self‐reported items, such as dry mouth, satisfaction with oral health, recent dental visits and food consumption problems, could be used for early detection and timely referral of older people at risk of oral health deterioration.
Diagnostic accuracy and challenges of intraoperative frozen section evaluation for axillary sentinel lymph node biopsy and breast margins
Authors: Laokulrath Natthawadee , Nasir Nur Diyana Md , Gudi Mihir , Tan Puay Hoon
Published: February 2025

Aims

Our study aims to audit and evaluate the accuracy and pitfalls of intraoperative evaluation of frozen sentinel lymph nodes (IOE‐FSLN) and resection margins (IOE‐FSM) compared to final findings in paraffin sections.

Methods

A total of 264 cases underwent intraoperative evaluation, encompassing 688 sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) and 1186 surgical margins. Frozen section (FS) diagnoses were compared with corresponding permanent sections of FS (PFS). Sensitivity, specificity, false‐negative rate, false‐positive rate, and concordance rates were assessed. Cases with discrepancies underwent a detailed histological review.

Results

The study predominantly comprised cases of invasive breast carcinoma (IBC) (74%). For FSLN reporting, sensitivity was 88.1%, specificity 100%, and FS‐PFS concordance 99.0%. FSM reporting showed sensitivity of 85.0%, specificity 99.9%, and concordance 98.4%. Sampling errors accounted for 86% (FSLN) and 88% (FSM) of discrepancies, with interpretive errors present in 1/7 FSLN and in 2/17 FSM cases. The shave margin method demonstrated a higher false‐negative rate in FSM reporting. The rate of final positive margins was reduced from 21.3% to 11.4% when IOE‐FSM was utilized.

Conclusion

IOE‐FSLN and IOE‐FSM showed high reliability in guiding intraoperative decisions for axillary lymph node dissection and achieving free surgical margins in one‐stage surgeries. However, limitations include challenges in distinguishing metastatic carcinoma from benign mimics in FSLN and diagnosing certain features such as IBC with post‐treatment changes, invasive lobular carcinoma in FSLN and FSM; IBC rich in tumour‐infiltrating lymphocytes, low‐grade (DCIS/IBC in FSM) without immunohistochemical studies.
How Do Applied Researchers Use the Causal Forest? A Methodological Review
Authors: Rehill Patrick
Published: February 2025

This methodological review examines the use of the causal forest method by applied researchers across 133 peer‐reviewed papers. It shows that the emerging best practice relies heavily on the approach and tools created by the original authors of the causal forest such as their grf package and the approaches given by them in examples. Generally, researchers use the causal forest on a relatively low‐dimensional dataset relying on observed controls or in some cases experiments to identify effects. There are several common ways to then communicate results–by mapping out the univariate distribution of individual‐level treatment effect estimates, displaying variable importance results for the forest and graphing the distribution of treatment effects across covariates that are important either for theoretical reasons or because they have high variable importance. Some deviations from this common practice are interesting and deserve further development and use. Others are unnecessary or even harmful. The paper concludes by reflecting on the emerging best practice for causal forest use and paths for future research.
Experimental Design and Performance of a Free Air Carbon Dioxide Enrichment Facility in Northern Germany
Authors: Kottmann Lorenz , Kretschmer Lars , Carotenuto Federico , Zaldei Alessandro , Brilli Lorenzo
Published: February 2025

Free air carbon dioxide enrichment (FACE) offers a unique approach to study the response of crops to rising carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations under field conditions. We have established a Miglietta‐type FACE facility in Northern Germany (JKI‐FACE) consisting of four rings with CO2 fumigation and four rings without fumigation with diameters of 15.5 m. Here, we present the technical details and the performance of the JKI‐FACE facility based on thee‐year data (2022–2024) regarding temporal and spatial carbon dioxide distribution. Our results indicated that high‐frequency (1‐min) data of CO2 concentration was within 10% and 20% of the target concentration (600 ppm) for 84.2% and 95.8% of the time, respectively. Although the rings are relatively close together in our experimental setup, CO2 drift measurements suggest no significant interference between the rings. These results suggest that JKI‐FACE is a suitable field infrastructure for studying the effects of increasing CO2 concentrations in cereals. With this FACE facility, we focus on the intraspecific variation of the response of crop yield and quality to elevated CO2 to make an important contribution to the adaptation of crops and cropping systems to changing climate conditions.
At‐Home and In‐Office Bleaching Protocols on the Color Match of Restorations Made With Single‐Shade Composites
Authors: Ramos Luciana Vasconcelos , Aparicio Dayana Fernandes Rocha , Faria‐e‐Silva André Luis , do Prado Maíra , Pintor Andréa Vaz Braga , Magno Marcela Baraúna
Published: February 2025

Objective

This study evaluated the color match of restorations made with single‐shade composites following two protocols of tooth bleaching.

Materials and Methods

Cavities in the cervical third of bovine crowns were restored using single‐shade composites (Omnichroma or Vittra Unique) or a multi‐shade composite restoration strategy (Filtek Z350 XT). The color of both the restoration and the middle third of the unrestored tooth were recorded. The Whiteness Index for Dentistry (WID) and color differences (ΔE00) between the two areas were calculated. Specimens underwent bleaching using in‐office or at‐home protocols, and color evaluations were repeated at 24 h, 7 days, and 14 days post‐bleaching. Data were analyzed using MANOVA and repeated measures ANOVA.

Results

Bleaching protocols did not significantly affect WID or ΔE00 values. The highest WID values were observed for Vittra Unique, and the lowest for Filtek Z350 XT. Tooth bleaching did not affect ΔE00 values for restorations made with the multi‐shade strategy, but it resulted in a reduction for those made with the single‐shade strategy, regardless of the composite brand.

Conclusion

Tooth bleaching protocols differentially affected the color match of restorations made using single‐shade composites compared to multi‐shade restorations.

Clinical Relevance

Tooth bleaching protocols have a limited effect on the color of composites but can influence the color match between the restoration and the surrounding enamel. Specifically, color mismatches tend to decrease for lighter materials, such as single‐shade composites, after tooth bleaching, improving the overall esthetic integration of the restoration with the natural tooth structure.
Considering human development and family science from an HBCU faculty perspective: Commentary on Dyer
Authors: Ross Jennifer J.
Published: February 2025

The article by Dyer (2024) tells the origin story of human development and family science (HDFS). Dyer suggested that HDFS inherited its discipline and department from home economics, but the phasing out of home economics from academia has led to disciplinary fragmentation. This commentary is rooted in my experiences as an HDFS scholar, faculty at two different historically Black universities, and mentor to underrepresented scholars. I have found an academic home in the departments of Family and Consumer Sciences, Psychology, and HDFS. Each department has served my scholarship of discovery thereby demonstrating the disciplinary fragmentation stressed by Dyer. Commonalities and points of distinction across these departments and institutions are discussed following a brief primer on Historically Black Colleges or Universities (HBCUs). Considering the origin story and focus of HDFS at HBCUs would further strengthen our position in the academy.
The Halo Effect: Perceptions of Information Privacy Among Healthcare Chatbot Users
Authors: Ellis Jessica R. , Dellavalle Natalia S. , Hamer Mika K. , Akerson Marlee , Andazola Matt , Moore Annie A. , Campbell Eric G. , DeCamp Matthew
Published: February 2025

Background

Patient‐facing chatbots can be used for administrative tasks, personalized care reminders, and overcoming transportation or geographic barriers in healthcare. Although some data suggest older adults see privacy as an ethical barrier to adopting digital technologies, little is known about privacy concerns regarding information shared with novel patient‐facing chatbots. We sought to examine attitudes toward privacy based on age or other sociodemographic characteristics.

Methods

We conducted a sequential mixed methods study among patient users of a large healthcare system chatbot. We purposively oversampled by race and ethnicity to survey 3089 patient chatbot users online using de novo and validated items. Next, we conducted semi‐structured interviews with users (n = 46) purposively sampled based on diversity or select survey responses. We used multivariable logistic regression to analyze survey data and modified grounded theory to analyze interviews. We integrated data using simultaneous visualization and triangulation.

Results

We received 617/3089 surveys (response rate, 20.0%). Overall, 370/597 (63.9%) expressed worry about the privacy of information shared with the chatbot. Logistic regression found that users ≥ 65 years were 26% points less likely to be worried about information privacy compared to those 18–34 years old (p < 0.001). We found less worry among Black, non‐Hispanic users and among those with more than a four‐year college degree. By integrating our survey and interview data, we observed that older adult users experienced a halo effect: they worried less because they saw the chatbot as associated with a trusted health system and experienced lower medical mistrust.

Conclusion

Contrary to some prior research, adults aged 65 and older expressed less concern about chatbot privacy than younger adults because of their trust in health care. To maintain this trust and build it among all users, health systems using patient‐facing chatbots need to take active steps to maintain and communicate patient privacy protections.
The Clinical Burden of SARS‐CoV‐2 Compared to Influenza A in the Same Cohort of Paediatric Outpatients; Increased Influenza Severity and Potential Insights
Authors: Athina Papadopoulou , Stavroula Lampidi , Despoina Zoe Mermiri T. , Stavroula Kostaridou , Maria Kanariou G.
Published: February 2025

Introduction

The variation in the clinical severity of viral infections remains a matter of scientific debate. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) and Influenza A virus (IAV) are both RNA viruses, exhibiting a range of clinical presentations, ranging from asymptomatic cases to fatalities, influenced by both viral and host factors. A descriptive real‐life study was conducted, aiming to compare the clinical manifestations of recent COVID‐19 with those of IAV infection in the same group of non‐hospitalised, unvaccinated children.

Materials and Method

Between September 2021 and February 2023, we evaluated 115 individuals (male 48.7%, mean age 101.8 ± 50.8 months) who had not received vaccination for both SARS‐CoV‐2 and the quadrivalent influenza vaccine and were documented to be infected with both viruses within a 12‐month time interval. The visual analogue scale (VAS‐5) was used to assess parents'/patients' evaluation comparing the two infections.

Results

In cases of IAV infection, a significantly higher prevalence of prolonged high fever, upper and lower respiratory symptoms, and secondary infections was observed. The majority (74.8%) of patients and/or parents assessed IAV as a more severe clinical syndrome compared with SARS‐CoV‐2.

Conclusions

The clinical burden of IAV was found to be greater than that of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in the same unvaccinated children. This variation in clinical severity may provide a reference for effective vaccination policies; however, underlying mechanisms that could explain this difference require further evaluation.
Collection of Antarctic micrometeorites stored in the surface snow near the Dome Fuji Station
Authors: Noguchi Takaaki , Tominaga Takahito , Takase Minako , Yamaguchi Akira , Imae Naoya
Published: February 2025

Over a period of 16 years, we collected Antarctic micrometeorites (AMMs) preserved in 1‐t snow samples from the surface to a depth of ~10–15 cm near Dome Fuji Station, Antarctica. A total of 1025 AMMs were identified: 843 unmelted AMMs, 51 scoriaceous ones, and 131 cosmic spherules. Their average sizes were 40, 64, and 40 μm, respectively. The accretion rate of AMMs was inferred to be (3.3 ± 1.8) × 103 t year−1, based on the snow accumulation rate near Dome Fuji Station. We compared the Dome Fuji collection (DFC) with our previous Tottuki #5 collection (T5C) recovered from blue ice in 2000. Regardless of the collection methods, the full range size distributions of AMMs were well fitted by lognormal functions. In 2019 and 2020, we applied a freeze‐drying (FD) system to collect AMMs. We identified 21 AMMs from 17 kg of surface snow. Both GEMS (glass with embedded metal and sulfide)‐rich chondritic porous (CP) AMMs and hydrated fine‐grained (H f‐g) AMMs were identified. No detectable mineralogical differences were observed between a CP AMM from the DFC‐FD and one from the DFC, suggesting that ~6 h of exposure to cold water (<8.7°C) did not affect the mineralogy of CP AMMs.
The trabecular and compact myocardium of adult vertebrate ventricles are transcriptionally similar despite morphological differences
Authors: Mulleners Otto J. , van der Maarel Lieve E. , Christoffels Vincent M. , Jensen Bjarke
Published: February 2025

A poorly understood, major event in heart evolution is the convergent prioritization in mammals and birds of compact myocardium over trabecular myocardium. Compact myocardium is thought to facilitate the greater cardiac outputs that distinguish endothermic mammals and birds from ectotherms, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. We used transcriptomics to investigate whether the compact layer myocardium is intrinsically different from that of the trabecular layer. In the embryonic mouse heart, spatial transcriptomics revealed that 3% of detected genes were differentially expressed between trabecular and compact myocardium. In the adult, this analysis yielded only 0.2% differentially expressed genes. Additionally, the transcriptomes of both embryonic trabecular and compact myocardium greatly differed from those of the adult myocardium. Reanalysis of available single‐cell transcriptomes showed relationships between human embryonic and adult trabecular and compact myocardium similar to those in mice. Analysis of new and published transcriptomes from adult zebra finch, zebrafish, and tuna revealed few differentially expressed genes (<0.6%) and no conservation between species. We conclude that the transcriptional states of developing trabecular and compact myocardium do not persist into adulthood. In adult hearts, the compact layer myocardium is not intrinsically different from that of the trabecular layer despite the overt morphological differences.
Comparative efficacy of biologics and small molecule drugs in treating pediatric atopic dermatitis in patients aged 2–18 years: A 12–16 week network meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Yong Su‐Boon , Ting Berne , Malau Ikbal Andrian , Wu Suet‐Kei , Huang Xin‐Zhi , Wang Jiu‐Yao , Jingling Li , Wei Chang‐Ching
Published: February 2025

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) predominantly manifests before age five, with significant phenotype variations across age groups. Despite increasing systemic treatments for pediatric AD, head‐to‐head comparisons in network meta‐analyses focused on children are scarce.

Methods

Through systematic searches of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library up to March 2024, we identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating systemic treatments for moderate‐to‐severe AD in children aged 2–18 years. From 900 screened articles, 8 RCTs (n = 2636) met inclusion criteria, comparing dupilumab, baricitinib, upadacitinib, and abrocitinib versus placebo with standard care. Primary outcome was Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) scores at 12–16 weeks.

Results

Upadacitinib demonstrated highest efficacy at both 30 mg (risk difference [RD] 0.62 [0.53, 0.71]) and 15 mg (RD 0.52 [0.42, 0.62]). Dupilumab (weight‐based dosing with corticosteroids; RD 0.43 [0.29, 0.57]), abrocitinib (200 mg; RD 0.40 [0.29, 0.50]; 100 mg; RD 0.30 [0.20, 0.41]), and baricitinib (4 mg; RD 0.21 [0.06, 0.35]) also showed significant efficacy over placebo.

Conclusion

This analysis establishes a hierarchy of effectiveness among systemic therapies for pediatric AD, with upadacitinib showing highest efficacy. However, the predominance of adolescent data emphasizes the need for age‐stratified studies in younger children and long‐term safety assessments.
CmCYC2d is a Regulator of Leaf Abaxial Curling in Chrysanthemum morifolium
Authors: Li Song , Liu Junqing , Wang Jiaqi , Jia Diwen , Sun YanYan , Ding Lian , Jiang Jiafu , Chen Sumei , Chen Fadi
Published: February 2025

Leaf morphology is crucial for plant photosynthesis and stress adaptation. While CIN‐like TCP transcription factors are well‐known for their roles in leaf curling and morphogenesis, the function of CYC‐like TCPs in leaf development remains largely unexplored. This study identifies CmCYC2d as a key regulator of abaxial leaf curling in Chrysanthemum morifolium. Phenotypic analysis revealed that the downward curling observed in OX‐CmCYC2d transgenic lines was primarily due to the enlargement of adaxial epidermal cells. Furthermore, a reduction in epidermal cell number was identified as a significant contributor to the smaller leaf area in these plants. Transcriptome and WGCNA analyses highlighted CmSAUR55 as a potential downstream target of CmCYC2d. ChIP‐qPCR, EMSA, and LUC assays confirmed that CmCYC2d directly bound to the CmSAUR55 promoter. Additionally, transcriptome data revealed that the reduced cell number in OX‐CmCYC2d transgenic lines may be mediated by auxin‐related pathways and key genes such as CNR7. The CmCYC2d‐CmSAUR55 module was also closely linked to the development of enlarged adaxial epidermal cells in the leaf sinus, emphasising its role in this developmental process. This study highlights the regulatory role of CmCYC2d in leaf development and sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying leaf curling in chrysanthemum.
Focused ultrasound as an emerging therapy for neuropsychiatric disease: Historical perspectives and a review of current clinical data
Authors: de Souza Daniel N. , Seas Andreas , Blethen Kathryn , Feigal Jacob , Shah Bhavya R. , Grant Gerald A. , Harward Stephen C.
Published: February 2025

Psychiatric disorders are a common source of disease morbidity with high rates of refractoriness to first‐line treatments. As such, many have investigated the utility of neurosurgical interventions for treatment‐resistant forms of these conditions. More recently among these, functional neurosurgical techniques using high‐ and low‐intensity focused ultrasound (FUS) have emerged as promising options in this arena, largely due to their minimally‐invasive nature and encouraging early safety and efficacy data. Existing clinical data have thus far demonstrated FUS to be a potentially useful intervention for treatment‐refractory forms of obsessive–compulsive disorder, major depressive disorder, various anxiety disorders, substance‐use disorder, and schizophrenia. This report presents a comprehensive review of existing clinical trial data, summarizing key findings, study specifications, and providing critical analysis. In addition to giving the most complete summary of modern clinical research on this topic to date, this report characterizes the current state of this body of literature using bibliometric analysis, succinctly highlighting the most investigated topics and the most promising areas of modern investigation. Based on our review of the literature, current work on this topic is highly heterogeneous with regard to specific treatment protocols and anatomic targets for FUS – targeting multiple nuclei at a wide variety of intensities. We recommend that future studies aim to clarify more precise therapeutic targets and specific treatment protocols which optimize the efficacy of these techniques.
Cultural Diffusion and Democracy: What Lessons in Sub‐Saharan Africa's Experience?
Authors: Ondoua Beyene Blaise , Mamadou Asngar Thierry , Ongo Nkoa Bruno Emmanuel , Kamdem Cyrille Bergali , Fosso Prisca Koncy
Published: February 2025

This study seeks to examine the effects of cultural diffusion on democracy by revisiting the theory of “culture‐based development” (CBD). Based on 44 sub‐Saharan African (SSA) countries observed over a period from 2006 to 2020, we analyze results using the fractional logistic model, the multi‐level mixed effects Tobit regression method, and the Tobit model. Our analyses show that cultural diffusion increases democracy. This result is robust to specifications that take into account subregional fixed effects and alternative measures of democracy. Results also hold when controlling for political education, patriotic education, and local culture. To consolidate democracy in SSA, policy makers need to support interculturality, cultural actors, organizations, and the exchange of cultural goods and services. In addition, governments need to stimulate cultural democracy, which is the bedrock of a democratic country.

Related Articles

Iheonu, C. O., Okwoche, P. U., & Agbutun, S. A. 2024. “The Impact of Democracy on Peace in Africa: Empirical Evidence.” Politics & Policy 52, no. 5: 1038–1058. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12632.

Nchofoung, T., Asongu, S., Tchamyou, V., & Edoh, O. 2022. “Gender, Political Inclusion, and Democracy in Africa: Some Empirical Evidence.” Politics & Policy 51, no. 1: 137–155. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12505.

Pelizzo, R., & Nwokora, Z. 2018, “Party System Change and the Quality of Democracy in East Africa.” Politics & Policy 46, no. 3: 505–528. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12255.
Seven New Synonymous Variants of HLA‐B Characterised by Next‐Generation Sequencing
Authors: Marín Rubio Luis Alberto , Ontañón Jesús
Published: February 2025

Genomic sequence of HLA‐B*14:01:01:12, ‐B*15:01:01:67, ‐B*35:01:01:90, ‐B*35:03:01:38, ‐B*35:31:01:02, ‐B*41:01:01:09, ‐B*44:02:01:85 alleles.
Prevalence and lesion distribution of atopic dermatitis in small‐to‐medium breed dogs in Korea
Authors: Ryu Ji‐Hye , Kang Jung‐Hun , Kang Yeong‐Hun , Kim Min‐Sun , Kim Hyun‐Jung , Huh Eun‐A. , Kim Sung‐Hoon , Jeon Jong‐Soo , Hwang Cheol‐Yong
Published: February 2025

Background

Canine atopic dermatitis (cAD) varies in prevalence and lesion distribution across breeds. In contrast to Western countries, many Asian countries favour small‐to‐medium dog breeds. However, previous studies have focused primarily on medium‐to‐large dog breeds.

Objectives

To analyse the prevalence and lesion distribution of cAD in common breeds in Korea, focusing on breed‐specific characteristics.

Animals

Nine small‐to‐medium breeds (<25 kg body weight) were selected from 331 client‐owned dogs with cAD, representing 77% of the total cAD group.

Materials and Methods

Breeds selected included Maltese, miniature/toy poodle, shih tzu, bichon frise, cocker spaniel, Pomeranian, French bulldog, Yorkshire terrier and Dachshund. The prevalence of these breeds was compared to the registered dog population. Photographs of skin lesions from each dog were reviewed, and the lesion distribution was analysed by breed.

Results

Shih tzu, cocker spaniel and French bulldog had a higher prevalence of cAD compared to the registered dog population (p < 0.01). Lesions were most commonly present on the ventral aspects of the body in 51% of shih tzus; lip folds (64%), tail folds (27%) and paws (73%) in French bulldog; and 71% of Dachshunds had dorso‐lumbar distribution.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Of the small‐to‐medium breeds in this study, shih tzu, cocker spaniel and French bulldog had a higher prevalence of cAD compared to the registered dog population, while specific body sites were affected in shih tzu, French bulldog and Dachshund.
Validation of Recalibrated TONOVET Plus and TONOVET Pro in Canine Eyes Compared to Manometer and TONOVET
Authors: Lee Jiwon , Kim Wontae , Shim Jaeho , Kim Yujin , Kang Seonmi , Yoo Young‐Kyoung , Lee Young‐Ho , Seo Kangmoon
Published: February 2025

Objective

To evaluate the accuracy of recalibrated TONOVET Plus (rTVP) and the newly released TONOVET Pro (TVPR) in measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) in ex vivo canine eyes compared to manometer and the established TONOVET (TV).

Procedure

Sixteen enucleated canine eyes were cannulated to establish manometric IOPs ranging from 5 to 80 mmHg. IOP measurements were obtained using TV, rTVP, and TVPR.

Results

All tonometers showed a strong correlation with the manometer (R2 > 0.98). Measurements from rTVP and TVPR exhibited almost perfect agreement with the manometer (CCC = 0.9974 for both), whereas TV demonstrated lower agreement (CCC = 0.9874) associated with greater systematic bias. Specifically, TV showed a lower proportional bias (95% confidence interval [CI] of the slope = 0.987–1.006) but a larger systematic bias (intercept = −3.33 mmHg) compared to rTVP and TVPR (95% CI of the slope = 1.045–1.066 and 1.045–1.063; intercept = −2.532 and −2.633 mmHg, respectively). In accuracy analyses by range, rTVP and TVPR showed no significant difference from the manometer in the 30–70 mmHg and 35–80 mmHg IOP ranges, respectively.

Conclusions

Among the ICare rebound tonometers, rTVP and TVPR provided the most accurate IOP measurements in the ex vivo analysis and demonstrated particularly strong agreement in the high IOP range, suggesting their suitability for IOP measurement in glaucomatous patients.
Differential intestinal injury and unchanged systemic inflammatory responses to leg and whole‐body passive hyperthermia in healthy humans
Authors: Gibson Oliver R. , Laitano Orlando , Watanabe Kazuhito , González‐Alonso José
Published: February 2025

Hyperthermia can cause intestinal injury, facilitating endotoxin translocation and an inflammatory response that has been associated with heat illness. However, the potential occurrence of these responses has been incompletely reported during passive hyperthermia, and the independent effect of hyperthermia is equivocal. Furthermore, passive hyperthermia is a feature of heat therapy interventions, with mechanistic understanding developing. This experiment quantified the changes in intestinal fatty acid binding protein (iFABP), a marker of intestinal injury, and cytokine, chemokine and growth factor responses during three different prolonged passive hyperthermia protocols. Eight healthy males visited the laboratory on four counterbalanced occasions to undertake 2.5 h of rest (CON), one‐leg heating (OLH), two‐leg heating (TLH) and whole‐body heating (WBH) via a garment circulating water at 50°C. Plasma concentrations of iFABP and 38 cytokines, chemokines and growth factors were quantified periodically, and core temperature (Tcore) was measured continuously. The Tcore increased from baseline in OLH, TLH and WBH (+0.4°C ± 0.2°C, +0.7°C ± 0.2°C and +2.3°C ± 0.4°C, respectively; P < 0.05) but remained unchanged in CON. iFABP increased from baseline in WBH only (∆587 ± 651 pg ml−1) and was different from CON and OLH in WBH after 2 h (P < 0.05). Increased iFABP (∆1085 ± 572 pg ml−1) was observed in 50% of participants at the end of WBH, with the other 50% demonstrating no change (∆89 ± 19 pg ml−1). All chemokines, cytokines and growth factors were unchanged in all protocols. These data indicate that passive whole‐body hyperthermia, but not lower‐limb hyperthermia, can cause intestinal injury in some individuals without a systemic inflammatory response.
Investigation of ruthenium etching induced by electron beam irradiation and O2/Cl2 remote plasma-based neutral fluxes: Mechanistic insights and etching model
Authors: Li Yudong , Marbach Hubertus , Preischl Christian , Budach Michael , Rhinow Daniel , Hinshelwood Michael , Edinger Klaus , Oehrlein Gottlieb S.
Published: February 2025

Ruthenium (Ru) films have recently received attention in the microelectronics industry due to their unique physical and chemical properties. In this work, we investigated etching of Ru using an approach that combines surface functionalization using the effluent of a remote plasma source (RPS) fed with Ar/O2/Cl2 gas mixtures and electron beam (EB) irradiation. Simultaneous exposure of the Ru substrate to reactive fluxes from the RPS and the energetic EB source exhibits a synergistic effect: For combined fluxes, the Ru etch rate (ER) is greater than for separate RPS exposure or EB irradiation. The RPS generates reactive neutral species that functionalize the Ru surface through oxidation and chlorination. The flux of energetic (1 keV) electrons incident on the Ru surface induces Ru etching. A parametric study in which the electron flux density [proportional to the electron emission current (EC)], relative Cl2 and O2 flow rates, and RP power were varied was performed to examine the impacts of the neutral and electron fluxes on the Ru ER. The Ru etching reactions change from being electron flux-limited for small EC to neutral flux-limited etching for large EC or for small reactive gas flows. We also show that selective removal of Ru over Ta, which is important for applications like extreme ultraviolet photomask repair, can be realized for these process conditions. For energetic EB bombardment and Ar/O2/Cl2 RP exposure, a Ru/Ta etching selectivity of ∼6 can be realized. Spatially resolved x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) has been performed to characterize the surface chemistry for (a) locations exposed to both reactive neutral and energetic electron fluxes and (b) areas only exposed to the reactive neutral flux produced by the RPS. The XPS results support an EB and RP induced Ru etching mechanism where Ru etching is based on the formation of volatile Ru-oxides, and in which the role of Cl is to assist in Ru oxidation. A surface etching model based on the consideration of the incident oxygen and chlorine fluxes, Langmuir adsorption limited surface functionalization, and EB bombardment causing volatilization of RuO4 in the etching process has been developed. The model can successfully account for the major parametric observations of the Ru ER seen for the energetic EB irradiation and RPS-generated reactive neutral-induced etching process.
Physics-informed and machine learning-enabled retrieval of ocean current speed from flow noise
Authors: Tan Tsuwei , Godin Oleg A. , Walters Matthew W. , Joseph John E.
Published: February 2025

Episodes of exceptionally strong near-bottom currents were encountered at depths of over 2500 m in a 52-day deployment of moored autonomous acoustic noise recorders (MANRs) over the Atlantis II Seamounts in the Northwest Atlantic. A strong correlation is found between the current speed and acoustic noise intensity, especially at infrasonic frequencies below 20 Hz. Flow noise and ambient sound, including shipping noise, made comparable contributions to the measured acoustic intensity but had distinct spectral properties. This paper explores a way to identify and quantify the differences between flow noise and ambient sound in the pressure fluctuations measured by a hydrophone and find statistical characteristics of the fluctuations which contain robust information about the flow speed. A regression tree machine learning model was developed to relate the acoustic features of flow noise to directly measured current speeds. By training the model using data from a MANR equipped with a hydrophone and current meter, the time series of current speed was obtained with 1-min resolution at another MANR, where only acoustic data were available. Accuracy of the inferred current speeds was confirmed by comparing the dependence of flow noise spectra on the current speed at the two MANRs.
A Tai Chi Program Improves Physical Performance Measures in Adolescents With Down Syndrome and Enhances Their Parents’ Psychological Well-Being: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Cherni Ala , Ouerghi Nejmeddine , Jebabli Nidhal , Ghouili Hatem , Bougrine Houda , Bragazzi Nicola Luigi , Bouassida Anissa
Published: February 2025

To investigate the effect of a 6-week tai chi (TC) training program on physical performance in adolescents with Down syndrome and its influence on the psychological well-being of their parents, in a randomized controlled design, 25 male adolescents with Down syndrome (age 14.4 ± 1.30 years) were randomly assigned to a control group (n = 10) or a training group (n = 15). Before and after the training period, lower limb explosive strength, upper limb strength, flexibility, and balance were assessed in all participants, as well as their parents’ psychological well-being. Using 2 × 2 repeated-measures analysis of variance, significant Group × Time interactions (p < .05; ) were found for physical measures and parents’ depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms. A 6-week TC program significantly improved lower limb explosive strength (p < .001; d = 1.21), upper limb strength (p < .001; d = 1.49), flexibility (p < .001; d = 1.11), and static balance (p < .001; d = 1.99) and reduced depression (p < .001; d = 1.89), anxiety (p < .001; d = 1.74), and stress scores (p < .001; d = 1.88) in parents in the training group compared with those in the control group. TC programs improve physical measures in adolescents with Down syndrome and psychological well-being of their parents. Establishing TC programs in sport associations could positively impact this population’s physical performance.