bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
B Lymphocyte—A Prognostic Indicator in Post‐Acute Pancreatitis Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Lin Xiaoyan , Li Xiaoling , Wang Junsheng , Liu Huiheng
Published: January 2025

Objective

To determine the value of lymphocyte subsets and granulocyte/monocyte surface markers in predicting the risk of post‐acute pancreatitis diabetes (PPDM‐A).

Methods

This study included 308 in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP). The markers of granulocytes and monocytes and lymphocyte subsets were detected by flow cytometry, and the fluorescence intensity, absolute count and percentage were obtained. Based on the occurrence of diabetes after AP, patients were divided into two groups: PPDM‐A and PPNG‐A (post‐acute pancreatitis with normal glucose). Correlations between granulocyte and monocyte surface markers and lymphocyte subsets were analyzed. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the potential influencing factors of PPDM‐A.

Results

Compared with patients with PPNG‐A, patients with PPDM‐A tend to be younger (p < 0.001) and have a higher proportion of fatty liver, recurrent pancreatitis, and hyperlipidemic pancreatitis. The results of linear regression showed that B% was negatively correlated with MFI of HLA‐DR on monocytes (R2 = 0.145, p < 0.001), B% was positively correlated with CD10−NEUT% (R2 = 0.291, p < 0.001), and MFI of HLA‐DR on monocytes was negatively correlated with CD10−NEUT% (R2 = 0.457, p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age, serous effusion, fatty liver, recurrent pancreatitis, and B% were independent risk factors for the occurrence of PPDM‐A.

Conclusion

Our study has first confirmed the correlation between PPDM‐A and lymphocyte subsets and CD10−NEUT%. Furthermore we indicated that age, fatty liver, serous effusion, recurrent AP, and B% were independent risk factors for PPDM‐A. The mechanism of granulocyte and monocyte surface markers and B lymphocytes on PPDM‐A is worthy of study. This would help clarify the pathogenesis of PPDM‐A at the cellular level and potentially provide new strategies for immunotherapy and even disease prevention. [Correction added on 24 January 2025, after first online publication: the third subtitle in Abstract section has been changed to ‘Results’.]
gscramble: Simulation of Admixed Individuals Without Reuse of Genetic Material
Authors: Anderson Eric C. , Giglio Rachael M. , DeSaix Matthew G. , Smyser Timothy J.
Published: January 2025

While a best practice for evaluating the behaviour of genetic clustering algorithms on empirical data is to conduct parallel analyses on simulated data, these types of simulation techniques often involve sampling genetic data with replacement. In this paper we demonstrate that sampling with replacement, especially with large marker sets, inflates the perceived statistical power to correctly assign individuals (or the alleles that they carry) back to source populations—a phenomenon we refer to as resampling‐induced, spurious power inflation (RISPI). To address this issue, we present gscramble, a simulation approach in R for creating biologically informed individual genotypes from empirical data that: (1) samples alleles from populations without replacement and (2) segregates alleles based on species‐specific recombination rates. This framework makes it possible to simulate admixed individuals in a way that respects the physical linkage between markers on the same chromosome and which does not suffer from RISPI. This is achieved in gscramble by allowing users to specify pedigrees of varying complexity in order to simulate admixed genotypes, segregating and tracking haplotype blocks from different source populations through those pedigrees, and then sampling—using a variety of permutation schemes—alleles from empirical data into those haplotype blocks. We demonstrate the functionality of gscramble with both simulated and empirical data sets and highlight additional uses of the package that users may find valuable.
Locoregional anesthesia in patients with Brugada syndrome. A retrospective database analysis
Authors: Tosi Maurizio , Flamée Panagiotis , Scholliers Annelies , Opsomer Tine , Raeymaeckers Steven , Vanhonacker Domien
Published: January 2025

Background

The use of local anesthetics (LA) in individuals with Brugada syndrome (BrS) remains a subject of debate due to the lack of large‐scale studies confirming their potential risks. This study primarily aimed to evaluate the incidence of new malignant arrhythmias or defibrillation events in patients diagnosed with BrS during the perioperative period, following the administration of local anesthetics, and within 30 days postoperatively. The secondary objective was to analyze the occurrence of adverse effects during hospitalization, as well as 30‐day readmission and mortality rates.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed on patients with BrS who underwent locoregional anesthesia between January 1, 1996, and September 30, 2020. Anesthetic records and electronic medical records were thoroughly reviewed for up to 30 days following each administration of local anesthetics.

Results

A total of 47 procedures involving patients with BrS who underwent locoregional anesthesia were analyzed. The patients were categorized into three groups: 27 in the peripheral nerve block (PNB) group, 13 in the epidural anesthesia group, and 9 in the spinal anesthesia group. One patient in the PNB group experienced intraoperative ventricular fibrillation following the administration of ajmaline. No other adverse events were observed.

Conclusion

In this retrospective study, our findings do not indicate an increased arrhythmogenic risk or a higher incidence of adverse events associated with the administration of local anesthetics in patients with BrS. However, the available data are insufficient to confirm the safety of local anesthetic use in this population. Enhanced vigilance is recommended when administering local anesthetics to individuals with BrS. Prospective studies are necessary to further evaluate and establish the safety profile of local anesthetics in this patient group.
Does ESG rating divergence affect the cost of corporate debt?
Authors: Zhang Xinyue , Shan Yuan George , Zhang Yuming , Xing Chao
Published: January 2025

Drawing on a sample of Chinese listed firms, we find that environmental, social, and governance (ESG) rating divergence increases the cost of debt through increased information asymmetry and corporate risks, particularly for non‐state‐owned enterprises and firms with weaker contractual environments or less collateral. In addition, we find that ESG divergence and analyst forecast bias exhibit a substitutive relationship in debt costs, and standardising ESG disclosure can mitigate the adverse impact of ESG rating divergence on the cost of debt. This study extends the research on ESG rating divergence and the cost of debt, and provides empirical support for developing a standardised ESG rating system.
Implications of climate‐smart agriculture technology adoption on women's productivity and food security in Tanzania
Authors: Mkupete Mkupete Jaah , Davalos Jorge
Published: January 2025

Gender gaps in productivity and food security persist in the face of climate change, necessitating effective strategies for empowering women and reducing their vulnerability. This study examines the gender‐specific impacts of climate‐smart agriculture (CSA) adoption on productivity, food security, and resilience to climate shocks in Tanzania. Using panel data from the World Bank's Tanzanian Living Standard Measurement Survey (LSMS) spanning 2008–2013, we employ a multinomial switching regression model (MSRM) approach to identify the effects of CSA adoption on agricultural outcomes. Our findings reveal that CSA non‐adoption exacerbates the gender gap in yields and food security, favoring men. However, CSA adoption leads to more equitable outcomes, bridging the gender gap and improving productivity and food security for both men and women. Additionally, adopters of CSA techniques exhibit greater resilience to climate shocks, experiencing smaller yield declines during periods of low rainfall. This study contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence on the gendered impacts of CSA adoption, testing the risk reduction capacity of CSA technologies, and addressing the limited research on Tanzania. The findings emphasize the importance of gender‐responsive CSA policies in promoting agricultural resilience and food security in the face of climate change.
Farm production, marketing, and children's nutritional outcomes in rural Zambia
Authors: Mulungu Kelvin , Manning Dale T. , Kumwenda Chiza , Mwelwa Lukonde , Mudenda Lackson D.
Published: January 2025

Despite increasing agricultural productivity, malnutrition remains high among food producers in many developing countries. This study examines how the difference between agricultural household nutrition requirements and production kept for home consumption, the Nutritient deficiency from own production (NDOP), impacts children's height‐for‐age z‐scores (HAZ) using a unique survey of 528 households in Zambia. The study also investigates the relationship between NDOP and market‐bought nutrition and the role of intra‐season price changes in nutrition. To address the endogeneity of NDOP, we use a control function approach. We find that NDOP is associated with lower HAZ. Both energy (calories) NDOP and nutrient‐specific NDOP, resulting from underproduction relative to nutritional requirements and from selling more than surplus food crops, are negatively correlated with HAZ. This result suggests that higher productivity and market participation do not always lead to better nutrition. We also find that crop sales (commercialization) only benefit nutrition if the household only sells surplus output relative to its nutritional requirements. Finally, we also find that NDOP does not correlate with market food purchases, and that the seasonal price increases for cereals further dampens market food purchases. The findings highlight that policies promoting smallholder commercialisation may overlook detrimental nutrition trade‐offs when own‐production falls short of household needs. Accounting for post‐harvest allocation of nutrients between own‐consumption, sales, and purchases can help ensure agricultural interventions improve farmer livelihoods and child nutrition.
Association of Arachidonic Acid Metabolism Related Genes With Endometrial Immune Microenvironment and Oxidative Stress in Coupes With Recurrent Implantation Failure
Authors: Liu Yang , Hou Xianping , Jia Zhangwei , Zhao Shaotong , Zhou Tingting , Liao Jia , Zhang Qian , Yan Junhao , Ni Tianxiang
Published: January 2025

Background

Alterations in lipid metabolism were reported to impact human fertility; however, there is limited evidence on the association of lipid metabolism with embryo implantation as well as the etiology of recurrent implantation failure (RIF), especially regarding arachidonic acid metabolism.

Methods

Experimental verification research (16 RIF patients and 30 control patients) based on GEO database analysis (24 RIF patients and 24 control patients). The methods in bioinformatics included differential gene screening, functional enrichment analysis, protein‐protein interaction network, cluster analysis, weighted gene co‐expression network analysis, and so forth. RIF patients were recruited for the experimental validation section. The endometrial samples in the mid‐luteal phase were collected and subjected to quantitative real‐time PCR detection.

Results

Genes related to oxidative stress were differentially expressed and 17 different types of immune cells exhibited diverse infiltration in three RIF subgroups with different arachidonic acid metabolism. HPGDS, ALOX12, and TBXAS1 showed a strong positive correlation with the infiltration of NK cell, on the contrary, GGT6, PLA2G12A, and PTGS2 showed a strong negative correlation. The overall expression of AAMRGs was positively correlated with the infiltration of activated CD8 T cell, macrophage, natural killer cell, and T follicular helper cell.

Conclusions

The cluster of arachidonic acid metabolism‐related genes (AAMRGs) was abnormally expressed and positively associated with excessive oxidative stress as well as extensive infiltration of immune cells, including NK cells among RIF patients. Considering the high heterogeneity of the etiology of RIF, our study utilized the expression of AAMRGs as a typing basis to provide a new understanding of endometrial receptivity from the perspective of lipid metabolism and immune regulation in unexplained RIF couples, providing directions for its etiology and future basic research.
Pedagogies of awareness and subterfuge: The interpretive labor of domestic worker organizing in Buenos Aires
Authors: Baiocchi María Lis
Published: January 2025

In 2013, Argentina passed Law 26844, transforming domestic workers' status from “servants,” with almost nonexistent labor rights to “workers,” with rights virtually equal to all other workers under the law. Since then, domestic workers' legal equality has stood against the intersectional inequalities they still endure vis‐à‐vis their employers and that challenge advancement to their labor rights. Based on ethnographic research conducted in Buenos Aires between 2016 and 2018 with domestic workers' rights advocates, this article investigates how they contend with these challenges. It examines the interpretive labor they engage in as they encourage workers to undertake situated strategies to advance their labor rights. These strategies consist of increasing workers' knowledge of their rights while, simultaneously, encouraging them to execute dissembling practices to claim and access them. These dissembling practices allow workers to perform the appropriate behaviors according to intersecting master categories of social differentiation in a context of systemic intersectional inequality. Concurrently, they enable workers to avoid direct confrontation with their employers, thus helping them to enforce their rights without jeopardizing their means of subsistence. Through these pedagogies of awareness and subterfuge, advocates create a space in which the law can be effected, promoting workers' agency without compromising their livelihoods.
Urologists and social media: pitfalls and perils and what to think about before hitting ‘send’
Authors: Cui Helen W , Reynard John
Published: January 2025

Objective

To summarise current guidelines from professional bodies relevant to urologists on social media, and to discusses a range of risks associated with social media use. These include the risk of a fitness to practise investigation, breaking the law, loss of employment, and personal risk in the form of harassment and doxxing.

Methods

Review of guidelines and recommendations published by professional bodies revelant to urologists and review of relevant case examples in the medical profession and other relevant professions.

Results

This article finds whereas most doctors will be aware of the risks of posting on public social media platforms, the recent case studies in medical and other contexts have highlighted the risks of disciplinary action from regulators and even criminal investigation in the use of private social media.

Conclusion

Although the majority of urologists are unlikely to violate ethical and good medical practice principles in their use of social media, this article serves as a reminder of the potential consequences based on real‐life case examples.
The Un/Deserving Child: A Qualitative Study of the Discursive Welfare Rationales of a Philanthropic Foundation for Children Living in Extreme Poverty Situations
Authors: Jacquet Nicolas , Vandekinderen Caroline , Generet Coline , Vargas Daniel Zamora , Vrancken Didier , Roets Griet
Published: January 2025

Child poverty remains a complex social problem in Western societies. In the context of the complex historical transformation of the institutional welfare state framework in Belgium, we discuss a qualitative study on the welfare rationales of a philanthropic foundation for children in extreme poverty situations. Our exploration of the perspectives of the foundation's social partners and administrators shows how a discursive distinction between un/deserving children can be at stake in anti‐poverty strategies. Based on our findings, we tease out whether the foundation might metaphorically function as grit in the machine of public actors in the welfare state system.
Olfactory Network Disruptions as Mediators of Cognitive Impairment in De Novo Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Xing Yi , Zhou Hao , Chen Shuoying , Wang Yajie , Ren Jingru , Cao Yiting , Li Jingzhe , Liu Weiguo
Published: January 2025

Objectives

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by olfactory dysfunction (OD) and cognitive deficits at its early stages, yet the link between OD and cognitive deficits is also not well‐understood. This study aims to examine the changes in the olfactory network associated with OD and their relationship with cognitive function in de novo PD patients.

Methods

A total of 116 drug‐naïve PD patients and 51 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited for this study. Graph theoretical approaches were employed to reveal the abnormalities of topological characteristics in the olfactory network. Network‐based statistics (NBS) analysis was employed to identify the abnormal subnetworks within the olfactory network. Moreover, partial correlation analysis and mediation analysis were performed to examine the relationship between the abnormal network metrics, olfactory function, and cognitive function.

Results

Graph theoretical approaches revealed reduced betweenness centrality of the left insula in PD patients with OD. NBS analysis identified a disrupted subnetwork with decreased functional connectivity, primarily involving limbic regions. The average functional connectivity of this subnetwork partially mediated the relationship between olfactory and cognitive performance. Higher‐granularity network analysis further highlighted the insula's key role and revealed reduced efficiency of information integration within the olfactory network.

Conclusions

OD was associated with specific changes in the functional olfactory network, which, in turn, affects cognitive function. These findings underscore the importance of assessing and addressing OD. Understanding the neural correlates of OD could provide novel insights into the management and comprehension of cognitive impairment in PD.
Liver Transplantation in Well‐Selected Class III Obese Recipients Yields Good Outcomes
Authors: Yi Kevin , Avery Vicki , McCall John , Giles Hannah , Lindsay Helen , Gane Ed , Orr David , Barbier Louise
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Previous guidelines considered body mass index (BMI) over 40 kg/m2 a relative contra‐indication to liver transplantation (LT). The aims were to examine the selection process and study outcomes of patients with Class I–III obesity.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of outcomes of obese patients assessed for LT at our center between 2010 and 2023, divided into three groups: Class I (BMI30‐34.9 kg/m2), Class II (BMI35‐39.9 kg/m2), and Class III (BMI>40 kg/m2). Survival of non‐obese adult patients was used for comparison.

Results

Three hundred fifteen patients with BMI ≥30 kg/m2 were assessed for LT. Seventeen (5.4%) were not wait‐listed due to comorbidities. One hundred sixty‐eight patients were transplanted: 100 Class I, 43 Class II, and 25 Class III. There were no differences in postoperative complications (Clavien‐Dindo Grade 3 or more; 41%, 42%, 48% for Class I–III obesity respectively) or patient and graft survival (5‐y rates 84.4% and 82.7%, respectively, for the whole cohort) according to the different classes of obesity. Furthermore, patient and graft survival was not different between non‐obese and obese patients (p = 0.932).

Conclusion

With a rigorous selection process, short‐term outcomes after LT for patients with Class III obesity were comparable to patients with Class I–II obesity. Long‐term survival was identical for obese and non‐obese patients.
Association of Grit and Resilience With Short‐Term Post‐Transplant Outcomes in Lung Allograft Recipients
Authors: Dragnich Alexander G. , Chapin Kaitlyn C. , Xu Ke , Liu Jinyuan , Lipworth Loren , Shaver Ciara M. , Trindade Anil J.
Published: January 2025

The importance of mental toughness on lung transplant outcomes is unknown. We performed a pilot study to assess whether pretransplant grit and resilience are associated with short‐term posttransplant outcomes. We enrolled 31 lung transplant candidates, of whom 7 (26%) had greater mental toughness, defined as the upper tertile for both grit and resilience within our cohort. There were no differences in baseline characteristics between patients with higher and lower mental toughness. Greater mental toughness was associated with a shorter hospital length of stay (LOS) [12 days (interquartile range, IQR 10–12) vs. 17 days (IQR 14–24), p = 0.02] and reduced posttraumatic stress severity [median 0 (IQR 0–2) vs. 6.5 (IQR 4–9), p < 0.01]. On multivariable analyses adjusting for age and Duke Activity Status Index, greater mental toughness was associated with a shorter hospital LOS [beta = −11.96 (95% CI 0.05–23.86), p < 0.05] and reduced PTSD [beta = −10.7 (95% CI −21.6–0.04), p = 0.053]. Lung transplant candidates with greater mental toughness may have improved short‐term outcomes.
The use of a ChatGPT‐4‐based chatbot in teledermatology: A retrospective exploratory study
Authors: Shapiro Jonathan , Avitan‐Hersh Emily , Greenfield Binyamin , Khamaysi Ziad , Dodiuk‐Gad Roni P. , Valdman‐Grinshpoun Yuliya , Freud Tamar , Lyakhovitsky Anna
Published: January 2025

Background and Objectives

Integration of artificial intelligence in healthcare, particularly ChatGPT, is transforming medical diagnostics and may benefit teledermatology. This exploratory study compared image description and differential diagnosis generation by a ChatGPT‐4 based chatbot with human teledermatologists.

Patients and Methods

This retrospective study compared 154 teledermatology consultations (December 2023–February 2024) with ChatGPT‐4's performance in image descriptions and diagnoses. Diagnostic concordance was classified as “Top1” (exact match with the teledermatologist's diagnoses), “Top3” (correct diagnosis within one the top three diagnoses), and “Partial” (similar but not identical diagnoses). Image descriptions were rated and compared for quality parameters (location, color, size, morphology, and surrounding area), and accuracy (Yes, No, and Partial).

Results

Out of 154 cases, ChatGPT‐4 achieved a Top1 diagnostic concordance in 108 (70.8%), Top3 concordance in 137 (87.7%), partial concordance in four (2.6%), and was discordant in 15 (9.7%) cases. The quality of ChatGPT‐4's image descriptions significantly surpassed teledermatologists in all five parameters. ChatGPT‐4's descriptions were accurate in 130 (84.4%), partially accurate in 22 (14.3%), and inaccurate in two (1.3%) cases.

Conclusions

The preliminary findings of this study indicate that ChatGPT‐4 demonstrates potential in generating accurate image descriptions and differential diagnoses. These results highlight the promise of integrating artificial intelligence into asynchronous teledermatology workflows.
Beta cell function and global glucose metabolism are impaired in Dp(16)1Yey mouse model of Down syndrome
Authors: Tolu Stefania , Hamzé Rim , Moreau Manon , Bertrand Romane , Janel Nathalie , Movassat Jamileh
Published: January 2025

Aims

Down syndrome (DS) or trisomy 21 is the most prevalent genetic disorder in the world. In addition to common symptoms such as intellectual disabilities and morphological abnormalities, several comorbidities are associated with DS, including metabolic dysfunction. Obesity and diabetes are more prevalent in people with DS compared with the general population. However, the mechanisms linking obesity/diabetes to DS remain poorly understood. Systematic investigation of metabolic disorders in animal models of DS is scarce.

Materials and Methods

We used the Dp(16)1Yey mouse model of DS to evaluate the energy and glucose metabolism in both male and female Dp(16)1Yey mice at 3 and 6 months of age. We assessed the whole‐body glucose metabolism by glucose and insulin tolerance tests, and investigated the pancreatic functions in terms of insulin synthesis, ß cell mass and the glucose‐induced insulin secretion in vivo.

Results

We show that Dp(16)1Yey mice do not present signs of obesity when they are fed with chow diet. However, these mice are glucose intolerant and insulin resistant, and exhibit dysfunctions of their endocrine pancreas, reflected by decreased insulin content and defective glucose‐induced insulin secretion (GIIS) in vivo. The impairment of metabolic parameters is similar between males and females trisomic mice, indicating the absence of metabolic sexual dimorphism in this model.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that Dp(16)1Yey model is suitable for the assessment of metabolic disorders associated with DS.
Investigating frontoparietal networks and activation in children with mathematics learning difficulties: Cases with different deficit profiles
Authors: Wang Fengjuan , Jamaludin Azilawati
Published: January 2025

Approximately 15%–20% of school‐aged children suffer from mathematics learning difficulties (MLD). Most children with developmental dyscalculia (DD) or MLD also have comorbid cognitive deficits. Recent literature suggests that research should focus on uncovering the neural underpinnings of MLD across more inclusive samples, rather than limiting studies to pure cases of DD or MLD with highly stringent inclusion criteria. Therefore, this study aims to identify neural aberrancies that may be common across multiple MLD cases with different deficit profiles. Nine MLD cases and 45 typically developing (TD) children, all around 7 years old (27 boys), were recruited. Using functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), brain data were collected during an approximate resting state and a mathematical computation task (addition). Graph theory was then applied to assess global and nodal network indicators of brain function. When comparing the network indicators and brain activation of the MLD cases to those of TD children, no unified neural aberrancy was found across all cases. However, three MLD cases did show distinct neural aberrancies compared to TD children. The study discusses the implications of these findings, considering both the neural aberrancies in the three MLD cases and the neural similarities found in the other six cases, which were comparable to those of the TD children. This raises important questions about the presence and nature of aberrant neural indicators in MLD across large cohorts and highlights the need for further research in this area.
Topological features of brain functional networks are reorganized during chronic tinnitus: A graph‐theoretical study
Authors: Han Shuting , Shen Yongcong , Wu Xiaojuan , Dai Hui , Li Yonggang , Liu Jisheng , Tao Duo‐duo
Published: January 2025

This study aimed to investigate the topological properties of brain functional networks in patients with tinnitus of varying durations. A total of 51 tinnitus patients (divided into recent‐onset tinnitus (ROT) and persistent tinnitus (PT) groups) and 27 healthy controls (HC) were recruited. All participants underwent resting‐state functional MRI and audiological assessments. Graph theory was used to examine brain network topology.

The results showed that the ROT group exhibited lower clustering coefficient, gamma, sigma and local efficiency compared to both the HC and PT groups (all P < 0.05). Significant reductions in nodal clustering coefficient and local efficiency were found in the left caudate nucleus and left olfactory cortex, while increased nodal centralities were observed in the left orbital middle frontal gyrus and left postcentral gyrus in ROT patients (all P < 0.05). Furthermore, the ROT group had decreased nodal clustering in the right lenticular putamen and reduced nodal efficiency in the left olfactory cortex compared to both PT patients and HCs (all P < 0.05).

Additionally, PT patients showed weaker functional connectivity between the subcortical and occipital lobe modules, as well as between the prefrontal and intra‐frontal modules, compared to ROT patients. However, intra‐module connectivity in the subcortical module was stronger in PT patients than in HCs.

These findings suggest that recent‐onset tinnitus is associated with alterations in brain network topology, but many of these changes are restored with the persistence of tinnitus.
Lessons Learned From Direct Seeding to Restore Degraded Mountains in Cauca, Colombia
Authors: Lozano‐Baez Sergio Esteban , Morio Anna , Bonnet Barbara , Valderrama Paula Díaz , Sánchez Oscar Alirio Castillo , Trujillo Julián Ricardo Tintinago , Paladines Harvey Marín , Flórez Margarita , Gómez Elcy , Medina Francisco José , Meli Paula
Published: January 2025

Direct seeding is a technique frequently used to restore degraded lands worldwide. Direct seeding is attractive to restore degraded lands mainly because of its low cost compared to planting seedlings. However, this technique has been poorly studied in tropical mountains. Here, we investigated the outcomes of direct seeding at four degraded sites in the Andean mountains of Cauca, Colombia. We used 45 native tree species, most of them commonly used in restoration projects in the Andean region of Colombia. After 150 days of sowing, we evaluated seedling emergence, survival and establishment costs. Performance of direct seeding was markedly different across sites. Most species had low seedling emergence, with Guayaba (Psidium guajava) and Matachande (Bocconia frutescens) showing the highest emergence. Species with large seeds showed higher emergence compared with medium and small seeds. Seedling density was considerably variable among sites, ranging from 496 to 5550 ind. ha−1. Our results evidence the need for long‐term monitoring at mountain restoration sites and that restoring tropical degraded mountains using direct seeding is a challenge that can be complemented with native tree planting. Further research is required to explore the advantages and disadvantages of direct seeding in mountain terrain.
Impact of Sex on Clinical Outcomes of Tandem Occlusion in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients Treated With Mechanical Thrombectomy. A Propensity‐Matched Analysis
Authors: D'Anna Lucio , Foschi Matteo , Valente Mariarosaria , Zhang Liqun , Sacco Simona , Ornello Raffaele , Mansoor Nina , Fallon Matthew , Jaramillo Adelaida Gartner , Sponza Massimo , Gavrilovic Vladimir , Lobotesis Kyriakos , Gigli Gian Luigi , Banerjee Soma , Merlino Giovanni
Published: January 2025

Background

Although mechanical thrombectomy (MT) represents the standard of care for ischemic stroke due to large‐vessel occlusion (LVO), the impact of sex on outcomes in tandem occlusions remains unclear. We investigated sex‐based differences in outcomes after MT for tandem occlusions.

Methods

This multicenter observational study included consecutive patients with tandem occlusion treated with MT across three stroke centers (2021–2023). Propensity score matching was performed. Primary outcomes were the 90‐day favorable functional outcome (mRS 0–2) and mRS score shift. Secondary outcomes included favorable recanalization, 24‐h early neurological improvement, and NIHSS median score. Safety outcomes were post‐MT intracerebral hemorrhage and 90‐day mortality.

Results

Of 635 patients (46.8% women), 289 women were matched to 289 men. There were no significant differences in primary, secondary, or safety outcomes between sexes. Subgroup analysis showed a lower rate of favorable 90‐day mRS scores in women with diabetes compared to men. Women not receiving emergent carotid treatment had higher rates of favourable outcomes. No significant sex differences were found in other subgroups.

Conclusions

Women with anterior circulation tandem occlusions treated with MT have similar outcomes to men. However, women with diabetes and those treated with intracranial MT alone exhibited sex‐specific differences. Further studies are needed to explore underlying mechanisms.
Images of spectral relatedness: How couples anchor life together in a nursing home in Denmark
Authors: Nielsen Mikka , Ramsbøl Anne Toft
Published: January 2025

When one partner in a couple moves into a nursing home, the sense of shared everyday life and home is disturbed. In this article, we examine how couples respond to radical ruptures in their shared everyday lives, homes, and imagined futures when one partner moves into a nursing home due to severe illness. We draw on the field of imagistic anthropology that attends to the uncertain, ambiguous, and imaginative dimensions of life to capture the often overlooked, albeit important, dimensions of peoples’ lives in situations of uncertainty, rupture, and loss. Inspired by the concept of spectral kinship, we delve into experiences of transgressing space and time, the material and the immaterial, the “real,” the dreamed of and imagined as they are anchored in a play of imagination, a book, and a dream. We call these anchors of belonging. We suggest the concept spectral relatedness to highlight both mundane and spectral dimensions of homemaking and being together. We argue that attending to imagistic qualities in fraught life situations can help bring forth nuances and complexities of how couples face severe illness and the relational and practical changes such life situations entails in the context of homemaking in institutional settings.
Understanding the Emergence of Schizophrenia in the Light of Human Evolution: New Perspectives in Genetics
Authors: Sandroni Veronica , Chaumette Boris
Published: January 2025

Schizophrenia is a frequent and disabling disease. The persistence of the disorder despite its harmful consequences represents an evolutionary paradox. Based on recent discoveries in genetics, scientists have formulated the “price‐to‐pay” hypothesis: schizophrenia would be intimately related to human evolution, particularly to brain development and human‐specific higher cognitive functions. The objective of the present work is to question scientific literature about the relationship between schizophrenia and human evolution from a genetic point of view. In the last two decades, research investigated the association between schizophrenia and a few genetic evolutionary markers: Human accelerated regions, segmental duplications, and highly repetitive DNA such as the Olduvai domain. Other studies focused on the action of natural selection on schizophrenia‐associated genetic variants, also thanks to the complete sequencing of archaic hominins' genomes (Neanderthal, Denisova). Results suggested that a connection between human evolution and schizophrenia may exist; nonetheless, much research is still needed, and it is possible that a definitive answer to the evolutionary paradox of schizophrenia will never be found.
Predicting admission for fall‐related injuries in older adults using artificial intelligence: A proof‐of‐concept study
Authors: Le Nam , Sonka Milan , Skeete Dionne A , Romanowski Kathleen S , Galet Colette
Published: January 2025

Aim

Pre‐injury frailty has been investigated as a tool to predict outcomes of older trauma patients. Using artificial intelligence principles of machine learning, we aimed to identify a “signature” (combination of clinical variables) that could predict which older adults are at risk of fall‐related hospital admission. We hypothesized that frailty, measured using the 5‐item modified Frailty Index, could be utilized in combination with other factors as a predictor of admission for fall‐related injuries.

Methods

The National Readmission Database was mined to identify factors associated with admission of older adults for fall‐related injuries. Older adults admitted for trauma‐related injuries from 2010 to 2014 were included. Age, sex, number of chronic conditions and past fall‐related admission, comorbidities, 5‐item modified Frailty Index, and medical insurance status were included in the analysis. Two machine learning models were selected among six tested models (logistic regression and random forest). Using a decision tree as a surrogate model for random forest, we extracted high‐risk combinations of factors associated with admission for fall‐related injury.

Results

Our approach yielded 18 models. Being a woman was one of the factors most often associated with admission for fall‐related injuries. Frailty appeared in four of the 18 combinations. Being a woman, aged 65–74 years and presenting a 5‐item modified Frailty Index score >3 predicted admission for fall‐related injuries in 80.3% of this population.

Conclusion

Using artificial intelligence principles of machine learning, we were able to develop 18 signatures allowing us to identify older adults at risk of admission for fall‐related injuries. Future studies using other databases, such as TQIP, are warranted to validate our high‐risk combination models. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2025; 25: 232–242.
Surgical and patient‐reported outcomes of staged urethroplasty for anterior urethral strictures: A comprehensive analysis
Authors: Minami Takahiro , Horiguchi Akio , Shinchi Masayuki , Ojima Kenichiro , Segawa Yuhei , Furukawa Yoshiyuki , Takekawa Kazuki , Suzuki Sadayoshi , Masumoto Hakaru , Katsuta Jumpei , Watanabe Daisuke , Ito Keiichi
Published: January 2025

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy of staged urethroplasty for complex anterior urethral strictures from both surgical and patient‐reported outcome perspectives.

Methods

This retrospective study included 100 patients who underwent staged urethroplasty for anterior urethral strictures between May 2011 and June 2023. Anatomical success was defined as the ability to pass cystourethroscopy without resistance and the patient's ability to void without additional interventions. Patient‐reported outcomes were evaluated using validated questionnaires, including the urethral stricture surgery patient‐reported outcome measure, sexual health inventory for men (SHIM), and EuroQol 5‐dimension (EQ‐5D), administered pre‐and postoperatively.

Results

At a median follow‐up of 53 months, the anatomical success rate was 89.0%. Seventeen (17.0%) required revision surgery between stages. Perioperative complications occurred in 13 (13.0%). Significant improvements were observed in maximum flow rate (p < 0.0001), postvoid residual volume (p = 0.0006), total lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) scores (p < 0.0001), LUTS‐specific quality of life (QOL) score (p < 0.0001), EQ‐5D index score (p < 0.0001), and EQ‐5D visual analog scale score (p < 0.0001). SHIM scores showed no significant change (p = 0.59). Overall, 93.5% of patients reported being either “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with the outcomes.

Conclusion

Staged urethroplasty demonstrates high anatomical success rates and significant improvements in urinary function and QOL without compromising erectile function. The high patient satisfaction rate supports its efficacy in treating complex anterior urethral strictures.
SARS‐CoV‐2 Viral Load and Cytokine Dynamics Profile as Early Signatures of Long COVID Condition in Hospitalized Individuals
Authors: Alonso Domínguez Jacobo , Martínez Barros Inés , Viéitez Irene , Peleteiro Mercedes , Calderón‐Cruz Beatriz , González‐Nóvoa José A. , Pérez González Alexandre , Leiro Fernández Virginia , López López Aida , Poveda López Eva
Published: January 2025

Background

The global pandemic caused by SARS‐CoV‐2 has resulted in millions of people experiencing long COVID condition, a range of persistent symptoms following the acute phase, with an estimated prevalence of 27%–64%.

Materials and Methods

To understand its pathophysiology, we conducted a longitudinal study on viral load and cytokine dynamics in individuals with confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. We used reverse transcriptase droplet digital PCR to quantify viral RNA from nasopharyngeal swabs and employed multiplex technology to measure plasma cytokine levels in a cohort of people with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Our study included individuals with long COVID condition and those without, all of whom had at least three nasopharyngeal and plasma samples collected within 55 days after diagnosis of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.

Results

Individuals affected with long COVID symptoms had delayed viral clearance and lower viral loads at diagnosis compared to those without symptoms. Additionally, cytokine analysis revealed variations in IL‐18, MIG, and IP‐10 levels, with delayed normalization in individuals affected by long COVID syndrome. Correlation analysis indicated associations between viral load and IP‐10 and interrelations among cytokines IL‐1β, IL‐18, MIG, and IP‐10.

Conclusion

Our study provides insights into the association between nasopharyngeal viral load, cytokine dynamics, and the development of long COVID syndrome, providing an early signature of this condition.
Acute skin failure knowledge, attitudes and practices amongst intensive care unit nurses in China: A multicentre cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Yang Xiuru , Yan Fenglin , Xie Sha , Shang Yinju , Wang Mei , Wen Dan , He Haiyan
Published: January 2025

Purpose

To investigate the knowledge, attitudes and practices of intensive care unit (ICU) nurses regarding acute skin failure (ASF) and analyse the influencing factors thereof.

Methods

From 22 December 2023 to 24 January 2024, a cross‐sectional study was conducted amongst ICU nurses from 21 hospitals in eight provinces in China. The ASF knowledge, attitude and practice scores were determined using questionnaires, and multiple linear regression was used for further analysis.

Results

Overall, 304 ICU nurses completed the survey. The knowledge, attitude and practice scores were 24.89 ± 10.93, 40.67 ± 5.93 and 43.47 ± 9.19, with scoring rates of 45.25%, 81.34% and 72.45%, respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that being a wound ostomy specialist nurse was positively correlated with the knowledge dimension score (p < 0.05). Nurses' professional titles significantly affected attitude scores (p < 0.05); the higher the professional title, the more positive the attitude towards ASF.

Conclusion

The attitudes and practices of ICU nurses in China towards ASF were found to be positive; however, their knowledge levels need improvement. Nursing managers should conduct targeted training, especially for entry‐level nurses.
Frailty and comorbidity in older adults with and without diabetes and chronic leg ulcer: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Duluklu Burcu , Ivory John , McElvaney Aideen , Bligh Angela , Cahill‐Collins Marion , Gethin Georgina , Liew Aaron , Sezgin Duygu
Published: January 2025

This descriptive, cross‐sectional study aimed to identify whether having a chronic leg ulcer (CLU), in addition to diabetes, contributed to frailty in individuals ≥65 years old. It also explored the associations between frailty, pre‐frailty and other factors. 125 participants aged ≥65 attending outpatient clinics in Ireland were categorised into three groups: (1) diabetes‐only and no CLU, (2) CLU‐only and no diabetes, and (3) diabetes and CLU. Frailty status was identified using the Groningen Frailty Indicator (GFI) and the Physical Frailty Phenotype (PFP). The mean age was 76.09 ± 7.31. Overall, 90 (72%) had diabetes, and 89 (71.2%) had CLU in the past 6 months. While 124 (99.2%) were frail according to the GFI, 122 (97.6%) were either physically frail (n = 40, 32%) or pre‐frail (n = 82, 65.6%) based on the PFP. There was no difference between the three groups regarding general frailty status (p > 0.05). However, being aged ≥75, having CLU and having CLU in addition to diabetes were associated with frailty severity (p < 0.05). Slow gait, inability to go to the toilet and dress/undress independently were the common factors contributing to frailty. Age, comorbidities and CLU were associated with frailty severity. Incorporating multidimensional frailty screening into regular clinic visits for older adults with CLU is recommended.
Investigation of foot care knowledge and behaviour of older people with type 2 diabetes in Beijing community and analysis of influencing factors
Authors: Li Gaoqiang , Lu Qian , Wen Bing , Qi Xin , Guan Hui , Li Huijuan , Liu Jin , Ding Yanming
Published: January 2025

Good foot care knowledge and behaviour are very important to prevent the occurrence of diabetic foot, but there are few reports on the foot care knowledge and behaviour of older people with diabetes in the community. The purpose of this study was to understand the foot care knowledge and behaviour of older people with type 2 diabetes in Beijing community, and analyse its influencing factors, so as to provide reference for further intervention. We investigated 254 older people with type 2 diabetes in Xinjiekou community, Beijing, including their general information, chronic complications, foot care knowledge and behaviour. The results showed that the average scores of foot care knowledge and behaviour were 73.38 ± 12.25 and 49.70 ± 8.70, respectively. Multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that the factors affecting the total score of foot nursing knowledge of older people with diabetes in community were gender, duration of diabetes and whether they had received foot nursing education (p < 0.05). The factors influencing the total score of foot nursing behaviour were gender, duration of disease, whether they had received foot nursing education and peripheral vascular disease (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the knowledge of foot care of older people with diabetes in community is in the middle level, and the foot care behaviour is not optimistic. Community healthcare workers can improve patients' knowledge of foot care and improve their compliance with foot care behaviour through foot care health education. At the same time, we should pay more attention to men, those with a shorter duration of diabetes and diabetic patients with peripheral vascular disease to reduce the occurrence of diabetic foot.
Visions of the Future of Craft Education
Authors: Mommo Sanna , Kouhia Anna , Rönkkö Marja‐Leena
Published: January 2025

This study examines the history of craft education, especially in the context of social and temporal changes, and envisions its future based on narratives collected by student teachers at two Finnish universities. The research material covers essay responses that discussed the future of craft education in the light of forecasted megatrends. The essay responses were analysed using narrative methods, and the results are presented as visions of the priorities and content of future craft education. While craft teaching today emphasises technology, well‐being and communal living, the growth of digitality, sustainable education and materiality is likely to continue in the future. We envision that future craft education will focus on pedagogical content rooted in craft traditions, with a strong emphasis on skills education.
Loss of FTH1 Induces Ferritinophagy‐Mediated Ferroptosis in Anaemia of Myelodysplastic Syndromes
Authors: Yang Liyan , Zhang Mengying , Liu Mengyuan , Yu Yating , Zhang Yue , Yang Jinyue , Xing Limin , Shao Zonghong , Wang Huaquan
Published: January 2025

Single‐cell sequencing of lineage negative (Lin‐) cells from patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) revealed a reduction in ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1) levels, yet the significance of this decrease in FTH1 in the pathophysiology of MDS remains unclear. In this study, we evaluated the role of FTH1 in patients with MDS. The mRNA expression of FTH1 in GlycoA+ nucleated erythrocytes from MDS patients was significantly lower than that in control group. FTH1 was implicated in both ferritinophagy and ferroptosis in MDS patients, processes that are linked to the development of anaemia. To further validate our observations, we employed shRNA to knock down the FTH1 gene in K562 and SKM1 cells. This knockdown confirmed that the elevated ferroptosis levels observed after FTH1 depletion were indeed due to the induction of ferritinophagy. Hemin stimulation promoted the differentiation of K562 cells, while downregulation of FTH1 gene expression had an impact on erythroid differentiation and haemoglobin synthesis. Taken together, our results suggest that FTH1‐mediated ferritinophagy may represent a novel therapeutic target for MDS.