bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What role for real-world evidence in market access of biosimilars?
Authors: Simoens Steven , Lockhart Catherine M. , Courmier Delphine F.
Published: February 2025

Experience with the use of biosimilars in real-life practice provides an excellent opportunity to collect real-world evidence aimed at addressing residual uncertainties about biosimilars. Hence, this Perspective aims to explore the role of real-world evidence on biosimilars by showcasing how real-world evidence studies have contributed to addressing key questions affecting biosimilar market access. We find that the comparable efficacy and safety of a biosimilar and the reference product is corroborated by real-world evidence. Also, real-world evidence has been used to validate the regulatory approach of extrapolation of indication, to examine the impact of switching practices and policy measures affecting the uptake of biosimilars, to illustrate the benefits of biosimilars, and to identify operational aspects affecting the use of biosimilars in daily practice. We also argue that real-world evidence can serve to demonstrate biosimilar interchangeability in the United States. These cases confirm that real-world evidence can be a powerful tool to elucidate aspects of biosimilar market access outside the context of a randomised controlled trial.
Association between statin administration and Clostridium difficile-induced enteritis: a retrospective analysis of the MIMIC-IV database
Authors: Wang Renli , Liu Rongjun , Wang Hua , Xu Zhaojun
Published: February 2025

Background

Existing research suggests that using statins may reduce the incidence of enteritis caused by C. difficile and improve the prognosis of patients. This study aimed to explore the relation between Clostridium difficile-induced enteritis (CDE) and statin use.

Methods

Data were collected from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-IV (MIMIC-IV) database. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to assess the impact of statin use on CDE incidence in patients in intensive care units (ICUs) and its effect on in-hospital mortality among them. The research findings were validated by performing propensity score matching (PSM), inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW), and subgroup analyses.

Results

The study enrolled the data of 51,978 individuals to assess the effect of statin usage on the occurrence of CDE in patients admitted to the ICU. The results indicate that statins can decrease the prevalence of CDE in patients in ICU (odds ratio (OR): 0.758, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.666–0.873, P < 0.05), which was further confirmed through PSM (OR: 0.760, 95% CI: 0.661–0.873, P < 0.05) and IPTW (OR: 0.818, 95% CI: 0.754–0.888, P < 0.05) analyses. For most subgroups, statins’ favorable effect in reducing CDE remained constant. A total of 1,208 patients were included in the study to evaluate whether statins could lower the risk of death in patients in ICU with enteritis caused by C. difficile. Statins did not reduce in-hospital mortality of patients in ICU with CDE (OR: 0.911, 95% CI: 0.667–1.235, P = 0.553). The results were validated following PSM (OR: 0.877, 95% CI: 0.599–1.282, P = 0.499) and IPTW (OR: 0.781, 95% CI: 0.632–1.062, P = 0.071) analyses, and all subgroups demonstrated consistent results.

Conclusion

Statin administration can reduce the incidence of CDE in patients in the ICU; however, it does not decrease the in-hospital mortality rate for individuals with CDE.
The relationship and agreement between systemic and local breakpoints in locomotor and non-locomotor muscles during single-leg cycling
Authors: Tilp Markus , Mosser Nina , Schappacher-Tilp Gudrun , Kruse Annika , Birnbaumer Philipp , Tschakert Gerhard
Published: February 2025

Introduction

There is a well-established relationship between the respiratory compensation point (RCP) and local muscular breakpoints determined from near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and electromyography (EMG). However, these breakpoints have not yet been compared both in locomotor and non-locomotor muscles simultaneously in single-leg cycling exercise. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate the relationship and agreement between systemic and local breakpoints in locomotor and non-locomotor muscles.

Method

Data from twelve physically-active participants (25.5 ± 3.9 years, 176.1 ± 11.6 cm, 71.2 ± 9.4 kg, 4 females) who completed a continuous single-leg step incremental cycling test (10 W min-1) with their right leg were included in the analysis. Ventilation and gas exchange were recorded to determine RCP. Surface EMG (sEMG) and NIRS signals were measured from both vasti lateralis muscles and breakpoints were determined from root mean Q square sEMG and deoxygenated hemo- and myoglobin signal m[HHb].

Results

There was no significant difference in the power output at RCP (127.3 ± 21.8 W) and local muscular breakpoints both from the locomotor (m[HHb]: 119.7 ± 23.6 W, sEMG: 126.6 ± 26.0 W) and non-locomotor (m[HHb]: 117.5 ± 17.9 W, sEMG: 126.1 ± 28.4 W) muscles. Breakpoints also showed significant (p < 0.01) correlations (r = 0.67–0.90, ICC = 0.80–0.94) to each other with weaker correlations in the non-locomotor muscle (r = 0.66–0.86, ICC = 0.74–0.90). Despite the strong correlations, high individual variability and weak limits of agreement (up to −32.5–46.5 W) and substantial absolute differences (10.2–16.7 W) were observed which indicates that these breakpoints cannot be used interchangeably.

Discussion

These findings offer further insights into the mechanistic relationship between local and systemic physiological response to exercise with increasing workload. We conclude that, despite strong correlations, local muscular breakpoints do not have to coincide with systemic boundaries of physiological domains.
Peptides in plant reproduction—small yet powerful
Authors: Yan Chun-Lin , Guan Kai-Xun , Lin Hong , Feng Ting , Meng Jiang-Guo
Published: February 2025

Peptides, currently being considered as a novel class of plant hormones, play diverse roles in plant growth and development. Peptides trigger signaling by binding to receptors and co-receptors, thus activating cellular signaling pathways. Recently, peptides have been extensively investigated in plant reproduction-related processes, ranging from gametes development to gametes fusion. In this review, we summarize recent advancements related to the role of peptides in plant reproduction and discuss challenges that need to be addressed urgently.
Resolving phylogenetic conflicts in Pandanales: the dual roles of gene flow and whole-genome duplication
Authors: Shi Tian , He Jian
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Accurate phylogenetic reconstruction is crucial for understanding evolutionary relationships and biodiversity. Despite advances in molecular systematics, the relationships within Pandanales—which include Cyclanthaceae, Pandanaceae, Stemonaceae, Triuridaceae, and Velloziaceae—remain unresolved. This study aims to clarify these relationships by analyzing transcriptomic and genomic data from these families.

Methods

We analyzed transcriptomic and genomic data from 20 samples representing all five families of Pandanales. Our approach involved assembling 2,668 single-copy orthologous genes (SCOGs) and conducting phylogenetic analyses using both coalescent- and concatenation-based methods, alongside plastid genome data. Additionally, we employed HyDe for gene flow analysis and conducted coalescent simulations and QuIBL analyses to explore sources of phylogenetic conflict. We also investigated whole-genome duplication (WGD) events within Pandanales.

Results

The phylogenetic analyses produced strongly supported but topologically incongruent trees. Our gene flow analysis suggested that the concatenation-based topology likely reflects the true evolutionary history of Pandanales. We identified two significant ancient gene flow events: one between Velloziaceae and Triuridaceae, and another between Triuridaceae and the C-P clade (Cyclanthaceae + Pandanaceae). Furthermore, we detected five whole-genome duplication (WGD) events, including two that occurred before the Cretaceous–Paleogene boundary in Stemonaceae and Pandanaceae, one in Triuridaceae during the mid-Paleogene, and two within Velloziaceae near the Paleogene–Neogene boundary.

Discussion

Our findings indicate that gene flow, rather than incomplete lineage sorting, is the primary source of phylogenetic conflict at certain nodes within Pandanales. The identified WGD events likely played a significant role in facilitating adaptation and diversification under changing environmental conditions. These results not only resolve long-standing phylogenetic conflicts but also enhance our understanding of the mechanisms driving plant diversification within this order.
Integrating water depth to predict the threshold of collapse and recovery of submerged macrophytes for lakes with large depth gradients
Authors: Yu Yexin , Li Yehao , Wang Haijun , Su Haojie , Rao Qingyang , Liu Ying , Xie Ping
Published: February 2025

Introduction

The nutrient threshold of collapse and recovery of submerged macrophytes have been widely reported for shallow lakes. However, understanding the threshold variation for lakes with water depth (Z) gradients remains limited.

Methods

In this study, based on a field investigation of 9 lakes with varying water depths and nutrient levels in the Yunnan Plateau, southwest of China, we integrated water depth to predict the nutrient threshold of collapse and recovery of submerged macrophytes in lakes.

Results

Our results showed that: 1) Canopy-forming submerged macrophytes, i.e. Potamogeton pectinatus and Myriophyllum spicatum, had a higher resistance to high nutrients and turbidity; 2) Submerged macrophyte species richness had a significantly negative response to water depth, while biomass did not; 3) A multiplication of turbidity (Turb) with water depth provided the best explanation for the collapse and recovery of submerged macrophytes for lakes with large depth gradients compared to the single variables; 4) The thresholds of ZSD/Z were 0.06 for the collapse of submerged macrophytes and 0.53 for the recovery of submerged macrophytes; the corresponding thresholds were 81.6 and 9.92 NTU m for Turb*Z, respectively.

Discussion

Our findings on the thresholds of macrophyte collapse and recovery are expected to provide quantitative guidance for lake restoration of diverse water depths.
Enhancement of wheat resistance to dry–hot wind stress during grain filling by 24-epibrassinolide: optimization of hormone balance and improvement of flag leaf photosynthetic performance
Authors: Wang Chao , Cui Haixing , Jin Min , Wang Jiayu , Li Chunhui , Li Yong , Luo YongLi , Wang Zhenlin
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Dry-hot wind during the grain filling period is a prevalent agrometeorological challenge worldwide, causing significant functional leaf senescence, disrupting the grain filling process, and ultimately leading to wheat yield loss. Although studies have explored the alleviating effects of EBR under abiotic stress, its application in wheat and the potential mechanisms underlying its role in mitigating dry–hot wind still require further investigation.

Methods

Using the dry–hot-wind-sensitive cultivar Jinan 17 (JN17) and the dry–hot-wind-resistant cultivar Liangxing 77 (LX77) as experimental materials. A split-plot design was employed, with cultivar as the main plot factor, dry-hot wind (DH) treatment as the subplot factor, and the foliar application of 24-epibrassinolide (EBR) at a concentration of 0.1 mg L-1 as the sub-subplot factor.

Results

EBR alleviated the negative effects of DH stress on wheat by optimizing the hormone balance. The abscisic acid (ABA) and jasmonic acid (JA) contents decreased, and the salicylic acid (SA) content increased, which promoted the stomatal opening of flag leaves. The transpiration rate (Tr) was increased by 7–10% and thus reduced the temperature of the spikes and leaves by 0.87–1.27 °C and 1.6–2.4 °C, respectively. Additionally, the activities of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT), were enhanced, which prevented early flag leaf senescence and maintained a high chlorophyll level under DH stress. Therefore, the photosynthetic performance of flag leaves was enhanced. EBR enhanced the yield of JN17 and LX77 under DH stress. JN17’s yield was increased by 9.2% and 7.5% in the 2020–2021 and 2021–2022 wheat growing seasons, respectively, and LX77’s yield was increased by 4.9% and 2.3% over two years.

Discussion

This study provides a promising approach for enhancing wheat’s resistance to DH stress, with practical implications for wheat production.
It's who you know: a review of peer networks and academic achievement in schools
Authors: Black Alison , Warstadt Melissa F. , Mamas Christoforos
Published: February 2025

Cultivating equitable academic achievement and enhancing academic functioning for youth is widely seen as one of the main missions of the public education system in the US, but educators may be overlooking critical factors for fully realizing this collective mission. This paper explores the emergent evidence on the impact of friendship and peer social networks on academic achievement and outcomes for students in K-12 public schools in the United States. In total, nine studies have been reviewed and presented. Findings suggest that peer social network selection and influence effects impact individual and group academic functioning and achievement outcomes across age groups in adolescence. Evidence across multiple studies suggests that structural effects and network position may be of special importance, particularly for low-achieving youth. However, due to publication bias issues and methodological limitations, findings should be taken cautiously. Social Network Analysis (SNA) is a quickly growing subfield of education research. There is a great need for more studies in the US, in particular those focusing on historically marginalized and underrepresented student populations (e.g., BIPOC and LGBTQ+ populations, highly mobile student groups, foster youth, students qualifying for special education support and accommodation, etc.). Another major gap identified is the need to focus on specific developmental stages, like elementary school or early adolescence, and varying environmental contexts.
Revisiting the bi-factor structure of the short version of the Warwick–Edinburgh mental well-being scale with samples in China
Authors: Fung Sai-fu , Zeng Guang , Chuang Ho-luan Hermes , Li Sin-man , Lee Jingwen , Tse Jonathan Chun Luen
Published: February 2025

Aim

This paper aims to evaluate the factor structure and psychometric properties of the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (SWEMWBS) based on Chinese samples recruited from secondary schools, universities, and workplaces.

Methods

The psychometric properties of the SWEMWBS were evaluated in four cross-sectional studies with a total of 1,729 respondents from Hong Kong and Chinese mainland. Criterion validity was assessed using well-established measures of well-being, affect, and life satisfaction (PANAS, WHO-5, and SWLS). Confirmatory factor analysis was employed to evaluate the unidimensional and bi-factor structure of the SWEMWBS.

Results

The results indicated that both the Traditional and Simplified Chinese versions of the SWEMWBS possess good psychometric properties, with coefficient alpha and omega exceeding the acceptable range. Both exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis suggested that the items are suitable for forming a unidimensional scale. However, the bi-factor structure proposed in the recent literature contained some problematic items that yielded negative and weak factor loadings.

Conclusion

The unidimensional SWEMWBS is applicable to respondents from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. The validated Traditional and Simplified Chinese versions of the SWEMWBS provide researchers and clinical practitioners with a reliable and convenient measure of mental well-being for use in Chinese contexts.
The relationship between negative emotions and adjustment disorder in young adults: the mediating role of rumination and insomnia
Authors: Shao Xinyue , Dong Zhao , Zhang Shuai , Qiao Yunyun , Zhang Hongwei , Guo Hua
Published: February 2025

Introduction

This study aimed to investigate the influence of negative emotions on adjustment disorder (AjD) in young adults, focusing on the mediating role of rumination and insomnia.

Methods

The study recruited 2015 young patients (aged 18–35) receiving treatment at the Psychosomatic Medicine Department of the Affiliated Encephalopathy Hospital of Zhengzhou University from February 2023 to March 2024. Participants completed the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS), Ruminative Responses Scale (RRS), Insomnia Severity Scale (ISI), and Adjustment Disorder – New Module 20(ADNM-20) to assess negative emotions, rumination thinking, sleep status, and AjD. Data were analyzed utilizing descriptive statistics, correlation, hierarchical linear regression, and mediation analyses.

Results

1) AjD was significantly influenced by being an only child and family composition, but there was no significant gender difference. Scores for negative emotions, rumination, insomnia, and AjD varied significantly different among different age groups, with the 30–35 age group scoring significantly higher than others. 2) Total scores for the DASS-21and its subscales, the RRS and its subscales, insomnia, and AjD were significantly correlated (p < 0.01). Negative emotions and ruminative thoughts predicted AjD, accounting for 47.8% of the total variation in AjD. 3) Negative emotions positively predicted AjD (β = 0.37, p < 0.001). Negative emotions affect AjD in young adults through rumination and insomnia alone and together, and the mediating effect accounts for 34%, 7.9%, and 20% of the total effect.

Discussion

The study’s findings suggest that rumination and insomnia play significant mediating roles in the relationship between negative emotions and AjD in young adults. Negative emotions directly affect AjD and have indirect effects through rumination and insomnia.
Adolescents and adults with FOXP1 syndrome show high rates of anxiety and externalizing behaviors but not psychiatric decompensation or skill loss
Authors: Levy Tess , Silver Hailey , Soufer Renee , Rouhandeh Audrey , Kolevzon Alexander , Buxbaum Joseph D. , Siper Paige M.
Published: February 2025

Background

FOXP1 syndrome is a genetic neurodevelopmental disorder associated with complex clinical presentations including global developmental delay, mild to profound intellectual disability, speech and language impairment, autism traits, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and a range of behavioral challenges. To date, much of the literature focuses on childhood symptoms and little is known about the FOXP1 syndrome phenotype in adolescence or adulthood.

Methods

A series of caregiver interviews and standardized questionnaires assessed psychiatric and behavioral features of 20 adolescents and adults with FOXP1 syndrome. Clinical interviews captured change in various psychiatric manifestations over time. Medication, social, educational, and vocational history was collected, and visual analog scales measured top caregiver concerns during childhood and adolescence/adulthood.

Results

Anxiety and externalizing behaviors were common in this cohort and psychiatric features, such as psychosis or bipolar symptoms, were present in two participants. There was no reported regression or loss of skills, early in development or during adolescence/adulthood. Medication use was common particularly for features of ADHD, although multiple trials were required for some individuals to achieve benefit. Standardized assessments accurately picked up on externalizing symptoms and were less sensitive to internalizing symptoms. Educational setting varied up until late elementary school and gradually shifted to special education. Cognitive and developmental concerns were reported as primary during childhood and independence/safety and housing concerns became top concerns by adolescence/adulthood. Caregivers reported continued development in adaptive skills even into adulthood.

Conclusions

Taken together, results are reassuring, with many families reporting their adolescent and adult children continued to gain skills over time, particularly related to increased independence in communication and personal care. There were no reports of developmental regression, neuropsychiatric decompensation or catatonia.
Post-marketing safety surveillance of vortioxetine hydrobromide: a pharmacovigilance study leveraging FAERS database
Authors: Zhang Ying , Sun Shengzhu , Ning Yunhong
Published: February 2025

Background

Vortioxetine hydrobromide is a widely prescribed medication for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), primarily exerting its antidepressant effects by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin (5-HT).The objective of this study was to investigate adverse events (AEs) associated with vortioxetine hydrobromide through data mining in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) to enhance clinical safety.

Methods

We collected FAERS data from Q3 2013 to Q1 2024 for data cleansing. Disproportionality analysis was employed to quantify relevant AEs associated with vortioxetine. Reported Ratio of Ratios (ROR) was utilized for identifying risk signals within the FAERS data. We employed the System Organ Classes (SOCs) and selected the Preferred Terms (PTs) from the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA version 26.1).

Results

A total of 11,298 cases were reported as "primary suspected (PS)" for vortioxetine hydrobromide. Notably, at the systemic organ level (SOC) level, the adverse effects associated with vortioxetine hydrobromide involved 27 systemic organoid classes (SOCs).We identified 150 significantly disproportionate Preferred Terms (PTs) that met all four algorithms.

Conclusion

This study identified adverse events (AEs) associated with vortioxetine. Our findings offer valuable insights for optimizing the use of vortioxetine hydrobromide and reducing potential side effects, serving as a reference for its rational and safe clinical application.
The burden of COVID-19 based on disability-adjusted life years: a systematic review of available evidence
Authors: Barfar Eshagh , Raei Behzad , Daneshi Salman , Bagher Barahouei Fatemeh , Hushmandi Kiavash
Published: February 2025

Background

The present study tries to evaluate and summarize the available evidence to provide insights into the COVID-19 burden worldwide using disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and compare the level of damage across countries during this pandemic.

Method

We conducted a systematic review following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to investigate the global burden of COVID-19. Studies were identified through searches conducted on Ovid Medline, Cochrane, Science Direct, Scopus, and PubMed databases as well as, the Google Scholar search engine. All stages of the search, study selection, qualitative assessment, and data extraction were carried out by two authors separately. Any disagreement among reviewers was resolved by discussion.

Results

The total DALYs incurred by COVID-19 varied widely among nations, with rates per 100,000 population ranging from approximately 5 in Korea to 5,363 in the US. Deaths due to COVID-19 could substantially impact years of life lost (YLLs), emerging as a major contributing factor to DALYs. Furthermore, unlike in high-income countries, a significant proportion of YLLs in low- and middle-income countries is associated with individuals dying at younger ages. Years lived with disability (YLDs) were also identified as a minor contributing factor to DALY estimates associated with COVID-19.

Conclusion

Our findings from this investigation provide valuable insights into the impacts of COVID-19 on global health that may be an important basis for assessing its global burden, facilitating international comparisons, and allocating efforts to manage the epidemic. However, challenges persist in identifying and quantifying the economic costs and non-health effects of the event on an international scale.
Comprehensive evaluation of the development of traditional Chinese medicine industry in Shaanxi province based on PMC index model
Authors: Zhu Xiaoying , Lin Shuzhi , Liu Wei , Liu Qian , Yin Lin , Feng Bianling
Published: February 2025

Background

The high-quality development of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) industry is dependent on supportive policies and requires higher levels of coordination and integration. National and local government policies must coordinate the integrated development of the TCM industry under modern governance principles. However, the policy structure and its impact on the development of the TCM industry have not been thoroughly explored from the perspectives of policy design and empirical evidence.

Methods

A TCMIDPs evaluation system was established using the PMC-Index model to quantitatively analyze TCMIDPs in China and Shaanxi Province. Additionally, principal component analysis (PCA) was used to comprehensively evaluate 51 enterprises in Shaanxi Province.

Results

The policy analysis shows that the average PMC index of the 31 TCM industry development policies is 5.080, indicating that the areas and functions covered by these policies need improvement. The comprehensive evaluation reveals that pharmaceutical enterprises in Shaanxi Province still exhibit unbalanced development.

Conclusion

Future TCM industry policies should focus on long-term industrial development, incorporating comprehensive perspectives. Emphasis should be placed on strengthening enterprise R&D, accelerating pharmaceutical innovation, and promoting the holistic development of pharmaceutical enterprises.
Association between female cardiometabolic index and infertility: a population-based study
Authors: Liu Junqian , Zhu Fengya , Wang Yuan , Wu Jie
Published: February 2025

Background

Visceral fat accumulation and dyslipidaemia are associated with infertility symptoms. The cardiometabolic index (CMI) is a comprehensive quantitative measure of central obesity and dyslipidaemia. However, the link between the female CMI and the couple infertility needs to be explored further. Hence, this study aimed to dissect this connection.

Methods

The study used a cross-sectional approach to select 1,641 female participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which was conducted between 2013 and 2020. The natural log–transformed CMI (In-CMI) was used to consider the non-normal distribution of CMI. Logistic regression models adjusted for covariates were employed to investigate the association between the In-CMI and couple infertility.

Results

After adjusting for all covariates, each 1 unit increase in the In-CMI was associated with a 34% increase in the incidence of infertility (odds ratio [OR] 1.34, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10–1.64, p = 0.004). In addition, the association remained statistically significant after dividing the In-CMI into tertiles (T1, T2, and T3). The T3 group, with the highest In-CMI, showed higher odds of infertility compared with the T1 group (OR 2.11, 95% CI 1.38–3.23, p < 0.001). Subgroup and interaction analyses revealed that the association between the In-CMI and infertility depended on a history of treatment for pelvic infection (P for interaction <0.05). The inflection point for a positive linear association between In-CMI and infertility was−0.73.

Conclusion

The female CMI is linked to the incidence of couple infertility. Moreover, the female CMI shows significant medical significance for assessing couple infertility risk of childbearing age.
General SIR model for visible and hidden epidemic dynamics
Authors: Nesteruk Igor
Published: February 2025

To simulate hidden epidemic dynamics connected with asymptomatic and unregistered patients, a new general SIR model was proposed. For some cases, the analytical solutions of the set of 5 differential equations were found, which allow simplifying the parameter identification procedure. Two waves of the pertussis epidemic in England in 2023 and 2024 were simulated with the assumption of zero hidden cases. The accumulated and daily numbers of cases and the duration of the second wave were predicted with rather high accuracy. If the trend will not change, the monthly figure of 9 new pertussis cases (as it was in January–February 2023) can be achieved only in May 2025. The proposed approach can be recommended for both simulations and predictions of different epidemics.
Integrating HIV prevention with family planning services for adolescent girls and young women in Uganda: perspectives of adolescent girls and young women, health care providers, and policymakers
Authors: Tumusiime Justine K. , Canagasabey Davina , Mudiope Peter , Kitaka Sabrina , Namagembe Allen , Walugembe Fiona , Nakankaka Bridget , Nabuuma Josephine , Nasunku Jesca , Cover Jane , Mirembe Betty , Jackson Ashley , Green Kimberly
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Persistently high HIV incidence among women, especially adolescent girls and young women (AGYW), have drawn the attention of national policymakers, donors, and implementers in Sub-Saharan Africa to the integration of HIV and family planning (FP) programs. According to several research studies, FP services could offer a holistic strategy to address the HIV and FP needs of this demographic by including HIV prevention approaches, particularly HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis. Our study set out to explore the obstacles and opportunities that AGYW faced in accessing, using, and continuing HIV prevention and contraceptive services; to develop ideas for novel service models that would allow AGYW to receive integrated, HIV prevention and contraception services; and to evaluate the viability, scalability, and acceptability of these models through dialogues with stakeholders using a human-centered design approach.

Methods

We conducted 128 in-depth interviews with 60 AGYW, 24 public and private health care providers, 10 community leaders, and 10 policymakers). We also conducted two co-creation workshops with 50 AGYW and 10 health care providers in Masaka and Nakasongola districts to generate service delivery models.

Results

Our findings reveal various enablers and barriers to the successful integration of HIV prevention into FP services in the areas of policy, human resources and infrastructure, resource management, service delivery, community involvement, supply chain management, and monitoring and reporting.

Discussion

Successful integration will require addressing key concerns raised by participants in human resource and infrastructure, resource management, service delivery, demand creation, male involvement, supply chain management and monitoring and reporting.
Psoriasis in Kids: What Every Child Should Know
Authors: Paul Ananya , Quinton Meadhbh , Noonan Ellen , Rieder Michael , Pozzo-Magana Blanca Del
Published: February 2025

Have you ever noticed itchy, red patches on your skin that just will not go away? You might have a condition called psoriasis. In this article, we will explore what psoriasis looks like and its causes. We will talk about how treatments can help, in the form of creams, ointments, light therapy, and medicines that work all over the body. We will also look at how psoriasis can affect a person’s daily life and what people can do to feel better. With the right care and treatment, kids can manage psoriasis and continue with all their amazing adventures!
Pupils' participation roles in school-based physical activity in the context of physically active learning and recess: experiences from Norwegian and Estonian primary and secondary school pupils
Authors: Pardali Eirini , Kjønniksen Lise , Bratland-Sanda Solfrid , Säre Egle , Koni Ingrid , Lemberg Getter Marie , Mäestu Evelin , Kull Merike , Mandelid Mathias Brekke , Trangsrud Lise Katrine Jepsen
Published: February 2025

Introduction

The role of pupil participation in school-based physical activity is an often overlooked element despite the increasing interest in pupils' voices in policy development and research. Pupil participation is here defined as collaborative actions involving pupils and school stakeholders that influence decision-making processes in school-based physical activity. This study was conducted to explore how the 10- and 15-year-old pupils perceive their participation roles in school-based physical activity connected to age and the contexts of physically active learning and recess in various schools in Norway and Estonia.

Methods

The study involved thirty-eight students (n = 38; 17 boys and 21 girls; 21 10-year-olds and 17 15-year-olds) from selected schools in Norway and Estonia. Data were gathered through nine semi-structured focus group discussions.

Results

Utilizing Braun and Clarke's reflexive thematic analysis, three principal themes were constructed: 1. The informed and listened to, 2. The responsible and open to teachers' questions and facilitation, and 3. The invited to make a choice and practice participation. Taken together, the themes reflected the existing practices and structures that empowered pupils to express their perspectives on school-based physical activity. They also encapsulated pupils' suggestions and wishes for facilitation of their voices in these activities.

Discussion

Using Hart's Ladder of Children's Participation as a theoretical lens, the study revealed age and context-specific disparities in pupils' participation roles in school-based physical activity. Pupils engaged in both informal and formal participation structures in teacher-led physically active learning and free choice recess activities, creating democratic spaces for rights of participation and the expression of choice, which need to be prioritized. Older pupils had more participation opportunities than 10-year-olds and had more responsibility, possibly due to perceived maturity. However, 10-year-olds exhibited numerous ideas for increased movement in school, valued the pupils' council, and called for more physical activity. Activity choice and teacher facilitation are vital in physically active learning and recess contexts. It is suggested that school-based physical activity can offer a space for pupils to learn about democracy but gaining the confidence and ability to do so takes practice. Meanwhile, teachers often need training to support active pupil participation in school-based physical activity.
Factors affecting health-seeking behavior in sports climbers in Metro Manila: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Cruz Danyelle Jay T. , Cabrera Jan-Tyrone C.
Published: February 2025

Introduction

In the Philippines, studies on athletes are hard to come by when compared to those done internationally, even more so on newer Olympic sports such as Sports climbing. Furthermore, there is a lack of internationally published research on professional health-seeking behavior for the physical conditions of Filipino athletes. Thus, the objective of the study was to investigate the characteristics of sports climbers in Metro Manila that were associated with better health-seeking behavior.

Materials and methods

An analytical cross-sectional study design was done using an online interview-assisted questionnaire. The Action-intention subscale of the Attitudes Towards Medical Help-seeking Scale was used to measure health-seeking behavior in the study population. Other data gathered includes the population characteristics, injury characteristics, and social-environmental characteristics of sports climbers in Metro Manila.

Results

A total of 125 participants were interviewed, majority of whom were young adults and middle aged (72.8%), college graduates (67.2%), working full time (54.4%), middle class (22.4%), with slightly more males (49.6%). None of the social-environmental factors were found to be significant (p > 0.05). Trust in websites was found to be the only significant personal factor (2.99 ± 1.00, p < 0.05). Among the injury factors studied, the location of pain at the hip/pelvis and knee was found to be significant (p < 0.05).

Discussion

Climbers in Metro Manila have a decreased tendency to engage in health-seeking behavior. Because of this, sports climbers in Metro Manila may be a vulnerable group in terms of availability of health care systems specific to the sport, accessibility of knowledge for self-diagnosis and management, and data enough present in the Philippines to create guidelines and protocols for climbing injuries. Better monitoring of information on websites is needed. Healthcare providers should also improve the way they approach and deal with sport climbing injuries.
Assessing changes to the root biofilm microbial community on an engineered floating wetland upon exposure to a controlled diluted bitumen spill
Authors: Stanley Madeline J. , Peters Lisa , Guttormson Aidan , Tremblay Julien , Wasserscheid Jessica , Timlick Lauren , Greer Charles W. , Rodríguez Gil José Luis , Halldorson Thor , Havens Sonya , Grosshans Richard , Taylor Elliott , Tomy Gregg , Levin David B. , Palace Vince P.
Published: February 2025

Conventional oil spill recovery practices can damage sensitive habitats, like freshwater shorelines, and leave residual oil in the environment, causing chronic exposure to interacting biota. Non-invasive remediation efforts are required to enhance recovery of residual oil after primary recovery without further environmental damage. Engineered Floating Wetlands (EFWs), also known as Floating Treatment Wetlands, have been used around the world for phytoremediation and biodegradation of aquatic contaminants. EFWs have the potential to increase crude oil biodegradation by enhancing surface area for microbial colonization and interaction with contaminants in the water column. To assess changes in the prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbial communities associated with EFWs in conjunction with primary recovery of shoreline washing, a contained oil spill of diluted bitumen was conducted in a shoreline enclosure in an experimental lake at the International Institute for Sustainable Development Experimental Lakes Area, northwestern Ontario, Canada, in 2019. Total polycyclic aromatic compound (PAC) concentrations in the water column of the experimental enclosure peaked 20 days post spill, declining to near background conditions by day 66, and were dominated by 2-, 3-, and 4-ring alkylated PACs. Although total sediment PACs were highly variable and were influenced by pyrogenic sources (e.g., retene from wood combustion/forest fires) in all sites, concentrations in the experimental enclosure indicated influence from diluted bitumen. The EFW prokaryotic community was diverse and evenly distributed, while the eukaryotic community had lower richness and evenness, with a few dominant organisms. To our knowledge, this was the first in-lake experiment studying EFWs for oil spill remediation under natural environmental conditions, responding to scientific and industrial research needs. While we were unable to confirm whether community shifts were a result of diluted bitumen or seasonal changes, EFWs supported natural microbial diversity, with presence of amplicon sequence variants capable of degrading PACs without the need for bacterial inoculation. Further research should assess EFW microbial changes with other oil products commonly transported in Canada. As well, assessing target PAC degradation rates, EFW surface area requirements, and microbial activity will continue to advance collective knowledge in this field on the potential of EFWs as a secondary remediation strategy.
Health Outcomes in EU Cross-Border Regions: A Scoping Review
Authors: Stroisch Sophie , Angelini Viola , Schnettler Sebastian , Vogt Tobias
Published: February 2025

Objective

This scoping review examines health outcome trends in European cross-border regions, identifies available evidence, and highlights research gaps. The European Union’s integration efforts aim to harmonise living standards and healthcare access. Removed border controls and freedom of movement enhanced service availability, benefiting populations in border regions with cross-border healthcare access. However, these populations are exposed to different institutional settings, highlighting health differences worth studying.

Methods

We employed the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, using the PCC (Population-Concept-Context) framework to set eligibility criteria. The search covered literature databases and international governmental institution websites, yielding 785 studies, with 24 included in the final analysis.

Results

No comprehensive studies investigating longitudinal population health patterns were found. Instead, there are studies on specific diseases or health outcomes in particular border regions, especially around Germany. Most of these studies were cross-sectional. Five key research themes emerged: antibiotic resistance, COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2, other infectious diseases, cancer survival, and additional health outcomes.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that cross-border contexts have predominantly been used to study infectious disease spread, with little attention given to the broader impact of European integration on long-term health trends.
Incremental Delayed Subgradient Method for Decentralized Nonsmooth Convex–Concave Minimax Optimization
Authors: Feesantia Thipagon , Arunrat Tipsuda , Nimana Nimit
Published: February 2025

In this paper, we propose an incremental-type subgradient scheme for solving a nonsmooth convex–concave minimax optimization problem in the setting of Euclidean spaces. We investigate convergence results by deriving an upper bound for the absolute value of the difference between the function value of the averaged iterates and the saddle value, provided that the step size is a constant. By assuming that the step-size sequence is diminishing, we prove the convergences of both the averaged sequence of function values and the sequence of function values of averaged iterates to the saddle value. Finally, we also show some numerical examples for illustrating the obtained theoretical result.
New Method for Improving Tracking Accuracy of Aero-Engine On-Board Model Based on Separability Index and Reverse Searching
Authors: Li Hui , Guo Yingqing , Ren Xinyu
Published: February 2025

Throughout its service life, an aero-engine will experience a series of health conditions due to the inevitable performance degradation of its major components, and characteristics will deviate from their initial states. For improving tracking accuracy of the self-tunning on-board engine model on the engine output variables throughout the engine service life, a new method based on the separability index and reverse search algorithm was proposed in this paper. By using this method, a qualified training set of neural networks was created on the basis of eSTORM (enhanced Self Tuning On-board Real-time Model) database, and the problem that the accuracy of neural networks is reduced or even that the training process is not convergent can be solved. Compared with the method of introducing sample memory factors, the method proposed in this paper makes the self-tunning on-board model maintain higher tracking accuracy in the whole engine life, and the algorithm is simple enough for implementation. Finally, the training set center generated in the calculation process of the proposed method could be used for the real-time monitoring of the engine gas path parameters without additional calculations. Compared with the commonly used sliding window method, the proposed method avoids the problem of low algorithm efficiency caused by fewer abnormal data samples.
Enhancing the Nutritional Quality of Low-Grade Poultry Feed Ingredients Through Fermentation: A Review
Authors: Katu Jim Kioko , Tóth Tamás , Varga László
Published: February 2025

Feed accounts for up to 80% of poultry production costs, with high-quality grains such as soybean meal and corn traditionally serving as primary ingredients. However, increasing costs and competition for these grains have driven interest in low-grade and unconventional feed ingredients, including by-products like rapeseed meal and cottonseed meal. These alternatives are often constrained by high fiber content, anti-nutritional factors, and reduced nutrient bioavailability. Fermentation has emerged as a promising strategy to address these limitations, enhancing digestibility, palatability, and antioxidant properties while degrading harmful compounds such as tannins, trypsin inhibitors, and free gossypol. Solid- and liquid-state fermentation techniques utilize microbial inoculants, including lactobacilli and Bacillus species, to enzymatically break down complex macromolecules, thereby releasing essential nutrients. When combined with pretreatments like enzymatic hydrolysis, fermentation significantly improves the nutritional quality of feed ingredients while reducing costs without compromising poultry health or performance. This review examines the mechanisms, benefits, and challenges of fermentation techniques in poultry feed production, underscoring the importance of further research to optimize fermentation parameters, identify novel microbial strains, and ensure scalability and safety in industrial applications.
The Association Between Basidiomycete Fungi and Mealybugs Pseudococcidae Affects Coffee Plants
Authors: Carmona-Valencia Luz Andrea , Navarro-Escalante Lucio , Benavides Pablo , Palacio Zulma Nancy Gil
Published: February 2025

Some Pseudococcidae species interact with Coffea arabica’s roots and are associated with basidiomycete fungi. The fungal mycelium envelops the roots, which hinders their water and nutrient absorption. Combined with the feeding activity of the insects, this results in chlorosis, defoliation, and even plant death. Despite the significance of these interactions, they remain under-studied. To investigate the relationship between sporocarps found at the base of coffee trees, the cysts covering their roots, and the mealybug insects within them, samples of these three organisms—sporocarps, cysts, and mealybugs—were collected from 27 coffee plants across three farms in the departments of Norte de Santander and Quindío, Colombia. Fungi and cysts were identified by sequencing a nuclear gene region of the 28S large ribosomal subunit (28S rDNA) using the primers LSU200-F and LSU481-R. Fungal identification was further confirmed through classical taxonomy. Mealybugs were identified by sequencing a region of the mitochondrial gene Cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (COI) with CIF-CIR primers, corroborated through classical taxonomy. This study identified four fungal species associated with four species of Pseudococcidae. The fungus Phlebopus beniensis was associated with the mealybugs Pseudococcus elisae, Dysmicoccus neobrevipes, D. brevipes, and Pseudococcus nr. sociabilis. Phlebopus portentosus was linked to D. neobrevipes, while Xerophorus olivascens and Boletinellus rompelii were associated with other Pseudococcidae species. Additionally, the fungus Pseudolaccaria pachyphylla was found in coffee plants harboring mealybugs. These findings confirm the existence of specific associations between fungal species and mealybug insects that affect coffee plants.