bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biological Characterization of One Oxadiazole Derivative (5(4‐Hydroxyphenyl)‐2‐(N‐Phenyl Amino)‐1,3,4‐Oxadiazole): In Vitro, In Silico, and Network Pharmacological Approaches
Authors: Duran Tugce , Balikci Irem , Buyukkosucu Busra , Gunes Ibrahim Furkan , Pekgonul Hatice Kubra , Vardar Necati , Yilmaz Mahmut Deniz , Ak Gunes , Zengin Gokhan
Published: January 2025

Oxadiazole compounds are of great interest because they have a range of biological activities ranging from antioxidants to anticancer agents. Against this background, we wanted to demonstrate the antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory, and anticancer effects of 5(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐2‐(N‐phenylamino)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole (Hppo). Antioxidant abilities were measured through free radical scavenging and reducing power tests. Enzyme inhibitory effects were studied by cholinesterases, tyrosinase, amylase, and glucosidase. The anticancer effect was tested on pancreatic cancer cell lines (PANC‐1, CRL‐169) and on HEK293 cell lines. The compound showed significant antioxidant activity (particularly in the CUPRAC (cupric acid‐reducing antioxidant capacity) assay) and enzyme inhibitory properties (particularly glucosidase inhibition). In the anticancer test, the compound showed strong anticancer activity in pancreatic cancer with apoptotic signaling pathways. These results were confirmed by molecular modeling and bioinformatics tools. Thus, our findings can provide novel and versatile compounds for the development of multidirectional drugs in the pharmaceutical industry.
Body Composition, Adipocytokine, and Metabolic Parameters in Men With Congenital Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism
Authors: Zhang Rui , Mao Jiangfeng , Nie Min , Wang Xi , Xu Tengda , Chen Fengling , Song Ailing , Hu Yingying , Yu Bingqing , Huang Qibin , Sun Bang , Zhang Wei , Zhang Junyi , Lin Songbai , Wu Xueyan
Published: January 2025

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the long‐term effects of hormone therapies on the body composition, adipokines and metabolic parameters of adult men with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH).

Methods

Sixty‐six patients with CHH and 21 healthy controls were recruited. Patients were divided into untreated (n = 33) and treated (n = 33) groups based on hormone therapy history. Body composition was assessed using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA), and adipokines and metabolic parameters were measured in all participants.

Results

Compared to the healthy control group, patients in the treated group had lower serum testosterone levels (p < 0.001), increased body fat percentage (BFP) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) volume, decreased lean soft tissue (LST) and bone mineral content (BMC) (p < 0.05), increased serum leptin levels accompanied by decreased adiponectin (ADP) (p < 0.05), higher HOMA‐IR with lower QUICKI (p < 0.05). Compared to the untreated group, patients in the treated group (therapy duration 4.8 ± 2.3 years) had higher serum testosterone levels (p < 0.001), decreased BFP and VAT volume, increased LST and BMC (p < 0.05), decreased serum leptin levels (p < 0.001), and decreased HOMA‐IR accompanied by increased QUICKI (p < 0.05). Among them, VAT volume, LST, BMC, HOMA‐IR and QUICKI reached healthy control levels (p > 0.05). Multiple stepwise linear regression analysis showed serum testosterone levels were negatively correlated with BFP (β = −0.564, p < 0.001) and VAT volume (β = −0.260, p = 0.045), positively correlated with LST (β = 0.305, p = 0.018) and BMC (β = 0.423, p = 0.001). Serum testosterone levels were independently negatively correlated with leptin levels (β = −0.277, p = 0.004).

Conclusions

Patients with untreated CHH had impaired body composition, adipokines and metabolic parameters. While hormone therapies can improve body composition and glucolipid metabolism in patients with CHH, this imperfect treatment does not fully rescue body composition abnormalities when compared to healthy individuals. Abnormal metabolic parameters in patients with CHH are associated with increased fat mass and abnormal serum leptin level. Serum testosterone levels were independently negatively correlated with leptin levels.
Genomic and Transcriptomic Profiling of Digital Papillary Adenocarcinomas Reveals Alterations in Matrix Remodeling and Metabolic Genes
Authors: Bayraktar Erol Can , Aung Phyu P. , Gill Pavandeep , Shen Guomiao , Vasudevaraja Varshini , Lai Zongshan , Chiriboga Luis , Ivan Doina , Nagarajan Priyadharsini , Curry Jonathan L. , Torres‐Cabala Carlos A. , Prieto Victor G. , Jour George
Published: January 2025

Background

Digital papillary adenocarcinoma (DPAC) is a rare but aggressive cutaneous malignant sweat gland neoplasm that occurs on acral sites. Despite its clinical significance, the cellular and genetic characteristics of DPAC remain incompletely understood.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive genomic and transcriptomic analysis of DPAC (n = 14) using targeted next‐generation DNA and RNA sequencing, along with gene expression profiling employing the Nanostring Technologies nCounter IO 360 Panel. Gene expression in DPAC was compared to that in hidradenoma (n = 10). Immunohistochemistry was employed to validate gene expression.

Results

Two out of eight DPACs showed fusion gene rearrangements (CRTC3::MAML2 and TRPS1::PLAG1). No uniform mutational signature was detected in DPAC. Comparative gene expression analysis revealed an enrichment of genes related to matrix remodeling, metabolism, and DNA damage repair. Hallmark pathway analysis demonstrated significant upregulation of E2F target genes in DPAC compared to hidradenoma (p = 0.00710). Human papillomavirus‐42 was found to be positive in all of our tested DPAC cases. Immunohistochemistry confirmed increased protein expression of CD56, CDC20, and SOX10 in DPAC. Notably, most DPAC tumors also exhibited B‐cell infiltration, as indicated by CD20 staining.

Conclusions

Our findings reveal novel fusions and validate altered replication pathways related to HPV42 in DPAC.
Contribution of individual legs to overall attachment in the adult ladybird Harmonia axyridis depends on the relative leg orientation to an external force
Authors: Saitta Valerio , Rebora Manuela , Piersanti Silvana , Gorb Elena , Salerno Gianandrea , Gorb Stanislav
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the attachment ability of harlequin ladybird, Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), focusing on the synergic action of opposite legs, the anisotropy of adhesive organs and sexual dimorphism. Contrary to expectations, experiments showed that beetles with fewer legs sometimes exhibited higher attachment forces, challenging the hypothesis that collective leg action enhances attachment. This result is attributed to differences in experimental set‐ups, where our centrifugal method highlighted the importance of pad orientation relative to external forces. The anisotropy of adhesive pads, characterized by the directional dependence of adhesion and friction, significantly influenced attachment performance. Results demonstrated that inward‐oriented legs enhanced attachment due to lower peeling angles, whereas outward orientation reduced effectiveness. Sexual dimorphism was evident in the structure of adhesive pads, with males possessing discoidal setae on fore‐ and midlegs. No significant difference in attachment was observed between intact males and females on smooth surfaces, although ablated males sometimes showed higher forces due to the presence of discoidal setae. These findings underscore that attachment strength in H. axyridis is not solely dependent on pad area but also on the orientation and anisotropic properties of adhesive organs, as well as the specific role of sexual dimorphism in leg morphology.
Indications for continuous electroencephalography and frequency of electrographic seizure detection in a pediatric and neonatal cardiovascular intensive care unit
Authors: Segal J. Bradley , Yang Jeffrey K. , Silverman Andrew , Darji Himani , He Zihuai , Campen Cynthia J.
Published: January 2025

Objective

Seizures are a recognized complication of critical cardiovascular illness in infants and children. We assessed the diagnostic yield of continuous video‐electroencephalography (cEEG) in a pediatric and neonatal cardiovascular intensive care unit (CVICU) by the symptoms and risk factors prompting cEEG evaluation.

Methods

This retrospective case series included all consecutive cEEGs in patients ≤21 years old performed in one CVICU over 38 months. cEEG indications were categorized as (1) index symptoms of concern and/or (2) clinical risk factors. Index symptoms were divided into (1) vital sign symptoms (i.e., heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen, respiration, or temperature) and (2) non‐vital sign symptoms (i.e., mental status, abnormal movements, eye findings, weakness, or failed extubation). Indications for cEEG were extracted by manual chart review. The presence of seizures was established electrographically from neurophysiologist reports.

Results

There were 605 cEEGs from 411 patients. The median study was 26 h (25%–75%, interquartile range = 20–41 h). Seizures were detected in 57 of 605 (9%) cEEGs overall; in 34 of 356 (10%) cEEGs obtained for risk factors alone (odds ratio [OR] = 1.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] = .60–1.82, p = .90), 0 of 104 (0%) for isolated vital sign changes (p < .001), 10 of 101 (10%) for symptoms not involving vital signs (OR = 1.06, 95% CI = .52–2.09, p = .88), and in 13 of 44 (30%) for both vital sign and non‐vital sign symptoms (OR = 4.93, 95% CI = 2.45–9.77, p < .001). On univariate analysis, symptoms involving gaze deviation, abnormal limb movements, or intermittent oxygen desaturation, and the risk factors of preexisting epilepsy, recent neurosurgery, acute stroke, and cardiac air embolism were associated with seizures (p < .05).

Significance

There were zero electrographic seizures in cEEGs obtained for isolated vital sign changes, whereas cEEGs obtained for the combination of vital sign changes and other non‐vital sign symptoms were five times more likely to detect electrographic seizures than cEEGs obtained based on risk factors alone.
Investigating the Factors Behind Patients' Desire and Decision to be Accompanied: A Cross‐Sectional Analysis
Authors: Kılınçarslan Mehmet Göktuğ , Dönmez Büşra , Kaya Beştepe Yasemin , Kırıkcıoğlu Büşra Nur , Akbaşoğlu Merve , Karakaya Bezar , Şahin Erkan Melih
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Medical education typically focuses on the dyadic interaction between patient and physician. However, there is another significant presence in the room that can also impact the patient's health outcomes: caregivers. This topic has been relatively underexplored until now, and there is insufficient information available regarding situations in different cultures. In this study, we aimed to separately examine the characteristics of patients that influence the frequency of being accompanied and those that affect patients' preferences regarding the presence of a companion.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted in family medicine clinic of a tertiary hospital. During a period of 15 days, a total of 285 patients who visited the clinic were administered the questionnaire face‐to‐face. Two logistic regression models were used for dependent variables of “actual” and “desired” situations of admitting to healthcare service with companion.

Results

Of the participants, 167 (58.6%) were female, and the mean age was 36.8 ± 16.2 The sole significant factor, influencing actual visits to be occurred with a companion, was the solution for transportation issues (odds ratio [OR]: 26.25). It was found that unmarried individuals (single/divorced/widowed) (OR: 5.47), those with higher income (OR: 1.84), and older individuals (OR: 1.04) had a higher tendency to prefer visiting the clinic with companion while female are as opposite (OR: 0.50). Anxiety, perceived social support, and health literacy weren't associated with actual situation or desire to have companion.

Conclusion

Patients have companions to address tangible issues. However, different factors may influence the desire to have a companion. There is a large group of individuals who, are accompanied at clinic visits against their wishes, indicating a conflict between being accompanied and the desire for one.

Patient or Public Contribution

Our study was inspired by the unsolicited comments of patients made about their companions during clinical visits. Additionally, community provided valuable feedback during the pilot application phase, particularly in the development of the data form.
HIV Care Seeking Pathways and Barriers to the Continuum of Care Faced by Persons Living With HIV in Rural Nepal: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Timilsina Amit , Shrestha Anisha , Neupane Pabitra , Nepal Sudip , Kandel Bishow , Devkota Sudha , Thapa Subash
Published: January 2025

Background

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has a major impact on a person's social and personal lives, affecting both physical and mental health. To meet the global 95‐95‐95 target, it is essential to understand and address the multi‐level challenges to improve the continuum of care for persons living with HIV (PLWH). This study delves into the care‐seeking pathways and barriers encountered by PLWH residing in rural areas of Nepal, shedding light on the complexities of accessing and navigating the continuum of care.

Design

This study was designed as a qualitative thematic study that consisted of in‐depth interviews among 21 PLWH and key‐informant interviews among four health service providers in rural districts of Koshi province in Nepal. Semi‐structured interview guidelines were used to ensure consistency in the data collection process, followed by Inductive Coding to identify and categorize the data into codes. Subsequently, sub‐themes and themes were developed, and manifest analysis was conducted to analyze the data. The findings of the study are presented in this paper in the form of excerpts.

Results

The multilevel barriers to HIV care continuum included (i) socio‐cultural barriers such as stigma, discrimination, fear of disclosure, and heavy reliance on traditional healers; (ii) socio‐economic barriers such as poverty, limited access to health insurance, low health literacy and the exclusion of PLWH under Social Security Act; (iii) fatalistic lifestyles characterized by heavy alcohol consumption, and poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy and (iv) health system‐related barriers such as mistreatment by healthcare providers, and long distances to ART centers.

Conclusions

There is a need to expand services beyond treatment, including community‐focused awareness and sensitization, programs led by community‐based organization, economic empowerment and inclusion of PLWH under social security mechanisms in rural areas for HIV continuum of care.

Patient and Public Contribution

During the study design phase, two PLWH and two service providers were consulted to discuss the research gap, understand the current practices and discuss the data collection tools and their content. Similarly, four service providers supported implementation of the study and were also consulted to interpret the underlying meaning of the data. One service provider also contributed to the manuscript development process. PLWH and the service providers were also the study participants. The findings of the study are grounded in the data/information provided during the data collection phase, thus meaningfully contributing to this study.
Development of a User‐Centred Chronic Care Model for Patients With Heart Failure in a Limited‐Resource Setting: A Codesign Study
Authors: Koontalay Apinya , Botti Mari , Hutchinson Anastasia
Published: January 2025

Background

Health service leaders in Thailand face substantial challenges in addressing the needs of a growing population of patients with moderate to severe Chronic Heart Failure (CHF) who require acute care management and ongoing supportive care in the community. The large number of CHF patients requiring readmission for high‐level care places a significant burden on healthcare services.

Methods

The design thinking model proposed by the Hasso‐Plattner Institute of Design at Stanford University underpinned an approach to developing a co‐designed, tailored, culturally acceptable model of chronic care for people with CHF. One consumer, 16 clinicians, and two organisational leaders participated in a codesign workshop that included three activities. The purpose of each activity was to (i) define the problem, (ii) brainstorm possible solutions and (iii) develop a prototype solution. The codesign workshop was one phase of a four‐phase codesign project. Data collected included physical data such as sticky notes and storyboards and audio recordings of codesign group discussions. Data were analyses using content analysis.

Results

Nine prototype storyboards aimed at enhancing continuity of care for CHF patients emerged from the workshop activities. The proposed solutions focused on improving consumer access to evidence‐based information, multidisciplinary expertise and ongoing community support. Participants discussed and evaluated the viability and feasibility of each prototype before reaching a final decision on an optimal model. The preferred model was a nurse‐led case management service supported by a multidisciplinary team.

Conclusion

Key stakeholders identified the importance of moving from a short‐term model of care to an integrated, multidisciplinary approach to providing long‐term support in the community. The final agreed prototype of a CHF Nurse Case Management service supported by a multidisciplinary team with a focus on community outreach addressed the key concerns of participants and was considered a feasible approach to developing a CHF chronic care service for the community in urban Bangkok, Thailand.

Patient or Public Contribution

The process of codesign involved the engagement and participation of individuals with CHF, clinicians and organisational leaders throughout the research process.
A focus on females can improve science and conservation
Authors: Wu Joanna X. , Harbison Martha A. , Beilke Stephanie , Saha Purbita , Bateman Brooke L.
Published: January 2025

As a field, ecology has historically misunderstood or overlooked female organisms, or assumed that they are ‘similar enough’ to males. The typical unit of study for ecology research stops at the species level, but that can be too coarse and can obscure important intraspecific differences. Projecting the results of studies based on only half of the population (i.e. males) onto females can be misleading, if not dangerous, as female birds differ from males in key aspects of their biology. Birds are widespread and can be sexed more often than most other taxa; yet although it uses them as model organisms, current ornithological research is disproportionately based on male birds. We review some fields pertinent to ecology and conservation and highlight biases and key research gaps. We find that, counter to ‘traditional’ assumptions, reproductive roles are balanced between sexes across many, but not all, species. In addition, female birds sing, tend to be more dispersive than males, have lower survival, often use different habitats – which has implications for conservation – and may be affected by climate change differently. We call for ornithologists to study sexes separately because the lack of attention to these differences has real‐world conservation implications. Potential solutions include training observers to recognize female traits, using more field methods that increase the detection of female birds (e.g. catching birds during the migration season, using DNA to determine sex), broadening geographical regions of study and recruiting a diverse group of scientists to help equalize the field of ornithological research.
Reinforcing chemically treated human hair with citric acid
Authors: Zhang Daijiazi , Baghdadli Nawel , Greaves Andrew J.
Published: January 2025

Objective

The objective of this work was to conduct a systematic study to evaluate the performance of citric acid (CA), an example of a commonly used organic acid in hair cosmetics, on different types of chemically treated hair and to better understand how CA works.

Methods

Consumer‐centric routines were used to prepare the chemically treated hair, namely high‐lift bleached, middle‐lift bleached, permanently coloured and a combination of permed and coloured hair. Hair was subsequently treated with CA and hair reinforcement was investigated by physical techniques: High Pressure Differential Scanning Calorimetry (HPDSC), Miniature Tensile Test (MTT), Cyclic Fatigue Tensile Test (CFTT) & Micro X‐ray Diffraction (μXRD) as well as chemical analysis (elemental, amino acids).

Results

CA treatment demonstrably enhances the structural integrity of chemically treated hair. DSC revealed increased crosslinking density of keratin‐associated proteins (KAPs) in the hair cortex, evidenced by a 6.7% to 15.0% increase in denaturation temperature, varying with the specific chemical treatment. This improvement translates to enhanced mechanical properties, with tensile elastic modulus increasing by 7.5% to 23.5% and fatigue resistance (median cycles to break) improving by a remarkable 56% to 124%. Furthermore, CA treatment significantly reduced hair calcium levels by 21% to 42%. XRD analysis confirmed a reduction in the structure and quantity of crystallized calcium soaps following CA treatment. The observed performance improvements likely stem from a combination of mechanisms, including calcium chelation, the treatment's pH, and reinforcement of the non‐covalent protein network. The precise interplay of these factors appears to be influenced by the type of pre‐existing chemical treatment on the hair.

Conclusion

CA effectively reinforces hair damaged by various common chemical treatments. However, these findings highlight the complex relationship between hair damage, chemical treatment type, and the efficacy of reinforcement strategies. The observed dependence of CA's performance on the level of pre‐existing damage underscores the need for further research into developing targeted actives for consumers with specific and severe hair damage profiles. This opens exciting avenues for innovation in hair care tailored to individual needs.
Different Disinfection Strategies in Bacterial and Biofilm Contamination on Dental Unit Waterlines: A Systematic Review
Authors: Li Chuang , Xin Weini
Published: January 2025

Objective

The aim of this systematic review is to explore the effectiveness of different methods of reducing contamination and biofilms in dental unit waterlines (DUWLs) and to provide reference for future standardisation of disinfection practices in dental clinic.

Methods

This systematic review searched PubMed and Web of Science databases for DUWL disinfection studies from 2013 to 2023, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines and Synthesis Without Meta‐analysis, additional extracting relevant data based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results

The study review identified 8442 articles, with 58 included after rigorous screening. Disinfection methods for DUWLs were categorised into 14 physical and 90 chemical methods. Peroxides, chloramine‐based, and biguanide methods were frequently used, often in combination. The effectiveness of these methods varied; for instance, phenolic was effective, while alcohol was not, in reducing bacterial and biofilm contamination. Biguanide, when used alone or combined with chlorine‐based or alcohol, showed mixed results. Chlorine‐based methods, particularly when combined with quaternary ammonium salt or enzymes, were generally effective. Enzymes and iodophor also demonstrated efficacy, though with some inconsistencies. Mechanical systems, peroxides, quaternary ammonium salts, silver, and tube coatings had varying degrees of success. Other innovative methods, such as Aloe vera and slightly acidic electrolysed water, showed promise in some studies, but the effectiveness of flushing was questioned. This comprehensive analysis highlights the diversity and complexity of disinfection strategies for DUWLs.

Conclusion

Future studies should focus on how material composition and tubing design affect biofilm development and the effectiveness of disinfection methods to guide the design of advanced dental units.
The Effects of Rule‐Based and Acoustic‐Perceptual Instruction on Chinese ESL Learners’ English Primary Word Stress Placement Accuracy
Authors: Chen Hsueh Chu , Han Qianwen , Tian Jing Xuan
Published: January 2025

Acquisition of English word stress by second language (L2) learners is challenging because of the unpredictability of stress patterns and affixes, and teaching English word stress is complex. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate the effectiveness of rule‐based and acoustic‐perceptual instruction approaches on Chinese English as a second language (ESL) learners’ production and perception of English primary word stress placement. Ninety participants were involved in a pre‐test, post‐test, and delayed post‐test, including a reading‐aloud task, a primary word stress identification task, and a vowel reduction identification task. After the pre‐test, 30 of the participants received eight sessions of rule‐based instruction; another 30 received eight sessions of acoustic‐perceptual instruction; and the rest formed the control group and attended regular English classes. Results show that the overall accuracy rates of English word stress production and perception were significantly improved for both experiment groups. Both the rule‐based and acoustic‐perceptual instruction approaches were effective in teaching primary stress placement to Chinese ESL learners, with the former providing a slight advantage in improving word stress placement in production in the short term, and the latter offering greater long‐term benefits and being more effective in enhancing word stress perception.
Disinformation and Incremental Change in European Union Election Observation: A Field Theoretical Perspective
Authors: Holthaus Leonie
Published: January 2025

This article addresses the puzzle of why there is at best incremental change in European Union (EU) democracy promotion and theorises an instance of such change by examining responses to (online) disinformation in EU electoral observation. It develops a field theoretical approach for the explanation of incremental change, as evident in social media monitoring, in EU election observation. Field theory furthers consideration of the position of actors, social interactions and characteristics of the particular field. On the basis of this theory, conceptualisation of a heterogenous democracy assistance and electoral observation field and an in‐depth study of EU election observation in Tunisia (2019), I argue the EU has responded to disinformation through the imitation of practices and epistemic negotiation. The responses and the incremental changes in EU election observation that evolved reflect the central but contested position of the EU in the field.
The MYB61–STRONG2 module regulates culm diameter and lodging resistance in rice
Authors: Zhao Yong , Wang Xianpeng , Gao Jie , Rehman Rashid Muhammad Abdul , Wu Hui , Hu Qianfeng , Sun Xingming , Li Jinjie , Zhang Hongliang , Xu Peng , Qian Qian , Chen Chao , Li Zichao , Zhang Zhanying
Published: January 2025

Lodging reduces grain yield and quality in cereal crops. Lodging resistance is affected by the strength of the culm, which is influenced by the culm diameter, culm wall thickness, and cell wall composition. To explore the genetic architecture of culm diameter in rice (Oryza sativa), we conducted a genome‐wide association study (GWAS). We identified STRONG CULM 2 (STRONG2), which encodes the mannan synthase CSLA5, and showed that plants that overexpressed this gene had increased culm diameter and improved lodging resistance. STRONG2 appears to increase the levels of cell wall components, such as mannose and cellulose, thereby enhancing sclerenchyma development in stems. SNP14931253 in the STRONG2 promoter contributes to variation in STRONG2 expression in natural germplasms and the transcription factor MYB61 directly activates STRONG2 expression. Furthermore, STRONG2 overexpressing plants produced significantly more grains per panicle and heavier grains than the wild‐type plants. These results demonstrate that the MYB61–STRONG2 module positively regulates culm diameter and lodging resistance, information that could guide breeding efforts for improved yield in rice.
The Relationship Between Nutrition Habits, BMI, Anxiety, and Seborrheic Dermatitis
Authors: Batan Tayfun , Acer Ersoy , Kaya Erdoğan Hilal , Ağaoğlu Esra , Bilgin Muzaffer , Saraçoğlu Zeynep Nurhan
Published: January 2025

Background

Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is a chronic, inflammatory disease characterized by unknown etiopathogenesis. It affects skin areas rich in sebaceous glands. There are strong data on the relationship between nutrition habits, body mass index (BMI), psychoemotional status, and sebaceous gland diseases such as acne, rosacea, and androgenetic alopecia. However, there are very little data on SD, nutrition habits, BMI, and psychoemotional status.

Aims

We aimed to evaluate the nutrition habits, BMI, and psychoemotional status in patients with SD.

Methods

One hundred patients with SD and 110 healthy controls aged 18–65 years were included. Adolescents Food Habits Checklist (AFHC), a questionnaire form consisting information about nutrition habits and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale‐21 (DASS‐21) were completed by the participants, and BMI was calculated.

Results

Severity of SD was positively correlated with BMI (p = 0.018). Patients with SD consumed more bread and less fruits–vegetables (p = 0.001, p = 0.006). Margarine, animal fat, and sugar consumption was higher in patients with moderate to severe SD (p = 0.008, p = 0.050). AFHC score was lower in patients with SD (p = 0.009). DASS‐21 anxiety subscale and DASS‐21 total scores were higher in the moderate to severe SD group (p = 0.035, p = 0.049).

Conclusions

Nutrition habits, higher BMI, and psychoemotional status may play a critical role in the etiopathogenesis of SD. Healthy nutrition habits and psychoemotional status may prevent the occurrence and exacerbation of SD.
Treatment for low‐grade and high‐grade endometrial carcinoma after recurrence/relapse before the molecular targeted therapy era: A retrospective, propensity score‐matched cohort study
Authors: Okadome Masao , Sonoda Kenzo , Nagayama Rina , Saito Toshiaki , Shimamoto Kumi , Nio Ai , Yoshida Yu , Tsubomi Ayano , Yamaguchi Shinichiro , Ariyoshi Kazuya
Published: January 2025

Aim

To compare the prognosis of low‐grade endometrial carcinoma (LG‐EC) with that of high‐grade endometrial carcinoma (HG‐EC) after first recurrence/relapse before the molecular targeted therapy era.

Methods

Recurrent/relapsed endometrial cancer was diagnosed in 155 women at our hospital between January 26, 1999 and February 26, 2019. Fifty of these women received paclitaxel–carboplatin, two received doxorubicin–cisplatin, and one received docetaxel–carboplatin as postoperative chemotherapy. Two women who did not receive postoperative chemotherapy received paclitaxel–carboplatin for their first recurrence/relapse. The prognosis in these 55 women was retrospectively investigated using propensity score matching.

Results

Twenty‐five women had LG‐EC and 30 had HG‐EC. Cox proportional hazards analysis identified response to chemotherapy for the first recurrence/relapse to be a statistically significant determinant of progression‐free survival and HG‐EC to be a significant determinant of overall survival. After propensity score matching, median overall survival was better in women with LG‐EC than in those with HG‐EC (82 months [95% CI 27–not reached] vs. 31 months [95% CI 2–47], p = 0.0127). Three women survived for at least 10 years without recurrence after completion of treatment. The interval between postoperative chemotherapy and first recurrence was more than 6 months. The recurrences resolved after multimodal treatment or aggressive chemotherapy followed by 5–12 cycles of chemotherapy other than paclitaxel–carboplatin if received postoperatively.

Conclusions

The prognosis was poorer in patients with recurrent/relapsed HG‐EC than in those with recurrent/relapsed LG‐EC before the molecular targeted therapy era. There were no long‐term recurrence‐free survivors after repeat paclitaxel–carboplatin chemotherapy.
‘Species’ Is Not the (Only) Unit of Biodiversity: A Process‐Philosophical Perspective on Conservation Concepts
Authors: Sandberg Ole Martin , Schultz Anthony , Guðmundsdóttir Ragnhildur , Skúlason Skúli
Published: January 2025

In this paper, we argue that the concept of ‘species’ should not be the main focus of research and policies in biodiversity conservation. Diversity is important at all levels of life: within species as well as among them and within and among ecosystems. First, we give a brief overview of the debate about the necessity to find a unified concept of ‘species’. In this, we side with Charles Darwin, who insisted that no strict definition could be given to this term, which is ultimately a matter of arbitrary and pragmatic human language. This did not worry Darwin, and neither should it concern biologists or ecologists today. Darwin's great discovery relied on a recognition of the many differences within species, not on their similarities. Next, we argue that the focus on species and the neglect of other diversity measures in the conservation discourse have led to problems in public perception of—and policies on—conservation and biodiversity. In areas with few species, intraspecific diversity is often of utmost importance to ecosystem processes and functions, and such regions may provide the environmental conditions that enable and promote the diversification of specialised subgroups in the absence (or reduction) of interspecific competition. We give some examples of these processes based on research in marine and freshwater ecosystems, focusing on Iceland and the subarctic region. Finally, we refer to alternative, emerging methodologies of assessing ecosystem health which go beyond the quantitative method of counting species and subspecies and instead emphasise more complex phenomena such as relations, interactions and processes. These approaches, we suggest, are consistent with the philosophical tradition called ‘process ontology’, and we argue that both ecological research and conservation policy can benefit from a process philosophical perspective. Finally, we briefly discuss our motivations for finding this topic to be of importance.
Informed Consent in Educational AI Research Needs to Be Transparent, Flexible, and Dynamic
Authors: Skulmowski Alexander
Published: January 2025

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) has become a major research trend in the fields of education and psychology. However, several risks posed by this technology concerning the cognitive and socio‐emotional development of children and adolescents have been identified. While it would be highly useful to have a clear understanding of these potential negative effects, empirical results cannot be obtained without putting the participants of these studies in a situation that potentially endangers their development. Research fields such as the biomedical sciences utilize several measures to minimize risks, such as dose escalation and stopping rules. In addition, dynamic and flexible forms of informed consent could be adopted by our field to maximize transparency. By including methodological advancements and ethical developments in the psychological and educational research process, risks could be averted, and the ethical soundness of AI research involving children and adolescents could be maintained.
Reproducibility and within‐subject variability of HRK‐9000A meibography in normal young participants
Authors: Gantz Liat , Wilks Judith , Ifrah Reut
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Reliable assessment is critical for diagnosing and managing meibomian gland dysfunction. Multi‐functional diagnostic devices, such as meibographers, streamline clinical workflows by integrating multiple ocular assessments. Ensuring reproducibility across examiners is vital for accurate diagnosis and monitoring of treatment. This prospective study determined the inter‐examiner reproducibility (IER), inter‐rater reproducibility (IRR) and within‐subject variability (WSV) of the Huvitz HRK‐9000A meibographer.

Methods

Meibomian glands (MGs) of both eyelids of healthy participants were captured during the same session by Examiner 1 (E1) and Examiner 2 (E2) in a counter‐balanced design. The images were rated offline by E1, E2 and an Independent rater (R1). The inter‐examiner reproducibility (IER between E1 vs. E2) and inter‐rater reproducibility (IRR between E1 vs. R1 and E2 vs. R1) were determined based on non‐parametric Bland–Altman plots, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and weighted Kappa (κ) values. Within‐subject variability (WSV) was determined using ICCs.

Results

Mean MG loss of the upper (E1: 1.0 ± 0.8 vs. R1: 0.9 ± 0.8, E2: 1.2 ± 0.8 vs. R1: 0.9 ± 0.7) and lower eyelids (E1: 1.9 ± 0.9 vs. R1: 2.1 ± 1.1, E2: 1.5 ± 1.0 vs. R1: 1.8 ± 1.0) of 35 participants (mean age 22 ± 3 years, range 19–30) was significantly correlated (p < 0.001) for all pairs of examiners (E1–E2, E1–R1 and E2–R1), but was significantly different for the upper eyelids of E2 vs. E1 (p < 0.002) and E2 vs. R1 (p < 0.003). Median differences between pairs of raters for both eyelids were close to zero, with >74% of comparisons falling within the interquartile range, except for the upper eyelids of E2 vs. E1 and E2 vs. R1 (63% and 66%, respectively). IRR demonstrated moderate agreement (0.43–0.57) with good reliability (ICC range 0.76–0.86) for the upper eyelids and good agreement (0.60–0.65) with good reliability (ICC range 0.85–0.88) for the lower eyelids. The WSV was excellent (ICCs for repeated measurements > 0.90).

Conclusions

The HRK‐9000A meibographer demonstrated excellent reliability, with good inter‐examiner and inter‐rater reproducibility. It is suitable for meibographic assessment, follow‐up or treatment.
Exploring intra‐ and intergenomic variation in haplotype‐resolved pangenomes
Authors: Jonkheer Eef M. , de Ridder Dick , van der Lee Theo A. J. , de Haan Jorn R. , Berke Lidija , Smit Sandra
Published: January 2025

With advances in long‐read sequencing and assembly techniques, haplotype‐resolved (phased) genome assemblies are becoming more common, also in the field of plant genomics. Computational tools to effectively explore these phased genomes, particularly for polyploid genomes, are currently limited. Here we describe a new strategy adopting a pangenome approach. To analyse both intra‐ and intergenomic variation in phased genome assemblies, we have made the software package PanTools ploidy‐aware by updating the pangenome graph representation and adding several novel functionalities to assess synteny and gene retention, profile repeats and calculate synonymous and nonsynonymous mutation rates. Using PanTools, we constructed and analysed a pangenome comprising of one diploid and four tetraploid potato cultivars, and a pangenome of five diploid apple species. Both pangenomes show high intra‐ and intergenomic allelic diversity in terms of gene absence/presence, SNPs, indels and larger structural variants. Our findings show that the new functionalities and visualizations are useful to discover introgressions and detect likely misassemblies in phased genomes. PanTools is available at https://git.wur.nl/bioinformatics/pantools.
An Integrated Neuromuscular Training Intervention Applied in Primary School Induces Epigenetic Modifications in Disease‐Related Genes: A Genome‐Wide DNA Methylation Study
Authors: Vasileva Fidanka , Font‐Lladó Raquel , López‐Ros Víctor , Barretina Jordi , Noguera‐Castells Aleix , Esteller Manel , López‐Bermejo Abel , Prats‐Puig Anna
Published: January 2025

Physical exercise has been shown to induce epigenetic modifications with various health implications, directly affect DNA methylation (DNAm), as well as reverse the epigenetic age. Hence, we aimed to identify differential methylation changes and assess the epigenetic age in the saliva of 7–9‐year‐old school children following a 3‐month integrated neuromuscular training (INT), as well as to explore if any of the methylation changes are in core genes. Core genes are defined as genes of high relevance and essential importance within the human genome. Forty children (17 boys and 23 girls) were recruited from schools in Girona, Spain, and allocated into control (N = 20) or INT (N = 20) group. The INT group performed a 3‐month INT as a warm‐up during the physical education (PE) classes, encompassing strength, coordination, dynamic stabilization, plyometrics, speed, and agility exercises, whereas the control group performed traditional warm‐up activities, encompassing aerobic exercises that will prepare the cardiovascular system and increase the joint mobility for the upcoming effort during the class. Genome‐wide DNAm analysis was performed with the Illumina 900 K microarray. Core genes were recognized based on the accomplishment of a rigorous and widely accepted 3‐point criteria: participation in the enriched pathways, high connectivity (≥ 10), and target genes of key transcription factors. There were 1200 differentially methylated positions (DMPs) in the control group and 414 DMPs in the INT group (FDR < 0.05, p < 0.05, Aβ < |0.1|), suggesting a non‐significant trend of epigenetic age acceleration in the control group (1.18 months, p > 0.05) and a non‐significant 1‐month decrease of the epigenetic age in the INT group (p > 0.05). The genes with DMPs in the control group showed low similarity between enriched pathways and low interconnectivity, encompassing distinct pathways, mostly development and growth‐related. Additionally, no core genes were identified in the control group. Interestingly, the genes with DMPs in the INT group showed high similarity between enriched pathways and high interconnectivity, encompassing related pathways involving signaling mechanisms, as well as hormone and protein metabolism pathways. Moreover, 17 DMPs in the children from the INT group were in core genes. The main findings of the present study are suggesting an integrated response to the training stimulus in 7–9‐year‐old school children that performed a 3‐month INT, including epigenetic modifications in 17 genes considered as core genes.

Trial Registration: The study protocol was registered in the ISRCTN registry (ISRCTN16744821)
Peer Influence and Educational Preferences: Direct Influence or Access to Friends’ Educational Resources?
Authors: Vit Eszter , Lenkewitz Sven , Krause Robert
Published: January 2025

While educational preferences can be influenced by friends through various mechanisms, the specific pathways of this influence remain underexplored. This study employs random‐coefficient multilevel stochastic actor‐oriented models to examine a longitudinal sample of Hungarian students (Nstudents = 493, Nclasses = 21) observed from fifth to seventh grade. The study investigates how friends' preferences and friends' parental resources influence educational preferences while accounting for friends' academic achievement and friendship selection. The analysis identifies distinct pathways through which friends can influence educational preferences. The study suggests that adolescents do not adjust their secondary school track preferences to conform to their friends' preferences but are instead affected by the indirect influence of their friends' parental background. Students who befriend adolescents with highly educated parents are more likely to adjust their preferences toward the academically oriented secondary school track.
Nitrogen budget and barley response to organic amendments in a sandy soil under simulated arid climate
Authors: Le Guyader Elie , El Mazlouzi Mohamed , Guillaneuf Alexandra , Tandina Badji , Gommeaux Maxime , Hubert Julien , Miconnet Vincent , Marin Béatrice , Abiven Samuel , Intrigliolo Diego S. , Delgado‐Iniesta Maria José , Girods Pierre , Sbih Mahtali , Guimeur Kamel , Kavvadias Victor , Zoghlami Rahma Inès , Abid Abdelfettah , Morvan Xavier
Published: January 2025

Besides their potential for carbon sequestration, compost and biochar application in agriculture may constitute an alternative to mineral fertilizers by improving soil fertility and productivity in carbon‐poor soils. This study focused on the impact of biochar and compost produced from date palm residues on nitrogen (N) leaching and plant uptake in a sandy soil cultivated with barley under arid climatic conditions. In addition to the unamended control soil (S), treatments with biochar (BC), urea (U), biochar + urea (BCU), compost (C) and biochar + compost (BCC) were tested. We followed soil fertility parameters, N leaching losses, N uptake and plant growth. Results showed a significant increase of barley yields with compost compared to urea (+66%) treatment (U), biochar amended (BC) and unamended soil (S). Biochar alone or co‐applied with a nutrient source seems to reduce barley shoot biomass and grain yields at short term. Leachate N recovery and soil extractable inorganic N at the end of barley cultivation indicated that compost did not provide N in excess at barley maturation stage. Compost amended soils led to the highest N losses through leaching and thus environmental risk of N vertical transfer. However, compost had positive effects on soil nutrient status and barley yields. No synergistic effect was observed between biochar and compost. In conclusion, this paper highlights that date palm compost improved barley productivity in a coarse‐textured soil, but with very short‐term effects concerning available soil N.
Seroprevalence and risk factors for Crimean‐Congo hemorrhagic fever virus exposure among febrile patients in northern Tanzania
Authors: Shao Elichilia R. , Tan Chee Wah , Mani Shailendra , Anderson Danielle E. , Lwezaula Bingileki F. , Mmbaga Blandina T. , Maro Venance P. , Shen Shu , Deng Fei , Halliday Jo E. B. , Mendes Ângelo J. , Madut Deng B. , Cleaveland Sarah , Crump John A. , Rubach Matthew P. , Wang Lin‐Fa
Published: January 2025

Background

Crimean‐Congo hemorrhagic fever is a tick‐borne zoonotic disease that may be severe and is present in many African countries. We aimed to understand the seroprevalence and risk for Crimean‐Congo hemorrhagic fever virus in Tanzania by testing archived serum samples from patients enrolled in a prospective cohort study.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled febrile inpatients and outpatients from 2012 through 2014 at two referral hospitals in northern Tanzania. Archived serum samples were tested for Crimean‐Congo hemorrhagic fever virus antibodies initially by a Luminex assay screen followed by confirmation with immunofluorescence assay. Evidence of exposure to Crimean‐Congo hemorrhagic fever virus was defined as antibody detection by Luminex and confirmed by immunofluorescence assay. Questionnaire data were used to construct logistic regression models to understand factors associated with prior exposure to Crimean‐Congo hemorrhagic fever virus. Domains of predictor variables included sociodemographics, livestock‐rearing activities, and environmental factors.

Results

Of 735 participants included, antibodies to Crimean‐Congo hemorrhagic fever virus nucleocapsid protein were detected by Luminex assay in 23 (3.1%) and confirmed by immunofluorescence assay in 13 (1.8%). In multivariable logistic regression, prior exposure to Crimean‐Congo hemorrhagic fever virus was associated with self‐report of milking livestock in the past month (adjusted OR [aOR]: 12.6, 95% CI 1.6–99.8) and natural log increase in goat density (head/km2; aOR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.1–2.7).

Conclusions

We show serologic evidence of prior exposure to Crimean‐Congo hemorrhagic fever virus among humans in northern Tanzania. Similar to other settings, our results suggest that exposure is closely linked to livestock activities. Additional research is warranted to understand reservoirs and modes of transmission of Crimean‐Congo hemorrhagic fever virus to humans in northern Tanzania.