bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proactive vs. reactive COVID-19 screening in schools: lessons from experimental protocols in France during the Delta and Omicron waves
Authors: Colosi Elisabetta , Lina Bruno , Elias Christelle , Vanhems Philippe , Colizza Vittoria
Published: January 2025

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted diverse policies to manage safety in schools, balancing infection control with educational continuity. This study assessed the impact of an experimental weekly screening protocol compared to nationally implemented reactive strategies in 25 primary schools in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France during the Delta (November–December 2021) and Omicron (January–February 2022) waves. We used an agent-based model for SARS-CoV-2 transmission in schools parameterized with empirical data characterizing school contact over time to estimate the contribution of school transmission on overall cases and evaluate the effectiveness of weekly screening in reducing within-school infections. We parametrized the model to reproduce the Delta and Omicron variants dominant in the study period, accounting for introductions from community surveillance data. We fitted the model to the observed prevalence in 18 schools selected for the analysis. School transmission was estimated to account for 67% (IQR 53-78) of student cases in Rhône and 67% (IQR 50-82) in Savoie during the Delta wave, and 52% (IQR 47-57) in Rhône during the Omicron wave. The experimental weekly screening protocol was estimated to reduce transmission in school by 40% (IQR 18 – 53%) during the Delta wave and by 37% (IQR 30-45) during the Omicron wave, compared to the reactive strategies applied in the same period in the rest of the country. Adherence rates exceeding 80% during the study were critical to the protocol’s success, contributing to an earlier and sustained decline in prevalence. Weekly screening proved a more structured and effective approach to controlling transmission, supporting its inclusion in future pandemic preparedness plans to ensure safer learning environments. This study underscores the importance of proactive interventions to address asymptomatic spread in schools, emphasizing their role in pandemic response strategies.
baal-nfidentifies motif-disrupting variants that decrease transcription factor binding affinity
Authors: Roskams-Hieter Breeshey , Almelid Øyvind , Ponting Chris P
Published: January 2025

Human traits vary in part due to genetically-determined change of transcription factor (TF) binding affinity within gene regulatory regions. However, few trait-causal variants or mechanisms are known. Here we propose 1,960 variants as strong candidates for causally altering human traits. They were discovered bybaal-nfwhich uses ChIP-sequencing data to identify allelic imbalance at heterozygous sites (‘allele-specific binding sites’; ASBs) within affinity-concordant positions within TF- and/or co-factor binding motifs. These variants are evolutionarily conserved, and enriched for trait associations and gene expression QTLs.baal-nfand these high-quality ASBs now allow trait variation due to altered TF binding to be investigated.
Health Management Information System Data Quality and its associated factors in Addis Ababa Public Hospitals, Ethiopia, 2022.A cross-sectional study
Authors: Abebe Hiamanot , Legesse Menelik , Godie Yohannes , Birhanu Dires , Belege Fekadeselassie , Menbere Fasil , Guadie Yitayal
Published: January 2025

Health management information system (HMIS) is a core health system building block designed to provide important data for continuous quality improvement at all levels of decentralized healthcare administration. Poor data quality at the lower administrative level and health facilities, which are the source of most data used for decision-making in the health sector remains a challenge. This challenge remains high in developing countries, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Objective

To assess the level of Health management information system data quality and associated factors among of public hospitals in Addis Ababa, 2022.

Methodology

Institutional-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from June to September 2022. Study hospitals were selected using the lottery method and the participants were recruited based on their availability till the required sample was fulfilled variables that have p-value ≤ 0.25 were taken into the multivariable model to control possible confounders. The level of statistical significance was declared at p-value ≤ 0.05. The odds ratio with 95% CI was used to determine the direction and strength of association between the dependent and independent variables.

Result

The overall level of HMIS data quality was 78% with completeness at 67%, accuracy at 67%, and timeliness at 100%. Presence of training program (AOR=5.6, CI:2.01, 15.79), notify as job descriptions and report documents clearly (AOR=2.7, CI:1.334, 5.378), formats easily understandable AOR=4.1, CI:1.991,8.256), routine meetings how to improve HMIS data quality(AOR=2.7, CI:1.345,5.417), incentives for HMIS process (AOR=2.3, CI:1.128,4.675) and user-friendly register/report forms (AOR=4.1, CI:1.991,8.256) were the identified factors associated with HMIS data quality.

Conclusion and recommendation

The data quality of HMIS was lower than the nationally expected level (85%). Thus, regular and comprehensive training of health care workers, clear job descriptions and HMIS report documents, user-friendly and easily understandable formats, routine meetings to discuss HMIS quality improvement, and incentives for HMIS processes shall be implemented to increase the data quality.
Testing an oscillatory behavior of dark energy
Authors: Escamilla Luis A. , Pan Supriya , Di Valentino Eleonora , Paliathanasis Andronikos , Vázquez José Alberto , Yang Weiqiang
Published: January 2025

The main aim of this work is to use a model-independent approach, along with late-time observational probes, to reconstruct the dark energy (DE) equation of state wDE(z). Our analysis showed that, for a late time universe, wDE deviates from being a constant but in contrast exhibits an oscillatory behavior, hence both quintessence (wDE>−1) and phantom (wDE<−1) regimes are equally allowed. In order to portray this oscillatory behavior, we explored various parametrizations for the equation of state and identified the closest approximation based on the goodness of fit with the data and the Bayesian evidence analysis. Our findings indicated that while all considered oscillating DE parametrizations provide a better fit to the data, when compared to the cosmological constant, they are penalized in the Bayesian evidence analysis due to the additional free parameters. Overall, the present article demonstrates that, in the low redshift regime, the equation of state of the DE prefers to be dynamical and oscillating. We anticipate that future cosmological probes will take a stand in this direction.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Unions and employees’ access to non-wage benefits in Ghana: do unions minimize gender inequality of access?
Authors: Owusu-Afriyie John
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study seeks to examine unions’ influence on employees’ access to paid holiday/leave, paid pension and social security payment by employers in Ghana. The study also finds out whether unions are potent at minimizing gender inequality of access to these benefits.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for the analysis are extracted from the 5th and 6th rounds of the Ghana Living Standards Survey (GLSS), 2005/2006 and 2012/2013, respectively, as well as the 2015 Ghana Labour Force Survey (GLFS). The study employs binary probit model with a selectivity-correction term as an estimation technique.

Findings

The findings indicate that trade unions significantly increase employees’ likelihood of having access to paid holidays/leave, paid pension and social security contributions. We also find that trade unions minimize gender inequality of access to these non-wage benefits.

Practical implications

The findings imply that trade unionism in Ghana is an effective mechanism for enforcing employers’ compliance with the provision of legal benefits to employees. It is also an effective tool for minimizing gender inequality of access to these benefits.

Originality/value

This research paper adds value to the literature by examining the role that unions play in minimizing gender discrimination with regard to access to non-wage benefits.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-03-2024-0234
The Role of Central Sensitization in Autoimmune Connective Tissue Diseases: A Comparative Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Bazancir‐Apaydin Zilan , Apaydin Hakan , Armagan Berkan , Orhan Kevser , Erten Sukran
Published: January 2025

Objective

To investigate the central sensitization (CS) in patients with autoimmune connective tissue diseases (ACTDs) and its relationship with disease activity, laboratory findings, medical treatments, organ involvements, and comorbidity.

Methods

One hundred and eleven patients with ACTDs and 40 healthy individuals were included. All patients were divided into three groups in terms of their diseases: Sjögren's syndrome (SS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The CS was assessed using the central sensitization inventory (CSI‐A and CSI‐B scores). The disease activity, laboratory findings, medical treatments, organ involvements, and comorbidity of all patients were evaluated.

Results

Overall, 41.4% patients with ACTDs had CS. SS group had the highest CS positivity (n = 21, 58.3%) compared to the RA (n = 14, 36.8%) and SLE (n = 11, 29.7%) groups. The SS group had a significantly higher CSI‐A score (p < 0.016) than the RA and SLE group, which had similar scores. CSI‐A (p = 0.008, r = −0.63) and CSI‐B (p = 0.001, r = −0.76) scores were moderately to high correlated with vitamin D3 levels in SLE group. CSI‐B score was moderately correlated with folic acid levels (p = 0.03, r = 0.50) and TSH (p = 0.005, r = 0.55) in SS group. The CSI‐A score ≥ 40 subgroup had more female gender, frequency of COPD or asthma, more coexisting fibromyalgia, higher VAS score, more common exocrine gland involvement, and higher corticosteroid dose compared to the CSI score < 40 subgroup.

Conclusions

CS is commonly seen in patients with ACTDs, especially in SS. CS is associated with vitamin D3, folic acid, and TSH levels in ACTD subgroups and the patients with clinical CS have a specific profile.
The Association of Persistent Hyperuricemia With Liver Function and the Management of Uric Acid Levels: Insights From a Three‐Year Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Wang Yina , Qiu Minli , Zhou Liuzhong , Zheng Xuqi , Wu Xinyu , Tu Liudan , Xie Ya , Yang Mingcan , Fang Linkai , Wen Xianghui , Jiang Boxiong , Gu Jieruo
Published: January 2025

Objective

The association of long‐term hyperuricemia with liver function remains less well understood. This prospective cohort study aimed to investigate the relationship between hyperuricemia and liver function as well as other metabolic and cardiovascular parameters.

Methods

We enrolled 375 participants with hyperuricemia and 599 normouricemic controls. Participants were followed up for 3 years, and data on liver indicators, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and liver ultrasonography were collected. Additionally, we assessed other parameters, such as renal function, lipid profile, blood pressure, fasting blood‐glucose (FBG), and body mass index (BMI).

Results

The highest prevalence of hyperuricemia was observed in the 20–29 age groups for the participants. Among the comorbidities of patients with hyperuricemia, the proportion of dyslipidemia is the highest (58.13%), followed by fatty liver (50.13%) and liver function impairment (33.07%). During the three‐year follow‐up period, compared to the baseline, patients with persistent hyperuricemia showed significant increases in BMI, triglycerides, total cholesterol, AST, and ALT levels (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, patients with improved hyperuricemia for 2 years exhibited significant decreases in FBG, total cholesterol, serum creatinine (p < 0.05), along with a significant increase in eGFR (p < 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed that levels of uric acid were positively correlated with ALT, FBG, and triglycerides in persistent hyperuricemia (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Hyperuricemia shows a notable trend of younger age onset. Persistent hyperuricemia, correlated with elevated ALT levels, indicates an increasing risk of liver damage that should be concerned about. Effective management of hyperuricemia could improve metabolic disorders and renal dysfunction.
Differences and Similarities Between Children and Adults With Rhupus Syndrome
Authors: Sener Seher , Unal Dilara , Batu Ezgi Deniz , Kart Bayram Gozde Sevgi , Firlatan Busra , Kilic Levent , Sahin Sezgin , Gezgin Yildirim Deniz , Kisla Ekinci Miray , Kisaoglu Hakan , Karali Yasin , Demir Selcan , Kaya Akca Ummusen , Gunalp Aybuke , Turkmen Seyma , Kavrul Kayaalp Gulsah , Arslanoglu Ceyda , Torun Ruya , Ercan Emreol Hulya , Basaran Ozge , Pac Kisaarslan Aysenur , Sozeri Betul , Aktay Ayaz Nuray , Bakkaloglu Sevcan Azime , Kilic Sara Sebnem , Kalyoncu Mukaddes , Bilginer Yelda , Unsal Erbil , Kasapcopur Ozgur , Apras Bilgen Sule , Ozen Seza
Published: January 2025

Aim

In this study, we aimed to evaluate and compare the characteristics of pediatric and adult rhupus patients.

Methods

Thirty pediatric patients with rhupus syndrome and 15 adult patients with rhupus syndrome were included in this study. Similarities and differences between both groups were evaluated.

Results

The time elapsed between the diagnosis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)/rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was longer in adults than in pediatric patients (p < 0.001). While the most common phenotypes at disease onset were JIA/RA in both adults and children, SLE was more prevalent in pediatric patients and RA in adult patients at the last visit (both p < 0.001). Cutaneous findings, oral ulcers, hematological and renal involvement, hypocomplementemia, and antidouble‐stranded DNA positivity were more frequent in pediatric patients, whereas constitutional findings, nonscarring alopecia, neuropsychiatric involvement, and anticyclic citrullinated peptide positivity were more common in adults (all p < 0.001). Asymmetric polyarthritis was more prevalent in pediatric patients, whereas symmetric polyarthritis was more common in adult patients (both p < 0.001). Erosive arthritis was more frequently observed in adult patients (p < 0.001). In the treatment, mycophenolate mofetil was more commonly prescribed to pediatric patients, while rituximab was more frequently used for adult patients in the treatment of SLE compared to pediatric patients (both p < 0.001). Additionally, leflunomide was more commonly used in JIA/RA treatment in adult patients compared to pediatric patients (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This is the first study comparing pediatric and adult patients with rhupus syndrome. Revealing these differences and similarities will contribute significantly to the literature.
From Perpetrators to Partners: Juvenile Offenders Perspective on Student Mass Fighting Prevention in Indonesia
Authors: Juliana Jesika , Mohamad Nor Azmawaty , Hutagalung Fonny Dameaty
Published: January 2025

Adolescent physical fights are a significant social problem worldwide, with a rising incidence of mass school fights in Indonesia highlighting the need for targeted interventions. Despite this, research often overlooks the perspectives of the offenders themselves. This study aims to address this gap by examining protective factors and prevention strategies from the viewpoint of Indonesian juvenile offenders. Using in‐depth interviews and thematic analysis with four juvenile offenders across three correctional institutions, the research identifies several key strategies for prevention. These include strengthening parental connections, providing positive adult role models, severing ties with delinquent peers, and offering education on adaptive coping strategies. Effective prevention also involves establishing robust parent–child relationships and implementing school programs that address honor‐related conflicts. Furthermore, the study suggests that educating adolescents about positive masculinity, incorporating anger management training, and utilizing cognitive‐behavioral therapy can significantly reduce the likelihood of involvement in mass student fighting. By adopting these approaches, communities can more effectively address and mitigate the underlying factors contributing to adolescent violence and promote more constructive conflict resolution methods.
Firms in Times of Economic Uncertainty: Digital Integration to Counter Information Asymmetry and ESG Controversies
Authors: Ayadi Imen , Hunjra Ahmed Imran
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the impact of economic uncertainty on information asymmetry and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) controversies within companies, while exploring the moderating role of digital integration. By analyzing a panel of 1303 companies across 20 European countries from 2016 to 2023, and employing the two‐stage generalized method of moments (GMM) and two‐stage least squares (2SLS) for robustness tests, the research reveals that economic uncertainty, as measured by the Economic Policy Uncertainty (EPU) index, exacerbates information asymmetry and heightens ESG controversies. However, the adoption of digital technologies mitigates these adverse effects by enhancing transparency and reducing the likelihood of opportunistic behavior. Theoretically, this research contributes to the understanding of how digitalization can reinforce corporate governance and sustainability in uncertain times. Practically, the findings suggest that companies should accelerate their digitalization efforts to safeguard against the destabilizing effects of economic uncertainty, while bolstering their governance and social responsibility performance.
Unlocking the Value of Ranger‐Based Monitoring for Biodiversity Conservation and Protected Area Management
Authors: Kuiper Timothy , Dancer Anthony , Beale Colin M. , Ghoddousi Arash , Ibbett Harriet , Joanny Laure , Keane Aidan , Kavhu Blessing , Makaza Daniel , Milner‐Gulland E. J. , Moore Jennifer F. , Xu Lily
Published: January 2025

Globally, hundreds of thousands of rangers patrol protected areas every day. The data they collect have immense potential for monitoring biodiversity and threats to it. Technologies like SMART (Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool), which facilitate the management of ranger‐collected data, have enhanced this potential. However, based on our experience across diverse use cases and geographies, we have found that ranger‐based monitoring is often implemented without a clear plan for how the data will inform management and without critical evaluation of whether the data are reliable enough to meet specific monitoring goals. Here we distill six key lessons and present a decision framework to guide funders, governments, protected area managers, and NGOs toward more effective use of ranger‐based monitoring for protected area management and suggest when alternative monitoring approaches may add value. Essential considerations include the welfare and motivation of rangers, biases in patrol coverage and detectability, the capacity to analyze data, and the buy‐in of those tasked with using the data to inform management decisions. When implemented well, ranger‐based monitoring can help improve conservation outcomes through evaluating management interventions, more efficient deployment of limited law enforcement budgets to optimize the deterrence of illegal activities, and basic ecological monitoring.
Application of EMI‐Measured Magnetic Susceptibility to Characterise Soil Drainage Conditions Over Various Soil Types
Authors: Shirzaditabar Farzad , Heck Richard J. , Catalano Mike
Published: January 2025

Electromagnetic induction (EMI), by Geonics EM38, was used to characterise the volumetric magnetic susceptibility (MS) of soils on 12 farms in southwestern Ontario, Canada. Three different points on lower, middle and upper slope positions were selected at each farm to represent poorly‐, moderate‐ and well‐drained soil. Soil core samples were collected for each measurement point, from which soil redoximorphic conditions (gleying and mottling) were characterised at 5 cm depth increments. The volume MS, mass‐specific MS and frequency dependence (FD) of MS of soil samples were carried out using Bartington MS2C and MS2B sensors, respectively. The impact of heating the samples to 400°C and 700°C on soil MS was also investigated. Results show that at each farm, the lowest volume MS values belong to soils at the lower slope position, which is poorly drained, and the highest volume MS values belong to the soils at the upper slope position, which is well drained. The inverted models from apparent MS data, measured by EM38, seem to be good representatives of volume MS readings attained from core samples. Results show that at most of the selected points, while the FD is higher in poorly drained points than in moderate and well‐drained ones, the mass‐specific MS shows an opposite behaviour, which can be used as attributes to characterise poorly and well‐drained soil conditions.
Unveiling the Differences in Early Performance Prediction Between Online Social Sciences and STEM Courses Using Educational Data Mining
Authors: Marticorena‐Sánchez Raúl , Canepa‐Oneto Antonio , López‐Nozal Carlos , Barbero‐Aparicio José A.
Published: January 2025

Educational Data Mining and Learning Analytics in virtual environments can be used to diagnose student performance problems at an early stage. Information that is useful for guiding the decisions of teachers managing academic training, so that students can successfully complete their course. However, student interaction patterns may vary depending on the knowledge domain. Our aim is to design a framework applicable to online Social Sciences and STEM courses, recommending methods for building accurate early performance prediction models. A large‐scale comparative study of the accuracy of multiple classifiers applied to classify the interaction logs of 32,593 students from 9 Social Sciences and 13 STEM courses is presented. Corroborating the results of other works, it was observed that high early performance prediction accuracy was obtained based on nothing other than student logs: accuracies of 0.75 in the 10th week, 0.80 in the 20th week, 0.85 in the 30th week and 0.90 in the 40th week. However, accuracy rates were observed to vary significantly, in relation to the classification algorithm and the knowledge domain (Social Sciences vs. STEM). These predictions are generally less accurate for Social Sciences compared to STEM courses, especially at the beginning of the course, with fewer differences observed in the final weeks. Additionally, this research identifies instances of low‐accuracy outliers in the prediction of Social Sciences courses over time. These findings highlight the complex challenges and variations in early performance prediction across different domains in online education.
Technology‐Based Interventions for Pain in Children Undergoing Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Düzgün Mustafa Volkan , Özdemir Cafer , İşler Ayşegül , Karazeybek Ebru
Published: January 2025

Aim

This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of technology‐based interventions on the pain of paediatric surgery patients.

Background

Recently, the number of technology‐based interventions involving multimodal nonpharmacological methods tailored to pain management in paediatric surgery patients has increased. It is crucial to determine the effectiveness of these interventions.

Design

A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials following Cochrane methods was conducted.

Review Methods

We performed a literature search in the Web of Science, PubMed, CINAHL, Science Direct, MEDLINE, ProQuest and Cochrane Library databases. Two independent researchers screened the literature using specific keywords and selected randomized controlled trials based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Each researcher extracted data and assessed the risk of bias in the randomized controlled trials using the Cochrane bias risk assessment tool.

Result

We conducted a meta‐analysis on 14 randomized controlled trials included in the study. The results showed that technology‐based interventions reduced pain scores in paediatric surgery patients. Cochran's Q test results pointed to a high level of heterogeneity among the randomized controlled trials.

Conclusion

A meta‐analysis result of 14 randomized controlled trials showed that technology‐based interventions are effective methods for reducing pain in paediatric surgery patients.

Registration Number

CRD42021226666.
Prosecutor‐Led Bail Reform: An Observational Case Study in Philadelphia
Authors: Jones Sarah D.
Published: January 2025

Jurisdictions nationwide have taken to implementing bail reform, with some pursuing the broad abolition of cash bail. Depending on the actor leading the reform, these efforts face differing obstacles to successful implementation. Philadelphia has been a leader in prosecutor‐led bail reform, as the progressive District Attorney's Office (DAO) implemented its second round of reform, which attempts to simulate a no‐cash bail system by limiting pretrial recommendations to either $999,999 bail or release. Drawing on observational case‐level data (n = 96) and the framework of sociolegal gap studies, the current study aims to document the policy's application. First, by capturing departures by the DAO and agreement by judicial magistrates, the presence of a gap between the policy's vision and its implementation is detected. Second, to understand why a gap may be occurring, responses to the policy are qualitatively analyzed. Findings demonstrate that guidelines were adhered to by the DAO and agreed to by judicial magistrates in only 16.7% of cases. Qualitative results suggest that the reform faces considerable challenges in implementation, including institutional resistance/hesitation and courtroom workgroup adaptations. This research, despite its convenience sampling and limited generalizability, has significant policy implications, both within Philadelphia and for the broader progressive prosecutor movement.
The Melanocyte and Nerve Fiber Cross‐Talk, Facilitated Also by Semaphorin‐4A, Enhances UV‐B‐Induced Melanogenesis
Authors: Egriboz Onur , Fehrholz Markus , Tsutsumi Moe , Sousa Marta , Cheret Jeremy , Funk Wolfgang , Kückelhaus Maximilian , Paus Ralf , Kajiya Kentaro , Piccini Ilaria , Bertolini Marta
Published: January 2025

Epidermal melanocytes form synaptic‐like contacts with cutaneous nerve fibers, but the functional outcome of these connections remains elusive. In this pilot study we used our fully humanized re‐innervated skin organ culture model to investigate melanocyte‐nerve fiber interactions in UV‐B‐induced melanogenesis. UV‐B‐irradiation significantly enhanced melanin content and tyrosinase activity in re‐innervated skin compared to non‐innervated controls, indicating that neuronal presence is essential for exacerbating pigmentation upon UV‐B irradiation in long‐term culture. Comparative transcriptomic analysis between laser‐capture‐microdissected melanocytes from freshly embedded human skin and published microarray data on in vitro primary melanocytes identified Semaphorin‐4A (SEMA4A) as possible mediator of melanocyte‐nerve fibers interactions. SEMA4A protein levels in Gp100+‐epidermal melanocytes were significantly higher in re‐innervated skin, and reduced by UV‐B treatment. Analysis of melanocytes in vitro showed reduced SEMA4A protein expression 24 h after UV‐B‐irradiation while SEMA4A secretion into the medium was increased. Beta‐tubulin expression and axon growth in sensory neurons were stimulated by conditioned media (CM) from UV‐B irradiated melanocytes. When this neuronal‐conditioned medium was transferred to fresh melanocytes, melanin content increased, but only if neurons had been treated with CM from UV‐B irradiated melanocytes. These findings highlight the importance of melanocyte‐neuron interactions for UV‐B‐induced melanogenesis and suggest that secreted proteins (e.g., SEMA4A) can function as a novel target to treat hypo‐ and hyperpigmentation disorders.
Evaluation of the Effect of Exosomes From Adipose Derived Stem Cells on Changes in GSH/ROS Levels During Skin Photoaging
Authors: Wang Yiping , Shen Xu , Song Shenghua , Chen Nian , Wang Yihao , Liao Wanxing , Jia Chiyu , Zeng Li
Published: January 2025

Objective

Exosomes (Exos) from adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs) can delay skin photoaging, but their effects on reactive oxygen species (ROS) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between adipose derived stem cell exosomes (ADSCs‐Exos) in anti‐photoaging of skin and glutathione (GSH)/ ROS expression in human fibroblasts.

Methods

A skin photoaging model was established by irradiating human fibroblasts with ultraviolet B (UVB) light in vitro. Next, exosomes from ADSCs were isolated for treating the photoaged fibroblasts. Afterwards, the alterations in photoaged fibroblasts were analyzed by a series of assays including senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase (SA‐β‐Gal) staining, p16 expression, ROS staining, and GSH content.

Results

After a human fibroblast photoaging model was subjected to ADSCs‐Exos treatment, we found that the high concentration exosome group had the highest GSH content. Cellular staining showed that levels of SA‐β‐Gal, p16, and ROS of the high concentration‐treated group were lower than other groups.

Conclusions

ADSCs‐Exos can protect skin fibroblasts from photoaging via increasing the ratio of GSH/ROS.
The infected diabetic foot: Risk factors for re‐infection after treatment for diabetic foot osteomyelitis
Authors: Lavery Lawrence A. , Reyes Mario C. , Najafi Bijan , Coye Tyler L. , Sideman Matthew , Siah Michael C. , Tarricone Arthur N.
Published: January 2025

Our objective was to evaluate risk factors for re‐infection in patients after treatment for diabetic foot osteomyelitis (OM). We used pooled patient level data from two RTCs that evaluated patients with diabetic foot infections. We evaluated 171 patients with OM. OM was confirmed with bone culture or histopathology. Data from the 12‐month follow‐up were used to determine clinical outcomes. Re‐infection occurred in 47 (27.5%) patients. Risk factors for re‐infection were Toe Brachial Index <0.40 (25.7% vs. 9.8%, p = 0.02), skin perfusion pressure <40 mmHg (6.3% vs. 5.9%, p = 0.04), wound healing (55.3% vs. 75.0%, p = 0.01), time to heal (156.0, 69.5–365 vs. 91.5, 38.8–365, p = 0.001), and history of MI (14.9% vs. 3.2%, p = 0.005). During 12‐month follow‐up, patients with re‐infections were 198.8 times more likely to require a foot related hospitalisation (81.8% vs. 0.0%, p = 0.001), 10.4 times more likely have an all‐cause hospitalisation (70.2% vs. 18.5%, p = 0.001) and 9.4 times more likely to need an amputation (36.2% vs. 5.6%, p = 0.001). Patients with re‐infection had a significantly longer median length of hospitalisation (20.0, 13.5–34.5 vs. 14.0, 10.0–22.0, p = 0.003) and median length of antibiotic duration (55.0, 35.0–87.0 vs. 46.0, 22.8–68.0, p = 0.03). Patients with re‐infection are less likely to heal and have more foot‐related hospitalizations and amputations.
Generation of chimeric forms of rhesus macaque rhadinovirus expressing KSHV envelope glycoproteins gH and gL for utilization in an NHP model of infection
Authors: Estep Ryan D. , Li Helen , Govindan Aparna N. , McDonald Kaidlyn A. , Axthelm Michael K. , Wong Scott W.
Published: January 2025

Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is a human gammaherpesvirus associated with Kaposi’s sarcoma and B cell malignancies. Like all herpesviruses, KSHV contains conserved envelope glycoproteins (gps) involved in virus binding, entry, assembly, and release from infected cells, which are also targets of the immune response. Due to the lack of a reproducible animal model of KSHV infection, the precise functions of the KSHV gps during infection
in vivo
are not completely known. Fortunately, a nonhuman primate (NHP) model of KSHV infection and disease has been established utilizing closely related rhesus macaque rhadinovirus (RRV) that naturally infects rhesus macaques (RM) and possesses analogous gps to KSHV. To address the roles conserved envelope gps gH and gL play during KSHV infection
in vivo
, we utilized the pathogenic RRV
17577
BAC to generate chimeric forms of RRV expressing KSHV gL or KSHV gH/gL, as well as an RRV mutant lacking gL expression. These viruses incorporate KSHV gH and gL into infectious virions, and although they display variable replication and differing plaque phenotypes in primary rhesus fibroblasts, they retain the ability to infect human B cells
in vitro
. Importantly, we also demonstrate that RRV gp chimeras can infect RM and induce the development of antibodies against KSHV. Overall, this work demonstrates that RRV gp chimeras can serve as important tools to assess the role of KSHV gH/gL in infection and disease while also providing an NHP model for testing the efficacy of KSHV gH and gL neutralizing antibodies and vaccine strategies to prevent and treat KSHV infection.

IMPORTANCE

Rhesus macaque rhadinovirus (RRV) is a rhesus macaque homolog of KSHV and serves as a model system for examining Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) infection and pathogenesis
in vivo
. KSHV and RRV both encode conserved herpesvirus envelope glycoproteins, including gH and gL, that are important for regulating entry into host cells. In this study, we utilized the RRV BAC system to generate chimeric forms of RRV expressing KSHV gH and gL, as well as a mutant form of RRV lacking gL expression. Although these mutant and chimeric viruses can replicate
in vitro
, they do display growth properties different from wild-type RRV. Importantly, we demonstrate that RRV gp chimeras are capable of infecting rhesus macaques
in vivo
, inducing B cell hyperplasia, and promoting the development of anti-viral antibody responses that can also recognize KSHV antigens. RRV gp chimeras provide a novel system that allows for the examination of the role of KSHV gH and gL during infection
in vivo
.
Feasibility of engaging parents attending an adult weight management programme with child weight management support: a mixed methods study
Authors: Mears Ruth , Searle Aidan , Sharp Deborah , Jago Russell , Shield Julian PH
Published: January 2025

Objective

To explore whether parents’ attendance at a commercial adult weight management programme (WMP) offers an opportunity to identify and signpost families to child weight management support, if appropriate to a child’s weight status.

Design

Mixed methods study including a cross-sectional online survey and semistructured telephone interviews.

Setting and participants

Parents attending Slimming World (UK-based adult commercial WMP), with one or more children aged 5–11 years, were invited to take part. There were 396 survey and 18 telephone interview participants.

Results

Most parents (78%) attending the adult WMP and worried about their child’s weight were receptive to being offered support for their child. Nearly all (98%) of these parents were happy for the adult WMP to signpost to this support. Nearly half of parents (47%, n=122/262) not worried about their child’s weight were still interested in a child height and weight check. The preferred intervention format and delivery possibilities differed among parents, with ‘no-one size fits all’, while recognising that change takes time, and weekly sessions may be too frequent. Parents were clear that the focus of support should be on healthy lifestyle not weight. Many parents felt a parent ‘peer support’ group would be helpful.

Conclusions

Parents actively addressing their own weight, through an adult WMP, are receptive to being offered and signposted to support for their child, where they have concerns about their child’s weight. These findings support a new referral pathway into child weight management services, through parents attending an adult WMP.
Diagnostic performance of shape-sensing robotic-assisted bronchoscopy for pleural-based and fissure-based pulmonary lesions
Authors: Fernandez-Bussy Sebastian , Yu Lee-Mateus Alejandra , Barrios-Ruiz Alanna , Valdes-Camacho Sofia , Lin Katherine , Ibrahim Mohamed I , Vaca-Cartagena Bryan F , Funes-Ferrada Rodrigo , Reisenauer Janani , Robertson Kelly S , Hazelett Britney N , Chadha Ryan M , Abia-Trujillo David
Published: January 2025

Background

Sampling of peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs) abutting the pleura carries a higher risk of pneumothorax and complications. Although typically performed with image-guided transthoracic biopsy, the advent of shape-sensing robotic-assisted bronchoscopy (ssRAB) provides an alternative diagnostic procedure for this subtype of lesions.

Methods

A retrospective study on PPL attached to the peripheral pleura (PP), comprising costal and diaphragmatic pleura, mediastinal pleura (MP), and fissural pleura (FP) sampled by ssRAB, from January 2020 to December 2023. Clinicodemographic data, PPL characteristics and procedure-related details were recorded. Primary outcome was diagnostic yield, defined as all conclusive diagnoses, malignant or benign, over the total number of procedures. Secondary outcomes were safety profile, defined as the number of procedure-related complications, and diagnostic yield with the use of mobile cone-beam CT (mCBCT) and by biopsy tool.

Results

182 nodules were sampled from 178 patients. PPLs were grouped as: PP (n=95), MP (n=30) and FP (n=57). Overall diagnostic yield was 80.2% (146/182) and sensitivity for malignancy was 83.2% (104/125). Diagnostic yield was associated with upper location (OR 2.86; 95% CI 1.35 to 6.03, p=0.006), mCBCT (OR 2.27; 95% CI 1.06 to 4.86, p=0.036) and cryobiopsy (OR 2.90; 95% CI 1.31 to 6.47, p=0.009). Pneumothorax requiring chest tube was reported in five patients (2.8%), and a Nashville Scale grade 3 bleeding occurred in one patient (0.6%).

Conclusion

For pleural-based and fissure-based nodules, ssRAB showed a high diagnostic yield with low complications. The addition of mCBCT and cryobiopsy improved the diagnostic performance for this subtype of lesions.
Effectiveness of agricultural BMPs on phosphorus load reduction for the Canadian Lake Erie Basin: a literature review
Authors: Liu Yongbo , Yang Wanhong , Bass Brad , Rao Yerubandi R.
Published: January 2025

Lake Erie, the shallowest and warmest of the Great Lakes, has been increasingly threatened by eutrophication and harmful algal blooms affecting economic growth in the region. Excess nutrients, particularly phosphorus, transported with agricultural runoffs have become a major issue of lake water quality. In response to this growing concern over the adverse environmental effects of agriculture, farmers, conservation authorities, and governments have worked together to promote and implement best or beneficial management practices (BMPs) in the contributing watersheds that focus on maintaining agricultural activity and farm profitability, while protecting the environment. This paper conducted a technical review of BMPs and their effectiveness on phosphorus load reduction from agricultural fields for the Canadian Lake Erie Basin (CLEB). These BMPs include cover crop, conservation tillage, manure incorporation, crop nutrient planning, fragile land retirement, adding organic amendments, reducing soil compaction, controlled tile drain, grassed waterway, vegetative filter strip, riparian buffer, water and sediment control basin, and wetland restoration. Field experiments and modeling studies about BMP effectiveness on phosphorus load reduction from agricultural fields in the CLEB and the Great Lakes region were reviewed and assessed. Findings from other similar geographic regions were also documented for comparison and reference. Because BMPs are site-specific, their phosphorus load reduction effectiveness varied over a wide range in the literature depending upon characteristics of the BMP and local climate, slope, soil type, land use, and land management conditions. Based on the literature review, factors influencing BMP effectiveness were analyzed, and suggestions on research priorities for evaluating BMP effectiveness in the CLEB were provided. This study will benefit decision-makers, watershed conservation authorities, and other stakeholders in estimating phosphorus load reductions from agricultural landscapes and contribute to tracking progress toward achieving Canada’s phosphorus load reduction targets for Lake Erie.
Automated Deep Learning–based Detection and Segmentation of Lung Tumors at CT Imaging
Authors: Kashyap Mehr , Wang Xi , Panjwani Neil , Hasan Mohammad , Zhang Qin , Huang Charles , Bush Karl , Chin Alexander , Vitzthum Lucas K. , Dong Peng , Zaky Sandra , Loo Billy W. , Diehn Maximilian , Xing Lei , Li Ruijiang , Gensheimer Michael F.
Published: January 2025

Using routine pre–radiation treatment CT simulation scans and tumor segmentation data, a deep learning model was developed to detect and segment lung tumors, and good performance was achieved on heterogeneous datasets.
Cardiac acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase have distinct localization and function
Authors: Dingová Dominika , Kučera Matej , Hodbod Tibor , Fischmeister Rodolphe , Krejci Eric , Hrabovská Anna
Published: January 2025

Inhibition of cholinesterases has therapeutic potential in cardiovascular pathologies. Both acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase are present in the heart. Each cholinesterase has distinct localization patterns in the heart and functions in cardiac physiology. Selective inhibition of acetylcholinesterase or butyrylcholinesterase may be used to alter specific cardiac functions. Butyrylcholinesterase polymorphism may have an impact on the outcome of the cholinesterase inhibitor treatment.
Economic and Sensitivity Analyses of Controllable Queues With Customer Feedback and Impatience Using Markovian Modeling
Authors: Varshney Shreekant , Acharya Mankumar , Kanjibhai Zala Jenishkumar , Pushkarna Mukesh , El-Shafai Walid , Zaitsev Ievgen
Published: January 2025

The present investigation proposes a unique strategy for the establishment of a controllable queuing system using Markovian modeling. In comparison to conventional models, this approach combines customer impatience, feedback procedure, and working vacation into the statistical modeling of queues in a novel manner. These aspects contain enormous potential for practical applications but require additional evaluation from an operational or customer service perspective through dynamic investigation. Effective management of customer arrival, as well as departure, can be achieved by the explicit modeling of control strategies rendered feasible by the suggested queuing‐theoretic framework. The study shows how the queue‐size distribution has evolved over time using the Laplace transformation approach. Furthermore, extensive numerical illustrations based on optimal and sensitivity investigations are carried out covering multiple system parameters to confirm the significance of this unique approach. The findings of the study, which are based on stochastic modeling, are shown both tabularly and graphically. Moreover, the research findings obtained through the economic and sensitivity investigations significantly differentiate the aforementioned approach from the current literature by providing enhanced management and applicability to practical queuing circumstances.
Figure S3 from Targeting PRMT1 Reduces Cancer Persistence and Tumor Relapse in EGFR- and KRAS-Mutant Lung Cancer
Authors: Sun Xiaoxiao , Kumbier Karl , Gayathri Savitha , Steri Veronica , Wu Lani F. , Altschuler Steven J.
Published: January 2025

Supplementary Figure S3 and legend
Figure S2 from Targeting PRMT1 Reduces Cancer Persistence and Tumor Relapse in EGFR- and KRAS-Mutant Lung Cancer
Authors: Sun Xiaoxiao , Kumbier Karl , Gayathri Savitha , Steri Veronica , Wu Lani F. , Altschuler Steven J.
Published: January 2025

Supplementary Figure S2 and legend
Figure 1 from Targeting PRMT1 Reduces Cancer Persistence and Tumor Relapse in EGFR- and KRAS-Mutant Lung Cancer
Authors: Sun Xiaoxiao , Kumbier Karl , Gayathri Savitha , Steri Veronica , Wu Lani F. , Altschuler Steven J.
Published: January 2025

PRMT1 is the key type I PRMT isoform mediating IFNγ/STAT1-promoted persistence. A, Effects of type I PRMT knockdown (KD) via siRNA. PC9 cells were incubated with siRNA for 2 days to ensure gene inhibition. Subsequently, cells were treated with the EGFR drug erlotinib (Erl, 2.5 μmol/L) and IFNγ (5 ng/mL) for 6 days. Cell viability was measured, and persister fitness was normalized to nontargeting control siRNA (siNTC). B, Effects of pan-type I PRMT inhibitor GSK3368715 (GSK715) with PRMT knockout (KO) cells. PC9 cells with wild-type (WT) or deleted (KO) PRMTs were cotreated with erlotinib and GSK715 (0.2 μmol/L) in the presence of IFNγ for 6 days. Persister fitness was normalized to no GSK715 (DMSO) condition for each cell line. C, Effects of PRMT1 KD via inducible shRNA. Engineered PC9 cells expressing nontargeting control shRNA (shNTC) or PRMT1-targeting shRNA (siPRMT1 #1 and #2) were treated with the EGFR drug osimertinib (Osi, 100 nmol/L) in the presence of IFNγ for 6 days. Doxycycline (Dox, 100 ng/mL) was administered concurrently to induce PRMT1 knockdown. Persister fitness was normalized to the no Dox condition for each cell line. All data are reported as mean ± standard deviation, with three to five replicates per condition. Statistical comparisons between groups were based on unpaired, two-sided Student t tests. The significance of the results is indicated by symbols: not significant (ns), P > 0.05; *, P ≤ 0.05; ***, P ≤ 0.001; ****, P ≤ 0.0001.
Battle Paintings after Lepanto by Giorgio Vasari and Matteo Pérez d’Aleccio
Authors: Cibelli Deborah
Published: January 2025

This study focuses on the genre of military painting by comparing Giorgio Vasari’s frescoes referring to the Battle of Lepanto of 1571 for the Sala Regia in the Vatican to the fresco cycle depicting the Siege of Malta of 1565 produced by Matteo Pérez d’Aleccio working for the Knights of the Sovereign Military Order of Saint John in Malta from 1577–1581. The visual analysis of the artists’ frescoes encompasses a discussion of the style and iconography of their work. Further assessment of the reception of the paintings considers ideologies relevant to the Christian Holy League and the knights of Malta involved in conflicts with forces from the Ottoman empire and theoretical issues related to Mediterranean studies.
The Institution of the Accademia delle Arti del Disegno in Medici Florence
Authors: Carrara Eliana
Published: January 2025

The essay aims to draw attention to the initial moments of the Accademia del Disegno in Florence, the main players on the artistic and cultural scene, and the reasons behind its formation. Founded in 1563, the institution responded to a series of needs that originated both within the regime of Cosimo I and in the quarrelsome world of the Florentine workshops, constantly in search of rich and prestigious commissions. My paper will attempt to highlight the most significant instances in order to enucleate the decisive political and educational role entrusted to the new city body, rigidly organized internally in a series of offices that were accessed after an equally rigorous training.