bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of primary health-care providers’ knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease in Turkey
Authors: Ayhan Yunus Emre , Özmen Muhammet , Ozturk Nur , Aksoy Nilay
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the primary cause of dementia in elderly people and needs extensive professional care. The aim of our study was to assess the level of knowledge among primary health-care providers, primarily Family Physicians (FPs) and community pharmacists (CPs), about AD and its treatment.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional study using Google Forms sent by email or message to FPs and CPs in Istanbul in June–July 2023. Turkish modified the Alzheimer’s Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS) and Alzheimer’s Medicines Knowledge Level Questionnaire (AMKLQ) were used in this study.

Findings

A total of 63 FPs with a mean age of 35.3 ± 7.8 and 138 CPs with a mean age of 38.6 ± 12.6 enrolled in the study. There was no statistically significant difference between FPs and CPs in terms of total ADKS score (19.82 ± 2.30 vs 19.23 ± 3.08, p = 0.136), but there was a significant difference in terms of total AMKLQ score (4.31 ± 1.40 vs 3.81 ± 1.49, p = 0.020). Health-care providers with Alzheimer’s training had a higher total AMKLQ score (OR =1.08 CI 95% [1.03–1.14], p = 0.012).

Originality/value

FPs’ knowledge of AD is on par with that of CPs. Nevertheless, it has been observed that FPs have more proficiency in delivering accurate responses to the AMKLQ and ADKS inquiries, which encompass crucial details regarding the treatment of AD. The sole determinant of the highest mean AMKLQ score was found to be professional education. Collectively, these arguments emphasize the need for primary health-care practitioners to obtain comprehensive and ongoing education regarding AD and its treatment.
“The school bus was everything.” Seeking distinction in Kenya's education system
Authors: Cooper Elizabeth
Published: September 2024

Kenya's secondary schools are active sites of intensifying inequalities among young people, producing different kinds of subjectivities. Drawing from interview data with school graduates, I consider how young people discern the value of their education according to material resources, like new school buses and buildings. These concerns indicate students' distrust of education as intrinsically beneficial and the embeddedness of students' interests in a broader prestige economy that equates social status with wealth.
Airway tryptase levels inform the lack of clinical efficacy of the tryptase inhibitor MTPS9579A in asthma
Authors: Rhee Horace , Henderson Lindsay M. , Bauer Rebecca N. , Wong Kit , Staton Tracy L. , Choy David F. , Banerjee Prajna , Poon Victor , Yoshida Kenta , Chen Chen , Long Keyi , Sperinde Gizette , Laing Steven T. , Jones Nicholas S. , Glickstein Sara B. , Dayal Parul , Fong Alice , Dash Ajit , Pulka Grazyna , Leaker Brian , Singh Dave , Bradding Peter
Published: September 2024

Background

Tryptase, a mast cell protease, has been identified as a potential therapeutic target in managing patients with refractory asthma. We assessed the efficacy, safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of MTPS9579A, an anti‐tryptase antibody, in a phase 2a randomized trial for patients with uncontrolled asthma and a phase 1c trial to understand activity within the lower respiratory tract.

Methods

Phase 2a patients (n = 134) received 1800 mg MTPS9579A or placebo intravenously every 4 weeks for 48 weeks. The primary endpoint was time to the first composite exacerbation event. Phase 1c patients (n = 27) received one intravenous dose of 300 or 1800 mg MTPS9579A or placebo. Both trials measured MTPS9579A concentrations and effects on tryptase in serum and nasal lining fluid; phase 1c also analyzed bronchial lining fluid.

Results

MTPS9579A did not meet the primary endpoint (hazard ratio = 0.90; 95% CI: 0.55–1.47; p = 0.6835); exacerbation rates in the placebo group were low. Serum and nasal MTPS9579A pharmacokinetics and tryptase levels were consistent with data from healthy volunteers. However, in phase 1c patients, compared to nasal levels, MTPS9579A bronchial concentrations were 6.8‐fold lower, and bronchial active and total tryptase levels were higher (119‐fold and 30‐fold, respectively). Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modeling predicted intravenous doses of 3800 mg every 4 weeks would be necessary to achieve 95% active tryptase inhibition from baseline.

Conclusions

The MTPS9579A dose tested in the phase 2a study was insufficient to inhibit tryptase in bronchial lining fluid, likely contributing to the observed lack of efficacy.
Biofilm mediated integrin activation and directing acceleration of colorectal cancer
Authors: Saravanan Vaijayanthi , Gopalakrishnan Vinoj , Mahendran Maria Infant Majula Shifani , Vaithianathan Rajan , Srinivasan Sowmya , Boopathy Vinoth , Krishnamurthy SriKrishna
Published: September 2024

Bacterial biofilm plays a vital role in influencing several diseases, infections, metabolic pathways and communication channels. Biofilm influence over colorectal cancer (CRC) has been a booming area of research interest. The virulence factors of bacterial pathogen have a high tendency to induce metabolic pathway to accelerate CRC. The bacterial species biofilm may induce cancer through regulating the major signalling pathways responsible for cell proliferation, differentiation, survival and growth. Activation of cancer signals may get initiated from the chronic infections through bacterial biofilm species. Integrin mediates in the activation of major pathway promoting cancer. Integrin‐mediated signals are expected to be greatly influenced by biofilm. Integrins are identified as an important dimer, whose dysfunction may alter the signalling cascade specially focusing on TGF‐β, PI3K/Akt/mToR, MAPK and Wnt pathway. Along with biofilm shield, the tumour gains greater resistance from radiation, chemotherapy and also from other antibiotics. The biofilm barrier is known to cause challenges for CRC patients undergoing treatment.
Contribution of small nocturnal lemurs to seed dispersal in Madagascar: A review
Authors: Ramananjato Veronarindra
Published: September 2024

Animal seed dispersers are crucial in tropical forests because they provide beneficial impacts to plants, from organisms to communities. Besides frugivorous species, omnivorous, small‐bodied, and nocturnal animals might also disperse seeds in their habitats; yet we know relatively little about their role and impacts. The Cheirogaleidae (dwarf and mouse lemurs) in Madagascar are examples of such animals, whose seed dispersal role has been overlooked until recently. Here, I provide an overview of their potential contribution to seed dispersal based on their ecological traits and future directions for studying seed dispersal ecology in Madagascar's forest ecosystems. The limited literature, published between 1971 and 2022, on the feeding ecology and seed dispersal services of the Cheirogaleidae shows that they could potentially disperse small‐sized seeds (<15 mm). Also, they could surprisingly take seeds relatively long distances away from the parents (up to 1 km) despite their small body mass, both in disturbed and undisturbed forest habitats. The passage of seeds through their guts could also enhance seed germination and seedling survival. Only four Cheirogaleid species out of 40 are currently demonstrated to be effective seed dispersers. Studying the seed dispersal by small‐bodied and nocturnal primates could greatly inform their long‐term conservation as it will provide information for better awareness of their ecological role and needs.

Abstract in Malagasy is available with online material.
Expert assessment of illegal collecting impacts on Venus flytraps and priorities for research on illegal trade
Authors: Margulies Jared D. , Trost Benjamin , Hamon Laura , Kerr Natalie Z. , Kunz Michael , Randall John L. , Shew Roger D. , Shew Dale M. , Starke Lesley , Suiter Dale , West Zachary
Published: September 2024

Illegal collecting of wild Venus flytraps (Dionaea muscipula) for the horticultural trade represents a persistent threat to populations of the species across their endemic range in the coastal plain of North and South Carolina (United States). Although wild collecting of Venus flytraps is not a novel threat, there has been very little research on the impacts of collecting on the species’ conservation to date or why an illegal trade persists alongside a legal one. We drew on qualitative expert stakeholder elicitation to contextualize the threat of illegal collecting to the long‐term conservation of Venus flytraps in relation to other anthropogenic threats. Expert elicitation included botanical and conservation researchers, cognizant state and federal agency staff, land managers, and conservation nonprofit actors. The workshop included mapping of supply chain structures and prioritization of social and environmental harms. Expert consensus determined illegal collecting is an ongoing problem for Venus flytrap conservation, but habitat destruction, degradation, and fire suppression are the most significant threats to flytrap conservation. Supply chain analysis showed that observable social and environmental harms of the trade are focused at the supply stage and that less is known about transit and demand stages. Key research gaps identified include a lack of understanding of plant laundering practices relevant to a range of desirable plant taxa; the role of commercial nurseries in illicit horticultural supply chains; motivations for engaging in Venus flytrap collecting; and the persistent demand for illegally harvested plants when cultivated, legally obtainable plants are readily available. Our findings and methodology are relevant to a range of ornamental plants affected by illegal trade for which robust social data on illegal collecting drivers are lacking.
Assessing the global prevalence of wild birds in trade
Authors: Donald Paul F. , Fernando Eresha , Brown Lauren , Busana Michela , Butchart Stuart H. M. , Chng Serene , de la Colina Alicia , Ferreira Juliana Machado , Jain Anuj , Jones Victoria R. , Lapido Rocio , Malsch Kelly , McDougall Amy , Muccio Colum , Nguyen Dao , Outhwaite Willow , Petrovan Silviu O. , Stafford Ciara , Sutherland William J. , Tallowin Oliver , Safford Roger
Published: September 2024

Trade represents a significant threat to many wild species and is often clandestine and poorly monitored. Information on which species are most prevalent in trade and potentially threatened by it therefore remains fragmentary. We used 7 global data sets on birds in trade to identify species or groups of species at particular risk and assessed the extent to which they were congruent in terms of the species recorded in trade. We used the frequency with which species were recorded in the data sets as the basis for a trade prevalence score that was applied to all bird species globally. Literature searches and questionnaire surveys were used to develop a list of species known to be heavily traded to validate the trade prevalence score. The score was modeled to identify significant predictors of trade. Although the data sets sampled different parts of the broad trade spectrum, congruence among them was statistically strong in all comparisons. Furthermore, the frequency with which species were recorded within data sets was positively correlated with their occurrence across data sets, indicating that the trade prevalence score captured information on trade volume. The trade prevalence score discriminated well between species identified from semi‐independent assessments as heavily or unsustainably traded and all other species. Globally, 45.1% of all bird species and 36.7% of globally threatened bird species had trade prevalence scores ≥1. Species listed in Appendices I or II of CITES, species with large geographical distributions, and nonpasserines tended to have high trade prevalence scores. Speciose orders with high mean trade prevalence scores included Falconiformes, Psittaciformes, Accipitriformes, Anseriformes, Bucerotiformes, and Strigiformes. Despite their low mean prevalence score, Passeriformes accounted for the highest overall number of traded species of any order but had low representation in CITES appendices. Geographical hotspots where large numbers of traded species co‐occur differed among passerines (Southeast Asia and Eurasia) and nonpasserines (central South America, sub‐Saharan Africa, and India). This first attempt to quantify and map the relative prevalence in trade of all bird species globally can be used to identify species and groups of species that may be at particular risk of harm from trade and can inform conservation and policy interventions to reduce its adverse impacts.
An assessment of potential interventions to reduce the totoaba illegal trade market
Authors: Oyanedel Rodrigo , Aceves‐Bueno Erendira , Davids Lucia , Cisneros‐Mata Miguel Ángel
Published: September 2024

The illegal trade in totoaba (Totoaba macdonaldi) is causing adverse social, ecological, and economic impacts. This illegal activity is accelerating the overexploitation of totoaba and pushing the critically endangered vaquita (Phocoena sinus) closer to extinction. Despite extensive efforts to recover vaquita populations, scant attention has been given to the totoaba trade as an independent issue. As a result, data on the totoaba trade are limited, which hampers robust analyses and development of effective interventions to reduce illegal harvesting. We used a previously developed framework specifically designed to examine dynamics of illegal markets and guide measures to mitigate illegal use of totoaba. This framework separates markets into 3 analytical levels: characterization of participating actors (e.g., fishers, intermediaries); examination of how actors interact within the market (e.g., organization of supply chains); and assessment of the overall market dynamics that result from these interactions (e.g., factors determining price and quantity). We reviewed existing literature (108 initial articles) and interviewed key market actors, academics, and nongovernmental organization experts (14) to obtain data for this framework. Our findings offer an overview of the totoaba illegal market operation, highlighting intervention points (e.g., customs agents) and areas where additional information is required to decrease information gaps (e.g., US local market). We describe the structure and complexity of this market, emphasizing the influential role of organized crime in shaping its dynamics (e.g., controlling prices paid to fishers and stockpiling). By providing a systematic and in‐depth understanding of the market operation, we aimed to establish a benchmark for effective interventions and future research aimed at reducing uncertainties. Our results provide a crucial step toward addressing this critical issue and can help facilitate development of effective strategies to combat the illegal totoaba trade and promote biodiversity conservation more broadly.
Standards, Instruction and Assessment of EFL Writing in Schools: Lessons From China's Basic Education
Authors: Bai Barry , Zhou Huixuan
Published: September 2024

This paper analyses the current situation of English as a foreign language (EFL) writing in basic education in mainland China with a focus on the English curriculum standards, instruction and assessment. The National English Curriculum Standards launched by China's Ministry of Education ratified a general framework for EFL writing instruction and assessment in schools while the municipal curriculum guides, such as the one of Shanghai, include more specific writing performance descriptors. Comparisons of EFL curricula with other countries and regions suggest diverse examples and updated resources be added to China's current curriculum standards to improve feasibility and modernity. Moreover, there are discrepancies between the Curriculum Standards and the implementation in the classroom. Sociocultural factors, such as teachers' beliefs, instructional materials and the exam culture, have led to the tension between new pedagogies advocated in the Curriculum Standards and conventional instructional practices. This study further explores the writing section in the large‐scale high‐stake exams, that is, Zhongkao and Gaokao, which have long exerted strong influence on teachers' instruction and assessment practices. Regularising professional training in writing instruction and improving teachers' assessment literacy are thus suggested. Local practitioners' attempts to integrate the process approach into traditional teaching methods and scholars' efforts to develop the writing scales for assessment are discussed to offer policy and pedagogical implications for other education contexts that are faced with similar challenges.
What Digital Competency Tells Us About E‐Learning Satisfaction of Pre‐Service Teachers
Authors: Boyraz Serkan , Rüzgar M. Emir
Published: September 2024

It is imperative that pre‐service teachers gain digital competency (DC) as a result of their education where e‐learning is a central component. In this study, we aimed to describe pre‐service teachers' perceived DC and e‐learning satisfaction (ELS) levels, to examine how their perceived DC and ELS change in terms of related variables and to investigate how perceived DC predicts ELS. To inform their policy decisions, teacher training institutions and more generally HEIs must have a clear understanding of this relationship as it will allow them to decide whether to invest in e‐learning platforms or in enhancing pre‐service teachers' perceptions of DC. Utilising a quantitative research understanding, we collected data from 402 students in various teaching programs at a Faculty of Education. Findings indicated that pre‐service teachers report a high level of perceived DC and moderate level of ELS while we ascertained a low level of predictive relationship between the two variables. We suggest that policymakers prioritise investing resources in improving DC of pre‐service teachers in order to have them higher levels of ELS to increase the quality of their education.
Neonatal limited bedding and nesting experience may lead to a sex‐dependent increase in panic‐like defensive behaviours in adult mice
Authors: Vilela‐Costa Heloisa Helena , Hernandes Paloma Molina , Nascimento‐Silva Jefferson Manoel , Frias Alana Tercino , Almada Rafael Carvalho , Lovick Thelma Anderson , Zangrossi Helio
Published: September 2024

In humans, adverse physical and/or psychological traumas in childhood may predispose to developing psychiatric disorders in adulthood, including panic disorder. To model early life adversity in mice, we subjected male and female C57BL/6 J mice to a limited bedding and nesting (LBN) protocol between postnatal days 2–9 and investigated its effect on responsiveness to panicogenic challenges in adulthood. Panic‐like escape behaviour was assessed during exposure to a high concentration of CO2 (20%) or in the beetle mania task (BMT), used to model respiratory and non‐respiratory‐related types of panic respectively. Neonatal exposure to LBN increased panic‐like jumping during the CO2 challenge in male but not female mice. In an initial pharmacological validation of the BMT as a panic‐inducing paradigm, undirected jumping and horizontal escape behaviours were reduced significantly by the panicolytic alprazolam (0.05 and 0.1mg.kg−1 i.p.) whilst tolerance to the close proximity of the aversive robo‐beetle increased. The anxiolytic diazepam (1 mg.kg−1 i.p.) reduced only the number of horizontal escape attempts. In both sexes, previous experience of LBN significantly enhanced the number of horizontal escape episodes, indicating a pro‐panic phenotype. Directed escape to access a safe ledge on the wall of the test arena, which was seen only in males, was also reduced significantly following LBN. These findings indicate that early life adversity produced by fragmented and unpredictable maternal care promotes a sex‐specific increase in susceptibility to panic‐like behaviour in adulthood. Whilst non‐respiratory‐related panic‐like behaviour was enhanced in both sexes, females were resilient to respiratory‐related challenges.
Reversible foot lameness induction in the horse
Authors: Beasley Brian , Dockery Allison , Moorman Valerie J.
Published: September 2024

Lameness in the horse is one of the most common reasons a horse is seen by a veterinarian. As the foot is frequently the source of lameness, research utilising reversible methods of foot lameness induction is vital to improving knowledge in this area. This literature review aims to describe published methods of reversible foot lameness induction, identify any limitations and summarise research findings where these methods have been utilised.
The prebiotic effects of fructooligosaccharides enhance the growth characteristics of Staphylococcus epidermidis and enhance the inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation
Authors: Shao Li , Li Tao , Yang Suzhen , Ma Laiji , Cai Banruo , Jia Qingwen , Jiang Hong , Bai Tianming , Li Yan
Published: September 2024

Objective

Oligosaccharides have been shown to enhance the production of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) by gut probiotics and regulate gut microbiota, to improve intestinal health. Recent research indicates that oligosaccharides may also positively impact skin microbiota by selectively promoting the growth of skin commensal bacteria and inhibiting pathogenic bacteria. However, the specific metabolic and regulatory mechanisms of skin commensal bacteria in response to oligosaccharides remain unclear. This study aims to explore the influence of four oligosaccharides on the growth and metabolism of Staphylococcus epidermidis and further identify skin prebiotics that can enhance its probiotic effects on the skin.

Methods

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS), isomaltooligosaccharide (IMO), galactooligosaccharides (GOS) and inulin were compared in terms of their impact on cell proliferation, SCFAs production of S. epidermidis CCSM0287 and the biofilm inhibition effect of their fermentation supernatants on Staphylococcus aureus CCSM0424. Furthermore, the effect of FOS on S. epidermidis CCSM0287 was analysed by the transcriptome analysis.

Results

All four oligosaccharides effectively promoted the growth of S. epidermidis CCSM0287 cells, increased the production of SCFAs, with FOS demonstrating the most significant effect. Analysis of the SCFAs indicated that S. epidermidis CCSM0287 predominantly employs oligosaccharides to produce acetic acid and isovaleric acid, differing from the SCFAs produced by gut microbiota. Among the four oligosaccharides, the addition of 2% FOS fermentation supernatant significantly inhibited S. aureus CCSM0424 biofilm formation. Furthermore, RNA sequencing revealed 162 differentially expressed genes (84 upregulated and 78 downregulated) of S. epidermidis CCSM0287 upon FOS treatment compared with glucose treatment. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis highlighted differences in the amino acid synthesis pathway, particularly in terms of arginine biosynthesis.

Conclusion

FOS promotes cell proliferation, increases the SCFA production of S. epidermidis CCSM0287 and enhance the inhibition of S. aureus biofilm formation, suggesting that FOS serves as a potential prebiotic for strain S. epidermidis CCSM0287.
Quality of fermented pumpkin beverages under different fermentation conditions by Lactobacillus plantarumFNCC 020
Authors: Hidayati Darimiyya , Sugesti Jati , Nugroho Bayu Setyo , Mojiono Mojiono
Published: September 2024

Development of health‐promoting natural products has received importance, and fermented pumpkin can be a viable option, mainly regarding its carotenoid contents. This study aimed to investigate the quality of fermented pumpkin beverages (FPB) under various fermentation conditions (control, T1 = 30 °C, 12 h; T2 = 30 °C, 18 h; T3 = 30 °C, 24 h; T4 = 40 °C, 12 h; T5 = 40 °C, 18 h; T6 = 40 °C, 24 h) by Lactobacillus plantarum. Cell count of lactic acid bacteria, pH, chemical quality (soluble solid, acidity, total sugar, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity), carotenoid contents, and colour attributes (h*, chroma, L*, and yellowing index) of FPB samples were studied. As a result, LAB fermentation significantly affected acidity and total sugar of FPB samples, while it did not change pH and soluble solids significantly. Besides, carotenoid contents and colour attributes of FPB were not different during fermentation, indicating that L. plantarum fermentation retained carotenoids and maintained physical appearances. Regarding sugars and organic acids, their quantity changed due to fermentation and lactic acids increased greatly up to three times higher than control after 24 h of fermentation at 30 °C. Moreover, fermentation by L. plantarum improved total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity, and these may recommend FPB as a potential functional product.
How labels shape visuocortical processing in infants
Authors: Boylan Maeve R. , Garner Bailey , Kutlu Ethan , Sanches Braga Figueira Jessica , Barry‐Anwar Ryan , Pestana Zoe , Keil Andreas , Scott Lisa S.
Published: September 2024

The current study examined the extent to which labels shape visuocortical processing during the first year of life during a brief (~6‐min) associative learning task. Images of computer‐generated artificial objects were paired with either individual‐level (e.g., Jimmy, Boris) or category‐level labels (e.g., Hitchel) while event‐related potentials were recorded in response to the onset of the visual stimulus in 6‐ (n = 41), 9‐ (n = 27), and 12‐month‐old (n = 28) infants. Analyses examined experience‐dependent visuocortical changes within and across trials, label conditions, and ages. Overall, results demonstrate that infants deploy greater visuocortical resources during the first half of associative learning trials and to stimuli paired with category‐level relative to individual‐level labels. Waveform morphologies also differed between stimuli paired with individual‐ and category‐level labels and across the age groups, with more complex deflections and amplitude differences between label type at 9‐ and 12‐month‐olds, but not 6‐month‐old infants. The present results highlight the importance of associative learning during infancy and suggest that category‐ versus individual‐level labels differentially direct infant attention and visuocortical processing.
Control of root rot of red raspberries caused by Phytophthora fragariae var. rubi
Authors: HEIBERG N.
Published: September 2024

The effects of raised beds, mulching, organic amendments and soil treatment with metalaxyl on raspberry root rot (Phytophthora fragariae var. rubi) were studied in a field experiment with two raspberry cultivars, Veten (highly susceptible) and Chilliwack, a less susceptible cultivar. Raised beds reduced the severity of root rot compared with flat beds. The best results for both cultivars were obtained with a combination of raised beds and metalaxyl treatment. As separate treatments, raised beds and metalaxyl had approximately the same effect. Mulching with grass or composted manure increased the severity of root rot.
Leveraging diverse cellular stress patterns for predicting clinical outcomes and therapeutic responses in patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Xu Jiaxuan , Dong Xiaoqing , Dong Jiahui , Peng Yue , Xing Mengying , Chen Lanxin , Zhao Quan , Chen Bing
Published: September 2024

Tumour microenvironment harbours diverse stress factors that affect the progression of multiple myeloma (MM), and the survival of MM cells heavily relies on crucial stress pathways. However, the impact of cellular stress on clinical prognosis of MM patients remains largely unknown. This study aimed to provide a cell stress‐related model for survival and treatment prediction in MM. We incorporated five cell stress patterns including heat, oxidative, hypoxic, genotoxic, and endoplasmic reticulum stresses, to develop a comprehensive cellular stress index (CSI). Then we systematically analysed the effects of CSI on survival outcomes, clinical characteristics, immune microenvironment, and treatment sensitivity in MM. Molecular subtypes were identified using consensus clustering analysis based on CSI gene profiles. Moreover, a prognostic nomogram incorporating CSI was constructed and validated to aid in personalised risk stratification. After screening from five stress models, a CSI signature containing nine genes was established by Cox regression analyses and validated in three independent datasets. High CSI was significantly correlated with cell division pathways and poor clinical prognosis. Two distinct MM subtypes were identified through unsupervised clustering, showing significant differences in prognostic outcomes. The nomogram that combined CSI with clinical features exhibited good predictive performances in both training and validation cohorts. Meanwhile, CSI was closely associated with immune cell infiltration level and immune checkpoint gene expression. Therapeutically, patients with high CSI were more sensitive to bortezomib and antimitotic agents, while their response to immunotherapy was less favourable. Furthermore, in vitro experiments using cell lines and clinical samples verified the expression and function of key genes from CSI. The CSI signature could be a clinically applicable indicator of disease evaluation, demonstrating potential in predicting prognosis and guiding therapy for patients with MM.
Gene and cell therapy of human genetic diseases: Recent advances and future directions
Authors: Cetin Busra , Erendor Fulya , Eksi Yunus E. , Sanlioglu Ahter D. , Sanlioglu Salih
Published: September 2024

Disruptions in normal development and the emergence of health conditions often result from the malfunction of vital genes in the human body. Decades of scientific research have focused on techniques to modify or substitute defective genes with healthy alternatives, marking a new era in disease treatment, prevention and cure. Recent strides in science and technology have reshaped our understanding of disorders, medication development and treatment recommendations, with human gene and cell therapy at the forefront of this transformative shift. Its primary objective is the modification of genes or adjustment of cell behaviour for therapeutic purposes. In this review, we focus on the latest advances in gene and cell therapy for treating human genetic diseases, with a particular emphasis on FDA and EMA‐approved therapies and the evolving landscape of genome editing. We examine the current state of innovative gene editing technologies, particularly the CRISPR‐Cas systems. As we explore the progress, ethical considerations and prospects of these innovations, we gain insight into their potential to revolutionize the treatment of genetic diseases, along with a discussion of the challenges associated with their regulatory pathways. This review traces the origins and evolution of these therapies, from conceptual ideas to practical clinical applications, marking a significant milestone in the field of medical science.
Linoleyl acetate and mandenol alleviate HUA‐induced ED via NLRP3 inflammasome and JAK2/STAT3 signalling conduction in rats
Authors: Ge Pingyu , Xie Hong , Guo Yinxue , Jin Hang , Chen Lan , Chen Zhichao , Liu Yan
Published: September 2024

Hyperuricemia (HUA) is characterized by elevated blood uric acid levels, which can increase the risk of erectile dysfunction (ED). Clinical studies have demonstrated satisfactory efficacy of a traditional Chinese medicine formula QYHT decoction in improving ED. Furthermore, the main monomeric components of this formula, linoleyl acetate and mandenol, demonstrate promise in the treatment of ED. This study established an ED rat model induced by HUA and the animals were administered with linoleyl acetate and mandenol. HE and TUNEL were performed to detect tissue changes, ELISA to measure the levels of serum testosterone (T), MDA, NO, CRP, and TNF‐α and qPCR and WB to assess the expression levels of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase‐1, JAK2, and STAT3 in whole blood. The findings showed that linoleyl acetate and mandenol improved kidney tissue morphology, reduced cell apoptosis in penile tissue, significantly increased T and NO levels, while substantially decreasing levels of MDA, CRP, and TNF‐α. Meanwhile, the expression of NLRP3, ASC, and Caspase‐1 mRNAs and proteins was markedly reduced, and the phosphorylation of JAK2 and STAT3 was inhibited. These findings were further validated through faecal microbiota transplantation results. Taken together, linoleyl acetate and mandenol could inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation, reduce inflammatory and oxidative stress responses, suppress the activity of JAK–STAT signalling pathway, ultimately providing a potential treatment for HUA‐induced ED.
Machine learning methods to discover hidden patterns in well‐being and resilience for healthy aging
Authors: Austin Robin R. , Jantraporn Ratchada , Michalowski Martin , Marquard Jenna
Published: September 2024

Background

A whole person approach to healthy aging can provide insight into social factors that may be critical. Digital technologies, such as mobile health (mHealth) applications, hold promise to provide novel insights for healthy aging and the ability to collect data between clinical care visits. Machine learning/artificial intelligence methods have the potential to uncover insights into healthy aging. Nurses and nurse informaticians have a unique lens to shape the future use of this technology.

Methods

The purpose of this research was to apply machine learning methods to MyStrengths+MyHealth de‐identified data (N = 988) for adults 45 years of age and older. An exploratory data analysis process guided this work.

Results

Overall (n = 988), the average Strength was 66.1% (SD = 5.1), average Challenges 66.5% (SD = 7.5), and average Needs 60.06% (SD = 3.1). There was a significant difference between Strengths and Needs (p < 0.001), between Challenges and Needs (p < 0.001), and no significant differences between average Strengths and Challenges. Four concept groups were identified from the data (Thinking, Moving, Emotions, and Sleeping). The Thinking group had the most statistically significant challenges (11) associated with having at least one Thinking Challenge and the highest average Strengths (66.5%) and Needs (83.6%) compared to the other groups.

Conclusion

This retrospective analysis applied machine learning methods to de‐identified whole person health resilience data from the MSMH application. Adults 45 and older had many Strengths despite numerous Challenges and Needs. The Thinking group had the highest Strengths, Challenges, and Needs, which aligns with the literature and highlights the co‐occurring health challenges experienced by this group. Machine learning methods applied to consumer health data identify unique insights applicable to specific conditions (e.g., cognitive) and healthy aging. The next steps involve testing personalized interventions with nurses leading artificial intelligence integration into clinical care.
Dermatological Health in the Light of Skin Microbiome Evolution
Authors: Haykal Diala , Cartier Hugues , Dréno Brigitte
Published: September 2024

Background

The complex ecosystem of the skin microbiome is essential for skin health by acting as a primary defense against infections, regulating immune responses, and maintaining barrier integrity. This literature review aims to consolidate existing information on the skin microbiome, focusing on its composition, functionality, importance, and its impact on skin aging.

Methods

An exhaustive exploration of scholarly literature was performed utilizing electronic databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate, focusing on studies published between 2011 and 2024. Keywords included “skin microbiome,” “skin microbiota,” and “aging skin.” Studies involving human subjects that focused on the skin microbiome's relationship with skin health were included. Out of 100 initially identified studies, 70 met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed.

Results

Studies showed that aging is associated with a reduction in the variety of microorganisms of the skin microbiome, leading to an increased susceptibility to skin conditions. Consequently, this underlines the interest in bacteriotherapy, mainly topical probiotics, to reinforce the skin microbiome in older adults, suggesting improvements in skin health and a reduction in age‐related skin conditions. Further exploration is needed into the microbiome's role in skin health and the development of innovative, microbe‐based skincare products. Biotherapeutic approaches, including the use of phages, endolysins, probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, and microbiome transplantation, can restore balance and enhance skin health. This article also addresses regulatory standards in the EU and the USA that ensure the safety and effectiveness of microbial skincare products.

Conclusion

This review underscores the need to advance research on the skin microbiome's role in cosmetic enhancements and tailored skincare solutions, highlighting a great interest in leveraging microbial communities for dermatological benefits.
Disentangling the directionality among cultural stressors and psychosocial outcomes in recently immigrated Hispanic families: A random intercept cross‐lagged panel model approach
Authors: Ertanir Beyhan , Meca Alan , Cobb Cory , Zeledon Ingrid , Unger Jennifer B. , Lorenzo‐Blanco Elma , Montero‐Zamora Pablo , Zamboanga Byron L. , Baezconde‐Garbanati Lourdes , Soto Daniel W. , Aksoy Dilan , Kassis Wassilis , Duque Maria , Alpysbekova Aigerim , Schwartz Seth J.
Published: September 2024

Research shows the impact of cultural stressors (e.g. perceived discrimination, bicultural stressors, negative context of reception) on adolescents' psychosocial outcomes. Given the presence of multiple cultural stressors in many Hispanic adolescents' lives, it is essential to examine the (a) developmental sequencing of cultural stressors among recent immigrant youth and (b) predictive effects of cultural stressors on adolescents' psychosocial outcomes. We employed a random intercept cross‐lagged panel model to examine the longitudinal interplay among cultural stressors and their effects on youth outcomes using longitudinal data with six waves among 302 recently immigrated Hispanic adolescents (47% girls, Mage = 14.51, SD = .88). We observed bidirectional within‐person relations and between‐person associations among cultural stressors. At the within‐person level, bidirectional cross‐lagged effects emerged between perceived discrimination and bicultural stress, between perceived discrimination and negative context of reception, and between negative context of reception and bicultural stress. At the between‐person level, bidirectional cross‐lagged effects emerged only between perceived discrimination and bicultural stressors. Our findings indicate that cultural stressors explain heterogeneity in psychosocial outcomes: self‐esteem was inversely predicted by all cultural stressors, whereas depressive symptoms were predicted only by perceived discrimination. In addition, optimism was predicted only by bicultural stressors, and externalizing behavior was predicted by both bicultural stressors and perceived discrimination. These results suggest that the longitudinal relationships among cultural stressors are (partly) bidirectional. Additionally, cultural stressors demonstrated differential predictive effects on psychosocial outcomes, indicating the added value of considering multiple cultural stressors and their longitudinal effects on adolescents' psychosocial outcomes.
Periodontitis prevalence and acceleration of biological aging: Insights from NHANES 2009–2014 and Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Song Lin , Wang Yifan , Zheng Qiwen , Li Wenjing
Published: September 2024

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the association of periodontitis with biological aging and to assess potential causality using Mendelian randomization (MR).

Methods

A cross‐sectional study with 9558 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2009–2014) was conducted. Age acceleration (BioAgeAccel and PhenoAgeAccel) was calculated from clinical biomarkers and their discrepancies with chronological age. Two‐sample MR analysis was performed using data from a large‐scale genome‐wide association study and UK Biobank.

Results

Periodontitis was associated with increased biological aging, with 0.57‐year (95% CI: 0.28–0.86, p < .001) increases in BioAgeAccel and 0.41‐year (95% CI: 0.04–0.78, p = .034) increases in PhenoAgeAccel. Subgroup analysis found significantly stronger associations in males for BioAgeAccele (PINTERACTION = .006), and pronounced associations in young adults (pinteraction = .023), individuals with normal body mass index (pinteraction = .015), and current smokers (pinteraction = .016) for PehonAgeAccel. MR analysis did not provide strong evidence for a causal effect of periodontitis on biological aging (BioAgeAccel: IVW β = 0.008, 95% CI: −0.018 to 0.034, p = .553 and PhenoAgeAccel: IVW β = 0.016, 95% CI: −0.042 to 0.074, p = .585).

Conclusion

This study identified the association of periodontitis and its severity with accelerated aging, suggesting periodontal health could be a possible method in personalized preventive and therapeutic strategies of biological aging.
Exploring the impact of oil revenue on Nigeria's economic growth: A non‐linear autoregressive distributed lag model
Authors: Popoola Olufunke Mercy , Mutai Noah Cheruiyot , Dervishaj Valdrin , Nguyen Cuong Manh , Kumari Sushma , Bhatia Gunjan
Published: September 2024

The influence of oil proceeds on an economy remains a subject of debate among scholars. Most scholars agree that income from oil has direct effect on economic expansion. We explore the impact of revenue from oil on economic growth in Nigeria from 1986 to 2016. Data were collected from the Nigerian Central Bank and the World Data Indicators. We employed a non‐linear autoregressive distributive lag approach to analyse the data. The outcome exposes a direct and significant association between revenue from oil and GDP both in the short and long term. Trade openness exhibits a significant negative effect on GDP from both short‐ and long‐term perspectives. Gross capital formation directly influences GDP in the short and long run, with significant impacts primarily in the long term. The study suggests that revenue from oil has a direct and significant impact on the Nigerian economy during the period from 1981 to 2016. We recommend that the Nigerian government create a conducive environment for private investment to thrive, thereby sustaining the nation's growth potential. Additionally, the government should wisely utilise revenue from oil to revitalise non‐booming productive sectors in the economy, thus diversifying revenue sources.
MYB Transcription Factor CDC5 Activates CBF3 Expression to Positively Regulate Freezing Tolerance via Cooperating With ICE1 and Histone Modification in Arabidopsis
Authors: Xin Xin , Wang Shu , Pan Yunjiao , Ye Linhan , Zhai Tingting , Gu Mengjie , Wang Yanjiao , Zhang Jiedao , Li Xiang , Yang Wei , Zhang Shuxin
Published: September 2024

The freezing temperature greatly limits the growth, development and productivity of plants. The C‐repeat/DRE binding factor (CBF) plays a major role in cold acclimation, enabling plants to increase their freezing tolerance. Notably, the INDUCER OF CBF EXPRESSION1 (ICE1) protein has garnered attention for its pivotal role in bolstering plants' resilience against freezing through transcriptional upregulation of DREB1A/CBF3. However, the research on the interaction between ICE1 and other transcription factors and its function in regulating cold stress tolerance is largely inadequate. In this study, we found that a R2R3 MYB transcription factor CDC5 interacts with ICE1 and regulates the expression of CBF3 by recruiting RNA polymerase II, overexpression of ICE1 can complements the freezing deficient phenotype of cdc5 mutant. CDC5 increases the expression of CBF3 in response to freezing. Furthermore, CDC5 influences the expression of CBF3 by altering the chromatin status through H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 modifications. Our work identified a novel component that regulates CBF3 transcription in both ICE1‐dependent and ICE1‐independent manner, improving the understanding of the freezing signal transduction in plants.
Facial Sebaceous Hyperplasia in an Adolescent With Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia
Authors: Pinto‐Pulido Elena Lucía , Noguera‐Morel Lucero , Colmenero Isabel , Torrelo Antonio , Hernández‐Martín Ángela
Published: September 2024

We report on a 13‐year‐old boy diagnosed with hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED) due to a pathogenic variant in ectodysplasin A (EDA). He exhibited multiple whitish, millimetric papules clustered on the nasal ala, forehead, temporal, and zygomatic arch areas. Histological examination revealed numerous hyperplastic sebaceous lobules within the upper dermis. The occurrence of sebaceous papules in this distribution among HED patients has rarely been reported. An association with the blockage of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway due to EDA malfunction has been speculated.
Species‐specific functional trait responses in two species coexisting along a shore‐to‐inland dune gradient
Authors: Bermúdez R. , Sánchez Vilas J. , Retuerto R.
Published: September 2024

Coastal dunes are characterised by strong gradients of abiotic stress, typically increasing in severity from inland areas towards the shoreline. Thus, dune gradients represent unique opportunities to study intraspecific responses to environmental changes and to investigate which factors drive community change. This study aims to examine functional trait variation in two coexisting species in response to environmental changes along a dune gradient in NW Spain. Trait convergence was also investigated and compared between both ends of the gradient.

We measured functional leaf traits related to plant efficiency in the use of light, water and nutrients, also possible stressors (salt content and pH) and availability of limiting resources (water and nutrients) in the soil.

Most soil variables showed changes following a non‐directional gradient. Differences in soil variables were site specific and depended on growth of the study species. Structural and functional traits depended on species and/or plant position on the gradient, except for effective quantum yield of PSII and leaf δ15N. The pattern of variation was mostly directional for reflectance indices related to leaf physiology. Multivariate analyses showed significant interspecific differences in the set of traits they exhibited along positions in the gradient. Species also differed in the combination of traits selected under given environmental conditions.

Coexisting species display a specific set of traits that reflects different strategies to environmental stress. Our study highlights the overly simplistic nature of some previous studies that assume dune gradients are monotonically directional, without considering that these gradients may be differentially modified by species activity.