bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Missed Opportunity? Exploring Changes in Influenza Vaccination Coverage During the COVID‐19 Pandemic: Data From 12 Countries Worldwide
Authors: Del Riccio Marco , Guida Andrea , Boudewijns Bronke , Heemskerk Susanne , van Summeren Jojanneke , Schneeberger Caroline , Stelma Foekje , van der Velden Koos , Timen Aura , Caini Saverio
Published: January 2025

Background

Vaccination is a key measure in influenza control, yet global coverage rates remain low, although previous research reported an increase in influenza vaccination coverage rates (VCR) after the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic. This study aims to assess whether these changes were sustained over time by analyzing VCR trends from 2012 to 2023 in the countries included in the FluCov project.

Methods

Data on influenza VCR from 2012 to 2023 for different age and risk groups were extracted from national health organizations and international sources for countries included in the FluCov project. For coverage rates in the older adults, segmented regression models were used to test if 2020 marked a significant change in VCR trends. Moreover, polynomial regression models were fitted for each country with VCR in the period 2012 to 2020 to predict coverage rates for 2021 to 2023 and to compare these to the actual coverage rates for 2021 to 2023.

Results

For the elderly, we retrieved influenza VCR data for 12 countries. In 2020, VCR among elderly increased in 10 countries, but the increase was statistically significant in Spain and England only. Moreover, all countries except Spain reverted to levels within the confidence intervals of trends modeled using pre‐2020 data.

Conclusions

Although influenza VCR increased in 2020, these changes were statistically significant in only two out of 12 countries, and no consistent, sustained increase was observed afterward, except in Spain. The findings suggest the need for continuous monitoring of VCR and the implementation of strategies to promote and maintain high vaccination coverage rates.
Orderly Regulation of Macrophages and Fibroblasts by Axl in Bleomycin‐Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in Mice
Authors: Zhao Xinyu , Li Yupeng , Yang Shengnan , Chen Yicong , Wu Kaiwei , Geng Jing , Liu Peipei , Wang Zai , Dai Huaping , Wang Chen
Published: January 2025

Pulmonary fibrosis is a pathological manifestation that occurs upon lung injury and subsequence aberrant repair with poor prognosis. However, current treatment is limited and does not distinguish different disease stages. Here, we aimed to study the differential functions of Axl, a receptor tyrosine kinase expressing on both macrophages and fibroblasts, in the whole course of pulmonary fibrosis. We used mice with Axl total knockout, conditionally knockout in macrophages or fibroblasts, or treating with Axl inhibitors in inflammation or fibrosis stages to examine the effect of temporary dysfunction of Axl on bleomycin (BLM)‐induced pulmonary fibrosis. Primary bone marrow–derived monocytes and primary fibroblasts from mice were used for cell‐type–specific studies. Lung tissue and plasma samples were collected from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients and healthy controls to assess the Axl levels. We found that Axl inhibited the M1 polarisation of macrophages; inhibition of Axl during acute phase exacerbated inflammatory response and subsequent pulmonary fibrosis. On the other hand, Axl promoted the proliferation and invasion of the fibroblasts, partially by accelerating the focal adhesion turnover; inhibiting Axl during the fibrotic phase significantly alleviated pulmonary fibrosis. Consistently, phosphorylated Axl levels increased in fibrotic foci in the lung sample of IPF patients. In contrast, the soluble Axl (sAxl) level decreased in their plasma as compared to healthy controls. These results indicate that Axl may sequentially and differentially regulate macrophages and fibroblasts in acute and fibrosis phases, implying the necessity of a stage‐specific treatment for pulmonary fibrosis. In addition, the activated Axl on fibroblasts may be reflected by the lowered plasma sAxl level, which may act as a biomarker for IPF.

Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03730337
Inhibition of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Progression Through the CXCL12/CXCR4 Axis via MiR206‐3p Sponge
Authors: Xuan Xuezhen , Li Yaling , Cao Genmao , Hu Jie , Yan Sheng , Jin Haijiang , Qiao Maolin , Zhang Ruijing , Dong Honglin
Published: January 2025

Notably, the C‐X‐C Motif Chemokine Ligand 12/C‐X‐C Chemokine Receptor Type 4 (CXCL12/CXCR4) signalling pathway's activation is markedly increased in a mouse model of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). Nonetheless, the precise contribution of this pathway to AAA development remains to be elucidated. The AAA mouse model was induced by local incubation with elastase and oral administration of β‐aminopropionitrile. The activity level of the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis was evaluated in both human AAA patients and the mouse model. Smooth muscle cell lineage tracing determined the expression and localisation of CXCR4 in normal aorta and AAA tissue. By transfecting the MiR206‐3p sponge to reduce the level of MiR206‐3p in AAA, the effects of the CXCL12/CXCR4 pathway on AAA progression as well as the apoptosis and phenotypic transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were studied in vivo and in vitro. Single‐cell RNA sequencing analysis, serum ELISA, and in vivo experiments indicate a pronounced activation of the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis in both AAA patients and the mouse model. Specific blocking of the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis significantly inhibited further expansion and rupture of the abdominal aorta and reduced the infiltration of inflammatory cells in the aorta and inhibited the phenotypic transformation of contractile VSMCs into a macrophage‐like state. Our findings propose that MiR206‐3p sponge represents an innovative therapeutic strategy to attenuate AAA progression and rupture risk, primarily through the suppression of the CXCL12/CXCR4 signalling pathway.
Trends in cutaneous melanoma mortality and incidence in European Union 15+ countries between 1990 and 2019
Authors: Wang Xingyue M. , Borsky Kim , Proctor Dominic W. , Goodall Richard , Marshall Dominic C. , Dobell William , Salciccioli Justin D. , Matin Rubeta N. , Shalhoub Joseph , El‐Muttardi Naguib
Published: January 2025

Background

Cutaneous melanoma (CM) is the leading cause of skin cancer mortality with associated high healthcare costs. Up‐to‐date reporting of epidemiological trends for CM is required to project future trends, assess the burden of disease and aid evaluation of new diagnostic, therapeutic and preventative strategies.

Objectives

To describe the trends in CM mortality, incidence, mortality‐to‐incidence indices (MIIs) and disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs) over the last three decades.

Methods

A population‐based cross‐sectional study of the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) database between 1990 and 2019 was performed. Nineteen high‐income countries with similar health expenditure and classified as having high‐quality mortality data including the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia and selected European Union countries were included. Annual age‐standardized incidence rates (ASIRs), age‐standardized death rates (ASDRs) and DALYs for each country were extracted. Mortality‐to‐incidence indexes were calculated by dividing the ASDR by the ASIR. Trends were described using Joinpoint regression analysis.

Results

Almost all countries demonstrated increasing ASDR in males over the observation period with greatest percentage increase in Greece (+87%), and there was greater heterogeneity between countries in females. CM mortality was greater for males than females in all countries. Most recent Joinpoint analysis shows significantly decreasing mortality in all countries except the United Kingdom (+0.5% males between 2007 and 2019, +0.1% females between 2002 and 2019). Incidence rates increased in all countries, with evidence of plateau from 2015 onwards. While MIIs cannot be used as a proxy for survival, statistically significant decreases in MII were observed in all countries. Overall, DALYs remained static.

Conclusions

Over the past 30 years, CM mortality and incidence has increased in most EU15+ countries. There is evidence that in recent years, CM mortality is decreasing. The burden of disease as assessed using DALYs has remained mostly unchanged. Future work should not solely focus on expensive innovative therapies, but also on optimizing primary prevention.
Antimicrobial Drug Use and Changing Trends From 2021 to 2023—A Case Study of a General Hospital in Sichuan Province
Authors: Shu Lan , Luo Zhen‐de , He Ming‐chao , Wang Shan
Published: January 2025

Background

Antibiotic resistance (AR) is a growing concern as a result of the widespread and excessive use of antibiotics. Because of this, China's health authorities have implemented a number of antibiotic control measures, including a requirement that the intensity of antibiotic usage stay within 40.00 DDDs. This study, which used a tertiary general hospital in Sichuan Province as an example, examined the hospital's trend in antibiotic use from 2021 to 2023, the relationship between antibiotic use and hospitalization days and CMI, and the viability of 40.000 DDDs in light of the evolving medical landscape.

Methods

Data were obtained through the hospital information system (HIS) and the hospital DRG system. Boston matrix diagrams were used to find the departments that needed to be focused on control, Cochran‐Armitage trend test, and ANOVA to analyze the trends of AUR and antimicrobial use density (AUD) in the hospital over time in the last 3 years and to analyze the factors affecting the changes in antibiotic consumption.

Results

Over the previous 3 years, the hospital's antibiotic use rate varied between 40% and 50%, and its intensity of use varied between 40.000 and 50.000 DDDs, both of which were rather steady. January 2023 had a significant rise, with an AUD of 59.38 DDDs and an AUR of 61.80%. The second quadrant has eight departments. Each department's AUD varied dramatically; neurosurgery saw an increase annually (p < 0.05), abdominal wall surgery and gastrointestinal hernia procedures, obstetrics and gynaecologist, and ophthalmology saw a drop annually (p < 0.05). The average number of preoperative hospitalization days (r = 0.1402, p < 0.01) and the CMI (r = 0.4864, p < 0.001) were strongly connected with the AUD of surgical and nonsurgical departments, respectively.

Conclusions

Hospitals should concentrate on the issue of surgical departments' lengthy preoperative prophylactic medication times. AUD management should also be dynamically modified based on CMI, particularly in departments in the second quadrant (low CMI and high AUD). Furthermore, it is challenging to maintain the hospital AUD target value of 40.00 DDDs under the new medical model, given the decline in hospitalization days of discharged patients and the high prevalence of infectious diseases. It is also unclear whether this target value is still appropriate given the current state of medicine.
Do the biological characteristics of trout (Salmo trutta) smolts influence their spring migration timing and maiden marine sojourn duration?
Authors: Gillson Jonathan P. , Blackwell Robert E. , Gregory Stephen D. , Marsh Jessica E. , Bašić Tea , Elliott Sophie A. M. , King R. Andrew , Maxwell David L. , Riley William D. , Stevens Jamie R. , Walker Alan M. , Lauridsen Rasmus B.
Published: January 2025

Anadromous salmonids migrate seaward to exploit feeding and growth opportunities in marine habitats, yet how smolt biological characteristics influence their marine migratory behavior remains poorly understood. This study used 9 years of trout (Salmo trutta) population monitoring data from 15,595 tagged age‐0+ parr, 1033 smolts detected migrating downstream in spring, and 99 adults detected returning from their first marine migration to the River Frome (Dorset, UK) to investigate the influence of smolt biological characteristics on their migration timing and maiden marine sojourn duration. Age‐specific differences in the influence of smolt length on migration timing were found, with longer 1‐year‐old smolts emigrating later than their shorter counterparts within the same age class, but the opposite association existed for 2‐year‐old smolts. A bespoke integrated statistical model quantified the effects of smolt emigration day of year, age, sex, and length on the probability of first‐time migrants returning to the river after one or more sea winters. Younger, later migrating smolts had a longer marine sojourn duration than their older, earlier migrating counterparts, and females remained at sea for longer periods than males. Although the statistical model was designed to maximize the use of information available in the data, it revealed only weak effects of smolt biological characteristics on the maiden marine sojourn duration. A complementary simulation study suggested that detecting more spring migrating smolts and analyzing longer time series of trout population monitoring data would increase the ability to detect statistically significant effects. Therefore, a strategic review of the trout population monitoring program, including more long‐term biological data collection, is recommended. The modelling work presented here can provide guidance on the size of the required dataset and how to maximize the power of imperfect data.
The effect of environmental factors on transepithelial potential in a model Amazonian teleost, the tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum): Implications for sodium balance in harsh environments
Authors: Wood Chris M. , Crémazy Anne , Morris Carolyn , Johannsson Ora E. , De Boeck Gudrun , Val Adalberto Luis
Published: January 2025

The tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum, G. Cuvier 1818) thrives both in the ion‐poor waters of the Amazon and in commercial aquaculture. In both, environmental conditions can be harsh due to low ion levels, occasional high salt challenges (in aquaculture), low pH, extreme PO2 levels (hypoxia and hyperoxia), high PCO2 levels (hypercapnia), high ammonia levels (in aquaculture), and high and low temperatures. Ion transport across the gill is affected by active transport processes, passive diffusive permeability, ion concentrations (the chemical gradient), and transepithelial potential (TEP, the electrical gradient). The latter is a very important indicator of ionoregulatory status but is rarely measured. Using normoxic, normocapnic, ion‐poor, low–dissolved organic carbon (DOC) well water (27°C, pH 7.0) as the acclimation and reference condition, we first confirmed that the strongly negative TEP (−22.3 mV inside relative to the external water) is a simple diffusion potential. We then evaluated the effects on TEP of more complex waters from the Rio Negro (strong hyperpolarization) and Rio Solimões (no significant change). Additionally, we have quantified significant effects of acute, realistic changes in environmental conditions—low pH (depolarization), hypercapnia (depolarization), hypoxia (depolarization), hyperoxia (hyperpolarization), elevated NaCl concentrations (depolarization), and elevated NH4Cl concentrations (depolarization). The TEP responses help explain many of the changes in net Na+ flux rates reported in the literature. We have also shown marked effects of temperature on TEP and unidirectional Na+ flux rates (hyperpolarization and decreased fluxes at 21°C, depolarization and increased fluxes at 33°C) with no changes in net Na+ flux rates. Calculations based on the Nernst equation demonstrate the importance of the TEP changes in maintaining net Na+ balance.
Effects of Different Bowel Preparation Regimens and Age Factors on the Gut Microbiota: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Zhou Yuhang , Ji Huihui , Zhang Shuang , Zhang Xiangrong , Zhang Junhai , Wang Yujing , Wang Huifen , Zhang Yanli , Du Shiyu
Published: January 2025

Background

Opinions about the impact of bowel preparation on the gut microbiota are divided. This study investigated the effects of different regimens on the gut microbiota post‐bowel preparation and the differences in responses across different age groups.

Methods

This single‐center, prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial included 194 patients. Patients were categorized into two groups: one group receiving polyethylene glycol (n = 108) and one receiving sodium picosulfate (n = 86) for bowel preparation. Fecal samples were collected at baseline and on days 7 and 14 post‐bowel preparation. The microbiota's diversity and composition were analyzed using 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing, followed by comparative analyses.

Results

The gut microbiota's abundance and diversity in patients significantly decreased post‐bowel preparation, which did not recover to the level of pre‐bowel preparation on Day 14. When comparing different regimens, the polyethylene glycol and sodium picosulfate groups recovered faster in richness and diversity, respectively. Patients aged < 65 years had higher richness and diversity of the gut microbiota, whereas the microbiota structure in those aged ≥ 65 years returned to the baseline state faster. The structure of beta diversity is significantly altered and did not return in the short term. However, in the elderly population aged ≥ 65 years, it can rebound quickly. This study also identified a number of significantly altered bacterial genera.

Conclusions

Following the use of different bowel preparation regimens, the gut microbiota recovers in diverse ways, with older people over 65 experiencing a faster recovery of the microbial structure.
The transition process of perceptions of hygiene care practices among nurses in acute‐care wards: A grounded theory study
Authors: Nishiya Kotone , Takashima Risa , Yano Rika
Published: January 2025

Aim

To explore how perceptions of hygiene care practices among nurses in acute‐care wards change over their clinical experience.

Methods

Based on symbolic interactionism, we employed a grounded theory methodology to explore interrelationships of meaning arising from actors' perceptions and interactions. Thirty‐three nurses working in acute‐care wards for >3 years were selected by purposive snowball and theoretical sampling; semi‐structured individual interviews were conducted from October 2023 to February 2024. Data were analyzed for 32 participants who provided consent.

Results

The core category was “adjusting care channels”; seven other categories also emerged. Care channels refer to options for hygiene care practices. When nurses are first assigned to a ward, they regard hygiene care as the “bare task under organization rules.” However, through repeated processes of “emerging caring with patient resonance” and “internalizing the meaning of care,” they can “form care channels.” Subsequently, nurses become practitioners who can transform practices of hygiene care into “care to be restricted” or “wealth of ‘life behind the curtain’” by “adjusting care channels” according to the patient and ward organization situation. In contrast, if nurses fail to internalize the meaning of care, they end up performing “pro forma activities.”

Conclusions

Our findings highlight the importance of nurses to improve their ability to “adjust care channels,” which would allow them to provide hygiene care in a manner appropriate to the patient and organizational context. These results contribute to the development of educational strategies that foster nurses' values of hygiene care and support strategies by nursing managers.
Predictive value of abnormal expression of MPHOSPH9 in reintervention after high intensity focused ultrasound treatment of uterine fibroids
Authors: Wang Jing , Xie Yingjie , Zeng Chaoqiang , Nie Lin , Yang Yang
Published: January 2025

Aims

Aberrantly expressed MPHOSPH9 has been reported to be associated with poor prognosis in many diseases. Previous study indicates that MPHOSPH9 is abnormally expressed in patients with uterine fibroids (UFs). This study focused on the possible prognostic value of MPHOSPH9 in UFs patients after high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment.

Methods

A total of 455 UFs patients participated in the study, including 95 patients who needed reintervention (Reintervention group) and 360 patients who did not need reintervention (Non‐reintervention group) after HIFU treatment. They volunteered blood samples before HIFU treatment. The relative expression of MPHOSPH9 was assessed by qRT‐PCR. Cox regression analysis was performed to assess the prognostic value of MPHOSPH9 and risk factors of postoperative reintervention.

Results

The expression of MPHOSPH9 was markedly elevated in Reintervention, compared to that of the Non‐reintervention group (p < 0.001). Five‐year follow‐up results showed that among these postoperative patients, 95 patients required reintervention and the reintervention time mainly occurred during 10–40 months after surgery. The Cox regression analysis demonstrated that UFs size (hazard ratio = 2.769, 95% confidence interval: 1.366–5.610) and the high MPHOSPH9 expression level (hazard ratio = 3.160, 95% confidence interval: 1.506–6.630) were independent risk factors for postoperative reintervention.

Conclusions

The enhanced MPHOSPH9 was a potential candidate for predicting postoperative reintervention in UFs patients.
Utility of manual vacuum aspiration followed by curettage in the treating hydatidiform mole: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Aoki Ui , Yoshida Kosuke , Yasui Yuko , Nishiko Yuki , Yokoi Akira , Yoshikawa Nobuhisa , Nishino Kimihiro , Yamamoto Eiko , Niimi Kaoru , Kajiyama Hiroaki
Published: January 2025

Aim

While manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) is commonly employed for early first‐trimester abortions, its effectiveness in treating hydatidiform mole is still unclear. This study sought to evaluate the efficacy and safety of MVA in comparison to dilation and curettage (D&C) for managing hydatidiform mole.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of medical records for 198 patients with hydatidiform mole treated at Nagoya University Hospital between 2004 and 2023. After excluding cases with incomplete data, we compared 106 patients who underwent D&C with 60 patients treated with MVA followed by curettage. We evaluated the surgical duration, intraoperative blood loss, and the occurrence of post‐molar gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) in both groups.

Results

The surgical duration and blood loss were similar between the MVA and D&C groups. The average surgical time was 13.2 min for D&C and 11.8 min for MVA (p = 0.145). Most cases in both groups experienced blood loss of less than 10 mL, with no significant difference (p = 0.066). Over a median follow‐up period of 33.4 months, 25 cases developed post‐molar GTN. All GTN cases originated from complete hydatidiform mole (25 of 132 cases, 18.9%), and none were from partial hydatidiform mole. Kaplan–Meier analysis, focusing only on patients with complete hydatidiform mole, indicated no significant difference in the time to onset of GTN between the D&C and MVA groups (p = 0.632).

Conclusions

MVA followed by curettage is a viable approach for treating molar pregnancy.
Management of alar webbing using a CAD‐CAM splint: A case report
Authors: Boulet Reid , Canallatos Jessica , Best David , Perry Robert J
Published: January 2025

Alar webbing is a functional and aesthetic defect of the nasal structure noted in cleft lip and palate patients (CLP), which is thought to be due to a deficiency in nasal lining tissue. Surgical procedures have previously focused on the removal of lining or alar cartilage leading to worse post‐operative defects. This case demonstrates a novel technique of releasing the tissue, followed by using a CAD‐CAM splint to help mold the tissue during the healing process to better control esthetics, symmetry, and prevent relapse. The release of scarred tissue using a custom CAD‐CAM stent is a promising technique that allows for symmetric healing and an overall aesthetic surgical result for patients.
Plio‐Pleistocene Environmental Changes Drove the Settlement of Aotearoa New Zealand by Australian Open‐Habitat Bird Lineages
Authors: Lubbe Pascale , Rawlence Nicolas J. , Dussex Nicolas , Kardialsky Olga , Knapp Michael
Published: January 2025

In a changing environment, vacant niches can be filled either by adaptation of local taxa or range‐expanding invading species. The relative tempo of these patterns is of key interest in the modern age of climate change. Aotearoa New Zealand has been a hotspot of biogeographic research for decades due to its long‐term isolation and dramatic geological history. An island with high levels of faunal endemicity, it is a system well suited to studying the relative effects of in situ evolution versus dispersal in determining faunal assemblages, while its turbulent climate and geological history provide valuable insights into the evolutionary impacts of environmental changes. Such investigations are of urgent importance given predicted climate change and human impacts rapidly affecting environments globally. Here, we analyse the divergence dates of nearly all endemic Aotearoa New Zealand bird species from their overseas relatives to assess the role of environmental changes in driving speciation and colonisation, with special regard to cooling climate during the Pliocene and Pleistocene. We uncover a wave of colonisation events by Australian open‐habitat adapted species since the Pliocene that peaked at the beginning of the Pleistocene. Furthermore, we highlight an even distribution of divergence dates in forest‐adapted taxa through time, consistent with millions of years of extensive forest cover. Finally, we note parallels to the modern‐day establishment of new bird populations from Australia and suggest this is largely influenced by anthropogenic land‐use patterns. This research contributes to the growing body of work recognising the long‐lasting impacts of Pleistocene climate change on Aotearoa New Zealand's avifauna, and reinforces biological invasions as a key evolutionary response to changing environmental conditions.
Genetic diversity and population structure analysis of short‐day onions using molecular markers in association with resistance to Fusarium basal rot
Authors: Poursakhi SaeidReza , Asadi‐Gharneh Hossein Ali , Nasr‐Esfahani Mehdi , Abbasi Zahra , Hassanzadeh Khankahdani Hamed
Published: January 2025

In this research, we analyzed Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD), Inter Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSR) and Sequence‐related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) markers to evaluate the genetic diversity of eighteen different onion genotypes with various resistant levels to FOC. The results showed that the polymorphism means between RAPD primers was 61.11 to 81.81%; ISSR primers, 62.50 to 81.81%; and SRAP primers, 56.25 to 76.25%. Overall, by assessing MI, PIC, I and H indices, indicating the best thrive in evaluating the genetic diversity of the related onion populations. There is a significant correlation between the generated dendrograms based on similarity matrices. The classification pattern in dendrograms shows a corresponding correlation with the FOC disease severity bunches. So in all three markers studied, ‘Saba’ and ‘Saba ‐ HS’, the most resistant ones to FOC disease, were grouped in a branch, and the ‘Sahar ‐ HS’ and ‘Golden Eye’, the most susceptible ones were also grouped in another branch separately. This finding indicates that predominant primers act as markers linked to resistance gene(s) against FOC, which can be used to select onions resistant to FOC disease in any breeding scheme.
Comparative study of a commercial formula containing natural antimicrobials versus oral cephalexin or topical chlorhexidine‐miconazole therapies for treating superficial pyoderma in dogs
Authors: Gmyterco Vanessa Cunningham , Luciano Fernando Bittencourt , Ludwig Lucas André , Evangelista Alberto Gonçalves , Ferreira Tássia Sell , Borek Fernanda , de Farias Marconi Rodrigues
Published: January 2025

Background

Chronic and recurrent pyoderma in dogs is driving a growing interest in natural antimicrobial products that offer minimal adverse effects and avoid antibiotic resistance.

Objectives

Evaluate the safety and efficacy of dermatological products with antimicrobial peptides and plant extracts, comparing them to chlorhexidine + miconazole and cephalexin therapy for superficial pyoderma in dogs.

Materials and Methods

Forty‐five dogs with superficial pyoderma underwent clinical, cytopathological and microbiological diagnosis, and were randomly assigned to Group 1 (G1) treated with shampoo (two weekly baths) and lotion (twice daily on the affected areas) containing natural antimicrobials; Group 2 (G2) treated with two weekly baths using a therapeutic shampoo containing 2% chlorhexidine and 2.5% miconazole; or Group 3 (G3) treated with oral cephalexin 30 mg/kg twice daily. Staphylococcus spp. strains were identified using matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionisation–time of flight mass spectrometry and pruritus Visual Analog Scale (PVAS)/lesion scores were evaluated on Day (D)0, D7, D14, D21 and D28.

Results

Statistical differences (p < 0.05) were noted between D0 and D28 in PVAS values and lesion scores for all groups. G1 had lower PVAS scores than other groups on D7 and D14 (p < 0.05) and lower lesion scores than G3 on D7. By D28, G1 and G3 had lower lesion scores than G2. Notably, G1 and G2 had no adverse effects, while 26% of G3 patients experienced gastrointestinal issues during therapy.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

This preliminary investigation of the new product (G1) suggests that it is effective, safe and a promising topical treatment for managing superficial pyoderma in dogs, offering an alternative to systemic antibiotics and topical antiseptic treatments.
The paradigm of stem cell secretome in tissue repair and regeneration: Present and future perspectives
Authors: Da Silva Kate , Kumar Pradeep , Choonara Yahya E.
Published: January 2025

As the number of patients requiring organ transplants continues to rise exponentially, there is a dire need for therapeutics, with repair and regenerative properties, to assist in alleviating this medical crisis. Over the past decade, there has been a shift from conventional stem cell treatments towards the use of the secretome, the protein and factor secretions from cells. These components may possess novel druggable targets and hold the key to profoundly altering the field of regenerative medicine. Despite the progress in this field, clinical translation of secretome‐containing products is limited by several challenges including but not limited to ensuring batch‐to‐batch consistency, the prevention of further heterogeneity, production of sufficient secretome quantities, product registration, good manufacturing practice protocols and the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic profiles of all the components. Despite this, the secretome may hold the key to unlocking the regenerative blockage scientists have encountered for years. This review critically analyses the secretome derived from different cell sources and used in several tissues for tissue regeneration. Furthermore, it provides an overview of the current delivery strategies and the future perspectives for the secretome as a potential therapeutic. The success and possible shortcomings of the secretome are evaluated.
Human cortical high‐gamma power scales with movement rate in healthy participants and stroke survivors
Authors: Haverland Benjamin , Timmsen Lena S. , Wolf Silke , Stagg Charlotte J. , Frontzkowski Lukas , Oostenveld Robert , Schön Gerhard , Feldheim Jan , Higgen Focko L. , Gerloff Christian , Schulz Robert , Schneider Till R. , Schwab Bettina C. , Quandt Fanny
Published: January 2025

Motor cortical high‐gamma oscillations (60–90 Hz) occur at movement onset and are spatially focused over the contralateral primary motor cortex. Although high‐gamma oscillations are widely recognized for their significance in human motor control, their precise function on a cortical level remains elusive. Importantly, their relevance in human stroke pathophysiology is unknown. Because motor deficits are fundamental determinants of symptom burden after stroke, understanding the neurophysiological processes of motor coding could be an important step in improving stroke rehabilitation. We recorded magnetoencephalography data during a thumb movement rate task in 14 chronic stroke survivors, 15 age‐matched control participants and 29 healthy young participants. Motor cortical high‐gamma oscillations showed a strong relation with movement rate as trials with higher movement rate were associated with greater high‐gamma power. Although stroke survivors showed reduced cortical high‐gamma power, this reduction primarily reflected the scaling of high‐gamma power with movement rate, yet after matching movement rate in stroke survivors and age‐matched controls, the reduction of high‐gamma power exceeded the effect of their decreased movement rate alone. Even though motor skill acquisition was evident in all three groups, it was not linked to high‐gamma power. Our study quantifies high‐gamma oscillations after stroke, revealing a reduction in movement‐related high‐gamma power. Moreover, we provide strong evidence for a pivotal role of motor cortical high‐gamma oscillations in encoding movement rate.

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Key points

Neural oscillations in the high‐gamma frequency range (60–90 Hz) emerge in the human motor cortex during movement.

The precise function of these oscillations in motor control remains unclear, and they have never been characterized in stroke survivors.

In a magnetoencephalography study, we demonstrate that high‐gamma oscillations in motor cortical areas scale with movement rate, and we further explore their temporal and spatial characteristics.

Stroke survivors exhibit lower high‐gamma power during movement than age‐matched control participants, even after matching for movement rate.

The results contribute to the understanding of the role of high‐gamma oscillations in motor control and have important implications for neuromodulation in stroke rehabilitation.
Data-Driven Identification of Variational Equations for Vortex-Induced Vibration Systems
Authors: Lu Kang , Zeng Zheng , Xiong Xiong , Wang Xuefeng , Gu Xudong , Hu Rongchun , Deng Zichen
Published: January 2025

In this study, a data-driven approach using the embedded variational principle is used to identify the variational equations of vortex-induced vibration fluid–structure interaction systems, in particular the coupling term and the aerodynamic damping term. Under the data-driven paradigm, variational equation identification is primarily accomplished through five steps: collecting discrete data, setting variational functions, building the product function, solving linear equations, and evaluating errors. The explicit variational equations of the system are eventually determined automatically from the excitation and response. Gaussian white noise is added to the excitation to evaluate the method's noise robustness. The findings demonstrate that numerical estimation which stays away from higher-order derivatives significantly enhances the variational law identification's noise robustness by taking advantage of the variational law's lower-order time derivatives. Furthermore, the arbitrariness of the variational setting inherent in the variational law significantly improves the effectiveness of data utilization and lowers the necessary data volume. In addition, a system of linear equations is solved by identifying connected nonlinear equations, which significantly increases modeling efficiency. The basis for engineering modeling, optimization, and control of intricate fluid–structure interaction systems are provided by these benefits.
Impact of Nonlinear Viscous Damping on Strain-Mediated Domain Wall Propagation in Hexagonal Magnetostrictive Materials
Authors: Maity Sumit , Dwivedi Sharad
Published: January 2025

Magnetic domain walls are promising information carriers for developing next-generation high-processing speed spintronic devices. While extensive research has been conducted on field- and current-driven domain wall propagation from fundamental theoretical and practical applications viewpoint, the strain-controlled manipulation of domain walls in magnetostrictive materials with different crystal structures has recently gained significant attention. In this work, we theoretically investigate strain-driven domain wall motion in a transversely isotropic hexagonal magnetostrictive layer, incorporating the influence of nonlinear viscous damping. Our analysis is based on the one-dimensional extended Landau–Lifshitz–Gilbert equation, which captures the combined effects of a tunable magnetic field, spin-polarized current, magnetoelastic and anisotropy fields, and crystal symmetry. By applying the traveling wave method, we derive expressions for key dynamics such as the traveling wave profile, Walker breakdown, domain wall width, and velocity across both steady and precessional regimes. The results show that nonlinear viscous damping significantly influences domain wall motion, altering velocity behavior and expanding the steady propagating regime by shifting the Walker breakdown limit. In addition, the orientation of the magnetic field modulates the threshold and breakdown limits, affecting the range of steady propagation. Also, the numerical illustrations of the obtained analytical results yield a good qualitative agreement with recent observations.
Tropical forest clearance impacts biodiversity and function, whereas logging changes structure
Authors: Marsh Charles J. , Turner Edgar C. , Blonder Benjamin Wong , Bongalov Boris , Both Sabine , Cruz Rudi S. , Elias Dafydd M. O. , Hemprich-Bennett David , Jotan Palasiah , Kemp Victoria , Kritzler Ully H. , Milne Sol , Milodowski David T. , Mitchell Simon L. , Pillco Milenka Montoya , Nunes Matheus Henrique , Riutta Terhi , Robinson Samuel J. B. , Slade Eleanor M. , Bernard Henry , Burslem David F. R. P. , Chung Arthur Y. C. , Clare Elizabeth L. , Coomes David A. , Davies Zoe G. , Edwards David P. , Johnson David , Kratina Pavel , Malhi Yadvinder , Majalap Noreen , Nilus Reuben , Ostle Nicholas J. , Rossiter Stephen J. , Struebig Matthew J. , Tobias Joseph A. , Williams Mathew , Ewers Robert M. , Lewis Owen T. , Reynolds Glen , Teh Yit Arn , Hector Andy
Published: January 2025

The impacts of degradation and deforestation on tropical forests are poorly understood, particularly at landscape scales. We present an extensive ecosystem analysis of the impacts of logging and conversion of tropical forest to oil palm from a large-scale study in Borneo, synthesizing responses from 82 variables categorized into four ecological levels spanning a broad suite of ecosystem properties: (i) structure and environment, (ii) species traits, (iii) biodiversity, and (iv) ecosystem functions. Responses were highly heterogeneous and often complex and nonlinear. Variables that were directly impacted by the physical process of timber extraction, such as soil structure, were sensitive to even moderate amounts of logging, whereas measures of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning were generally resilient to logging but more affected by conversion to oil palm plantation.
Quadruple-band synglisis enables high thermoelectric efficiency in earth-abundant tin sulfide crystals
Authors: Liu Shan , Bai Shulin , Wen Yi , Lou Jing , Jiang Yongzhen , Zhu Yingcai , Liu Dongrui , Li Yichen , Shi Haonan , Liu Shibo , Wang Lei , Zheng Junqing , Zhao Zhe , Qin Yongxin , Liu ZhongKai , Gao Xiang , Qin Bingchao , Chang Cheng , Chang Chao , Zhao Li-Dong
Published: January 2025

Thermoelectrics have been limited by the scarcity of their constituent elements, especially telluride. The earth-abundant, wide-bandgap (
E
g
≈ 46
k
B
T
) tin sulfide (SnS) has shown promising performance in its crystal form. We improved the thermoelectric efficiency in SnS crystals by promoting the convergence of energy and momentum of four valance bands, termed quadruple-band synglisis. We introduced more Sn vacancies to activate quadruple-band synglisis and facilitate carrier transport by inducing SnS
2
in selenium (Se)–alloyed SnS, leading to a high dimensionless figure of merit (
ZT
) of ~1.0 at 300 kelvin and an average
ZT
of ~1.3 at 300 to 773 kelvin in p-type SnS crystals. We further obtained an experimental efficiency of ~6.5%, and our fabricated cooler demonstrated a maximum cooling temperature difference of ~48.4 kelvin at 353 kelvin. Our observations should draw interest to earth-abundant SnS crystals for applications of waste-heat recovery and thermoelectric cooling.
Fluorine-rich poly(arylene amine) membranes for the separation of liquid aliphatic compounds
Authors: Ren Yi , Ma Hui , Kim Jinsu , Al Otmi Mohammed , Lin Ping , Dai Changhui , Lee Young Joo , Zhai Zihan , Jang Woo Jin , Yang Shijie , Sarswat Akriti , Feliachi Yacine , Sampath Janani , Realff Matthew J. , Lively Ryan P. , Guo Sheng
Published: January 2025

We explored the potential for membrane materials to reduce energy and carbon requirements for the separation of aliphatic hydrocarbon feedstocks and products. We developed a series of fluorine-rich poly(arylene amine) polymer membranes that feature rigid polymer backbones with segregated perfluoroalkyl side chains. This combination imbues the polymers with resistance to dilation induced by hydrocarbon immersion without the loss of solution-based membrane fabrication techniques. These materials exhibit good separation of liquid-phase alkane isomers at ambient temperatures. The integration of these polymeric membranes into fuel and chemical feedstock separation processes was investigated in a series of experiments. Technoeconomic analyses based on these experiments indicate that the best-performing membrane materials can substantially reduce the energy costs and associated carbon emissions of hydrocarbon separations (two to 10 times, depending on product specifications).
Linear-viscous flow of temperate ice
Authors: Schohn Collin M. , Iverson Neal R. , Zoet Lucas K. , Fowler Jacob R. , Morgan-Witts Natasha
Published: January 2025

Accurately modeling the deformation of temperate glacier ice, which is at its pressure-melting temperature and contains liquid water at grain boundaries, is essential for predicting ice sheet discharge to the ocean and associated sea-level rise. Central to such modeling is Glen’s flow law, in which strain rate depends on stress raised to a power of
n
= 3 to 4. In sharp contrast to this nonlinearity, we found by conducting large-scale, shear-deformation experiments that temperate ice is linear-viscous (
n ≈
1.0) over common ranges of liquid water content and stress expected near glacier beds and in ice-stream margins. This linearity is likely caused by diffusive pressure melting and refreezing at grain boundaries and could help to stabilize modeled responses of ice sheets to shrinkage-induced stress increases.
Parallel gene expansions drive rapid dietary adaptation in herbivorous woodrats
Authors: Klure Dylan M. , Greenhalgh Robert , Orr Teri J. , Shapiro Michael D. , Dearing M. Denise
Published: January 2025

How mammalian herbivores evolve to feed on chemically defended plants remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the adaptation of two species of woodrats (
Neotoma lepida
and
N. bryanti
) to creosote bush (
Larrea tridentata
), a toxic shrub that expanded across the southwestern United States after the Last Glacial Maximum. We found that creosote-adapted woodrats have elevated gene dosage across multiple biotransformation enzyme families. These duplication events occurred independently across species and substantially increase expression of biotransformation genes, especially within the glucuronidation pathway. We propose that increased gene dosage resulting from duplication is an important mechanism by which animals initially adapt to novel environmental pressures.
Dietary breadth in kangaroos facilitated resilience to Quaternary climatic variations
Authors: Arman Samuel D. , Gully Grant A. , Prideaux Gavin J.
Published: January 2025

Identifying what drove the late Pleistocene megafaunal extinctions on the continents remains one of the most contested topics in historical science. This is especially so in Australia, which lost 90% of its large species by 40,000 years ago, more than half of them kangaroos. Determining causation has been obstructed by a poor understanding of their ecology. Using dental microwear texture analysis, we show that most members of Australia’s richest Pleistocene kangaroo assemblage had diets that were much more generalized than their craniodental anatomy implies. Mixed feeding across most kangaroos pinpoints dietary breadth as a key behavioral adaptation to climate-driven fluctuations in vegetation structure, dispelling the likelihood that late Pleistocene climatic variation was a primary driver of their disappearance.
Decoding the molecular interplay of CD20 and therapeutic antibodies with fast volumetric nanoscopy
Authors: Ghosh Arindam , Meub Mara , Helmerich Dominic A. , Weingart Julia , Eiring Patrick , Nerreter Thomas , Kortüm K. Martin , Doose Sören , Sauer Markus
Published: January 2025

Elucidating the interaction between membrane proteins and antibodies requires whole-cell imaging at high spatiotemporal resolution. Lattice light-sheet (LLS) microscopy offers fast volumetric imaging but suffers from limited spatial resolution. DNA-based point accumulation for imaging in nanoscale topography (DNA-PAINT) achieves molecular resolution but is restricted to two-dimensional imaging owing to long acquisition times. We have developed two-dye imager (TDI) probes that enable ~15-fold faster imaging. Combining TDI-DNA-PAINT and LLS microscopy on immunological B cells revealed the oligomeric states and interaction of endogenous CD20 with the therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) rituximab, ofatumumab, and obinutuzumab. Our results demonstrate that CD20 is abundantly expressed on microvilli that bind mAbs, which leads to an antibody concentration–dependent B cell polarization and stabilization of microvilli protrusions. These findings could aid rational design of improved immunotherapies targeting tumor-associated antigens.
Neuroethology of natural actions in freely moving monkeys
Authors: Lanzarini Francesca , Maranesi Monica , Rondoni Elena Hilary , Albertini Davide , Ferretti Elena , Lanzilotto Marco , Micera Silvestro , Mazzoni Alberto , Bonini Luca
Published: January 2025

The current understanding of primate natural action organization derives from laboratory experiments in restrained contexts (RCs) under the assumption that this knowledge generalizes to freely moving contexts (FMCs). In this work, we developed a neurobehavioral platform to enable wireless recording of the same premotor neurons in both RCs and FMCs. Neurons often encoded the same hand and mouth actions differently in RCs and FMCs. Furthermore, in FMCs, we identified cells that selectively encoded actions untestable during RCs and others that displayed mixed selectivity for multiple actions, which is compatible with an organization based on cortical motor synergies at different levels of complexity. Cross-context decoding demonstrated that neural activity in FMCs is richer and more generalizable than in RCs, which suggests that neuroethological approaches are better suited to unveil the neural bases of behavior.