bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ovarian Endometrioma Disrupts Oocyte‐Cumulus Communication and Mitochondrial Function, With Melatonin Mitigating the Effects
Authors: Ge Lei , Yang Yali , Gao Yuqing , Xiao Tianxia , Chang Wakam , Wang Hefei , Xiao Zhonglin , Chen Jie , Li Mengxia , Yu Ming , Jin Ping , Zhang Jian V.
Published: January 2025

Ovarian endometrioma (OEM), a particularly severe form of endometriosis, is an oestrogen‐dependent condition often associated with pain and infertility. The mechanisms by which OEM impairs fertility, particularly through its direct impact on oocyte‐cumulus cell (CC) communication and related pathways, remain poorly understood. This study investigates the impact of OEM on oocyte‐CC communication and explores melatonin's therapeutic potential. We used a mouse model of OEM and employed ovarian transcriptome and gene set enrichment analyses to identify disrupted gene pathways, alongside phalloidin staining for cytoskeletal analysis, gap junction coupling analysis for intercellular communication, and mitochondrial function assessments for cellular metabolism. Our results showed that OEM significantly impairs steroidogenesis and cumulus cell function, leading to increased apoptosis, disrupted transzonal projections (TZPs), and impaired antioxidant transfer to oocytes. This culminates in oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and compromised ATP production. OEM oocytes also exhibited severe abnormalities, including DNA damage, maturation defects, spindle assembly disruptions, and increased aneuploidy. This study identifies disrupted TZPs as a key pathological feature in OEM and highlights melatonin's potential to restore intercellular communication, mitigate oxidative damage, and improve reproductive outcomes.
Multicenter prospective feasibility study on compliance, safety, and acceptance of small bowel and colon capsule endoscopy in the out‐of‐clinic setting in Japan
Authors: Ohmiya Naoki , Araki Akihiro , Tsuboi Akiyoshi , Nakamura Keiko , Ito Kyoko , Hotta Naoki , Kakugawa Yasuo , Oka Shiro , Saito Yutaka , Kato Tomohiro , Tanaka Shinji
Published: January 2025

Objectives

We aimed to determine the compliance, safety, and acceptance of colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) and small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) in an out‐of‐clinic setting remotely supported by medical staff.

Methods

We enrolled 30 examinees (24 with CCE and six with SBCE) who had not undergone CE at six gastroenterological centers. All examinees were provided with instructions on equipment and bowel preparations.

Results

CCE was performed at home (n = 16) or at the workplace (n = 8). Compliance with data‐recorder alerts was 100% for bowel preparation and 79% for equipment operation. Total capsule colonoscopy was achieved in 83.3%. The overall adequate endoscopic cleansing rate was 83.3%, and abnormalities, including colorectal polyps, were detected in 37.5%. CCE malfunction, such as the inability to automatically detect the small bowel mucosa occurred in one (4.2%). One experienced mild abdominal pain that required no treatment. Inquiries were present from half of the examinees. The proportions of examinees who desired and refused CCE at the next examination were 67% and 4%, respectively. SBCE was performed at home (n = 4) or at the workplace (n = 2). Compliance with the procedures was 100%. Whole small bowel images were recorded for all examinees. The overall adequate endoscopic clearness rate was 100%. One abnormality was detected. Inquiries were present from half of the examinees. There were no adverse events or malfunctions. The proportion of examinees who reported “quite easy” and “fairly easy” was 66%.

Conclusion

CCE and SBCE with all procedures in the out‐of‐clinic setting supported by remote consultations were feasible. A multicenter prospective study of the safety and acceptance of capsule endoscopy examinations at home (HomeCam‐J study) (jRCTs042220163).
Increased Non‐Relapse Mortality in Older People With Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Using Fludarabine and Myeloablative Dose of Busulfan‐Based Regimen
Authors: Shinohara Akihito , Shindo Michiho , Nakano Nobuaki , Sakaida Emiko , Uchida Naoyuki , Fukushima Kentaro , Nakazawa Hideyuki , Serizawa Kentaro , Kanda Yoshinobu , Kawakita Toshiro , Ikeda Takashi , Ohigashi Hiroyuki , Ito Ayumu , Wakayama Toshio , Matsuoka Ken‐ichi , Fukuda Takahiro , Tanaka Junji , Atsuta Yoshiko , Nakasone Hideki
Published: January 2025

Fludarabine and myeloablative busulfan (FluBu4) in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for older people have not been adequately examined. This retrospective study analyzed data from a large‐scale, nationwide database in Japan. Adult patients (> 15 years old, y/o) who received their first HSCT with FluBu4 for hematological malignancies were included. They were categorized into the younger (< 60 y/o, N = 1295) and the older group (≥ 60 y/o, N = 993). The 3‐year overall survival (OS) rate after HSCT was significantly worse in the older group than in the other (p < 0.01, 39.9% vs. 48.5%). The 3‐year non‐relapse mortality (NRM) was significantly higher in the older group than in the other (p < 0.01, 30.9% vs. 23.0%), and the 3‐year cumulative incidence of relapse was comparable between them. According to the multivariate analysis, age ≥ 60 years was significantly associated with poor OS and high NRM. In a subgroup analysis of the older group, the use of additional chemotherapeutic drugs to FluBu4 was significantly associated with poor OS and high NRM. Total body irradiation was significantly associated with high NRM and 1‐year incidence of sinusoidal obstruction syndrome but not with OS. Thus, FluBu4 should be used with caution in older people.
Enhancing Faculty Well‐Being and Performance Through University Support: The Role of Resiliency and Proactive Personality in Remote Work
Authors: Kozhakhmet Sanat , Moghavvemi Sedigheh , Mazhiyeva Galiya
Published: January 2025

The fast transitions of higher education to online format offers unique educational experience and practical knowledge that need to be considered by managers and policy makers. This paper aimed to explore the impact of organisational support practices on faculty members' in‐role performance and well‐being by assessing the mediating role of work resiliency capability and moderating role of proactive personality while working online and remote. Questionnaires were used to collect data from 390 faculty members from higher education institutions of Kazakhstan. The study found that work resiliency capability plays a mediating role in the connection between organisational support practices and faculty members' well‐being and in‐role performance. Additionally, it was discovered that the relationship between work resiliency capability and well‐being/in‐role performance negatively moderated by proactive personality. This research advances understanding of how universities can enhance the well‐being and in‐role performance of faculty working online and remotely.
High energy storage performance in ferroelectric ceramics (1−x)(0.67BiFeO3−0.33BaTiO3)−x(Sr0.8Ce0.1TiO3)
Authors: Gao Shaowei , Li Wei , He Xiang , Pang Dongfang
Published: January 2025

In this work, Sr0.8Ce0.1TiO3 (SCT) was doped into BiFeO3–BaTiO3 (BF–BT) to form a ternary solid solution with relaxor ferroelectric characteristics. Constricted P–E loops were observed due to the composition‐induced phase transition, and a significant grain size reduction was observed in the SCT‐doped ceramics. The elongated P–E hysteresis loops revealed that the ternary system had good energy storage characteristics. BF–BT–0.4SCT ceramics possessed the maximum recoverable energy storage (Wrec) of 1.94 J/cm3 and efficiency (η) of 76.1 % under an electric field of 190 kV/cm. More importantly, the BF–BT–0.4SCT ceramic exhibited excellent fatigue endurance (∆Wrec < 1.1%, after 103 fatigue cycles) under an electric field of 100 kV/cm, superior to most previous works. At the same time, the BF–BT–0.4SCT ceramic also showed high frequency stability, and fast discharge rate (t0.9 < .05 µs). In addition, the BF–BT–0.4SCT ceramic also exhibited considerable charging–discharging performance with a relatively high current density (127 A/cm2) and power density (5.8 MW/cm3). Therefore, this work helps broaden the development of BF‐based and other lead‐free ceramics for energy storage applications.
Rebuilding a DSS with feedback from behavioral and neuroscience studies
Authors: Barbosa Ferreira Evanielle , Rani Soares de Vasconcelos Tarsila , Reis Peixoto Roselli Lucia , Teixeira de Almeida Adiel
Published: January 2025

As the complexity of decisions and development technologies increase, decision support systems (DSSs) emerge to support decision‐making and improve the system's interaction with decision‐makers (DMs). Hence, this study seeks to show the modulations made in the FITradeoff (Flexible and Interactive Trade‐off) DSS, highlighting its flexible and interactive nature. These modulations have been made due to findings from behavioral and neuroscience studies conducted on the FITradeoff method and represent an important advance in research in the multicriteria decision‐making/aiding field. The study focuses on the main modulation made in the preference modeling process of the FITradeoff method, namely combining two paradigms for modeling preferences: elicitation by decomposition and holistic evaluation. Thus, the study discusses its implementation in the DSS, shows the flexibility this gives DMs, and highlights the two decision strategies presented in the holistic evaluation, that is, selecting the best alternative and eliminating the worst alternative.
Medication Management of Patients With Cancer Undergoing Surgery From Preadmission to Discharge: A Mixed‐Methods Systematic Review
Authors: Atefeh Mehrabifar , Elizabeth Manias , Patricia Nicholson
Published: January 2025

Aim(s)

To identify and synthesise available evidence about regular medication management processes, from preadmission to discharge from hospital, in patients with cancer undergoing surgery.

Design

Mixed‐methods systematic review.

Methods

Studies published from inception of each database until February 2023 were screened, utilising four main search concepts. The JBI methodology for mixed‐methods systematic review was followed in this review.

Data Sources

MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, APA PsycINFO, Scopus and Web of Science.

Results

Eight out of 717 screened studies were included. Two themes related to patients' medication management were identified. Preoperative factors such as polypharmacy, potentially inappropriate medications, delirium‐inducing medications and preoperative discontinuation‐requiring medications were associated with several postoperative complications in patients with cancer. Additionally, pharmacist‐led interventions and collaborative efforts between nurses and patients were shown to improve the medication management process across the perioperative pathway.

Conclusion

This systematic review emphasises the necessity of effectively managing regular medication, especially before surgery, to mitigate postoperative complications in patients with cancer. It offers critical insights into how involving pharmacists and nurses enhances medication management outcomes, benefiting health care professionals and institutions aiming to optimise perioperative medication therapy.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Enhancing patients' regular medication management through comprehensive reviews before surgery, and improving collaborative practices among pharmacists, nurses and patients via targeted interventions introduced by health care organisations, ensure safe medication use throughout the perioperative pathway.

Impact

Improving regular medication management process can reduce risk of medication errors and adverse drug events and enhance postoperative outcomes.

Reporting Method

SWiM reporting guidelines.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Confucian Harmony, Civility, and Echo Chambers
Authors: van Oosterum Kyle
Published: January 2025

How should we interact with people in echo chambers? Recently, some have argued that echo‐chambered individuals are not entitled to civility. Civility is the virtue whereby we communicate respect for persons to manage our profound disagreements with them. But for civil exchanges to work, people must trust one another and their testimony. Therefore, some argue, we can be moderately uncivil toward those in echo chambers who are unlikely to trust our attempts to be civil. I argue against this position. I suggest the focus should be on trying to rebuild these social relationships in alignment with the Confucian value of harmony. In this tradition, we aim to manage social relationships with disagreeable others by turning inward and cultivating certain dispositions in ourselves: open‐mindedness, amenability, tactfulness, and courage. I argue this helps us craft a concept of ‘reparative civility’: an ideal for managing our fraught social relations in a world of echo chambers.
Tea (Camellia sinensis) Seed Saponins Act as Sebosuppression Agents via the AMPK/mTOR Pathway
Authors: Li Jian , Huang Yuan‐cheng , Deng Jian‐ming , Yu Min , Zouboulis Christos C. , Wang Guang‐Li , Wang Jing
Published: January 2025

Background

Excessive lipogenesis of the skin triggers some dermatological concerns, such as enlarged pores, acne, and blackheads. Although topical drug treatments can offer temporary relief, their prolonged usage may lead to side effects of dryness, irritation, or allergic reactions. Consequently, the development of safer and efficacious ingredients in cosmetics for managing sebum overproduction represents a significant yet challenging endeavor.

Aim

Saponins were extracted from tea (Camellia sinensis) seed meal and purified by macroporous resin in order to investigate the impact of tea seed saponins (TSS) on lipid production in human immortalized sebaceous cells. Moreover, we attempted to reveal the underlying mechanism of TSS on the sebosuppression effect in SZ95 sebocytes stimulated by linoleic acid (LA).

Methods

The compositions and chemical structures of TSS were determined using UV–vis absorption spectrum, Fourier transform‐infrared (FTIR) spectrum, and ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry analysis. An in vitro model of cellular lipid accumulation induced by LA was established. Total lipid synthesis in intracellular SZ95 sebocytes was assessed through Nile Red staining, while triglyceride, cholesterol, and fatty acids were quantified by commercially assay kits. Western blot and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction were employed to analyze the protein expression levels involved in the AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway as well as the downstream protein and mRNA expressions of sterol regulatory element‐binding protein‐1 (SREBP‐1), peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ), and fatty acid synthase (FAS). The localizations of SREBP‐1 within the cytoplasm or nucleus were characterized using immunofluorescence staining.

Results

Five saponins were identified in the extracted TSS, all of which were oleanic acid‐type pentacyclic triterpenes. TSS treatment significantly alleviated LA‐induced lipid accumulation in SZ95 sebocytes. In addition, TSS activated the AMPK/mTOR pathway and downregulated the downstream protein and mRNA expression of transcription factors and enzymes, including SREBP‐1, PPARγ, and FAS. Moreover, the TSS blocked the nuclear transfer of SREBP‐1 from cytoplasm to nucleus.

Conclusion

In human sebocytes, TSS exhibited sebosuppressive effect as revealed by the inhibited production of total lipids as well as triglyceride, cholesterol, and fatty acids. Moreover, the anti‐lipogenesis mechanism by TSS involved the activation of the AMPK/mTOR pathway and downregulated downstream transcription factors and enzymes of SREBP‐1, PPARγ, and FAS. Additionally, TSS blocked the SREBP‐1 nuclear translocation. These results may justify the potent of TSS as a new candidate for modulating lipogenesis in human SZ95 sebocytes.
Slipping Through the Cracks? Concussion Management in Aotearoa New Zealand Secondary Schools
Authors: Salmon Danielle , Badenhorst Marelise , Zoellner Anja , Skilton Debbie , Mossman Kate , Lucas Patricia , Thompson Kylie , Walters Simon , Keung Sierra , Sole Gisela
Published: January 2025

Background

Concussion‐related guidelines appear to be inconsistently implemented in secondary schools in Aotearoa New Zealand. The purpose of this qualitative Participatory Action Research study was to describe key school stakeholders' perceptions of their current concussion management processes.

Methods

Seventeen focus groups, two dyad, and nine individual interviews were conducted with stakeholders (n = 95) from six secondary schools and healthcare clinics, exploring their perceptions of barriers and facilitators to concussion management. We used thematic analysis to analyze data.

Results

Our analysis identified five overarching and inter‐relating themes: Hit or miss, the need for a clear pathway; the school context; aligning attitudes and enacting values; concussion knowledge and education; and complexity of concussion. The effectiveness of concussion management in secondary school settings is shaped by the dynamic interaction of these five themes.

Implications for School Health Policy, Practice, and Equity

These findings highlight the need to develop a context‐sensitive framework that can assist schools with real‐world implementation of concussion management guidelines, for both sports and non‐sports related concussions.

Conclusions

The intent to support students was evident among most stakeholders yet appeared to be limited by lack of structured processes to follow, resources, unfavorable attitudes towards concussion management, and lack of knowledge.
Epidemiology of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis in Greece: A 2‐Year Single‐Centre Study
Authors: Kroustali Vasiliki , Resoulai Esmeralda , Kanioura Lamprini , Siopi Maria , Meletiadis Joseph , Antonopoulou Stavroula
Published: January 2025

Background

The epidemiology of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) in Greece remains poorly reported and outdated.

Objectives

We therefore conducted a 2‐year retrospective survey to assess the epidemiological aspects of the infection among symptomatic Greek patients.

Patients/Methods

High vaginal swab samples were collected from adult women with clinically suspected VVC attending a private diagnostic laboratory in Athens. VVC was confirmed through microscopic examination of a wet mount preparation revealing yeasts and Candida‐positive culture. Species were identified by MALDI‐ToF MS, and in vitro susceptibility was determined according to the EUCAST‐E.Def 7.4. Predisposing host factors were associated with the occurrence of the infection and isolated Candida spp. using Fisher's exact test, and epidemiological changes over time were analysed with the χ2 test for trend.

Results

Among 1300 women screened, 283 VVC episodes were recorded among 233 (18%) patients, whereof 11 (5%) had recurrent VVC (RVVC) and 19 (8%) had mixed Candida infections. Coinfection with other pathogens and recent prior use of antifungals were associated with RVVC. Candida albicans was the most prevalent pathogen (50%), followed by Candida parapsilosis sensu stricto (SS) (35%), Nakaseomyces glabratus (former Candida glabrata) (10%), Pichia kudriavzevii (former Candida krusei) (3%), Candida orthopsilosis (1.5%) and Clavispora lusitaniae (former Candida lusitaniae) (0.5%). Regarding the RVVC cases, 54% were attributed to C. albicans, 37% to N. glabratus and 9% to C. parapsilosis SS. Resistance to fluconazole was found in 4% of C. albicans and 23% of N. glabratus strains with cross‐resistance to other azoles. Fluconazole‐resistant isolates were recovered from 5 of 11 RVVC patients, whereof 4 of 5 had previous exposure to azoles. During the study period, an increase in N. glabratus VVC and fluconazole resistance was noted.

Conclusions

VVC is common in our region, with C. albicans as the predominant species, followed by C. parapsilosis SS and N. glabratus. Fluconazole resistance is low in C. albicans but high in N. glabratus, emphasising the need for targeted antifungal strategies.
Determinants of adherence to obesity medication: A narrative review
Authors: Sharma Arya M. , Birney Susie , Crotty Michael , Finer Nick , Segal‐Lieberman Gabriella , Vázquez‐Velázquez Verónica , Vrijens Bernard
Published: January 2025

The increasing prevalence of obesity, complex nature of this chronic disease, and risks of developing obesity‐related comorbidities outline the need for sustainable and effective management for people living with obesity. In addition to behavioral interventions, obesity medications (OMs) are increasingly considered an integral part of management of people living with obesity. OM adherence is essential to achieve the health benefits of these medications. Adherence to medications, defined as the process by which patients take their medications as prescribed, is determined by a range of factors and can be broken down into phases: initiation, implementation, and persistence (the persistence phase includes discontinuation/stopping treatment). Obesity‐specific challenges exist to optimize OM adherence, which may explain varying OM adherence compared with medication for other chronic diseases (diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and osteoporosis). However, lessons can be learned from other chronic diseases to improve OM adherence, for example from type 2 diabetes and hypertension. This review aims to provide practical guidance for identifying OM‐ and obesity‐specific determinants of adherence and discusses adherence determinants per adherence phase and obesity management phase (weight gain, weight loss, and weight stabilization/regain). This practical guidance will assist with developing obesity‐specific interventions to improve OM adherence.

Practitioner Points

OMs are increasingly considered as an integral part of obesity management; however, like with all chronic disease medications, low adherence to these medications is often observed, impacting their therapeutic effect.

Adherence to obesity medication can be affected at any phase of obesity management (weight gain, weight loss, and weight stabilization/regain) so considering the disease phase can help identify potential reasons for low adherence.

Future initiatives to improve adherence to obesity medication should be a key focus of discussions at each opportunity with healthcare professionals, including thorough evaluation and targeted education, all in a supportive and stigma‐free manner.
Potential Role of TIP3 Aquaporins in the Transport of H2O2 and Boric Acid During Seed Development and Germination in Soybean (Glycine max L.)
Authors: Sudhakaran Sreeja , Thakral Vandana , Mandlik Rushil , Mahakalkar Badal , Sharma Yogesh , Kumar Virender , Deshmukh Rupesh , Sharma Tilak Raj , Sonah Humira
Published: January 2025

Tonoplast intrinsic proteins (TIPs) are the channel‐forming proteins predominantly found in the tonoplast of plant cells. Despite the identification of TIPs in numerous plant species, very less is known about the precise role of different TIP subgroups. In the present study, two genes belonging to the TIP3 subgroup were studied to understand tissue‐specific role and solute transport activity. The soybean GmTIP3‐1 and GmTIP3‐2 were found to be expressed exclusively in seeds. Unlike rest of the aquaporins (AQPs), the expression of GmTIP3s gradually increased during seed maturation. The GmTIP3s also show higher expression during the initiation of seed germination, suggesting their potential role in the solute transport during seed maturation and germination. Further, GmTIP3‐1 and GmTIP3‐2 were functionally characterised to understand the structure, pore morphology, pore hydrophobicity, sub‐cellular localization, and solute specificity. The solute specificity of TIPs is crucial in various physiological and developmental processes. Solute transport activity studied using yeast growth and survivability assay suggests that GmTIP3‐1 and GmTIP3‐2 can transport hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and boric acid, both of which are known to play significant role in seed germination. The information provided here will help to understand the precise role of TIP3 genes in seed development and germination.
How Much Do We Trust Remote Managers? Examining Follower Trust, Construal, and Performance
Authors: Golden Timothy D. , Ford Michael T.
Published: January 2025

With the widespread shift to remote and hybrid work, followers of leaders who telework are more distant from their leaders and may develop different judgments of their leader's trustworthiness. Drawing upon construal level theory (CLT), we investigate the effect of a leader's teleworking on trust followers have in their leader and suggest that higher level construals associated with the leader's distance help explain this effect. Moreover, we investigate the moderating role of a leader's monitoring behavior. Study 1, a longitudinal field study using matched data from 314 followers, 108 leaders, and 218 projects in a large corporation, finds leader teleworking is negatively associated with follower affect‐based trust, which in turn is associated with project financial performance. Study 2, a 3‐wave study of employed adults (n = 262), finds evidence that follower construal mediates the relationship between the extent of leader teleworking and follower trust. Study 3, a daily study of employed adults (n = 98) conducted over 10 consecutive workdays, finds support for these effects at a daily and between‐person level. Across the three studies, results indicate the extent of leader teleworking is negatively associated with follower trust in the leader through higher level follower construal, with leader monitoring exacerbating this effect.
Boosting porphyrin synthesis and ALA‐mediated photoinactivation through near‐infrared therapy
Authors: Tomás Roberto , Di Venosa Gabriela , Sáenz Daniel , Buzzola Fernanda , Mamone Leandro , Casas Adriana
Published: January 2025

Photodynamic inactivation (PDI) combines the use of photosensitizers with visible light to produce reactive oxygen species that effectively eliminate pathogens. To investigate the impact of near‐ infrared therapy (NIRT) on heme biosynthesis and permeability of the pro‐photosensitizers 5‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and Hexyl‐ALA (H‐ALA) through biofilms, we applied sub‐lethal conditions for both NIRT and PDI to maintain intact bacterial viability. During NIRT, the temperature remained below 37°C, permitting rapid heating (ΔT = 11°C) without causing thermal damage. NIRT potentiated the bactericidal effects of ALA‐PDI by 3 logs in Staphylococcus aureus RN6390 biofilms and 4 logs in ST5‐SCCmecI biofilms. With H‐ALA‐PDI, reductions of 4 and 6 logs, respectively, were observed. In the case of ALA, this enhancement was partly due to increased porphyrin synthesis, a result not replicated by simple heating. For H‐ALA, the enhanced effect of PDI was likely due to biofilm or bacterial membrane destabilization caused by NIRT and H‐ALA. Unlike biofilms, applying the same ALA‐PDI conditions, the treatment was effective in planktonic S. aureus RN6390 cultures, reducing the bacteria by 3 logs, with no additional benefit from NIRT, suggesting that NIRT primarily aids in penetrating the biofilm matrix rather than the bacterial cells. Confocal fluorescence microscopy confirmed that NIRT‐treated biofilms exposed to ALA exhibited higher porphyrin fluorescence than untreated biofilms. These findings support the use of NIRT in enhancing the effectiveness of PDI against bacterial biofilms.
Toluidine blue O demethylated photoproducts as type II photosensitizers
Authors: Querini‐Sanguillén Whitney , Otero‐González Jennifer , García‐Sánchez Melannie , Zúñiga‐Núñez Daniel , Günther Germán , Miranda Mario L. , Castro‐Pérez Edgardo , Ramos Carlos , Fuentealba Denis , Robinson‐Duggon José
Published: January 2025

Toluidine blue O (TBO) is a type I–type II photosensitizer that has shown good efficacy and selectivity in antimicrobial and anticancer photodynamic therapy applications. However, its complex photochemistry with multiple photoproducts hinders its application as a photosensitizer. We have previously described the mechanism for photooxidative demethylation of TBO which in acetonitrile yields two main products: demethylated‐TBO (d‐TBO) and double‐demethylated‐TBO (dd‐TBO). In the current work, we describe the photophysical properties of these two photoproducts. In acetonitrile and phosphate buffer, demethylation induces an hypsochromic shift in the absorption and fluorescence emission maxima. Fluorescence quantum yields increase slightly for the demethylated photoproducts, in agreement with the lengthening of the fluorescence lifetimes. Triplet excited states lifetimes in the presence of oxygen decreased slightly upon demethylation. However, the singlet oxygen quantum yield increased significantly reaching unity for the dd‐TBO photoproduct. These results are interpreted in terms of the competing pathways of TBO photochemistry. For TBO, demethylation is the main pathway for deactivation of the excited state, while for d‐TBO, demethylation and singlet oxygen generation are significant. For dd‐TBO, singlet oxygen generation is the main deactivation pathway. Overall, TBO demethylated photoproducts demonstrate good potential as candidates for photodynamic therapy applications.
Molecular phylogeny of the tribe Luciini (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae): systematics and life history evolution
Authors: Braby Michael F. , Pierce Naomi E. , Lohman David J.
Published: January 2025

The butterfly tribe Luciini (Theclinae), which currently includes 22 species, is restricted to Australia and mainland New Guinea and its adjacent islands. All species appear to have obligate, highly specialised associations with ants, and half of them are known or assumed to be myrmecophagous. Despite considerable progress in taxonomy and classification, no robust phylogenetic hypothesis currently exists for the tribe that could form a framework for a better understanding of the evolution of ant attendance in the group. Here, we reconstruct the phylogeny of the Luciini based on an extensive molecular dataset (up to 391 genetic loci for 101 ingroup samples representing 17 (77%) species and all four genera). Bayesian and maximum likelihood analyses found that the genus Pseudodipsas C. & R. Felder is polyphyletic, with the species Pseudodipsas cephenes Hewitson distantly related to the type species Pseudodipsas eone (C. & R. Felder). Comparative morphological evidence corroborates our molecular phylogenetic results and supports the establishment of a new monotypic genus, Paradipsas Braby, gen. nov., to accommodate the species Paradipsas cephenes (Hewitson) comb. nov. Phylogenetic relationships among genera in our well‐supported trees are as follows: Lucia Swainson + (Pseudodipsas + (Paralucia Waterhouse & R.E. Turner + (Paradipsas + Acrodipsas Sands))). The ancestor of the tribe most likely associated with Dolichoderinae ants (possibly arboreal Anonychomyrma Donisthorpe) in wet biomes during the Eocene (stem‐group: 37.91 ± 2.66 million years ago ‘Mya’). Differentiation of three of the butterfly genera in the Oligocene‐Miocene (crown‐group: 27.17 ± 3.75 Mya) involved shifts to other dolichoderine species (subterranean species of Anonychomyrma for Paralucia) or genera (Iridomyrmex Mayr for Lucia, Papyrius Shattuck for Acrodipsas) coinciding with shifts to drier biomes. Associations with other ant subfamilies represent more recent, secondary shifts within Luciini genera in the Miocene–Pliocene, and include single ant shifts to Formicinae (Notoncus Emery for Paralucia pyrodiscus (Rosenstock)) and Myrmicinae (Crematogaster Lund for Acrodipsas spp.). These patterns strongly suggest obligate ant attendance has been pivotal in the diversification of Luciini. Aspects of the ecology and biology of Paradipsas cephenes comb. nov. are clarified, particularly its critical habitat and attendant ant Anonychomyrma gilberti (Forel).
From biopower to affirmative biopolitics: A (bio)political ecology of becoming with wolves
Authors: Donfrancesco Valerio , Sandbrook Chris
Published: January 2025

Effective, equitable and just strategies for multispecies coexistence are increasingly the focus of research and policy. The critical social sciences, such as political ecology, have been particularly interested in this topic recently, exploring the production of human–wildlife interactions and the resulting (uneven) outcomes for different communities. Within this body of literature, some studies have explored human–wildlife coexistence through Foucauldian lenses of biopower and related governmentalities, which have also been extended through more‐than‐human analyses. After drawing a distinction between biopower and affirmative biopolitics, whereby the latter concern alternative modes of ‘living with’ in more‐than‐human societies, beyond forms of control over (human and non‐human) life, this study explores the (alternative) production of subjectivities in the contexts of farmer–wolf coexistence in Tuscany, Italy. The approach adopted entailed a 12‐month ethnography and semi‐structured interviews. On the one hand, exercises of biopower operationalised through truth and neoliberal governmentalities by conservation actors are met by local forms of resistance and contribute to an exacerbation of human–wolf conflict. On the other hand, local manifestations of affirmative biopolitics, wherein wolves are conceived not as objects or means to an end but as subjects of care, may provide more promising bases for coexistence. Nevertheless, local ethical propensities to coexist with wolves are strained and constrained by wider political economies shaping socioeconomic hardships in the agricultural sector. We emphasise the need for a greater recognition of local manifestations of affirmative biopolitics, going beyond problematic exercises of biopower that reduce wolves to providers of services (e.g., ecological or economic), which they may not necessarily deliver. We link affirmative biopolitics to feminist ethics of care, articulating an approach to navigating interspecies violence that is attentive to human and non‐human needs and frames caring for wolves as a systemic project. We encourage future studies to continue exploring affirmative biopolitics.
Post‐exercise neural plasticity is augmented by adding blood flow restriction during low work rate arm cycling
Authors: Frechette Mikaela L. , Cook Summer B. , Scott Brendan R. , Tan Jane , Vallence Ann‐Maree
Published: January 2025

Blood flow restriction (BFR) combined with low work rate exercise can enhance muscular and cardiovascular fitness. However, whether neural mechanisms mediate these enhancements remains unknown. This study examined changes in corticospinal excitability and motor cortical inhibition following arm cycle ergometry with and without BFR. Twelve healthy males (24 ± 4 years) completed four, randomized 15‐min arm cycling conditions: high work rate (HW: 60% maximal power output), low work rate (LW: 30% maximal power output), low work rate with BFR (LW‐BFR) and BFR without exercise (BFR‐only). For BFR conditions, cuffs were applied around the upper arm and inflated to 70% of arterial occlusion pressure continuously during exercise. Single‐pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation was delivered to left primary motor cortex (M1) to elicit motor‐evoked potentials (MEP) in the right biceps brachii during a low‐level isometric contraction. MEP amplitude and cortical silent period (cSP) duration were measured before and 1, 10 and 15 min post‐exercise. MEP amplitude increased significantly from baseline to Post‐10 and Post‐15 for both the HW (both z < −7.07, both P < 0.001) and LW‐BFR conditions (both z < −5.56, both P < 0.001). For the LW condition without BFR, MEP amplitude increased significantly from baseline to Post‐10 (z = −3.53, P = 0.003) but not Post‐15 (z = −1.85, P = 0.388). The current findings show that HW arm cycling and LW‐BFR led to longer‐lasting increases in corticospinal excitability than LW arm cycling alone. Future research should examine whether the increased corticospinal excitability is associated with the improvements in muscle strength observed with BFR exercise. A mechanistic understanding of BFR exercise improvement could guide BFR interventions in clinical populations.
Application of Embedded Thermophones Toward Tonal Noise Cancelation in Small-Scale Ducted Fan
Authors: Sow A. , Losin S. , Leizeronok B. , Kleiman A. , Cukurel B.
Published: January 2025

Modern civil aviation faces the critical task of reducing aircraft noise. Among different factors, tonal content is relatively more important due to regulatory definitions and its attenuation characteristics, with significant contributor being the fan aero-acoustics associated with rotor–stator interaction. Recognizing that existing passive mitigation methods are insufficient to meet the emission regulation, the present work focuses on powered noise cancelation to reduce a fan's acoustic signature. Identifying conventional actuator technology as the primary obstacle for the on-source creation of canceling soundwaves, thermo-acoustic transducers (thermophones) are implemented instead. These mechanically static, surface-deposited emitters encompass a periodically Joule-heated thin layer attached to electrically insulating substrate, and are directly situated on the fan stator, which is the source of tonal noise associated with blade passing frequency and its harmonics. Microphone measurements are performed on a small electric ducted fan. The thermophone sound pressure level is matched to the targeted blade pass frequency harmonic, and the acoustic spectra are collected at different speeds while thermophone relative phase is varied to form destructive interference. At conducive relative phase, the findings demonstrate consistent reduction of tonal fan noise irrespective of microphone position, highlighting the global nature of the noise cancelation. This corresponds to a 6–13 dB reduction in sound pressure level magnitude at the particular frequency of interest. In the following, the collective impact of this effect is assessed through evaluation of perceived noise level. In case of a single small stator, where the planar mode dominates the spectrum, a single thermophone is sufficient to reduce the dominating planar propagation mode.
Sound enrichment helps persons suffering from low frequency phantom sounds
Authors: van den Berg Frits (G. P.) , Bakker Roel H.
Published: January 2025

Low frequency noise (LFN) of unknown origin can be disturbing, especially at night, and affect sleep and relaxation. If reduction of the LFN is impossible, adding sound can mask the troubling noise or detract attention from it to reduce distress. To assess the effectiveness of this, a survey was set up consisting of three questionnaires: the first when a person requested a masking sound and follow-ups after 1 and 3 months. Distress reduction was based on self-assessment and on the tinnitus questionnaire (TQ). Out of 124 respondents, 69% reported that the masking sound contributed to a reduction in complaints, resulting in a reduction in TQ score. Respondents were mainly above 50 years of age and 31% were male. Most respondents (84%) denounce the possibility of an internal sound. However, demographic characteristics of respondents are more similar to tinnitus patients and less to residents annoyed by environmental noise. The number of respondents per capita rises with decreasing population density, indicating that a quiet environment enhances the hearing of LFN. Thus, absence of sound in the environment may induce the hearing of LFN.
Neural estimation of mutual information in speech signals processed by an auditory model
Authors: Shin Donghoon , Kim Hyung Soon
Published: January 2025

The amount of information contained in speech signals is a fundamental concern of speech-based technologies and is particularly relevant in speech perception. Measuring the mutual information of actual speech signals is non-trivial, and quantitative measurements have not been extensively conducted to date. Recent advancements in machine learning have made it possible to directly measure mutual information using data. This study utilized neural estimators of mutual information to estimate the information content in speech signals. The high-dimensional speech signal was divided into segments and then compressed using Mel-scale filter bank, which approximates the non-linear frequency perception of the human ear. The filter bank outputs were then truncated based on the dynamic range of the auditory system. This data compression preserved a significant amount of information from the original high-dimensional speech signal. The amount of information varied, depending on the categories of the speech sounds, with relatively higher mutual information in vowels compared to consonants. Furthermore, the information available in the speech signals, as processed by the auditory model, decreased as the dynamic range was reduced.
Climate déjà vu
Authors: Thorp H. Holden
Published: January 2025

As in his earlier term, US President Donald Trump’s misguided announcement that the US will withdraw from the Paris Agreement on climate continues a long history of confusion—mostly created intentionally—over the intersection of climate science and US climate policy. The tactics and consequences are no different from what opponents of climate science and action have been using for almost 50 years. For decades, political discourse on climate has blurred the lines between scientific reality and political ideology, treating established facts like debatable opinions, providing shifting reasons for making decisions, and turning what should be reasoned policy debates into ideological battlegrounds.
Supplemental Material: Contrasting provenance budgets for suspended load and bedload of the Yarlung Tsangpo, Tibet: Lhasa block or Himalaya?
Authors: Liang Wendong , al. et
Published: January 2025

Supporting analytical methods, figures, and data for provided in this study.
Incidence, long-term predictors and progression of chronic kidney disease among African migrants and non-migrants: the transcontinental population-based prospective RODAM cohort study
Authors: Mungamba Muhulo Muhau , Chilunga Felix P , van der Linden Eva L , Beune Erik , Godwill Engwa A , Hayfron-Benjamin Charles F , Meeks Karlijn , Darko Samuel N , Twumasi-Ankrah Sampson , Owusu-Dabo Ellis , Vogt Liffert , van den Born Bert-Jan H , Chungag Benedicta N , Agyemang Charles
Published: January 2025

Background

Limited longitudinal data exist on chronic kidney disease (CKD) in African populations undergoing epidemiological transitions. We investigated incidence, long-term predictors and progression of CKD among Ghanaians residing in Ghana and Ghanaian migrants in the Netherlands (Amsterdam).

Methods and findings

We analysed data from 2183 participants in the transcontinental population-based prospective Research on Obesity and Diabetes among African Migrants cohort, followed for approximately 7 years. CKD incidence and its progression to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) were defined using Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria. CKD incidence was calculated using age- and sex standardisation for those without CKD at baseline. Long-term predictors of CKD incidence were identified using one-step robust Poisson regression. CKD progression to ESKD from baseline was also assessed using robust Poisson regressions. Overall age- and sex standardised CKD incidence was 11.0% (95% CI 9.3% to 12.3%) in the population, with Ghanaians residing in Amsterdam at (7.6%; 5.7% to 9.5%) and Ghanaians residing in Ghana at (12.9%; 10.9% to 14.9%). Within Ghana, rural Ghanaians had similar CKD incidence to urban Ghanaians (12.5%; 8.5% to 15.5% vs 12.3%; 8.2% to 15.8%). Residence in Amsterdam was associated with lower CKD incidence compared with Ghana after adjustments (incidence rate ratio=0.32; 0.13–0.77). CKD incidence predictors were advanced age, female sex, alcohol consumption, uric acid levels and hypertension. CKD progression to ESKD was 2.3% among Ghanaians residing in Ghana and 0.0% among Ghanaians residing in Amsterdam.

Conclusion

One-tenth of Ghanaians developed CKD over 7 years, with higher incidence in Ghana compared with Europe. Age, female sex, alcohol use, uric acid levels and hypertension were predictive factors. CKD progression to ESKD was minimal. High CKD incidence among Ghanaians, especially those residing in Ghana, calls for in-depth assessment of contributing factors and targeted interventions.
PrEP15-19 Choices: an implementation study protocol of HIV prevention with oral and long-acting injectable cabotegravir PrEP in real-word settings among sexual and gender minority adolescents in Brazil
Authors: Dourado Ines , Dezanet Lorenza , Magno Laio , Westin Mateus , Soares Fabiane , Massa Paula , Zucchi Eliana Miura , Rossi Thais Regis Aranha , Caires Priscilla , Vasconcelos Ricardo de Paula , Couto Márcia Thereza , Tupinambas Unaí , Greco Dirceu , Grangeiro Alexandre D
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Long-acting injectable (LAI) cabotegravir is a promising new method for preventing HIV. Safe and effective long-acting agents for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV infection are needed to increase preventive options among sexual and gender minority adolescents.

Methods and analysis

This is a multisite, prospective implementation study of three PrEP modalities (LAI-PrEP, event-driven (ED) and daily oral), using a mixed-method design with quantitative and qualitative approaches. The study will include a sample of 550 HIV-negative adolescent men who have sex with men, non-binary individuals assigned male at birth, transgender men and women, aged 15–19 years, in three Brazilian capital cities. Participants will be allocated into two arms, according to their choice of PrEP modalities, and followed up to 36 months. Switching between oral and LAI-PrEP will be allowed, according to the participants’ needs and preferences. The qualitative studies will focus on investigating the processes involved in linkage and retention in care, switching between PrEP modalities and strategies of the implementation process of LAI-PrEP in the current PrEP programming and acceptability from health providers, policymakers and stakeholders’ perspectives.

Ethics and dissemination

The adolescent’s autonomy for consenting to their participation and understanding of PrEP will be assessed by the project team before any care is given and will be recorded in their medical record. Adolescents aged 15–17 years will sign an informed assent form, waiving the need for the approval of a legal guardian, except in cases where the adolescent is found not to have the necessary autonomy. The study was approved by the WHO Ethics Review Committee and by the local IRBs from the universities coordinating the study, the University of São Paulo, the Federal University of Bahia and the Federal University of Minas Gerais. This project is part of an effort to expedite the inclusion of new modalities in the Brazilian PrEP Programme, based on the development of studies to evaluate the implementation of LAI-PrEP and ED-PrEP as a choice. The results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented to the study participants and communities.

Trial registration number

https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-104736f4. The trial registration number: RBR-104736f4