bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perspectives from parents and clinicians on an ecology-focused approach to a group well-child care
Authors: Shah Ishaan T. , Ham Nina D. , Lubega Hassan , Boswell Christopher L. , Liu Esther Kim , Boynton-Jarrett Renée D.
Published: February 2025

Background

Group well-child care (GWCC) is a novel group-based alternative for pediatric primary care visits that may allow for adaptations that better tailor to the needs of underserved populations. This qualitative study investigates clinician and parent perspectives on the acceptability and feasibility of integrating ecology-focused content in GWCC using semi-structured interviews with GWCC parent-graduates and ecology-focused child clinicians.

Methods

Ecology-focused child clinicians were purposively sampled via email outreach. GWCC parent graduates were recruited via announcement in private Facebook groups. One-on-one interviews were conducted via videoconference, transcribed, and analyzed using an inductive approach. Parent and clinician thematic analyses were independently conducted to construct shared domains.

Results

Nine GWCC parent-graduates and nine ecology-focused child clinicians were recruited into the study. Four overarching themes were constructed across parent and clinician responses: questions about clinical appropriateness, parent and clinician desires for educational support, influences of perceptions of nature on clinicians, and parent desires to develop independence and autonomy.

Conclusion

This study identified nuanced considerations from the perspective of parents and clinicians for the implementation of ecology-focused content in the GWCC setting. Understanding the range of preferences parents and clinicians may have over ecology-focused content can help GWCC clinicians in designing ecology-focused preventive counseling materials.
Using CT imaging to identify sarcopenia as a risk factor for severe falls in older adults
Authors: Fries Nadja , Kotti Angeliki , Woisetschläger Mischa , Spångeus Anna
Published: February 2025

Background

Sarcopenia is a skeletal muscle disease primarily associated with ageing and progressive muscle decline and increases the risk of falls. The purpose of the present study was to investigate risk factors, including sarcopenia, for severe falls compared to non-severe falls. In addition, we wanted to explore possible associations between sarcopenia, bone mineral density (BMD), adipose tissue as well as clinical scores assessing frailty, nutritional status, and fall risk.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 101 older patients that had experienced a fall incident during in-patient care at a geriatric ward between 2018 and 2020. The fall incidents were categorized into severe or non-severe falls. Clinical data, including risk assessment scores were retrospectively obtained from the participants’ medical records. Body composition, including skeletal muscle quantity (SKM), adipose tissues, and BMD were assessed from abdominal CT-scans performed for any reason maximal 6 months before or after the fall. Skeletal muscle index ratio (SMI-ratio) was calculated using SKM cm2/height m2 and divided with previous described cut off values for sarcopenia. An SMI ratio < 100% indicated sarcopenia.

Results

The severe fall group showed higher grade of sarcopenia compared to the non-severe fall group (SMI ratio of 71% vs. 83%, p = 0.041) as well as lower, though statistically non-significant, BMI and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) (BMI 22 [20–24] vs. 24 [22–27] kg/m2, p = 0.108, and SAT 95 ± 70 cm² vs. 141 ± 94 cm², p = 0.124). Overweight was more common in non-severe than severe fall group (43% vs. 14%, p = 0.048). SMI ratio correlated negatively with frailty and positive with BMI and the following body composition measurements: intramuscular-, subcutaneous, and visceral adipose tissue (IMAT, SAT and VAT). No correlation with other clinical risk assessment scores nor spine T-score was found. In the multivariate analysis, higher level of frailty, male sex as well as lower BMI, VAT and SAT remained as risk factors for low SMI ratio.

Conclusions

These results underscore the importance of addressing sarcopenia and related risk factors, including malnutrition, in the management and prevention of severe falls in the elderly population. Body composition analyzed in CT-scans could add value in this risk assessment. This analysis could be conducted opportunistically during CT scans performed for other purposes.
Gender characteristics, social determinants, and seasonal patterns of malaria incidence, relapse, and mortality in Sistan and Baluchistan province and other province of Iran: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Khazaee-Pool Maryam , Moosazadeh Mahmood , Asadi-Aliabadi Mehran , Yazdani Fereshteh , Ponnet Koen
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Malaria is a climate-dependent disease influenced by gender, social determination, seasonal patterns, and relapse incidence This study reviews these characteristics of malaria in the Sistan and Baluchistan (S&B) province and another province of Iran.

Methods

This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted through systematic and manual searches in electronic databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and the Scientific Information Database. Studies from the S&B province, published from 1990 to 2024, written in Farsi and English, and reporting incidence, relapse, or death were included in this study. The quality of the studies was evaluated using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale.

Results

Out of 1941 studies initially identified, 43 were included in the systematic review, with 12 studies on relapse and 43 on incidence included in the meta-analysis. The combined results of the 43 primary studies using the random effect model showed that the frequency of malaria among infected women is 32% in S&B, 22% in other parts of Iran and 24% in the whole of Iran. This is 68%, 77% and 75% in men respectively. Among the primary studies, 8 deaths were reported in two studies, all of which were men. The incidence rate of malaria relapse varied from 0.30% to 46%. Based on the random effect model, the malaria relapse rate in Iran was estimated at 9%. The highest incidence of malaria in Iran was between spring and summer, and the lowest incidence was winter and spring. Most studies showed a downward trend in malaria incidence of malaria between 1986 to 2019. In term of socio-demographic status, malaria was more common in rural areas (82%). Although 28% were employed, and in term of age, young and old individuals (15 to 50 years) had the highest rate of infection.

Conclusion

This systematic review and meta-analysis revealed a lower incidence of malaria in women compared to men. The findings highlight the need for health care and the importance of targeted malaria control interventions, especially for men, rural areas, hot weather conditions, and young to middle-aged age groups, particularly in the S&B province.
Help-seeking behaviors among survivors of intimate partner violence during pregnancy in 54 low- and middle-income countries: evidence from Demographic and Health Survey data
Authors: Stiller Mariella , Wilson Michael Lowery , Bärnighausen Till , Adedimeji Adebola , Lewis Erin , Abio Anne
Published: February 2025

Background

Intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy is a global issue of public health importance. Due to the low rates of help-seeking in response to IPV, research on survivors’ help-seeking behaviors is scarce, particularly within low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The present study provides a cross-national evidence of informal and formal help-seeking patterns among pregnant women experiencing IPV.

Methods

This study made use of population-based data from the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) Program from 54 LMICs, collected between 2005 and 2020 (N = 359,027). Applying bivariate and multivariable analyses, the present study examined IPV survivors’ help-seeking distributions and associations with individual, partner, family, and community factors.

Results

Only half of survivors sought help in response to IPV during pregnancy with wide regional and national variations, mainly from informal support networks (including family, neighbors, and friends), and rarely from formal institutions (including legal, socio-cultural, and medical services). Evidence shows that help-seeking behaviors were associated with IPV survivors’ age and educational attainment, survivors’ employment status and earnings compared to their partners, survivors’ consumption of mass media, intimate partner’s age and education, spouse’s alcohol consumption and controlling behaviors, survivors’ wealth index, place of residence, and health-seeking barriers, among others.

Conclusion

Practitioners are encouraged to consider the study’s outcomes when designing interventions and support for survivors seeking help in response to IPV during pregnancy. Strong advocacy and action are needed, including fostering survivors’ educational attainment, diminishing pregnant women’s social and financial dependencies on their intimate partners, promoting pre- and peri-natal health care, informing survivors about help, and increasing gender equality by engaging women and men equally within the whole community.
Gender differences in psychosomatic complaints across occupations and time from 2006 to 2018 in Germany: a repeated cross-sectional study
Authors: Grasshoff Julia , Safieddine Batoul , Sperlich Stefanie , Beller Johannes
Published: February 2025

Background

Previous research indicates that women report more psychosomatic complaints at work compared to men. However, there is a lack of research examining this gender gap across different occupational subgroups and over time.

Methods

The study utilized data from the nationwide German Employment Survey of the Working Population on Qualification and Working Conditions conducted in 2005/2006, 2011/2012, and 2017/ 2018. First, gender differences in psychosomatic complaints were analysed within the occupational subgroups categorized as white-collar high-skilled, white-collar low-skilled, blue-collar high-skilled and blue-collar low-skilled workers. Second, gender stratified time trends of psychosomatic complaints were analysed. A total of 58,759 participants were included in the analysis.

Results

Women consistently reported significantly higher levels of psychosomatic complaints compared to men across all years examined. The largest differences were observed in white-collar high-skilled occupations. From 2005/2006 to 2011/2012, gender differences increased; from 2011/2012 to 2017/2018, they stagnated.

Conclusions

The study revealed that women experience more psychosomatic distress at work than men in all occupational subgroups and time points. White-collar high-skilled workers showed the highest gender gap in psychosomatic complaints. The gender gap widened from 2005/2006 to 2011/2012 and remained stable from 2011/2012 to 2017/2018. Future research should investigate the reasons and implications of this phenomenon, especially considering the increasing proportion of high-skilled white-collar workers, where the gender gap is most evident.
Association between life's essential 8 and Parkinson's disease: a case–control study
Authors: Fan Jiaxin , Wang Yanfeng , Guo Xingzhi , Cao Shuai , Zhan Shuqin , Li Rui
Published: February 2025

Objectives

Life's essential 8 (LE8) is an emerging approach for accessing and quantifying cardiovascular health (CVH), but the effect on Parkinson's disease (PD) is still unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the association between LE8 metrics and PD in the US adults.

Methods

Data of 26,975 participants were extracted from the last 7 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cycles (2005–2018). The LE8 metrics were calculated according to the American Heart Association criterion, and participants were divided into 3 groups using tertile range. Multivariate logistic regression models were constructed to explore the association between LE8 metrics and PD. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to verify robustness. A nonlinear linkage was evaluated via restricted cubic spline (RCS). The stability of this effect was validated by subgroup analysis and interaction test.

Results

A total of 26,975 eligible participants (including 271 PD cases and 26,704 non-PD cases) were included in this study. The multivariate logistic regression models revealed a reverse association of continuous LE8 metrics with PD with ORs of 0.97 (unadjusted model [95% CI: 0.96–0.98, P < 0.01], partially adjusted model [95% CI: 0.97–0.98, P < 0.01], fully adjusted model [95% CI: 0.95–0.98, P < 0.01]). Compared to those of low group, the ORs for high group were 0.37 (95% CI: 0.27–0.50, P < 0.01) in unadjusted model, 0.51 (95% CI: 0.36–0.72, P < 0.01) in partially adjusted model, and 0.51 (95% CI: 0.32–0.81, P < 0.01) in fully adjusted model. The sensitivity analysis ensured the robustness of the observed LE8-PD association. A nonlinear relationship (P
nonlinearity < 0.01) was observed via RCS analysis. The subgroup analysis showed that participants'gender might impact the strength of LE8 metrics-PD association (P
interaction = 0.029).

Conclusions

CVH, as delineated by LE8 metrics, was reversely associated with PD in the dose–response pattern, more pronounced in female compared to male. These findings highlight the potential of the LE8 metrics to guide targeted strategies for addressing gender-based CVH disparities, offering beneficial insights for the tertiary prevention of PD.
The COVID-19 pandemic and self-reported food insecurity among women in Burkina Faso: evidence from the performance monitoring for action (PMA) COVID-19 survey data
Authors: Yankey Ortis , Essah Marcellinus , Amegbor Prince M.
Published: February 2025

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic led to widespread economic disruptions, with government-imposed restrictions and lockdowns significantly affecting livelihoods globally. Burkina Faso, a country with pre-existing vulnerabilities in food security, experienced considerable challenges during this period. The aim of this study was to examine how COVID-19-related income losses is associated with self-reported food insecurity among women in Burkina Faso in 2020. The study also examined whether there was an increase in self-reported food insecurity among women during the COVID-19 restrictions compared with the pre-pandemic era.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using data from the Performance Monitoring for Action (PMA) female survey, which included 3,499 women from Burkina Faso. This study examined the associations between socioeconomic variables, such as age, education, household income loss, and food insecurity. We conducted two analyses using logistic regression. The first analysis focused on self-reported food insecurity and its association with the socioeconomic variables, and the second analysis focused on whether there was an increase in self-reported food insecurity compared with pre-pandemic levels and its association with the socioeconomic factors. We controlled for relevant confounders in the analysis and presented the results as adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Our findings indicated that 16.97% of women reported experiencing food insecurity during the pandemic period. Compared with women with no income loss, women who experienced partial household income loss were 1.82 times (95% CI: 0.98–3.38) more likely to report food insecurity, whereas those who experienced complete income loss were 5.16 times (95% CI: 2.28–9.43) more likely to report food insecurity. The study, however, did not find a statistically significant increase in self-reported food insecurity due to COVID-19 restrictions compared with pre-pandemic levels.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that income loss due to COVID-19 restrictions profoundly affected women’s food security in Burkina Faso. The significant associations between income loss and increased food insecurity underscore the need for targeted interventions and safety nets to support women during public health crises.
Receipt of long-acting injectable antiretroviral therapy among people with HIV in Southern US states: an assessment using electronic health records and claims data
Authors: Liu Yiyang , Fisk-Hoffman Rebecca J. , Patel Maitri , Cook Robert L. , Prosperi Mattia
Published: February 2025

Background

In January 2021, the United States (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first long-acting injectable antiretroviral therapy (LAI ART) regimen for the treatment of HIV providing an alternative to daily oral regimens. We analyzed electronic health records (EHRs) to provide real-world evidence of demographic and clinical characteristics associated with the receipt of LAI ART among people with HIV (PWH).

Methods

Leveraging EHRs from a large clinical research network in the Southern US - OneFlorida + linked with Medicaid (updated to 08/2022) - we identified a cohort of PWH who have been prescribed at least one dose of LAI ART since January 2021 and characterized their demographics, clinical characteristics, and HIV care outcomes.

Results

A total of 233 LAI ART recipients were identified: 56.7% female, 45.1% aged 30 to 44, 51.3% non-Hispanic Black, 78.1% on Medicaid and 4.7% on private insurance. Approximately three-quarters of injections (71.2%) were received within 37 days of the previous dose, and 84.4% were received within 67 days. About 8% of LAI ART recipients did not have optimal care engagement the year before LAI ART initiation; one in five recipients had a diagnosis of alcohol or substance use disorder in lifetime. All achieved viral suppression (< 50 copies/mL) before starting LAI ART. Of a subset of patients with HIV viral load test records, only 1 record of virologic failure (viral load > 200 copies/ml) was observed after the initiation of LAI ART.

Discussion

There has been an increasing trend of LAI ART initiation since approval. People with suboptimal care engagement and with substance use disorder in lifetime were not excluded from LAI ART treatment.
States, global power and access to medicines: a comparative case study of China, India and the United States, 2000–2019
Authors: Hembre Berit S. H. , Chokshi Maulik , Hoffman Steven J. , Suleman Fatima , Andresen Steinar , Sandberg Kristin , Røttingen John-Arne
Published: February 2025

Background

What constitutes state`s global power to shape access to medicines? How was it distributed between states and how did this change from 2000 to 2019? In this comparative case study, we explored the powers of China, India and the United States, and discuss whether our findings from the pre-pandemic era were reflected in the global COVID-19 response related to pharmaceuticals. We used an analytical framework from the international relations literature on structural power, and assessed the following power structures after adapting them to the context of access to medicines: finance, production, financial protection, knowledge, trade and official development assistance.

Results

We found that from 2000 to 2019 there had been a power-shift towards China and India in terms of finance and production of pharmaceuticals, and that in particular China had increased its powers regarding knowledge and financial protection and reimbursement. The United States remained powerful in terms of finance and knowledge. The data on trade and official development assistance indicate an increasingly powerful China also within these structures. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we found that the patterns from previous decades were continued in terms of cutting-edge innovation coming out of the United States. Trade restrictions from the United States and India contrasted our findings as well as the limited effective aid from the United States.

Building on our findings on structural powers, we argue that both structural power and political decisions shaped access to medical technologies during the COVID-19 pandemic. We also examined the roles and positions of the three states regarding developments in global health governance on the COVAX mechanism, the TRIPS Agreement waiver and the pandemic accord in this context.

Conclusion

From 2000-2019, China and India increased their structural powers to shape global access to medical technologies. The recent COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that both structural power and political decisions shaped global access to COVID-19 technologies.
Electroacupuncture alleviates damage to myopic RGCs probably through lncRNA-XR_002789763.1-mediated mitophagy
Authors: Wang Xuejun , Lin Qinghong , Tian Li , Li Xiaoying , Fukuyama Teruko , Ten Weijung , Kong Xiehe , Yang Yanting , Ma Xiaopeng , Zhou Xingtao
Published: February 2025

Background

Mitophagy is closely related to the regulation of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) structure and function. Our previous study suggested that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) can cause damage to myopic RGCs. However, whether electroacupuncture (EA) treatment can delay myopia progression through lncRNA-mediated mitophagy in RGCs is currently unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effect of EA on lncRNA-mediated mitophagy in myopic RGCs.

Methods

Our study investigated the modulatory effect of EA on mitophagy in RGCs of guinea pigs with form-deprived myopia (FDM). RNA sequencing was performed to further analyze the expression profiles of lncRNAs and mRNAs in RGCs of guinea pigs with FDM after EA treatment, and the related competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network was constructed. Importantly, PINK1, a mitophagy-related gene, was included in the core ceRNA network to explore the relationship between lncRNAs and mitophagy in myopic RGCs regulated by EA. We also collected eyeballs from myopic and highly myopic adults to further verify the mechanistic results.

Results

This study demonstrated that EA treatment delayed the reduction in refraction and increase in axial length and alleviated RGC damage in guinea pigs with FDM. We further found that EA could induce mitophagy in guinea pig RGCs with FDM by promoting the mitophagy-related PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway. Moreover, mitophagy is inhibited in the retina of highly myopic adults. RNA sequencing revealed that 599 lncRNAs and 455 mRNAs were differentially expressed in guinea pig RGCs with FDM after EA treatment. A core ceRNA network was constructed by incorporating PINK1 and verified by related molecular experiments, and we found that EA treatment may induce mitophagy and attenuated RGC injury in guinea pigs with FDM by sponging miR-342-5p through lncRNA-XR_002789763.1 to activate the PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway and promote Mfn2 ubiquitination.

Conclusion

EA treatment might regulate lncRNA-XR_002789763.1/miR-342-5p axis and activate the mitophagy-related PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway, and promote Mfn2 ubiquitination, thereby alleviating RGC damage and delaying myopia progression.
Analysis of prodromal symptoms and need for short-term prophylaxis in angioedema patients under long-term prophylaxis
Authors: Lochbaum Robin , Hoffmann Thomas K. , Greve Jens , Hahn Janina
Published: February 2025

Background

Patients with hereditary angioedema (HAE) experience recurrent, unpredictable episodes of edema. These swellings are often preceded by prodromal symptoms. HAE management includes acute treatment, long-term prophylaxis (LTP), and short-term prophylaxis (STP) before procedures with a risk of swelling. The effects of LTP on prodromal symptoms and the necessity for STP in patients on LTP remain unclear.

Methods

A questionnaire-based study involving HAE and AAE patients receiving LTP was conducted. Changes in prodromal symptoms and the incidence of procedures with an increased risk of swelling, including surgeries, dental procedures, and endoscopies were assessed.

Results

A total of 26 patients were included in the study. Among them, 18 experienced zero to three attacks since starting LTP. Abdominal attacks constituted 60% of all attacks, followed by swellings of the extremities and head and neck. The most frequently reported trigger factors were stress and mechanical stimuli, followed by infections. 9 patients reported surgical procedures, with 8 using STP. Of these, 4 experienced breakthrough attacks, including one laryngeal attack. 105 dental procedures were reported, with STP used for only one. Only one angioedema attack occurred after an intervention without STP. For endoscopies, 7 procedures were reported, 3 of which were performed under STP. Two abdominal attacks were reported by the same patient, both without prior STP. Prodromal symptoms remained consistent in type but varied in intensity and frequency under LTP.

Conclusions

For dental procedures, the mandatory use of STP in HAE patients on effective LTP should be reconsidered, provided acute treatment is available and other trigger factors are absent.
Epigene functional diversity: isoform usage, disordered domain content, and variable binding partners
Authors: Bondhus Leroy , Nava Aileen A. , Liu Isabelle S. , Arboleda Valerie A.
Published: February 2025

Background

Epigenes are defined as proteins that perform post-translational modification of histones or DNA, reading of post-translational modifications, form complexes with epigenetic factors or changing the general structure of chromatin. This specialized group of proteins is responsible for controlling the organization of genomic DNA in a cell-type specific fashion, controlling normal development in a spatial and temporal fashion. Moreover, mutations in epigenes have been implicated as causal in germline pediatric disorders and as driver mutations in cancer. Despite their importance to human disease, to date, there has not been a systematic analysis of the sources of functional diversity for epigenes at large. Epigenes’ unique functions that require the assembly of pools within the nucleus suggest that their structure and amino acid composition would have been enriched for features that enable efficient assembly of chromatin and DNA for transcription, splicing, and post-translational modifications.

Results

In this study, we assess the functional diversity stemming from gene structure, isoforms, protein domains, and multiprotein complex formation that drive the functions of established epigenes. We found that there are specific structural features that enable epigenes to perform their variable roles depending on the cellular and environmental context. First, epigenes are significantly larger and have more exons compared with non-epigenes which contributes to increased isoform diversity. Second epigenes participate in more multimeric complexes than non-epigenes. Thirdly, given their proposed importance in membraneless organelles, we show epigenes are enriched for substantially larger intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs). Additionally, we assessed the specificity of their expression profiles and showed epigenes are more ubiquitously expressed consistent with their enrichment in pediatric syndromes with intellectual disability, multiorgan dysfunction, and developmental delay. Finally, in the L1000 dataset, we identify drugs that can potentially be used to modulate expression of these genes.

Conclusions

Here we identify significant differences in isoform usage, disordered domain content, and variable binding partners between human epigenes and non-epigenes using various functional genomics datasets from Ensembl, ENCODE, GTEx, HPO, LINCS L1000, and BrainSpan. Our results contribute new knowledge to the growing field focused on developing targeted therapies for diseases caused by epigene mutations, such as chromatinopathies and cancers.
Open challenges for the automatic synthesis of clinical trials
Authors: Sanchez-Graillet Olivia , Schmidt David M. , Kullik Christian , Cimiano Philipp
Published: February 2025

Objective

An important criterion for selecting clinical trials to be compared in systematic reviews and meta-analyses is that they measure the same outcomes. However, this represents a challenge as there is a wide variety of outcomes, and it is difficult to standardize them for comparing clinical trials containing them. To address this challenge, we utilized our annotated dataset, which includes 211 abstracts of clinical trials related to glaucoma and type 2 diabetes mellitus. We then developed a tool that provides an overview of the annotated clinical trial information and enables users to group them by outcomes.

Results

Using our visualization tool, we formed groups of outcomes and their respective clinical trials. We were able to determine the most common outcomes in clinical trials for these diseases. As a case study on diabetes, we compared our outcomes with those consented by diabetes stakeholders and found that many of the grouped outcomes are aligned with the consented ones. This demonstrates that tools such as the one presented can help standardize clinical outcomes, which in turn help in the synthesis of clinical trials. Finally, we also offer some recommendations that could help in the automation of clinical trials based on outcome standardization.
Screening of two efficient phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria, strain X42 (Bacillus_A_bombysepticus) and strain G62 (Bacillus velezensis) for their ability to promote Gan Nan navel orange growth
Authors: Zhao Wenyuan , Peng Tao , Cao Haojie , Huang Huimin , Yu Shuijing
Published: February 2025

Background

Due to inadequacies in the current management practices of navel orange orchards in southern Jiangxi, there is a deficiency in phosphorus content and a decline in overall soil quality. Therefore, developing microbial formulations that increase soil fertility while meeting green ecological standards is highly important. Rhizobacteria promote plant growth through various mechanisms, and given the critical role of phosphorus in plant growth and development, the development and application of such microbial agents offer an effective approach to address the aforementioned issues.

Results

This study screened two strains of bacteria with high phosphate solubilization capabilities from the roots of navel oranges in southern Jiangxi. These strains were inoculated into potted plants to investigate their potential to promote plant growth. A comparison of the growth indicators of the experimental and control groups, as well as the enzyme activity indicators of navel orange leaves, revealed that both strains exhibited good growth-promoting effects. Furthermore, whole-genome sequencing of the two strains was conducted, and by comparing data from 31 housekeeping genes, strain X42 was preliminarily identified as Bacillus bombysepticus, and strain G62 was identified as Bacillus velezensis. The comparison also revealed the presence of phosphate solubilization-encoding genes in both strains, with strain G62 lacking the genes for phytate mineralization and inorganic phosphorus dissolution, which may prevent it from utilizing additional organic phosphorus sources.

Conclusion

This study not only confirms the positive impact of two highly efficient phosphate-solubilizing Bacillus strains on the growth of navel oranges in southern Jiangxi but also deepens the understanding of the genetic basis of phosphate-solubilizing traits through whole-genome analysis. These findings are highly important for the development of biofertilizers and their application in sustainable agriculture, especially in terms of improving soil quality and increasing crop yields.
Improving multi-talker binaural DOA estimation by combining periodicity and spatial features in convolutional neural networks
Authors: Varzandeh Reza , Doclo Simon , Hohmann Volker
Published: February 2025

Deep neural network-based direction of arrival (DOA) estimation systems often rely on spatial features as input to learn a mapping for estimating the DOA of multiple talkers. Aiming to improve the accuracy of multi-talker DOA estimation for binaural hearing aids with a known number of active talkers, we investigate the usage of periodicity features as a footprint of speech signals in combination with spatial features as input to a convolutional neural network (CNN). In particular, we propose a multi-talker DOA estimation system employing a two-stage CNN architecture that utilizes cross-power spectrum (CPS) phase as spatial features and an auditory-inspired periodicity feature called periodicity degree (PD) as spectral features. The two-stage CNN incorporates a PD feature reduction stage prior to the joint processing of PD and CPS phase features. We investigate different design choices for the CNN architecture, including varying temporal reduction strategies and spectro-temporal filtering approaches. The performance of the proposed system is evaluated in static source scenarios with 2–3 talkers in two reverberant environments under varying signal-to-noise ratios using recorded background noises. To evaluate the benefit of combining PD features with CPS phase features, we consider baseline systems that utilize either only CPS phase features or combine CPS phase and magnitude spectrogram features. Results show that combining PD and CPS phase features in the proposed system consistently improves DOA estimation accuracy across all conditions, outperforming the two baseline systems. Additionally, the PD feature reduction stage in the proposed system improves DOA estimation accuracy while significantly reducing computational complexity compared to a baseline system without this stage, demonstrating its effectiveness for multi-talker DOA estimation.
Medication for opioid use disorder service delivery in carceral facilities: update and summary report
Authors: Berk Justin , South Anna-Maria , Martin Megan , James Michael-Evans , Miller Cameron , Haber Lawrence , Rich Josiah
Published: February 2025

The opioid overdose crisis intersects critically with the criminal legal system where individuals with opioid use disorder (are significantly overrepresented. Subsequently, incarceration increases the risk of opioid overdose due to reduced tolerance, interrupted social supports, and limited access to treatment. Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone, have been shown to reduce opioid-related mortality and improve outcomes for those in carceral settings. Despite this, access to MOUD in jails and prisons remains limited due to stigma, concerns about medication diversion, and logistical challenges. This paper reviews the current state of knowledge on MOUD in carceral settings, summarizing the prevalence of treatment programs, the role of novel formulations like injectable buprenorphine, and barriers to implementation. It also explores the continuum of care, emphasizing the importance of initiating MOUD during incarceration and ensuring continuation upon release to prevent treatment gaps. Recent policy changes, such as Sect. 1115 Medicaid waivers, offer promising avenues for expanding access, but retention in treatment and post-release outcomes remain significant challenges. The paper provides a comprehensive overview of existing literature and updates on MOUD service delivery, including the impact of recent policy shifts and research on outcomes such as recidivism and health improvement. It concludes by identifying key areas for future research, including strategies to improve treatment retention, address systemic barriers through criminal justice reform, and enhance care coordination during the transition from incarceration to the community.
Civic and citizenship education, global citizenship education, and education for sustainable development: an analysis of their integrated conceptualization and measurement in the international civic and citizenship education study (ICCS) 2016 and 2022
Authors: Damiani Valeria , Fraillon Julian
Published: February 2025

Globalization and its impact on contemporary societies have gained new impetus with the notions of global citizenship education (GCED) and education for sustainable development (ESD), considered, together with civic and citizenship education (CCE), as a means for promoting students’ engagement in global/local issues and providing them with the awareness and skills to develop a deeper understanding of, and response to, contemporary issues. Research has shown that GCED and ESD, intended as two interrelated and intersecting fields, have strong associations with CCE and how citizenship is conceived in the post-national and global era. This paper aims to examine the issue of GCED/ESD achievement measurement within the field of civic and citizenship education. Combining analysis of the assessment frameworks and of data from the IEA ICCS (2016, 2022) achievement test (the civic knowledge test), it discusses the integration of the conceptualization and measurement of student achievement in civic knowledge with an ex-post operationalization and measurement of student achievement in concepts and content associated with GCED and ESD (for ICCS 2016) and subsequently analyses the associations between test items related to the GCED/ESD domain and those related to “the other CCE” domain in ICCS 2022. Results highlighted the progressive relevance of GCED/ESD in the ICCS studies and the blurred boundaries between GCED/ESD and CCE both in ICCS 2016 and 2022. In disentangling the implicit, growing interrelationship among these areas (theoretically and from a measurement perspective), research findings also showed the evolution of the concept of civic and citizenship education itself.
Addressing the deficit in chronic traumatic encephalopathy research in Africa: a call for urgent attention
Authors: Muili Abdulbasit Opeyemi , Alare Kehinde , Solagbade Oluwapelumi Samuel , Kuol Piel Panther
Published: February 2025

Chronic traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) has been linked to an increase in the mortality of contact sport athletes in the USA, most especially in the early 2000s due to limited information on its existence. The lack of understanding of its existence resulted in delayed diagnosis and inadequate treatment of the disease for affected individuals.

Africa faces a similar gap as awareness and research on CTE remain limited in the region where active participation in contact sports is rising. If no drastic action is taken to mitigate the gap, the region may face similar health consequences in the future.

Various challenges responsible for the gap can be attributed to limited infrastructure, limited funding opportunities, and sociocultural factors. To address these challenges, a multifaceted approach is necessary through increasing funding, integrating CTE education into the medical curriculum, improving infrastructure, and resolving sociocultural myths about organ donation.
Revealing Sarcophyton extract's alleviating potential against gentamicin-induced renal and testicular toxicity in rat model
Authors: Badr Nada S. , Talaat Aml , El-Saidy Salwa A. , Ghoneim Aml Zaki Ahmed
Published: February 2025

Background

Gentamicin (GEN) is a potent antibiotic known for inducing oxidative stress and causing adverse effects in the kidneys and testes. Sarcophyton species possess significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making them potential candidates for addressing oxidative stress and inflammation-related gentamicin toxicity. The study aims to explore the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Sarcophyton acutum methanol extract (SAME) to counteract gentamicin effects.

Methods

Sarcophyton acutum were collected and macerated with methanol, followed by phytochemical analysis of extract. Twenty-four adult male albino rats were separated into four equal groups: Control, SAME-treated (200 mg/kg/day), GEN-treated (100 mg/kg/day), and GEN + SAME-treated rats. Various parameters, including body weight, relative kidney and testes weight, differential white blood cell count, blood urea, creatinine, luteinizing hormone, testosterone, total antioxidant capacity, myeloperoxidase activity, and histopathological changes in kidney and testes tissue, were analyzed.

Results

Phytochemical analysis revealed SAME's composition, including alkaloids, saponins, phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins, with an average total antioxidant capacity of 10.503 ± 0.632 mg AAE/g extract. GEN treatment resulted in altered body and organ weights, changes in white blood cell percentages, elevated urea and creatinine levels, reduced luteinizing hormone and testosterone, decreased renal and testicular tissue total antioxidant capacity, and increased myeloperoxidase levels in both tissues. However, the administration of SAME with GEN attenuated these effects, restoring parameters closer to control levels. Histological evaluation showed that GEN treatment induced significant renal tissue damage characterized by enlarged renal corpuscles, glomerular tuft hypertrophy, tubular dilation, and necrosis, interstitial leukocyte infiltration, and tubular hyaline cast formation. Co-administration of SAME with GEN mitigated these effects, reducing renal corpuscle swelling, tubular vacuolization, and hypertrophy and preventing hyaline deposition and leukocyte infiltration. In testicular tissue, GEN injection caused seminiferous tubule atrophy, decreased spermatogenic layer thickness, and interstitial expansion and degeneration. However, SAME administration with GEN preserved normal tubular size and spermatogenic layer thickness, reduced vacuolization, and epithelial necrosis, and maintained spermatogenesis.

Conclusion

Sarcophyton acutum methanol extract demonstrates promising protective effects against gentamicin-induced renal and testicular toxicity in rats, signifying its potential as a therapeutic agent to mitigate antibiotic-induced oxidative damage in vital organs.
Combined balloon plus stent technique for treatment of intracranial aneurysm: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Habibi Mohammad Amin , Arshadi Mohammad Reza , Gharedaghi Hossein , Rashidi Farhang , Asgarzadeh Ali
Published: February 2025

Background

Intracranial aneurysms are weak spots in brain vessels that are at a higher risk of rupture and hemorrhage. This review investigates the safety and efficacy of the stent plus balloon technique for intracranial aneurysm management.

Methods

PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase were systematically searched using the related key terms such as “Stent”, “Balloon”, “Intracranial”, and “Aneurysm” until July 22, 2024.

Results

Eleven studies comprising 481 aneurysms were included. The pooled angiographic outcome rate, according to Raymond–Roy occlusion classification (RROC), for RROC1 was 64% (95% CI 50–79%, p-heterogeneity < 0.001, I2 = 87%), while for the RROC2 was 18% (95% CI 14–23%, p-heterogeneity = 0.12, I2 = 1%), and the RROC3 rate was 17% (95% CI 3–30%, p-heterogeneity < 0.001, I2 = 100%). In addition, the intraprocedural complication and adverse event rate were 17% (95% CI 3% to %32, p-heterogeneity < 0.001, I2 = 97%) and 15% (95% CI 0–30%, p-heterogeneity < 0.001, I2 = 100%), respectively. Furthermore, the overall ischemic stroke occurred in % 4 (95% CI 1–8%, p-heterogeneity < 0.001, I2 = 100%), as well as 4% (95% CI 2–10% p-heterogeneity = 0.30, I2 = 30%), respectively.

Conclusion

The balloon plus stent technique is an innovative procedure; surgeons should know about and utilize in intracranial aneurysms. Our analysis observed minimal complications and mortality during the surgical procedure, which were identical to the rates observed with alternative techniques.
Hepatitis due to Coxsackie A virus in an adult: a case report
Authors: Surendra Likith , Sharma Varun , Sivakumar Milan , Lanzendorf Tara , Varkey Thomas C. , Salehpour Kaivan
Published: February 2025

Background

Coxsackie A16, an Enterovirus and cause of hand-foot-and-mouth disease in children, is characterized by fever and erythematous papular eruptions. Coxsackie virus-induced hepatitis has also been established in children; however, it has been rarely reported in the adult population. We present a unique case of an adult male with acute hepatitis from Coxsackie A exposure. Furthermore, this case highlights the value of obtaining a detailed history, as practitioners may overlook minute details that are key to developing an accurate care plan.

Case presentation

The patient is a 35-year-old male who presented with acute epigastric and right upper quadrant pain. His past medical history was significant for asthma, chronic back pain taking tramadol, cholecystitis status post cholecystectomy, and an ongoing workup for autoimmune hepatitis. He was found to be febrile to 100.9 °F, with leukocytosis of 12.6 × 109 WBC/L, elevated liver function tests (LFTs) including aspartate aminotransferase (AST) of 386 U/L and alanine transaminase (ALT) of 260 U/L, and elevated total bilirubin of 2.2 mg/dL. The day after presentation, AST increased to 694 U/L, and ALT increased to 594 U/L. Physical examination, abdominal imaging, and laboratory testing for classic viral causes of hepatitis were unremarkable.

The internal medicine team initially assessed the patient to have acute hepatitis that was autoimmune or drug-induced in nature. However, after more careful history taking, the patient was found to have exposure to hand-foot-and-mouth disease through his young son. The team subsequently ordered an expanded viral panel, which was positive for Enterovirus. Based on the patient’s exposure history, this was determined to be Coxsackie A. The patient was subsequently treated successfully with supportive care.

Conclusions

Coxsackie virus causing hepatitis in adults has been rarely reported. This unique case demonstrates Coxsackie A-induced hepatitis in an adult due to exposure from a sick contact. Given the patient’s history of potential autoimmune and tramadol-induced hepatocyte damage, our case suggests that Coxsackie A may be more virulent in a patient with underlying liver vulnerability. Our case also highlights the importance of obtaining a thorough history to ensure appropriate treatment and prevent delays in management.
CitGATA7 interact with histone acetyltransferase CitHAG28 to promote citric acid degradation by regulating the glutamine synthetase pathway in citrus
Authors: Lin Xiahui , Li Shaojia , Shi Yanna , Ma Yuchen , Li Yinchun , Tan Haohan , Zhang Bo , Xu Changjie , Chen Kunsong
Published: February 2025

Organic acid is a crucial indicator of fruit quality traits. Citric acid, the predominant organic acid in citrus fruit, directly influences its edible quality and economic value. While the transcriptional regulatory mechanisms of citric acid metabolism have been extensively studied, the understanding about the transcriptional and epigenetic co-regulation mechanisms is limited. This study characterized a transcription factor, CitGATA7, which directly binds to and activates the expression of genes associated with the glutamine synthetase pathway regulating citric acid degradation. These genes include the aconitase encoding gene CitACO3, the isocitrate dehydrogenase encoding gene CitIDH1, and the glutamine synthetase encoding gene CitGS1. Furthermore, CitGATA7 physically interacts with the histone acetyltransferase CitHAG28 to enhance histone 3 acetylation levels near the transcription start site of CitACO3, CitIDH1, and CitGS1, thereby increasing their transcription and promoting citric acid degradation. The findings demonstrate that the CitGATA7-CitHAG28 protein complex transcriptionally regulate the expression of the GS pathway genes, i.e., CitACO3, CitIDH1, and CitGS1, via histone acetylation, thus promoting citric acid catabolism. This study establishes a direct link between transcriptional regulation and histone acetylation regarding citric acid metabolism, providing insights for strategies to manipulate organic acid accumulation in fruit.