bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An environmental isolate of Pseudomonas, 20EI1, reduces Aspergillus flavus growth in an iron-dependent manner and alters secondary metabolism
Authors: Wyman Elizabeth M. , Grayburn W. Scott , Gilbert Matthew K. , Lebar Matthew D. , Lohmar Jessica M. , Cary Jeffrey W. , Sauters Thomas J. C. , Rokas Antonis , Calvo Ana M.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Aspergillus flavus is an opportunistic pathogenic fungus that infects oilseed crops worldwide. When colonizing plants, it produces mycotoxins, including carcinogenic compounds such as aflatoxins. Mycotoxin contamination results in an important economic and health impact. The design of new strategies to control A. flavus colonization and mycotoxin contamination is paramount.

Methods

The biocontrol potential of a promising new isolate of Pseudomonas spp., 20EI1 against A. flavus was assessed using bioassays and microscopy. To further elucidate the nature of this bacterial-fungal interaction, we also performed chemical and transcriptomics analyses.

Results

In the present study, Pseudomonas spp., 20EI1 was able to reduce the growth of A. flavus. Furthermore, we determined that this growth inhibition is iron-dependent. In addition, Pseudomonas 20EI1 reduced or blocked the production of aflatoxin, as well as cyclopiazonic acid and kojic acid. Expression of iron-related genes was altered in the presence of the bacteria and genes involved in the production of aflatoxin were down-regulated. Iron supplementation partially reestablished their expression. Expression of other secondary metabolite (SM) genes was also reduced by the bacteria, including genes of clusters involved in cyclopiazonic acid, kojic acid and imizoquin biosynthesis, while genes of the cluster corresponding to aspergillicin, a siderophore, were upregulated. Interestingly, the global SM regulatory gene mtfA was significantly upregulated by 20EI1, which could have contributed to the observed alterations in SM.

Discussion

Our results suggest that Pseudomonas 20EI1 is a promising biocontrol against A. flavus, and provide further insight into this iron-dependent bacterial-fungal interaction affecting the expression of numerous genes, among them those involved in SM.
Metabolic consequences of erastin-induced ferroptosis in human ovarian cancer cells: an untargeted metabolomics study
Authors: Kirkwood-Donelson Kaylie I. , Jarmusch Alan K. , Bortner Carl D. , Merrick Bruce Alex , Sinha Birandra K.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Ovarian cancer has been difficult to cure due to acquired or intrinsic resistance and therefore, newer or more effective drugs/approaches are needed for a successful treatment in the clinic. Erastin (ER), a ferroptosis inducer, kills tumor cells by generating and accumulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) within the cell, resulting in an iron-dependent oxidative damage-mediated ferroptotic cell death.

Methods

We have utilized human ovarian cancer cell lines, OVCAR-8 and its adriamycin-selected, multi-drug resistance protein (MDR1)-expressing NCI/ADR-RES, both equally sensitive to ER, to identify metabolic biomarkers of ferroptosis.

Results

Our studies showed that ER treatment rapidly depleted cellular glutathione and cysteine and enhanced formation of ophthalamate (OPH) in both cells. Opthalalmate has been proposed to be a biomarker of oxidative stress in cells. Our study also found significant decreases in cellular taurine, a natural antioxidant in cells. Additionally, we found that ER treatment decreased cellular levels of NAD+/NADP+, carnitines and glutamine/glutamate in both cells, suggesting significant oxidative stress, decrease in energy production, and cellular and mitochondrial disfunctions, leading to cell death.

Conclusion

Our studies identified several potential biomarkers of ER-induced ferroptosis including OPH, taurine, NAD+, NADP+ and glutamate in ovarian cancer cells. Identifying specific metabolic biomarkers that are predictive of whether a cancer is susceptible to ferroptosis will help us devise more successful treatment modalities.
Novel heterozygous ASH1L nonsense variant involved in mild intellectual disability
Authors: Liao Baoqiong , Xie Wuming , He Shuwen
Published: January 2025

Mutations in ASH1L have been associated with a range of phenotypes, including intellectual disability (ID), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), seizures, as well as differences in skeletal, muscular, and sleep functions. In this study, we describe a patient diagnosed with mild ID, and whole-exome sequencing (WES) of the family identified a novel heterozygous nonsense variant, NM_018489.2: c.2479A > T (p.Lys827*), located in exon 3 of ASH1L, which was predicted to be pathogenic. The nonsense variant in the mild ID patient may disrupt ASH1L function by destabilizing its spatial conformation, leading to decreased activity of the catalytic H3K36 methylation, thereby affecting neurological function. A review of reported ASH1L nonsense mutations to explore genotype–phenotype correlations suggested that these variants typically result in a loss of function. Our findings contribute to understanding the neurodevelopmental pathogenesis of mild ID in patients with the ASH1L nonsense variant mutation.
EURAD State-of-the-Art Report: ACED assessment of the chemical evolution at the disposal cell scale—part I—processes at interfaces and evolution at disposal cell scale
Authors: Neeft Erika , Deissmann Guido , Jacques Diederik
Published: January 2025

Within the framework of the European Joint Programme on Radioactive Waste Management, the work package ACED–Assessment of chemical evolution of intermediate level (ILW) and high level (HLW) waste at disposal cell scale–used combined experimental and modelling methods in a multi-scale approach with process integration to improve the long-term modelling and assessment of the chemical evolution at the disposal cell scale. Part I provides the relevance of the assessment of the chemical evolution for safety, performance, and optimization. It further describes the main characteristics of disposal cells for ILW and vitrified HLW waste in European disposal programmes. From that, a number of interfaces between different types of material are identified that are highly relevant for many national disposal programs: glass-steel, steel-concrete, steel-clay, steel-crystalline, concrete-clay, and concrete-crystalline. Based on literature review, the main processes and consequences occurring at these interfaces are described. The key element is the narrative of the evolution at the disposal cell scale based on process understanding. In part II, tools to obtain process understanding–experiments, analogues, modelling–are discussed in detail.
Towards implementing new payment models for the reimbursement of high-cost, curative therapies in Europe: insights from semi-structured interviews
Authors: Desmet Thomas , Michelsen Sissel , Van den Brande Elena , Van Dyck Walter , Simoens Steven , Huys Isabelle
Published: January 2025

Background

New ways of reimbursement for high-cost, one-shot curative therapies such as advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) are a growing area of interest to stakeholders in market access such as industry representatives, legislative and accounting experts, physicians, hospital managers, hospital pharmacists, patient representatives, policymakers, and sickness funds. Due to the complex nature of ATMPs, new payment models and reimbursement modalities are proposed yet not widely applied across Europe.

Objectives

This study aimed to elicit opinions on and insights into the governance aspect of implementing outcome-based spread payments (OBSP) in Belgium for the reimbursement of innovative therapies. Stakeholders’ responsibilities and roles were analysed and proposed solutions or general beliefs were assessed to identify necessary or sufficient conditions to establish outcome-based spread payments.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews (n = 33) were conducted with physicians (n = 2), hospital pharmacists (n = 4), hospital managers (n = 2), Belgian policymakers (n = 6), legislative experts (n = 2), accounting experts (n = 5), representatives of patients (n = 3), of industry (n = 5), and sickness funds (n = 4). The interviews took place between July 2020 and October 2020. The framework method analysis was performed using Nvivo software (version 20.4.1.851). Statements were allocated into six main topics: payment structure, spread payments, outcome-based agreements, governance, transparency, and regulation.

Results

Interviews revealed the necessary conditions that, fulfilled together, are seen to be sufficient for the successful implementation of OBSP, including consensus on pricing, payment logistics, robust data infrastructure and financing, clear agreement terms (duration, outcome parameters, payment triggers), long-term patient follow-up solutions, an external multi-stakeholder governance body, and transparency regarding agreement types.

Conclusion

Despite the interest, the effective implementation of OBSP falls behind due to a lack of consensus on how this new reimbursement method can be a sustainable solution. By stating the necessary conditions that, when fulfilled together, are deemed sufficient for successful OBSP implementation, this study provides a framework towards overcoming implementation barriers and realizing the potential of OBSP in transforming healthcare reimbursement practices.
Design, synthesis, and anti-inflammatory activity of 2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one derivatives modified with 1,2,3-triazole in LPS-induced BV-2 cells
Authors: Hou Xixi , Mao Longfei , Zhang Huibin , Wang Lan , He Baoyu , Guo Jingjing , Wang Jianji
Published: January 2025

Given the potent anti-inflammatory properties of the 1,2,3-triazole structure and the wide use of 2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one in developing treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, a series of 2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one derivatives were synthesized by introducing a 1,2,3-triazole moiety. Screening for anti-inflammatory activity in microglial cells revealed that compounds e2, e16, and e20 exhibited the most promising effects without significant cytotoxicity. These compounds effectively reduced LPS-induced NO production and significantly decreased the transcription levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Furthermore, they downregulated the transcription and protein levels of the inflammation-related enzymes iNOS and COX-2 in response to LPS stimulation. To further investigate the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of these derivatives in microglia, the intracellular ROS levels and the activation of the Nrf2-HO-1 signaling pathway were analyzed. The results indicated that the 2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one derivatives significantly activated the Nrf2-HO-1 pathway, reduced LPS-induced ROS production, and alleviated microglial inflammation. Molecular docking studies suggested that compounds e2, e16, and e20 could interact with Nrf2-related binding sites, preventing its degradation by Keap1. Additionally, acute toxicity tests in mice demonstrated that compound e16 exhibited favorable safety.
Enhanced antitumor efficacy through sustained release of 5-fluorouracil from poly(trimethylene carbonate) membranes
Authors: Wang Zongheng , Hou Zhipeng , Zhang Shuguang , Ren Shuangyi , Yang Liqun , Zhang Qianshi
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Cancer remains one of the deadliest diseases worldwide. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is one of the most commonly used chemotherapeutic agents in clinical practice today, but its effectiveness is often hampered by rapid drug metabolism and systemic toxicity. To address these limitations, the development of novel drug delivery systems for sustained drug release is essential to improve therapeutic outcomes.

Methods

This study aimed to develop a poly(trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC) membrane capable of sustained drug release of 5-FU to enhance its antitumor activity. The membranes were prepared using the solvent-casting method, and their comprehensive properties were characterized.

Results and Discussion

We evaluated the in vitro sustained release capability, as well as the biocompatibility and antitumor activity at both cellular and animal levels. The results demonstrated that the 5-FU-loaded PTMC membranes exhibited effective sustained release capabilities, superior biocompatibility, and enhanced antitumor effects compared to the 5-FU injections. These findings suggested that the 5-FU-loaded PTMC membranes hold great potential for application in cancer patients, offering benefits in chemotherapy treatment.
Effects of exogenous SLs on growth and physiological characteristics of flue-cured tobacco seedlings under different degrees of drought stress
Authors: Wang Xiao-dong , Zhang Yi-nan , Wang Xiao-guo , Zhuang Ye , Ge Shao-hua
Published: January 2025

Background

Drought stress severely affects global crop yields, reduces water availability, and hinders growth. Strigolactones can alleviate damage caused by various abiotic stresses in plants; however, limited research has been conducted on their ability to enhance drought tolerance in tobacco.

Methods

This study evaluated the drought tolerance of ‘Qin Tobacco 96’ (drought-tolerant) and ‘Yun Tobacco 116’ (moisture-sensitive) before and after the application of gibberellic acid lactone at a concentration of 0.2 mg·L⁻¹ under three drought conditions: mild, moderate, and severe. The primary drought tolerance traits were identified from 29 related indicators, including agronomic traits, photosynthetic efficiency, reactive oxygen metabolism, antioxidant enzyme activities, osmotic regulators, and hormone regulation, using affiliation function, principal component analysis, and cluster analysis to categorize the traits. The degree of drought tolerance enhancement in the two tobacco varieties was evaluated under various treatments.

Results

Spraying exogenous strigolactones reduced the adverse effects of drought stress, particularly in the moisture-sensitive Y116 variety. Under drought stress, chlorophyll content and photosynthetic parameters significantly decreased, whereas strigolactone treatment increased both chlorophyll content and photosynthetic efficiency. Strigolactones reduced the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde content, enhancing the antioxidant capacity of both varieties. Additionally, strigolactones increased the levels of osmoregulatory substances and activated the production of antioxidant enzymes, thereby enhancing drought tolerance. Furthermore, drought stress disrupted the balance of endogenous hormones, decreasing levels of auxin, gibberellic acid, and ribosylzeatin, while increasing abscisic acid levels. Exogenous strigolactones restored this hormonal balance.

Conclusion

Sixteen traits associated with drought tolerance in tobacco were analyzed using principal component analysis, the traits were classified using cluster analysis, and the magnitude of the D-value was determined by calculating the values of the affiliation function and their respective weights. The results indicated that a concentration of 0.2 mg·L⁻¹ of strigolactones enhanced the drought tolerance of tobacco across different levels of drought stress and promoted the growth and development of flue-cured tobacco. However, the interactions between strigolactones and various hormones under drought stress require further investigation to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. The application methods of strigolactones should be optimized.
Under simulated microgravity and gravity, anthocyanin is regulated by DcaWRKY2 in Dendrobium catenatum leaves
Authors: Hou Tianze , Zheng Baoqiang , Peng Fucheng , Jiang Zehui , Zhang Wenbo , Wang Yan
Published: January 2025

Long-term space missions will require high-quality plants that are edible, medicinal, and ornamental, to support the physical and mental health of astronauts under altered gravity conditions. Anthocyanins play a key role in enhancing the medicinal and edible value and ornamental properties of plants. However, under simulated microgravity, the transcription control of anthocyanin biosynthesis is not clear. Here, in order to investigate the influences of simulated microgravity on the anthocyanin accumulation further, clones of Dendrobium catenatum were exposed for 20 days to simulated microgravity conditions. The anthocyanin content in Dendrobium catenatum leaves increased in the simulated microgravity conditions compared with that in gravity-treated clones. Furthermore, based on the transcriptome sequencing, differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and weighted gene co-expression network analysis combined with RT-qPCR, we identified one WRKY gene, DcaWRKY2, from a Dendrobium catenatum under simulated microgravity conditions, which indicated that DcaWRKY2 may be involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis under simulated microgravity conditions. A more in-depth analysis evaluating the function of DcaWRKY2, transcription factor gene DcaWRKY2, was silenced by virus-induced gene silencing under gravity conditions, which resulted in the increase of anthocyanin accumulation in leaves, and the expression levels of anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway (ABP) structural genes, including DcaCHS, DcaCHI, DcaF3H, DcaDFR, and DcaANS were increased significantly. This research provides new insights into how altered gravity can affect anthocyanin synthesis in plants and illuminated the regulatory effects of DcaWRKY2 on the leaves’ pigmentation and anthocyanin biosynthesis in Dendrobium catenatum under gravity and simulated microgravity.
SerpensGate-YOLOv8: an enhanced YOLOv8 model for accurate plant disease detection
Authors: Miao Yongzheng , Meng Wei , Zhou Xiaoyu
Published: January 2025

Plant disease detection remains a significant challenge, necessitating innovative approaches to enhance detection efficiency and accuracy. This study proposes an improved YOLOv8 model, SerpensGate-YOLOv8, specifically designed for plant disease detection tasks. Key enhancements include the incorporation of Dynamic Snake Convolution (DySnakeConv) into the C2F module, which improves the detection of intricate features in complex structures, and the integration of the SPPELAN module, combining Spatial Pyramid Pooling (SPP) and Efficient Local Aggregation Network (ELAN) for superior feature extraction and fusion. Additionally, an innovative Super Token Attention (STA) mechanism was introduced to strengthen global feature modeling during the early stages of the network. The model leverages the PlantDoc dataset, a highly generalizable dataset containing 2,598 images across 13 plant species and 27 classes (17 diseases and 10 healthy categories). With these improvements, the model achieved a Precision of 0.719. Compared to the original YOLOv8, the mean Average Precision (mAP@0.5) improved by 3.3%, demonstrating significant performance gains. The results indicate that SerpensGate-YOLOv8 is a reliable and efficient solution for plant disease detection in real-world agricultural environments.
Advances in auxin synthesis, transport, and signaling in rice: implications for stress resilience and crop improvement
Authors: Hou Mengmeng , Zhang Yuanbo , Xu Xinyi , Ai Hao
Published: January 2025

Auxin, a crucial plant hormone, plays a pivotal role in regulating various aspects of rice growth and development, including cell elongation, root formation, and responses to environmental stimuli. Recent breakthroughs in auxin research have revealed novel regulatory mechanisms, such as the identification of auxin-related genes like DNR1 and OsARF18, which enhance rice nitrogen use efficience and resistance to glufosinate. Additionally, advancements in understanding auxin transport and signaling pathways have highlighted their potential in optimizing tillering, root architecture, and grain yield. This review examines these molecular mechanisms and their interactions with other hormones, emphasizing their integration into breeding programs for improved rice productivity. By synthesizing these findings, we provide a comprehensive overview of how auxin research informs strategies for developing rice varieties with enhanced adaptability and optimized growth, contributing to food security and sustainable agriculture.
Elucidating the emotional persona in the Romanian university students’ academic discourse: a corpus-based exploration
Authors: Dudău Diana Paula , Chitez Madalina , Sava Florin Alin
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Despite growing global interest in the emotional dimensions of academic writing, Romanian academic discourse remains underexplored, particularly in multilingual contexts. This study addresses this gap by analyzing a bilingual corpus of texts written in Romanian (L1) and English (L2) across various disciplines and genres. It aims to uncover emotional dimensions conveyed through linguistic markers, exploring how language, culture, and academic context shape students’ writing styles. Romania’s historical and social emphasis on formality, hierarchy, and indirectness in communication serves as a backdrop for examining these dynamics.

Method

A corpus-based approach was adopted, utilizing the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count 2015 (LIWC2015) tool to analyze linguistic and emotional markers. The bilingual ROGER corpus, containing texts from nine Romanian universities spanning multiple disciplines and genres, served as the dataset. Advanced data analysis techniques included supervised machine learning for language classification, network analysis to explore interactions among linguistic features, and cluster analysis to detect discipline- and genre-specific linguistic patterns.

Results

The findings reveal distinct emotional patterns between Romanian and English academic writing. Romanian texts exhibit a higher degree of formality and indirectness, while English texts reflect greater assertiveness and personal engagement. Additionally, the Romanian corpus demonstrates less linguistic cohesion and a broader range of writing styles. Genre- and discipline-specific trends also emerge, with English coursework and analytical writing, predominantly from social sciences, displaying more personal and emotional expression than research-focused texts. In contrast, the Romanian corpus, characterized by a third cluster, presents less clear-cut patterns: humanities texts span both emotionally expressive and neutral tones, while research and academic papers frequently exhibit an achievement-oriented or entrepreneurial style, though a significant subset also reflects a highly disengaged profile.

Discussion

By integrating machine learning, network analysis, and automatic language analysis, this study offers a novel perspective on how language, genre, and discipline-specific conventions shape emotional expression in academic writing. The results suggest that the Romanian students’ emotional personas in academic writing are influenced by all these factors, potentially shaped by the cultural norms of the second language, providing insights for teaching academic writing in multilingual settings.
Impact of empowering leadership on adaptive performance in hybrid work: a serial mediation effect of knowledge sharing and employee agility
Authors: Kim Seung-Seok , Yoon Dong-Yeol
Published: January 2025

With the advent of the pandemic era, many organizations have implemented a hybrid work model to manage office- and remote-based work. The proliferation of hybrid work demands leaders to demonstrate a different style of leadership than that in the past and to delegate authority, providing autonomy and responsibility to employees. Furthermore, both within and outside the organization, members must adapt and respond to rapidly changing environments and demonstrate adaptive performance to generate better outcomes. This study identifies the relationship between empowering leadership and adaptive performance in hybrid work, based on the social exchange and self-determination theories. Furthermore, it validates the mediation effect of knowledge sharing and employee agility and serial mediation effect. We analyzed data from 290 IT manufacturing employees working in hybrid work in South Korea. The findings reveal that empowering leadership positively influences adaptive performance and that knowledge sharing and employee agility partially mediate this relationship. Moreover, knowledge sharing and employee agility serially mediate the impact of empowering leadership on the adaptive performance of employees. These research findings provide theoretical and practical implications for organizations in hybrid work.
Near-infrared spectroscopy–guided personalized repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for bipolar depression: a case report
Authors: Chang Chun-Hung , Liu Wen-Chun , Chou Po-Han
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a common treatment for depression, particularly in patients unresponsive to conventional therapies. High-frequency (10 Hz), low-frequency (1 Hz), or bilateral (left, high-frequency; right, low-frequency) stimulation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) has been demonstrated to be effective in studies based on prefrontal asymmetry theory, which suggests that depression is associated with reduced left frontal function and increased right frontal function. However, few reliable predictors or biomarkers are available for personalizing treatment protocols on the basis of a patient’s brain function. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), a noninvasive neuroimaging tool that assesses functional changes in the brain during cognitive tasks, can measure a patient’s bilateral frontal lobe function in real time. Thus, this tool can aid the development of personalized TMS protocols for patients with depression.

Methods

A 19-year-old woman presented to our psychiatric clinic with bipolar depression. NIRS was performed to select an appropriate TMS protocol for the patient. A verbal fluency test revealed bilateral low frontal lobe function. Thus, we selected a TMS protocol involving 10 sessions of bilateral high-frequency stimulation over 4 days, with each session delivering 3000 pulses on each side of the DLPFC.

Results

Before treatment, the patient’s scores on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Young Mania Rating Scale were 40, 57, 40, and 6, respectively. After treatment, her depressive symptoms substantially improved, with HAMD, BDI, and BAI scores decreasing to 17, 21, and 14, respectively. Although the treatment led to side effects such as dizziness and headache, these effects resolved after the treatment. At the 6-month follow-up, the patient’s condition was still stable, with HAMD, BDI, and BAI scores of 10, 13, and 7, respectively.

Conclusion

Our case suggests that NIRS can guide the selection of appropriate TMS protocols for patients with bipolar depression. Although our findings are promising, further randomized controlled trials are needed to validate the efficacy and safety of and determine the optimal parameters for this approach.
The characteristics of chronic benzene poisoning in 176 Chinese occupational population cases
Authors: Gou Lian , Ma Xingyu , Huang Lili , Qiu Mei , Guo Ruiqing , Jia Jun , Xu Peiyu , Lian Nan
Published: January 2025

Benzene is a widespread environmental carcinogen known to induce leukemia. Chronic benzene poisoning is a significant occupational health issue in China, particularly among workers exposed to benzene. The aim of this study was to analyze the distribution patterns and trends of occupational benzene poisoning cases. This study included 176 cases who are diagnosed with occupational chronic benzene poisoning, via the Occupational Disease Direct Network Reporting System of the Sichuan Center for Disease Control and Prevention from 2005 to 2019. Data on gender, date of birth, years of benzene exposure, enterprise size, ownership type, industry were collected and descriptively analyzed. No significant differences were observed between males and females in terms of age or benzene exposure duration. The variation in gender distribution across 4 periods highlighted significant differences (χ2 = 13.06, p = 0.004). Linear regression analysis indicated that the number of workers increased with year as the independent variable (r2 = 0.40, p = 0.016). The working duration of benzene exposure appeared to decline, but this trend was not statistically significant. The majority of employees were in medium and large-sized enterprises. Before 2016, workers were mainly in joint-stock enterprises and equipment manufacturing industries; however, from 2017 to 2019, benzene poisoning cases were increasingly found in private and light industries. Overall, this study may provide data resources for risk assessment among occupational benzene-exposed workers; therefore, the monitoring of benzene concentrations in the workplace should be strengthened, and targeted preventive measures for workers must be effectively implemented to protect their health.
Effect of social media-based education on self-care status, health literacy, and glycated hemoglobin in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Safdari Ali , Nejat Nazi , Abolfathi Abdollah , Mehrabi Fatemeh , Rafiei Fatemeh
Published: January 2025

Objectives

This study examines the impact of social media-based education on health literacy status, self-care, and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Method

This educational intervention study was carried out from March 2022 to June 2022 on diabetic patients visiting the diabetes clinic in Arak, Iran. The patients split into two groups: the virtual education group (n = 38) using the Telegram messaging platform and the control group (n = 38). Patients in the virtual education group received multimedia messages about T2D daily for 4 weeks. Data analysis utilized SPSS version 23 and statistical tests.

Results

The results of this study showed that the overall score of health literacy and the dimensions of reading, understanding, and evaluation were significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group (p < 0.05). However, the score for the access dimension did not show a significant difference between the two groups (p > 0.05). The Wilcoxon test results indicated that the average HbA1c score significantly decreased in the intervention group before and after the intervention. However, these changes were not significant in the control group. Nevertheless, the Mann–Whitney test did not indicate a significant statistical difference between the groups regarding the average HbA1c score before and after the intervention (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

The findings of this study suggest that social networks provide a suitable platform for delivering self-care education to individuals with T2D. Furthermore, in the long term, it might positively impact the patients’ HbA1c levels. Future studies with larger sample sizes can be beneficial in this area.
Economic evaluation of a strategy to shorten the time to surgery with neuraxial anaesthesia compared with usual clinical practice in patients on chronic antiplatelet therapy with a proximal femur fracture
Authors: Delgado-Espinoza Claudia Erika , Antonijoan Rosa Maria , Gich Ignasi , Anaya Rafael , Rodriguez Mireia , Millan Angélica , Llorca Jordi , Usua Gemma , Ruiz Ana , Merchán-Galvis Angela , Martinez-Zapata Maria Jose
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Before implementing a new health care strategy, it is important to assess effectiveness but also to perform an economic evaluation. The goal of the present study was to perform a comparative economic evaluation of a new strategy aimed at using proposed implementation of the Plateletworks guidance (measurement of platelet function) with usual practice (delayed time to surgery) in patients on chronic antiplatelet treatment and scheduled for surgery with neuraxial anaesthesia due to proximal femur fracture.

Methods

This is an economic evaluation carried out alongside a randomised controlled clinical trial at four centres in Spain. Patients were randomised to undergo either early platelet function-guided surgery (experimental group) or delayed surgery (control group). As AFFEcT trial results demonstrated significative difference between groups in the primary efficacy endpoint, the median time to surgery, a cost-effectiveness analysis was performed. Direct costs associated with hospitalisation until one-month post-discharge were considered and measured from a hospital perspective. All costs were reported in euros. Analyses were performed on a per protocol basis. Effectiveness outcome measures were the incremental cost and incremental cost per reduction in days to surgery. A deterministic sensitivity analysis was implemented to quantify uncertainty.

Results

A total of 156 patients were randomized to the two groups (n = 78 per group). A total of 143 patients were included in the per protocol population (75 and 68 patients in the experimental and control groups, respectively). The median time to surgery was 2.30 days (IQR: 1.53–3.73) in the experimental group and 4.87 days (4.36–5.60) in the control group (a reduction of 2.40 days). Total costs during the 1-month study perioperative period were higher in the delayed surgery group (€18,495.19) than for the early surgery group (€16,497.59). The incremental cost was negative (€1,997.60), a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). As measured by the reduction in time (days) to surgery, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for early surgery was negative (777.28€/day). Sensitivity analysis demonstrated consistent cost saving.

Conclusion

For patients on chronic antiplatelet treatment scheduled to undergo surgery for proximal femur fracture, an individualised strategy guided by a platelet function testing is a cost-saving and cost-effective strategy.
Microbial community differentiation in vent chimneys of the Lost City Hydrothermal Field reflects habitat heterogeneity
Authors: Alian Osama M. , Brazelton William J. , Aquino Karmina A. , Twing Katrina I. , Pendleton H. Lizethe , Früh-Green Gretchen , Lang Susan Q. , Schrenk Matthew O.
Published: January 2025

Oceanic hydrothermal vent systems represent some of the oldest habitats on Earth and serve as analogs for extraterrestrial environments. The Lost City Hydrothermal Field (LCHF) near the Mid-Atlantic Ridge is one such environment, and its large chimneys are unique in hosting actively venting hydrothermal fluids that are primarily controlled by serpentinization reactions in the subseafloor. Microbial communities within LCHF have been studied for insights into their functional adaptations to the warm, alkaline, and dissolved inorganic carbon-limited environment. Metagenomic and mineralogical data collected during a recent expedition to Lost City were analyzed to delineate associations between microbial populations and physical, chemical and biological characteristics of the chimneys. Bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequences show a high degree of putative microdiversity within the relatively dominant genera Desulfotomaculum, Sulfurovum, Thiomicrorhabdus, and Serpentinicella, which represent a large core of the overall LCHF vent bacterial community. This microdiversity relates to the compositional fraction of aragonite, brucite, and calcite minerals within chimney samples rather than just the composition of nearby vent fluids. Although many species are found in both chimneys and venting fluids, the overall microbial community structures in chimney biofilms remain distinct from the hydrothermal fluids that flow through them. Shotgun metagenomic analyses reveal differences among genes predicted to be involved in carbon, methane, nitrogen and sulfur cycling with respect to their correlations to the abundances of specific minerals. These data hint at microenvironmental complexity lost within standard bulk analyses. The findings of this study underscore the need to more closely examine microbe-mineral interactions in natural environments, critically informing not just population-level distributions, but also the functional underpinnings of these extremophile microbial communities.
Towards sustainable food systems: developing a monitoring framework for the EU
Authors: Acs Szvetlana , Costa Leite João , Sanyé-Mengual Esther , Caivano Arnaldo , Catarino Rui , Druon Jean-Noël , Di Marcantonio Federica , De Jong Beyhan , Guerrero Irene , Gurría Patricia , M’barek Robert , Panagos Panos , Puerta-Piñero Carolina , Tamosiunas Saulius , Wollgast Jan , Tóth Katalin
Published: January 2025

Adequate monitoring of the EU transition toward sustainable food systems can promote policy coherence and provide better evidence for informed policy making. This paper presents an initial concept and methodology for an EU food system monitoring framework, integrating a systems’ perspective and key sustainability elements relevant to the EU context. Grounded in scientific evidence and extensive dialogues among scientific experts with interdisciplinary backgrounds, we define an EU food system sustainability model that provides a conceptual framework for monitoring. This model encompasses 12 thematic areas and 37 indicator domains, synthetized through a rigorous review of existing frameworks and the assessment of nearly 250 relevant indicators via a transparent workflow and an integrated collaborative digital tool. We identify data gaps that signal challenges ahead in effective monitoring, but also opportunities for research and cooperation. To advance with an EU food system monitoring framework, it is essential to engage in participatory processes with stakeholders, ensuring an inclusive and transparent approach.
Effect of integrative NPK soil and foliar nutrition on winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) productivity in irrigated arid lands
Authors: Sultonov Komolitdin , Kholmurodova Guzal , Eshonkulov Jamoliddin , Allanov Kholik , Sindarov Obidjon , Khayitov Kholmurod , Khaitbaeva Jamila , Salomov Shavkat , Isaev Sabirjan , Djumanazarova Altingul , Imyaminova Risolatxon , Jurayeva Nodirakhan , Karimova Mavluda , Khayrullaeva Lobar , Yakubjonova Nodirakhon , Durdiev Normat , Yuldasheva Rano , Khaitov Botir
Published: January 2025

The effects of chemical fertilizers on crop growth and grain yield are relatively well-known, but little is known about their synergistic effects with foliar nutrition. The factorial experiment was conducted using a strip-plot design. The main plots consisted of three chemical fertilization treatments at the following rates: N150P105K75, N180P125K90, and N210P145K105. The sub-plots included four combinations of foliar feeding with carbamide [CO(NH2)2], applied at doses of 4.0, 8.0, and 12.0 kg ha−1 at the tillering, booting, and heading stages of winter wheat (WW), respectively. The results indicated that the WW grain production was increased by 21.2% with foliar nutrition applied at a 4:8:12 kg/ha regime under the N180P125K90 chemical fertilization norm compared to the control, exhibiting the highest yield among tested variables. The total grain yield of WW increased with an increase in chemical fertilization norms, providing a significant increase in the fodder yield parameters. Increasing chemical fertilization increased the grain quality indices, but the highest indicators were observed under the moderate (N180P125K90) chemical fertilization norm applied with the foliar nutrition (4.8:12 kg/ha regime). Overall, this innovative farming technique has the potential to limit land degradation and create sustainable farming systems while improving biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services that require less chemical fertilization.
Performance assessment and influencing factors of human settlement improvement in traditional villages based on Balanced Scorecard theory: a case study of Jiaozuo, China
Authors: He Yanbing , Yin Chenjing , Mao Xiaohu , Guo Yanhua
Published: January 2025

Assessing the performance level of human settlement improvement in traditional villages is significant in promoting the protection of traditional villages, but there is a lack of performance research on human settlement improvement from the perspective of corporate governance in previous studies. This paper selected 16 traditional villages as case villages and obtained a total of 345 questionnaires. By reference to the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) theory, a performance evaluation index system for human settlement improvement is constructed in this paper. In addition, the level of performance exhibited by traditional villages is evaluated and analyzed via the entropy weight Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method and the obstacle degree analysis method. This study reveals the following findings: (1) The performance level of traditional villages in Jiaozuo city ranges between 0.28 and 0.64, with an average value of 0.49, thus indicating a medium level. (2) With respect to the subdimensions of human settlement improvement performance, the policy management dimension (0.88) exhibits the highest value, followed by the villagers dimension (0.48) and the learning and growth dimension (0.27), while the financial benefits dimension (0.10) exhibits the lowest value. (3) The obstacles affecting the performance level of human settlement improvement in different types of traditional villages are characterized by both similarities and differences. This study summarized the effects of traditional village human settlement improvement, and provided more scientific and reliable governance suggestions for future traditional village human settlement improvement, so as to better promote the protection of traditional villages and the sustainable development of the human settlement environment.
Heat-not-burn technology affects plasma testosterone levels and markers of inflammation, oxidative stress in the testes of rats
Authors: Granata Silvia , Morosini Camilla , Valerii Maria Chiara , Fagiolino Ivan , Sangiorgi Stefano , Ghini Severino , Spisni Enzo , Vivarelli Fabio , Fairclough Lucy C. , Paolini Moreno , Canistro Donatella
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Heating tobacco products (HTPs) are advanced electronic cigarette models. Classified by the FDA as a modified-risk tobacco product and can be used as part of efforts to quit smoking. Using heat-not-burn (HnB) technology, these devices heat tobacco avoiding complete combustion. Although the levels of toxicants in the mainstream are significantly lower than those observed in tobacco smoke, some recent studies have raised concerns about potential health risks associated with their use, particularly regarding their effects on male gonadal function, which remain largely unexplored.

Methods

Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed, whole body, 5 days/week for 4 weeks to HnB mainstream.

Results

The expression of the cell cycle regulators Bax/Bcl-2 ratio is not affected, along with no changes in p-38. On the other hand, an increase in oxidative stress markers, including those associated with DNA damage, was observed in exposed animals, along with the induction of NF-kB dependent pro-inflammatory mediators: TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and COX-2. Furthermore, inactivation of key androgenic enzymes, such as 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, together with decreased testosterone synthesis suggest a potential impairment of male gonadal function.

Discussion

The results indicate that animals exposed to HnB smoke show higher levels of oxidative stress markers, including those associated with DNA damage, as well as higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The impairment of some androgenic key enzymes and those related to the activity of seminiferous epithelium, together with the decrease in testosterone levels, suggest an impairment of gonadal function through the alteration of some cellular pathways typically associated with tobacco consumption.
Overcoming barriers and understanding the psychological impact of timely pig euthanasia on Spanish-speaking swine caretakers in the United States
Authors: Lamino Pablo , Ceme Vinces Renzo , Acevedo León Nancy F. , Boren-Alpízar Amy , Schmidt Marcelo , McGlone John J. , Garcia Arlene
Published: January 2025

Introduction

This study explores the complex experiences of Spanish-speaking swine caretakers with euthanasia, focusing on mental health, stress, burnout, and the impact of cultural factors.

Methods

We conducted qualitative focus groups with Spanish-speaking swine caretakers from multiple farms, gathering insights from individuals with varying levels of experience and cultural backgrounds. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key factors influencing the euthanasia process.

Results

The study found that caretaker stress and burnout, exacerbated by the “caring-killing paradox,” significantly affect emotional wellbeing. Factors such as the frequency of euthanasia, level of knowledge and education, and cultural background were identified as influential. Caretakers performing euthanasia frequently showed signs of desensitization, while those with less experience experienced higher emotional distress. Cultural background influenced attitudes and decision-making regarding euthanasia.

Discussion

This research underscores the need for mental health support and culturally sensitive training programs for swine caretakers. The findings align with existing literature on occupational stress and burnout and highlight the importance of comprehensive support systems. Future research should further examine the psychological impact of euthanasia across diverse agricultural settings and develop targeted interventions to support caretakers' mental health and improve animal welfare practices.
CD34 evaluation of microvasculature in lung adenocarcinoma and its microvascular density predicts postoperative tumor recurrence
Authors: Qiu Zijian , Wu Jiaji , Pang Guanchao , Xu Xia , Lin Jun , Wang Pingli
Published: January 2025

Background

Angiogenesis is closely associated with tumor growth and metastasis, and microvascular density (MVD) is currently the clinical standard for evaluating tumor angiogenesis. Thus, the detection of intratumoral MVD is of great significance for understanding disease progression and predicting patient prognosis.

Methods

Tumor tissue sections of 238 patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) who underwent radical surgery were retrospectively analyzed. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was carried out using a CD34 polyclonal antibody to determine intratumoral MVD, and the relationship of CD34-MVD with the clinicopathological characteristics and survival time of LUAD patients was analyzed.

Results

CD34-MVD was associated with tumor size, lymph node metastasis, tumor recurrence, and patient survival status; patients with tumor size ≤3 cm (P = 0.015), negative for lymph node metastasis (P = 0.049), no tumor recurrence (P = 0.021), and survival (P = 0.042) had higher MVD. Survival analysis suggested that patients with high MVD had higher disease-free survival (log-rank P = 0.005) and overall survival (log-rank P = 0.004) compared to patients with low MVD. The Cox proportional hazards model showed that a high MVD (P = 0.022) reduced the risk of postoperative tumor recurrence in patients with LUAD.

Conclusion

Decreased intratumoral CD34 positive microvessels were associated with tumor development in patients with LUAD. CD34-MVD is an independent risk factor affecting postoperative tumor recurrence in patients with LUAD and can be used as a prognostic indicator for this group of patients.