bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Legislation and Current Practices Concerning Risk Assessment of Skin Sensitizers in the European Union: A Comparative and Survey Study
Authors: Krogh Pedersen Mathias , Schwensen Jakob Ferløv Baselius , Alfonso Jose Hernán , Mollerup Steen , Selvestrel Gianluca , Rudén Christina , Wilks Martin F. , Johansen Jeanne Duus
Published: February 2025

Background

Despite legislation aimed to protect the population against skin sensitization in the European Union (EU), over one quarter of the general population is sensitised to at least one chemical.

Objectives

To provide an overview and comparison of European legislation concerning skin sensitization. In addition, we gathered the opinions of experts and stakeholders regarding improvements in the legislation and risk assessment process in the EU, to provide suggestions for improvement.

Methods

Legislation was identified and compared. Four questionnaires were created towards industry, competent authorities and regulators, researchers/clinicians, and non‐governmental organisations. The questions concerned the legislation, the risk assessment process, data collection and potential improvements.

Results

Seven areas of legislation were analysed. The legislation was found to be unharmonised, for example, differing modes of restriction and accepted tests for skin sensitization. Approximately 40% of the questionnaire respondents found that the EU legislation and tools were not sufficiently protective. To improve the legislation 83% suggested harmonisation and 68% suggested better data sharing. Other areas were: improved exposure data (78%), better understanding of the skin sensitization mechanism (67%) and non‐animal tests (66%).

Conclusions

Stakeholders had varying confidence towards the protection of European citizens against skin sensitization. Multiple areas for improvement regarding the legislations and the risk assessment process were identified.
Chronic Prurigo Associated With Allergic Contact Dermatitis: A Case Series Highlighting Textile Dyes and Fragrance Allergens
Authors: Ruiz Sánchez Juan , Espiñeira Sicre Joaquín , Cristóbal Redondo Víctor , Albert Cobo Irene , Al‐Wattar Ceballos Omar , Silvestre Salvador Juan Francisco
Published: February 2025

Background

Chronic prurigo (CP) is a condition characterised by chronic pruritus and pruriginous lesions. While frequently associated with atopic dermatitis (AD), its link with allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is less understood.

Objectives

To describe the clinical features, diagnostic findings, and therapeutic outcomes of CP associated with ACD.

Patients/Materials/Methods

This case series included patients diagnosed with CP or prurigo nodularis, identified through medical records from a specialised ACD clinic. Inclusion criteria were positive patch tests identifying relevant allergens, complete medical histories, and resolution or improvement of CP lesions after allergen avoidance. Patch testing was performed using the Spanish Extended Baseline Series and additional allergen panels as needed, following International Contact Dermatitis Research Group guidelines.

Results

Six patients were identified: four cases of CP associated with fragrances and two with textile dyes. All patients improved significantly with allergen avoidance; two required dupilumab. Histological findings and clinical responses suggested a Th2‐driven immune response in fragrance‐induced ACD and a Th2/Th17 involvement in azo dye‐related cases.

Conclusions

ACD caused by textile dyes and fragrances may manifest as papular dermatitis with features consistent with CP. Patch testing should be considered for idiopathic CP or cases associated with AD. Further studies are needed to clarify the immune mechanisms underlying this association.
Automated Description Generation of Cytologic Findings for Lung Cytological Images Using a Pretrained Vision Model and Dual Text Decoders: Preliminary Study
Authors: Teramoto Atsushi , Michiba Ayano , Kiriyama Yuka , Tsukamoto Tetsuya , Imaizumi Kazuyoshi , Fujita Hiroshi
Published: February 2025

Objective

Cytology plays a crucial role in lung cancer diagnosis. Pulmonary cytology involves cell morphological characterisation in the specimen and reporting the corresponding findings, which are extremely burdensome tasks. In this study, we propose a technique to generate cytologic findings from for cytologic images to assist in the reporting of pulmonary cytology.

Methods

For this study, 801 patch images were retrieved using cytology specimens collected from 206 patients; the findings were assigned to each image as a dataset for generating cytologic findings. The proposed method consists of a vision model and dual text decoders. In the former, a convolutional neural network (CNN) is used to classify a given image as benign or malignant, and the features related to the image are extracted from the intermediate layer. Independent text decoders for benign and malignant cells are prepared for text generation, and the text decoder switches according to the CNN classification results. The text decoder is configured using a transformer that uses the features obtained from the CNN for generating findings.

Results

The sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 96.4%, respectively, for automated benign and malignant case classification, and the saliency map indicated characteristic benign and malignant areas. The grammar and style of the generated texts were confirmed correct, achieving a BLEU‐4 score of 0.828, reflecting high degree of agreement with the gold standard, outperforming existing LLM‐based image‐captioning methods and single‐text‐decoder ablation model.

Conclusion

Experimental results indicate that the proposed method is useful for pulmonary cytology classification and generation of cytologic findings.
What influences Australian pharmacists' decisions to supply opioids? Results from a survey and randomised controlled factorial experiment
Authors: Picco Louisa , Xia Ting , Laing Rose , Grist Elizabeth , Dostal Jana , Nielsen Suzanne
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMP) identify medication‐related risks to support clinical decision‐making. This study aims to report prescription medication refusal rates based on PDMP alerts and determine how PDMP alerts and other characteristics influence pharmacists' decisions to supply opioids.

Methods

Pharmacists completed an online survey and randomised controlled factorial experiment. Generalised linear models explored differences in the proportion of refusals by state. Pharmacists indicated their likelihood to supply opioids based on six clinical vignettes. Mixed‐effect linear regression models explored the association between vignette and pharmacy‐related characteristics and the likelihood to supply opioids.

Results

Data related to 598 pharmacists (n = 3370 vignettes). Jurisdiction was associated with refusals; Western Australian pharmacists had significantly lower odds of refusing supply compared with Victorian pharmacists (odds ratio = 0.186, 95% confidence interval 0.104–0.331). The factorial experiment revealed the strongest predictors of reduced likelihood to supply were the PDMP high dose (β = −2.76, p < 0.001) and multiple prescriber (β = −3.79, p < 0.001) alerts. Unemployment (β = −0.0421, p < 0.001), hepatitis C (β = −0.260, p = 0.009), depression (β = −0.301, p = 0.003), high opioid dose (β = −0.259, p = 0.002) and co‐prescribed opioids with benzodiazepines (β = −0.478, p = 0.001) resulted in smaller reductions in the likelihood to supply. Older patient age, patient familiarity and rural/remote pharmacies were associated with significant, albeit small increases in the likelihood to supply with respective 0.293‐, 0.250‐ and 0.339‐unit increases.

Discussion and Conclusions

Jurisdictional differences in refusal to supply were observed, while PDMP alerts were the strongest predictor of reduced likelihood to supply opioids in the factorial experiment. Unintended consequences of PDMPs including abrupt opioid discontinuation observed elsewhere, should be avoided following the implementation of this supply‐side policy in Australia.
New tools to monitor Scaphoideus titanus, the main vector of phytoplasmas associated with Flavescence dorée in vineyards
Authors: Ortis Giacomo , Duso Carlo , Mori Nicola
Published: February 2025

The current approach to pest monitoring in vineyards relies on deploying chromotropic or pitfall traps baited with pheromones and lures, which attract insects that are identified and counted by a human operator during many field visits. In particular, insects belonging the suborder Auchenorrhyncha (Hemiptera) are monitored with yellow sticky traps that should be replaced every 1 or 2 weeks during the growing season. In this study, we tested two types of electronic traps to monitor Scaphoideus titanus Ball (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), the main vector of phytoplasmas associated with Flavescence dorée in grapevine (Vitis vinifera L., Vitaceae). The results showed that the Trapview prototype trap design allowed for the catch of individuals throughout the summer sampling period, enabling pest detection and identification through photographs taken by the system, which were sent to an online repository, with efficacy comparable of those of commercially available yellow sticky traps.
Self‐Knowledge and History: Gadamer and Collingwood
Authors: Fristedt Peter
Published: February 2025

Quassim Cassam argues that contemporary philosophers largely neglect the kind of “substantial” self‐knowledge most people care about – knowledge of my character, beliefs, and desires – in favor of “trivial” forms of it that are nevertheless philosophically illuminating. This article takes up Cassam's challenge to turn toward accounts of substantial self‐knowledge, and, building on the work of Gadamer, makes the case that any such account has to address the question of the historical formation of the knowing subject. That historical formation – our ‘historicity’ – both erects barriers to self‐knowledge and serves as a source of it, and raises the question of how much self‐knowledge is even possible for historically situated knowers. To answer that, I take up Collingwood's claim that the aim of historical research is self‐knowledge, and his view that, since its scientific turn in the nineteenth century, history has enabled self‐knowledge of an especially significant sort. Developing these and other ideas in Collingwood, I draw a distinction between what I call “historico‐philosophical” self‐knowledge, which includes knowledge of our historicity, and “garden‐variety historical” self‐knowledge, which is focused on the particular historical formations in which we find ourselves. I argue that both count as substantial self‐knowledge and round out an understanding of myself that includes any grasp I might have of my character, beliefs, and desires.
MEPs and MRI Motor Band Sign as Potential Complementary Markers of Upper Motor Neuron Involvement in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Calvi Francesca , Fortuna Andrea , Bello Luca , Anglani Mariagiulia , Cecchin Diego , Sabbatini Daniele , Andrigo Cinzia , Ferullo Marcello , Ruggero Susanna , Falda Marco , Pegoraro Elena , Sorarù Gianni
Published: February 2025

Background

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by the degeneration of both upper and lower motor neurons (UMNs and LMNs). Recognizing the involvement of UMNs is challenging because of the absence of reliable biomarkers beyond clinical evaluation.

Aim

To identify a reliable marker of UMN damage in a cohort of patients with ALS referring to the Motor Neuron Disease Clinic of the University Hospital of Padova.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated the clinical records of 79 patients with ALS and compared the results of various investigations, including the motor‐evoked potentials (MEPs), positron emission tomography–magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and light neurofilaments (NfLs), with the degree of UMN clinical involvement, as assessed by the Penn Upper Motor Neuron Score (PUMNS).

Results

MEPs, considering the central motor conduction time (CMCT) values in both the upper and lower limbs, showed a significant correlation with the relative PUMNS subscores (p = 0.01, ρ = 0.4; and p = 0.005, ρ = 0.45, respectively). Additionally, there was a positive correlation between NfLs and PUMNS values (p = 0.04, ρ = 0.33). The presence of the motor band sign on MRI was associated with higher PUMNS values. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that PUMNS accurately predicted abnormalities in CMCT values (specificity 86%, sensitivity 62%) and the presence of the motor band sign (specificity 58%, sensitivity 80%).

Interpretation

In our cohort of patients with ALS, CMCT values proved to be the most reliable test for assessing UMN involvement, albeit the presence of the motor band sign on MRI showed higher sensitivity.
Neural mass modeling reveals that hyperexcitability underpins slow‐wave sleep changes in children with epilepsy
Authors: Dunstan Dominic M. , Chan Samantha Y. S. , Goodfellow Marc
Published: February 2025

Objective

The relationship between sleep and epilepsy is important but imperfectly understood. We sought to understand the mechanisms that explain the differences in sleep homeostasis observed in children with epilepsy.

Methods

We used a neural mass model to replicate sleep electroencephalography (EEG) recorded from 15 children with focal lesional epilepsies and 16 healthy age‐matched controls. Different parameter sets were recovered in the model for each subject.

Results

The model revealed that sleep EEG differences are driven by enhanced firing rates in the neuronal populations of patients, which arise predominantly due to enhanced excitatory synaptic currents. These differences were more marked in patients who had seizures within 72 h after the sleep recording. Furthermore, model parameters inferred from patients resided closer to model parameters inferred from a typical seizure rhythm.

Significance

These results demonstrate that brain mechanisms relating to epilepsy manifest in the interictal EEG in slow‐wave sleep, and that EEG recorded from patients can be mapped to synaptic deficits that may explain their predisposition to seizures. Neural mass models inferred from sleep EEG data have the potential to generate new biomarkers to predict seizure occurrence and inform treatment decisions.
Fine‐Scale Variation in Soil Properties Promotes Local Taxonomic Diversity of Hybridizing Oak Species (Quercus spp.)
Authors: Zimmermann Felix , Reutimann Oliver , Baltensweiler Andri , Walthert Lorenz , Olofsson Jill K. , Rellstab Christian
Published: February 2025

Although many tree species frequently hybridize and backcross, management decisions in forestry and nature conservation are usually concentrated on pure species. Therefore, understanding which environmental factors drive the distribution and admixture of tree species on a local stand scale is of great interest to support decision‐making in the establishment and management of resilient forests. Here, we extensively sampled a mixed stand of hybridizing white oaks (Quercus petraea and Q. pubescens) near Lake Neuchâtel (Switzerland), where limestone and glacier moraine geologies coexist in proximity, to test whether micro‐environmental conditions can predict taxonomic distribution and genetic admixture. We collected DNA from bud tissue, individual soil samples, and extracted high‐resolution topographic data for 385 oak trees. We used 50 species‐discriminatory single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers to determine the taxonomic composition and admixture levels of individual trees and tested their association with micro‐environmental conditions. We show that the trees' taxonomic distribution can be explained mainly by geographic position, soil pH, and potential rooting depth, a proxy for soil water availability. We found that admixed individuals tend to grow in habitats that are characteristic of the more drought‐tolerant species Q. pubescens rather than in intermediate habitats. Using in situ measurements, we are the first to show that fine‐scale variation in soil properties related to pH and water availability potentially drives the distribution of hybridizing tree species in a mixed stand. Microenvironmental variation therefore promotes local taxonomic diversity, facilitates admixture and adaptive introgression, and contributes to the resilience of forests under environmental change. Consequently, species such as white oaks should be managed and protected as a species complex rather than as pure species.
Activating AMPK improves pathological phenotypes due to mtDNA depletion
Authors: Carvalho Gustavo , Nguyen Tran V. H. , Repolês Bruno , Forslund Josefin M. E. , Wijethunga W. M. Ruchitha Rukmal , Ranjbarian Farahnaz , Mendes Isabela C. , Gorospe Choco Michael , Chaudhari Namrata , Falabella Micol , Doimo Mara , Wanrooij Sjoerd , Pitceathly Robert D. S. , Hofer Anders , Wanrooij Paulina H.
Published: February 2025

AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a master regulator of cellular energy homeostasis that also plays a role in preserving mitochondrial function and integrity. Upon a disturbance in the cellular energy state that increases AMP levels, AMPK activity promotes a switch from anabolic to catabolic metabolism to restore energy homeostasis. However, the level of severity of mitochondrial dysfunction required to trigger AMPK activation is currently unclear, as is whether stimulation of AMPK using specific agonists can improve the cellular phenotype following mitochondrial dysfunction. Using a cellular model of mitochondrial disease characterized by progressive mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) depletion and deteriorating mitochondrial metabolism, we show that mitochondria‐associated AMPK becomes activated early in the course of the advancing mitochondrial dysfunction, before any quantifiable decrease in the ATP/(AMP + ADP) ratio or respiratory chain activity. Moreover, stimulation of AMPK activity using the specific small‐molecule agonist A‐769662 alleviated the mitochondrial phenotypes caused by the mtDNA depletion and restored normal mitochondrial membrane potential. Notably, the agonist treatment was able to partially restore mtDNA levels in cells with severe mtDNA depletion, while it had no impact on mtDNA levels of control cells. The beneficial impact of the agonist on mitochondrial membrane potential was also observed in cells from patients suffering from mtDNA depletion. These findings improve our understanding of the effects of specific small‐molecule activators of AMPK on mitochondrial and cellular function and suggest a potential application for these compounds in disease states involving mtDNA depletion.
Turning Up the Heat: More Persistent Precipitation Regimes Weaken the Micro‐Climate Buffering Capacity of Forage Grasses During a Hot Summer
Authors: Reynaert Simon , Nijs Ivan , D'Hose Tommy , Verbruggen Erik , Callaerts Jutte , De Boeck Hans J.
Published: February 2025

Developing climate‐proof forage grasslands does not only require developing plant communities that are soil drought resistant, but also adept at buffering elevated atmospheric temperatures to minimize heat stress for plant and soil. Previous studies indicate that the emerging trend towards rainfall regimes with longer dry and wet spells negatively affects forage grass performance (i.e., greater physiological plant stress and yield loss) in Western Europe. We conducted a 120‐day open‐air experiment testing whether a hot summer (+3°C for the first 60 days) exacerbates the negative effects of increased persistence in precipitation regimes (PR) (3 vs. 30 days consecutive wet/dry) on the performance of four distinct forage varieties (Dactylis glomerata, Festuca arundinacea, Lolium perenne (tetraploid) and Lolium perenne (diploid)) across two soils differing in management history (permanent vs. temporary grasslands). Our results indicate that climate warming indeed worsens negative effects of more persistent PR on forage grass productivity and physiological plant stress by inducing more extreme soil drought and elevated micro‐climatic temperatures, but permanent grassland soils with elevated organic carbon can buffer yields. Moreover, higher yielding varieties that are more proficient at buffering soil surface and canopy temperatures and maintaining plant greenness and stomatal opening under water shortage and elevated temperatures (Dactylis and Festuca) were impacted less than those which could not (both Lolium cultivars). These results indicate that not only differences in resource‐extraction traits but also the ability of a species to buffer its surrounding microclimatic conditions shapes its response to future climate change. Given the indirect positive effects such temperature‐buffering traits may have on soil functioning (e.g., reduced soil respiration during heat waves limiting carbon loss), we argue that managers should also incorporate such traits when developing climate‐proof forage grasslands.
Cross‐Continental Shifts of Ecological Strategy in a Global Plant Invader
Authors: Irimia Ramona E. , Zhao Weihan , Cao Peipei , Parepa Madalin , Liao Zhi‐Yong , Wang Shengyu , Mounger Jeannie M. , Richardson Conner , Elkott Fatima , Zhuang Xin , Bi Jingwen , Jin Jieren , Zhao Yujie , Kugler Elodie , Rafalski Julia , Schloter Eva , Wu Jihua , Ju Rui‐Ting , Yang Ji , Chumová Zuzana , Trávníček Pavel , Li Bo , Bossdorf Oliver , Richards Christina L.
Published: February 2025

Aim

Plant invasions are a global problem that requires studying plants and their environmental associations across native and introduced ranges.

Location

2000 km transects in China, Europe and North America.

Time Period

June 2019–July 2020.

Major Taxa Studied

Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica).

Methods

We surveyed 150 populations of Japanese knotweed, a noxious invader of the temperate zone, along 2000 km transects in native China and the introduced ranges of Europe and North America.

Results

We found that larger plants and denser populations in the introduced ranges were associated with shifts in leaf economy and chemical defences. Introduced knotweed populations had higher SLA but reduced leaf chlorophyll, lignin, C:N ratio and leaf toughness along with altered leaf tannins, flavonoids and alkaloids. We found three distinct multivariate knotweed phenotypes primarily in the introduced ranges, and two multivariate knotweed phenotypes mainly in native populations.

Main Conclusions

Decreased herbivore and pathogen impacts in introduced populations and changes in environmental associations indicate that enemy release and novel habitat conditions might have driven the emergence of novel ecological strategies in this global plant invader.
Association between school bullying and late‐life depression: Evidence from the China health and retirement longitudinal study
Authors: Zuo You , Liu Lan , Chen Gong , Huang Guogui
Published: February 2025

Background

Existing literature suggests that school bullying can have long‐lasting effects on mental health, but its specific impact on late‐life depression remain underexplored. This study aims to investigate the association between early‐life school bullying experiences and depression symptoms in old age and the variations by sex, place of residence and educational level.

Method

Data were derived from the Life History Survey of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study in 2014, including 4333 older adults aged ≥60 years. School bullying was assessed on the basis of self‐reported experiences during childhood. Depression symptoms were measured using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale‐10. Poisson regression analyses were performed to examine the relationship between early‐life school bullying experience and late‐life depression.

Results

Of the 4333 respondents, 607 (14%) reported being bullied during childhood, and 1274 (29.4%) exhibited symptoms of depression. Older adults who experienced school bullying were 1.17 times more likely to exhibit depression symptoms compared with those without such experiences (prevalence ratio [PR], 1.173; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.027–1.3390). This association was more prominent among women (PR, 1.284; 95% CI, 1.093–1.475), rural residents (PR, 1.477; 95% CI, 1.210–1.803) and those with education at primary school level (PR, 1.172; 95% CI, 1.017–1.352). The results remained robust using an alternative school bullying cutoff and after imputing all missing data.

Conclusion

Early‐life school bullying is a significant risk factor for depression in later life, with its impact being particularly pronounced among women, rural residents and those with lower educational levels. These findings highlight the need for targeted mental health interventions for individuals with a history of early‐life school bullying to mitigate long‐term psychological effects. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2025; ••: ••–••.
Co‐Design of the Structured Personalised Assessment for Reviews After Cancer (SPARC) Intervention
Authors: Adam Rosalind , Duncan Lisa , MacLennan Sara , Locock Louise , Kiltie Anne E. , Samuel Leslie , Murchie Peter
Published: February 2025

Introduction

An increasing number of people are living beyond cancer with unmet health needs. The aim of this study was to co‐design a digital intervention to improve health outcomes for people who have completed potentially curative treatment for cancer.

Methods

Two co‐design workshops were held with patients, clinicians (including oncologists, general practitioners and nurses), digital/computing science experts and third‐sector representatives. At workshop one, problems and gaps in care were identified and intervention ideas were generated. At workshop two, a prototype intervention was discussed and refined.

Results

The workshops were attended by 43 people in total: 26 at event one and 23 at event two (six attended both events). Patients valued relationship‐based care and felt supported during hospital treatment. Patients ‘fell off a cliff’ after discharge, and there was consensus that more could be done in primary care to support those living beyond cancer. It was proposed that cancer reviews could be integrated into UK primary care chronic disease management activities. A digital form, the ‘Structured Personalised Assessment for Reviews after Cancer’ (SPARC) tool, was developed to support asynchronous consultations that would cover the breadth of problems and health promotion activities required for high‐quality primary care for cancer. SPARC could also identify those without problems who do not require review.

Conclusion

SPARC has been co‐designed to support brief but comprehensive cancer review consultations between primary care clinicians and their patients. SPARC aligns with best practice guidelines. The next step is to evaluate SPARC with patients and in general practices.

Patient and Public Contribution

Patient and stakeholder engagement was at the centre of this research study. Cancer organisations such as ‘CLAN’ cancer support, Prostate Cancer Scotland and Cancer Research UK helped us to engage with patients. The Aberdeen University Institute of Applied Health Science Patient Public Involvement group were also instrumental in sense‐checking and improving the materials for the second workshop. We plan to involve our patient and carer partners in designing the next stages of our research (including study materials, processes and methods) so that they will be at the centre of evaluating the intervention that they have been instrumental in designing.
The Machiavellian, Narcissistic, and Psychopathic Consumers: A Systematic Review of Dark Triad
Authors: Khan Fateh Mohd , Khan Areeba , Ahmed Sabara Soyafuddin , Naz Ariba , Salim Mairaj , Zaheer Asma , Rashid Umra
Published: February 2025

The term dark triad is an assemblage of the three dark personality traits, that is, Machiavellianism, Narcissism, and Psychopathy. Recently, these traits have gained prominence as both direct and indirect antecedents of consumption‐related constructs in marketing literature, signalling heightened scholarly interest in marketing and consumer behaviour. This study adopts a hybrid systematic review methodology, considered a two‐pronged approach comprising framework‐based systematic review and bibliometric review methods, analysing 251 articles sourced from two of the largest citation and abstract databases: Web of Science and Scopus. We offered a panoramic overview of the domain of dark triad in marketing and consumption research, using selected techniques from the bibliometric toolbox (e.g. cartographic analysis, charting of publication‐related metrics, mapping of citation‐related metrics and visualisation) and TCM framework‐based content analysis. First, we uncovered the performance trends depicting key trends in the domain. Second, we deciphered the intellectual structure by delineating and elaborating on themes such as (1) Psychopathy, (2) Narcissism, (3) Materialism, and (4) Machiavellianism. Additionally, we charted theoretical perspectives, contextual settings and methodological approaches deployed in the domain of the dark triad in marketing and consumption research. These findings further paved the way for orchestrating a rich future research agenda and interesting insights (implications) for practitioners and academics.
Ureteral contrast findings as a potential predictor for invasive intervention in high‐grade pediatric renal trauma: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Lui Hansen , Kim Phillip J. , Kang Lisa H. , Durbin‐Johnson Blythe P. , Kurzrock Eric A.
Published: February 2025

Objectives

To determine if patient variables were associated with intervention in pediatric patients presenting with high‐grade renal injuries.

Methods

A retrospective review of pediatric patients presenting with grade IV/V renal injury between 2003 and 2021 at a Level 1 trauma center was performed. Renal injury grade was verified and updated based upon the 2018 American Association for the Surgery of Trauma injury scale. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results

Seventy‐five patients (median age 13 years old, IQR 9–16) with Grade IV (n = 53) or Grade V (n = 22) injury were identified. 33% (25/75) had immediate renal intervention within 24 h of admission. Of the remaining 50 children who were observed, 47 had blunt trauma, and outcomes were analyzed. The median age of observed patients was 12 years (IQR 8–14) and 30% (14/47) had intervention. Delayed images on CT showed ureteral contrast was present in 87% (41/47) of observed patients. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that the presence of contrast in the ureter is associated with significantly lower odds of intervention, OR 0.06 [0–0.73, 95% CI], p = 0.03.

Conclusion

After grades IV and V blunt renal injury, for those children who are considered safe to observe, AAST grade of injury did not associate with procedural intervention. The presence of contrast in the ureter on delayed CT imaging was associated with a significantly lower odds of procedural intervention.
Innate Immune Receptors as Dynamic Modulators of Extrafollicular Autoimmune B Cell Response
Authors: Zhu Danni Yi‐Dan , Castrillon Carlos , Carroll Michael C.
Published: February 2025

The immune system relies on carefully calibrated cellular machineries to enable distinction between endogenous and foreign molecules, with autoimmunity arising when this balance is disrupted. As potent autoantibody factories, B cells are major drivers of many autoimmune diseases. A significant fraction of patients affected by chronic autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) exhibit pathogenic accumulation of B‐cell subsets that are believed to be derived from the extrafollicular (EF) differentiation pathway. These B‐cell subsets, although variously named and exhibiting intrinsic heterogeneity, are all poised producers of autoantibodies that correlate with patient pathophysiology. In addition, they are often characterized by biomarkers known to drive the innate immune response, including toll‐like receptors and complement receptors. Although many innate receptors have well‐established functions in myeloid cells and other immune cell types, their B cell‐specific functions are still under active investigation and are crucial for understanding the molecular pathways that drive B‐cell breaks of tolerance. In this review, we summarize studies on innate immune receptors that serve prominent roles in regulating EF B‐cell activation in health and autoimmunity. By discussing independent and collaborative functions of these receptors, we hope to provide new perspectives in autoimmune disease signature research.
Molar volume model for olivine solution
Authors: Kang Yoongu , Jung In‐Ho
Published: February 2025

A new molar volume model for multicomponent olivine solid solutions, considering the linear summation of molar volumes of individual configurations weighted by their respective cation distribution fractions, is developed in this study. The model encompasses four possible configurations within olivine, each involving two distinct divalent ions occupying two different sites. Using available experimental data and employing the compound energy formalism to calculate cation distribution fractions, the study derives temperature‐dependent molar volume expressions for various olivine configurations. Strong correlations between the estimated molar volume and the effective ionic radii of constituent cations are established, allowing for the estimation of molar volume for olivine configurations without experimental data. The results provide a robust framework for accurately estimating the molar volume of olivine across diverse compositions and temperatures, enhancing our understanding of its thermal expansion characteristics. Moreover, these estimated molar volume expressions and observed correlations enable comprehensive insights into the thermal expansion behavior of multicomponent olivine solid solutions.
Health Knowledge Acquisition and Health Communication Ability of Nurses: A Chain Mediating Model of Health Literacy and Health Education Competence
Authors: Liu Congying , Chen Zhiqian , Qin Han , Yang Ya , Cui Xiaoling , Lei Ruifang , Li Baohua
Published: February 2025

Background

The health communication ability of nurses significantly impacts patients' health positively. A strong knowledge base is essential for nurses to deliver high‐quality health communication.

Aim

This study aims to explore the mechanisms linking nurse health knowledge acquisition and health communication ability.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study utilised convenience sampling of 667 nurses from nine county‐level hospitals. Questionnaires were used to assess health knowledge acquisition, health literacy, health education competence and health literacy communication ability in nurses. Structural equation modelling was employed to investigate the mechanisms linking nurse health knowledge acquisition and health literacy communication ability.

Results

The correlation analysis revealed significant positive relationships among nurses' health knowledge acquisition, health literacy, health education competence and health communication ability. The chain‐mediating model indicated that health knowledge acquisition significantly influences health communication ability, with a total effect, comprising a direct effect and an indirect effect. The indirect effects were mediated either independently by health education competence or through a combination of health literacy and health education competence.

Conclusion

A structural equation model was developed to provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the complex interplay among nurses' health knowledge acquisition, health literacy, health education competence and health communication ability. The model demonstrates that health knowledge acquisition has a significant overall effect and indirect effect on the improvement of health communication ability. Assisting nurses in translating health knowledge into health literacy may be a crucial step in enhancing their competence in health education.

Impact

These findings enhance our understanding of the predictive effects of health knowledge acquisition on health communication ability and offer practical implications for the promoting and intervening in the health communication ability of nurses.

Reporting Method

STROBE statement.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
A Comparison of Patient Self‐Reported Fatigue in the FRAIL Scale With a Validated Fatigue Measure
Authors: Kumar Saloni , des Bordes Jude K. , Khan Raia , Jantea Rachel , Fu Sunyang , Kwak Min Ji , Rianon Nahid J.
Published: February 2025

Rationale

The FRAIL scale is a self‐administered tool used to screen for frailty in clinical, community and long‐term nursing settings. Patient's self‐reporting of fatigue in the FRAIL scale may raise concerns of subjectivity and accuracy in frailty assessment.

Objective

To assess the performance of the patient‐reported fatigue measure in the FRAIL scale in comparison to a validated fatigue measure, the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS).

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional study involving interviews and medical records review. Participants were 55 years and older seen at an ambulatory geriatric osteoporosis clinic. Participants were administered the FRAIL scale and the FSS over the phone or in person. Patient self‐reported fatigue was derived from the first item (Are you fatigued?) on the FRAIL scale while the FSS provided a validated fatigue measure. Clinical and demographic data were obtained by review of medical records. Sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive values, and AUC were estimated for patient self‐reported fatigue from the FRAIL scale using the FSS as the gold standard. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate independent associations between the items on the FRAIL scale and fatigue assessed by the FSS, adjusting for demographic and clinical characteristics.

Results

We interviewed 126 participants, mean age was 77.2 ± 8.5 years, 91.3% (116) were female and 69.3% (88) were Caucasian/White. The prevalence of fatigue assessed by the FSS and the FRAIL scale were 24% and 34.6%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of patient‐reported fatigue were 0.67, 0.75, 0.45, and 0.88, respectively. The AUC was 0.71. Depression (OR = 2.41, 95% CI = 1.14–10.25) and patient self‐reported fatigue (OR = 4.74, 95% CI = 1.74–12.9) were significantly associated with FSS fatigue measure.

Conclusion

Patient‐reported fatigue largely reflects validated measure of fatigue. Physicians should therefore be encouraged to use the FRAIL scale to assess frailty.
A common garden experiment in the wild reveals heritable differences in migration tendencies among brown trout populations
Authors: Reed Thomas E. , Wynne Robert , Coughlan Jamie , Gargan Patrick , Kaufmann Joshka , Phillips Karl. P. , Rinaldo Adrian , Poole Russell , McGinnity Philip
Published: February 2025

We undertook a common garden experiment in the Burrishoole catchment, western Ireland, to test for heritable life‐history differences among neighboring brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) populations that exhibit neutral genetic divergence. Experimental crosses were made using either local females (obtained from a below‐waterfalls section of the Rough River within the Burrishoole) or females from the Erriff River—a neighboring catchment that currently produces a stronger run of anadromous migrants than the Burrishoole. Each female was mated to three different types of males: Rough Below‐Falls, Rough Above‐Falls (resident males obtained from above the waterfalls), and Erriff. Offspring from the resulting six crosses were introduced as unfed fry into a stretch of the Rough River bounded upstream by the waterfalls and downstream by a Wolf‐type fish trap (Rough River Downstream Trap, RRDT). Genetic parentage analysis (16 microsatellite markers) was then used to assign offspring sampled at various time points and locations back to cross type. No differences in parr survival rates (electrofishing in the Rough River) were found among the crosses, but parr moving downstream (intercepted at the RRDT) were skewed toward the Erriff female × Erriff male cross, with a deficit assigning to the Rough Below‐Falls female × Rough Above‐Falls male cross. Smolts leaving fresh water (sampled at two sea‐entry traps) were assigned disproportionately to crosses involving one or two Erriff parents. Offspring from pure Burrishoole crosses were more likely to become putative spawners than those from crosses involving one or two Erriff parents, pointing toward possible local adaptation. These results are consistent with heritable variation in migratory tendencies—a key aspect of intraspecific biodiversity that warrants protection—and with previous suggestions that the Burrishoole system may have evolved recently toward reduced anadromy following a novel and catastrophic anthropogenic change.
Genetic Markers of Postmortem Brain Iron
Authors: Cornelis Marilyn C. , Fazlollahi Amir , Bennett David A. , Schneider Julie A. , Ayton Scott
Published: February 2025

Brain iron (Fe) dyshomeostasis is implicated in neurodegenerative diseases. Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have identified plausible loci correlated with peripheral levels of Fe. Systemic organs and the brain share several Fe regulatory proteins but there likely exist different homeostatic pathways. We performed the first GWAS of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry measures of postmortem brain Fe from 635 Rush Memory and Aging Project (MAP) participants. Sixteen single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with Fe in at least one of four brain regions were measured (p < 5 × 10−8). Promising SNPs (p < 5 × 10−6) were followed up for replication in published GWAS of blood, spleen, and brain imaging Fe traits and mapped to candidate genes for targeted cortical transcriptomic and epigenetic analysis of postmortem Fe in MAP. Results for SNPs previously associated with other Fe traits were also examined. Ninety‐eight SNPs associated with postmortem brain Fe were at least nominally (p < 0.05) associated with one or more related Fe traits. Most novel loci identified had no direct links to Fe regulatory pathways but rather endoplasmic reticulum‐Golgi trafficking (SORL1, SORCS2, MARCH1, CLTC), heparan sulfate (HS3ST4, HS3ST1), and coenzyme A (SLC5A6, PANK3); supported by nearest gene function and omic analyses. We replicated (p < 0.05) several previously published Fe loci mapping to candidate genes in cellular and systemic Fe regulation. Finally, novel loci (BMAL, COQ5, SLC25A11) and replication of prior loci (PINK1, PPIF, LONP1) lend support to the role of circadian rhythms and mitochondria function in Fe regulation more generally. In summary, we provide support for novel loci linked to pathways that may have greater relevance to brain Fe accumulation; some of which are implicated in neurodegeneration. However, replication of a subset of prior loci for blood Fe suggests that genetic determinants or biological pathways underlying Fe accumulation in the brain are not completely distinct from those of Fe circulating in the periphery.

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Corticotropin‐releasing hormone receptor 1 mediates the enhanced locomotor activity and metabolic demands to an acute thermal stress in adult zebrafish
Authors: Shvartsburd Zachary , Vijayan Mathilakath M.
Published: February 2025

We recently showed that Crh‐Crhr1 signalling is essential for acute stress‐related locomotor activity in zebrafish larvae. However, the possibility that Crhr1 activation may also initiate the acute metabolic demands for stress coping was unexplored. Here, we tested the hypothesis that Crhr1 signalling is essential for the thermal stressor‐induced increases in the acute metabolic rate, a key response for coping with the enhanced energy demands during stress. We tested this by using a wildtype (WT) and a ubiquitous Crhr1 knockout (crhr1−/−) zebrafish and subjecting them to an acute thermal stressor (TS: +5°C above ambient for 60 min). The TS induced the heat shock proteins response in both genotypes, but the elevated cortisol response observed in the WT was absent in the crhr1−/− mutant. The TS also increased the locomotor activity and the metabolic rate in the WT fish, but this response was inhibited in the crhr1−/− mutants. To test if this was due to a lack of TS‐induced cortisol elevation in the crhr1−/− mutant, we mimicked the response in the WT fish by treating them with metyrapone, an 11β‐hydroxylase inhibitor. While metyrapone inhibited the TS‐induced cortisol elevation in the WT, it did not affect the metabolic rate. The lack of Crhr1 also reduced the swimming performance, and the lower Ucrit in the mutants corresponded with alterations in muscle energy metabolism. Together, our results indicate that Crh‐Crhr1 signalling, independent of downstream cortisol action, is essential for the TS‐induced acute hyperlocomotor activity and the associated increases in the metabolic demand for stress coping.
Investigating the Efficacy and Safety of Oral Cicaglocal on Wound Healing After Mohs Surgery in Patients With Skin Cancer: A Randomized, Double‐Blinded, Placebo‐Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Asilian Ali , Mohammadian Parisa , Mahram Hadiseh , Shahriarirad Reza , Bigham Mohammad
Published: February 2025

Background

Mohs micrographic surgery is the gold standard treatment for skin cancers in cosmetically sensitive anatomic areas, with a cure rate close to 100%. Managing post‐Mohs surgery wounds can pose challenges, particularly in elderly patients. This study evaluates the Cicaglocal drug, a supplement with bromelain, Centella asiatica, hyaluronan, vitamins, and minerals, for enhancing wound healing post‐Mohs surgery.

Method

This double‐blinded, randomized clinical trial conducted at Al‐Zahra Hospital in 2023 involved 24 patients aged 50–80 with SCC or BCC undergoing Mohs surgery. Patients were randomized into two groups Cicaglocal and placebo. Treatments were administered postoperatively, and outcomes such as erythema reduction, early healing score (EHS), full recovery, and patient and physician satisfaction levels were evaluated 7 and 14 days after initiation. Data were collected through clinical assessments and standardized wound photographs.

Result

Oral Cicaglocal demonstrated significantly improved outcomes compared to their respective placebo groups in terms of erythema score, EHS, full recovery score, and patient and physician satisfaction levels.

Conclusion

Cicaglocal can enhance wound healing and lead to improved clinical outcomes following Mohs micrographic surgery.
Perspectives of Older Adults on Self‐Care of Chronic Diseases Utilizing Online Health Resources: An Exploratory Descriptive Qualitative Study
Authors: Lim Yu Xuan , Yap Xin Yi , Domingo Raven Viel Calangian , Tan Yue Qian , Tan Poh Choo , Wu Xi Vivien
Published: February 2025

As the aging population grows rapidly, older adults are living longer with multiple chronic diseases. Coupled with the rise of the digital era, older adults are experiencing the brunt of the global aging phenomenon. The study aims to explore the perspectives of older adults on self‐care for chronic diseases with the application of online resources. An exploratory qualitative study with focus group discussions was conducted to shed light on the insights of older adults from senior activity centers. Purposive sampling was used to include older adults with at least one chronic disease and living in the community. Twenty older adults were interviewed face‐to‐face in four focused‐group discussions, led by a semi‐structured interview guide that thematic analysis was then applied to. Four overarching themes and 14 subthemes emerged. The four major themes were (1) Barriers to a Healthier Life; (2) Proactively Acquiring Knowledge for Health Management; (3) Socially‐influenced Health Decision‐Making, and (4) Conducive Ecosystem Encourages Health‐Promoting Behaviors. Older adults often face challenges in navigating the evolving digital landscape, yet they are receptive to learning from social networks and online resources, which help them make healthier self‐care choices. Hence, a supportive environment is essential to empower older adults to effectively utilize online resources for managing their chronic diseases.