bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PRMT3 and CARM1: Emerging Epigenetic Targets in Cancer
Authors: Huang Jiezuo , Qiao Beining , Yuan Yixin , Xie Yuxuan , Xia Xiaomeng , Li Fenghe , Wang Lei
Published: February 2025

The family of protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) occupies an important position in biology, especially during the initiation and development of cancer. PRMT3 and CARM1(also known as PRMT4), being type I protein arginine methyltransferases, are key in controlling tumour progression by catalysing the mono‐methylation and asymmetric di‐methylation of both histone and non‐histone substrates. This paper reviews the functions and potential therapeutic target value of PRMT3 and CARM1 in a variety of cancers. Studies have identified abnormal expressions of PRMT3 and CARM1 in several malignancies, closely linked to cancer progression, advancement, and resistance to treatment. Such as hepatocellular carcinoma, colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, and endometrial cancer. These findings offer new strategies and directions for cancer treatment, especially in enhancing the effectiveness of conventional treatment methods.
Patterns of clinical response in patients with alopecia areata treated with ritlecitinib in the ALLEGRO clinical development programme
Authors: King B. , Mirmirani P. , Lo Sicco K. , Ramot Y. , Sinclair R. , Asfour L. , Ezzedine K. , Paul C. , Ohyama M. , Edwards R. A. , Bonfanti G. , Kerkmann U. , Wajsbrot D. , Ishowo‐Adejumo R. , Zwillich S. H. , Lejeune A.
Published: February 2025

Background

Ritlecitinib, an oral JAK3/TEC family kinase inhibitor, demonstrated efficacy over 48 weeks in patients with alopecia areata (AA) in the ALLEGRO phase 2b/3 study.

Objectives

This post hoc analysis evaluated individual Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) score trajectories in patients who received ritlecitinib 50 mg and rolled over from Phase 2b/3 into the ongoing, open‐label, Phase 3 ALLEGRO‐LT study to describe long‐term response patterns and associated baseline disease characteristics.

Methods

Patients aged ≥12 years with ≥50% scalp hair loss received ritlecitinib 50 mg once daily in both studies. SALT score trajectories from baseline to Month 24 were used to categorise patients as early (SALT score ≤20 at Week 24 and Months 12 and 24), middle (≤20 at Months 12 and 24) or late responders (≤20 by Month 24) or as partial responders (maintained 30% improvement), relapsers (achieved but did not maintain 30% improvement) or non‐responders (did not achieve 30% improvement). The proportions of patients achieving sustained response (achieved and maintained SALT score ≤20 at all subsequent available time points through Month 24) and complete response (SALT score 0 at ≥1 time point through Month 24) were evaluated. Multivariable logistic regression assessed variables associated with response.

Results

Of 191 patients treated with ritlecitinib 50 mg, 87 (45.5%) were responders (SALT score ≤20), 24 (12.6%) were partial responders, 24 (12.6%) were relapsers and 56 (29.3%) were non‐responders. Of 87 patients categorised as responders, 81 (93.1%) sustained their clinical response and 47 (46.0%) achieved complete response. Factors associated with treatment response included female sex and less extensive and shorter duration of hair loss.

Conclusions

Approximately 45% of patients were SALT score responders, with up to 11% requiring >1 year of ritlecitinib treatment to achieve response, highlighting the importance of extended treatment duration.

ClinicalTrials.gov Registration

ALLEGRO phase 2b/3 study (NCT03732807); ALLEGRO‐LT study (NCT04006457).
International consensus statement on the use of ultrasound in hidradenitis suppurativa
Authors: Wortsman X. , Alfageme F. , Dini V. , García‐Martínez F. J. , Caposiena Caro R. D. , Frew J. , Gonzalez C. , Hamzavi I. H. , Kohli I. , Krajewski P. K. , Kuyumllian M. , Liu J. , Mandava A. , Nazzaro G. , O'Brien E. , Oranges T. , Pelizzari M. , Rezende J. , Romani J. , Sigrist R. , Taleb E. , Zattar L. , Zavariz J. , Martorell A.
Published: February 2025

Background

So far, the evidence on the use of ultrasound (US) in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) demonstrates the utility of US in the diagnosis, scoring and assessment of HS; however, to date, there is no international consensus statement on the use of US in HS, and several published guidelines do not include this topic.

Objectives

To create an international consensus statement on using US in HS that can cover and validate relevant aspects.

Methods

A three‐round Delphi study with a panel of international experts representing four continents and working with US in HS in their daily practice. The inclusion criteria of the experts and the set of questions in the survey were defined by a steering committee. A consensus of recommendation was defined when the percentage of agreement (sum of strongly agree and agree) was ε 70%. In between 50% and 69% of agreement, a suggestion was considered. Lower than 50% meant no consensus.

Results

Twenty‐four international experts from 14 countries participated in the study. A high percentage of consensus (96.4%) was achieved for important aspects of the use of US in HS, including the ultrasonographic indications, technical considerations, training, diagnostic criteria, staging systems, monitoring, support of US‐guided procedures and planning of surgery, and the need for US in research and clinical trials.

Conclusions

An international group of experts created a consensus statement with validated recommendations on the use of US in HS. Despite the challenges of the implementation of ultrasound in HS, this task force highly recommends the use of US in HS.
Clinical Assessment of Common Medications for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Systematic Review and Bayesian Network Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Shi Rui , Chai Keyan , Wang Haojia , Zhou Jiying , Yang Siyun , Li Jiaqi , Qiao Chuanqi , Sheng Xiaoguang , Zhang Xiaomeng , Wu Jiarui
Published: February 2025

Objective

With a steadily rising prevalence, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) was a leading global cause of liver‐related health problems. In the clinical management of NAFLD, various western pharmaceuticals were widely utilized. This network meta‐analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of common western medications for NAFLD patients.

Methods

We systematically reviewed and screened articles based on predesigned criterion about western medications for NAFLD, which were from Embase, Cochrane Library, PubMed, CNKI, WanFang, and China Science and Technology Journal Database until August 1, 2024. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials of patients aged 18 or older with NAFLD, comparing Western medicines to placebos or other Western medicine treatments. The risk of bias assessment tool 2.0 from the Cochrane system was used to assess the quality of the included articles. A Bayesian network meta‐analysis was conducted using WinBUGS 1.4.3 with a random‐effects model and Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods. Treatment rankings were based on Surface Under the Cumulative Ranking Curve (SUCRA) values, and heterogeneity was assessed with I2 and Q statistics. The outcomes were analyzed in WinBUGS and visualized using Stata 14.0, generating network plots and cumulative probability rankings to compare treatment effects. The systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024509176).

Results

Based on 37 included articles involving 7673 patients, pioglitazone demonstrated the most significant effects in resolving nonalcoholic steatohepatitis without worsening fibrosis, increasing high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and achieving a ≥ 2‐point reduction in NAFLD activity scores (odds ratio [OR] = 0.09, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.01 to 0.81), with a SUCRA probability of 91.4%. Aldafermin showed remarkable effects in improving liver function markers, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase, with cumulative probabilities of 90% for ALT and 69.8% for AST. Cluster analysis revealed that Resmetirom and Aldafermin were superior options for enhancing liver function, while pioglitazone emerged as the best treatment for the comprehensive improvement of NAFLD.

Conclusions

Pioglitazone outperformed other western medicines in terms of overall efficacy when treating NAFLD, but Aldafermin and Resmetirom showed superior improvement in liver function. This study provided a certain level of support for the use of specific clinical medications.
Carrying Carbon? Negative and Positive Carbon Leakage With International Transport
Authors: Higashida Keisaku , Ishikawa Jota , Tarui Nori
Published: February 2025

This paper studies how carbon pricing affects greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from international transport, production, and consumption of traded goods by modeling the international transport sector explicitly. Strategic behavior of a transport firm generates a novel mechanism of carbon leakage across borders and sectors. The effectiveness of carbon pricing depends on whether the backhaul problem (i.e., the imbalance of shipping volume in outgoing and incoming routes) is present. If the backhaul problem is absent, carbon pricing is effective in reducing global GHG emissions. With the backhaul problem, carbon pricing on goods production results in cross‐border carbon leakage. However, strategic freight‐rate setting by the transport firm mitigates this leakage. The opportunity for foreign direct investment (FDI) also affects carbon‐pricing effectiveness because the transport firm tries to deter FDI. Surprisingly, carbon pricing in the transport sector may not affect GHG emissions at all. Moreover, domestic carbon pricing on goods production may decrease GHG emissions from both transport and foreign production even if there is no domestic production under FDI.
Novel behavioural assays reveal sex‐specific behavioural syndromes in anemonefish
Authors: Graham Gabriel J. , Wilton Isabella M. , Panczyk Emily K. , Rhodes Justin S.
Published: February 2025

Individual differences in behaviour and behavioural plasticity have been extensively studied in a variety of animals across the phylogenetic spectrum. Amphiprion species bring distinct insight into the topic because of their unique life history, mating system, and extraordinary degree of behavioural plasticity associated with protandrous (male‐to‐female) sex change. Several laboratory studies have begun characterizing individual differences in behaviour and behavioural plasticity in this species. The goals of this study were to expand the repertoire of behavioural assays available for Amphiprion ocellaris, establish repeatability of individual differences, identify sex differences, and explore whether individual differences in correlated behaviours can be detected consistently across experimental contexts (i.e., whether behavioural syndromes can be detected). We measured 35 behaviours across 7 behavioural assays in 9 reproductively active A. ocellaris pairs under 3 different reproductive contexts. Behaviours were repeatedly measured three separate times (rounds) over repeated spawning cycles. We found that 33 out of 35 behaviours were significantly individually repeatable across reproductive contexts and rounds. We found parental care, large intruder aggression, and female‐oriented aggression assays produced the largest sex differences. Males performed 7‐fold more egg care behaviours than females, whereas females performed significantly more aggressive behaviours toward a large heterospecific intruder (Dascyllus trimaculatus). Further, females displayed significantly more direct aggression toward a stimulus female than males. Three different behavioural syndromes were observed in males and none in females. These results expand our understanding of sex differences in behaviour and the division of labour in the iconic anemonefish. Future studies can use these assays to study the behaviour of fish in the middle of sex change or in the study of behavioural plasticity in this unique species.
Home‐Based Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment for Community‐Dwelling, At‐Risk, Frail Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Hayes Christina , Yigezu Amanuel , Dillon Sarah , Fitzgerald Christine , Manning Molly , Leahy Aoife , Trépel Dominic , Robinson Katie , Galvin Rose
Published: February 2025

Background

Comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA), an operational model of integrated care, has become a fundamental component of healthcare delivery models for older adults. It is a multidimensional diagnostic process intended to determine a frail elderly person's medical, psychosocial, and functional capabilities and limitations to develop an integrated care plan. The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to update and synthesize the totality of research evidence related to the effectiveness of home‐based CGA compared with usual care among community‐dwelling at‐risk older adults. A secondary aim of the review was to characterize the components of CGA delivered across the included studies.

Methods

CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, trial registers (WHO ICTRP, ClinicalTrials.gov, and McMaster Aging Portal), and gray literature were searched. Two independent reviewers conducted screening, data extraction, quality appraisal, and applied the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations framework to quantify the certainty of evidence. Meta‐analyses were performed in Review Manager 5.4. The primary outcome was functional status.

Results

Twenty‐two trials recruiting 7219 community‐dwelling older adults were included. Home‐based CGA resulted in improved functional status at 6–24 months (standardized mean difference [SMD] 0.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.09–0.25), at 12 months (SMD 0.24, 95% CI 0.02–0.47), and at 24 months (SMD 0.11, 95% CI 0.01–0.22); an increased health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) at 6–24 and 12 months; a reduction in mortality at 36 months; a reduction in hospitalizations at 6–36 months; and improved patient satisfaction with care at 6–12 months. Home‐based CGA resulted in little or no difference in nursing home admission, emergency department presentation, or adverse events. Intervention characteristics and multidisciplinary team composition varied across trials.

Conclusion

Home‐based CGA improves clinical and process outcomes for community dwelling at‐risk older adults. CGA delivered by a comprehensive multidisciplinary team enhances functional status among community‐dwelling older adults.
Effects of light‐intensity physical activity on health‐related outcomes in cancer survivors: A systematic review
Authors: Tanaka Rumi , Matsunaga‐Myoji Yuriko , Kubo Satsuki , Nagao Noriko , Fujita Kimie
Published: February 2025

Aim

Nurse‐led lifestyle education may be particularly effective for promoting light‐intensity physical activity (LPA), which is often included as part of patients' daily activity. We aimed to conduct a comprehensive review of associations between LPA and health‐related outcomes among cancer survivors and clarify the effects of LPA.

Methods

We searched four databases to identify relevant studies that involved participants aged ≥18 years, classified physical activity based on intensity, and measured LPA during the whole day by accelerometers or questionnaires. The quality of the included studies was assessed using quality assessment tools specific to LPA studies. The results were synthesized narratively.

Results

We extracted 34 relevant studies. Eleven studies focused on multiple cancers, eleven on breast cancer, five on colorectal cancer, three on lung cancer, and one each on head and neck cancer, non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma, prostate cancer, gynecological cancer, and colorectal and gastric cancer. Six studies reported that LPA was effective for improving fatigue. Although LPA also showed favorable associations with physical function and mortality, the number of studies was insufficient (four studies each). No association was found between LPA and adiposity (n = 5). Results for the associations between LPA and quality of life (QOL) (n = 12), depression (n = 4), and cognitive function (n = 3) were conflicting.

Conclusion

This review confirmed that LPA is effective in improving several health‐related outcomes. However, the results are integrated across cancer types, and further studies should investigate each outcome for each cancer type to clarify the effect of LPA.
T‐PRP‐DAT Gel: A Novel Material Promotes Adipose Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Hou Mengmeng , Tang Jiezhang , Guo Yajie , Peng Han , Liang Baoyan , Cheng Yi , Zhang Zhaoxiang , Wei Siming , Yi Chenggang , Li Huichen
Published: February 2025

Background

Decellularized adipose tissue (DAT) has emerged as a promising tissue‐specific regenerative platform for soft tissue augmentation and reconstruction. Hydrogels are a widely used DAT scaffold format for their injectability and porous structure. While unstable structure and poor vascularization limit the adipose tissue regeneration of DAT gels, this yields significant clinical necessity for solutions to this problem.

Methods

Based on collagen‐fibrin interpenetrating, we developed an injectable thermosensitive DAT/PRP interpenetrating polymer network (t‐DP gel/t‐DPI) with the composition of DAT and temperature‐controlled platelet‐rich plasma (t‐PRP). The same volume of t‐DP gel and DAT gel were transplanted in a mouse model, and graft volume, weight, adipose tissue regeneration rate, and vascularization were compared.

Results

The t‐DPI showed reinforced stability for the interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) of collagen‐fibrin and sustained release of growth factors from the t‐PRP, resulting in improved graft volume, weight, adipose tissue regeneration, and vascularization.

Conclusions

Compared with traditional DAT gel, t‐DP gel promotes adipose tissue regeneration by promoting angiogenesis and stability, and t‐DP gel has great potential for future applications in the field of plastic surgery for its simple preparation and regeneration ability.
Frame Overlapping in Moral Markets: The Case of an ‘Open, Free, and Neutral’ Telecommunications Network
Authors: Arenas Daniel , Rodón Joan , Yter Mireia
Published: February 2025

This study explores how social movement activists, engaged in constructing and expanding moral markets, sustain the integrity of their initial moral values, avoiding dilution or cooptation by conventional market practices. Through a qualitative case study of a telecommunications network, we show that activists can expand a moral market by a process of frame overlapping, which involves the mechanisms of frame amplification with plural moral values, frame bridging with a resonant economic frame and frame extension adapting cultural templates. This process stands in contrast to previously identified dynamics in moral markets literature, such as ‘mutual cooptation’ between movements and firms, de‐coupling and re‐coupling the initial values, and ‘frame divergence’. We also underline different contextual factors that shape frame overlapping. Finally, the article examines the nature of moral markets and proposes a dynamic view of what makes a moral market ‘moral’.
Masticatory Performance Within a Representative Swiss Cohort: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Roccuzzo Andrea , Prasinou Maria , Borg‐Bartolo Roberta , Jaeggi Maurus Kurt , Molinero‐Mourelle Pedro , Tennert Christian , Campus Guglielmo , Schimmel Martin
Published: February 2025

Background

Masticatory function is a major indicator for oral health status. At the time being, only few studies have investigated orofacial functional conditions with different methods.

Objective

To assess the masticatory performance (MP) of individuals aged ≥ 45 residing in Swiss communities by means of a a two‐colour chewing gum.

Methods

Subjects aged ≥ 45 years and residing in Swiss communities (Bern‐Canton) were recruited for this cross‐sectional study. After a comprehensive clinical examination and subjects' data collection thorough dedicated questionnaires, a two‐colour mixing‐ability test was carried out. The photographed specimens were analysed with a subjective (SA) and an Opto‐Electronic assessment (SD_Hue). Descriptive, bivariate analysis and multinomial logistic regression were performed between the outcome variable (SA) and subjects' variables.

Results

From the whole analysed sample (275 patients; male n = 154, women n = 121, mean age = 69.7 years), MP was assessed on 207 chewing samples. The SA revealed 118 (57%) categorised as SA 4—SA 5 (very good), 76 (36.7%) as SA 3 (good) and 13 (6.3%) as SA 1 and SA 2 (poor), respectively. MP was higher in the younger (age 45–64, SD_Hue: 0.09 SD 0.89) than in older group (age ≥ 75 years, SD_Hue: 0.19 SD 0.18). A significant association between MP and age (p < 0.01), time to the last visit at the dentist, visit to the dental hygienist (p = 0.03; p = 0.01) as well as the use of dental floss (p < 0.01) were detected.

Conclusion

MP of individuals aged ≥ 45 residing in Swiss communities was overall good. High plaque and bleeding scores were increasing with subjects' age.
Reveling in Mayhem: The Need for Chaos in Pandemic Psychology
Authors: Alam Raihan , Vitriol Joseph A.
Published: February 2025

The COVID‐19 pandemic is a critical challenge to public health, with authorities emphasizing the importance of measures like vaccination to curb its spread. Yet, pandemic misperceptions, including distrust in scientists and conspiratorial beliefs about the disease, pose significant barriers to these efforts. Amid the turmoil of the COVID‐19 pandemic, that is, there are some who revel in mayhem. Our research investigates the need for chaos (NFC)—the drive to disrupt societal institutions—as a predictor of pandemic misperceptions. In an online sample (N = 1079 individuals), we found that those high in the NFC are also more anti‐intellectual, less cognitively sophisticated, more prone to conspiratorial thinking, including about COVID‐19, and reported reduced willingness to engage in other forms of disease mitigation, such as vaccination and social distancing. These observations emerged while controlling for ideology and other psychological, political, and demographic variables. We also find evidence that the relationships between NFC and COVID‐19‐specific behaviors may be explained by greater endorsement of COVID‐19 conspiracy theories (CTs). We consider the implications of these findings for a scientific understanding of pandemic psychology, political misperceptions, and the challenges that surround effective disease mitigation and other issues concerning public health.
Spite and Science‐Denial: Exploring the Role of Spitefulness in Conspiracy Ideation and COVID‐19 Conspiracy Beliefs
Authors: Gordon David S. , Birney Megan E.
Published: February 2025

Science denialism is at the heart of many conspiracy theory beliefs. We propose that such beliefs are manifestations of a distal social process: spite. In three pre‐registered studies, we test the hypothesis that established predictors of these beliefs (epistemic, existential, and social motives) are specific cues of competitive disadvantage that provoke a common facultative “spiteful” psychological response, making a person more open to believing in conspiracy theories. Study 1 (N = 301; UK representative Prolific sample), found that spite mediated the relationship between realistic threat and in‐group narcissism (social motives), political powerlessness (existential motive), and intolerance for uncertainty (epistemic motive), and conspiracy theory belief and COVID‐19 conspiracies. This pattern was replicated in Study 2 (N = 405; UK representative Prolific sample). In Study 3 (N = 405; UK representative Prolific sample), we found that those who engaged in a spite‐inducing task reported higher levels of spite which indirectly resulted in stronger beliefs in conspiracy theories. The overall pattern of results provides initial evidence that spite may play a role in why people engage with false information. Research and policy implications of these findings are discussed.
Psychological Distance to Science Affects Science Evaluations
Authors: Većkalov Bojana , Zarzeczna Natalia , van Harreveld Frenk , Rutjens Bastiaan T.
Published: February 2025

In four experiments (three preregistered; Ntotal = 4511), we investigated the influence of psychological distance to science (PSYDISC) on science evaluations. PSYDISC reflects the extent to which science is perceived as an (in)tangible undertaking conducted by people (dis)similar to oneself (social), with effects in the here (far away; spatial) and now (in the distant future; temporal), and as (un)useful and (in)applicable in the real world (hypothetical distance). In Study 1, framing the science of nanotechnology/genetic modification (GM) of food as psychologically close (vs. distant) lowered science skepticism. For GM science, we also found that psychological closeness increases perceived credibility and fosters more positive attitudes toward GM science. In a high‐powered replication for GM science (Study 2), we replicated the effects on attitude positivity and skepticism (but not credibility). Closely framed GM science was perceived as more personally relevant (Studies 3 and 4), which increased perceptions of credibility and attitude positivity, and reduced skepticism (Study 4). An internal meta‐analysis (Studies 1, 2, and 4) corroborated the main effects of PSYDISC on science evaluations. In sum, the current work provides evidence for a malleable antecedent of science evaluations—PSYDISC—that can be utilized to increase science acceptance.
Narcissism of Science Denial
Authors: Golec de Zavala Agnieszka
Published: February 2025

Amid historically low societal trust in science, four cross‐sectional studies (N = 3856) reveal a link between generic science denial and national narcissism. The findings support the pre‐registered hypotheses that (1) national narcissism (a desire for national recognition) and ingroup satisfaction (pride in national value) have opposite unique associations with science denial (rejection of scientific consensus and generalized suspicion toward scientific experts) and (2) opposite indirect associations with specific outcomes of science denial during the COVID‐19 pandemic and beyond (climate change denial, anti‐vaccination attitude, and support for unregulated “alternative” medicine). After their common variance is controlled, national narcissism is positively associated with generic science denial and its outcomes, while national ingroup satisfaction is associated negatively. National narcissism was the strongest predictor of science denial, surpassing other established predictors such as low education and political conservatism. Studies 1 and 2 showed additionally, that vulnerable narcissistic personality was the second strongest predictor of generic science denial, demonstrating for the first time, that the narcissistic need to be recognized as better than others underlies generic science denial.
Spatial Spillover Effects of Corruption Controls: Focusing on the Public Sector in Vietnam
Authors: Trinh Nhan Thanh , Trinh Khoa Anh
Published: February 2025

This study contributes to the literature on corruption by exploring the impact of corruption controls in one region on corruption in other regions within a country, known as the spatial spillover effect. Specifically, using spatial econometric models and a panel dataset from all 63 provinces in Vietnam during the 2011–2023 period, the study finds that the spatial spillover effect of corruption controls on corruption can function through three main channels: (1) Corruption controls directly impact corruption within a province, subsequently affecting corruption in neighbouring provinces through the spatial spillover effect of corruption; (2) corruption control practices directly affect corruption in neighbouring provinces; and (3) corruption control practices in the given province affect corruption control practices in neighbouring provinces, changing corruption there. However, this effect is primarily generated by the adjacent provinces and dramatically diminishes corresponding to the increase in distance between provinces. The results also suggest that the effect of current corruption control efforts is more potent than the past efforts. These findings offer valuable information to policymakers enacting anticorruption initiatives.
Integrative Genomics Refines Tissues, Candidate Genes and Putative Regulatory Links Involved in the Humic Adaptation of Keystone Freshwater Fish
Authors: Ozerov M. Yu. , Noreikiene K. , Taube K. , Gross R. , Vasemägi A.
Published: February 2025

Although population genomics approaches have been successful in identifying regions of the genome shaped by natural selection, progress in dissecting the molecular mechanisms of adaptive variants and traits has been slow. By integrating multi‐tissue (gill, spleen, olfactory rosette, whole eye, and liver) transcriptomes from 16 wild Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis) populations and previously identified footprints of selection, we prioritise tissues, candidate genes, and putative SNP‐gene expression associations potentially involved in the humic adaptation of this keystone freshwater fish. Over 5000 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were discovered across the five tissues. A significant excess of outlier SNPs among DEGs found in the gill and spleen tissues indicated their potential involvement in humic adaptation. Next, we identified 2640 cis‐eQTLs, and observed significant enrichment of outliers among expression‐associated SNPs (eSNPs) in spleen and olfactory rosette tissues, as well as in all tissues combined. Several eQTLs were found in the regions showing the strongest signals of selection, which also harboured DEGs (chr. 5: PLAGL2, chr. 7: PPP1R8, TCHH). Thus, our integrative analyses enabled us to pinpoint specific organs that potentially play a key role in adaptation, prioritise candidate genes under divergent selection based on their expression patterns, and identify links between SNPs and transcript abundance variation. We expect that by combining evolutionary and functional genomics perspectives this work provides a practical framework for understanding the genetic basis of phenotypic diversification and adaptation across a wide range of species.
Hybrid physics‐informed neural network with parametric identification for modeling bridge temperature distribution
Authors: Wang Yanjia , Yang Dong , Yuan Ye , Zhang Jing , Au Francis T. K.
Published: February 2025

This paper introduces a novel hybrid multi‐model thermo‐temporal physics‐informed neural network (TT‐PINN) framework for thermal loading prediction in composite bridge decks. Unlike the existing PINN applications in heat transfer that focus on simple geometries, this framework uniquely addresses multi‐material domains and realistic boundary conditions through a dual‐network architecture designed for composite structures. The framework further incorporates the environmental boundary conditions of natural convection and solar radiation into the loss function and employs transfer learning for efficient adaptation to varying conditions. Moreover, a transfer learning mechanism enables rapid adaptation to new environmental states, thus markedly reducing the computations as compared to the conventional finite element method (FEM). Through noise‐augmented training and parameter identification, the TT‐PINN effectively handles the real‐world monitoring data uncertainties and allows material property calibration with limited sensor data. The framework's ability to capture complex thermal behavior is validated by studying a cable‐stayed bridge. It significantly reduces the computational costs as compared to the traditional FEM approaches.
Research
Authors: Cheney Ann Marie
Published: February 2025

Terms like community engaged research and community‐based participatory research risk losing their meaning and significance in health equity research. This article calls attention to potential overuse of such terms in applied health research with historically marginalized populations. Reflecting on essays that advocate for decolonizing research, this article considers ways to engage in research that does not enact epistemicide or the erasure of diverse ways of doing research and knowledge generation, as well as encourages the “deep work” of relationship and trust building. The author argues that research should be an ongoing and reflexive practice that works to dismantle the legacy of colonialism that has dictated, for too long, who does science and research and who generates knowledge.
The synaptonemal complex stabilizes meiosis in allotetraploid Brassica napus and autotetraploid Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Zhang Yashi , Lv Fei , Wan Ziyang , Geng Miaowei , Chu Lei , Cai Bowei , Zhuang Jixin , Ge Xianhong , Schnittger Arp , Yang Chao
Published: February 2025

Polyploidy plays a key role in genome evolution and crop improvement. The formation of bivalents rather than multivalents during meiosis of polyploids is essential to ensure meiotic stability and optimal fertility of the species. However, the mechanisms preventing multivalent recombination in polyploids remain obscure.

We studied the role of the synaptonemal complex in polyploid meiosis by mutating the transverse filament component ZYP1 in allotetraploid Brassica napus and autotetraploid Arabidopsis.

In B. napus, a mutation of all four ZYP1 copies results in multivalent pairing accompanied by pairing partner switches, nonhomologous recombination, and interlocks, leading to severe chromosome entanglement and fertility abortion. The presence of only one functional allele of ZYP1 compromises synapsis and multivalent associations occur at nonsynaptic regions. Moreover, the disruption of ZYP1 causes a complete shift from predominantly multivalent pairing to exclusively multivalent pairing in pachytene cells of synthetic autotetraploid Arabidopsis thaliana, resulting in a dramatic increase in the frequency of multivalents at metaphase I.

We conclude that the ZYP1‐mediated assembly of the synaptonemal complex facilitates the pairwise homologous pairing and recombination in both allopolyploid and autopolyploid species and plays a key role in ensuring a diploid‐like bivalent formation in polyploid meiosis.
Predictive Value of 18F‐FDG PET/CT in LA‐HNSCC Patients Undergoing Neoadjuvant Chemoimmunotherapy: A Prospective Study
Authors: Huang Rong , Lu Xiaoxu , Sun Xueming , Wu Hui
Published: February 2025

Objective

The study evaluates the efficacy of 18F‐2‐fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐d‐glucose FDG PET/CT in predicting outcomes in patients with advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma receiving neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy.

Methods

In this prospective study, we compared the parameters of 63 patients with LA‐HNSCC who underwent 18F‐FDG PET/CT before neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy, divided into responders (47) and non‐responders (16), after three cycles of neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy. The ratio of the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of the primary tumor to the SUVmean of the normal tissue (muscle and blood) was recorded as the target background ratio (TBR muscle and TBR blood).

Results

The SUVmean and TBRblood of the primary tumor were significantly lower in the responding group than in the non‐responding group. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis identified SUVmean (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.931, p = 0.001) and TBRblood (AUC = 0.894, p = 0.001) as significant predictors of neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy efficacy. The study found that SUVmean, TBRblood, age, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) scores significantly correlated with short‐term efficacy, while SUVmean was an independent predictor.

Conclusion

In 18F‐FDG PET/CT scans, higher baseline SUVmean and TBRblood were associated with a poor short‐term response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in patients with LA‐HNSCC.
Demystifying “Hyaline Angiopathy” of Pulse Granuloma in Oral and Extraoral Surgical Pathology
Authors: Sperandio Felipe Fornias , de Castro Costa Matheus , de Carli Marina Lara , Kanthan Rani
Published: February 2025

Background and Objectives

Pulse granuloma (PG), or giant cell hyaline angiopathy, is an immune‐mediated reaction often following the implantation of plant‐derived food particles. PGs are primarily found in the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract and may represent a histopathological pitfall, being mistaken for other granulomatous conditions or tumors. This study is the first to compare oral to extraoral PGs, aiming to clarify the “hyaline angiopathy” seen in PGs by developing a detailed histochemical and immunohistochemical profile of oral and colonic PGs.

Methods

A computer search of 135,972 surgical pathology cases was conducted. PG histopathological slides, along with demographic and clinical data, were reviewed. Stains including Congo red, Masson trichrome, PAS, and immunostains CD31, ERG, and D2‐40 were applied.

Results

Sixteen cases (11 oral, 5 extraoral) were identified, ranging from 7 to 81 years of age. Oral PGs were linked to odontogenic cysts, while extraoral PGs were associated with intestinal inflammation and perforation. Angiolymphatic marker expression was limited to the inflamed connective tissue surrounding PG.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that PGs reflect a granulomatous response to edible components and support surgical excision. The absence of vascular markers indicates that the term “angiopathy” is misleading, proposing that these “wormy” structures are fibrocollagenous responses.
Experiences, Challenges and Informational Needs of Patients With Oral Epithelial Dysplasia
Authors: Alamoudi Waleed , Riordain Richeal Ni , Fedele Stefano , Porter Stephen
Published: February 2025

Objectives

This study aims to explore the patients' experiences with oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) to identify associated clinical challenges and informational needs.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews, guided by a topic outline, addressed disease‐specific information, investigative procedures, treatments, impacts on quality of life, healthcare systems and information sources. The interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

A total of 30 individuals participated in the study. Four primary themes were identified: delays in diagnosis, knowledge about OED, the psychological impact of the disease and patient education.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first qualitative study to explore the lived experiences of patients with OED. It highlights significant challenges, including accessing appropriate medical services, delays in diagnosis, physical and psychological burdens and the need for better education. Positive experiences were noted when patients received care from knowledgeable clinicians who provided consistent education and effective communication. The findings of this study may guide the future development of measurement tools on the outcome measures of individuals with OED.
Differences in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma From Colombia and Spain: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Rochel‐Rochel Ana María , Acero‐Sanz Julio , de Vicente Juan Carlos , Caponio Vito Carlo Alberto , Cárdenas‐Serres Cristina , Cáceres Ramírez Catalina , Villabona Flórez Silvia Juliana , Jiménez Andrade Viviana , Gómez Abreu Diego , Archilla Flórez Francy , López‐Pintor Rosa María
Published: February 2025

Objective

To compare the clinicopathological characteristics and survival of two cohorts of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) from Spain and Colombia.

Methods

Clinicopathological and survival variables of patients with OSCC from six maxillofacial surgery departments in Spain and Colombia were retrospectively reviewed. Variables were compared according to country of origin.

Results

We included 649 patients, 359 from Spain and 290 from Colombia. The Colombian cohort was younger, drank more alcohol, had less comorbidities, and reported a greater mean number of days both from symptoms to diagnosis and from then to treatment, which was ∼2.5 times longer in the Colombian cohort. Colombian patients were diagnosed at a more advanced stage. The treatment of choice was resective surgery. In the Colombian cohort, more patients received radio and chemotherapy together with surgery. Second primary tumors and recurrences were more frequent in the Colombian sample (7.2% vs. 2.8%; p = 0.008) and in the Spanish cohort (32% vs. 23.1%; p = 0.012), respectively. Overall survival was similar between the two samples (HR = 1.15; 95% CI = 0.93–1.42; p = 0.195) and disease‐specific survival was worse in the Colombian one (HR = 1.30; 95% CI = 1.03–1.65; p = 0.027).

Conclusions

There were epidemiological differences between patients with OSCC in both cohorts and a longer delay in diagnosis and treatment in the Colombian sample.
Oral Verruciform Xanthoma: Letter to Editor
Authors: Dhanrajani P. , Taneja Pankaj
Published: February 2025

Verruciform xanthoma (VX) of the oral cavity is a rare, reactive benign mucosal lesion of unknown aetiology. This letter aims to report a case and remind clinicians on the varied hyperplastic clinical presentation, which can often be mistaken for potentially malignant lesions such as verrucous or squamous cell carcinomas macroscopically unless definitively diagnosed histologically.
Radiofrequency Versus Cryoballoon 180‐Day Mortality Risk After Atrial Fibrillation Ablation: An 8‐Year Analysis
Authors: Orczykowski Michal , Kowalski Marcin , Bak Maciej , Jargielo Anna , Machaj Filip , Swierczewski Michal , Guzek Krystyna , Topczewska Magdalena , Urbanek Piotr , Robert Bodalski , Glowniak Andrzej , Derejko Pawel , Sterlinski Maciej , Bilinska Maria , Szumowski Lukasz
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Catheter ablation (CA) is a preferred treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF), often outperforming antiarrhythmic medications in maintaining sinus rhythm and managing symptoms. One of the most important features of any treatment method, alongside its effectiveness, is its safety.

Methods

This study evaluates 180‐day all‐cause mortality rates post‐ablation using data from the National Health Fund in Poland (NHF‐P), encompassing over 99% of AF CAs and 100% of deaths in Poland from 2012 to 2019.

Results

Our analysis, which included 31,214 ablations on 26,767 patients (34.8% female), compared cryoballoon and radiofrequency (RF) ablation techniques and assessed mortality rates and risk factors. The study revealed a 180‐day mortality rate of 0.56%, with the highest rate observed in patients over 80 years old (2.67%) and the lowest in those aged 18–34 years (0.29%). Mortality did not significantly differ between cryoballoon (0.48%) and RF ablation (0.65%; p = 0.072). The risk of mortality did not differ between patients undergoing a first‐time ablation and those having subsequent procedures (p = 0.90, OR 0.92). Significant risk factors for increased mortality included male sex, kidney disease, heart failure, diabetes, prior myocardial infarction, and a history of malignancy.

Conclusion

The 180‐day mortality rate after AF ablation procedure reached 0.56%, with no significant difference between cryoballoon and RF ablation. Further research, including matched control groups and extended follow‐up periods, is essential to better understand the benefits and risks of CA for AF, particularly in the oldest patient groups.
Ready or not. National identity, vote choice, and mass media: Evidence from Germany
Authors: May Antonia C.
Published: February 2025

Exploiting the increased prominence of debates on immigration, right‐wing parties often frame and campaign against immigrants as a threat to national societies. Research on national identity has shown that these parties are particularly successful among voters with an ethnically charged, exclusionary conception of nation. National identity, however, tends to be rather latent and stable, while far‐right voting is much more volatile. Explaining a temporal influence of national identity on political behavior, social‐psychological theories argue that identities need to be activated to become behaviorally relevant. The main argument of this article is that the presence of immigration‐related news in the mass media can serve as such a situational factor for thinking about the nation and thus increase its salience for electoral behavior. Combining individual‐level panel data from the German Longitudinal Election Study's Short‐term Campaign Panel (GLES, 2019) with a measure of media salience of immigration‐related news in news articles, this study is the first to examine whether national identity can be activated for political behavior through the salience of immigration‐related issues in the mass media using panel data.
Overexpression of the R2R3‐MYB transcription factor GmMYB3a enhances isoflavone accumulation in soybean
Authors: Xu Zibo , Li Jingwen , Song Xue , Zhang Yongqiang , Wang Ying , Zhu Youcheng , Liu Tianyi , He Yuxuan , Liu Yajing , Wang Qingyu , Yan Fan
Published: February 2025

Soybean isoflavones, natural phytoestrogens within the flavonoid family, exhibit diverse physiological benefits such as anticancer, antioxidant, and cardioprotective properties. Yet, the underlying biosynthetic pathways remain unclear. Research is required to get better knowledge of soybean isoflavone production and its potential uses. Our work thoroughly examined the R2R3‐MYB subclass in soybean and discovered a new MYB transcription factor, GmMYB3a, which shares significant similarities with Arabidopsis MYB genes and regulates isoflavone biosynthesis. Our study reveals that GmMYB3a localizes to the nucleus and membrane, concurs with its potential involvement in the biosynthesis of isoflavones. Our analysis also indicated a synergistic expression pattern between GmMYB3a and seed development, thereby creating the hypothesis that it has a critical role in the regulation of isoflavone synthesis. Transgenic experiments further demonstrated that GmMYB3a positively regulates isoflavone biosynthesis and leads to its overexpression. GmMYB3a has been implicated in abiotic stress responses, affecting soybean stress tolerance. RNA sequencing analysis revealed that GmMYB3a regulates downstream genes involved in isoflavone, flavonoid, and phenylalanine metabolism, especially the key chalcone synthase genes, CHS7 and CHS8. Moreover, GmMYB3a was shown to be tightly associated with GmCHS7 and GmCHS8 expressions, potentially regulating them directly. Yeast two‐hybrid screening identified GmMYB3a interacting proteins crucial for the synthesis of physiologically active substances and abiotic stress responses. Our results increase knowledge of the regulatory mechanisms of GmMYB3a and establish a molecular network involving GmMYB3a, GmCHS7, and GmCHS8, thereby offering novel strategies for improving soybean quality and stress‐tolerant breeding.
Scrippsiella luzonensis sp. nov. (Thoracosphaerales, Dinophyceae), a new small marine dinoflagellate from the Philippines
Authors: Benico Garry A. , Esteban Samantha Patricia C. , Kuwata Koyo , Iwataki Mitsunori
Published: February 2025

A small marine dinoflagellate was isolated from fish‐kill bloom in Manila Bay, Luzon Island, Philippines, and described as a new Scrippsiella species based on the cellular morphology, thecal arrangement and molecular phylogeny inferred from internal transcribed spacer and large subunit rDNA sequences. Cells were ellipsoid, appearing teardrop‐shaped with a prominent apical horn, and the conical episome was slightly larger than the hyposome. Its plate tabulation Po, X, 4′, 3a, 7′′, 6c, 5s, 5′′′, 2′′′′ shown by scanning electron microscopy was consistent with Scrippsiella, and a thecal variation was often found in the anterior sulcal plate. The apical pore plate and canal plate were surrounded by an upright collar of apical plates 2′–4′, and the elongated canal plate was distinctive, being more than half‐length of narrow 1′ plate. The nucleus was laterally elongated and located at the center. The cysts formed in culture were spherical, small (10.1 μm in diameter), and covered by a transparent and smooth wall without calcareous crystals. In the phylogenetic trees, it was accommodated in the clade of Scrippsiella sensu lato, but its close relative was not revealed. Because the species could be differentiated from other Scrippsiella species, in the shape of cell, apical pore complex and nucleus, as well as the formation of non‐calcareous cyst, it is proposed as a novel species Scrippsiella luzonensis sp. nov. An occurrence of another species Scrippsiella masanensis, forming non‐calcareous cysts, was also reported from the Philippines.