bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Subjective Experience of the Punitive Parent Mode in Individuals With Borderline Personality Disorder Following Schema Therapy: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Baelemans Mariëlle C. E. , Plooij Puk , Bachrach Nathan , Arntz Arnoud
Published: February 2025

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is often characterized by self‐critical and punitive thoughts, emotions, beliefs and behaviours, conceptualized in schema therapy (ST) as the punitive parent mode (PPM). This mode involves internalized punitive messages from childhood from the behaviour and reactions of significant others, leading to self‐hatred, guilt and self‐denial. Although patients with BPD frequently report auditory verbal hallucinations (AVHs) as manifestations of the PPM, this phenomenon is often overlooked in ST studies. We conducted semistructured interviews with 16 (ex)patients (63% female) from two Dutch mental health institutions to explore their experiences with the PPM before, during and after ST. An independent, double‐coded systematic content analysis was performed. Approximately half of the participants reported AVHs linked to the PPM before therapy. The patients characterized the PPM by pervasive self‐critical messages, contributing to intense emotional and physical distress and maladaptive coping strategies. Participants reported that ST techniques, including group therapy, imagery rescripting (ImRs) and the empty chair technique (ECT), effectively reduced the power and credibility of the PPM, including AVHs. The self‐reported improvements included more adaptive coping mechanisms, increased social support and a general experience of reduced PPM. This study highlights the prevalence of the PPM as AVHs in individuals with BPD and demonstrates the efficacy of ST in reducing the impact of PPM, including in cases involving AVHs. Clinical implications include the need for relapse prevention plans and further exploration into how ST's effects can be enhanced. Future research should explore the broader spectrum of psychotic experiences in BPD and consider integrating PPM‐related AVHs into the assessment and treatment of BPD.
Polling the Public to Select Flagship Species for Tourism and Conservation—A ‘Big Five’ for the Peruvian Amazon?
Authors: Recharte Maribel , Lee Phyllis C. , Vick Sarah‐Jane , Bowler Mark
Published: February 2025

Flagship species are used to promote conservation and tourism. Africa's famous ‘Big five’ have become marketing flagships that fundraisers and tourism promoters emulate globally. Species can be selected systematically for marketing using characteristics such as colour, size or behaviour, but this approach can overlook unique animals or homogenise selections. Alternatively, polling the public can reveal existing preferences for animals directly. We used questionnaires with tourists in the Peruvian Amazon to identify existing biases for species and rank them for suitability for tourism and conservation marketing. Polling revealed several species that would not be considered good flagship candidates using systematic methods based on species characteristics. ‘Free listing’ tourists expressed preferences at inconsistent taxonomic levels. The response ‘monkeys’ (infraorder Simiiformes) was highest ranked, followed by ‘jaguar’ (Panthera onca), ‘Amazon dolphin’ (Inia geoffrensis), ‘sloths’ (suborder Folivora), and ‘caiman’ (subfamily Caimaninae) and ‘birds’ (class Aves). When ranking from a preselected shortlist, jaguar, Amazon dolphins and sloths (represented by Bradypus variegatus) remained popular, while vote splitting within higher taxonomic levels, in particular monkeys, made room for green‐winged macaw (Ara chloropterus) and anaconda (Eunectes murinus). When asked about their willingness to pay for excursions or donate to conservation, tourists were overwhelmingly more likely to quote larger figures for jaguars than any other species, but results for other species were more homogenous. Some popular taxonomic groups are diverse in Amazonia; up to 14 monkey species may be present at some sites Amazonia, alongside several hundred bird species. A Big five strategy obscures this diversity. Using physical characteristics as selection criteria underplays diversity and overlooks popular taxa—notably sloths for the Amazon. A strategy of polling the public to select popular species as flagships more directly identifies salient species for marketing and efficiently considers existing biases. However, diversity will trump a Big five approach in megadiverse areas.
Assessment of Government Policies, Current Practices, Challenges, Research, Standards, and Scope for Dissemination of Box‐Type Solar Cooker in India
Authors: Redekar Abhijeet , Deb Dipankar , Muyeen S. M.
Published: February 2025

Addressing the demand for cooking energy is crucial in developing countries, particularly as populations rise and natural resources decline. Abundant and freely accessible solar energy offers a promising solution to this challenge. Despite the global development of various solar cooking devices, BTSC has not achieved the anticipated level of popularity. This study aims to explore the factors hindering the adoption of BTSC and to discuss how these findings can inform the design of future BTSC models, focusing on four key areas. These include proposing innovative design features to align with the Indian lifestyle, identifying opportunities in nonurban areas, and providing commercialization strategies. The evaluation relies upon the Weight‐decision method, results of ethnographic study, potential user analysis using qualitative techniques, and an assessment of commercialization strategies by examining feasibility. The study highlights the need for hybridizing the BTSC by incorporating features such as active tracking, a secondary heating source (battery or grid‐operated heating coil), and self‐power generation through thermoelectric conversion to increase user acceptance. nonurban users‐including those in semi‐urban, rural, tribal, nomadic, and trekking communities‐demonstrate suitability for efficient solar cooker use. The continued subsidy by the Haryana government has crucially promoted BTSC adoption. Additionally, 30 out of 34 states fall within the high radiation zone, indicating favorable conditions for the adoption of BTSC. However, the assessment also reveals a limitation in the new design related to indoor cooking. These design features should be incorporated into the prototype in the future.
Spatiotemporal changes of desertification areas in the Alxa Desert obtained from satellite imagery
Authors: Li Ting , Wang Yuanwei , Fan Xiaomei , Wang Lingxiao , Li Xiangfei , Zhao Lin , Kattel Giri Raj , Guo Xiaoyu , Fan Mengtian
Published: February 2025

Desertification is defined as land degradation in arid, semi‐arid and dry sub‐humid areas resulting from various factors. High‐spatial‐resolution desertification monitoring with long time series and accurate area quantification in the Alxa Desert has yet to be fully elucidated. Here, we exploited Landsat satellite images to develop a method for the monitoring of high‐resolution, large‐scale desertification dynamics using a Desertification Difference Index (DDI) model based on albedo and Topsoil Grain Size Index (TGSI). On this basis, we examined the spatial–temporal changes in the extent of desertified land and ascertained the impact of various factors (temperature, precipitation, total livestock) on the desertification process. We made a detailed classification of desertification (five types) and found that non‐desertification accounted for the smallest proportion of the entire study region (annual mean 2.00 × 104 km2, 7.8%), while severe desertification contributed the largest proportion (annual mean 7.88 × 104 km2, 30.9%). Over the past 20 years, there has been a substantial reduction in extremely severe (−251 km2/yr) and moderate (−230 km2/yr) desertification areas, demonstrating the effectiveness of desert management. Regionally, considerable attention should be paid to the eastern Tengger Desert in terms of desert control; temporally, special attention should be paid to summer. High temperatures can exacerbate extremely severe, and severe desertification, contrary to the effect of increasing precipitation. Dynamic changes in desertification will become more complex under predicted climate change patterns, indicating that desertification prevention should be prioritized over control.
PDGFRA::USP8 Fusion in a Cutaneous Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor, Highlighting Genetic Pleiotropy of Kinase Gene Fusions in Soft Tissue Neoplasms
Authors: Vernemmen Astrid I. P. , van Kempen Léon C. L. T. , Aarts Frits , zur Hausen Axel , Sciot Raf M. E. , Hornick Jason L. , van den Hout Mari F. C. M.
Published: February 2025

PDGFRA::USP8 fusions have recently been described in neoplasms in the provisional category of calcified chondroid mesenchymal neoplasm (CCMN). Here, we describe a cutaneous inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) on the upper leg of a 24‐year‐old male harboring the same fusion product. The tumor showed a morphology typical of IMT, including a concomitant inflammatory infiltrate; in addition, there was strong immunohistochemical PDGFRα overexpression. Methylation profiling (Sarcoma classifier v12.2) was consistent with IMT (calibrated score 0.99). Herein, we review other soft tissue tumors with PDGFRA fusions, emphasizing PDGFRA::USP8 fusions, further highlighting the genetic pleiotropy of kinase gene fusions in soft tissue tumors. In addition, this case expands the landscape of kinase fusions in IMT, presented by an extremely rare cutaneous IMT.
Perinatal Protein Restriction Induces Anhedonic‐Like Behavior: Disturbed Hippocampal Neurotrophic Signaling and Neuronal Structural Plasticity in Adult Offspring
Authors: Gutiérrez María C. , Comas Mutis Ramiro G. , Perondi María C. , Calfa Gastón D. , Valdomero Analía
Published: February 2025

Early protein malnutrition has been shown to affect the brain reward circuitry, leading to enduring molecular, neurochemical, and behavioral alterations. This study explored how maternal protein restriction contributes to anhedonia, a key depression symptom, focusing on the hippocampal BDNF–TrkB signaling and structural plasticity changes in the CA1 subregion of the dorsal hippocampus (DH). To achieve our goal, adult rats submitted to a protein restriction schedule from the 14th day of gestation up to 30 days of age (PR‐rats) were subjected to the sucrose preference test (SPT) and compared with animals fed a normoprotein diet. Immediately after SPT, we assessed the levels of BDNF and its receptor TrkB and structural plasticity changes. Interestingly, PR‐rats showed a significant decrease in sucrose preference. Furthermore, perinatal protein‐restriction‐induced anhedonia correlated with decreased BDNF and p‐TrkB levels in the DH, alongside reduced dendritic spine density in CA1 pyramidal neurons, particularly mature spines (i.e., stubby and mushroom spines). These findings suggest that decreased hippocampal BDNF–TrkB signaling accompanied by structural remodeling in the CA1 pyramidal neurons may contribute to the reduced ability of undernourished animals to respond to rewarding stimuli, increasing their vulnerability to anhedonia later in life.
The Role of Contextual Determinants in Implementation of Complex Suicide Prevention Interventions: An Application of the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation and Sustainment (EPIS) Framework
Authors: Krishnamoorthy Sadhvi , Armstrong Gregory , Ross Victoria , Mathieu Sharna , Kõlves Kairi
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Prevention of suicidal behaviour is complex, and a host of effective interventions have now been recognised in addressing this concern. However, adoption, delivery, and sustainment of these interventions within real‐life settings is challenging; and the translation process, often overlooked. Examining the impact of context is necessary to explain how implementation outcomes are achieved and aid generalisability of findings. This study aims to explore factors influencing implementation outcomes (contextual determinants) across the implementation lifecycle of complex suicide prevention interventions.

Methods

A qualitative design was adopted. Semi structured interviews were conducted with 16 stakeholders (leaders, project managers/implementors, lived experience advocates) involved in implementation of complex suicide prevention interventions across the world. A purposive and snowball sampling approach was used to identify participants with requisite experiences. An understanding of determinants was deduced from participant narratives. These were mapped using the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation and Sustainment (EPIS) framework.

Results

Across different phases of implementation, outer context barriers were predominantly reported and pertained to service environmental factors, pre‐existing dynamics, and engaging leadership. Several inner context barriers including individual characteristics, staffing and resources, and challenges in maintaining fidelity were reported during the implementation phase. Bridging factors (such as interrelationships and partnerships) were identified as important facilitators throughout different phases of implementation and levels of context. Implementation strategies related to stakeholder relationship building were prioritised across different phases of implementation.

Conclusion

This study helps expand the notion of an evidence‐base for complex suicide prevention interventions. Determinants salient across different levels of the social‐ecology and phases of implementation address questions related to what works and under what circumstances.
A Psychological Analysis of Iranian Infertile Couples' Attitudes Toward Gestational Surrogacy: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Esmaeilivand Masoumeh , Haseli Arezoo , Karampour Alirez , Khatony Alireza , Rezaeian Shahab , Naghibzadeh Amirhossein , Mohammadi Mohammad Mehdi
Published: February 2025

Background and Aims

In the last two decades, assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs), such as surrogacy, have helped couples address infertility. However, the use of these techniques can present moral, social, and psychological challenges for both the infertile parents and the surrogate mother. Therefore, this study investigates the attitudes of infertile couples toward surrogacy and the associated challenges.

Methods

This cross‐sectional survey was conducted on 176 infertile couples. Data were collected using a bifurcated questionnaire that assessed the challenges and concerns of infertile couples regarding surrogacy. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 22 statistical software.

Results

The average attitude score toward surrogacy was 92.93 ± 4.89, with no significant differences between females and males. The results of the five distinct subscales indicated that with increasing education levels, intentional attitudes and future perspectives on surrogacy decreased (b = −0.59, p = 0.02) and the score for children born through surrogacy decreased significantly (b = −0.60, p = 0.04). Additionally, there was a significant relationship between the history of ART and the overall acceptance of surrogacy (b = 1.6, p = 0.002).

Conclusion

These findings are important as they highlight the attitudes of infertile couples in Iranian society toward surrogacy. It appears that providing adequate education to society will significantly facilitate the optimal use of this treatment method.
Early experience with the gasless vNOTES technique for adnexal surgery
Authors: Gauci Pierre‐Alexis , Meyer Carole , Bonin‐Mouriot Claire , Delotte Jérôme , Mansoor Aslam , Velemir Luka
Published: February 2025

Introduction

This study evaluates the feasibility, safety, and outcomes of gasless vNOTES (vaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery) for benign adnexal surgeries.

Materials and Methods

This was an observational, retrospective study performed in two centers with over 3 years of experience in vNOTES: the University Hospital Center of Nice (France) and Kantys Private Hospital Center (Nice, France). Gasless vNOTES adnexal surgery was performed without the use of pneumoperitoneum or abdominal parietal material. Procedures followed a standardized technique using a posterior colpotomy, the placement of a mesh to push the bowels, and a transvaginal access platform.

Results

Fifty patients underwent gasless vNOTES adnexal surgery between December 18, 2023, and April 17, 2024. The median age of patients was 40.4 ± 9.7 years, with a median body mass index (BMI) of 22.4 (range 17.6–42.0). Thirteen patients (26.0%) had a history of abdominal or pelvic surgery. The most common procedure was bilateral salpingectomy (60.0%). The median and mean durations for all procedures were 21 min (range 15–60) and 27.4 min (SD ± 10.8), respectively. No postoperative bleeding complications were noted, but one patient developed an abscess requiring surgical intervention. Pain scores were low, with only one patient reporting pain (10/100 on the visual analog scale) 6 h post‐surgery. Ninety percent of patients were managed in an ambulatory setting, with a median time to first stand‐up of 4 h and 7 min.

Conclusion

Gasless vNOTES adnexal surgery is a feasible and safe technique for surgeons experienced in vNOTES. It offers the potential for reduced postoperative pain and analgesic requirements without increasing operating time or complication rates, making it a viable alternative to conventional pneumoperitoneum‐assisted vNOTES. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and evaluate long‐term outcomes.
The effectiveness of vitamin D as an alternative to FDA‐approved treatment and other therapies for managing vulvovaginal atrophy and sexual inactivity in postmenopausal women. A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Youssef Eman , Badie Mostafa Saad , Ismail Doaa , Gamal Aliaa , Eldamanhoury Hala Mohamed
Published: February 2025

Background

Vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) and sexual inactivity (SI) are prevalent among postmenopausal women (PMW). While hormonal therapies show significant improvement, non‐hormonal therapies are considered the first‐line for breast cancer women. However, vaginal hormonal therapies are unavailable in all countries, particularly developing countries such as the middle east, and there are no studies that have tested these therapies in women either with a history of breast cancer or those taking endocrine therapies for their cancer.

Objective

We conducted this meta‐analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of vitamin D (VD), whether alone or in combination with other therapies, in managing VVA and SI in PMW.

Search Strategy

A systematic literature search was undertaken on four electronic databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane, and Scopus) from inception until June 2023.

Selection Criteria

The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that used the vaginal maturation index (VMI) and vaginal pH to measure VVA and vaginal dryness and the female sexual function index (FSFI) to measure SI were included in the meta‐analysis.

Main Results

Eight RCTs (608 PMW) were included, and 222 were assigned to the VD arm. For the oral VD subgroup, there was no statistically significant improvement in the mean difference (MD) of VMI (MD –7.62, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −23.84, 8.59). However, VMI's topical VD subgroup was statistically significant (25.16; 95% CI: 18.74, 31.59). For topical form, the total FSFI score (0.24; 95% CI: −1.72, 2.20) and all FSFI domains did not demonstrate statistically significant improvement except arousal (0.56; 95% CI: 0.12, 1.00). Vaginal pH's oral VD subgroup showed statistically significant improvement (−0.27, 95% CI: −0.50, −0.05) compared to the topical VD. Topical VD subgroup (24.45; 95% CI: 7.14, 41.77) showed a statistically significant increase of vaginal superficial cells, in contrast to the oral VD subgroup (3.25; 95% CI: −5.44, 11.96).

Conclusion

Topical VD showed significant improvements in VMI and the arousal subscale of FSFI, whereas oral VD had no substantial improvement except in vaginal pH. VD alone is not a sufficient alternative to other available treatments, and further RCTs are needed to evaluate its effectiveness without any combination with other drugs.
EasyMetagenome: A user‐friendly and flexible pipeline for shotgun metagenomic analysis in microbiome research
Authors: Bai Defeng , Chen Tong , Xun Jiani , Ma Chuang , Luo Hao , Yang Haifei , Cao Chen , Cao Xiaofeng , Cui Jianzhou , Deng Yuan‐Ping , Deng Zhaochao , Dong Wenxin , Dong Wenxue , Du Juan , Fang Qunkai , Fang Wei , Fang Yue , Fu Fangtian , Fu Min , Fu Yi‐Tian , Gao He , Ge Jingping , Gong Qinglong , Gu Lunda , Guo Peng , Guo Yuhao , Hai Tang , Liu Hao , He Jieqiang , He Zi‐Yang , Hou Huiyu , Huang Can , Ji Shuai , Jiang ChangHai , Jiang Gui‐Lai , Jiang Lingjuan , Jin Ling N. , Kan Yuhe , Kang Da , Kou Jin , Lam Ka‐Lung , Li Changchao , Li Chong , Li Fuyi , Li Liwei , Li Miao , Li Xin , Li Ye , Li Zheng‐Tao , Liang Jing , Lin Yongxin , Liu Changzhen , Liu Danni , Liu Fengqin , Liu Jia , Liu Tianrui , Liu Tingting , Liu Xinyuan , Liu Yaqun , Liu Bangyan , Liu Minghao , Lou Wenbo , Luan Yaning , Luo Yuanyuan , Lv Hujie , Ma Tengfei , Mai Zongjiong , Mo Jiayuan , Niu Dongze , Pan Zhuo , Qi Heyuan , Shi Zhanyao , Song Chunjiao , Sun Fuxiang , Sun Yan , Tian Sihui , Wan Xiulin , Wang Guoliang , Wang Hongyang , Wang Hongyu , Wang Huanhuan , Wang Jing , Wang Jun , Wang Kang , Wang Leli , Wang Shao‐kun , Wang Xinlong , Wang Yao , Xiao Zufei , Xing Huichun , Xu Yifan , Yan Shu‐yan , Yang Li , Yang Song , Yang Yuanming , Yao Xiaofang , Yousuf Salsabeel , Yu Hao , Lei Yu , Yuan Zhengrong , Zeng Meiyin , Zhang Chunfang , Zhang Chunge , Zhang Huimin , Zhang Jing , Zhang Na , Zhang Tianyuan , Zhang Yi‐Bo , Zhang Yupeng , Zhang Zheng , Zhou Mingda , Zhou Yuanping , Zhu Chengshuai , Zhu Lin , Zhu Yue , Zhu Zhihao , Zou Hongqin , Zuo Anna , Dong Wenxuan , Wen Tao , Chen Shifu , Li Guoliang , Gao Yunyun , Liu Yong‐Xin
Published: February 2025

Shotgun metagenomics has become a pivotal technology in microbiome research, enabling in‐depth analysis of microbial communities at both the high‐resolution taxonomic and functional levels. This approach provides valuable insights of microbial diversity, interactions, and their roles in health and disease. However, the complexity of data processing and the need for reproducibility pose significant challenges to researchers. To address these challenges, we developed EasyMetagenome, a user‐friendly pipeline that supports multiple analysis methods, including quality control and host removal, read‐based, assembly‐based, and binning, along with advanced genome analysis. The pipeline also features customizable settings, comprehensive data visualizations, and detailed parameter explanations, ensuring its adaptability across a wide range of data scenarios. Looking forward, we aim to refine the pipeline by addressing host contamination issues, optimizing workflows for third‐generation sequencing data, and integrating emerging technologies like deep learning and network analysis, to further enhance microbiome insights and data accuracy. EasyMetageonome is freely available at https://github.com/YongxinLiu/EasyMetagenome.
Ultra‐stretchable, super‐tough, and highly stable ion‐doped hydrogel for advanced robotic applications and human motion sensing
Authors: Hasany Masoud , Kohestanian Mohammad , Najafi Tireh Shabankareh Azar , Nezhad‐Mokhtari Parinaz , Mehrali Mehdi
Published: February 2025

Hydrogel‐based sensors are recognized as key players in revolutionizing robotic applications, healthcare monitoring, and the development of artificial skins. However, the primary challenge hindering the commercial adoption of hydrogel‐based sensors is their lack of high stability, which arises from the high water content within the hydrogel structure, leading to freezing at subzero temperatures and drying issues if the protective layer is compromised. These factors result in a significant decline in the benefits offered by aqueous gel electrolytes, particularly in terms of mechanical properties and conductivity, which are crucial for flexible wearable electronics. Previous reports have highlighted several disadvantages associated with using cryoprotectant co‐solvents and lower mechanical properties for ion‐doped anti‐freezing hydrogel sensors. In this study, the design and optimization of a photocrosslinkable ionic hydrogel utilizing silk methacrylate as a novel natural crosslinker are presented. This innovative hydrogel demonstrates significantly enhanced mechanical properties, including stretchability (>1825%), tensile strength (2.49 MPa), toughness (9.85 MJ m–3), and resilience (4% hysteresis), compared to its non‐ion‐doped counterpart. Additionally, this hydrogel exhibits exceptional nonfreezing behavior down to −85°C, anti‐drying properties with functional stability up to 2.5 years, and a signal drift of only 5.35% over 2450 cycles, whereas the control variant, resembling commonly reported hydrogels, exhibits a signal drift of 149.8%. The successful application of the developed hydrogel in advanced robotics, combined with the pioneering demonstration of combinatorial commanding using a single sensor, could potentially revolutionize sensor design, elevating it to the next level and benefiting various fields.

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Impact of artificial intelligence on future clinical pharmacy research and scholarship
Authors: Chan Alexandre , Baker William L. , Abazia Daniel , Bauman Jerry , DeVane C. Lindsay , Goodlet Kellie J. , Hall Natalie , Hicks James Kevin , Jones Ellen , Lu Chi‐Hua , Moore Donald C. , Nelson Nicholas R. , Putney Kaylee , Sosa Aracely , Trujillo Toby , Zhou Crystal
Published: February 2025

Almost every facet of modern biomedical research involves artificial intelligence (AI). This ACCP commentary forecasts the role of AI in clinical pharmacy research and scholarship. The potential benefits/opportunities together with the limitations/challenges of AI are reviewed for stages of the scientific method including (1) developing the research question(s), study design, and execution; (2) data analysis; and (3) reporting and dissemination of clinical pharmacy research. Benefits and opportunities of AI in clinical pharmacy research include streamlining hypothesis generation and facilitating study design, overcoming limitations of traditional statistical analysis techniques, facilitating manuscript development and dissemination, and expediting peer review. Limitations and challenges of AI include the introduction of biases in subject recruitment; generation of false information, also known as “AI hallucinations”; concern of “black box” analyses that are difficult to validate; potential legal liabilities; lack of accountability; and the need for investigators to ensure the accuracy and integrity of AI‐generated content. In summary, rapid progress of AI capabilities has great potential to revolutionize and accelerate clinical pharmacy research and scholarship; however, it is also imperative to recognize and mitigate the challenges and limitations introduced by AI.
Lactic acid production by direct fermentation of agave fructans
Authors: Martha‐Lucero Nayeli , Cruz‐Guerrero Alma , Favela‐Torres Ernesto , Viniegra‐González Gustavo , Cira‐Chávez Luis Alberto , Estrada‐Alvarado María Isabel
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND

Lactic acid (LA) is used in various industries and is produced mainly through lactic acid fermentation (LAF). The high cost of glucose, a common substrate, is a major challenge for LA production. Alternatives like fructans from agave are being explored for this purpose, including the production of probiotic beverages using the sap of agave leaves wasted in the field. This study aims to compare the kinetics of LA fermentation using agave fructans and glucose to identify the kinetic factors to be optimize for future use of this process.

RESULTS

The study found that direct fructan fermentation by Lactobacillus bulgaricus delbrueckii (LDF) and Lactobacillus casei (LCF) achieved approximately half the productivity (P = 0.50, 0.59 gL−1/h) as compared to glucose fermentation with the same strains (P = 0.92, 1.33 gL−1/h) apparently because of the delay of fructan hydrolysis. The number of Colony Forming Units (CFU) increased following a logistic function, with a rapid decay observed for pH < 4, following first‐order kinetics. Despite the decay, CFU levels remained above 1E7 CFU/mL. This finding could be useful to produce probiotic beverages using agave leaves as a fermentation broth.

CONCLUSION

The LAB strains, Lacticaseibacillus casei NRRL B‐441 (LC) and Lactobacillus delbrueckii bulgaricus NRRL B‐763 (LD), efficiently utilize commercial agave fructans as the primary carbon source, converting them into LA without prior hydrolysis. Fermentation productivity using fructans was approximately half of that obtained with glucose. This supports using agave fructans and sap for innovative lactic acid fermentations, including probiotic beverages. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
The Epidemiology of Ascites in a Multi‐Ethnic Asian Population
Authors: Sinnanaidu Ram Prasad , Poobalan Kumaraganapathy , Singh Aswinderjeet Singh Balwan , Nair Kishvan , Vijayananthan Anushya , Mahadeva Sanjiv
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Ascites is a common condition seen by clinicians in secondary care. Data on the epidemiology of ascites in Asians is lacking.

Methodology

A retrospective case record review was performed in this large, referral institution between January 2016 and December 2019. Clinical and epidemiological data of adult (age > 18 years) patients with ascites, identified from the Radiology database, were obtained from this institutions' electronic medical records.

Results

A total of 838 patients (median age 59.77 ± 14.46 years, 56% males, ethnicity: Chinese 41.9%, Malay 34.8%, Indian 22.7%) were included in the study. Malignancy (28.9%) and liver cirrhosis (27.9%) were the most common etiology of ascites. Most of the malignant etiology of ascites were due to female‐related (breast and ovarian) and gastrointestinal (colon, liver, pancreatic, bile duct) cancer. Liver cirrhosis‐related ascites was mostly due to metabolic‐associated fatty liver disease (MASLD, 35.5%) and hepatitis B infection (20.5%). An increased age (> 40 years) was associated with all causes of ascites. The etiology of ascites varied with ethnicity as follows: the most common cause of ascites was malignancy (37.6%) among ethnic Chinese, heart failure (20.5%) in ethnic Malays and chronic liver disease (43.7%) in ethnic Indians.

Conclusion

Malignancy and liver cirrhosis are the leading cause of ascites in a multi‐ethnic Asian population. Demographic factors, particularly ethnicity, have a strong influence on the etiology of ascites.
Surface Enhanced Raman Spectral Monitoring of 50 KDa Filtrate Portions of Blood Serum Samples of Patients with Iron Deficiency Anemia
Authors: Tariq Rabia , Khalil Muhammad Zeshan , Nawaz Haq , Majeed Muhammad Irfan , Rashid Nosheen , Albekairi Norah A. , Alshammari Abdulrahman , Kamran Ali , Hussain Munawar , Nawabzadi Seher , Afzal Saima , Rauf Shanza , Fatima Eman , Wasim Muhammad
Published: February 2025

Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is considered powerful analytical technique that significantly enhances the Raman scattering which enables the detection of low concentration of biomolecular analytes of blood serum, which can lead to early diagnosis of diseases. The aim of this study is Surface enhanced Raman spectral monitoring of 50 KDa filtrate portions of blood serum samples of patients with iron deficiency anemia. The blood serum components include higher molecular weight fractions (HMWF) and lower molecular weight fractions (LMWF) of biomolecules. The biomarkers of iron deficiency anemia, which are low molecular weight fractions are suppressed by high molecular weight fraction hence hindering them from contributing in the diagnosis of the disease. The ultra‐filtration of the blood serum samples is performed using filtration devices of 50 KDa. The specific SERS spectral features related to biochemical markers of iron deficiency anemic subgroups (with different values of hemoglobin) from different blood serum samples are identified including 479, 535, 888, and 1300 cm−1. These SERS features can be associated with different biomarkers of iron deficiency anemia consisting of ferritin, hepcidin, iron bound transferrin, and erythropoietin. Moreover, chemometric statistical techniques including principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least square regression (PLSR) are used for qualitative analysis of variations between spectral data and quantitative prediction of hemoglobin concentration of iron deficiency anemia samples, respectively.
Atomic Dynamics and Structural Transformations in Chalcedony as a Model Cryptocrystalline Multiphase System at Non‐Ambient Conditions
Authors: Campomenosi Nicola , Murri Mara , Prencipe Mauro , Mihailova Boriana
Published: February 2025

The behaviour of chalcedony, a natural polycrystalline system consisting of cryptocrystalline (i.e., submicron‐sized) quartz and moganite, has been investigated via in situ Raman spectroscopy under non‐ambient conditions, complemented by hybrid Hartree–Fock/density‐functional‐theory (HF‐DFT) simulations of moganite phonon modes at high pressure. The combined experimental and computational results clearly indicate that the peak neat 503 cm−1 arises exclusively from the moganite SiO4‐ring mode rather than from OH librations of silanol groups. At high pressure and room temperature, the quartz fraction in chalcedony becomes metastable against coesite at 2.4 GPa and develops structural defects because of the anisotropic elastic strain arising from the interaction between cryptocrystalline moganite and quartz under the applied hydrostatic compressible stress. This process can trigger amorphization of quartz at pressures lower than those commonly observed in a quartz single crystal. At high temperature and ambient pressure, both quartz and moganite Raman peaks measured in chalcedony are excellent markers of both moganite and quartz α‐β transformations. Further, we show that upon heating–cooling cycles of chalcedony, a part of the moganite fraction transforms into quartz, if the temperature of α‐β quartz phase transition is crossed, confirming the overall metastability of the moganite structure with respect to that of α quartz. Moreover, the α‐β moganite transition affects the rate of phonon softening on quartz on the approach to the phase‐transition temperature. Our results demonstrate that the mutual impact of quartz and moganites is achieved via an admixture of phonons belonging to different phases but having the same symmetry and type of atomic vibrations, emphasizing the key role of Raman spectroscopy in studying structural transformations in multiphase systems.
Differences in bed elevation shape subtidal mussel bed stability under high‐energy hydrodynamic events
Authors: Zhao Zhiyuan , de Smit Jaco C. , Capelle Jacob J. , Grandjean Tim , Wu Mingxuan , Gerkema Theo , van de Koppel Johan , Bouma Tjeerd J.
Published: February 2025

Escalating high‐energy hydrodynamic events, like storms, represent a significant manifestation of global climate change, causing detrimental impacts on various ecosystems and potentially triggering thresholds that result in abrupt shifts in ecosystem states. Despite the potential of such thresholds, few studies have explicitly addressed them. This gap is particularly notable for subtidal ecosystems due to technological challenges in detecting responses of organisms enduring constant submersion. This study focused on subtidal soft‐bottom mussel beds through the development of Biophys loggers for in situ monitoring of the fine‐scale behavior of mussel clusters under hydrodynamic disturbances and a statistical model based on an 11‐yr dataset to perform regional‐scale assessments of mussel bed stability. Multisite monitoring in the Dutch Wadden Sea revealed spatial heterogeneity in mussel bed mobility threshold (i.e., near‐bed orbital velocity inducing mussel movement), with predictable patterns along elevation gradients. Stability assessment in this region demonstrated that mussel beds in shallower areas (i.e., at higher bed elevations) exhibited higher stability than those in deeper areas, a difference that was attributed to the longer return interval of the mobility thresholds in shallow regions. These findings suggest that conditions such as bed elevation can modulate the stress tolerance of mussels and thereby influence the stability of subtidal soft‐bottom mussel beds. This study provides an approach for assessing mussel bed stability, which can also be extended to other comparable ecosystems, such as oyster reefs, to address their stability under climate change, thereby informing strategic management.
Market Reaction to Corporate Governance Reform: Evidence From China
Authors: Wei Haitian , Mohd‐Rashid Rasidah , Fawzi Agung Masyad , Ooi Chai‐Aun , Wei Haixuan
Published: February 2025

Considering the market's different opinions on ESG, this study examines the market reaction to corporate governance reform within the context of ESG disclosure. By employing the event study methodology, it is demonstrated that the Chinese market exhibited an adverse reaction to the announcement of corporate governance reform. Furthermore, this study uses the ordinary least squares (OLS) model to demonstrate that ESG performance has a negative impact on cumulative abnormal return. It finds that the Chinese market had negative views about ESG disclosure. The findings have significant implications for the understanding of investor behavior and ESG‐related policies in emerging markets.
TBP Repeat Expansion Analysis in Patients Carrying Heterozygous STUB1 Variants
Authors: De Winter Jonathan , Van de Vondel Liedewei , Van Schil Kristof , Deconinck Tine , Storm Katrien , Geens Karine , Sommeling Charlotte , Crosiers David , Marechal Emke , De Ridder Willem , De Jonghe Peter , Baets Jonathan
Published: February 2025

Background

The cooccurrence of intermediate (40–49 CAG/CAA) TBP repeat expansions with STUB1 variants questions the pathogenicity of monoallelic STUB1 variants in cerebellar ataxia.

Objective

The objective of this study was to describe the phenotypic spectrum of heterozygous STUB1 variants with or without intermediate TBP repeat expansions.

Methods

We determined the presence of TBP repeat expansions and STUB1 variants in six families with cerebellar ataxia.

Results

Cooccurrence of both genotypes in one family resulted in cerebellar ataxia, involving cognitive and extrapyramidal complications. Variable degrees of cerebellar ataxia and cognitive impairment were found in four families carrying a heterozygous STUB1 variant and normal TBP alleles. Finally, we report one patient with a mild late‐onset cerebellar ataxia carrying an intermediate expanded TBP allele without the presence of a STUB1 variant.

Conclusions

Heterozygous STUB1 variants are associated with a milder phenotype and reduced penetrance compared with the cosegregation with intermediate TBP alleles, which causes a fully penetrant complicated form of cerebellar ataxia. © 2025 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
The Age‐Dependent Anticancer Efficacy of Agaricus blazei Murill Polysaccharide in Colon Cancer
Authors: Xu Yongzhao , Xu Tianxiong , Huang Chujun , Amakye William Kwame , Li Kaiqiang , Zhu Ying , Ren Jiaoyan
Published: February 2025

Agaricus blazei Murill polysaccharide (ABMP) has been found to exhibit significant immune regulatory effects, making them a promising candidate for complementary to the pharmacological treatment of colorectal cancer immune‐related diseases. As the prevalence of colorectal cancer among younger individuals increases, the possible age‐dependent anticancer modulatory effect of ABMP has not been clarified. This study evaluated the age‐dependent immunoregulatory efficacy of polysaccharides extraction from A. blazei in colon tumor. Hematoxylin‐eosin staining, immunohistochemistry, and vibrational spectroscopic image analysis of subcutaneous tumor tissues after ABMP preventive intervention for 14 weeks were analyzed in depth. In vivo data demonstrated that ABMP could more effectively inhibit the growth of tumor in mice at 8 compared with 12 months old without toxic side effect. Concurrently, Raman imaging spectroscopy analysis showed that ABMP preventive intervention could significantly reduce the lipid content in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of 8‐month‐old subcutaneous tumor‐bearing mice, suggesting that the changes in lipid content in TME are closely related to anticancer activity. These results stress the importance of considering age as a factor in polysaccharide adjuvant anticancer therapy. This work highlights for the first time that age is a key determinant in the ABMP preventive effectiveness by affecting lipid levels in the TME of tumor‐bearing mice, thereby exerting anticancer activity.
Predictive Value of Perioperative Blood Lactic Acid Levels for Postoperative Crisis in Myasthenia Gravis Patients Undergoing Thymectomy
Authors: Zou Jianyong , Yao Xiaojing , Liu Zhihao , Liu Zhenguo , Zhu Haoshuai , Zhang Xin , Chen Zhenguang , Su Chunhua
Published: February 2025

Introduction/Aims

Postoperative myasthenic crisis (POMC), which occurs specifically after thymectomy in myasthenia gravis (MG) patients, is a serious complication with known risk factors such as prior myasthenic crisis. However, the predictive value of perioperative blood lactic acid levels (BLAL) for POMC remains unclear. This study aims to determine whether changes in perioperative BLAL can predict POMC in MG patients undergoing thymectomy.

Methods

A total of 340 patients diagnosed with MG and undergoing thymectomy at the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen University were enrolled (January 2008–September 2018). Multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed to discern independent factors linked with POMC.

Results

Among the patients with POMC, notable differences including higher Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) stage, and history of preoperative myasthenic crisis were observed. Higher postoperative lactic acid levels and the extent of changes were more prevalent in the POMC group. The multivariate analysis unveiled history of myasthenic crisis (odds ratio, OR: 67.18), postoperative BLAL change ratio greater than 50% (OR: 2.86), the video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) approach (OR: 4.33), and higher preoperative BLAL (OR per unit: 2.68) were associated with POMC. Both continuous and grouped lactic acid models demonstrated a good predictive capability, yielding area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.84 and 0.83, respectively. The optimal threshold for 24‐h postoperative BLAL was 1.98 mmol/L.

Discussion

These findings offer valuable insights for clinical decision‐making and monitoring of prognosis in managing patients with MG. Future research should explore further the underlying mechanisms linking elevated lactate levels to POMC.
Weight Stigma in Gynecological Care Among Cisgender Women
Authors: Wetzel Karen E. , Himmelstein Mary S.
Published: February 2025

Objective

Healthcare is one of the primary contexts in which people experience weight stigma (social devaluation due to body weight), especially in gynecological care, where people's bodies are exposed. Thus, people may feel especially vulnerable to negative evaluations from healthcare providers due to their weight, given the physical exposure which accompanies a breast exam, abdominal palpitations, and a pap‐smear or cervical exam. The existing literature examining weight stigma in obstetrics and gynecology has focused almost exclusively on pregnant or postpartum women. The only research on weight stigma during routine gynecological care is based on qualitative studies with small samples.

Methods

Participants (N = 1087; cisgender women) were sampled on Qualtrics, and quotas were set to reflect the most recent US census. The women reported their experiences with gynecological care and then were asked to qualitatively describe what they most recently encountered.

Results

Overall, 14% of the women in this sample had experienced weight stigma in reproductive or gynecological care at least once, and about 5% of this sample reported that this occurred frequently. Participants with higher body weights (≥ 30 kg/m2) were more likely to report frequent weight stigma in gynecological care. A few participants reported more serious experiences, such as misdiagnosis, environmental or systemic weight stigma, and provider reluctance to perform a pelvic exam.

Conclusions

Women experience weight stigma in routine gynecological care, and future research should continue investigating the effects of these experiences.
Localized Lymphoblastic Lymphoma in Children and Adolescents: Results of the LLB‐NHL03 Trial—A Report From the Japan Children's Cancer Group
Authors: Sekimizu Masahiro , Watanabe Tomoyuki , Fukushima Hiroko , Koh Katsuyoshi , Yuza Yuki , Takeshima Yasuhiro , Watanabe Hiroyoshi , Anan Tadashi , Mori Takeshi , Mori Tetsuya , Kobayashi Ryoji , Nakazawa Atsuko , Ohshima Koichi , Saito Akiko M. , Takimoto Tetsuya , Tsurusawa Masahito , Horibe Keizo , Sunami Shosuke
Published: February 2025

Background

Localized lymphoblastic lymphoma (LL) is rare in pediatric patients. The best treatment for patients with localized LL remains to be determined because of the rarity of the disease.

Methods

Between November 2004 and October 2019, 41 newly diagnosed patients up to 18 years of age with localized LL (Murphy stages I and II) were enrolled in the LLB‐NHL03 trial. The treatment consisted of five phases: induction, consolidation, central nervous system prophylaxis, delayed intensification, and maintenance. The total duration of therapy was 24 months from the time of diagnosis.

Results

Of the 41 patients, six patients were excluded with a different diagnosis; therefore, 35 were included in the primary efficacy and safety analysis. The mean age at diagnosis was 9.2 years (range 2.1–16.1 years). Sixty‐five percent of patients were male. Twenty‐nine patients had a pre‐B immunophenotype, and six had a pre‐T immunophenotype. The head and neck area accounted for 66% of the primary sites. At a median follow‐up of more than 10 years, the 3‐year event‐free survival rate [95% confidence interval] was 97.1% [81.4–99.6%], and the 3‐year overall survival rate was 100%. Overall, patients tolerated the therapy well, and no treatment‐related deaths were observed.

Conclusion

This is the largest clinical trial conducted exclusively in children with newly diagnosed localized stage LL. The outcomes of pediatric patients with localized LL treated with 2 years of acute lymphoblastic leukemia‐type therapy, which is characterized by a relatively low anthracycline dose, exclusive use of prednisolone steroids, and fewer intrathecal therapies compared with previous studies, were excellent.

Clinical Trial Registration Number

This trial was registered in the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCT): jRCTs041180131.