bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Costs of a Multisectoral Nutrition Program Implemented Through a Poultry Value Chain Platform in Burkina Faso
Authors: Margolies Amy , Pedehombga Abdoulaye , Twalibu Aisha , Nwabuikwu Odiche , Wun Jolene , Kemp Chris , Gelli Aulo , Levin Carol
Published: January 2025

Undernutrition in women and young children in Burkina Faso is a critical problem. Egg consumption is low despite many households raising poultry. The Soutenir l'Exploitation Familiale pour Lancer l'Élevage des Volailles et Valoriser l'Économie Rurale (SELEVER) project, an integrated agriculture‐nutrition intervention, promoted egg consumption and sales to investigate the impact of poultry production on child nutrition. Multisectoral nutrition‐sensitive agriculture programs address nutrition deficits but lack comparable cost information. This study estimates the costs of the SELEVER program, an integrated poultry and nutrition intervention. The study estimates the program's economic costs using a standardized methodology from the Strengthening Economic Evaluation for Multisectoral Strategies for Nutrition (SEEMS‐Nutrition) consortium, which aligns financial and economic costs along program impact pathways, allocating costs by activities and inputs. We conducted qualitative interviews and focus groups on time allocation and beneficiary out‐of‐pocket costs. Incremental economic costs were calculated by combining expenditures and economic costs. The total incremental program cost was USD$18,084,727.68 over 5 years, with annual incremental costs of USD$209.20 per direct beneficiary and $796.26 per household. Major cost drivers included overhead (18%), poultry extension (17%), training (16%), household counseling (7%), technical assistance (7%) and microcredit (6%). Total input costs were dominated by personnel (51%), supplies (13%), agricultural inputs (10%) and overhead (9%). We present the total incremental costs of a multisectoral nutrition intervention to generate revenue with poultry. The costs per beneficiary were higher than similar interventions, underscoring the need for cost‐effectiveness evaluations of multisectoral nutrition programs. A standardized cost methodology facilitates comparisons with multisectoral nutrition interventions and builds the evidence base.
Diverse Colonisation and Disease Associations of the Human Commensal Malassezia: Our Body's Secret Tenant
Authors: Sasikumar Jayaprakash , Ebrahim Rumaisa Ali , Das Shankar Prasad
Published: January 2025

A niche in the context of microorganisms defines the specific ecological role or habitat inhabited by microbial species within an ecosystem. For the human commensal Malassezia, the skin surface is considered its primary niche, where it adapts to the skin environment by utilising lipids as its main carbon and energy source. However pathogenic characteristics of Malassezia include the production of allergens, immune modulation and excessive lipid utilisation, which result in several diseases such as pityriasis versicolor, seborrheic dermatitis, Malassezia folliculitis and atopic dermatitis. Recent studies have revealed Malassezia colonisation in internal organs, including the lungs, gut, genitourinary tract, eyes, ears and breast milk. In these organs, Malassezia is associated with diseases linked to respiratory conditions, neurological disorders, gastrointestinal diseases and genital infections. The immune system plays a critical role in shaping Malassezia prevalence, with factors like, immune suppressive drugs and underlying health conditions influencing susceptibility. Accurate diagnosis of Malassezia‐related skin disorders is challenging due to its unique growth requirements, but molecular fingerprinting assays and sequencing methods, particularly ITS sequencing, offer precise identification. Treatment involves antifungal drugs, corticosteroids and phytocompounds, yet recurrent infections highlight the need for more targeted therapeutic strategies addressing Malassezia's pathogenic characteristics. Understanding the complex interactions between Malassezia and the host organs is crucial for diagnosis, treatment and prevention and exploring its potentially beneficial roles in health and disease. This review highlights the current findings on the intricate interactions between Malassezia and the diverse ecosystem of the human body, underscoring the complexity of these associations and emphasising their multifaceted role in health and disease.
Is There a Correlation Between Quality of Life and Salivary Interleukin‐6 in Patients With Oral Lichen Planus or Burning Mouth Syndrome?
Authors: Glavina Ana , Lugović‐Mihić Liborija , Martinović Dinko , Cigić Livia , Biočina‐Lukenda Dolores , Šupe‐Domić Daniela
Published: January 2025

Objectives

The aim of our study was to compare the salivary interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) concentration and the quality of life (QoL) in patients with oral lichen planus (OLP) or burning mouth syndrome (BMS).

Materials and Methods

A total of 160 subjects participated in the cross‐sectional study. The unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) was used as a reference for the determination of salivary IL‐6 concentration by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). QoL was assessed using the Croatian version of the Oral Health Impact Profile Questionnaire (OHIP‐CRO14).

Results

The salivary IL‐6 concentration showed no statistically significant difference between patients with OLP, patients with BMS or control subjects (p = 0.244). There was a strong/good positive correlation between symptom intensity (pain/burning) and the OHIP‐CRO14 dimension “physical pain” (r = 0.720, p < 0.001) and “physical impossibility” (r = 0.372, p = 0.003) in patients with OLP. There was a good positive correlation between symptom intensity (pain/burning) and the OHIP‐CRO14 dimension “handicap” (r = 0.353, p = 0.005) in patients with BMS.

Conclusions

Symptom intensity (pain/burning) showed no correlation with salivary IL‐6 concentration in patients with OLP or BMS. A slight increase or decrease in salivary IL‐6 concentration in OLP or BMS indicates an inflammatory etiopathogenesis of OLP and a loss of neuroprotection in BMS.
Association between the onset of diabetic retinopathy and thickness changes in the retina and choroid of children with type 1 diabetes: A three‐year longitudinal study
Authors: Wu Yiwei , Xiao Ying , Cui Lipu , Qin Xinran , Chen Shuli , An Qingyu , Yuan Tianyi , Lin Qiurong , Zou Haidong , He Xiangui , Yang Chenhao , Jin Peiyao
Published: January 2025

Purpose

To explore the longitudinal changes in retinal and choroidal thickness and their relation with the onset of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in children.

Methods

Thirty‐eight children with T1DM and 71 healthy controls were included in this 3‐year longitudinal study. Ophthalmic and systemic examinations were conducted on each participant. Retinal and choroidal thickness were measured by optical coherence tomography. Baseline values and changes in retinal and choroidal thickness were compared with DR onset, diabetics without DR and healthy controls. Logistic regression was used to explore the association with DR development.

Results

Six children developed DR during the follow‐up period (15.79%) and five of them developed microaneurysms in the parapapillary temporal quadrant. During follow‐up, greater retinal thickening occurred in subjects with DR compared with diabetic participants without DR (p = 0.03) and healthy controls (p = 0.02) in the parapapillary outer temporal section. Compared with the control group, greater retinal thickening was observed in DR subjects in the averaged parapapillary outer ring (p = 0.01), the macular inner temporal section (p = 0.03) and several macular sections (all p < 0.05). Additionally, greater retinal thickening was observed in several parapapillary regions in non‐DR T1DM participants compared with healthy controls (all p < 0.05). The thickness change in the outer temporal parapapillary section was independently associated with DR onset (OR = 1.33, 95% CI 1.01–1.73, p = 0.04).

Conclusion

Children with T1DM showed a significant or a trend of increasing retinal and choroidal thickness compared with normal controls over a 3‐year period. The change of retinal thickness in the parapapillary outer temporal section was associated with the development of DR in children with T1DM, suggesting that it could serve as a biomarker for predicting and screening DR in these individuals.
Stomatal and Hydraulic Redundancy Allows Woody Species to Adapt to Arid Environments
Authors: Yao Guang‐Qian , Li Yan‐Ru , Duan Yu‐Na , Han Shun‐Ping , Deng Zi‐Jian , Yang Di , Tian Xue‐Qian , Li Feng‐Ping , Hasan Md. Mahadi , Fang Xiang‐Wen
Published: January 2025

Functional redundancy is considered a pivotal mechanism for maintaining the adaptability of species by preventing the loss of key functions in response to dehydration. However, we still lack a comprehensive understanding of the redundancy of leaf hydraulic systems along aridity gradients. Here, photosynthesis (An), stomatal conductance (gs) and leaf hydraulic conductance (Kleaf) during dehydration were measured in 20 woody species from a range of aridity index (AI) conditions and growing in a common garden to quantify stomatal redundancy (SR), the extent of stomatal opening beyond the optimum required for maximum photosynthesis (Amax), leaf hydraulic redundancy (HR), and the extent of leaf hydraulic conductance (Kleaf) beyond the optimum required for maximum gs (gs‐max). The findings revealed that species from arid habitats tended to have higher SRs but lower HRs than did species from humid habitats. The relatively high SR in arid species arose from relatively high gs‐max values. The relatively low HR arose from the relatively high Kleaf value at a 5% reduction in gs‐max (Kleaf‐gs). Our results suggest that greater stomatal redundancy and lower hydraulic redundancy prevent the loss of photosynthesis and water transportation, respectively, and thus might be the key adaptive mechanisms for plants to adapt to drought conditions.
“Semper supra”? Trump administration policy narratives and the creation of the space force
Authors: S. Lantis Jeffrey
Published: January 2025

In 2019, the Donald Trump administration rejected the draft Treaty on the Prevention of Placement of Weapons in Space (PPWT) in the UN Conference on Disarmament and instead created the Space Force, the first new US military service branch established in decades. The administration had to overcome a series of obstacles to achieve this, though, including public opposition from powerful government actors, the absence of a coherent strategic vision guiding the creation of a Space Force, and entrenched bureaucratic resistance. This article adopts the Narrative Policy Framework (NPF) theory to show how Trump administration officials changed their dominant narratives in defense policy. By portraying the United States as the “hero” that faced increasing space security threats from “villains,” Russia and China, the policy narrative promoted conditions in which the president could more easily advance the “solution” to the problem: establishment of the Space Force. Specifically, this study identifies five rhetorical themes used to help shape the policy narrative and then codes the content of 132 different declarations and national space directives from administration officials, with 3982 datapoints, over a 20‐year period. The article finds evidence of narrative strategies that promoted US security interests and vilified the actions of China and Russia in the lead‐up to changes in the strategic force posture. It concludes with a discussion of the added value of the NPF model and the need for more in‐depth analysis of inflection points in different space narratives around the world and in multilateral forums for space governance.
Dental care and services of children and young people with cerebral palsy in Australia: A comprehensive survey of oral health‐related quality of life
Authors: Lansdown Karen , Bulkeley Kim , McGrath Margaret , Irving Michelle , Zagreanu Claudia , Smithers‐Sheedy Hayley
Published: January 2025

Aims

To investigate caregiver‐reported dental care experiences and oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) of children and young people with cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods

Between May and August 2023, caregivers of children and young people from three Australian states were invited to complete questionnaires, including the Child Oral Health Impact Profile (COHIP‐SF 19).

Results

Sixty‐eight caregivers participated in the survey. Most children and young people had spastic CP (69.1%) with unilateral spasticity most common (51.1%). The COHIP‐SF 19 average score was 51.9% ± 12.4, indicating moderate OHRQoL. Gender, communication, oral health daily routine, participation in dental exams and treatment, special arrangements needed to attend the practice, and urgent dental care due to pain or other problem(s) all significantly impacted OHRQoL (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

OHRQoL of children and young people with CP is moderately impacted, as indicated by the COHIP‐SF 19 scores. To improve OHRQoL in this population group, it is crucial to prioritize key factors such as upskilling dental professionals and creating more inclusive dental environments.
A common measure: Hobbes on the epistemic functions of public reason
Authors: Schmitter Amy M.
Published: January 2025

Thomas Hobbes claims that the sovereign of a commonwealth provides a “common measure,” determining what counts as right reason for its subjects. As a form of public reason, this is often taken to be a purely political notion. I maintain that Hobbes holds that the public reason of the sovereign also provides a number of epistemic benefits both to the commonwealth and to individuals. Some are a matter of providing conditions that allow for the social growth of knowledge (particularly what Hobbes calls “science”). But I argue that by considering the mechanics of processes of reckoning, we can see that the public reason of the sovereign serves important epistemic functions in the practical reason even of private individuals.
Assessment of extinction risk of the endemic plant Coreanomecon hylomeconoides by species distribution modeling and climate change scenarios
Authors: SEOL Jaewon , JUNG Songhie , CHO Yong-Chan
Published: January 2025

Climate change poses a significant threat to the survival of endemic plants that depend on narrow geographical ranges and specific environmental conditions. This study developed an ensemble model using six algorithms, applying climate change scenarios (SSP1-2.6, SSP3-7.0, SSP5-8.5) based on the habitat data (109 sites) of Coreanomecon hylomeconoides (Hereafter referred to as Coreanomecon), a plant endemic to the Korean Peninsula, and evaluated changes in geography, climate change sensitivity, and niche overlap. The analysis showed that the current geographical center of Coreanomecon is in the southern temperate vegetation climate zone (Jeonnam and Gyeongnam provinces). The final period of the climate change scenarios (2071-2100) predicted a rapid reduction in the range of Coreanomecon, except for high-altitude mountain areas (–94.3% in SSP1-2.6, –99.9% in SSP3-7.0, and –100.0% in SSP5-8.5). In particular, under SSP5-8.5, the potential habitat and niche overlap could be eliminated. Coreanomecon, a southern plant, is highly vulnerable to climate change, necessitating targeted in-situ conservation, including the protection of highelevation refugia and the consideration of assisted migration.
Reticulate evolution in the Asplenium anogrammoides complex from Korea
Authors: LEE Chang Shook , CHUNG Kyong-Sook , YANG Sungyu , EBIHARA Atsushi
Published: January 2025

For Asplenium sarelii Hook. (Dol-dam-go-sa-ri in Korean), recognized in Korea, it has been proposed that some populations of the species should be verified as A. anogrammoides Christ (2n = 4x = 144 based on its chromosome number counted from Japanese populations). Asplenium anogrammoides has been hypothesized as a polyploid species derived from a hybrid between A. sarelii (2n = 2x = 72) and A. tenuicaule Hayata (2n = 2x = 72) based on its chromosome number counted from Japanese populations. To clarify the identity of A. anogrammoides in Korea, the morphological, cytological, and molecular characters were examined. Morphologically variable individuals of A. anogrammoides were found in sympatric regions with A. tenuicaule and A. pekinense. We investigated ploidy levels using flow cytometry data as well as the chloroplast DNA sequence data of two regions (rbcL; rps4-trnS and rps4-trnS intergenic spacer) to clarify the taxonomic status of this species. The chloroplast DNA (rbcL and rps4–trnS) indicated monophyly of the A. anogrammoides complex, although there were a few polyphyletic phenomena within the populations. With regard to the genome size data (flow cytometry) and chromosomes numbers, the A. anogrammoides complex from Korea contains mostly hexapodids, rarely tetraploids, and we cannot find diploid individuals. Based on these results, we hypothesize that the A. anogrammoides complex in Korea is mostly fertile hexaploids that arose due to autotetraploidy from A. × huawuense (3x), which formed between A. sarelii and A. anogrammoides. In addition, it is postulated that there are sp1 (6x), sp2 (6x), and sp3 (6x) due to the sharing of morphological characters among A. sarelii, A. tenuicaule, A. anogrammoides, and A. pekinense.
Complete chloroplast genomes of Lespedeza inschanica and L. juncea (Fabaceae: section Junceae)
Authors: PARK Jong-Won , KIM Won-Hee , KIM Bo-Yun , SIM Sunhee , JEONG Keum Seon , JIN Dong-Pil
Published: January 2025

Species of the section Junceae (Lespedeza, Fabaceae) have been used in traditional medicine, and their extracts have been investigated as medicinal resources in Korea. However, their morphological similarities may lead to misidentification and misuse. In this study, we analyzed the chloroplast genomes of Lespedeza inschanica and Lespedeza juncea to obtain more evidence to assist with the classification of this section. Both genomes are approximately 149 kb long, comprising large single-copy, small single-copy, and inverted repeat regions, with a total of 128 genes. The genomes in Lespedeza exhibit shared features, including the loss of infA and rpl22 genes, the loss of rpl2 and rps12 introns, and inversion of the trnD-Y-E cluster. A phylogenetic analysis supported Junceae as a monophyletic section that includes two clades. One clade comprised Lespedeza cuneata, L. inschanica, and L. juncea, whereas the other includes Lespedeza davurica and Lespedeza floribunda. This study provides foundational data pertaining to the taxonomy of Lespedeza.
Contribution to Erythraeidae: the first finding of the genus Balaustium in Oriental realm and the genus Neoabrolophus in China based on adult mites (Acari: Trombidiformes) from Qinghai-Tibetan and Yunnan-Guizhou Plateaus, China
Authors: Xu Si-Yuan , Yi Tian-Ci , Guo Jian-Jun , Jin Dao-Chao
Published: January 2025

Four new species, Balaustium allomedicagoense sp. nov., Balaustium neomedicagoense sp. nov., Balaustium pseudomedicagoense sp. nov. and Neoabrolophus guizhouensis sp. nov. are described and illustrated based on adults. B. allomedicagoense sp. nov. and N. guizhouensis sp. nov. are from the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau. The genus Balaustium is firstly recorded for the Oriental realm and the genus Neoabrolophus is recorded for the first time from China. B. neomedicagoense sp. nov. collected from the Xizang Zizhiqu (Tibet Autonomous Region), and B. pseudomedicagoense sp. nov. collected from Qinghai Province, where is known as the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, an unique geographical unit with the highest altitude in the world, while B. allomedicagoense sp. nov. from Yunnan Province indicates Balaustium distribution in Oriental realm. A checklist of species of the genus Balaustium is given.
Birth weight and head circumference for 22–29 weeks gestation neonates from an international cohort
Authors: Fenton Tanis R , Alshaikh Belal , Kusuda Satoshi , Helenius Kjell , Modi Neena , Norman Mikael , Lui Kei , Lehtonen Liisa , Battin Malcolm , Klinger Gil , Vento Maximo , Lastrucci Vieri , Gagliardi Luigi , Adams Mark , Marba Sérgio T M , Isayama Tetsuya , Hakansson Stellan , Bassler Dirk , Shah Prakesh S
Published: January 2025

Objective

Size at birth is a key indicator of in utero growth. Our objective was to generate sex-specific percentiles for birth weight and head circumference in neonates born between 22 and 29 weeks gestation from pregnancies without hypertension or diabetes and assess differences between vaginal and caesarean births and between singletons and twins.

Methods

We used data from 12 countries participating in the International Network for Evaluating Outcomes in Neonates database from 2007 to 2021. We excluded data that were influenced by truncation with 1500g birth weight cut-offs in databases and neonates with major congenital anomalies or born to mothers with hypertension or diabetes.

Results

After exclusions, 132 727 neonates contributed to birth weight and 65 406 contributed to head circumference. The percentiles of birth weight were similar between countries at the 50th and 90th percentiles, though variability was noted in the lower percentiles from countries with smaller sample sizes. Head circumference percentiles were comparable between countries. Caesarean births had birth weights similar to vaginal births until 26 weeks after which the weight at 10th percentile diverged by approximately 239 g at 29 weeks. Vaginal births had birth weights very similar to Hadlock’s intrauterine estimated fetal weights. There were no differences in head circumference between vaginal and caesarean births and between singletons and twins.

Conclusions

We present updated information on weight and head circumference at birth for preterm neonates of 22–29 weeks gestation born to mothers without hypertension or diabetes derived from a large multicountry cohort. Research is needed to explore the predictive value of these birth size data for health and developmental outcomes.
Helicobacter pylori infection and peptic ulcer disease in patients with advanced chronic liver disease
Authors: Carvalho Tania , Vieira Costa Francisca , Santos Sílvia Raquel , Costa Dalila , Fernandes Dália , Caetano Ana Célia
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is more prevalent in patients with advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD) than in the general population.Helicobacter pylori(Hp) infection is the main aetiological factor in PUD. This study aims to assess the incidence, testing rate and eradication of Hp infection and PUD in patients with ACLD, along with the clinical impact of complicated PUD.

Methods

This retrospective study included patients with ACLD followed at the outpatient clinic ofUnidade Local de Saúde de Bragabetween 2018 and 2022. The incidence, testing and eradication rates of Hp infection were assessed, as well as the presence of uncomplicated and complicated PUD.

Results

Of the 740 patients with ACLD, 295 (40%) were tested for Hp through oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with gastric biopsies, of whom 125 (42%) tested positive for Hp. Of these, 53 patients (42%) underwent eradication. The EGD revealed PUD in 56 of the 295 patients (19%). In the multivariate analysis, Hp positivity (OR 2.328; p=0.007), alcohol consumption (OR 1.911; p=0.038) and no statin intake (OR 3.649; p=0.013) were independent predictors of uncomplicated PUD. Of the total 740 patients, 30 (4.1%) had complicated PUD (bleeding/perforation). 6 months after a complicated PUD episode, 12 patients (33%) had de novo/further hepatic decompensation, and 8 patients (27%) died due to decompensated ACLD.

Conclusions

The rate of Hp testing in patients with ACLD is low, while the incidence of Hp and PUD was high. Complicated PUD has significant morbidity in patients with ACLD. The testing and eradication of Hp in patients with complicated PUD are insufficient.
Identifying fatal poisonings using child fatality review, poison centre and death certificate data in the USA
Authors: Gaw Christopher E , Curry Allison E , Osterhoudt Kevin C , Helwig Sara , Wood Joanne N , Dykstra Heather , Corwin Daniel J
Published: January 2025

Background

Three sources used for poisoning surveillance—child fatality reviews (CFRs), poison centre (PC) calls and death certificates—employ disparate data methodologies. Our study objectives were to (1) characterise the number of fatalities captured by CFRs and PC data compared with death certificates by age and (2) compare demographic and substance characteristics of fatalities captured by the three sources.

Methods

We acquired CFR data from the National Fatality Review-Case Reporting System (NFR-CRS), PC calls from the National Poison Data System (NPDS) and death certificate data from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (WONDER) on poisoning fatalities among children 0–17 years old between 2005 and 2020.

Results

A total of 6376 poisoning fatalities among children 0–17 years were reported to WONDER, 3460 to NFR-CRS and 1622 to NPDS. Using WONDER as the reference standard, NFR-CRS captured 71.1% of fatalities among infants, and 68.0% among children 1–4 years. NPDS captured 30.9% of fatalities among infants and 59.3% among children 1–4 years. Children≤4 years represented a greater proportion of fatalities in NFR-CRS (25.5%) and NPDS (37.0%) than WONDER (19.9%). NFR-CRS had a slightly higher proportion of fatalities involving Black or African American race (16.8%) compared with WONDER (14.4%). Opioids were the most common fatal substances associated with NFR-CRS and WONDER.

Conclusions

Fatality counts, as well as demographic and substance characteristics of those fatalities, differ between poisoning databases used by investigators and health agencies. Reliable death classification can improve data quality. Optimising poisoning fatality capture is critical for informing effective prevention strategies.
Sex and psychedelics: a wide-lens look at a burgeoning field
Authors: Dymock Alex , Dubus Zoe
Published: January 2025

In this article we initiate a conversation between scientific and humanities-oriented studies of sexuality and psychedelics. Drawing on three recent studies which indicate a positive connection between the use of psychedelics and sexual well-being, the article argues that taking account of sexuality as culturally produced, historically contingent and geographically specific would improve the reliability and efficacy of future studies. The need for socially and culturally attuned research grounded in contemporary sexual politics in this area is urgent, as in recent years—despite little reporting of sexuality in clinical research—the psychedelics field has had to grapple with the ethics of the relationship between psychedelic states and sexual interactions in therapeutic spaces and the ‘underground’. There is also scant attention to date paid to the gendered dynamics of sex and sexuality, and how this may impact perceptions of the relationship between psychedelic therapeutic repair versus enhancement. We unpack some of these dilemmas and outline some key concerns and potential priorities for future research into sexuality and psychedelics in a post-#MeToo era.
Identifying indigenous knowledge components for Whudzih (Caribou) recovery planning
Authors: Priadka Pauline , Suzuki Nobuya , Nation Lhtako Dene
Published: January 2025

In Canada, recent advances towards reconciliation have introduced new collaborations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous governments, including for species-at-risk recovery planning. During these collaborations, Indigenous Knowledge (IK) is often requested, however, clear expectations of what IK is being sought and how diverse knowledge systems will be woven to produce tangible benefits to species recovery are often limited. Here, we provide a case study of a two-stage process to identify and collect IK components that can aid whudzih (caribou) recovery planning. First, we surveyed non-Indigenous government professionals involved in caribou initiatives to specify what IK would benefit recovery planning. Responses were used to guide the development of semi-structured interview questions. Interviews were conducted with knowledge holders from Lhtako Dene, a Southern Dakelh Nation in British Columbia, Canada with historic socioecological ties to caribou. Responses of government professionals highlighted 24 topics for caribou recovery, and interviews with Lhtako Dene knowledge holders revealed strong linkages between ecological and social information types. In some cases, the IK requested was not available from knowledge holders. Collaborations for caribou recovery would benefit from clarity on expectations and outcomes of IK sharing. We suggest that structured processes that respectfully facilitate IK requests and collection become commonplace in species recovery planning.
Visually Wired NFTs: Exploring the Role of Inspiration in Non-Fungible Tokens
Authors: La Cava Lucio , Costa Davide , Tagarelli Andrea
Published: January 2025

The fervor for Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) attracted countless creators, leading to a Big Bang of digital assets driven by latent or explicit forms of inspiration, as in many creative processes. This work exploits Vision Transformers and graph-based modeling to delve into visual inspiration phenomena between NFTs over the years, i.e., the visual influence that can be detected whenever an NFT appears to be visually close to another that was published earlier in the market. Our goals include unveiling the main structural traits that shape visual inspiration networks, exploring the interrelation between visual inspiration and asset performances, investigating crypto influence on inspiration processes, and explaining the inspiration relationships among NFTs. Our findings unveil how the pervasiveness of inspiration led to a temporary saturation of the visual feature space, the impact of the dichotomy between inspiring and inspired NFTs on their financial performance, and an intrinsic self-regulatory mechanism between markets and inspiration waves. Our work can serve as a starting point for gaining a broader view of the evolution of Web3.
A Survey on Online Aggression: Content Detection and Behavioral Analysis on Social Media
Authors: Mane Swapnil Sanjaykumar , Kundu Suman , Sharma Rajesh
Published: January 2025

The proliferation of social media has increased cyber-aggressive behavior behind the freedom of speech, posing societal risks from online anonymity to real-world consequences. This article systematically reviews Aggression Content Detection and Behavioral Analysis to address these risks. Content detection is vital for handling explicit aggression, and behavior analysis offers insights into underlying dynamics. The article analyzes diverse definitions, proposes a unified cyber-aggression definition, and reviews the process of Aggression Content Detection, emphasizing dataset creation, feature extraction, and algorithm development. Additionally, this article reviews Behavioral Analysis studies on the influencing factors, consequences, and patterns of online aggression. We cross-examine content detection and behavioral analysis, revealing the effectiveness of integrating sociological insights into computational techniques for preventing cyber-aggression. We conclude by identifying research gaps that urge progress in the integrative domain of socio-computational aggressive behavior analysis.
Development of Probiotics for Male Reproductive Tract Health: In Vitro Experiments and Clinical Trial on Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Mändar Reet , Smidt Imbi , Rööp Tiiu , Hoidmets Dagmar , Kilk Kalle , Zilmer Mihkel , Ausmees Kristo , Salumets Andres
Published: January 2025

Background: Health of the male urogenital tract is closely related to the microbial communities in this anatomical area. Disturbed microbial communities can be balanced with the help of carefully selected strains in which the presence of both general and specific probiotic effects has been described.

Objectives: We aimed to develop novel probiotic that could be used to support male reproductive health.

Materials and Methods: Suitable lactobacilli strains were screened from culture collection in order to find the most suitable strains for male genital tract. Clinical trial included 10 volunteer men who considered themselves healthy. They consumed enteric‐coated oral capsules containing four lactobacilli strains. Blood markers and questionnaire data were recorded during the consumption period.

Results: The selected lactobacilli strains (two L. crispatus, one L. gasseri, one L. ruminis) expressed good tolerance to high pH and antagonistic activity against prostatitis‐associated opportunistic bacteria. Metabolic profiling of the selected strains revealed beneficial properties for both reproductive and general health. The probiotic capsules appeared to be generally well tolerated during 1‐week period. No serious adverse events and no significant changes in haemogram were observed.

Conclusions: The study confirmed that certain probiotic properties in lactobacilli are highly strain‐specific, and we succeeded to select a set of strains that can be suitable for supporting male reproductive health. Our study suggested that daily oral administration of the selected strains at the dose level of billion CFU/dose during 1 week is well tolerated by healthy middle‐aged men. Therefore, these strains seem to be promising candidates for the development of novel evidence‐based well‐focused probiotics to target male urogenital tract disorders. Their effectiveness must be confirmed in clinical trials on diseased patients.
Diagnostic Challenges in the Detection of Actinomycotic Osteomyelitis of the Mandible: A Case Report
Authors: Deliverska Elitsa G. , Yovchev Dimitar T. , Genadieva Marusia Zh. , Parusheva Sadeta J.
Published: January 2025

Actinomycosis is a rare chronic granulomatous infection and can be caused by Gram‐positive anaerobic bacteria which are normal commensals of the oral cavity and pharynx. These organisms can involve different parts of the maxillofacial region, rarely affecting the jaws. Actinomycotic osteomyelitis is an infection of the jaw bones, typically associated with trauma or an underlying nonspecific infection or disease. Herein, we describe a rare case of actinomycotic osteomyelitis of the mandible in a healthy male patient. Comprehensive surgical treatment with curettage and peripheral ostectomy was performed. The diagnosis was made on the basis of clinical findings and the histological result. Antibiotic treatment from the penicillin group was prescribed for a period of 1 month. Diagnosis is often delayed and can be a challenge for clinical practice due to the lack of criteria other than definitive histopathological examination. A chronic clinical course without regional lymphadenopathy may be essential in the diagnosis. A number of diseases can present with similar symptoms, necessitating strict adherence to a correct surgical protocol; even when such an infection is suspected, histopathological examination is essential, and long‐term treatment with penicillin is advised for accurate treatment of actinomycotic infection.
Mechanical Characterization of Nano‐SiO₂‐Reinforced Epoxy Sandwich Composites With 3D Rayon Graphite Felt Core and Woven Carbon Fiber Face Sheets
Authors: Nayyef Zahraa Jalood , Taieh Nabil Kadhim , Beddai Ammar A. , Li Ying , Liu Xi , Elrayah Adil
Published: January 2025

New epoxy (EP)‐based sandwich composites have enhanced mechanical performance and optimized cost‐effectiveness, as a result of composites’ increasing popularity. This study aims to develop composites with 3, 5, and 7 layers of woven carbon fibers (WCFs) layered on 3D rayon‐based graphite felt (3D RGF) as the core of the sandwich composites. Using WCFs as face sheet layers increases flexural strength and modulus. Flexural strength increases to 226.92 MPa, and modulus increases to 15.18 GPa with 3 WCFs layers. Five layers increase modulus to 25.43 GPa and flexural strength to 370.21 MPa. Seven layers provide the highest modulus of 31.38 GPa and flexural strength of 405.07 MPa. Diverse concentrations of nanosilica (0.01, 0.1, 0.5, and 0.8 wt%) were embedded within the core to bolster its mechanical properties. Using an in situ casting method, an EP resin solution was infused into the structure, forming a bicontinuous composite. This method significantly enhances the toughness and adhesion between the fibers and the EP resin, resulting in superior mechanical properties. EP alone has 57‐MPa tensile strength, but three layers of WCFs increase it to 531.38 MPa, five layers increase it to 647.24 MPa, and seven layers increase it to 764.40 MPa. The minimum tensile modulus of EP is 2.75 ± 0.5 GPa. The modulus increases significantly when layers of WCFs are added, reaching 9.75 GPa with three layers, 14.96 GPa with five layers, and a maximum value of 23.44 GPa with seven layers. When a little amount of nanosilica was added, the flexural properties of composites were significantly affected. Among all concentrations, 0. 5 wt% nano‐SiO2 yielded the highest enhancement of flexural strength and modulus. At 0.1 wt% nanosilica, the flexural strength and modulus of the sandwich composites increase to 493.5 MPa and 30.5 GPa (23.4% and 24.5%). The peak occurs at 0.5 wt%, reaching 645.7 MPa and 41.5 GPa (61.4% and 69.4%). However, at 0.8 wt%, values drop to 560.1 MPa and 30.4 GPa, still showing 40.0% and 24.1% improvements. This study provides a new solution for reinforcing the mechanical properties of EP sandwich composites. Increasing the performance with nanofiller concentrations is also emphasized.
Design of a Multiepitope Pan‐Proteomic mRNA Vaccine Construct Against African Swine Fever Virus: A Reverse Vaccinology Approach
Authors: Sira Ella Mae Joy S. , Fajardo Lauren Emily , Banico Edward C. , Odchimar Nyzar Mabeth O. , Orosco Fredmoore L.
Published: January 2025

African swine fever (ASF), caused by African swine fever virus (ASFV), is a highly contagious disease with devastating effects on the global pig industry. This warrants the development of effective control strategies, such as vaccines. However, previously developed inactivated vaccines have proven ineffective, while live‐attenuated vaccines carry inherent safety risks. The use of mRNA vaccines eliminates these risks offering a safe, cost‐effective, and efficient vaccine strategy against ASFV. In this study, a reverse vaccinology approach was used to design a multiepitope pan‐proteomic mRNA vaccine against ASFV. Various bioinformatics tools were employed to predict epitopes for cytotoxic T lymphocytes, helper T lymphocytes, and B lymphocytes. A 50S ribosomal L7/L12 protein adjuvant, 5′ cap, poly(A) tail, signal peptide, and MHC‐I‐targeting domain were incorporated into the design using appropriate linkers to increase immunogenicity, stability, and recognition efficiency. The physicochemical properties of the final construct were evaluated, and docking analyses were done with Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) 3, 4, and 7 to evaluate binding affinity. A molecular dynamics simulation was then performed to determine binding stability, while immune simulations evaluated host’s immune response. Based on 100 ASFV proteomes, six epitopes that induce cytotoxic T‐cell responses, five epitopes that induce helper T‐cell responses, and four epitopes that induce antibody production were predicted. The designed vaccine construct was found to be nonallergenic, antigenic, and stable when bound to TLR4 while the binding pocket analyses of the vaccine construct to TLR3 and TLR7 indicate high translation efficiency. Immune simulations demonstrated successful induction of immune responses and generation of antigen‐specific memory cells. In conclusion, this study introduces an mRNA vaccine construct as a potential disease control strategy against ASF for in vitro confirmation.
Figure 4 from Chemotherapy Drives Tertiary Lymphoid Structures That Correlate with ICI-Responsive TCF1+CD8+ T Cells in Metastatic Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Lanickova Tereza , Hensler Michal , Kasikova Lenka , Vosahlikova Sarka , Angelidou Artemis , Pasulka Josef , Griebler Hannah , Drozenova Jana , Mojzisova Katerina , Vankerckhoven Ann , Laco Jan , Ryska Ales , Dundr Pavel , Kocian Roman , Cibula David , Brtnicky Tomas , Skapa Petr , Jacob Francis , Kovar Marek , Praznovec Ivan , McNeish Iain A. , Halaska Michal J. , Rob Lukas , Coosemans An , Orsulic Sandra , Galluzzi Lorenzo , Spisek Radek , Fucikova Jitka
Published: January 2025

NACT positively increases the ICI-sensitive TCF1+PD1+CD8+ T-cell phenotype within metastatic HGSOC. A, Representative image of immunofluorescence of CD68, CD8, PD-L1, FoxP3, TCF1, CD57, PanCK, PD1, CD4, CD20, GZMB, and TIM-3 staining (immunofluorescence panel 2). Scale bars, 2 μm, 10 µm, and 100 µm. B, Violin plot showing the density of CD8+ and PD1+CD8+ within tumor core and tumor stroma of pTME and mTME of chemo-naïve and treated HGSOC. Statistical significance was calculated by two-sided Mann–Whitney test. P values are indicated. C and D, Representative image (C) and box plot showing the density of TCF1+PD1+CD8+ T cells and TIM-3+PD1+CD8+ and spatial distribution of TCF1+PD1+CD8+ T cells within tumor core and stroma in pTME and mTME of chemo-naïve and treated HGSOC (D). Statistical significance was calculated by two-sided Mann–Whitney test. P values are indicated. E, Supervised hierarchical clustering of gene signatures associated with different stages of T-cell differentiation: T-cell stemness (orange), T-cell effector function (blue), T-cell proliferation (green), T-cell phenotype (red) as determined by RNAseq in mTME of chemo-naïve and treated HGSOC. For further details, see Supplementary Fig. S9. F and G, Representative image of digital pathology spatial distribution and violin plot showing the number of cell contacts between PanCK+ malignant cells and TCF1+PD1+CD8+ T cells and TIM-3+PD1+CD8+ within 0 to 30 µm in pTME and mTME of chemo-naïve and treated HGSOC.
Figure 2 from Chemotherapy Drives Tertiary Lymphoid Structures That Correlate with ICI-Responsive TCF1+CD8+ T Cells in Metastatic Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Lanickova Tereza , Hensler Michal , Kasikova Lenka , Vosahlikova Sarka , Angelidou Artemis , Pasulka Josef , Griebler Hannah , Drozenova Jana , Mojzisova Katerina , Vankerckhoven Ann , Laco Jan , Ryska Ales , Dundr Pavel , Kocian Roman , Cibula David , Brtnicky Tomas , Skapa Petr , Jacob Francis , Kovar Marek , Praznovec Ivan , McNeish Iain A. , Halaska Michal J. , Rob Lukas , Coosemans An , Orsulic Sandra , Galluzzi Lorenzo , Spisek Radek , Fucikova Jitka
Published: January 2025

NACT-mediated adjuvanticity positively impacts clinically relevant TLS maturation in metastatic HGSOC. A, Representative image of immunofluorescence of CD4, CD8, CD20, CD21, CD23, DC-LAMP, and GZMB staining (immunofluorescence panel 1). Scale bars, 10, 100 and 500 µm. B and C, Distribution of early TLS (eTLS; B) and mature TLS (mTLS; C) across pTME and mTME HGSOC tumor samples with/without NACT. Statistical significance was calculated by two-sided Mann–Whitney test. P values are indicated. D, Supervised hierarchical clustering of TLS-relevant gene signature (CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, CCL5, CCL8, CCL18, CCL19, CCL21, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, and CXCL13) across pTME and mTME HGSOC tumor samples with/without NACT. E and F, Overall survival (OS) of 60 (E) and 40 chemo-naïve and treated patients with mHGSOC (F), respectively (study cohort 1 and 2) based on median stratification of total mTLS. Survival curves were estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method, and differences between groups were evaluated using log-rank test. Number of patients at risk and P values are reported. G, Number of mTLS across patients with CALRLo and CALRHi mHGSOC with/without NACT as determined by median stratification. Mean and SEM are shown. Statistical significance was calculated by two-sided Mann–Whitney test. P values are indicated. H and I, OS of 60 and 40 patients with chemo-naïve and treated mHGSOC (study cohorts 1 and 2), upon stratification based on median frequency of mTLS and expression of CALR. Survival curves were estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method, and differences between groups were evaluated using the log-rank test.
Figure 1 from Chemotherapy Drives Tertiary Lymphoid Structures That Correlate with ICI-Responsive TCF1+CD8+ T Cells in Metastatic Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Lanickova Tereza , Hensler Michal , Kasikova Lenka , Vosahlikova Sarka , Angelidou Artemis , Pasulka Josef , Griebler Hannah , Drozenova Jana , Mojzisova Katerina , Vankerckhoven Ann , Laco Jan , Ryska Ales , Dundr Pavel , Kocian Roman , Cibula David , Brtnicky Tomas , Skapa Petr , Jacob Francis , Kovar Marek , Praznovec Ivan , McNeish Iain A. , Halaska Michal J. , Rob Lukas , Coosemans An , Orsulic Sandra , Galluzzi Lorenzo , Spisek Radek , Fucikova Jitka
Published: January 2025

Immunomodulation by NACT in metastatic HGSOC. A, Representative images of CALR immunostaining in CALRLo and CALRHi patients. Scale bars, 10 and 100 µm. B, CALR expression levels determined by immunostaining and (C) ER stress signature level [expression level of DNA damage inducible transcript 3 (DDIT3, best known as CHOP), heat shock protein family A (Hsp70) member 5 (HSPA5, best known as BIP), and heat shock protein 90 beta family member 1 (HSP90B1)] as determined by RNA-seq in pTME and mTME HGSOC with/without NACT. Box plots: lower quartile, median, upper quartile; whiskers, minimum, maximum. Statistical significance was calculated by two-sided Mann–Whitney test. P values are indicated. D, Supervised hierarchical clustering of gene signatures related to immune populations (orange), immune functions (blue) and immune phenotype (purple) as determined by RNA-seq data from pTME and mTME HGSOC tumor samples with/without NACT. IS, immunosuppression; mDCs, myeloid dendritic cells; NK cells, natural killer cells; TLS, tertiary lymphoid structures. E, Gene expression signature associated with CD8+ T cells, B cells, cytotoxicity, mDCs, TLS, and immunosuppression as determined on RNA-seq data from pTME and mTME HGSOC with/without NACT. Box plots: lower quartile, median, upper quartile; whiskers, minimum, maximum. Statistical significance was calculated by two-sided Mann–Whitney test. P values are indicated. F, Representative image of CD20/DC-LAMP double immunostaining. Scale bars, 500 and 100 µm. G, Density of CD8+ T cells, CD20+ B cells, and DC-LAMP+ cells as determined by immunostaining in pTME and mTME HGSOC samples with/without NACT. Mean and SEM are shown. Statistical significance was calculated by two-sided Mann–Whitney test. P values are indicated. ns, not significant.
Supplementary Tables S1-10, Figures S1-2 from Germline DNA Damage Repair Variants and Prognosis of Patients with High-Risk or Metastatic Prostate Cancer
Authors: Stopsack Konrad H. , Vijai Joseph , Conry Michael , Berchuck Jacob E. , Kemel Yelena , Vasselman Samantha E. , Freeman Dory A. , Lee Gwo-Shu M. , Mandelker Diana , Solit David B. , Morris Michael J. , Penney Kathryn L. , Abida Wassim , Offit Kenneth , Mucci Lorelei A. , Kantoff Philip W. , Pomerantz Mark M.
Published: January 2025

This file contains all Supplementary Tables and Figures.
Supplementary Figure S10 from Genomic and Epigenomic Analysis of Plasma Cell-Free DNA Identifies Stemness Features Associated with Worse Survival in Lethal Prostate Cancer
Authors: Chauhan Pradeep S. , Alahi Irfan , Sinha Savar , Ledet Elisa M. , Mueller Ryan , Linford Jessica , Shiang Alexander L. , Webster Jace , Greiner Lilli , Yang Breanna , Ni Gabris , Dang Ha X. , Saha Debanjan , Babbra Ramandeep K. , Feng Wenjia , Harris Peter K. , Qaium Faridi , Duose Dzifa Y. , Alexander Sanchez E. , Sherry Alexander D. , Jaeger Ellen B. , Miller Patrick J. , Caputo Sydney A. , Orme Jacob J. , Lucien Fabrice , Park Sean S. , Tang Chad , Pachynski Russell K. , Sartor Oliver , Maher Christopher A. , Chaudhuri Aadel A.
Published: January 2025

Supplementary Figure S10. Cell-free DNA methylation levels of the top 10 most stem-like signature genes in plasma. The box and whisker plots summarize promoter methylation rates for the top 10 most stem-like signature genes in plasma cfDNA from AR/enhancer altered versus wild-type mCRPC patients. p values were calculated by the Student’s t test. cfDNA, cell-free DNA; mCRPC, metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer; TF, transcription factor.