bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long short‐term memory model for predicting the angle‐dependent reflectance distributions for glossy and matte surfaces
Authors: Hung Shao‐Tang , Sun Pei‐Li , Chiang Jui‐Chang , Pong Bao‐Jen , Chen Hung‐Shing
Published: January 2025

This study introduces an innovative recurrent neural network called long short‐term memory (LSTM) as a prediction model, which is used to predict angle‐dependent reflectance distributions of colour samples with glossy and matte surfaces. A two‐dimensional (2D) reflectance measurement system was developed to measure the angle‐dependent reflectance in this study. Its structure mainly included a semicircular rotating mechanism, a high‐resolution digital camera and a high‐quality white light‐emitting diode. A semicircular rotating mechanism was designed to rotate from 10° to 170° in the vertical direction. Two ColorGauge miniaturised colour charts with glossy and matte surfaces were selected as test chips. The test chips on ColorGauge miniaturised colour charts included fives colours of glossy white, glossy black, matte red, matte green and matte blue. The reflectance distributions of the test chips were measured by the 2D reflectance measurement system, and the measured reflectance data were used as training data in the LSTM model. In comparison with second‐ and third‐order regressions, the mean CIE lightness difference (0.09) using the LSTM model was lower. Therefore, it was verified that the LSTM model performed well in predicting reflectance distributions. In addition, the LSTM model was also validated on the additional test samples (10 matte chromatic samples and five glossy achromatic samples). The maximum and minimum mean CIE lightness differences were 3.77 and 0.64 for matte chromatic samples, and 2.34 and 0.42 for glossy achromatic samples, respectively. The results of small prediction errors indicated that the LSTM model presents excellent prediction performance.
Vaccine hesitancy or hesitancies? A latent class analysis of pediatric patients' parents
Authors: Willis Don E. , Narcisse Marie‐Rachelle , James Laura , Selig James P. , Ason Mohammed , Scott Aaron J. , Cornett Lawrence E. , McElfish Pearl A.
Published: January 2025

Vaccine hesitancy is an attitude of indecision toward vaccination that is related to but not determinative of vaccination behaviors. Although theories of vaccine hesitancy emphasize it is often vaccine‐specific, we do not know the extent to which this is true across sociodemographic groups. In this study, we asked: What latent classes of vaccine hesitancy might exist when examining parents' attitudes toward vaccines in general and COVID‐19 and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination specifically? Which sociodemographic, health access, and health‐related variables are predictive of membership in those classes? To answer those questions, we analyze online survey data from parents of pediatric patients recruited through eight clinics within the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Rural Research Network. Data were collected between September 16, 2022 and December 6, 2022. Latent class analysis revealed three underlying classes of vaccine hesitancy, or hesitancies: The “Selectively Hesitant,” the “COVID‐Centric Hesitant,” and the “Pervasively Hesitant.” Significant predictors of class membership were age, education, health insurance status, and usual source of care. Vaccine hesitancy may be specific to certain vaccines for some parents and more generalized for others. The distinct classes of vaccine hesitancy revealed in this study suggest the need for distinct approaches to addressing vaccine hesitancy depending on the population.
Study on the Transformation Process of Thyroid Fine‐Needle Aspiration Liquid‐Based Cytology to Whole‐Slide Image
Authors: Lei Yuanyuan , Wang Dongcun , Wen Yanlin , Liu Jinhui , Cao Jian
Published: January 2025

Objective

Analyse and summarise the reasons for failure in the digital acquisition of thyroid liquid‐based cytology (LBC) slides and the technical challenges, and explore methods to obtain reliable and reproducible whole digital slide images for clinical thyroid cytology.

Method

Use the glass slide scanning imaging system to acquire whole‐slide image (WSI) of thyroid LBC in sdpc format through different. Statistical analysis was conducted on the different acquisition methods, the quality of the glass slides, clinical and pathological characteristics of the case, TBSRTC grading and the quality of WSI.

Results

The WSI obtained by different scanning methods showed a high level of consistency in quality (W = 0.325, p < 0.001), especially between fully automatic scanning with different focus densities (W = 0.9, p < 0.001). A total of 2114 images were obtained through different methods of multi‐layer fusion and multi‐point focusing scanning, with scan success rates of 100.0%, 100.0%, 100.0% and 23.6%, respectively. The correlation between the quality of thyroid LBC glass slides and the image quality of thyroid LBC WSI was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The correlation between TBSRTC grading and the quality of thyroid LBC digital WSI was statistically significant (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Although the quality of glass slides has a significant impact, the success rate and image quality of malignant tumour scanning are both high. Overall, the risk of missed diagnosis of malignant tumours is low. In the future, we also need to improve the performance and algorithm of the scanner in cases of sparse cells.
Cardiovascular, kidney and safety outcomes with canagliflozin in older adults: A combined analysis from the CANVAS Program and CREDENCE trial
Authors: Siriwardana Amanda , Buizen Luke , Jun Min , Kotwal Sradha , Arnott Clare , Jardine Meg J. , Levin Adeera , Heerspink Hiddo J. L. , Charytan David M. , Pollock Carol , Perkovic Vlado , Neuen Brendon L.
Published: January 2025

Aim

SGLT2 inhibitors may be underused in older adults with type 2 diabetes due to concerns about safety and tolerability. This pooled analysis of the CANVAS Program and CREDENCE trial examined the efficacy and safety of canagliflozin according to age.

Methods

Pooled individual participant data from the CANVAS Program (n = 10 142) and CREDENCE trial (n = 4401) were analysed by baseline age (<65 years, 65 to <75 years, and ≥75 years). A range of adjudicated clinical outcomes were assessed, including major adverse cardiovascular events and CKD progression, as well as safety outcomes. Cox proportional hazards models and Fine and Gray competing risk analysis were used.

Results

Among the 14 543 participants, 7927 (54.5%) were <65 years, 5281 (36.3%) were 65 to <75 years and 1335 (9.2%) were ≥75 years. Older participants had higher rates of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and heart failure, longer diabetes duration and lower mean eGFR. Reductions in cardiovascular and kidney outcomes with canagliflozin were consistent across age categories (all p trend >0.10), although there was some evidence that effects on cardiovascular death and all‐cause death were attenuated with older age (p trend = 0.02 and 0.03, respectively). Although the incidence of adverse events increased with age, effects of canagliflozin on safety outcomes including acute kidney injury, volume depletion, urinary tract infections and hypoglycaemia, were not modified by age (all p trend >0.10).

Conclusions

In patients with varying degrees of kidney function, canagliflozin reduced cardiovascular and kidney outcomes, regardless of age, with no additional safety concerns identified in older patients.
Association of Metformin use with risk of dementia in patients with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Tang Chunbian , Hao Jiayi , Tao Fengran , Feng Qingguo , Song Ying , Zeng Baoqi
Published: January 2025

Aim

There is ongoing debate concerning the association of metformin with the risk of dementia in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of metformin therapy on dementia in patients with T2DM.

Materials and Methods

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and the ClinicalTrials.gov website were searched until 9 April 2024. Cohort studies investigating the effects of metformin therapy compared with other antidiabetic drugs or no therapy in T2DM were included. The hazard ratio (HR) and the 95% confidence interval (CI) were computed using the random effects model.

Results

Twenty cohort studies (24 individual comparisons) involving 3 463 100 participants were identified. A meta‐analysis revealed that people with T2DM who take metformin are linked to a lower incidence of all‐cause dementia compared to non‐user (n = 17, HR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.65–0.91, p = 0.002, I2 = 98.9%) and sulfonylureas (n = 5, HR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.85–0.90, p < 0.001, I2 = 9.7%), but not to thiazolidinedione (n = 2, HR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.08–3.41, p = 0.503, I2 = 92.7%). Additionally, metformin showed favourable effects in non‐specified T2DM (n = 19, HR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.64–0.89), but not in newly diagnosed T2DM (n = 5, HR = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.81–1.27).

Conclusion

Metformin might correlate with a lower dementia incidence in people with T2DM. However, it is crucial to interpret these results with caution considering the high heterogeneity.
Clinical Analysis of MOG Antibody‐Associated Disease Overlapped With Anti‐NMDA Receptor Encephalitis: A Long‐Term Retrospective Study
Authors: Duan Tianjiao , Ouyang Song , Hu Zhaolan , Zeng Qiuming , Yin Weifan
Published: January 2025

To summarise the clinical characteristics, radiological features, treatments and prognosis of patients with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody‐associated disease (MOGAD) overlapped with NMDA receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis. We retrospectively analysed patients who exhibited dual positivity for MOG antibodies and NMDAR antibodies in serum/CSF from Jan 2018 to Jun 2023. Ten patients with MOGAD and NMDAR encephalitis were enrolled. The median age of initial attacks was 23 (range: 10–43) years old. Common symptoms were cortical encephalopathies (8/10), focal neurological deficits (4/10), as well as other presentations including headache, fever, optic neuritis and transverse myelitis. CSF pleocytosis was general (9/10, median 63.9 cells/μl). Lesions on brain MRI included brainstem (37.5%), cerebral cortex (33.3%), basal ganglia (25.0%) and hippocampus (20.8%). The average follow‐up duration was 25.4 months. 10/10 patients developed more than one relapse attacks, with MOG positivity before (10%), simultaneous (40%) or after anti‐NMDAR encephalitis (50%). Most patients (7/10) had good response to first‐line therapy but experienced next relapse with an average interval of 6.7 (range: 2–14) months. We conducted initial analysis of lymphocyte subsets in these patients, which revealed that CD3+ and CD4 + T cells increased after immunosuppressants medication (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). We concluded that MOGAD overlapping with NMDAR encephalitis presents a distinct clinical phenotype which differs from either MOGAD or NMDAR encephalitis. Brainstem in combination with cortical lesions might be warning signs for this overlapping syndrome. Due to the high recurrent rates, we recommend early diagnosis and timely treatment with efficient immunosuppressants at onset.
Efficacy of metformin and verteporfin treatment alone or in combination in a murine head and neck cancer xenograft model
Authors: Shan Aung Phyo , Hlaing Khin Swe , Leelahavanichkul Asada , Amornphimoltham Panomwat
Published: January 2025

Despite treatment advances, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) still poses a significant global health challenge. Combination therapies have emerged as more effective strategies than traditional chemotherapy in clinical practice by improving tumor response rates and patient survival while minimizing treatment‐related toxicity. This study investigates the anticancer effects of metformin and verteporfin (Yes‐associated protein 1 [YAP1] inhibitor) alone or in combination in HNSCC using vitro and in vivo approaches. Quantitative RT‐PCR analysis of HNSCC cell lines reveals upregulation of YAP1 and related genes in the Hippo signaling pathway. Cell viability assays demonstrate a beneficial synergistic effect between metformin and verteporfin in inhibiting HNSCC tumor growth. In male BALB/cAJcl‐nu/nu mice harboring HNSCC tumor xenografts, intraperitoneal administration of metformin and verteporfin enhances the inhibitory effect on tumor growth and suppresses YAP1 nuclear translocation when compared to vehicle or monotherapies. Furthermore, combination of these drugs reduces tumor cell proliferation (marked by Ki‐67) and inhibits phosphoS6 ribosomal protein, as observed through immunofluorescent and immunohistochemical (IHC) analyses. The in vivo study underscores the therapeutic potential of the dual targeting approach with metformin and verteporfin in treating HNSCC, with minimal toxicity.
Adhesively Bonded Composite Patch Repair in Load‐Bearing Applications for the Aviation Industry: Manufacturing, Design, and Simulation
Authors: Fernandes P. H. E. , Baumert M. , Dieckhoff S. , Nagel C. , Beber V. C.
Published: January 2025

Four adhesively bonded composite patch repairs are considered: with one and two double CFRP layers and with scarf ratios of 1:15 and 1:30. Prepregs are applied to an artificially cracked aluminum plate and bonded using a film adhesive. Considering curing‐induced deflection of patches, samples with two double CFRP layers and a scarf ratio of 1:15 exhibit the highest deflection, while the patch with one double CFRP layer and a scarf ratio of 1:30 shows the lowest deflection. FE simulations align with experimental results showing deviations between −3% and +16%. Fatigue results of crack length as function of cycles reveal that patched samples have longer lifetimes (3.2–4.3 times) compared to nonpatched samples. Among patched samples, those with two double CFRP layers and a scarf ratio of 1:15 provide approximately 20% and 8% longer service life compared to counterparts with one double CFRP layer and a scarf ratio of 1:30, respectively.
Effects of Deforestation‐Induced Warming on the Thermal Tolerance of an African Clariid Catfish
Authors: Francispillai Erin K. , Chapman Lauren J.
Published: January 2025

Tropical countries, particularly in Africa, are experiencing more frequent deforestation events, often due to agricultural expansion. Deforestation can increase sunlight penetration in freshwater ecosystems, leading to increased average water temperatures and stronger diel temperature fluctuations.

To investigate the effects of deforestation‐induced warming and potential adaptive responses from fish, we compared the upper thermal tolerance limits of smooth‐head catfish (Clarias liocephalus) populations from deforested and forested sections of the Dura and Mpanga river systems in and around Kibale National Park, Uganda. We also incorporated a long‐term acclimation period in simulated forested/deforested water temperatures to test for differences in the thermal acclimation ability of two populations.

Populations from forested sites had lower CTmax values relative to populations sampled from deforested sections of the same drainage. However, long‐term acclimation in simulated deforested conditions increased their CTmax to values mirroring individuals from the deforested habitat. Individuals from a regenerating wetland (despite long‐term historical deforestation) exhibited CTmax values similar to populations from a forested site.

These results suggest that C. liocephalus may be able to thermally respond to deforestation‐induced warming under current global temperatures; however, results may have also revealed a potential thermal ceiling for the species.
Sex‐, age‐ and season‐specific variations in accidental deaths from stumbling falls, bathtub drowning, food choking and traffic injuries among older adults in Japan
Authors: Aoki Yuji , Yamamoto Mao , Aoki Takashi
Published: January 2025

Aim

The aim of this study was to identify opportunities for more effective measures. We analyzed sex‐, age‐ and season‐specific trends in unintentional accidental deaths from stumbling falls, bathtub drowning, food choking and traffic injuries among older adults in Japan.

Methods

Death rates from major unintentional accidents were analyzed by sex, month and 5‐year age groups (aged ≥50 years) based on a custom‐made aggregation of data from the Vital Statistics survey (2008–2022) in compliance with the Statistics Act.

Results

From 2008 to 2022, death rates from the 4 major unintentional accidental causes (11 354 and 11 374 deaths in 19 408 000 men and 24 272 000 women aged ≥60 in 2022) were obviously higher among older men than older women, except for notably high death rates from bathtub drowning among women aged 75–84 years. Significant increases in death rates from stumbling falls were observed in men and women aged ≥85 years, with significant decreases among men aged 60–74 years and women aged 65–74 years. Significant increases in bathtub drowning death rates were observed among men aged 90–94 and ≥100 years, as well as among women aged 90–99 years. Bathtub drowning death rates rose with age but peaked in women aged 85–89 years. Both bathtub drowning and food choking deaths were more frequent during the winter season.

Conclusions

Accidental deaths from stumbling falls and bathtub drowning continue to rise among older Japanese adults in some age groups. Notably, deaths from bathtub drowning were distinctively higher among women aged in their 70s and 80s, possibly including apparently healthy women, during the winter season. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2025; 25: 287–293.
National identifications of transnational students from the USA on the northwest border of Mexico
Authors: Vargas Valle Eunice D.
Published: January 2025

Over the past two decades, more than half a million children—mostly born and educated in the USA—have arrived in Mexico from the USA because of their parents' return migration. The aim of this paper is to analyse the relationship between their national identification, school trajectories and US nationality in a border city with high return migration. The methodology is based on the analysis of a school survey and semi‐structured interviews with transnational students. The results show that: binational identification was higher when students had intermediate schooling in both countries; identification with the USA decreased and identification with Mexico increased with more years in Mexican schools; and school trajectories were more relevant than nationality in defining binational identification. The majority of students identified as binational because their migration histories and transnational life experiences allowed them to be bicultural, despite the diffusion of mononational ideologies in schools.
Arrival infrastructures and refugee enrolment in higher education
Authors: Baalbergen Ids , Bolt Gideon , Lin Yanliu , Hooimeijer Pieter
Published: January 2025

Refugees enrolling in host country higher education can improve their position in the labour market. However, little is known about the patterns underlying enrolment, and existing studies have only examined explanations at the individual level. This is problematic because opportunities to enrol in education are also dependent upon structural factors, and by ignoring this, studies run the risk of depicting non‐enrolment as a consequence of individual shortcomings. We address this issue through the notion of arrival infrastructures and argue that existing infrastructures at multiple spatial scales may support or discourage enrolment. By focusing on the Netherlands, we were able to follow the enrolment of all registered refugees that arrived between 2014 and 2017 over time using registry data. We find that the accessibility of education, the municipal political climate and regional economic conditions influence educational enrolment. These findings show that dispersal policies can have detrimental effects on the social mobility of refugees.
The Active Infant's Developing Role in Musical Interactions: Insights From an Online Parent Questionnaire
Authors: Dou Angela , Cirelli Laura K.
Published: January 2025

Musical interactions between caregivers and their infants typically rely on a limited repertoire of live vocal songs and recorded music. Research suggests that these well‐known songs are especially effective at eliciting engaged behaviors from infants in controlled settings, but how infants respond to familiar music with their caregivers in their everyday environment remains unclear. The current study used an online questionnaire to quantify how often and why caregivers present certain songs and musical recordings to their infants. Using a cross‐sectional approach, we explored infants' changing behavioral profiles to music from birth to 24 months. Caregivers additionally reported on their feelings of affective attachment toward their infants. Results reveal that caregivers sing and play recorded music for younger and older infants at comparably high rates. In turn, infants actively respond to their favorite songs and recordings by demonstrating positive emotions, movements, and attentive listening. Caregivers mainly consider their infants' musical preferences when building their shared musical repertoire at home. Both caregivers' engagement in musical activities with their children and infants' enthusiastic responsiveness to singing predicted stronger dyadic attachment bonding. Caregivers and infants jointly contribute to building musical relationships, and these musical relationships may be intertwined with their emerging social‐emotional bonds.
Untargeted Metabolomics Reveals Metabolic Link Between Histone H3K27 Demethylase UTX and Neurodevelopment
Authors: Chen Lin , Liu Maozhu , Dai Xinhua , He Cuilin , Wang Kejing , Tang Jinhua , Yang Yang
Published: January 2025

Ubiquitously transcribed tetratricopeptide repeat on chromosome X (UTX) is a chromatin modifier responsible for regulating the demethylation of histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3), which is crucial for human neurodevelopment. To date, the impact of UTX on neurodevelopment remains elusive. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the potential molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of UTX on neurodevelopment through untargeted metabolomics based on ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‐MS/MS). We found that UTX knockout in neurones leads to cell death and apoptosis in the hippocampus and cortex, as well as induces impaired learning and memory functions in mice. Moreover, UTX deletion contributed to significant metabolic perturbations in brain tissues. A total of 223 differential metabolites were identified between wild‐type (WT) and UTX cKO mice. Pathway analysis indicated that the metabolic pathways mainly affected by UTX deletion were alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism, resulting in significant alterations in L‐alanine, L‐aspartate, D‐aspartate, N‐acetylaspartylglutamate, L‐glutamate, and argininosuccinic acid. These data emphasised that UTX may exert a key effect in neurodevelopment and that the underlying mechanism may be related to the regulation of the alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism pathways, especially the characteristic metabolites involved in this pathway.
Mpox‐Induced Metabolic Alterations
Authors: Zandi Milad , Mousavi Fatemeh Sadat , Hashemnia Seyyed Mohammed Reza
Published: January 2025

The resurgence of mpox as a global health threat highlights the need to understand its interaction with host cell metabolism. Unlike other well‐studied viruses, research on mpox is limited, particularly regarding its impact on cellular processes. In this article, we explore how mpox might manipulate metabolic pathways—such as glycolysis, lipid synthesis and mitochondrial dynamics—to enhance its replication and evade immune responses. By drawing parallels with related poxviruses, we underscore the potential for targeting these metabolic shifts as novel therapeutic strategies. Understanding these interactions is crucial for developing effective treatments against mpox.
Incidence of Gingival Recessions in Adolescent Orthodontic Patients Treated With Fixed Appliances and Lingual Retainer
Authors: Celis Beatriz , Sanz‐Esporrin Javier , Verdasco Carina , Yañez‐Vico Rosa‐Maria , Martin Conchita
Published: January 2025

Aim

To evaluate risk indicators for gingival recessions (GRs) in the lower anterior teeth of orthodontic patients post treatment and during a retention period of at least 5 years, compared to non‐treated controls.

Material and Methods

Eighty‐nine orthodontically treated patients who were recession‐free before treatment were recruited. Demographic, cephalometric and occlusal records were retrieved before (T1) and after treatment (T2), and periodontal outcomes were clinically evaluated at least 5 years post retention (T3). Eighty‐eight non‐treated patients served as controls. Recession areas were digitally assessed and compared using t‐test and chi‐square tests, and a multiple linear regression model was built.

Results

In the treated group, recession incidence was 11.24% at T2 and 67.42% at T3, all classified as type 1, class A (−). Among controls, recession prevalence was 15.91%, similar to the incidence at T2, but significantly lower than at T3. GR was most common in canines (1.85 mm2; 95% CI: 2.61–7.70; p < 0.005). Regression analysis identified higher incidence of recessions in female patients and in those with thin phenotype, high angle skeletal pattern, increased final inclination of lower incisors and greater probing depth.

Conclusions

GR incidence after orthodontic treatment was comparable to controls but increased significantly post retention. Several risk indicators may predict GR occurrence.
Podiatric Clinical Triage in a Foot and Ankle Orthopaedic Clinic: A Randomised Trial
Authors: Walsh Tom P. , Swalwell Caitlin , Merlo Greg B. , Wearing Scott C. , Jacob Warren , Doherty Darren , Vandermost Margaret , Platt Simon
Published: January 2025

Rationale

Hospitals are increasingly utilising allied‐health professionals to provide clinical triage to patients. While these positions are routinely implemented, and several observational studies have reported positive outcomes, the effectiveness of this intervention has been rarely tested in a clinical trial.

Aims and Objectives

The objectives of this study were to (i) evaluate a podiatry‐led orthopaedic triage service using patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs), and (ii) determine if it is cost‐effective in terms of incremental cost/quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs).

Methods

This pragmatic, randomised, wait‐list‐control trial recruited participants referred to an orthopaedic foot and ankle clinic at a tertiary‐level health service. Trial registration was 31 March 2020. Participants were randomised to either immediate clinical triage (intervention) or to remain on the waiting‐list (control). The primary outcome measure was change in foot pain as measured by the Manchester‐Oxford Foot and Ankle Questionnaire (MOxFQ) at 6‐months. Core outcome measures for chronic musculoskeletal pain were also measured and cost‐effectiveness calculated.

Results

One hundred and forty‐eight participants were recruited, randomising 73 people to the intervention and 75 people to the control. No between‐group differences in pain or demographics were detected at baseline. Foot pain as measured by the MOxFQ improved in both groups at 6‐months follow‐up, but no significant between‐group differences were identified. Significant between‐group differences, however, were detected in the patient global impression of change. Additionally, the intervention resulted in a 30% discharge rate, and is considered cost‐effective, with each QALY gain costing < $30,000 in real‐world scenarios.

Conclusion

A clinical triage service has minimal impact on PROMS for foot and ankle pain or chronic musculoskeletal pain, but it is generally well‐received, is cost‐effective, and participants were more likely to report global improvement if they attended.
Objectification of Skin Firmness: In Vivo Evaluation of 300 Women in Relation to Age
Authors: Roessle Alena , Kerscher Martina
Published: January 2025

Background

The concept of “skin quality” (SQ) has gained widespread attention, with a recent international consensus defining it and outlining four “emergent perceptual categories” (EPCs), each accompanied by specific parameters and associated measurement methods. No research has confirmed whether the parameters linked to these EPCs vary objectively with age. This gap in data is significant, as understanding how these parameters correlate with age could be essential for creating an objective, age‐adjusted classification of SQ.

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the EPC skin firmness in female facial and non‐facial skin in relation to age using biophysical measurements. Reference ranges for objective assessment were determined.

Patients/Methods

Three hundred healthy women (20–69 years) were divided into five age groups. The correlation between age and skin firmness measured by Cutometer and Corneometer (Courage+Khazaka electronic GmbH, Cologne, Germany) devices was evaluated across five anatomical sites: forehead, cheek, neck, décolleté, and the hand. Percentiles were used to generate reference ranges.

Results

Statistical analysis discloses that R2 (Ua/Uf), R5 (Ur/Ue), and R7 (Ur/Uf) correlated with age for all five sites and are preferably assigned to the EPC skin firmness, whereby R2 and R7 showed the strongest correlation. For the neck, significant age‐related changes were found in most of the Cutometer parameters. The stratum corneum (SC) hydration showed only low correlations with age.

Conclusions

R2, R5, and R7 are reliable indicators of age‐related changes in skin firmness, with established reference ranges that can aid in treatment decisions and SQ assessments.
Emerging Roles of Dermal Fibroblasts in Hyperpigmentation and Hypopigmentation: A Review
Authors: Gao Xingyue , Xiang Wenzhong
Published: January 2025

Background

Skin pigmentation disorders may increase patients' psychological burdens. Consequently, they are increasingly attracting attention. Dermal fibroblasts have been shown to regulate pigmentation by secreting soluble factors.

Aim

This study aimed to summarize recent findings on the effects of dermal fibroblasts on hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation, enabling the discovery of new therapeutic targets.

Methods

PubMed was searched for literature on fibroblast factors, hyperpigmentation, and hypopigmentation, and a comprehensive summary and analysis were performed.

Results

Fibroblasts secrete both cytokines that promote pigmentation, including stem cell factor (SCF) and keratinocyte growth factor (KGF), and small amounts of those that inhibit pigmentation, such as Dickkopf1 (DKK1) and transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β. Fibroblast‐derived extracellular matrix (ECM) can also affect melanocyte tyrosinase activity and the transfer of melanosomes. In hyperpigmentation disorders, such as melasma and solar lentigines, the secretion of pigmentation‐promoting factors increases, and the activity of key enzymes in melanin production is elevated. In hypopigmentation disorders, including vitiligo, the secretion of melanogenic factors decreases while the factors that inhibit pigmentation increase. Fibroblasts may serve as a new therapeutic target, providing new insights to precisely treat pigmentary disorders.

Conclusions

Fibroblasts synthesize and secrete various cytokines and proteins that modify melanin synthesis and transfer through different signaling pathways, playing prominent roles in pigmentary skin disorders, such as photoaging, melasma, solar lentigo, and vitiligo.
Nigrospora Species Causing Leaf Disease on Camellia Plants
Authors: Yan Linzhe , Pan Weihua , Zhou Xudong
Published: January 2025

Camellia sinensis and C. japonica plant leaves with spots were collected in Zhejiang Province, China. Three representative isolates resembling Nigrospora were selected for identification and pathogenicity test. Based on morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses of the partial regions of internal transcribed spacer (ITS), beta‐tubulin (TUB2), and translation elongation factor 1‐alpha (TEF) sequences, the isolates from C. japonica were identified as Nigrospora. oryzae and N. philosophiae‐doctoris, while the one from C. sinensis as N. camelliae‐sinensis. Inoculation of the isolates on healthy leaves showed symptoms similar to those observed in the field, and the fungi were reisolated from the lesions. To our knowledge, this represents the first report of leaf spot disease caused by Nigrospora species on C. japonica worldwide. The result further confirms that species residing the genus of Nigrospora act as causal agents of plant leaf spot disease, and their potential impact deserves further investigation.
Resistance‐Associated Substitution Testing Trends and Impact on HCV Treatment Outcomes in Canada: A CanHepC‐CANUHC Analysis
Authors: Perera Himain , Imsirovic Haris , Macphail Gisela , Webster Duncan , Fraser Chris , Borgia Sergio , Liu Hongqun , Lee Sam , Feld Jordan J. , Cooper Curtis ,   the Canadian Network Undertaking Against Hepatitis C (CANUHC) Cohort Investigator Team
Published: January 2025

Resistance‐associated substitutions (RASs) are mutations within the hepatitis C (HCV) genome that may influence the likelihood of achieving a sustained virological response (SVR) with direct acting antiviral (DAA) treatment. Clinicians conduct RAS testing to adapt treatment regimens with the intent of improving the likelihood of cure. The Canadian Network Undertaking against Hepatitis C (CANUHC) prospective cohort consists of chronic HCV patients enrolled between 2015 and 2023 across 17 Canadian sites. Utilisation of RAS testing was assessed across demographics, clinical characteristics and years. SVR was described for the overall cohort and compared across populations of patients with historically negative predictors of SVR. The detection of key RASs and how this information influenced DAA selection were assessed. 2434 patients were identified with information on RAS testing. 98.3% achieved SVR. Out of the 227 patients tested for RAS, 147 (64.8%) had any detected RAS, and 84 (37.0%) had an NS5A RAS. The proportion of patients with SVR did not differ between RAS‐tested (98.3%) and non‐tested patients (98.3%; p = 0.99). SVR in those with an NS5a RAS was similar (98.6%) to the overall SVR proportion. Proportions with SVR did not differ between those with and without RAS testing in key subgroups (genotype 1a, genotype 3, prior treatment, cirrhosis). The specific DAA regimen and the addition of ribavirin were not associated with SVR outcome. RAS testing has a minimal influence on antiviral treatment selection. Going forward, there is a reduced role for RAS testing in most clinical scenarios.
Patient Source of Referral Is a Key Determinant of Subsequent Retention in Care for Young Chronic Hepatitis B Patients
Authors: Mutimer David , Brown Maxine , Logan Jacqueline , Kelgeri Chayarani
Published: January 2025

Hepatitis B elimination objectives can only be realised if new patient linkage to care is matched by long‐term patient retention in care. We previously showed in adult chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients that retention in care was inferior in younger patients and in patients from non‐Asian ethnicities. The present study explores further the rates and determinants of loss to follow‐up in a cohort of 271 young patients (aged 16–21 years at baseline). 16% of patients were lost to follow‐up after a single consultation, and retention in care at 5 and 10 years was 53.7% and 45.9%, respectively. Retention in care was strongly associated with the source of patient referral and was superior for patients referred from the antenatal clinic and those transitioned from paediatric care (68% retention at 5 years for both sources) compared with those from “other” sources (36% at 5 years). In multivariate analyses, patient source of referral and distance of current residence from the Hepatitis Outpatient Clinic were the significant determinants of loss to follow‐up. Retention in care may have been promoted by the transition process for those diagnosed in childhood and by the repeated referral from the antenatal clinic of women who had multiple pregnancies during the observation period. Only 20% of asylum seekers and referrals from genitourinary clinics were retained in follow‐up at 10 years from baseline. This identifies a group of patients who do not access medical care, cannot benefit from treatment, and who may constitute a long‐term public health risk.
Effect of a single rectal fecal microbiota transplantation on clinical severity and fecal microbial communities in dogs with chronic inflammatory enteropathy
Authors: Pérez‐Accino Jorge , Salavati Mazdak , Glendinning Laura , Salavati Schmitz Silke
Published: January 2025

Background

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been advocated as a treatment for chronic enteropathy (CE) in dogs. However, so far only short‐term clinical effects have been reported whereas the effect on the microbiota remains unexplored.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Assess if a single FMT enema can lead to clinical improvement in dogs with CE when accompanied by presumed favorable microbiota changes. The effect of glycerol as a cryopreservative when storing FMT preparations also was assessed.

Animals

Seven dogs with CE that received FMTs from 2 healthy donor dogs.

Materials and Methods

Six dogs received a single FMT, 1 dog received 3 consecutive FMTs. Canine chronic enteropathy clinical activity index (CCECAI) and fecal samples were obtained before (Day 0), and 7, 30 and 90 days after FMT. Samples were stored with and without 10% glycerol. Sequencing of microbiota (16S rRNA, Illumina) was performed and compared by accepted analysis pipelines.

Results

Median CCECAI before FMT was 8 (range, 5‐14), decreased to a median of 3 (range, 1‐12) within 1 week and a median of 1 (range, 0‐12) by Day 30 (P < .01), with an average duration of response of approximately 10 weeks. Significant variation in the donors' microbiota composition was observed across different donations. Recipient microbiota composition or diversity did not change over time. Glycerol addition was associated with a difference in microbiota composition (P ≤ .001).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

A single FMT can be considered an appropriate treatment in dogs with CE, but consistent microbiota changes were not observed.
Comparison of clinical variables and outcome of 2 natural equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy outbreaks induced by equine herpesvirus‐1 A2254/N752 strain in sport horses
Authors: de la Cuesta‐Torrado María , Velloso Alvarez Ana , Cárdenas‐Rebollo José Miguel , Neira‐Egea Patricia , Vitale Valentina , Cuervo‐Arango Juan
Published: January 2025

Background

Understanding of equine herpesvirus‐1 (EHV‐1) myeloencephalopathy (EHM) is complicated by disparities among studies.

Objective

Compare clinical findings and outcome in horses involved in 2 recent EHM outbreaks.

Animals

Twenty‐five and 10 horses affected during 2 natural EHM outbreaks were admitted to a veterinary teaching hospital (VTH) in 2021 and 2023, respectively.

Methods

Data collected from the VTH and surveys completed by riders and horse owners were analyzed retrospectively.

Results

No risk factors associated with EHM development showed significant differences between the outbreaks; both outbreaks were caused by A2254/N752 strains. Treatments administered for EHM were not significantly different, whereas the duration was longer in 2021 for flunixin meglumine (P = .01) and dimethyl sulfoxide (P < .001). In 2021, more horses required hospitalization (P = .02), and fatality rate was 32%, whereas in 2023, no patient died. Hospitalization duration was longer in 2021 than in 2023 (P = .06) and 11.7% of horses from 2021 returned to competition within 6 months, whereas 100% in 2023 did (P < .001). Ataxia grade upon admission was equivalent in 2021 and 2023, but factors related to poor prognosis, such as simultaneous development of urinary and vascular complications, occurred in 2021 but not in 2023 (P = .01).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Two EHM outbreaks caused by the A2254/N752 strain differed in disease severity. Urinary complications and systemic signs of vasculitis were important clinical variables associated with prognosis. Systemic complications in horses with EHM lead to a worse prognosis.
Marine Fish Passage—Underappreciated Threats to Connectivity Within the Marine Environment
Authors: Lennox Robert J. , Birnie‐Gauvin Kim , Bate Caitlin , Cooke Steven J. , Haraldstad Tormod , Berhe Saron , Penney Heather D. , Bangley Charles W. , Vollset Knut Wiik , Piczak Morgan L.
Published: January 2025

Habitat fragmentation is a major threat to aquatic biodiversity loss. However, much of the focus is on the connectivity of freshwaters, with much less attention given to marine ecosystems. We contend that coastal infrastructure including bridges, causeways, tidal turbines, land infilling and harbours, wharfs, quays, piers and docks have resulted in underappreciated impacts on the connectivity of fish movements resulting in passage challenges at sea. For each type of marine infrastructure, we synthesised the present status of knowledge to characterise the problems and future challenges and also identify mitigation options and passage solutions to restore connectivity for fishes. Bridges can disrupt currents, generate light and noise/vibration, and emit electromagnetic signals, so more work is needed to modify in‐water designs to minimise the negative impacts on fishes. Causeways involve infilling, resulting in full in‐water barriers, requiring fishes to circumnavigate these structures and there is limited research on mitigation (e.g., fishways). Tidal turbines are placed in areas with high currents, which can hinder movements and result in entrainment; however, monitoring fish movements is challenging in these unique areas. Offshore energy has grown in recent years and can impact fish connectivity via altered sediment dynamics and water currents, as well as through the generation of noise pollution and electromagnetic fields. Land filling results not only in habitat loss but also in fragmentation, and it will be imperative to identify important habitats and corridors to minimise impacts there. Finally, infrastructure associated with boats (e.g., harbours, docks) negatively impacts nearshore habitat, which can alter movement trajectories. In the collective, we found evidence that diverse types of marine infrastructure can impact connectivity and, ultimately, fish movement and migrations. Interestingly,bespoke fish passage solutions in marine environments seem rare. As coastal development will increase in the future, it is imperative that we assess the potential connectivity issues resulting from marine infrastructure and that we generate solutions to mitigate these issues for marine organisms.
Petrology and shock history of hybrid lunar feldspathic–troctolitic breccia Northwest Africa 11515
Authors: Li Y. , McCausland P. J. A. , Flemming R. L. , Osinski G. R.
Published: January 2025

Lunar impact breccia meteorites contain clasts from unknown lunar regions, including areas not studied by past missions. These meteorites offer a unique opportunity to expand our knowledge of the Moon's crustal and mantle composition and processes. The recently classified lunar meteorite Northwest Africa (NWA) 11515 is a moderately shocked feldspathic breccia with anorthite plagioclase and mafic minerals. In this work, we report the shock history of lithic clasts using 2‐D micro‐X‐ray diffraction, detailed mineralogy from micro‐X‐ray fluorescence, and electron probe microanalysis. NWA 11515 shows moderately shocked anorthite and highly shocked olivine and pyroxene. The plagioclase composition is invariant (An96.4 ± 0.7, n = 52), with variable mafic clasts overlapping Mg‐ and FAN‐suite lithologies (Mg# 84.5 to 45.6 for olivine; Mg# 85.6 to 32.2 for pyroxene), similar to KREEP‐depleted troctolites in Allan Hills A81005. Spinel‐group oxides vary from aluminous spinel to chromite and ulvöspinel. We also observed slow‐cooled augite Ca‐poor pyroxene exsolution clasts and fast‐quenched fine‐grained anorthite–olivine co‐crystallized clasts (<5 μm), indicating different cooling histories. Combining petrological observations with published geochemical data, we show NWA 11515 has the mixed lithology of ferroan anorthosites with KREEP‐poor magnesian rock fragments. With shock analysis, the materials are likely from a crater with minimum size of 7 km. Finally, we examined the published geochemical data for other lunar meteorites and hypothesize that other typical feldspathic breccias could contain magnesian clasts, suggesting the subdivision of typical feldspathic breccia into magnesian clast‐hosting breccia and ferroan feldspathic breccia. This implies that non‐KREEP magnesian magmatism might be more widespread in the post‐LMO era on lunar highlands.
Evolved and Plastic Gene Expression in Adaptation of a Specialist Fly to a Novel Niche
Authors: Steward Rachel A. , Ortega Giménez Jesús , Choudhary Shruti , Moss Oliver , Su Yi , Van Aken Olivier , Runemark Anna
Published: January 2025

How gene expression evolves to enable divergent ecological adaptation and how changes in gene expression relate to genomic architecture are pressing questions for understanding the mechanisms enabling adaptation and ecological speciation. Furthermore, how plasticity in gene expression can both contribute to and be affected by the process of ecological adaptation is crucial to understanding gene expression evolution, colonisation of novel niches and response to rapid environmental change. Here, we investigate the role of constitutive and plastic gene expression differences between host races, or host‐specific ecotypes, of the peacock fly Tephritis conura, a thistle bud specialist. By cross‐fostering larvae to new buds of their natal host plant or the alternative, novel host plant, we uncover extensive constitutive differences in gene expression between the host races, especially genes associated with processing of host plant chemicals. However, evidence for expression plasticity was minimal and limited to the ancestral host race. Genes with host race‐specific expression are found more often than expected within a large inversion in the T. conura genome, adding to evidence that inversions are important for enabling diversification in the face of gene flow and underscores that altered gene expression may be key to understanding the evolutionary consequences of inversions.
The theory and practice of non‐territorial autonomy in Europe—A historical perspective
Authors: Germane Marina , Kuzmany Börries , Smith David J
Published: January 2025

The concept of nonterritorial autonomy (NTA), which aims at separating the notions of the nation and territory, has received many practical implementations—in different forms and guises and in a variety of political settings—since the beginning of the 20th century. It has also become increasingly important for the theoretical debates surrounding issues of ethnic diversity and minority accommodation in a world of nation‐states. But as far as the link between NTA theory and the actual case studies exists, it has been primarily connecting theoretical and normative debates with contemporary, post‐1991 case studies. Our proposed themed section bridges the existing gap between the theory of NTA and its historical applications in Central and Eastern Europe, providing a fresh perspective on associational, political and legal aspects of nation‐building prior to World War II and beyond in the process. Bringing together seven scholars with a long‐standing interest in NTA for an energetic multidisciplinary revision of the history of the concept and its practical applications, our themed section aims at shedding new light on broader topics such as nation‐building, ethnic relations, minority activism and contemporary normative debates on individual and group rights.