bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Upconverter loaded MoS2 counter electrode for broadband dye-sensitized solar cell applications
Authors: Kawya J. , Durairaj M. , Anandan S. , Sabari Girisun T. C.
Published: January 2025

An interesting approach of including an upconverter in the MoS2 counter electrode can yield broadband light harvesting Pt-free DSSC assembly. Here different upconverter (UC) nanoparticles (Yb, Er incorporated NaYF4, YF3, CeO2 & Y2O3) were synthesized and loaded in MoS2 thin film by hydrothermal method. The inclusion of UCs in MoS2 films exposed without any secondary formation of upconverters and the uniform deposition of the films are confirmed through XRD and FESEM analysis respectively. The absorption spectrum (UV-Vis-NIR) confirms the increase in absorption intensity in visible and NIR regions due to the incorporation of UCs. Under 980 nm excitation, the UCs-loaded MoS2 films show emission in blue (450–490 nm), green (520–540 nm) and red (600–700 nm) regions due to the f-f inner transition occurring in the Er ions. The oxide and fluoride UCs-based DSSCs were fabricated with an FTO/TiO2/N719/Triiodide electrolyte/UC@MoS2/FTO assembly. Oxide UCs show greater electrocatalytic activity, which might be owed to the films exposed with more catalytic active sites favourable for ion transportation in the I−/I−3 electrolyte. Among them, higher photoconversion efficiency (PCE) of 7.1% was witnessed for (Y2O3: Er, Yb) @MoS2 counter electrode-based DSSC which is due to the good conductivity (RS) of the film, the longer electron lifetime and photon harvesting enhancement by upconversion process. It is notably convinced that the UC-loaded MoS2 films can be used as an effective counter electrode for the possible realization of upconverter DSSC and used for broadband light absorption.
Syzygium aromaticum extract mediated, sustainable silver nanoparticle synergetic with heterocyclic antibiotic clarithromycin and their antimicrobial activities
Authors: Edis Zehra , Haj Bloukh Samir , Ashames Akram A. , Al-Tabakha Moawia M. , Shahwan Moyad J. S. A. , Abu Sara Hamed , Boddu Sai H. S. , Khan Sohaib N. , Bloukh Ibrahim Haj , Eladdasy Maram , Sadeghi Somayeh , Alkubaisi Haneen , Bloukh Iman Haj , Hassan Nageeb A. G. M.
Published: January 2025

Microorganisms are becoming resistant to drugs and antimicrobials, making it a significantly critical global issue. Nosocomial infections are resulting in alarmingly increasing rates of morbidity and mortality. Plant derived compounds hold numerous antimicrobial properties, making them a very capable source to counteract resistant microbial strains. Syzygium aromaticum (Clove) extract has been proven by studies to contain active ingredients that demonstrate antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, and insecticidal properties. It has also been used historically for its pain relief especially for tooth ache. Clove extract derived nanoparticle synthesis is a promising method of combining therapeutics with metals at nanoscale. Such nanostructured systems in combination with the heterocyclic antibiotic clarithromycin could potentiate the action of plant extracts, decrease drug side effects and improve antimicrobial activity. In this study, clove extract (C) was successfully used to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNP) to create AgNPC and AgNPCA (A = clarithromycin). The two compounds underwent different analytical methods consisting of SEM, EDS, DLS, UV-vis, FTIR and XRD. These nanoparticles were used against a variety of 10 pathogens and exhibited very good to intermediate antibacterial properties. AgNPC resulted in better antibacterial properties and smaller nanoparticle size. This study demonstrates the potential of clove extract mediated AgNP synthesis in combination with and without the antibiotic clarithromycin.
Recovering manifold representations via unsupervised meta-learning
Authors: Gong Yunye , Yao Jiachen , Lian Ruyi , Lin Xiao , Chen Chao , Divakaran Ajay , Yao Yi
Published: January 2025

Manifold representation learning holds great promise for theoretical understanding and characterization of deep neural networks' behaviors through the lens of geometries. However, data scarcity remains a major challenge in manifold analysis especially for data and applications with real-world complexity. To address this issue, we propose manifold representation meta-learning (MRML) based on autoencoders to recover the underlying manifold structures without uniformly or densely sampled data. Specifically, we adopt episodic training, following model agnostic meta-learning, to meta-learn autoencoders that are generalizable to unseen samples specifically corresponding to regions with low-sampling density. We demonstrate the effectiveness of MRML via empirical experiments on LineMOD, a dataset curated for 6-D object pose estimation. We also apply topological metrics based on persistent homology and neighborhood graphs for quantitative assessment of manifolds reconstructed by MRML. In comparison to state-of-the-art baselines, our proposed approach demonstrates improved manifold reconstruction better matching the data manifold by preserving prominent topological features and relative proximity of samples.
Efficacy and safety of cardiac myosin inhibitors for symptomatic hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Abunada Anas , Shah Madiha , Kumar Ateesh , Lamiya Mir Syeda , Kumar Dinesh , Ahmed Saboor , Tanzeel Muhammad , Kumar Vikash , Meghjiani Aashish , Siddiqui Muhammad Basit Ali , Khatri Govinda , Rai Aneesh , Deepak Fnu , Kumar Ayush
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a common genetic heart disorder. It is characterized by left ventricular hypertrophy and impaired cardiac function, with forms categorized into obstructive (oHCM) and nonobstructive (nHCM). Traditional treatments address symptoms but not the underlying disease mechanism, highlighting the need for novel therapies. Cardiac myosin inhibitors such as mavacamten and aficamten present potential new treatment options.

Methods

A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Studies comparing cardiac myosin inhibitors with placebo were reviewed, and outcomes related to NYHA functional class, Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire Clinical Summary Score (KCCQ-CSS), LVOT gradients, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were analyzed.

Results

Six RCTs involving 826 participants demonstrated that mavacamten and aficamten significantly improved NYHA functional class and KCCQ-CSS scores. The incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and serious adverse events (SAEs) was similar between the treatment and control groups, indicating a comparable safety profile.

Conclusion

Cardiac myosin inhibitors are effective in improving cardiac function and reducing LVOT obstruction in HCM patients. They offer a promising alternative to current treatments, with a safety profile comparable to placebo. Further research is needed to confirm long-term benefits.
Risk prediction models for depression in patients with coronary heart disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Jie , Zhou Yue , Huang Linyu , Zhang Xingling , Li Long , Xi Chongcheng
Published: January 2025

Background

Risk prediction models for depression in patients with coronary heart disease are increasingly being developed. However, the quality and applicability of these models in clinical practice remain uncertain.

Objective

To systematically evaluate depression risk prediction models in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD).

Methods

Databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, and SinoMed were searched for relevant studies from inception to September 29, 2024. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and used the Prediction Model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool (PROBAST) to evaluate the models' risk of bias and applicability.

Results

Eight studies, encompassing 13 risk prediction models and involving 8,035 CHD patients, were included, with 1,971 patients diagnosed with depression. Common predictors included age, educational level, gender, and cardiac function classification. The area under the curve (AUC) for the models ranged from 0.772 to 0.961, indicating overall good performance; however, risk of bias was high, primarily due to issues in the analysis phase, such as inadequate handling of missing values, univariate analysis for variable selection, and lack of external validation.

Conclusion

Depression risk prediction models for CHD patients generally perform well, but high risk of bias and limited applicability remain concerns. Future studies should focus on developing and validating more robust models to aid healthcare professionals in early identification of high-risk patients for depression.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42024625641, identifier (CRD42024625641).
Petrology of the Eocene alkaline volcanism from the western Rio Grande Rise, South Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Taciro Mandacaru Guerra Julia , de Assis Janasi Valdecir , Srivastava Priyeshu , Stipp Basei Miguel Angelo , Luvizotto George Luiz , Jovane Luigi
Published: January 2025

The origin and evolution of the Rio Grande Rise is deeply related to the opening of the South Atlantic Ocean. The geology of the plateau records the transition from divergent plate margins at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge to an intraplate tectonic setting. Despite the potential to bring insights into the complex tectono-magmatic processes involved in the development of the Rio Grande Rise, there is an overall lack of integrated petrological studies regarding its intraplate Eocene alkaline magmatism. We have investigated trachytes, trachyandesites, alkali basalts, a trachybasalt and a basanite dredged from the western Rio Grande Rise to characterize its magmatic system. Integrated petrography, mineral chemistry and whole-rock geochemistry suggests that these rocks have evolved in a complex transcrustal polybaric magmatic system, where crystals were remobilized by host liquids with different composition at distinct depths. Disequilibrium between crystals and host magmas is evidenced by abundant clinopyroxene macrocrysts with resorbed or corroded cores and rims with contrasting composition, as well as by resorbed feldspar macrocrysts. Clinopyroxene crystals also record cyclic compositional variations in magmatic chambers submitted to multiple magma recharge episodes and a strong control by fractional crystallization. U-Pb dating of zircons from a trachyte yielded an age of 46.9 ± 0.3 Ma, which reinforces the importance of the Eocene volcanism from the western Rio Grande Rise. Moreover, results from Pb, Sr and Nd isotope analysis reveal that Eocene alkaline volcanic rocks from the Western Rio Grande Rise have EMI-flavored Tristan-type signatures. This suggests that the mantle sources from the western Rio Grande Rise and from the Walvis Ridge and Guyot Province magmatism still shared common characteristics long after its separation from the Walvis Ridge.
How university governance affects education service quality: insights from Ethiopian public universities
Authors: Atanaw Bekele , Estifanos Ashebir Bezabih , Negash Habtamu Gezahegn
Published: January 2025

University governance plays a significant role in bringing about change because it is one of the most critical variables in determining the success of higher education institutions. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the influence of university governance on the education service quality of Ethiopian public universities. Accordingly, the current study focuses on five key university governance principles: accountability, autonomy, academic freedom, transparency and responsibility. The study utilized a multiple linear regression model, which made use of quantitative data sources. Data was collected from 378 instructors and academic officials from six public institutions, including department heads, deans, faculty heads, and directors. The research utilized a closed-ended questionnaire. Using SPSS software version 20, the quantitative data were examined using the descriptive statistics and inferential statistics techniques. The results of the regression analysis and correlation were discovered. The correlation result indicates that accountability and academic freedom parameters had a positive and strong correlation with education service quality. The regression results showed that academic freedom positively affected the education service quality while accountability and responsibility negatively affected the quality of education services of Ethiopian public universities. Academic leaders and staff of public universities should therefore practice academic freedom, transparency, and autonomous decision-making through implementing university governance principles in their respective public universities in Ethiopia.
The mediating effect of teacher commitment in the relationship between burnout and role performance of early childhood teachers
Authors: Kim Sungwon , Lee Jiyoung
Published: January 2025

The purpose of this study is to examine the mediating effect of teacher commitment on the relationship between burnout and role performance of early childhood teachers. The sample consisted of 207 early childhood teachers in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province, selected through convenience sampling. Data collection was conducted over a period of 1 month in November 2020 with teachers who agreed to participate in the study. The results of this study were as follows: First, there was a negative correlation between early childhood teachers’ burnout and commitment, and between burnout and role performance. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between teachers’ commitment and role performance. Second, early childhood teachers’ teacher commitment was found to partially mediate the relationship between burnout and role performance. This study is significant in that it is being published at a time when the integration of early childhood education and childcare is just beginning in South Korea, and it addresses the topic of teachers who will be most directly affected by the integration.
A critical approach to SDGs through Collaborative Online International Learning: experiences from Canada and Spain
Authors: Campoy-Cubillo Mari Carmen , Jimenez-Estrada Vivian
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) is described as a pedagogical experience linking the classrooms of two or more higher education institutions across culturally and linguistically differentiated regions. COIL intends to provide academics and students with the ability to communicate and collaborate with peers internationally through online interactions. During the Fall of 2021, this collaboration involved the Universitat Jaume I (UJI), located in the city of Castelló de la Plana in Spain and Algoma University, located on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabek Nation, as well as the homelands of the Métis Nation. The student profiles, each institutions’ geographical locations, as well as the linguistic, cultural and critical approaches to teaching and learning provided ample opportunities and challenges for the development and implementation of this experience.

Methods

The purpose of this paper is to provide a pedagogical reflection on the development of a 5-week module taught together during three academic years. The authors provide an account and reflection of their collaboration centered on the institutional challenges and opportunities that currently exist for courses that aim to engage Indigenous and critical/ecological thinking.

Results and discussion

The background of the collaboration leads to a detailed analysis of the context of COIL implementation and the reflections on the modules’ development and improvement. Our recommendations are based on lessons learned from the substantive and technical challenges and opportunities on the complexity of teaching about contemporary ecological/social issues, as well as the tools required to inspire future activists.
Increased cardiac macrophages in Sorbs2-deficient hearts: revealing a potential role for macrophage in responding to embryonic myocardial abnormalities
Authors: Hu Beibei , Liu Xiangyang , Xiong Shanshan , Gong Qin , Yang Junjie , Shi Hongjun , Zhang Min , Liang Fei , Zhang Zhen
Published: January 2025

Macrophages are known to support cardiac development and homeostasis, contributing to tissue remodeling and repair in the adult heart. However, it remains unclear whether embryonic macrophages also respond to abnormalities in the developing heart. Previously, we reported that the structural protein Sorbs2 promotes the development of the second heart field, with its deficiency resulting in atrial septal defects (ASD). In analyzing RNA-seq data, we noted an upregulation of macrophage-related genes in Sorbs2−/− hearts. Immunostaining and lineage-tracing confirmed an increase in macrophage numbers, underscoring a macrophage response to myocardial abnormalities. Partial depletion of macrophages led to downregulation of genes involved in lipid metabolism, muscle development and organ regeneration, alongside upregulation of genes associated with DNA damage-induced senescence and cardiomyopathy. Additionally, a non-significant increase in septal defects in macrophage-depleted Sorbs2−/− hearts suggests a potential reparative function for macrophages in maintaining structural integrity. Valve formation, however, remained unaffected. Our findings suggest that embryonic macrophages might sense abnormalities in embryonic cardiomyocytes and could adaptively support cardiac structure and function development in response to myocardial abnormalities.
DAMPs prognostic signature predicts tumor immunotherapy, and identifies immunosuppressive mechanism of pannexin 1 channels in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wu Qianxue , Xiao Qian , Tang Xin , Li Liuying , Song Daqiang , Zhou Yang , Li Benhua , Ren Guosheng , Luo Fang
Published: January 2025

Background

Damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) induced by immunogenic cell death (ICD) may be useful for the immunotherapy to patients undergoing pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The aim of this study is to predict the prognosis and immunotherapy responsiveness of PDAC patients using DAMPs-related genes.

Methods

K-means analysis was used to identify the DAMPs-related subtypes of 175 PDAC cases. The significance of gene mutation and immune status in different subtypes was detected. LASSO regression was used to construct a DAMPs-related prognostic signature to predict the immunotherapy responsiveness of PDAC. Subsequently, in vivo and in vitro experiments and Bulk-RNA seq were used to verify the effect of hub gene pannexin 1 (PANX1) on PDAC.

Results

Two subtypes were clustered based on the expression levels of DAMPs genes from 175 PDAC patients. Besides, the prognosis and immune landscape in up-regulated DAMPs expression subtypes was poor. In addition, we constructed a DAMPs-related prognostic signature that correlated with immune cell infiltration and predicted immunotherapy or chemotherapy responsiveness of patients with PDAC. Mechanically, through Bulk-RNA sequencing and experiments, we found that PANX1 promoted tumor progression and immune regulation via the ATP release to active NOD1/NFκB signaling pathway in PDAC.

Conclusion

Our in silico analyses established a classification system based on ICD-related DAMPs genes in PDAC, and constructed a DAMPs-related prognostic model to predict the efficacy of immunotherapy. This study will provide a new perspective for targeting the DAMPs-related molecule PANX1 in the treatment of PDAC.
Clinical features and prognostic factors of pediatric Langerhans cell histiocytosis: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Lu Yunfeng , Liu Liying , Wang Qi , Liu Bingju , Zhao Ping , Guan Guotao , Dai Yunpeng
Published: January 2025

Purpose

To retrospectively evaluate the clinical features and prognostic factors of pediatric LCH patients treated in a single center of China.

Methods

Pediatric LCH cases were treated following the SD-LCH protocol at the Affiliated Provincial Hospital of Shandong First Medical University in Jinan, China. An analysis was conducted on 82 recently identified LCH cases to retrospectively evaluate the initial symptoms, therapeutic alternatives, and extended results. Follow-ups were conducted until July 31, 2023.

Results

The median age at diagnosis was 2 (0.25–12) years. 42 (51.2%) were SS-LCH, and 40 (48.8%) were MS-LCH. The most common organ involved was bone (82.9%). Over the 16-year follow-up period, the 5-year EFS and OS rates were 75.2 ± 5% and 90.9 ± 3.3%, respectively. The cumulative reactivation rate was 23.2%. The 5-year EFS rate in SS-LCH and MS-LCH patients were 90.2 ± 4.6% and 58.8 ± 8.3%, and the 5-year OS rate in SS-LCH and MS-LCH patients were 90.2 ± 4.6% and 81.2 ± 6.5%, respectively. The 5-year OS and EFS rate in RO+ LCH and RO− LCH patients were 79.5 ± 7.5%, 53.8 ± 9.6% and 87.5 ± 11.7%, 76.2 ± 14.8%, insignificantly. Multivariate Cox regression showed that liver involvement predicted poor EFS and hematological system involvement was an independent prognostic factor for OS. Detection of the BRAFV600E mutation and targeted therapy significantly improved the prognosis post-2017.

Conclusion

Liver or hematological system involvement indicates a poor prognosis, and the SD-LCH protocol improves prognosis for pediatric LCH patients.
The mediating effect of clinical belongingness on the relationship between anxiety and professional identity in nursing interns: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhang Junhao , Wang Lijia , Yang Xue , Yang Yuwei , Wu Xuehua , Huang Huaping , Li Guirong
Published: January 2025

Background

Previous studies have reported that anxiety negatively affects professional identity (PI), and clinical belongingness is positively correlated with PI among nursing interns. However, little is known about the relationship between anxiety, PI, and clinical belongingness among nursing interns.

Objective

To explore the relationship between PI, clinical belongingness, and anxiety among nursing interns, and to demonstrate the mediating role of clinical belongingness in this relationship.

Methods

A cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire was conducted between November 2023 and January 2024 among 1,050 nursing interns from 26 teaching hospitals in Sichuan Province, China. A general information questionnaire, the Belongingness Scale-Clinical Placement Experience (BES-CPE), the Self-Rated Anxiety Scale (SAS), and the Professional Identity Questionnaire for Nursing Students (PIQNS) were used to collect data. SPSS (version 25.0) and AMOS (version 28.0) were used to analyze the data.

Results

Nursing interns had moderate mean scores for all variables; PI (60.77 ± 12.18), clinical belongingness (115.99 ± 17.02), and anxiety (47.44 ± 8.75). Correlation analyses revealed that both PI (r = −0.129, p < 0.01) and clinical belongingness (r = −0.087, p < 0.01) were negatively correlated with anxiety and clinical belongingness was positively correlated with PI (r = 0.601, p < 0.01). The clinical belongingness of nursing interns had a mediating effect on the relationship between anxiety and PI (β = −0.072, 95% confidence interval = −0.133 to −0.013, p < 0.001), accounting for 40% of the total effect.

Conclusion

The anxiety level of nursing interns can have a direct impact on the prediction of PI and an indirect influence on PI mediated by clinical belongingness. Accordingly, nursing educators and managers should screen and channel the mental health problems of nursing interns in a timely manner, improving their clinical belonging, which will help improve PI and ultimately improve the stability of the nursing workforce.
Psychological abuse and its influencing factors among home-dwelling older people in Northern China: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Wu Xiaomeng , Pei Li , Wang Yu , Zhang Lanrui , Zhao Dongqing , Dou Haoying
Published: January 2025

Background

As the population ages, the subject of elder abuse has become more prominent, with psychological abuse of older people being particularly prevalent. This leads to a higher incidence of anxiety, depression, and other psychological problems among older people, reducing their quality of life, and even jeopardizing their safety.

Methods

A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted to investigate psychological abuse among home-dwelling older people in Northern China and its influencing factors. Participants were surveyed using a demographic questionnaire, activities of daily living (ADL), family adaptability and cohesion evaluation scale (FACES), and elder psychological abuse scale. The factors impacting psychological abuse were examined using binary logistic regression.

Results

A total of 465 home-dwelling older people participated in the study, with an effective response rate of 97.89%. The median item score of psychological abuse was 20 (IQR: 18–22), activities of daily living was 15 (IQR: 14–17), and family adaptability and cohesion was 96 (IQR: 86–105). Binary logistic regression analysis indicated that the factors affecting psychological abuse among home-dwelling older people were residence in rural areas (OR = 3.487, 95% CI = 2.121–5.732), monthly income ≥ 3,501 (OR = 0.342, 95% CI = 0.119–0.987), had chronic diseases (OR = 2.202, 95% CI = 1.356–3.576), and FACES (OR = 0.955, 95% CI = 0.936–0.974) were the factors that influenced the prevalence of psychological abuse.

Conclusion

In Northern China, the level of psychological abuse among older people is low. It is associated with residence, monthly income, chronic diseases, and family adaptability and cohesion. Further studies are required to understand the underlying causes and develop effective interventions to reduce psychological abuse and ensure a comfortable old life for older Chinese people.
Global, regional, and national burden inequality of chronic kidney disease, 1990–2021: a systematic analysis for the global burden of disease study 2021
Authors: Guo Jingxun , Liu Zhen , Wang Pengjun , Wu Heming , Fan Kai , Jin Jianbo , Zheng Lan , Liu Zeyu , Xie Renyi , Li Cheng
Published: January 2025

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant global health issue, often linked to diabetes, hypertension, and glomerulonephritis. However, aggregated statistics can obscure heterogeneity across subtypes, age, gender, and regions. This study aimed to analyze global CKD trends from 1990 to 2021, focusing on age, gender, socio-demographic index (SDI), and regional variations.

Methods

Data were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 database, covering prevalence, incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). These were presented as counts per 100,000 population and age-standardized rates, with uncertainty intervals (UIs) to highlight variability. Joinpoint regression was used to assess trends over the 30-year period.

Results

In 2021, global CKD prevalence was 359 million, with 11.13 million new cases, 1.53 million deaths, and 44.45 million DALYs—up 92, 156, 176, and 114% since 1990. While prevalence slightly declined, incidence, mortality, and DALYs increased significantly. CKD burden varied by region and age, with notable gender disparities.

Conclusion

The study highlights a dramatic rise in CKD burden linked to population growth and aging, emphasizing the need for targeted treatment and effective global healthcare policies.
Pathogenesis and regenerative therapy in vitiligo and alopecia areata: focus on hair follicle
Authors: Zhou Yuan , Zhang Yu-Xuan , Xiong Yu-Yun , Li Yu-Mei
Published: January 2025

Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease characterized by the loss of functional melanocytes in the hair follicles and epidermis, leading to white patches on the skin and mucous membranes. Alopecia areata (AA) is a common immune-mediated condition in which autoimmune attack on hair follicles cause non-scarring hair loss. Both diseases significantly impact patients’s physical and mental health. Hair follicles, dynamic mini-organs, house diverse stem cell populations that form hair structures. Melanocyte stem cell (McSCs) and hair follicle stem cells (HFSC) located in the hair follicle bulge contribute to follicular structures during each anagen phase of the hair cycle, synchronizing periodic activities to impact color to the hair. Hair follicle dysfunction may contribute to hair loss and could potentially interfere with repigmentation efforts in vitiligo lesions. This article reviews the role of hair follicles in the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and therapeutic options for vitiligo and AA, aiming to deepen clinicians’ understanding of follicular involvement in these diseases and explore potential treatment avenues.
Development of digital therapeutics in Hwa-byung treatment: exploring innovation potential in Korean medicine through practitioner survey
Authors: Kwon Chan-Young
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Hwa-byung (HB) is a culture-bound anger syndrome prevalent in Korea. While clinical practice guidelines emphasize mind–body modalities (MBMs) and psychotherapies for HB treatment, their implementation in Korean medicine (KM) remains unexplored. Digital therapeutics (DTx) offers potential solutions for treatment delivery barriers. This study investigated current HB treatment practices among KM doctors and their perceptions on DTx implementation.

Methods

A nationwide web-based survey of licensed KMDs (N = 864) was conducted in South Korea (August–September 2024). The survey assessed HB treatment practices, utilization of MBMs and psychotherapies, and attitudes toward DTx. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results

Most KMDs utilized conventional KM treatments (acupuncture 95.4%, herbal medicine 94.0%), while MBMs (26.2%) and psychotherapies (21.3%) were underutilized despite their recognized importance. Primary barriers included time constraints (65.8%) and insufficient knowledge (62.9%). Treatment typically required 15.6 ± 60.7 weeks with 21.6 ± 37.4 sessions. While DTx knowledge was limited (mean score 2.3 ± 0.9/5), most KMDs (70.6%) expressed interest in DTx development, with 65.4% willing to implement it in practice. The estimated appropriate cost for HB DTx was 24,441.5 ± 13,566.0 KRW per session.

Conclusion

This study reveals a significant gap between guidelines and clinical practice in HB treatment, particularly in implementing MBMs and psychotherapies. The positive attitude toward DTx suggests its potential as a practical solution to bridge this gap by providing accessible, standardized delivery of evidence-based psychological interventions within existing clinical workflows. Future DTx development should focus on addressing identified barriers while maintaining alignment with KM principles.
Malignant breast adenomyoepithelioma: case report and literature review
Authors: Ma Jinxiu , Zhao Gang , Bi Mingchao , Dong Xiaoxiao , Sun Jian , Wang Xiaozhen
Published: January 2025

Malignant adenomyoepithelioma (MAME) of the breast is a rare tumor with both benign and malignant features. We report a case of a 67-year-old woman who presented with a mass in the outer quadrant of the right breast, detected during a routine check-up. The mass was classified as BI-RADS 3. After minimally invasive excision, pathology confirmed low-grade malignant adenomyoepithelioma. The patient then underwent total mastectomy and sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). At two years of follow-up, there was no recurrence or metastasis. This case highlights the rarity of MAME and the importance of early diagnosis and complete excision.
Aging-enhanced autophagy activity promotes fibrotic progression via the TGF-β2/Smad signaling pathway in trabecular meshwork cells—a new insight from POAG
Authors: Han Jin , Wang Jun , Shen Ling , Cai Yiting , Wang Xuze , Wumaier Ailixiati , Chen Wei , Han Wei
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness, is characterized by optic neuropathy and retinopathy, with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) being the most prevalent form. The primary pathogenic mechanism of POAG involves elevated intraocular pressure caused by chronic fibrosis of the trabecular meshwork (TM). Autophagy, a critical process for maintaining cellular homeostasis, has been implicated in fibrosis across various organs. However, its precise role in the fibrosis associated with POAG pathogenesis remains unclear. This study investigates the involvement of autophagy in TM fibrosis and explores its potential impact on POAG development, aiming to provide insights into new therapeutic targets.

Methods

To assess autophagy activity and its relationship with fibrosis, we analyzed TM tissues from POAG patients and healthy donors. Autophagic activity in human TM tissues was measured through immunohistochemical analyses. An in vitro aging model using chronic H2O2 treatment was established to investigate the change of fibrosis in TM cells. Additionally, we used dexamethasone-treated TM cells as a POAG model to explore the role of autophagy in fibrotic progression. The involvement of the TGF-β2/Smad signaling pathway was investigated through western blot analysis and quantitative real-time PCR.

Results

This study reveals increased autophagic activity in tissues from POAG patients and an age-related upregulation of autophagy in healthy human TM tissues. In the H2O2-induced aging model, TM cells displayed both elevated autophagic activity and fibrosis. Further investigation showed that enhanced autophagy activity promoted fibrotic progression via activation of the TGF-β2/Smad signaling pathway. Similarly, in the dexamethasone-treated TM cell model, autophagy was found to exacerbate fibrosis, aligning with observations in the aging model.

Discussion

In this study, we uncover the interplay between autophagy and the TGF-β2/Smad pathway in the pathogenesis of POAG. We observed increased autophagic activity in TM tissues from POAG patients and in TM tissues of aging healthy individuals. In human primary TM cells, we confirmed that autophagy becomes activated in the context of cellular senescence and the development of POAG, which further facilitates fibrotic progression via the TGF-β2/Smad signaling pathway. These findings underscore the important role of autophagy in POAG pathogenesis and confirm senescence as a pivotal risk factor.
CRISPR/Cas12a-based method coupled with isothermal amplification to identify Alternaria spp. isolated from wheat grain samples
Authors: Shaizadinova Aisha , Amanzholova Meruyert , Rukavitsina Irina , Abeldenov Sailau , Zhumakayev Anuar Rysbekovich
Published: January 2025

Alternaria fungal species are considered major plant pathogens, infecting various crops and resulting in significant agricultural losses. Additionally, these species can contaminate grain with multiple mycotoxins that are harmful to humans and animals. Efficient pest management relies on timely detection and identification of phytopathogens in plant and grain samples, facilitating prompt selection of a crop protection strategy. Conventional identification tools, such as morphological characterization and identification based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods, are time-consuming and laboratory-bound, limiting their implementation for on-site diagnostics essential in the agricultural industry. Isothermal amplification methods, including nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA), loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), and recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA), enable nucleic acid amplification at constant temperatures, making them ideal for point-of-care diagnostics without the need for thermal cycling equipment. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 12a (Cas12a)-based identification, coupled with such isothermal amplification methods, represents an emerging nucleic acid-based technology for detecting plant pathogens at high accuracy and sensitivity. This study aimed to develop a CRISPR/Cas12a-based method integrated with RPA amplification for specific detection of Alternaria spp. isolated from wheat grain samples. The developed method targeted the β-tubulin gene was successfully identified Alternaria strains within a 20-min RPA amplification followed by a 30-min CRISPR/Cas12a reaction and visualization of results. Specificity test included pathogenic fungal species commonly hosted wheat grain, such as Fusarium spp. Bipolaris sorokiniana, and Nigrospora oryzae revealed high specificity of the method for Alternaria species. Furthermore, the method exhibited high sensitivity, detecting Alternaria DNA down to 100 copies, validated by real-time fluorescence readout. A fluorescence assay was employed to visualize the results of RPA and CRISPR/Cas12a reaction, demonstrating substantial implementation potential of the method in point-of-care detection of Alternaria spp. In conclusion, we present the CRISPR/Cas12a-based method as a potentially sustainable approach for the rapid, precise, and specific nucleic-acid-based identification of Alternaria species in grain samples.
Oxygenation and intestinal perfusion and its association with perturbations of the early life gut microbiota composition of children with congenital heart disease
Authors: Renk Hanna , Schoppmeier Ulrich , Müller Jennifer , Kuger Vanessa , Neunhoeffer Felix , Gille Christian , Peter Silke
Published: January 2025

Background

Early life gut microbiota is known to shape the immune system and has a crucial role in immune homeostasis. Only little is known about composition and dynamics of the intestinal microbiota in infants with congenital heart disease (CHD) and potential influencing factors.

Methods

We evaluated the intestinal microbial composition of neonates with CHD (n = 13) compared to healthy controls (HC, n = 30). Fecal samples were analyzed by shotgun metagenomics. Different approaches of statistical modeling were applied to assess the impact of influencing factors on variation in species composition. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering of the microbial composition of neonates with CHD was used to detect associations of distinct clusters with intestinal tissue oxygenation and perfusion parameters, obtained by the “oxygen to see” (O2C) method.

Results

Overall, neonates with CHD showed an intestinal core microbiota dominated by the genera Enterococcus (27%) and Staphylococcus (20%). Furthermore, a lower abundance of the genera Bacteroides (8% vs. 14%), Parabacteroides (1% vs. 3%), Bifidobacterium (4% vs. 12%), and Escherichia (8% vs. 23%) was observed in CHD compared to HCs. CHD patients that were born by vaginal delivery showed a lower fraction of the genera Bacteroides (15% vs. 21%) and Bifidobacterium (7% vs. 22%) compared to HCs and in those born by cesarean section, these genera were not found at all. In infants with CHD, we found a significant impact of oxygen saturation (SpO2) on relative abundances of the intestinal core microbiota by multivariate analysis of variance (F[8,2] = 24.9, p = 0.04). Statistical modeling suggested a large proportional shift from a microbiota dominated by the genus Streptococcus (50%) in conditions with low SpO2 towards the genus Enterococcus (61%) in conditions with high SpO2. We identified three distinct compositional microbial clusters, corresponding neonates differed significantly in intestinal blood flow and global gut perfusion.

Conclusion

Early life differences in gut microbiota of CHD neonates versus HCs are possibly linked to oxygen levels. Delivery method may affect microbiota stability. However, further studies are needed to assess the effect of potential interventions including probiotics or fecal transplants on early life microbiota perturbations in neonates with CHD.
In silico analysis of the effect of HCV genotype-specific polymorphisms in Core, NS3, NS5A, and NS5B proteins on T-cell epitope processing and presentation
Authors: Baig Samina , Berikkara Assel , Khalid Ramsha , Subhan Syed A. , Abbas Tanveer , Abidi Syed Hani
Published: January 2025

Background

HCV genotypes are 30–35% polymorphic at the nucleotide level, while subtypes within the same genotype differ by nearly 20%. Although previous studies have shown the immune escape potential of several mutations within the HCV proteins, little is known about the effect of genotype/subtype-specific gene polymorphism on T-cell immunity. Therefore, this study employed several in silico methods to examine the impact of genotype/subtype-specific polymorphisms in Core, NS3, NS5A, and NS5B sequences on T cell epitope processing and HLA-epitope interactions.

Methods

For this study, 8,942, 17,700, 14,645, and 3,277 HCV Core, NS3, NS5A, and NS5B sequences, respectively, from eight genotypes and 21 subtypes were retrieved from the Los Alamos HCV Database. Next, the NetCTL tool was employed to predict Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte (CTL) epitopes based on combined proteasomal cleavage, TAP efficacy, and HLA class I receptor binding scores. PEP-FOLD was used to model selected epitopes, followed by peptide-HLA docking using HPEPDOCK. Finally, molecular dynamics simulations were conducted for 200 ns using Desmond software to analyze differences in HLA-epitope (from different HCV genotypes) interaction kinetics and dynamics.

Results

A total of 3,410, 8,054, 6,532, and 14,015 CTL epitopes were observed in the HCV Core, NS3, NS5A, and NS5B sequences, respectively. Significant genotype/subtype-specific variations in CTL values and docking scores were observed among NS3, NS5A, and NS5B proteins. In silico results reveal that epitopes from genotype 6b (NS3), 6d/r (NS5B), 6o and 6 k (NS5A) exhibit higher immunogenicity than other genotypes, forming more energetically stable complexes with host receptors. These epitopes, compared to those from the same positions but different genotypes, showed binding energies of −144.24 kcal/mol, −85.30 kcal/mol, and − 43 kcal/mol, respectively. Over a 200 ns MD simulation, GT 6b and 6d/r epitopes displayed up to a 40% stronger binding energy with the HLA receptor. These findings suggest that patients infected with GT 6 may experience enhanced T cell responsiveness and broader immunogenicity.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that genotype/subtype-specific polymorphism in HCV may result in altered immune responses by modulating T-cell epitope processing and interaction with HLA receptors. Further experimental studies can be performed to confirm the effect of genotype/subtype-specific polymorphisms on T cell-mediated immune response.
Nanomaterials–plants–microbes interaction: plant growth promotion and stress mitigation
Authors: Sodhi Gurleen Kaur , Wijesekara Tharuka , Kumawat Kailash Chand , Adhikari Priyanka , Joshi Kuldeep , Singh Smriti , Farda Beatrice , Djebaili Rihab , Sabbi Enrico , Ramila Fares , Sillu Devendra , Santoyo Gustavo , de los Santos-Villalobos Sergio , Kumar Ajay , Pellegrini Marika , Mitra Debasis
Published: January 2025

Soil salinization, extreme climate conditions, and phytopathogens are abiotic and biotic stressors that remarkably reduce agricultural productivity. Recently, nanomaterials have gained attention as effective agents for agricultural applications to mitigate such stresses. This review aims to critically appraise the available literature on interactions involving nanomaterials, plants, and microorganisms. This review explores the role of nanomaterials in enhancing plant growth and mitigating biotic and abiotic stresses. These materials can be synthesized by microbes, plants, and algae, and they can be applied as fertilizers and stress amelioration agents. Nanomaterials facilitate nutrient uptake, improve water retention, and enhance the efficiency of active ingredient delivery. Nanomaterials strengthen plant antioxidant systems, regulate photosynthesis, and stabilize hormonal pathways. Concurrently, their antimicrobial and protective properties provide resilience against biotic stressors, including pathogens and pests, by promoting plant immune responses and optimizing microbial-plant symbiosis. The synergistic interactions of nanomaterials with beneficial microorganisms optimize plant growth under stress conditions. These materials also serve as carriers of nutrients, growth regulators, and pesticides, thus acting like “smart fertilizers. While nanotechnology offers great promise, addressing potential environmental and ecotoxicological risks associated with their use is necessary. This review outlines pathways for leveraging nanotechnology to achieve resilient, sustainable, and climate-smart agricultural systems by integrating molecular insights and practical applications.
Tracing microbial community across endophyte-to-saprotroph continuum of Cinnamomum camphora (L.) Presl leaves considering priority effect of endophyte on litter decomposition
Authors: Xiao Jiamin , He Zaihua , He Xingbing , Lin Yonghui , Kong Xiangshi
Published: January 2025

Endophytes typically coexist with plants in symbiosis and transition into the saprobic system as plant tissues senesce, participating in the decomposition process of litter. However, the dynamic changes of endophytic communities during this process and their role in litter decomposition remain unclear. This study tracked the microbial composition across the transition from live leaves to litter in Cinnamomum camphora (L.) Presl (C. camphora), evaluating the contribution of endophytes to litter decomposition by examining microbial diversity, community assembly, and co-occurrence networks along the endophyte-to-saprotroph spectrum. The results revealed increasing bacterial diversity but stable fungal diversity, and the diversity of endogenous microbes is mirrored this in the saprophytic phase. Bacterial community assembly was characterized by deterministic processes during the symbiotic phase, shifted to stochastic processes during the saprophytic phase. In contrast, fungal community assembly was predominantly driven by stochastic processes throughout the continuum. Out of the 49 keystone taxa identified, only Pseudorhodoplanes sinuspersici demonstrated a significant positive correlation with community assembly. All identified bacterial keystone taxa during the saprophytic phase originated from endophytic sources, and around 80% of the fungal keystone taxa in the initial stages of decomposition were similarly endophytic in origin. Additionally, 60% of the dominant bacterial taxa and 28% of the dominant fungal taxa at the commencement of decomposition were of endophytic descent. This suggests that endogenous microbes possess the potential to evolve into both keystone and dominant taxa during the saprophytic phase. Endogenous keystone and dominant microbes both exhibited significant correlations with microbial network, indicating their substantial ecological presence in microbial community. Both endogenous keystone and dominant taxa exerted significant potential influences on litter decomposition. Overall, during the saprophytic phase, endophytes are likely to influence the assemblage of microbial communities, the network structure, and decomposition-related functions. Specifically, it appears that bacterial endophytes may possess a greater adaptability to the decomposition processes of leaf litter compared to their fungal counterparts.
The role of vitamin K2 in cognitive impairment: linking vascular health to brain health
Authors: Roumeliotis Stefanos , Kontogiorgos Ioannis , de Vries Femke , Maresz Katarzyna , Jeanne Jean-François , Leivaditis Konstantinos , Schurgers Leon J.
Published: January 2025

Cognitive impairment, marked by a decline in essential mental aspects such as attention, memory, and problem-solving, is significantly correlated with advancing age. This condition presents a major challenge for the elderly, adversely affecting quality of life, diminishing independence, and imposing substantial burdens on healthcare systems. Recent research indicates that vitamin K2 may be vital for preserving brain health and cognitive function. Traditionally recognized primarily for its role in blood coagulation, vitamin K has emerged in recent years as a nutrient with diverse biological effects essential for healthy aging. A growing body of evidence from both observational and interventional studies underscores the pivotal role of vitamin K2 in mitigating arterial calcification. This mechanism may link vascular health to cognitive function, suggesting that vitamin K2 could play a critical role in the prevention of cognitive impairment in aging populations.