bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Creating informative experiences through a visual and interactive representation of health and social care data
Authors: Kang Kean Lee , Hastings Adam , Hughes Alex Danielle , Myszkowska Karolina , Greer Margaret , Preston Janice , McIntyre Don , Hughes Janette , Mackenzie Kara , Bown James , Falconer Ruth
Published: January 2025

Association rule mining is an established machine learning tool for finding patterns (‘rules’) in big datasets. The algorithm can easily produce a large number of ‘rules’ of how items in a dataset are related to one another. This can pose a significant challenge to the interpretability and usefulness of the results obtained. In this paper, we present how to support decision making through ‘playable mechanics’ powered by a video games engine. The premise is to create aesthetic and informative experiences through a visual and interactive representation of a problem space such as the association rules mined from a health and social care dataset. The Unity game engine is used to create a force-directed graph to be rendered and explored in real-time using the Barnes-Hut method to accelerate computations. A Boolean AND/OR/NOT selection function was implemented, enabling the graph to be explored and pruned to the data points specified by the search query. As a result, users can obtain an overview of the large-scale structure of the dataset, with the option of performing targeted explorations around points of interest. To evaluate the effectiveness of the application, a series of online user testing workshops were conducted. The resultant thematic analysis found the incorporated features to be well-integrated, but a difference was found between the responses of users with high or low technical proficiency within the commissioning organization. The technical users were able to quickly grasp the operation of the system but were unclear about its purpose or practical application. Conversely, the health and social care professionals saw the potential value of the tool but were unsure of their personal ability to use it effectively. Finally, System Usability Scale (SUS) scores were obtained from participants in a final in-person workshop, with excellent results overall (mean 84, top quartile).
Fragments of anarchism in higher education critical art pedagogies
Authors: Wilkinson Ryan Gerald , Ashworth Connor
Published: January 2025

Higher Education (HE) continues to find itself subject to neoliberal doctrines of competition, standardisation, managerialism and marketisation. This paper presents selected findings from a grounded theory study in which creative arts practitioners working in HE institutions shared their understandings of the arts and the critical pedagogies inherent in their discipline within the context of a neoliberalised educational economy. The research shows that arts pedagogies and anarchist principles have similitude between them, with anarchist ideals directing and informing teaching practices through non-hierarchical modes of exchange, fluid approaches to teaching and co-operative learning practices in educational spaces. This perhaps indicates that despite the prevalence of neoliberal marketised governance infiltrating and influencing pedagogic practice in the arts there is still resistance to managerialist, stratified notions of education within this discipline.
Experimental analysis of mechanical properties and FTIR analysis of areca fiber-reinforced epoxy composites incorporating Al2O3
Authors: Tavadi Ashokkumar.R. , Basheer Dedapeer , Melese Kassahun Gashu , Kumaresan K. , Mohan N. , Kerur Mohammad Rafi H , Shashidhara L.C.
Published: January 2025

The interest in natural fiber reinforced polymer composites is rapidly growing in terms of both industrial and domestic applications. The present study is an attempt to improve the mechanical properties of composites made of areca fiber and epoxy resin with the incorporation of alumina filler. The filler was added in various percentages (0wt%, 2wt%, 4wt%, 6wt%, 8wt %) and the composite fabrication was done by compression molding technique. The fabricated composites were tested for tensile, hardness and impact properties. The results demonstrate that 8wt%Al2O3-A-E composite shows superior (tensile, impact, Hardness) mechanical composites. For improvement of hardness and strength main contributing factors were uniform dispersion of Al2O3 (Aluminum oxide) particles and better load transfer between Al2O3 (Aluminum oxide) particles and epoxy matrix. The effect of alkaline treatment of areca of fibers was verified by FTIR analysis. The experimental investigation attempt to improve the Areca epoxy composites by loading fillers and for the applications of light weight and high strength components in different sectors like aerospace and automobiles. Fracture surfaces were analyzed using Scanning Electron micrograph (SEM).
A Case of Euglycemic Diabetic Ketoacidosis in a Patient with Diabetic Foot Syndrome
Authors: Giambalvo Massimo , Giangreco Francesco , Iacopi Elisabetta , Pieruzzi Letizia , Goretti Chiara , Piaggesi Alberto
Published: January 2025

Euglycemic Diabetic ketoacidosis (E-DKA) is a life-threatening emergency characterized by ketonemia and metabolic acidosis in presence of relatively normal glycemic values. In recent years it has been associated with some predisposing conditions including sodium-glucose transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2-i) therapy, widely used in high-risk cardiovascular patients. We report the case of a 78-year-old diabetic woman treated with dapagliflozin, affected by critical limb threatening ischemia and septic osteoarthritis of interphalangeal joint of first right toe. At admission blood exams allowed diagnosis of E-DKA associated to acute kidney failure. The occurrence of the condition was probably due to foot infection acting on a trigger on a SGLT2-i predisposition. We treated the patient according to guidelines’ indications achieving the resolution of the metabolic derangement. After the control of acute condition and return of metabolic parameters within the normal range, the patient underwent revascularization procedure and surgical debridement eventually obtaining complete healing of foot lesion.
Naming Themes in Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA): Recommendations and Examples
Authors: Nigbur Dennis , Chatfield Sheryl L.
Published: January 2025

In qualitative research, theme typically refers to an identified trend running through the data. Themes play a prominent role in interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) and may serve as a framework for presentation. Although comprehensive resources are available to guide researchers through stages of IPA analysis, there is far less information on specific strategies for associating a theme with a name or label for IPA, or for other qualitative approaches. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to present strategies for thoughtful development of IPA theme names. To this end, we present and summarize available theme-naming guidance associated with multiple methods including IPA and thematic analysis. We supplement this with examples from prior IPA research studies we believe illustrate effective theme names, organized in three broad categories of theme focus, phrasing, and structure. Within these categories we provide guidelines for researchers to consider to best address the research purpose and most effectively communicate the key findings.
Out of the shadows: A photo-essay of antipodean colonisation, resistance and massacres
Authors: Porter Glenn
Published: January 2025

Landscape photography can be classic renditions of the natural environment within a picturesque tradition found in early English landscape paintings; however, culturally, it can also mean images of other types of environments involving humanity, including human interactions reminiscent of urbanscapes, industrial environments, cityscapes, sites of violent crime, engagement of war and others. Critically, landscape imagery within visual arts also functions within a rhetorical political context by forming concepts of national identity. While this photo-essay comprises of landscape images, the work is not about the landscape or the objects within the space framed by the camera. This work is about ‘place’ and the political and historical events that occurred at these sites. The places photographed in this work are an attempt to draw attention to the violence referred to as the frontier wars between the British military, settlers and Indigenous peoples during colonisation. The objective of the work is to enhance a contemporary consciousness and hopefully amend the collective historical narrative that suggests the British displacement and occupation of Aboriginal Nations was a peaceful transition. Australian history has a blind spot when it comes to the violence during this period that involved fierce resistance from the Indigenous people, the internment of families into missions and the hundreds of massacres by colonists across the entire country.
Subacute distal radio-ulnar joint subluxation after a distal radius fracture
Authors: Giddins Grey , Fraser Tristan , Lambert Robert
Published: January 2025

We report a series of 12 patients who developed early distal radioulnar joint subluxation after a distal radial fracture, not present on the initial radiographs. Early identification and management of this condition can give good clinical results.

Level of evidence: IV
Comparison of individually packed metalwork and on-the-tray metalwork: A review of clinical risks
Authors: Chong Han Hong , Dehbozorgi Sasan , Bodansky David , Trickett Ryan
Published: January 2025

The use of metalwork, such as screws and plates, is common in orthopaedic trauma surgery, with a recent trend towards individually packed metalwork owing to concerns about sterilization efficacy and traceability. Despite this, there is no clinical evidence proving clinical risk from repeat sterilization of metalworks used in orthopaedic trauma of either increased infection rates or loosening or implant failure. On the contrary, the use of individually packed metalworks presents several practical challenges, including higher costs, increased risks of contamination, longer operative times and a larger carbon footprint. This review underscores the need for further validation of individually packed metalwork in orthopaedic trauma surgery.
Synthesis, Characterization and Antifungal Activities of Amide and Acylthiourea of Substituted 2-Amino-1,3-Benzothiazole
Authors: Wang Junping , Wang Chuanping , Wang Hongmei , Wei Yan , Lin Jin , Hao Shuanghong
Published: January 2025

Objective: To search new antifungal compounds for effectively controling vital plant diseases, we designed and synthesized series of N-acyl and acylthiourea of substituted 2-amino-1,3-benzothiazole. Methods: The in vitro antifungal activities of the target compounds were screened against the mycelium growth rate of Valsa mali and Botrytis cinerea. The in vivo antifungal activities were evaluated on grape fruit against B. cinerea. Microscopic inspection and electrical conductivity detection were used to explore the effects of screened compound on the mycelium growth of B. cinerea. Results: The results showed that the most active compounds against V. mali were A12 and B9, while the most active compounds against B. cinerea were B9 and B10. Structure activity relationship (SAR) indicates that 6-NO2 on benzothiazole ring and electron withdrawing substitutes (-NO2, -CF3) on the aryl ring of acyl group are benefical to the activity of benzothiazole acylthiourea. Meanwhile, compounds B9 and B10 exhibited 80%–95% control effects on grape fruit against B. cinerea at 200 μg/mL. Compound B9 could destroy the structure of mycelium by increasing the permeability of cell membrane to inhibit the growth of B. cinerea. Conclusions: The structure activity relationship and the action mechanism of the title compounds are helpful to design new fungicide.
The impact of rhythm perception on chest compression rate during CPR: Insights from a pilot simulation study
Authors: Peran David , Bohm Pavel , Petru Matej , Kubalova Jana
Published: January 2025

Objective:

This pilot study aims to assess how individuals with rhythm perception, particularly musicians, are able to maintain the predefined chest compression rate during cardiopulmonary resuscitation compared to people without rhythm perception.

Methods:

The study was conducted at the Pilsen Emergency Medicine Conference (Czechia) using a simulation-based cohort design. Participants performed chest compressions on a manikin for 120 s, with the first 10 s guided by a metronome. Participants were grouped based on self-reported rhythmic perception, such as playing a musical instrument. The primary outcome was the average chest compression rate per minute.

Results:

A total of 67 participants were included. Both groups provided chest compression rate within the recommended limits. Musicians maintained a better chest compression rate (mean 110.56 compressions per minute) compared to nonmusicians (mean 107.31; T-test, p = 0.00074). Those with any rhythmic perception experience also performed better ( T-test, p = 0.036931). Secondary factors, including gender, clinical experience, and prior resuscitation training, did not significantly affect the results.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrates that individuals with rhythm perception, especially musicians, follow the predefined frequency of chest compressions more effectively.
The Digital Literacy Academic Writing Scale: Exploratory Factor Analysis
Authors: Nabhan Salim , Habók Anita
Published: January 2025

As the integration of digital technologies continues to shape academic landscapes, assessing digital literacy in the context of academic writing becomes paramount. Several instruments and frameworks are available for measuring digital literacy and examining it from different perspectives; however, none are suitable for measuring the digital literacy of pre-service teachers in academic domains with psychometric validity. To address this need, the study aims to investigate the validity and reliability of the Digital Literacy Academic Writing Scale. The study recruited 368 pre-service teachers from a teacher training department at a university in Indonesia. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to explore the factor structure of the scale, which resulted in seven factors, namely, critical thinking, online safety skills, digital culture, collaboration and creativity, finding information, communication, and functional skills, comprising a total of 46 items. The findings demonstrated that Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin measure of sampling adequacy index was .837, and Bartlett’s test p-value = .000 < .05. This result indicates that the analysis is feasible for this data set. Additionally, the overall Cronbach’s alpha value to determine the internal consistency was .949, signifying strong reliability. The findings imply that the instrument is valid and reliable for assessing teachers’ digital literacy in academic writing.
Inhabited Ideology: Diversity Ideology and Approaches to Racial Equity Across Institutional Sectors
Authors: Handsman Emily , Siegler Bonnie
Published: January 2025

Sociologists study diversity as both the cornerstone idea of an emergent dominant racial ideology and an organizational strategy to address racial inequality. How do diversity workers adapt this ideology to the institutional demands of their organizational contexts? The authors bring research on racial ideology and inhabited institutionalism together to propose a theory of inhabited ideology by showing that institutional myths—cultural ideals that organizations must engage with to maintain legitimacy within their institutional sector—mediate diversity ideology to create local ideological tenets which shape and justify organizational approaches to racial equity. The authors use two case studies to show that workers charged with addressing racial inequality in public and private K–12 schools interpret the demands of their work and develop racial equity programming in ways that align with sector-specific institutional myths. The authors argue for additional uses of this theory to examine the intersection of ideology and organizational diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts across sectors.
Consistency between headache diagnoses and ICHD-3 criteria across different levels of care
Authors: Overeem Lucas Hendrik , Ulrich Marlene , Fitzek Mira Pauline , Lange Kristin Sophie , Hong Ja Bin , Reuter Uwe , Raffaelli Bianca
Published: January 2025

Background

Diagnosing headache disorders poses significant challenges, particularly in primary and secondary levels of care (PSLC), potentially leading to misdiagnosis and underdiagnosis. This study evaluates diagnostic agreement for migraine, tension-type headache (TTH), and cluster headache (CH) between PSLC and tertiary care (TLC) and assesses adherence to the International Classification of Headache Disorders 3rd edition (ICHD-3) guidelines.

Methods

A retrospective, cross-sectional analysis was conducted at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin’s tertiary headache center. The patients’ self-reported diagnoses from the PSLC were compared with those in TLC and with ICHD-3 criteria. Cohen’s kappa (κ) and R² were used to assess diagnostic agreement.

Results

Among 1,468 patients (43.4 ± 14.4 years; 74.5% women), 69.5% reported a diagnosis in PSLC, and 99.5% were diagnosed at their first TLC visit. Overall agreement between PSLC and TLC was 80% (κ = 0.55; R²=30%). Agreement between the PSLC and ICHD-3 was 77% for migraine, 82% for TTH, and 96% for CH (κ = 0.65; R²=41%). TLC diagnoses aligned with ICHD-3 in over 90%.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate a significant degree of diagnostic agreement across different levels of care according to the ICHD-3 guidelines. However, there remains insufficient reliability in clinical diagnostics, highlighting the need for continued efforts to improve the early recognition and diagnostic accuracy and consistency of primary headaches to optimize patient care and treatment outcomes in Germany.
Diagnostic role of circulating long non-coding RNA LINC00312 in patients with non-small cell lung cancer: a retrospective study
Authors: Zhang Ruoqian , Jiang Yan , Gu Jing , Zhang Xilin , Xie Yanping
Published: January 2025

Background

LINC00312 has shown to play a suppressive role in the development and progression of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the expression pattern and diagnostic role of circulating LINC00312 in NSCLC remain to be confused.

Methods

A total of 319 patients diagnosed with NSCLC and 180 healthy volunteers were enrolled from the First Affiliated Hospital of Huzhou University between January, 2022 and December, 2023. The participates were randomly assigned into the training and validation groups with a ratio of 6:4, while the remaining was named as the exosomal group. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was employed to investigate the expression pattern of LINC00312 in NSCLC tissues, serum samples and cell lines. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was carried out for distinguishing NSCLC from healthy volunteers.

Results

Here, we revealed that LINC00312 was lowly expressed in NSCLC and low LINC00312 expression manifested a poor prognosis. Additionally, compared with the healthy volunteer group, a reduction of circulating LINC00312 in patients with NSCLC was observed in both the training and validation groups. Further correlation analysis indicated that circulating LINC00312 expression was tightly associated with lymph node metastasis, cancer thrombus, spread through air space (STAS) status and pathological type. Moreover, circulating LINC00312 showed a good performance to distinguish NSCLC from healthy volunteers with a higher sensitivity and specificity values. Lastly, exosomal LINC00312 level was also decreased in NSCLC compared with in healthy volunteers.

Conclusions

Taken together, these data unveil that circulating LINC00312 was notably downregulated in NSCLC, offering a novel non-invasive marker for diagnosis of NSCLC.
Effectiveness of a comic book intervention on mental health literacy among adolescents and youth in Burkina Faso: a randomized controlled trial protocol
Authors: Brandt Irene , Some Sylvain , Millogo Ourohiré , Sourabié Oumar , Burns Jacob , Shinde Sachin , Haucke Matthias , Sivewright Nathan , Neumann Christine , Bajaria Shraddha , Napon Katian , Dah Clarisse , Taonda Marina , Siegel Jason T. , Sando Mary Mwanyika , Bärnighausen Till , Sié Ali , Liu Shuyan
Published: January 2025

Background

In Burkina Faso, nearly half of the population is under 15 years old, and one in four adolescents experience depression. This underscores the critical need to enhance mental health literacy among adolescents and youth, empowering them to manage their mental well-being effectively. Comic books offer an engaging approach to health education, yet their effectiveness in addressing mental health remains largely untested. Our study aims to fill this gap by evaluating the effectiveness of comic books in enhancing mental health literacy among adolescents and young adults aged 10–24 years.

Methods

We will recruit 2,007 participants aged 10–24, stratify them by age, and randomly assign them to three groups (1:1:1): a comic book intervention group (Intervention 1), a text-only flyer group (Intervention 2), and a control group with no intervention. The primary outcome will be mental health literacy and secondary outcomes will include anxiety, depression, and intentions to cope.

Discussion

We hypothesize that the comic book intervention and flyer intervention will prove more effective in improving mental health literacy than the control group. We further hypothesize that for younger adolescents (10–14), the comic book will be more effective at increasing mental health literacy than the flyer. Conversely, we hypothesize that the flyer will be more effective in increasing mental health literacy for older adolescents (15–24). Our study will provide evidence on novel interventions designed to enhance mental health literacy among adolescents and young adults in low-resource settings.

Trial registration

This trial has been registered on the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS), with the registration number DRKS00034242.
Effects of self-monitoring physical activity with wearable activity trackers on perceived joint function and health-related quality of life in people with hip and knee osteoarthritis: a secondary analysis of a cluster-randomised clinical trial
Authors: Östlind Elin , Eek Frida , Stigmar Kjerstin , Ekvall Hansson Eva
Published: January 2025

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) often leads to pain and functional limitations, impacting work and daily life. Physical activity (PA) is an important part of the treatment. Wearable activity trackers (WATs) offer a novel approach to promote PA but could also aid in finding a sustainable PA level over time. The aim of this secondary analysis was to examine the effects of self-monitoring PA with a WAT on perceived joint function and health-related quality of life in people with hip and knee OA.

Method

A two-armed cluster-randomized controlled trial (C-RCT) was conducted in southern Sweden including 160 individuals with hip or knee OA. The participants were cluster-randomized to a Supported Osteoarthritis Self-management Program (SOASP) with the addition of self-monitoring PA using a commercial WAT for 12 weeks (n = 86), or only the SOASP (n = 74). The outcomes include perceived joint function measured with HOOS/KOOS and health-related quality of Life (HRQoL) measured with EQ-5D-3L index and EQ VAS. Participants responded to the questionnaires at baseline and at follow-up after 3, 6 and 12 months. Statistical analyses involved linear mixed models, ANCOVA and paired t-test.

Results

Participants with data from baseline and at least one follow-up were included in the analyses (n = 124). The analyses showed no statistically significant differences in changes between the groups in perceived joint function or HRQoL throughout the study period. Both groups improved in pain and symptoms, but the changes were small.

Conclusion

The addition of WAT-use did not have any effect on perceived joint function or HRQoL. The participants’ relatively high baseline scores might have influenced the outcomes of this study. We suggest that future WAT-interventions target inactive people with OA and use devices that also captures other activities such as cycling or aquatic exercise.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03354091. Registered 15/11/2017.
Barriers and facilitators for the implementation of delayed-prescription of antibiotics in family medicine: a qualitative study
Authors: Rinaldi Aline , Petrocchi Serena , Gabutti Luca , Bullo Anna , Schulz Peter Johannes
Published: January 2025

Background

Delayed prescription is a strategy used in various countries to reduce antibiotic overuse and contend the effects of antibiotic resistance; however this practice is not yet used in Switzerland. The present qualitative study was thus conducted to investigate Swiss patients’ attitudes towards the possible implementation of delayed prescription.

Method

Five focus groups with the general population based on a fixed script of questions to elicit opinions on delayed prescription.

Results

A total of 29 participants were involved (M = 39,76 years of age, SD = 15,91; 19 females). Participants naturally polarized into two distinct groups: one expressing attitudes against delayed prescription and the other in favor of such practice. One driver for their opposing stance was their pre-existing negative attitudes about the use of antibiotics. Other relevant themes contributing to the formation of one’s opinion on delayed prescription included the participants’ perceived convenience of this prescribing practice and their desired level of autonomy during and after a medical encounter. Another theme that emerged was the potential impact of these stances on the interpersonal relationship between doctors and their patients.

Conclusion

The present study highlights the existence of several barriers and facilitators perceived by patients. Should delayed prescription be implemented in Switzerland, these results will inform policymakers about patients’ attitudes towards the practice. Doctors may also benefit from this study as it identifies the limitations to consider when discussing treatment options with patients.
Exploring the effects of gut microbiota on cholangiocarcinoma progression by patient-derived organoids
Authors: Lederer Ann-Kathrin , Görrissen Nele , Nguyen Tinh Thi , Kreutz Clemens , Rasel Hannah , Bartsch Fabian , Lang Hauke , Endres Kristina
Published: January 2025

Background

Recent research indicates a role of gut microbiota in development and progression of life-threatening diseases such as cancer. Carcinomas of the biliary ducts, the so-called cholangiocarcinomas, are known for their aggressive tumor biology, implying poor prognosis of affected patients. An impact of the gut microbiota on cholangiocarcinoma development and progression is plausible due to the enterohepatic circulation and is therefore the subject of scientific debate, however evidence is still lacking. This review aimed to discuss the suitability of complex cell culture models to investigate the role of gut microbiota in cholangiocarcinoma progression.

Main body

Clinical research in this area is challenging due to poor comparability of patients and feasibility reasons, which is why translational models are needed to understand the basis of tumor progression in cholangiocarcinoma. A promising approach to investigate the influence of gut microbiota could be an organoid model. Organoids are 3D cell models cultivated in a modifiable and controlled condition, which can be grown from tumor tissue. 3D cell models are able to imitate physiological and pathological processes in the human body and thus contribute to a better understanding of health and disease.

Conclusion

The use of complex cell cultures such as organoids and organoid co-cultures might be powerful and valuable tools to study not only the growth behavior and growth of cholangiocarcinoma cells, but also the interaction with the tumor microenvironment and with components of the gut microbiota.
Biophysical mapping of TREM2-ligand interactions reveals shared surfaces for engagement of multiple Alzheimer’s disease ligands
Authors: Greven Jessica A. , Wydra Joshua R. , Greer Rory A. , Zhi Cynthia , Price David A. , Svoboda Jordyn D. , Camitta Christopher L. M. , Washington Mya , Leung Daisy W. , Song Yuhua , Alexander-Brett Jen , Brett Tom J.
Published: January 2025

TREM2 is a signaling receptor expressed on microglia that has emerged as an important drug target for Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. While a number of TREM2 ligands have been identified, little is known regarding the structural details of how they engage. To better understand this, we created a protein library of 28 different TREM2 variants that could be used to map interactions with various ligands using biolayer interferometry. The variants are located in previously identified putative binding surfaces on TREM2 called the hydrophobic site, basic site, and site 2. We found that mutations to the hydrophobic site ablated binding to apoE4 and TDP-43. Competition binding experiments indicated that apoE4 and oAβ42 share overlapping binding sites on TREM2. In contrast, binding to C1q was disrupted most strongly by mutations to the basic site, including R46, with some mutations to the hydrophobic site also attenuating binding, thus suggesting a broader mediation of binding across the two sites. Supporting this, competition experiments indicated that C1q binding could be blocked by both apoE and oAβ42. TREM2 binding to IL-34 was mediated by the basic site at a surface centering on R76. Competition binding experiments validated the unique site for IL-34, showing little to no competition with either oAβ42 or apoE4. However, competition experiments between C1q and IL34 suggest that the ligands compete for binding at the basic site. Altogether, our results suggest that TREM2 utilizes the hydrophobic site (consisting of CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3) as a common site to engage multiple ligands, and uses distinct basic sites to engage others. Our findings imply that pharmaceutical strategies targeting these surfaces might be effective to modulate TREM2 functions.
Graph pangenome reveals the regulation of malate content in blood-fleshed peach by NAC transcription factors
Authors: Chen Wenbo , Xie Qi , Fu Jia , Li Shaojia , Shi Yanna , Lu Jiao , Zhang Yuanyuan , Zhao Yingjie , Ma Ruijuan , Li Baijun , Zhang Bo , Grierson Donald , Yu Mingliang , Fei Zhangjun , Chen Kunsong
Published: January 2025

Background

Fruit acidity and color are important quality attributes in peaches. Although there are some exceptions, blood-fleshed peaches typically have a sour taste. However, little is known about the genetic variations linking organic acid and color regulation in peaches.

Results

Here, we report a peach graph-based pangenome constructed from sixteen individual genome assemblies, capturing abundant structural variations and 82.3 Mb of sequences absent in the reference genome. Pangenome analysis reveals a long terminal repeat retrotransposon insertion in the promoter of the NAC transcription factor (TF) PpBL in blood-fleshed peaches, which enhances PpBL expression. Genome-wide association study identifies a significant association between PpBL and malate content. Silencing PpBL in peach fruit and ectopic overexpression of PpBL in tomatoes confirm that PpBL is a positive regulator of malate accumulation. Furthermore, we demonstrate that PpBL works synergistically with another NAC TF, PpNAC1, to activate the transcription of the aluminum-activated malate transporter PpALMT4, leading to increased malate content.

Conclusions

These findings, along with previous research showing that PpBL and PpNAC1 also regulate anthocyanin accumulation, explain the red coloration and sour taste in blood-fleshed peach fruits.
Evaluation of anion exchange resin for sorption of selenium (IV) from aqueous solutions
Authors: El-Tantawy A. , Abu Elgoud E. M. , Sharaf El-Deen S. E. A.
Published: January 2025

In this work, selenium (IV) ions were adsorbed from aqueous solutions by the strongly basic anion exchange resin Amberlite IRA-400. The morphology of the resin before and after Se(IV) sorption was investigated using different techniques such as energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). To determine the ideal sorption conditions, a batch approach was used to examine the variables affecting Se(IV) sorption performance, including pH, shaking time, adsorbent dosage, initial metal ion concentration, and temperature. The results showed the optimal parameters for the highest percentage of selenium (80.25%) at an initial concentration of 100.0 mg L−1, pH 3.0, the adsorbent dosage of 10.0 mg, and the shaking time of 60.0 min. According to the experimental findings, the sorption process was satisfactorily explained by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The maximum adsorption capacity at pH 3.0 was 18.52 mg g−1, and the adsorption rather well followed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Moreover, exothermic and spontaneous sorption reaction was the result of thermodynamic properties (negativity of both ΔG° and ΔH°). The adsorption phase's random distribution of the resin-solution interface is indicated by the positive value of ΔSo. Finally, the desorption study was performed using different concentrations of desorbing agents; HNO3, HCl, and sodium acetate. The results illustrated that the effective desorbing agent was 1.0 mol L-1 HNO3, with desorption efficiency reaching about 96.4%. Finally, the Amberlite IRA-400 demonstrated excellent adsorption–desorption behavior over five times, suggesting that the Amberlite IRA-400 could be an effective candidate for the sorption of Se(IV) from several metal ions that occur in fission products.
Advancements in corrected Euler–Maclaurin-type inequalities via conformable fractional integrals
Authors: Acar Yaren , Budak Hüseyin , Bas Umut , Hezenci Fatih , Yıldırım Hüseyin
Published: January 2025

In this research article, equality is proved to obtain corrected Euler–Maclaurin-type inequalities. Using this identity, we establish several corrected Euler–Maclaurin-type inequalities for the case of differentiable convex functions by means of conformable fractional integrals. Moreover, some corrected Euler–Maclaurin-type inequalities are given for bounded functions by fractional integrals. Additionally, fractional corrected Euler–Maclaurin-type inequalities are constructed for Lipschitzian functions. Finally, corrected Euler–Maclaurin-type inequalities are considered by fractional integrals of bounded variation.
Psychosocial risks and mental health of preschool care providers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Tham Sin Wan , Wong Min Fui , Ismail Maslinor Binti , Ismail Bukhary Noriklil Bukhary Binti
Published: January 2025

Background

Child maltreatment in daycare is a public health issue. As childcare is stressful, high care provider negativity independently predicts more internalizing behaviour problems, affecting children’s psycho-neurological development. This study aimed to determine psychosocial factors associated with the mental health of preschool care providers in Kuala Lumpur.

Methods

A random cluster sampling cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2019. The study involved registered care providers for preschoolers under four years old without acute psychiatric illness. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (Malay-CES-D) and Karasek’s Job Content Questionnaires (Malay-JCQ) were used to assess depression symptoms and psychosocial job-related risks. Logistic regression (p < 0.05) guided by the Hosmer-Lemeshow strategy was used for analysis, with the final model evaluated for assumptions and goodness-of-fit.

Results

A total of 247 providers were recruited from 36 preschools. All respondents were females, with a mean age of 32.1 years old, Malays (70.4%), married (55.0%), attained a diploma and above (50.6%) and had low income (80.1%). The prevalence of depressive symptoms and job strain was 28.7%. Final logistic regression revealed individual factors (married, stressful life events: assault and marital issues), job strain (AOR = 2.33, CI = 1.22, 4.44), and job insecurity (AOR = 1.29, CI = 1.07, 1.56) determine depressive symptoms. Good supervisor support was inversely associated with depression.

Conclusions

Job strain and insecurity contribute significantly to depressive symptoms among preschool care providers in Kuala Lumpur. The Social and Welfare Department can promote supportive supervision through skill training for supervisors, fostering a positive mental health environment for improving workers’ mental health.
Histamine N-methyltransferase (HNMT) as a potential auxiliary biomarker for predicting adaptability to anti-HER2 drug treatment in breast cancer patients
Authors: Cheng Tzu-Chun , Hung Mien-Chie , Wang Lu-Hai , Tu Shih-Hsin , Wu Chih-Hsiung , Yen Yun , Chen Chi-Long , Whang-Peng Jacqueline , Lee Wen-Jui , Liao You-Cheng , Lee Yu-Ching , Pan Min-Hsiung , Lin Hui-Kuan , Tzeng Huey-En , Guo Peixuan , Chu Cheng-Ying , Chen Li-Ching , Ho Yuan-Soon
Published: January 2025

Background

Up to 23% of breast cancer patients recurred within a decade after trastuzumab treatment. Conversely, one trial found that patients with low HER2 expression and metastatic breast cancer had a positive response to trastuzumab-deruxtecan (T-Dxd). This indicates that relying solely on HER2 as a single diagnostic marker to predict the efficacy of anti-HER2 drugs is insufficient. This study highlights the interaction between histamine N-methyltransferase (HNMT) and HER2 as an adjunct predictor for trastuzumab response. Furthermore, modulation of HER2 expression by HNMT may explain why those with low HER2 expression still respond to T-Dxd.

Methods

We investigated the impact of HNMT protein expression on the efficacy of anti-HER2 therapy in both in vivo and ex vivo models of patient-derived xenografts and cell line-derived xenografts. Our analysis included Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) to assess the interaction strength between HNMT and HER2 proteins in trastuzumab-resistant and sensitive tumor tissues. Additionally, we used fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM), cleaved luciferase, and immunoprecipitation to study the interaction dynamics of HNMT and HER2. Furthermore, we evaluated the influence of HNMT activity on the binding of anti-HER2 antibodies to their targets through flow cytometry. We also observed the nuclear translocation of HNMT/HER2-ICD cells using fluorescent double staining and DeltaVision microscopy. Finally, ChIP sequencing was employed to identify target genes affected by the HNMT/HER2-ICD complex.

Results

This study highlights HNMT as a potential auxiliary biomarker for diagnosing HER2 + breast cancer. FRET analysis demonstrated a significant interaction between HNMT and HER2 protein in trastuzumab-sensitive tumor tissue (n = 50), suggesting the potential of HNMT as a predictor of treatment response. Mechanistic studies revealed that the interaction between HNMT and HER2 contributes to increased HER2 protein expression at the transcriptional level, thereby impacting the efficacy of anti-HER2 therapy. Furthermore, a subset of triple-negative breast cancers characterized by HNMT overexpression was found to be sensitive to HER2 antibody–drug conjugates such as T-Dxd.

Conclusions

These findings offer crucial insights for clinicians evaluating candidates for anti-HER2 therapy, especially for HER2-low breast cancer patients who could gain from T-Dxd treatment. Identifying HNMT expression could help clinicians pinpoint patients who would benefit from anti-HER2 therapy.
Upper Leg Muscular Co-Contraction During Maximal-Speed Sprinting in Male Club Ice Hockey Athletes
Authors: Williams Jason J. , Roshinski William C. , Watso Joseph C.
Published: January 2025

Background

Little is known about the lower extremity muscle co-contraction patterns during sprinting and its relation to running velocity (i.e., performance). Therefore, we compared lower extremity muscular activation patterns during sprinting between slower and faster collegiate club hockey athletes. We hypothesized that faster athletes would have lower EMG-assessed co-contraction index (CCI) values in the lower extremities during over-ground sprinting.

Methods

Twenty-two males (age = 21 [1] yrs (median[IQR]); body mass = 77.1 ± 8.6 kg (mean ± SD)) completed two 20-m over-ground sprints with concomitant EMG and asynchronous force plate testing over four days in Tallahassee, Florida, USA. We split participants using median running velocity (FAST: 8.5 ± 0.3 vs. SLOW: 7.7 ± 0.3 m/s, p < 0.001).

Results

Faster athletes had lower CCI between the rectus femoris and biceps femoris (group: p = 0.05), particularly during the late swing phase of the gait cycle (post hoc p = 0.02). Early swing phase duration was moderately inversely related to Hip CCI in the stance phase (ρ=-0.58, p < 0.01) and weakly related to Knee CCI in the swing phase (ρ = 0.44, p = 0.046). Finally, swing phase duration was moderately inversely related to Hip CCI in the stance phase (ρ=-0.50, p = 0.02).

Conclusions

In agreement with our hypothesis, we found lower CCI values in the upper leg musculature during maximal-speed over-ground sprinting. These data from collegiate club hockey athletes corroborate other reports in clinical populations that the coordination between the rectus femoris and biceps femoris is associated with linear over-ground sprinting velocity.
Multi-omics integration and immune profiling identify possible causal networks leading to uterine microbiome dysbiosis in dairy cows that develop metritis
Authors: Casaro S. , Prim J. G. , Gonzalez T. D. , Cunha F. , Silva A. C. M. , Yu H. , Bisinotto R. S. , Chebel R. C. , Santos J. E. P. , Nelson C. D. , Jeon S. J. , Bicalho R. C. , Driver J. P. , Galvão Klibs N.
Published: January 2025

Background

Cows that develop metritis experience dysbiosis of their uterine microbiome, where opportunistic pathogens overtake uterine commensals. An effective immune response is critical for maintaining uterine health. Nonetheless, periparturient cows experience immune dysregulation, which seems to be intensified by prepartum over-condition. Herein, Bayesian networks were applied to investigate the directional correlations between prepartum body weight (BW), BW loss, pre- and postpartum systemic immune profiling and plasma metabolome, and postpartum uterine metabolome and microbiome.

Results

The Bayesian network analysis showed a positive directional correlation between prepartum BW, prepartum BW loss, and plasma fatty acids at parturition, suggesting that heavier cows were in lower energy balance than lighter cows. There was a positive directional correlation between prepartum BW, prepartum systemic leukocyte death, immune activation, systemic inflammation, and metabolomic changes associated with oxidative stress prepartum and at parturition. Immune activation and systemic inflammation were characterized by increased proportion of circulating polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) prepartum, B-cell activation at parturition, interleukin-8 prepartum and at parturition, and interleukin-1β at parturition. These immune changes together with plasma fatty acids at parturition had a positive directional correlation with PMN extravasation postpartum, which had a positive directional correlation with uterine metabolites associated with tissue damage. These results suggest that excessive PMN migration to the uterus leads to excessive endometrial damage. The aforementioned changes had a positive directional correlation with Fusobacterium, Porphyromonas, and Bacteroides in cows that developed metritis, suggesting that excessive tissue damage may disrupt physical barriers or increase substrate availability for bacterial growth.

Conclusions

This work provides robust mechanistic hypotheses for how prepartum BW may impact peripartum immune and metabolic profiles, which may lead to uterine opportunistic pathogens overgrowth and metritis development.
Investigation of peripheral markers of inflammation in patients with different diagnoses on the psychosis spectrum: an observational cross-sectional study
Authors: Üstün Ezgi Sıla Ahi , Yazıcı Serkan , İlhan Rifat Serav , Can Kazım Cihan , Saka Meram Can
Published: January 2025

Background

Increasing evidence suggests that inflammatory dysfunction may be important across the psychotic spectrum. In this study, we investigated whether there is a difference between different diagnostic groups, in which psychosis is the common pathway, and healthy controls in markers of peripheral inflammation, such as platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR), systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI) and systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII), determined by haemogram. Our hypotheses are as follows: patients with a common history of psychosis but with different diagnoses have higher severity of peripheral inflammation compared to healthy controls, regardless of the specific diagnosis. In addition, the severity of peripheral inflammation is similar across different diagnoses across the psychosis spectrum.

Results

Before and after correction for age and sex, there was no statistically significant difference in PLR between the groups. However, a substantial statistical difference in NLR and SIRI was observed between the groups. According to the post hoc analysis performed to determine which groups the difference was between, schizophrenia and the healthy control group, schizoaffective disorder and the healthy control group, and autism spectrum disorder and the healthy control group differed in terms of NLR; there was only a significant difference in SIRI between autism spectrum disorder and the healthy control group. In addition, there was a statistically significant difference between groups for SII before and after correction for age and sex; however, when paired groups were evaluated using post hoc analysis, no statistically significant differences were found between any two groups. When comparing disorder groups within the psychotic spectrum, it was observed that PLR, NLR, SIRI, and SII levels were comparable.

Conclusions

Our results showed that several disorders including schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder and autistic spectrum disorder, with different diagnoses but similarities in terms of a history of psychosis, had increased inflammation compared to healthy controls. This study contributes to the psychosis spectrum approach in that there was no statistically significant difference in the severity of inflammation in disorder groups with a history of psychosis but with different diagnostic categories. However, further research is needed to completely understand the psychosis spectrum, as bipolar disorder patients have similar inflammation levels to those without mental disorders.