bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of the visceral adipose tissue on bone quality in patients with untreated mild‐to‐severe obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Sartori Giulia , Bertoldo Francesco , Gretter Andrea , Lovati Federica Margherita , Caprino Rosaria , Viterale Giovanni , Crisafulli Ernesto 
Published: December 2024

SummaryObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) predominantly affects patients who are obese and causes systemic organ damage. Little is known about the relationship between fat distribution and bone impairment in these patients. We aimed to evaluate the impact of the visceral adipose tissue (VAT) on the bone quality of patients with OSA. In our prospective study, 49 untreated patients with mild‐to‐severe OSA underwent dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. Polygraphy data were also collected. According to the recent reference values for European adults, patients were divided by the sex‐related threshold of the VAT index into two categories: VAT index within limits (normal VAT [nVAT]) and increased VAT (iVAT). In all, 63% of the patients were in the iVAT category. Compared to patients with nVAT, those with iVAT had a higher prevalence of arterial hypertension (52% versus 22%) and diabetes (32% versus 6%), and higher values of mean nocturnal desaturation. Patients with iVAT had, in comparison to those with nVAT, lower values of the lumbar spine trabecular bone score (TBS; mean 1.24 versus 1.39; p < 0.001), TBS T‐score (mean −1.82 versus −0.52; p < 0.001) and TBS Z‐score (mean −0.35 versus 0.75; p = 0.002). Moreover, a close association was present between the VAT index and TBS lumbar spine L1–L4 (r2 linear 0.573; p < 0.001), and altered values of the TBS Z‐score were associated with the severity of vertebral fractures. Finally, in a linear regression‐adjusted model, the VAT index predicted TBS lumbar spine L1–L4 (β −0.323; p < 0.001). In patients with OSA VAT impacts bone quality. In these patients, the role of VAT as a metabolically active tissue should be considered.
Spatio‐temporal patterns of carnivore guild related to their prey in a Mediterranean landscape
Authors: Peris A. , Mampel T. , Vilella M. , Pons D. , Real J. , Puig‐Gironès R. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractSmall mammal populations fluctuate significantly in abundance over time, affecting the entire food web. However, changes in their occupancy across a landscape receive less attention. While habitat features are relevant for some predators, diet specialization and prey distribution and abundance might play an important role in shaping predator populations. Using a multi‐season occupancy analysis, we examined the spatio‐temporal patterns of Mediterranean mesocarnivores—common genet, stone marten and red fox—focusing on the factors that influence their occupancy dynamics, particularly small mammal occupancy as a prey resource. Data was collected from December 2020 to May 2021 in the Sant Llorenç del Munt i l'Obac Natural Park using a camera‐trap grid. We analysed small mammal occupancy dynamics and used these as covariates in predator occupancy models to explore predator–prey relationships. Additionally, we included the occurrence of each carnivore as a predictor for interspecific analysis, and kernel density functions were used to assess daily activity overlaps. Results showed that interspecific competition significantly affected mesocarnivore occupancy, as genet occupancy was negatively correlated with the red fox occupancy. Although prey occurrence did not influence mesocarnivore occupancy, it did affect detectability, with genet and stone marten detectability being positively related to small mammal presence and high daily activity overlap between predators and prey. This suggests that mesopredators respond rapidly to prey abundance, highlighting the intricate temporal dependence between predator activity and prey occupancy. Dynamic occupancy and activity models provide a deeper understanding of predator–prey relationships at the local scale.
Natural variation in root exudate composition in the genetically structured Arabidopsis thaliana in the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Subrahmaniam Harihar Jaishree , Picó F. Xavier , Bataillon Thomas , Salomonsen Camilla Lind , Glasius Marianne , Ehlers Bodil K. 
Published: December 2024

Summary

Plant root exudates are involved in nutrient acquisition, microbial partnerships, and inter‐organism signaling. Yet, little is known about the genetic and environmental drivers of root exudate variation at large geographical scales, which may help understand the evolutionary trajectories of plants in heterogeneous environments.

We quantified natural variation in the chemical composition of Arabidopsis thaliana root exudates in 105 Iberian accessions. We identified up to 373 putative compounds using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. We estimated the broad‐sense heritability of compounds and conducted a genome‐wide association (GWA) study. We associated variation in root exudates to variation in geographic, environmental, life history, and genetic attributes of Iberian accessions.

Only 25 of 373 compounds exhibited broad‐sense heritability values significantly different from zero. GWA analysis identified polymorphisms associated with 12 root exudate compounds and 26 known genes involved in metabolism, defense, signaling, and nutrient transport. The genetic structure influenced root exudate composition involving terpenoids. We detected five terpenoids related to plant defense significantly varying in mean abundances in two genetic clusters.

Our study provides first insights into the extent of root exudate natural variation at a regional scale depicting a diversified evolutionary trajectory among A. thaliana genetic clusters chiefly mediated by terpenoid composition.
Communicable Disease Risk Awareness and Prevention: A Study on University Students in the Context of Social Support and Disaster Risk
Authors: Erdoğan Eylül Gülnur , Duru Pınar 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveFactors such as the risk of the spread of infectious diseases, global health crises, and disasters are among the major health and security challenges facing societies. Informed protective measures and effective risk awareness are necessary to cope with these challenges. As young adults, university students represent a significant segment of society, making studies conducted on this group critical for implementing effective measures against infectious disease risks. This study aimed to investigate university students' awareness and prevention behaviors regarding communicable diseases, their perception of disaster risk, and the role of social support networks.MethodThe descriptive study was conducted with a total of 372 undergraduate students studying at a university in Türkiye. Data were collected using a sociodemographic characteristics form, the Communicable Disease Risk Awareness and Prevention Scale, the Disaster Risk Perception Scale for University Students, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 27.0, employing independent sample t‐tests, one‐way ANOVA tests, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression analysis.ResultsThe mean age of the university students participating in the study was 21.19 ± 2.08 years (min. 18.00–max. 32.00), with 64.5% (n = 240) being female. Participants generally exhibited high levels of awareness and preventive behaviors regarding communicable diseases. Significant contributors to awareness included gender (β = 9.51, p < 0.05), increased disaster risk perception (β = 8.80, p < 0.01), obtaining information from health organization websites (β = 7.90, p < 0.01), preparing an emergency kit (β = 5.56, p < 0.05), and obtaining information from news websites (β = 4.81, p < 0.05). It was found that an increase in perceived social support positively impacted students' awareness and prevention levels (β = 0.48, p < 0.01). Additionally, an increase in disaster risk perception was positively correlated with communicable disease risk awareness (β = 0.01, p < 0.05).ConclusionThe study concludes that robust social support networks enhance students' health awareness and protective health behaviors. Universities should organize educational programs and drills to increase student disaster awareness and preparedness. Such training will help students better prepare for and effectively cope with disaster situations.
Optical histopathology based on the nonlabeling analysis with multiphoton excitation imaging
Authors: Matsui Takahiro 
Published: December 2024

AbstractHistopathological diagnosis is the definitive method for the evaluation of disease status; however, some problems need to be solved, such as invasiveness, time consumption, and difficulty in three‐dimensional observation. To overcome these problems, a novel observation method, distinct from conventional histology, using tissue sections and glass slides is desirable. Fluorescence imaging of human tissues with multiphoton excitation imaging (MpEI), which was originally used for intravital imaging in biological research, is a promising method. Label‐free MpEI, which requires only near‐infrared excitation, can construct images with autofluorescent signals from fresh tissues, as well as nonlinear optical phenomena. It is possible to perform real‐time three‐dimensional imaging of human tissues without any tissue removal, fixation, or staining. This method has been reported to be useful for histopathological classification in multiple organs and tissues. Moreover, it is very compatible with quantitative image analyses, including artificial intelligence. Based on these characteristics, label‐free MpEI has sufficient potential for clinical applications such as in endoscopy and intraoperative rapid diagnosis. The clinical application of label‐free MpEI will bring changes not only to histopathology examination but also the clinical bedside and will contribute to the further development of histopathology.
The Survey of Neonates in Pomerania: Design, Recruitment and Follow‐Up of the Second Cohort, 2013–2017
Authors: Heckmann Matthias , Bruer Felicitas , Allenberg Heike , Göpel Wolfgang , Zygmunt Marek , Ittermann Till , Lange Anja 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe Survey of Neonates in Pomerania (SNiP) is a birth cohort study conducted in Western Pomerania, Germany. SNiP‐I recruited participants at birth between the years 2002 and 2008 (5801 inclusions). Since SNiP‐I, population sociodemographic characteristics and the prevalence of early exposures, including overweight and gestational diabetes (GDM), have changed.ObjectivesTo establish a second birth cohort (SNiP‐II) in the same study area as the first population sample (SNiP‐I) a decade later to investigate changes to early life exposures.Population: Mothers with registered principal residence in the defined study area.DesignProspective, population‐based, birth cohort study.MethodsThe baseline survey of SNiP‐II was conducted at birth between 2013 and 2017. The SNiP‐I data set, on medical, epidemiological and socioeconomic data, associated health risk factors and the living conditions of newborns and their parents, and collection and storage of biomaterials, was improved and supplemented with additional data, including fetal growth parameters, urine samples, and maternal DNA. A follow‐up survey of SNiP‐II of children and their parents was conducted using questionnaires at 5–6 years of age. In a subgroup, an additional 2‐h follow‐up with clinical testing was performed by the German Neonatal Network (GNN).Preliminary ResultsThe baseline survey database includes 3502 mother–infant pairs, and 1194 (34%) participated in the SNiP‐II follow‐up study, with 401 in the clinical sub‐study by GNN. Mothers in SNiP‐II were older, more likely to have GDM and to be overweight, had better SES and smoked less during pregnancy than mothers in SNiP‐I. Newborns in SNiP‐II were less likely to be hospitalised than those in SNiP‐I.ConclusionsCompared with SNiP‐I, SNiP‐II documents changes in the prevalence of early exposures during the prenatal and perinatal period. Using data from these prospective birth cohorts provides an opportunity to address research questions on how changes in exposures during pregnancy affect maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Renegotiating domesticity in the making of homestays in Atauro, Timor‐Leste
Authors: Silva Kelly , Pedrosa Maria Luiza Vietes 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThis paper explores emerging domesticities in Atauro, Timor‐Leste, in relation to efforts to make homestays available for potential tourists. In exploring these new domesticities, we elucidate the ‘civilising process’ that is happening in terms of the ways in which people consider hygiene, diet, and their relationship with non‐human animals. In addition, the advent of potential tourism engenders the emergence of a new trend in domestic architecture. At the same time, this raising of homestays has intensified the workload of especially younger women, preventing them from taking part in collective activities and agriculture, which makes them more dependent on the market economy. Our analysis of these processes points to the heuristic potential of intersectional analysis to better understand development dynamics in contemporary Timor‐Leste.
Redeveloping Expertise in the Transition From Coach to Coach Education Tutor
Authors: Stephens David , Stodter Anna , Timmis Matthew 
Published: December 2024

The role of the tutor in delivering formal coach education is critical in understanding the professional preparation of sport coaches. The recruitment, development, and retention of tutors with expertise is crucial to organisational success and has personal and professional implications for career transitions in coaching. This study focuses on teaching and learning experiences during the initial tutor training of novice coach education tutors from a national sport governing body in the United Kingdom. Grenier and Kehrhahn’s Model of Expertise Redevelopment is utilised as a theoretical tool to aid understanding of the transition from coaching to tutoring. Data were collected through document analysis, observations during and after initial tutor training and subsequent live delivery of courses, and follow-up semistructured interviews with nine tutors. The themes highlighted the need to acquire specific knowledge of the content, the role of others in the development of expertise, the use of situated learning as a catalyst for redevelopment, and the eagerness to establish their future learning pathway. The findings suggest that each territory of expertise (i.e., content, constituency and environment) did not remain stable when transitioning to the new domain of coach education tutoring and implications for future tutor training are provided.
A quantitative PCR to detect non-toxigenic
Clostridioides difficile
Authors: Begum Khurshida , Chua Hubert C. , Alam M. Jahangir , Garey Kevin W. , Jo Jinhee 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Clostridioides difficile
species lacking toxin genes (non-toxigenic
C. difficile
or NTCD) may confer protection against CDI. However, current diagnostic tests detect either toxin proteins or toxin genes and cannot detect NTCD. This study developed a molecular testing method that uniquely identified NTCD and assessed its prevalence in a clinical cohort. A quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay was developed and validated using reference strains. Analytic sensitivity was determined using DNA from reference NTCD strains, and qPCR efficiency was assessed using the slope of the standard curves of DNA dilutions. A random selection of 95 clinical stool samples, tested using the GDH enzyme and toxin enzyme immunoassay (EIA), was used to evaluate the prevalence of NTCD in hospitalized patients tested for CDI. The KB-1/KB-2 primers and probe designed were specific for NTCD strains and did not amplify with toxigenic
C. difficile
or other related strains. The NTCD qPCR assay analytical sensitivity was linear between 3 × 10
1
and 3 × 10
6
gDNA (
R
2
= 0.999;
P
< 0.0001). No NTCD was found in 25 GDH-EIA –/– samples compared to 5 of 25 (20%) GDH-EIA +/– samples and 2 of 23 (8.7%) GDH-EIA +/+ samples. Of samples detected with NTCD, median NTCD DNA was 33,039 (IQR: 22.449–45.688) in GDH-EIA +/– samples and 370 [IQR: 159–583] in GDH-EIA +/+ samples. The new qPCR NTCD assay identified NTCD colonization in 7% of hospitalized patients tested for CDI. This NTCD assay may have important implications for diagnostic and antimicrobial stewardship as colonization with NTCD strains may offer protection against CDI.

IMPORTANCE

Current diagnostic strategies do not detect non-toxigenic
Clostridioides difficile
(NTCD) strains, which may provide protection against
C. difficile
infection (CDI). Detecting these strains is critical as it underscores the importance of avoiding unnecessary antibiotic treatment in patients colonized with NTCD. To better guide clinical decisions and enhance the understanding of NTCD epidemiology, molecular assays that specifically target non-coding regions unique to NTCD strains are needed. In this study, we developed and validated a qPCR assay capable of uniquely identifying NTCD strains. This innovative assay holds significant potential for applications in public health, infection control, diagnostic, and therapeutic strategies related to CDI.
Pancreaticopleural fistula: a rare aetiology of pleural effusion
Authors: Kabay Kenan , Bryce Gavin 
Published: December 2024

Pancreaticopleural fistula (PPF) is a rare complication of chronic pancreatitis, which clinically presents as a pleural effusion and often with an absence of typical abdominal symptoms associated with pancreatic disease.We describe a man in his early 50s who presented to the emergency department with pleuritic chest pain and progressive breathlessness with a history of alcohol excess. Chest X-ray demonstrated a bilateral pleural effusion with a dark red amylase-rich exudate on needle aspiration, necessitating a chest drain insertion. CT imaging then highlighted a left-sided PPF. Multiple chest drain insertions were required throughout the patient’s admission due to fluid reaccumulation.Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was conducted to stent the primary pancreatic duct to prevent fluid leakage—which was unsuccessful, resulting in post-ERCP acute-on-chronic pancreatitis. On recovery, the patient was discharged with a right-sided chest drain (following fluid re-accumulation) with adequate outpatient follow-up—illustrating no further fluid accumulation 6 months later.
Effect of Double Microemulsion on the Aga/CMC/MoS2 Nano Composites for Drug Delivery: Green Synthesis and Physico-Chemical Characterization
Authors: Mohamadzadeh Fatemeh , Pourmadadi Mehrab , Mazinani Saeedeh , Abdouss Majid , Rahdar Abbas , Pandey Sadanand 
Published: December 2024

In this work, the nanocarriers were synthesized utilizing the water/oil/water (W/O/W) emulsifying method to deliver Curcumin. A cutting-edge hydrogel nanocomposite, resulting from the fusion of Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), Agarose (Aga) and Molybdenum disulfide (MoS[Formula: see text], presents groundbreaking ph-responsive solutions for drug delivery, with a focus on the controlled release of Curcumin (Cur), a robust element demonstrating exceptional prowess in neutralizing malignant cells. Incorporating MoS2 into the CMC-modified Aga hydrogel introduces distinctive attributes that are amplified by the addition of Span 80 surfactant. This combination results in the creation of strong niosomal microemulsions, which helps Cur stay in the body longer. Adding hazelnut oil helps to make the microemulsion smaller without changing its round shape. FT-IR spectroscopy and XRD techniques were utilized in order to examine the microemulsions. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) tests showed that there are tiny particles in the nanocarriers. They are about 171.25 nm in size on average and have a PDI of 0.31. The round shape of the tiny particles was confirmed by looking at them with a special microscope called SEM. The zeta potential analysis showed that there is a positive charge on the surface, which is about 80.4 mV. Surprisingly, the drug was able to be loaded at 48% efficiency, with an entrapment efficiency of 86.75%, exceeding the previously reported values. Researchers tested how well Cur-loaded nanoparticles can kill cancer cells and also looked for any harmful effects on A549 and L929 cells. This discovery shows that using tiny carriers could be a good way to treat cancer.
Políticas públicas para la primera infancia en los países latinoamericanos
Authors: de Souza Della Barba Patricia , Cañadas-Pérez Margarita , Suárez-Lozano María Teresa , Chiappero Tatiana Ivonne 
Published: December 2024

(analytical)The article analyzes the design of early childhood and early intervention public policies in Latin American countries, updating the legal framework and evaluating the effectiveness of existing programs. The article focuses on the relationship between the legislation that informs the design of public policies and the effectiveness of early intervention programs in the countries that are members of the Ibero-American Early Childhood Care Network, with the authors identifying the perceived strengths and weaknesses of these initiatives according to its members. A total of eight members of this network participated in a descriptive and exploratory study that included semi-structured interviews and analysis of official documents. The results evidenced that while all of the countries have a regulatory framework for early childhood, there is no specificity regarding early intervention programs or the role of families in these policies. Chile, Mexico and Peru were notable for having the most comprehensive policies.
Keywords: Early intervention; public policy; child health.
Evaluación y asertividad: cohesión de grupo entre estudiantes con discapacidad intelectual
Authors: Bernal Andrea , Belmonte María Luisa , Bernárdez-Gómez Abraham 
Published: December 2024

(analítico)Trabajar la resolución de conflictos con jóvenes con discapacidad intelectual favorece el desarrollo de habilidades sociales básicas que facilitan la igualdad de oportunidades dentro del mercado laboral. La muestra está constituida por estudiantes con discapacidad intelectual del programa formativo para la búsqueda de empleo, Todos somos campus, de la Universidad de Murcia. A través de un enfoque metodológico mixto, llevado a cabo mediante un test sociométrico y un cuestionario, se ha analizado la cohesión de grupo, el perfil estratégico y los medios de resolución de conflictos, el género y el nivel de asertividad. Este estudio ha supuesto la mejora de la competencia de la gestión del conflicto, al responder a la necesidad evaluada que mostraban los participantes.
Palabras clave: Evaluación; resolución de conflictos; discapacidad intelectual; asertividad. Tesauro de Ciencias Sociales de la Unesco.