bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exhaled Nitric Oxide and Sputum Eosinophils Are Complementary Tools for Diagnosing Occupational Asthma
Authors: Doyen Virginie , Migueres Nicolas , van Kampen Vera , Suojalehto Hille , Mason Paola , Munoz Xavier , Sastre Joaquin , Quirce Santiago , Svanes Cecilie , Walters Gareth , Moore Vicky , Jacobsen Iben Brock , Folletti Ilenia , Preisser Alexandra M. , Walusiak‐Skorupa Jolanta , Rifflart Catherine , de Blay Frédéric , Vandenplas Olivier ,   the European network for the PHenotyping of OCcupational ASthma (E‐PHOCAS)
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundExposure‐related changes in exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and sputum eosinophils have not been thoroughly compared in the investigation of occupational asthma.ObjectiveThis study aimed at comparing the accuracies of the changes in FeNO concentrations and sputum eosinophil counts in identifying asthmatic reactions induced by occupational agents during specific inhalation challenges (SICs).MethodsThis retrospective multicenter study included 321 subjects who completed an assessment of FeNO and sputum eosinophils before and 24 h after SICs with various occupational agents, of whom 156 showed a positive result.ResultsPost‐challenge changes in FeNO and sputum eosinophils showed similar accuracies, with areas under the receiver operating characteristics curve of 0.78 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.72–0.83) and 0.81 (95% CI, 0.76–0.86), respectively. Increases in FeNO level ≥ 13 ppb and sputum eosinophils ≥ 1.25% were identified as the optimal threshold values for differentiating positive from negative SICs. Using these thresholds, the changes in FeNO and sputum eosinophils each achieved a ≥ 95% specificity but a low sensitivity (55% and 62%, respectively). FeNO and sputum eosinophils showed discordant increases in 38% of subjects with a positive SIC. Combining either a rise in FeNO ≥ 13 ppb or an increase in sputum eosinophils ≥ 1.25% increased the sensitivity to 77%.ConclusionsIncreases in FeNO concentration and/or sputum eosinophils after exposure to occupational agents strongly support a diagnosis of occupational asthma. The assessment of both markers of airway inflammation should be regarded as a reliable complementary tool to spirometry for identifying bronchial responses to occupational agents.
A homozygous loss‐of‐function mutation in CEP250 is associated with acephalic spermatozoa syndrome in humans
Authors: Xiang Mingfei , Wang Yu , Jiao Yuying , Guo Rui , Zheng Na , Yu Kexin , Zhu Xiaoya , Hu Pengcheng , Zhang Jingjing , Zha Xiaomin , Duan Zongliu , Wang Fengsong , Cao Yunxia , Zhu Fuxi 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe presence of predominantly headless sperm in semen is a hallmark of acephalic spermatozoa syndrome, which is primarily caused by gene mutations in humans.PurposeTo identify genetic causes for acephalic spermatozoa syndrome.MethodsPolymerase chain reaction and Sanger sequencing were performed to define mutations in SUN5 and PMFBP1. Whole‐exome sequencing was performed on the patients to identify pathogenic mutations for infertility. Western blotting and immunofluorescence analysis detected the expression level and localization of CEP250. Co‐immunoprecipitation detected the protein‐protein interactions. Cep250‐KI mice were generated by the CRISPR‐Cas9 system.ResultsHere, 10 patients diagnosed with acephalic spermatozoa syndrome were recruited, and a homozygous loss‐of‐function mutation in CEP250 (NM_007186: c. 4710_4723del: p. E1570fs*39) was identified from a consanguineous Han Chinese family. Immunofluorescence experiments revealed a decreased CEP250 signal in the neck region of the patient's sperm compared with the normal. Co‐immunoprecipitation results indicated reduced interaction between SUN5/PMFBP1 and mutant CEP250 compared with the wild‐type, possibly due to the absence of complete 2272–2442 amino acids. Besides, the patient can be effectively treated with intracytoplasmic sperm injections. Nevertheless, Cep250‐KI male mice exhibit non‐obstructive azoospermia, which indicates the different functions in CEP250 between human and mouse spermatogenesis.ConclusionCollectively, CEP250 may represent a novel pathogenic gene for acephalic spermatozoa syndrome in humans, and we provide precise genetic diagnosis and treatment strategies for the patient.
Experience of Venoarterial Extracorporeal Life Support‐Assisted Brain Death Donation With Severe Hemodynamic Instability
Authors: An Yuling , Lu Pinglan , Liu Jianrong , Huang Shuai , Yi Xiaomeng , Li Ziyu , Yi Huimin 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo explore the experience of extracorporeal life support (ECLS)‐assisted maintenance of brain death donors with extremely unstable hemodynamics.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 12 brain‐dead donors who received ECLS in our hospital from May 2015 to May 2022 due to extremely unstable hemodynamics. The organ acquisition status was analyzed. The transplant outcome of the livers and kidneys procured from these donors on ECLS was also evaluated, who are currently considered as having extended criteria.ResultsAfter ECLS, the hemodynamics of these 12 patients quickly stabilized and all completed apnea testing and reached the criteria for brain death. The 12 donors on ECLS contributed 36 organs: 1 heart, 2 lungs, 11 livers, and 22 kidneys. All liver and kidney transplant recipients survived within 1 year after transplantation. The 12‐month graft survival rate for these 22 ECLS transplanted kidneys was 95%. Four (18.2%) kidney transplant recipients developed DGF. The average creatinine at discharge was 2.01 ± 0.70 mg/dL (1.14–3.67 mg/dL), which showed a downward trend in the first year after operation. The 12‐month graft survival rate for these 11 ECLS transplanted livers was 100%. There was no incidence of primary nonfunction. The transaminase and bilirubin in the liver transplantation recipient group showed a downward trend, with an average total bilirubin of 2.23 ± 0.17 mg/dL (1.93–2.46 mg/dL) and an average alanine aminotransferase level of 46.55 ± 17.45 (33–89 units/L) at the time of discharge.ConclusionsECLS can maintain the organ function of potential brain death donors with extremely unstable circulation and does not affect the functional recovery of the graft.
Vitamin D supplements reduce risk of viral upper respiratory infections in children with lower concentrations
Authors: Devulapalli Chandra Sekhar 
Published: December 2024

AbstractAimVitamin D is crucial for the immune system, as it enhances pathogen‐fighting cells and reduces inflammation. We reviewed serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations in children with viral upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) and the impact of vitamin D supplements on those infections.MethodsA mini literature review was conducted from 1 January 2000 to 30 April 2024. It used PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane and Scopus and focused on children aged 0–18 years.ResultsThe review comprised 12 studies: seven randomised controlled trials, two prospective studies, two case–control studies and one cross‐sectional study. The findings included lower 25(OH)D concentrations in children more susceptible to URTIs and significantly lower levels in those with recurrent infections. One study found reduced 25(OH)D concentrations and immunoglobulin G levels in children with URTIs. Of the nine studies that examined vitamin D supplements, five reported benefits for children with URTIs, one only showed short‐term effects and three found no significant reductions. Two reported that taking 2000 IU a day did not reduce URTIs any more than 400 IU and high‐dose supplements may be unnecessary.ConclusionChildren with viral URTIs often had lower vitamin D concentrations and supplements frequently helped to reduce the risk of these infections.
Gender differences in effects of learning self‐efficacy on learning burnout among higher vocational college students in China
Authors: Yang Dong , Tu Chia Ching 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundIn Chinese higher vocational colleges, students often underperform academically and experience burnout from studying. Developing learning self‐efficacy may directly and indirectly address these challenges, and differences in learning self‐efficacy between male and female students may have varying effects on their burnout.AimsWe examined the mediating relationships between learning self‐efficacy, learned helplessness and learning burnout among Chinese higher vocational college students, as well as the gender‐related differences in these relationships.SampleAn online survey collected 1045 valid responses. The sample comprised 513 male students and 532 female students, with an age range of 18–21 years.MethodsA measurement model and multiple structural models for learning self‐efficacy, learned helplessness and learning burnout were established through structural equation modelling to evaluate measurement validity and identify the mediating effects among these variables.ResultsThe findings revealed that learned helplessness partially mediated the relationship between learning self‐efficacy and learning burnout among higher vocational college students. Learning self‐efficacy directly influenced learning burnout in male higher vocational college students, whereas learned helplessness partially mediated the relationship between learning self‐efficacy and learning burnout in female higher vocational college students.ConclusionsThe findings indicate that fostering learning self‐efficacy can help mitigate the impact of learned helplessness on learning burnout in female students. However, this protective effect was not observed in male students. Teachers in Chinese higher vocational colleges should implement targeted strategies, such as promoting attainable goal‐setting techniques, to prevent learned helplessness from contributing to learning burnout in male students.
TIM‐3 marks measurable residual leukemic stem cells responsible for relapse after allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Sakoda Teppei , Kikushige Yoshikane , Irifune Hidetoshi , Kawano Gentaro , Harada Takuya , Semba Yuichiro , Hayashi Masayasu , Shima Takahiro , Mori Yasuo , Eto Tetsuya , Kamimura Tomohiko , Iwasaki Hiromi , Ogawa Ryosuke , Yoshimoto Goichi , Kato Koji , Maeda Takahiro , Miyamoto Toshihiro , Akashi Koichi 
Published: December 2024

AbstractIn this study, we investigated the measurable residual leukemic stem cell (MR‐LSC) population after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo‐SCT) for high‐risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML), utilizing T‐cell immunoglobulin mucin‐3 (TIM‐3) expression as a functional marker of AML leukemic stem cells (LSCs). Analysis of the CD34+CD38− fraction of bone marrow cells immediately after achievement of engraftment revealed the presence of both TIM‐3+LSCs and TIM‐3− donor hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) at varying ratios. Genetic analysis confirmed that TIM‐3+ cells harbored patient‐specific mutations identical to those found in AML clones, whereas TIM‐3− cells did not, indicating that TIM‐3+CD34+CD38− cells represent residual AML LSCs. In 92 allo‐SCT occasions involving 83 AML patients, we enumerated the frequencies of TIM‐3+LSCs immediately after achieving hematologic complete remission with complete donor cell chimerism. Notably, only 22.2% of patients who achieved a TIM‐3+MR‐LSClow status (<60%) experienced relapse, with a median event‐free survival (EFS) of 1581 days (median follow‐up duration was 2177 days among event‐free survivors). Conversely, 87.5% of patients with TIM‐3+MR‐LSCint/high (≥60%) relapsed, with a median EFS of 140.5 days. Furthermore, MR‐LSC status emerged as a significant independent risk factor for relapse (hazard ratio, 8.56; p < 0.0001), surpassing the impact of patient disease status prior to allo‐SCT, including failure to achieve complete remission (hazard ratio, 1.98; p = 0.048). These findings suggest that evaluating TIM‐3+ MR‐LSCs immediately after engraftment, which reflects the competitive reconstitution of residual TIM‐3+ LSCs and donor HSCs, may be valuable for predicting outcomes in AML patients undergoing allo‐SCT.
Osteocalcin in Infancy and Early Childhood and Its Correlation With Later Growth and Body Composition: A Longitudinal Birth Cohort Study
Authors: Berggren Sara , Dahlgren Jovanna , Andersson Ola , Bergman Stefan , Roswall Josefine 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundOsteocalcin is a metabolic active hormone, which correlates positively with bone formation and inversely with body mass index and waist circumference in adults.ObjectivesTo investigate whether osteocalcin in infancy and early childhood were related to childhood growth or body composition.MethodsA Swedish longitudinal birth cohort with blood samples from 551 children from birth until 5 years of age. Regular anthropometric measurements were carried out up to 8 years of age and dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans were also performed at 8 years. The results included p‐values and Spearman's rho (ρ).ResultsOsteocalcin at 4 months of age correlated inversely and consecutively with weight from 4 to 24 months and to waist circumference from 6 to 24 months in boys. The correlations for girls were limited to weight at 4 months and waist circumference at 6 and 18 months (ρ < 0.3, p = 0.001 to 0.048). The boys' osteocalcin levels at 5 years correlated positively with their height and weight at 5 and 6.5 years (ρ < 0.3, p < 0.01). Meanwhile, the girls' osteocalcin at 3 years showed positive correlations to all weight and height measurements until 8 years of age (ρ < 0.3, p = 0.003 to 0.023). DXA data showed that the boys' osteocalcin at 5 years correlated with the fat‐free mass index (FFMI) (ρ 0.212, p = 0.026) but not the fat mass index (FMI) at 8 years. The opposite was seen for the girls' osteocalcin at 3 years, which correlated with FMI (ρ 0.222, p = 0.020) but not FFMI.ConclusionEarly levels of osteocalcin showed inverse correlations with later weight, height and body composition in infancy and positive correlations during childhood. The weak but consistent correlations suggest that osteocalcin carries information about future growth. Girls with high osteocalcin at 3 and 5 years had a larger fat mass at 8 years, while boys, in contrast, had a larger lean mass. These sex differences need to be further explored.
Results of Concurrent Patch Testing of Brazilian and Chinese Propolis
Authors: van Oers Emma M. , Ipenburg Norbertus A. , de Groot Anton , Calta Evelyn , Rustemeyer Thomas 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundIn Amsterdam, a steep increase in positive reactions to propolis in the European baseline series was observed from 2.8% in 2020 to 16.4% in 2023. We hypothesised that this was caused by the replacement of Chinese propolis by Brazilian propolis.ObjectivesTo test this hypothesis and to compare rates of positive patch tests to Brazilian propolis with those to Chinese popolis.Patients and MethodsIn a prospective study, 2 commercial Chinese propolis patch test samples were tested in consecutive patients in addition to Brazilian propolis.ResultsOf 239 patients patch tested, 57 (23.8%) had a positive reaction to Brazilian propolis, and 9 (3.8%) to Chinese propolis. Of the 57 reactions to Brazilian propolis, only 2 (3.5%) were found to be clinically relevant, versus 3/9 (33.3%) for Chinese propolis. Patients reacting to Brazilian propolis had significantly more co‐reactivities to fragrance mixes 1 and 2 and to limonene hydroperoxides than propolis B‐negative individuals.ConclusionsThe results confirm our hypothesis that the observed increase in positive patch tests to propolis between 2020 and 2023 was the result of the switch from Chinese to Brazilian propolis. The rates of reactions to both propolis samples from China were significantly lower than to Brazilian propolis.
Gender‐Based Violence in Academic Contexts: Between Capitalist Logic and Ordinary University Practices in Italy and Poland
Authors: Grignoli Daniela , D'Ambrosio Mariangela , Pierzchalski Filip 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe contemporary capitalist practice, a neoliberal version, promotes the model of a public university as a profitable enterprise providing high‐quality educational services. This means a situation in which public higher education is subject to market pressures, including the narrative of irreversible privatisation and marketisation. It is also the occurrence of academic capitalism, associated with three specific processes: commercialisation, capitalisation and financialisation. Such neoliberal ideas mean enormous changes in the orientation of teaching and the organisation of higher education institutions for universities. At the same time, these changes are related to the roles and functions of women in academia, considering also the discrimination and violence against them. On this basis, the article aims to reflect on the differences and similarities between the Italian and Polish academic systems by attempting to reconstruct the socio‐economic and political framework, also in the EU, considering the gender gap.
Psychometric Properties of the German Student‐Specific Teacher Self‐Efficacy Scale (SS‐TSES‐G)
Authors: Przibilla Bodo , Enderle Chiara , Casale Gino , Scheer David , Platte Anett , Melzer Conny , Leidig Tatjana 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBased on previous research, it can be assumed that teachers' self‐efficacy (TSE) varies across situations, domains and individual students' behaviors confronting teachers with particularly challenging tasks. The construct of student‐specific TSE is considered informative theoretical basis for understanding the relationship between affective‐motivational components of teachers' competencies and individual student behaviour. The aim of the present study was to translate and validate the Student‐Specific Teacher Self‐Efficacy Scale (SS‐TSES; Zee and Koomen, 2015) for use in German teacher samples. The items of the original SS‐TSES were translated from Dutch to German using a forward‐backward translation procedure. A total of 477 teachers completed the SS‐TSES‐G. After a randomly drawn sample‐split an EFA was conducted on half of the sample, while a CFA was performed on the other half. The results of EFA and CFA revealed that a 4‐factor bifactor model fitted the data best. Except for item 18, which was assigned to the first factor (emotional support), the item‐factor assignments were consistent with the original structure. The goodness‐of‐fit statistics indicated a good model fit. The SS‐TSES‐G demonstrated good to excellent psychometric properties, allowing for reliable measurements of teachers' self‐efficacy in relation to individual students in a German teacher population.
Favorable seizure and developmental outcomes without preoperative intracranial electroencephalography in pediatric patients following epilepsy surgery: A single epilepsy center retrospective study
Authors: Okumura Taro , Usui Naotaka , Kondo Akihiko , Ogawa Hiroshi , Hashiguchi Mitsuru , Kuromi Yosuke , Yamaguchi Tokito , Otani Hideyuki , Imai Katsumi , Ishizaki Tomotaka , Tanei Takafumi , Maesawa Satoshi , Saito Ryuta 
Published: December 2024

AbstractObjectiveAt our institute, most pediatric patients undergo epilepsy surgery following a thorough presurgical evaluation without intracranial electroencephalography (EEG). We conducted an initial validation of our noninvasive presurgical strategy by assessing the seizure and developmental outcomes of 135 children.MethodsAll 135 pediatric patients were <15 years old, had undergone curative surgery, and were followed for at least 2 years postoperatively. Presurgical evaluations and postoperative seizure and developmental outcomes were investigated. Thorough noninvasive evaluation included 3‐T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) in all patients. Intracranial EEG was mainly indicated for patients whose MRIs were negative or subtle. We defined Engel class I as favorable and Engel classes II–IV as unfavorable seizure outcomes. Intelligence quotient (IQ) and developmental quotient (DQ) before and 2 years after surgery were used to assess developmental/neuropsychological outcomes.ResultsMRI was positive in 130 of 135 patients (96.3%), including 39 of 40 with focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) type II and 30 of 33 with FCD type I. FDG‐PET revealed concordant localizing findings in 119 of 132 patients (90.2%). Ictal single photon emission computed tomography provided concordant localizing information in 85 of 91 patients (93.4%). Intracranial EEG was performed in only 10 of 135 patients (7.4%). Ninety‐seven of 135 patients (71.9%) were seizure‐free 2 years after surgery. The final seizure‐free rate was 99 of 135 (73.3%). Temporal lobe surgery predicted a favorable seizure outcome by multivariate analysis, whereas FCD type I and preoperative IQ/DQ < 70 predicted an unfavorable outcome. The mean IQ change was +1.3 points, and the mean DQ change was +1.0 points. Mean DQ significantly improved following extratemporal surgery (multivariate regression, p < .05), and mean DQ significantly decreased in patients with epileptic spasms (multivariate regression, p < .01).SignificanceThorough noninvasive presurgical evaluation enables detection of subtle MRI lesions and curative epilepsy surgery without intracranial EEG in most patients, including those with FCD type II and type I, and leads to favorable seizure and developmental/neuropsychological outcomes.
Overfishing of Threatened Bycatch Species in a Marine Protected Area: The Elasmobranchs of Banc d'Arguin, Mauritania
Authors: Lemrabott Sidi Yahya Cheikhna , van Leeuwen Anieke , Leurs Guido , El‐Hacen El‐Hacen Mohamed , Piersma Theunis , Sall Amadou Abdarahmane , Sidina Ebaye , Yarba Lemhaba , Olff Han 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTElasmobranch (rays and sharks) populations are vulnerable to overexploitation due to their slow growth, late maturity, and low fecundity. Industrial fishery impacts on sharks and rays are known, whereas impacts of artisanal fisheries are less understood. We quantified catches of sharks and rays in artisanal fisheries at the Parc National du Banc d'Arguin (Banc d'Arguin), Mauritania (West Africa) during 1998–2020, a period when fishing effort increased around 2006, catches increased, but catch‐per‐unit‐effort declined substantially. Shark nets and meagre fixed gill nets were used to catch elasmobranchs, with catches comprising over 60% of elasmobranch species. Therefore, elasmobranchs were not bycatch, but rather, the target of fisheries. Of 33 elasmobranch species captured, 94% of shark species and 76% of ray species are threatened with extinction. We recommend that management approaches should focus on fishing locations with the highest occurrence of threatened elasmobranch species in catches, through new regulations on fishing gear types and discouragement of trade in elasmobranch products from Banc d'Arguin.