bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Skin infections caused by Mycobacterium chelonae: Underestimated, especially in immunocompromised patients
Authors: De Krock Celine , Van de gaer Otto , André Emmanuel , Lenaerts Jan Leo , Verschueren Patrick , De Munter Paul , De Haes Petra 
Published: November 2024

AbstractMycobacterium chelonae infections are rare but significant in immunocompromised patients, often leading to delayed diagnosis due to a specific clinical signs and the difficulty to culture and identify the causative agent with conventional laboratory techniques. We report a case series of five patients presenting with cutaneous infection due to M. chelonae. An extensive review of the literature was accomplished to provide summary data on the clinical presentation, diagnostic methods and treatment options for these infections. Four out of five patients were receiving immunosuppressive treatments. All patients presented after a prolonged history of painful lesions on the extremities. Sampling and definitive diagnosis implied repeated tissue biopsies and a combination of mycobacterial tests. All patients received a combination of antibiotics comprising a macrolide and achieved complete healing of the skin lesions after 4–12 months. Our case report aims to increase awareness of skin infections caused by M. chelonae and emphasises the importance of early implementation of mycobacterial cultures in the diagnosis of painful ulcerations on the extremities that do not improve to standard systemic antibiotics.
Improved photoprotection in the UVA/visible radiation boundary region is essential to prevent DNA damage, oxidative stress and gene expression changes in human skin
Authors: Lawrence Karl P. , Douki Thierry , Sarkany Robert P. E. , Acker Stephanie , Herzog Bernd , Young Antony R. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundStudies have demonstrated the potential for damage caused by exposure to radiation at the UVR/visible border region (380–410 nm) and beyond. This includes potentially mutagenic delayed DNA damage, increased gene expression related to photoageing and inflammation, pigmentation and the production of reaction oxygen species. Photoprotection in this region is limited, with a focus on shorter, more energetic UVR regions.ObjectivesTo assess the ability of two sunscreens for their ability to prevent photodamage in the UVA/visible region. Both sunscreens were labelled as SPF 15 and would meet requirements for labelling as UVA protective in the EU and USA. Their ingredients were identical apart from the addition of bis‐ (diethylaminohydroxybenzoyl benzoyl) piperazine (BDBP), a recently approved organic filter that absorbs between 350 and 425 nm.MethodsSunscreens were assessed in vitro in human cell lines and in vivo in healthy human volunteers (Fitzpatrick skin type I–II volunteers). Endpoints were assessed including oxidative stress, gene expression and DNA damage.ResultsThe formulation including the new filter provided significantly more protection than the conventional sunscreen for almost all endpoints tested. The conventional formulation provided some protection compared to unprotected skin or placebo control.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the requirement for improved photoprotection at the UVR‐visible border region and the importance of assessing sunscreens across a broader range of wavelengths than currently approved protocols require.
Variability and correlations among vital rates and their influence on population growth in mule and black‐tailed deer
Authors: Ruprecht Joel , Forrester Tavis D. , Clark Darren A. , Wisdom Michael J. , Smith Joshua B. , Levi Taal 
Published: November 2024

AbstractTo reverse range‐wide population declines, managers of black‐tailed and mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) require information on the vital rates and life stages most influential to population growth to target effective management actions. We extracted black‐tailed and mule deer vital rates from a range‐wide literature review and used hierarchical models to summarize vital rates, their variability, and how they correlate with one another. We then used matrix models and life‐stage simulation analysis to determine the individual vital rates that contributed most to annual population growth rate (i.e., lambda). Annual adult female survival explained the greatest amount of variation (62%) in lambda. Annual juvenile survival explained 44% of the variation in lambda, whereas summer or winter juvenile survival by themselves were far less informative. Winter fawn:doe ratios, a metric often collected by management agencies, explained only 10% of the variation in lambda. Given an adult female survival of 0.84, our simulations estimated a lambda of 1.0 (95% credible interval = 0.88–1.14), indicating equal probability that a population would increase or decrease. Simulations further indicated that given adult survival rates <70%, the population would always decline, but as survival increased lambda increased linearly. In contrast, estimates of lambda plateaued when annual juvenile survival reached approximately 0.5, indicating higher survival rates yielded diminishing returns to population stability. Using simulated values within the observed range of vital rate values across the species' geographical distribution, the mean lambda was 0.975 and in 61% of the simulations, lambda was <1. After 20 years, we estimated that this distribution of lambda values would cause populations to decrease in 92% of instances with a mean decrease of 44%. Our results align with observed declines in mule deer populations throughout their range over recent decades and indicate that these trends will continue until management can improve survival of adult females.
Agricultural Land Conversion and Challenges for Tenant Farmers: Empirical Evidence From Pakistan
Authors: Saqib Shahab E. , Yaseen Muhammad , Ali Shoukat , Visetnoi Supawan 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTAgricultural land conversion (ALC) is a common phenomenon, particularly in developing countries that is driven by motives of urban development and growth. This conversion causes a loss of income source, causing unemployment and food insecurity among rural communities. This study aimed to investigate the socioeconomic impacts of ALC on tenant farmers/sharecroppers' households. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey and statistical techniques were used to compare the data before and after the ALC. Moreover, the regression model was employed to estimate the important determinants of land conversion. Results showed that most of the farmers' lands were converted into a non‐agriculture sector and these lands were irrigated. After the land conversion, the farmers' main source of households' income changed from farming to wages, business, or remittances. The proportion of agricultural income to total income significantly declined from 65% to 25%. Animal rearing and agricultural production have significantly declined after the ALC in the study area. The farmers' consumption of most essential commodities has decreased significantly (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the farmers reduced expenditures on non‐food items and overall results showed that these tenant farmers/sharecroppers faced severe consequences of ALC. Crop diversification, farmers' education, experience, and agricultural labor were negatively associated with ALC. Immediate actions from the district and provincial governments are needed to safeguard these households from the adverse impacts of poverty and food insecurity. By improving access to water sources and introducing diversified and integrated farming systems, these lands can become more productive, allowing farmers to cultivate a wider range of crops and raise livestock, making the land more economically viable for continued agricultural use.
Rhodamine B‐Modified Nanocrystalline Cellulose as Fluorescent Sensor for Fe3+ Ion Detection
Authors: Golshan Marzieh , Gheitarani Behnam , Safavi‐Mirmahalleh Seyedeh‐Arefeh , Salami‐Kalajahi Mehdi 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIron is crucial for various biological processes in humans, animals, and plants, making precise and efficient monitoring of iron ion concentrations essential. To address this need, a cellulose‐based smart fluorescent material (NCC@NH2@RB) with a conjugated structure is designed and synthesized for the rapid and sensitive detection of Fe3+ ions. This sensor features core‐shell nanoparticles functionalized with rhodamine B (RB), using (3‐aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) as a linker. The resulting fluorescent probe, composed of nanocrystalline cellulose and RB, exhibits strong fluorescence under ultraviolet light, making it an effective tool for Fe3+ ion detection in water. When Fe3+ ions are introduced into a solution containing NCC@NH2@RB, they bind with weak‐field ligands such as nitrogen and oxygen in the probe's structure, forming complexes. This interaction involves high‐spin coordination and leads to the self‐assembly of Fe3+ ions on the surface of NCC@NH2@RB. The process generates single electrons, increasing paramagnetism and quenching the fluorescence. The NCC@NH2@RB fluorescent probe has a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.01 µM and a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.03 µM with linearity at concentrations of 1.0 × 10−4–2.5 × 10−3 m. This fluorescence quenching effect is specific to Fe3+ ions, ensuring that the probe remains unaffected by other metal ions.
Pterostilbene Targets Hallmarks of Aging in the Gene Expression Landscape in Blood of Healthy Rats
Authors: Tello‐Palencia Marco A. , Yang Tony , Sularz Olga , Demers Louis Erik , Ma Yuexi , Boycott Cayla , Zhang Huiying Amelie , Lubecka‐Gajewska Katarzyna , Kumar Sadhri , Ramsey Benjamin S. , Torregrosa‐Allen Sandra , Elzey Bennett D. , Lanman Nadia Atallah , Korthauer Keegan , Stefanska Barbara 
Published: November 2024

ScopePolyphenols from the phytoestrogen group, including pterostilbene (PTS), are known for their antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and anti‐cancer effects. In recent reports, phytoestrogens attenuate age‐related diseases; however, their pro‐longevity effects in healthy models in mammals remain unknown. As longevity research demonstrates age‐related transcriptomic signatures in human blood, the current study hypothesizes that phytoestrogen‐supplemented diet may induce changes in gene expression that ultimately confer pro‐longevity benefits.Methods and resultsIn the present study, RNA sequencing is conducted to determine transcriptome‐wide changes in gene expression in whole blood of healthy rats consuming diets supplemented with phytoestrogens. Ortholog cell deconvolution is applied to analyze the omics data. The study discovered that PTS leads to changes in the gene expression landscape and PTS‐target genes are associated with functions counteracting hallmarks of aging, including genomic instability, epigenetic alterations, compromised autophagy, mitochondrial dysfunction, deregulated nutrient sensing, altered intercellular interaction, and loss of proteostasis. These functions bridge together under anti‐inflammatory effects through multiple pathways, including immunometabolism, where changes in cellular metabolism (e.g., ribosome biogenesis) impact the immune system.ConclusionThe findings provide a rationale for pre‐clinical and clinical longevity studies and encourage investigations on PTS in maintaining cellular homeostasis, decelerating the process of aging, and improving conditions with chronic inflammation.
A POD‐TANN Approach for the Multiscale Modeling of Materials and Macro‐Element Derivation in Geomechanics
Authors: Piunno Giovanni , Stefanou Ioannis , Jommi Cristina 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTThis paper introduces a novel approach that combines proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) with thermodynamics‐based artificial neural networks (TANNs) to capture the macroscopic behavior of complex inelastic systems and derive macro‐elements in geomechanics. The methodology leverages POD to extract macroscopic internal state variables from microscopic state information, thereby enriching the macroscopic state description used to train an energy potential network within the TANN framework. The thermodynamic consistency provided by TANN, combined with the hierarchical nature of POD, allows to reproduce complex, nonlinear inelastic material behaviors, as well as macroscopic geomechanical systems responses. The approach is validated through applications of increasing complexity, demonstrating its capability to reproduce high‐fidelity simulation data. The applications proposed include the homogenization of continuous inelastic representative unit cells and the derivation of a macro‐element for a geotechnical system involving a monopile in a clay layer subjected to horizontal loading. Eventually, the projection operators directly obtained via POD are exploited to easily reconstruct the microscopic fields. The results indicate that the POD‐TANN approach not only offers accuracy in reproducing the studied constitutive responses, but also reduces computational costs, making it a practical tool for the multiscale modeling of heterogeneous inelastic geomechanical systems.
Patient Perspectives in Postlaryngectomy Communication Rehabilitation and Outcomes
Authors: Perryman Mollie , Kraft Shannon 
Published: November 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate patient‐reported outcomes in postlaryngectomy communication rehabilitation.Study DesignCross‐sectional survey study.Setting(a) Patients who underwent laryngectomy at a single institution and (b) members of the International Association of Laryngectomees (IAL).MethodsWe examined demographics, treatment history, speech rehabilitation methods and outcomes postlaryngectomy.ResultsA total of 157 participants responded to the survey (124 IAL; 33 institutional cohort). The most used primary methods of communication were tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) 61.5%, electrolarynx (EL) 24.4%, and writing 9%. In all categories, except for communication in a noisy environment, alaryngeal voice was rated superior to aphonic communication (P < .05). Subset analysis of the alaryngeal voice cohort demonstrated higher communication efficacy for TEP compared to other modalities in all environments except for conversation with family and friends. Among TEP users, a history of a regional flap for reconstruction compared to free tissue transfer was associated with higher communication effectiveness scores (16.3 vs 10.6; P = .0085). Neither treatment modality (primary vs. salvage laryngectomy vs. radiation therapy) nor engagement in speech therapy impacted communication effectiveness scores for alaryngeal voice users.ConclusionAlaryngeal voice users reported higher efficacy of communication in most social contexts compared to aphonic communicators. Among alaryngeal voice users, TEP speech performed better in most social situations compared to an EL. Treatment characteristics including timing of surgery and radiation therapy were not associated with the ability to acquire alaryngeal voice, while the extent of resection and the type of reconstruction did show potential to impact voicing outcomes in patients who desire to pursue alaryngeal voicing techniques.
What motivates West African cocoa farmers to value trees? Taking the 4 W approach to the heart of the field
Authors: Dago Marie Ruth , Zo‐Bi Irié Casimir , Konan Isaac Kouamé , Kouassi Aimé Kouadio , Guei Stéphane , Jagoret Patrick , N'Guessan Anny Estelle , Sanial Elsa , Tankam Chloé , Traoré Soulemane , Hérault Bruno 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

West Africa, the largest cocoa‐producing region globally, has experienced significant deforestation in recent decades, leading countries to implement large‐scale agroforestry policies; however, most studies on farmers' adoption of agroforestry fail to consider the social (Who?), historical (When?), geographical (Where?), and ecological (What?) factors that influence their motivations to value trees.

Drawing from a sample of 150 farmers responsible for the management of 12,096 trees, we quantified the motivations of farmers for 10 material and immaterial uses of trees and used a Bayesian modelling framework to explore the relative importance of the 4 W framework in explaining general motivations, specific to each use, as well as the varying levels of specialization in tree management strategies among farmers.

The distribution of use values by category shows that the highest values are associated with (i) agronomic uses (such as shade for cocoa trees and soil fertilization), (ii) food for human consumption, (iii) social purposes, and (iv) medicinal uses.

All four aspects of the 4 W framework significantly contribute to understanding farmers' deep motivations, while the influence of each 4 W determinant varies based on the specific material and immaterial uses being considered.

The level of specialization or diversification in cocoa farmers' motivations is significantly influenced by their knowledge of tree species and cocoa tree density, with knowledgeable farmers exhibiting greater diversification, while higher cocoa tree density and the presence of remnant trees lead to more specialized strategies that hinder agroforestry adoption.

From a political perspective, it is urgent that stakeholders involved in the promotion of agroforestry consider all dimensions of the farmer‐field system. The diversity of farmers' life histories (Who), of cultivated landscapes (Where), of field systems (What), and of time trajectories (When) present both constraints and opportunities with which farmers must contend to transition to much‐desired agroforestry systems.

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Prediction of mechanical properties of flax/basalt short fiber hybrid polylactic acid composites based on Micro‐CT
Authors: Mu Wenlong , Zhang Shikun , Chen Xianglin , Li Shijie , Chen Liangyu , Chen Hongli 
Published: November 2024

AbstractResearch on the performance design and prediction method of low carbon degradable composite materials is of great significance for realizing energy saving and emission reduction of automobile industry. In this study, plant short fiber reinforced polylactic acid composite (PFRP) was prepared by injection molding method and reinforced with basalt fiber to obtain flax/basalt short fiber hybrid reinforced composite (FBFRP). The mechanical properties of the composites were evaluated by quasi‐static tensile/ bending test and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was observed that addition of basalt fiber further enhances the properties of the composite, and the properties of the composite are the best when the mass fraction of flax and basalt fiber is 30% and 9%. The fiber distribution inside FBFRP was analyzed by micro‐computed tomography (Micro‐CT) technology. Based on the real spatial characteristics of the fibers inside the materials, a microcosmic representative volume element (RVE) model of hybrid composites was established by writing a random adsorption algorithm script in Python. By defining the damage constitutive of each component, the macroscopic equivalent mechanical property parameters were obtained, and the influence of the interface thickness on the simulation results was studied. On this basis, the tensile and bending failure simulation of macro‐composite materials is carried out, and the mechanical properties prediction of hybrid fiber composites based on multi‐scale method is successfully realized.Highlights
Using Micro‐CT technique and random adsorption algorithm, the RVE model based on the real fiber distribution inside the composite was obtained.
Through cross‐scale simulation, the macroscopic equivalent mechanical properties of the composite were obtained.
The effect of fiber‐matrix interface thickness on the simulation results is considered.
Effect of Internet‐Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Psychological Distress and Quality of Life Among Breast Cancer Survivors: A Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Li Mengjie , Liu Fangli , Han Xinxin , Li Jiaxin , Fan Yujun 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTObjectivesThis meta‐analysis was to critically evaluate the effectiveness of Internet‐based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (ICBT) on psychological distress and quality of life in breast cancer survivors.MethodsA search was conducted across eleven databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, ProQuest, CINAHL, CBM, CNKI, VIP and Wanfang) to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from databases inception to September 2023. Two reviewers independently conducted study screening, data extraction, and quality assessment of the included studies. Review Manager 5.4 and Stata 18.0 were utilized for analysis.ResultsTen studies with 1409 patients were included. Meta‐analysis indicated that ICBT alleviated anxiety [SMD = −0.34, 95% CI (−0.64, −0.04), p = 0.03] and depression [SMD = −0.43, 95% CI (−0.76, −0.09), p = 0.01] in breast cancer patients. Therapist‐guided ICBT outperformed self‐guided ICBT, with interventions lasting ≤ 9 weeks better than > 9 weeks, and module quantity didn't affect the results. Additionally, ICBT significantly improved quality of life [SMD = 0.37, 95% CI (0.21, 0.52), p < 0.001], yet didn't reduce fatigue [SMD = −0.13, 95% CI (−0.59, 0.34), p = 0.60], insomnia [MD = −2.24, 95% CI (−5.77, 1.28), p = 0.21], or fear of progression [SMD = −0.10, 95% CI (−0.31, 0.11), p = 0.34].ConclusionsICBT, especially therapist‐guided and lasting for ≤ 9 weeks, can effectively relieve anxiety and depression, as well as enhance breast cancer patients' quality of life. Nevertheless, it fails to improve fatigue, insomnia, or fear of progression. High‐quality, large‐sample studies must be conducted in the future for further validation.
Social Support and Treatment Delays in Breast Cancer Patients Within an Integrated Health Care System
Authors: Kroenke Candyce H. , Kwan Marilyn L. , Gomez Scarlett L. , Shim Veronica , Ergas Isaac J. , Roh Janise , Kushi Lawrence H. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveWe evaluated associations between social support and delays to surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy in a cohort of women with breast cancer (BC) from a large integrated healthcare system in Northern California.MethodsThis study included 3983 women from the Pathways Study diagnosed from 2005 to 2013 with stages I‐IV BC, who had surgery as their first line of treatment and who responded to the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support survey ∼2 months following diagnosis. A second set of analyses included those receiving adjuvant chemotherapy (N = 1761). We used log binomial regression to evaluate associations of social support, and types of support, with relative prevalence of delays from diagnosis to definitive surgery > 30 days, delays to chemotherapy from diagnosis > 90 days, and delays to chemotherapy from definitive surgery > 60 days. We further examined analyses stratified by sociodemographic factors and disease severity.ResultsTwenty‐one percent had surgery delays and 18.3% had chemotherapy delays from diagnosis (24.7% from surgery). Adjusted for covariates, women in the lowest tertile of social support were more likely to have delays to surgery (prevalence ratio (PR) = 1.27, 95% confidence interval (CI):1.08–1.48, p‐continuous = 0.01) and chemotherapy (PR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.08–2.02, p = 0.05) from diagnosis, due to associations of low tangible and emotional support with delays. We noted no effect modification in these analyses. By contrast, low social support was related to chemotherapy delays from diagnosis in women < 54 (PR = 1.96, 95% CI: 1.33–2.88) but not ≥ 54 (PR = 1.09, 95% CI: 0.79–1.49) years of age, p‐interaction = 0.05. Other tests of effect modification were nonsignificant.ConclusionsLow social support was associated with delays to BC surgery and chemotherapy.