bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immunomodulatory dynamics in the porcine myometrium: global transcriptome analysis, including the effects of PPARγ ligands
Authors: Kurzynska Aleksandra , Mierzejewski Karol , Golubska Monika , Jastrzebski Jan Pawel , Bogacka Iwona 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
The myometrium is involved in many processes during pregnancy and the estrous/menstrual cycle. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) can be regulators of the processes occurring in the myometrium. In the present study, we determined the global transcriptome profile of the porcine myometrium during the peri-implantation period and the late luteal phase of the estrous cycle. In addition, we investigated for the first time the influence of PPARγ ligands on the transcriptome profile.

Results
The myometrium of gilts (n = 3) was collected on days 10–11 and 14–15 of pregnancy and on the corresponding days of the estrous cycle. The expression of PPARγ was confirmed in the tissue. Based on the mRNA level, further studies were conducted on myometrial explants obtained from pigs at days 14–15 of pregnancy and the corresponding days of the estrous cycle. The tissue sections were incubated in vitro for 6 h in the presence of a PPARγ agonist, pioglitazone (P; 10 µM), or antagonist, T0070907 (T; 1 µM). To identify the transcription profile of the myometrium, RNA-Seq was performed on the NovaSeq 6000 Illumina platform. This study identified 1082 differentially expressed genes (DEGs; 609 upregulated and 473 downregulated) in the porcine myometrium on days 14–15 of pregnancy compared with the corresponding days of the estrous cycle. During pregnancy, we detected 6 and 80 DEGs related to PPARγ agonist and antagonist, respectively. During the estrous cycle, we identified 4 and 17 DEGs for P and T vs. the control, respectively.

Conclusions
The results indicate that the DEGs are involved in a number of processes, including the immune response, prostaglandin synthesis, cell differentiation and communication. In addition, the role of PPARγ activity in regulating the expression of genes related to the immune response and hormone synthesis in the porcine myometrium has been demonstrated.
Measures of social connectedness in adult populations: a systematic review
Authors: Plackett Ruth , Hulin Joe , Mukuria Clara , Clowes Mark , Ramsay Sheena E. , Spencer Liam , Adams Emma A. , Dykxhoorn Jennifer , Walters Kate , Osborn David P. J. , Zamperoni Victoria , Jones Oliver , Weich Scott 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Poor social connectedness has been identified as a risk factor for poor mental health but there is a lack of standardisation in how it is measured. This systematic review aimed to identify suitable measures of social connectedness for use in UK adult general populations.

Methods
Searches were undertaken in two stages to identify: (1) measures of social connectedness from review articles and grey literature and (2) studies reporting on the psychometric properties of the identified measures. Grey literature and five databases were searched: MEDLINE, Embase and PsycINFO; CINAHL and Web of Science. Studies based on UK adult general populations (16–65 years) or other English language speaking countries with similar cultures (US, Canada, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand) were included. Psychometric evidence was extracted relating to six general domains: conceptual model, content validity, reliability, construct validity, scoring and interpretability, and respondent burden and presentation. A narrative synthesis summarised these psychometric properties.

Results
Stage (1) 2,396 studies were retrieved and, 24 possible measures of social connectedness were identified; stage (2) 6,218 studies were identified reporting on psychometrics of identified measures and 22 studies were included. These studies provided psychometric evidence for 10 measures, and we did not find psychometric studies for the other identified measures. Six measures (6/10, 60%) reported assessing loneliness and four (4/10, 40%) reported assessing social support but there was a degree of overlap between the assessments of each concept. There was good evidence of reliability across measures, 90% (9/10) had adequate internal consistency, but evidence of content validity was only available for one scale. Five measures (5/10, 50%) reported on at least half of the psychometric criteria, and these were: UCLA-3 (for loneliness), and MSPSS, F-SozU K-6, SPS-10 and SPS-5 (for social support).

Conclusions
This review identified ten social connectedness measures, and identified UCLA-3, MSPSS, F-SozUK-6, SPS-10, and SPS-5 as having the most robust psychometric properties for the UK adult population. Further testing is required to establish content validity, and to clarify the definition and conceptualisation of social connectedness, to enable standardisation in the approach to measuring social connectedness.
Same patient but different worlds: A state-of-the-art review translating best practice psychosocial care from musculoskeletal care to the orthopaedic context
Authors: March Marie K. , Roberts Katharine E. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Individuals with chronic musculoskeletal conditions experience persistent pain and disability that has deleterious impacts on physical function, psychological health, social engagement, relationships, and work participation. This impact is greater in people with psychosocial risk factors, and best practice musculoskeletal care recommends a biopsychosocial approach to management. Orthopaedic surgery is often an effective management approach for chronic musculoskeletal conditions, but research has only recently explored the links between differing patient outcomes after orthopaedic surgery and psychosocial risk factors. Implementing biopsychosocial approaches to musculoskeletal care has taken great strides in the primary care setting however, implementation of the biopsychosocial approach in orthopaedic surgery brings complexity as the context changes from primary care to hospital based secondary care. The aim of this review therefore is to explore implementation of psychosocial care in the elective orthopaedic surgery context, informed by evidence in musculoskeletal care.

Assessment and management of psychosocial factors
Several composite screening tools for psychosocial factors or ‘yellow flags’ are recommended for use in primary care for musculoskeletal conditions alongside a comprehensive patient interview. However, in the orthopaedic surgery context, composite measures have focused on discharge destination, and there is not a universal approach to comprehensive patient interview incorporating a biopsychosocial approach. A range of biopsychosocial approaches to musculoskeletal conditions have been developed for the primary care setting, yet few have been explored in the context of orthopaedic surgery.

Implementation of psychosocial care
Implementing best practice psychosocial care into the orthopaedic context has enormous potential for all stakeholders, but several barriers exist at the level of the individual patient and practitioner, workforce, health service and society. We have discussed key considerations for implementation including workforce composition, patient-centred care and shared decision making, health literacy, continuity of care, and consideration of preferences for women and culturally diverse communities.

Conclusion
This review considers current literature exploring implementation of psychosocial care into the orthopaedic surgery context, informed by current research in musculoskeletal care. This presents a critical opportunity for orthopaedic surgery to provide optimised, equitable, high-value, patient-centred care.
How to evaluate lifelong learning skills of healthcare professionals: a systematic review on content and quality of instruments for measuring lifelong learning
Authors: Verkooijen Monica H. M. , van Tuijl Anne A. C. , Calsbeek Hiske , Fluit Cornelia R. M. G. , van Gurp Petra J. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Having lifelong learning skills is a necessity for healthcare professionals. To evaluate these skills, sound instruments are needed. Those working in healthcare of medical educating looking for a suitable instrument to evaluate lifelong learning (LLL) skills in healthcare professionals are faced with a multitude of definitions and operationalizations of the concept of LLL. A systematic review was performed to analyze the methodological quality and content of instruments measuring LLL for professionals.

Methods
A systematic search of literature published until October 2023 in the electronic databases MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, ERIC, Sociological Abstracts, EMBASE, and Web of Science was conducted. English articles describing the development, validation or use of an instrument measuring lifelong learning for professionals working in a professional context were included. A data extraction form was developed to evaluate the content and methodological quality of the instruments. The STORIES statement was used to support reporting this review.

Results
The search revealed 85 articles on 18 questionnaires, no qualitative instruments were found. The instruments covered a range of settings, for example the Jefferson Scale of Physician LLL (JSPLL) covered healthcare and the Effective LLL Inventory (ELLI) covered education. Most instruments provided evidence on content validity and internal consistency, other aspects of validity were examined less frequently. Furthermore, the way that LLL was defined varied greatly, also great variety in the constructs that were defined in the instruments was found. Most instruments lacked a clear description of how the dimensions and items were formalized.

Conclusions
There is a need for LLL instruments that provide more evidence on their validity and put greater emphasis on the development of the definition and operationalization of LLL. Furthermore, there is a need for a better understanding of how to interpret and use the results of the instruments. It is recommended to take a critical look at these constructs before selecting an instrument. This will help all those involved in the training and working environment of healthcare professionals in evaluating lifelong learning skills in their context.

Registration
PROSPERO registration number: CRD42019134804
Medical students’ understanding of clinical empathy – a qualitative exploratory interview study
Authors: Pohontsch Nadine Janis , Stark Anne , Scherer Martin 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Empathy plays an important role in the interaction and communication with patients. Physicians’ empathy has various positive patients’ and physicians’ outcomes. Despite the inclusion of empathy in medical curricula and the relevance of empathy in general and physicians’ concept of it to medical care, there is no common definition of empathy in the clinical context: definitions tend to be abstract and we do not know enough about medical students’ conceptualization of clinical empathy. A clear and consensual definition of empathy is needed to be able to teach and measure empathy adequately. We aimed to explore German medical students’ views and understanding of (clinical) empathy.

Methods
We interviewed 24 students from the second half of the 3rd year and in their final clinical year (six female and male students in each subgroup) using a semi-structured interview guide. Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. We analysed the transcripts using thematic synthesis (Braun & Clarke).

Results
We found three overarching themes: (1) empathy means perceiving and understanding patients’ needs and acting accordingly, (2) empathy as an interpersonal, intangible construct and (3) taking time for patients. Showing interests, impartiality and openness towards the patients as well as the need to take patients seriously, treating them with respect, having a holistic view on patients and generate some kind of closeness with patients are subthemes of the first overarching theme.

Conclusions
Although it is often stated that the various existing definitions of empathy are abstract or far from practice, German medical students seem to have a good idea how to define empathy. Their definition resembles definitions known from the literature and used in education. Further research is needed to compare concepts of empathy of medical students from different countries and cultural backgrounds to inform research and teaching. It would also be interesting to investigate how concepts of empathy change over the course of study and affect perceptions of empathy in third party assessments.
Exploring the value of arterial spin labeling and six diffusion MRI models in differentiating solid benign and malignant renal tumors
Authors: Gao Mengmeng , Li Shichao , Yuan Guanjie , Qu Weinuo , He Kangwen , Liao Zhouyan , Yin Ting , Chen Wei , Chu Qian , Li Zhen 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Objective
To explore the value of three-dimensional arterial spin labeling (ASL) and six diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) models in differentiating solid benign and malignant renal tumors.

Methods
This retrospective study included 89 patients with renal tumors. All patients underwent ASL and ZOOMit diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) examinations and were divided into three groups: clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), non-ccRCC, and benign renal tumors (BRT). The mean and peak renal blood flow (RBFmean and RBFpeak) from ASL and fourteen diffusion parameters from mono-exponential DWI (Mono_DWI), intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM), diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI), stretched exponential model (SEM), fractional order calculus (FROC), and continuous-time random-walk (CTRW) model were analyzed. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the optimal parameter combinations. The diagnostic performance of various MRI-derived parameters and their combinations was compared.

Results
Among the six diffusion models, the SEM model achieved the highest performance in differentiating ccRCC from non-ccRCC (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] 0.880) and from BRT (AUC 0.891). IVIM model achieved the highest AUC (0.818) in differentiating non-ccRCC from BRT. Among all the MRI-derived parameters, RBFpeak combined with DKI_MK yielded the highest AUC (0.970) in differentiating ccRCC from non-ccRCC, and the combination of RBFpeak, SEM_DDC, and FROC_μ yielded the highest AUC (0.992) for differentiating ccRCC from BRT.

Conclusion
ASL and all diffusion models showed similar diagnostic performance in differentiating ccRCC from non-ccRCC or BRT, while the IVIM model performed better in distinguishing non-ccRCC from BRT. Combining ASL with diffusion models can provide additional value in predicting ccRCC.

Relevance statement
Considering the increasing detection rate of incidental renal masses, accurate discrimination of benign and malignant renal tumors is crucial for decision-making. Combining ASL with diffusion MRI models offers a promising solution to this clinical issue.

Key Points

All assessed models were effective for differentiating ccRCC from non-ccRCC or BRT.

ASL and all diffusion models showed similar performance in differentiating ccRCC from non-ccRCC or BRT.

Combining ASL with diffusion models significantly improved diagnostic efficacy in predicting ccRCC.

IVIM model could better differentiate non-ccRCC from BRT.

Graphical Abstract
Biocontrol ability of Arcopilus aureus YZXR against Fusarium fujikuroi causing leaf spot on Polygonatum odoratum
Authors: Xu Rui , Song Siqing , Wu Guichun , Hu Baishi , Xie Jin , Wang Xiaojiang , Xia Yuanqi , Zheng Sixiang , Peng Siwen , Yuan Ye , Cao Liang , Song Rong , Huang Yanning 
Published: December 2024

AbstractArcopilus aureus is a plant-beneficial fungal species showing remarkable biocontrol capabilities. We investigated the antifungal activity of A. aureus YZXR strain and found that it strongly suppressed Polygonatum odoratum leaf spot disease caused by Fusarium fujikuroi. However, the antifungal substances and antifungal mechanisms remain unknown. To identify the antifungal substances, we extracted the fermentation liquid with ethyl acetate and found that the antifungal activity was mainly in the organic phase. Using column chromatography, semi-preparative HPLC, and GC–MS assays, we analyzed the compounds in the ethyl acetate phase and identified phenylethyl alcohol and 3,5-dihydroxytoluene as two compounds showing antifungal activity. The phenylethyl alcohol completely inhibited the growth of F. fujikuroi at a concentration of 0.25% (v/v), whereas the inhibition rate of 10.00 mg/mL 3,5-dihydroxytoluene on fungal growth was 80.60%. The fermentation broth of strain YZXR efficiently inhibited mycelial growth and conidiation of F. fujikuroi. Thus, this study uncovered the antifungal metabolites of A. aureus and the potential of A. aureus as a biological fungicide for managing P. odoratum leaf spot disease, providing a foundation for further research on its biocontrol mechanisms and field applications.
Pattern of antibiotic use among children caregivers: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ahmed Doaa S. , AboElela Asmaa M. , Ismail Samar S. , Hammour Zeinab E. , Fawaz Rasha A. , Abdelmoniem Marwa E. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Antibiotic resistance, a major global health concern, is primarily caused by the irrational use of antibiotics. Parents play a crucial role in antibiotic use by children, directly impacting their clinical outcomes. This study aimed to assess the pattern of antibiotic use among parents and its related factors.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 parents randomly selected from the pediatric outpatient clinics of Al-Zahraa University Hospital, Cairo. Data were collected using a structured interview questionnaire about sociodemographic data, antibiotic use patterns, parental knowledge and attitudes, common sources of information, and reasons for self-prescribing antibiotics.

Results
Out of the 400 parents surveyed, 87.7% were mothers with a mean age of 31.9 ± 7 years, 76% were highly educated, almost half were not working, 63% came from urban areas, and 95.2% had sufficient income. As for their children, 57.5% had male children; their average age was 5.5 ± 3.7 years. The misuse of antibiotics was prevalent among 37.2% (95% CI = 32.5–42.2%) of parents. When assessing parents’ knowledge and attitude towards antibiotic use, 30.2% (95% CI = 25.8–35.0%) had good knowledge which was significantly more common among highly educated, working, and high-income parents, while the majority (72%, 95% CI = 67.3–76.3%) had a positive attitude. Having more and older children significantly increased the probability of antibiotic misuse, while a higher level of parental education and a positive attitude decreased the likelihood of such misuse (odds ratio (OR) was 1.31, 1.09, 0.52, and 0.11, respectively). Most parents obtained their information about antibiotics from physicians (92%) followed by experience from previous prescription (58.5%). Moreover, among inappropriate users, previous prescriptions and the parent’s perception of the child’s illness as a nonurgent condition were the most frequently cited reasons for the parents’ self-prescription of antibiotics (76.5% and 69.1%, respectively).

Conclusion
Approximately, one-third of surveyed parents demonstrated an inappropriate use of antibiotics. Despite possessing a highly positive attitude and a reasonable level of knowledge about antibiotics, parents often underestimate the potential adverse effects. Tailored measures to promote appropriate antibiotic use are therefore needed to combat the problem of antibiotic resistance.
Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) powder ameliorates pituitary-liver-axis regulation and anti-inflammatory activity in malnourished rats
Authors: Maliza Rita , Syaidah Rahimi , Rosdianto Aziiz Mardanarian , Tofrizal Allimuddin , Santoso Putra , Lesmana Ronny , Arya Bramadi , Rafi Mohamad 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe endocrine system is critical for adapting to malnutrition, which can disrupt the pituitary-liver axis and induce inflammation, leading to health complications. Lima beans (Phaseolus lunatus L.), known for their high protein content and anti-inflammatory properties, present a potential nutritional intervention. This study investigated the effects of lima bean powder on pituitary-liver axis regulation and anti-inflammatory activity in malnourished rats. Rats were divided into four groups: Normal (N), Malnourished (MAL), MAL treated with 25% lima bean flour (MAL + 25% LB), and MAL treated with 50% lima bean flour (MAL + 50% LB) for 6 weeks. Proximate composition was determined to analysed its major nutrients and metabolites in the methanol extract were analysed through LC–MS/MS. Parameters such as weight gain, serum albumin, total protein levels, Growth Hormone (GH), Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF1), and liver inflammation markers were measured. Bioactive compounds such as L(-)-pipecolinic acid, choline, trigonelline, L-phenylalanine, and oleamide were identified, highlighting the nutritional and therapeutic potential of lima beans. Compared to the N group, the MAL group showed significant decreases in body weight gain, serum albumin, and total protein levels. However, both MAL + 25% LB and MAL + 50% LB groups demonstrated significant improvements in these parameters, approximating the levels observed in the N group. Lima bean supplementation appeared to regulate GH at both the cellular and mRNA levels, positively impacting the pituitary-liver axis. Additionally, the study revealed reduced liver inflammation in the MAL + 25% LB and MAL + 50% LB groups, suggesting the anti-inflammatory properties of lima beans. These findings indicate that lima bean flour supplementation can ameliorate disruptions in the pituitary-liver axis and reduce inflammation in malnourished rats.
Graphical Abstract
On Translation and Being Just: The Arabic Novel and the British Archive
Authors: Scott Deuchar Hannah 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Through comparative readings of a single violent event, this article argues that translation functions simultaneously as a technology of imperial governance, a ground for the critique of legal justice, and a practice through which to theorize alternative forms of redress. The Dinshaway affair was a 1906 court case in which four Egyptians were hanged and seventeen were flogged or imprisoned for the death of one British soldier. It became a global symbol of injustice and a spark for anti-imperial activism. The author places the British trial documents in conversation with a contemporaneous Arabic novelization of the event. Reading across these divergent texts, the author investigates how translation shaped Dinshaway, and how Dinshaway might yet reshape conceptions of justice. In the archive, British officials use untranslatability to justify delay, absence, and fatal error. Maḥmūd Ṭāhir Ḥaqqī’s novel The Maiden of Dinshaway dramatizes this, turning on instances of miscommunication in the colonial courtroom. The novel’s own mis/translation of Victor Hugo ultimately rejects legal justice (‘adl) in favor of a violent, divine, disproportionate compassion (raḥma). The author ends by asking whether raḥma might inform reparative modes of comparison and translation today.