bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Klinische Präsentation und Komplikationen des Lichen sclerosus: Eine systematische Übersicht
Authors: Conte Santina , Mohamed Sarah Daraj , Cohen Yossi , Yacovelli Alexandra , Starkey Samantha , Johnston Leah , Shergill Mahek , Law Angela , Litvinov Ivan V. , Mukovozov Ilya 
Published: February 2025

ZusammenfassungDer Lichen sclerosus (LS) ist eine chronisch verlaufende entzündliche Dermatose, die in erster Linie durch Veränderungen der Hautpigmentierung, der Genitalarchitektur sowie durch Pruritus mit begleitender Dyspareunie gekennzeichnet ist. Es gibt eine Vielzahl von Komplikationen im Zusammenhang mit LS, die die gesundheitsbezogene Lebensqualität der Patienten darüber hinaus verschlechtern können. Eine systematische Übersichtsarbeit wurde durchgeführt, um die Literatur zu den klinischen Merkmalen von LS und LS‐assoziierten Komplikationen zusammenzufassen. Insgesamt wurden 900 Studien mit 17.011 klinischen Präsentationen und 2.795 Komplikationen von LS bei Frauen und 5.745 klinischen Präsentationen und 769 Komplikationen von LS bei Männern eingeschlossen. Bei beiden Geschlechtern war die Mehrzahl der gemeldeten Fälle (77% bei Frauen, 99% bei Männern) auf die Genitalien beschränkt. Bei Frauen verteilten sich die Symptome auf den Verlust der normalen Architektur (14%), Pigmentveränderungen (21%) und Juckreiz (18%), während bei Männern ein größerer Anteil der Fälle architektonische Veränderungen (34%), Pigmentveränderungen (15%) und urogenitale Symptome (15%) betraf. Des Weiteren wurden Texturveränderungen, Atrophien, Schmerzen, Brennen und unangenehme Empfindungen, Erosionen, Ulzerationen, Exkoriationen, Blutungen, Blutergüsse und Purpura sowie Defäkationsstörungen und Blasenbildungen als weitere Symptome im Zusammenhang mit LS beobachtet. Bei einem kleinen Teil der in der Literatur beschriebenen Fälle handelt es sich um asymptomatische LS. Zu den Komplikationen im Zusammenhang mit LS gehören Hautneoplasmen, urogenitale Probleme und sexuelle Funktionsstörungen, einschließlich einer Dyspareunie.
The role of gut–islet axis in pancreatic islet function and glucose homeostasis
Authors: Chen Qi , Gao Yuanyuan , Li Fangyu , Yuan Li 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThe gastrointestinal tract plays a vital role in the occurrence and treatment of metabolic diseases. Recent studies have convincingly demonstrated a bidirectional axis of communication between the gut and islets, enabling the gut to influence glucose metabolism and energy homeostasis in animals strongly. The ‘gut–islet axis’ is an essential endocrine signal axis that regulates islet function through the dialogue between intestinal microecology and endocrine metabolism. The discovery of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1), gastric inhibitory peptide (GIP) and other gut hormones has initially set up a bridge between gut and islet cells. However, the influence of other factors remains largely unknown, such as the homeostasis of the gut microbiota and the integrity of the gut barrier. Although gut microbiota primarily resides and affect intestinal function, they also affect extra‐intestinal organs by absorbing and transferring metabolites derived from microorganisms. As a result of this transfer, islets may be continuously exposed to gut‐derived metabolites and components. Changes in the composition of gut microbiota can damage the intestinal barrier function to varying degrees, resulting in increased intestinal permeability to bacteria and their derivatives. All these changes contribute to the severe disturbance of critical metabolic pathways in peripheral tissues and organs. In this review, we have outlined the different gut–islet axis signalling mechanisms associated with metabolism and summarized the latest progress in the complex signalling molecules of the gut and gut microbiota. In addition, we will discuss the impact of the gut renin–angiotensin system (RAS) on the various components of the gut–islet axis that regulate energy and glucose homeostasis. This work also indicates that therapeutic approaches aiming to restore gut microbial homeostasis, such as probiotics and faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), have shown great potential in improving treatment outcomes, enhancing patient prognosis and slowing down disease progression. Future research should further uncover the molecular links between the gut–islet axis and the gut microbiota and explore individualized microbial treatment strategies, which will provide an innovative perspective and approach for the diagnosis and treatment of metabolic diseases.
Association of metabolic dysfunction‐associated fatty liver disease with white matter hyperintensity and cognitive decline: A longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Jung Inha , Park So Young , Lee Da Young , Cho Hyun Joo , Lee Seung Ku , Seo Ji A. , Kim Nan Hee , Shin Chol , Yu Ji Hee 
Published: February 2025

AbstractAimsMetabolic dysfunction‐associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has recently been proposed to describe the hepatic steatosis associated with metabolic abnormalities. Substantial evidence has shown that hepatic steatosis may be linked with cognitive impairment and dementia. This study aimed to clarify the association between MAFLD and brain structural and cognitive changes.Materials and MethodsWe analysed data from 2155 participants with both baseline and 4‐year follow‐up brain magnetic resonance images and neuropsychological measures from the Ansan cohort of the Korean Genome Epidemiology Study. The presence of hepatic steatosis was defined as a liver attenuation index (LAI) value <5 Hounsfield units using computed tomography.ResultsOver a median follow‐up of 4.1 years, MAFLD was associated with an increased risk of white matter hyperintensity (WMH) (RR 1.35; 95% CI 1.09–1.66, p = 0.006), but not with brain volume changes. When examined by individual components of MAFLD, the presence of hepatic steatosis was an independent factor associated with the risk of WMH regardless of metabolic derangements. Lower LAI values were linearly associated with greater executive function Z score decline (p = 0.007). This relationship was more evident in the non‐obese group (body mass index <25 kg/m2, p for interaction = 0.003).ConclusionsMAFLD was associated with an increased risk of WMH over 4.1 years in middle‐aged adults. The hepatic steatosis itself was independently associated with an increased risk of WMH regardless of comorbid metabolic abnormalities. The degree of hepatic steatosis was associated with decreased executive function, especially in non‐obese individuals.
Genomic Monitoring of a Reintroduced Butterfly Uncovers Contrasting Founder Lineage Survival
Authors: Halford Georgina , Maes Dirk , Yung Carl J. , Whiteford Sam , Bourn Nigel A. D. , Bulman Caroline R. , Goffart Philippe , Hodgson Jenny A. , Saccheri Ilik J. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTGenetic factors can have a major influence on both short‐ and long‐term success of reintroductions. Genomic monitoring can give a range of insights into the early life of a reintroduced population and ultimately can help to avoid wasting limited conservation resources. In this study, we characterise the genetic diversity of a reintroduced Carterocephalus palaemon (Chequered Skipper butterfly) population in England with respect to the spatial genetic structure and diversity of the source populations in south Belgium. We aim to evaluate the success of the reintroduction, including the effectiveness of the donor sampling strategy, and assess genetic vulnerabilities that may affect the population's future. We also use an isolation‐by‐distance approach to make quantitative inferences about dispersal, and we explore covariance between host mitochondrial and Wolbachia genomes. We find that, four generations following the initial release, the reintroduced population, founded by 66 wild‐caught adults, has an effective size of c. 33, yet has retained similar levels of genomic heterozygosity to those in the source subpopulations in Belgium and shows low levels of inbreeding. However, the restricted number of founders and variance in reproductive success among the surviving families have resulted in a higher level of kinship, likely to result in somewhat higher rates of inbreeding in the future. Furthermore, there is a distinct split between two source landscapes in Belgium, and all genomic evidence suggests that the reintroduced population is descended from only one of these landscapes (called Fagne). We discuss potential causes behind these results, including whether Wolbachia strains are causing genetic incompatibility between clades. We conclude that a conservative strategy for any further translocations would prefer Fagne sites as sources because of the strong evidence of their ability to survive. However, our results warrant further investigation into the reasons for the divergence found in Belgium.
Variability in Fishing Practices Across an Island Nation—A Description of Bahamian Fisheries Based on Interviews With Fishers
Authors: Matich Philip , Guttridge Annie E. , Bond Mark E. , Carroll Khrysdovãn , Keller Bryan A. , Guttridge Tristan L. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTFisheries are essential for nutritional and economic stability in many countries, particularly small island developing states. In The Bahamas, ~25% of households depend on fisheries‐related income, and Bahamians rely on seafood for ~15% of their animal protein. However, our understanding of fisheries is largely based on national statistics that may not reflect the diversity of fishers, particularly in less developed Family Islands. We interviewed 375 Bahamian fishers from five major islands, Abaco, Andros, Eleuthera, Long Island, and New Providence, that varied in socioeconomics, human population density, natural resource diversity, and cultural practices. Bahamian fishers were largely driven by economics, with ~70% identifying as commercial fishers and > 80% of income derived from fishing activities for all fishers. Fishers in more developed islands used more modern methods (e.g., diving, pots & traps) to catch economically valuable species (e.g., Panulirus argus) at greater distances from home islands, aided by larger fishing vessels. In contrast, fishers from Family Islands used more traditional methods (e.g., handlines) to catch Lutjanidae and other species in nearshore waters closer to home islands. Variability among islands appears to be attributed to differences in access to resources, infrastructure, financial motivation, and cultural practices. Similar to other small developing island nations, diversity in fisher behavior among and within Bahamian islands necessitates more attention and resources to develop, implement, and enforce fisheries regulations to ensure sustainability, which is essential as global demand for seafood continues to grow amidst widespread overfishing.
Growth of Microbial Mats on Hard Nuclei in Shallow Sandy Environments
Authors: Valentine Kendall , Bosak Tanja , Kondrat'yev Maria , Klepac‐Ceraj Vanja , Kleinman Ashley S. , Rubinstein Rebecca , Mariotti Giulio 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThe growth of most stromatolites is a result of interactions among the growth of microbial mats, mineral precipitation, water flow, and sediment movement. Here, we ask how oxygenic photosynthetic microbes colonize surfaces and interact with sediments in high‐energy environments that contain constantly moving sand. For this, we investigate cyanobacterial growth on centimeter‐scale concrete spheres in a continuously agitated wave tank. Cyanobacteria are unable to colonize moving sand, but establish biofilms on spheres within 5–6 weeks. These biofilms trap up to 0.5 g/cm2 of sand on the top and 0.3 g/cm2 on the sides within 25 weeks. The colonization does not depend on the size of the spheres, but instead depends on their surface roughness. Cyanobacteria easily colonize spheres with a surface roughness that matches the bed grain size (0.3 mm), but cannot colonize the initial topographic highs with a roughness of ~0.001 mm. In both cases, recesses on the surfaces of the spheres protect cyanobacteria from sandblasting. Thus, microbial biofilms can become established even in high‐energy environments, if topographic highs are large enough not to be rolled around by the flow and rough enough to provide attachment loci. If cementation occurs within biofilms, the interplay among biofilm growth, sediment trapping, and cementation can lead to the upward as well as lateral growth of stromatolites. These experimental observations can explain the preferential upward growth of stromatolites on topographic highs in areas with frequently mobilized sediment grains, including modern stromatolites in the intertidal zone in Shark Bay and the subtidal zone in The Bahamas.
Association between early retirement and risk of frailty in later life: A population‐based longitudinal study
Authors: Wang Tsui‐Hung , Chien Shao‐Yun , Cheng Wan‐Ju , Huang Ya‐Wen , Wang Shi‐Heng , Huang Wei‐Lieh , Tzeng Ya‐Ling , Hsu Chih‐Cheng , Chen Wei J. , Wu Chi‐Shin 
Published: February 2025

AimEarly retirement is prevalent and can alter daily habits, potentially impacting health. This study aims to explore the association between early retirement and frailty and to examine the modifying effect of sociodemographic characteristics.MethodsWe conducted a population‐based matched cohort study that included 1 779 628 early retirees aged 45–64 years and an equal number of employed individuals from Taiwan's National Health Insurance (2010–2021). Early retirement was defined as unemployment before age 65 years without reemployment. Frailty was assessed using the multimorbidity Frailty Index (mFI) based on the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification codes. Covariates such as demographics, socioeconomic status, and medical conditions were adjusted using propensity score weighting. Generalized estimating equations determined the association between early retirement and frailty. Subgroup analyses were conducted by age, sex, income and occupation.ResultsThe results showed that early retirees exhibited a significant increase in mFI score changes compared to their employed counterparts, with a coefficient rise of 0.372 (95% CI, 0.303–0.441). Early retirement was associated with higher mFI scores among younger individuals (aged 45–54 years); men; those with lower incomes; and individuals working as employers, private‐sector employees, freelancers, farmers and fishers. Conversely, early retirement was linked to lower mFI scores among civil servants.ConclusionThese findings support the development of targeted retirement policies and occupational health programs. Further research on frailty mediators, such as physical activity, diet and social participation is crucial for improving clinical care and informing health policies to mitigate the negative impacts of early retirement on high‐risk populations. Geriatr Gerontol Int ••; ••: ••–•• Geriatr Gerontol Int 2025; ••: ••–••.
New insight into the salt role during preparing α‐hemihydrate gypsum in atmospheric salt solution: Particle size control
Authors: Guan Qingjun , Zhou Fujia , Zhou Yulin , Yu Weijian , Yin Zhigang 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThe synergistic control of the crystal morphology and size of α‐hemihydrate gypsum (α‐HH) was achieved by adjusting the Na2SO4 concentration and maleic acid content. Maleic acid primarily regulated the α‐HH morphology through surface adsorption. The concentration of Na2SO4 determined crystal size by tailoring the maximum relative supersaturation (Smax) during α‐HH crystallization. Higher Na2SO4 concentrations led to higher Smax and smaller crystal sizes. The Smax of α‐HH in a 9% Na2SO4 solution was 4.5 times that in a 6% solution, resulting in a significant decrease in crystal size from approximately 40–18 µm as the Na2SO4 concentration increased from 6% to 9%, while maintaining similar crystal morphology (average aspect ratio of about 1.0). This study filled the gap in research on particle size control during the preparation of α‐HH using the salt solution method under atmospheric pressure, contributing to a more systematic and comprehensive understanding of this method.
The Effect of Task Complexity on Young EFL Learners’ Listening Comprehension and Metacognitive Awareness
Authors: Joo Dayoung , Lee Junkyu 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThe present study aims to explore the effect of task complexity on young L2 learners’ listening comprehension and metacognitive awareness. Eighty‐eight Korean elementary school students participated in the study, taking a listening comprehension test under two different complexity conditions and completing the Metacognitive Awareness Listening Questionnaire (MALQ). Correlation analyses indicated moderate positive relationships between MALQ subscales and learners’ listening abilities. Additionally, the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test revealed superior performance on complex tasks compared to simpler ones, suggesting that increased cognitive demand may enhance learners’ listening comprehension. Notably, it was found that two subscales of metacognitive awareness, planning/evaluation and person knowledge, were more utilized when participants were engaged in the complex task. The findings suggest that metacognition may exhibit task‐specific characteristics, where subdomains of metacognition appear differently depending on the characteristics of a task. An in‐depth understanding of the effect of task complexity can provide valuable insights for designing and implementing effective listening instruction in language classrooms.
Signaling Activation and Modulation in Extrafollicular B Cell Responses
Authors: Staniek Julian , Rizzi Marta 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThe differentiation of naive follicular B cells into either the germinal center (GC) or extrafollicular (EF) pathway plays a critical role in shaping the type, affinity, and longevity of effector B cells. This choice also governs the selection and survival of autoreactive B cells, influencing their potential to enter the memory compartment. During the first 2–3 days following antigen encounter, initially activated B cells integrate activating signals from T cells, Toll‐like receptors (TLRs), and cytokines, alongside inhibitory signals mediated by inhibitory receptors. This integration modulates the intensity of signaling, particularly of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, which plays a central role in guiding developmental decisions. These early signaling events determine whether B cells undergo GC maturation or differentiate rapidly into antibody‐secreting cells (ASCs) via the EF pathway. Dysregulation of these signaling pathways—whether through excessive activation or defective regulatory mechanisms—can disrupt the balance between GC and EF fates, predisposing individuals to autoimmunity. Accordingly, aberrant PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling has been implicated in the defective selection of autoreactive B cells, increasing the risk of autoimmune disease. This review focuses on the signaling events in newly activated B cells, with an emphasis on the induction and regulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. It also highlights gaps in our understanding of how alternative B cell fates are regulated. Both the physiological context and the implications of inborn errors of immunity (IEIs) and complex autoimmune conditions will be discussed in this regard.
Exploring the Relationship Between Maternal Wellbeing, Infant Development, Smartphone Use, and Mother‐Infant Responsiveness
Authors: Golds Lisa , Gillespie‐Smith Karri , MacBeth Angus 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTEmerging evidence suggests smartphone use has adverse effects on mother‐infant relationships. However, while research suggests that maternal responsiveness is reduced when using a smartphone, little research has been undertaken with infants. This study used cross‐sectional data to explore associations between infant social‐emotional development, maternal mental health outcomes, smartphone use, and mother‐infant responsiveness. We recruited 450 mothers with infants aged 3–9 months, in the UK. Data were collected between October 2021 and April 2022, during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Validated self‐report scales measured predictor variables and an outcome variable of mother‐infant responsiveness. Hierarchical linear multiple regression identified a final model (R2 = 0.385, F (3,432) = 17.33, p < 0.001), with four significant predictors for mother‐infant responsiveness: infant social‐emotional development, birth parity, perceived social support in the form of appraisal, and likelihood of maternal smartphone use when the infant may be perceived as passive. These results suggest that within this sample, suboptimal infant social‐emotional development, additional children in the family, lack of appraisal support for mothers, as well as maternal smartphone use during critical periods of parenting all demonstrate a negative association with mother‐infant responsiveness. The results have implications for planning early support for mothers in the first months of their infant's life.
Understaffing as a Two‐Dimensional Phenomenon: A Cross‐Sectional Study of Hospital Nurses' Manpower and Expertise Understaffing
Authors: Pindek Shani , Hayman Melisa R. , Howard David J. , Arvan Maryana L. , Spector Paul E. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTAim(s)To examine whether manpower and expertise understaffing are distinct, and whether they relate similarly to nursing stressors, burnout, job satisfaction and intentions to turnover.DesignA cross‐sectional survey of hospital nurses nested within units was used.MethodsThe sample included 402 nurses. Nurses provided ratings of the study's variables using validated self‐report measures. The data were analysed both as multilevel and single‐level data.ResultsManpower and expertise understaffing contributed unique explained variance to all of the examined outcomes. Nurses within the same units experience different understaffing levels. Expertise understaffing emerged as a significantly stronger predictor than manpower understaffing for three of the six of the outcome variables (illegitimate tasks, job satisfaction and turnover intentions).ConclusionManpower and expertise understaffing are distinct, and both are associated with nurse outcomes.Reporting MethodWe have adhered to the STROBE guideline for cross‐sectional studies.Implications for the Profession and/or Patient CareConsidering both manpower and expertise understaffing to maintain proper staffing levels in nursing units is crucial.Patient or Public ContributionA Director of Patient Care Services from the hospital where the study was conducted is a member of the research team. This member contributed to designing and conducting the study as well as interpreting the results.