bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mapping the Paths of Giants: A GIS‐Based Habitat Connectivity Model for Forest Elephant Conservation in a West African Forest Block
Authors: Owusu‐Sekyere Adriana , Ashiagbor George 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThe long‐term survival of African forest elephants (Loxodonta cyclotis) in the Bia Goaso Forest Block (BGFB) is threatened due to a lack of spatially explicit data on their movement patterns and corridors to guide conservation actions. The aim of this study is to model potential connectivity between core habitats in the BGFB. First, seven key variables influencing elephants’ choice of corridors were mapped as rasters and ranked using the analytical hierarchy process. Suitability indices were then assigned to the variables based on their relative influence on corridor choice. A total resistance raster was calculated using the weighted sum method. Finally, the Linkage Mapper was used to map potential corridors between pairs of protected areas. Nine potential corridors were identified, with Euclidean distances ranging from 3.89 to 13.50 km, cost‐weighted distances from 13.20 to 34.75 km and least‐cost path from 4.10 to 16.23 km. The Bia Game Production–Krokosua Hills and Bia NP–Bia North corridors, with centrality scores of 19.16 Amps and 13.14 Amps, respectively, were identified as the most critical corridors in maintaining connectivity. Krokosua, Bia Tano, Ayum, Bonkoni and Bosam Bepo forest reserves, with centrality scores ranging from 36 to 69 Amps, were identified as the critical core areas for maintaining connectivity. This result provides the first comprehensive geospatial dataset on habitat connectivity in the BGFB, which will inform conservation efforts and guide the effective management of habitat corridors to restore population connectivity and support elephant conservation.
Management of Type I Diabetes Mellitus at a Rural Paediatric Diabetes Clinic
Authors: Li Kuangjun , Maguire Ann M. , Askwith Jacqueline 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTObjectiveAustralia currently lacks a standardised paediatric diabetes care model. This study explores the model of care and outcomes of paediatric Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) at a rural multidisciplinary paediatric diabetes clinic.MethodsA retrospective cross‐sectional study.DesignA single centre quantitative study.SettingA rural multidisciplinary paediatric diabetes clinic.ParticipantsPatients under 19 years old with a T1D diagnosis who attended the paediatric diabetes clinic for at least 12 months.Main Outcome MeasuresBaseline demographics, glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, time in range, clinic appointment adherence, and diabetes‐related hospitalisations over a 12‐month period from October 2021 to September 2022.ResultsFifty‐two patients, with a median age of 13.5 (IQR 7) years and 58% females, were included. Of the patients, 40% lived more than 50 km away from the diabetes clinic, 73% were on continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion, and 92% used continuous glucose monitoring. The median HbA1c was 8.3% (67 mmol/mol), with four patients (8%) achieving the international target HbA1c level of less than 7.0% (53 mmol/mol). The CGM users' average time in range was 54%. A total of 29 patients (56%) attended all annual clinic reviews. Six patients (12%) were hospitalised for diabetes‐related complications.ConclusionPaediatric T1D managed in a rural multidisciplinary paediatric diabetes clinic, with experienced local clinicians and support from a tertiary centre, can attain outcomes in glycaemic control, clinic attendance, and diabetes‐related hospitalisation comparable to those of large Australian metropolitan clinics. However, glycaemic outcomes remain suboptimal when compared to international standards.
Afterlife karmic beliefs and pro‐environmental consumption behaviours of egoistic consumers
Authors: Nguyen Hung Vu , Ta Loi Van , Do Van Thi Hong , Nguyen Phuong Thi Tung , Do Long Thanh 
Published: February 2025

AbstractPrevious literature has studied biospheric, altruistic and egoistic values as critical determinants of pro‐environmental consumption behaviours. However, while biospheric and altruistic values are evidenced as motivators of pro‐environmental attitudes and behaviours, academic understanding of the effects of egoistic values has remained incomplete. The aim of this study is to clarify the effects of egoistic values on pro‐environmental consumption behaviours by examining the moderating role of religious beliefs in karmic consequences for future lives (hereafter called afterlife karmic beliefs). Data were collected from 346 urban respondents in Vietnam. Confirmatory factor analysis was employed to assess measurement reliability and validity before established hypotheses were tested using hierarchical multiple regressions. As expected, the testing results supported the positive effects of biospheric and altruistic values on two pro‐environmental consumption behaviours, including electricity‐saving and green mobility mode choices. Conversely, egoistic values negatively affected the two behaviours, although only the effect on green mobility mode choices is statistically significant. The findings also showed significant moderating effects of afterlife karmic beliefs on the impacts egoistic values have on the two pro‐environmental consumption behaviours. Our findings thus expand the current academic understanding of the effects of values on pro‐environmental consumption adoption and imply some practical recommendations for practitioners in constructing a pro‐environmental consumption culture.
Unveiling SMAD family member 6 as a novel biomarker for prognosis and immunotherapy response in testicular germ cell tumors
Authors: Lin Huawei , Lin Xiaowen , Huang Peisheng , Yu Xiaoxue , Liu Jianming , Huang Liangliang , Wei Yanni , Chen Jiahong , Cai Zhouda , Zhang Le , Deng Junhong , Lin Zhuoyuan , Zheng Yu , Lu Jianming 
Published: February 2025

AbstractBackground and objectivesDespite its rarity, testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) is commonly diagnosed in young males aged 20−40. In recent years, the global prevalence of TGCT has gradually increased, with 12−30% of patients experiencing relapse and metastasis. However, there are currently no reliable biomarkers for accurately predicting the prognosis of TGCT patients. Therefore, identifying novel biomarkers for risk stratification in TGCT is an immediate priority.Materials and methodsUsing TGCT samples from multiple centers, we identified a novel prognostic biomarker (SMAD family member 6 [SMAD6]) through differential expression analysis, Cox regression, and survival analysis. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was then employed to evaluate SMAD6 expression levels in normal testicular tissues and TGCT samples. Finally, we examined the relationship between SMAD6 and its biological characteristics, mutation landscape, immune cell infiltration, and response to immunotherapy.ResultsOur study identified SMAD6 as a risk factor for TGCT prognosis. IHC revealed significant expression of SMAD6 in TGCT tissues. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that SMAD6 may contribute to the activation of tumor progression‐related pathways and suppression of immune‐related pathways. Additionally, high SMAD6 expression was correlated with reduced CD8+ T cell infiltration, while patients with low SMAD6 expression benefited more from immunotherapy.Discussion and conclusionsThis study highlights the potential of SMAD6 may be useful for TGCT prognosis and immunotherapy response prediction, offering a promising target for personalized medicine strategies.
Outcomes and prognostic factors associated with relapse after haploidentical stem cell transplantation for paediatric T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Authors: Zhao Chen , Xiao Meng‐Yu , Zhang Feng , Bai Lu , Hu Guan‐Hua , Suo Pan , Wang Feng‐Rong , Wang Zhi‐Dong , Mo Xiao‐Dong , Wang Yu , Zhang Yuan‐Yuan , Xu Lan‐Ping , Huang Xiao‐Jun , Cheng Yi‐Fei , Zhang Xiao‐Hui 
Published: February 2025

SummaryThe outcomes are poor for paediatric patients with T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T‐ALL) who relapse after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). However, studies focusing on paediatric patients with T‐ALL following haploidentical HSCT (haplo‐HSCT) are limited. We retrospectively identified a consecutive cohort comprising of 128 paediatric T‐ALL after haplo‐HSCT from 2642 consecutive ALL patients between January 2010 and June 2022. The 2‐year overall survival and leukaemia‐free survival were 67.77% ± 4.21% and 66.34% ± 3.82%, respectively, and the cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) and non‐relapse mortality were 33.82% ± 0.70% and 12.65% ± 0.46% respectively. According to the multivariate Cox regression analysis, CD34 cells, minimal residual disease (MRD) ≥0.01% before HSCT, chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (cGvHD) and cytomegalovirus were associated with relapse (p < 0.05). To develop a scoring system for stratifying patients, we combined the variables and stratified them into low (0–2 points) and high (3, 4) groups. Consequently, the 2‐year CIR in low and high groups were 23.76% ± 1.83% and 48.22% ± 2.42% (p = 0.009), respectively. Children with T‐ALL have poor long‐term survival, and haplo‐HSCT is a potent and safe treatment; however, the incidence of relapse is high. Eliminating pre‐HSCT MRD, guaranteeing sufficient CD34 cells infusion and the occurrence of cGvHD and cytomegalovirus reactivation may benefit from relapse.
Identification of new candidate drugs in myelodysplastic syndromes with splicing factor mutations by transcriptional profiling and connectivity map analysis
Authors: Sun Tianyu , Singh Shalini , Wang Hayson Chenyu , Lee Juseong , Dolatshad Hamid , Cheong Pak Leng , Higgs Douglas R. , Boultwood Jacqueline , Pellagatti Andrea 
Published: February 2025

SummaryWe sought to identify new candidate drugs for repurposing to myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Connectivity map analysis was performed on gene expression signatures generated from bone marrow CD34+ cells of splicing factor mutant MDS patients. Celastrol and Withaferin A (WA), two top‐ranking compounds identified, markedly inhibited proliferation, arrested the cell cycle and induced apoptosis in leukaemia cells. These compounds also inhibited the viability of primary bone marrow MDS cells. We showed that Celastrol and WA inhibit interleukin‐1 receptor‐associated kinase 4‐mediated nuclear factor kappa‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cells signalling activation in splicing factor mutant MDS and leukaemia cells. Celastrol and WA may represent novel candidate drugs for the treatment of MDS.
Loss of Tapasin in Tumors Potentiates T‐Cell Recognition and Anti‐Tumor Effects of Immune Checkpoint Blockade
Authors: Moniwa Keigo , Tokita Serina , Sumi Toshiyuki , Saijo Hiroshi , Sugita Shintaro , Arioka Kotomi , Hirohashi Yoshihiko , Chiba Hirofumi , Kanaseki Takayuki , Torigoe Toshihiko 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTTumors can evade host immune surveillance by compromising the intracellular antigen processing machinery (APM), such as beta 2 macroglobulin (β2m) or the transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP). Defects in the APM generally result in the downregulation of surface MHC class I (MHC‐I) levels. Here, we show that the downregulation of a component of the peptide loading complex (PLC), tapasin, in tumors conversely induces CD8+ T‐cell responses and inhibits tumor growth in vivo. Loss of tapasin enhanced the anti‐tumor effects of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) in mouse non‐small cell lung and colon cancer models. In contrast to β2m‐deficient tumors, the reduced levels of MHC‐I in tapasin‐deficient tumors were restored by IFN‐γ treatment, allowing them to be recognized by CD8+ T cells. These results suggest the presence of a reactive CD8+ T‐cell fraction and the ability of immune surveillance to eliminate tumor variants with impaired tapasin expression.
Caregiver Experiences of a Peer Mentor Family Physical Activity Programme in England: A Qualitative Interview Study
Authors: Symes Rebecca , Jayes Leah , Orton Elizabeth 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundPhysical inactivity is a major risk factor for developing chronic disease and contributes to health inequalities. Many children and adults do not achieve recommended physical activity targets. Active Families was a pilot programme that aimed to increase physical activity in families in the East Midlands, UK, using volunteer peer mentor support. This study aimed to explore caregiver experiences of family physical activity in participants of the programme Active Families.MethodsQualitative, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 13 caregiver participants of Active Families. Interview transcripts were explored using thematic analysis.ResultsMost caregivers reported increased family physical activity and improvements in health and relationships. Attitudes towards family physical activity became more positive and role modelling encouraged families to be active. Volunteer peer mentors aided families using behaviour change techniques and provided psychological, emotional and practical support. Volunteers maintained programme delivery during the coronavirus pandemic, and exercise was used by some as a coping strategy. Some older children did not engage well with the programme, and maintaining physical activity was a challenge for others.ConclusionCaregivers reported improved experiences of family physical activity, with positive impacts on wellbeing and family life reported. The family–volunteer relationship appeared to be key. Behaviour change techniques and providing holistic support should therefore be considered when designing family physical activity programmes. Further research is needed to understand how best to engage older children in family physical activity and ensuring physical activity is maintained.
Nano‐Structuring of Zirconia Implant Surfaces as an Approach to Improve Clinical Performance and Economic Efficiency—A Preclinical Study on Osseointegration
Authors: Rohr Nadja , Permuy Maria , Fischer Carolin , López‐Peña Mónica , Muñoz Fernando M. , Fischer Jens 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTObjectivesNano‐structuring of zirconia dental implants would simplify the production process compared to the currently applied sandblasting and etching. Prior in vitro studies even revealed faster cell spreading and increased viability of osteoblasts on nano‐structured zirconia surfaces. The objective was to evaluate the osseointegration potential of nano‐structured zirconia implants in a sheep model.Material and MethodsThree different nano‐structured surfaces were compared to a commercially available control (ZLA) by measuring the mean bone change (MBC) in radiographs and by histomorphometric analysis after 4 and 8 weeks in sheep. Radiographic and histomorphometric measurements were subjected to Kruskal‐Wallis ANOVAs to test the effects of surface and time point (α = 0.05).ResultsThe overall MBC increased from implant placement to 4 (0.9 mm ± 0.8 mm) to 8 weeks (1.3 mm ± 0.7 mm) (p = 0.009) with no significant differences between the groups. Histological assessment revealed that bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC) was increased for the micro‐structured control surface compared with the nano‐structured surfaces at both time points. Bone remodeling was similar for all surfaces and increased from 4 to 8 weeks.ConclusionsBIC in the sheep model is more dependent on surface roughness on a micro‐ than nano‐structured level, while bone remodeling in the present setup was not influenced by surface topography. Nano‐structured zirconia surfaces may be an option for clinical application; however, further research using loaded implants is needed to clarify whether BIC is sufficient to achieve long‐term stability.
A Review of Hand Eczema Subtypes: Clinical Features, Biomarkers and Treatment Strategies
Authors: Pesqué David , Silvestre‐Salvador Juan Francisco , Figueiredo Ana Carolina , Pujol Ramon Maria , Gonçalo Margarida , Giménez‐Arnau Ana María 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTHand eczema is a common dermatological condition that significantly impairs quality of life. The classification of hand eczema has been considered an essential step for its management. The diagnosis of hand eczema relies on the aetiological and clinical features of hand lesions, a process complicated by the heterogeneous presentations and the considerable overlap among its subtypes. However, the investigation of hand eczema biomarkers and the advent of targeted therapies have shed light on the underlying pathogenic mechanisms. This review adopts a subtype‐specific approach to hand eczema, addressing clinical, pathogenic and therapeutic factors, with the aim of providing a comprehensive understanding of this heterogeneous condition from the perspective of its subtypes.
Estimating healthcare resource utilisation and cardiovascular events in people with high body mass index and established cardiovascular disease
Authors: Pearson‐Stuttard Jonathan , Chan Mei Sum , Holloway Sara , Sommer Matthiessen Kasper , Thompson Andrew , Capucci Silvia 
Published: February 2025

AbstractAimsObesity and its complications contribute to the burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Here, we characterised individuals with high body mass index (BMI) and established CVD by assessing healthcare resource utilisation (HCRU) and costs, incidence of cardiovascular (CV) events and mortality.Materials and MethodsThis was a retrospective open cohort study using UK Discover data (study period: January 2004 to December 2019). Included were individuals aged ≥45 years with BMI ≥ 27 kg/m2, without type 1 or type 2 diabetes, and with established CVD (previous myocardial infarction, stroke or peripheral artery disease). Serial annual cross sections were assembled to generate prevalence and incidence cohorts and for mapping of HCRU, costs and the incidence of selected events. CVD and mortality trajectories were modelled using a Markov model. HCRU and costs were layered onto this model to obtain associated trajectories.ResultsIn 2019, annual per‐person healthcare costs for individuals with high BMI and established CVD (n = 27 313) were £3364. During 2015–2019, the incidence of major adverse CV events was 2812 per 100,000 person‐years; the incidences of all‐cause and CV mortality were 2896 and 774 per 100,000 person‐years, respectively. Over 2022–2031, this population is projected to accrue estimated healthcare costs of £40.8 million. HCRU trajectory drivers included a history of CV events, older age, and multimorbidity.ConclusionsOwing to a high disease and treatment burden, people with a history of CVD living with high BMI incur substantial healthcare costs and are at risk of mortality.
Effectiveness of teaching Excel and Access using actual and simulated platforms – A comparative study
Authors: Mohebbi Esmail 
Published: February 2025

AbstractMicrosoft Excel and Access are widely used in introductory courses designed to teach the fundamentals of spreadsheet and relational database modeling skills in various disciplines. To achieve the targeted learning outcomes, instructors of these courses strive to provide students with guided, frequent, and incrementally fruitful practice with the software. Instructors often can facilitate such practice using the actual software or by employing a virtually simulated version of the software integrated into a learning management system. This article presents the results of a study that compared the effectiveness of using actual versus simulated Excel and Access environments as alternative or complementary instructional platforms in an introductory undergraduate course in information systems. The underlying study distinguished between instructor‐led guidance using the actual software and autonomous self‐paced instructions provided in the simulated environment while using multiple objective and subjective learning assessment tools. The mixed impacts of these scenarios promote a hybrid learning approach that uses both strategies to most effectively enhance students’ competency in Excel and Access.
Upstream Migration Dynamics of Juvenile American Eels (Anguilla rostrata) Towards a Hydropower Dam in a Large River
Authors: Eissenhauer Felix , Linnansaari Tommi , Pratt Thomas C. , Curry R. Allen , Harrison Philip M. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTYoung American eels (
Anguilla rostrata
) undergo a remarkable migration from oceanic spawning grounds to continental growth habitats. Impaired river connectivity can prevent facultatively catadromous eels from completing their upstream migration. The effects of barriers on the upstream migration dynamics of this endangered species remain poorly understood. This study evaluated the timing of juvenile eel migration and the spatial distribution and size/age structure of migrating eels within the tidal and hydropower‐regulated Wolastoq | Saint John River in Canada. Upstream eel migration in this river is restricted by the Mactaquac Dam and Generating Station, located 150 km upstream of the sea. Approximately 36,000 eels were caught with fyke nets at various locations between the river mouth and the Mactaquac Dam, measured for length, and a subsample (n = 401) was aged via sagittal otolith readings. While glass eels (not fully pigmented juvenile eels) were observed up to 90 km upstream, approximately 20 km beyond the point of saltwater intrusion, eels arriving at the Mactaquac Dam were exclusively fully pigmented, with 80% being continental age 1+ or 2+. The mean length of juvenile eels increased with distance upstream. These results indicate that upstream eel migration in the Wolastoq | Saint John River can take multiple years and involves phases of juvenile residency. Our study provides important insights into juvenile eel migration in large rivers and implications for effective management of passage success at barriers such as hydropower dams.