bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatial and temporal variation in farmland bird nesting ecology: implications for effective Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra conservation
Authors: Anthes Nils , Staggenborg Julia , Handschuh Markus 
Published: February 2025

Summary
Incomplete knowledge of the drivers of local productivity may contribute to the on-going decline of farmland bird populations despite conservation efforts. We therefore investigated spatial and temporal variation in breeding phenology, nest habitat, and nest survival in the Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra, a species of conservation concern in central and western Europe. Among 225 nests from seven study areas in cropland-dominated, mixed, and grassland-dominated landscapes, nesting phenology spread between April and August, started earlier at lower altitudes, and progressed from grassland to arable crop and agri-environment scheme flower field habitats. Nest habitats varied substantially between years, but most nests were placed in cultivated land where they were prone to fail due to land-use operations. Nest survival differed markedly between habitats, being lowest in second-year flower fields and highest in fallow grassland. Since we protected known nests, raw survival estimates only account for “natural” nest losses, e.g. due to adverse weather or predation. To estimate additional “anthropogenic” nest losses, we calculated probabilities of nesting schedules to conflict with patch-specific land-use dates. After taking into account the estimated conflict probabilities of 0.56 for mowing, 0.64 for clover harvest, and 0.38 for grazing, habitat-specific “total Mayfield nest survival” estimates declined to 21%, 13%, and 20% for meadows, alfalfa/clover-grass leys, and pastures, respectively. These habitats held about two thirds of nests in mixed landscapes, highlighting the relevance of land use-driven nest losses. To enhance productivity beyond the thresholds required for local population persistence, we propose refined conservation schemes that improve nest survival within production farmland, best coupled with the development of prolific “Corn Bunting landscapes”.
Multidimensional Constructions of Target Groups and Their Political Implications: The Case of Immigrant (Il)Legality
Authors: Zhirkov Kirill , Van De Hey Lauren 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT
Social construction theory postulates that policy outcomes depend on whether target groups are imagined by the public as deserving or undeserving. However, recent evidence demonstrates that the constructions in question are contentious rather than uniformly shared. This article applies the conjoint-experimental method to measure the social construction of immigrant (il)legality and to assess its political implications. We demonstrate that it is multidimensional because the absence of legal status is associated with receipt of government benefits, Hispanic origin, police record, poor English fluency, and less education. We also show that whereas the receipt of government benefits is not associated with the absence of legal status among most respondents, individuals who hold this association support stricter immigration-enforcement policies. Our findings corroborate the social construction approach but also indicate that researchers may want to measure multiple dimensions of target-group constructions in addition to deservingness.
Feasibility of utilizing the Modified Centor Criteria in adult virtual care
Authors: Allabban Ahmed , Shah Samay , Sikka Neal , Hood Colton 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The Modified Centor criteria (MCC) is a validated clinical decision tool determining the need for testing in suspected Streptococcal pharyngitis. This study aims to understand the use of this tool to guide testing during remote evaluation. Patients with sore throats and no more than 3 days of symptoms were recruited from the emergency department and urgent care at an urban academic centre in 2019–2022. All patients enrolled were 18 years or older. Each participant had three MCC recorded, once in person and again by two different blinded telemedicine providers (TP). A total of 172 patients were screened and 40 were enrolled, they had a mean age 32 and were 43% male. We calculated inter-rater reliability between in-person and telemedicine providers, using a threshold score of strep testing (≥2) and non-testing scores (<2). Cohen’s kappa between in-person and telemedicine providers was 0.68 while the TP were in complete agreement.
Person-centred integrated primary care for refugees: a mixed-methods, stepped wedge design study to assess the impact
Authors: Çinar Rabia , de Klein Mieke , Renkens José , Akkermans Reinier , Latify Mursal , Walewijn Bart , van den Muijsenbergh Maria , van Loenen Tessa 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Aim:
To assess the impact of a person-centred culturally sensitive approach in primary care on the recognition and discussion of mental distress in refugee youth.

Background:
Refugee minors are at risk for mental health problems. Timely recognition and treatment prevent deterioration. Primary care is the first point of contact where these problems could be discussed. However, primary care staff struggle to discuss mental health with refugees.
Guided by the needs of refugees and professionals we developed and implemented the Empowerment intervention, consisting of a training, guidance and interprofessional collaboration in four general practices in the Netherlands.

Methods:
This mixed-method study consisted of a quantitative cohort study and semi-structured interviews. The intervention was implemented in a stepped wedge design. Patient records of refugee youth and controls were analysed descriptively regarding number of contacts, mental health conversations, and diagnosis, before and after the start of the intervention.
Semi-structured interviews on experiences were held with refugee parents, general practitioners, primary care mental health nurses, and other participants in the local collaboration groups.

Findings:

A total of 152 refugees were included. Discussions about mental health were significantly less often held with refugees than with controls (16 versus 38 discussions/1000 patient-years) but increased substantially, and relatively more than in the control group, to 47 discussions/1000 patient-years (compared to 71 in the controls) after the implementation of the programme.
The intervention was much appreciated by all involved, and professionals in GP felt more able to provide person-centred culturally sensitive care.

Conclusion:
Person-centred culturally sensitive care in general practice, including an introductory meeting with refugees, in combination with interprofessional collaboration, indeed results in more discussions of mental health problems with refugee minors in general practice. Such an approach is assessed positively by all involved and is therefore recommended for broader implementation and assessment.
Validation of the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score and development of a country-specific diabetes prediction model for Turkey
Authors: Ture Neslisah , Emecen Ahmet Naci , Unal Belgin 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Aims:
Diabetes is a global health concern, and early identification of high-risk individuals is crucial for preventive interventions. Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC) is a widely accepted non-invasive tool that estimates the 10-year diabetes risk. This study aims to validate the FINDRISC in the Turkish population and develop a specific model using data from a nationwide cohort.

Method:
The study used data of 12249 participants from the Türkiye Chronic Diseases and Risk Factors Survey. Data included sociodemographic variables, lifestyle factors, and anthropometric measurements. Multivariable logistic regression was employed using FINDRISC variables to predict incident type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Two country-specific models, one incorporating the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR model) and the other waist circumference (WC model), were developed. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm was used for variable selection in the final models, and model discrimination indexes were compared.

Results:
The optimal FINDRISC cut-off was 8.5, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.76, demonstrating good predictive performance in identifying T2DM cases in the Turkish population. Both WHR and WC models showed similar predictive accuracy (AUC: 0.77). Marital status and education were associated with increased diabetes risk in both country-specific models.

Conclusion:
The study found that the FINDRISC tool is effective in predicting the risk of type 2 diabetes in the Turkish population. Models using WHR and WC showed similar predictive performance to FINDRISC. Sociodemographic factors may play a role in diabetes risk. These findings highlight the need to consider population-specific characteristics when evaluating diabetes risk.
Design and evaluation of AE4W: An active and flexible shaft-driven shoulder exoskeleton for workers
Authors: Rossini Marco , De Bock Sander , Ducastel Vincent , Van De Velde Gabriël , De Pauw Kevin , Verstraten Tom , Lefeber Dirk , Geeroms Joost , Rodriguez-Guerrero Carlos 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The wide adoption of occupational shoulder exoskeletons in industrial settings remains limited. Passive exoskeletons were proved effective in a limited amount of application scenarios, such as (quasi-)static overhead handling tasks. Quasi-active devices, albeit representing an improved version of their passive predecessors, do not allow full modulation of the amount of assistance delivered to the user, lacking versatility and adaptability in assisting various dynamic tasks. Active occupational shoulder exoskeletons could overcome these limitations by controlling the shape of the delivered torque profile according to the task they aim to assist. However, most existing active devices lack compactness and wearability. This prevents their implementation in working environments. In this work, we present a new active shoulder exoskeleton, named Active Exo4Work (AE4W). It features a new flexible shaft-driven remote actuation unit that allows the positioning of the motors close to the wearer’s center of mass while it maintains a kinematic structure that is compatible with the biological motion of the shoulder joint. in vitro and in vivo experiments have been conducted to investigate the performance of AE4W. Experimental results show that the exoskeleton is kinematically compatible with the user’s workspace since it does not constrain the natural range of motion of the shoulder joint. Moreover, this device can effectively provide different types of assistance while the user executes various dynamic tasks, without altering perceived comfort.
Accuracy of semi-quantitative gold nanoparticle-based quick cortisol assay with and without adrenocorticotropic hormone infusion during adrenal vein sampling
Authors: Stringer Felicity , Franco Pamela , Wu Landy M. , Preston Christopher A. , Derbyshire Maresa M. , MacIsaac Richard J. , Yong Eric X. Z. , Marginson Benjamin , Sachithanandan Nirupa 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Adrenal vein sampling (AVS) is the gold standard for diagnosing unilateral primary aldosteronism. Point-of-care rapid cortisol assays such as the gold nanoparticle based quick cortisol assay (QCA) are used to confirm accurate cannulation of the adrenal veins during the procedure and have improved AVS success rates. In this retrospective cohort study, we reviewed the results of consecutive AVS procedures (n = 37) performed with and without ACTH (synacthen) infusion between October 2020 and December 2022 at our institution. We compared (1) the accuracy of point-of-care QCA at semi-quantitatively assessing successful adrenal vein cannulation before and after ACTH infusion when compared with selectivity index based on laboratory cortisol measurements, (2) accuracy of QCA based on peripheral and adrenal vein cortisol levels and (3) the impact of time of day on the accuracy of QCA. We found the accuracy of QCA compared with formal laboratory cortisol measurements was 71% pre-ACTH and 100% post-ACTH (p-value < 0.001). Pre-ACTH, the accuracy of QCA was higher in the lowest (28–257 nmol/L) and highest (466–25130 nmol/L) adrenal vein cortisol tertiles compared to the mid-tertile. Post-ACTH, the accuracy of QCA remained high regardless of adrenal vein cortisol levels. Time of day did not affect the accuracy of the QCA. We conclude that during basal AVS subjective, visual estimates of adrenal vein cortisol levels using the QCA semi-quantitively should not be solely relied upon to guide catheter placement. These results will help guide clinicians in the appropriate clinical situations in which QCA should be used during AVS.
Chromosomal 3p loss and 8q gain drive vasculogenic mimicry via HIF-2α and VE-cadherin activation in uveal melanoma
Authors: Delgado-Bellido Daniel , Chacon-Barrado Antonio , Olmedo-Pelayo Joaquin , Jordán Perez Carmen , Gilabert-Prieto Paula , Díaz-Martin Juan , Garcia-Diaz Angel , Oliver F. J. , de Álava Enrique 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary intraocular malignant tumor in adults and is where Vasculogenic Mimicry (VM) was first described. VM enables aggressive cancer cells to independently form blood networks, complicating treatment for patients exhibiting VM. Previous studies linked VE-Cadherin phosphorylation at Y658 to gene expression via Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK), enhancing the Kaiso/β-catenin/TCF-4 complex associated with VE-Cadherin and thereby promoting VM. Recently, an allosteric HIF-2α inhibitor (Belzutifan) was FDA-approved for VHL-associated ccRCCs. In this research, we elucidate the primary causes of VM formation in UM patients with chromosome 3p loss and chromosome 8q gain, identifying VHL, BAP1, and FAK as important factors driving VM and worsening prognosis. These factors promote abnormal activation of HIF-2α and VE-Cadherin under basal hypoxic conditions, leading to VM formation. Cytoscan 750k experiments on the MUM 2B cell line reveal a loss of chromosome 3p, where the VHL, BAP1, and CTNNB1 genes are located, and a gain of chromosome 8q (FAK), whereas the MUM 2C cell line shows a gain of chromosome 3p. This provides an outstanding cross-sectional model from patient samples to established cell lines for VM studies. LC-MS experiments demonstrate that VE-Cad/ENG expression is related to FAK activity in UM cell lines. Finally, using a combination of Belzutifan (HIF-2α inhibitor) and FAK inhibitor (FAKi), we observed a significant reduction in UM xenografts. Our results lead us to propose combining Belzutifan and FAKi as a personalized treatment strategy for UM patients. This approach inhibits VM formation and counters the initial hypoxic conditions resulting from chromosome 3p loss and chromosome 8q gain in UM patients, instilling confidence in the potential of this treatment strategy.
Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells alleviate neurological dysfunction by reducing autophagy damage via downregulation of SYNPO2 in neonatal hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy rats
Authors: Xue Lu- Lu , Cheng Jie , Du Ruo-Lan , Luo Bo-Yan , Chen Li , Xiao Qiu-Xia , Zhou Hong-Su , She Hong-Qing , Wang Shi-Feng , Chen Ting-Bao , Hu Chang-Yan , He Yu-Qi , Wang Ting-Hua , Xiong Liu-Lin 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is worsened by autophagy-induced neuronal damage, with SYNPO2 playing a key role in this process. This study investigates the involvement of SYNPO2 in neuronal autophagy and explores the potential of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) to alleviate HIE-induced dysfunction by inhibiting SYNPO2-mediated autophagy. Using in vitro and in vivo neonatal HIE models, we observed an upregulation of SYNPO2 expression, accompanied by increased neuronal injury and aggregation of autophagy-related proteins. Intervention with BMSCs effectively reduced SYNPO2 expression, and SYNPO2 depression mitigated neuroautophagic damage and improved neurological dysfunctions. Moreover, SYNPO2 overexpression exacerbated neuroautophagy despite BMSC treatment, while SYNPO2 depletion notably reduced neuroautophagic damage and alleviated cognitive impairments, retaining the neuroprotective efficacy of BMSC treatment. These findings confirm the role of BMSCs in attenuating HIE injury by suppressing neuroautophagy and provide insights into the mechanistic involvement of SYNPO2. Ultimately, this study identifies SYNPO2 as a novel therapeutic target for neonatal HIE and supports the clinical potential of BMSCs in HIE management.
Can we rely on delaying the uptake of sugar consumption in the prevention of early childhood caries?
Authors: O’Brien Orion , Taylor Greig D. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

A Commentary on

Feldens C A, de Barros Coelho E M R, Vítolo M R, Rogrigues P H, Kramer P F, Peres K G

Effectiveness of a sugar consumption prevention programme in the first year of life on the occurrence of early childhood caries: a multicentric randomized trial in Brazil. Caries Res 2024; https://doi.org/10.1159/000541028.

Study design
A multi-centre randomised controlled trial was carried out in Brazil. The intervention group received nutritional counselling based on dietary guidelines produced by UNICEF. The control group received standard dietary and maternal counselling provided by the hospital provider. Randomisation of participants was completed through a computer-based system with an investigator blinded to the recruitment process. Patients were followed up monthly using a combination of phone calls and home visits.

Sample
Pregnant women were recruited from four hospitals, across three state capitals, participating in the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative. Mothers were to be at least 18 years of age, testing negative for HIV/HTLV1, and had an uncomplicated pregnancy. Their newborns had to have a gestational age of more than 37 weeks and weigh more than 2.5 kg. A newborn with increased hospital stays due to infection or neonatal conditions which affected breastfeeding were not included. Sample size calculation was undertaken.

Data analysis
Baseline data was collected. At 6- and 12-month intervals, a combination of validated questionnaires, including 24-hour recalls, and interviews were used to assess the diet. Oral health assessments were carried out by a blinded, trained and calibrated paediatric dentist. The primary outcome was a reduction in ECC. Effect measures (relative risk [RR]) were calculated to determine the effect of the intervention on not consuming sugar at 6 months and on the mean number of sugary items consumed at 12 months.

Results
Baseline demographic data were similar, with no significant differences noted, between the intervention and control groups. The probability of not consuming sugar in the first 6-months was 2.4 times less in the intervention group relative to the control group (p = 0.016). ECC was diagnosed in 17.4% of the whole sample; however, no significant difference was noted between groups at any time point (p = 0.281).

Conclusions
Increased intervention to the mother in the first 6-months of life was effective at reducing the amount of sugar intake. However, this did not lead to a statistically significant reduction in ECC.
Prevalence of pediatric and adult optic neuritis in the United States from 2016 to 2023
Authors: Abbass Nadia J. , Shaia Jacqueline K. , Shukla Priya , Cohen Devon , Kaelber David C. , Talcott Katherine E. , Singh Rishi P. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives
Data on the prevalence of optic neuritis (ON) is limited with reported rates between 5.5 and 115.3 per 100,000. The US data is even more limited with the largest study performed in a single county, finding a prevalence of 115.3. This study aims to fill the gap in US data on ON.

Methods
This (2016–2023) cross-sectional study included patients with ICD-10 codes of retrobulbar neuritis, other ON, unspecified ON, and excluded those with optic papillitis, nutritional optic neuropathy, toxic optic neuropathy. Data was collected through a series of queries in a large platform (TriNetX, LLC) containing EHR data from over 113 million patients.

Results
In 2023, the prevalence of ON was 51.6 per 100,000 people in the overall population. Females had a 1.31 (95% CI, 1.27–1.36) increased odds of disease compared to males. Investigating racial and ethnic breakdown, the highest prevalence was found in the Black population (57.8/100,000) (OR 1.06 (1.01–1.10)), followed by the White (54.7/100,000) (REF) and then Hispanic or Latino populations (45.8/100,000) (OR 0.84 (0.79–0.89)) in 2023. Stratified by age, those ages 45–54 had the highest prevalence (71.3/100,000). The prevalence of ON increased 1.08 (1.05–1.10) times from 2016–2023, with the greatest increase seen in the Hispanic population. Significant increases in prevalence were also seen in the 0–14, 15–24, and 25–34 age groups.

Discussion
Racial, ethnic and sex disparities are apparent in the distribution of ON, with Black individuals and females affected most often, and an increasing prevalence seen in the Hispanic population. Younger subpopulations also demonstrated significant increases, warranting additional investigation.
Broad-spectrum capture of hundreds of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances from fluorochemical wastewater
Authors: Liang Yiyang , Yang Lihui , Tang Caiming , Yang Ying , Liang Shangtao , Wang Anqi , Xu Jiale , Huang Qingguo , Lin Hui 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Hundreds of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are present in fluorochemical production effluents, and existing adsorption devices are inadequate to address this PFAS challenge given their extreme structural diversity. Here, we achieve the broad-spectrum capture of 107 PFAS from fluorochemical effluents using a treatment-train strategy that combines Zn-based electrocoagulation (EC) with anion-exchange resin (AER) beds. The “zero-carbon” adsorbent, zinc hydroxide flocs generated insitu by Zn-based EC, bulk removes PFAS with log K
ow > 4 through a semi-micellar adsorption mechanism similar to mineral flotation and achieves adsorption capacities at the optimal level of all reported adsorbents. Technical-economic analysis and life-cycle environmental impact show that coupling Zn-based EC reduces the cost by an order-of-magnitude and the carbon-footprint by 70% compared to AER beds alone. It is also observed that iodinated PFAS, with some fluorine atoms are replaced by iodine atoms, exhibit significantly improved adsorption selectivity, which may shed light on designing environmentally-friendly fluorochemicals.