bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patient and parent satisfaction after surgical repair of concealed penis in children
Authors: Mehrez Amr , El Gamal Osama , Omar Mohamed Adel , Elmaadawy Mohamed , Nagla Salah 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Concealed penis in children is a morbid condition that needs special attention due to its negative psychological impact on both parents and patients. It represents a unique challenge due to the multifactorial nature of its etiology that requires different surgical approaches tailored to each case. The aim of this study was to evaluate parents’ satisfaction after surgical repair of concealed penis in children.

Methods
The study was carried out on male patients, aged < 18 years, diagnosed with concealed penis. All patients were subjected to repair of concealed penis. Adolescents and parents’ satisfaction were measured 3 months after concealed penis repair by 4 tools including a pre-validated questionnaire to evaluate outcome of the surgical treatment, the pediatric penile perception score for penile morphology, the patient’s global impressions of improvement scale, and rating the satisfaction with the final penile appearance by an expert independent urologist.

Results
There was a significant negative correlation between the age of children and the global impressions of improvement (r =  0.358; P = 0.038) (better levels of parents’ satisfaction are associated with lower age group of children). The mean exposed penile length was significantly higher after surgical correction of concealed penis (P =  < 0.001). Postoperative satisfaction with penile morphology according to obesity and circumcision before surgical repair was significantly different between patients (P < 0.05).

Conclusions
Surgical repair of concealed penis generally has high rate of excellent surgical outcomes. It has good cosmetic results with low rate of postoperative complications and achieve high grades of parents satisfaction.
Predictors of sickness absence among employees with common mental disorders in Sweden– a longitudinal study
Authors: Frantz Anna , Toropova Anna , Axén Iben , Bergström Gunnar , Finnes Anna , Björk Brämberg Elisabeth 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
The study aimed to explore which sociodemographic, health-related, and work-related factors were associated with the number of sickness absence days during 18 months among employees on sickness absence due to common mental disorders.

Methods
A longitudinal study with participants from a cluster-randomized controlled trial was conducted. Participants from both intervention and control groups were treated as one cohort. Factors included in the analysis were sociodemographic, health-related, and work-related variables collected through questionnaires at baseline. The outcome was cumulative net sickness absence days for sickness absence spells exceeding 14 days and was collected from a national register. Data was analyzed using generalized estimating equations.

Results
The sample consisted of 197 employees. Lower-rated work ability in relation to physical demands ([exp (B) 1.19], 95% CI 1.02–1.40) and higher-rated job demands ([exp (B) 1.28], 95% CI 1.01–1.61), were associated with increased number of sickness absence days during the 18 months follow-up. Higher certainty of return to work within three months ([exp (B) 0.63], 95% CI 0.48–0.83) was associated with a decreased number of sickness absence days during the 18 months follow-up.

Conclusions
Our study suggests that work-related factors, i.e., high job demands and impaired work ability, are associated with an increased number of days on sickness absence. Additionally, the certainty of returning to work within three months is associated with fewer days on sickness absence. The results highlight the importance of addressing specific workplace factors when designing interventions aimed at decreasing sickness absence for employees on sickness absence due to CMDs. The results could be used to inform a dialogue between healthcare personnel and employees on sickness absence due to CMDs, and to serve as basis for a structured inventory to assist healthcare personnel in addressing workplace factors.
Physician associate (PA) students’ perceptions of team-based learning (TBL) for teaching in Geriatric medicine
Authors: Aweid Basaam , Parnis Natalie , Harrison David 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Physician Associates have recently been introduced to the UK healthcare workforce. Their curriculum includes important topics in Geriatric medicine. As they undertake a 2-year intensive postgraduate course we wanted to explore if Team-based Learning is an effective and efficient learning strategy. In addition, we wanted to know how this approach compares to their current learning methods, namely Problem-based learning and lectures.

Methods
This was a qualitative study of Physician associate student perceptions of Team-Based Learning. After introducing four TBL sessions in the specialty of Geriatric medicine we sent students anonymous questionnaires asking them about their TBL experience and how it compared to PBL and lectures. We then undertook a thematic analysis of the responses.

Results
Twenty students responded to our online questionnaire. The thematic analysis utilised themes from previous studies as well as emergent ones. The key themes were that TBL requires more preparation, TBL is effective, TBL is preferred to PBL and lectures, but students did not want TBL to replace all their teaching.

Conclusions
TBL is an effective learning strategy that can be used alongside other teaching methods. While Physician Associate students preferred TBL over PBL and lectures, they wanted to have TBL alongside lectures at least. This information is important when planning teaching for an intensive 2-year course.
Engineering a bacterial toxin deaminase from the DYW-family into a novel cytosine base editor for plants and mammalian cells
Authors: Zhang Dingbo , Parth Fiona , da Silva Laura Matos , Ha Teng-Cheong , Schambach Axel , Boch Jens 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Base editors are precise editing tools that employ deaminases to modify target DNA bases. The DYW-family of cytosine deaminases is structurally and phylogenetically distinct and might be harnessed for genome editing tools. We report a novel CRISPR/Cas9-cytosine base editor using SsdA, a DYW-like deaminase and bacterial toxin. A G103S mutation in SsdA enhances C-to-T editing efficiency while reducing its toxicity. Truncations result in an extraordinarily small enzyme. The SsdA-base editor efficiently converts C-to-T in rice and barley protoplasts and induces mutations in rice plants and mammalian cells. The engineered SsdA is a highly efficient genome editing tool.
A novel decomposer-exploiter interaction framework of plant residue microbial decomposition
Authors: Miao Youzhi , Wang Wei , Xu Huanhuan , Xia Yanwei , Gong Qingxin , Xu Zhihui , Zhang Nan , Xun Weibing , Shen Qirong , Zhang Ruifu 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Plant residue microbial decomposition, subject to significant environmental regulation, represents a crucial ecological process shaping and cycling the largest terrestrial soil organic carbon pool. However, the fundamental understanding of the functional dynamics and interactions between the principal participants, fungi and bacteria, in natural habitats remains limited.

Results
In this study, the evolution of fungal and bacterial communities and their functional interactions were elucidated during the degradation of complexity-gradient plant residues. The results reveal that with increasing residue complexity, fungi exhibit heightened adaptability, while bacterial richness declines sharply. The differential functional evolution of fungi and bacteria is driven by residue complexity but follows distinct trajectories. Fundamentally, fungi evolve towards promoting plant residue degradation and so consistently act as the dominant decomposers. Conversely, bacteria predominantly increase expression of genes of glycosidases to exploit fungal degradation products, thereby consistently acting as exploiters. The presence of fungi enables and endures bacterial exploitation.

Conclusions
This study introduces a novel framework of fungal decomposers and bacterial exploiters during plant residue microbial decomposition, advancing our comprehensive understanding of microbial processes governing the organic carbon cycling.
Sex and hand differences in haptic processing: implications for mental rotation ability
Authors: Aguilar Ramirez Daniela E. , R. Gonzalez Claudia L. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
It has been proposed that the sensorimotor system provides a foundation for the development of cognitive abilities and their hemispheric specialization. In this study, we investigated the potential relationship between haptic processing and mental rotation ability, both of which are typically lateralized to the right hemisphere. Previous research has also indicated that males tend to outperform females in both functions. The current study investigates how the sensorimotor-haptic system relates to mental rotation ability, specifically to examine the influence of hand performance (as a proxy for hemispheric specialization) and biological sex on this relationship. Seventy-five participants (n = 41 females) completed a haptic task, and the well-known mental rotation test (MRT) developed by Shepard and Metzler (Science 171:701–3, 1971). Results confirmed a positive correlation between performance on the haptic and MRT tasks. Further, males outperformed females in both tasks. However, when sex and hand performance were considered, males were better in the haptic task, but only when using their left-hand. Moreover, left-hand haptic performance was the sole predictor of MRT performance. These findings suggest that sex differences in haptic processing may contribute to the observed sex differences in mental rotation ability, supporting the view that sensorimotor processes shape cognitive function and its hemispheric lateralization.
Metabolomics, network pharmacology, and microbiome analyses uncover the mechanisms of the Chinese herbal formula for the improvement of meat quality in spent hens
Authors: Li Zhihua , Azad Md. Abul Kalam , Meng Chengwen , Kong Xiangfeng , Gui Jue , Lin Wenchao , Cui Yadong , Lan Wei , He Qinghua 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Meat originating from the spent hen is an important source of poultry meat production; however, multiple factors cause the decline in the meat quality of spent hens. Chinese herbs have been widely used as medicine for a long time to prevent diseases and as nutrient supplements to improve the product quality. This experiment explored the effects of adding 1.0% Chinese herbal formula (CHF, including 0.30% Leonurus japonicus Houtt., 0.20% Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge., 0.25% Ligustrum lucidum Ait., and 0.25% Taraxacum mongolicum Hand.-Mazz.) for 120 d to the spent hens’ diet through metabolomics, network pharmacology, and microbiome strategies.

Results
The results indicated that CHF supplementation improved the meat quality by reducing drip loss (P < 0.05), b* value (P = 0.058), and shear force (P = 0.099) and increasing cooked meat percentage (P = 0.054) and dry matter (P < 0.05) of breast muscle. The addition of CHF improved the nutritional value of breast muscle by increasing (P < 0.05) the content of C18:2n-6, n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), total PUFA, PUFA-to-saturated fatty acids (SFA) ratio, and hypocholesterolemic-to-hypercholesterolemic ratio, and tending to increase serine content (P = 0.069). The targeted metabolomics analysis revealed that the biosynthesis of SFA, linoleic acid metabolism, fatty acid degradation, fatty acid elongation, and fatty acid biosynthesis pathways were enriched by CHF supplementation. Furthermore, the network pharmacology analysis indicated that CHF was closely associated with oxidative stress and lipid metabolism. The CHF supplementation increased the glutathione peroxidase level (P < 0.05) and upregulated gene expression related to the Nrf2 pathway (including HO-1, P < 0.05; Nrf2, P = 0.098; CAT, P = 0.060; GPX1, P = 0.063; and SOD2, P = 0.052) and lipid metabolism (including PPARγ, P < 0.05; SREBP1, P = 0.059; and CPT1A, P = 0.058). Additionally, CHF supplementation increased Firmicutes and decreased Bacteroidetes, Spirochaetes, and Synergistetes abundances (P < 0.05), which may contribute to better meat quality.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that CHF supplementation improved the quality and nutritional value of meat, which will provide a theoretical basis for the utilization of CHF as a feed additive in spent hens’ diets.

Graphical Abstract
Teaching, learning, and growing: the construction of a novice L2 writing teacher’s personal practical knowledge
Authors: Li Mingyu 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Although research interest in second language (L2) teachers has grown, novice L2 teachers remain understudied, especially writing teachers. Existing research on L2 writing teachers has largely centred on cognitive development, often overlooking crucial personal and socio-contextual aspects. Utilising a narrative case study approach, this study addresses the gap by exploring the personal practical knowledge of a novice L2 writing teacher, offering a personal, socio-contextual perspective on teacher knowledge. The study utilises narrative interviews, reflective journal entries and teaching artefacts to construct a comprehensive portrayal of the teacher’s journey of professional development. Findings reveal that novice teachers’ self-image, a significant component of their personal practical knowledge, is profoundly influenced by their past experiences and continually guides their teaching. The study calls for a re-evaluation of training programmes to incorporate strategies that help novice teachers integrate their personal histories and contextual realities into their professional practice. Recommendations for future research include cross-cultural and cross-disciplinary longitudinal studies that incorporate multimodal narratives to more effectively track the evolution of novice teachers’ practical knowledge and its impact on teaching efficacy in the global educational landscape.
Giant and irregular pituitary neuroendocrine tumors surgery: comparison of simultaneous combined endoscopic endonasal and transcranial and purely endoscopic endonasal surgery at a single center
Authors: Fu Jun , Luo Wenwei , Zhang Chunlin , Wang Zhicheng , Fan Wenjian , Lin Yuanxiang , Kang Dezhi , Song Jianping , Jiang Changzhen , Yan Xiaorong 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Surgical management of giant and irregular pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (GIPitNETs) presents a significant challenge in neurosurgery. While endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES) is a widely used approach for PitNETs, GIPitNETs with extensive intracranial extension pose challenges for purely EES. We use simultaneous combined endoscopic endonasal and transcranial surgery (CECS) for the treatment of this type of tumor. Currently, there is limited research comparing CECS to EES for GIPitNETs. This study aims to compare the efficacy and short outcome of CECS and purely EES in the management of GIPitNETs to better understand the advantages and limitations of each surgical approach.

Methods
The data of GIPitNETs patients who underwent surgery between March 2018 and May 2023 at a single center were retrospectively reviewed. All included cases were divided into CECS and EES groups according to the treatment modality received. The baseline characteristics and tumor imaging features of patients were compared between the groups, as well as surgical results, perioperative complications, and last follow-up outcomes.

Results
A total of 50 patients met the inclusion criteria, with 27 undergoing CECS and 23 EES. CECS achieved a significantly higher GTR rate compared to EES (66.7% vs. 13.0%, p < 0.0001). CECS had longer operation times and hospital stays, but both approaches had similar rates of complications, including intracranial infection, CSF leakage, new pituitary dysfunction, postoperative diabetes insipidus, and vascular infarction. CECS reduces the risk of postoperative bleeding. Tumor recurrence and reoperation were significantly more common in the EES group.

Conclusions
CECS is a safe and effective surgical approach for GIPitNETs, leading to higher rates of GTR, comparable complication rates, and reduced risk of postoperative bleeding when compared to purely EES. EES was associated with more tumor recurrence. Further long-term follow-up data is needed to validate these findings.
Exploring MAP3K genes in gastric cancer: biomarkers, tumor microenvironment dynamics, and chemotherapy resistance
Authors: Wei Senhui , Li Ying , Zhou Jing , Xia Yongming 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Gastric cancer (GC) presents a significant global health burden, necessitating a deeper understanding of its molecular underpinnings for improved diagnostics and therapeutics.

Methods
In this study, we investigated the expression profiles and clinical implications of MAP3K genes in GC using in silico and in vitro experiments.

Results
Utilizing RT-qPCR analysis, we observed significant up-regulation of MAP3K1, MAP3K4, MAP3K5, MAP3K6, MAP3K7, MAP3K8, MAP3K9, and MAP3K10 in GC cell lines, while MAP3K2, MAP3K3, MAP3K11, MAP3K12, MAP3K13, MAP3K14, and MAP3K15 exhibited down-regulation. Prognostic evaluation revealed that elevated expression of MAP3K1, MAP3K4, MAP3K7, MAP3K8, MAP3K9, and MAP3K10 was associated with shorter overall survival (OS), emphasizing their clinical significance. Furthermore, the diagnostic potential was demonstrated through robust Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis, indicating the strong discriminatory power of these genes in distinguishing GC patients. Proteomic analysis further confirmed the higher expression of MAP3K1, MAP3K4, MAP3K7, MAP3K8, MAP3K9, and MAP3K10 genes in GC. Methylation profiling further supported the idea that promoter hypomethylation of MAP3K1, MAP3K4, MAP3K7, MAP3K8, MAP3K9, and MAP3K10 genes was associated with their up-regulation. Single-cell functional analysis elucidated the involvement of MAP3K genes in shaping the tumor microenvironment. miRNA-mRNA network analysis revealed intricate regulatory mechanisms, with hsa-mir-200b-3p emerging as a key regulator. Finally, the MAP3K1 knockdown has shown significant impacts on the cellular behavior of the BGC823 cells.

Conclusion
This comprehensive assessment provides valuable insights into the role of MAP3K genes in GC, offering avenues for further research and therapeutic exploration.
Identification of prognostic biomarker of non-small cell lung cancer based on mitochondrial permeability transition-driven necrosis-related genes and determination of anti-tumor effect of ARL14
Authors: Ma Zhifei , Chen Wen , Zhang Aiping , Shen Xiaokang , Zheng Lin 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT)-driven necrosis (MPTDN) is a non-apoptotic mode of cell death triggered by oxidative stress and cytosolic Ca2+ overload. Recent evidence suggests that activation of MPTND can effectively induce cancer cell death and may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for cancer. Yet, the role of MPTDN-related genes in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unrevealed. This study aimed to identify MPTDN-related biomarkers for predicting prognosis and guiding treatment in NSCLC.

Methods
Gene expression profiles and clinical information of NSCLC were collected from public databases, and MPTDN-related genes were obtained from published article. Differential expressed MPTDN-related genes in NSCLC and control were screened, and molecular clusters were obtained. Based on the differentially expressed genes (DGEs) between clusters, univariate Cox and LASSO regression analyses were performed to screen biomarkers, followed by nomogram construction. Correlations between these biomarkers and immune cell infiltration, immune checkpoints, and chemotherapeutic agents were observed. Expression levels of MPTDN-related biomarkers were detected using RT-qPCR in NSCLC tissues and cells. Moreover, the biological function of ARL14 in NSLCL was verified in vitro.

Results
Thirty-five differential MPTDN-related genes were identified, and two molecular clusters were obtained. Three biomarkers with prognostic values were finally screened, including ARL14, ZDHHC11B, and HLF. Among them, ARL14 was significantly upregulated in tumor samples, while ZDHHC11B and HLF were downregulated. Nomogram containing three genes exhibited predictive accuracy in 1, 3, and 5-year survival rates. Three gene were strongly associated with most immune cells, immune checkpoints, and drugs sensitivity. RT-qPCR confirmed that expression levels of three genes in tissues or cells were consistent with the results of bioinformatics analysis. Finally, ARL14 knockdown inhibited the malignant phenotype of NSCLC cells.

Conclusion
We first performed the comprehensive analysis of MPTDN in NSCLC and screened three NSCLC-related biomarkers as promising biomarkers. ARL14 might be a new potential target for therapy of NSCLC.
Models for predicting risk of endometrial cancer: a systematic review
Authors: Forder Bea Harris , Ardasheva Anastasia , Atha Karyna , Nentwich Hannah , Abhari Roxanna , Kartsonaki Christiana 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most prevalent gynaecological cancer in the UK with a rising incidence. Various models exist to predict the risk of developing EC, for different settings and prediction timeframes. This systematic review aims to provide a summary of models and assess their characteristics and performance.

Methods
A systematic search of the MEDLINE and Embase (OVID) databases was used to identify risk prediction models related to EC and studies validating these models. Papers relating to predicting the risk of a future diagnosis of EC were selected for inclusion. Study characteristics, variables included in the model, methods used, and model performance, were extracted. The Prediction model Risk-of-Bias Assessment Tool was used to assess model quality.

Results
Twenty studies describing 19 models were included. Ten were designed for the general population and nine for high-risk populations. Three models were developed for premenopausal women and two for postmenopausal women. Logistic regression was the most used development method. Three models, all in the general population, had a low risk of bias and all models had high applicability. Most models had moderate (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) 0.60–0.80) or high predictive ability (AUC > 0.80) with AUCs ranging from 0.56 to 0.92. Calibration was assessed for five models. Two of these, the Hippisley-Cox and Coupland QCancer models, had high predictive ability and were well calibrated; these models also received a low risk of bias rating.

Conclusions
Several models of moderate-high predictive ability exist for predicting the risk of EC, but study quality varies, with most models at high risk of bias. External validation of well-performing models in large, diverse cohorts is needed to assess their utility.

Registration
The protocol for this review is available on PROSPERO (CRD42022303085).