bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tea (Camellia sinensis) Seed Saponins Act as Sebosuppression Agents via the AMPK/mTOR Pathway
Authors: Li Jian , Huang Yuan‐cheng , Deng Jian‐ming , Yu Min , Zouboulis Christos C. , Wang Guang‐Li , Wang Jing 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundExcessive lipogenesis of the skin triggers some dermatological concerns, such as enlarged pores, acne, and blackheads. Although topical drug treatments can offer temporary relief, their prolonged usage may lead to side effects of dryness, irritation, or allergic reactions. Consequently, the development of safer and efficacious ingredients in cosmetics for managing sebum overproduction represents a significant yet challenging endeavor.AimSaponins were extracted from tea (Camellia sinensis) seed meal and purified by macroporous resin in order to investigate the impact of tea seed saponins (TSS) on lipid production in human immortalized sebaceous cells. Moreover, we attempted to reveal the underlying mechanism of TSS on the sebosuppression effect in SZ95 sebocytes stimulated by linoleic acid (LA).MethodsThe compositions and chemical structures of TSS were determined using UV–vis absorption spectrum, Fourier transform‐infrared (FTIR) spectrum, and ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry analysis. An in vitro model of cellular lipid accumulation induced by LA was established. Total lipid synthesis in intracellular SZ95 sebocytes was assessed through Nile Red staining, while triglyceride, cholesterol, and fatty acids were quantified by commercially assay kits. Western blot and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction were employed to analyze the protein expression levels involved in the AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway as well as the downstream protein and mRNA expressions of sterol regulatory element‐binding protein‐1 (SREBP‐1), peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ), and fatty acid synthase (FAS). The localizations of SREBP‐1 within the cytoplasm or nucleus were characterized using immunofluorescence staining.ResultsFive saponins were identified in the extracted TSS, all of which were oleanic acid‐type pentacyclic triterpenes. TSS treatment significantly alleviated LA‐induced lipid accumulation in SZ95 sebocytes. In addition, TSS activated the AMPK/mTOR pathway and downregulated the downstream protein and mRNA expression of transcription factors and enzymes, including SREBP‐1, PPARγ, and FAS. Moreover, the TSS blocked the nuclear transfer of SREBP‐1 from cytoplasm to nucleus.ConclusionIn human sebocytes, TSS exhibited sebosuppressive effect as revealed by the inhibited production of total lipids as well as triglyceride, cholesterol, and fatty acids. Moreover, the anti‐lipogenesis mechanism by TSS involved the activation of the AMPK/mTOR pathway and downregulated downstream transcription factors and enzymes of SREBP‐1, PPARγ, and FAS. Additionally, TSS blocked the SREBP‐1 nuclear translocation. These results may justify the potent of TSS as a new candidate for modulating lipogenesis in human SZ95 sebocytes.
Slipping Through the Cracks? Concussion Management in Aotearoa New Zealand Secondary Schools
Authors: Salmon Danielle , Badenhorst Marelise , Zoellner Anja , Skilton Debbie , Mossman Kate , Lucas Patricia , Thompson Kylie , Walters Simon , Keung Sierra , Sole Gisela 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundConcussion‐related guidelines appear to be inconsistently implemented in secondary schools in Aotearoa New Zealand. The purpose of this qualitative Participatory Action Research study was to describe key school stakeholders' perceptions of their current concussion management processes.MethodsSeventeen focus groups, two dyad, and nine individual interviews were conducted with stakeholders (n = 95) from six secondary schools and healthcare clinics, exploring their perceptions of barriers and facilitators to concussion management. We used thematic analysis to analyze data.ResultsOur analysis identified five overarching and inter‐relating themes: Hit or miss, the need for a clear pathway; the school context; aligning attitudes and enacting values; concussion knowledge and education; and complexity of concussion. The effectiveness of concussion management in secondary school settings is shaped by the dynamic interaction of these five themes.Implications for School Health Policy, Practice, and EquityThese findings highlight the need to develop a context‐sensitive framework that can assist schools with real‐world implementation of concussion management guidelines, for both sports and non‐sports related concussions.ConclusionsThe intent to support students was evident among most stakeholders yet appeared to be limited by lack of structured processes to follow, resources, unfavorable attitudes towards concussion management, and lack of knowledge.
Epidemiology of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis in Greece: A 2‐Year Single‐Centre Study
Authors: Kroustali Vasiliki , Resoulai Esmeralda , Kanioura Lamprini , Siopi Maria , Meletiadis Joseph , Antonopoulou Stavroula 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe epidemiology of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) in Greece remains poorly reported and outdated.ObjectivesWe therefore conducted a 2‐year retrospective survey to assess the epidemiological aspects of the infection among symptomatic Greek patients.Patients/MethodsHigh vaginal swab samples were collected from adult women with clinically suspected VVC attending a private diagnostic laboratory in Athens. VVC was confirmed through microscopic examination of a wet mount preparation revealing yeasts and Candida‐positive culture. Species were identified by MALDI‐ToF MS, and in vitro susceptibility was determined according to the EUCAST‐E.Def 7.4. Predisposing host factors were associated with the occurrence of the infection and isolated Candida spp. using Fisher's exact test, and epidemiological changes over time were analysed with the χ2 test for trend.ResultsAmong 1300 women screened, 283 VVC episodes were recorded among 233 (18%) patients, whereof 11 (5%) had recurrent VVC (RVVC) and 19 (8%) had mixed Candida infections. Coinfection with other pathogens and recent prior use of antifungals were associated with RVVC. Candida albicans was the most prevalent pathogen (50%), followed by Candida parapsilosis sensu stricto (SS) (35%), Nakaseomyces glabratus (former Candida glabrata) (10%), Pichia kudriavzevii (former Candida krusei) (3%), Candida orthopsilosis (1.5%) and Clavispora lusitaniae (former Candida lusitaniae) (0.5%). Regarding the RVVC cases, 54% were attributed to C. albicans, 37% to N. glabratus and 9% to C. parapsilosis SS. Resistance to fluconazole was found in 4% of C. albicans and 23% of N. glabratus strains with cross‐resistance to other azoles. Fluconazole‐resistant isolates were recovered from 5 of 11 RVVC patients, whereof 4 of 5 had previous exposure to azoles. During the study period, an increase in N. glabratus VVC and fluconazole resistance was noted.ConclusionsVVC is common in our region, with C. albicans as the predominant species, followed by C. parapsilosis SS and N. glabratus. Fluconazole resistance is low in C. albicans but high in N. glabratus, emphasising the need for targeted antifungal strategies.
Determinants of adherence to obesity medication: A narrative review
Authors: Sharma Arya M. , Birney Susie , Crotty Michael , Finer Nick , Segal‐Lieberman Gabriella , Vázquez‐Velázquez Verónica , Vrijens Bernard 
Published: January 2025

SummaryThe increasing prevalence of obesity, complex nature of this chronic disease, and risks of developing obesity‐related comorbidities outline the need for sustainable and effective management for people living with obesity. In addition to behavioral interventions, obesity medications (OMs) are increasingly considered an integral part of management of people living with obesity. OM adherence is essential to achieve the health benefits of these medications. Adherence to medications, defined as the process by which patients take their medications as prescribed, is determined by a range of factors and can be broken down into phases: initiation, implementation, and persistence (the persistence phase includes discontinuation/stopping treatment). Obesity‐specific challenges exist to optimize OM adherence, which may explain varying OM adherence compared with medication for other chronic diseases (diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and osteoporosis). However, lessons can be learned from other chronic diseases to improve OM adherence, for example from type 2 diabetes and hypertension. This review aims to provide practical guidance for identifying OM‐ and obesity‐specific determinants of adherence and discusses adherence determinants per adherence phase and obesity management phase (weight gain, weight loss, and weight stabilization/regain). This practical guidance will assist with developing obesity‐specific interventions to improve OM adherence.Practitioner Points
OMs are increasingly considered as an integral part of obesity management; however, like with all chronic disease medications, low adherence to these medications is often observed, impacting their therapeutic effect.
Adherence to obesity medication can be affected at any phase of obesity management (weight gain, weight loss, and weight stabilization/regain) so considering the disease phase can help identify potential reasons for low adherence.
Future initiatives to improve adherence to obesity medication should be a key focus of discussions at each opportunity with healthcare professionals, including thorough evaluation and targeted education, all in a supportive and stigma‐free manner.
Potential Role of TIP3 Aquaporins in the Transport of H2O2 and Boric Acid During Seed Development and Germination in Soybean (Glycine max L.)
Authors: Sudhakaran Sreeja , Thakral Vandana , Mandlik Rushil , Mahakalkar Badal , Sharma Yogesh , Kumar Virender , Deshmukh Rupesh , Sharma Tilak Raj , Sonah Humira 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTTonoplast intrinsic proteins (TIPs) are the channel‐forming proteins predominantly found in the tonoplast of plant cells. Despite the identification of TIPs in numerous plant species, very less is known about the precise role of different TIP subgroups. In the present study, two genes belonging to the TIP3 subgroup were studied to understand tissue‐specific role and solute transport activity. The soybean GmTIP3‐1 and GmTIP3‐2 were found to be expressed exclusively in seeds. Unlike rest of the aquaporins (AQPs), the expression of GmTIP3s gradually increased during seed maturation. The GmTIP3s also show higher expression during the initiation of seed germination, suggesting their potential role in the solute transport during seed maturation and germination. Further, GmTIP3‐1 and GmTIP3‐2 were functionally characterised to understand the structure, pore morphology, pore hydrophobicity, sub‐cellular localization, and solute specificity. The solute specificity of TIPs is crucial in various physiological and developmental processes. Solute transport activity studied using yeast growth and survivability assay suggests that GmTIP3‐1 and GmTIP3‐2 can transport hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and boric acid, both of which are known to play significant role in seed germination. The information provided here will help to understand the precise role of TIP3 genes in seed development and germination.
How Much Do We Trust Remote Managers? Examining Follower Trust, Construal, and Performance
Authors: Golden Timothy D. , Ford Michael T. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTWith the widespread shift to remote and hybrid work, followers of leaders who telework are more distant from their leaders and may develop different judgments of their leader's trustworthiness. Drawing upon construal level theory (CLT), we investigate the effect of a leader's teleworking on trust followers have in their leader and suggest that higher level construals associated with the leader's distance help explain this effect. Moreover, we investigate the moderating role of a leader's monitoring behavior. Study 1, a longitudinal field study using matched data from 314 followers, 108 leaders, and 218 projects in a large corporation, finds leader teleworking is negatively associated with follower affect‐based trust, which in turn is associated with project financial performance. Study 2, a 3‐wave study of employed adults (n = 262), finds evidence that follower construal mediates the relationship between the extent of leader teleworking and follower trust. Study 3, a daily study of employed adults (n = 98) conducted over 10 consecutive workdays, finds support for these effects at a daily and between‐person level. Across the three studies, results indicate the extent of leader teleworking is negatively associated with follower trust in the leader through higher level follower construal, with leader monitoring exacerbating this effect.
Boosting porphyrin synthesis and ALA‐mediated photoinactivation through near‐infrared therapy
Authors: Tomás Roberto , Di Venosa Gabriela , Sáenz Daniel , Buzzola Fernanda , Mamone Leandro , Casas Adriana 
Published: January 2025

AbstractPhotodynamic inactivation (PDI) combines the use of photosensitizers with visible light to produce reactive oxygen species that effectively eliminate pathogens. To investigate the impact of near‐ infrared therapy (NIRT) on heme biosynthesis and permeability of the pro‐photosensitizers 5‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and Hexyl‐ALA (H‐ALA) through biofilms, we applied sub‐lethal conditions for both NIRT and PDI to maintain intact bacterial viability. During NIRT, the temperature remained below 37°C, permitting rapid heating (ΔT = 11°C) without causing thermal damage. NIRT potentiated the bactericidal effects of ALA‐PDI by 3 logs in Staphylococcus aureus RN6390 biofilms and 4 logs in ST5‐SCCmecI biofilms. With H‐ALA‐PDI, reductions of 4 and 6 logs, respectively, were observed. In the case of ALA, this enhancement was partly due to increased porphyrin synthesis, a result not replicated by simple heating. For H‐ALA, the enhanced effect of PDI was likely due to biofilm or bacterial membrane destabilization caused by NIRT and H‐ALA. Unlike biofilms, applying the same ALA‐PDI conditions, the treatment was effective in planktonic S. aureus RN6390 cultures, reducing the bacteria by 3 logs, with no additional benefit from NIRT, suggesting that NIRT primarily aids in penetrating the biofilm matrix rather than the bacterial cells. Confocal fluorescence microscopy confirmed that NIRT‐treated biofilms exposed to ALA exhibited higher porphyrin fluorescence than untreated biofilms. These findings support the use of NIRT in enhancing the effectiveness of PDI against bacterial biofilms.
Toluidine blue O demethylated photoproducts as type II photosensitizers
Authors: Querini‐Sanguillén Whitney , Otero‐González Jennifer , García‐Sánchez Melannie , Zúñiga‐Núñez Daniel , Günther Germán , Miranda Mario L. , Castro‐Pérez Edgardo , Ramos Carlos , Fuentealba Denis , Robinson‐Duggon José 
Published: January 2025

AbstractToluidine blue O (TBO) is a type I–type II photosensitizer that has shown good efficacy and selectivity in antimicrobial and anticancer photodynamic therapy applications. However, its complex photochemistry with multiple photoproducts hinders its application as a photosensitizer. We have previously described the mechanism for photooxidative demethylation of TBO which in acetonitrile yields two main products: demethylated‐TBO (d‐TBO) and double‐demethylated‐TBO (dd‐TBO). In the current work, we describe the photophysical properties of these two photoproducts. In acetonitrile and phosphate buffer, demethylation induces an hypsochromic shift in the absorption and fluorescence emission maxima. Fluorescence quantum yields increase slightly for the demethylated photoproducts, in agreement with the lengthening of the fluorescence lifetimes. Triplet excited states lifetimes in the presence of oxygen decreased slightly upon demethylation. However, the singlet oxygen quantum yield increased significantly reaching unity for the dd‐TBO photoproduct. These results are interpreted in terms of the competing pathways of TBO photochemistry. For TBO, demethylation is the main pathway for deactivation of the excited state, while for d‐TBO, demethylation and singlet oxygen generation are significant. For dd‐TBO, singlet oxygen generation is the main deactivation pathway. Overall, TBO demethylated photoproducts demonstrate good potential as candidates for photodynamic therapy applications.
Molecular phylogeny of the tribe Luciini (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae): systematics and life history evolution
Authors: Braby Michael F. , Pierce Naomi E. , Lohman David J. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe butterfly tribe Luciini (Theclinae), which currently includes 22 species, is restricted to Australia and mainland New Guinea and its adjacent islands. All species appear to have obligate, highly specialised associations with ants, and half of them are known or assumed to be myrmecophagous. Despite considerable progress in taxonomy and classification, no robust phylogenetic hypothesis currently exists for the tribe that could form a framework for a better understanding of the evolution of ant attendance in the group. Here, we reconstruct the phylogeny of the Luciini based on an extensive molecular dataset (up to 391 genetic loci for 101 ingroup samples representing 17 (77%) species and all four genera). Bayesian and maximum likelihood analyses found that the genus Pseudodipsas C. & R. Felder is polyphyletic, with the species Pseudodipsas cephenes Hewitson distantly related to the type species Pseudodipsas eone (C. & R. Felder). Comparative morphological evidence corroborates our molecular phylogenetic results and supports the establishment of a new monotypic genus, Paradipsas Braby, gen. nov., to accommodate the species Paradipsas cephenes (Hewitson) comb. nov. Phylogenetic relationships among genera in our well‐supported trees are as follows: Lucia Swainson + (Pseudodipsas + (Paralucia Waterhouse & R.E. Turner + (Paradipsas + Acrodipsas Sands))). The ancestor of the tribe most likely associated with Dolichoderinae ants (possibly arboreal Anonychomyrma Donisthorpe) in wet biomes during the Eocene (stem‐group: 37.91 ± 2.66 million years ago ‘Mya’). Differentiation of three of the butterfly genera in the Oligocene‐Miocene (crown‐group: 27.17 ± 3.75 Mya) involved shifts to other dolichoderine species (subterranean species of Anonychomyrma for Paralucia) or genera (Iridomyrmex Mayr for Lucia, Papyrius Shattuck for Acrodipsas) coinciding with shifts to drier biomes. Associations with other ant subfamilies represent more recent, secondary shifts within Luciini genera in the Miocene–Pliocene, and include single ant shifts to Formicinae (Notoncus Emery for Paralucia pyrodiscus (Rosenstock)) and Myrmicinae (Crematogaster Lund for Acrodipsas spp.). These patterns strongly suggest obligate ant attendance has been pivotal in the diversification of Luciini. Aspects of the ecology and biology of Paradipsas cephenes comb. nov. are clarified, particularly its critical habitat and attendant ant Anonychomyrma gilberti (Forel).
From biopower to affirmative biopolitics: A (bio)political ecology of becoming with wolves
Authors: Donfrancesco Valerio , Sandbrook Chris 
Published: January 2025

AbstractEffective, equitable and just strategies for multispecies coexistence are increasingly the focus of research and policy. The critical social sciences, such as political ecology, have been particularly interested in this topic recently, exploring the production of human–wildlife interactions and the resulting (uneven) outcomes for different communities. Within this body of literature, some studies have explored human–wildlife coexistence through Foucauldian lenses of biopower and related governmentalities, which have also been extended through more‐than‐human analyses. After drawing a distinction between biopower and affirmative biopolitics, whereby the latter concern alternative modes of ‘living with’ in more‐than‐human societies, beyond forms of control over (human and non‐human) life, this study explores the (alternative) production of subjectivities in the contexts of farmer–wolf coexistence in Tuscany, Italy. The approach adopted entailed a 12‐month ethnography and semi‐structured interviews. On the one hand, exercises of biopower operationalised through truth and neoliberal governmentalities by conservation actors are met by local forms of resistance and contribute to an exacerbation of human–wolf conflict. On the other hand, local manifestations of affirmative biopolitics, wherein wolves are conceived not as objects or means to an end but as subjects of care, may provide more promising bases for coexistence. Nevertheless, local ethical propensities to coexist with wolves are strained and constrained by wider political economies shaping socioeconomic hardships in the agricultural sector. We emphasise the need for a greater recognition of local manifestations of affirmative biopolitics, going beyond problematic exercises of biopower that reduce wolves to providers of services (e.g., ecological or economic), which they may not necessarily deliver. We link affirmative biopolitics to feminist ethics of care, articulating an approach to navigating interspecies violence that is attentive to human and non‐human needs and frames caring for wolves as a systemic project. We encourage future studies to continue exploring affirmative biopolitics.
Post‐exercise neural plasticity is augmented by adding blood flow restriction during low work rate arm cycling
Authors: Frechette Mikaela L. , Cook Summer B. , Scott Brendan R. , Tan Jane , Vallence Ann‐Maree 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBlood flow restriction (BFR) combined with low work rate exercise can enhance muscular and cardiovascular fitness. However, whether neural mechanisms mediate these enhancements remains unknown. This study examined changes in corticospinal excitability and motor cortical inhibition following arm cycle ergometry with and without BFR. Twelve healthy males (24 ± 4 years) completed four, randomized 15‐min arm cycling conditions: high work rate (HW: 60% maximal power output), low work rate (LW: 30% maximal power output), low work rate with BFR (LW‐BFR) and BFR without exercise (BFR‐only). For BFR conditions, cuffs were applied around the upper arm and inflated to 70% of arterial occlusion pressure continuously during exercise. Single‐pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation was delivered to left primary motor cortex (M1) to elicit motor‐evoked potentials (MEP) in the right biceps brachii during a low‐level isometric contraction. MEP amplitude and cortical silent period (cSP) duration were measured before and 1, 10 and 15 min post‐exercise. MEP amplitude increased significantly from baseline to Post‐10 and Post‐15 for both the HW (both z < −7.07, both P < 0.001) and LW‐BFR conditions (both z < −5.56, both P < 0.001). For the LW condition without BFR, MEP amplitude increased significantly from baseline to Post‐10 (z = −3.53, P = 0.003) but not Post‐15 (z = −1.85, P = 0.388). The current findings show that HW arm cycling and LW‐BFR led to longer‐lasting increases in corticospinal excitability than LW arm cycling alone. Future research should examine whether the increased corticospinal excitability is associated with the improvements in muscle strength observed with BFR exercise. A mechanistic understanding of BFR exercise improvement could guide BFR interventions in clinical populations.