bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The MYB61–STRONG2 module regulates culm diameter and lodging resistance in rice
Authors: Zhao Yong , Wang Xianpeng , Gao Jie , Rehman Rashid Muhammad Abdul , Wu Hui , Hu Qianfeng , Sun Xingming , Li Jinjie , Zhang Hongliang , Xu Peng , Qian Qian , Chen Chao , Li Zichao , Zhang Zhanying 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTLodging reduces grain yield and quality in cereal crops. Lodging resistance is affected by the strength of the culm, which is influenced by the culm diameter, culm wall thickness, and cell wall composition. To explore the genetic architecture of culm diameter in rice (Oryza sativa), we conducted a genome‐wide association study (GWAS). We identified STRONG CULM 2 (STRONG2), which encodes the mannan synthase CSLA5, and showed that plants that overexpressed this gene had increased culm diameter and improved lodging resistance. STRONG2 appears to increase the levels of cell wall components, such as mannose and cellulose, thereby enhancing sclerenchyma development in stems. SNP14931253 in the STRONG2 promoter contributes to variation in STRONG2 expression in natural germplasms and the transcription factor MYB61 directly activates STRONG2 expression. Furthermore, STRONG2 overexpressing plants produced significantly more grains per panicle and heavier grains than the wild‐type plants. These results demonstrate that the MYB61–STRONG2 module positively regulates culm diameter and lodging resistance, information that could guide breeding efforts for improved yield in rice.
The Relationship Between Nutrition Habits, BMI, Anxiety, and Seborrheic Dermatitis
Authors: Batan Tayfun , Acer Ersoy , Kaya Erdoğan Hilal , Ağaoğlu Esra , Bilgin Muzaffer , Saraçoğlu Zeynep Nurhan 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundSeborrheic dermatitis (SD) is a chronic, inflammatory disease characterized by unknown etiopathogenesis. It affects skin areas rich in sebaceous glands. There are strong data on the relationship between nutrition habits, body mass index (BMI), psychoemotional status, and sebaceous gland diseases such as acne, rosacea, and androgenetic alopecia. However, there are very little data on SD, nutrition habits, BMI, and psychoemotional status.AimsWe aimed to evaluate the nutrition habits, BMI, and psychoemotional status in patients with SD.MethodsOne hundred patients with SD and 110 healthy controls aged 18–65 years were included. Adolescents Food Habits Checklist (AFHC), a questionnaire form consisting information about nutrition habits and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale‐21 (DASS‐21) were completed by the participants, and BMI was calculated.ResultsSeverity of SD was positively correlated with BMI (p = 0.018). Patients with SD consumed more bread and less fruits–vegetables (p = 0.001, p = 0.006). Margarine, animal fat, and sugar consumption was higher in patients with moderate to severe SD (p = 0.008, p = 0.050). AFHC score was lower in patients with SD (p = 0.009). DASS‐21 anxiety subscale and DASS‐21 total scores were higher in the moderate to severe SD group (p = 0.035, p = 0.049).ConclusionsNutrition habits, higher BMI, and psychoemotional status may play a critical role in the etiopathogenesis of SD. Healthy nutrition habits and psychoemotional status may prevent the occurrence and exacerbation of SD.
Treatment for low‐grade and high‐grade endometrial carcinoma after recurrence/relapse before the molecular targeted therapy era: A retrospective, propensity score‐matched cohort study
Authors: Okadome Masao , Sonoda Kenzo , Nagayama Rina , Saito Toshiaki , Shimamoto Kumi , Nio Ai , Yoshida Yu , Tsubomi Ayano , Yamaguchi Shinichiro , Ariyoshi Kazuya 
Published: January 2025

AbstractAimTo compare the prognosis of low‐grade endometrial carcinoma (LG‐EC) with that of high‐grade endometrial carcinoma (HG‐EC) after first recurrence/relapse before the molecular targeted therapy era.MethodsRecurrent/relapsed endometrial cancer was diagnosed in 155 women at our hospital between January 26, 1999 and February 26, 2019. Fifty of these women received paclitaxel–carboplatin, two received doxorubicin–cisplatin, and one received docetaxel–carboplatin as postoperative chemotherapy. Two women who did not receive postoperative chemotherapy received paclitaxel–carboplatin for their first recurrence/relapse. The prognosis in these 55 women was retrospectively investigated using propensity score matching.ResultsTwenty‐five women had LG‐EC and 30 had HG‐EC. Cox proportional hazards analysis identified response to chemotherapy for the first recurrence/relapse to be a statistically significant determinant of progression‐free survival and HG‐EC to be a significant determinant of overall survival. After propensity score matching, median overall survival was better in women with LG‐EC than in those with HG‐EC (82 months [95% CI 27–not reached] vs. 31 months [95% CI 2–47], p = 0.0127). Three women survived for at least 10 years without recurrence after completion of treatment. The interval between postoperative chemotherapy and first recurrence was more than 6 months. The recurrences resolved after multimodal treatment or aggressive chemotherapy followed by 5–12 cycles of chemotherapy other than paclitaxel–carboplatin if received postoperatively.ConclusionsThe prognosis was poorer in patients with recurrent/relapsed HG‐EC than in those with recurrent/relapsed LG‐EC before the molecular targeted therapy era. There were no long‐term recurrence‐free survivors after repeat paclitaxel–carboplatin chemotherapy.
‘Species’ Is Not the (Only) Unit of Biodiversity: A Process‐Philosophical Perspective on Conservation Concepts
Authors: Sandberg Ole Martin , Schultz Anthony , Guðmundsdóttir Ragnhildur , Skúlason Skúli 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTIn this paper, we argue that the concept of ‘species’ should not be the main focus of research and policies in biodiversity conservation. Diversity is important at all levels of life: within species as well as among them and within and among ecosystems. First, we give a brief overview of the debate about the necessity to find a unified concept of ‘species’. In this, we side with Charles Darwin, who insisted that no strict definition could be given to this term, which is ultimately a matter of arbitrary and pragmatic human language. This did not worry Darwin, and neither should it concern biologists or ecologists today. Darwin's great discovery relied on a recognition of the many differences within species, not on their similarities. Next, we argue that the focus on species and the neglect of other diversity measures in the conservation discourse have led to problems in public perception of—and policies on—conservation and biodiversity. In areas with few species, intraspecific diversity is often of utmost importance to ecosystem processes and functions, and such regions may provide the environmental conditions that enable and promote the diversification of specialised subgroups in the absence (or reduction) of interspecific competition. We give some examples of these processes based on research in marine and freshwater ecosystems, focusing on Iceland and the subarctic region. Finally, we refer to alternative, emerging methodologies of assessing ecosystem health which go beyond the quantitative method of counting species and subspecies and instead emphasise more complex phenomena such as relations, interactions and processes. These approaches, we suggest, are consistent with the philosophical tradition called ‘process ontology’, and we argue that both ecological research and conservation policy can benefit from a process philosophical perspective. Finally, we briefly discuss our motivations for finding this topic to be of importance.
Informed Consent in Educational AI Research Needs to Be Transparent, Flexible, and Dynamic
Authors: Skulmowski Alexander 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTGenerative artificial intelligence (AI) has become a major research trend in the fields of education and psychology. However, several risks posed by this technology concerning the cognitive and socio‐emotional development of children and adolescents have been identified. While it would be highly useful to have a clear understanding of these potential negative effects, empirical results cannot be obtained without putting the participants of these studies in a situation that potentially endangers their development. Research fields such as the biomedical sciences utilize several measures to minimize risks, such as dose escalation and stopping rules. In addition, dynamic and flexible forms of informed consent could be adopted by our field to maximize transparency. By including methodological advancements and ethical developments in the psychological and educational research process, risks could be averted, and the ethical soundness of AI research involving children and adolescents could be maintained.
Reproducibility and within‐subject variability of HRK‐9000A meibography in normal young participants
Authors: Gantz Liat , Wilks Judith , Ifrah Reut 
Published: January 2025

AbstractPurposeReliable assessment is critical for diagnosing and managing meibomian gland dysfunction. Multi‐functional diagnostic devices, such as meibographers, streamline clinical workflows by integrating multiple ocular assessments. Ensuring reproducibility across examiners is vital for accurate diagnosis and monitoring of treatment. This prospective study determined the inter‐examiner reproducibility (IER), inter‐rater reproducibility (IRR) and within‐subject variability (WSV) of the Huvitz HRK‐9000A meibographer.MethodsMeibomian glands (MGs) of both eyelids of healthy participants were captured during the same session by Examiner 1 (E1) and Examiner 2 (E2) in a counter‐balanced design. The images were rated offline by E1, E2 and an Independent rater (R1). The inter‐examiner reproducibility (IER between E1 vs. E2) and inter‐rater reproducibility (IRR between E1 vs. R1 and E2 vs. R1) were determined based on non‐parametric Bland–Altman plots, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and weighted Kappa (κ) values. Within‐subject variability (WSV) was determined using ICCs.ResultsMean MG loss of the upper (E1: 1.0 ± 0.8 vs. R1: 0.9 ± 0.8, E2: 1.2 ± 0.8 vs. R1: 0.9 ± 0.7) and lower eyelids (E1: 1.9 ± 0.9 vs. R1: 2.1 ± 1.1, E2: 1.5 ± 1.0 vs. R1: 1.8 ± 1.0) of 35 participants (mean age 22 ± 3 years, range 19–30) was significantly correlated (p < 0.001) for all pairs of examiners (E1–E2, E1–R1 and E2–R1), but was significantly different for the upper eyelids of E2 vs. E1 (p < 0.002) and E2 vs. R1 (p < 0.003). Median differences between pairs of raters for both eyelids were close to zero, with >74% of comparisons falling within the interquartile range, except for the upper eyelids of E2 vs. E1 and E2 vs. R1 (63% and 66%, respectively). IRR demonstrated moderate agreement (0.43–0.57) with good reliability (ICC range 0.76–0.86) for the upper eyelids and good agreement (0.60–0.65) with good reliability (ICC range 0.85–0.88) for the lower eyelids. The WSV was excellent (ICCs for repeated measurements > 0.90).ConclusionsThe HRK‐9000A meibographer demonstrated excellent reliability, with good inter‐examiner and inter‐rater reproducibility. It is suitable for meibographic assessment, follow‐up or treatment.
Exploring intra‐ and intergenomic variation in haplotype‐resolved pangenomes
Authors: Jonkheer Eef M. , de Ridder Dick , van der Lee Theo A. J. , de Haan Jorn R. , Berke Lidija , Smit Sandra 
Published: January 2025

SummaryWith advances in long‐read sequencing and assembly techniques, haplotype‐resolved (phased) genome assemblies are becoming more common, also in the field of plant genomics. Computational tools to effectively explore these phased genomes, particularly for polyploid genomes, are currently limited. Here we describe a new strategy adopting a pangenome approach. To analyse both intra‐ and intergenomic variation in phased genome assemblies, we have made the software package PanTools ploidy‐aware by updating the pangenome graph representation and adding several novel functionalities to assess synteny and gene retention, profile repeats and calculate synonymous and nonsynonymous mutation rates. Using PanTools, we constructed and analysed a pangenome comprising of one diploid and four tetraploid potato cultivars, and a pangenome of five diploid apple species. Both pangenomes show high intra‐ and intergenomic allelic diversity in terms of gene absence/presence, SNPs, indels and larger structural variants. Our findings show that the new functionalities and visualizations are useful to discover introgressions and detect likely misassemblies in phased genomes. PanTools is available at https://git.wur.nl/bioinformatics/pantools.
An Integrated Neuromuscular Training Intervention Applied in Primary School Induces Epigenetic Modifications in Disease‐Related Genes: A Genome‐Wide DNA Methylation Study
Authors: Vasileva Fidanka , Font‐Lladó Raquel , López‐Ros Víctor , Barretina Jordi , Noguera‐Castells Aleix , Esteller Manel , López‐Bermejo Abel , Prats‐Puig Anna 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTPhysical exercise has been shown to induce epigenetic modifications with various health implications, directly affect DNA methylation (DNAm), as well as reverse the epigenetic age. Hence, we aimed to identify differential methylation changes and assess the epigenetic age in the saliva of 7–9‐year‐old school children following a 3‐month integrated neuromuscular training (INT), as well as to explore if any of the methylation changes are in core genes. Core genes are defined as genes of high relevance and essential importance within the human genome. Forty children (17 boys and 23 girls) were recruited from schools in Girona, Spain, and allocated into control (N = 20) or INT (N = 20) group. The INT group performed a 3‐month INT as a warm‐up during the physical education (PE) classes, encompassing strength, coordination, dynamic stabilization, plyometrics, speed, and agility exercises, whereas the control group performed traditional warm‐up activities, encompassing aerobic exercises that will prepare the cardiovascular system and increase the joint mobility for the upcoming effort during the class. Genome‐wide DNAm analysis was performed with the Illumina 900 K microarray. Core genes were recognized based on the accomplishment of a rigorous and widely accepted 3‐point criteria: participation in the enriched pathways, high connectivity (≥ 10), and target genes of key transcription factors. There were 1200 differentially methylated positions (DMPs) in the control group and 414 DMPs in the INT group (FDR < 0.05, p < 0.05, Aβ < |0.1|), suggesting a non‐significant trend of epigenetic age acceleration in the control group (1.18 months, p > 0.05) and a non‐significant 1‐month decrease of the epigenetic age in the INT group (p > 0.05). The genes with DMPs in the control group showed low similarity between enriched pathways and low interconnectivity, encompassing distinct pathways, mostly development and growth‐related. Additionally, no core genes were identified in the control group. Interestingly, the genes with DMPs in the INT group showed high similarity between enriched pathways and high interconnectivity, encompassing related pathways involving signaling mechanisms, as well as hormone and protein metabolism pathways. Moreover, 17 DMPs in the children from the INT group were in core genes. The main findings of the present study are suggesting an integrated response to the training stimulus in 7–9‐year‐old school children that performed a 3‐month INT, including epigenetic modifications in 17 genes considered as core genes.Trial Registration: The study protocol was registered in the ISRCTN registry (ISRCTN16744821)
Peer Influence and Educational Preferences: Direct Influence or Access to Friends’ Educational Resources?
Authors: Vit Eszter , Lenkewitz Sven , Krause Robert 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTWhile educational preferences can be influenced by friends through various mechanisms, the specific pathways of this influence remain underexplored. This study employs random‐coefficient multilevel stochastic actor‐oriented models to examine a longitudinal sample of Hungarian students (Nstudents = 493, Nclasses = 21) observed from fifth to seventh grade. The study investigates how friends' preferences and friends' parental resources influence educational preferences while accounting for friends' academic achievement and friendship selection. The analysis identifies distinct pathways through which friends can influence educational preferences. The study suggests that adolescents do not adjust their secondary school track preferences to conform to their friends' preferences but are instead affected by the indirect influence of their friends' parental background. Students who befriend adolescents with highly educated parents are more likely to adjust their preferences toward the academically oriented secondary school track.
Nitrogen budget and barley response to organic amendments in a sandy soil under simulated arid climate
Authors: Le Guyader Elie , El Mazlouzi Mohamed , Guillaneuf Alexandra , Tandina Badji , Gommeaux Maxime , Hubert Julien , Miconnet Vincent , Marin Béatrice , Abiven Samuel , Intrigliolo Diego S. , Delgado‐Iniesta Maria José , Girods Pierre , Sbih Mahtali , Guimeur Kamel , Kavvadias Victor , Zoghlami Rahma Inès , Abid Abdelfettah , Morvan Xavier 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBesides their potential for carbon sequestration, compost and biochar application in agriculture may constitute an alternative to mineral fertilizers by improving soil fertility and productivity in carbon‐poor soils. This study focused on the impact of biochar and compost produced from date palm residues on nitrogen (N) leaching and plant uptake in a sandy soil cultivated with barley under arid climatic conditions. In addition to the unamended control soil (S), treatments with biochar (BC), urea (U), biochar + urea (BCU), compost (C) and biochar + compost (BCC) were tested. We followed soil fertility parameters, N leaching losses, N uptake and plant growth. Results showed a significant increase of barley yields with compost compared to urea (+66%) treatment (U), biochar amended (BC) and unamended soil (S). Biochar alone or co‐applied with a nutrient source seems to reduce barley shoot biomass and grain yields at short term. Leachate N recovery and soil extractable inorganic N at the end of barley cultivation indicated that compost did not provide N in excess at barley maturation stage. Compost amended soils led to the highest N losses through leaching and thus environmental risk of N vertical transfer. However, compost had positive effects on soil nutrient status and barley yields. No synergistic effect was observed between biochar and compost. In conclusion, this paper highlights that date palm compost improved barley productivity in a coarse‐textured soil, but with very short‐term effects concerning available soil N.
Seroprevalence and risk factors for Crimean‐Congo hemorrhagic fever virus exposure among febrile patients in northern Tanzania
Authors: Shao Elichilia R. , Tan Chee Wah , Mani Shailendra , Anderson Danielle E. , Lwezaula Bingileki F. , Mmbaga Blandina T. , Maro Venance P. , Shen Shu , Deng Fei , Halliday Jo E. B. , Mendes Ângelo J. , Madut Deng B. , Cleaveland Sarah , Crump John A. , Rubach Matthew P. , Wang Lin‐Fa 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundCrimean‐Congo hemorrhagic fever is a tick‐borne zoonotic disease that may be severe and is present in many African countries. We aimed to understand the seroprevalence and risk for Crimean‐Congo hemorrhagic fever virus in Tanzania by testing archived serum samples from patients enrolled in a prospective cohort study.MethodsWe prospectively enrolled febrile inpatients and outpatients from 2012 through 2014 at two referral hospitals in northern Tanzania. Archived serum samples were tested for Crimean‐Congo hemorrhagic fever virus antibodies initially by a Luminex assay screen followed by confirmation with immunofluorescence assay. Evidence of exposure to Crimean‐Congo hemorrhagic fever virus was defined as antibody detection by Luminex and confirmed by immunofluorescence assay. Questionnaire data were used to construct logistic regression models to understand factors associated with prior exposure to Crimean‐Congo hemorrhagic fever virus. Domains of predictor variables included sociodemographics, livestock‐rearing activities, and environmental factors.ResultsOf 735 participants included, antibodies to Crimean‐Congo hemorrhagic fever virus nucleocapsid protein were detected by Luminex assay in 23 (3.1%) and confirmed by immunofluorescence assay in 13 (1.8%). In multivariable logistic regression, prior exposure to Crimean‐Congo hemorrhagic fever virus was associated with self‐report of milking livestock in the past month (adjusted OR [aOR]: 12.6, 95% CI 1.6–99.8) and natural log increase in goat density (head/km2; aOR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.1–2.7).ConclusionsWe show serologic evidence of prior exposure to Crimean‐Congo hemorrhagic fever virus among humans in northern Tanzania. Similar to other settings, our results suggest that exposure is closely linked to livestock activities. Additional research is warranted to understand reservoirs and modes of transmission of Crimean‐Congo hemorrhagic fever virus to humans in northern Tanzania.
Clinical Presentation of Frontal Sinus Squamous Cell Carcinoma in the Dog and Response to Treatment With Radiation Therapy in Eight Dogs
Authors: Loddo Pietro , Schiavo Luca , Dobson Jane , Marcinowska Ola 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTPrimary frontal sinus squamous cell carcinoma (PFSSCC) represents a rare disease in dogs, and there is a general paucity of information in the current veterinary literature regarding its presentation and response to radiation therapy.The objective of this retrospective observational study was to describe a series of dogs diagnosed with PFSSCC and report their response to radiation therapy.Medical records of dogs with a diagnosis of PFSSCC were reviewed. Data collected included signalment, presenting complaint, clinicopathologic and diagnostic imaging findings, treatment, therapeutic response, and date of death or last follow‐up.Eight cases of PFSSCC in dogs were treated with radiation therapy at the authors' institution. Three of these dogs were treated with coarse‐fractionated radiation therapy. One dog was euthanized due to an unrelated cause 36 months after completing the radiation therapy. The second and third dogs survived 18 and 3 months, respectively, from the end of treatment to death due to PFSCC. Five further dogs were treated with a more fractionated protocol (Monday–Wednesday–Friday schedule). The median survival time for all patients was 7.5 months (range 2–36 months).Despite the small number of cases and variation in the radiation protocols used, the treatment outcomes in these eight dogs suggest that radiation therapy is potentially a viable treatment option for dogs with PFSSCC and that coarse fractionation might be an appropriate approach if more finely fractionated protocols are not possible.