bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design of a High-Strength Separator for Lithium Metal Anode-Based Semi-Solid-State Batteries
Authors: Zhang Xiaolin , Liu Meihua , Li Tianrun , Xiao Shixin , Li Guoqiang
Published: February 2025

Lithium metal anodes face challenges due to lithium dendrite growth and safety risks with liquid electrolytes. To address issues, this study proposes a functional coated separator designed to enhance the mechanical strength of the separator with higher puncture resistance to lithium dendrites and lower the liquid electrolyte-lithium metal anode contact. The separator consists of a polyethylene (PE) base film and two-side coating, alumina (Al2O3) and polyvinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene (PVDF-HFP) on one side, with lithium aluminum titanium phosphate (LATP) and then with polyethylene oxide (PEO) on the other. The separator has exhibited a remarkable performance featuring high puncture strength (480 gf) and excellent electrochemical stability (electrochemical window 5.03 V). It is observed that lithium symmetric cells in semi-solid batteries with this separator stay stable in operation for over 1000 hours (0.2 mA cm-2). LiFePO4||Li cells assembled under lean electrolyte conditions (15 μL mAh-1) deliver discharge specific capacities of 161.9 mAh g-1 at 0.1 C and a capacity retention rate of 87.9% after 120 cycles at 0.5 C. In general, this provides a promising prospect for further application of functionalized coated separators in semi-solid-state lithium batteries with lithium metal anodes.
Three-Dimensional Cross-Linked Carboxymethyl Chitosan Binder for Si/C Anodes: Enhancing Cycling Stability and Performance in High-Energy Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Sun Junchao , Jiang Jing , He Jianjiang , Cao Lan , Wang Qingfu
Published: February 2025

The silicon-carbon (Si/C) anode offers a significantly higher theoretical specific capacity compared to conventional graphite anodes, while also demonstrating reduced volume expansion and enhanced cycling stability compared to pure silicon anodes. Consequently, Si/C anodes have attracted considerable attention as promising candidates for next-generation high-energy lithium-ion battery anode materials. However, volume expansion remains a critical challenge, leading to the detachment of active materials from the current collector (copper foil) and adversely affecting cycling performance. In this study, we introduce diglycidyl ether (EG) as a cross-linking agent to synthesize a novel three-dimensional cross-linked carboxymethyl chitosan (CCS-EG) binder for Si/C600 anodes (theoretical specific capacity of 600 mAh g-1 at 0.1 C). Electrochemical testing reveals that the CCS-EG binder significantly improves the cycling stability of the Si/C anode, achieving a capacity retention rate of 88.68% after 400 cycles at a current density of 0.5 C, compared to only 67.71% for the anode using the linear carboxymethyl chitosan binder. Furthermore, CCS-EG offers advantages such as low cost, ease of preparation, and environmental sustainability, making it a promising candidate for commercialization as a binder in next-generation high-energy lithium-ion batteries.
A Modified Sand’s Time Incorporating Li-Ion Transport Across the SEI: Basis for Understanding Li Dendrite Formation and Li-Metal Battery Electrolyte Selection
Authors: Ma Yuanman , Selvasundarasekar Sam Sankar , Sinclair Nicholas S , Zhang Yubin , Xu Shaomao , Bracey Jennifer , Akolkar Rohan
Published: February 2025

Understanding the initiation of lithium dendrites remains elusive, largely due to the intricate role of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) which forms on the Li surface during electrodeposition. Many studies have utilized the classical Sand’s equation to estimate the onset time when lithium dendrites begin to form. The Sand’s equation provides the time when the cation (Li+) concentration at the electrode-electrolyte interface approaches zero under diffusion-limited conditions in galvanostatic Li electrodeposition. However, recent experimental studies have revealed that the observed lithium dendrite onset time deviates considerably from the Sand’s time. Here, we show that this deviation from classical theory is likely due to the transport of Li+ ions through the SEI - a transport limitation that is much more dominant in controlling dendrite formation. We develop a ‘modified’ Sand's equation, incorporating the SEI layer and the diffusional transport across it to predict Li dendrite onset times. To validate this approach, we conducted Li electrodeposition experiments at various current densities using two distinct organic electrolytes. Analysis of the results demonstrates that the modified Sand's equation provides a more accurate prediction of dendrite onset times, highlighting the importance of incorporating SEI into transport models of Li plating in next-generation rechargeable Li-metal batteries.
Successful Use of Difelikefalin in Severe Chronic Kidney Disease–Associated Pruritus in a Patient With Complex Etiological Contributors: A Case Report
Authors: Werzowa Johannes M. , Hemetsberger Margit
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease–associated pruritus (CKD‐aP) is a frequently experienced, unpleasant skin condition. Difelikefalin, an agonist of the kappa opioid receptor, is indicated for the treatment of moderate‐to‐severe CKD‐aP in adult patients on hemodialysis. Reports of the effectiveness of difelikefalin in complex patient cases encountered in routine clinical practice are rare.

Case Presentation: The presented patient had a complex interplay of morbidities, most notably diabetes mellitus type 2, tertiary hyperparathyroidism, end‐stage renal disease (ESRD), and CKD‐associated mineral bone disease (CKD‐MBD), all of which are associated with the development and severity of CKD‐aP. The patient’s CKD‐aP was resistant to H1‐receptor antagonists and gabapentin and showed no improvement after parathyroidectomy. Treatment with difelikefalin rapidly and sustainably improved symptoms, with a brief recurrence of itching toward the end of each long interdialytic interval. Apart from a short episode of vertigo at the initiation of treatment, no adverse events were observed over the long duration of treatment (currently more than 2.5 years).

Conclusion: In a patient with longstanding conditions and multiple comorbidities, difelikefalin showed sustained effectiveness against H1‐receptor antagonist– and gabapentin–resistant CKD‐aP. Difelikefalin was well tolerated over the long term.
Low‐Speed Platelet‐Rich Fibrin Membrane in Conjunction With Demineralized Freeze‐Dried Bone Allograft (DFDBA) Compared to Collagen Membrane With DFDBA in Noncontained Intraosseous Defects of Stage III Periodontitis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Almoliky Najeeb , Hosny Manal , Elbattawy Weam , Fawzy El-Sayed Karim
Published: February 2025

Aim: Noncontained (1‐ or combined 1‐ to 2‐wall) periodontal intraosseous defects represent challenging clinical situations with unpredictable surgical therapeutic outcomes. This randomized clinical trial assessed demineralized freeze‐dried bone allograft (DFDBA) with low speed‐platelet‐rich fibrin (PRF) membrane compared to DFDBA with collagen membrane (CM) in the surgical periodontal therapy of noncontained intraosseous defects of stage III periodontitis patients.

Methodology: Twenty‐two stage III periodontitis patients with noncontained intraosseous defects measuring ≥3 mm and clinical attachment loss ≥5 mm were randomly allocated into two groups: test group (low‐speed PRF membrane + DFDBA) and control group (CM + DFDBA), with 11 participants per group. Clinical and radiographic assessments were conducted at baseline, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months for clinical attachment level (CAL; primary outcome), gingival recession depth (GRD), probing depth (PD), full mouth bleeding score (FMBS) and full mouth plaque score (FMPS), radiographic bone fill and radiographic linear defect depth (RLDD; all secondary outcomes).

Results: The mean (±SD) CAL‐gain for the test group was 2.45 (±1.51), 2.91 (±1.70), 2.91 (±1.87), and 2.82 (±1.83) mm, while for the control group 2.82 (±1.25), 3.27 (±1.27), 3.00 (±1.41), and 2.64 (±1.50) mm at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, respectively, with no significant intergroup differences (p > 0.05). Despite the absence of significant intergroup differences, both groups demonstrated significant intragroup improvement in CAL‐ and PD‐gain, and RLDD‐reduction at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months as well as RLDD improvement at 12 months (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: PRF membranes, in conjunction with DFDBA, show significant improvement of periodontal clinical and radiographic parameters, comparable to CMs with DFDBA.

Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03922503
Selected Phosphate‐Solubilizing Bacteria From Tomato Rhizosphere as Plant Growth Promoter to Improve Tomato’s Growth and Production
Authors: Haile Dereje , Tesfaye Bizuayehu , Assefa Fassil
Published: February 2025

Phosphorus (P) is a vital macronutrient required for plant growth and development, yet most soils lack sufficient plant‐available P. Although chemical fertilizers can address this issue, they have limitations such as high cost, rapid fixation, precipitation, energy‐intensive production, and environmental concerns. Alternatively, the application of bioinoculants (biofertilizer and/or plant growth promotor) together with proper agrochemical practices will provide a fruitful and sustainable production system. This study aimed to identify and evaluate competent multidimensional phosphate‐solubilizing bacteria (PSBs) and plant growth–promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs). Three promising strains were isolated from the tomato rhizosphere using plate screening techniques, achieving a solubilization index (SI) of 2.71–2.9. These strains exhibited significant P‐dissolving capabilities across different substrates, a wide range of sugar fermentation profiles (7–10 sugars), and tolerance to diverse conditions, including salt (1%–10%, except Z‐1‐16 at 1%–6%), temperature (15–45°C), and pH (4–8, except Z‐1‐16 at 5–7). These selected strains were characterized (morphobiochemically and molecularly using 16S rRNA sequence) and taxonomically identified as Burkholderia cenocepacia (Z‐1‐16), Bacillus subtilis (Z‐12‐20), and Bacillus halotolerans (Z‐13‐4). These strains demonstrated significant P solubilization from different substrates (TCP, FeP, AlP, and bonemeal) in a liquid medium and improved tomato growth and yield during greenhouse trials. Particularly, Z‐12‐20 produced plant growth–promoting traits such as IAA, HCN, siderophore, fix nitrogen, and antagonistic effect for tomato late blight; dissolved maximum P (223.52 μg/mL) from liquid medium upon 10 days of incubation; induced tomato growth, achieving maximum shoot length (112.5 cm) and shoot fresh and dry weight (105.06 and 17.97 g, respectively); improved root parameters; and exhibited the highest symbiotic effectiveness (140.3%). Furthermore, coinoculation of these strains with various P substrates significantly enhanced plant–strain interactions and symbiotic effectiveness. To maximize their benefits, site‐specific field trials should be conducted to evaluate their effectiveness in tomatoes and other crops under different agroecological conditions.
A Study of Generalized Differential Identities via Prime Ideals
Authors: Hummdi Ali Yahya , Charrabi Kamal , Ali Shakir , Mamouni Abdellah
Published: February 2025

Let be a ring and be a prime ideal of . The aim of this research paper is to delve into the relationship between the structural properties of the quotient ring and the behavior of generalized derivations in a ring endowed with an involution. Precisely, the study focuses on characterizing generalized derivations in the ring that are associated with prime ideals and satisfy certain functional identities. The investigation seeks to uncover how these derivations interact with the quotient ring structure and the implications for the underlying ring theory. The key objective is to explore the relationship between a structure and a map, a topic that has proven to be highly significant. Moreover, we offer an example to show that the numerous conditions outlined in the hypotheses of our theorems are reasonable and not overly stringent.
Preliminary Evidence on Safety and Clinical Efficacy of Luteolin for Patients With Prostate Cancer Under Active Surveillance
Authors: Naiki Taku , Naiki-Ito Aya , Murakami Akihiro , Kato Hiroyuki , Sugiyama Yosuke , Kawai Tatsuya , Kato Shinji , Etani Toshiki , Nagai Takashi , Shimizu Nobuhiko , Morikawa Toshiharu , Aoki Maria , Gonda Masakazu , Kuang Xiaochen , Nagayasu Yuko , Hamamoto Shuzo , Yasui Takahiro , Takahashi Satoru
Published: February 2025

Background: A need exists for effective treatments for prostate cancer (PCA) due its re‐emergence following androgen deprivation therapy, a major clinical problem. In a previous study, we presented evidence on the chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic potential of luteolin, a flavonoid, in PCA including castration‐resistant PCA. In this single‐arm phase I study, we clinically examined the safety of the oral intake of luteolin in patients under active surveillance (AS).

Methods: Between March and September in 2022, five patients with low–intermediate risk PCA and under AS were treated daily with 50 mg of oral luteolin for six months. We investigated the efficacy of oral luteolin in oncological outcomes and any adverse events (AEs) and examined prostate and blood specimens.

Results: The median age of patients was 68 years (range: 60–78), and the median initial prostate‐specific antigen level was 9.5 ng/mL. All patients were under AS without rapid progression. After treatment with luteolin, AEs were not noted in any patients for six months. All patients underwent a protocol biopsy. Of these, two patients showed a favorable response, one patient had stable disease, and two patients showed disease progression; robot‐assisted radical surgery was subsequently performed for the latter. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed decreased expression of androgen receptor and NKX3.1 in noncancerous lesions after luteolin treatment. In addition, quantitative reverse transcription‐PCR revealed that serum micro(mi)RNA expression in serum and prostate gland, including miR‐29 and miR‐30, tended to be upregulated after luteolin treatment compared with during the pretreatment phase.

Conclusions: Our small phase I study of men with PCA suggests that daily treatment with 50 mg of an oral supplement of luteolin is safe and effective with regard to oncological outcomes, particularly in patients under AS.
Data from Analysis of Urban Indian Organizations’ Promotion of Cancer Services
Authors: Carson William O. , Little Alyssa , Monetathchi Angela , Erdrich Jennifer , Cordova-Marks Felina M.
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The burden of cancer remains elevated for American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/AN) in the United States, particularly in urban communities. Urban Indian Organizations (UIO) are a part of the Indian healthcare system for urban AI/AN populations to receive culturally competent care; therefore, it is important that UIOs convey the importance of cancer preventive and treatment options through their websites. The purpose of this study was to utilize the Indian Health Service (IHS) Office of Urban Indian Health Programs’ official website to identify, analyze, and describe the IHS-funded UIOs offering cancer-related services. We utilized qualitative content analysis on UIOs with primary care service capabilities. After determination of UIOs, each eligible website was reviewed to determine whether promotion of specific cancer-related services was being done based on the following categories: primary prevention, cancer screening, cancer support, and information/technology services that focus on the social determinants of health. There is limited, vague, or outdated information on UIO websites regarding the type of cancer-related services and programs provided. We found that whereas 21 of 34 UIOs list any mention of cancer screenings, few mentioned specific testing capabilities for various cancers. In addition, the listing of support and preventative services was also limited, with less than half of UIOs reporting on patient navigation services, among others. There is untapped potential in the utilization of websites for extending the impact of UIOs and their work with urban AI/AN populations in prevention, screening, and support of patients with cancer in a culturally appropriate manner that can improve outcomes.
Significance:
To the best of the knowledge of the authors, this is the first study to explore and measure cancer support services through public-facing channels. This study provides important data on how primary care facilities are engaging in public health promotion services in an online setting.
Multimorbidity Is Associated With Symptom Severity and Disease Progression in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation—Data From the RACE V Study
Authors: van Deutekom Colinda , van de Lande Martijn E. , Rama Rajiv , Nguyen Bao‐Oanh , Tieleman Robert G. , Weberndörfer Vanessa , Hemels Martin E. W. , de Melis Mirko , Schotten Ulrich , Linz Dominik , Crijns Harry J. G. M. , van Gelder Isabelle C. , Rienstra Michiel ,   for the RACE V Investigators
Published: February 2025

Background

Multimorbidity is common among patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and is associated with worse outcomes. We aimed to investigate the association between multimorbidity, AF progression and AF symptom severity in patients with paroxysmal AF.

Methods and Results

The RACE V (Reappraisal of AF: Interaction Between Hypercoagulability, Electrical Remodeling, and Vascular Destabilization in the Progression of AF) study included patients with paroxysmal AF and continuous rhythm monitoring. Multimorbidity was defined as ≥2 comorbidities (heart failure, hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease, kidney dysfunction, moderate or severe mitral valve regurgitation, or obesity). AF symptom severity was assessed via the University of Toronto AF Severity Scale questionnaire. The associations between multimorbidity, AF progression, and AF symptom severity were determined using logistic regression analyses. Median age was 65 (58–71) years and 179 of 417 patients (43%) were women, with a median of 1 (1–2) comorbidities. Median follow‐up was 2.2 (1.6–2.8) years. Multimorbidity was associated with AF progression (odds ratio [OR], 2.02 [95% CI, 1.10–3.72],
P
=0.024) and increased AF symptom severity (OR, 2.67 [95% CI, 1.79–3.99],
P
<0.001). There was a positive dose–response relation between the number of comorbidities and AF progression (OR, 1.40 [95% CI, 1.09–1.79],
P
=0.008), as well as AF symptom severity (OR, 1.64 [95% CI, 1.35–1.99],
P
<0.001). These results remained significant after adjusting for age.

Conclusions

In patients with paroxysmal AF, multimorbidity was associated with AF progression and AF symptom severity. The risk of AF progression and AF symptom severity increased with every additional comorbidity.

Registration

URL:
clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique Identifier: NCT02726698.
Plasma Proteomic Assessment of Calcific Aortic Valve Disease in Older Adults
Authors: Bortnick Anna E. , Austin Thomas R. , Hamerton Emily , Gudmundsdottir Valborg , Emilsson Valur , Jennings Lori L. , Gudnason Vilmundur , Owens David S. , Massera Daniele , Dufresne Line , Yang Ta‐Yu , Engert James C. , Thanassoulis George , Tracy Russell P. , Gerszten Robert E. , Psaty Bruce M. , Kizer Jorge R.
Published: February 2025

Background

Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD), and ensuing severe aortic stenosis (AS), is the foremost valvular disorder of aging, yet preventive therapies are lacking. A better understanding of the molecular underpinnings of aortic valve calcification (AVC) is necessary to develop pharmacologic interventions.

Methods and Results

We undertook large‐scale plasma proteomics in a cohort study of adults ≥65 years old, the CHS (Cardiovascular Health Study), to identify individual proteins associated with echocardiographic AVC and incident moderate/severe AS. Proteomics measurements were performed with the aptamer‐based SomaLogic platform of ~5000 proteins. Significant proteins were validated in a second cohort, the AGES‐RS (Age, Gene/Environment Susceptibility‐Reykjavik Study), which assessed AVC and AS by computed tomography. The potential causal associations of replicated proteins were tested in 2‐sample Mendelian randomization using identified cis protein quantitative trait loci in consortia having computed tomography‐quantified AVC or AS as outcomes. Six proteins showed Bonferroni‐corrected significant relationships with AVC in CHS. Three of these, CXCL‐12 (C‐X‐C chemokine ligand 12), KLKB1 (kallikrein), and leptin, replicated in AGES‐RS, of which the former 2 are novel. Only 1 protein, CXCL6, which showed a near‐significant association with AS in the replication cohort, was significantly (positively) associated with incident AS. Mendelian randomization analysis was conducted for KLKB1, CXCL12, and CXCL6, which supported a causal relationship for higher KLKB1 with lower AVC (beta=−0.25,
P
=0.009).

Conclusions

This study of older adults newly identified and largely replicated associations of 3 circulating proteins with calcific aortic valve disease, of which the relationship of plasma KLKB1 may have a causal basis. Additional investigation is necessary to determine if KLKB1 could be harnessed for calcific aortic valve disease therapeutics.
Evaluation of Systemic Sclerosis Primary Heart Involvement and Chronic Heart Failure in the European Scleroderma Trials and Research Cohort
Authors: Györfi Andrea‐Hermina , Filla Tim , Polzin Amin , Tascilar Koray , Buch Maya , Tröbs Monique , Matei Alexandru‐Emil , Airo Paolo , Balbir‐Gurman Alexandra , Kuwert Frederic , Mihai Carina , Kabala Anna , Graßhoff Hanna , Callaghan Julia , Isomura Yohei , Mansour Jennifer , Spierings Julia , Tennoe Anders Heiervang , Selvi Enrico , Riccieri Valeria , Hoffmann‐Vold Anna‐Maria , Bergmann Christina , Schett Georg , Hunzelmann Nicolas , van Laar Jacob M. , Saketkoo Lesley Ann , Kuwana Masataka , Siegert Elise , Riemekasten Gabriela , Distler Oliver , du Four Tessa , Smith Vanessa , Truchetet Marie‐Elise , Distler Jörg H. W. ,   EUSTAR collaborators
Published: February 2025

Background

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) primary heart involvement (SSc‐pHI) is one of the leading causes of mortality in SSc. We aimed to evaluate risk factors for SSc‐pHI and its progression and the outcomes in the EUSTAR (European Scleroderma Trials and Research) cohort.

Methods

SSc‐pHI was defined according to the World Scleroderma Foundation/Heart Failure Association definition. Data from 5741 patients with SSc in the EUSTAR cohort were analyzed. Additional cardiovascular data were collected from a subcohort of 838 patients with SSc. Lasso regression was used for risk factor analyses. Kaplan–Meier estimator was used for survival analyses. Progression of SSc‐pHI was evaluated by a study definition developed by rheumatology and cardiology experts.

Results

Risk factors for the presence of SSc‐pHI comprised skeletal muscle atrophy (odds ratio [OR], 2.00 [95% CI, 1.00–2.68]), age (OR, 1.91 [95% CI, 1.73–2.03]), male sex (OR, 1.77 [95% CI, 1.42–2.05]), swollen joints (OR, 1.70 [95% CI, 1.47–1.98]), skeletal muscle weakness (OR, 1.38 [95% CI, 1.00–1.85]), and tendon friction rubs (OR, 1.46 [95% CI, 1.00–1.77]) (n=3276). Telangiectasia (OR, 2.10 [95% CI, 1.38–2.72]), intestinal symptoms (OR, 1.70 [95% CI, 1.04–2.42]), age (OR, 1.47 [95% CI, 1.21–1.62]), and antitopoisomerase I antibodies (OR, 1.37 [95% CI, 1.00–1.77]) were associated with an increased risk for new onset of SSc‐pHI (n=1000). Survival rate was significantly lower in patients with SSc‐pHI than in those without (
P
value <0.0001, n=3768). Patients with SSc‐pHI had a lower survival rate than patients with interstitial lung disease (n=3365). Swollen joints were associated with an increased risk of progressive SSc‐pHI (OR, 2.49 [95% CI, 1.79–3.52]) (n=595). Tendon friction rubs (OR, 1.21 [95% CI, 0.94–1.90]) increased the risk of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in patients with SSc‐pHI.

Conclusions

We defined progressive SSc‐pHI and identified risk factors for new onset and progression of SSc‐pHI and for SSc‐pHI‐associated heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in the largest cohort with SSc. These findings may guide patient stratification for diagnostic workup and therapy.
Extracellular Matrix Proteins Improve Risk Prediction in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Boeckling Felicitas , Rasper Tina , Zanders Lukas , Pergola Graziella , Cremer Sebastian , Mas‐Peiro Silvia , Vasa‐Nicotera Mariuca , Leistner David , Dimmeler Stefanie , Kattih Badder
Published: February 2025

Background

Cardiac fibrosis is common in patients with severe aortic stenosis and an independent predictor of death. Therefore, we examined the additional value of circulating fibrosis markers as a putative biomarker platform to identify patients with aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) who are at a higher risk of death.

Methods

In this study, 2‐year survival analyses were conducted in 378 consecutive patients undergoing TAVR to evaluate the association between fibrosis marker and risk of adverse long‐term outcome. Implementation of fibrosis marker into TAVR risk stratification was tested by a machine‐learning algorithm.

Results

Among 20 circulating fibrosis markers involved in pathological extracellular matrix remodeling, high tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1 (TIMP‐1) levels independently predicted risk of death in univariable (hazard ratio, 5.0 [95% CI, 2.6–9.7];
P
<0.001) and multivariable (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.2 [95% CI, 1.0–4.7];
P
=0.046) Cox regression analyses. Consequently, higher TIMP‐1 levels offered a significantly higher overall prediction of reduced survival compared with the conventional Society of Thoracic Surgeons Predicted Risk of Mortality score (area under the curve, 0.753 [95% CI, 0.682–0.824] versus area under the curve, 0.656 [95% CI, 0.578–0.734];
P
<0.05). Applying an independent machine‐learning algorithm allowed identification of a simple combination of 2 biomarkers (TIMP‐1 and high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin T) with superior prognostic value compared with Society of Thoracic Surgeons Predicted Risk of Mortality alone (area under the curve, 0.757 [95% CI, 0.686–0.828] versus 0.656 [95% CI, 0.578–0.34];
P
<0.05).

Conclusions

Circulating TIMP‐1 is an independent predictor of reduced 2‐year overall survival in patients undergoing TAVR. Combined with high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin T, circulating TIMP‐1 should be incorporated into risk stratification to identify patients undergoing TAVR who are at a higher risk of death.
Nicotinamide Riboside: A Promising Treatment for Type 1 Cardiorenal Syndrome in Myocardial Infarction‐Induced Acute Kidney Injury by Upregulating Nicotinamide Phosphoribosyltransferase‐Mediated Nicotinamide Dinucleotide Levels
Authors: Habeichi Nada J. , Amin Ghadir , Boitard Solene , Tannous Cynthia , Ghali Rana , Momken Iman , Diab Reine , Booz George W. , Mericskay Mathias , Zouein Fouad A.
Published: February 2025

Background

Cardiorenal syndrome type 1 is characterized by the development of acute kidney injury following acute cardiac illness and notably acute myocardial infarction (MI). Acute kidney injury is considered an independent risk factor that increases mortality rate substantially. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is an important coenzyme in energy metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation, and in its oxidized form it is a substrate for multiple NAD
+
‐dependent enzymes such as sirtuins and poly‐ADP ribose polymerases. Decreased cardiac NAD levels, along with a downregulation of NAMPT (nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase), have been reported following MI. A compensatory upregulation in NMRK (nicotinamide riboside kinase) 2, an NAD
+
biosynthetic enzyme that uses nicotinamide riboside (NR) to generate NAD
+
, takes place in the heart after MI, but the impact on kidney NAD metabolism and function has not been addressed before.

Methods and Results

MI was induced by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery in 2‐month‐old C57BL6/J mice, followed by the administration of NR (IP injection, 400 mg/kg per day) for 4 and 7 days. We hypothesized that NR treatment could be a potentially promising therapy for MI‐induced acute kidney injury. Our findings showed no significant improvement in cardiac ejection fraction following NR treatment at days 4 and 7 post‐MI, whereas kidney functions were enhanced and morphological alterations and cell death decreased. The observed renal protection seems to be mediated by an upregulation of NAMPT‐mediated increase in renal NAD levels, notably in the distal tubules.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that NR could potentially be a promising therapy for acute kidney injury following an early stage of MI.
Molecular identification and expression pattern of three novel Aurora kinases in Macrobrachium rosenbergii (Decapoda, Caridea)
Authors: Ma Wen-Ming , Luo Jing-Yu , Xu Yu-Li
Published: February 2025

Aurora kinase is crucial in mitosis and meiosis. Three novel Aurora kinases were identified in Macrobrachium rosenbergii in the present study. There was a highly conserved serine/threonine domain within their C-terminal. Multiple sequence alignment of the serine/threonine domain in Mr-Aurora kinases revealed a high degree of similarity to other representative Aurora kinases. The phylogenetic analysis illustrated that Mr-Aurora A was clustered into a separate branch with the Aurora kinases of Armadillidium nasatum, and Mr-Aurora CA and Mr-Aurora CB were clustered together in a separate branch. Additionally, both Mr-Aurora A and Mr-Aurora CA genes were specifically expressed in the reproductive system. But, Mr-Aurora CB was expressed in a multi-tissue pattern. Furthermore, all Mr-Aurora kinases were expressed throughout embryonic development and showed various levels of expression in different periods. This study can possibly provide a novel highlight to the molecular mechanism of Aurora kinases’ involvement in cell division of reproduction and embryonic development of crustaceans.
Use of shell colour to infer colour and carotenoid content of the hepatopancreas of the giant river prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii (De Man, 1879) (Decapoda, Caridea, Palaemonidae)
Authors: Liu Junhui , Lu Qifeng , Zhang Huai , Wei Yong , Lin Li , Li Qingqing
Published: February 2025

Colour affects the quality and market price of crustaceans, and crustaceans with different hues vary in popularity. However, it is difficult to observe the colour of the internal tissues of live crustaceans with the naked eye. In this study, cooked shells of brown red and dark blue Macrobrachium rosenbergii (De Man, 1879) exhibited higher a*, for redness (20.66 ± 0.34 and 19.25 ± 0.38 vs. 16.82 ± 0.28) and b*, for yellowness (23.39 ± 0.50 and 23.61 ± 0.43 vs. 20.53 ± 0.31) values compared to those of light yellow M. rosenbergii, and the astaxanthin content of the shell showed a similar trend. Blue pigment cells are abundant in dark blue M. rosenbergii, whereas pigment cell development is restricted in light yellow specimens. In brown red individuals, both blue and red pigment cells are abundant. We detected a significant, positive correlation between the a* value of the raw shell and the b* value of the cooked hepatopancreas (, ); between the a* value of the raw shell and the α-carotene content in the shell (, ) and β-carotene content in the shell (, ); and between the b* value of the shell and the astaxanthin content of the hepatopancreas (, ). The a* (, ) and b* (, ) values of the cooked shell also were significantly correlated with astaxanthin content. These results contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between shell colour and hepatopancreas coloration and carotenoid content, and they show that the colour of the hepatopancreas can be inferred from the shell colour of M. rosenbergii.
On Another Beginning: Thinking in the Anthropocene
Authors: Moreiras Alberto
Published: February 2025

This essay rehearses the notion that exiting the Anthropocene has as a condition leaving behind metaphysics as the dominant mode of thought. It dwells on Reiner Schürmann’s idea of the anarchic practical subject as the subject of antiphilosophy, and it posits antiphilosophy as the locus for a possible meontological thinking of another beginning, using the Heideggerian theme. It examines positions such as Bernard Stiegler’s and Jean-Luc Nancy’s on the possibility of an affirmative nihilism and considers Martin Heidegger’s determination of the “first inception” of philosophy in the West in the work of Heraclitus and Parmenides. It belabors infrapolitics as the pain or dis-turbance of the loss of the politics of modernity as a productive possibility. And it calls for a militant and belligerent practice of anarchic and antihybristic thought in our present.
‘Arriving in Strange Places’
Authors: Gulddal Jesper
Published: February 2025

This article explores the status and functionality of passport and border control practices in contemporary migration literature, analysing such interfacing with the global passport regime as a “chronotope of movement control”. As a first step, it outlines the history of this chronotope and shows how movement control practices have impacted on the genre of the novel in various ways at least since the mid-eighteenth century. Having established this historical context, the article goes on to analyse the representation and narrative utilisation of passports and borders in five migration novels, each focusing on a different continental setting and different border hot spot: Abdulrazak Gurnah’s By the Sea (2001), T.C. Boyle’s The Tortilla Curtain (1995), Herta Müller’s Der Mensch ist ein grosser Fasan auf der Welt (1986), Tahar Ben Jelloun’s Partir (2006) and Behrouz Boochani’s No Friend but the Mountains (2017). By way of conclusion, the article discusses how the chronotope of movement control establishes a link between migration literature and world literature – not only because it has become a staple of migration literature worldwide, but also because it highlights questions of exclusion, access and cross-border circulation that are central to both forms of literature.
Exophonic Literature in Japanese as New World Literature
Authors: Hein Ina
Published: February 2025

The dominant notion that modern Japanese literature is a national literature – written (only) by ethnic Japanese, whose mother tongue is Japanese, in the Japanese language, for a Japanese reading audience – is recently challenged by writers who are non-native speakers of Japanese, having been born and raised outside of Japan, and, after having migrated to Japan, deliberately chose Japanese as their literary language, thus becoming authors of literature in Japanese. This article shows how these writers decenter the Japanese language, Japanese literature, and ultimately ‘Japaneseness’ as such – on the plot-level of their texts as well as by stylistic and linguistic means. I argue that this kind of literature aims at de-nationalizing the understanding of ‘Japanese literature’, and in that sense can and should be read as new world literature.
كرسي محمود الغول لدراسات جزيرة العرب والكتابات ومساهمته في دراسة الكتابات القديمة في الأردن
Authors: الغول عمر
Published: February 2025

الملخص

‫يتخذ هذا المقال من إعادة تنشيط كرسي محمود الغول لدراسات جزيرة العرب والكتابات، المُوطَّن بكلية الآثار والأنثروبولوجيا بجامعة اليرموك، منطلقًا لاستعراض تاريخ دراسة الكتابات في الأردن، العربية الشمالية القديمة خاصة. فيبدأ بضرب أمثلة على اشتغال الباحثين الغربيين بدراسة النقوش الصفوية والحسمائية منذ القرن التاسع عشر وحتى نهاية السبعينات من القرن العشرين. لينتقل بعدها إلى الحديث عن الوحدات البحثية والتدريسية التي تأسست بجامعة اليرموك لدراسة الكتابات القديمة في الأردن، وخاصة مشروع “مدونة نقوش الأردن”، وكرسي محمود الغول، وقسم النقوش. ويستعرض المقال مشاريع الكرسي المستقبلية، بما فيها إعادة إحياء مشروع “المدونة” التي ستعمل على نشر آلاف الكتابات العربية الشمالية المتوافرة في حوزة الكرسي، والتي تشمل أيضًا دعم النشر العلمي في الكتابات القديمة، وتعزيز التعاون مع المؤسسات العربية والدولية المشتغلة بهذا المجال.‬
The Epigraphy of the Tribe of ʿĀd
Authors: Al-Jallad Ahmad
Published: February 2025

This article surveys the pre-Islamic Arabian inscriptions produced by the tribe of ʿĀd, introducing a hitherto unpublished Safaitic text by an ʿĀdite. We demonstrate that a southern Arabian origin for this group is not supported by the epigraphic evidence; rather, the territory of ʿĀd appears to have spanned at least from the region of Wādī Ram (ancient ʾIram) in what is today southern Jordan to the Ḥarrah in the northeast. The group inhabited this country around the turn of the era, some two-thousand years ago. The article concludes with a discussion of Quran 53:50 and 89:6 in light of the archaeological and epigraphic evidence.
Endogean and cavernicolous Coleoptera of the Balkans. XXVIII. Synopsis of the subfamily Leptotyphlinae Fauvel, 1874 (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae) of the Balkan Peninsula, with the description of three new species from Serbia and Montenegro
Authors: HLAVÁČ PETER , JANÁK JIŘÍ , BAŇAŘ PETR
Published: February 2025

The actual knowledge on the staphylinid endogean subfamily Leptotyphlinae Fauvel, 1874 of the Balkan Peninsula is summarized. The subgenus Epirotyphlus Pace, 1995 is upgraded to the genus level resulting in two new combinations, Epirotyphlus leucadiensis (Pace, 1995) and E. zecevici (Pace, 1984). Three new species, Allotyphlus (Moreotyphlus) stolensis Hlaváč, Janák & Baňař, sp. nov., Epirotyphlus dusicae Hlaváč, Janák & Baňař, sp. nov. and Epirotyphlus janae Hlaváč, Janák & Baňař, sp. nov. are described. First record of Banatotyphlus siclus Struyve, 2022 for Serbia is given. The catalogue is provided for all Leptotyphlinae taxa of the Balkan Peninsula, which is to date represented by 4 tribes, 13 genera and 51 species. Keys are given for all tribes of the subfamily, to all genera of Metrotyphlini Coiffait, 1963 of the Palaearctic region and to all genera of Entomoculiini Coiffait, 1957, Leptotyphlini Fauvel, 1874 and Neotyphlini Coiffait, 1963 of the Balkan Peninsula. Maps of the distribution of Leptotyphlinae of the Balkan Peninsula are also presented.
Discovery and description of a deeply divergent frog lineage of the genus Minervarya Dubois, Ohler & Biju, 2001 (Anura: Dicroglossidae) from the basaltic plateau of the northern Western Ghats, Maharashtra, India
Authors: YADAV OMKAR , BHOSALE AMRUT , PATIL PRIYANKA , KHANDEKAR AKSHAY , DINESH K.P.
Published: February 2025

A new species of dicroglossid frog Minervarya ghatiborealis sp. nov. is described from the Mahabaleshwar region of the northern Western Ghats, India, based on multiple axis of evidences like morphological, acoustics, genetic datasets, and geographical isolation. The new species is phenotypically distinct from its congeners by a combination of morphological characters: body large, robust, with SVL 55.0–59.1 mm (n = 5) in adult males and SVL 67.1 mm (n = 1) in adult female; sub-elliptical snout; rudimentary webbing; dorsal skin glandular with highly ridged folds. Phylogenetically, the new species exhibits sister relationship to the clade containing Minervarya goemchi, M. mysorensis and M. brevipalmata. Genetic distance between the new species and the members of its sister clade varies from 6.5% to 7.2% for DNA sequences of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene. For the nuclear-encoded Tyrosinase gene genetic distance between the new species and its syntopic, large-bodied, congener M. goemchi is 1.4%. Additionally, an advertisement call description is provided to differentiate the new species from its congeners. The importance of the Mahabaleshwar plateau and altitudinal preferences of large-sized Minervarya frogs in the northern Western Ghats are discussed.
First record of Falsanathelges Boyko & Williams, 2003 (Crustacea: Isopoda: Epicaridea: Bopyridae) from Japan, with the description of a new species
Authors: SHINODA HARUKI , FUJITA HIROKI , NAKANO TOMOYUKI , SHIMOMURA MICHITAKA
Published: February 2025

Falsanathelges grandiceps sp. nov. is described as an abdominal bopyrid of hermit crab Cancellus mayoae in the Nansei Islands, southwestern Japan. Falsanathelges grandiceps sp. nov. is distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of characters: head longer than broad, head approximately one-fourth of body in length head anterior margin convex, ischium and basis of all pereopods without large lobe in female, pleopods and lateral plates broadly ovate, base of uropods without peduncle, and biramous uropods in female and pleon subovate, all pleomeres fused with no lateral indication of segmentation, and pleon posterior margin with a pair of tubercles in male. This is the third species described in the genus, and the first species of the genus being found in Japan. The others in the genus are from Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines and Taiwan. An amended generic diagnosis and key to species are provided.
Three new species of Lytopylus Foerster, 1862 (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Agathidinae) from Brazil
Authors: SILVA ANTONIELSON B. , SHIMBORI EDUARDO M. , FERNANDES DANIELL R. R.
Published: February 2025

The genus Lytopylus Foerster, 1862 (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Agathidinae) has 40 described species with a primarily Neotropical distribution. The present work presents three new species of the genus: Lytopylus melanoflavus Silva, Shimbori & Fernandes sp. nov. and Lytopylus tigrinus Silva, Shimbori & Fernandes sp. nov. from the Amazon rainforest (State of Amazonas), and Lytopylus minimus Silva, Shimbori & Fernandes sp. nov. from the Cerrado (State of Mato Grosso). Additionally, we provide an identification key for all Brazilian species of Lytopylus.
Description of a new ventrite-femoral stridulatory system in the subtribe Hylobiina (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Molytinae: Molytini)
Authors: MENDIVIL-NIETO JULIÁN ALEXANDER , MORRONE JUAN J.
Published: February 2025

Stridulation is the most common method of sound production in Coleoptera, with approximately 17 types recognized across more than 30 families. In this study, two types of ventrite-femoral stridulatory systems are identified and described within the subtribe Hylobiina, distinct from those known in Coleoptera and other Curculionidae. System type 1 is associated with the genus Heilus Kuschel 1955, while system type 2 is found in a group of species within the genus Heilipodus Kuschel 1955. The species Heilus spinipennis comb. nov., is transferred from Heilipodus to present system type 1. Finally, the differences in the ventrite-femoral stridulatory system known for various taxa of Curculionidae are discussed.
Annual Cycle Changes in the Vertical Structure of Ocean Temperature: A Fingerprint of Human Influence on Climate
Authors: Shi Jia-Rui , Santer Benjamin D. , Kwon Young-Oh , Wijffels Susan E.
Published: February 2025

We investigate changes in the vertical structure of the ocean temperature annual cycle amplitude (TEMPAC) down to a depth of 300 meters, providing important insights into the relative contributions of anthropogenic and natural influences. Using observations and CMIP6 model simulations, we perform a detection and attribution analysis by applying a standard pattern-based “fingerprint” method to zonal-mean TEMPAC anomalies for three major ocean basins. In all model historical simulations and observational datasets, TEMPAC increases significantly in the surface layer, except in the Southern Ocean, and weakens within the subsurface ocean. There is a decrease in TEMPAC below the annual-mean mixed layer depth, mainly due to a deep-reaching winter warming signal. The temporal evolution of signal-to-noise (S/N) ratios in observations indicates an identifiable anthropogenic fingerprint in both surface and interior ocean annual temperature cycles. These findings are consistent across three different observational datasets, with variations in fingerprint detection time likely related to differences in dataset coverage, interpolation method, and accuracy. Analysis of CMIP6 single-forcing simulations reveals the dominant influence of greenhouse gases and anthropogenic aerosols on TEMPAC changes. Our identification of an anthropogenic TEMPAC fingerprint is robust to the selection of different analysis periods. S/N ratios derived with model data only are consistently larger than ratios calculated with observational signals, primarily due to model-versus-observed TEMPAC differences in the Atlantic. Human influence on the seasonality of surface and subsurface ocean temperature may have profound consequences for fisheries, marine ecosystems, and ocean chemistry.
Representation of car drivers and driving in the German cinema newsreel (1950–1965)
Authors: Lehnert Sigrun
Published: February 2025

Before the introduction of television, the newsreel was a powerful medium in the cinema: moving images, accompanied by music, sound and commentary, shaped people’s views on national and international issues. East and West German newsreels reported separately on the economic boom, including the car industry and motor sport. In the 1950s, newsreels focused on small cars, the successful rise of the automotive industry, exports, and safety issues. This article shows how newsreels in the West reported on the car as a status symbol, especially from the 1960s onwards. In the East, the reports show the car as a necessary everyday vehicle, although not easily accessible to most people in the socialist economic system – a fact not addressed in the newsreels. Environmental pollution caused by car traffic was not an issue in the newsreels, neither in the East nor in the West, unlike the increasing number of accidents.
Trend of Suicide Research in South Asia: A Bibliometric Analysis of the Last Three Decades
Authors: Arafat S. M. Yasir , Rajkumar Ravi Philip , Kar Sujita Kumar
Published: February 2025

We aimed to perform a bibliometric review on suicide in South Asia. We conducted a search in Scopus. Articles on suicide published in English language with affiliations of eight South Asian countries between 1991 and the search date were included. The search revealed that the number of articles on suicide has been increased both yearly and decade wise. More than two-thirds of the papers published in India with regional collaborations. SMY Arafat and M Eddleston ( n = 83) were the leading authors, the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bengaluru has the highest number of research publications ( n = 298), the Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine And Toxicology was the leading journal, and the Wellcome Trust was the leading funder across decades after 2000s. This bibilometric analysis revealed that India has the leading role in suicide research, which is commensurate with its higher suicide burden.
Grief as Epiphanous
Authors: Keenan James F.
Published: February 2025

Developments like COVID-19 and Black Lives Matter have exposed the distinctive challenges to grief in our contemporary context. This article invites readers to see grief as a choice that leads to revelations about the depths of human connectedness that need to be recognized as integral to the moral life. After studying lament in Black Lives Matter, we focus on what it means to grieve by pursuing three main topics: the Bible and grief, anticipatory grief, and learning to move forward in grief. We conclude by offering five different passageways of grief.