bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioequivalence Study of Bedaquiline Fumarate Tablets in Healthy Chinese Subjects
Authors: Yang Man , Pei Yingzi , Chen Chen , Xi Jian , Xia Yue , Zhang Shuyu , Liu Huichen , Li Aimin
Published: January 2025

Bedaquiline fumarate tablets are a novel oral antimycobacterial drug. This study assessed the bioequivalence of a generic bedaquiline fumarate tablet compared to a reference tablet under fasting (n = 44) and fed (n = 24) conditions. Conducted as a single‐center, randomized, open‐label, 2‐sequence, crossover trial, 68 participants were randomly assigned to receive a 100‐mg dose of either the test or reference tablet, with a 42‐day washout period between doses. Blood samples were collected at prespecified time points from 0 hour (before administration) to 984 hours after administration. Plasma concentrations of bedaquiline were measured using a validated ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry method. Safety was monitored throughout the study. Key pharmacokinetic parameters included maximum plasma concentration, area under the plasma concentration‐time curve (AUC) from 0 to 72 hours, AUC from time 0 to the last measurable concentration, AUC from 0 to 336 hours, and AUC from time 0 to infinity. The 90% confidence intervals for the geometric mean ratios of the test/reference formulations for maximum plasma concentration, AUC from 0 to 72 hours, AUC from 0 to 336 hours, AUC from time 0 to the last measurable concentration, and AUC from time 0 to infinity fell within the bioequivalence acceptance range of 80%‐125%. confirming bioequivalence between the 2 formulations in healthy Chinese volunteers. Moreover, a high‐fat diet can significantly elevate the exposure of bedaquiline. No serious adverse events occurred, and both formulations were well tolerated across all participants.
Three Party Post Quantum Secure Lattice Based Construction of Authenticated Key Establishment Protocol for Mobile Communication
Authors: Kumar Sunil , Mittal Gaurav , Yadav Arvind
Published: January 2025

A three‐party post‐quantum key agreement protocol involves server with two communicating parties securely agreeing on a shared secret key in a way that is resistant to quantum attacks. Once the shared secret key is shared using authenticated key agreement protocol, then user (A), and user (B) can use it for securing communication channel using symmetric‐key encryption AES‐256 algorithm. Although there are few third‐party post‐quantum authenticated and key agreement schemes exist, but the recent studies in this paper illustrates that they are not satisfying properties like unlinkability, anonymity, perfect forward secrecy, and signal leakage attacks. Therefore, the proposed protocol ensures anonymity, unlinkablity, perfect forward secrecy, and resistant against signal leakage attacks. The proposed protocol uses different random numbers for each of sessions and ensures freshness of the session key to maintain forward secrecy. In this protocol, the user (A) only communicates with server, and establish an authenticated session key with user (B) which avoids server overheads. The use of ring learning with errors (RLWE) instead of the simpler learning with errors (LWE) is primarily motivated by the need for efficiency, compactness, and scalability in cryptographic applications. A comparative study, including both performance and security assessments, demonstrates that the proposed design is more secure and efficient.
Integrating Embedding and LSHiForest in English Text Anomaly Detection
Authors: Tong Qingquan , Yao Rongju
Published: January 2025

In the realm of natural language processing (NLP), anomaly detection plays a critical role in identifying irregularities and outliers within textual data. Traditional methods often struggle with the high‐dimensional and sparse nature of text data, leading to inefficiencies in detecting meaningful anomalies, especially in the big data application context. To address these challenges, this paper proposes the integration of LSHiForest (Locality‐Sensitive Hashing Isolation Forest) into the process of English text anomaly detection. LSHiForest, which synergistically combines the dimensionality reduction capabilities of locality‐sensitive hashing (LSH) with the robust outlier detection of Isolation Forest, offers a novel approach to handling the complexities of textual data. The proposed approach involves transforming English text into feature vectors, followed by the application of LSHiForest to detect anomalies across various text datasets. The effectiveness of this approach is evaluated through comparative experiments with traditional anomaly detection methods, with various performance metrics. The experimental results demonstrate that LSHiForest significantly improves the efficiency and accuracy of outlier identification in English text, particularly in scenarios involving large‐scale and high‐dimensional datasets.
Characterization of NAT, GST, and CYP2E1 Genetic Variation in Sub‐Saharan African Populations: Implications for Treatment of Tuberculosis and Other Diseases
Authors: Malinga Thandeka V.B. , Othman Houcemeddine , Paximadis Maria , Tiemessen Caroline T. , Ramsay Michèle , Hazelhurst Scott , Twesigomwe David
Published: January 2025

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major health burden in Africa. Although TB is treatable, anti‐TB drugs are associated with adverse drug reactions (ADRs), which are partly attributed to pharmacogenetic variation. The distribution of star alleles (haplotypes) influencing anti‐TB drug metabolism is unknown in many African populations. This presents challenges in implementing genotype‐guided therapy in Africa to decrease the occurrence of ADRs and enhance the efficacy of anti‐TB drugs. In this study, we used StellarPGx to call variants and star alleles in NAT1, NAT2, GSTM1, GSTT1, GSTP1, and CYP2E1, from 1079 high‐depth African whole genomes. We present the distribution of common, rare, and potential novel star alleles across various Sub‐Saharan African (SSA) populations, in comparison with other global populations. NAT1*10 (53.6%), GSTT1*0 (65%), GSTM1*0 (48%), and NAT2*5 (17.5%) were among the predominant functionally relevant star alleles. Additionally, we predicted varying phenotype distributions for NAT1 and NAT2 (acetylation) and the glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST) enzymes (detoxification activity) between SSA and other global populations. Forty‐seven potentially novel haplotypes were identified computationally across the genes. This study provides insight into the distribution of key variants and star alleles potentially relevant to anti‐TB drug metabolism and other drugs prescribed across various African populations. The high number of potentially novel star alleles exemplifies the need for pharmacogenomics studies in the African context. Overall, our study provides a foundation for functional pharmacogenetic studies and potential implementation of pharmacogenetic testing in Africa to reduce the risk of ADRs related to treatment of TB and other diseases.
The Effects of Grain Size on the Mechanical Properties of Nanocrystalline NiCoFe Nickel‐Based Medium Entropy Alloys
Authors: Lu Xuefeng , Chang Yajun , Qiu Zihan , Gong Shengli , Zhang Kexin , Yin Jiangtao , Ren Junqiang , Guo Xin
Published: January 2025

The effects of nanocrystalline NiCoFe nickel‐based medium entropy alloys on tensile mechanical properties as a function of increasing Fe/Co ratio are investigated by simulation methods. Ni60Co10Fe30 exhibits higher strength and is employed to investigate the effects of grain size on mechanical properties. The results reveal that a decrease in grain size leads to a reduction in Young's modulus, and the work‐hardening phenomenon is more pronounced in larger grain size samples compared to those with smaller grain sizes. The critical grain size for the transition from the Hall‐Petch relationship to the inverse Hall‐Petch effect is ≈9.65 nm. In the former region, the hindering effect of grain boundaries on dislocations results in an increase in average flow stress as grain size decreases, with dislocation motion serving as the primary deformation mechanism. In the latter phase, the softening effect associated with grain boundary migration leads to a decrease in alloy strength as grain size diminishes, indicating that grain boundary migration serves as the dominant deformation mechanism. These findings elucidate the critical role of grain size in the mechanical properties of NiCoFe alloys and have significant implications for the design of high‐performance medium entropy alloys.
Characterization of differentiating lines of phytophthora in soybean
Authors: dos Santos Guilherme , Marchioro Volmir Sergio , Meira Daniela , Toebe Marcos , Benin Giovani
Published: January 2025

The objective of this study was the characterization of commercial cultivars, differentiating lines/cultivars of Phytophthora sojae carrying Rps (resistance Phytophthora Sojae) genes, inoculated with different pathotypes. Thirty‐one differentiating soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) lines/cultivars carrying Rps genes and six commercial cultivars were evaluated for virulence pattern to PS2.4, PS14.4, PS36.1, PS34.1, and CMES1608 pathotypes. Inoculations were performed using the toothpick technique, with reaction evaluation about 15 days after infection, where the number of healthy, infected, and dead seedlings was quantified. There was a difference in resistance for the pathotypes, and the most virulent were PS34.1 and PS36.1. The Rps1k, Rps11, and Rp12 genes deserve to be highlighted by resistance to the PS34.1 pathotype and the Rps1k, Rps11, Rp12, and Rps8 genes to the PS36.1 pathotype. The line L77‐1863 (Rps1b) showed resistance to the PS2.4 and PS14.4 pathotypes. The characterization of the genotypes allowed the updating of information about them and the identification of new possibilities of resistance sources.
Do Female Directors Matter? Exploring the Link Between Corporate Sustainability Disclosures and Earnings Management in Malaysia
Authors: Hossain Md Shamim , Ling Chui Ching , Pathiranage Nandana Wasantha , Fung Chorng Yuan
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the moderating role of female directors in the relationship between earnings management and corporate sustainability disclosure among Malaysian listed firms. The sample comprised 100 firms from 2017 to 2022, and the two‐step system generalized method of moments method was employed to test the hypotheses. Corporate sustainability disclosure was assessed using a self‐constructed disclosure index. The findings indicate a positive relationship between earnings management and corporate sustainability disclosure. However, the presence of female directors on the board negatively moderates this relationship, suggesting that they reduce the likelihood of using sustainability disclosure as a means of masking earnings management. The robustness of these findings was confirmed through additional testing. This research highlights the importance of gender diversity on corporate boards as an essential component of effective corporate governance. Increasing the number of female directors could enhance oversight functions and reduce opportunistic behaviors, such as earnings management, leading to more authentic sustainability practices and improved corporate accountability. These results have significant implications for both organizations and policymakers. Organizations should consider achieving a critical mass of female directors to strengthen governance and accountability. Policymakers and regulators might use these insights to develop guidelines that encourage greater board diversity, thereby enhancing overall corporate governance. Furthermore, the study supports Sustainable Development Goal 5 by demonstrating that greater female representation on boards can influence policy and leadership in ways that reduce unethical practices like earnings management, thereby promoting ethical conduct and sustainability.
Navigating the Transition to Green Mobility: Assessing the Impact of Tax Incentives on Vehicle Efficiency and Market Dynamics in Italy
Authors: Ferraro Aniello , Garofalo Antonio
Published: January 2025

The transportation sector is a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, underscoring the need for innovative fiscal measures to promote decarbonisation. This study evaluates the efficiency of car models based on price, emissions, and technical specifications, while examining the impact of fiscal policies on the adoption of green vehicles in Italy. A two‐stage Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) was conducted utilising a comprehensive database of new cars registered in 2019, categorised by market segments. The results indicate a paradox: the most efficient cars are not necessarily the most environmentally friendly. Furthermore, while green cars are available in smaller segments, their prices often exceed those of comparable conventional cars by 100%. This highlights the need for eco‐bonus adjustments that consider factors beyond CO₂ emissions. Additionally, promoting environmentally friendly cars in higher‐end segments could drive innovation, reduce costs, and advance the automotive industry's transition to sustainability.
Downregulation of LncRNA CCAT1 Enhances Chemosensitivity in Cisplatin‐Resistant Gastric Cancer Cells
Authors: Wu Qiong , Zhu Chenglou , Zhao Tiantian , Liu Tianxiang , Da Mingxu
Published: January 2025

Chemotherapy is an effective treatment for gastric cancer. However, many patients develop resistance to chemotherapeutic agents during clinical treatment. LncRNA CCAT1 has recently been shown to influence cellular resistance to specific chemotherapeutic drugs, but its role in gastric cancer remains underexplored. This study aims to investigate the role of LncRNA CCAT1 in cisplatin resistance in gastric cancer cells and its potential underlying mechanisms. Gastric cancer cell lines with acquired resistance were established. The expression of CCAT1 was assessed in both cisplatin‐sensitive and cisplatin‐resistant AGS cell lines. CCAT1 expression was knocked down in AGS/DDP cells, and the changes in IC50 values were measured using the Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8) assay. Apoptosis in gastric cancer cells was evaluated by flow cytometry. Additionally, Western blotting was employed to measure the expression levels of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway proteins and apoptosis‐related proteins in both interference and control groups. RT‐qPCR results indicated that CCAT1 expression was significantly elevated in cisplatin‐resistant gastric cancer cells compared to non‐resistant cells. Similarly, CCK‐8 assay results demonstrated that knocking down CCAT1 in resistant cells increased their sensitivity to cisplatin treatment. Flow cytometry and Western blot results further confirmed that silencing CCAT1 promoted apoptosis in these cells. Additionally, the expression of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway proteins was higher in resistant cells compared to their sensitive counterparts, and silencing CCAT1 in AGS/DDP cells resulted in reduced expression of these proteins. In conclusion, the above studies demonstrated that LncRNA CCAT1 induced cisplatin resistance in gastric cancer cells.
Disruption of the FOXM1 Regulatory Region Inhibits Tumor Progression in Ovarian Cancer by CRISPR‐Cas9
Authors: Chen Yujie , Xue Yingzhuo , Jiang Qiuwen , Jin Yunfeng , Chen Weiguan , Hua Minhui
Published: January 2025

Ovarian cancer is the seventh most common lethal tumor among women in the world. FOXM1 is a transcription factor implicated in the initiation and progression of ovarian cancer by regulating key oncogenic genes. The role of regulatory regions in regulating the expression of FOXM1 in ovarian cancer is not completely clarified. Treatment with bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) inhibitors JQ‐1 and I‐BET were explored in ovarian cancer cell lines (OVCAR3, A2780, or SKOV3) to evaluate FOXM1 expression and biological behavior by qPCR, CCK8 assay, colony formation assay, wound‐healing, and transwell assays. The regulatory regions (enhancer sequence spanning promoter or exon 1) of FOXM1 were deleted using CRISPR‐Cas9 in the OVCAR3 cell line. FOXM1 expression and tumor biological behavior were further assessed in FOXM1 regulatory regions deleted OVCAR3 cell line. The mouse xenograft model was assessed at the indicated time points following subcutaneous injection of enhancer‐deleted cells. Treatment with the JQ‐1 and I‐BET reduced the expression of FOXM1, decreasing cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in a panel of ovarian cancer cell lines including OVCAR3, A2780, and SKOV3 cells. By mining the published ChIP‐sequencing data (H3K27Ac) from 12 ovarian cancer cell lines, we identified a potential enhancer and promoter region. Deletion of the spanning enhancer and promoter region of FOXM1 reduced mRNA and protein expression. Similarly, cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumorigenesis in both cells and mouse xenograft models were significantly attenuated. Our study demonstrates that JQ‐1 and I‐BET can regulate the expression of the FOXM1 gene‐relating network. These data also indicate that disruption of the span enhancer and promoter region activity of FOXM1 has a vital role in the anti‐ovarian cancer effect, hiding a potential opportunity for the evaluation of this non‐coding DNA deletion disrupts the FOXM1 transcriptional network in ovarian cancer development.
Social dominance influences individual susceptibility to an evolutionary trap in mosquitofish
Authors: Pollack Lea , Culshaw‐Maurer Michael , Sih Andrew
Published: January 2025

Plastic pollution threatens almost every ecosystem in the world. Critically, many animals consume plastic, in part because plastic particles often look or smell like food. Plastic ingestion is thus an evolutionary trap, a phenomenon that occurs when cues are decoupled from their previously associated high fitness outcomes. Theory predicts that dominance hierarchies could dictate individual responses to evolutionary traps across social environments, but the social dimension of evolutionary trap responses has rarely been investigated. We tested how variation in group size influences the formation of dominance relationships and, in turn, how these dominance relationships drive differences in foraging behavior in Western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis). This included foraging for a variety of familiar and novel food‐like items, including microplastics. Overall, dominant individuals were often the first to sample food and had higher bite rates than subordinates, including when foraging for microplastics. Importantly, how dominance affected foraging behavior depended on group size and on whether groups were presented with familiar or novel foods. Furthermore, individuals were consistent in their foraging behavior across trials with different group sizes, indicating the formation of stable social roles. These results suggest that predicting the ecological and evolutionary consequences of evolutionary traps will require an understanding of how social structures influence trap susceptibility.
Latent Trajectories of Change in Dietary Restriction During Treatment in Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder and Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Abber Sophie R. , Presseller Emily K. , Richson Brianne N. , Joiner Thomas E. , Wierenga Christina E.
Published: January 2025

Objective

Outcomes for low‐weight restrictive eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, restricting type (AN‐R) and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), are sub‐optimal. Reducing dietary restriction is a key treatment target. Understanding heterogeneity in patterns of change in dietary restriction may aid in improving outcomes. We examined latent trajectories of change in dietary restriction during treatment and follow‐up in AN‐R and ARFID.

Methods

Adolescents and adults with R‐EDs (N = 276, 18% ARFID, 90% female, Mage = 18) receiving intensive ED treatment completed assessments at five timepoints. Latent growth mixture modeling examined trajectories of change in dietary restriction, measured using the Eating Pathology Symptoms Inventory Restricting subscale. Classes were compared on clinical features at admission to determine characteristics prospectively associated with trajectory.

Results

A 3‐class solution emerged: Class 1 comprising individuals with “good response” (n = 138; 33% of those with ARFID in the sample); Class 2 with “good response, rebounding” (n = 81; 41% of ARFID); and Class 3 with “gradual response, low symptoms” (n = 57; 26% of ARFID). Class 3 had lower anxiety and R‐ED symptoms than Classes 1 and 2. Class 2 presented with older age than Class 1.

Discussion

No ARFID‐specific classes emerged, underscoring similarities in response to intensive treatment between AN‐R and ARFID.
Gut Microbiome and Tissue Morphology Modulatory Effects of Hazelnut (Natural, Roasted, and Skin) Fibers in Different Colonic Segments of Mice
Authors: Çelik Ömer F. , Daştan Elanur , Çetiner Ömer F. , Baş Orhan , Bulut Zafer , Zhang Bin , Lindemann Stephen R. , Tugay Mehmet İ. , Değermenci Muhammet , Suvarıklı‐Alan Beyza , Nizamlıoğlu Mehmet , Tunçil Yunus E.
Published: January 2025

To reveal the functional properties of hazelnut dietary fibers (DFs) in different colonic segments (cecum, proximal, and distal colon), a diet enriched with natural hazelnut, roasted hazelnut, or hazelnut skin DFs was applied to mice for 6 weeks; microbial metabolites, microbial composition, and tissue morphology were determined segmentally using gas chromatography, 16S rRNA sequencing technology, and microscopy, respectively. Roasted hazelnut DFs revealed significantly (p < 0.05) higher propionate in the cecum of female mice, while hazelnut skin DFs significantly increased the butyrate level in the distal colon of male counterparts. 16S rRNA sequencing revealed hazelnut DFs promoted the Lactobacillus animalis, L. gasseri, and Akkermansia muciniphila related OTUs, especially in the proximal colon, but the degrees of promotions were hazelnut type‐, segment‐ and sex‐dependent. Interestingly, hazelnut skin DFs significantly (p < 0.05) stimulated Prevotella related OTUs in the distal colon regardless of sex, which is known to have great ability to utilize dietary polysaccharides. Furthermore, hazelnut skin DF group had higher crypt height values, suggesting that hazelnut skin DFs have ability to maintain saccharolytic activity in more distal region of the colon. Overall, our results demonstrate that hazelnut DFs differentially impact microbial metabolite formation, microbiota composition and tissue morphology in different segments of the colon.
Predicting right ventricular failure after left ventricular assist device implant: A novel approach
Authors: Livingston Carissa E. , Kim Dale , Serletti Lacey , Jin Andrea , Rao Sriram , Genuardi Michael V. , Peyster Eliot G.
Published: January 2025

Aims

Right ventricular (RV) failure (RVF) after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implant is an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Modern, data‐driven approaches for defining and predicting RVF have been under‐utilized.

Methods

Two hundred thirty‐two patients were identified with a mean age of 55 years; 40 (17%) were women, 132 were (59%) Caucasian and 74 (32%) were Black. Patients were split between Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS) Classes 1, 2 and 3 (25%, 38% and 34%, respectively). Within this group, ‘provisional RVF’ patients were identified, along with ‘no RVF’ patients. ‘No RVF’ patients were defined as patients who never demonstrated more than moderate RV dysfunction on a post‐LVAD transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) (ordinal RV function <3), never required an RV assist device (RVAD), were not discharged on sildenafil and were not on a pulmonary vasodilator or inotropic medication at 3 months after LVAD implant. In total, n = 67 patients were defined as ‘no RVF’. The remaining patients represented the ‘provisional RVF’ population (n = 165). Extensive electronic health records queries yielded >1200 data points per patient. Using <1 and >1 month post‐LVAD time windows motivated by established, expert‐consensus definitions of ‘early’ and ‘late’ post‐implant RVF, unbiased clustering analysis was performed to identify hidden patient ‘phenogroups’ within these two established RVF populations. Clusters were compared on post‐implant clinical metrics and 1 year outcomes. Lastly, pre‐implant metrics were used to generate models for predicting post‐implant RVF phenogroup.

Results

Within the ‘early RVF’ time window, distinct ‘well’ and ‘sick’ patient phenogroup clusters were identified. These clusters had similar RV function and pulmonary vasodilator usage during the first month after LVAD but differed significantly in heart failure therapy tolerance, renal (P < 0.001) and hepatic (P = 0.013) function, RVAD usage (P = 0.001) and 1 year mortality (P = 0.047). Distinct ‘well’ and ‘sick’ phenogroups were also identified in the ‘late RVF’ time window. These clusters had similar RV function (P = 0.111) and RVAD proportions (P = 0.757) but differed significantly in heart failure medication tolerance, pulmonary vasodilator usage (P = 0.001) and 1 year mortality (P < 0.001). Prediction of phenogroup clusters from the ‘early RVF’ population achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.84, with top predictors including renal function, liver function, heart rate and pre‐LVAD RV function.

Conclusions

Distinct, potentially predictable phenogroups of patients who have significantly different long‐term outcomes exist within consensus‐defined post‐LVAD RVF populations.
Advances and Applications of Capillary Electrophoresis Mass Spectrometry in Food Analysis: Strategies for Online and Offline Preconcentration
Authors: Semail Nadhiratul‐Farihin , Yahaya Noorfatimah , Mohamed Ahmad Husaini , Chen David Da Yong , Zain Nur Nadhirah Mohamad
Published: January 2025

Advancements in food technology have increased the need for thorough analysis to ensure food safety, quality, and compliance with regulatory requirements. Capillary electrophoresis–mass spectrometry (CE–MS) has emerged as a powerful tool in food analysis due to its high separation efficiency, low sample consumption, and ability to handle complex matrices. However, challenges such as the use of volatile running buffers and maintaining the stability of the electrical circuit connecting the CE and MS systems have been addressed through advancements in interface designs, such as sheathless systems and optimized sheath‐liquid compositions. Online and offline preconcentration techniques have significantly enhanced CE–MS sensitivity (up to 1000‐fold) through stacking methods such as large volume sample stacking (LVSS) and dynamic pH junction stacking. Meanwhile, offline sample preparation techniques, such as solid‐phase extraction (SPE) and liquid‐based methods, are essential for removing matrix interferences and preconcentrating targeted analytes. This review explores both online and offline preconcentration methods and emphasizes the importance of CE–MS in helping researchers develop effective strategies for selecting the best preconcentration methods for food analysis.
Thermal Analysis of Electromagnetic Induction Heating for Cylinder‐Shaped Objects
Authors: Birjandi Amir Komeili , Dutta Prashanta
Published: January 2025

Induction heating is one of the cleanest and most efficient methods for heating materials, utilizing electromagnetic fields induced through AC electric current. This article reports an analytical solution for transient heat transfer in a three‐dimensional (3D) cylindrical object under induction heating. A simplified form of Maxwell's equations is solved to determine the heat generation inside the cylinder by calculating the current density distribution within the body. The temperature within the solid is found from the solution of the unsteady heat equation based on Green's function. Owing to multiple spatial dimensions and time, a separation of variables technique is used to find Green's function. In addition, an innovative algorithm is proposed to take care of the variable material properties in analytical treatment. The analytical solution for temperature is verified with the data obtained from experiments for identical operating conditions. The analytical solution is used to study the impact of heat transfer coefficient and input AC current frequency and amplitude during transient heat diffusion. Our analytical solution suggests that the temperature‐dependent material properties significantly affect the thermal response within the solid. Unlike many other conventional heating methods, the thermal boundary condition changes with time in induction heating, which makes our solution much more challenging.
Impact of Clinical Surveillance on Outcomes of Locally Recurrent Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Lee Tsinrong , Sommat Kiattisa , Jang Isabelle , Lim Chwee Ming , Wang Fu Qiang , Soong Yoke Lim , Wee Joseph , Tan Terence , Fong Kam Weng , Chua Melvin Lee Kiang , Poh Sharon , Kiong Kimberley
Published: January 2025

Background

Local recurrence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) occurs in 10%–20% of patients, with salvage potential in early recurrences. Yet, clear surveillance protocols are lacking. We compare survival outcomes and suitability for salvage in symptomatic and incidentally detected locally recurrent NPC.

Methods

Locally recurrent NPC patients, initially diagnosed at the National Cancer Center Singapore between October 2003 and November 2009, were identified. Demographics, symptoms, detection modalities, and survival outcomes were analyzed.

Results

Eighty‐two patients were studied. Median follow up and time to local recurrence was 5.51 and 2.19 years; 45.1% were symptomatic; 65.9% were diagnosed incidentally; 62.2% were offered salvage treatment. Symptomatic patients (vs. asymptomatic) had lower 5‐year overall‐survival (39.1% vs. 74.5%, p = 0.011). Nonincidental diagnoses (vs. incidental) had lower 5‐year overall‐survival (33.6% vs. 71.1%, p = 0.02). Incidentally‐detected recurrences (vs. nonincidental) were more likely offered salvage treatment (75.9% vs. 35.7%, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Routine clinical examination, nasoendoscopy, and imaging allow early detection of asymptomatic recurrences, with improved outcomes.
Consensus statement for the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of kaposiform hemangioendothelioma
Authors: Zhou Jiangyuan , Qiu Tong , Zhang Zixin , Lan Yuru , Huo Ran , Xiang Bo , Chen Siyuan , Qiu Li , Xia Chunchao , Xu Xuewen , Li Jing , Ma Yangyang , Yao Wei , Wang Zuopeng , Dong Changxian , Qin Zhongping , Tai Maozhong , Guo Lei , He Xin , Gu Song , Li Li , Hou Fang , Cai Yu , Wang Huaijie , Wang Jinhu , Jiang Xian , Zheng Jiawei , Li Kai , Ji Yi
Published: January 2025

Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE) is a rare vascular tumor that typically presents in infancy or early childhood. As awareness of KHE increases, it is imperative that the management of KHE be updated to reflect the latest evidence‐based guidelines. The aim of this study was to integrate the literature and Chinese expert opinions to provide updated recommendations that will guide the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of patients with KHE. According to this consensus statement, 28 nationally peer‐recognized experts in vascular anomalies and an expert in evidence‐based medicine were assembled and formed three consensus subgroups. A series of key themes and questions were developed for each group, including recommendations for diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. A systematic search was conducted for English‐language articles published in PubMed and other relevant studies identified by the expert panel. A diagnosis of KHE necessitates the integration of clinical, imaging, and histologic features. The treatment of KHE should be tailored to the specific characteristics of each patient, including the size of the lesion, the presence of symptoms, the location, and the overall condition of the patient. In addition to focusing on the disease itself, it is also important to consider the complications of KHE and their impact on prognosis. The recommendations presented herein are intended to assist in the guidance of clinical practice and decision‐making in patients with KHE, with the objective of improving patient outcomes.
Arginase Activity Inhibition With Thymoquinone Induces a Hybrid Type of Cell‐Death in MDA‐MB‐231 Cell Line
Authors: Bday Jaweher , Souid Moufida , Pires Vivien , Gabbouj Sallouha , Véjux Anne , Lizard Gérard , Hassen Elham
Published: January 2025

Arginase plays a crucial role in the urea cycle; it also has immunosuppressive and pro‐tumor effects. The present study aimed to assess the effects of arginase inhibition by thymoquinone (2‐Isopropyl‐5‐methyl‐1,4‐benzoquinone), an active compound of Nigella sativa, on cell death in the MDA‐MB‐231 triple‐negative breast tumor cell line. Cell viability assays, Western blot analysis, and flow cytometry analysis were used to characterize oxidative stress and cell death. Our results showed that inhibition of arginase activity with thymoquinone significantly increased intracellular nitric oxide levels and resulted in overproduction of cellular and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species. Reductions in cell viability, cycle arrest, and increased cell death were also observed. Loss of transmembrane mitochondrial potential, activation of caspase‐3, ‐7, and ‐9, cleavage of PARP, condensation and/or fragmentation of the nuclei, suggest that this cell death involved apoptosis. Furthermore, a cytoplasm vacuole formation and an increase in the ratio of [LC3‐II/LC3‐I] suggests a concomitant activation of autophagy with apoptosis. Altogether, the present study highlighted that arginase inhibition with thymoquinone induces a hybrid type of cell death defined as oxiapoptophagy. Thus, arginase inhibition with thymoquinone in the MDA‐MB‐231 cell line could be, in part, involved in the anticancer effect of thymoquinone.
Synthesis and Characterization of Schiff Bases and Their Ag(I) Complexes Containing 2,5,6‐Trisubstituted Imidazothiadiazole Derivatives: Molecular Docking and In Vitro Cytotoxic Effects Against Nonsmall Lung Cancer Cell Line
Authors: Mirghani Ahmed Hamdi , Pehlivanoglu Suray , Alici Hakan , Tahtaci Hakan , Uysal Saban
Published: January 2025

In this study, four novels 2,5,6‐trisubstituted imidazothiadiazole derivative ligands and their Ag(I) complexes were synthesized and characterized using various spectroscopic analysis techniques. First, imidazo[2,1‐b][1,3,4]thiadiazole derivative (3) was obtained from the reaction of 5‐amino‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole‐2‐thiol with benzyl bromide in the presence of KOH in an ethanolic medium. In the next step, the resultant compound reacted sequentially with four substituted phenacyl bromide derivatives (4a–4d) under refluxed ethanol for 24 h to obtain substituted 2‐(benzylthio)‐6‐phenylimidazo[2,1‐b][1,3,4]thiadiazole derivatives (5–8). Compounds (9–12) were obtained by attaching a carbonyl group to carbon number 5 of the imidazothiadiazole group in these compounds with the help of Vilsmeier–Haack reagent. The resultant compounds were reacted in an ethanolic medium to synthesize the novel (13–16) ligands by adding ethylenediamine in a 1:2 molar ratio. The Ag(I) complexes of the resultant ligands were synthesized by mixing silver acetate with the ligands in a dimethyl sulfoxide medium to obtain (17–20) complexes. All the synthesized compounds were analyzed using FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, mass spectroscopy, magnetic susceptibility, ICP‐OES, and thermogravimetric analysis techniques. The study also investigates the in vitro cytotoxic effect of the ligands and complexes on A549 (nonsmall cell lung cancer) cells using the MTT assay and shows that the 13, 15, and 16 ligands, together with their complexes, exhibit potent cytotoxicity. In addition, in silico molecular docking simulations were conducted both to support the in vitro cytotoxicity experiments and to ascertain the active binding sites and interactions of the ligands and complexes on the EGFR receptor. The result indicates that ligands and complexes may serve as promising candidates for further investigation as anticancer agents.
Safety and Efficacy of DPMAS in Patients With Acute‐on‐Chronic Liver Failure Based on Different Platelet Count Levels
Authors: Niu Lingyun , Zhou Jiamei , Zhao Ninghui , Zhang Aiqing , Ye Qing , Lian Jia , Xu Baiguo , Wen Jing , Yao Jia , Han Tao
Published: January 2025

To investigate the effect of different platelet (PLT) counts on the safety and efficacy of the double‐plasma molecular absorption system (DPMAS) in patients with acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF). A total of 156 patients with ACLF receiving DPMAS were divided into the observed group (40 × 109/L ≤ PLT < 50 × 109/L) and the control group (PLT ≥ 50 × 109/L) according to PLT count level. The safety and efficacy indices of bleeding‐related complications, PLT reduction rate, total bilirubin (TBIL) reduction rate, and 28‐days survival rate after DPMAS were analyzed and compared between the two groups. The incidence of bleeding complications during and after DPMAS in the observed and control groups (14.3% vs. 14.9%, p = 0.922), the decline rate of PLT immediately and 24 h after treatment (0.13 vs. 0.11/0.05 vs. 0.09, p = 0.256/0.161), and the 28‐days survival rate after treatment (76.2% vs. 75.4%, p = 0.923) were not significantly different. The thromboelastogram before DPMAS showed no significant difference in PLT function between the two groups (p > 0.05). Although the TBIL level of the two groups rebounded 24 h after treatment compared with immediately after treatment, it decreased significantly immediately and 24 h after treatment compared with pre‐treatment levels (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the rate of decline of serum TBIL immediately after treatment and 24 h after treatment between the two groups (0.33 vs. 0.35/0.14 vs. 0.16, p = 0.193 and 0.653, respectively). DPMAS is safe and effective in patients with ACLF with 40 × 109/L ≤ PLT count < 50 × 109/L.
Prenatal Corticosterone Impacts Nestling Condition and Immunity in Eastern Bluebirds
Authors: Miller Taylor M. , Navara Kristen J.
Published: January 2025

Exposure of avian mothers to stressful conditions permanently alters offspring behavior and physiology. Yet, the effects of maternal stress on the development of offspring immunity in birds remain unclear, particularly in wild species. We injected Eastern bluebird (Sialia sialis) eggs with either a corticosterone or control solution, then measured the impacts on nestling morphology and two measures of immunity, bactericidal capacity and swelling responses to phytohemagglutinin. Nestlings from corticosterone‐treated eggs had lower condition indices at hatch but quickly caught up to their control counterparts by Day 5 posthatch and until fledging. Corticosterone‐exposed nestlings also mounted smaller swelling responses to phytohemagglutinin, whereas there were no effects on bactericidal capacity. These results indicate that maternal stress can impact offspring immunocompetence, fitness prospects, and potentially their ability to fend off parasites and pathogens.
Transcriptomic Landscape of Polypide Development in the Freshwater Bryozoan Cristatella mucedo: From Budding to Degeneration
Authors: Kvach A. Yu. , Kutyumov V. A. , Starunov V. V. , Ostrovsky A. N.
Published: January 2025

Colonial invertebrates consist of iterative semi‐autonomous modules (usually termed zooids) whose lifespan is significantly shorter than that of the entire colony. Typically, module development begins with budding and ends with degeneration. Most studies on the developmental biology of colonial invertebrates have focused on blastogenesis, whereas the changes occurring throughout the entire zooidal life were examined only for a few tunicates. Here we provide the first description of transcriptomic changes during polypide development in the freshwater bryozoan Cristatella mucedo. For the first time for Bryozoa, we performed bulk RNA sequencing of six polypide stages in C. mucedo (buds, juvenile polypides, three mature stages, and degeneration stage) and generated a high‐quality de novo reference transcriptome. Based on these data, we analyzed clusters of differentially expressed genes for enriched pathways and biological processes that may be involved in polypide budding, growth, active functioning, and degradation. Although stem cells have never been described in Bryozoa, our analysis revealed the expression of conservative “stemness” markers in developing buds and juvenile polypides. Our data also indicate that polypide degeneration is a complex regulated process involving autophagy and other types of programmed cell death. We hypothesize that the mTOR signaling pathway plays an important role in regulating the polypide lifespan.
Pesticidal Efficacy of Innovative Heterocyclic Tosyl Esters: Design, Synthesis, Biochemical Assessment, and DFT Calculation
Authors: Metwally Heba M. , Abdel‐Latif Ehab , Mostafa Mohamed E. , Said Gehad E.
Published: January 2025

Developing new pesticide led compounds to minimize the escalating resistance of agricultural pests which raised by the extensive use of agrochemicals is highly desirable. A series of novel heterocyclic tosyl esters was designed, synthesized, and characterized via different spectral analyses. The pesticidal potential of the thiazolidinone, thiazole, thiophene, and chromene derivatives against Aphis gossypii (Glover) and Tetranychus urticae (Koch) was assessed. The effect of the most potent derivatives on the enzyme activity of both tested pests was also examined. Thiazolidinone derivative 4 was the most effective against either pests, exhibiting significant pesticidal activity that was comparable to or superior to that of standard pesticides. The DFT study was performed for the most potent compounds. The results indicate that these recently synthesized compounds could be effective alternatives in pest controlling strategies.
Patient physical violence toward healthcare workers at a US children's hospital
Authors: DePorre Adrienne G. , Richardson Troy , Puls Henry T. , Bernstein Alec M. , Ebbers Rebecca , Nadler Cy
Published: January 2025

An improved understanding of patient‐related violent events toward healthcare workers (HCWs) is a critical step in mitigating patient violence in the pediatric medical hospital setting. Therefore, we sought to describe the timing/setting, potential antecedents to, and management of pediatric patient‐related violence toward HCW. Using our electronic health record (EHR), we performed a retrospective study of patient‐related physical violent events from 2017 to 2022 among youth hospitalized at our free‐standing children's hospital. We identified 144 violent events associated with 75 patients. Most (66.7%) events occurred after a youth was medically cleared for discharge, and most (55%) events were preceded by an aversive experience the youth was trying to avoid. Most (77.1%) youth received medications for de‐escalation, and nearly one‐half (47.9%) experienced mechanical restraints. Our results highlight the challenges hospitals face while caring for youth at risk for behavioral escalations and support the need for both comprehensive in‐patient behavioral health teams.
The Effect of Flexible Flatfoot on the Running Function in School‐Age Children
Authors: Li Yang , Yan Juntao , Li Yiyang , Yu Yan , Lu Xiaoying , Zhang Jin , Jiang Shuyun
Published: January 2025

Flexible flatfoot is common among school‐age children and significantly affects walking efficiency, balance stability, and joint‐movement coordination in children. The demands on the skeletal structure and muscle function are increased during running; however, the impact of a flexible flatfoot on children's running capabilities is unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of flexible flatfoot on the running function of school‐age children. Participants with flat feet (n = 28) and typical feet (n = 27) ran on a flat surface at their chosen maximum pace. At the same time, the kinematic and dynamic parameters of their lower limb joints were monitored. A two‐sample statistical analysis assessed the differences in the lower limbs' three‐dimensional kinematic and dynamic parameters during running. The findings revealed a significant reduction in running velocity, stride length, and frequency, and an increased proportion in the support phase (p < 0.05) in children with flexible flat feet. The navicular drop time decreased, whereas the dynamic navicular drop height increased (p < 0.05). A notable decrease in the maximum plantar flexion and eversion torque, power, and power absorption of the ankle joint was observed (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the maximum flexion torque of the knee and hip joints and hip joint power absorption decreased (p < 0.05). The peak ground reaction force in the anteroposterior directions was reduced (p < 0.01). These results indicate that flexible flatfoot can impair the running efficiency of school‐age children and lead to diminished motor stability and reduced propulsive and braking capabilities.
Association between oral feeding versus enteral feeding and cerumen impaction in older hospitalized adults: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Mansour Asil , Ben‐David Boaz M. , Sasson Ady , Farraj Jalal , Mansour Anwar , Roth Yehonatan , Icht Michal
Published: January 2025

Background

Chewing involves jaw movements that propel cerumen along the ear canal. This mechanism may be reduced in dysphagia, especially for older individuals who are enterally fed. Those patients may be at a higher risk for cerumen impaction and may require longer hospital stays. Examining the relationship between diet type, cerumen impaction, and hospital stay duration was the focus of the present study.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study (not registered) among 114 hospitalized older adults. Data were collected on diet type: (1) oral feeding (individuals fed a solid diet or a pureed diet) or (2) enteral feeding (individuals fed via a feeding tube). The results of an otoscopy that quantified cerumen were recorded, as well as hospital stay duration.

Results

In a mediation analysis, a hospital stay of >1 month was associated with an increased risk of enteral feeding, which in turn, increased the risk of cerumen impaction. Analysis indicated that the link between longer hospitalization and a more severe level of cerumen impaction was fully mediated by diet type (enteral feeding).

Conclusions

Enteral feeding seems to be a risk factor for cerumen impaction, rather than merely hospitalization length, in our sample of geriatric patients. These results highlight the importance of continuous monitoring by ear, nose, and throat specialists, as well as regular auditory assessments for patients who are enterally fed for early detection and treatment of cerumen impaction. Particular attention should be paid to cases of prolonged hospitalization, which is associated with the severity of dysphagia.