bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health promoting universities: A scoping review
Authors: Sáenz Comellas , Boldú Esqué , Canal Juvinyà
Published: February 2025

Issue Addressed

The university setting represents a singular context to promote health and well‐being. Although health‐promoting university (HPU) initiatives exist worldwide, information on theoretical principles is sparse. The purpose of this integrative review is to describe how the HPU approach has been theorised.

Methods

A scoping review was carried out in PubMed, Medline, ERIC, Scielo, WoS, Scopus and CINAHL following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta‐Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA‐ScR) statement. The articles included in the final step were content analysed according to: (a) reference; (b) country; (c) label; (d) objectives of work; (e) HPU definition and (f) type of study. For the empirical articles, some additional items were reviewed.

Results

After the analysis and exclusion of studies for not meeting the inclusion criteria, 22 articles were integrated into the final sample. Of those, 12 were theoretical papers and 10 were empirical studies. The review found that most of the studies define the HPU approach according to the principles described in the Ottawa Charter and the socioecological perspective on health promotion. Most of the empirical selected studies are based on qualitative data. The implementation of healthy policies and evaluative strategies are remaining challenges.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the HPU concept is underpinned by a wide array of theories and models. It also points to the need for a common university framework that integrates the basic principles into practice. The articulation between theoretical narrative and practical initiatives is a remaining threat that needs to be assessed in order to enable universities to become healthy spaces.

So What?

HPU generates enabling conditions that support communities to improve and maintain their health status and well‐being. In this sense, more evidence of effectiveness will be needed in future research.
First‐Line Levofloxacin‐Based Triple Therapy Versus Standard Bismuth‐Based Quadruple Therapy for Helicobacter pylori Eradication in Saudi Arabia: A Retrospective Single‐Center Study
Authors: Abdulqader Abdulrhman Khaled Al , Alamri Turki Abdullah , Alhamad Mahdi Abdullah , Shehab El‐Deen Somaia , Essa Abdallah , Alfayez Raed Abdullah , Albaqshi Baqer Mohammed , Almajed Adnan Salah , Alhassan Mohammed Yousef , Essa Ali , Albadrani Ahmed Abdullah , Alomair Omar , Al Jalal Bashaeer Abdullh , Almulhim Mohammed Yousef , Alotaibi Abdullah , Darwish Ehab
Published: February 2025

Background and Aims

Antibiotic resistance in Saudi Arabia has led to decreased efficacy of conventional triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication, prompting the development of alternative treatments like levofloxacin‐based triple and bismuth‐based quadruple therapies. However, comparative data regarding its efficacy are lacking. Therefore, this study's goal was to compare the efficacy of levofloxacin‐based triple therapy with that of standard bismuth‐based quadruple therapy as first‐line regimens.

Methods

This retrospective analysis included 197 treatment‐naïve adults with H. pylori infection who received levofloxacin‐based triple (levofloxacin + amoxicillin + PPI) therapy (n = 81) or standard bismuth‐based quadruple (bismuth + tetracycline + metronidazole + PPI) therapy (n = 116). H. pylori eradication was evaluated 4–8 weeks after medication administration using the 13C‐urea breath test, and variables that could affect the rate of success were examined.

Results

There were no differences between groups in terms of age, sex, nationality, or type of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used. The bismuth‐based quadruple therapy group exhibited a markedly superior success rate compared to the levofloxacin‐based triple therapy group when the latter was administered for 7 or 10 days (81.03% vs. 6.66%, p < 0.001, and 81.03% vs. 36.1%, p < 0.001, respectively). However, when the levofloxacin‐based triple therapy was extended to 14 days, its H. pylori eradication rate became comparable to that of the 10‐day bismuth‐based quadruple therapy (81.03% vs. 80%, p = 0.898). Eradication rates for both regimens were similar for patients aged ≥ 60, non‐Saudi, when using omeprazole and those treated with levofloxacin‐based triple therapy for 14 days.

Conclusion

Quadruple treatment based on bismuth is superior to triple therapy based on levofloxacin for eradicating H. pylori in Saudi Arabia and should be used as a first‐line treatment. However, the 14‐day levofloxacin‐based triple treatment had an H. pylori eradication rate comparable to that of the 10‐day bismuth‐based quadruple therapy.
Climate Change and Investors' Behaviour: Assessing a New Type of Systematic Risk
Authors: Thampanya Natthinee , Wu Junjie
Published: February 2025

This study explores how temperature anomalies, a novel form of systematic risk, affect financial markets, expanding the traditional understanding of market‐wide risks. While climate change is becoming an important consideration, the extent to which temperature anomalies disrupt economic activities and influence stock returns is urgently needed to assess. Using data from 479 Thai companies (2010–2023), we apply linear and nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) models to examine the impact of temperature anomalies and investor sentiment on stock returns. Our findings reveal that (1) temperature anomalies significantly affect short‐term stock returns, especially when prioritising sustainability and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors; (2) public awareness, measured by Google Search Volume Index (GSVI), has a complex, nonlinear impact on the stock market; (3) temperature anomalies act like traditional risk measures, influencing stock returns similarly to market volatility. The study highlights the growing importance of climate change in financial decision‐making and offers insights into investor reactions to climate risks and economic sentiment. It emphasises the need to consider short‐term market reactions to climate‐related news and suggests that temperature anomalies could be viewed as a systematic risk in financial markets.
Evolution of the placenta in situ after conservative management in placental pecretism
Authors: Huerta Manuel Mendoza , Martinez Ilse Veronica Castro , Kway Venance Basil
Published: February 2025

Synopsis

This report details placental size, Doppler flow, and β‐hCG evolution during conservative management of placenta percreta, highlighting successful in situ absorption through meticulous monitoring.
Albert Bandura: The Man I Have Known and His Merits
Authors: Caprara Gian Vittorio
Published: February 2025

Albert Bandura, one of the most influential psychologists, passed away on 26 July 2021. His scientific merits have been acknowledged across various domains of inquiry, thereby attesting to his relevance for understanding people's agentic role in shaping and improving their life. The purpose of this special issue was to honour Bandura's contribution to psychological science through a collection of articles from several researchers around the globe whose scientific interests are rooted in Bandura's theoretical conceptualisations, ranging from self‐efficacy beliefs to moral disengagement.
The Effect of Impulsivity Traits on Commission Errors of Prospective Memory
Authors: Guo Yunfei , Tu Jiaru , Wang Mingyuan , Gan Jiaqun , Li Yimin
Published: February 2025

Repeated execution of a prospective memory (PM) task that has already been completed is known as a commission error of the PM. Due to defects in attentional impulsiveness and motor impulsiveness, impulsive individuals may differ from non‐impulsive individuals when making PM commission errors. This study explored the effect of impulsivity traits on PM commission errors under different ongoing task difficulties (Experiment 1) and different response conveniences (Experiment 2). The results of Experiment 1 showed that the impulsive group had more PM commission errors than the non‐impulsive group under both the low‐difficulty condition and the high‐difficulty condition, indicating that the effect of impulsivity traits on PM commission errors is not affected by the difficulty of ongoing tasks. However, the results of Experiment 2 showed that the impulsive group only had more PM commission errors than the non‐impulsive group under the convenient response condition, indicating that the effect of impulsivity traits on PM commission errors is affected by the response convenience.
Effects of Nitrogen and Hydrogen Plasma Treatments on a Mg‐2Y‐1Zn‐1Mn Resorbable Alloy
Authors: Shekargoftar Masoud , Ravanbakhsh Samira , de Oliveira Vinicius Sales , Paternoster Carlo , Chevallier Pascale , Witte Frank , Sarkissian Andranik , Mantovani Diego
Published: February 2025

Mg alloys have recently been investigated and optimized for the development of biodegradable implants for orthopedic, dental, vascular, and other applications. However, their rapid degradation in a physiological environment remains the main obstacle to their development. In this work, the effects of nitrogen and hydrogen plasma treatments on the surface properties and corrosion behavior of an Mg‐2Y‐1Zn‐1Mn (WZM211) alloy were investigated. Plasma treatment effectively modified the surface of a WZM211 alloy by removing the original oxide layer, followed by the formation of a new surface layer with controlled composition, thickness, and wettability. The water contact angle decreased from 100° to 17° after nitrogen plasma and to 45° after hydrogen plasma treatment. The nitrogen plasma treatment, shortly N‐Plasma, resulted in the lowest corrosion rate (CRN = 0.038 ± 0.010 mm/y) if compared with the hydrogen plasma treatment, shortly H‐Plasma (CRH = 0.044 ± 0.003 mm/y) and untreated samples (0.233 ± 0.097 mm/y). The results demonstrate the potential of nitrogen and hydrogen plasma treatment for the development of resorbable Mg‐based implants.
Targeting Drug Delivery System to Skeletal Muscles: A Comprehensive Review of Different Approaches
Authors: Li Xiaofang , Xu Jintao , Yao Shanshan , Zhang Ning , Zhang Bao‐Ting , Zhang Zong‐Kang
Published: February 2025

The skeletal muscle is one of the largest organs in the body and is responsible for the mechanical activity required for posture, movement and breathing. The effects of current pharmaceutical therapies for skeletal muscle diseases are far from satisfactory; approximately 24% of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) trials have been terminated because of unsatisfactory outcomes. The lack of a skeletal muscle‐targeting strategy is a major reason for these unsuccessful trials, contributing to low efficiency and severe side effects. The development of targeting strategies for skeletal muscle‐specific drug delivery has shown the potential for increasing drug concentrations in the skeletal muscle, minimising off‐target effects, and thereby improving the therapeutic effects of drugs. Over the past few decades, novel methods for specifically delivering cargo to skeletal muscles have been developed. In this review, we categorise targeting methods into four types: peptides, antibodies, small molecules and aptamers. Most research has focused on peptide and antibody ligands, and there are several well‐established drugs in this category; however, drawbacks such as protease degradation and immunogenicity limit their use. Aptamers and small molecules have low immunogenicity and are simple to chemically produce. However, small molecule ligands generally exhibit lower affinity because of their small size and high mobility. Aptamers are promising ligands for skeletal muscle‐targeting delivery systems. Additionally, if the active site of the cargo is located inside the cell, an internalisation pathway becomes necessary. The order of internalisation ligands and targeting ligands in the complex is a crucial factor, because an inappropriate order could lead to much lower targeting and internalisation efficiencies. Moreover, ligand density also merits consideration, as increasing the density of the targeting ligands may result in steric hindrance, which could impact the accessibility of the receptor and cause enlargement of the targeted ligands. More efforts are required to optimise drug delivery systems that specifically recognise skeletal muscle, with the aim of enhancing quality of life and promoting patient well‐being.
Multiomics Analysis Reveals Therapeutic Targets for Chronic Kidney Disease With Sarcopenia
Authors: Wang Meiqiu , You Lianghui , He Xu , Peng Yingchao , Wang Ren , Zhang Zhiqiang , Shu Jiaping , Zhang Pei , Sun Xiaoyi , Jia LiLi , Xia Zhengkun , Ji Chenbo , Gao Chunlin
Published: February 2025

Background

The presence of sarcopenia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with poor prognosis. The mechanism underlying CKD‐induced muscle wasting has not yet been fully explored. This study investigates the influence of renal secretions on muscles using multiomics sequencing.

Methods

The kidney transcriptome analysis by RNA‐seq and protein profiling by tandem mass tag (TMT), serum TMT and muscle TMT were performed in CKD established using 0.2% adenine and control mice. Spp1 recombinant protein was used to study its effect on myotube atrophy in vitro. In animal experiments on CKD, pharmacological inhibition of Spp1 was used to explore the role of Spp1 in skeletal muscle wasting. Transcriptome analysis was performed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the gastrocnemius muscle following Spp1 pharmacological inhibition.

Results

In the renal transcriptome and TMT, 503 and 377 proteins/genes respectively were co‐upregulated and co‐downregulated. In the serum TMT of CKD and normal control (NC) mice, 22 upregulated and 7 downregulated differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) showed the same expression patterns as those in the kidney transcriptome and TMT analysis. Based on bioinformatics analysis and reported studies, we selected Spp1 for further validation. Spp1 recombinant protein was added to C2C12 myotubes in vitro, and the results indicated that Spp1 significantly increased the protein levels of the muscle atrophy marker (Murf‐1) and promoted the smaller myotubes (all p < 0.05). Compared with NC mice, Spp1 mRNA and protein levels were significantly upregulated in the kidneys of CKD mice, and the serum concentration of Spp1 was also markedly increased (all p < 0.05). In animal experiments, pharmacological inhibition of Spp1 increased the weights of gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior muscles (p < 0.05) and improved muscle atrophy phenotype. Transcriptome analysis showed that DEGs in the gastrocnemius muscle following Spp1 pharmacological inhibition were enriched in protein digestion and absorption, glucagon signalling pathway, apelin signalling pathway and ECM‐receptor interaction pathway.

Conclusions

Our study is the first to establish a regulatory network of kidney‐muscle crosstalk to explore the potential mechanism of CKD‐related sarcopenia. Employing multiomics analysis, cellular assessment and animal experiments, we have identified that Spp1 could potentialy serve as a promising therapeutic target for CKD patients with sarcopenia.
Spanish chickpea gene‐bank seeds (Cicer arietinum L.) offer an enhanced nutritional quality and polyphenol profile compared with commercial cultivars
Authors: Delgado‐Andrade Cristina , Razola‐Díaz Carmen , Olías Raquel , Verardo Vito , Gómez‐Caravaca Ana María , Marcos‐Prado Teresa , Clemente Alfonso
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND

In the global socioeconomic context and the current climate change scenario, investigating the nutritional and bioactive characteristics of landraces can provide interesting profiles with technological applications and benefits for human health. The purpose of this work was to improve our knowledge regarding the nutritional and phenolic composition of several chickpea accessions preserved in a gene bank compared with widely consumed cultivars, as a first approach to establish their potential nutritional interest. CIELab colour, mineral content, protein, and amino acids were determined, as well as a comprehensive characterization of free and bound phenolic compounds by high‐performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

The chickpea accessions displayed a superior macro‐mineral profile and higher levels of protein, arginine, and bound phenolic compounds than commercial cultivars did. The total phenolic content ranged from 307.55 to 940.46 μg g−1 dry weight and clearly categorized the crops into desi or kabuli types. The ratio of free to bound phenolic compounds ranged between 2.8 and 50.2 in the kabuli seeds and 0.4–1.3 in the desi type. The most remarkable finding was the quantification of a total of 42 phenolic compounds, nine of them reported for the first time in chickpea seeds (methyl and dimethyl citric acids, glabranin, 3,4‐dihydroxy‐5‐methoxybenzoic acid, myricetin 3‐O‐rutinoside, dihydromyricetin, phlorizin, kaempferol 7‐(6″‐p‐succinylglucoside) and phloretin).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite variations in genetic backgrounds and specific agronomic conditions, this research unveils a sufficiently attractive nutritional and phenolic profile to justify further investigations aimed at exploring the future expansion and applications of these chickpea accessions. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.
PR‐YOLOv9: An improve defect detection network for hot‐pressed light guide plates
Authors: Liu Cunling , Peng Shuo , Liu Shuangning , Li Junfeng
Published: February 2025

As one of the key components of liquid crystal display, the quality of the hot‐pressed light guide plate (LGP) directly affects the display performance. To address the challenges posed by complex background textures, diverse types of defects, large variations in defect resolutions, and low contrast, this paper proposes a surface defect detection method for hot‐pressed LGPs based on the PR‐YOLOv9. The poly kernel inception network (PKINet) module is integrated by replacing the second convolution module of the YOLOv9 backbone network, effectively reducing interference from invalid targets such as complex textured backgrounds, thereby enhancing the network's ability to detect multi‐scale defects and decreasing the network's parameters. Additionally, the receptive‐field attention convolutional operation (RFAConv) module is incorporated, replacing the first and last layers of the YOLOv9 backbone network with this module. RFAConv module provides attention weights for large convolution kernels, effectively improving the network's ability to extract spatial feature information. Experimental results show that the proposed PR‐YOLOv9 network achieves a mean average precision (mAP) of 98.40% and F1‐Score of 97.14% on a self‐constructed hot‐pressed LGP defect dataset, with a reduction of 6.19 M in network parameters compared with YOLOv9, representing a decrease of 10.18%, making it suitable for real‐time detection in industrial settings.
A Novel Compound Heterozygous Variant in the ABHD12 Gene Cause PHARC Syndrome in a Chinese Family: The Proband Presenting New Genotype and Phenotype
Authors: Ma Meijiao , Ma Jinhai , Lian Yuanyuan , Wu Xueli , Wang Wenming , Rong Weining , Sheng Xunlun
Published: February 2025

Background

PHARC syndrome, a rare autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder caused by mutations in the ABHD12 gene, is characterized by demyelinating polyneuropathy, hearing loss, ataxia, retinitis pigmentosa (RP), and early‐onset cataracts. If patients are first diagnosed in the ophthalmology department, they are easily misdiagnosed as having RP or Usher syndrome. This study aimed to identify the genetic etiology and determine the clinical diagnosis of a Chinese family with suspected PHARC syndrome.

Method

Comprehensive ophthalmic examinations and systemic evaluations were conducted to confirm the phenotype. The genotype was identified through Whole Exome Sequencing (WES), and the current literature was reviewed understand better manifestations of PHARC syndrome related to pathogenic variants.

Results

The principal symptoms of the proband comprised profound sensorineural hearing loss since childhood, severe visual impairment, congenital cataracts, cone‐rod dystrophy, and ataxia. WES revealed that the proband carried a compound heterozygous variant in the ABHD12 gene: M1, a known nonsense variation c.477G > A (p.Trp159Ter); and M2, a novel copy number variant with a deletion of approximately 18.10 Kbp in chromosome 20p11.21 (seq[GRCh38]del(20) (p11.21)chr20:g. 25302218_25320318del), covering exons 4–12 of the ABHD12 gene. The literature review indicated that there were 65 patients with PHARC from 30 different families. All clinical information of the described patients with PHARC syndrome and all known mutations associated with the disease to date were compiled.

Conclusion

This study expands the spectrum of pathogenic variants and phenotype for PHARC syndrome and suggests genetic testing is necessary for a definitive diagnosis of PHARC syndrome.
Navigating human–plant reciprocity: Commercial harvesting by professionals of a medicinal plant fosters multi‐actor landscape management
Authors: Locqueville Jonathan , McKey Doyle , MacDonald Kenneth Iain , Coq Sylvain , Caillon Sophie
Published: February 2025

Studies of human–nature relationships increasingly recognise not only nature's contributions to people but also the positive contributions of human practices to ecosystems. The concept of reciprocal contributions emphasises positive human–nature relationships. But trade‐offs between natural elements implies that human favouring of one element (e.g. via the protection of its habitat) can be detrimental to others. Discussing the concept of reciprocal contributions encourages us to rethink human management of landscape by shifting from a primary focus on instrumental values associated with plant extraction, to relational values related to the multiple interests of human and non‐human actors.

To study how relational values are integrated into the configuration of multifunctional landscapes, we focused on professional harvesters of Arnica montana. We asked what role professional harvesters play in the stewardship of their harvesting sites through reciprocal relations with plants, landscapes and other actors to shape the future of plant and landscape sustainability.

We show that even though professional harvesters live far from their harvesting sites, they develop both a strong attachment to them, and an experience‐based ecological knowledge of the relationships between arnica and other plant species and the environment. This attachment and experience‐based knowledge provide harvesters with legitimacy in the eyes of other actors (e.g. cattle farmers, managers of natural areas, pharmaceutical and cosmetic laboratories) and allow them to play the role of mediator between these other actors and the harvested plant in order to influence the management of the environment—for example by burning, mowing or grazing. This creates a reciprocal benefit with this particular species, but also with other co‐occurring species. Integrating the interests of the harvesters with those of other stakeholders requires negotiation and the search for synergies between values.

Synthesis and applications. Within the framework of ‘reciprocal contributions’, we argue that human engagement in reciprocal relations with specific species is read as a form of care that privileges the maintenance of certain lives over others; trade‐offs between plants but also between plants, animals, landscape and humans have to be incorporated in the theoretical framework.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Interpenetrating Polymer Networks in Biomedical Fields: Recent Advanced and Applications
Authors: Shahi Farangis , Zarei Sara , Salah Othman Razhan , Afshar Hana , Kamran Farimah , Afshar Taromi Arsia , Khonakdar Hossein Ali
Published: February 2025

Recent developments in polymer materials have led to an increased implementation of hydrogels in biomedical settings, especially in the creation of smart hydrogels. Traditional single‐network hydrogels often exhibit challenges, such as poor mechanical strength, insufficient biocompatibility, and slow response rates. To address these issues, researchers have introduced Interpenetrating Polymer Network (IPN) hydrogels, which significantly improve mechanical strength via topological entanglements and physical interactions. This dual‐network design not only enhances biocompatibility but also responsiveness to stimuli, endowing the hydrogels with distinctive properties like cell adhesion, conductivity, hemostatic functions, antioxidant abilities, and color‐changing properties. The purpose of this article is to elucidate the factors that trigger stimuli responsiveness in IPN hydrogels, their impacts on cellular behavior, and the various biomedical applications they can serve. A comprehensive overview is provided regarding their classification, mechanisms, performance attributes, and related subjects. Ultimately, this review emphasizes the promise that smart IPN hydrogels hold in fulfilling the increasing need for innovative materials with improved mechanical features and biocompatibility in the biomedical sector.
Research on interfacial toughness of laser‐induced graphene and short Kevlar fibers aramid fiber/foam aluminum sandwich structure
Authors: Wang Bao‐lai , Tian Wei‐dong , Wang Chao , Wang Qi , Gao Wen‐ji , Chen Hai‐long
Published: February 2025

The interface performance of the aramid fiber/foam aluminum sandwich structure is poor due to the lack of fiber connections between the core and face sheets, negatively impacting overall load‐bearing capacity. This study investigates the effects of laser‐induced graphene (LIG) and short Kevlar fibers on the interfacial toughness of aramid fiber/foam aluminum sandwich panels, aiming to enhance the interfacial bonding capability of the structure. Results demonstrate that the synergistic toughening effect of LIG and short Kevlar fibers significantly improves the interlaminar toughness, with a 134.90% increase in peak load and a 161.64% increase in energy absorption during the three‐point bending tests. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis reveals the toughening mechanism: the micro‐porous structure of LIG provides effective adhesion points for the short Kevlar fibers, creating a stable fiber bridging structure that mitigates interface delamination. Furthermore, optimization of the surface density of the short Kevlar fibers for the LIG‐coated aramid fiber/aluminum foam sandwich panels shows a trend of increasing toughness followed by a decline with increasing surface density, with optimal interfacial performance achieved at a surface density of 6 g/m2. These findings suggest that the combined approach of LIG and short Kevlar fibers is an effective strategy for enhancing the interfacial toughness of aramid fiber/foam aluminum sandwich panels, with promising applications in composite materials.

Highlights

LIG‐Kevlar fibers improve toughness & energy absorption in sandwich panels.

The optimal short Kevlar fiber density for interfacial performance is 6 g/m2.

LIG‐Kevlar forms a “bridging structure” to prevent delamination.
Clinical characteristics and risk factors of severe bocavirus‐positive pneumonia in children and a literature review
Authors: Liao Jing , Yang Zhongying , He Yu , Wei Jianhua , Ren Luo , Liu Enmei , Zang Na
Published: February 2025

Increasing evidence suggests that human bocavirus (HBoV) is associated with respiratory symptoms in the absence of other identifiable pathogens and may even precipitate severe lower respiratory tract infections. However, only a few studies of severe human bocavirus infections in pediatric patients have been reported. The aim of the current study was to collect and analyze clinical data from children diagnosed with mild pneumonia and severe pneumonia, with an emphasis on those testing positive for HBoV from June 2009 to June 2019. Among the 799 HBoV‐positive children included in the study, approximately 5.88% experienced severe pneumonia. Results revealed no significant differences between co‐detection and single detection of HBoV‐positive pneumonia in the severe and mild groups, supporting the pathogenicity of HBoV. A higher incidence of severe cases was observed in children lacking Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccination, or with congenital airway or bronchopulmonary dysplasia (P = 0.046, P = 0.017). Overall, these findings indicate that HBoV can be identified in respiratory samples from children with severe pneumonia, denoting its role as a viral pathogen in hospitalized children with this condition. Preterm birth, wheezing history of previous infection, pulmonary underlying diseases such as airway dysplasia or bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and viremia may be the risk factors for severe pneumonia with HBoV positive.
Delivery of Marker‐Free DNA to Plant Genome by the Transgenic Selection‐Associated Fragment Elimination (T‐SAFE) System
Authors: Yang Yi , Chang Huan , Pan Leiwen , Guo Dongbei , Peng Shun , Mao Ting , Zhang Yuehui , Wang Shui
Published: February 2025

The presence of a selection marker in transgenic plants has raised public concerns regarding health safety. We have developed a CRISPR/Cas9‐based DNA delivery system termed transgenic selection‐associated fragment elimination (T‐SAFE). The T‐SAFE system comprises four cassettes: the selection marker, CRISPR/Cas9, spacer‐plus‐protospacer adjacent motif (SP), and the cargo. The first two cassettes, the selection marker and CRISPR/Cas9, are collectively referred to as SCC. The SCC is flanked by two identical SPs derived from the fruit fly Ebony gene, which efficiently facilitate the SCC cleavage and subsequently lead to self‐elimination of the selection marker upon integration of exogenous DNA into the plant genome. To inhibit the production of a functional Cas9 protein in bacteria, the IV2 intron of the potato ST‐LS1 gene has been incorporated into the Cas9 gene. Additionally, the Cas9 gene is driven by a reproductive cell‐specific or inducible promoter to avoid SCC cleavage in nonreproductive plant cells. These innovative features allow the T‐SAFE system to achieve an elimination efficiency of the selection marker ranging from 10%–30% in Arabidopsis and 5%–8% in rice, with a DNA delivery capacity of approximately 10 kb. This approach offers a safe means for genetically modifying plants.
Perceptions and Barriers to Screening Mammography and Clinical Breast Examination: A Survey Study of Underserved Populations in North Texas
Authors: Olsson Sofia Eva , Shah Sameep , Haase Erin , Butler Emma , Amado Isabella , Pagidas Kelly
Published: February 2025

Background

Mammography serves as the primary screening tool for detecting breast cancer, and clinical breast examination serves as an additional low‐risk technique. There are known socioeconomic disparities in screening accessibility that correlate with breast cancer mortality and tumor stage at diagnosis. Identifying patient barriers and sentiments is a vital step in increasing compliance rates amongst vulnerable populations.

Methods

A link to a survey available in English and Spanish was distributed across zip codes with the lowest median household incomes in Fort Worth, Texas. Data collection took place between November 2022 and November 2023. Only female participants aged 18 or older were included in the study. Statistical analysis was performed on IBM SPSS, Python, and Pandas library softwares.

Results

Hispanic, low‐income, and less educated individuals were more likely to have inadequate screening mammography and clinical breast examination status. This is due to several self‐reported barriers including cost, lack of knowledge, and lack of time. The majority of patients reported interest in receiving women's healthcare (67.3%), believed screening allowed for early breast cancer detection (72.7%), and believed screenings decreased breast cancer mortality (69.1%).

Conclusions

There are clear discrepancies in access to breast cancer screenings despite a majority of respondents acknowledging their benefit. We suggest the aforementioned demographics be targeted in interventions to improve free or low‐cost access and education surrounding breast cancer screenings. This study would benefit from further data collection and expansion to multiple cities in the United States.
Optimal Designs of the Group Runs Exponentially Weighted Moving Average X¯$\bar{X} $ and t Schemes
Authors: Chong Zhi Lin , Teoh Wei Lin , Khaw Khai Wah , Chew XinYing , Teh Sin Yin
Published: February 2025

The analysis of an scheme often assumes that the process standard deviation is accurately assessed and remains constant. However, in practice, this is rarely true. Noting that the group runs (GR) scheme performs better than the synthetic scheme, in this research, we proposed the GR exponentially weighted moving average (GR EWMA) and t schemes and determined their true optimal parameters using the optimisation programmes. Our findings indicate that similar to the synthetic EWMA scheme, the proposed GR EWMA scheme is not resilient to errors in the estimation of the standard deviation of the process or when the standard deviation changes. Therefore, we also proposed the GR EWMA t scheme for surveilling the mean of a process. We demonstrate that this t scheme possesses the required robust characteristic. We showcase our developed schemes’ superiority over existing schemes in a detailed performance comparison. An illustrative example related to the hard‐baking process is utilised to demonstrate the applicability of the suggested schemes.
A Spatial‐Based Quantum Graph Convolutional Neural Network and Its Full‐Quantum Circuit Implementation
Authors: Zeng Yi , He Jin , Huang Qijun , Wang Hao , Chang Sheng
Published: February 2025

With the rapid advancement of quantum computing, the exploration of quantum graph neural networks is gradually emerging. However, the absence of a circuit framework for quantum implementation and limited physical qubits hinder their realization on real quantum computers. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a spatial‐based quantum graph convolutional neural network and implements it on a superconducting quantum computer. Specifically, this model exclusively consists of quantum circuits, including quantum aggregation circuits in the quantum graph convolutional layer and quantum classification circuits in the quantum dense layer. To meet the requirements of Noisy Intermediate‐Scale Quantum computing, a first‐order extraction method to reduce circuit size is employed. Experimental results in node classification tasks demonstrate that this model achieves comparable or even superior performance compared to classical graph neural networks while utilizing fewer parameters. Therefore, this model can inspire further advancements in quantum graph neural networks and facilitate their implementation on physical quantum devices.
Emergent Oscillating Bound States in a Semi‐Infinite Linear Waveguide with a Point‐Like Λ$\Lambda$‐Type Quantum Emitter Driven by a Classical Field
Authors: He Yuping , Sun Ge , Li Jing , Yang Ya , Lu Jing , Zhou Lan
Published: February 2025

An oscillating bound state is a phenomenon where excitations mediated by the continuum modes oscillate persistently. Although it is generated by the superposition of two bound states in the continuum (BICs), such phenomenon is said to be unique to giant atoms. The phenomenon of an oscillating bound state with an alternative waveguide QED system is presented, which is a one dimensional (1D) semi‐infinite waveguide coupled to a point‐like quantum emitter. This point‐like quantum emitter is ‐type quantum system with one transition driven by a classical field.
Revisiting non‐obstructive azoospermia: Is there a best way to retrieve testicular sperm?
Authors: Kanto Satoru , Ichioka Kentaro , Sato Yuri , Uchino Yoshihiko , Tanaka Takayuki , Endo Mareyuki
Published: February 2025

Background

Microdissection TESE has been considered the “gold standard” for retrieving testicular sperm in cases of non‐obstructive azoospermia (NOA) despite limited scientific support. Here we compare all aspects of microdissection TESE with testis fine needle aspiration mapping (FNA Mapping) and directed TESE procedures for men with NOA.

Methods

We examine the history of testicular sperm extraction techniques and the rise of advanced technologies with a focus on microdissection TESE and FNA mapping. We summarize the published literature regarding the success rates, complications, and limitations of these two methods.

Main Findings

As there are no randomized controlled trials, the best data come from the Cochrane Reviews, which include meta‐analyses concluding that the simplest and safest methods of sperm retrieval should be chosen. Although microdissection TESE is popular, recent reports have questioned its value due to the significant hypogonadal consequences. Among alternative procedures, FNA Mapping is a viable and less invasive alternative to microdissection TESE in finding testicular sperm in NOA patients.

Conclusion

Alternatives to microdissection TESE procedures such as FNA Mapping offer several advantages that include similar sperm retrieval success rates, but also less invasiveness and improved understanding of the pathophysiology of NOA.
Effect of Seasonality and Associated Environmental Drivers on Macroinvertebrate Assemblages in Neotropical Coastal Headwater Streams
Authors: Lafuente Wilson , Moreno José Luis , Carpio Antonio J.
Published: February 2025

Comprehensive research into the environmental factors that affect the spatial and temporal variability of benthic macroinvertebrate communities in the headwater coastal streams of Ecuador is limited. Therefore, a study was carried out in four headwater coastal streams to address this gap. This study lasted for 2 years and included two surveys in summer and two in winter. The spatial and temporal variation of community metrics (abundance, richness, and diversity), functional feeding groups, and environmental factors were analyzed. A total of 47 genera from 33 families and 12 orders were collected, 29 of which were new records for the studied region. Seventy‐nine percent of the total number of macroinvertebrates collected belonged to three orders of insects: hemipterans, ephemeropterans and coleopterans. The most abundant non‐insect was the amphipod Hyalella. In seasonal terms, the populations of odonates, hemipterans, and coleopterans decreased in winter, whereas those of amphipods, trichopterans, ephemeropterans, and dipterans increased. The dominant functional feeding group consisted of predators, with the heteropterans Rhagovelia and Husseyella being the most abundant genera across all streams. Populations of predators and scrapers decreased in winter, whereas those of shredders and collectors increased. The results showed significant differences among the macroinvertebrate metrics obtained for each stream and season. The abiotic PCA ordination and biotic NMDS ordination of macroinvertebrate assemblages were consistent. The BEST routine inferred that the environmental variables that best explained assemblage patterns were phosphate concentration and stream width, although dissolved oxygen, water temperature, and current velocity were also important explanatory variables. In conclusion, seasons had a major influence on the macroinvertebrate assemblages of neotropical coastal headwater streams. During summer (the dry season), environmental stability supported higher richness and diversity, whereas in winter (the rainy season), hydrologic perturbation disrupted and altered the structure and composition of the macroinvertebrate community.
Mechanisms of Microbial VOC‐Mediated Communication in Plant Ecosystems and Agricultural Applications
Authors: Ali Qurban , Khan Abdur Rashid , Raza Waseem , Bilal Muhammad Saqib , Khalid Sadia , Ayaz Muhammad , Khan Atta‐Ur‐Rehman , Mundra Sunil
Published: February 2025

Microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) are crucial to the ecological interactions of plants and microbes, playing pivotal roles in plant defence, communication, and growth promotion. The classification, biosynthesis, and emission processes of mVOCs, and their multifaced functions and activities within plant ecosystems have been extensively studied. Moreover, the signalling pathways that enable mVOCs‐mediated communication between plants and their surrounding environment are explored. The mVOCs are critical in mediating interactions with biotic and abiotic stressors, including plant pathogens and environmental changes. These interactions contribute to enhanced plant resilience and foster beneficial ecological interactions. Biotechnological mVOCs have great potential in sustainable agriculture, especially natural pest management and crop protection. These applications include various disease control strategies, such as biosensors, highlighting the crucial role of mVOCs in promoting natural pest control and supporting sustainable development growth. In this review, we explored the functions of mVOCs, mechanisms of action, and the types of interactions. We also discussed recent developments in their use and the challenges involved. We discussed the ethical and regulatory issues related to using mVOCs in agriculture biotechnology and their potential effects on human health and the environment. Finally, we highlight research gaps to fully leverage mVOC functions for sustainable plant production and ecological health.
Time‐Dependent ROC Curve for Multiple Longitudinal Biomarkers and Its Application in Diagnosing Cardiovascular Events
Authors: Sun Lizhe , Wei Pingyuan , Zhou Jie , Zhou Xiao‐Hua
Published: February 2025

Since they can help people detect the early signs of diseases, accurate diagnostic techniques based on biomarkers are crucial in biomedical research. This article proposes a novel bivariate time‐varying coefficients logistic regression model for addressing the combined longitudinal biomarkers. Using the B‐splines method to estimate the proposed model, we can effectively combine multiple longitudinal biomarkers and improve diagnostic accuracy. We show that the proposed method is theoretically consistent. And it exhibits superior performance compared to the existing method, as presented through numerical results. The proposed method is verified in a study on predicting the probability of onset of future cardiovascular events for type 2 diabetic patients. The longitudinal biomarkers, HbA1c and LDL‐C, are considered in this study. We demonstrate that the combined longitudinal biomarkers significantly improved disease diagnostic accuracy over only a combination of the latest measured biomarkers in most cases.
“Even better than the real thing”?: Electronic organs and the dilemma of product mimicry
Authors: Nelson Andrew J.
Published: February 2025

Research Summary

Mimetic products like fake wood and fake meat pose a dilemma for producers. On the one hand, their core value lies in faithfully replicating a “real” referent. On the other hand, they must differentiate themselves. I explore this tension through a qualitative historical investigation of the first electronic musical organs: The Orgatron was a low‐cost close imitation of the pipe organ, whereas the Hammond was a lesser imitation that attempted to augment the pipe organ. Ironically, the Orgatron's superior imitation limited its success, whereas Hammond's lesser imitation enabled it to identify and develop new markets. My study suggests that the best product‐imitation strategy may not be faithful mimicry, but rather rapid augmentation. More generally, it contributes to the literatures on imitative products, positioning, and authenticity.

Managerial Summary

Mimetic products like fake wood and fake meat pose a dilemma for producers. On the one hand, their core value lies in faithfully replicating “the real thing.” On the other hand, they must differentiate themselves. I explore this tension through a historical investigation of the first electronic musical organs. One pioneer, the Orgatron was a pure imitation of the pipe organ, whereas the other, Hammond, was a lesser imitation that attempted to augment it. Ironically, the Orgatron's superior imitation limited its ultimate success, whereas Hammond's lesser imitation enabled it to identify and develop new markets. My study suggests that the best product‐imitation strategy may not be faithful mimicry, but rather rapid augmentation. More generally, it contributes to our understanding of imitation, positioning, and market exploration.
Distribution Behaviors of Phosphorus in CaO–SiO2–FeOx–MgO–MnO–Al2O3 Basic Oxygen Furnace Slags
Authors: Wang Shaobo , Deng Zhiyin , Song Guodong , Zhu Miaoyong
Published: February 2025

Considering the dephosphorization and the reuse of ladle slag in basic oxygen furnace (BOF), the distribution behaviors of P in the CaO–SiO2–FeOx–MgO–MnO–(0–10%)Al2O3–5%P2O5 system slags are investigated in laboratory. It is found that three phases generally present in the slags, namely P‐rich phase (2CaO·SiO2–3CaO·P2O5), (Fe, Mn, Mg)O phase, and liquid phase, and most of Al2O3 is distributed in the liquid phase. Al2O3 and FeOx reduce the areal fraction of the P‐rich phase, and the P2O5 content in the P‐rich phase generally increases (up to 14.3%). Higher slag basicity results in a higher fraction of P‐rich phase and a lower P distribution ratio between the liquid phase and the P‐rich phase. Proper FeOx and Al2O3 contents can not only result in the largest distribution of P2O5 in the P‐rich phase but also have good slag properties, while the increase in FeOx and Al2O3 contents reduces the phosphate capacity. To save cost, a higher‐basicity slag with a lower FeOx content and a certain Al2O3 content can be considered at dephosphorization stage of BOF.
Reversed‐Phase High‐Performance Liquid Chromatography Method and Its Coupling to Mass Spectrometry for Deferasirox Stability Study and Degradation Product Identification
Authors: Patel Shreya , Kothari Charmy S. , Bhalodi Krishna , Solanki Ravisinh
Published: February 2025

Deferasirox (DFR) is a novel oral iron chelator used in the treatment of beta‐thalassemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, and other chronic anemias. Understanding the stability behavior of deferasirox in various degradation condition is crucial and has been studied under hydrolysis, oxidative, photolysis, and thermal conditions. A Phenomenex C18 column (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) was employed to achieve drug separation, with mass spectrometry (MS)‐compatible mobile phase comprising of acetonitrile and 10 mM ammonium acetate buffer (60:40, v/v). The flow rate and detection wavelength were 1.0 mL/min and 250 nm, respectively. The fully validated reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC) stability method developed as per International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) Q2 R1 guidelines, demonstrated excellent performance metrics, including limit of detection (LOD; 30.01 ng/mL), limit of quantification (LOQ; 90.96 ng/mL), recovery (98%–100.1%), precision repeatability (1.8%), and intermediate precision (0.8%). Significant degradation was observed under alkaline, acidic, oxidative, and photolytic while the drug remained stable under thermal condition. The use of liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) compatible solvents in the mobile phase enables further characterization of deferasirox and its degradation products. Addition of an alkyl radical being postulated as possible degradation mechanism under hydrolysis condition. The fully validated, stability‐indicating, mass‐compatible RP‐HPLC method can be effectively utilized commercially for quality control, and stability studies of deferasirox.