bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RT‐RPA Assisted CRISPR/Cas12a Based One‐Pot Rapid and Visual Detection of the Pan‐Dengue Virus
Authors: Bhardwaj Pooja , Dhangur Preeti , Kalichamy Alagarasu , Singh Rajeev
Published: February 2025

Globally ≤ 4 billion of the population are at potential risk of contracting dengue virus (DENV) infection. Seasonal outbreaks of dengue are frequently reported causing a high healthcare burden. Undiagnosed DENV can lead to severe morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis of DENV relies on molecular methods, which are impractical in resource‐constrained settings (RCSs). Dengue can be caused by any of the four distinct DENV serotypes. Therefore, a simple method for rapid diagnosis of Pan‐DENV serotypes is of utmost importance at RCSs. A fluorescence detection platform for Pan‐DENV using RT‐RPA and CRISPR/Cas12a was developed targeting nonstructural 1 (NS1) gene for DENV‐1, 2, and 3, and envelope (E) gene for DENV‐2. Further, crRNA specific to DENV serotypes were designed to facilitate CRISPR/Cas12a detection. Analytical sensitivity was determined using synthetic RNA and DENV serotypes genome. Clinical validation of the assay was performed using RNA extracted from AES/AFI clinical samples. The developed CRISPR/Cas12a‐based detection platform can detect all four serotypes of DENV viz 1−4 in a single pot using fluorescence detection. This assay showed the limit of detection ≥ 781 zg reaction−1, ≥ 1.81 ag reaction−1, ≥ 62.5 fg reaction−1, and ≥ 2.5 pg reaction−1 for synthetic DENV‐1, DENV‐2, DENV‐3, and DENV‐4 template, respectively. Our assay demonstrated the analytic sensitivity of ≥ 10 ng reaction−1 for DENV‐1 and DENV‐4, and ≥ 0.5 ng reaction−1 for DENV‐3 and DENV‐4 genomes. This assay showed no cross‐reactivity with other related etiologies tested causing AFI/AES. With 76 clinical samples (DENV PCR positive = 16, DENV PCR negative = 60), the assay demonstrated 93.7% sensitivity and 100% specificity with an overall accuracy of 98.7% for detection of the Pan‐DENV serotypes. Our assay displayed comparable results to that of RT‐PCR. The ease of interpretation and rapid detection of the Pan‐DENV, represents the potential of the developed assay as an ideal point‐of‐care test. This assay upon field‐deployment could help in reducing healthcare burden, provide differential diagnosis and support initiating early and prompt treatment to patients at RCS.
Revising Flood Return Periods by Accounting for the Co‐Occurrence Between Floods and Their Potential Drivers
Authors: Kumar Kanneganti Bhargav , Das Bhowmik Rajarshi , Mujumdar Pradeep P.
Published: February 2025

The return period of floods can be influenced by the extreme values of their potential drivers, which may vary among catchments. Understanding the risk and the associated changes in return periods due to these extreme values of drivers is therefore of interest in flood hydrology. In this study, floods are considered as compound events resulting from a combination of non‐independent factors. The return periods of these events are estimated using joint distribution functions, accounting for the dependence of flood peaks and their potential drivers in two distinct catchments: (i) an inland catchment‐Warunji Catchment, Krishna basin, India, and (ii) a coastal catchment‐Usk catchment, United Kingdom (UK). The annual maximum (AM) rainfall, soil moisture and storm surge are considered as potential drivers of floods and their variations in time of occurrence are calculated to understand co‐occurrence patterns. The pairwise co‐occurrence frequency and dependence are estimated, and joint distribution is calculated with the survival copula distribution function. The results indicate that AM values of the variables tend to co‐occur within a short time window, signifying that the flood risk changes with the extreme values of drivers. The maximum values of the AM series of drivers are observed in the same year as the largest flood in the series. The joint return periods of flood events show significant variations from their univariate estimates in both catchments, which have different flood‐generating mechanisms. This work re‐emphasises the findings in recent literature that the traditional univariate risk assessment methods based only on flood peak information may substantially underestimate/overestimate the risk of floods by neglecting the effects of their potential drivers and that a multivariate viewpoint is imperative for assessing the risk of floods.
Office‐Based Drainage of a Parapharyngeal Abscess with Surgeon‐Performed Transoral Ultrasound
Authors: Sjölander Hannes , Garset‐Zamani Martin , Todsen Tobias
Published: February 2025

A parapharyngeal abscess (PPA) was diagnosed and aspirated under local anesthesia using transoral ultrasound by an ENT surgeon. This case demonstrates that transoral ultrasound is a valuable point‐of‐care tool for both diagnosing PPA and enabling minimally invasive, ultrasound‐guided drainage. Laryngoscope, 2025
Dual Effects of Vegetation Restoration Patterns and Soil Depth on the Soil Microbial Residue Carbon Accumulation in a Red Soil Erosion Area of Southern China
Authors: Chang Mengqi , Xiao Shengsheng , Wang Fangchao , Liu Hongguang , Zheng Haijin , Liao Yunhua , Chen Fusheng , Wang G. Geoff
Published: February 2025

Microbial residue carbon (MRC) is an important source of soil organic carbon (SOC) and plays a vital role in the accumulation and retention of SOC. Vegetation restoration is an effective strategy for restoring degraded lands. However, there are no studies on how the MRC in a profile changes with vegetation restoration. We evaluated MRC (using amino sugars) accumulation and its contribution to SOC at different soil depths (0–20, 20–50, and 50–100 cm) during vegetation restoration in a severely eroded forest (CK), a restored forest (ecological restoration management), an orchard (development management pattern), and a secondary forest (ideal control). Microbial biomarkers were extracted from the soil profiles and used to measure microbial diversity and microbial community composition (using 16S rRNA). Vegetation restoration, soil depth, and their interaction with each other significantly affected the MRC, fungal residue carbon (FRC), and bacterial residue carbon (BRC) contents. The MRC content tended to increase across the four vegetation restoration patterns in the following order: CK (323.25 mg kg−1) < orchard (1035.67 mg kg−1) < restored forest (2919.01 mg kg−1) < secondary forest (6556.72 mg kg−1). Furthermore, the contribution of MRC to SOC increased with increasing soil depth in the restored forest. The contributions of total MRC to the SOC content varied from 13.12% to 71.88%. The rapid accumulation of MRC was substantially influenced by the SOC content, total nitrogen content, soil pH, bacterial and fungal diversity, and bacterial and fungal phyla. In conclusion, the patterns of vegetation restoration and soil depth play important roles in the accumulation of soil MRC in red soil erosion areas. These findings are pivotal for improving our mechanistic understanding of the microbial regulation of SOC preservation during vegetation restoration of a degraded ecosystem.
Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Training and Service Delivery: An International Survey
Authors: Nuss Sarah , Nakku Doreen , Pandey Akansha , Elwell Zachary , Fei‐Zhang David , Srinivasan Tarika , Patterson Rolvix H. , Adeyemo Adebolajo , Cherches Alexander , Bangash Ali Haider , Mukuzi Allan , Seguya Amina , Kahinga Aveline Aloyce , Petrucci Beatriz , Der Mussa Carolina , Pietrobon Carolina , Waterworth Christopher James , Daudu Davina , Shaye David , Smith Emily , Cahill Gabrielle , Sprow Holly , Maina Ivy , Fagan Johannes J. , Wiedermann Joshua , Xu Mary Jue , Zalaquett Nader , Thapa Nar Maya , Hapunda Racheal , Okerosi Samuel , Tamir Sharon Ovnat , Ibekwe Titus , Alkire Blake , Salano Valerie , Din Taseer ,   Global OHNS Initiative
Published: February 2025

Importance

Highlighting the global disparities in otolaryngology training and, ultimately, service delivery, emphasizing the need for equitable access to training resources and programs.

Objective

To describe the relationship between the quality, content, and location of otolaryngology–head and neck surgery training and education and the resulting impact on the delivery of otolaryngology care globally.

Design

An online cross‐sectional survey to otolaryngologists, gathering information on their training and education experiences, and factors influencing their choice of training location and practice.

Setting

The online survey was available in multiple languages, distributed via national and international professional otolaryngology societies, snowballing and social media.

Participants

The respondents were practicing otolaryngologists representing all seven World Health Organization regions.

Exposures

World Bank income groups classification.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Our expected outcome was that subspecialty training and access to educational resources were significantly readily available to respondents from high‐income countries, leading to more confidence in performing complex procedures post training.

Results

A total of 91 participants were included in the analysis, with 47 (52%) practicing in high‐income countries and 44 (48%) in low‐ and middle‐income countries. Sixty‐one participants (67%) were male. Subspecialty training and access to educational resources were significantly less available in low‐ and middle‐income countries, leading to lower confidence among low‐ and middle‐income countries physicians in performing complex procedures. High‐income country respondents reported better access to diverse training resources and felt more prepared for a broader range of procedures.

Conclusion and Relevance

Significant disparities exist in OHNS training resources and subspecialty training opportunities between high‐ and low‐middle‐income countries. There is a critical need to integrate complementary training and educational modalities into local systems. Addressing the shortage of educational resources and promoting open‐access initiatives in low‐middle‐income countries are essential steps toward enhancing surgical education and improving global otolaryngology healthcare outcomes.
Quality Improvement of Single‐Institution Craniofacial Center Multidisciplinary Meetings Using Standardized Meeting Guides
Authors: Monk Aurelia S. , Hollingsworth Elexis , Benaim Ezer H. , Fox Lynn , Leeper Lauren K. , Drake Amelia F.
Published: February 2025

Objectives

The American Cleft Palate Association‐Craniofacial Association (ACPA‐CPF) recommends regular multidisciplinary team meetings for comprehensive craniofacial patient care, yet standardized meeting guidelines are lacking. Lack of standardization may result in varying quality of care within and between institutions, as well as difficulty in creation of new multidisciplinary craniofacial teams at institutions without one. This study sought to assess craniofacial multidisciplinary team meetings and determine the utility of a meeting guidance tool in such meetings. It was set in a single institution's craniofacial center, and participants included multidisciplinary team members.

Methods

This project used the Plan‐Do‐Study‐Act quality improvement method, completed in two phases. In the project's first phase, craniofacial team members assessed their current meetings with an evaluation instrument previously created. The evaluation results identified areas needing improvement, and a new meeting guide was created and implemented over four meetings. Team members also completed a survey comparing historical versus new meeting structures.

Results

Initial meeting quality was perceived positively, but evaluation with a standardized instrument revealed deficiencies, particularly in case presentation topics. Implementing a custom guide improved the provision of current and historical patient information and treatment plan summarization, although excessive repetition persisted. Adjustments to the custom meeting guide led to further quality enhancement, particularly in case presentation efficiency and meeting effectiveness.

Conclusion

Multidisciplinary team meetings are vital for comprehensive craniofacial care, but ensuring consistent quality is challenging. Our study demonstrates the value of utilizing standardized meeting guides to evaluate and create custom guides leading to quality improvement. Ongoing refinement is essential to address persisting issues and optimize patient outcomes.

Level of Evidence

5.
Readability of Hospital Online Patient Education Materials Across Otolaryngology Specialties
Authors: Warrier Akshay , Singh Rohan P. , Haleem Afash , Lee Andrew , Mothy David , Patel Aakash , Eloy Jean Anderson , Manzi Brian
Published: February 2025

Introduction

This study evaluates the readability of online patient education materials (OPEMs) across otolaryngology subspecialties, hospital characteristics, and national otolaryngology organizations, while assessing AI alternatives.

Methods

Hospitals from the US News Best ENT list were queried for OPEMs describing a chosen surgery per subspecialty; the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO), American Laryngological Association (ALA), Ear, Nose, and Throat United Kingdom (ENTUK), and the Canadian Society of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (CSOHNS) were similarly queried. Google was queried for the top 10 links from hospitals per procedure. Ownership (private/public), presence of respective otolaryngology fellowships, region, and median household income (zip code) were collected. Readability was assessed using seven indices and averaged: Automated Readability Index (ARI), Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES), Flesch–Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL), Gunning Fog Readability (GFR), Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG), Coleman–Liau Readability Index (CLRI), and Linsear Write Readability Formula (LWRF). AI‐generated materials from ChatGPT were compared for readability, accuracy, content, and tone. Analyses were conducted between subspecialties, against national organizations, NIH standard, and across demographic variables.

Results

Across 144 hospitals, OPEMs exceeded NIH readability standards, averaging at an 8th–12th grade level across subspecialties. In rhinology, facial plastics, and sleep medicine, hospital OPEMs had higher readability scores than ENTUK's materials (11.4 vs. 9.1, 10.4 vs. 7.2, 11.5 vs. 9.2, respectively; all p < 0.05), but lower than AAO (p = 0.005). ChatGPT‐generated materials averaged a 6.8‐grade level, demonstrating improved readability, especially with specialized prompting, compared to all hospital and organization OPEMs.

Conclusion

OPEMs from all sources exceed the NIH readability standard. ENTUK serves as a benchmark for accessible language, while ChatGPT demonstrates the feasibility of producing more readable content. Otolaryngologists might consider using ChatGPT to generate patient‐friendly materials, with caution, and advocate for national‐level improvements in patient education readability.
Mesoporous Semi‐Permeable Flexible Polyurethane Membranes: Advancing Bioartificial Pancreas Design for Type 1 Diabetes Treatment
Authors: Gross Bryan , Lobry Emeline , Sigrist Séverine , Maillard Elisa , Magisson Jordan , Burcez Charles‐Thibault , Pires Manuel , Hébraud Anne , Schlatter Guy
Published: February 2025

This study reports the development of elastomeric mesoporous polyurethane (PU) membranes for bioartificial pancreas applications in type 1 diabetes treatment. The membranes are designed to exhibit semi‐permeable properties, enabling insulin diffusion while restricting larger immune molecules, such as immunoglobulin G (IgG). Although electrospinning is a widely used technique for fabricating porous membranes for controlled drug release, it typically results in an average pore size on the order of few micrometers, which is two orders of magnitude larger than the mesoporous scale required. In this work, a green‐electrospinning process using waterborne PU suspension and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) is employed, followed by thermal annealing and washing steps. The resulting membranes exhibit a controlled pore size in the mesoporous range (≈20 nm measured by capillary flow porometry). Diffusion tests confirmed selective permeability, with a recovery rate of 25% for insulin and a recovery rate below 5% for IgG, meeting therapeutic needs. In vivo characterizations show no degradation and good biocompatibility of the membranes without chronic inflammation. Moreover, mechanical characterization demonstrates the membranes' flexibility and strength, making them suitable for minimally invasive surgical implantation. These findings underscore the potential of PU membranes for long‐term biomedical applications, addressing critical challenges in permeability and mechanical stability.
Parents in peer delivery of family‐based behavioral pediatric weight management: the SHIFT randomized noninferiority trial
Authors: Saelens Brian E. , Rowland Maya G. , Scholz Kelley , Wright Davene R. , Ayala Guadalupe X. , Simoni Jane M.
Published: February 2025

Objective

This trial examined the noninferiority of family‐based behavioral pediatric weight management treatment (FBT) delivered by peers relative to professionals.

Methods

Children (n = 127) aged 7 to 11 years with BMI > 85th percentile for age and sex and at least one parent with BMI > 25 kg/m2 were randomly assigned to receive FBT delivered by parents who had previously received FBT from professionals. Child and parent anthropometrics and child quality of life were measured prior to FBT, at treatment end, and at 12‐month follow‐up. Treatment fidelity, adherence, and costs were examined by delivery mode.

Results

Peer FBT delivery was noninferior to professional FBT delivery (margin of 0.072 in child BMI z score change) at treatment end and at 12‐month follow‐up; however, superiority testing suggested that professional FBT delivery resulted in better child BMI z score change. No differential changes were observed in child quality of life or parental BMI by FBT delivery mode. Peer‐delivered FBT was well received, with peers providing personal examples of behavior change success but less skills‐focused content. Peer FBT delivery was about one‐quarter the cost of professional FBT delivery.

Conclusions

This study informs new strategies for sustaining the delivery of pediatric obesity interventions by involving trained parents.
Fabrication and Characterization of Composite Nanofibrous Membranes With TiO2 Particles Against UV Radiation
Authors: Jirkovec Radek , Holec Pavel , Kalous Tomas , Vikova Martina , Chvojka Jiri
Published: February 2025

This study employs electrospinning to fabricate and characterize composite nanofibrous layers composed of polyamide 6 and titanium dioxide (TiO₂) particles. Polyamide 6 solutions were prepared with varying TiO₂ concentrations (5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80 wt%) to investigate the impact of filler content on the spinning process and the resulting nanofiber morphology. The conductivity and viscosity of these solutions were measured to assess their spinnability. The fabricated nanofibrous layers were characterized to determine the distribution of TiO₂ particles and their influence on the overall morphology. Additionally, the wetting behavior and ultraviolet radiation (UV) absorption properties of the layers were evaluated. The results indicate that nanofibrous layers containing 50% TiO₂ exhibit the highest UV absorption potential, making them promising candidates for further applications.
Geographic and Temporal Patterns in Biologic Prescriptions for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases in the Public Healthcare System in Brazil: An Ecological Study
Authors: de Castro Caroline Tianeze , dos Santos Natividade Marcio , Pereira Marcos , Miranda Samilly Silva , Aragão Erika , de Souza Teles Santos Carlos Antonio , dos Santos Djanilson Barbosa
Published: February 2025

Purpose

To analyze the geographic and temporal patterns of biologic prescriptions for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Brazil's public national unified health system (SUS).

Methods

This ecological study used data from patients with IBD in the SUS Outpatient Information System between 2008 and 2022. Prais‐Winsten regression was used to estimate the trends in prescription rate of biologics. For geographic analysis, average prescription rate of biologics was calculated by state for three periods: 2008–2012, 2013–2017, and 2018–2022. Global Moran's index (GMI) and local indicators of spatial autocorrelation (LISA) were used to assess spatial autocorrelation and identify spatial clusters of biologic prescriptions, respectively.

Results

The prescription rate of biologics increased from 3.0% to 16.7%. Infliximab was the most prescribed drug from 2008 to 2012 (3.0%–4.2%), and adalimumab was the most widely prescribed drug from 2013 to 2022 (4.3%–9.1%). Higher prescription rates of biologics were observed in patients with Crohn's disease than in those with ulcerative colitis (40.5% vs. 3.2%). Biologics were primarily prescribed in the Southeast and South; however, the central‐western and northern regions showed greater changes in prescription rates over time. There were increased clusters of high biologic prescriptions across the three evaluated periods.

Conclusions

The increase in biologic prescriptions over time may be attributed to their enhanced efficacy in inducing and maintaining IBD remission. Biologic prescriptions in Brazil are experiencing temporal and geographical changes, indicating that disparities in drug prescriptions may decrease with universal, equitable healthcare access, despite administrative challenges in obtaining these medications through SUS.
Opioid Use After Hip Fracture and Subsequent Fracture Outcomes: A Self‐Controlled Case Series Design
Authors: Cupp Meghan A. , Hayes Kaleen N. , Berry Sarah D. , Beaudoin Francesca L. , Riester Melissa R. , Joshi Richa , Zullo Andrew R.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Hip fractures in older adults cause severe pain that often necessitates opioid use. However, opioids may trigger falls that result in subsequent fractures. Studies examining the effects of opioids on subsequent fractures are often limited by unmeasured confounding between opioid‐treated and untreated persons. To overcome this limitation, we used a self‐controlled case series (SCCS) design to investigate subsequent fracture risk during periods of opioid use after hip fracture.

Methods

The retrospective cohort included Medicare beneficiaries aged > 65 years who had a subsequent hip fracture within one year after an incident hip fracture (2012–2018). We estimated the risk of subsequent hip fracture in three exposure intervals according to the duration of opioid exposure: (1) The first 0–14 days of opioid exposure, (2) days 15–42 of exposure, and (3) opioid use beyond 42 days. We employed several approaches to modify the SCCS design to be more robust to assumptions, including adjustment for event‐dependent exposures.

Results

The rate of subsequent fracture was greatest during opioid use across a variety of approaches. The effect within the first 14 days after initiating opioids was robust to SCCS design choices, ranging from IRR 1.12 (95%CLs 0.98, 1.28) to IRR 1.77 (95%CLs 1.52, 2.07). The effect of extended opioid use (> 42 days) ranged from IRR 2.49 (95%CLs 1.95, 3.18) to IRR 4.08 (95%CLs 3.06, 5.46).

Conclusions

Analyses indicate a consistent increased risk of subsequent fracture associated with opioid use and demonstrate the importance that SCCS assumptions must be carefully investigated for real‐world applications.
The impact of functionalized β‐CD surface‐coated ZnO@Mg–Al LDH on the properties of double network PVA hydrogel nanocomposites
Authors: Hajibeygi Mohsen , Kazemi Najmeh
Published: February 2025

Double network polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel nanocomposites were prepared through interpenetrating of an amide‐sulfonic acid functionalized hydrogel into the PVA matrix, which was reinforced by carboxylated β‐cyclodextrin (CCD) modified ZnO@Mg–Al LDH (CZnL). CZnL was prepared by the reconstructing calcined LDH, supported by ZnO nanoparticles in the presence of CCD. XRD, FE‐SEM, and TEM results indicated the successful self‐assembled and intercalated LDH in the presence of surface‐coated ZnO nanoparticles. The water content measurements indicated the significant impact of the double network hydrogel on the absorption of water molecules. The TGA result of the PVA sample loaded with 2 wt% of hydrogel exhibited highest thermal stability, suggesting a greater impact of the hydrogel compared to the nanohybrid filler. The MCC and LOI results indicated a desirable synergistic effect of CZnL and hydrogel in enhancing the flame retardancy of the PVA films. The PVA sample loaded with 2.5 wt% of CZnL and 2.5 wt% hydrogel exhibited 171 W·g−1 and 176 kJ·g−1 reductions in pHRR and HRC values, respectively, compared to neat PVA. The elongation at break and tensile strength of the mentioned sample increased from 17.68% to 21.25% and 88.30 to 96.86 MPa, respectively, compared to neat PVA.

Highlights

Preparation a nanohybrid including nanosized ZnO installed on the calcined LDH.

Synthesis of carboxylated β‐cyclodextrin for modification of ZnO@LDH.

Preparation of double network PVA/CD modified ZnO@LDH hydrogel nanocomposites.

The effect investigation of hydrogel and modified nanohybrid on the PVA properties.

Improved properties were observed in the PVA nanocomposites.
Ultraviolet aging characteristics of waste laser printed paper reinforced high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) based composite materials
Authors: Zhang Xiaolin , Chang Xing , Di Jingjing , Xu Long , Cai Bin , Huang Maocai
Published: February 2025

To maximize the utilization of waste laser printed paper fiber (WLPF), WLPF was used as the organic reinforcing phase, high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) was used as the matrix, vinyltrimethoxysilane (A171) and γ‐methacryloxytrimethoxysilane (KH570) were used as coupling agents to modify and prepare WLPF/HDPE composites via a blending‐injection molding process. The weather resistance properties and mechanisms of the composites were systematically analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), mechanical analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. The results showed that the KH570‐modified WLPF/HDPE composites retained their excellent tensile and flexural strength after 2000 h of accelerated ultraviolet (UV) aging, and their tensile strength, flexural strength, and flexural modulus were 26.9, 41.0, and 2744.4 MPa, respectively. The thermal property analysis revealed that the thermal stability of the composites decreased after aging. Additionally, the crystallization enthalpy, melting enthalpy, and crystallinity of the composites increased.

Highlights

Waste laser printed paper fiber/high‐density polyethylene (WLPF/HDPE) modified composites were prepared by injection molding process.

Ultraviolet (UV) aging properties of WLPF/HDPE composites were investigated for the first time.

KH570 modified composites retained excellent tensile and flexural strength after UV aging.

The thermal properties of the composites after UV aging were also investigated.
Investigation of the effects of walnut shell wood particles on the mechanical properties of injection molded wood‐ polyethylene‐polycarbonate composites
Authors: Al‐Arkawazi Rasool R. K. , Azdast Taher , Hasanzadeh Rezgar
Published: February 2025

In this study, walnut shell is used as an additive in wood‐plastic composite production to explore their potential in manufacturing processes. Different percentages of Polycarbonate (PC) (0, 7.5, 15 wt %) are incorporated with high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) as the base material in various proportions to evaluate its impact on the final product. The study employs the Taguchi technique of the design of experiment (DOE) in injection molding to analyze the data. Moreover, a method involving multi‐criteria decision‐making (MCDM) is used to select the optimal model through practical experiments. The mechanical properties, including tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact strength, are thoroughly analyzed. The results indicate that composite L1, which contains 0 wt % PC and 20 wt % walnut shell with a particle size of 1.5–1 mm, exhibited an 8% increase in tensile strength but a 34.89% decrease in impact strength. In contrast, composite L6, comprised of 7.5 wt % PC and 40 wt % walnut shell, demonstrated a 30.19% increase in flexural strength. To choose the best conditions using the MCDM method, preference percentages are assigned to each result. Considering the importance of these properties for strength, very close ratios (i.e., 34% for flexural strength, 33% for tensile strength, and 33% for impact strength) are allocated. The findings indicate that 0 wt % PC, 20 wt % walnut shell and the particle size ranging from (1.5 to 1) mm is the most effective compound among all the conditions.

Highlights

Walnut shell is used as an additive in wood‐plastic composite.

Mechanical aspects of polycarbonate/polyethylene/wood composites are optimized.

Tensile, flexural, and impact strengths are optimized using Taguchi method.

Multi‐criteria decision‐making analysis is implemented for the best conditions.
Bacillus velezensis RKN1111 enhances resistance against Meloidogyne incognita in Cucumis sativus
Authors: Ma Jianqing , Li Keran , He Li , Wang Ning , Xu Yongpan , Tong Xiaolong , Li Ruiyan , Zhang Aimin , Zhao Gangyong , Cao Dandan
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND

Meloidogyne incognita is a highly damaging pathogenic nematode that causes significant annual economic losses. Therefore, the development of reliable biological control agents against M. incognita is imperative. The Bacillus velezensis RKN1111 strain, isolated from inter‐root soil, demonstrates the ability to directly kill M. incognita. In this study, we investigated the effect of RKN1111 in inducing resistance to M. incognita in Cucumis sativus and examined changes in the content of immune‐responsive substances in the induction‐treated cucumber plants.

RESULT

The RKN1111 treatment reduced the number of root galls in infected cucumbers, with a maximum reduction of 78.19%. RKN1111 stably colonized cucumber roots, reaching 3.65 × 106 CFU/g in 3 days. The approach and infestation rates of M. incognita on RKN1111‐induced treated cucumber root tips declined at varying time points. Furthermore, RKN1111 induced significant increases (P < 0.05) in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and superoxide anion (O2−) contents, as well as in the callose deposition area in cucumber, by up to 59.84, 83.28, and 61.59%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

RKN1111 has been demonstrated to stably colonize cucumber root systems and defend against M. incognita infestation by inducing systemic resistance in the host plant. Additionally, RKN1111 elevated the levels of immune‐responsive substances in cucumber plants. RKN1111 has great potential for application in the integrated pest management of M. incognita. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.
Dynamics in Patterns of Internal Migration in Poland Between 2017 and 2023 – What Are the Impacts of COVID‐19?
Authors: Korczyński Karol , Kajdanek Katarzyna
Published: February 2025

The COVID‐19 pandemic had a profound spatial impact on economic, cultural and social life, notably altering mobility, including internal migration. Many studies to date looked into various aspects of internal migration patterns after the pandemic outbreak. However, little research has been focused on the area of Central and Eastern Europe. The aim of the paper is to empirically examine the quantitative perspective of registered inter‐municipal migrations in Poland between 2017 and 2023. Specifically, the study sought to determine how the scale and directions of internal migrations in Poland changed across three distinct periods: (1) pre‐pandemic (2017–2019); (2) during the initial COVID‐19 response (2020); (3) post‐restrictions period (2021–2023). We ask to what extent the dominant internal migration trends (depopulation of rural areas and growth in metropolitan areas fuelled by strong suburbanisation trends) were affected during COVID‐19 compared to preceding years. We examine this through analysis of migration intensity, net‐migration rates and the predominance of urban and rural origins and destinations, using population register data on annual flows between municipalities. We discover that the COVID‐19 pandemic resulted in a decrease of migration intensity in 2020 as well as in the following years compared to 2017–2019, with lower net‐migration rates in suburban areas and greater in non‐metropolitan peripheries.
Toosendanin Induces Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis to Suppress Diffuse Large B‐Cell Lymphoma Growth by Inhibiting PI3Kα/β and PLK1 Signaling
Authors: Hu Qian , Wang Mengyao , Chen Meng , Wang Jinjin , Niu Ting
Published: February 2025

Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is an aggressive and heterogeneous subtype of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma, with two‐thirds of patients relapsing or resisting existing therapies, highlighting the urgent need for effective treatments. Toosendanin (TSN), a triterpenoid from Meliae Cortex, exhibits significant anti‐cancer activity by modulating cell survival and proliferation. This study investigates the anti‐lymphoma effects and underlying mechanisms of TSN, proposing it as a potential therapeutic agent to address the challenges of DLBCL. Network pharmacology, molecular docking, and transcriptome sequencing were employed to predict TSN's anti‐DLBCL potential. Findings were validated through in vitro and in vivo experiments, including cell viability assays, flow cytometry, quantitative PCR, Western blotting, reverse experiments with small‐molecule inhibitors or genetic editing, and a cell‐derived xenograft (CDX) model. Bioinformatics analyses revealed TSN's strong binding affinity to PI3Kα/β and Polo‐like kinase 1 (PLK1). Experiments showed that TSN downregulated the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and reduced PLK1 mRNA and protein levels, inducing apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and cell death in DLBCL cells. RNA sequencing and metabolic assays indicated TSN upregulated cholesterol biosynthesis in DLBCL cells. Co‐treatment with a statin enhanced TSN's anti‐DLBCL effects while mitigating hepatic and pulmonary toxicity. This study identifies TSN as a dual inhibitor of PI3K and PLK1 with significant therapeutic potential for DLBCL. It also proposes a lipid‐modulating strategy to enhance TSN's cytotoxicity while reducing adverse effects, offering a promising approach to improve DLBCL treatment outcomes.
Covalent Organic Framework Nanofilm‐Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Mass Spectrometry for the Determination of Benzophenone Derivatives in Personal Care Products
Authors: Yan Ling , Zheng Wenjun , Lin Zian
Published: February 2025

Rational

Benzophenone derivatives, commonly used as UV filters in personal care products (PCPs), are widely prevalent and raise concerns due to their endocrine‐disrupting effects. Sensitive and efficient analytical methods are in demand for their detection. In this study, we developed a TAPB‐DMTP‐covalent organic framework (COF) nanofilm‐assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (LDI‐MS) method for the quantitative analysis of 2,4‐dihydroxybenzophenone (BP‐1) in PCPs.

Methods

The TAPB‐DMTP‐COF nanofilm was synthesized on indium tin oxide (ITO) glass and utilized as an LDI‐MS substrate. The performance of TAPB‐DMTP‐COF nanofilm‐assisted LDI‐MS for analyzing small molecules (e.g., benzophenone derivatives, phthalates, amino acids, sugars, and nucleosides) was compared to conventional organic matrices (α‐cyano‐4‐hydroxycinnamic acid [CHCA], 2,5‐dihydroxybenzoic acid [DHB], and sinapinic acid [SA]). The reproducibility, salt resistance, sensitivity, and stability of the method were further evaluated. Finally, the technique was applied to quantify BP‐1 in PCPs.

Results

The TAPB‐DMTP‐COF nanofilm‐assisted LDI‐MS provided stronger mass spectral signals and cleaner backgrounds for small molecules compared to CHCA, DHB, and SA. The method exhibited high reproducibility (RSD = 6.10%) and stability for up to 30 days. BP‐1 in PCPs was quantified with excellent linearity (1–20 μg/mL, r = 0.9993), a low detection limit (0.3 μg/mL), and recovery rates of 94.2%–104.4%, demonstrating the potential of TAPB‐DMTP‐COF nanofilm for sensitive and reliable small‐molecule analysis.

Conclusion

TAPB‐DMTP‐COF nanofilm‐assisted LDI‐MS offered the advantages of rapid analysis, clean backgrounds, and reproducibility for detecting small molecules, including benzophenone derivatives. This method successfully quantified BP‐1 in PCPs, highlighting its suitability for analyzing complex samples.
A Case of Concomitant Lung Adenocarcinoma and Pleural Metastasis of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma With BRAF V600E Mutation
Authors: Atsumi Akinari , Tani Tetsuo , Ishioka Kota , Nishikawa Keisuke , Okamoto Yasuhide , Takahashi Saeko
Published: February 2025

A 62‐year‐old woman with a history of papillary thyroid carcinoma presented to our hospital with fever and cough and was diagnosed with stage IV non‐small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). One year after chemoimmunotherapy, a re‐biopsy of the left pleural tumour lesion was performed. Histological analysis revealed papillary thyroid carcinoma. Another biopsy was performed on the primary tumour, and the histological analysis of the primary tumour lesion confirmed NSCLC. BRAF V600E mutations were detected in both left pleural metastatic lesions of papillary thyroid carcinoma and the primary tumour of NSCLC. Dabrafenib and trametinib reduced both tumour lesions. Here, we report a rare case of concomitant BRAF V600E‐mutated NSCLC and pleural metastasis from papillary thyroid carcinoma.
Flower‐Like Al2O3/AgBr Nanostructures Prepared from Oil Shale Ash for Improved Catalytic Reduction of 4‐nitrophenol
Authors: Li Guanghuan , Fan Shaodong , Li Mengmeng , Chen Xuchang , Lu Yingjie , Liu Yangwen , Long Tao
Published: February 2025

4‐Nitrophenol has significant negative impacts on both aquatic and terrestrial organisms due to its ability to slow down the photosynthesis process and its carcinogenic properties. In this study, oil shale ash residue was utilized as an aluminum source to prepare flower‐like γ‐Al₂O₃/AgBr composite photocatalysts via the hydrothermal synthesis method. The structure and morphology of the materials were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD), revealing a well‐structured flower‐like morphology with uniformly dispersed AgBr microspheres within the alumina framework. The catalytic performance for the reduction of 4‐nitrophenol by sodium borohydride was also investigated. Results indicated that the efficient loading of AgBr particles on γ‐Al₂O₃ significantly enhanced the photocatalytic activity, increasing the degradation efficiency from 54.8% for pure AgBr to 93.94% within 4.5 min, with a reaction rate constant of 0.6354 min⁻¹. These findings demonstrate that the composite material's enhanced performance is attributed to the synergistic effects of the heterojunction structure and increased active sites. This research provides a meaningful pathway for the comprehensive utilization of oil shale ash residue and offers a promising approach for the development of efficient photocatalysts for wastewater treatment.
Development of ROS‐Sensitive Sulfasalazine‐Loaded Ferrocene Nanoparticles and Evaluation of Their Antirheumatic Effects in a 3D Synovial Hyperplasia Model
Authors: Kim Dongwoo , Kim Chaehyun , Lee So Eun , Kim Sangwoo , Lee Sang‐Il , Park Min Hee , Kim Mingyo , Sung Daekyung , Lee Kangwon
Published: February 2025

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease characterized by joint inflammation, synovial hyperplasia, and bone and cartilage destruction, which significantly impairs physical function and quality of life. Disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs, such as sulfasalazine (SSZ), are crucial for altering the course and progression of RA; however, their clinical use is hampered by poor water solubility and lack of specificity for the reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐rich environment typical of RA. To overcome these challenges, ROS‐sensitive SSZ‐loaded ferrocene nanoparticles are developed. The nanoparticles facilitate enhanced solubility and stability of SSZ and particularly enable precision targeting through the distinctive redox properties of ferrocene. Using a 3D synovial hyperplasia model with fibroblast‐like synoviocytes derive from RA patients and validate at both the protein and gene levels, these nanoparticles significantly reduce lactate dehydrogenase, ROS, and inflammatory cytokine levels. Further validation using a collagen‐induced arthritis model demonstrates therapeutic efficacy and cytokine modulation in vivo. These findings highlight the potential of ferrocene nanoparticles as a novel and effective therapeutic strategy for RA, offering improved drug delivery and reduced systemic toxicity.
Borders and Confinement in Seafarers’ Realities
Authors: Borovnik Maria
Published: February 2025

Seafarers may come across as highly mobile beings, shifters and movers of global trade, criss-crossing the oceans and living cosmopolitan lives across many borders. And yet, their actual everyday lives are riddled with (im)mobilities and enclosures. This chapter is framed within mobility justice in exploring seafarers’ contrasting realities of mobilities and confinement, freedom and unfreedom, structure and agency, which are determined by the demands of globalisation that assumes uninterrupted trade flows, fluid contract arrangements and speed. The narrative of this scenario normalises 24/7 activities, quick-fix ‘borderless’ mobilities and individual agency that is subdued by the demands of trade and the confinement of the ship space. While these scenarios are quite problematic under usual conditions, the COVID-19 pandemic had exacerbated these situations. This chapter will highlight a number of injustices involved in seafarers’ mobilities to show the difficult and confined scenarios they have to endure.
Counter-Mapping: A Morphology of Oscillating Margins in the Norwegian Sea
Authors: Couling Nancy
Published: February 2025

The border is a device to articulate differences. It is increasingly mobilised as a spatial tool to define structures of territorial power, both on land and at sea. Rather than a linear border, however, difference in the ocean mostly occurs across well-defined three-dimensional volumes. Water masses are spatially defined by temperature and salinity gradients across oscillating margins. Either narrow or broad, these margins are relatively constant, and can be measured and drawn according to oceanographic parameters. This chapter examines ways of thinking through borders and ocean governance in Norskehavet (the Norwegian Sea). It contrasts the layering of anthropogenic bordering practices across the sea’s currents, depths, and water masses, driven by oceanographic principles. Based on a more-than-human perspective, explorations carried out by architecture students propose a loose framework of three zones that closely follow the Norwegian Sea’s inherent spatial organisation. Applying a morphology of oscillating margins would mean to align human activities more closely to the ocean’s inherent spatial categories and temporal rhythms. Within these categories, two speculative projects exemplify more radical forms of counter-mapping that tackle the critical issues of salmon aquaculture and deep-sea mining, thereby submerging the observer and exposing the limitations to inherited conceptualisations of ocean borders.
Dynamical axion misalignment from the Witten effect
Authors: Banerjee Abhishek , Buen-Abad Manuel A.
Published: February 2025

Abstract

We propose a relaxation mechanism for the initial misalignment angle of the pre-inflationary QCD axion with a large decay constant. The proposal addresses the challenges posed to the axion dark matter scenario by an overabundance of axions overclosing the Universe, as well as by isocurvature constraints. Many state-of-the-art experiments are searching for QCD axion dark matter with a decay constant as large as 1016 GeV, motivating the need for a theoretical framework such as ours. In our model, hidden sector magnetic monopoles generated in the early Universe give the axion a large mass via the Witten effect, causing early oscillations that reduce the misalignment angle and axion abundance. As the hidden gauge symmetry breaks, its monopoles confine via cosmic strings, dissipating energy into the Standard Model and leading to monopole-antimonopole annihilation. This removes the monopole-induced mass, leaving only the standard QCD term. We consider the symmetry breaking pattern of SU(2)′ → U(1)′ → 1, leading to monopole and string formation respectively. We calculate the monopole abundance, their interactions with the axion field, and the necessary conditions for monopole-induced axion oscillations, while accounting for UV instanton effects. We present three model variations based on different symmetry breaking scales and show that they can accommodate an axion decay constant of up to 1016 GeV with an inflationary scale of 1015 GeV. The required alignment between monopole-induced and QCD axion potentials is achieved through a modest Nelson-Barr mechanism, avoiding overclosure without anthropic reasoning.
Quantum similarity learning for anomaly detection
Authors: Hammad A. , Nojiri Mihoko M. , Yamazaki Masahito
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Anomaly detection is a vital technique for exploring signatures of new physics Beyond the Standard Model (BSM) at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). The vast number of collisions generated by the LHC demands sophisticated deep learning techniques. Similarity learning, a self-supervised machine learning, detects anomalous signals by estimating their similarity to background events. In this paper, we explore the potential of quantum computers for anomaly detection through similarity learning, leveraging the power of quantum computing to enhance the known similarity learning method. In the realm of noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) devices, we employ a hybrid classical-quantum network to search for heavy scalar resonances in the di-Higgs production channel. In the absence of quantum noise, the hybrid network demonstrates improvement over the known similarity learning method. Moreover, we employ a clustering algorithm to reduce measurement noise from limited shot counts, resulting in 9% improvement in the hybrid network performance. Our analysis highlights the applicability of quantum algorithms for LHC data analysis, where improvements are anticipated with the advent of fault-tolerant quantum computers.
TQFT gravity and ensemble holography
Authors: Dymarsky Anatoly , Shapere Alfred
Published: February 2025

Abstract

We outline a general derivation of holographic duality between “TQFT gravity” — the path integral of a 3d TQFT summed over different topologies — and an ensemble of boundary 2d CFTs. The key idea is to place the boundary ensemble on a Riemann surface of very high genus, where the duality trivializes. The duality relation at finite genus is then obtained by genus reduction. Our derivation is generic and does not rely on an explicit form of the bulk or boundary partition functions. It guarantees unitarity and suggests that the bulk sum should include all possible topologies. In the case of Abelian Chern-Simons theory with compact gauge group we argue that the weights of the boundary ensemble are equal, while the bulk sum reduces to a finite sum over equivalence classes of topologies, represented by handlebodies with possible line defects.
Finite-volume effects in the δ-regime
Authors: Meißner Ulf-G. , Müller Fabian , Rusetsky Akaki
Published: February 2025

Abstract

We derive a systematic perturbative expansion for the finite-volume energy spectrum of the non-linear O(N) σ-model in the δ-regime. The violation of the power-counting rules that emerges after the separation of the fast and slow modes is dealt with to all orders by use of the threshold expansion. The known result for the rest-frame energy spectrum up-to-and-including next-to-next-to-leading order is reproduced.