bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INtravaScular OptIcal Frequency Domain ImaGing EvaluaTion of the Femoropopliteal Lesion With JETSTREAM Atherectomy (INSIGHT JETSTREAM)
Authors: Kuroda Koji , Kozuki Amane , Uzu Kenzo , Todoroki Takafumi , Iwasaki Masamichi , Imanishi Junichi , Yamashita Souichiro , Fujimoto Wataru , Takemoto Makoto , Masuda Mayuka , Okuda Masanori
Published: February 2025

Background

There have been no prior reports of detailed evaluations using intravascular imaging during Jetstream treatment.

Aims

This study, therefore, aimed to investigate the effects of calcification characteristics and wire bias on lumen gain in Jetstream atherectomy using optical frequency domain imaging (OFDI).

Methods

This study enrolled consecutive patients who underwent OFDI‐guided Jetstream atherectomy with 1.85 mm, 2.4 mm blade down (BD), and 2.4 mm blade up (BU). Cross‐sections were categorized into three groups based on OFDI findings before Jetstream atherectomy: fibrous plaques (FPs), calcified protrusions (CPs), and eruptive calcified nodules (ECNs).

Results

Twenty‐seven patients (36 limbs) were enrolled, and 1502 cross‐sections were serially analyzed. There were 186 FPs, 753 CPs, and 563 ECNs. The acquired lumen gain after all atherectomy steps was significantly larger in the ECNs group than in the CPs and FPs groups. ECNs had the strongest effect on the variability in the lumen gain. In the effect of wire bias on the degree of debulking, a significant correlation was observed between wire distance and lumen gain in 1.85‐ and 2.4‐mm BD atherectomy procedures. However, in the 2.4‐mm BU procedure, no significant correlation was recorded.

Conclusions

Jetstream atherectomy for ECNs can result in greater lumen gain. In the 1.85‐ and 2.4‐mm BD atherectomy procedures, wire bias may be involved in lumen gain, whereas in the 2.4‐mm BU procedure, lumen gain is obtained regardless of wire bias. In Jetstream atherectomy procedures, a detailed assessment using OFDI may contribute to predicting the degree of debulking.

Trial Registration

UMIN ID: UMIN000054588. https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-bin/ctr/ctr_view_reg.cgi?recptno=R000061997.
Detection of Lead Chrome Green in Tea Based on Near‐Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy
Authors: Jiang Xiaogang , Cheng Penghui , Ge Kang , Lv Siwei , Liu Yande
Published: February 2025

Tea color is a part of tea quality, and illegal addition of lead chrome green (LCG) to improve tea quality cannot be identified by human eyes. This paper is based on near‐infrared (NIR) reflectance spectroscopy to detect LCG stained tea and to investigate the feasibility of qualitative and quantitative methods. Firstly, the LCG in tea was qualitatively analyzed by partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA), random forest (RF), and least squares support vector machine (LSSVM) classification models, and the results showed that the classification accuracy of LSSVM reached 100%. For quantitative analysis, Savitzky–Golay convolutional smoothing (S‐G) preprocessing combined with three feature extraction algorithms, namely, joint competitive adaptive weighted sampling (CARS), uninformative variable elimination (UVE), and successive projection algorithm (SPA), were used to build partial least squares (PLS), RF, and LSSVM regression models sequentially on the preprocessed data. The S‐G‐UVE‐LSSVM showed the best regression prediction ability in detecting LCG in tea, with a tested R2 of 0.96. These results show the feasibility of NIR spectroscopy for the detection of added LCG in tea.
Application of fiber optic sensors at different tunnel linings at the Kühtai 2 hydropower station
Authors: Henzinger Michael R. , Frissen Mitch , Cvetanovic Aleksandra , Klarer Andreas , Erlacher Thomas
Published: February 2025

This study presents the innovative application of fiber optic sensors, specifically Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors, in the Kühtai 2 hydropower station project in Austria. The project involves the construction of a pressure tunnel connecting the Kühtai and Finstertal reservoirs, incorporating concrete linings with and without sealing membrane as well as steel linings. The sensors were accurately installed individually to each lining type, overcoming problem statements such as positioning sensors on unreinforced concrete without damaging the sealing foil or compromising the structural integrity. The monitoring system enables real‐time data collection on strain and temperature variations during key phases, including concreting, prestressing, pressure, or filling tests. This approach illustrates the effectiveness of integrating fiber optic technology into hydropower infrastructure, offering enhanced monitoring accuracy and improved decision‐making for maintenance and operational strategies. The findings serve as a reference for future projects, presenting the potential of the demonstrated sensor applications in demanding engineering environments.
Rational construction of a pyrimido[2,1‐b]benzothiazole‐based photoswitchable smart AIE material: A theoretical insight into fluorescence switching mechanism of the chimeric dyad
Authors: Gong Shan-Shan , Cao Chuan-Hui , Zheng Chunhong , Tan Xian-Zhi , Li Yan-Xue , Liu Hongliang , Fan Congbin , Pu Shouzhi , Sun Qi
Published: February 2025

Currently, AIEgen‐photochromics conjugates and intrinsic photochromic AIEgens are the two major molecular design strategies for photoresponsive AIE materials. However, these two strategies still have their own limitations. In our previous research, we discovered pyrimido[2,1‐b][1,3]benzothiazole (PBT) as a novel core structure of AIEgens. We herein explored a chimeric strategy to rationally integrate photochromic bisthienylethene (BTE) as the orthogonal head group into a new PBT molecule (PBTE). Compared to the conventional design strategies, the compact chimeric design of PBTE not only well maintains the AIE and photochromic properties of the parent fragments but also leads to excellent AIE‐photoswitching capability in both films and single crystals. Theoretical calculations revealed that MO energy level arrangement of PBTE reorganized upon photoisomerization and the fast vibrational relaxation (VR) along with internal conversion (IC) from S5 to S1 state may serve as a competitive channel for the fluorescence quenching of PBTE‐c. Comparison of the kinetics of the nonradiative decay with those of the excited‐state energy transfer (EET) processes clearly showed that the ultrafast intramolecular Fӧrster resonance energy transfer (FRET) is the dominant cause of fluorescence‐off state. The applications of PBTE in erasable optical memory material and multi‐dimensional anti‐counterfeiting have also been demonstrated.
“A Biomarker‐Based Scoring System to Assess the Presence of Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease in Patients With Myocardial Infarction”
Authors: Espinosa Pascual María Jesús , Carnicero Carreño Jose Antonio , El Assar Mariam , Olsen Rodríguez Renee , Fraile Sanz Alfonso , Rodriguez Montes Paula , Gil Mancebo Nuria , Sánchez Ferrer Alberto , Izquierdo Coronel Bárbara , Álvarez Bello María , Martín Muñoz María , Cámara Hernández Verónica , de La Serna Real de Asua Miguel , Humanes Ybañez Silvia , Sosa Callejas Patricia , Gutierrez Muñoz Miguel , Mata Caballero Rebeca , Awamleh Garcia Paula , Perea Egido Jesús Ángel , López Pais Javier , Rodríguez Mañas Leocadio , Alonso Martín Joaquín Jesús
Published: February 2025

Aims

Approximately 10% of patients with myocardial infarction present with non‐obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA), whose characteristics differ from those with obstructive coronary lesions (MICAD). Inflammation plays a key role in myocardial infarction. This study aims to develop a biomarker‐based index for accurate differentiation between MINOCA and MICAD.

Methods

A prospective, observational cohort study including 111 patients admitted for myocardial infarction: 46 with MINOCA and 65 with MICAD. Blood samples were collected within the first 24 h to measure high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein, interleukin‐6, asymmetric dimethylarginine, and peak high‐sensitivity troponin T. The association of these biomarkers with MICAD risk was analyzed using logistic regression. Scoring systems were developed using optimization algorithms to predict the diagnosis before coronary angiography, applied to both individual biomarkers and a combined index.

Results

Patients had a mean age of 67 years (SD 13.3), with a male predominance (68.5%). Higher levels of IL‐6 and high‐sensitivity troponin T were significantly associated with increased MICAD risk (OR: 1.58; 95% CI: 1.01–2.46, and OR: 2.27; 95% CI: 1.61–3.26, respectively). As score increases, interleukin‐6 and high‐sensitivity troponin T increase the likelihood of MICAD classification, while higher asymmetric dimethylarginine levels reduce it. Each one‐point increase in the combined index multiplies MICAD risk by six (OR:6.16, 95%CI: 2.72–13.95; p < 0.001). While individual indexes improved the diagnostic performance of biomarkers, the combined index demonstrated superior accuracy (AUC: 0.918).

Conclusions

A biomarker‐based scoring system was developed, achieving superior discriminatory capacity for differentiating MINOCA from MICAD compared to the individual analysis of biomarkers in absolute values or independent indexes.
Management of Echocardiography Requests for the Detection and Follow‐Up of Heart Valve Disease: A Consensus Statement From the British Heart Valve Society
Authors: Chambers John , Shah Benoy N. , Garbi Madalina , Campbell Brian , Vassiliou Vassilios S. , Schlosshan Dominik
Published: February 2025

Background

In the aftermath of the Covid19 pandemic and lockdowns, there has been a growing population awaiting transthoracic echocardiograms for potential valvular heart disease. Conducting comprehensive echocardiograms for all individuals may no longer be practical, leading to substantial delays in obtaining the necessary scans. This paper explores an alternative approach, suggesting the consideration of dedicated and shorter scans specifically for patients suspected of having valvular heart disease.

Hypothesis

To address the increasing waiting times and improve heart valve disease detection, the British Heart Valve Society recommends a tiered approach to echocardiograms.

Methods

This approach includes basic/level 1, focused, minimum standard, and disease‐specific scans. Urgency recommendations vary, with individuals experiencing exertional chest pain or pre‐syncope requiring prompt scanning within 2 weeks, ideally at a valve clinic.

Results

Patients without known valve disease but with a murmur and stable breathlessness should be scanned as soon as possible, within a maximum of 6 weeks, balancing local demand and capacity. For those with an asymptomatic murmur and no prior scan, a basic/level 1 study is recommended to triage the necessity for a minimum standard study. Emphasizing appropriate triage for all requests, the statement guides decisions on the necessity for echocardiography, urgency level, and the required scan type.

Conclusion

This practical Consensus Statement from the British Heart Valve Society aims to support appropriate shorter transthoracic echocardiography for patients referred for suspected valvular heart disease. The goal is to enhance capacity in a secure manner, thereby minimizing the risks associated with delays in obtaining timely scans.
Adaptive Slip Control of Distributed Electric Drive Vehicles Based on Improved PSO‐BPNN‐PID
Authors: Chen Huipeng , Yu Xinglei , Zhu Shaopeng , Wu Zhijun , Chien Chou Jay Tsai , Zhu Junjie , Zhou Rougang
Published: February 2025

The distributed electric drive vehicle is a highly nonlinear and time‐varying system. To address the issue of drive slip control under varying driving forces and road surface coefficients, a novel drive slip control strategy is proposed, which considers axle load transfer during vehicle acceleration. The strategy employs an improved PSO algorithm to obtain optimal parameters for the BP neural network, uses the BP neural network for forward propagation to calculate PID parameters in real‐time, and adjusts the weight matrix through backward propagation to achieve real‐time adaptive PID control for vehicle slip. Experimental results indicate that this strategy improves the ITAE index by 13.6% and response time by 74.8% compared to the anti‐saturation PID.
TPST: A Traffic Flow Prediction Model Based on Spatial–Temporal Identity
Authors: Hou Yuchen , Cao Buqing , Liu Jianxun , Li Changyun , Shi Min
Published: February 2025

With the constant dynamics of temporal dependence and spatial correlation, the interaction between them has become intricate. Existing work attempts to model precise temporal dependency and spatial correlation to make their interactions more accurate but ignores the importance of understanding how the two interact with each other. Thus, this article mines deeper into their interaction mechanism and proposes a new traffic prediction model called traffic flow prediction model based on spatial–temporal identity (TPST). It provides a new way named the spatial–temporal identity mechanism to model spatial–temporal interactions, which convert complex temporal dependence and spatial correlation into their identity information. Meanwhile, in order to improve spatial–temporal interaction resolution of the model, the method utilizes the down‐sampling cross‐convolution technique to contain more spatial–temporal history information and parses spatial–temporal interactions at different granularity. Experiments conducted with four real traffic flow datasets show that TPST consistently outperforms the other seven benchmark models, providing higher prediction accuracy with lower computational cost.
Modified Cryptosystem‐Based Authentication Protocol for Internet of Things in Fog Networks
Authors: Kanthimathi S. , Sivakami R. , Indira B.
Published: February 2025

The advanced architecture called fog‐driven IoT, positioned between the centralized cloud platform and IoT devices, aims to expand storage, computing, and network capabilities to the Internet edges. This setup ensures that services and resources from fog nodes are easily accessible and in proximity to the end‐users and devices, reduces latency, enhances mobility, and provides location awareness. However, despite its benefits, the fog computing paradigm inherits security and privacy issues like those found in cloud computing. These concerns encompass challenges like message replay, impersonation, spoofing, man‐in‐the‐middle attacks, and physical capture of IoT devices, posing potential risks to the system's security and privacy. In order to address these challenges, a new authentication protocol is proposed in this study, which encompasses five key phases: “node registration, fog server registration, node authentication, fog server authentication, and fail‐safe authentication.” It begins with node registers on fog servers (FSs), establishing a foundation for trust and identity verification. The protocol then scales to authenticate the fog network, which consists of multiple FSs, each undergoes authentication within the cloud server, to ensure robustness and reliability across distributed servers. A significant innovation lies in the third phase, where mutual authentication is achieved using the Modified Blowfish (MBF) algorithm, promoting secure communication between FSs and nodes while ensuring stronger encryption and better protection against attacks. The fourth phase extends authentication mechanisms to the FS in which intra‐fog authentication is done by the IKM scheme and inter‐fog authentication is done by the IECC mechanism to manage cryptographic keys effectively within fog nodes and also enhance security in communication between different fog nodes. Additionally, a fail‐safe authentication phase provides emergency response capabilities against potential attacks, bolstering the protocol's resilience. The proposed method's performance is validated against other well‐known techniques to prove the supremacy of the method. At 75% data variation, the IECC scheme attained a better KCA attack value of 0.152, which surpasses the result of ECC, RSA, Blowfish, Fernet, ElGamal, NTRU, and CP‐ABE. This potentially underscores the model's effectiveness in protecting data against known cryptographic vulnerabilities contrasting to other traditional techniques.
A Multi‐Objective Decision‐Making Neural Network: Effective Structure and Learning Method
Authors: Yan Shu‐Rong , Nadershahi Mohadeseh , Guo Wei , Ghaderpour Ebrahim , Mohammadzadeh Ardashir
Published: February 2025

Decision Neural Networks significantly improve the performance of complex models and create more transparent and accountable decision‐making systems that can be trusted in critical applications. However, their performance strongly depends on the amount of data and the learning algorithm. This article describes the development of a simplified structure and training algorithm based on the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm to enhance the decision neural network's training and assess the utility function's efficacy in multi‐objective issues. The suggested algorithm converges faster than traditional algorithms. Also, the designed scheme combines gradient descent with the Gauss‐Newton method, allowing it to escape shallow local minima more effectively than other similar techniques. Numerical examples demonstrate how well the suggested method estimates linear utility functions, even complicated and nonlinear ones. Additionally, the findings of applying the enhanced decision neural network to multi‐objective decision‐making issues show that this instructional technique produces responses with higher quality and faster convergence. By applying the designed scheme to a multi‐objective problem with seven primary answers, it is shown that accuracy is improved by more than 20%.
Identification of genetic loci associated with protein and fiber digestibility in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)
Authors: Lin Sen , Medina Cesar Augusto , Patel Smit Bipinchandra , Xu Zhanyou , Zanton Geoffrey I. , Combs David , Wang Guojie , Shewmaker Glenn , Fransen Steve , Llewellyn Don , Norberg Steven , Yu Long‐Xi
Published: February 2025

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), known as the queen of forages, is a versatile and valuable forage crop that holds significant importance in agriculture due to its myriad benefits for livestock. Ruminants benefit from alfalfa's digestible fiber and protein, contributing to improved feed efficiency and milk production. However, alfalfa protein is rapidly and extensively degraded in rumen, and it is a challenge to maximize the efficiency of the forage crude protein utilized as metabolizable protein by ruminant livestock. In this study, the phenotypic data of 14 traits related to forage digestibility were collected from 200 alfalfa accessions planted at three different locations for 2 years. The performance of these accessions showed dramatic variations by location, indicating that environmental factors play important roles in alfalfa digestibility. Twenty‐two significant genetic markers associated with 12 traits related to forage digestibility were identified by genome‐wide association study. Among them, seven markers were associated with more than one trait, although the significant markers varied by year and location. Putative candidate genes associated with these loci were also identified. The digestibility‐related markers and associated genes identified in this study will help to better understand the genetic basis of forage digestibility and its interaction with environments. After validation, the closely linked markers and associated genes can be used for marker‐assisted selection of alfalfa with improved forage quality.
Spatiotemporal land use dynamics filter life history strategies to shape urban spontaneous plant assemblages
Authors: Huang Jun‐Long , Qian Shen‐Hua , Fortin Marie‐Josée
Published: February 2025

Spontaneous plants, such as weeds, are a key component of urban flora that can provide significant ecological benefits like nutrient cycling and soil pollutant removal. Our ability to fully harness these species in urban restoration efforts is hindered, however, due to a lack of understanding of their functional ecology under urban stressors. Here, we analyzed the effects of spatiotemporal urban land dynamics on the functional diversity of spontaneous plants from three life history strategies: colonization, establishment, and nutrient acquisition. Specifically, we measured 11 functional traits of 54 spontaneous plants across 79 sampling sites in Chongqing, a rapidly growing megacity in southwestern China with a population exceeding 16 million. We found that colonization‐related traits of spontaneous plants were uncorrelated with nutrient‐acquisition traits. When controlled for species richness, functional α‐ and β‐diversity showed clearer responses to urbanization that varied by life history strategy and urban development stage. Spontaneous plant assemblages became more functionally homogeneous in their colonization and nutrient‐acquisition strategies within newly urbanized areas than in historically developed areas. Yet, establishment strategies exhibited a neutral response to urbanization. Our findings reveal both challenges and opportunities of utilizing spontaneous plants in urban landscapes, highlighting the need to consider temporal dynamics in urban growth and plant functional diversity across life history strategies. Effective management should focus on controlling high‐dispersal spontaneous plants in historically developed areas while retaining those with diverse nutrient acquisition strategies in newly urbanized areas to maximize ecological benefits for sustainable urban development.
Satellite Remote Sensing Reveals More Beneficial Effect of Forest Plant Diversity on Drought Resistance in More Arid Areas of Yunnan, China
Authors: Ma Guotao , Sun Hao , Hu Keke , Zhou Hong
Published: February 2025

Plant diversity is important in enhancing an ecosystem's drought resistance. However, the relationship between plant diversity and drought resistance has historically aroused much controversy. Given that most previous studies on the relationship were conducted with in situ data at a small or point scale, this study explored the relationship with satellite remote sensing, taking Yunnan Province of China as the study area. Specifically, Sentinel‐2 remote sensing data were used to estimate plant diversity. The temporal correlation between the standardized vegetation index (SVI) and standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) was used to express the vegetation sensitivity to drought or drought resistance. A moving window method was developed to explore the relationship between plant diversity and drought resistance. MODIS and SPEI data from 2000 to 2018, as well as Meteorological reanalysis data from 1990 to 2020, were utilized. Results indicated that (1) the remotely sensed plant diversity index was found significantly correlated with field investigations of plant diversity in the study area, with a correlation coefficient of around 0.43–0.49 and p‐value < 0.001. The plant diversity of the study area can be recognized with the Sentinel‐2 remote sensing data. (2) The area proportion of having positive temporal correlation coefficients between SVIs and one‐month SPEI varied around 60%–88% during the dry seasons, while that varied around 30%–50% during the wet seasons. Most of the forest vegetation in the study area was sensitive to drought in the dry seasons rather than in the wet seasons. (3) About 80% of the study area presented a beneficial effect of plant diversity on drought resistance, that is, the higher the plant diversity, the lower the forest sensitivity to drought. (4) The beneficial effect of plant diversity has different manifestations in different regions, and it was stronger in more arid and drought‐prone areas.
The relative influence of climate extremes and species richness on the temporal variability of bird communities
Authors: Cady Samantha M. , Fuhlendorf Samuel D. , Davis Craig A. , Luttbeg Barney , Roberts Caleb P. , Loss Scott R.
Published: February 2025

Understanding the relationship between biodiversity and ecological stability is increasingly urgent as rapid species extinction continues. Though evidence of positive diversity–stability relationships is accumulating, empirical results are inconsistent, and effect sizes tend to be small, raising questions about relative contributions of intrinsic (i.e., species composition/interactions) and extrinsic (i.e., environmental) drivers of stability. Community stability may be more strongly influenced by environmental conditions than by community diversity in some contexts, yet little is known about the comparative importance of diversity and climate means, extremes, and variability in regulating stability. We used a half‐century of continental‐scale bird data to quantify avian community temporal variability (a metric often used to approximate ecological stability) at 1379 sites and compared relative effects of climatic variables and species richness. We found that extreme heat and extremely low precipitation at decadal scales are associated with high bird community variability and these climate variables outperformed species richness in terms of variance explained and magnitude of effect. This provides empirical support for the theoretical concept that, at a continental, decadal scale, environmental conditions can play a larger role than intrinsic factors in determining community stability. Our findings also increase understanding of how climate extremes cause diverse ecological responses.
Up‐titration of medication in patients with new‐onset heart failure with and without atrial fibrillation
Authors: Zandijk Arietje J.L. , Santema Bernadet T. , Inkelaar Friso D.J. , van der Wal Martje H.L. , Warink‐Riemersma Janke , Rienstra Michiel , Voors Adriaan A.
Published: February 2025

Aims

Differences in guideline‐directed medical therapy (GDMT) and clinical outcomes have been observed between heart failure (HF) patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) versus those in sinus rhythm. This study evaluated the effects of up‐titration of HF therapies, consisting of beta‐blockers, angiotensin‐converting‐enzyme inhibitors (ACEis)/angiotensin‐receptor blockers (ARBs) and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs), in patients with new‐onset HF with and without AF.

Methods

Among 607 patients with new‐onset HF (<3 months) from a specialized nurse‐led HF clinic in the Netherlands, 187 (31%) patients had AF, and 420 (69%) patients were in sinus rhythm at baseline electrocardiogram. After an up‐titration period of 9 months, achieved doses and reasons for not reaching target doses were documented.

Results

Patients with AF were older, less likely to have ischaemic heart disease and had higher baseline N‐terminal B‐type natriuretic peptide levels (all P < 0.05). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) at baseline was similar between patients with AF and those in sinus rhythm (37% vs. 36%, P = 0.453). Prescription of GDMT was comparable between patients with AF and those in sinus rhythm, except for a lower ACEi/ARB prescription and higher use of diuretics in patients with AF (79% vs. 86%; P = 0.038; 86% vs. 59%, P < 0.001, respectively, compared with sinus rhythm). Up‐titration to guideline‐recommended target doses of beta‐blocker, ACEi/ARB and MRA therapy was similar between patients with and without AF (31% vs. 24%, P = 0.096; 32% vs. 40%, P = 0.098; 23.7% vs. 30.5%, P = 0.125, respectively). Reasons for not further up‐titrating to recommended target doses were consistent across patients with AF and sinus rhythm. LVEF improvement of ≥5% and ≥10% after up‐titration was more common in patients with AF than those in sinus rhythm (67% vs. 53%, P = 0.017; 48% vs. 36%, P = 0.043). Achieving target doses of ACEi/ARB and MRA therapies was associated with lower mortality and HF rehospitalization rates at 3 years in both patients with AF and those in sinus rhythm.

Conclusions

In patients with new‐onset HF, up‐titration to recommended doses of GDMT was similar in patients with and without AF, but was associated with a greater improvement in LVEF in patients with AF.
Epigenetic Modifications Associated With Wildland–Urban Interface (WUI) Firefighting
Authors: Goodrich Jaclyn M. , Furlong Melissa A. , Urwin Derek J. , Gabriel Jamie , Hughes Jeff , Jung Alesia M. , Calkins Miriam M. , DuBose Kathleen N. , Caban‐Martinez Alberto J. , Solle Natasha Schaefer , Beitel Shawn C. , Burgess Jefferey L.
Published: February 2025

Wildland–urban interface (WUI) firefighting involves exposure to burning vegetation, structures, and other human‐made hazards, often without respiratory protection. Response activities can last for long periods of time, spanning multiple days or weeks. Epigenetic modifications, including microRNA (miRNA) expression and DNA methylation, are responsive to toxicant exposures and are part of the development of cancers and other diseases. Epigenetic modifications have not been studied in relation to WUI fires. Firefighters (n = 99) from southern California, including 79 firefighters who responded to at least one WUI fire, provided blood samples at baseline and approximately 10 months later. We quantified the relative abundance of 800 miRNAs in blood samples using the nCounter Human v3 miRNA expression panel and blood leukocyte DNA methylation throughout the genome via the Infinium EPIC array. We used linear mixed models to compare the expression of each miRNA across time and DNA methylation at each locus, adjusting for potential confounders. In the miRNA analysis among all firefighters, 65 miRNAs were significantly different at follow‐up compared to baseline at a false discovery rate of 5%. Results were similar when restricted to firefighters with a recorded WUI fire exposure during the interim period, although only 50 were significant. Expression of miRNA hsa‐miR‐518c‐3p, a tumor suppressor, was significantly associated with WUI fire response (fold change 0.77, 95% CI = [0.69, 0.87]). In the DNA methylation analysis, no statistically significant changes over time were identified. In summary, WUI fire exposures over a wildfire season altered miRNA expression but did not substantially impact DNA methylation.
Wood‐Biochar Influence on Rill Erosion Processes and Hydrological Connectivity in Amended Soils
Authors: Conte Pellegrino , Librici Calogero , Nicosia Alessio , Palmeri Vincenzo , Pampalone Vincenzo , Ferro Vito
Published: February 2025

Although there is increasing interest in biochar as a soil amendment, its antierosive effectiveness is still uncertain. This investigation aims at evaluating how wood‐biochar affects rill erosion and hydrological connectivity in amended soils. In this paper, at first, plot experiments were performed entering a clear inflow into two rills, named rill3 and rill5, incised in a soil amended with an initial biochar concentration BC in weight of 3% and 5%, respectively. For each rill, terrestrial photogrammetry was used to obtain the Digital Elevation Models (DEM) before and after the experimental runs, and the consequent DEM of difference (DoD) was used to calculate the total volume of the eroded mixture (sediment and biochar), while three samples of rill outflow discharge were collected to determine the biochar and sediment rates. Then, small laboratory samples of the soil, biochar, and mixtures with different BC (1%, 3%, 5%, 10%, and 30%) were used to determine size and distribution of pores, and thus measure the structural and functional connectivity, by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxometry with the fast field cycling (FFC) layout. The DoDs highlighted that the mixture volume for rill5 was lower than that for rill3. Moreover, the rill5 condition yielded a higher biochar percentage in the mixture. The NMR measurements demonstrated that the biochar addition increases the size of micropores and mesopores, and the macro‐pore component is never dominant. Biochar concentrations greater than 5% do not produce appreciable changes in the pore distribution inside the mixture. The biochar component improves the structural connectivity up to BC = 5%. In the BC range of 0%–3%, FCI decreased as BC increased. In conclusion, a target biochar concentration of 5% allows for the mitigation of the rill erosion phenomena, favours the improvement of soil structural connectivity, and does not appreciably modify the functional connectivity.
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Authors: Wong Man‐Kei , Loh Jian Yiing , Yap Feng Ming , Ong Wee‐Jun
Published: February 2025

The cover art, prepared by Ong's group at Xiamen University Malaysia, showcases the advancement and application of layered double hydroxides (LDHs) and other cutting‐edge electrocatalysts, driving the transition to a net‐zero future. The train symbolizes the momentum towards renewable fuels powered by next‐generation electrochemical energy conversion and storage technologies. This captivating journey highlights the development of robust, advanced electrocatalysts that tackle environmental challenges while generating value‐added energy products.

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Circ_0070934 Regulates the Proliferation, Metastasis, and Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition of Colorectal Cancer Cells by Targeting miR‐203a‐3p/HOXA13 Axis
Authors: Zhang Xin , Lei Changjiang , Lu Hongxia , Kang Biao , Liu Maoxi , Jiang Huiyuan , Zan Likun
Published: February 2025

The present work explored the functions of circ_0070934 in regulating malignant phenotype of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells and its underlying mechanisms. Gene expression data set was acquired based on Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database for examining circ_0070934 levels within CRC cells and tissues through quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). Kaplan–Meier curve and log‐rank test were adopted for assessing CRC patient prognosis based on circ_0070934 level. Functional assays including Cell Counting Kit (CCK)‐8, EdU incorporation, Transwell invasion, and scratch assays were conducted to determine CRC cell malignancy. Molecular interactions were predicted using circInteractome and StarBase databases, and validated through luciferase reporter assay. Circ_0070934 was upregulated within CRC cells and tissues, which was related to a dismal prognostic outcome in CRC patients. Knocking down circ_0070934 inhibited CRC cell proliferation, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), and migration. Further, we identified miR‐203a‐3p as a target miRNA of circ_0070934, and miR‐203a‐3p negatively regulated Homeobox A13 (HOXA13) expression. miR‐203a‐3p/HOXA13 axis mediates the function of circ_0070934 in modulating CRC cell malignancy. These data revealed that circ_0070934 was important for maintaining the malignant phenotype of CRC cells, and circ_0070934 knockdown undermined CRC cell malignancy. Targeting circ_0070934/miR‐203a‐3p/HOXA13 axis is the promising intervention approach for managing CRC.
CID‐Induced Formation of Deprotonated Cyclic Peptide Ions From Anionic Adducts
Authors: Modzel Maciej , Stefanowicz Piotr
Published: February 2025

MS analysis of cyclic peptides in negative ion mode has been a challenge, in particular if the peptide does not contain acidic functional groups. In this paper, we present a way to easily produce negative ions from anionic peptide adducts, utilising collision‐induced dissociation (CID)‐mediated elimination. Using two different mass spectrometers, we have generated series of adducts of three cyclic and one linear peptide with various anions. They were then isolated and subjected to CID with a range of collision energies. The deprotonation percentage was then calculated from the resultant spectrum, and compared between the spectrometers, as well as with an external reference—proton affinity values. The susceptibility to deprotonate by detaching a HX moiety is proportional to the proton affinity of the X− species. Also, the linear peptide deprotonated more readily than the cyclic ones. On the other hand, lack of amino or acidic groups resulted in higher collision voltage (CV) necessary for the formation of deprotonated species. Moreover, the exact propensity for neutral loss depends on the ion temperature, which differs between mass spectrometers. We have developed a facile method for generating peptide anions for MS analysis of cyclic peptides, which works even if the peptide in question does not have easily ionisable groups. The deprotonated species generated in this way can be fragmented again in order to identify the peptide.
Integrated Seroprevalence and Genome‐Based Study of SARS‐CoV‐2 Viral Strains in N′Djamena: Insights Into Chad's COVID‐19 Epicenter
Authors: Hota Mathiew , Wondeu Andrillene L. D. , Abakar Mahamat F. , Dezoumbe Koutaya , Abdelrazakh Fatima , Atturo Sabrina , Naïbeï Nathan , Cappelli Giulia , Mennechet Franck , Yandai Fissou H. , Abdallah Djamal H. , Edgard Zongo R. F. , Boukar Abdoulaye , Moussa Choroma A. , Yaya Issa M. , Hamad Mahamat I. , Armand Nontegyol , Honorine Netalar , Frederic Kayanlengar , Moustapha Adam A. , Daniel Yanda M. , Alim Adam M. , Grene Mahamat , Djarma Oumaima , Suitombaye Noubaramadji Y. , Akouya Amine , Choua Ouchemi , Dzomo Guy R. T. , Djimtoïbaye Djallaye , Colizzi Vittorio , Moussa Mahamat A. , Giovanetti Marta
Published: February 2025

The COVID‐19 epidemic has shown regional variations in transmission and outcomes. As a primary hotspot in Chad, N'Djamena is crucial for comprehensive epidemiological investigation. Our study employed two methodologies: seroprevalence data collection and whole‐genome sequencing of SARS‐CoV‐2 strains. This dual approach assessed population exposure and virus genetic diversity. Seroprevalence data indicated broader exposure than confirmed cases suggested, and genome sequencing identified multiple strains, including globally recognized variants of concern. Integrating these data provided insights into transmission dynamics, potential herd immunity thresholds, and the impact of specific variants on disease progression. Our findings underscore the importance of integrated, multidisciplinary research in infectious disease epidemiology and inform targeted public health strategies, including social measures and vaccination, to combat infectious diseases in N'Djamena.
Clinical Characteristics and Severity Predictors of Pediatric Adenovirus Infections
Authors: Ho Sheng‐Yuan , Zhou Yu‐Ting , Ho Shu‐Yuan , Hu Ya‐Li , Yen Ting‐Yu , Huang Kuan‐Ying A. , Lu Chun‐Yi , Huang Li‐Min , Chang Luan‐Yin
Published: February 2025

Adenovirus infections impose a significant disease burden on children and can result in poor clinical outcomes, thus requiring intensive care and potentially leading to fatality. We retrospectively analyzed pediatric adenovirus cases from 2018 to 2023 at a children's hospital in Taiwan and collected data regarding patients' clinical symptoms, imaging results, and laboratory findings. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify predictors of severe cases requiring intensive care. Our study revealed that adenovirus cases were more common in the winter, with a post‐COVID‐19 surge observed in 2023. A total of 576 pediatric adenovirus cases were collected, including 27 (4.7%) severe cases and 3 (0.5%) fatal cases. Severe cases were younger and exhibited higher frequencies of dyspnea, decreased activity, and diagnoses of bronchopneumonia/pneumonia and genetic disorders. Compared with nonsevere cases, severe cases also demonstrated more patchy opacity, lobar consolidation, pleural effusion, and bacterial coinfection. Multivariable analysis revealed that the most significant predictors of severe cases were dyspnea (aOR 18.5 [95% CI 3.792–90.257]), patchy opacity (3.391 [1.150–9.994]), lobar consolidation (116.388 [8.555–1583.393]), pleural effusion (9.117 [0.917–90.630]), and invasive bacterial coinfection (60.469 [4.047–903.555]), which are newly recognized predictors, thus highlighting the need for increased clinical vigilance.
Evaluation of fecal neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin levels in childhood inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Kardas Yildiz Aysenur , Urganci Nafiye , Usta Ayşe Merve
Published: February 2025

Objectives

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an immune‐mediated, chronic, remitting, and relapsing disease. Calprotectin, used in monitoring the disease activity, is expressed from neutrophilic granulocytes during inflammation. Neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) is strongly expressed in both granulocytes and the intestinal epithelial cell layer. The aim of the study was to compare fecal NGAL (FNGAL) with fecal calprotectin (FCAL) in children with IBD.

Methods

Forty‐four children with IBD and 22 healthy children were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups, patients with active disease and remission group. Clinical and demographic characteristics, disease activity scores, and serum and fecal markers of the patients were recorded.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 13.2 ± 3.4 years (range 6–17 years) and male/female: 0.62. FNGAL levels of patients with active disease were higher than those in the remission group (p < 0.001). A statistically significant positive correlation was observed between Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index scores and white blood cell count, platelets, neutrophil‐to‐albumin ratio (NAR), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C‐reactive protein (CRP), and FNGAL. There was a positive correlation between Pediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index scores and platelets, NAR, ESR, CRP, and FNGAL, whereas there was a statistically significantly negative correlation with activity scores and albumin. While FNGAL had 95.5% sensitivity and 81.8% specificity, FCAL had 86.7% sensitivity and 85.7% specificity.

Conclusions

FNGAL levels were found to be high and sensitive in determining disease activity in our patients with IBD, suggesting that it may be a valuable biomarker.
Contemporary Surgical Approaches in Managing Laryngeal Chondrosarcoma: A Scoping Review
Authors: Cronkite D. Alexander , Moffatt Clare , Tam Kenric , Yu Alice C. , Chhetri Dinesh K. , St. John Maie
Published: February 2025

Objective

The aim of this scoping review is to describe and evaluate current surgical management options for chondrosarcoma of the larynx, and to summarize these techniques with respect to the laryngeal subsite affected.

Data Sources

PubMed/MEDLINE and EMBASE databases.

Review Methods

The review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews extension for Scoping Reviews.

Results

Forty‐one articles met eligibility criteria for inclusion in the final analysis, which included a total of 149 unique surgical cases that were analyzed based on affected laryngeal subsites of cricoid, thyroid, arytenoid, and epiglottis. Management of cricoid chondrosarcoma favored transoral endoscopic resection (TER) or transcervical laryngeal preservation surgery (TPLS), which ranged from limited tumor debulking via laryngofissure to larger operations like subtotal to total cricoidectomy with laryngeal reconstruction. Nearly all cases of arytenoid and epiglottic chondrosarcoma were successfully managed with TER techniques. Thyroid chondrosarcoma primarily affected the outer cortex of the cartilage and very rarely involved the endolaryngeal mucosa, making it very amenable to transcervical approaches to remove part of or the entire affected thyroid lamina.

Conclusion

Overall trends in the articles reviewed for this study suggest that more aggressive surgery and R0 resection did not lead to better overall survival, which aligns with the broader philosophical shift in treatment goals to prioritize preservation of the larynx and laryngeal function over complete oncologic resection.

Level of Evidence

N/A.
YOU ARE THE LEADER YOU ARE SEEKING
Authors: Solis Brian
Published: February 2025

The author, Head of Global Innovation at ServiceNow, discusses the concept of a mindshift, which he says “refers to a transformative change in thinking and approach, particularly in response to the 21st Century’s fast‐evolving business landscape and the need for continuous innovation.” He contends that “team members who lead change have and will continue to come from all levels of organizations, often far beyond the C‐Suite.” He further notes that “effective change agents collectively describe themselves as problem‐solvers and critical thinkers. But they also differ in some traits. For example, some strongly identify as extroverts, others quiet introverts.” In learning how to earn and exert influence within their organizations, he found that change agents “formed strategic alliances, focusing on managing their teams well and building relationships with key decision‐makers, eventually including those at the executive level, even those in the C‐suite.” He also relates the importance of self‐awareness and empathy, citing research carried out by organizational psychologist Tasha Eurich, and behavioral statistician Joseph Folkman. And the author makes the provocative contention that “it may sound cliché, but the essential difference between those who change the world and those who get stuck is that the changemakers take the first step and then the next and continue to forge ahead.”
Assessing Plasma APLP1 for the Progression of Parkinson's Disease: Insights from HSPD and PPMI Cohorts
Authors: Ni You , Yin Ya‐Nan , Yu Wen‐Bo , Liu Yi‐Qi , Zhao Jue , Yan Yu‐Chen , Zhao Wan‐Bing , Tang Yi‐Lin , Sun Yi‐Min , Liu Feng‐Tao , Ran Peng , Wu Jian‐Jun , Ding Chen , Wang Jian
Published: February 2025

Background

Amyloid precursor‐like protein 1 (APLP1) is involved in pathological α‐synuclein transmission, but its role in Parkinson's disease (PD) progression has not been explored.

Objective

This study investigates APLP1 as a potential predictor for motor and cognitive deterioration in PD.

Methods

Plasma APLP1 levels were measured in PD patients from the Huashan Hospital for Parkinson's Disease (HSPD) and Parkinson's Disease Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) cohorts. A total of 916 participants were recruited in the HSPD cohort, and 171 participants were in the PPMI cohort. Longitudinal analysis examined the association between baseline APLP1 levels and PD progression.

Results

A significant increase in APLP1 levels was observed in PD patients compared to healthy controls. Longitudinal analysis showed that patients with elevated baseline APLP1 levels experienced faster motor deterioration in HSPD cohort (HR = 3.627, P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

The data indicate that APLP1 is associated with the progression of PD, potentially offering a measurable indicator of disease progression. © 2025 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Catalysis Science in China: From Traditional Techniques to Modern Innovations
Authors: Li Zhiliang , Fu Xianbiao
Published: February 2025

As a recipient and learner of modern sciences, China has made significant strides in catalysis research and application over the past century and a half. Starting in the late Qing Dynasty, the country started to accumulate extensive experience in employing catalytic technologies to produce essential materials such as sulfuric acid and synthetic ammonia, which were mainly shipped into China from abroad in the past. The product list gradually expanded. In recent years, however, China has become one of the global leaders in modern catalysis research by establishing key concepts and theories, as well as developing cutting‐edge technologies in various fields, such as confinement catalysis, single‐atom catalysis, chiral catalysis, the Sabatier principle of metal‐support interaction, modern characterization methods, and clean energy catalysis.