bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CuII and ZnII Complexes with 1,3,4‐Thiadiazole‐5‐Thiomethyl‐Based Diamide
Authors: Zimmermann Londero Ana Júlia , Abram Ulrich , Roca Jungfer Maximilian , Denise Schwade Vânia
Published: February 2025

The diamide ligand, N,N’‐bis(5‐thiomethyl‐1,3,4‐thiadiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,6‐pyridinedicarboxamide (H2L) in its solvate form has two planar acetylamino groups, which are twisted slightly from the plane of the 5‐thiomethyl‐thiadiazole rings. The ligand reacts with: (i) copper(II) salts forming binuclear and pentanuclear compounds; (ii) zinc(II) acetate leading to an anionic trinuclear complex. The molecular structures of [Cu2(μ‐H2O)(L)2] (1), [Cu5(dmf)(μ3‐OH)2(L)3(Lb)]0.8[Cu5(μ3‐OH)2(L)3(Lb)]0.2 ⋅ 0.5DMF⋅H2O (2) and [Zn(H2O)2(dmf)4][Zn3(μ3‐OH)(L)3]2 ⋅ 2DMF ⋅ H2O (3) (where {Lb}2− represents the partially hydrolyzed ligand) were confirmed by X‐ray diffractometry. We have found that compound 1 can exist as two tautomers: the aqua bridge in [Cu2(μ‐H2O)(L)2] and the hydroxy bridge in [Cu2(μ‐OH)(HL)(L)]. All compounds were characterized by elemental analysis and ESI mass spectrometry as well as FT‐IR, Raman and UV‐Vis spectroscopy. The luminescence properties of H2L⋅DMF and compound 3 were investigated. Compound 3 has strong fluorescence with the emission band centered at 508 nm, and fluorescence lifetime of 1.44 ns. The potential of chalcogen bonding interactions in aroylamidothiadiazoles and their compounds is discussed based on DFT calculations. The cis‐ketone‐configuration of oxygen and sulfur is energetically favored over other potential rota‐ and tautomers. Most importantly, the deprotonation of the ligand increases the O ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ S interaction strength due to a larger negative charge at oxygen leading to increased conformational stability in the coordination compounds. A massively increased delocalization of the nitrogen atoms lone pair in the deprotonated state compared to the protonated state, however, may be the main reason for the observed conformation.
Impact of Dietary Mineral and Vitamin Supplementation on Meat Quality and Nutritional Profile and Gene Expression in Goats
Authors: Verma Arun K. , Rajkumar V. , Kumar Ravindra , Gururaj K. , Singh Tarun Pal , Kushwah Tanuja , Chatli Manish Kumar
Published: February 2025

This study investigated the impact of dietary supplementation with different forms of minerals and vitamins on growth, carcass cum meat qualities, and gene expression in Barbari goat kids. Four groups of goat kids (six kids in each group) of 6–7 months were fed different diets for 120 days: a basal diet (Group A), a basal diet with vitamins and inorganic minerals (Group B), a basal diet with vitamins and organic minerals (Group C), and a basal diet with vitamins and nano minerals (Group D). Growth parameters, carcass, meat qualities, and expression of genes relevant to growth, metabolism, antioxidant activity, and myogenesis were assessed. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed among the groups in growth and carcass quality. Meat from supplemented groups had a lower cooking loss (except Group B) and higher pigments and vitamins. Group D had lower (p < 0.05) meat yellowness, and Group C had higher shear force. Significantly (p < 0.05) higher Fe, Zn, and Se were recorded in Group C and D meats. Fatty acid profile of meat was significantly (p < 0.05) affected by dietary treatments, and Group D meat had higher (p < 0.05) saturated fatty acid (SFA), polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), and n‐6 PUFA. The supplementation influenced the expression of the studied genes.

Practical Application: Intake of desirable macro‐ and micronutrients through dietary means is always preferred over supplements. Meat, including from goat, rich in unsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega fatty acids, Fe, Zn, Se, and vitamins A and E, can help address nutritional deficits and wellbeing, thus having a greater consumer preference and market potential. The present research showed that the supplementation of vitamins and organic and nano trace elements increased their contents in meat, besides improvements in animal growth, muscle mass, and fatty acid profile. Higher costs of organic and nano‐minerals may be a limiting factor for their application in goat production. However, this could be countered by upscaling their production, better absorption, bioactivities, animal growth performance, desirable meat quality and healthier nutrient profile, lower dose rate, and eco‐friendly nature. The upregulation of the studied genes indicates interaction between supplemented micronutrients and genes, besides highlighting the possible mode of action. Thus, this approach could be very promising in the production of meat with an improved fatty acid profile and rich in trace elements and vitamins.
Complex Fracture Networks Prohibit Safe Fracturing Fluid Recovery
Authors: Makki S. , Yehya A. , Maalouf E.
Published: February 2025

The recovery of fracturing fluid (HF), necessary for subsurface energy production and carbon storage, is generally low, raising concerns about HF fate in the subsurface and its potential to contaminate water aquifers. This study examines the migration of fracturing fluid and tracks its distribution in fractured reservoirs using a two‐dimensional finite element model that accommodates multi‐phase and multi‐component flow. The influence of fracture network complexity and its temporal evolution—driven by pressure changes—on fracturing fluid recovery is assessed. Results indicate that increasing network complexity leads to greater fluid loss into the formation. Furthermore, the relationship between subsurface permeability structure and recovery is complex; recovery rates increase with the permeability of faults but decrease as the permeability of the layers surrounding the HF zone increases. The research also underscores the significant role of pressure‐dependency of permeability, particularly how fractures and cracks behave during high‐pressure injection and subsequent release, in influencing flow‐back recovery. These fractures and cracks typically open under high pressure and may close or only partially reopen once the pressure decreases, trapping the fluid. This phenomenon helps explain the commonly observed low fluid recovery rates. Additionally, the study finds that the time required for trapped fracking fluid to migrate to nearby aquifers ranges from a few months to hundreds of years, emphasizing the need to consider the long‐term impacts of hydraulic fracturing practices. The associated environmental risks may take several years to become apparent or detectable.
The RNA Binding Protein Bcas2 is Required for Antibody Class Switch in Activated‐B Cells
Authors: Chen Yu , Sun Siyuan , Lu Chenxu , Li Yixuan , Fang Bing , Tang Xiangfeng , Li Xuepeng , Yu Weiru , Lei Yumei , Sun Longjie , Zhang Ming , Sun Jiazeng , Liu Ping , Luo Yongting , Zhao Xingwang , Zhan Jing , Liu Libing , Liu Rong , Huang Jiaqiang , Yi Ziwei , Yu Yifei , Xiao Weihan , Ding Zheng , Li Lei , Su Dan , Ren Fazheng , Cao Changchang , Wang Ran , Shi Wenbiao , Chen Juan
Published: February 2025

In children, hyper‐IgM syndrome type 1 (HIGM1) is a type of severe antibody disorder, the pathogenesis of which remains unclear. The antibody diversity is partially determined by the alternative splicing (AS) in the germline, which is mainly regulated by RNA‐binding proteins, including Breast cancer amplified sequence 2 (Bcas2). However, the effect of Bcas2 on AS and antibody production in activated B cells, the main immune cell type in the germline, remains unknown. To fill this gap, we created a conditional knockout (cKO, B cell‐specific AID‐Cre Bcas2fl/fl) mouse model and performed integrated mechanistic analysis on alternative splicing (AS) and CSR in B cells through the RNA‐sequencing approach, cross‐linking immunoprecipitation and sequencing (CLIP‐seq) analysis, and interactome proteomics. The results demonstrate that Bcas2‐cKO significantly decreased CSR in activated B cells without inhibiting the B cell development. Mechanistically, Bcas2 interacts with SRSF7 at a conservative circular domain, forming a complex to regulate the AS of genes involved in the post‐switch transcription, thereby causing broad‐spectrum changes in antibody production. Importantly, we identified GAAGAA as the binding motif of Bcas2 to RNAs and revealed its essential role in the regulation of Bcas2‐dependent AS and CSR. In addition, we detected a mutation of at the 3’UTR of Bcas2 gene in children with HIGM1 and observed similar patterns of AS events and CSR in the patient that were discovered in the Bcas2‐cKO B cells. Combined, our study elucidates the mechanism by which Bcas2‐mediated AS affects CSR, offering potential insights into the clinical implications of Bcas2 in HIGM1.
Computational Insights Into Nanoscale Heat Dynamics of Chemically Reactive and Magnetized Carreau Hybrid Bio‐Nanofluid Using a Multilayer Supervised Neural Computing Scheme
Authors: Darvesh Adil , Suksamran Jeerawan , Sirisubtawee Sekson
Published: February 2025

The use of well‐designed nanoparticles in blood fluid can enhance heat transfer during medical interventions by improving thermophysical characteristics. It enables for targeted heat delivery to specific sites by increasing surface area for better heat exchange, which is crucial in more efficient treatments. The current attempt emphasizes on the enhanced thermal transport mechanism in an aluminium alloy suspended Copper‐based blood nanofluid over an inclined cylindrical surface containing motile gyrotactic microbes. The Carreau fluid viscosity model is implemented to expose the intricate nature of bio‐nanofluid, while the heating source is used to simulate the bio‐convective heat transport mechanism. In addition, the viscosity of hybrid bio‐nanofluids exhibits temperature effects that depend on nanoparticle volume friction dependencies related to the dynamics of spherical and cylindrical shapes with distinct shape factors. The physical generated system of partial differential equations (PDEs) is derived and then transformed into a dimensionless system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) using similarity functions. The resulting system is reduced into first‐order differential equations and a numerical solution is obtained by using a hybrid computational procedure. The trend of fluid profiles is examined by mean of governing parameters. Results are interpreted via tabular data and MATLAB visualization. It is observed that gravity and surface friction impede the flow direction with inclined magnetic field orientation which causes a decrease in velocity and an increase in the temperature profile. A declining trend is noted in the microbe profile due to higher values of the Peclet number and numeric growth in the value of the motile microbe's factor. Heat transport rate and drag force coefficients for both spherical and cylindrical nanoparticles differ by reasonable amounts. The proposed results build a bridge between traditional computational‐based simulations and advanced ANN‐based approaches, establishing a robust foundation for advanced applications in biomedical engineering.
Heating Differentiates Pecan Allergen Stability: Car i 4 Is More Heat Labile Than Car i 1 and Car i 2
Authors: Brown C. Nacaya , Dupre Rebecca A. , Ebmeier Christopher C. , Patil Shaina , Smith Brennan , Mattison Christopher P.
Published: February 2025

Pecans are a staple in American cuisine and may be eaten raw but are often roasted or baked. Heating can alter pecan protein content and pecan allergen solubility. Three seed storage proteins (Car i 1, Car i 2, and Car i 4) commonly act as allergens and are recognized by IgE from pecan allergic individuals. Time resolved changes in the solubility of pecan allergens in response to heat were assessed by SDS‐PAGE, immunoblot, and mass‐spectrometry. Whole pecans from three different commercial sources were roasted for up to 24 min in an oven at 300◦F. Relatively smaller proteins such as Car i 1 remained soluble even after 24 min of heating and were stably observed by SDS‐PAGE, immunoblot, and mass‐spectrometry. However, the solubility of higher molecular mass proteins such as Car i 2 and Car i 4 decreased after 20 and 24 min of heating as reflected in SDS‐PAGE and decreased antibody binding on immunoblot. Nonetheless, mass‐spectrometric peptide characterization indicated that Car i 2 peptides remained relatively stable throughout heating. In contrast, Car i 4 was relatively more sensitive to heating and produced relatively fewer heating‐insensitive peptides. A set of heat‐resistant peptides for the reliable detection of three pecan allergens, Car i 1, Car i 2, and Car i 4, were identified.
From Apathy to Allyship: Does Discrimination Awareness Received From Cross‐Race Friends Facilitate Racial Allyship at Work?
Authors: Ragins Belle Rose , Ehrhardt Kyle
Published: February 2025

Leveraging theories from the friendship, contact, and collective action literatures we examine the effects of a unique learning function of cross‐race friendships—discrimination awareness—on workplace allyship. Using field and experimental designs, we found that this function of cross‐race friendships creates a sense of moral outrage that motivates Whites to engage in and support allyship at work. This function predicted allyship behaviors and was resilient to ally risk, which reflects organizational sanctions for voicing concerns about racism. Robustness tests showed that other forms of interracial contact (positive/negative contact; residential, family, and work group diversity) had little effect on allyship and the effects of this friendship function held when we controlled for them. This function also contributed explanatory power beyond individual differences in race‐related ideologies and personality traits, such as social dominance orientation and beliefs in the malleability of prejudice. The relationship lens offered here brings new theoretical traction to the field of allyship and illustrates the potential of cross‐race friendships as sources of learning and agents for organizational change.
Associated Factors in Terms of Having Multiple Sex Partners in Nepal: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Acharya Devaraj , Sharma Mohan Kumar , Adhikari Ramesh , Khatri Bishnu Bahadur , Panta Naveen , Tripathi Krishna Prasad , Sharma Laxmi Kanta , Nepal Pramshu , Ghimire Sumant
Published: February 2025

Background and Aims

A sex partner is considered to someone with whom a person engages in sexual activity. This could be casual partner or interpersonal relationship, depending on the context. An individual who engages in a sexual relationship with more than one partner, either simultaneously or consecutively, is considered to have multiple sex partners. This study aims to determine the factors and behaviors that lead to having multiple sex partners in Nepal.

Methods

This study utilized secondary data from a nationally representative “Nepal Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2022.” A multistage, probability proportional sampling, cross‐sectional method was used. A total of 4913 men between the ages of 15 and 49 years from 476 different clusters were surveyed. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were carried out using SPSS 25 version, and (p < 0.05) was considered statistically significant.

Results

In this study, it was found that 55.2% of the population had multiple sexual partners based on the reported number of sexual partners a men has had since becoming sexually active. Significant factors associated with having multiple sexual partners included the age of the respondents, province, level of education, religion, ethnicity, use of the internet, occupation, wealth index combined, ecological region, current working status, and area of residence. Respondents aged between 20 and 24 years and those between 25 and 29 years are more likely to have multiple sex partners (crude Odds Ratio (cOR) = 1.570; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.113–2.215) and (cOR = 1.505; 95% CI: 1.076–2.112), even after adjusting for other all compounding variables, than those from other age groups, keeping all other variables constant. After age, province, ethnicity, occupation, and area of residence of the respondents were significant predictors linked to having multiple sex partners.

Conclusion

To be engaged with just one or more partners in sexual activity is a personal choice; however, the risks associated with having multiple sexual partners should be taken into account.
Multiple Large Shareholders and Controlling Shareholders' Equity Pledging
Authors: Yan Caiyu , Li Rui , Li Juan , Zhang Min
Published: February 2025

Controlling shareholders essentially engage in equity pledging with the goal of promoting their own self‐interest, but few studies have explored the mechanisms that can restrict this activity. By reference to a sample of Chinese firms listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen A‐share markets from 2007 to 2022, we find evidence indicating that the presence of active multiple large shareholders has a significant constraining effect on controlling shareholders' equity pledging. Furthermore, we conduct deep analyses of this situation in terms of its timing, path and economic consequences. Specifically, the timing analysis reveals that active multiple large shareholders can moderate the equity pledging on the part of controlling shareholders that results from the separation between cash flow and control rights as well as excess goodwill. The path analysis reveals that active multiple large shareholders can decrease controlling shareholders' equity pledging by motivating management and reducing press coverage. Finally, the economic consequence analysis reveals that active multiple large shareholders can decrease tunnelling among controlling shareholders and reduce the risk of future stock price crashes resulting from equity pledging.
Differential reinforcement and stimulus fading without escape extinction to teach cooperation with nasal swab tests
Authors: Briere MaKenzie L. , Janetzke Shawn , Fleck Chelsea R. , Bourret Jason C.
Published: February 2025

A nasal swab test is commonly used to detect the presence of respiratory viruses, such as SARS‐COV2 or influenza. Some individuals with autism spectrum disorder may display challenging behavior during these types of tests, which may interfere with safe and successful test completion. Research has shown that differential reinforcement without escape extinction combined with stimulus fading can be effective to increase cooperation with other types of medical tasks (e.g., blood draws). The purpose of the current study was to systematically replicate the procedures described in Stuesser and Roscoe (2020) to increase cooperation with nasal swab tests with five participants with autism spectrum disorder in a group‐home setting in the context of an urgent global pandemic. Differential reinforcement was effective for one participant, and the addition of stimulus fading was effective for the remaining four participants. All five participants continued to cooperate with the nasal swab test during follow‐up probes.
Co‐Rumination as a Moderator Between Best‐Friend Support and Adolescent Psychological Distress
Authors: van der Mey‐ Baijens Steffie , Vuijk Patricia , Bul Kim , van Lier Pol A. C. , Sijbrandij Marit , Maras Athanasios , Buil Marieke
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Co‐rumination, characterized by excessively discussing problems and dwelling on negative affect within a dyadic friendship, has been associated with adolescents' symptoms of depression, anxiety and perceived stress‐collectively referred to as psychological distress. This study explored whether co‐rumination moderates the association between perceived best friend support and psychological distress.

Methods

The study included 187 adolescents (52.9% girls; 88.0% Dutch ethnic background) recruited from two cohorts between March 2017 and July 2019. Assessments took place at two time points: symptoms of depression, anxiety, and perceived stress were assessed via self‐report measures at the final grade of primary school (T1; Mage = 11.8 years) and in secondary school (T2; Mage = 13.3 years). Co‐rumination and perceived best friend support were measured via self‐report in secondary school.

Results

Findings indicate that best friend support was associated with lower psychological distress and conversely, co‐rumination was associated with higher psychological distress while adjusting for prior distress symptoms. Moderation analysis revealed that moderate levels of co‐rumination (relative to the samples mean) decreased the positive effects of perceived best friend support on symptoms of depression (B = 0.06, SE = 0.03, 95% CI [0.00, 0.11], p = 0.05, β = 0.11) and perceived stress (B = 0.06, SE = 0.01, 95% CI [0.03, 0.08], p = 0.000, β = 0.10). At very high levels of co‐rumination (relative to the samples mean), best friend support exacerbates perceived stress.

Discussion

This study underscores the potential negative impact of co‐rumination in supportive peer relationships and recommends promoting awareness of the risk of co‐rumination while building a repertoire of (dyadic)emotion regulation strategies.
Within‐Person Fluctuations in Ethnic–Racial Affect and Discrimination‐Based Stress: Moderation by Average Ethnic–Racial Affect and Stress
Authors: Gonçalves Carolina , Yu Dian , Keces Natasha , Lerner Richard M.
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Despite evidence highlighting the dynamic nature of ethnic–racial identity (ERI) development and the common occurrence of discriminatory experiences, many studies treat these constructs as static and equivalent across individuals. Drawing upon the Phenomenological Variant of Ecological Systems Theory (PVEST), this study examined the within‐person covariations between ethnic–racial affect (individuals' positive feelings regarding their ethnic–racial background) and discrimination‐based stress, and whether these relations were moderated by average affect and average stress.

Method

This study employed an intensive longitudinal design with 771 observations nested within 133 participants (Mage = 16.07, SD = 0.67), 52.3% were girls and ~93.3% were African American from Chicago, Illinois.

Results

Results from the multilevel model analysis revealed that within‐person fluctuations in ethnic–racial affect were predicted by discrimination‐based stress and that these fluctuations were person‐specific. Furthermore, findings from this study also showed that the within‐person fluctuations in ethnic–racial affect in relation to stress from discrimination were weaker for those with higher average affect and stronger for those with higher average stress.

Conclusions

This study highlights the dynamic and situational nature of developmental processes by emphasizing the within‐person fluctuations and person‐specificity. These findings highlight the importance of developing and delivering interventions and programs that promote positive ethnic–racial affect to mitigate the negative impact of discrimination. These initiatives should be offered consistently and tailored to address individuals' specific needs to maximize their effectiveness.
Syringaldehyde Mitigates Cyclophosphamide‐Induced Liver and Kidney Toxicity in Mice by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Apoptosis Through Modulation of the Nrf2/HO‐1/NFκB Pathway
Authors: Tureyen Ali , Cesur Selcan , Yalinbas‐Kaya Berrin , Zemheri‐Navruz Fahriye , Demirel Hasan Huseyin , Ince Sinan
Published: February 2025

Cyclophosphamide (CYC) is one of the most potent antineoplastic drugs; however, hepatonephrotoxicity, observed following its use, remains one of its most severe side effects. Previous studies have reported that syringaldehyde (SYA), a flavonoid compound, exhibits anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, it is unclear whether SYA has any effects on hepatonephrotoxicity caused by the side effects of antineoplastic drugs. In the present research, we thoroughly evaluated the effects of SYA on cyclophosphamide‐induced hepatonephrotoxicity in a mouse model, focusing on Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway activation. In the present study, SYA (25 and 50 mg/kg, p.o.) and CYC (30 mg/kg, i.p.) were delivered to male mice for 10 days to induce hepatonephrotoxicity. SYA treatment alleviated the elevated levels of AST, ALT, BUN, and creatinine caused by CYC. It further suppressed lipid peroxidation by lowering MDA levels and enhanced antioxidant defense by elevating GSH, SOD, and CAT levels. Additionally, SYA increased the mRNA expression levels of HO‐1, Nrf2, and Bcl‐2, which had been reduced due to oxidative stress, inflammatory, and apoptotic pathways, while suppressing the elevated gene expression levels of NFκB, TNF‐α, Bax, and Cas‐3. Furthermore, SYA regulated the altered protein expression levels of Nrf2, Cas‐3, Bax, and Bcl‐2 induced by CYC. Microscopically, SYA also mitigated liver and kidney tissue damage caused by CYC. In conclusion, SYA significantly reduced CYC‐induced hepatonephrotoxicity by inhibiting inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis by employing the Nrf2/NFκB/HO‐1 pathway. These findings indicate that SYA has the possibility as a treatment option agent in the case of prevention of liver and kidney damage.
Establishment of an experimental system to analyse extracellular vesicles during apoplastic fungal pathogenesis
Authors: Hearfield Nathaniel , Brotherton Dominik , Gao Zedi , Inal Jameel , Stotz Henrik U.
Published: February 2025

Phoma stem canker disease of oilseed rape (Brassica napus) is caused by the extracellular fungal pathogen Leptosphaeria maculans. Although this pathogen resides exclusively in apoplastic spaces surrounding plant cells, the significance of extracellular vesicles (EVs) has not been assessed. Here, we show a method to collect apoplastic fluids (AFs) from infected leaves or cotyledons for collection of EVs during the process of host colonisation. The 15,000 × g supernatants of AFs were shown to contain ribulose‐bisphosphate carboxylase (RuBisCO) at 7 days post‐inoculation with L. maculans, a protein that was absent from unchallenged cotyledons. RuBisCO release coincided with the switch from biotrophy to necrotrophy, suggesting the involvement of host cell death. However, RuBisCO release did not differ between compatible and incompatible interactions, suggesting necrotrophic host cell death might not be the only process involved. EVs were also collected from axenic fungal cultures and characterised for their particle size distribution using nanoparticle tracking analysis and transmission electron microscopy. The protein composition of EV‐enriched fractions was analysed using SDS‐PAGE and proteomics. Enrichment analysis of gene ontology terms provided evidence for involvement of glucan and chitin metabolism as well as catalase and peptidase activities. Most of the proteins identified have previously been found in EV studies and/or EV databases, and for most of the proteins evidence was found for an involvement in pathogenicity/virulence.
The Average Solution of a TSP Instance in a Graph
Authors: Cambie Stijn
Published: February 2025

We define the average ‐TSP distance of a graph as the average length of a shortest closed walk visiting vertices, that is, the expected length of the solution for a random TSP instance with uniformly random chosen vertices. We prove relations with the average ‐Steiner distance and characterize the cases where equality occurs. We also give sharp bounds for given the order of the graph.
Hepatitis C Virus Saint Petersburg Variant Detection With Machine Learning Methods
Authors: Arslan Nurhan , Reuter Bernhard , Buech Joachim , Lengauer Thomas , Obermeier Martin , Kaiser Rolf , Pfeifer Nico
Published: February 2025

Hepatitis C virus infection is a significant global health concern, affecting millions worldwide. Although direct‐acting antivirals achieve over 90% success rate, treatment failures still occur, particularly when pan‐genotypic DAAs are unavailable, and drugs need to be chosen based on the present HCV genotype. Genotyping tests can be misleading, especially in cases involving the 2k/1b recombinant variant. The 2k/1b variant was first discovered in Saint Petersburg in 2002 and is most commonly observed in Eastern European countries, including Russia, Georgia, and Ukraine. Due to migration, the 2k/1b variant has spread to Western Europe and other regions, potentially increasing HCV transmission and changing the virus's epidemiological landscape. The situation highlights the importance of molecular epidemiology in monitoring the spread of the 2k/1b variant. Accurate detection and characterization of the 2k/1b variant are crucial for an effective treatment if no pan‐genotypic DAAs are available. To address this need, machine learning models were developed to predict the 2k/1b variant based on 1b and 2k/1b sequence data from nonstructural proteins. They were integrated into the geno2pheno[HCV] tool, providing physicians and researchers with an open‐access resource for determining HCV genotypes, including the 2k/1b variant.
Epstein‐Barr Virus‐Associated Pneumonia in a Healthy Adult Presenting With Pulmonary Nodules and Deep Vein Thrombosis: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Tabarsi Payam , Hemmatian Marjan , Moradi Maryam
Published: February 2025

Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) is a common herpesvirus that affects more than 90% of people worldwide. It is usually spread through saliva. Although most infections show no symptoms or only lead to mono, uncommon complications such as respiratory issues can arise, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems. While rare, cases of EBV‐related pneumonia, lung nodules, and venous thromboembolism have been occasionally reported. A 17‐year‐old male came in with fever, dyspnea, massive hemoptysis, and sore throat. Numerous pulmonary nodules were shown in imaging. According to broncho‐alveolar lavage, and biopsy results EBV‐induced pneumonia was diagnosed. During hospitalization, the patient also experienced deep vein thrombosis and needed heparin treatment. The current study contributes to the increasing amount of research on unusual displays of EBV in healthy adults. It highlights the significance of considering EBV in the differential diagnosis for healthy adults with unexplained pulmonary nodules and venous thromboembolism.
Detection of Measles Virus Genotype D8 in Wastewater of the Brussels Capital Region, Belgium
Authors: Rector Annabel , Bloemen Mandy , Hoorelbeke Bart , Van Ranst Marc , Wollants Elke
Published: February 2025

We analyzed wastewater from Belgian treatment plants to look for measles virus. Genotype D8 was identified in Brussels North samples, matching sequences from 15 regional measles cases. Finding measles virus in wastewater can suggest undetected virus transmission. Wastewater surveillance is a valuable tool for identifying viral circulation and supporting public health interventions against outbreaks.
Catalogue and Analysis of Extraordinary Precipitation Events in the Spanish Mainland, 1916–2022
Authors: Gonzalez‐Hidalgo José Carlos , Beguería Santiago , Peña‐Angulo Dhais , Blanco Víctor Trullenque
Published: February 2025

Catalogues of past hazardous events are essential for understanding their magnitude, frequency, geographical distribution and underlying mechanisms. Such compilations provide critical data for identifying patterns, improving predictive models, and enhancing preparedness, thereby contributing to the mitigation of future risks and facilitating effective adaptation to climate‐related hazards. In this article, we present the first comprehensive catalogue of extraordinary precipitation over the Spanish mainland, spanning more than a century. This work provides valuable insights into spatial and temporal patterns of these events. We compiled monthly maxima of daily precipitation (Rx1day) exceeding 100 and 200 mm by combining the documentary collections of the AEMET National Climate Data Bank (1916–2022) with newly digitised data from the Annual Summaries of Observation Books (1916–1950). As a result, this dataset represents the most extensive and detailed collection of extraordinary precipitation events in the region. It includes 19,184 monthly maxima records above 100 mm from 4325 observatories, occurring across 4814 days (events). Additionally, there are 1130 records exceeding 200 mm, grouped into 530 days and recorded in 664 observatories. As anticipated, extraordinary rainfalls were most frequent in autumn, while summer recorded the lowest number of events. These events occurred across nearly all regions, although a higher concentration were observed near coastlines. This is particularly the case of records and events over 200 mm, which concentrated along the Mediterranean arc. We identified five spatial patterns that correspond with specific weather types. Beyond atmospheric circulation, the topography played a critical role in determining the spatial extension of extraordinary precipitations. The newly digitised dataset is available at https://digital.csic.es/handle/10261/354840, accompanied by a collection of maps of daily events. Raw data from the AEMET's National Climate Data Bank are subject to a licenced agreement.
Determining the Minimum Number of Examined Lymph Nodes for N1b Papillary Thyroid Cancer Patients
Authors: Xiao Liu , Zhang Wei , Ma Yu , Li Lin , Liu Bin
Published: February 2025

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between the number of examined lymph nodes (eLNs) and postoperative residual lateral LN disease in patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) and lateral nodal metastasis (N1b) and determine the minimal threshold for the eLNs.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with unilateral N1b PTC who underwent total thyroidectomy with therapeutic LN dissection of the central and lateral compartments between January 2012 and December 2022 were included. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the threshold number of eLNs that independently influenced the risk of residual lateral LN disease.

Results

Residual lateral LN disease was identified in 56 (5.4%) of 1042 T1‐2 patients and 74 (12.3%) of 602 T3‐4 patients. When analyzed as a continuous variable, the number of eLNs in the lateral neck was independently associated with a reduced risk of residual lateral LN disease in both T1‐2 (OR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.90–0.97; p < 0.001) and T3‐4 patients (OR: 0.94; 95% CI: 0.91–0.97; p < 0.001). As a categorical variable, the risk of residual lateral LN disease continued to decrease significantly until the number of eLNs reached 34 in T1‐2 patients and 46 in T3‐4 patients.

Conclusion

Comprehensive preoperative imaging for LN status and systematic compartmental dissection of the affected levels are critical in managing N1b PTC. To minimize the risk of residual lateral LN disease, the minimum recommended number of eLNs in the lateral neck is 34 for T1‐2 patients and 46 for T3‐4 patients.

Level of Evidence

4‐retrospective cohort study.
Limited microbial degradation of elevated concentrations of dissolved organic carbon in the deep ocean
Authors: Liu Tao , Li Yixian , Shen Yuan
Published: February 2025

Understanding the ocean's capacity potential to store dissolved organic carbon (DOC) is essential for predicting its role in long‐term carbon sequestration and climate regulation. This capacity hinges on the behavior of DOC at elevated concentrations, a critical yet unresolved question that has produced mixed results due to narrow concentration ranges tested previously and limited molecular insights. This study addresses these gaps by investigating microbial degradation of DOC across a broad concentration range (2‐ to 55‐fold) in year‐long bioassay experiments using solid‐phase extracted DOC (SPE‐DOC) from 2000‐m‐deep waters. Specific SPE‐DOC compounds (combined amino acids) were analyzed to provide a molecular‐level understanding of DOC reactivity at varying concentrations. Our results show that microbial communities rapidly proliferated and became more uniform following SPE‐DOC amendments, with Nitrosococcales, Flavobacteriales, and Alteromonadales dominating. Despite these shifts, microbial utilization of SPE‐DOC was constrained, exhibiting a nonlinear relationship with concentration, from < 3% in the control to a maximum of 9% in DOC‐enriched groups. Degradation was predominantly confined to the initial 28 d, with negligible additional removal (0–2%) thereafter. Compound‐specific analysis showed only moderate utilization (7–11%) of amino acid compounds within the first 3 d, indicating restricted microbial access even when these individual compounds were concentrated. These results indicate that a fraction of deep‐sea DOC molecules can persist for long at elevated concentrations. Our study demonstrates the ocean's substantial potential for DOC storage and suggests that modern ocean is capable of accommodating a larger DOC reservoir than is currently present.
Analyzing Ionic Transport Properties of Starch/Glycerin‐Sodium Phosphate Solid Polymer Electrolyte Utilizing Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy
Authors: Awang Fatin Farhana , Nor Mohd Al Amin Muhamad , Sheng Chan Kok , Hassan Mohd Faiz
Published: February 2025

Thin films of solid polymer electrolytes are being fabricated using corn starch doped with glycerin/sodium phosphate and varying ratios of polymer and salt. These films are prepared through a dual‐solvent technique. Glycerin is introduced into the solution mixture to enhance the elasticity of the polymer film, thereby increasing the flexibility of the thin membrane. The conductivity and electrical properties of these thin films are being analyzed to gain insights into the ion transport characteristics of the polymer electrolytes. At room temperature, the highest observed conductivity is 1.22 × 10−2 S cm−1, achieved in the 30 wt.% Na3PO4 salt‐doped polymer electrolyte system. Upon evaluating the transport properties, it becomes evident that the ionic conductivity is predominantly influenced by the concentration of charge carriers, especially in high Na3PO4 content. As the salt content is further increased, the diffusion coefficient and mobility of charge carriers decrease.
Imprinted Effects on the Boric Acid Removal from Water by Molecularly Imprinted Polymer: Synthesis and Characterization
Authors: Salim Nurjannah , Kamarudin Kamrul Fakir , Samah Nurlin Abu
Published: February 2025

In the present work, a study of boron removal from water using molecularly imprinted polymer‐boric acid (MIP‐BA) is conducted. This study is significant as it can be an addition for removing boric species, particularly in cases when carbon in tertiary treatment is ineffective. Kinetic study, saturation study and pH effect are among the parameters chosen to characterize the sorption characteristics of MIP‐BA using Inductively Coupled Plasma‐Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP‐OES) detection. In the kinetic study in batch mode, boron is removed at an efficiency removal of 80.18% after 5 mins before stabilizing over 60 min. The adsorption process is deduced to be chemisorption in adsorption kinetic modelling studies. In the saturation study, the adsorption capacity of MIP‐BA is increased. The adsorption isotherm study conveyed that there is a monolayer adsorption on homogenous surface of MIP‐BA as Langmuir's model posted a R2 value of 0.9932 bettering 0.9832 posted by Freundlich's model. The optimal pH for boron removal is pH 8.7 (87.93%). The hydroxyl group readily forms covalent bonds with boron when reacted with boric acid in alkali medium. Non imprinted polymer (NIP) is effective at extracting boron from water, reducing the cost of cleaning the polymer with a Soxhlet equipment.
Ionic Liquid Mixed Polymer Electrolyte for Supercapacitor
Authors: Theodore Azemtsop Manfo , Srivastava Monika , Kumar Sandeep , Yahya M. Z. A. , Yadav Tarun , Yusuf S. N. F.
Published: February 2025

In present paper the authors targeted to present the recent Ionic Liquids doped polymer electrolyte and tested its electrochemical, thermal, and physicochemical properties, which are decisive for Electrochemical devices. Ionic Liquids can also be considered designer solvents to substitute the more flammable organic carbonates and enhance the green credentials and performance of renewable energy storage devices mainly Supercapacitor and Lithium Ioin Battery. This review presents the recent Ionic Liquids doped electrolyte electrochemical, thermal, and physicochemical properties, which are decisive for supercapacitors and lithium‐ion batteries. Ionic Liquids can also be considered designer solvents to substitute the more flammable organic carbonates and enhance the green credentials and performance of renewable energy storage devices like Supercapacitor, Batteries.
Waste Material Management with a Coxian Arrival and First Exceptional Service Queueing Model
Authors: Khurana Rachna , Sharma Manju , Jadon Vinay Kumar , Sharma Amit , Alam Khursheed
Published: February 2025

This paper studies a variant of the C2/G/1 queue, where the service time distribution for a customer depends on whether the server is busy or idle when the customer arrives. This class of models is relevant in scenarios where the server may require varying amounts of time when it resumes service after being idle. Customer arrives in the system according to 2‐stage Coxian distribution. By using supplementary variable techniques and recursive method that utilizes generating function, we derived steady‐state probabilities to analyze the distribution of queue length and sojourn time. Queueing models of this type have wide application in streamline operations like waste material management, and ensure effectiveness.
The Use of the Macromolecule Products of the Biogenic Reaction as the Basic Nucleus in the Preparation of Quinazoline Derivatives
Authors: Hamad Diana Thabt , Ghazi Abdul Karim Muhammad , Salim Jasim Saad
Published: February 2025

In light of the medical significance of quinazoline derivatives, this study focuses on the synthesis of new quinazoline derivatives derived from the reaction of hydrazones with amino benzoic acid. Ethyl 6‐methyl‐2‐oxo‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydropyrimidine‐5‐carboxylate, obtained via the Biginelli reaction, serves as a nucleophile in the preparation of hydrazides. Subsequently, these hydrazides react with various benzaldehyde derivatives to form hydrazones. The synthesized compounds are characterized using physical and spectroscopic techniques including melting point determination, NMR spectroscopy (1H‐NMR and 13C‐NMR), and FTIR spectroscopy to confirm their chemical structure. The biological activity of these compounds is evaluated against two bacterial strains, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, to assess their potential application in antimicrobial therapy.
Barriers and Facilitators to Accessing Mental Health Services for Adults in Sub‐Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review
Authors: Komu Clement K. , Ngigi Michael , Melson Ambrose J.
Published: February 2025

In Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA), despite a high prevalence of mental health conditions, less than 10% of those living with mental illness access professional mental health services (MHS). This systematic review aimed to identify, appraise, and synthesise studies conducted in SSA seeking to understand the barriers and facilitators to accessing MHS for adults in SSA. A systematic search of PsycINFO, MEDLINE, and CINAHL databases was conducted using key terms (Barriers, Facilitators, Access, Mental Health Services, and Sub‐Saharan Africa) with 16 studies meeting the eligibility criteria for inclusion. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) and Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal tools based on the articles’ study methodology. Data from the included studies were extracted using a standardised proforma and grouped into source details, methodology, participants’ characteristics and the main finding(s). A narrative synthesis was adopted to systematically summarise and evaluate included studies. Only nine of 46 Sub‐Saharan African countries were represented in the included studies. Barriers included lack of or little knowledge of mental disorders and professional services; negative attitudes held towards mental health services; cultural and religious beliefs leading to over‐reliance on traditional and spiritual interventions; and stigmatising beliefs that included self‐stigmatisation, stigma and discrimination from family, the community, and healthcare providers. Facilitators to accessing mental health services were more limited and included awareness of mental disorders and the services offered; social support and acceptance by family members and the community; and the availability of community‐based mental health services. This systematic review identified barriers such as limited knowledge, stigma, and reliance on traditional interventions inhibiting access to mental health services in Sub‐Saharan Africa. The region's limited representation and scarcity of facilitators highlights an urgent need for targeted interventions to improve mental health accessibility.
Transport Assistants to Enhance TCP Connections: Investigating the Placement Problem
Authors: Galán‐Jiménez Jaime , Faten Zhani Mohamed , Gómez‐delaHiz José , Kaippallimalil John
Published: February 2025

As of today, transport control protocol (TCP) remains the de‐facto transport protocol in the Internet. However, TCP may incur high delays, especially when retransmitting lost packets as they have to be retransmitted only by the source and after a timeout that is roughly equal to a round trip time. To reduce such delay, recent work proposed to deploy a special network function, called transport assistant (TA), that is able to detect and retransmit lost TCP packets from inside the network rather than the source and thereby reduces retransmission delays. Unfortunately, there is no study on the impact of the placement of the TA on its performance benefits in terms of packet delivery delay. In this paper, we focus on the TA placement problem. We discuss the trade‐offs and parameters to be considered to select the best placement for the TA. We first mathematically model the TCP packet delivery delay, that is, the time needed to deliver TCP packets, when the TA is deployed. We also formulate, as an integer linear program (ILP), the problem of placing multiple TAs in order to reduce TCP packet delivery delays while minimizing their deployment costs. We consider use‐cases, one where a TA could handle a single flow and another where a TA could handle multiple flows. We then propose two heuristics to solve the problem with minimal execution time. Through experiments, we demonstrated that the deployment of TAs could reduce TCP packet delivery delays by up to 30% and could be leveraged to guide routing and load balancing. Moreover, we show that using the proposed heuristics for placing TAs could lead to performance that is close to the optimal solutions obtained with the ILP but with lower execution time.