bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Labial adhesions due to vulvovaginal lichen planus suspected to be caused by angiotensin II receptor blocker
Authors: Sawada Yugo , Kitagawa Yasuhide , Tanaka Atsushi , Harada Shunsuke , Nomura Masayoshi Jimmy
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Lichenoid drug eruption, induced by gold or cardiovascular drugs, is one of the causes of lichen planus, and vulvovaginal erosive lichen planus can cause labial adhesions. However, few studies have focused on drugs as a cause of labial adhesions.

Case presentation

We encountered a 78‐year‐old woman with labial adhesions, vulvodynia, and itching of the vulva. The cause was thought to be lichenoid drug eruption from an angiotensin II receptor blocker. After discontinuation of the drug, vulvodynia and pruritus resolved quickly, the pathology showed improvement, and labial adhesions did not recur after detachment.

Conclusion

An angiotensin II receptor blocker was a suspected cause of vulvovaginal erosive lichen planus, which causes labial adhesions. Physicians should recognize the possible cause of labial adhesions secondary to lichenoid drug eruption.
C‐TUnet: A CNN‐Transformer Architecture‐Based Ultrasound Breast Image Classification Network
Authors: Wu Ying , Li Faming , Xu Bo
Published: December 2024

Ultrasound breast image classification plays a crucial role in the early detection of breast cancer, particularly in differentiating benign from malignant lesions. Traditional methods face limitations in feature extraction and global information capture, often resulting in lower accuracy for complex and noisy ultrasound images. This paper introduces a novel ultrasound breast image classification network, C‐TUnet, which combines a convolutional neural network (CNN) with a Transformer architecture. In this model, the CNN module initially extracts key features from ultrasound images, followed by the Transformer module, which captures global context information to enhance classification accuracy. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed model achieves excellent classification performance on public datasets, showing clear advantages over traditional methods. Our analysis confirms the effectiveness of combining CNN and Transformer modules—a strategy that not only boosts the accuracy and robustness of ultrasound breast image classification but also offers a reliable tool for clinical diagnostics, holding substantial potential for real‐world application.
TFAP2A Promotes Cell Progression and Suppresses Ferroptosis in Lung Adenocarcinoma via Activating Transcription of CST1
Authors: Luan Xinyu , Peng Xuxing , Hui Gang , Wei Zichun
Published: December 2024

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a common type of lung cancer with complicated pathological mechanism. Transcription Factor AP‐2 Alpha (TFAP2A) and Cysteine protease inhibitor 1 (CST1) are upregulated genes in LUAD samples, accordingly, we focused on clarifying the role of TFAP2A/CST1 axis in LUAD. Expression analysis was performed using real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot. Cellular behaviors were detected by colony formation assay, EdU assay, wound healing assay and flow cytometry. Ferroptosis was assessed by oxidative indicators, Fe2+ level and related proteins. TFAP2A and CST1 interaction was analyzed via ChIP assay and dual‐luciferase reporter assay. TFAP2A function in vivo was evaluated by xenograft tumor assay. CST1 was overexpressed in LUAD samples and cells. Downregulation of CST1 inhibited proliferation, migration but it promoted apoptosis and ferroptosis of LUAD cells. TFAP2A interacted with the promoter of CST1 to up‐regulate CST1 expression. TFAP2A regulated the malignant behaviors and ferroptosis of LUAD cells by targeting CST1. TFAP2A affected LUAD tumor growth via mediating CST1. All these data proved that TFAP2A/CST1 axis contributed to proliferation, migration while it suppressed apoptosis and ferroptosis in LUAD.
The Oxford House Stability Questionnaire: An Effort to Classify Recovery Homes
Authors: Jason Leonard A. , Garrity Elizabeth , O'Brien Connor , Bobak Ted
Published: December 2024

Recovery homes are located throughout the United States, with the self‐governed Oxford Houses representing one of the largest networks with over 3000 homes. Although there is a growing literature on the characteristics and outcomes of these recovery homes, far less is known about differences among the homes. The current study used a set of characteristics that had been proposed by a leader within the Oxford House recovery movement, and a university research team operationalized them into what is now called the Oxford House Stability Questionnaire. This scale was administered to attendees at their annual convention. Results of a sample of 397 respondents who completed over 95% of the scale validated the notion that there are four different types of Oxford House recovery houses, including Survival, Stable, Successful, and Significant. This scale examined activities that might occur in these homes related to enhancing stability, and we were able to identify mechanisms related to general involvement, social support, and self‐help. The findings suggest that these ecological and structural house characteristics are valuable ways to better understand these settings that are providing thousands of people with substance use disorders with distinctive environments for recovery.
Enhancing Research Through Image Analysis Workshops: Experiences and Best Practices
Authors: Marcotti Stefania , Jones Martin L. , Slater Thomas J. A. , Barry David J.
Published: December 2024

Modern microscopy systems allow researchers to generate large volumes of image data with relative ease. However, the challenge of analyzing these data effectively is often hindered by a lack of computational skills. This bottleneck negatively impacts both research reproducibility and efficiency, as researchers frequently rely on manual or semi‐automated analysis methods. Interactive image analysis workshops offer a valuable solution, equipping researchers with the skills and tools needed to automate image processing tasks. In this paper, we share our experiences and best practices from conducting such workshops, which emphasize the use of open‐source software like ImageJ, FIJI, and Python‐based tools such as JupyterLab and napari. We discuss key considerations for workshop design, logistics, and outcomes, while highlighting common pitfalls to avoid. Using two recent workshops as case studies, we also present strategies for optimizing participant engagement and learning. Our insights offer practical guidance for planning and conducting image analysis workshops and serve as a starting point for researchers looking to establish similar training initiatives and enrich their local imaging communities.
Forecasting the value of innovation in total knee arthroplasty care: A headroom approach
Authors: Otten Thomas M. , Grimm Sabine E. , Ramaekers Bram , Roth Alex , Emans Pieter , Boymans Tim , Janssen Maarten , Jeuken Ralph , Joore Manuela A.
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is the standard treatment of end‐stage osteoarthritis. TKA is often used and, therefore, poses a healthcare and societal burden, which is likely to increase further. Headroom analyses evaluate a technology under development by making assumptions about its effectiveness. This article applies a headroom approach to forecast the potential value of innovations that improve TKA‐related care in the Netherlands in terms of cost‐effectiveness and surgeries avoided.

Methods

A state‐transition model estimating lifetime direct health effects, healthcare‐ and societal costs and percentage of avoide d surgeries was developed. The model compared care as usual to five hypothetical interventions to calculate the headroom associated with (1) preventing the need for TKAs, (2) preventing the need for all TKA revisions, (3) postponing TKAs without quality‐of‐life loss, (4) preventing periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) and (5) improving patient satisfaction.

Results

Preventing the need for all TKAs amounted to €43,076 of headroom. Preventing the need for TKA revisions amounted to €2276 (5.8% of surgeries avoided), postponing TKAs by 5 years amounted to €7634 (32.4% of surgeries avoided), preventing PJIs amounted to €1187 (1.4% of surgeries avoided) and improving patient satisfaction amounted to €16,622 (0% of surgeries avoided). The headroom of each hypothetical intervention was highest in younger populations (<50 years of age).

Conclusion

There is a headroom for improving TKA‐related care. Innovations to avoid or postpone TKA (i.e., joint‐preserving treatments) as well as those that improve patient satisfaction can be effective in maximizing the value for money and avoiding surgeries. Due to the decreasing average patient age, innovations to reduce revision rates and PJIs will become more valuable as these are most effective in younger patients. It is currently unclear how cost‐effectiveness considerations should be traded off against the prevention of surgery to reduce the increasing burden on the healthcare system.

Level of Evidence

Level III economic evaluation/decision‐analytic model.
Posteromedial corner injuries result in the same posterior translation as posterolateral corner injuries in PCL ruptures
Authors: Bohe Olivia , Greve Frederik , Höger Svenja , Mehl Julian , Siebenlist Sebastian , Willinger Lukas
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Ruptures of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) are often accompanied by posterolateral corner (PLC) and posteromedial corner (PMC) injuries. This study investigates the incidence and impact of PMC and PLC injuries on posterior tibial translation (PTT). It was hypothesized that PMC injuries are more common and impactful than previously reported.

Methods

In this retrospective study, all patients with a PCL injury between January 2016 and December 2023 and received magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) within 30 days of trauma were included. Patients with atraumatic PCL instability, missing MRI or additional anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture were excluded. Posttraumatic MRI was analyzed for peripheral injuries. Preoperative stress radiographs for PTT were measured, and the side‐to‐side difference was calculated. The statistical significance level was set at p < 0.05.

Results

Ninety‐two patients were included, predominantly male (71.7%) with a mean age of 35.8 ± 15.6 years at injury. The mean time from injury to MRI was 7.3 ± 7.9 days. There were 16 patients (27.4%) with isolated PCL injuries. The prevalence of medial injuries (37.0% superficial medial collateral ligament [sMCL], 66.3% deep medial collateral ligament and 51.1% posterior oblique ligament [POL]) was comparable to lateral injuries (22.8% LCL, 55.4% PLC and 13.0% popliteus tendon). Injuries of the PMC (sMCL ± POL) occurred in 53 patients (57.6%) and of the PLC (POP ± PLC ± LCL) in 59 (64.1%) patients. PTT was significantly increased in the presence of a peripheral‐associated injury compared to isolated PCL injury (p < 0.01). With a combined injury of PMC + PLC the PTT was significantly larger than in the case of a unilateral injury (p < 0.05 compared to PLC; p < 0.05 compared to PMC).

Conclusion

PCL injuries are commonly associated with PMC and/or PLC injuries. A PTT of >10 mm is equally caused by PLC and PMC‐associated injuries. Knowledge about the severity and localization of peripheral‐associated injuries is therefore essential for therapeutic decision‐making.

Level of Evidence

Level III retrospective cohort study.
Indications and outcomes of pediatric high flow nasal cannula use in the home setting
Authors: D'Arienzo David , Sanvido Liam , Amin Reshma , Diskin Catherine , Cohen Eyal
Published: December 2024

Objective

To describe the patient characteristics, indications, and clinical outcomes of home high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) among pediatric patients. To evaluate secular trends in home HFNC initiation between 2013 and 2022.

Methods

A retrospective review of all children on home HFNC between 2013 and 2023 was conducted at a tertiary care pediatric hospital in Ontario, Canada. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize results and identify indications for home HFNC initiation. Mann‐Kendall Trend test was used to assess trends in HHF initiation between 2013 and 2022.

Results

A total of 35 patients, ages 6 months–14 years old, were started on home HFNC between 2013 and 2023. HFNC initiation increased over time, from 0 patients in 2013–2016 to nine patients per year in 2021 and 2022 (p < .001). Home HFNC was almost exclusively prescribed for children with multisystem conditions, 77% with an underlying genetic disorder, and 77% with prior home feeding tube use. Most children (83%) had multiple indications leading to initiation of home HFNC. The main indications included the following: (i) upper airway obstruction (66%), (ii) clearance of retained CO2 (57%), (iii) increased work of breathing without sleep‐disordered breathing (29%), (iv) promotion of secretion clearance/plastic bronchitis (29%), and (v) palliative care (14%). In addition, 37% did not tolerate a previous trial of Continuous/Bi‐Level Positive Airway Pressure. Complications were rare, with only two children developing epistaxis requiring an emergency department visit and 4 children requiring escalation in home respiratory support to CPAP or BiPAP.

Conclusion

HFNC is increasingly being initiated among children in the home setting for varied indications. Preliminary data suggests few complications and a need for escalation of therapy with home HFNC.
Money Talks: How Remittances Contribute to Wealth Creation in Post‐conflict Communities
Authors: Sritharan Narayani , Jothishankar Kritika
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the impact of remittances on household wealth in post‐conflict Sri Lanka, a country that endured a prolonged conflict from 1983 to 2009. Utilizing data from the Secure Livelihood Consortium (SLRC) conducted in 2012/2013 and in 2015, we employ a difference‐in‐difference (DiD) approach to analyse the wealth trajectories of households that receive remittances compared to those that do not. Our findings indicate that although remittances are often targeted at poorer households, they have a positive impact on wealth accumulation over time. This suggests that remittances can play an important role in the economic recovery of post‐conflict communities. The results have three policy implications. First, leveraging remittances as a tool for economic recovery could enhance the effectiveness of development strategies in post‐conflict regions. Second, policymakers should consider initiatives that facilitate the formalization of remittance channels to maximize their positive impact on household wealth. Third, financial literacy programmes could help remittance‐receiving households make more productive use of these funds, further promoting sustainable development. By providing empirical evidence from a post‐conflict setting, this study contributes to the broader discourse on remittances and economic development, offering insights that are both academically relevant and practically valuable for policymakers and development practitioners.
Factors associated with accelerated parenteral weaning in children with intestinal failure: A descriptive cohort study
Authors: Moran‐Lev Hadar , Kocoshis Samuel A. , Córdova Amador Isabel , Mukasa Mariah , Oliveira Stephanie B. , Helmrath Michael , Cole Conrad R.
Published: December 2024

Background

The goal of intestinal rehabilitation in children is to wean from parenteral nutrition (PN). The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with accelerated weaning and to evaluate long‐term outcomes of children receiving long‐term PN.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of children managed by the Intestinal Rehabilitation Center at Cincinnati Children's Hospital. Medical history data were retrieved. The outcomes of children receiving long‐term chronic PN (>2 years) were compared with those of children receiving short‐term chronic PN regimen (<2 years).

Results

The cohort consisted of 112 children (58% boys, median [IQR] age of 6.0 [3.7–9.5] years). The group treated with a long‐term PN regimen had significantly shorter residual small bowel and large bowel compared with the group treated with a short‐term PN regimen (20% vs 60% and 75% vs 100%, respectively; P < 0.05). The lapse of time between PN and enteral feed initiation was longer in the group undergoing long‐term PN regimen than in the short‐term group (71 vs 32.5 days; P = 0.012). More episodes of central line–associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) and a higher percentage of feeding aversion was demonstrated in the long‐term PN group (2 [1–3] vs 1 [0–2] episodes and 36% vs 0%, respectively).

Conclusion

Small bowel, colon length, enteral feed initiation, and frequency of CLABSI are factors associated with duration of PN regimen. A long‐term chronic PN regimen is associated with a higher risk of food aversion.
Experimental and Theoretical Evidence of Weak Spin–Lattice Coupling in the Double Perovskite Sr2YRuO6
Authors: Liu Hsiang‐Lin , Poojitha Bommareddy , Lin Yi‐Lin , Chen Hsiao‐Wen , Du Chao‐Hung , Lu Ting‐Hua , Mukherjee Supratik , Garcia‐Castro A. C. , Vaitheeswaran Ganapathy
Published: December 2024

Sr2YRuO6 is a material that provides an ideal platform for studying magnetic frustration in three‐dimensional geometries. Herein, we combine Raman spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations to establish connections between the lattice dynamics and magnetic states in Sr2YRuO6 single crystals. The x‐ray diffraction profiles reveal that Sr2YRuO6 possesses an ordered double‐perovskite structure with distorted monoclinic symmetry. Three magnetic phase transitions are observed and linked to the presence of weak ferromagnetism at 135 K and short‐ and long‐range antiferromagnetic orderings at 32 and 26 K. The oxygen‐octahedron antistretching and stretching modes, observed at 570 and 766 cm−1, exhibit anomalies near the magnetic phase transition temperatures, indicating an intriguing interplay between the lattice and spin degrees of freedom. Their spin–phonon coupling constants of 0.7 cm−1 reflect the weak spin–lattice interactions in Sr2YRuO6.
The Median Nerve Displays Adaptive Characteristics When Exposed to Repeated Pinch Grip Efforts of Varying Rates of Force Development
Authors: Balogh Denise , Kociolek Aaron M.
Published: December 2024

Objectives

Repeated gripping with high grip forces and high rates of grip force development are risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome. As the nerve's adaptive ability is crucial to prevent disease progression, we investigated how these risk factors influence median nerve deformation and displacement over the time course of a repeated pinch grip task.

Methods

Seventeen healthy participants performed a repeated grip task against a load cell while their carpal tunnel was scanned with ultrasound. The grip task involved pulp‐pinching three consecutive times from 0 to 40% maximal voluntary exertion (MVE), performed at three different rates of force development (RFD): 40% MVE/1 second; 2 seconds; and 5 seconds. Ultrasound images were analyzed at 10% MVE intervals. Nerve circularity, width, height, and cross‐sectional area were measured to assess deformation. Median nerve displacement was assessed by its change in position relative to the flexor digitorum superficialis tendon of the third digit (FD) in both radioulnar and palmodorsal axes.

Results

Linear mixed modeling indicated that median nerve deformation increased, becoming more circular, with each repeated pulp‐pinch (P < .01) and with grip force magnitude (P < .01). However, a faster RFD decreased nerve deformation (P < .01). Furthermore, the nerve displaced ulnarly during pulp‐pinching, with greater displacement during the fastest (ie, 40% MVE/1 second) RFD (P < .01).

Conclusions

The median nerve deformed and displaced in response to pulp‐pinching; however, faster rates of force development hindered this adaptive response. This likely reflects the viscoelastic properties of the healthy nerve and subsynovial connective tissue, highlighting the importance of tissue compliance in preventing nerve compression.
Monolithically Integrated Ultra‐Low Threshold GeSn‐on‐Insulator Laser Using Rapid Melting Growth
Authors: Liu Zhi , Chen Melvina , Liu Xiangquan , Huang Qinxin , Zhu Yupeng , Zuo Yuhua , Ikonic Zoran , Cheng Buwen , Nam Donguk , Zheng Jun
Published: December 2024

A low‐threshold, monolithically integrated laser on Si is considered a crucial missing ingredient in realizing efficient fully functional photonic‐integrated circuits (PICs). Owing to its compatibility with complementary metal‐semiconductor‐oxide (CMOS) processes, direct bandgap GeSn alloy has recently been studied intensively in hopes of making GeSn lasers the mainstream technology for PICs. However, the inevitable formation of harmful defects in GeSn directly grown on Si has thus far required the use of non‐monolithic approaches such as wafer bonding to obtain high‐quality GeSn layers, preventing the realization of practical, low‐threshold GeSn lasers. Here, ultra‐low threshold lasing in a monolithically‐grown, nearly‐defect‐free GeSn single‐crystal layer is demonstrated. The rapid melting growth method used in this study allows the fabrication of a compact, integrated laser that simultaneously achieves an ideal GeSn gain medium with built‐in tensile strain and an excellent GeSn optical cavity on an insulating layer. The measured threshold is ≈0.52 kW cm−2 under the optical pumping scheme at 10 K, which is the lowest among all the reported GeSn lasers. This work provides a new solution for building a truly CMOS‐compatible, monolithic laser that can complete the device library of the mature Si photonics foundries.
Examining Gender Representation in US News and World Report Top 25 Urology Departments: Female Faculty Hold Lower Professorial Levels and Publication Rates Than Male Counterparts
Authors: Venigalla Greeshma , Sadiq Sabika , Gurayah Aaron A. , Soodana‐Prakash Nachiketh , Martin Laura , Amin Katherine A. , Syan Raveen
Published: December 2024

Objectives

To examine female representation in US News and World Report (USNWR) top 25 US Urology departments and identify trends of female representation in institutional roles.

Methods

Using the 2022 USNWR, we collected data from each institution's websites along with a compared geographically local cohort to evaluate the presence of female residents, female attendings, and professorial levels. First or last author faculty publications numbers were found using PubMed and Scopus in fiscal year 2022.

Results

The top 25 institutions averaged ~32.3% female residents and 18.7% female attendings, which was not significantly different from the comparison cohort. Of the total publications of fiscal year 2022, female attendings contributed ~14% (p < 0.001), also not significantly different from the comparison cohort. Only 20.4% of listed female attendings in top 25 programs are full Professors, compared to 41.1% of the listed men (p < 0.05). The most common level of female professorship is Assistant Professor (53.4%). Level of female professorship between cohort was significantly different, with female urologists more likely to hold a title of full Professor in the top 25 cohort compared to the nontop 25 cohort regardless of similar publication output (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Female faculty in Urology continue to be underrepresented in the top Urology departments, with significant difference in equitable female professorship appointments between top 25 and nontop 25 departments. Future directions include examining the impact of early mentorship and sponsorship on representation over time.
Improved fracture toughness of glass fibers reinforced polypropylene composites through hybridization with polyolefin elastomers and polymeric fibers for automotive applications
Authors: AlSuhaibani Faisal A. , Falath Wail , Theravalappil Rajesh
Published: December 2024

Polypropylene‐reinforced composites mostly exhibit a trade‐off between stiffness and toughness. In this study, the impact of incorporating polyolefin elastomer (POE) and Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) fibers as individual and hybrid reinforcement to glass fiber‐reinforced polypropylene composite in the presence of a compatibilizer was explored. The main focus was on achieving an optimal stiffness/toughness balance. Several ternary and quaternary hybrid composite systems were developed and analyzed. All components were melt‐blended using a twin‐screw extruder and then injection molded for subsequent mechanical and morphological analysis. A significant stiffness of approximately 2.4 GPa Young's modulus, and notched izod impact strength ranges between 250 and 400 J/m can be attained with the quaternary hybrid system, PP/GF/POE/PVA fibers. Its performance can be controlled by altering the POE/PVA fibers ratio to achieve the targeted stiffness/toughness balance. These values represent a remarkable increase, with Young's modulus being 120% higher and the izod impact strength surpassing that of the control sample by over 800%. The achieved results aligned with the requirements of the automotive industry, so the developed composites could have a high potential for automotive parts.

Highlights

Ternary and quaternary hybrid systems were fabricated by a twin‐screw extruder.

An improvement of 120% in stiffness and 800% in toughness was observed.

Distinct micromechanical deformation mechanisms were identified.

Remarkable stiffness‐toughness balance was achieved.

Reduction in weight makes the system suitable for automotive applications.
Investigating the bonding performance of metal‐CFRP hybrid composites: A study on aircraft components
Authors: Akalın Yavuz , Dilsiz Nursel , Özgür Derya Öncel
Published: December 2024

The increasing reliance of the aerospace industry on lightweight yet robust materials, notably carbon fiber‐reinforced polymers (CFRPs), has emphasized the need for efficient joining methods for composite structures. This study investigates the influence of various bonding techniques on the strength of two distinct joint configurations: CFRP/CFRP and CFRP/301 steel interfaces. The CFRP/CFRP joints were configured as single lap joints, where two CFRP laminates and/or prepregs were overlapped and bonded using co‐curing, secondary bonding, or co‐bonding. The configuration ensured adhesion between the cured or uncured CFRP layers, depending on the bonding technique applied. For CFRP/301 steel, CFRP laminates and/or prepregs were similarly bonded to 301 steel substrates in an overlapping region. Both configurations were subjected to single lap shear tests following ASTM D3165 standards to assess the mechanical performance of each bonding method. The post‐test interface damage and fracture mechanisms were analyzed using optical microscopy, providing insights into the failure modes for each joint type. This study offers comprehensive experimental data on various joining techniques that can be useful during the initial design phase of aerospace systems, ultimately resulting in cost savings. The findings of this study, when analyzed from an industrial standpoint, indicate that co‐curing offers a promising solution due to its affordability and simplicity, making it especially advantageous for CFRP/301 steel overlap joining when combined with adhesive films.

Highlights

Co‐curing, co‐bonding, and secondary bonding techniques were applied to CFRP/steel joints in real aircraft components.

The CFRP/CFRP joints obtained via co‐curing exhibited improved thermal stability and strength.

Peel ply surface preparation enhanced adhesion the strength of the CFRP/CFRP bonded samples.

Cohesion failure was observed in adhesive joints, with no failure at the bond lines.
The COVID‐19 pandemic‐induced behavioral restrictions and their impact on child and adolescent psychiatric units—Infection control or freedom
Authors: Usami Masahide , Sasaki Yoshinori , Ichikawa Mayuna , Matsudo Miki , Ohashi Mutsumi , Higashino Yui , Kono Yusuke , Matsudo Haruna , Nomura Yuki , Ma Minjae , Sakoh Yuuki , Odaka Maiko , Itagaki Kotoe , Yamamoto Keita , Takahashi Momoka , Yoshimura Yuta , Inoue Saori , Ishida Masahiro , Inazaki Kumi , Hakoshima Yuki , Mizumoto Yuki
Published: December 2024

Aim

This study examines the impact of COVID‐19 pandemic‐induced behavioral restrictions on child psychiatric inpatients in Japan, particularly focusing on limitations placed on outings and overnight stays as infection‐control measures.

Methods

Data were collected from inpatients from the children's mental health registry between January 2016 and December 2022. The clinical data, such as age, gender, diagnosis, result of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, frequency of outings and overnight stays before and after the pandemic, were compared.

Results

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, the decrease in both outings and overnight stays among child psychiatric inpatients in Japan was statistically significant. As a result, home interactions with families decreased. In addition, diagnoses of hospitalized children increased significantly in cases of eating disorders and decreased in diagnoses of autism spectrum disorders.

Conclusion

These results underscore the need for flexible, individualized approaches to infection control that consider the mental health of hospitalized children.
The hepcidin‐ferroportin axis influences mitochondrial function, proliferation, and migration in pulmonary artery endothelial and smooth muscle cells
Authors: Issitt Theo , Toe Quezia K. , Pedersen Sofia L. , Shackshaft Thomas , Ghazaly Maziah Mohd , West Laura , Arnold Nadine D. , Mahomed Abdul , Kagugube George W. , Ramakrishnan Latha , Lawrie Allan , Quinlan Gregory J. , Wort S. John
Published: December 2024

Elevated circulating hepcidin levels have been reported in patients with pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH). Hepcidin has been shown to promote proliferation of human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) in vitro, suggesting a potential role in PAH pathogenesis. However, the role of human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAECs) as either a source of hepcidin, or the effect of hepcidin on PAEC function is not as well described. The objective of this study was to define the role of the hepcidin‐ferroportin axis on the phenotype of PAEC and to study potential PAEC‐PASMC interactions relevant to the pathogenesis of pulmonary vascular remodeling and PAH. PAECs treated with hepcidin, or interleukin‐6 were investigated for both ferroportin and hepcidin release and regulation using immunofluorescence, mRNA levels and cellular release assays. Effects of hepcidin on PASMC and PAEC mitochondrial function was investigated using immunofluorescence and seahorse assay. Migration and proliferation of PASMCs treated with conditioned media from hPAEC treated with hepcidin was investigated using the xCELLigence system and other tools. We demonstrate in this study that PAECs express ferroportin; hepcidin treatment of PAECs resulted in mitochondrial iron accumulation and intracellular hepcidin biosynthesis and release. Conditioned media from hepcidin treated PAECs caused PASMCs to down‐regulate ferroportin expression whilst promoting migration and proliferation. Inhibition of hepcidin in PAEC conditioned media limited these responses. PASMC cellular and mitochondrial iron retention are associated with migratory and proliferative responses. This study confirms that the hepcidin ferroportin axis is present and operational in PAECs. Modulation of this axis shows distinct differences in responses seen between PAECS and PASMCs. Stimulation of this axis in PAECs with hepcidin may well institute proliferative and migratory responses in PASMCs of relevance to pathogenesis of PAH offering potential novel therapeutic targets.
Carboxymethyl‐Based Ionic Liquid Engineering for Efficient and Stable Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhao Pan , Xiang Linhu , Gou Yunsheng , Yang Xiangyu , Tang Shiying , Yuan Chunlong , wang Bin , Yu Hua
Published: December 2024

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have garnered significant attention due to their tunable bandgap, superior charge carrier properties, and easy fabrication processes, making them highly efficient energy conversion devices. Despite these advantages, nonradiative recombination due to defects in the perovskite layer continues to limit performance. This study addresses this issue by introducing 1‐CarboxyMethyl‐3‐MethylImidazolium chloride (ImAcCl) into precursor solution to enhance film quality and suppress defect‐induced recombination. The carboxylate groups (CO) and hydrogen donors (NH) in ImAcCl form coordination and hydrogen bonds, helping to reduce defect density of the perovskite film. Additive ImAcCl improves crystallinity, reduces surface roughness, and enhances charge carrier transport, leading to higher photovoltaic performance. With the ImAcCl additive, the power conversion efficiency and short‐circuit current of PSCs significantly improve by 23.92% and 25.35 mA cm−2, with a notable reduction in nonradiative recombination losses. This study highlights the significant potential of ImAcCl as an effective additive for defect passivation in PSCs, offering a promising pathway toward further efficiency improvements in next‐generation solar cells.
Science teachers' perceptions and practice of uncertainty in science learning: The changes experienced after engaging in a practice‐based professional development
Authors: Starrett Emily , Jordan Michelle , Chen Ying‐Chih , Meza‐Torres Carlos , Park Jongchan
Published: December 2024

Grappling with uncertainty is an essential element of students' science learning and sense‐making processes, yet literature is limited regarding how teachers can facilitate and use student scientific uncertainty as a pedagogical resource in their classrooms. Furthermore, progress on pedagogical practice depends on both the ability to notice one's perceptions and engage in opportunities to experience and reflect on new instructional approaches. To date, there are few professional development experiences explored in literature that explicitly aim to enhance teachers' awareness and pedagogical practice regarding the use and facilitation of student scientific uncertainty. As such, this qualitative study follows a group of 11 middle school science teachers before and after participating in a week‐long practice‐based professional development (P‐BPD) specifically designed to foster teachers' ability to use student uncertainty as a pedagogical resource. Interviews were conducted and analyzed prior to the P‐BPD, immediately after the P‐BPD, and the year following to measure shifts in perceptions over time. Additionally, classroom practice was observed both before and the year following the P‐BPD. Overall, we found that teachers' awareness of how to use student scientific uncertainty grew both in their expressed perceptions and in their observed classroom enactment. After engaging in the P‐BPD, many teachers expressed an enhanced awareness of the productive potential uncertainty can have, as well as increased understanding of potential sources and responses to student uncertainty. Additionally, in the post‐implementation observations, most of the teachers demonstrated more diverse use of uncertainty navigation strategies, intentionally raising, maintaining, and reducing scientific uncertainty more often. Teachers were observed using student ideas and uncertainties to drive the trajectory of their lessons more consistently. Notably, we report counterexamples for teachers who demonstrated less or no shifts in perceptions or practice. Furthermore, teachers explicitly identified experiences from the P‐BPD that fostered shifts in both their perceptions and practice.
Investigation of the Occurrence of Zoonotic Intestinal Parasites along the Karmanasa River Bank in Lalitpur, Nepal
Authors: Adhikari Roshan Babu , Ghimire Diksha , Ghimire Tirth Raj
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Increasing urbanization has particularly affected rivers and their outer edges in cities, including Kathmandu Valley, which encompasses Lalitpur, the nation's third‐largest city. This study aims to conduct a parasitological survey to investigate the occurrence of zoonotic intestinal protozoa and helminths along the Karmanasa River bank in central Nepal.

Methods

Faecal samples from openly defaecating animals were collected via non‐invasive techniques, and coproscopy was carried out using direct wet mount, concentration and acid‐fast staining methods to ensure reliable findings.

Results

The findings showed that all the faecal samples were positive for intestinal parasites as follows: buffaloes (15/15), cats (5/5), cattle (30/30), chickens (7/7), dogs (15/15), goats (15/15), pigs (20/20) and rats (12/12). A total of 28 intestinal parasites were reported, out of which 21 species possess zoonotic potentialities, and each host was reported to harbour at least one zoonotic parasite. Entamoeba sp., Cryptosporidium sp., hookworm, Trichuris sp., Trichostrongylus and Balantidium coli were among the predominant zoonotic parasites. The use of the landscape for livestock grazing and the presence of free‐ranging animals could have all added to the zoonotic risks. Moreover, the excretion of a moderate to large number of zoonotic parasite eggs in the faecal samples indicates a transmission risk.

Conclusions

The study detected 21 species of intestinal zoonotic parasites circulating along the landscape in the study area, indicating a higher risk of cross‐transmission. Therefore, strategic treatment of livestock and free‐ranging animals and periodic public health awareness programs for the local inhabitants are highly recommended.
A Global Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Giardia duodenalis in Rabbits: Epidemiology, Genetic Diversity and Possible Zoonotic Concerns
Authors: Asghari Ali , Mohammadi Mohammad Reza , Naseri Leila , Shamsi Laya , Badri Milad , Pouryousef Ali
Published: December 2024

Background

Giardia duodenalis is a pathogenic protozoan responsible for gastrointestinal infections in various hosts, including rabbits. Understanding its epidemiology, genetic diversity and zoonotic implications is vital for public health and veterinary medicine. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to synthesize global data on the prevalence of G. duodenalis in rabbit populations, assess the genetic diversity of the isolates and evaluate the associated zoonotic potential.

Methods

We conducted a thorough literature search across multiple databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar) for studies published until 18 October 2024. Only peer‐reviewed articles reporting original research on G. duodenalis in rabbits were included. We extracted data on prevalence rates, testing times, publication years, countries, continents, WHO regions, diagnostic methods, genes used, assemblages and sub‐assemblages. A meta‐analysis using random‐effects models was performed to calculate pooled prevalence rates, with the I2 index used to assess heterogeneity.

Results

A total of 26 studies/datasets were analysed, covering data from 5543 rabbits across 15 countries. The estimated pooled prevalence of G. duodenalis in rabbits was 12.1% (95% CI: 7%–20%), with substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 96.5%). Geographic analysis showed higher prevalence rates in Africa and the AFR WHO region (72.3%, 95% CI: 61.7%–80.8%). Genetic analysis revealed three zoonotic assemblages (A, B and E) and two zoonotic sub‐assemblages (AI and BIV) of G. duodenalis in rabbits, highlighting concerns over zoonotic transmission.

Conclusions

The findings highlight the global presence and genetic diversity of G. duodenalis in rabbits, indicating potential zoonotic risks. Ongoing monitoring and research are essential to clarify the transmission dynamics and public health implications of G. duodenalis in these animals. Raising awareness among pet owners, veterinarians and public health officials is vital to mitigate potential zoonosis.
Electrification of Heating—Requirements for Successful Wide‐Scale Deployment
Authors: Hewitt Neil James
Published: December 2024

Electrification is potentially the most efficient method of decarbonization of space, water, and in certain instances, process heating through the deployment of electrically driven heat pumps. However, challenges are noted in terms of electricity network capacity that ultimately must influence a holistic approach to building/process heating demand reductions which in turn must influence heat pump development, heat pump operations, heat pump capital cost, and the role of thermal storage. Approaches to these challenges are presented from a global and, a UK and Ireland perspective, as for the UK and Ireland, it is often muted that the electricity network is less well suited to addressing the electrification of heating. Thus, this work will consider the likely cost‐effective heat demand reductions in buildings and processes, how might heat pumps operate in future electricity markets and systems, how can we make heat pumps cheaper to purchase and cheaper to operate and what is the role and type of energy storage in terms of demand side management. Thermal energy storage will be considered for space heating (30°C–80°C), water heating (60°C+ to negate legionella), and lower temperature industrial process (up to e.g., 300°C). Furthermore, an analysis of a UK housing development is presented as a retrofit case study for social housing, illustrating the impacts of the electricity network, and approaches that can be taken, for example, thermal storage, to minimize such impacts. Higher temperature systems will be considered for process applications.
Investigating the effects of material density on strain rates in pressurized rotational cylinders
Authors: Gulial Priya , Thakur Pankaj
Published: December 2024

This study investigates strain rates in internally pressurized rotating cylinders with varying density, using Norton's law to analyze the effects of anisotropy and the creep law exponent n. The research is significant for optimizing the design and durability of such cylinders in engineering applications. A detailed analysis revealed distinct strain rate patterns among anisotropic materials Types I and II exhibited lower circumferential strain rates compared to isotropic Type III materials, while Types I and III showed reduced axial strain rates relative to isotropic Type II materials. These findings suggest that anisotropic Types I and II materials offer superior stress‐related performance, enhancing the durability of cylinders under pressure and rotation. The study's novelty lies in its comprehensive examination of anisotropy's influence on strain rates, extending beyond prior work by demonstrating how specific anisotropic materials outperform isotropic ones in reducing deformation and improving structural resilience.
The Interaction Between IIAs and DTCs: Potential for Overlap and Reform Proposals
Authors: Olmedo Javier García
Published: December 2024

Most IIAs do not exclude taxation from their scope of application and are silent on their relationship with DTCs. This means that investors can be protected against tax-related measures adopted by host states that violate the IIA’s substantive protections, including measures that may simultaneously fall within the scope a DTC signed by the host state. This paper explores the extent to which ISDS claims involving domestic tax policies have the potential to overlap with the subject matter covered by DTCs and MAPs. In doing so, it will examine recent cases that illustrate such potential for interaction. It will then make suggestions in the form of treaty drafting approaches that states can adopt in their IIAs to regulate possible conflicts between the two regimes.
Required minimal protein domain of flower for synaptobrevin2 endocytosis in cytotoxic T cells
Authors: Ravichandran Keerthana , Schirra Claudia , Urbansky Katja , Tu Szu-Min , Alawar Nadia , Mannebach Stefanie , Krause Elmar , Stevens David , Lancaster C. Roy D. , Flockerzi Veit , Rettig Jens , Chang Hsin-Fang , Becherer Ute
Published: December 2024

Flower, a highly conserved protein, crucial for endocytosis and cellular fitness, has been implicated in cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) killing efficiency through its role in cytotoxic granule (CG) endocytosis at the immune synapse (IS). This study explores the molecular cues that govern Flower-mediated CG endocytosis by analyzing uptake of Synaptobrevin2, a protein specific to CG in mouse CTL. Using immunogold electron microscopy and total internal fluorescence microscopy, we found that Flower translocates in a stimulus-dependent manner from small vesicles to the IS, thereby ensuring specificity in CG membrane protein recycling. Using confocal live-cell imaging, we assessed the ability of a range of naturally occurring mouse, human and Drosophila isoforms to rescue defective endocytosis in Flower KO CTLs. This analysis demonstrated that the N-terminal portion of the protein, encompassing amino acids 1–106 in mice, is the minimal domain necessary for Synaptobrevin2 endocytosis. Additionally, we identified two pivotal sites through site-specific mutation: a putative AP2-binding site, and a tyrosine at position 104 in mouse Flower. These findings provide insights into Flower's specific functional domain essential for CG endocytosis, which is a key process in mediating T cell serial killing required for the effective fight against cancer.
Covariance-Modulated Optimal Transport and Gradient Flows
Authors: Burger Martin , Erbar Matthias , Hoffmann Franca , Matthes Daniel , Schlichting André
Published: December 2024

We study a variant of the dynamical optimal transport problem in which the energy to be minimised is modulated by the covariance matrix of the distribution. Such transport metrics arise naturally in mean-field limits of certain ensemble Kalman methods for solving inverse problems. We show that the transport problem splits into two coupled minimization problems: one for the evolution of mean and covariance of the interpolating curve and one for its shape. The latter consists in minimising the usual Wasserstein length under the constraint of maintaining fixed mean and covariance along the interpolation. We analyse the geometry induced by this modulated transport distance on the space of probabilities as well as the dynamics of the associated gradient flows. Those show better convergence properties in comparison to the classical Wasserstein metric in terms of exponential convergence rates independent of the Gaussian target. On the level of the gradient flows a similar splitting into the evolution of moments and shapes of the distribution can be observed.