bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiobjective Phase‐Wise Teaching Learning–Based Optimization With No‐Wait Time Heuristic for Job Shop Scheduling Problem
Authors: Kommadath Remya , Maharana Debasis , Kotecha Prakash
Published: February 2025

This study proposes a multiobjective variant of the phase‐wise teaching learning–based optimization algorithm, namely Non‐dominated Sorting phase‐wise Teaching Learning–Based Optimization (NSpTLBO), for solving the multiobjective job shop scheduling problems with unrelated parallel machines. The proposed technique is integrated with a no‐wait time heuristic mechanism that reschedules the jobs assigned to the machines so as to minimize the constraint violation. Such an approach is implemented to facilitate the determination of feasible solutions in the earlier iterations of the metaheuristic technique. The efficacy of the proposed multiobjective technique is tested on job shop scheduling problems having jobs with release and due time. The performance of the proposed NSpTLBO and the hybrid NSpTLBO heuristic mechanism is compared against five multiobjective metaheuristic and hybrid metaheuristic‐heuristic techniques. Based on the hypervolume and coverage metric, the performance of NSpTLBO with the heuristic mechanism is observed to be competitive compared with other algorithms as well as with its stand‐alone version. This study has found the presence of the heuristic mechanism to be beneficial to all the multiobjective metaheuristic techniques in determining better‐converged and diversified solutions against their stand‐alone algorithms as hybrid techniques have provided a better hypervolume ratio than their stand‐alone counterpart.
Recent Progress of Round‐the‐Clock Photocatalytic System in Environmental and Energy Applications: A Review
Authors: Li Bo , Liu Xiao‐jing , Zhu Hao‐wen , Guan Hua‐peng , Guo Rui‐tang
Published: February 2025

The prevailing overdependence on fossil fuels contributes to energy supply instability and pronounced price volatility. The combustion of these fuels emits considerable greenhouse gases and pollutants, further deteriorating the climate and environment. In response, Round‐the‐Clock Photocatalytic Systems (RTCPs) have emerged as a viable technological solution, attracting significant research interest due to their convenience, sustainability, and environmental benefits etc. which act as “photo‐batteries” facilitate catalytic processes in the absence of light, offering continuous operation. Given the considerable potential of RTCPs, a timely examination of recent advancements is essential to optimize efforts. This review delineates the fundamental mechanisms of RTCPs, explores innovative strategies and current developments, and addresses the challenges of scaling up production. It aims to provide new insights and serve as a foundational reference for future research on RTCPs.
Population‐Based Validation Results From the Drug Repurposing for Effective Alzheimer's Medicines (DREAM) Study
Authors: Desai Rishi J. , Varma Vijay R. , Mahesri Mufaddal , Lee Su Been , Freedman Ariel , Gerhard Tobias , Segal Jodi , Vine Seanna , Ritchey Mary Beth E. , Horton Daniel B. , Thambisetty Madhav
Published: February 2025

We evaluated whether drugs approved for other indications that also target metabolic drivers of Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (ADRD) pathogenesis are associated with delayed onset of ADRD. Using routinely collected healthcare data from two population‐based data sources from the US (Medicare) and UK (CPRD), we conducted active comparator, new‐user cohort studies. Four alternate analytic and design specifications were implemented: (1) an as‐treated follow‐up approach, (2) an as‐started follow‐up approach incorporating a 6‐month induction period, (3) incorporating a 6‐month symptom to diagnosis period to account for misclassification of ADRD onset, and (4) identifying ADRD through symptomatic prescriptions and diagnosis codes. Of the 10 drug pairs evaluated, hydrochlorothiazide vs. dihydropyridine CCBs showed meaningful reductions in 3 out of 4 analyses that addressed specific biases including informative censoring, reverse causality, and outcome misclassification (pooled hazard ratios [95% confidence intervals] across Medicare and CPRD: 0.81 [0.75–0.88] in Analysis 1, 0.98 [0.92–1.06] in Analysis 2, 0.83 [0.75–0.91] in Analysis 3, 0.75 [0.65–0.85] in Analysis 4). Amiloride vs. triamterene, although less precise, also suggested a potential reduction in risk in 3 out of 4 analyses (0.86 [0.66–1.11] in Analysis 1, 0.98 [0.79–1.23] in Analysis 2, 0.74 [0.54–1.00] in Analysis 3, 0.61 [0.36–1.05] in Analysis 4). Other analyses suggested likely no major differences in risk (probenecid, salbutamol, montelukast, propranolol/carvedilol, and anastrozole) or had limited precision precluding a definitive conclusion (semaglutide, ciloztozol, levetiracetam). Future replication studies should be considered to validate our findings.
Chat GPT vs. Clinical Decision Support Systems in the Analysis of Drug–Drug Interactions
Authors: Bischof Thorsten , al Jalali Valentin , Zeitlinger Markus , Jorda Anselm , Hana Michelle , Singeorzan Karla‐Nikita , Riesenhuber Nikolaus , Stemer Gunar , Schoergenhofer Christian
Published: February 2025

The current standard method for the analysis of potential drug–drug interactions (pDDIs) is time‐consuming and includes the use of multiple clinical decision support systems (CDSSs) and the interpretation by healthcare professionals. With the emergence of large language models developed with artificial intelligence, an interesting alternative arose. This retrospective study included 30 patients with polypharmacy, who underwent a pDDI analysis between October 2022 and August 2023, and compared the performance of Chat GPT and established CDSSs (MediQ®, Lexicomp®, Micromedex®) in the analysis of pDDIs. A multidisciplinary team interpreted the obtained results and decided upon clinical relevance and assigned severity grades using three categories: (i) contraindicated, (ii) severe, (iii) moderate. The expert review identified a total of 280 clinically relevant pDDIs (3 contraindications, 13 severe, 264 moderate) using established CDSSs, compared with 80 pDDIs (2 contraindications, 5 severe, 73 moderate) using Chat GPT. Chat GPT almost entirely neglected pDDIs with the risk to QTc prolongation (85 vs. 8), which could also not be sufficiently improved by using a specific prompt. To assess the consistency of the results provided by Chat GPT, we repeated each query and found inconsistent results in 90% of the cases. In contrast, Chat GPT provided acceptable and comprehensible recommendations for specific questions on side effects. The use of Chat GPT for the identification of pDDIs cannot be recommended currently, because clinically relevant pDDIs were not detected, there were obvious errors and results were inconsistent. However, if these limitations are addressed accordingly, it is a promising platform for the future.
Optimally Distinctive Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy: How Strategic Conformity and Differentiation Contribute to Entrepreneurial Firm Performance
Authors: Zhou Jian , Lu Yawei , Wu Zexin , Wang Hongyun
Published: February 2025

In the high‐quality economic development context, businesses' implementation of a corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy not only enhance legitimacy but also offers differentiation competitive advantages. However, entrepreneurial firms, constrained by their liability of newness, also face highly complex and uncertain external environments, necessitating a thoughtful consideration of their CSR strategy orientation. This paper, based on the optimal distinctiveness (OD) theory, empirically examines the impact of conformity and differentiation of CSR strategy on entrepreneurial firm performance and explores environmental uncertainty's moderating effect. The results reveal a U‐shaped relationship between strategic conformity and entrepreneurial firm performance, and an inverted U‐shaped relationship between strategic differentiation and entrepreneurial firm performance. Moreover, environmental dynamism weakens the U‐shaped relationship between strategic conformity and entrepreneurial firm performance, whereas environmental munificence strengthens the inverted U‐shaped relationship between strategic differentiation and entrepreneurial firm performance. This study expands the applicability boundaries of OD theory and provides a more dialectical perspective for entrepreneurial firms seeking to implement CSR strategy in the entrepreneurial context.
Locomotor Response to Novelty: What Does It Tell Us?
Authors: Kirschmann Erin K. , Smith Tracy T. , Shold Jenna N. , Donny Eric C. , Sved Alan F. , Thiels Edda
Published: February 2025

Individual differences in response strategies may be utilized to identify those at risk for the development of neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, and substance use. One behavioral attribute that has been used to predict later mood disorders and substance use disorders is an organism's predisposition for novelty‐seeking, modeled in rodents as increased exploration of novel environments or stimuli. Despite documented correlations of locomotor response to a novel environment and disease‐specific tendencies, it remains unclear whether the “response to novelty trait” is stable across time and environments. Adolescence is an important transitional time, associated with vulnerability for neuropsychiatric disorders. Only a few studies have assessed whether variations in novelty‐seeking behaviors in adolescent animals translate to variations of susceptibility to neuropsychiatric disorders later in life, and it is unclear whether initial locomotor responses to novelty are stable across time and development. We examined whether locomotor response to a novel environment is a stable attribute across time in a series of Open Field tests in early adolescent (postnatal day [p] 23–25) late adolescent (p58–59) and adult (p72 and older) male Sprague–Dawley rats. We also examined the relation between the locomotor response to a novel environment and other measures of responding to novelty. Results suggest that locomotor response to a novel environment does not emerge as a stable behavioral attribute until late adolescence. They also suggest that locomotor response to a novel environment and novelty‐seeking, as assessed with the Novelty Place Preference paradigm, capture nonoverlapping behavioral tendencies.
Effects of Emotional Violence Experienced by Fathers From Their Partners in the Postpartum Period on Depression Level and Father–Infant Attachment
Authors: Tokgöz Kekeç Havva , Dikmen Hacer Alan
Published: February 2025

This study was conducted to examine the effects of emotional violence experienced by fathers from their partners in the postpartum period on fathers' depression level and father–infant attachment. The data of this descriptive and correlational study were collected from 350 fathers of infants aged 3–12 months in the postpartum period. Data were collected using a personal information form, the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS), and the Paternal–Infant Attachment Questionnaire (PIAQ). The independent‐sample t‐test, the chi‐square test, Fisher's Exact Test, the Fisher Freeman Halton test and Linear Regression were used for the data analyzes. The rate of emotional violence experienced by the fathers was 43%. Fathers who were exposed to emotional violence by their spouses had higher EPDS total scores (p = 0.001), while their PIAQ total scores (p = 0.001) were statistically significantly lower (p < 0.01). A weak and statistically significant correlation was found between EPDS total scores and PIAQ total scores (r = –0.357, p = 0.001). According to linear regression analysis, the effect of emotional violence on fathers' depression level (p < 0.001) and father–infant attachment level (p < 0.001) was statistically significant. Health professionals should identify the perpetrators and victims of violence and refer them to relevant rehabilitative resources for the welfare of families and newborns.
The Assembly of Fish Gut Microbiomes Through Habitat Variation Provides Insight Into Redbelly Tilapia Invading a Large Subtropical River
Authors: Liu Yaqiu , Li Xinhui , Li Yuefei , Li Huifeng , Li Jie
Published: February 2025

The environment in which fish reside markedly shapes the composition of their gut microbiome. However, the precise mechanisms by which the assembly process of fish gut microbiota adapts to diverse habitat conditions remain largely uncharted, especially in the case of invasive tilapia, renowned for its remarkable adaptability to environmental changes. In this study, we employed high‐throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing to explore the gut microbiome of redbelly tilapia from three distinct habitats. Our results showed substantial disparities in both the composition and diversity (alpha and beta) of the gut microbiome between wild and pond‐cultured redbelly tilapia. Notably, stochastic processes emerged as the dominant forces governing the assembly of the gut microbial community in redbelly tilapia. As the habitat shifted from pond‐cultured to wild, the influence of undominated processes in gut microbial community assembly waned, while the effect of dispersal limitation intensified. Co‐occurrence network analysis suggested that habitat variation contributed to the enhanced complexity of the gut microbial network in invasive tilapia during their transition from pond to wild environments. Across the three distinct habitats, variations were observed in the influence of environmental factors on the gut microbiota of tilapia. Moreover, our findings demonstrated that the gut microbiome of wild tilapia possessed unique characteristics, such as higher alpha diversity and a relatively greater abundance of genes encoding putative cellulolytic enzymes crucial for digesting the preferred food source of tilapia (hydrophytes), particularly in fragmented habitats with well‐developed cascade dams. Additionally, we identified that OTU8895 (Clostridum_sensu_stricto_1) and OTU11387 (unclassified Bacilli) were core biomarkers of the gut bacterial community in wild redbelly tilapia, offering valuable insights for the monitoring and management of invasive tilapia populations.
Optimizing eDNA Metabarcoding Techniques for Assessing Arthropod Communities in Tree‐Related Microhabitats
Authors: Shuvo Mohammad Jamil , Tabassum Tasmina , Segelbacher Gernot
Published: February 2025

Understanding the diversity and ecological roles of arthropods within tree‐related microhabitats (TreMs) is crucial for forest ecosystem conservation and management. In our study, we aimed to identify the most effective environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding approach for capturing ecologically important arthropod species primarily inhabiting the near‐ground‐level TreMs. We evaluated the use of COI and 16S primers for eDNA metabarcoding and compared direct and indirect eDNA sampling methods, including lying deadwood sediment sampling (LDS), standing deadwood sediment sampling (SDS), soil sampling (SS), and tree surface roller sampling (TSRS). Our results indicated significant biases and challenges, particularly in primer selection, with COI outperforming 16S in taxonomic resolution for most arthropod taxa. Our TSRS method effectively captured 408 OTUs at the species level, with the highest number of ecologically significant arthropods associated with TreMs compared to other approaches. Direct sampling from sediments revealed a higher abundance of fungi than arthropods, impacting diversity estimates. We also observed habitat‐specific preferences among arthropods, with certain sampling methods capturing distinct taxa. Our findings underscore the importance of carefully selecting sampling methods and validating primers in eDNA metabarcoding studies and provide insights into the complexity of arthropod communities in TreMs. Optimized methods will advance monitoring techniques for forest ecosystems and inform conservation efforts to preserve arthropod diversity in TreMs.
Is Policy Coherence Leaving No One Behind? Analyzing Gender Inequality in the Governance of the Sustainable Development Goals in India
Authors: Theeuwes Nikki J. J. , Vijge Marjanneke J. , Beumer Koen
Published: February 2025

The pledge to Leave No One Behind is central to the 2030 Agenda and cuts across all the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To realize this cross‐sectoral approach to inequality, policy coherence is considered an important tool. This article questions whether and how policy coherence leaves no one behind. We focus on the often‐overlooked politics of policy coherence by studying gender inequalities in institutions, interests, and ideas in subnational governance processes for SDG implementation in India. Our findings show that policy coherence does not automatically reach the furthest behind in India. Despite ambitions to Leave No One Behind, SDG policy coherence processes are built around pre‐existing, unequal and often siloed government structures, interests, and ideas. While this enhances national ownership, it also perpetuates inequalities in SDG policy coherence processes, including around gender. We argue that paradoxically, in seeking to implement all the SDGs equally for all, countries need to prioritize between competing goals in which historically prioritized institutions, interests, and ideas prevail over others. The article raises important questions about the universal applicability of policy coherence as means to achieve the SDGs and calls for further research on the synergies and trade‐offs between policy coherence and Leave No One Behind in different (sub)national contexts.
Waste‐Derived Activated Carbon for Supercapacitors: Current Trends and Future Prospects
Authors: Rajput Shailendra , Tyagi Varee , Sonika  , Nayak Ratikanta , Verma Sushil Kumar
Published: February 2025

The primary challenge for supercapacitor technology lies in achieving battery‐level performance while reducing costs. Enhancing energy density involves strategic adjustments such as increasing capacitance, reliance on electrode–electrolyte interactions, or boosting cell voltage, dependent on electrolyte stability. Thus, optimizing energy density requires careful electrode material design and electrolyte selection. Because of their abundant availability, exceptional performance, and simple processing methods, various naturally occurring bio‐wastes and industrial wastes have been explored for the production of activated carbon for supercapacitors. Additionally, agricultural by‐products such as sugarcane bagasse, rice husk, tea waste, coconut shell, peanut shell, lotus stem, and hemp fiber show promise as raw materials for graphene synthesis. Life cycle assessments beyond greenhouse gas emissions and energy efficiency, along with calibrated evaluation techniques and techno‐economic analyses, are essential for meaningful sustainability comparisons. The rapid expansion of the bioenergy sector underscores the need for responsible management and sustainability evaluations. This article emphasizes the potential of waste‐derived activated carbon as a sustainable and efficient electrode material for supercapacitors.
Does the Quality of Political Institutions Matter for the Effectiveness of Environmental Taxes? An Empirical Analysis on CO2 Emissions
Authors: Baiardi Donatella , Scabrosetti Simona
Published: February 2025

Focusing on a sample of 39 countries in the period 1996–2017, we analyze whether the relationship between environmental taxes and CO2 emissions depends on the quality of political institutions. Our results show that an increase in the environmental tax revenue is related to a reduction in CO2 emissions only in countries with more consolidated democratic institutions, higher civil society participation, and less corrupt governments. Moreover, the relationship between CO2 emissions and revenue neutral shifts to different tax sources depends not only on the quality of political institutions, but also on the kind of externality the policymaker aims at correcting.
Pre‐fabricated TRC Panels Versus TRM Jacketing for Integrating Seismic and Energy Retrofitting: Bi‐Directional Shaking Table Tests on Three Masonry‐Infilled RC Buildings
Authors: Baek Eun Rim , Pohoryles Daniel Alexander , Bournas Dionysios A.
Published: February 2025

Two novel integrated seismic and energy retrofitting solutions for existing buildings are experimentally assessed in this study. Three 60%‐scaled, two‐storey infilled reinforced concrete buildings underwent a series of bi‐directional shaking table tests. The control building represented a part of a typical Korean school building with seismic design deficiencies and suffered out‐of‐plane (OOP) failure of the second‐storey infill panels at maximum considered earthquake. Two retrofitting schemes based on textile‐reinforced cement‐based composites were evaluated as follows: (1) newly developed ‘textile capillary‐tube panels’ (TCPs), namely pre‐fabricated textile‐reinforced concrete (TRC) with integrated capillary tubes, and (2) a combination of textile‐reinforced mortar (TRM) with thermal insulation. Additionally, the presence of openings in the infills, as well as the effect of different types of anchorage of the textile reinforcement were studied. At the design level earthquake, both retrofitted buildings presented next to no damage, compared to the control structure that was in a state of near‐collapse. The retrofitted structures reached double the intensity of the design earthquake, with the shaking table reaching its maximum acceleration capacity, yet no irreversible damage was observed. The strength increase for both retrofitted buildings was +110% compared to the un‐retrofitted building in the direction with openings, in which both buildings were retrofitted with TRM. For the fully infilled direction, the TRM‐retrofitted building recorded more than double the inter‐storey drifts compared to the TCP‐retrofit, and reached its peak strength (+120% compared to the control building). The TCP‐retrofitted building, instead, displayed a stiffer response with reduced deformations due to the carbon textiles employed in the precast panels. For both retrofits OOP damage was prevented, also demonstrated by the measured accelerations at the centre of the infills.
Discipline matters: A disciplinary comparison of university students' course experience and learning outcomes in China
Authors: Meng Xuanyi , Guo Yangyang , Wang Wenyan , Yin Hongbiao
Published: February 2025

Disciplinary difference is an important issue for the research on student learning in higher education. Based on responses from 2104 Chinese undergraduates, the study utilized a quantitative research approach to examinng the disciplinary differences in terms of course experience and its relations to two desirable learning outcomes (overall satisfaction and academic efficacy [AC]) for students majoring in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and humanities and social sciences (HSS). Specifically, course experience consisted of six dimensions: clear goals, generic skills, emphasis on independence, good teaching, appropriate workload, and appropriate assessment. The results of structural equation modeling showed that some similar relations existed between students majoring in STEM or HSS. For instance, clear goals could not predict overall satisfaction or AC, while generic skills were significantly related to both; appropriate workload could negatively affect AC of students with different majors. Meanwhile, several significant differences in the relationships between course experience and learning outcomes also appeared. The effects of emphasis on independence, good teaching, and appropriate workload on learning outcomes were distinct between STEM and HSS students. For instance, emphasis on independence was positively related to STEM students' overall satisfaction but had no significant effect on HSS students' satisfaction. These differences may result from the significant distinctions in learning contents, aims, and strategies between STEM and HSS disciplines. These findings not only enrich current literature on university students' learning experience, but also provide implications for improving teaching and learning in higher education institutions in the post‐pandemic era.
Challenging Conventional Perceptions of Oncogenes and Tumor Suppressor Genes: A Comprehensive Analysis of Gene Expression Patterns in Cancer
Authors: Zou Mingyuan , Qiu Li , Wu Wentao , Liu Hui , Xiao Han , Liu Jun
Published: February 2025

Identifying genes involved in cancer is crucial for understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms of the disease and developing effective treatment strategies. Differential expression analysis (DEA) is the predominant method used to identify cancer‐related genes. This approach involves comparing gene expression levels between different samples, such as cancerous and non‐cancerous tissues, to identify genes that are significantly upregulated or downregulated in cancer. DEA is based on the commonly believed assumption that genes upregulated in cancerous tissues have the potential to function as oncogenes. Their expression levels often correlate with cancer advancement and unfavorable prognosis, whereas downregulated genes display the opposite correlation. However, contrary to the prevailing belief, our analysis utilizing The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases revealed that the upregulated or downregulated genes in cancer do not always align with cancer progression or prognosis. These findings emphasize the need for alternative approaches for identifying cancer‐related genes that may be more accurate and effective. To address this need, we compared the effectiveness of machine learning (ML) methods with that of traditional DEA in the identification of cancer‐related genes. ML algorithms have the advantage of being able to analyze large‐scale genomic data and identify complex patterns that may go unnoticed by traditional methods. Our results demonstrated that ML methods significantly outperformed DEA in the screening of cancer‐related genes.
Strategic Coding in the Assessment of Long‐Term Care Needs: Evidence From France
Authors: Roy Delphine
Published: February 2025

There is strong evidence of “upcoding” whereby health care providers overstate the severity of disease to increase billing revenue. Much less is known about strategic coding in the assessment of patient eligibility for long‐term care. This paper takes advantage of a unique French linked survey dataset to document how patient assessment depends critically on the incentives of the assessing agents. I find that nursing homes assess their patients to be more disabled (thus increasing their revenue) compared to community assessors who seek to minimize disability payments levels. Public hospital‐owned long‐term care facilities are more likely to overrate disability levels; there is also evidence that cognitively impaired or socially disadvantaged patients exhibit more disability upcoding. In the context of nursing homes, upcoding might be read as “side‐coding,” driven by flaws in the assessment tool that does not allow the care provider to adequately fund the time they spend on these patients. Conversely, assessors of patients living in the community could downcode disability to shift some of the care tasks to informal caregivers.
Response to luspatercept can be predicted and improves overall survival in the real‐life treatment of LR‐MDS
Authors: Consagra Angela , Lanino Luca , Al Ali Najla H. , Aguirre Luis , Xie Zhuoer , Chan Onyee , Andreossi Gloria , Raddi Marco G. , Rigodanza Luca , Sanna Alessandro , Mattiuz Giorgio , Tofacchi Elena , Amato Cristina , Tanturli Michele , De Pourcq Sven , Walker Alison , Kuykendall Andrew , Lancet Jeffrey , Padron Eric , Sallman David A. , Restuccia Francesco , Perego Alessandra , Ubezio Marta , Fattizzo Bruno , Riva Marta , Maggioni Giulia , Campagna Alessia , Della Porta Matteo G. , Santini Valeria , Komrokji Rami S.
Published: February 2025

We explored the impact of luspatercept therapy on overall survival (OS) and possible predictors of response in low‐risk (LR) myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) patients. We evaluated 331 anemic patients treated with luspatercept. Hematological response (HI) was defined as (i) hemoglobin (Hb) increase of ≥1.5 g/dL in nontransfusion‐dependent (NTD) patients, and (ii) red blood cell (RBC) transfusion independence (TI) with a concomitant Hb increase of ≥1.5 g/dL, or RBC‐TI without an Hb increase of 1.5 g/dL, or >50% reduction in RBC transfusion burden (TB) for TD patients. Response was observed in 166 patients (50.2%), with significantly higher response in NTD and low TB versus high TB patients (p < 0.001). A significant correlation between lower Molecular International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS‐M) risk scores and response was observed. No statistically significant difference in HI was found in SF3B1‐mutated versus wild‐type MDS patients (53.8% vs. 40.1%, respectively). SF3B1mut hotspots (K700E vs. others) and variant allele frequencies (VAFs; <38% VAF vs. ≥38% VAF) did not impact on HI. SF3B1‐mutated MDS with del5q showed inferior HI compared to other LR‐MDS (p = 0.046). The median treatment duration overall was 35 weeks (20.86–90.29), the median time to response was 11 weeks (8.71–21.86), and the median duration of response was 65 weeks (26.5–114). After a median follow‐up of 13 months, median OS was not reached (NR) for responders and 24 months for nonresponders (hazard ratio [HR] 0.25, 95% confidence interval 0.14–0.44, p < 0.001). This analysis of 331 luspatercept real‐life‐treated LR‐MDS patients demonstrated a significant OS benefit upon luspatercept response. Low baseline RBC‐TB and lower risk IPSS‐M scores correlated with higher HI and could constitute predictive markers of response.
Does Long‐Term Care Insurance Release the Unmet Long‐Term Care Needs and Promote Long‐Term Care Services? A Quasi‐Experimental Study in China
Authors: Zhang Liangwen , Li Sicheng , Fang Ya
Published: February 2025

Objective

Long‐term care insurance (LTCI) is a widely adopted approach to address the growing long‐term care (LTC) needs associated with ageing. Little is known about its effect on unmet LTC needs among different LTC populations in China. This study explored the effect of LTCI pilot programs on unmet LTC needs and their pathways among different LTC need populations in China.

Methods

Data were derived from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study 2013, 2015, and 2018. Difference‐in‐Difference methods were used to estimate the impact of LTCI on unmet LTC needs and informal LTC services. According to the degree of ADL or IADL needs, participants were categorised into broad, intermediate, and narrow LTC need populations.

Results

The unmet LTC needs increased in both broad, intermediate, and narrow LTC need populations, while informal LTC hours received decreased for the intermediate and narrow LTC need populations. Informal LTC was identified as a mediator, contributing to increased unmet LTC needs. With LTCI coverage, heterogeneity analysis showed a direct effect, resulting in a 72.1% reduction in informal LTC hours without an increase in unmet LTC needs. Additionally, a spillover effect led to a 35.7% reduction in informal LTC hours and an average increase of 0.133 unmet needs.

Conclusions

With the inadequate formal LTC services, the LTCI implementation decreased the informal LTC provision and further increased the unmet LTC needs in almost all LTC need populations. Only for individuals with severe disabilities LTCI effectively substituted the informal LTC provided by families. The government needs to improve the quality of formal LTC services to avoid increasing unmet LTC needs.
DNA methylation and copy number alterations in the progression of HPV‐associated high‐grade vulvar intraepithelial lesion
Authors: Runello Flavia , Jary Aude , Duin Sylvia , Kim Yongsoo , van Eer Kahren , Voss Féline O. , Thuijs Nikki B. , Bleeker Maaike C. G. , Steenbergen Renske D. M.
Published: February 2025

Human papillomavirus (HPV)‐associated high‐grade vulvar intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) is a precursor of vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC). Because of the 8% cancer risk, many vulvar HSIL patients undergo aggressive and mutilating treatments. Characterizing HSIL by their progression risk can help individualize treatment strategies. Accordingly, copy number alterations (CNAs) and DNA methylation have been identified as biomarkers for cancer risk stratification of HSIL. Here, we assessed their potential correlation, and relation to HPV16 (sub)lineages and progression to vulvar cancer. Eighty‐two vulvar formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) samples, including controls, HSIL, HSIL adjacent to VSCC and VSCC, with previously determined DNA methylation profiles, were analysed for CNAs using mFAST‐SeqS. Genome‐wide z‐scores were calculated to determine overall aneuploidy (aneuploidy scores), and compared to the methylation levels and status of marker panel ZNF582/SST/miR124‐2. For 52 HPV16‐positive cases, HPV (sub)lineages were determined by Sanger sequencing. HPV16 lineage A was predominant (86.4%), followed equally by lineages B, C, and D. Frequent chromosomal alterations included chr1pq, chr3q, chr9q gains, and chr2q, chr4q losses. Median aneuploidy scores increased across disease categories, from 0 in controls, to 3 in HSIL, 16 in HSIL adjacent to VSCC and 29 in VSCC. A positive relationship between aneuploidy scores and DNA methylation levels was found (ρ = 0.61, Spearman's rank correlation test). Aneuploidy scores were significantly higher in methylation‐positive samples (p < .001). In conclusion, we showed that DNA methylation and CNAs both rise with increasing severity of disease, indicating their prognostic value for cancer risk stratification of HSIL, while no relation to HPV16 (sub)lineages was found.
Development of a rubric to assess pharmacy regulatory models
Authors: Vernon Veronica P. , O'Connor Shanna , Seignemartin Brandy , Shipman Allie Jo , Akers Julie M. , Adams Jennifer L.
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Licensure of pharmacy personnel and facilities is overseen by state boards of pharmacy, which varies from state to state. Two broad approaches to the regulation of health care professions are bright line and standard of care. States in which pharmacists are able to deliver the broadest range of services to patients regulate pharmacy personnel using a standard of care regulatory model.

Objectives

The objective of this project was to build upon the previous benchmark published in 2021, the Pharmacy Regulatory Innovation Index, which focused on pharmacy personnel, to develop and validate an expanded rubric for assessing innovation in pharmacy regulation including personnel and facilities.

Methods

The Pharmacy Regulatory Innovation Index was expanded by the study team. After an initial validation of the rubric by analyzing four of the original states, a modified Delphi process was used. The rubric categories were converted to a web‐based survey, which was sent to executive directors or members of boards of pharmacy in western states. These individuals were then invited to participate in a panel session about their perceptions of pharmacy regulations and the approaches used by their boards of pharmacy to regulate pharmacy personnel and facilities.

Results

An initial rubric was developed using the Pharmacy Regulatory Innovation Index as a baseline. Four changes were made to the rubric based on the results of the Delphi Process and weighting was increased for two categories and decreased for two categories as a result of panel feedback.

Conclusion

The completed Pharmacy Regulatory Assessment Rubric can be used as a tool to evaluate pharmacy regulatory innovation in the United States. It can also be used to support advocacy efforts.
Population Pharmacokinetics of Caffeine in Infants with Hypoxic‐Ischemic Encephalopathy: A Phase I, Dose‐Escalating Trial
Authors: Thompson Elizabeth J , Gonzalez Daniel , Dumond Julie , Hornik Christoph P , Kilborn Alison , Laughon Matthew M , Jackson Wesley M
Published: February 2025

The mainstay of treatment for infants with hypoxic‐ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is cooling. Caffeine may be an important adjunct to cooling and provide neuroprotection via its anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidative properties. This study aimed to characterize caffeine pharmacokinetics in term infants with HIE receiving cooling.

In this phase 1, dose‐escalating study, enrolled infants received IV caffeine 20 mg/kg followed by up to two daily doses of 5 or 10 mg/kg. A population pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using NONMEM (v7.5). The effects of clinical covariates, including cooling, on pharmacokinetic parameters were evaluated. Dosing simulations were performed to evaluate the percentage of plasma exposures in the reference range (15–25 mg/L).

Seventeen infants were included in model development. A one‐compartment model best fit the data. Population clearance was 0.445 L/h/70 kg and volume of distribution was 87.1 L/70 kg. Current dosing regimens (20 mg/kg followed by 5 mg/kg) resulted in 89.5% of infants having at least one simulated exposure below the reference range across the dosing interval. Dosing regimens of 30 mg/kg followed by 5 or 10 mg/kg were predicted to result in more than half of infants achieving simulated exposures in the reference range, with ≤20% of infants having simulated exposures in the toxic range (>46 mg/L).

Term infants with HIE had similar weight‐normalized clearance but higher weight‐normalized volume of distribution compared to prior studies in preterm infants without HIE or cooling. While exposure targets for neuroprotection in HIE are unknown, this phase 1 study suggests alternate dosing strategies should be considered in future studies.
Treatment of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms With Janus Kinase Inhibitors: A Meta‐Analysis of Cardiovascular Safety
Authors: Dunn Roberta , Long Edouard , Gagnon Laura Li , Harrison Claire , Yang Yunfan , O'Sullivan Jennifer
Published: February 2025

Background

Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKis) are an integral aspect of the management of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). Part of the clinical benefit derived from JAKis may be due to reductions in thrombosis, a potentially life‐threatening complication of MPNs. However, evidence has emerged of adverse cardiovascular effects secondary to JAKis. We conducted a first‐of‐a‐kind meta‐analysis of the cardiovascular safety of JAKis in the treatment of MPNs.

Methods

This study was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis (PRISMA). Systematic searches for studies comparing JAKi treatment to a control group were conducted. Studies reporting hypertension, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and thromboembolic events were included in a meta‐analysis using a random‐effects model for the primary analysis, and fixed‐effects model for any subgroup analyses performed.

Results

A total of 23 publications, consisting of nine clinical trials and one retrospective analysis, met the inclusion criteria. This resulted in a pooled population of 2198 patients (JAKi n = 1145, Control n = 1053). In studies reporting thromboembolic events (n = 9), pooled analysis revealed a significantly lower rate of thromboembolic events in the JAKi group (incidence rate ratio (IRR): 0.52, 95% CI: 0.28–0.98, p = 0.04). This was primarily driven by ruxolitinib studies in myelofibrosis (MF) and polycythemia vera (PV) as when a subgroup analysis of these trials was performed (n = 7), an even more significant reduction in thromboembolic events with JAKi treatment was found (IRR: 0.41, 95%CI: 0.26–0.64, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in MACE or hypertension between JAKi and control groups.

Conclusion

This meta‐analysis suggests that JAKi treatment of MPN was associated with a reduced risk of thromboembolic events; primarily driven by studies of ruxolitinib in PV and MF. Further prospective clinical trials are warranted to confirm these findings and characterise the cardiovascular profile of other JAKis and other types of MPNs.
Hodgkin Lymphoma Treatment With Brentuximab Vedotin in a Patient With HIV, Liver Failure, and Anemia Without Transfusion
Authors: Marin Ellen , Abousaud Aseala , Davis Kathleen , Sumrall Bradley , Li Shiyong , Langston Amelia A. , Chang Andres
Published: February 2025

Brentuximab vedotin (BV) is a drug that has improved outcomes in classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL). However, its safety and efficacy in patients living with HIV who present with severe liver failure and life‐threating cytopenias is unclear. Here, we describe the case of a woman living with HIV diagnosed with cHL and how she recovered from a hemoglobin nadir of 24 g/L despite declining transfusion support and a bilirubin peak of 417.24 µmol/L, eventually achieving a complete response with a BV‐based therapy. Studies are needed to determine the safety and efficacy of BV in patients excluded from the pivotal trials.

Trial Registration: The authors have confirmed clinical trial registration is not needed for this submission.
Unveiling the Threat of Disease X: Preparing for the Next Global Pandemic
Authors: Zhao Mengyuan , Lei Luping , Jiang Yinghan , Tian Yuxin , Huang Yuanyu , Yang Minghui
Published: February 2025

The term “Disease X”, first introduced by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2018, symbolizes the threat of an unknown pathogen capable of causing a global pandemic. Classified as a “priority pathogens,” Disease X stands alongside well‐known threats like SARS, Ebola, and ZIKV due to its potential for widespread outbreaks. SARS‐CoV‐2 is considered the first “Disease X” to fulfill this prediction, demonstrating the devastating impact such pathogens can have. A future pathogen X could pose an even greater threat, with catastrophic consequences. This paper examines the potential origins of such pathogens, drawing lessons from outbreaks like SARS, MERS, and SARS‐CoV‐2. It also highlights strategic approaches to detect, prevent, and respond effectively to mitigate the risk of future pandemics.
Questionnaire to assess immunosuppressant knowledge among kidney transplant recipients: item generation and content validation
Authors: Nik Mustaffa Shapri Nik Aisyah Najwa , Samsudin Nurul Syazfeeza , Abd Wahab Mohd Shahezwan , Ibrahim Norkasihan
Published: February 2025

Background

Several questionnaires are available to evaluate immunosuppressant knowledge among kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). However, most contain a mixture of questions about different aspects of health management before and after kidney transplantation and do not specifically assess immunosuppressant knowledge.

Aim

This study aimed to generate preliminary items for a questionnaire to assess immunosuppressant knowledge among KTRs, validate the items, and translate the items into Malay.

Method

Preliminary items were generated from domains and subdomains identified through a review of previous questionnaires. Then, the item content was validated in a three‐round Delphi study by an expert panel of 11 renal pharmacists. The experts rated the relevance of the items and provided feedback on their comprehensibility and comprehensiveness. Items that attained ≥75% expert agreement on their relevance were considered relevant. Finally, the relevant items were translated into Malay through a forward–backward translation process by three external translators and two researchers. Ethical approval was granted by the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Research Ethics Committee (Reference no: REC (PH)PG/027/2022) and the study conforms with the Declaration of Helsinki. Participants were approached electronically, and informed consent was obtained from all participants via distribution of a project information sheet, explaining their participation was voluntary and a gift card would be provided as an incentive upon completion of all three rounds of the Delphi study and completion of a written consent form.

Results

A total of 24 preliminary items were generated. In Round 1 of the Delphi study, four items needed revision, and nine new items were suggested for Round 2 (n = 13). In Round 2, only five of the 13 items were carried forward to Round 3. In the final round, only one of the five items was relevant. The final experts' revision produced 27 items. A Malay‐language questionnaire equivalent to the English version was produced.

Conclusion

A content‐validated questionnaire consisting of 27 items in English and Malay was produced. This questionnaire serves as a reliable tool to identify immunosuppressant knowledge gaps and evaluate the impacts of educational interventions.
Supramolecular Assembly of Organic Cu(I) Halides with Efficient Broad Emission for Real‐Time Dynamic High‐Resolution White Light and X‐Ray Image Fusion and 3D Image Reconstruction
Authors: Peng Hui , Yuan Shengji , Wei Qilin , Kong Linghang , Huang Wenjie , Wang Fei , Zhao Jialong , Zou Bingsuo
Published: February 2025

0D organic Cu(I) halides have gained much attention for their fascinating optical properties. However, the narrow excitation in the UV region, strong afterglow, and poor stability severely limit their applications. Herein, three 0D organic Cu(I) halides of [Ba2(18‐crown‐6)2]Cu4Cl8·H3PO3·6H2O (Compound‐Cl), [Ba(18‐crown‐6)2]Cu4Br6·CH3OH·H2O (Compound‐Br), and [Ba(18‐crown‐6)2]Cu4I6·H3PO2·H2O (Compound‐I) are synthesized via supramolecular assembly. Compared to Compound‐Cl with poor stability and Compound‐Br with feeble photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY), Compound‐I exhibits broadband blue light excitation characteristics, excellent stability, and efficient yellow emission with a PLQY of 99.4%. A high‐performance single‐component white light emitting diode is fabricated by coating Compound‐I powders on a 460 nm chip, which shows ultra‐high luminous efficiency of 106 lm W−1. Under X‐ray irradiation, Compound‐I has a high light yield of 87 100 photons MeV−1 and a low detection limit of 45.9 nGairy s−1. Moreover, the Compound‐I scintillation screen is made using a cold pressing method, which shows a spatial resolution of 20.6 lp mm−1. Based on the remarkable optical properties and short decay lifetime of 1.9 µs of Compound‐I, the 3D image reconstruction of screws wrapped in capsule by combining real‐time dynamic white light and X‐ray image fusion, as well as multi‐angle imaging is successfully demonstrated.
Activate Reconstruction from Sb3+/Ho3+ Synergistic Doping Nanofibers for Interactive Information Encryption and Customized Display
Authors: Dong Xiaolong , Zhao Xin , Zhang Yuhang , Hu Maosen , Shen Lifan , Pun Edwin Yue Bun , Lin Hai
Published: February 2025

Driven by the escalating demand for cutting‐edge materials in interactive encryption and customized display, the optimization of excitonic coupling mechanisms in perovskite‐based luminescent systems has emerged as a pivotal focus in advanced materials research. Inspired by synergistic doping (SD), a photoswitchable energy transfer channel is realized utilizing the UV‐responsive Cs2NaInCl6: Sb3+‐Ho3+ (CNIC: Sb‐Ho) phosphor. Benefiting from the self‐trapped exciton of Sb3+, the visible blue luminescence of Ho3+ achieves excitation reconstruction through SD, with a sensitization coefficient from Sb3+ to Ho3+ in CNIC reaching two orders of magnitude. Notably, CNIC: Sb‐Ho quantum dot is embedded into polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) fibers, respectively, and distinct color coordinate channels are created by altering the doping concentration and fiber matrix, thereby enabling the personalization and the customization of the desired colors with enhanced precision. Furthermore, excellent read‐in performance under UV irradiation is achieved by screen‐printing CNIC: Sb‐Ho microcrystal on nanofibers and combining it with ACSII code, which endows nanofibers with UV‐induced controllable shape programming behavior for interactive multidimensional information encryption. This work establishes an enhanced visual interaction framework through effectively integrating perovskite fluorescence tunability and nanofiber adaptive structures, thus opening new possibilities for the smart application of next‐generation optical encryption technology.