bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gut microbiome features associate with immune checkpoint inhibitor response in individuals with non-melanoma skin cancers: an exploratory study
Authors: Zhao Yujie , Ferri Jacqueline T. , White James R. , Schollenberger Megan D. , Peloza Kim , Sears Cynthia L. , Lipson Evan J. , Shaikh Fyza Y.
Published: February 2025

Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy has yielded revolutionary outcomes among some individuals with skin cancer, but a large percentage of individuals do not benefit from these treatments. The gut microbiota is hypothesized to impact ICI therapy outcomes. However, data on ICI therapy, gut microbiota, and non-melanoma skin cancers are limited. To examine the association of gut microbiota structure and function with non-melanoma skin cancer ICI outcomes, we performed 16S rRNA V1-V2 gene amplicon sequencing of 68 fecal samples collected longitudinally from individuals with basal cell carcinoma (
n
= 5), Merkel cell carcinoma (
n
= 5), or cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC,
n
= 11), followed by tumor-dependent differential analyses of bacterial composition and fecal sample analysis by untargeted metabolomics. Across all tumor types, we identified 10 differential bacterial genera between responders (R) or non-responders (NR) to ICI therapy. Among individuals with CSCC, we identified 10 genera and 20 species that differentiated between R and NR and yielded 8 pathways enriched in NR and 12 pathways enriched in R by predicted functional pathway analyses. Untargeted fecal metabolomics to examine putative gut microbiota metabolites associated with CSCC ICI R/NR identified nine KEGG pathways associated with ICI efficacy. In summary, this exploratory study suggests gut microbiota features that are associated with ICI efficacy in individuals with non-melanoma skin cancers and highlights the need for larger studies to validate the results.

IMPORTANCE

Prior studies examining associations between ICI efficacy and the gut microbiome have focused primarily on individuals with melanoma, for whom ICI therapy was first approved. Meanwhile, data regarding microbiome features associated with ICI responses in individuals with non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) have remained limited. This initial fecal microbiota examination of individuals with NMSCs suggests that larger-scale studies to extend and validate our findings may yield predictive or prognostic biomarkers for individuals with NMSC receiving ICI with potential to provide insight to complementary, effective therapeutic interventions through microbiota modification.
Evaluating lipid-lowering drug targets for full-course diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Cao Jiahui , Su Ting , Chen Shuilian , Du Zijing , Lai Chunran , Chi Kaiyi , Li Qinyi , Wang Shan , Wu Qiaowei , Hu Yunyan , Fang Ying , Hu Yijun , Zhu Zhuoting , Huang Yu , Zhang Xiayin , Yu Honghua
Published: February 2025

Background

Implementing lipid control in patients with diabetes is regarded as a potential strategy for halting the advancement of diabetic retinopathy (DR). This study seeks to use Mendelian randomisation (MR) to assess the causal relationship between lipid traits and lipid-lowering drug targets and full-course DR (background DR, severe non-proliferative DR (NPDR) and proliferative DR (PDR)).

Methods

A two-sample MR and drug target MR to decipher the causal effects of lipid traits and lipid-lowering drug targets on full-course DR, including background DR, severe NPDR and PDR, was conducted in the study. Genetic variants associated with lipid traits and genes encoding the protein targets of lipid-lowering drugs were extracted from the Global Lipids Genetics Consortium and UK Biobank. Summary-level data of full-course DR are obtained from FinnGen.

Results

No significant causal relationship was found between lipid traits and full-course DR. However, in drug target MR analysis, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG) enhancement was associated with lower risks of background DR (OR=0.12, p=0.005) and PDR (OR=0.25, p=0.006). Additionally, mediation MR analysis showed that lowering fasting insulin (p=0.015) and HbA1c (p=0.005) levels mediated most of the association between PPARG and full-course DR.

Conclusions

This study reveals PPARG may be a promising drug target for full-course DR. The activation of PPARG could reduce the risk of full-course DR, especially background DR and PDR. The mechanism of the PPARG agonists’ protection of full-course DR may be dependent on the glucose-lowering effect.
Acceptability of the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine alongside existing malaria interventions in the trial context
Authors: Diawara Halimatou , Grant Jane , Dicko Alassane , Traore Seydou , Issiaka Djibrilla , Koita Fatoumata , Datoo Mehreen , Sylla Mala , Dicko Abdrahmane Boncane , Sagara Issaka , Chandramohan Daniel , Hill Adrian VS , Greenwood Brian , Webster Jayne
Published: February 2025

Background

The R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine has been shown to provide high protective efficacy against malaria in a phase III trial, and has been recommended for use by WHO. The vaccine will soon be deployed at scale in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to understand the caregiver and community acceptability of the R21/Matrix-M vaccine alongside existing malaria prevention interventions, according to the communities of participants in the seasonal R21/Matrix-M phase III trial in Mali.

Methods

Qualitative data were collected to assess the acceptability of the R21/Matrix-M vaccine alongside the three R21/Matrix-M or control vaccine priming injections given in the first year of the trial. A total of 33 in-depth interviews (IDIs), 12 focus group discussions (FGDs) and 45 exit interviews at the trial clinics were conducted with caregivers of trial participants, 18 IDIs and 8 FGDs were conducted with community members, 13 IDIs with community health workers and 8 IDIs with trial field staff. Data were coded using the constructs from Sekhon’s theoretical framework on acceptability.

Results

Acceptability of the R21/Matrix-M vaccine was driven mainly by the high burden of malaria in the highly seasonal study area and consequent demand for a malaria vaccine, a perceived high efficacy of the R21/Matrix-M vaccine, and a high level of trust and confidence in the trial and trial team. These perceptions of the acceptability of the R21/Matrix-M vaccine led to a reduced perceived importance of seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) among some caregivers, while others viewed R21/Matrix-M, SMC and insecticide-treated nets as complementary.

Conclusions

The R21/Matrix-M vaccine was acceptable to caregivers and communities of participants in the R21/Matrix-M phase III trial in Mali. Implementation research is needed to evaluate and ensure co-coverage of complementary malaria control interventions, including SMC in seasonal settings, in the face of the scale-up of R21/Matrix-M and other malaria vaccines.
Modelling the health, financial protection and equity impacts of upscaling the ACT NOW early intervention breast cancer pilot program in the Philippines: an extended cost-effectiveness analysis
Authors: Chye Alexander , Jan Stephen , Pathy Nirmala Bhoo , Luna Herdee Gloriane C , Lim Soledad B , Kimman Merel , Woodward Mark , Peters Sanne , Monaghan Helen , Ngelangel Corazon A , Angell Blake
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Women in the Philippines experience significant health and economic burdens of breast cancer. The Philippines has reformed financial protection for breast cancer but does not have a national early detection and treatment programme. This study aims to model the health and economic impacts of ACT NOW (a pilot breast cancer programme that navigates women through free early detection to treatment) through an extended cost-effectiveness analysis.

Methods

A microsimulation decision tree model was used to model the ACT NOW intervention (including annual clinical breast examination (CBE) and biannual breast ultrasound for women at high risk of breast cancer) over 5 years for healthy women 40–69 years old. Outcomes included health gains (breast cancer deaths saved), financial protection (financial catastrophes saved) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER) (cost per disability-adjusted life year (DALY) saved). Outcomes were stratified by income group. Probabilistic, one-way sensitivity and scenario analyses explored uncertainty.

Results

Over 5 years, the ACT NOW intervention is cost-effective with an ICER of PHP60 711 (USD1098) (average incremental cost PHP743 [95% UI 424–960] and DALYs saved 0.01 [95% UI 0.01–0.02], below Philippines 2022 gross domestic product per capita PHP178 751). Per 100 000 women, 57 deaths and eight financial catastrophes were saved. Cost-effectiveness did not vary significantly by income, but higher income groups incurred greater costs and lower DALYs. Results were sensitive to proportion of late-stage breast cancers post intervention, treatment adherence, intervention costs and downstaging effectiveness. Trade-offs are apparent between government contributions to financial protection and rates of financial catastrophe.

Conclusions

Early detection interventions (annual CBE, biannual breast ultrasound if at high risk of breast cancer) are likely to be cost-effective, reduce breast cancer-related mortality through detection at earlier stages and modestly effective in reducing the incidence of financial catastrophe. Further research is required to establish the best implementation model to pursue full implementation and ways of designing equity-based screening interventions.
Co-producing a safe mobility and falls informatics platform to drive meaningful quality improvement in the hospital setting: a mixed-methods protocol for theinsightFallstudy
Authors: Lear Rachael , Averill Phoebe , Carenzo Catalina , Tao Rachel , Glampson Ben , Leon-Villapalos Clare , Latchford Robert , Mayer Erik
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Manual investigation of falls incidents for quality improvement is time-consuming for clinical staff. Routine care delivery generates a large volume of relevant data in disparate systems, yet these data are seldom integrated and transformed into real-time, actionable insights for frontline staff. This protocol describes the co-design and testing of a safe mobility and falls informatics platform for automated, real-time insights to support the learning response to inpatient falls.

Methods

Underpinned by the learning health system model and human-centred design principles, this mixed-methods study will involve (1) collaboration between healthcare professionals, patients, data scientists and researchers to co-design a safe mobility and falls informatics platform; (2) co-production of natural language processing pipelines and integration with a user interface for automated, near-real-time insights and (3) platform usability testing. Platform features (data taxonomy and insights display) will be co-designed during workshops with lay partners and clinical staff. The data to be included in the informatics platform will be curated from electronic health records and incident reports within an existing secure data environment, with appropriate data access approvals and controls. Exploratory analysis of a preliminary static dataset will examine the variety (structured/unstructured), veracity (accuracy/completeness) and value (clinical utility) of the data. Based on these initial insights and further consultation with lay partners and clinical staff, a final data extraction template will be agreed. Natural language processing pipelines will be co-produced, clinically validated and integrated with QlikView. Prototype testing will be underpinned by the Technology Acceptance Model, comprising a validated survey and think-aloud interviews to inform platform optimisation.

Ethics and dissemination

This study protocol was approved by the National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre Data Access and Prioritisation Committee (Database: iCARE—Research Data Environment; REC reference: 21/SW/0120). Our dissemination plan includes presenting our findings to the National Falls Prevention Coordination Group, publication in peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations and sharing findings with patient groups most affected by falls in hospital.
Protocol for an adaptive platform trial of intended service user-derived interventions to equitably reduce non-attendance in eye screening programmes in Botswana, India, Kenya and Nepal
Authors: Allen Luke , Kim Min , Tlhajoane Malebogo , Macleod David , Nkomazana Oathokwa , Gichangi Michael , Mishra Sailesh , Sabherwal Shalinder , Carpenter James R , Karanja Sarah , Ho-Foster Ari , Ratshaa Bakgaki , Bolster Nigel , Ramke Jacqueline , Burton Matthew J , Bastawrous Andrew
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Only 30%–50% of people referred to clinics during community-based eye screening are able to access care in Botswana, India, Kenya and Nepal. The access rate is even lower for certain population groups. This platform trial aims to test multiple, iterative, low-risk public health interventions and simple service modifications with a series of individual randomised controlled trials (RCT) conducted in each country, with the aim of increasing the proportion of people attending.

Methods and analysis

We will set up a platform trial in each country to govern the running of a series of pragmatic, adaptive, embedded, parallel, multiarm, superiority RCTs to test a series of service modifications suggested by intended service users. The aim is to identify serial marginal gains that cumulatively result in large improvements to equity and access. The primary outcome will be the probability of accessing treatment among the population group with the worst access at baseline. We will calculate Bayesian posterior probabilities of clinic attendance in each arm every 72 hours. Each RCT will continually recruit participants until the following default stopping rules have been met: >95% probability that one arm is best; >95% probability that the difference between the best arm and the arms remaining in the trial is <1%; or 10 000 people have been recruited. Lower thresholds may be used for RCTs testing interventions with very low risks and costs. The specific design of cluster RCTs will be determined by our research team once the intervention is known, but the population and outcome will be the same across all trials.

This adaptive platform trial will be used to identify effective service modifications, driving continuous improvements in access.

Ethics and dissemination

This trial has been approved by the research ethics committee at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (ref: 29549). Approvals for individual interventions will be sought from UK and local ethics committees. Results will be shared via local workshops, social media and peer-reviewed publications.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN53970958.
mHealth Intervention for Dementia Prevention through lifestyle Optimisation (MIND-PRO) in a primary care setting: protocol for a randomised controlled trial in people with low SES and/or migration background
Authors: van der Endt Anne Roos , Hoevenaar-Blom Marieke P , Galenkamp Henrike , Kas Martien J H , van den Berg Esther , Handels Ron , Moll van Charante Eric P , Richard Edo
Published: February 2025

Introduction

The Mobile Health (mHealth) Intervention for Dementia Prevention through lifestyle Optimisation (MIND-PRO) study addresses the increasing prevalence of dementia among populations with lower socio-economic status (SES) and/or a migration background. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and implementation of an mHealth intervention designed for self-managing lifestyle modifications with remote coaching to reduce dementia risk factors.

Methods and analysis

This prospective randomised open-label blinded end point (PROBE) trial follows a type 2 hybrid effectiveness-implementation design with a 12-month intervention period. It aims to recruit 692 participants in Dutch primary care. Entry criteria include age 50–75 years, low SES and/or migration background, one or more dementia risk factors (hypertension, dyslipidaemia, diabetes mellitus, physical inactivity, smoking, depression and overweight) or manifest cardiovascular disease and possession of a smartphone. Participants are randomised to a coach-supported, interactive app facilitating self-management of dementia risk factors or to a control app with static health information. The primary effectiveness outcome is a composite score of systolic blood pressure, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and body mass index. Implementation outcomes include coverage, adoption, acceptability, appropriateness, feasibility, fidelity, costs and sustainability of the intervention. Secondary outcomes include the Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Ageing and Dementia risk score and its individual risk factors, and disability, physical activity, depressive symptoms, cognitive functioning and daily distance moved.

Ethics and dissemination

The MIND-PRO trial is funded by the Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development (ZonMw, grant number 10510032120004) and approved by the Ethics Committee of Amsterdam UMC (reference: METC 2023.0770). Results are expected in 2026 and will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal, and presented at scientific conferences.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN92928122.
Effectiveness of midwife/nurse-led non-invasive uterine massage in preventing postpartum haemorrhage: a quantitative systematic review protocol
Authors: Kongvattananon Puangpaka , Sosome Boonsurb , Chunuan Sopen , Punsomreung Treechada , Varachanonth Panida , Bhatarasakoon Patraporn
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) negatively impacts women’s health. Preventing and managing PPH is important, and nurse-led interventions are needed. However, no systematic review has evaluated the effectiveness of non-invasive uterine massage for PPH prevention. Therefore, this systematic review aims to assess the efficacy of midwife/nurse-led intervention in managing PPH, serving as the best available evidence to develop further guidelines and recommendations in practice and policy-making.

Methods and analysis

This systematic review will follow the JBI methodology for systematic reviews of effectiveness. The search will be conducted in the MEDLINE (PubMed), CINAHL (EBSCO), BENTHUM Science, JBI, Cochrane, ThaiJo and Google Scholar databases. Studies will be included in English and Thai and published between 2015 and 2024. Two independent reviewers will conduct the review, with data extraction and quality evaluation. Studies will be pooled in a statistical meta-analysis using JBI System for the Unified Management, Assessment and Review of Information or other software where possible.

Ethics and dissemination

This systematic review does not require formal ethical approval because all data will be analysed anonymously. The results will provide an overall review and evidence of midwife/nurse-led non-invasive uterine massage intervention in preventing PPH. These findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42024566382
Outcomes from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in nursing and care homes: a cohort study
Authors: Battin Ed , Brown Terry , Couper Keith
Published: February 2025

Background

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) primarily affects older adults. Individuals in nursing homes are often elderly with significant comorbidities. Nursing homes are staffed by healthcare workers, able to respond immediately to cardiac arrest, including provision of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). We aimed to describe the characteristics, treatments and outcome of individuals sustaining an OHCA in nursing and care home settings in England.

Methods

Patients ≥18 years between 2015 and 2021 with a recorded location of either a nursing or care home from the ‘Out-of-hospital Cardiac Arrest Outcomes’ registry for England were included. We present descriptive statistics and compare groups, where appropriate, using a χ2test.

Results

We included 4779 patients, of which 2474 (52.5%) were female and 3910 (81.8%) were aged ≥70. Cardiac arrest was witnessed by a bystander in 51.1% (n=2390) of cases. Overall, 80.2% (n=3698) of patients received bystander CPR and where an automated external defibrillator (AED) was available, 77.7% (n=331) were treated with an AED. Return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) at any time was reported in 1614 (36.7%) and ROSC sustained to hospital handover in 1061 (22.3%) patients. Survival to hospital discharge or 30 days was observed in 97 (2.1%) patients. As age increased, there was a decrease in survival and ROSC sustained to hospital handover.

Conclusion

Survival after OHCA in a nursing home setting was low, despite high rates of key interventions, such as bystander CPR. There may be an opportunity to optimise the availability of AEDs within nursing homes.
Scope of practice of Japanese primary care physicians and its associated factors: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Higuchi Tomoya , Nakamura Mieko , Ojima Toshiyuki , Inoue Machiko
Published: February 2025

Objective

The scope of practice (SOP) of primary care physicians (PCPs) has been narrowing, with declining comprehensiveness leading to fragmented care. Identifying SOP-associated factors can help improve comprehensiveness. This study aimed to describe the SOP of PCPs working in clinics and to identify SOP-associated factors.

Design

A cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire.

Setting

Shizuoka, Japan.

Participants

PCPs working in clinics offering internal medicine.

Main outcome measures

The total number of services provided, covering 109 items, was categorised into 8 clinical areas, 78 clinical activities and 23 procedures.

Results

Questionnaires were mailed to 1191 clinics, and 389 valid responses were included in the analysis. Of the 389 physicians, 254 (65.3%) were internal medicine specialists, and 382 (98.2%) worked in their own private clinics. The mean number of services provided was 60.4±17.4. Clinical activities were provided less frequently in the areas of paediatric and adolescent care, women’s health, home healthcare, palliative care and mental health. Physician-related factors were more significantly associated with SOP than practice or environmental factors. Preference for broad practice was the strongest factor associated with a broader SOP, followed by completion of the Japan Medical Association (JMA) primary care training programme and rotational training experience. Additionally, younger physician age, rural practice experience, surgical specialisation, a larger number of physicians in the clinic, higher patient volume and a more rural setting were associated with broader SOP.

Conclusion

Physician preference regarding SOP, completion of the JMA primary care training programme and rotational training are key factors influencing SOP. These findings suggest that postgraduate clinical training with a broad scope not limited to internal medicine and continuing medical education after establishing a private clinic, particularly for physicians who prefer broad practice, may be important in expanding the SOP of PCPs.
Diagnosing emergent isotropy in anisotropic holographic systems using quantum information measures
Authors: Chen Chong-Ye , Li Mu-Jing , Yang Zhe , Jin Da-Ming , Liu Peng
Published: February 2025

This study presents a comprehensive investigation of anisotropy in a holographic p-wave superconductor model, revealing novel insights into the behavior of quantum information in strongly coupled systems. Through rigorous semi-analytical methods, we uncover the existence of an isotropic point emerging at a critical temperature

$$T_{II},$$

T

II

,

marking a significant transition in the system’s anisotropic properties. We offer a systematic analysis of the mechanisms driving anisotropy and isotropy transitions, finding that this emergent isotropy point is unique to the p-wave model and absent in other anisotropic systems like anisotropic axion models with metal-insulator transitions. We propose that the explicit dependence of the vector field components in anisotropy is the key driver of the emergent isotropy. Our analysis of holographic entanglement entropy (HEE), entanglement wedge cross-section (EWCS), and butterfly velocity demonstrates their distinct sensitivities to bulk anisotropy. Among them, EWCS and butterfly velocity stand out as superior probes for detecting the isotropic point. Our findings provide a novel perspective on the interplay between unique emergent isotropic point and quantum information measures in strongly correlated systems.
Quantum fields presentation and generating functions of three types of universal characters
Authors: Liu Ning , Li Denghui , Yan Zhaowen
Published: February 2025

In this paper, we construct the quantum fields of three types of universal characters corresponding to partition shapes [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] and derive the commutation relations of quantum fields. By acting the quantum fields on the constant function [Formula: see text], the generating functions of three types of universal characters have been investigated. Furthermore, we discuss three integrable systems characterized by [Formula: see text]-type, [Formula: see text]-type and [Formula: see text]-type universal characters.
A geochemical and isotopic outline on the Alto Moxotó Terrane: a record of the best-preserved Paleoproterozoic crust in the Central Borborema Province, NE Brazil
Authors: da Paixão Mariana S. , de Lira Santos Lauro Cézar M. , Dantas Elton L. , Cawood Peter A.
Published: February 2025

The Alto Moxotó Terrane is one of the best-preserved Paleoproterozoic crustal segments of the Borborema Province and shows a close correlation with basement domains of the Central African Fold Belt. Here, we review geochemical and isotopic data of Neoarchean and Paleoproterozoic rocks within the terrane and their implications for the crustal evolution of western Gondwana. The lithospheric framework of the terrane consists of three main tectono-magmatic stages: i) Neoarchean (ca. 2.6 Ga) crustal accretion with TTG juvenile injections, consisting of calcic, magnesian, meta- to peraluminous magmas derived from a basaltic oceanic crust that likely experienced high-pressure conditions; ii) Rhyacian-Orosirian (ca. 2.1 – 1.9 Ga) tholeiitic mafic-ultramafic and calc-alkaline series Cordilleran-related granitic and gneissic rocks; and iii) Statherian-Calymmian within-plate magmatism (ca. 1.6 Ga), with granitic rocks that correspond to A-type ferroan magmas, generated via partial melting of a continental source. The presence of older events within the Alto Moxotó Terrane enables correlation with basement domains within the Borborema Province and other Neoproterozoic orogens of Gondwana. These correlations strengthen the role of the province Paleoproterozoic domains in sspaleogeographic reconstructions of the Nuna/Columbia supercontinents.
Satellite Edge Computing for Mobile Multimedia Communications: A Multi-agent Federated Reinforcement Learning Approach
Authors: Jiang Weiwei , Zhan Yafeng , Fang Xin
Published: February 2025

The rapid expansion of satellite mega-constellations has highlighted the potential of satellite edge computing as a promising solution for mobile multimedia communications. While reinforcement learning has been explored in satellite communication systems, significant challenges remain, including high latency and limited resources. This study addresses these challenges by focusing on the joint optimization of communication, computing, and caching resources in satellite edge computing to support mobile multimedia applications. A mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) problem is formulated with the objective of minimizing the total delay experienced by mobile users, subject to multidimensional resource capacity constraints, which is NP-hard and computationally intractable to solve in polynomial time. To address this complexity, we propose a multi-agent federated reinforcement learning (MAFRL) approach as an efficient solution. In this framework, each satellite operates as an autonomous learning agent equipped with an actor-critic network structure. The proposed MAFRL method demonstrates superior performance, achieving lower delays compared to all baseline approaches. It effectively optimizes delay-sensitive mobile multimedia communications by minimizing total delay and improving task offloading ratios. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to introduce a MAFRL-based approach for resource allocation in satellite edge computing, marking a significant contribution to the field.
DSADA: Detecting Spoofing Attacks in Driver Assistance Systems Using Objects’ Spatial Shapes
Authors: Safarzadehvahed Mahdieh , Zulkernine Mohammad
Published: February 2025

Object detection algorithms suffer from a perceptual vulnerability where they cannot differentiate between counterfeit and real objects. In this paper, we investigate the perceptual vulnerability in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) when faced with physical and digital spoofing attacks. To address this vulnerability, we propose a method named DSADA (Detecting Spoofing Attacks in Driver Assistance) to mitigate creation and misclassification spoofing attacks against object detection algorithms utilizing the LiDAR point clouds and objects’ spatial shapes. DSADA receives the outcomes of the object detection algorithm along with the corresponding LiDAR point clouds for each scene. DSADA exploits the spatial shapes of objects obtained from the point clouds to cross-validate the outcomes of the object detection algorithm. Any discrepancy results in generating an alert to warn about the spoofing attack. We analyze defense-aware and unaware attacks against DSADA. The evaluation results show the effectiveness of the suggested method with a true positive rate of 100% and a low false positive rate of only 3.97%. The comparative evaluation validates that the suggested method identifies a broader range of spoofed objects, including projected, displayed and printed ones, while narrowing the scope of potential attacks to familiar objects in the driving context.
Rational Redomestication for Future Agriculture
Authors: Wang Nan , Li Hongbo , Huang Sanwen
Published: February 2025

Modern agricultural practices rely on high-input, intensive cultivation of a few crop varieties with limited diversity, increasing the vulnerability of our agricultural systems to biotic and abiotic stresses and the effects of climate changes. This necessitates a paradigm shift toward a more sustainable agricultural model to ensure a stable and dependable food supply for the burgeoning global population. Leveraging knowledge from crop biology, genetics, and genomics, alongside state-of-the-art biotechnologies, rational redomestication has emerged as a targeted and knowledge-driven approach to crop innovation. This strategy aims to broaden the range of species available for agriculture, restore lost genetic diversity, and further improve existing domesticated crops. We summarize how diverse plants can be exploited in rational redomestication endeavors, including wild species, underutilized plants, and domesticated crops. Equipped with rational redomestication approaches, we propose different strategies to empower the fast and slow breeding systems distinguished by plant reproduction systems.
Precision Processing for Value-Added Fats and Oils
Authors: Weiss Jochen , Mannweiler Sebastian , Salminen Hanna
Published: February 2025

Lipids are key compounds in foods and provide energy and nutrients to the body. They are carriers of aroma and flavor compounds and contribute to structure and texture. Nutritional research has shown that positive effects on human health are derived from the intake of specific lipids. Similarly, food science research has shown that food matrix design benefits from having tailored lipid fractions with specific functions such as melting profiles, crystal structures, and oil-binding capacities. Minor constituents such as polar lipids or waxes also have valuable functional properties such as the ability to stabilize interfaces, facilitate spreadability, provide barriers, or act as organogelators. Coupled with the emergence of new feedstocks such as new plants, microbes, or insects, this has fueled a renewed interest in designing efficient, effective, and environmentally friendly processes to extract and fractionate lipids from feedstocks. Such precision-processing approaches are intended to yield not just bulk oils and fats but also specialty lipids with tailored properties. In this review article, we discuss the extraction and fractionation approaches used to obtain lipid fractions from plants, animals, or microbial fermentation, discuss their properties and functionalities, and highlight process design approaches, with a focus on sustainable extraction technologies. Recent advances in the three main steps in obtaining food lipids are highlighted: (a) crude oil manufacture; (b) refinement; and (c) fractionization. Finally, three case studies of specialty ingredients derived from such precision-processing approaches are presented.
Molecular Dynamics Simulations of the Interactions of Organic Compounds at Indoor Relevant Surfaces
Authors: von Domaros Michael , Tobias Douglas J.
Published: February 2025

With markedly different reaction conditions compared to the chemistry of the outside atmosphere, indoor air chemistry poses new challenges to the scientific community that require combined experimental and computational efforts. Here, we review molecular dynamics simulations that have contributed to the mechanistic understanding of the complex dynamics of organic compounds at indoor surfaces and their interplay with experiments and indoor air models. We highlight the rich interactions between volatile organic compounds and silica and titanium dioxide surfaces, serving as proxies for glasses and paints, as well as the dynamics of skin oil lipids and their oxidation products, which sensitively affect the quality of indoor air in crowded environments. As the studies we review here are pioneering in the rapidly emerging field of indoor chemistry, we provide suggestions for increasing the potentially important role that molecular simulations can continue to play.
Understanding Redox Organic Behavior in Deep Eutectic Solvents: Considerations for Molecular Design
Authors: Sinclair Nicholas S. , Abranches Dinis O. , Savinell Robert F. , Maginn Edward J. , Wainright Jesse S.
Published: February 2025

Electrolytes based on deep eutectic solvents (DESs) coupled with redox active organic molecules have shown potential as a versatile and energy dense electrochemical energy storage system. However, progress in these systems has been held back by a lack of understanding of the irregular behavior displayed when redox active organic molecules are transitioned from other solvent systems. In this work, the hydrogen bonding characteristics of a series of redox organic molecules were investigated through infrared spectroscopy and molecular modeling. New understanding of these interactions was then used to explain their electrochemical behavior in a DES electrolyte. A model was used to predict the behavior of new derivatives towards the design of an optimized redox organic-DES system. Hydrogen bonding between the redox molecules and the solvent was found to significantly shift the potential of a redox reaction more positive when a hydrogen bond forms at the redox active site. It was predicted that functionalizing a molecule with electron withdrawing groups to lower the electron density of the redox active functional group lowers the strength of the hydrogen bond and thus alleviates the undesirable potential shift. This hypothesis was demonstrated by the addition of nitro groups to fluorenones.
Intra‐ and Extracellular White Matter Micromorphology Predict the Antidepressant Effects of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Patients With Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Wang Sirui , Zhang Xiaochen , Kong Gai , Lin Yuhao , Zhu Tianyuan , Qian Zhenying , Xu Lihua , Cui Huiru , Wang Jijun , Li Hui , Tang Yingying
Published: February 2025

Background: Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a widely used treatment for major depressive disorders (MDD). However, its physiological effects remain unclear, and its efficacy varies among patients. Functional connectivity (FC) within MDD‐related networks has shown potential for predicting TMS efficacy. White matter (WM) micromorphology contributes to these connections and may provide new insights into the prediction of TMS effects and its antidepressant mechanism in MDD, which has not been thoroughly investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to identify potential predictors of TMS efficacy using whole‐brain WM microstructural characteristics.

Methods: This retrospective study included 41 patients with MDD who completed 20‐session TMS treatments. We examined intra‐ and extracellular WM using neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI). We examined the correlations between pre‐TMS whole‐brain WM measures and the reduction in Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) scores after TMS, as well as the longitudinal changes in regional WM measures correlated with MADRS reduction.

Results: The pre‐TMS intracellular neurite density index (NDI) within the bilateral internal capsule (IC), right posterior corona radiata (PCR), right superior corona radiata (SCR), corpus callosum (CC), and bilateral posterior thalamic radiation (PTR) were positively associated with the reduction in MADRS scores. The pre‐TMS extracellular free‐water fraction (FWF) within the bilateral IC, splenium of the CC, and right SCR was significantly related to the reduction in MADRS scores. The FWF within the left posterior limb of the IC, left PCR, and left SCR decreased after TMS treatment.

Limitations: The study’s findings cannot rule out the potential effects of concurrent pharmaceutical therapies, as a control group not receiving TMS treatment was not included.

Conclusions: Regional NDI and FWF values at baseline could predict TMS efficacy in patients with MDD. Reducing the extracellular FWF in the left hemisphere may be a potential therapeutic mechanism of TMS in MDD.
Threats and Mitigation Strategies for Electroencephalography‐Based Person Authentication
Authors: Unnisa Zaib , Tariq Asadullah , Din Irfan Ud , Shehzad Danish , Serhani Mohamed Adel , Belkacem Abdelkader N. , Sarwar Nadeem
Published: February 2025

This work is aimed at investigating the potential risks linked to electroencephalography (EEG)‐based person authentication and providing solutions to mitigate these issues. Authenticating a person by EEG involves verifying the legitimacy of the signals used for user identification. EEG signals serve as a biometric modality for authentication and verification. Additional biometric modalities, such as fingerprints or irises, are vulnerable to both fabrication and degradation over time, and illicit use of dead people’s biometrics has sometimes been seen. EEG’s intrinsic properties prohibit signal imitation or postmortem acquisition, making it more reliable than other biometric modalities. This research is aimed at investigating the most recent advancements in the domain of EEG signals, clarifying the current knowledge that impacts EEG‐based authentication, and evaluating the emerging challenges. Many research publications have been collected to achieve this objective. By considering historical and recent efforts and achievements, this research also presents feasible resolutions to the emerging inquiries prompted by the ongoing advancements in EEG‐based technology. The potential future application of EEG‐based authentication has also been the subject of this scholarly discourse. A comprehensive collection of articles over the previous decade has been compiled to answer contemporary EEG signal research questions to get valuable insights. According to research findings, in February 2022, a significant milestone was achieved when the EEG signals of a deceased person were successfully captured for the first time in recorded history. However, this groundbreaking discovery may threaten EEG‐based authentication. In addition, it is found that EEG‐based authentication literature did not completely implement “liveness detection.” An updated approach for identifying liveness addresses novel challenges, that is, falsified EEG signals and a dead person’s EEG signals for EEG‐based authentication that have not been discussed in the literature. The suggested solutions put forward in this study have the potential to stimulate additional research in this area.
Green Production Pathways, Instability, and Stability of Resveratrol: A Systematic Review
Authors: Jiang Xingyue , Zuo Leilei , Gao Song , Yang Qiong , Li Ying , Chen Yan , Xie Xiaofang , Peng Cheng
Published: February 2025

Resveratrol (RES) is a nonflavonoid polyphenolic compound present in various plant species. Extensive research has confirmed the diverse biological activities of RES, rendering it highly promising for multiple industries. However, its stability is influenced by intrinsic factors, such as structure, and extrinsic factors, including light exposure, oxygen exposure, elevated temperature, and pH variations. RES also faces challenges related to low solubility, rapid metabolism, and limited bioavailability, which impede its application in the food and medical sectors. The objective of this study was to provide a comprehensive overview of the most up‐to‐date advancements in green and efficient RES production pathways and to evaluate RES instability and strategies for stabilization. The green and efficient production of RES is mainly achieved through plant extraction and biosynthesis. The RES plant extraction methods include deep eutectic solvent (DES) methods, ultrasound‐assisted, supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), and enzyme‐assisted extraction technology. The advantages and disadvantages of each method are compared in this paper. The biosynthesis of RES can produce a high yield in a short period, and the use of genetic engineering and other techniques to improve and optimize the yield has brought the possibility of the mass production of RES. More importantly, RES can be stabilized or protected by encapsulation, combined with other natural compounds, structurally modified and synthesized by chemo‐enzymatic and other methods, which is of great significance for food, medicine, and clinical applications.
3‐Methyl‐4‐Nitrobenzoate Derivates as Antifungal Drug Candidates: Biological and In Silico Evaluation
Authors: Ferreira Alana R. , Castillo Yunierkis P. , Andrade Ana C. M. , Nóbrega Diego F. , de Oliveira João Paulo G. , Lima Tamires C. , de Castro Ricardo D. , de Sousa Damião P.
Published: February 2025

The Candida genus includes many opportunistic pathogens of great clinical importance, being commonly involved in several superficial and systemic human fungal infections. In this study, eleven 3‐methyl‐4‐nitrobenzoate derivates were prepared and evaluated against four Candida strains (Candida albicans ATCC‐90028, C. glabrata 90,030, C. krusei 34,125, and C. guilliermondii 207). The relationship between the chemical structure of the prepared compounds and their antifungal activity was also investigated. The chemical structure of the obtained products was confirmed using Infrared, 1H and APT‐13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and high‐resolution mass spectrometry. The antifungal assay results showed that the screened compounds exhibited different levels of activity depending on the structural variation and tested strain. Among the 11 nitrobenzoate analogs, the compounds methyl 3‐methyl‐4‐nitrobenzoate (1) and pentyl 3‐methyl‐4‐nitrobenzoate (6) presented great antifungal activity against C. guilliermondii 207, with MIC values of 39 and 31 µM, respectively. Modeling studies of 6, the most bioactive compound against C. guilliermondii, demonstrated that it interacted with TPMK protein, which has been proposed as a molecular target in studies of potential antifungal agents. Finally, the preliminary SAR study of this series furnished information on possibly structural features that may affect the antifungal activity, like the importance of alkyl side chains for bioactivity.
Smart Sensor Technologies Shaping the Future of Precision Agriculture: Recent Advances and Future Outlooks
Authors: Aarif K. O. Mohammed , Alam Afroj , Hotak Yousuf
Published: February 2025

The rapid advancement of smart sensor technologies has transformed the landscape of precision agriculture, ushering in a new era of data‐driven and sustainable farming practices. This study presents a comprehensive review of recent innovations and future perspectives in the domain of smart sensors for precision agriculture. By harnessing the power of the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence, these sensors have revolutionized how farmers collect, analyze, and utilize data to optimize crop yield, conserve resources, and enhance overall agricultural efficiency. The review delves into various types of smart sensors used in precision agriculture, including soil sensors for monitoring moisture, nutrient levels, and soil health; crop health sensors for detecting diseases, pests, and stress factors; weather and environmental sensors for real‐time climate monitoring; and automated irrigation systems for precise water management. Cutting‐edge technologies such as drone‐based sensors, hyperspectral imaging, and sensor fusion are explored, highlighting their potential to revolutionize data acquisition and decision‐making in agriculture. Furthermore, the manuscript addresses the incorporation of smart sensors with data analysis systems. This enables farmers to acquire practical observations and render knowledgeable choices regarding watering schedules, fertilizing regimens, and safeguarding approaches for crops. The role of data‐driven agriculture in mitigating environmental impact, optimizing resource utilization, and promoting sustainable practices is emphasized. Despite the significant strides made in smart sensor technology, challenges such as sensor calibration, data privacy, interoperability, and adoption barriers remain pertinent. To address these hurdles, the manuscript outlines potential research directions and emerging trends in sensor development, including miniaturization, energy efficiency, and wireless communication advancements. In conclusion, this manuscript provides a comprehensive assessment of the recent advancements and future prospects of smart sensors in precision agriculture. With the potential to revolutionize traditional farming practices and address global food security challenges, smart sensors offer an unprecedented opportunity for farmers to enhance productivity, conserve resources, and foster sustainable agricultural practices regardless of an ever‐changing climate and growing demand for food.