bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance evaluation and prediction of optimal operational conditions for a compact date seeds milling unit using feedforward neural networks
Authors: Ali Khaled Abdeen Mousa , Li Changyou , Han Wang , Issa Sali , Eid Mohamed Hamdy , Mahmoud Samy F. , Mohammed Marwa Abd-Elnaby
Published: February 2025

Date seed grinding remains a significant challenge limiting the utilization of this valuable agricultural by-product." In this study, a compact date seeds grinding unit was designed, tested, and evaluated. The machine has two primary: a pair of toothed cylinders and a hammer mill. The machine’s performance was assessed in terms of throughput, specific energy consumption, and mean particle size of the product. First, the cylindrical section was tested under various conditions, including cylinder rotational speed (150, 250, 350, and 450 rpm), feed gate opening size (30, 37.5, and 45 cm2), and the clearance between cylinders (0, 1, and 2 mm). The feedforward neural network (FNN) framework predicated the optimal operating conditions for this part, which were recorded as 150 rpm cylinder rotational speed, 45 cm2 feed gate opening, and 2 mm cylinder clearance. This optimal operational condition was utilized as the starting conditions for subsequent testing of the hammer mill section. Then, the hammer mill was tested with different hammer rotational speeds (1250, 1500, and 1750 rpm) and screen hole diameters (2, 4, and 6 mm) underneath the hammers. The FNN model was again employed to predicate the most suitable operating parameters for the grinding unit. The key results included the optimal operational parameters at 150 rpm cylinder rotational speed, 2 mm clearance, 45 cm2 feeding area, 1750 rpm hammer speed, and 6 mm screen hole diameter. That operational condition resulted in 30 kg/h for machine’s throughput, 49 kW h/ton specific energy consumption, and 2.14 mm mean product size. With FNN model accuracy R2 of 0.99974, demonstrating high prediction reliability. Meanwhile, the operating cost was 0.027 $/kg, suitable for small to medium-scale operations. The significance of these findings lies in the development of an efficient, versatile milling solution for date seeds and similar agricultural materials. This research pioneers the application of machine learning in optimizing date seed processing, potentially revolutionizing agricultural waste valorization and opening new avenues for sustainable resource utilization.
Modeling and estimation of physiochemical properties of cancer drugs using entropy measures
Authors: Tawhari Qasem M. , Naeem Muhammad , Rauf Abdul , Siddiqui Muhammad Kamran , Oyelakin Oladele
Published: February 2025

Hyaluronic acid-paclitaxel conjugate is a nanoparticle-based drug delivery system that combines hyaluronic acid with paclitaxel, enhancing its solubility, stability, and targeting specificity. This conjugate shows promise in treating breast, lung, and ovarian cancers with reduced side effects. Entropy measures are used to predict physical and chemical properties of drugs. In this paper, we compute entropy measures for the hyaluronic acid-paclitaxel conjugate using the edge/connectivity partition approach. We establish a quantitative structure-property relationship using reverse entropy measures to predict physical properties of cancer drugs. Multiple linear, Ridge, Lasso, ElasticNet, and Support Vector regression models are employed using Python software. Our results show that reverse entropy measures exhibit high predictive capability for physical properties, based on the highest coefficient of determination and lowest mean squared error. We conclude that physical properties, including boiling point, enthalpy of vaporization, flash point, molar refractivity, molar volume, polarization, molecular weight, monoisotopic mass, topological polar surface area, and complexity, can be predicted using reverse entropy measures. We propose models for each relationship, including only the most significant models for estimating uncalculated physical properties.
Clinical and dermoscopic assessment of the efficacy of topical trichloroacetic acid 70% versus methoxsalen 0.2% paint in stable acral vitiligo
Authors: Elshahed Ahmed R. , Ammar Amr M. , Ali Abdallah M. , Elsaie Mohamed L.
Published: February 2025

Loss and absence of melanocytes due to a number of factors is responsible for vitiligo; known to be the commonest disorder of pigmentation. The aim of the study was to assess clinically and dermoscopically the efficacy of topical trichloroacetic acid 70% versus methoxsalen 0.2% paint in stable acral vitiligo. The patients were randomly divided into 2 groups. Group a (n = 35) received topical 0.2% methoxsalen every other day for 4 months duration with dermoscopic follow up while group b (n = 35) received received topical TCA 70% application at the clinic every two weeks for 4 months with dermoscopic follow up. The majority of subjects in both groups experienced either no or mild improvement. In TCA group, mean improvement was 4.0 ± 11.6% with range of 0–60% while in the methoxsalen group, mean improvement was 0.57 ± 3.3% with range of 0–20% (p = 0.051). The majority of patients reported poor satisfaction. Both modalities did not demonstrate a significant clinical nor dermoscopic response. TCA 70% had a lower effective rate than other studies probably due to resistance of acral vitiliginous lesions to treatment in comparison to other sites of the body. Further larger multi centre studies with different concentration and combination modalities are required to detect promising treatments for vitligo.
Composite acoustic system for low-frequency sound absorption
Authors: Gliścińska Eulalia , Michalak Marina
Published: February 2025

Absorption of low-frequency sound is a difficult engineering problem because long-wave sound energy is poorly dissipated. Traditional sound absorbing materials such as porous materials, microperforated sheets or sound absorbing wedges have a poor low-frequency sound absorption performance. In this work a porous composite absorbing plate connected with a resonant cavity is developed to absorb low frequency sounds. The special developed sound-absorbing plate is rigid and consists of a more fibrous layer (up to approx. 3.0 mm thick) and a more plastic, thin polymer surface layer (up to approx. 0.5 mm thick). The walls of resonant cavity are rigid and smooth. By changing the angle between the absorbing plate and the direction of the incident sound wave and changing the length of the cavity, it is possible to create acoustic systems with a given level of sound absorption and in a given low-frequency range. The larger the angle, the maximum absorption occurs for sounds of lower frequencies. As the cavity length increases, the range of maximum absorption occurring at the resonant frequency shifts towards lower frequencies and the maximum value of the sound absorption coefficient increases. The results are compared with composite variant without a polymer surface layer.
Targeting TRPM3 as a potential therapeutic approach for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease
Authors: Gül Hüseyin , Davies Jamie A.
Published: February 2025

Cystic diseases, especially autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD; incidence approx. 1/1000), are a leading cause of renal failure, caused by appearance and growth of renal cysts that can lead to renal failure in middle age. Most ADPKD cases are caused by mutations in PKD1 or PKD2, encoding polycystin-1 (PC1) and polycystin-2 (PC2). PC1 is a mechanosensor that controls PC2, a Ca2+-permeable cation channel that, by regulating cytoplasmic Ca2+, prevents adenylyl cyclase producing cyst-promoting concentrations of cAMP. In other systems, there is evidence that PC2 interacts with TRPM3. We therefore examined the effect of pharmacological activators and inhibitors of TRPM3 on cyst formation in cultured mouse kidney rudiments exposed to a range of concentrations of forskolin, a cAMP-elevating drug commonly used experimentally to induce cysts in cultured kidneys. We found that TRPM3 inhibitors (isosakuranetin, primidone, diclofenac) increased cyst formation, while TRPM3 activators (CIM0216 and nifedipine) greatly reduced cyst formation and reduced the sensitivity of kidneys to forskolin. These preclinical, in-vitro data suggest that TRPM3 may be a promising target in ADPKD management.
Estimation of yield and nitrogen use efficiencies in hybrid maize varieties through site specific nitrogen management based on leaf color chart (LCC)
Authors: Fayaz Suhail , Kanth Raihana Habib , Bhat Tauseef A. , Dar Eajaz Ahmad , Shah Zahoor Ahmad , Bashir Moneesa , Nazir Aijaz , Jamsheed Bilkees , Mir Mohd. Salim , Dar Zahoor A. , Sharma Shailja , Lone Aabid Hussain , Yousuf Dawood , Al-Ansari Nadhir , Mattar Mohamed A. , Salem Ali
Published: February 2025

Exorbitant praxis of nitrogen pioneered and opened up the usage of time-specific and need-based nitrogen management. The leaf color chart (LCC), being one of the handy tool, is put to use for the estimation of the indirect leaf N, and also heightens the competence of crop N administration. Integrating leaf color chart assessments into maize cultivation practices can provide a practical and cost-effective approach for tailoring nitrogen applications, leading to improved resource-use efficiency and sustainable maize production. To perceive the specific leaf color chart (LCC) value for precision maneuvering of nitrogen in different maize hybrids, a field experiment was carried out at the research farm of Division of Agronomy, FoA, Wadura, Sopore, SKUAST-Kashmir, in the years 2019 and 2020 (Kharif seasons). Split Plot Design (SPD) employing three maize varieties (Shalimar Maize Hybrid-2 (SMH-2), Kanchan-517 and Vivek-45) in main plots and precision management of nitrogen (T1: Control, T2: Recommended Nitrogen (120 kg N ha–1), T3: 25% N as basal LCC @20 (≤ 3) kg N ha−1, T4: 25% N as basal LCC @30 (≤ 3) kg N ha−1, T5: 25% N as basal LCC @20 (≤ 4) kg N ha−1, T6: 25% N as basal LCC @30 (≤ 4) kg N ha−1, T7: 25% N as basal LCC @20 (≤ 5) kg N ha−1 and T8: 25% N as basal LCC @30 (≤ 5) kg N ha−1) in sub-plots was systemized. The pooled means indicated that SMH-2 chalked up utmost values in growth (plant height 189.4 cm) and periodic leaf area index and yield parameters with a grain yield of 6.1 t ha–1, straw yield of 10.6 t ha–1, respectively. The LCC value of @ 30 (≤ 5) kg N ha–1 set down statistically highest and significant grain (6.0 t ha–1) and straw yield (10.8 t ha–1) pooled over the years amidst other nitrogen management treatments, respectively. LCC @ 20 (≤ 5) kg N ha–1 turned up to have highest apparent N recovery (REN) followed by LCC @ 30 (≤ 5) kg N ha-1 whereas LCC @ 20 (≤ 4) kg N ha–1 which was at par with LCC @ 20 (≤ 5) kg N ha-1 recorded maximum agronomic efficiency (AE). LCC @ 20 (≤ 3) kg N ha–1 showed the highest physiological efficiency (PE) and partial factor productivity (Pfp). Furthermore, different rice genotypes manifested significant effects vis-à-vis Pfp and REN, which were maximum in SMH-2 contrasted with Kanchan-517 and Vivek-45. In the interim, the economics of pooled data divulged that the maximum B: C ratio was observed in SMH-2 and LCC @ 30 (≤ 5) kg N ha–1. Therefore, site-specific nutrient management through LCC proved to be an effective strategy to maximize yield and nitrogen use efficiency in hybrid maize.
Exploring microbial players for metagenomic profiling of carbon cycling bacteria in sundarban mangrove soils
Authors: Das Basanta Kumar , Gadnayak Ayushman , Chakraborty Hirak Jyoti , Pradhan Smruti Priyambada , Raut Subhashree Subhasmita , Das Sanjoy Kumar
Published: February 2025

The Sundarbans, the world’s largest tidal mangrove forest, acts as a crucial ecosystem for production, conservation, and the cycling of carbon and nitrogen. The study explored the hypothesis that microbial communities in mangrove ecosystems exhibit unique taxonomic and functional traits that play a vital part in carbon cycling and ecosystem resilience. Using metagenomic analysis to evaluate microbial communities in mangrove and non-mangrove environment, evaluating their composition, functional functions, and ecological relevance. The analysis revealed distinct microbial profiles, in mangrove and non-mangrove environments, with bacteria, proteobacteria, and viruses being the most prevalent groups, with varying abundances in each environment. Functional and taxonomical analysis identified genes involved in carbon regulation, including Triacylglycerol lipase, NarG, DsrB, DNA-binding transcriptional dual regulator CRP, Vanillate O-demethylase oxygenase, succinate-CoA ligase, Tetrahydrofolate ligase, Carboxylase, Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase, Glycine hydroxymethyltransferase, MAG: urease, Endosymbiont of Oligobrachia haakonmosbiensis, Ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase, Aconitate hydratase AcnA, and nitrous oxide reductase, suggesting the metabolic versatility of these microbial communities for carbon cycling. The findings emphasize the key role of microbial activity in preserving mangrove ecosystem health and resilience, highlighting the intricate interplay between microbial diversity, functional capabilities, and environmental factors.
Comprehensive analysis of antimicrobial resistance dynamics among broiler and duck intensive production systems
Authors: Szoke Zsombor , Fauszt Peter , Mikolas Maja , David Peter , Szilagyi-Tolnai Emese , Pesti-Asboth Georgina , Homoki Judit Rita , Kovacs-Forgacs Ildiko , Gal Ferenc , Stundl Laszlo , Czegledi Levente , Stagel Aniko , Biro Sandor , Remenyik Judit , Paholcsek Melinda
Published: February 2025

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health challenge requiring cross-sector action, with research largely focused on chickens, leaving ducks underexplored. This study examines AMR dynamics in Ross 308 broilers and Cherry Valley ducks over 15 months and 15 stocking periods under consistent rearing conditions. A total of 96 pooled samples were collected: 50 from broiler farms (26 biological, 24 environmental) and 46 from duck farms (24 biological, 22 environmental). Using next-generation shotgun sequencing, 3,665 distinct AMR types were identified: 1,918 in broilers and 1,747 in ducks. Host-specific AMRs comprised 25.3% in broilers and 18% in ducks, while 56.7% were shared. AMR diversity declined across production phases, with broilers losing 641 types and ducks losing 308, yet AMR frequencies increased significantly by the finisher phase (p < 0.0001). Based on in silico data, prophylactic antibiotic use significantly reduced the prevalence of multidrug-resistant bacteria in both poultry species (p < 0.05). Hospital-acquired infection-associated AMRs were higher in broilers than in ducks at the start of production but declined significantly by the end of the rearing period (p < 0.0001). Above-average resistance markers accounted for approximately 10% of all detected resistance determinants. Tetracycline and phenicol resistances emerged as the most prevalent. 13 high-resistance carrier (HRC) species were shared between both hosts. Broiler-specific HRCs exhibited significantly higher abundances (relative frequency: 0.08) than duck-specific HRCs (relative frequency: 0.003, p = 0.035). The grower phase emerged as a critical intervention point. In farm environments 15 broiler-specific and 9 duck-specific biomarker species were identified, each strongly correlated with poultry-core HRCs (correlation coefficient > 0.7). Broiler exhibited higher abundances of key resistance genes, with tetracycline resistance predominantly associated with Bacteroides coprosuis, Pasteurella multocida, and Acinetobacter baumannii. Despite its limitations, this research provides key insights into AMR trends in two major poultry types, guiding targeted interventions and sustainable management strategies.
SARS-CoV-2 infection rates and associated risk factors in healthcare workers: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bansal Amit , Trieu Mai-Chi , Eriksson Emily M. , Zhou Fan , McVernon Jodie , Brokstad Karl Albert , Cox Rebecca Jane
Published: February 2025

To protect healthcare workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic, rigorous efforts were made to reduce infection rates among healthcare workers (HCWs), especially prior to vaccine availability. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infections among HCWs and identify potential risk factors associated with transmission. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and Google Scholar from 1 December 2019 to 5 February 2024. From 498 initial records, 190 articles were reviewed, and 63 studies were eligible. ROBINS-E tool revealed a lower risk of bias in several domains; however, some concerns related to confounding and exposure measurement were identified. Globally, 11% (95% confidence interval (CI) 9–13) of 283,932 HCWs were infected with SARS-CoV-2. Infection rates were associated with a constellation of risk factors and major circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants. Household exposure (odds ratio (OR) 7.07; 95% CI 3.93–12.73), working as a cleaner (OR 2.72; 95% CI 1.39–5.32), occupational exposure (OR 1.79; 95% CI 1.49–2.14), inadequate training on infection prevention and control (OR 1.46; 95% CI 1.14–1.87), insufficient use of personal protective equipment (OR 1.45; 95% CI 1.14–1.84), performing aerosol generating procedures (OR 1.36; 95% CI 1.21–1.52) and inadequate hand hygiene (OR 1.17; 95% CI 0.79–1.73) were associated with an increased SARS-CoV-2 infection. Conversely, history of quarantine (OR 0.23; 95% CI 0.08–0.60) and frequent decontamination of high touch areas (OR 0.52; 95% CI 0.42–0.64) were protective factors against SARS-CoV-2 infection. This study quantifies the substantial global burden of SARS-CoV-2 infection among HCWs. We underscore the urgent need for effective infection prevention and control measures, particularly addressing factors such as household exposure and occupational practices by HCWs, including cleaning staff.
Stroke survivors’ health literacy is not associated with caregiver burden: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Hess Engström Andrea , Lindblom Sebastian , Flink Maria , Söderberg Susanna , von Koch Lena , Ytterberg Charlotte
Published: February 2025

Caregivers to stroke survivors often experience a multifaceted strain defined as caregiver burden. Low health literacy among caregivers may contribute to increased caregiver burden but there is limited research specifically examining the association between stroke survivors’ health literacy and caregiver burden. Therefore, the aim here is to explore if there is an association between stroke survivors’ health literacy and caregiver burden one year after stroke. Participants were 50 caregivers and 50 stroke survivors who were followed up in a longitudinal study on care transitions after stroke. Data were collected one year after the stroke survivors’ discharge from hospital and analysed using ordinal logistic regression. Most of the caregivers, median age 71 years, reported being satisfied with their lives (85%) and a low caregiver burden (74%). Stroke survivors’ health literacy was not associated with caregiver burden. However, lower needs of assistance in daily activities, lower levels of depression, higher levels of participation and increased age in stroke survivors were associated with lower caregiver burden. In conclusion, stroke survivors’ health literacy was not associated with caregiver burden one year after stroke. Future studies with larger samples, focusing on populations with lower functioning after stroke and higher caregiver burden, are recommended.
Effect of rhGH treatment on lipidome and brown fat activity in prepuberal small for gestational age children: a pilot study
Authors: González Lorena , Gonzalez-Riano Carolina , Fernández-García Pablo , Cereijo Rubén , Valls Aina , Soria-Gondek Andrea , Real Nativitat , Requena Belén , Bel-Comos Joan , Corrales Patricia , Jiménez-Pavón David , Barbas Coral , Villarroya Francesc , Sánchez-Infantes David , Murillo Marta
Published: February 2025

Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) therapy is the primary treatment for children born small for gestational age (SGA) who fail to show spontaneous catch-up growth by two or four years. While its effects on white adipose tissue are well-documented, this pilot study aimed to investigate its impact on the lipidome and the thermogenic and endocrine activities of brown adipose tissue (BAT) in SGA children following rhGH treatment. The study involved 11 SGA children divided into two groups: (a) SGA children who were not treated with rhGH (n = 4) and (b) SGA children who received rhGH treatment with Saizen® (n = 7). This second group of seven SGA children was followed for 12 months after initiating rhGH treatment. Interventions included 12-hour fasting blood extraction and infrared thermography at baseline and 3 and 12 months post-treatment. Five appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) children served as controls. Exclusion criteria included endocrinological, genetic, or chronic diseases. Untargeted lipidomics analysis was performed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), and serum biomarker levels were measured using ELISA assays. Serum lipidomic analysis revealed that free fatty acids (FFAs) increased to levels close to those of the AGA group after three months of rhGH administration, including polyunsaturated fatty acids, correlating with reduced leptin levels. Elevated levels of 1a,1b-dihomo-PGJ2 and adrenic acid suggested potential aging markers. rhGH treatment also significantly reduced meteorin-like (METRNL) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP1) serum levels to control levels. rhGH influences the serum lipidome, promoting changes in maturation and metabolism. Further research is required to clarify the direct effects of rhGH on specific lipid species and batokines, potentially addressing metabolic disturbances linked to obesity and aging.
Beyond the K-valley: exploring unique trion states in indirect band gap monolayer WSe2
Authors: Mørch Nielsen Carl Emil , Fischer Franz , Bester Gabriel
Published: February 2025

We calculate the optical properties of monolayer WSe2 using ab initio many-body screened configuration interaction. For this indirect band gap material we describe additional species of negatively charged trions involving the Q-valley which are energetically more favorable than those formed at the K-valley. While the results are in excellent agreement with experimental data, they shed new light on observed but yet unaddressed optical features. The analysis of the many-body interactions reveals mechanisms behind increased singlet-triplet splitting and redshifted energies in these Q-valley trions, compared to K-valley trions.
Dynamics of agonist-evoked opioid receptor activation revealed by FRET- and BRET-based opioid receptor conformation sensors
Authors: Kirchhofer Sina B. , Kurz Claudia , Geier Lorenz , Krett Anna-Lena , Krasel Cornelius , Bünemann Moritz
Published: February 2025

The opioid receptor family, particularly the µ opioid receptor, are the main drug targets in the management of severe pain. However, their pain-relieving effects are often accompanied by severe adverse effects, underlining the necessity for extensive research on this receptor family. Opioids, the agonists targeting these receptors, differ in their chemical structure and also in their mode of action in different aspects of signaling. Here we introduce novel tools that facilitate the analysis of this receptor family, by the development of FRET- and BRET-based receptor conformation sensors. With these sensors we were able to characterize especially the µ opioid receptor in more detail and reveal a strongly agonist-dependent activation kinetics for this receptor. Moreover, our sensors offer an assay independent from other signaling pathways, thereby minimizing the potential for interfering influences or biases within the system.
Unravelling the interplay of nitrogen nutrition and the Botrytis cinerea pectin lyase BcPNL1 in modulating Arabidopsis thaliana susceptibility
Authors: Davière Antoine , Voxeur Aline , Jolivet Sylvie , Lelas Luka , Vernhettes Samantha , Soulié Marie-Christine , Fagard Mathilde
Published: February 2025

In this study, we investigated the interplay between nitrogen nutrition and the pectin degradation dynamics during Arabidopsis and Botrytis interaction. Our findings revealed that infected detached leaves from nitrogen-sufficient plants released more pectin lyase (PNL)-derived oligogalacturonides compared to nitrogen-deficient ones. We then focused on BcPNL1, the most highly expressed Botrytis PNL upon infection. Using mutant strains lacking BcPNL1, we observed reduced pathogenicity, a delay in germination and a lag in triggering the plant defense response. Additionally, in nitrogen-sufficient detached leaves, the elevated expression of jasmonic acid repressor genes observed upon infection with the wild-type strain was abolished with the mutants. These results linked the increased production of BcPNL-derived products to the increased expression of jasmonic acid repressor genes, contributing partially to the higher susceptibility of nitrogen-sufficient detached leaves. These findings could lay the foundation for new strategies aimed at reconciling both crop resistance to pathogens and the improvement of nitrogen nutrition.
Amorphous and outstandingly stable Ni(OH)2·0.75H2O@Ni(OH)2/FeOOH heterojunction nanosheets for efficient oxygen evolution performance
Authors: Huang Tingyi , Liu Yawen , Zhao Ziyu , Liu Yuchan , Ye Rongkai , Hu Jianqiang
Published: February 2025

Amorphous Ni(OH)2·0.75H2O@Ni(OH)2/FeOOH heterojunction nanosheets with enhanced OER catalytic activity were synthesized. The introduction of Fe effectively regulated the electronic structure of Ni, improving the catalyst performance.
Engineered extracellular vesicles: an emerging nanomedicine therapeutic platform
Authors: Tang Jingshi , Li Dezhong , Wang Rui , Li Shiwei , Xing Yanlong , Yu Fabiao
Published: February 2025

Extracellular vesicles have been deemed as potential drug carriers for treatment of various diseases. Recent advances have been summarized, including the sources, delivery function, extraction and cargo-loading technology of extracellular vesicles.
Two novel tetranuclear Yb(III)-based compounds for highly efficient conversion of CO2 to cyclic carbonates
Authors: Sun Yining , Liu Guoguo , Xiong Gang , Xu Guangwen
Published: February 2025

Two new tetranuclear Ln(III)-based compounds formulated as [Yb4(μ3-O)2(dbm)4(L1)6]·2CH2Cl2·6CH3CN (1) and [Yb4(μ3-O)2(dbm)4(L2)6] (2) (Hdbm = dibenzoylmethane, HL1 = (E)-5-((4-methoxybenzylidene)amino)quinolin-8-ol, and HL2 = (E)-5-(benzylideneamino)quinolin-8-ol) have been successfully obtained by using the above...
Di- and tri-valent metal complexes with tris-amide-functionalised 1,4,7-triazacyclononane chelators
Authors: O’Callaghan Charley , Greenacre Victoria K. , Reid Gillian
Published: February 2025

Tris(amide) tacn ligands, 1 and 2, form a series of distorted octahedral N3O3-coordinated cations with divalent 3d ions and trivalent Ga(iii) and In(iii) ions; the Ga(iii) complex undergoes slow amide hydrolysis in MeOH at room temperature.
Mn doping promotes deep surface reconstruction of CoP nanosheet arrays to drive efficient water splitting
Authors: Liu Xiaoyan , Huang Tingting , Ding Hui , Xiao Juan , Fan Xiaolan , Yu Zhiwei , Zhang Li , Xu Guancheng
Published: February 2025

In order to improve the electrocatalytic performance of TMPs, we proposed a heteroatom doping strategy and designed Mn10-CoP@C-CNFs. The catalyst shows excellent performance and stability at a certain current density and temperature.
From window panes to bone regeneration: structure, viscosity and bioactivity of soda lime silicate glasses
Authors: Jin Zhaorui , Neuville Daniel R. , Chartier Coraline , Kachanov Pavel , Kroeker Scott , Gin Stéphane , Du Jincheng , Brauer Delia S.
Published: February 2025

This study shows how compositional changes from conventional soda lime silicate glasses to low-silica content compositions affect their structure and properties, turn bioinert compositions into bioactive materials to enhance bone formation.
Transforming biomass waste sauce-flavor liquor lees into porous carbons for high-performance aqueous zinc-ion hybrid capacitors
Authors: Wei Guimei , Tian Ye , Tang Xingning , Yin Weihua , Peng Hongliang , Sun Lixian , Wang Guanghua , Xu Fen , Zou Yongjin , Zhang Huanzhi , Cai Ping
Published: February 2025

The biomass sauce-flavor liquor lees-derived carbon cathodes are specially designed for aqueous zinc-ion hybrid supercapacitors. And which achieved a high specific capacity (221.1 mA h g−1), a high energy density (160.9 W h kg−1) and remarkable durability.
A theoretical framework for BL Her stars IV. New period-luminosity relations in the Rubin-LSST filters
Authors: Das Susmita , Molnar Laszlo , Szabo Robert , Singh Harinder P. , Kanbur Shashi M. , Bhardwaj Anupam , Marconi Marcella , Smolec Radoslaw
Published: February 2025

The upcoming Rubin-LSST is expected to revolutionize the field of classical pulsators by offering well-sampled multi-epoch photometric data in multiple wavelengths. Type II Cepheids (T2Cs) exhibit weak or negligible metallicity dependence on period-luminosity (PL) relations. Thus, they may potentially be used as an alternative to classical Cepheids for extragalactic distance estimations, when used together with RR Lyraes and the tip of the red giant branch. It is therefore crucial to study an updated theoretical pulsation scenario of BL Herculis stars (BL Her; the shortest period T2Cs) in the corresponding Rubin-LSST photometric system. We present new theoretical light curves in the Rubin-LSST filters for a fine grid of BL Her models computed using mesa-rsp . We have also derived new theoretical PL and period-Wesenheit (PW) relations in the Rubin-LSST filters with the aim to study the effect of convection parameters and metallicity on these relations. The grid of BL Her models was computed using the non-linear radial stellar pulsation tool mesa-rsp with the input stellar parameters: metallicity (-2.0; dex ≤ Fe/H ≤ 0.0; dex ), stellar mass ($0.5M_ ⊙ -0.8M_ ⊙ $), stellar luminosity ($50L_ ⊙ -300L_ ⊙ $), and effective temperature (across the full extent of the instability strip; in steps of 50K) and using four sets of convection parameters. Bolometric correction tables from MIST were used to transform the theoretical bolometric light curves of the BL Her models into the Rubin--LSST ugrizy filters. The PL relations of the BL Her models exhibit steeper slopes but smaller dispersion with increasing wavelengths in the Rubin-LSST filters. The PL and PW slopes for the complete set of BL Her models computed with radiative cooling (sets B and D) are statistically similar across the grizy filters. The BL Her models exhibit weak or negligible effect of metallicity on the PL relations for wavelengths longer than the g filter for the case of the complete set of models as well as for the low-mass models. However, we find a significant effect of the metallicity on the PL relation in the u filter. Strong metallicity effects are observed in the PWZ relations involving the u filter and are found to have significant contribution from the high-metallicity BL Her models. Due to a negligible metallicity effect for relations involving the Wesenheit indices W(i,g-i), W(z,i-z), and W(y,g-y), we recommend these filter combinations for BL Her stars during observations with Rubin--LSST for use as reliable standard candles.
Variable stars in the VVV globular clusters III. RR Lyrae stars in the inner Galactic globular clusters
Authors: Alonso-García Javier , Smith Leigh C. , Sanders Jason L. , Minniti Dante , Catelan Márcio , Aravena Rojas Gonzalo , Carballo-Bello Julio A. , Fernández-Trincado José G. , Ferreira Lopes Carlos E. , Garro Elisa R. , Guo Zhen , Hempel Maren , Lucas Philip W. , Majaess Daniel , Saito Roberto K. , Katherina Vivas A.
Published: February 2025

High reddening near the Galactic plane hampers observations and proper characterization of the globular clusters (GCs) located toward the inner regions of the Milky Way. The VISTA Variables in the V'ia L'actea (VVV) survey observed the Galactic bulge and adjacent disk for several years, providing multi-epoch, near-infrared images for 41 Galactic GCs. Detecting RR Lyrae variable stars belonging to these GCs will aid in their accurate parameterization. By fully leveraging the astrometric, photometric, and variability VVV catalogs, we searched for RR Lyrae stars associated with GCs. Our selection criteria, based on proper motions, proximity to the cluster centers, and distances inferred from their period-luminosity-metallicity relations, enable us to accurately identify the RR Lyrae population in these GCs and determine color excesses and distances to these poorly studied GCs in a homogeneous manner. Since the VVV catalogs cover from the innermost regions of the GCs to their outskirts, we can provide a comprehensive picture of the entire RR Lyrae population in these GCs. We have discovered significant RR Lyrae populations in two highly reddened Galactic GCs: UKS 1 and VVV-CL160, previously unknown to host RR Lyrae stars. Additionally, we have detected one RR Lyrae candidate in each of Terzan 4 and Terzan 9, also new to RR Lyrae detection. We further confirm and increase the number of RR Lyrae stars detected in 22 other low-latitude Galactic GCs. The RR Lyrae distances place most of these GCs within the Galactic bulge, aligning well with the few GCs in our sample with reliable Gaia or Hubble Space Telescope measurements. However, most of the VVV GCs lack accurate Gaia distances, and literature distances are generally significantly smaller than those derived in this work. As a byproduct of our analysis, we have obtained the proper motions for all the VVV GCs, independently confirming Gaia results, except for two of the most reddened GCs: UKS 1 and 2MASS-GC02.
The PediPERForm Learning Network Congenital Perfusion Registry
Authors: Mejak Brian L. , Reagor James A. , Olshove Vince F. , Likosky Donald S.
Published: February 2025

Medical procedural registries are uniquely positioned to support shared decision-making through risk prediction modeling, support quality assessment and improvement through performance benchmarking, and provide public reporting of evidence-based practices and outcomes. For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) consulted the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) registry to assess the severity of the swine flu outbreak in 2009-2010. The development and growth of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Congenital Heart Surgery Database (STS-CHSD) has positively contributed to the congenital heart surgery community by developing objective mortality STAT categories and complexity stratification for operations, a common nomenclature for classifying operations, and reporting the costs associated with complications for nine benchmark operations. Within the setting of adult cardiac surgery, the Perfusion Down Under Collaborative has used its registry to develop quality improvement initiatives, including those related to the management of arterial outlet temperature, glucose, and arterial pCO2. The PERForm registry leverages data from nearly 50 U.S. hospitals to support targeted quality improvement initiatives within the setting of adult cardiac surgery. The PERForm registry participants receive benchmark reports and participate in quarterly collaborative learning meetings noted for the unblinding of hospital performance data.
In 2014, with no current congenital cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) registries, various experts within the congenital perfusion community and leaders from the PERForm registry began working to develop a pediatric perfusion registry. From this work, the PediPERForm Learning Network (PLN) and its associated congenital perfusion registry became active and began collecting data in October 2021.
Liver transplantation in alcohol-induced acute-on-chronic liver failure without six months of abstinence
Authors: Rauchfuss Falk , Schwenk Laura , Reuken Philipp A. , Zipprich Alexander , Schwarz Sebastian , Bauer Michael , Stallmach Andreas , Settmacher Utz
Published: February 2025

Globally, many liver transplantation programs require adherence to a 6-month abstinence period in cases of alcohol-associated liver disease. Especially in cases of decompensation, such as acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), the severity of the disease often makes it impossible to reach this interval, leading to increasing critical scrutiny of a fixed abstinence period. The prognostic relevance of the 6-month abstinence is also not firmly established.

In the present study, we analyze all patients who were presented for liver transplantation at a German transplantation center due to acute-on-chronic liver failure caused by alcohol-associated liver disease.

Retrospective analyses of patients with alcohol-associated liver disease who did not complete the 6-month abstinence period.

Out of the 83 patients initially considered, 78 were included in the final analysis. The patients who underwent liver transplantation (n=16) had a significantly better 5-year survival rate (81.3% vs. 24.2%; p < 0.001). Especially in patients with ACLF and multiple organ dysfunctions (ACLF Grade 3), liver transplantation resulted in a significantly improved survival rate. Patients with an ACLF Grade 3 who were not transplanted died within the first six months after decompensation (92.5% mortality). All surviving transplant recipients continued abstaining from alcohol until the most recent evaluation point (average follow-up time 963 days).

Patients experiencing acute-on-chronic liver failure from alcohol-related liver disease clearly benefit from liver transplantation, irrespective of whether they meet the 6-month abstinence criterion. This stipulated waiting period is increasingly debated in current discussions. Our findings emphasize that patients with ACLF, when not transplanted, face significant mortality risks. Such insights should be factored into tailored treatment decisions.
Is Conventional Horizontal Strabismus Surgery Still a Valid Option in High Myopia?
Authors: Maurer Lene , Palmowski-Wolfe Anja
Published: February 2025

Background Surgical methods to join extraocular muscles are now often used to reduce the risk of scleral perforation in strabismus surgery, but published results indicate that the outcome is highly variable. We therefore wanted to assess whether conventional horizontal strabismus surgery is still a valid option in high myopia.

Patients and Methods A retrospective chart review of patients with high myopia, defined as a spherical equivalent of ≥ − 6.0 D in at least one eye, and who had undergone conventional horizontal strabismus surgery was performed. Exotropic angles were converted to positive angles to summarize the results.

Results 22 patients were analyzed (15 corrected for esotropia, 7 for exotropia). Prior to surgery, the mean angle of deviation, measured with the alternate prism cover test, was 33.9 prism diopters (PD; range 13 – 75 PD) at distance and 35.3 PD (range 8 – 75 PD) at near. Three months post-surgery, the overall mean dose effect (DE in PD/mm surgery) was 2.8 (standard deviation [SD] 0.5) at distance and 2.9 (SD 0.6) at near. In esotropia, the mean DE was 3.0 at both distance and near; in exotropia, the mean DE was 2.3 at distance and 2.5 at near. There were no major complications such as scleral perforations or retinal detachment.

Conclusion Our data show that conventional horizontal strabismus surgery in high myopia is feasible, is not linked to an increased risk of scleral perforation, and offers predictable results.
Impact of Coronavirus Disease-2019 on Influenza and Tdap Vaccination Rates in Pregnant Patients
Authors: Njagu Ravyn , Freedy Katherine , Brucker Amanda , Feng Kelvin , Lunn Siera , Greene Melissa , Swamy Geeta K. , Dotters-Katz Sarah
Published: February 2025

Objective Influenza and tetanus toxoid reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) are safe and effective vaccines that are recommended in pregnancy. Despite this, significant vaccine hesitancy exists in pregnancy. However, impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on vaccine hesitancy is not well understood. Thus, we sought to describe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on influenza and Tdap vaccination rates in pregnant patients.

Study Design Retrospective cohort study of patients delivering at single academic center from October 1, 2017 to August 31, 2021. Patients with missing vaccine data or delivering before 28 weeks (Tdap range) excluded. Patients delivering pre-COVID (October 1, 2017–August 31, 2019) compared with those delivering mid-COVID (October 1, 2020–August 31, 2021). Primary outcomes were vaccination rates for Tdap and influenza. Secondary outcome was rate of dual vaccination (receiving both) and variation by race/ethnicity. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were used to test for changes in vaccination rates.

Results Of 8,650 unique patient pregnancies, 5,925(68.5%) occurred pre-COVID. Median patient age (30 years) and gestational age at delivery (39 weeks) not clinically different between groups. Patients in mid-COVID group had lower numbers of government-assisted insurance (47.3%) and higher non-Hispanic Black compared with pre-COVID (31.5%). The rate of influenza vaccination decreased 8.2 percentage points from pre-COVID to mid-COVID (69.9 vs. 61.7%, p < 0.001). Tdap vaccination rates also decreased, although less-so (88.5 vs. 85.1%, p < 0.001). The rate of patients receiving both vaccines during pregnancy decreased from 66.0 to 58.4% (p < 0.001). Significant decreases in influenza vaccination rates mid-COVID versus pre-COVID was seen in all race–ethnicity groups except non-Hispanic White patients. For Tdap vaccinations, the effect of COVID on the odds of receiving Tdap did not differ across race–ethnicity groups.

Conclusion Rates of influenza, Tdap, and dual vaccination in pregnancy dropped significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. For influenza, these were most pronounced in all race–ethnicities included with exception of non-Hispanic White. These data emphasize the importance of continued counseling and education on vaccinations in pregnancy and raise important questions regarding vaccine access and patient hesitancy during pandemic-mediated prenatal care.

Key Points
High prevalence of cough and common cold medication intoxications in
the Czech paediatric population
Authors: Konopásek Patrik , Kotíková Kateřina , Pecková Monika , David Jan
Published: February 2025

There has been much debate about the appropriateness of over-the-counter
(OTC) cough and common cold medications (CCM). The aim of this nationwide
study was to analyse the incidence of CCM intoxications in the Czech
paediatric population from 2014 to 2023.

We performed a retrospective study on the incidence of CCM intoxications in
the Czech paediatric population (ages 0–18 years) from 2014 to 2023.

There were 7,056 cases of CCM intoxication in children, of which 6,406
resulted from unintentional intoxication. No lethal doses were reported, but
there were 1,769 documented toxic doses. Unintentional CCM intoxications
represented 15.60% of all unintentional medication intoxication cases across
all ages and medication types. Of the 6,406 unintentional intoxication
cases, 5,465 (85.31%) were in children aged 0 to 6 years, including 1,564
(24.41%) in children aged 0 to 2 years. Children aged 0 to 6 years had a
significantly higher risk of CCM intoxication compared to those aged 7 to 18
years (RR 9.5, p<0.00001). The annual incidence of unintentional CCM
intoxication was 69.26 per 100,000 children aged 0 to 6 years and 7.29 per
100,000 children aged 7 to 18 years.

Based on our data, we believe there is low awareness among parents and Czech
paediatricians regarding the potential risks of CCM and the lack of proven
efficacy of these medications.

Our data may contribute to political discussions regarding the general
prohibition of CCM use in children younger than six years.
Unlocking σ-Type Cyclopropenium Cation Transfer Reactions by an Iodine(III)-Based Umpolung Strategy
Authors: Waser Jerome , Li Xiangdong
Published: February 2025

σ-Type cyclopropenium cations (CPCs), which are formally generated by removing one substituent on the alkene of cyclopropenes, represent promising intermediates for forging functionalized cyclopropenes. However, σ-type CPCs are challenging to access and their synthetic utility remain largelyunexplored. Recently, we introduced electrophilic cyclopropenyl-gold(III) species as equivalents of σ-type CPCs, which can then react with terminal alkynes or vinylboronic acids to afford alkynyl- or alkenyl-cyclopropenes.The merging of redox gold catalysis and a new class of hypervalent iodine reagents—the cyclopropenyl benziodoxoles (CpBXs)—plays a central role in generating the σ-type CPC equivalents. With the same reagents, we have also developed a synergistic Au/Ag bimetallic catalytic cyclopropenyl cross-coupling system that enables to forge 1,1'-bicyclopropenyl derivatives in an efficient and modular manner. Our strategy provides access to previously inaccessible, yet highly useful, functionalized cyclopropenes, thereby significantly advancing both cyclopropene and hypervalent iodine chemistry.
Enantioselective Electrocatalytic Nitroalkylation
Authors: Li Juan , Son Jin , Guo Chang
Published: February 2025

Asymmetric electrocatalytic processes hold great promise for the sustainable synthesis of chiral compounds. However, maintaining stereochemical control during the anodic oxidative cross-dehydrogenative coupling of different nucleophiles poses significant challenges. To address this, a novel electrocatalytic strategy has been developed that achieves enantioconvergent nitroalkylation between benzoxazolyl esters and nitroalkanes via radical pathways. This method produces enantioenriched nitroesters without the need for additional stoichiometric chemical oxidants. Mechanistic studies have revealed that the nickel catalyst plays a critical role in both the electrochemical activation and the determination of stereoselectivity. This approach facilitates transformations that are challenging under thermal conditions, including umpolung reactivity, the formation of quaternary carbon centers, and remote enantiocontrol.
Non-Hermitian Skin Effect in Fragmented Hilbert Spaces of One-Dimensional Fermionic Lattices
Authors: Wang Yi-An , Li Linhu
Published: February 2025

We discover that the interplay between Hilbert space fragmentation and multiple non-Hermitian pumping channels leads to distinct non-Hermitian skin effect (NHSE) in real and Fock spaces. Using an extended Hatano-Nelson model with next-nearest neighbor hopping and a strong interaction as an example, we find that two fermions loaded in the lattice exhibit different real-space NHSE depending on the Hilbert space fragments they belong to. Moreover, in the high-energy sector resulting from the fragmentation, the two-particle bound states form a one-dimensional lattice in Fock space, resulting in the Fock-space NHSE. At half-filling, while real-space NHSE is suppressed by many-body effects, richer patterns of Fock-space skin-like localization are found to emerge for different fragmented energy sectors and subsectors. This work extends our understanding of the interplay between NHSE and Hilbert space fragmentation and provides detailed insights into their manifestation in interacting non-Hermitian systems.