bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of Syngeneic Murine Glioma Models with Somatic Mismatch Repair Deficiency to Study Therapeutic Responses to Alkylating Agents and Immunotherapy
Authors: Bhatt Deepti , Sundaram Ranjini K. , López Karla S. Lugo , Lee Teresa , Gueble Susan E. , Vasquez Juan C.
Published: February 2025

Glioblastoma (GBM) carries a dismal prognosis, with a median survival of less than 15 months. Temozolomide (TMZ), the standard frontline chemotherapeutic for GBM, is an alkylating agent that generates DNA O6‐methylguanine (O6MeG) lesions. Without O6MeG‐methyltransferase (MGMT), this lesion triggers the mismatch repair (MMR) pathway and leads to cytotoxicity via futile cycling. TMZ resistance frequently arises via the somatic acquisition of MMR deficiency (MMRd). Moreover, DNA‐damaging agents have been shown capable of increasing tumor immunogenicity and improving response to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), which has had limited success in glioma. The study of how alkylating chemotherapy such as TMZ impacts antitumor immunity in glioma has been hindered by a lack of immunocompetent models that incorporate relevant DNA repair genotypes. Here, we used CRISPR/Cas9 to generate models isogenic for knockout (KO) of Mlh1 in the syngeneic SB28 murine glioma cell line. MMR KO models readily formed intracranial tumors and exhibited in vitro and in vivo resistance to TMZ. In contrast, MMR KO cells maintained sensitivity to KL‐50, a newly developed alkylating compound that exerts MGMT‐dependent, MMR‐independent cytotoxicity. Lastly, MMR KO tumors remained resistant to ICB, mirroring the lack of response seen in patients with somatic MMRd GBM. The development of syngeneic, immunologically cold glioma models with somatic loss of MMR will facilitate future studies on the immunomodulatory effects of alkylating agents in relevant DNA repair contexts, which will be vital for optimizing combinations with ICB. © 2025 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Validation of mismatch repair knockouts and in vitro sensitivity to alkylating agents

Basic Protocol 2: Stereotaxic injection of isogenic SB28 cells in female C57BL/6J mice and in vivo treatment
Optimizing Sn Doping in Zn4Sb3 Thin Films: Insights into Processing and Electrical Performance
Authors: Chen Cheng-Lung , Tang Bo-Chen , Chen Sheng-Chi , Wen Chao-Kuang , Chen Yin-Hung , Nor Hairin Assayidatul Laila
Published: February 2025

β‐Zn4Sb3 is a promising thermoelectric material due to its environmental friendliness and suitability for mid‐temperature applications. However, maintaining its pure β‐phase during fabrication remains a significant challenge, as phase instabilities often degrade its thermoelectric performance. Here, we demonstrate the successful optimization of β‐Zn4Sb3 thin films through controlled Sn doping using ion beam‐assisted deposition. By precisely regulating the Sn concentration at 0.97 %, the β‐Zn4Sb3 phase is preserved, resulting in a maximum power factor of 1.4 mW m⁻¹K⁻² at 573 K—a 60 % improvement over undoped films. Comprehensive analyses reveal that dilute Sn doping enhances carrier mobility and structural stability while avoiding detrimental phase transitions to ZnSb. These findings highlight the importance of precise doping and processing control in stabilizing the β‐phase structure. This work provides a new pathway for fabricating high‐quality thermoelectric thin films, offering valuable insights into the development of scalable, efficient energy harvesting technologies.
An Unweighted Factor Hybrid Method to Balance Neutral‐Point Voltage for Hybrid‐Multiplexed Fifteen‐Switch Converter
Authors: Wang Jianfei , Wang Guifeng , Ji Jinling , Yuan Xin , Jiang Yunhui , Luo Chao , Du Qigang , Liu Zhan
Published: February 2025

Nowadays, in order to improve the reliability of the hybrid‐multiplexed Fifteen‐switch converter (HM‐15SC), the neutral‐point voltage (NPV) balancing control and the reduction of the number of prediction operations (NPOs) are considered. The small vector model predictive current control (SV‐MPCC) method selects P‐ or N‐type small vector groups to be input to the evaluation function by the upper and lower capacitor voltages on the dc side and selects the optimal switching state of each leg under this control cycle to trade off the NPV balance and the power quality at the output. Based on the improved single‐leg independent model prediction current control (SL‐MPCC) method, each leg is predicted to operate independently to achieve the goal of reducing the NPO and improving the power quality at the output. When the NPV is unbalanced, the proposed method employs SV‐MPCC to balance the NPV. When the NPV is balanced, then it employs the SL‐MPCC method to reduce the NPO. Therefore, a weightless factor hybrid method for NPV balancing is proposed. The method maintains the advantage of the SV‐MPCC method to balance the NPV and reduces the NPO by the SL‐MPCC method. More, the proposed method introduces the time‐sharing idea to realize the separate control of the three‐phase ac at the upper output and the three sets of dc at the lower output. The test results verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method. The proposed method realizes the NPV control without a weighting factor and improves the power quality at the output based on the improved SL‐MPCC method.
Differences in Subtidal Macrobenthic Community Structures and Influencing Factors Between Jindo and Jeju Islands in South Korea
Authors: Liang Jian , Ma Chae‐Woo , Kim Kwang‐Bae
Published: February 2025

Although islands in South Korea have been significantly impacted by human activities, marine ecological studies focusing on island coasts have been limited. Due to their distinct characteristics, macrobenthos is extensively utilized to assess the impact of anthropogenic influences on the marine environment. In August 2010, August 2011, and September 2012, samples of macrobenthic communities, bottom water, and sediment were collected from the subtidal zones around southern Jindo and northern Jeju islands in South Korea. Macrobenthos was identified to the species level using a stereomicroscope. Bottom seawater quality was evaluated, with a focus on dissolved heavy metal concentrations (As, Cr, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn). Additionally, we measured the organic matter content and mean grain size of the sediment. There were marked differences in macrobenthic community structures between the two islands, including the number of species, species abundance, species richness index, and Pielou's evenness index (p < 0.05). Cluster analysis, non‐metric analysis, permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA), and permutational analysis of multivariate dispersion (PERMDISP) revealed variations in macrobenthic communities between the two islands and over the years 2010, 2011, and 2012. According to the Biota‐Environment Matching (BIO‐ENV), distance‐based redundancy analysis (dbRDA), and distance‐based linear model analyses (DistLM), the principal environmental variables influencing the distribution of macrobenthic communities are Cd and As. These variations likely result from different levels of human activity on each island. Moreover, interannual variations in macrobenthic communities, especially in 2012, were predominantly influenced by Pb and Cr, likely due to alterations in the influence of the Changjiang (Yangtze River) diluted water.
Production of an Innovative, Surface Area‐Enhanced and Biodegradable Biofilm‐Generating Device by 3D Printing
Authors: Datta Atulona , Saha Rituparna , Sahoo Sovan , Roy Arup Ratan , Basu Shayontani , Mahajan Girish , Panja Subhash Chandra , Mukherjee Joydeep
Published: February 2025

The enhanced surface cylindrical flask (ESCF) consists of an eight‐striped inner arrangement holding 16 standard microscopic slides placed inside a cylindrical vessel. The specially designed spatula‐accessible slides can be withdrawn from the vessel during cultivation without disturbing biofilm formation through an innovative window‐flap accessibility mechanism. The vessel and its accessories were three‐dimensional (3D) printed by applying a fused deposition modeling technique utilizing biodegradable polylactic acid. Biofilms of clinically relevant bacteria namely Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli were successfully grown in the ESCF and observed through confocal laser scanning microscopy. Advantages of the device include an enhanced surface area for biofilm formation, ease of insertion and removal of microscopic slides, convenient fitting into standard rotary shaker platforms, creation of anoxic/microaerophilic environment inside the vessel as well as the feasibility of pH, dissolved gases, and metabolite measurements in the liquid surrounding the biofilm. The ESCF will find widespread application in medical, industrial, and environmental disciplines.
Zircon U–Pb Geochronology and Hf Isotope, Whole‐Rock Geochemistry and Sr–Nd Isotopes of the Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous Intrusive Rocks From North Shanxi Province: Insight on Petrogenesis and Magmatic Process in the Central North China Craton
Authors: Qi Kai , Ren ZhanLi , Cui Junping , Ma Qian , Xing Guangyuan
Published: February 2025

The Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous was a critical transformative period for the North China Craton (NCC), marked by a tectonic shift from compression to extension and the formation of numerous Yanshanian magmatic intrusions across Shanxi Province. This article presents zircon U–Pb geochronology and Hf isotope, whole‐rock geochemistry and Sr–Nd isotopic compositions of Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous intrusive rocks from the Hunyuan area in northern Shanxi Province. The Chakou, Liulengshan and Zhongzhuangpu intrusions yield zircon U–Pb ages of 150.9 ± 1.7 Ma, 137.9 ± 2.0 Ma and 115.4 ± 0.6 Ma, respectively. The Chakou monzogranites exhibit typical features of high‐K calc‐alkaline I‐type granites, and they are enriched in Rb, Ba, K and U, and depleted in Nb and Ta. The Sr and Nd isotopes of these samples show (87Sr/86Sr)i values ranging from 0.7062 to 0.7103 and εNd(t) values between −8.8 and −8.7. Additionally, zircon rims show highly variable εHf(t) values, spanning from −12.7 to −8.1. Geochemistry and isotopes suggest that the Chakou monzogranites originated primarily from the partial melting of the lower crust. The Liulengshan quartz syenites exhibit low SiO2 and high K2O contents, classifying them as shoshonitic I‐type quartz syenites. They are enriched in LREE and LILE, depleted in HFSE with a weak negative Eu anomaly, and display moderate εNd(t) values between −17.1 and −17.0. Zircon Hf isotope composition is relatively uniform, with εHf(t) values ranging from −22.6 to −20.4. We propose that the quartz syenites from Liulengshan were formed by mixed products of mantle‐derived and crust‐derived magmas, with the latter being dominant. The Zhongzhuangpu biotite monzogranites are petrologically and geochemically uniform, showing enrichment in Pb and Ta, and strong depletion in Sr, Ba and Eu. We consider that they originated from the partial melting of crustal materials. Collectively, our data indicate that continuous crustal extension, thinning and asthenospheric upwelling facilitated partial melting of both lithospheric mantle and crustal materials. These processes were the primary drivers behind the formation of intrusions in the NCC during the Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous.
Economic Shocks and Infant Health: The Intergenerational Effects of Import Competition in the U.S.
Authors: Ukil Patralekha
Published: February 2025

This paper investigates the intergenerational health impacts of a persistent negative economic shock faced by individuals residing in the United States. Specifically, the paper examines the impact of economic shocks in local labor markets on infant health by exploiting the increasing import competition from China between 2005 and 2015 on U.S. commuting zones as a plausibly exogenous source of variation in household economic conditions. Using yearly restricted‐access data from the Natality Vital Statistics and yearly measures of the U.S local labor markets' exposure to import competition at the per capita level, this paper provides evidence that negative shocks in the form of worsening local labor market conditions are associated with a negative impact on infant health outcomes. Results indicate that increased import penetration from China in U.S commuting zones led to a reduction in the average birthweight and an increase in the incidence of low birthweight. Analyses of transmission mechanisms suggest worsening household economic circumstances as a result of negative labor market outcomes in the form of reduced wages, reduced household income per capita and increased reliance on food stamps, reduced access to healthcare and an increase in mental health declines among women of childbearing age.
Tissue‐Plug Modification of Pectoralis Major Myocutaneous Flap for Intractable Pharyngocutaneous Fistula Repair
Authors: Hsu Chia‐Kai , Hsu Fang‐Yu , Chen Hung‐Chi , Ji Jian‐you , Liu En‐Wei
Published: February 2025

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a novel tissue‐plug modification of the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap for repairing intractable pharyngocutaneous fistulas, especially in difficult‐to‐access defects.

Materials and Methods

The novel technique involved designing a tissue‐plug modification of pectoralis major myocutaneous flap and suspension sutures. Cadaver studies were performed to refine the surgical method before clinical application. This method was applied to five patients. Postoperative outcomes, complications, and follow‐up data were analyzed.

Results

All five patients underwent successful fistula repair using the tissue‐plug method. Healing was achieved without recurrent leakage in four patients, while one required permanent enteral feeding due to preexisting tongue dysfunction. Two patients experienced tracheal strictures, which were resolved with additional interventions. Swallowing function improved, and imaging confirmed fistula resolution.

Conclusion

The tissue‐plug modification of the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap is a viable and effective approach for managing intractable pharyngocutaneous fistulas, particularly in cases with posterior oropharyngeal defects or prior radiation exposure. Further studies with larger cohorts are needed to validate its long‐term efficacy and outcomes.

Level of Evidence

Level 4.
Determining the Groundwater Level in Hilly and Plain Areas From Multisource Observation Data Combined With a Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Li Jiahao , Lu Chengpeng , Hu Jingya , Chen Yufeng , Ma Jialiang , Chen Jing , Wu Chengcheng , Liu Bo , Shu Longcang
Published: February 2025

Developing an accurate model that can effectively simulate groundwater levels is of immense significance for water resource management and aquifer protection. To achieve this, it is crucial to identify key factors in remote sensing, topography, and meteorology, and to improve hydrological models to enhance prediction accuracy. This study proposes a multistep modelling framework, the RF‐PSO‐GRNN algorithm model, to improve the accuracy of groundwater level simulations in data‐scarce hilly regions. The framework combines the random forest (RF) model with the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm and the generalised regression neural network (GRNN). First, the study area was divided into hilly and plain regions, decreasing mean absolute error (MAE) by 0.2 m in plain areas and 0.1 m in hilly areas. The RF‐Gini index combination was then used to calculate the contributing factors for each region, facilitating the determination of an optimal balancing strategy, which reduced RMSE by 4.35 m in hilly areas and 3.82 m in plain areas. Subsequently, the PSO algorithm was employed to compute the optimal smoothing factor for GRNN, further reducing RMSE by approximately 10 m. Additionally, MAE decreased by 11 m in hilly areas and 7.5 m in plain areas. Finally, the RF‐PSO‐GRNN model was applied to simulate the spatiotemporal evolution of groundwater levels in three counties within the Fu River Basin of Jiangxi Province, China. The findings confirm the effectiveness of GRNN in simulating groundwater levels with limited data samples. This study provides a practical solution for hydrological modelling and groundwater management under data‐scarce conditions, contributing to the understanding and predicting groundwater dynamics.
Natural Resistance to HIV Infection: Role of Immune Activation
Authors: Naranjo‐Covo María M. , Rincón‐Tabares Daniel S. , Flórez‐Álvarez Lizdany , Hernandez Juan C. , Zapata‐Builes Wildeman
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Although repeated exposure to HIV‐1 can result in infection, some individuals remain seronegative without clinical or serologic evidence of infection; these individuals are known as HIV‐1‐exposed seronegative individuals. This population has been extensively studied to understand the mechanisms associated with natural resistance to HIV infection. Two main hypotheses have been proposed to explain this resistance: some researchers associated resistance with a low activation phenotype characterized by a decrease in the activation and proliferation of immune system cells linked with infection control and decreased production of cytokines and pro‐inflammatory molecules, whereas others suggest that resistance is related to immune system activation and the expression of high levels of chemokines, pro‐inflammatory cytokines and antiviral molecules.

Aims

Our study aims to review and analyze the most relevant evidence supporting the role of the activation level of the immune system during natural resistance to HIV‐1 infection.

Methods

A search was conducted via the PubMed, SciELO and ScienceDirect databases. The literature search was performed in a nonsystematic manner. Articles published in the last five decades addressing immune activation mechanisms in natural resistance to HIV were reviewed.

Results

A low‐activation phenotype, characterized by a high frequency of Treg cells; reduced expression of CD25, CD38, and HLA‐DR; and lower production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in peripheral and mucosal tissues, plays a key role in reducing the number of activated cells susceptible to infection, but it minimizes chronic inflammation, facilitating viral entry and spread. In contrast, the activation phenotype is associated with high expression of markers such as CD25, CD38, and HLA‐DR, along with elevated high levels of interferon‐stimulated genes and pro‐inflammatory cytokines. This profile could promote infection control while increasing the number of virus‐susceptible cells.

Conclusion

The complexity of the immune response during HIV exposure, reflected in the conflicting evidence concerning whether low or high immune activation offers protection against infection, suggests that there may be multiple pathways to HIV‐1 resistance, influenced by factors such as the type of viral exposure, the immune environment, and individual genetics. Further research is needed to determine which immune states are protective and how these responses can be modulated to prevent infection.
Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory medication use and endometrial cancer survival: A population‐based Norwegian cohort study
Authors: Haug Ala Jabri , Støer Nathalie , Langseth Hilde , Siafarikas Franziska , Botteri Edoardo , Fortner Renée Turzanski , Lindemann Kristina
Published: February 2025

While nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been shown to improve survival in certain cancers, data in patients with endometrial cancer (EC) is conflicting. This study investigated use of aspirin and nonaspirin NSAIDs (NA‐NSAIDs) and EC‐specific—and all‐cause death. This nationwide cohort study linked data from the Cancer Registry of Norway with The Norwegian Prescription database. Patients diagnosed with EC from 2004 to 2018 were included. Post‐diagnosis exposure to aspirin and NA‐NSAIDs was defined as ≥3 consecutive prescriptions ≥30 days after EC diagnosis, with pre‐diagnosis use as ≥2 filled prescriptions <6 months prior to diagnosis. Follow‐up started 10 months after diagnosis. Hazard ratios for the risk of death were calculated with multivariable Cox‐regression models. Our study population included 7751 individuals with EC, 685 (9%) were aspirin users and 620 (8%) were NA‐NSAIDs users. The median follow‐up time was 5.0 years, with 1518 (20%) deaths observed (n = 728 (9%) EC‐specific). In multivariable analysis, aspirin use was significantly associated with a 19% higher risk of all‐cause death compared to non‐users (HR = 1.19, 95% CI [1.01–1.41]). The association was stronger among combined pre‐ and postdiagnosis use (HR = 1.35 [1.12–1.64]). NA‐NSAIDs use increased risk of cancer‐related death (HR = 1.25 [0.99–1.58]) and there was a dose–response association with significantly higher risk of cancer‐specific death with higher cumulative doses (HR = 1.33 [1.02–1.75]). We found a higher risk of cancer‐specific—and all‐cause death among patients that used aspirin and NA‐NSAIDs after a diagnosis of EC. Further studies on the biological mechanisms underlying these associations are needed.
Accuracy of ultrasound estimation of fetal weight in twin pregnancy
Authors: Dicker Patrick , Conroy Ronan , McAuliffe Fionnuala , Geary Michael , Daly Sean , Morrison John J. , Carroll Stephen , Malone Fergal D. , Breathnach Fionnuala M.
Published: February 2025

Objective

To determine the accuracy of formulas for estimation of fetal weight in twin pregnancy.

Methods

Inclusion criteria from the ESPRiT twin cohort were twin pregnancies that resulted in live‐born twins without congenital anomalies or twin‐twin transfusion syndrome, ultrasound examination within 3 days of delivery, birth weight (BW) > 500 g and gestational age > 24 weeks. A total of 63 formulas using various combinations of abdominal circumference (AC), femur length (FL), biparietal diameter (BPD) and head circumference (HC) for the estimation of fetal weight (EFW), were compared to BW for accuracy in 226 twin pregnancies/452 fetuses.

Results

Using median percentage error (MPE), the most accurate formulas were the Hadlock formulas (1984, 1985 with MPE < 1%) incorporating AC, HC, and FL. The INTERGROWTH‐21st formula, which incorporates AC and HC, marginally underestimated BW (MPE −3.7%). The Hadlock formulas were more likely to overestimate BW than underestimate it. Using small‐for‐gestational (SGA, EFW < 5th centile), the sensitivity for detection of low BW (BW < 5th centile) was 92%, 81% and 89% for the Hadlock 1984, Hadlock 1985 and INTERGROWTH‐21st formulas, respectively. SGA prevalence was noted to be higher for the INTERGROWTH‐21st formula for fetal factors.

Conclusion

Among 63 proposed formulas for EFW, the Hadlock formulas incorporating HC, AC and FL were the most accurate in twins. However, the INTERGROWTH‐21st standard, which incorporates AC and HC, did not show lower detection rates for LBW. The frequency and intensity of twin ultrasound surveillance is such that restriction of ultrasound examination to two parameters in ultrasound could be recommended without diminution of accuracy.
Recent Updates on Blood Purification: Use of Smart Polymer Materials
Authors: Ergun Can , Eskizengin Hakan
Published: February 2025

Blood purification is indispensable in addressing various conditions such as liver dysfunction, autoimmune diseases, and renal failure whereby toxins have to be cleared from the bloodstream effectively. Conventional methods that involve hemoperfusion, hemodialysis, and hemofiltration possess several weaknesses, including loss of plasma components and inefficient clearance of high molecular weight solutes. This review explores current developments in blood purification techniques particularly stimuli‐responsive polymers for use in extracorporeal therapy among other applications. Many aspects of engineering stimuli‐responsive polymers are described in terms of their role in the removal of small soluble molecules and toxins in blood purification techniques. The development of stimuli‐responsive systems has introduced a new paradigm in blood purification by enabling selective, on‐demand control of polymer parameters in response to external stimuli such as temperature, pH, electrolytes, and light. Such advanced materials have been demonstrated potential for toxin clearance, minimizing thrombosis, and improving blood compatibility and antifouling, which are far much better than traditional approaches. Furthermore, the review presents a perspective on stimuli‐responsive polymers that could be used in developing novel extracorporeal systems for future medical purposes.
“The future”: Interpretative phenomenological analysis of general practitioners' experiences of co‐employed clinical psychologists
Authors: Monnickendam Katie , Keohane Peter , Magill Rebecca
Published: February 2025

Background

General practice is overwhelmed and understaffed. New models and modalities must be considered from the front door of healthcare. Like general practitioners (GPs), clinical psychologists are qualified to work across the age range and transdiagnostically.

Aim

To explore GPs' understanding of the role of a clinical psychologist and to examine what is helpful and unhelpful for GPs about working alongside a clinical psychologist within general practice.

Design and Setting

This research took place within a primary care general practice in the United Kingdom.

Method

Seven qualified GPs were recruited as participants using a purposive sampling method. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to analyze participant's experiences of working alongside clinical psychologists.

Results

Three superordinate themes and 12 subordinate themes were identified. First, GP clinical psychologists support patients directly by providing preventative care, reducing stigma, and offering a different perspective. Second, they support GP well‐being and contribute to emotional and behavioral changes in staff. Third, they help to alleviate pressures on wider systems, ease navigation of external services, challenge dominant systems within healthcare, and support community interventions.

Conclusion

GP clinical psychologists impact general practice in multiple ways: indirectly through patient care, by GPs themselves, and by addressing wider systems. Future research is encouraged to explore the perspectives of other staff members and patient's experiences.
HERV Modulation in Colorectal Carcinoma Patients: A Snapshot of Endogenous Retroviral Transcriptome
Authors: Grandi Nicole , Liu Ching‐Hsuan , Chabukswar Saili , Carta Daniele , Yen Yun , Lin Liang‐Tzung , Tramontano Enzo
Published: February 2025

Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are proviral relics of infections that affected primates' germ line. Many HERV elements retain a residual capacity to encode transcripts and proteins that have been occasionally domesticated for the host physiology. In addition, HERV transcriptional modulation is of great interest to clarify the etiology of complex disorders such as cancer, even if a few studies assessed the specific HERV loci modulated in tumor tissues. In the present work, we used a transcriptomic approach to investigate the specific expression of ~3300 HERV loci in paired tumor and normal tissues of 7 colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. A total of 102 HERVs were significantly modulated in CRC, with a general tendency towards downregulation. Of note, among the 42 upregulated HERVs 23 belonged to the HERV‐H group, that is the most investigated in CRC. De novo transcriptome reconstruction and qPCR validation allowed to identify a transcript from a HERV‐H locus on chromosome Xp22.3 with high specific expression in CRC samples, potentially encoding for a partial Pol protein. These results provide a detailed description of HERV transcriptional variations in CRC and its interindividual variability, identifying a HERV‐H transcript that deserves further investigation for its possible impact on tumor progression.
Potential Impacts of the North Atlantic Horseshoe Pattern on China Compound Heat‐Humidity Extremes
Authors: Mu Jiayi , Ma Qianrong , Wan Shiquan , Hu Rui , Hu Shujuan , Feng Guolin
Published: February 2025

Compound heat‐humidity extremes (CHHEs) have gained significant attention as crucial indicators of heat stress. This research investigates the summer wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) to elucidate the spatial variation of CHHEs across China from 1961 to 2022. The results reveal a clear increase in CHHEs, with the highest WBGT observed in southeastern China, while significant increases are noted in the northwestern and northeastern regions. Empirical orthogonal function analysis identifies three leading patterns: a consistent spatial increase, a north (decreasing)–south (increasing) dipole, and a west (decreasing)–east (increasing) dipole. Both observations and model simulations indicate that the North Atlantic Horseshoe (NAH) sea surface temperature (SST) anomaly pattern is a reliable predictor for CHHEs in China via influencing the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and modulating large‐scale circulations. This combined with the westward extension of the Western North Pacific Anomalous Anticyclone (WNPAC), leads to a consistent rise in CHHEs, particularly in Central China. Regarding the north–south dipole, air‐sea interactions driven by the NAH reinforce the negative phase of the Eurasian (EU) teleconnection pattern through the NAO, intensifying cyclonic and anticyclonic anomalies over Mongolia to northern China and southern China, respectively. Furthermore, the NAH pattern during May–July effectively predicts summer CHHEs north–south dipole variations using the genetic algorithm‐based evolving neural network. This research offers valuable insights for predicting CHHEs in China from the perspective of North Atlantic SST anomalies.
Two's Company: How Academic Diversity in Dyads Enhances Divergent Thinking
Authors: Liu Xiaochen , Boldt Gregory T. , Leu Donald J. , Kaufman James C.
Published: February 2025

Group diversity is an active topic in research as studies examine how differences in background, culture, job position, gender, and ethnicity can all impact group creativity. One relatively overlooked component is how diversity in academic knowledge affects group and individual creativity. In this study, 56 graduate students from a research university in the United States were paired into a dyad with another academically similar or diverse student. They then took the Alternate Uses Test (AUT) alone, as a team, and then alone again. The AUT was used to obtain three divergent thinking scores—fluency, flexibility, and originality. The scores were analyzed to determine if graduate students in academically diverse dyads worked better together (and, subsequently, alone) compared to academically similar dyads. The results showed that academically diverse dyads had significantly higher scores on originality for both increases in individual task scores and the team creativity task, as well as higher fluency scores compared to academically similar dyads. In addition, the results suggest that academically similar and diverse dyads demonstrate varying patterns of fluency and originality scores over time. Results indicated that embracing academic diversity can lead to both dyads and, subsequently, individuals being more productive in generating novel ideas.
Make or Break? How Positive and Negative Family Experiences Affect Workplace Creativity: The Role of Energy and Mindfulness
Authors: He Hui , Zhao Lu , Liu Beini
Published: February 2025

Employee creativity is pivotal for organizational innovation, yet studies to date have primarily focused on the impact of individual and work‐related characteristics on creativity while neglecting the influence of family factors. Drawing on the work‐home resources (W‐HR) model, this study aims to explore how positive family experiences such as spousal positive affect and negative experiences such as housework could potentially boost or impede work creativity. Using a multi‐wave, multisource survey design, data were collected from 238 employee–spouse–supervisor triads. The findings revealed that spousal positive affect fosters employee work creativity by augmenting energy, whereas housework diminishes work creativity by draining energy. In addition, employee mindfulness enhances the pathway through which spousal positive affect increases work creativity via energy but mitigates the pathway through which housework reduces work creativity. This study enriches our understanding of the crossover impacts of family on work, highlighting the significant role that family factors play in influencing work creativity.
Digital twin systems for musculoskeletal applications: A current concepts review
Authors: Diniz Pedro , Grimm Bernd , Garcia Frederic , Fayad Jennifer , Ley Christophe , Mouton Caroline , Oeding Jacob F. , Hirschmann Michael T. , Samuelsson Kristian , Seil Romain
Published: February 2025

Digital twin (DT) systems, which involve creating virtual replicas of physical objects or systems, have the potential to transform healthcare by offering personalised and predictive models that grant deeper insight into a patient's condition. This review explores current concepts in DT systems for musculoskeletal (MSK) applications through an overview of the key components, technologies, clinical uses, challenges, and future directions that define this rapidly growing field. DT systems leverage computational models such as multibody dynamics and finite element analysis to simulate the mechanical behaviour of MSK structures, while integration with wearable technologies allows real‐time monitoring and feedback, facilitating preventive measures, and adaptive care strategies. Early applications of DT systems to MSK include optimising the monitoring of exercise and rehabilitation, analysing joint mechanics for personalised surgical techniques, and predicting post‐operative outcomes. While still under development, these advancements promise to revolutionise MSK care by improving surgical planning, reducing complications, and personalising patient rehabilitation strategies. Integrating advanced machine learning algorithms can enhance the predictive abilities of DTs and provide a better understanding of disease processes through explainable artificial intelligence (AI). Despite their potential, DT systems face significant challenges. These include integrating multi‐modal data, modelling ageing and damage, efficiently using computational resources and developing clinically accurate and impactful models. Addressing these challenges will require multidisciplinary collaboration. Furthermore, guaranteeing patient privacy and protection against bias is extremely important, as is navigating regulatory requirements for clinical adoption. DT systems present a significant opportunity to improve patient care, made possible by recent technological advancements in several fields, including wearable sensors, computational modelling of biological structures, and AI. As these technologies continue to mature and their integration is streamlined, DT systems may fast‐track medical innovation, ushering in a new era of rapid improvement of treatment outcomes and broadening the scope of preventive medicine.

Level of Evidence: Level V.
Vegetation Pattern During Early Succession in Landslides of Garhwal Himalayas: Correlation Between Plant Species and Soil Characteristics
Authors: Goyal Deepesh , Joshi Varun
Published: February 2025

Landslides are geological disasters that occur very frequently in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) and are considered as major perturbation processes to soil and vegetation. Natural recovery, one of the most effective ways of landslide recovery, was studied by referring to vegetational structure, soils, and environmental variables and their correlations about 6 years after a landslide in Garhwal Himalayas. The study illustrated that a nutrient‐deficient environment prevails in landslides. A total of 25 plant species were found with higher diversity and richness indices of herb species in disturbed sites than in undisturbed sites. The low values of similarity index between the landslide and control sites exhibit the impacts of environmental components on the recovery of vegetation on landslides. The correlation through redundancy analysis (RDA) reveals that the herb species are more inclined toward the higher landslide sites having high pH and low nutrient content, whereas the woody species are more oriented toward the middle landslide sites. It was also observed that Alnus nepalensis has a wide distributional range as it was placed near the center of the RDA biplot. There exists a research gap in apprehending the variations in soil carbon status, nutrient dynamics, and plant community structure following natural recovery along elevational gradients in landslides. The study indicates that the early stages of plant recovery following landslides are significantly influenced by abiotic environmental conditions associated with soil characteristics. This study also provides a reference for the recovery and restoration strategies in the landslide‐affected regions. The recovery in landslides is a complex process; hence, further long‐term studies should be continued to evaluate the spatio‐temporal variations during succession in landslides and interactions between the biotic and abiotic components.
Evaluation of Electrospun Poly‐4‐Hydroxybutyrate as Biofunctional and Degradable Scaffold for Pelvic Organ Prolapse in a Vaginal Sheep Model
Authors: van Rest Krista L. C. , Jeffrey Stephen T. , Kaestner Lisa , Gudde Aksel , Oosthuysen Anel , Roovers Jan‐Paul W. R. , Guler Zeliha
Published: February 2025

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) affects many women, especially after menopause. POP occurs due to the descent of weakened supportive tissue. Current prolapse surgeries have high failure rates, due to disturbed wound healing caused by lower tissue regeneration and estrogen depletion. Absorbable poly‐4‐hydroxybutyrate (P4HB) knit implants exhibited improved cell and tissue response leading to less complications from prolapse surgery. This study aims to enhance wound healing and improve surgical outcomes by using an electrospun (ES) P4HB scaffold (ES P4HB) that emulates natural tissue structure. Further 17β‐estradiol (E2)‐a prominent wound healing factor‐is incorporated into the scaffold (ES P4HB‐E2). Parous Dohne Merino sheep underwent posterior vaginal wall implantation of either P4HB (n = 6) or 17β‐estradiol relasing P4HB‐E2 (n = 6) scaffolds, or underwent native tissue repair (NTR) (n = 4). Vaginal explants were compared for short‐term host response in terms of gross necropsy, histomorphology, biomechanics, tissue‐integration, and degradation of P4HB at 3‐months post‐implantation. Both scaffolds show promising results with enhanced mechanical properties and increased macrophage infiltration compared to NTR, but without differences between scaffolds. Thus, it seems electrospun P4HB scaffolds already improve tissue integration and healing. Further long‐term studies are needed before these scaffolds can be used in clinical practice.
Design and Characterization of Decellularized Caprine Liver Matrix Constructs for Liver Tissue Engineering
Authors: Bhatt Supriya , Krishnakumar Jayanthi , Mounica Kondepudi Lakshmi , Nune Manasa
Published: February 2025

This study focuses on developing and characterizing decellularized caprine liver scaffolds and their application in liver tissue engineering. Decellularization is achieved through chemical and enzymatic methods, effectively removing cellular components while preserving critical extracellular matrix (ECM) elements such as collagen and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), as confirmed by histological and biochemical analyses. The scaffolds are further processed into hydrogels by combining decellularized liver matrix (dLM) with chitosan (CH) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), optimized through freeze‐thaw (FT) cross‐linking. Rheological studies show shear‐thinning behavior and enhanced mechanical properties in the crosslinked dLM hydrogels, making them suitable for bioprinting applications. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveals a porous structure favorable to cell adhesion, nutrient diffusion, and vascularization. Biocompatibility is confirmed through live/dead and MTT assays, demonstrating higher cell viability and proliferation on crosslinked scaffolds. HepG2 cells cultured on these scaffolds express hepatic‐specific markers, such as Albumin and Cytokeratin‐18, and exhibit functional capabilities, including urea metabolism and albumin synthesis, highlighting the scaffold's ability to support liver‐specific activities. Collectively, these findings demonstrate the potential of FT crosslinked dLM‐based hydrogels as promising candidates for liver tissue engineering, providing a biomimetic microenvironment that supports cellular functionality and promotes tissue regeneration.
Conventional High‐Frequency Ultrasound for Preoperative Planning of Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery Perforator (SCIP) Pure Skin Perforator (PSP) Flaps
Authors: Malagón Paloma , Tsukuura Reiko , Yamamoto Nana , Yamamoto Takumi
Published: February 2025

Background

Pure skin perforator (PSP) flaps had shown their reliability and usefulness for the reconstruction of thin soft‐tissue defects. However, accurate localization of PSP is required for safe and fast flap elevation. This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of conventional high‐frequency ultrasound (US) for PSP flap elevation.

Methods

Patients who underwent reconstruction using PSP flap based on the superficial branch of the superficial circumflex iliac artery (SCIA) were retrospectively included and divided into two groups according to the use of preoperative US mapping of SCIA PSPs; a portable US device with an 18 MHz probe was used to localize the PSP in a US group, whereas US was not used in a control group. Intraoperative findings and postoperative results were compared between the groups.

Results

Twenty‐seven patients were included: 12 in the US group and 15 in the control group. There were no statistically significant differences in patient characteristics and postoperative results between the groups; both groups showed flap survival without major complications in all cases. Flap thickness ranged from 1.0 to 2.5 mm (average, 1.87 mm). Time for flap harvest was significantly shorter in the US group than in the control group (18.9 ± 4.5 vs. 50.5 ± 20.8 min, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Preoperative mapping of PSP using high‐frequency US allowed reducing the surgical time for harvesting PSP flaps.
Improving the OER Activity of Titania Via Doping and Adlayers
Authors: Gomer Anna , Bredow Thomas
Published: February 2025

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) was investigated theoretically on modified rutile(110) surfaces at density functional theory level in search for inexpensive but active catalyst materials required for water electrolysis. Ti substitution by Nb in rutile and furthermore adding adlayers of transition metal (TM) oxides, with TM
Ir, Ru and Rh, substantially improves titania OER activity. The catalytic activity was assessed by the overpotential of the OER which was calculated from adsorption energies of the intermediates M−O, M−OH and M−OOH. Different reaction mechanisms were suggested depending on the presence or absence of M−OOH. Materials with iridium dioxide in the top layer have similar overpotentials, both as adlayer on (doped)
and as pure
. Thus, the percentage of this expensive and scarce element can be drastically reduced without deteriorating the activity. A monolayer of
on rutile
has an even lower overpotential compared to pure
. In addition,
and
:
were identified as catalysts with higher OER activity than
.
Machine Learning‐Based High‐Throughput Screening, Molecular Modeling and Quantum Chemical Analysis to Investigate Mycobacterium tuberculosis MetRS Inhibitors
Authors: Maharjan Rajesh , Gyawali Kalpana , Acharya Arjun , Khanal Madan , Khanal Kamal , Kshetri Mohan Bahadur , Ghimire Madhav Prasad , Lamichhane Tika Ram
Published: February 2025

The increasing drug resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) complicates its effective treatment and often leads to severe side effects. This research aims to pinpoint the potential drug candidates targeting Mtb methionyl‐tRNA synthetase (MtbMetRS) using in silico techniques. Employing machine learning algorithms, including Random Forest, Extra Trees, and Nu‐Support Vector, a voting classifier was built to screen 10 million molecules. A total of 590 molecules were filtered and analyzed for mutagenicity and other toxicities, resulting in 169 candidates for molecular docking. Among these, 1‐[4‐(1,3‐benzodioxol‐5‐ylmethyl)piperazin‐1‐yl]‐2‐phenylsulfanylethanone (L1) and 1‐ethyl‐6‐fluoro‐4‐oxo‐7‐(4‐pentanoylpiperazin‐1‐yl)quinoline‐3‐carboxylic acid (L2) demonstrated strong binding affinities (−12.74 kcal/mol for L1 and −11.83 kcal/mol for L2) and favorable pharmacokinetic properties. MM/PBSA, DFT calculations, and LD50 values supported their stability, reactive nature, and safer toxicity profile, respectively. L1 and L2 are investigated as potential inhibitors of MtbMetRS; however, additional in vitro and in vivo investigations are necessary to confirm these findings.
Active Films Based on Gelatin and Modified Curcumin: Physicochemical Properties and Food Packaging Application
Authors: dos Santos Lima Kennya Thayres , Bergamo Vinicius Nogueira , Leandro Gabriel Coelho , de Matos Fonseca Jéssica , Monteiro Alcilene Rodrigues , Valencia Germán Ayala
Published: February 2025

This study investigated the development of active gelatin films containing modified curcumin and their application to reduce browning of banana peels. Curcumin, a natural antioxidant with limited water solubility, was modified through antisolvent precipitation, which obtained modified curcumin (MC) with increased water solubility and higher antioxidant activity. Gelatin films with different MC concentrations (0.0%, 0.1%, 0.3%, 0.5%, and 1%) were produced by the casting method. The resulting films were tested for thickness, morphology, crystallinity (XRD), chemical bonds (FTIR and Raman), water adsorption, water solubility, optical properties, wettability, water vapor permeation, mechanical properties, and antioxidant activity. Furthermore, the antioxidant film properties were evaluated using bananas as a food model. Structural analyses (XRD, FTIR, and Raman) confirmed that MC was well‐incorporated without modifying the film's thickness, permeability, wettability, and mechanical properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed a uniform distribution of MC, and the antioxidant activity (DPPH and ABTS assays) increased as a function of MC concentration. Gelatin films containing 1% MC reduced the browning of banana peels during the storage of this fruit at 25°C and 75% RH for 6 days. These findings highlight the potential of gelatin films containing MC as a sustainable bioactive packaging with promising food applications.