bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural Characteristics of Ziziphus jujuba dates Polysaccharide and Its Protective Effect Against Colitis
Authors: Song Qiaoying , You Xinyong , Liu Xuexia
Published: February 2025

The aim of this study was to comprehensively analyze the structural characteristics of Ziziphus jujuba dates polysaccharide (ZJP‐I) and its potential activity against colitis in vivo. A series of advanced analytical techniques, including ion exchange chromatography, gel column chromatography, infrared (IR) spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), were used to characterize the structure of ZJP‐I. The results showed that the molecular weight of ZJP‐I was 2.01 × 104 Da, and it was mainly composed of sugar residues T‐d‐Galp(1→, →4)‐d‐Glcp(1→, →3,6)‐d‐Glcp(1→ and →6)‐d‐Galp(1→ and →6)‐d‐Manp(1→. To appraise the potential efficacy of ZJP‐I on colitis, in vivo experiments were executed by employing a murine colitis model elicited by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). The experimental results showed that ZJP‐I could significantly improve the clinical symptoms of colitis mice, including weight loss and colon shortening. Further analysis showed that ZJP‐I effectively inhibited intestinal inflammation and protected intestinal barrier function by regulating inflammatory cytokine homeostasis, alleviating oxidative stress, and restoring secretion of short‐chain fatty acids. In summary, this study not only deeply analyzed the structural characteristics of ZJP but also revealed its significant effect on colitis in vivo for the first time. These findings provided an important theoretical basis and experimental support for the potential application of ZJPs in functional food and medicine.
Role of Microbiota‐Derived Metabolites in Prostate Cancer Inflammation and Progression
Authors: Kumar Pradeep , Kumar Anil , Kumar Virendra
Published: February 2025

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most commonly detected malignancy in men worldwide. PCa is a slow‐growing cancer with the absence of symptoms at early stages. The pathogenesis has not been entirely understood including the key risk factors related to PCa development like diet and microbiota derived metabolites. Microbiota may influence the host's immunological responses, inflammatory responses, and metabolic pathways, which may be crucial for the development and metastasis. Similarly, short‐chain fatty acids, methylamines, hippurate, bile acids, and other metabolites generated by microbiota may have potential roles in cancer inflammation and progression of cancer. Most studies have focused on the role of metabolites and their pathways involved in chronic inflammation, tumor initiation, proliferation, and progression. In summary, the review discusses the role of microbiota and microbial‐derived metabolite‐built strategies in inflammation and progression of the PCa.
Intussusception and Internal Hernia After Roux‐en‐Y Gastric Bypass Surgery in a Woman With Twin Pregnancy: A Case Report
Authors: Sanei Taheri Morteza , Pirsalehi Ali , Refaei Meisam , Jafari Ashtiani Azadeh , Ebrahimi Omid , Mohammadian Maede , Davar Ahmadali , Sadati Elahe
Published: February 2025

Severe obesity is a global concern now, and bariatric surgery has been proven to be the best solution. Most candidates are women of reproductive age; therefore, an increasing number of pregnant women with the history of gastric bypass is noticed. A 33‐year‐old woman at 23 weeks' gestation with a twin pregnancy, with a history of bariatric surgery 2 years prior her pregnancy, presented to our hospital with small bowel necrosis due to internal hernia and intussusception, we proceeded to laparotomy and resection of the necrotic segment of the bowel. The patient underwent cesarean section on the 35 weeks of her pregnancy due to preterm labor and intra uterine growth retardation of the fetuses. Since the gravid uterus increases the intraabdominal pressure, the complications of bariatric surgery such as intussusception or internal hernia may occur even more frequently during pregnancy. Although computed tomography scan or ultrasound could assist clinicians for early diagnosis of complications, negative findings could not rule out small bowel obstruction; therefore, in a pregnant woman with persisting abdominal pain, obstipation, and vomiting, exploratory laparotomy or laparoscopy is mandatory. Pregnant women with a history of Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGB) should be considered high‐risk obstetric, and symptoms like ongoing abdominal pain, and vomiting should be taken as alarm sign for small bowel obstruction. Computed tomography (CT) scan is the modality of choice for detecting the small bowel obstruction, and is mandatory, taking into consideration the considerable harms to the fetus.
Renal cell carcinoma presents as portal vein thrombosis, a very rare combination
Authors: Alhaj Tahtouh Raad , Sawan Raidah , Alwassiti Wisam , Ali Ahmad , Alkhodari Khaled , Azhar Khalid
Published: February 2025

Key Clinical Message

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) can indicate underlying conditions, such as malignancy. A case of PVT was later diagnosed as renal cell carcinoma (RCC), highlighting the need to consider cancer in PVT cases and ensure a comprehensive evaluation.

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a rare complication that can arise from various underlying conditions. We present a case report of a patient initially presenting with PVT, which was later diagnosed as renal cell carcinoma (RCC). This case highlights the importance of considering malignancy as a potential cause of PVT and the need for a comprehensive evaluation.
CCN2 functions as a modulator of cell cycle regulation in human dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Quan Taihao , Shao Yuan , Purohit Trupta , Jiang Yiou , Qin Zhaoping , Fisher Gary J. , Lents Nathan H. , Baldassare Joseph J.
Published: February 2025

CCN2 is widely regarded as a profibrotic factor involved in fibrotic disorders by regulating extracellular matrix (ECM). We report here that CCN2 functions as a critical cell cycle regulator in primary human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). siRNA‐mediated knockdown of CCN2 halted proliferation of primary HDFs, which was rescued by a siRNA‐resistant CCN2 expression vector. Furthermore, CCN2 knockdown caused a significant accumulation of cells in G1/G0 phase and blocked entry into S‐phase. Mechanistically, CCN2 knockdown blocked cyclin E and CDK4/cyclin D nuclear translocation, and abrogated CDK2 activity. Markedly, CCN2 translocated to the nucleus and co‐localized with cyclin D1 upon cell cycle stimulation. Finally, we show that CCN2, a bona fide YAP/TAZ target gene, partially mediates YAP/TAZ‐dependent proliferation of primary HDFs. These data provide evidence of a novel CCN2 function as a cell cycle regulator in primary HDFs proliferation, in addition to its known role in ECM regulation.
An Aziridine and a 2‐Pyrrolidone with Pyridyl Sidearms as Ligands for Cationic Rh(I)‐Catalyzed Hydrosilylation and Hydrogenation of C=C and C≡C Bonds
Authors: Baguli Sudip , Chakraborty Soimantik , Nath Soumajit , Mukherjee Debabrata
Published: February 2025

Phosphine‐ or carbene‐based soft ligands are customarily used in Rh and other late transition metal catalyzed alkene and alkyne hydrosilylation and hydrogenation. We report here an aziridine and a 2‐pyrrolidone with pyridyl sidearms, whose cationic Rh(I) complexes prove as excellent catalysts for hydrosilylating terminal olefins by Et3SiH giving anti‐Markovnikov products selectively. To the best of our knowledge, the [(2‐pyrrolidone)‐Rh]+ seems to be the most active Rh catalyst recording a highest TOF of 24000 h‐1. It works remarkably (TOF: 714 h‐1) even at 10 ppm concentration! Terminal alkynes are hydrosilylated too to give β‐(Z)‐vinylsilanes selectively. Both catalysts also hydrogenate alkenes and doubly‐hydrogenate alkynes, both terminal and internal, under ambient and benchtop conditions. But in hydrogenation, the [(aziridine)‐Rh]+ catalyst works better. Both ligands and the Rh catalysts are air‐stable.
Temperature‐Responsive Photoluminescence of 1D Chiral Lead Halide Perovskites with Highly Anisotropic Second Harmonic Generation
Authors: Fang Ya‐Si , Guo Yi‐Fan , Chen Xiao‐Gang , Wang Zhong‐Xia , Qin Yan
Published: February 2025

Comprehensive Summary

Chiral perovskites provide an ideal platform for the construction of linear and nonlinear optical materials due to their diverse chemical variability, structural tunability, and intrinsic non‐centrosymmetricity which have broad application prospects for next‐generation optoelectronic devices. In this work, a pair of 1D chiral lead halide perovskites (R/S‐4MeOPEA)PbCl3 (4MeOPEA = (4‐methoxyphenyl)ethylamine) were synthesized, and characterized systematically. Crystal structure analysis revealed that the one‐dimensional (1D) inorganic chain formed by face‐shared lead chloride octahedra was separated by the chiral organic spacers. The distorted octahedra endows them with broadband bluish‐white light emission centered covering the range 350—700 nm with a width of 104 nm. In addition, the highly anisotropic second‐harmonic generation (SHG) with a near unity polarization ratio was observed. This work presents a fresh example of 1D chiral perovskite with exotic linear and nonlinear optical properties, which could provide a new footstone for further optoelectronic devices.
Susceptible‐infected‐recovered model with stochastic transmission
Authors: Gouriéroux Christian , Lu Yang
Published: February 2025

The susceptible‐infected‐recovered (SIR) model is the cornerstone of epidemiological models. However, this specification depends on two parameters only, which results in its lack of flexibility and explains its difficulty to replicate the volatile reproduction numbers observed in practice. We extend the standard SIR model to a semiparametric SIR model, by first introducing a functional parameter of transmission, and then making this function stochastic. This leads to a SIR model with stochastic transmission. Our model is particularly tractable. We derive its closed‐form solution and use it to compute key indicators, such as the condition (and the threshold) of herd immunity and the timing of the peak. When the population size is finite and the observations are in discrete time, there is also observational uncertainty. We propose a nonlinear state‐space framework under which we analyze the relative magnitudes of the observational and intrinsic uncertainties during the evolution of the epidemic. We emphasize the lack of robustness of the notion of herd immunity when the SIR model is time‐discretized.
Balanced longitudinal data clustering with a copula kernel mixture model
Authors: Zhang Xi , Murphy Orla A. , McNicholas Paul D.
Published: February 2025

Many common clustering methods cannot be used for clustering balanced multivariate longitudinal data in cases where the covariance of variables is a function of the time points. In this article, a copula kernel mixture model (CKMM) is proposed for clustering data of this type. The CKMM is a finite mixture model that decomposes each mixture component's joint density function into a copula and marginal distribution functions. In this decomposition, the Gaussian copula is used due to its mathematical tractability and Gaussian kernel functions are used to estimate the marginal distributions. A generalized expectation‐maximization algorithm is used to estimate the model parameters. The performance of the proposed model is assessed in a simulation study and on two real datasets. The proposed model is shown to have effective performance in comparison with standard methods, such as ‐means with dynamic time warping clustering, latent growth models and functional high‐dimensional data clustering.
Development of the symptomatic dermographism quality of life questionnaire
Authors: Muñoz Melba , Schoepke Nicole , Altrichter Sabine , Staubach Petra , Geppert‐Steidl Clara , Durner Leslie , Bernstein Jonathan A. , Maurer Marcus , Weller Karsten
Published: February 2025

Background

Symptomatic Dermographism (SD), also known as “urticaria factitia”, is the most common subtype of chronic inducible urticaria. Affected patients develop itch and strip‐shaped wheals that usually last for 30 min after minor stroking, rubbing, or scratching of the skin. The quality of life (QoL) of patients with SD is often strongly affected. However, a QoL instrument to properly assess this impairment is not yet available.

Objective

The aim of this study was to develop the first disease‐specific patient reported outcome measure|patient reported outcome measures (PROM) to evaluate QoL impairment in SD patients, the Symptomatic Dermographism Quality of Life Questionnaire (SD‐QoL).

Methods

SD‐QoL was developed following current guidelines for PROM development. We first generated a hypothetical conceptional framework of the SD‐QoL, followed by an item generation and an item selection/reduction phase.

Results

During the item generation phase, 69 potential items of the SD‐QoL were generated by applying a combined approach consisting of literature review, expert input as well as semi‐structured interviews with affected patients. During the item selection phase, we reduced this long list of items to a final 13‐item set by means of impact analysis, inter‐item correlation, and additional criteria for item reduction, including an expert review for content (face) validity. Finally, a US‐American‐English version of the SD‐QoL was developed using a structured translation process.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

The SD‐QoL is the first disease‐specific‐QoL instrument for SD with a recall period of 7 days that allows the assessment of QoL in SD patients. A subsequent validation study will determine its validity and reliability.
Men face substantial lifelong risk of oral HPV infection
Authors: Nierengarten Mary Beth
Published: February 2025

This news section offers Cancer readers timely information on events, public policy analysis, topical issues, and personalities. In this issue, a study provides information on rates of newly acquired oral HPV infections and associated risk factors for acquiring HPV in a multinational cohort. Also, a new ChatGPT‐like AI model developed by researchers at Harvard Medical School shows promise for cancer diagnosis, and gaps in care highlight the need to expand access to clinical cancer trials.
Examining Associations of Borderline Personality Disorder Symptoms and Eating Disorder Diagnoses: Results From a US Representative Sample
Authors: Mendoza Rebecca R. , Convertino Alexandra D. , Blashill Aaron J.
Published: February 2025

Objectives

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) and eating disorders (EDs) are common comorbid diagnoses. Given the various combinations of borderline personality disorder symptoms (BPDS) that can comprise a diagnosis, understanding whether specific BPDS are more likely to be associated with an ED (anorexia nervosa [AN], bulimia nervosa [BN], and binge eating disorder [BED]) is important for the conceptualization and treatment of BPD‐ED comorbidity.

Methods

This study used data from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions‐III (NESARC‐III) study, a nationally representative dataset of US adults (N = 36,309). The association of BPDS with EDs, compared with psychiatric and healthy control groups, was examined in two binomial and two multinomial (i.e., with all ED diagnoses) models.

Results

Compared with the healthy control group, affect instability, emptiness, impulsivity, self‐injurious behaviors, and unstable relationships were positively associated with any ED diagnosis (AN, BN, or BED). Compared with the psychiatric control group, impulsivity was positively associated with any ED diagnosis. In the multinomial model with the healthy control group, impulsivity and self‐injurious behaviors were positively associated with AN, BN, and BED, emptiness was positively associated with AN and BED, and unstable relationships and affect instability were positively associated with BED. In the multinomial model with the psychiatric control group, self‐injurious behaviors were positively associated with AN, and impulsivity and affect instability were positively associated with BED.

Discussion

Results suggest certain BPDS may be more common with certain EDs (AN, BN, and BED), even when controlling for other EDs and a psychiatric control group.
Exploring the Multifaceted Burdens and Experiences of Parents With a Child Diagnosed With Anorexia Nervosa: A Psychological Network Analysis
Authors: Zeiler Michael , Philipp Julia , Truttmann Stefanie , Kopp Konstantin , Schöfbeck Gabriele , Mairhofer Dunja , Imgart Hartmut , Zanko Annika , Auer‐Welsbach Ellen , Karwautz Andreas , Wagner Gudrun
Published: February 2025

Objective

Parents of children diagnosed with anorexia nervosa (AN) are facing multiple burdens when caring for their child. This study uses a psychological network approach to identify central factors among parental caregiving burdens and experiences which then can constitute promising targets for caregiver interventions.

Method

A total of 348 parents (247 mothers, 101 fathers) of children diagnosed with AN (96% female, 90% restrictive type) provided data including parental psychopathology, eating‐disorder related burden, high‐expressed emotion and perceived caregiver skills at baseline and after having participated in a parental skills training, multi‐family therapy or systemic family therapy. Regularized partial correlation networks including 14 variables were estimated for baseline and follow‐up data were estimated.

Results

High‐expressed emotion, particularly parental emotional overinvolvement emerged as the most central variable in the network showing substantial correlations with depression and low self‐care behavior. Emotional overinvolvement also functioned as a bridge variable between parental psychopathology, perceived caregiver skills, and eating disorder‐related burden. Moreover, parental criticism was strongly associated with burden due to the child's confrontational behavior and low levels of parental frustration tolerance. Network comparison tests neither revealed statistically significant differences in network structure and global network strength between baseline and follow‐up, nor between mothers and fathers.

Discussion

This study highlights the importance of parental high‐expressed emotion as a promising treatment target. Adding or intensifying intervention components promoting parental emotion regulation strategies as well as intensified training in Motivational Interviewing may be useful therapeutic approaches to decrease overall parental burden.
Variations in Leaf Functional Traits of Pseudotsuga sinensis Across Forests With Varying Levels of Rocky Desertification
Authors: Li Wangjun , Zhang Wanchang , Feng Tu , Lv Dongpeng , Zou Shun , He Bin , Bai Xiaolong
Published: February 2025

Pseudotsuga sinensis is a distinctive plant species endemic to China, predominantly found in areas affected by varying degrees of rocky desertification. Despite its wide distribution, the physiological mechanisms underlying its adaptation to harsh environments remain unclear. In this study, we investigated 16 leaf traits, including the morphological, anatomical, and chemical characteristics of the leaves of P. sinensis across forests with mild, moderate, severe, and extremely severe rocky desertification to elucidate the adaptive strategies of P. sinensis in response to arid conditions and nutrient‐poor soils. Our findings revealed that P. sinensis leaves from forests with mild and moderate rocky desertification exhibited higher specific leaf area (SLA) and magnesium concentrations but lower leaf dry matter content (LDMC), abaxial epidermis thickness, and adaxial epidermis thickness than in those from forests with severe and extremely severe desertification. Principal component analysis indicated that forests with mild to moderate desertification employ resource acquisition strategies characterized by greater SLA and magnesium concentrations than those in forests with severe and extremely severe desertification. In contrast, forests with severe to extremely severe desertification adopted resource‐conserving strategies, as evidenced by higher LDMC, epidermal thickness, and calcium concentrations than those in forests with mild to moderate desertification. The N:P ratio of P. sinensis across all desertification levels was consistently below 14, suggesting nitrogen limitation in P. sinensis in regions with rocky desertification. Thus, these results provide valuable reference for guiding vegetation restoration under degraded habitats.
Mass Die‐Off Events in Swarming Hyperiid Amphipods: Potential Drivers
Authors: Guy‐Haim Tamar , Iakovleva Anastasiia , Farstey Viviana , Lazar Ayah , Ermak Khristina , Morov Arseniy R.
Published: February 2025

Beach mass stranding events of marine organisms, widely documented worldwide, are triggered by a range of biotic and abiotic environmental factors, often unexplained. Such occurrences among pelagic crustaceans are less frequent, yet not uncommon. Here we studied mass mortality events of hyperiid amphipods—abundant members of pelagic zooplankton, commonly associated with gelatinous organisms. Our study examined consecutive mass die‐off and stranding events of free‐living hyperiids in the Red Sea during 2023 and 2024. We investigated three potential causes: semelparous reproduction, thermal stress, and physical oceanographic conditions. To place our findings in a broader context, we further performed a global review of hyperiid swarming and mass mortality events from scientific literature and a citizen science repository. Morphological and molecular analyses confirmed that the hyperiid species in the die‐off events at the Red Sea was Anchylomera blossevillei (Phrosinidae). The balanced male: female sex ratio (0.99), combined with the absence of gravid or brooding females, led to the rejection of semelparity as a driving factor. The environmental data did not indicate thermally stressful conditions, and no evidence of parasitic infection was found. Nonetheless, previous studies have shown that under weak wind conditions, as measured during the stranding events, coherent cyclonic eddies with diameters of 5–6 km are developed in the northern Gulf of Aqaba, persisting for about a day. These eddies can exceed velocities of 100 cm s−1 and may have facilitated the hyperiid stranding events. Future research should unveil the impacts of such events on marine ecosystems.
Surface Engineering of Borophene as Next‐Generation Materials for Energy and Environmental Applications
Authors: Emadian Seyedeh Sadrieh , Varagnolo Silvia , Kumar Ajay , Kumar Prashant , Ranjan Pranay , Pyeshkova Viktoriya , Vangapally Naresh , Power Nicholas P. , Pitchaimuthu Sudhagar , Chroneos Alexander , Gopalan Saianand , Sonar Prashant , Krishnamurthy Satheesh
Published: February 2025

This review provides an insightful and comprehensive exploration of the emerging 2D material borophene, both pristine and modified, emphasizing its unique attributes and potential for sustainable applications. Borophene's distinctive properties include its anisotropic crystal structures that contribute to its exceptional mechanical and electronic properties. The material exhibits superior electrical and thermal conductivity, surpassing many other 2D materials. Borophene's unique atomic spin arrangements further diversify its potential application for magnetism. Surface and interface engineering, through doping, functionalization, and synthesis of hybridized and nanocomposite borophene‐based systems, is crucial for tailoring borophene's properties to specific applications. This review aims to address this knowledge gap through a comprehensive and critical analysis of different synthetic and functionalisation methods, to enhance surface reactivity by increasing active sites through doping and surface modifications. These approaches optimize diffusion pathways improving accessibility for catalytic reactions, and tailor the electronic density to tune the optical and electronic behavior. Key applications explored include energy systems (batteries, supercapacitors, and hydrogen storage), catalysis for hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions, sensors, and optoelectronics for advanced photonic devices. The key to all these applications relies on strategies to introduce heteroatoms for tuning electronic and catalytic properties, employ chemical modifications to enhance stability and leverage borophene's conductivity and reactivity for advanced photonics. Finally, the review addresses challenges and proposes solutions such as encapsulation, functionalization, and integration with composites to mitigate oxidation sensitivity and overcome scalability barriers, enabling sustainable, commercial‐scale applications.
Lactarius hatsudake: A New Record of an Edible Lactarius Section Deliciosi From India
Authors: Roy Niranjan , Dutta Arun Kumar , Tanti Bhaben
Published: February 2025

A new record of Lactarius viz., L. hatsudake, is described from the northeastern state of Meghalaya, India. The species was found to grow under Pinus kesiya and widely foraged from the forest by the local tribal communities of the region for their gastronomic delicacy. This taxon is documented here for the first time in India, accompanied by a comprehensive morphological description and an ITS rDNA‐based phylogenetic tree. Further, the present study also revealed that L. hatsudake contains high antioxidant potential.
Synthesis of Esters Using Modified Waste Copper Slag: A Sustainable Approach for Waste Valorisation
Authors: Megha Bhagyashree , More Pavan
Published: February 2025

The active sites of waste copper slag were moulded using BaO and used as a catalyst for the esterification reaction without solvent. Various concentrations of BaO were doped over the copper slag and investigated for the esterification of various model components of flavour, fragrance and biofuel. The catalyst was characterised by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, attenuated total reflectance‐Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, surface area analysis and X‐ray diffraction to examine the impact of BaO addition on the structural and morphological characteristics of BaOX/Cp‐Sl. BaO increases the grain size and enhances the BaOX/Cp‐Sl catalyst's activity and selectivity to flavour, fragrance and biofuel. The BaO2.5%/Cp‐Sl catalyst showed the maximum conversion of oleic acid to the methyl ester. The esterification of various commercially important substrates like geraniol, citronellol, menthol, isoamyl acetate, palmitic acid and waste cooking oil using a catalyst has been explained in detail. The kinetic study of the esterification has been explained with turnover number (TON) and turnover frequency (TOF). The mechanism pathway of the catalyst with various active sites of waste copper slag has been explained using adsorption studies.
The Influence of a Dementia Diagnosis on Clinical Decision‐Making in Dysphagia Management
Authors: Van Sickle Angela J. , Bice Ed M.
Published: February 2025

Objectives

The main objective of this survey was to determine the effects of a dementia diagnosis on dysphagia management by speech‐language pathologists (SLP).

Methods

A survey of SLPs interested and/or working with individuals with dysphagia was conducted via a website. The SLPs viewed two written cases of patients with dysphagia, one with dementia and one without dementia. Both cases included a video capture of the patients' swallows. SLPs answered specific questions related to each case and video.

Results

Frequency counts, McNemar's Test, and descriptive analysis of responses showed that participants were less likely to initiate dysphagia therapy (p < 0.001) or use rehabilitative swallowing strategies (p = 0.008) for individuals with dysphagia and a dementia diagnosis than for an individual with dysphagia without a dementia diagnosis. In addition, SLPs overidentified impairments and chose treatment targets not present.

Conclusions

Based on the current survey, SLPs displayed a bias when the diagnosis of dementia was present. The bias appears to exist regardless of experience or education. Not initiating treatment or not providing rehabilitative strategies may have detrimental effects on the health and quality‐of‐life of individuals with dementia.
Comparison of the incidence of vaginal cuff dehiscence by hysterectomy route and type based on experienced surgeons' outcome
Authors: Ikki Ai , Aoki Yoichi , Kanno Motoko , Tsumura Shiho , Fusegi Atushi , Abe Akiko , Netsu Sachiho , Omi Makiko , Tanigawa Terumi , Okamoto Sanshiro , Nomura Hidetaka , Kanao Hiroyuki
Published: February 2025

Objective

To analyze the rate of vaginal cuff dehiscence (VCD) by surgical approach and surgeons' experience.

Method

In this observational, retrospective, cohort study, rates of VCD were calculated based on surgical approach, and VCD clinical characteristics were analyzed. Surgical routes of laparotomy, laparoscopy, and robotic surgery were compared. All minimally invasive surgeries were performed or supervised by a Japanese Society of Gynecology Obstetrics Endoscopy‐certified laparoscopic surgeon.

Results

There were 4864 hysterectomies in total: abdominal hysterectomies (n = 2578, 53.0%), laparoscopic hysterectomies (n = 1840, 37.8%), and robotic hysterectomies (n = 446, 9.2%). Among the 20 (0.411%) patients with VCD, the rate of VCD was highest for laparoscopic hysterectomy (0.706%), followed by robotic surgery (0.224%) and laparotomy (0.233%). Most causes of VCD were due to intercourse (50%), but 8 of 9 (88.8%) cases caused spontaneously or by defecation were laparoscopic cases. Defecation‐related and spontaneous cases occurred significantly earlier after surgery than did intercourse‐related cases (P = 0.008).

Conclusion

Our data showed a decrease in laparoscopic VCD compared with those of previous reports. VCD occurred more frequently with laparoscopy than with laparotomy, even when performed by experienced surgeons. Laparoscopic VCD often develops early with little external force applied. Problems with vaginal stump rigidity may be related to the surgical procedure.
Portable Nd:YAG Laser‐Enhanced Photoacoustic Spectral Sensing for Breast Tissues: Toward Oncological Theranostics
Authors: Khan Suhel , Mukhopadhyay Sramana , Ansari M. S. , Patidar R. K. , Das Saikat , Vasudevan Srivathsan
Published: February 2025

A solid‐state laser is preferred for generating light in a photoacoustic (PA) system because of its high energy and coherence. However, conventional Nd:YAG lasers are bulky, complex, and expensive. This article introduces a portable alternative: a custom‐built Nd:YAG laser with an in‐house power supply that delivers 0–30 A current pulses with a 1500 μs pulse width, providing efficient thermal management. A pockels cell driver generates 10 ns pulses with 3.84 mJ/cm2 laser energy density. Implemented for noninvasive breast cancer diagnosis, The peak frequency obtained from three different samples was 0.23 ± 0.1, 0.26 ± 0.13, and 1.80 ± 0.14 MHz, respectively, for Normal, Fibrotic, and Tumor tissues. In addition to the dominant frequency peaks the spectral energy of the PASR spectra has also been investigated to characterize the breast tissue samples. The developed laser successfully differentiates between carcinoma, fibrocystic disease, and normal breast tissue based on quantitative PA spectral parameters.
A 10‐year Retrospective Analysis on HPV Genotype Switching in a Tertiary Center in China: Infection Characterization and Clinical Outcome
Authors: Bi Tianyi , Wang Yan , Qu Wenjie , Wang Yaping , Shi Wenqian , Zhou Qi , Wang Zhiheng , Chen Fang , Xu Congjian , Li Yanyun
Published: February 2025

This study aims to investigate the phenomenon of human papillomavirus (HPV) genotype switching (HGS), assess the potential influencing factors, and evaluate the clinical impact on the severity of cervical lesions. A total of 2569 HPV positive female patients with records of more than two follow‐up visits were included from the gynecology department at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, covering the period from May 2012 to September 2022. Patients' age, treatments, vaccination, HPV genotypes before and after HGS, and the final pathology results from colposcopy were recorded. Multifactorial analyses and correlation tests were performed. Single HPV infections accounted for 67% of the total population, while multiple HPV infections comprised 33%. The most prevalent genotypes in single HPV infections were HPV52 (18.6%), HPV16 (12.28%), HPV58 (11.72%), HPV53 (8.63%), and HPV81 (6.81%). Among cases of multiple infections, the most common genotype combinations were HPV52 + HPV53 (3.02%), HPV52 + HPV58 (3.13%), and HPV52 + HPV81 (3.02%). HGS was detected in 38.2% of the total cases (458/1200). The status of medication treatment was not found to correlate with the occurrence of HGS. However, age, surgical treatment status, vaccination status, and the genotype of HPV infection may be correlated with HGS. HPV52, HPV58, HPV53, HPV56, and HPV81 showed a positive association with the occurrence of HGS transitioning from multiple infections to a single infection (HGS‐MS) (p < 0.05). In contrast, HPV52, HPV16, HPV58, HPV39, HPV56, and HPV18 significantly influenced the occurrence of HGS from one single infection to another (HGS‐SS) (p < 0.05), albeit negatively. Notably, only one type of HGS, HGS‐MS, demonstrated a positive correlation with the severity of cervical lesions. Our findings suggest that HPV genotype switching from multiple infections to single infections is associated with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). Different patterns of HGS could result from specific HPV genotype infections, particularly HPV16. HGS‐MS is revealed to plays a catalytic role in the progression of cervical lesions.
Developing a Prognostic Model for Predicting the Risk of Outcome in Patients With Novel Bunyavirus Infection: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Xiang Xu , Dai Yue‐qing , Li Song , Li De‐lei , Chen Jun‐kun , Zhang Chi
Published: February 2025

The study aims to investigate the key risk factors influencing the prognosis of patients with severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) and develop a prognostic warning model based on these factors. A total of 264 SFTS patients treated at Tongji Hospital from April 1, 2023, to July 30, 2024, were included as the research sample. Retrospective analysis was conducted based on the final prognostic status of the patients, dividing them into a survival group (n = 165) and a death group (n = 99). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed along with LASSO and logistic regression on baseline information and the first laboratory indicators within 24 h after admission to identify independent risk factors affecting prognosis. A warning model was constructed based on these factors. The analysis revealed that age (OR = 1.098, 95% CI: 1.054–1.149, p < 0.001), presence of consciousness disorders (OR = 2.506, 95% CI: 1.042–6.187, p = 0.042), BUN (OR = 1.248, 95% CI: 1.154–1.369, p < 0.001), and viral load (OR = 3.598, 95% CI: 2.572–5.288, p < 0.001) were identified as independent risk factors significantly impacting the prognosis of SFTS patients. A nomogram warning model was developed incorporating these four risk factors, which demonstrated excellent predictive performance (ROC = 0.917, 95% CI: 0.882–0.948, p < 0.001). The prognostic risk prediction model successfully established for SFTS patients in this study exhibits robust predictive performance, and it is anticipated to serve as a practical clinical tool for predicting disease progression and prognosis in SFTS patients.
Digestion and absorption of triacetin, a short‐chain triacylglycerol
Authors: Yoshimura Yukihiro , Matsui Tomoka , Kaneko Nagisa , Kobayashi Ikuha
Published: February 2025

Triacylglycerol (TG) is categorized into long‐, medium‐, and short‐chain TG (SCTG). While the digestion of long‐ and medium‐chain TG is well established, the process for SCTG remains unclear. This study investigated SCTG digestion by administering 2 mmol of triacetin to rats and analyzing acetin, acetic acid, and glycerol levels in the portal blood and small intestine. Triacetin was fully degraded in the upper gastrointestinal tract and absorbed as acetic acid and glycerol. Glycerol influx into the liver promoted gluconeogenesis, while acetate activated AMPK, resulting in the suppression of fatty acid synthesis‐related genes and the upregulation of fatty acid β‐oxidation‐related genes. These findings demonstrate that triacetin not only serves as a substrate for energy metabolism but also regulates hepatic gene expression, highlighting its dual role as both a metabolic substrate and signaling molecule. Triacetin thus shows potential as a dietary modulator for improving metabolic health.
Limited degradability of dissolved organic carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus during contrasting seasons in a tropical coastal environment
Authors: Chu Jiangyong , Lønborg Christian , Martin Patrick
Published: February 2025

The biogeochemistry of dissolved organic matter (DOM) is poorly understood in tropical coastal waters. Here, we quantified the biological and photochemical lability of dissolved organic carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, in the tropical coastal waters of Singapore. We conducted experiments during the inter‐monsoon, the mid‐southwest monsoon, and the late southwest monsoon seasons, which span the greatest range of biogeochemical conditions found in the area. The DOM lability was quantified as concentration changes during 90‐d biodegradation and 7‐d photoreactor incubations. Overall, DOM showed low lability, even though dissolved organic nitrogen and dissolved organic phosphorus accounted for most of the dissolved nitrogen and phosphorus. In the biodegradation experiments, only 5–15% of dissolved organic carbon, 0–7% of dissolved organic nitrogen, and 8–21% of dissolved organic phosphorus were degraded. The addition of labile dissolved organic carbon, intended to test priming effects and to ensure the microbes were not carbon‐limited, had no measurable impact on the results. During our photochemical experiments only 2–10% of the dissolved organic carbon were degraded, while neither dissolved organic nitrogen nor dissolved organic phosphorus showed consistent photochemical losses. The DOM optical properties (absorbance and fluorescence spectra) showed limited or no changes during the biodegradation experiments but larger declines in the photochemical experiments. Overall, the biodegradation of DOM was highest during the inter‐monsoon, when autochthonous DOM was most dominant, while photolability was greater during the terrestrial DOM‐rich southwest monsoon. Our results illustrate that in some tropical coastal environments, DOM can be fairly resistant to biological and photochemical degradation, and thus does not represent a large stock of potentially available nutrients.
Going for Equality: How Power States Influence Consumers' Preference For Advertisements With Right‐Enhancing Versus Suffering‐Reducing Appeals
Authors: Lu Yue , Chen Long , Zhang Ke
Published: February 2025

This research investigates the impact of power states on consumers' preference for brands using right‐enhancing or suffering‐reducing appeals in promoting social equality. Through six studies, the present research shows that consumers with low (vs. high) power tend to exhibit a greater preference for brands using right‐enhancing (vs. suffering‐reducing) appeals. This is because experiencing low (vs. high) power increases consumers’ support for drastic (vs. incremental) social changes to help the disadvantaged group. Additionally, this effect is found to be attenuated when consumers’ perceived social mobility is low. These findings contribute to the existing literature on cause‐related marketing by clarifying the factors and psychological mechanisms that influence consumers’ reactions to various advertising messages focused on equality. Additionally, they provide valuable practical insights for marketers, helping them design effective communication strategies tailored to consumers’ power states to promote social equality initiatives.
Children Preferences for Global and Local Brands: An Empirical Study Drawing on Symbolic Self‐Completion Theory
Authors: Filipovic Jelena , Gorton Matthew , Markovic Stefan
Published: February 2025

The marketing literature has examined extensively consumer preferences between global and local brands. However, there remains a dearth of research on the topic in the context of vulnerable consumers with insecure self‐identities. Children largely embody insecure identities and, thus, there are several factors that can influence their global versus local brand preferences. Surprisingly, however, there is still limited empirical research examining how key demographic and socioeconomic factors influence children's brand preferences, especially in developing countries. Drawing on symbolic self‐completion theory, and based on data from Serbia, we address this research gap and contribute to the social psychology and marketing literatures by showing how age, gender, poverty background, and external reference groups influence children's preferences between global and local brands.
How to Increase Consumers' Pro‐Environmental Behaviors? The Role of Involving Consumers in Creative Activities
Authors: Liu Wumei , Yang Qiaoying
Published: February 2025

As concerns about environmental issues continue to grow, it is a timely topic to study how to increase consumers' pro‐environmental behavior. Prior literature mainly investigated how the contextual factors influenced consumers' pro‐environmental behavior in this context. However, what consumers do and think in a previous context affects their behavior in a subsequent unrelated context. It remains unclear how to increase consumers' pro‐environmental behavior through intervening the activity type consumers conduct in a prior setting. Through six multi‐method studies including a study with secondary data and a field experiment, this paper shows that involving consumers in creative activities (vs. noncreative activities) in the prior context boosts consumers' self‐importance perception, which in turn stimulates consumers to engage in pro‐environmental behaviors. Furthermore, this paper demonstrates that the effect of involving consumers in creative activities on pro‐environmental behavior amplifies (attenuates) among consumers with low self‐concept clarity (among those with high self‐concept clarity). This paper makes important contributions to the literature on pro‐environmental behavior and creative activities. It also offers insights for policymakers and businesses, suggesting that encouraging consumers to engage in creative activities can be an effective strategy to foster pro‐environmental behavior.
Chlorogenic Acid Ameliorates Chronic Unpredictable Stress‐Induced Diminished Ovarian Reserve Through Ovarian Renin‐Angiotensin System
Authors: Qian Fei , Zhu Zhengyu , Luo Chao , Qi Ruofan , Wei Lun , Bo Le , Jiang Wangtao , Mao Caiping
Published: February 2025

Chronic stress could impair ovarian reserve through hyperactivation of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to reduced oocyte quality and endocrine dysfunction. The ovarian renin‐angiotensin system (OVRAS) modulates follicular development, and excessive activation of the ACE‐AngII‐AT1R axis increases oxidative stress, disrupting ovarian function. This study investigates OVRAS's role in chronic unpredictable stress (CUS)‐induced diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) and explores the protective effects of chlorogenic acid (CGA). Female mice were subjected to CUS (10 intervention methods were randomly applied to mice according to low, medium, and high frequency) and CGA treatment. Hormone levels, estrous cycles, ovarian morphology, oxidative stress, and apoptosis were evaluated. Results demonstrated that CUS overactivated the ACE‐AngII‐AT1R axis, increasing oxidative stress and apoptosis in granulosa cells (GCs). CGA improved ovarian function, reduced oxidative stress, and downregulated ACE‐AngII‐AT1R axis activity. CGA may alleviate stress‐induced DOR by mitigating oxidative stress and apoptosis via modulation of the ACE‐AngII‐AT1R axis.
Changes in Decisional Conflict and Decisional Regret Among Living Kidney Donors From Pre‐Donation to 1‐Year Post‐Donation
Authors: Liu Kuan‐Lin , Wang Hsu‐Han , Hsieh Chin‐Yi , Chen Lee‐Chuan , Lin Kuo‐Jen , Lin Chih‐Te , Chien Ching‐Hui
Published: February 2025

Previous research indicates that most living kidney donors (LKDs) are content with their decision to donate and seldom experience regret. Nevertheless, a small percentage of donors report adverse experiences, such as psychological distress and reduced vitality. Therefore, it is essential to explore the experiences of LKDs, particularly within the context of their decision‐making process both before and following kidney donation. This study aimed to examine the decisional conflict and decisional regret experienced by LKDs from the evaluation stage to 12 months post‐donation and to identify the associated factors. A longitudinal study design was implemented, and the initial data collection took place when potential LKDs visited the hospital for evaluation (n = 50). Subsequent data collection was conducted at 3 (n = 49), 6, and 12 (n = 46) months post‐donation. Variables, including basic demographics, decisional conflict, decisional regret, perceived control, psychological distress, and healthcare orientation, were collected. Generalized estimating equations were used to obtain inferential statistics. Results showed that perceived control characterized by personal control orientation, lower psychological distress, and better healthcare orientation were associated with reduced decisional conflict among LKDs. Meanwhile, lower decisional regret was associated with better self‐perceived health status, perceived control inclined toward interpersonal control, and less psychological distress among LKDs. Nurses should assess the decisional conflict and mental health of potential LKDs, and provide clear information to support their decision regarding kidney donation. They should also offer self‐care information and stress‐coping strategies related to living donor nephrectomy to aid in reducing decisional conflict and regret.
Path‐Following Control of Underactuated Stratospheric Airship With Constraints and Disturbances Using Time‐Delay Observer
Authors: Zhou Pingfang , Lin Qiming , Wang Quanbao
Published: February 2025

This paper investigates the path‐following control problem for an underactuated stratospheric airship with unknown dynamics, external disturbances, and constraints. A novel error‐constrained Serret–Frenet frame has been utilized to drive the underactuated airship to track the predefined path. A novel control approach that combines backstepping and time‐delay observer (TDO) has been employed for tracking the desired forward velocity and estimating unknown dynamics and disturbances without the details of the airship's dynamics. The position error and velocity constraints of the airship are handled by nonlinear mapping. The proposed control scheme can drive an underactuated airship to track the predefined path and the constraints requirements are never violated. Simulations demonstrate the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed control scheme.