bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence for Pathogen‐Driven Selection Acting on HLA‐DPB1 in Response to Plasmodium falciparum Malaria in West Africa
Authors: Goeury Thomas , Faye Ndeye , Gerbault Pascale , Černý Viktor , Crubézy Eric , Chiaroni Jacques , Brouk Hacene , Brunet Lydie , Galan Maxime , de Groot Natasja G. , Nunes José Manuel , Sanchez‐Mazas Alicia
Published: February 2025

African populations remain underrepresented in studies of human genetic diversity, despite a growing interest in understanding how they have adapted to the diverse environments they live in. In particular, understanding the genetic basis of immune adaptation to pathogens is of paramount importance in a continent such as Africa, where the burden of infectious diseases is a major public health challenge. In this study, we investigated the molecular variation of four Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) class II genes (DRB1, DQA1, DQB1 and DPB1), directly involved in the immune response to parasitic infections, in more than 1000 individuals from 23 populations across North, East, Central and West Africa. By analyzing the HLA molecular diversity of these populations in relation to various geographical, cultural and environmental factors, we identified divergent genetic profiles for several (semi‐)nomadic populations of the Sahel belt as a signature of their unique demography. In addition, we observed significant genetic structuring supporting both substantial geographic and linguistic differentiations within West Africa. Furthermore, neutrality tests suggest balancing selection has been shaping the diversity of these four HLA class II genes, which is consistent with molecular comparisons between HLA genes and their orthologs in chimpanzees (Patr). However, the most striking observation comes from linear modeling, demonstrating that the prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum, the primary pathogen of malaria in Africa, significantly explains a large proportion of the nucleotide diversity observed at the DPB1 gene. DPB1*01:01, a highly frequent allele in Burkinabé populations, is identified as a potential protective allele against malaria, suggesting that strong pathogen‐driven positive selection at this gene has shaped HLA variation in Africa. Additionally, two low‐frequency DRB1 alleles, DRB1*08:06 and DRB1*11:02, also show significant associations with P. falciparum prevalence, supporting resistance to malaria is determined by multigenic and/or multiallelic combinations rather than single allele effects.
Impacts of campaign‐based community watershed management on selected soil quality indicators
Authors: Addis Hailu Kendie , Tamir Simegnew , Mekuriaw Shigdaf , Belay Beyene , Birehanu Tadesse , Wuletaw Yismaw , Beyene Gedefaw , Ayalew Melkamu , Teklewold Tilaye , Giziew Almaz
Published: February 2025

In the highlands of Ethiopia, integrated community watershed management has drawn a lot of interest as a solution to low production and soil degradation. However, the documentation of its role in managing soil fertility and health under diverse landscape perspectives remains inadequate. The main objective of this study was to link the effects of landscape positions and soil management practices (conservation agriculture (CA) and non‐CA) on selected soil properties. Disturbed and undisturbed soil samples were collected at a depth of 0–20 cm from 192 locations (16 different watersheds) to analyze texture, bulk density (ρd), pH, soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), and available phosphorus (Av.P). The study used analysis of variance (ANOVA), Pearson correlation, and principal component analysis to examine the relationship between factors, identify patterns, and understand data variability. The findings indicated that the landscape position significantly affects the values of ρd, sand and clay, SOC, Av.P, and TN at p < 0.05. The sand, clay, ρd, SOC, Av.P, and TN showed statistically significant variations between CA and non‐CA. The interaction effects of landscape positions and watershed management status (well and poor) were highly significant for the selected soil properties except for the silt and pH. The results also demonstrated a substantial correlation between the observed soil properties. Meanwhile, the principal components 1–3 collectively described 64.45% of the total variability. Therefore, it is possible to infer that successful watershed management intervention improves topsoil properties, which urges the maintenance and development of soil and water conservation, CA, and vermicomposting practices.
A facile method for improving interlayer adhesion of polyamide 6/carbon fiber composites for fused filament fabrication
Authors: Dong Weiping , Zhang Jianfang , Li Xiping , Hu Zhonglue , He Jiawe , Wang Sisi
Published: February 2025

The challenge for fused filament fabrication (FFF) parts is the anisotropy of their mechanical properties. Lightweight and high‐strength carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRPs) exhibit weaker interlayer bonding strength (characterized by Z‐axis tensile strength) when formed using FFF compared to their neat polymers. In order to improve the interlayer bonding strength of polyamide 6 (PA6)‐based CFRP printed parts, polyamide 6 and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) were blended to produce FFF filaments in this work. The mechanical properties, cross‐sectional morphology, and thermal properties of the 3D‐printed parts of each filament were tested. It was found that when the PA6/PET mass ratio was 90/10, the Z‐axis tensile strength was 27.4 MPa, which was 94.3% higher than that of the carbon fiber‐reinforced PA6‐based composite without PET. The interlayer bonding strength has been effectively improved while maintaining the material strength (characterized by X‐axis tensile strength), and there is no need to improve the printer or perform post‐processing, reducing processing costs. The improvement of interlayer bonding enhances the sealing and chemical corrosion resistance of printed parts, providing new material options for the expansion of FFF application fields.

Highlights

Short carbon fiber‐reinforced PA/PET filaments for FFF were prepared.

The addition of PET reduced the moisture absorption rate of the blends.

PET reduced the viscosity of the blends.

The interlayer bonding strength of CFRP has increased by 94.3%.

When the PET ratio was 10 wt%, the comprehensive properties were optimal.
Multi‐Level Engineering from Surface to Bulk Enabling Highly Stable Ni‐Rich O3‐Type Cathode toward Temperature‐Tolerant Quasi‐Solid‐State Na‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Leilei , Hao Jiwei , Su Guoshuai , Yao Dingen , Zhang Yamin , Liang Longwei , Hou Linrui , Yuan Changzhou
Published: February 2025

The pursuit of high‐capacity Na‐ion batteries (NIBs) has propelled great forward the O3‐type Ni‐rich NaNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 (NCM) cathodes. However, the inborn chemo‐mechanical instabilities caused by complex phase transitions and anisotropic lattice stress have severely delayed its widespread application. In the contribution, a cooperative surface‐to‐bulk modification strategy, i.e., in situ surface NaTi2(PO4)3 (NTP) coating and bulk Ti/F co‐doping, is first proposed to engineer an advanced NCM cathode (denoted as TF‐NCM@NTP). The NTP protective layer with high thermodynamic stability and ionic conductivity endows TF‐NCM@NTP with a highly stable interface and expedited de‐/sodiated kinetics. The robust Ni/Co/Mn─F bond and concurrent Ti─O bond greatly strengthen the bulk lattice oxygen and mitigate the internal strain self‐reproduction. Benefiting from these synergistic merits, the designed TF‐NCM@NTP cathode demonstrates exceptional sodium‐storage performance in terms of high‐rate capacities and long‐duration cycle life in both half and full cells. Particularly, the TF‐NCM@NTP‐based quasi‐solid‐state NIBs deliver an applicable material‐level energy density of 285 Wh kg−1 at 25 °C, and exhibit wide‐temperature‐tolerant Na‐storage behaviors ranging from −20 to 50 °C. More essentially, the multi‐level engineering strategy from surface to bulk developed here definitely makes enormous progress for rationally designing advanced cathode materials toward multi‐scenario applicable NIBs.
Improving Risk Management for Geohazards Based on Citizens’ Observatories
Authors: Silva Delta Sousa e , Sousa Maria Luísa , Caldeira Laura , Carreto Joana , Coelho Maria João , Jeremias Filipe Telmo , Ramos Rute , Roque António José , Serra João Bilé
Published: February 2025

Within the realm of natural hazards, geohazards are recognised as being particularly complex and often having the potential of triggering disasters. This complexity has led to increased political commitment and interest in engaging multi-stakeholder and citizens in disaster risk management. The AGEO project explored new forms to foster collaboration between civil society and authorities, using the rapidly developing field of citizen science and its innovative tool of citizens’ observatories (COs). Five COs were established in different areas across the Atlantic region. This chapter summarises the lessons learned from this experience, based on the results of a comparative analysis and evaluation of AGEO’s COs. The aim was to capture the benefits of creating and operating people-centred COs for geohazards monitoring, coupled with citizen education and training. The key findings of this evaluation formed the basis for a roadmap for establishing future COs, which is outlined in this chapter.
Citizens’ Observatory on Rockfalls in the Canary Islands, Spain
Authors: Montoya-Montes Isabel , Galindo Inés , Sánchez Nieves , López-Davalillo Juan Carlos García , García Inmaculada , Pérez Noelia Cruz , Ortega Ariadna , Santamarta Juan Carlos , Rodríguez Alcántara Joselin S. , Hernández Ruiz Mario , Sanabria Pabón Margarita , Lorenzo Carnicero Carlos , Sarro Roberto , Mateos Rosa M.
Published: February 2025

After floods, landslides are the most damaging geohazard in Spain regarding economic losses. In the Canary Islands, rockfalls and landslides are mainly triggered by meteorological phenomena, such as severe precipitations and wind, as well as dilation resulting from solar radiation. Understanding information such as location, frequency, event type, rock type, block size, rainfall or wind intensity contributes to a better understanding of the process, which is critical for performing hazard analyses to improve territory management and risk reduction. The Citizens’ Observatory on Rockfalls in the Canary Islands constitutes a tool that promotes citizen participation and seeks to empower society through citizens’ training, oriented towards reporting mass movements that have occurred in the regions where they live. Several data sources were handled in order to feed the Observatory with rockfall data and update the available mass movements inventories and contributing to complete the existing national database BDMOVES with mass movements data at regional scale. A wide range of communication actions were carried out. Citizen science is an excellent tool to obtain updated data to characterise the process in detail and thus estimate the hazard more accurately and improve the phases of prevention and mitigation.
Main Patterns of Employment Change at the Global Level
Authors: Torrejón Pérez Sergio , Fernández-Macías Enrique , Hurley John
Published: February 2025

This chapter summarizes the main findings of the book, focusing first on variations in employment trends across countries and periods. We identify job upgrading and polarization as the primary patterns of employment restructuring. Our analysis of 17 countries reveals that occupational upgrading has been the dominant trend in the early twenty-first century, with notable instances of job polarization primarily occurring in France, the US and South Korea. These findings align with recent sociological literature while challenging economic perspectives that emphasize widespread job polarization. Factors such as technological advancements, educational attainment, deagrarianization and tertiarization are significant drivers of these patterns, though country-specific elements like institutional settings and socio-demographic changes also play crucial roles. Secondly, regarding trends by gender, we highlight a global shift towards feminization and increased female participation in the labour market, which has generally led to occupational upgrading for women. However, exceptions exist where feminization aligns with job polarization, particularly in countries such as the US, South Korea and France. Finally, sectoral employment shifts indicate that private services have been the primary driver of job growth, followed by public services. While private services tend to grow in a polarized manner, public services generally promote job upgrading. South Korea is notable exception in this regard for its high proportion of low-paid public service jobs. This comprehensive overview underscores the complex interplay of global, national and sectoral factors in shaping employment patterns worldwide, although some common trends are found.
The Debate: Context and Literature Review
Authors: Fernández-Macías Enrique , Torrejón Pérez Sergio , Hurley John , Staffa Elisa
Published: February 2025

In this chapter, we review the specialized literature and identify the key factors influencing employment structures over the past few decades. We examine the impacts of globalization and international trade, deindustrialization, tertiarization, deagrarianization, technological change, population ageing, migration, shifts in gender relations and female labour market participation, economic and employment policies, consumption spillovers and cyclical economic developments. For each factor, we explore how it may affect employment and discuss the surrounding debates regarding its potential impacts. Also, we review the evidence and theories of occupational change, analysing the main findings (such as prevailing patterns of change in different places) and the drivers and hypotheses proposed as explanations. The aim of this chapter is to establish a theoretical and conceptual framework for the subsequent analytical chapters, providing a toolkit to interpret subsequent findings.
Imaging of Chest Trauma
Authors: Nguyen-Kim Thi Dan Linh
Published: February 2025

Thoracic trauma is a significant concern in emergency medicine, encompassing a wide array of injuries to the chest wall, lungs, heart, and major vessels. These injuries often result from incidents such as motor vehicle collisions, falls, or penetrating wounds, leading to complications like aortic injury, cardiac trauma, or pulmonary contusions. Timely recognition and effective management are crucial for improving patient outcomes in these cases.

Recent advancements in diagnostic imaging, particularly MDCT, have enhanced the ability to detect thoracic injuries accurately and efficiently. Minimally invasive techniques have also evolved, providing new treatment options that can reduce recovery times and associated risks. Despite these developments, the complexity of thoracic trauma continues to present challenges, requiring a multidisciplinary approach and careful consideration of each patient’s unique circumstances.

This chapter offers a comprehensive exploration of thoracic trauma, examining the mechanisms of injury, clinical presentations, and current strategies for diagnosis and management. Each section delves into specific types of injuries—including acute traumatic aortic injury, pneumothorax, and chest wall trauma—highlighting the importance of precise diagnostics and collaborative care. By understanding these critical aspects, readers will gain valuable insights into the effective treatment of thoracic injuries and the ongoing advancements shaping trauma care today.
Micronodular Lung Disease
Authors: Gruden James F. , Steinberger Sharon , Green Daniel B.
Published: February 2025

Accurate CT evaluation of micronodular lung disease requires accurate nodule localization based on the underlying anatomy of the lungs at the level of both the secondary pulmonary lobule (SPL) and pulmonary interstitium. Identifying each specific micronodule distribution leads to a unique set of differential diagnoses and may prompt specific, focused clinical evaluation.
Endovascular Aortic Repair: What the Interventionalist Needs to Know from the Radiologist
Authors: Chang De-Hua
Published: February 2025

This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the essential imaging assessments required for endovascular aortic repair, emphasizing the critical role of radiology in pre-procedural planning and post-procedural surveillance. The discussion covers essential anatomical factors, including proximal and distal landing zones, aneurysm morphology, and vascular access, along with the use of advanced imaging for accurate diagnosis and complication management. Radiologists play a pivotal role in detecting and addressing issues like endoleaks, graft migration, and structural failures, ensuring the long-term success of these interventions.
Cardiac CT: Coronary, Valves, and Function
Authors: Nils Planken R. , Verpalen Victor , Hoek Roel , Jukema Ruurt , Hallett Richard L.
Published: February 2025

Cardiac computed tomography (CT) has become an essential tool in routine clinical practice. This chapter reviews the present role of cardiac CT in key applications, including diagnosing coronary artery disease (CAD) and evaluating heart valve function, heart valve thrombosis, and infection as well as assessment of cardiac function and morphology. This chapter also highlights the role of cardiac CT for pre-procedural planning for structural heart procedures.

Key takeaways include the recommendation of coronary CTA as a first-line diagnostic tool for stable CAD, the importance of CT in pre-procedural planning for TAVI, and the modality’s effectiveness in evaluating heart valve morphology and function. The chapter also underscores CT’s role in diagnosing infective endocarditis and its complementary use in assessing prosthetic heart valve dysfunction.

This chapter affirms cardiac CT’s expanding role in cardiovascular care, driven by technological advancements and its ability to provide detailed anatomical and functional insights critical for both diagnosis and treatment planning.
Cardiac MR for the Noncardiac Radiologist
Authors: Cummings Kristopher W.
Published: February 2025

Cardiac MR has emerged as a powerful tool in the evaluation and management of many cardiovascular diseases. As a result, incremental information provided by MR is increasingly incorporated into consensus diagnostic and management algorithms endorsed by major subspecialties. Therefore, it is important that the imager have a strong understanding of the fundamental components of a cardiac MR examination, familiarity with the more common indications for referral, and the important MR-specific imaging findings that impact patient care. Overall, cardiomyopathies are the most common reason cardiac MR is requested and, thus, the most common ischemic and nonischemic etiologies will be reviewed.
Mastering Mediastinal Imaging: Tips, Tricks, and Key Diagnoses
Authors: Goldin Jonathan
Published: February 2025

Imaging plays a pivotal role in diagnosing, managing, and monitoring mediastinal and hilar diseases, which encompass a diverse range of benign, malignant, infectious, and inflammatory conditions. These diseases are localized within the complex mediastinum, which is anatomically divided into prevascular, visceral, and paravertebral compartments. Each compartment is associated with specific pathologies, enabling imaging-based localization to narrow differential diagnoses and guide clinical management. This review explores the imaging features, clinical presentations, and implications for the eight most common mediastinal and hilar diseases: mediastinal and hilar lymphadenopathy, thymoma, bronchogenic cyst, neurogenic tumor, substernal thyroid goiter, lymphoma, teratoma, and sarcoidosis.

Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are the primary modalities for characterizing these conditions, while positron emission tomography (PET) aids in assessing metabolic activity, particularly in malignancies and active inflammation. Key imaging features such as location, attenuation, calcifications, enhancement patterns, and metabolic activity inform differential diagnoses and management decisions. Clinical implications include determining disease extent, staging malignancies, planning surgical interventions, and guiding biopsies. Understanding the characteristic imaging patterns and their clinical correlations is essential for radiologists and referring physicians to optimize patient care in these complex and often overlapping conditions. This review provides practical insights and imaging pearls to improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning for these diseases.
Pediatric and Adolescent Lung Diseases
Authors: Rajderkar Dhanashree , Masand Prakash M.
Published: February 2025

Pediatric and adolescent lung disorders are characterized under different categories including congenital, infectious, inflammatory, and diseases associated with chromosomal abnormalities or systemic disorders. The pulmonary diseases are also based on the anatomy and are associated with airways, parenchyma/alveoli, interstitium, lymphatics, and vessels. The imaging characteristics pertaining to various diseases are included in this chapter.
Current Concepts in the Diagnosis and Staging of Lung Cancer
Authors: Klein Jeffrey
Published: February 2025

Diagnostic imaging plays a central role in the evaluation and management of patients with lung cancer. This ranges from screening high-risk current or former smokers with low-dose CT, interpreting imaging studies performed for chest or systemic symptoms showing suspicious abnormalities, the incidental detection of findings in asymptomatic patients that are concerning for lung cancer, providing a clinical stage of disease to help direct diagnostic biopsy, guiding disease management, and assessing the patient’s response to or detecting the complications of treatment. This chapter begins with a brief review of the epidemiology, risk factors, and pathology of lung cancer, and describes the most common presenting symptoms and their correlative imaging findings that tend to differ based on tumor histology. Common radiographic and CT findings associated with lung cancer are detailed, followed by a description of the TNM classification system used to determine the clinical stage of disease that helps direct diagnostic biopsy and determine appropriate treatment options and disease prognosis. The recent ninth edition of the TNM system and the changes to the nodal and metastatic disease characterization are highlighted. The staging groups for lung cancer that range from stage I (solitary pulmonary nodules) to stage IV (metastatic disease) are summarized.
Integrating out the fermions in AdS
Authors: Daniel Cassiano A.
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Not much is known about superstring scattering amplitudes in curved backgrounds. Using the hybrid formalism in AdS3 × S3 with pure NS-NS three-form flux, we compute a PSU(1, 1|2)-covariant three-point amplitude for half-BPS vertex operators inserted on the AdS3 boundary and show that it agrees with the RNS computation. The zero-mode prescription for the fermions in AdS is defined in terms of the “standard” spacetime SUSY generator. It is found that integrating out the fermionic worldsheet fields in the path integral gives rise to the target-space vielbein, which explicitly encodes that the conformal group on the boundary is identified with the symmetry group of the AdS bulk.
General Aspects of Jackson Calculus in Clifford Analysis
Authors: Zimmermann Martha Lina , Bernstein Swanhild , Schneider Baruch
Published: February 2025

We consider an extension of Jackson calculus into higher dimensions and specifically into Clifford analysis for the case of commuting variables. In this case, Dirac is the operator of the first q-partial derivatives (or q-differences)

$${_{q}}\mathbf {\mathcal {D}}= \sum _{i=1}^n e_i\,{_{q}}\partial _i$$

q

D
=

∑

i
=
1

n

e
i

q

∂
i

, where

$${_{q}}\partial _i$$

q

∂
i

denotes the q-partial derivative with respect to

$$x_i$$

x
i

. This Dirac operator factorizes the q-deformed Laplace operator. Similar to the case of classical Clifford analysis, we then consider the q-deformed Euler and Gamma operators and their relations to each other. Nullsolutions of this q-Dirac equation are called q-monogenic. Using the Fischer decomposition, we can decompose the space of homogeneous polynomials into spaces of q-monogenic polynomials. Using the q-deformed Cauchy–Kovalevskaya extension theorem, we can construct q-monogenic functions. Overall, we show the analogies and the differences between classical Clifford and Jackson-Clifford analysis. In particular, q-monogenic functions need not be monogenic and vice versa.
Llama 3.1 405B Is Comparable to GPT-4 for Extraction of Data from Thrombectomy Reports—A Step Towards Secure Data Extraction
Authors: Lehnen Nils C. , Kürsch Johannes , Wichtmann Barbara D. , Wolter Moritz , Bendella Zeynep , Bode Felix J. , Zimmermann Hanna , Radbruch Alexander , Vollmuth Philipp , Dorn Franziska
Published: February 2025

Purpose

GPT‑4 has been shown to correctly extract procedural details from free-text reports on mechanical thrombectomy. However, GPT may not be suitable for analyzing reports containing personal data. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of the large language models (LLM) Llama3.1 405B, Llama3 70B, Llama3 8B, and Mixtral 8X7B, that can be operated offline, to extract procedural details from free-text reports on mechanical thrombectomies.

Methods

Free-text reports on mechanical thrombectomy from two institutions were included. A detailed prompt was used in German and English languages. The ability of the LLMs to extract procedural data was compared to GPT‑4 using McNemar’s test. The manual data entries made by an interventional neuroradiologist served as the reference standard.

Results

100 reports from institution 1 (mean age 74.7 ± 13.2 years; 53 females) and 30 reports from institution 2 (mean age 72.7 ± 13.5 years; 18 males) were included. Llama 3.1 405B extracted 2619 of 2800 data points correctly (93.5% [95%CI: 92.6%, 94.4%], p = 0.39 vs. GPT-4). Llama3 70B with the English prompt extracted 2537 data points correctly (90.6% [95%CI: 89.5%, 91.7%], p < 0.001 vs. GPT-4), and 2471 (88.2% [95%CI: 87.0%, 89.4%], p < 0.001 vs. GPT-4) with the German prompt. Llama 3 8B extracted 2314 data points correctly (86.1% [95%CI: 84.8%, 87.4%], p < 0.001 vs. GPT-4), and Mixtral 8X7B extracted 2411 (86.1% [95%CI: 84.8%, 87.4%], p < 0.001 vs. GPT-4) correctly.

Conclusion

Llama 3.1 405B was equal to GPT‑4 for data extraction from free-text reports on mechanical thrombectomies and may represent a data secure alternative, when operated locally.
Multiple cryptic lineages and restricted gene flow in the decorator worm Diopatra Cuprea
Authors: Ziegler Adam J. , Bell Tina M. , Berke Sarah K. , Strand Allan E. , Sotka Erik E.
Published: February 2025

The decorator worm Diopatra cuprea Bosc, 1802 (Annelid; Polycheate; Onuphidae) is an ecosystem engineer within high-salinity estuaries of the southern and eastern United States. A previous study revealed five morphologically cryptic mitochondrial lineages across its broad geographic distribution. Here, we explore mitonuclear concordance of these lineages using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) genotyped with RADseq. We genotyped 3,162 SNPs from 233 D. cuprea and detected four deep lineages in the nuclear genome: a northern US clade (Massachusetts), a single nuclear clade within mid-Atlantic populations (i.e., Virginia south through northeastern Florida), a southeastern Florida clade, and a Gulf of Mexico clade. There was mitonuclear concordance within most individuals for three lineages, while two mitochondrial lineages were detected in a single mid-Atlantic nuclear lineage. Thus, there appear to be four cryptic lineages of D. cuprea that suggest four distinct species that rarely hybridize. Within the mid-Atlantic lineage, we detected increasing genetic isolation of populations with increasing geographic distance, a pattern consistent with low dispersal of D. cuprea larvae. Cryptic diversity within the D. cuprea complex is consistent with other common and geographically widespread annelid and Diopatra species that are now being revealed using high-throughput sequencing.
Model-informed development of a cost-saving dosing regimen for enfortumab vedotin
Authors: Op ’t Hoog Catharina JP , Rieborn Amy , Moes Dirk Jan AR , Hendrikx Jeroen JMA , van der Heijden Michiel S. , Franken Mira D. , van der Hulle Tom , van Kruchten Michel , Willemsen Annelieke ECAB , Koolen Stijn LW , Boerrigter Emmy , ter Heine Rob
Published: February 2025

Aim

Enfortumab vedotin is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) that has been approved for locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer, as monotherapy and in combination with pembrolizumab, and has shown significant benefit in progression-free survival and overall survival for these patients. The economic burden of enfortumab vedotin hampers widespread patient access. The aim of this study was to develop a model-informed alternative dosing regimen that results in equivalent drug exposure while reducing the costs and prevent drug spillage.

Methods

Population pharmacokinetic modelling was used to simulate a dosing regimen leading to equivalent exposure by using the published population pharmacokinetic model in the registration reports. The alternative dosing regimen was based on weight-bands derived from the established non-linear relationship between body weight and systemic exposure, and the usage of whole vials based on fixed doses to prevent spillage. Equivalent exposure compared to the approved body weight-based dosing regimen was defined as conservative equivalent boundaries of 90–111% for the calculated geometric mean ratios (GMRs) of area under the concentration-time curve and trough concentration.

Results

A weight-band based dosing regimen for each dose level of enfortumab vedotin was developed. The GMRs for all pharmacokinetic outcomes were within the predefined equivalence boundaries. In addition, a more even exposure distribution was observed across the body weight quartiles. The average costs savings across all dose levels and per weight-band were approximately 15%.

Conclusion

The proposed alternative dosing regimen shows that drug costs and spillage of enfortumab vedotin can be reduced while maintaining an equivalent and more evenly distributed exposure in treated patients.
New experimental constraints on seismic velocities and densities across the $$\alpha $$–$$\beta $$ quartz transition at deep crustal conditions
Authors: Mingardi Giulia , Gasc Julien , Ardit Matteo , Angel Ross J. , Crichton Wilson A. , Druzhbin Dmitrii , Aubry Jerome , Schubnel Alexandre , Alvaro Matteo
Published: February 2025

At the pressure and temperature conditions of the lower crust, quartz undergoes a displacive phase transition from a trigonal (
$$\alpha $$
) to a hexagonal phase (
$$\beta $$
). At room pressure, the
$$\alpha $$
–
$$\beta $$
quartz transition occurs at 574.1 °C and it is associated with large changes in the thermodynamic and elastic properties. For that reason, it is interpreted as the cause of significant seismic velocity contrasts in the crust seen by seismic tomography. Existing thermodynamic models and Equations of State (EoS) of quartz are mostly constrained by data collected at room pressure (or at high pressure and room temperature). In this work we characterized the
$$\alpha $$
–
$$\beta $$
quartz transition experimentally at simultaneous HP–HT conditions using synchrotron X-ray diffraction and acoustic measurements, and derived values of
$$V_p$$
,
$$V_s$$
, the adiabatic bulk modulus (
$$K_s$$
) and the shear modulus (G). The data collected in the
$$\alpha $$
field agree with the models from the literature, so entrapment pressures of
$$\alpha $$
-quartz inclusions calculated via elastic barometry with these EoS should be reliable. However, our measured
$$V_p$$
,
$$V_s$$
, and
$$K_s$$
are significantly lower than those predicted for
$$\beta $$
-quartz. Whatever the cause of this discrepancy, interpretations of seismic data in terms of the properties of
$$\beta $$
-quartz in the lower crust and calculations of entrapment conditions of quartz inclusions in the stability field of
$$\beta $$
-quartz should be treated with caution.
Death and diminishment: parasitoid flies (Diptera: Conopidae) reduce foraging efficiency before killing their bumblebee host
Authors: Roulston T’ai H. , Larsen Anne , Slatosky Amber D.
Published: February 2025

Host–parasitoid interactions typically result in either a dead parasitoid or a dead host. Understanding the effects of parasitoid success on a host can be estimated primarily as how much an early death curtails host reproduction. When parasitoids attack the nonreproductive caste of social insects, however, the effects are not the reduced reproduction of the host but rather the sum reduction in host contributions to its colony. In addition to the loss of host workdays due to premature death, there is potential for additional cost through reduction in foraging efficiency as the infection develops. To better understand these pre-lethal effects, we allowed conopid parasitoid flies (Conopidae) to infect workers from a colony of the bumblebee Bombus impatiens (Apidae) in the lab and then moved the colony to an outdoor location. Bumblebee foragers were monitored using RFID technology and an automated analytical balance positioned between the colony and the outside environment. We found that infected bumblebees foraged similarly to uninfected workers halfway through their fatal infections. Starting at day 6–7, however, infected bees took fewer trips per day, which resulted in a significant reduction in resources returned to the colony over the last 3 days of the experiment. Both infected and uninfected bees were likely to remain out of the colony at night after their fourth day foraging, but infected bees started staying out sooner. These pre-lethal effects of a developing parasitoid add to the negative effects of a shortened lifespan on host contribution to its colony.
Kidney involvement during the course of febrile urinary tract infection
Authors: Pietropaolo Gaia , Di Sessa Anna , Tirelli Paola , Miraglia del Giudice Emanuele , Guarino Stefano , Marzuillo Pierluigi
Published: February 2025

Febrile urinary tract infections (fUTIs) are among the most common severe infections in the pediatric population, posing a significant risk to kidney health. The pathophysiology of fUTIs involves the direct bacterial invasion of kidney tissue, which triggers an inflammatory response. While this response is effective in eradicating the infection, it can also cause substantial kidney damage at multiple levels. In this review, we explore the various forms of kidney involvement in fUTIs, along with their clinical, radiological, and biochemical presentations. We also discuss the implications of these events for the long-term prognosis of kidney function. Understanding these manifestations can assist clinicians in making prompt diagnoses and initiating appropriate treatment to minimize complications such as sepsis, kidney scarring, and long-term kidney damage.

Graphical Abstract
A qualitative descriptive study on the perspectives and experiences of multidisciplinary HCPs in providing nutritional care to older adults with cancer
Authors: Wong Rachel Li Yin , Han Chad Yixian , Thomas Jolene , Knowles Reegan
Published: February 2025

Objectives

To explore the perceptions and experiences of healthcare professionals (HCPs) caring for older adults with cancer regarding dietary advice provision and dietetic referral.

Methods

Qualitative descriptive study providing rich descriptions of the experiences of multidisciplinary HCPs in providing care to older adults with cancer, excluding dietitians or nutritionists. Purposive and snowball sampling methods were used for recruitment. Semi-structured interviews and a focus group session were conducted. Data was analysed using qualitative content analysis. Inductive codes were generated, and codes representing factors influencing HCPs’ referral to dietetics and dietary advice provision were then mapped to domains in the Tailored Implementation of Chronic Diseases (TICD) checklist using a deductive approach.

Results

Twenty HCPs across various Australian healthcare settings participated, with a broad range of working experience (1.5 to 53 years) being interviewed. Most participants perceived their role in the provision of general dietary advice, and there was a consensus that nutrition is important. Key barriers (e.g. lack of time and resources, perceived lack of knowledge, scope of practice), including unique patient-related barriers (e.g. co-morbidities, fatalistic mindset), and key facilitators (e.g. need for education, evidence-based resources, multidisciplinary team approach) to dietary advice provision fell within five TICD domains (intervention, health professional factors, patient factors, professional interactions, incentives and resources). Common barriers (e.g. disconnections in multidisciplinary care, lack of structured referral pathways) and facilitators (e.g. clear referral pathways) to referral fell within four TICD domains (intervention, health professional factors, professional interactions, incentives and resources).

Conclusion

The barriers and facilitators to referral and provision of dietary advice by HCPs suggest the need for system-level changes via a multi-pronged approach. Simple and accessible nutrition resources, stronger nutrition education for HCPs, improved referral pathways and role clarity are required to support a multidisciplinary approach to nutritional care. More qualitative research on patient-level factors involving older adults with cancer is warranted.
The leeb (Equotip) hardness test for rock materials: An overview, assessments on the factors influencing test results, and prediction models based on a large database
Authors: Ulusay Reşat , Ersoy Hakan , Sünnetci Muhammet Oğuz , Karahan Murat
Published: February 2025

This study aims to assess several factors affecting Leeb hardness (LH) test results for rock materials. Regression models for predicting some strength and deformability properties from L

D
values were proposed and compared based on a larger database from a comprehensive experimental program conducted and those compiled from the literature. The results indicate that Single Impact Method (SIM) is the most suitable method to obtain more reliable L

D
values when compared to Repeated Impact Method (RIM). In addition, RIM causes the formation of pits and bulges on the sample surface. 15 single impacts are sufficient to determine L

D
value that statistically represents optimal number of impacts to be applied. The test should be performed on samples with a length of (L) ≥ 50 mm (L/D ≥ 1) and the impacts should be applied by leaving a minimum distance at least equal to the diameter of the tester supporting ring from sample edge.
The potential of depressive symptoms to identify cognitive impairment in ageing
Authors: Alexopoulos Panagiotis , Bountoulis Christos , Katirtzoglou Everina , Kosmidis Mary H. , Siarkos Kostas , Yannakoulia Mary , Dardiotis Efthimios , Skondra Maria , Hadjigeorgiou Georgios , Perneczky Robert , Sakka Paraskevi , Georgiou Eleni-Zacharoula , Charalampopoulou Μarina , Felemegkas Panagiotis , Leroi Iracema , Batsidis Apostolos , Perna Laura , Politis Antonios , Scarmeas Nikolaos , Economou Polychronis
Published: February 2025

Depressive symptoms are common in mild cognitive impairment (MCI), dementia caused by Alzheimer’s disease (AD dementia) and in cognitively unimpaired older adults. However, it is unclear whether they could contribute to the identification of cognitive impairment in ageing. To assess the potential utility of depressive symptoms to distinguish between healthy cognitive ageing and MCI and AD dementia. The diagnostic workup of the cognitive function of 1737 older cognitively unimpaired individuals, 334 people with MCI and 142 individuals with AD dementia relied on a comprehensive neuropsychiatric assessment, including the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). Depressive symptoms were tapped with the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Proportional odds logistic regression (POLR) models and the machine learning technique Adaptive Boosting algorithm (AdaBoost) were employed. Stratified repeated random subsampling (stratified bootstrap resampling) was used to recursive partitioning to training- and validation set (70/30 ratio). The average accuracy of the POLR models for the GDS total score in distinguishing between cognitive impairment and healthy cognitive ageing exceeded 78% and was inferior to that of MMSE. Of note, the sensitivity of GDS total score was very low. By employing the AdaBoost algorithm and considering GDS items separately, the average accuracy was higher than 0.72 and comparable to that of the MMSE, while sensitivity- and specificity values were more balanced. The findings of the study provide initial evidence that depressive symptoms may contribute to distinguishing between cognitive impairment and cognitively healthy ageing.
How do urban agriculture initiatives communicate on farming across society? An exploration of awareness, responsibility, and pride messages on social media
Authors: Unay-Gailhard İlkay , Chaskin Robert J. , Brennan Mark A.
Published: February 2025

Generational renewal problems in the farming sector highlight the urgent need to attract new farmers and address misconceptions about agricultural careers. This can be achieved by strengthening the connection between the farming community and society. Emphasizing the alternative food movement’s role in attracting new-generation farmers, we focus on the urban agriculture movement and its communication efforts to better understand the changing relationship between agriculture and society. This study examines how urban agriculture communicates about farming by analyzing the use of social media messages related to awareness, responsibility, and pride. Analyses are based on the professionals’ perspectives (28 in-depth key informant interviews) and social media data (four selected Instagram accounts) in Pennsylvania and Illinois. We utilized qualitative thematic coding, guided by Polymedia theory and the Norm Activation Model. The results indicate that dialogues around urban agriculture encourage individuals to engage in discussions about healthy eating and to critically assess their understanding of industrial agriculture. Our study reveals that Instagram messages often emphasize responsibility and pride, which play a significant role in storytelling. These pride messages, linked to personal, relational, or professional achievements, are prevalent in the communication. However, very few messages address the economic aspects of farming, suggesting that financial issues and access to resources are not prioritized in these discussions. The study confirms that the online representation of urban farmers enhances their personal recognition by showcasing the diversity of farmers in terms of race, gender, ethnicity, and farm size, which differ from how traditional farmers are depicted in conventional media.
Flow dynamics of agricultural waste nanofibers: shear, temperature, and oscillatory insights
Authors: Altay Bilge Nazli , Aksoy Burak , Atkinson James , Lewis Christopher L. , Diaz-Acosta Carlos , Francis Raymond
Published: February 2025

The rheology and fiber size of corn stover (CS) and cleaned cotton gin trash (CGT) cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) were studied including behaviors at both moderate and extremely high shear rates, to simulate industrial processes ranging from mixing and pumping to high-speed coating, printing, and extrusion. Particle size analyzer showed that 99% of CS fibers measured around 226 nm, while 85% of CGT fibers were approximately 143 nm. Both CS and CGT CNFs formed gel-like suspensions, and shear flow tests revealed that all samples exhibited shear-thinning behavior, allowing easy flow under shear forces. Gels with higher solid content (1%) demonstrated extended viscoelastic regions, indicating improved flexibility, structural integrity, and energy-dispersing capacity. The combination of shear-thinning behavior, flexibility, and energy absorption makes these CNFs promising for applications in papermaking, coatings, packaging, and areas where shock absorption is required.

Graphical abstract
Unexpected landscape-scale contemporary gene flow and fine-scale genetic diversity in rural hedgehogs
Authors: Yu Hongli , Moore Lauren J. , Barlow Axel , Gentle Louise K. , Dawson Deborah A. , Horsburgh Gavin J. , Knowles Lucy , Baker Philip J. , Bates Adam , Hicks Helen , Petrovan Silviu , Perkins Sarah , Yarnell Richard W.
Published: February 2025

Agricultural intensification is one of the major forces driving populations of many traditionally common native species into smaller, fragmented populations which are prone to isolation and loss of genetic diversity. Identifying the spatial extent and characteristics of rural systems that support gene flow and promote genetic diversity for these species is thus essential for their long-term conservation. Here we used asymmetric autosomal genetic structure between sexes to investigate current gene flow among four neighbouring suburban populations of hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) in England, which are separated by agricultural land. Contrary to expectations, we found that individuals belonged to a single genetic population despite the populations being separated by unoccupied agricultural land. Spatial autocorrelation was significant in adult female hedgehogs, but non-significant in adult males, revealing male driven contemporary gene flow between local populations. The results suggest that male hedgehogs are capable of moving between population patches separated by at least 3 km across the agricultural matrix. This finding is crucial to aid the development of a conservation strategy for hedgehogs as, for the first time, it shows the extent that previously assumed isolated populations across a perceived inhospitable landscape are connected by current gene flow. Higher within patch relatedness, and lower allelic richness were found from smaller suburban patches, largely reflecting local population size, indicating an early stage of genetic diversity loss due to habitat loss and associated fragmentation. Our study illustrates that considering current gene flow and local genetic diversity together is important to better understand habitat effects on genetic variation and to inform future conservation management.
Impact of Discrimination on Help-Seeking Behavior Among Individuals With Serious Mental Illness in South Korea: Role of Social Participation Services
Authors: Na Subin , Kahng Sang Kyoung , Solomon Phyllis
Published: February 2025

This study investigated the relationship between perceived discrimination, help-seeking behaviors, and the adequacy of social participation services among individuals with serious mental illness in South Korea. Data were drawn from a 2020 survey conducted by the National Human Rights Commission of Korea, involving 607 participants who used community-based mental health rehabilitation facilities. Structural equation modeling was employed to examine the extent to which perceived discrimination in healthcare, employment, and personal–social relationships affects help-seeking behaviors, including the mediating effect of perceived adequacy of social participation services. Results revealed that experiences of discrimination in healthcare and employment significantly influenced help-seeking, whereas discrimination in personal–social relationships did not. Although the adequacy of social participation services positively impacted help-seeking, it did not mediate the relationship between discrimination and help-seeking behaviors. The findings suggest addressing discrimination in healthcare and employment and expanding diverse, accessible social participation services are crucial for encouraging help-seeking among individuals with serious mental illness across regions in Korea.