bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Ge.F.I. Collaborative Study: Evaluating Reproducibility and Accuracy of a DNA‐Methylation‐Based Age‐Predictive Assay for Routine Implementation in Forensic Casework
Authors: Onofri Martina , Alessandrini Federica , Aneli Serena , Buscemi Loredana , Chierto Elena , Fabbri Matteo , Fattorini Paolo , Garofano Paolo , Gentile Fabiano , Presciuttini Silvano , Previderè Carlo , Robino Carlo , Severini Simona , Tommolini Federica , Tozzo Pamela , Verzeletti Andrea , Carnevali Eugenia
Published: January 2025

The increasing interest in DNA methylation (DNAm) analysis within the forensic scientific community prompted a collaborative project by Ge.F.I. (Genetisti Forensi Italiani). The study evaluated a standardized bisulfite conversion–based Single Base Extension (SBE) protocol for the analysis of the methylation levels at five age‐predictive loci (ELOVL2, FHL2, KLF14, C1orf132/MIR29B2C, and TRIM59). The study encompassed three phases: (1) setting up and validating the protocol to ensure consistency and reproducibility; (2) comparing fresh peripheral blood with blood spots; and (3) evaluating sources of intra‐ and inter‐laboratory variability. Samples from 22 Italian volunteers were analyzed by 6 laboratories in replicates for a total of 528 records. From phase I emerged that the choice of genetic sequencer significantly contributed to inter‐laboratory data variation, resulting in separate regression analyses performed for each laboratory. In phase II, blood spots were found to be a reliable source for DNAm analysis, despite exhibiting increased experimental variation compared to fresh peripheral blood. In phase III, a strong correlation between the individual's predicted and true ages was observed across different laboratories. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) of the residuals indicated that one‐third of the total variance could be attributed to laboratory‐specific factors, whereas two‐thirds could be attributed to inter‐individual biological differences. The leave‐one‐out cross‐validation (LOO‐CV) method yielded an overall mean absolute deviation (MAD) value of 4.41 years, with an average 95% confidence interval of 5.24 years. Stepwise regression analysis proved that a restricted model (ELOVL2, C1orf132/MIR29B2C, and TRIM59) produced results virtually indistinguishable from the five‐loci model. Additionally, the analysis of samples in replicates greatly improved the fit of the regression model, balancing the slight effects of intra‐laboratory variability. In conclusion, the bisulfite conversion–based SBE protocol, combined with replicate analysis and in‐lab calibration of a regression‐prediction model, proves to be a reliable and easily implementable method for age prediction in forensic laboratories.
Synthesis of PPy/rGO/NiCoFe2O4 Ternary Composite and rGO/NiCoFe2O4 Binary Composite Hybrid Materials for the Fabrication of Flexible Carbon Cloth Electrodes for Supercapacitors
Authors: Nabeel Ansari Novman , Jain Alok , Alharbi Talal , Ahmad Akbar , Husain Dilawar , Naeem Sajid
Published: January 2025

This study presents a simple, scalable approach for synthesizing binary and ternary composites tailored for electrode materials, with a focus on supercapacitor applications. The composites were fabricated by integrating reduced graphene oxide (rGO) with NiCoFe2O4 metal oxides and the conductive polymer polypyrrole (PPy). The significance of this work lies in the development of supercapacitors, which are highly valued for their superior energy density, fast charge and discharge rates, prolonged life cycle, and cost‐effectiveness. The binary composite, rGO/NiCoFe2O4, was synthesized using a sol–gel auto‐combustion method, with carbon cloth serving as the electrode substrate for electrochemical testing. Electrochemical analysis showed that the rGO/NiCoFe2O4 binary composite exhibited a specific capacitance of 154 F/g at a scan rate of 10 mV/s. The addition of PPy resulted in the formation of the ternary composite, PPy/rGO/NiCoFe2O4, which demonstrated a markedly improved specific capacitance of 210 F/g under the same conditions, underscoring the synergistic effect of PPy. Furthermore, galvanostatic charge–discharge (GCD) analysis revealed specific capacitance values of 222.5 F/g at 1 A/g and 145 F/g at 2 A/g for the ternary composite, compared to 157.1 F/g and 110 F/g for the binary composite. The findings of this investigation emphasize the significant potential of the PPy/rGO/NiCoFe2O4 composite for the development of high‐performance supercapacitors, leveraging the combined benefits of rGO, NiCoFe2O4, and PPy for superior energy storage capabilities.
Enhancing Smart Grid Security Using BLS Privacy Blockchain With Siamese Bi‐LSTM for Electricity Theft Detection
Authors: Johncy G , Shaji R S , Angelin Monisha Sharean T M , Hubert U
Published: January 2025

Energy management inside a blockchain framework developed for smart grids is primarily concerned with improving intrusion detection to protect data privacy. The emphasis is on real‐time detection of cyberattacks and preemptive forecasting of possible risks, especially in the realm of electricity theft within smart grid systems. Existing Electricity Theft Detection techniques for smart grids have obstacles such as class imbalance, which leads to poor generalization, increased complexity due to large EC data aspects, and a high false positive rate in supervised models, resulting in incorrect classification of regular customers as abnormal. To provide security in the smart grid, a novel BLS Privacy Blockchain with Siamese Bi‐LSTM is proposed. Initially, the privacy‐preserving Boneh‐Lynn‐Shacham blockchain technique is built on BLS Short signature and hash algorithms, which mitigate misclassification rates and false positives in the detection of smart grid attacks. Then, a hybrid framework employs an intrusion detection algorithm based on Siamese Bidirectional Long Short‐Term Memory to semantically distinguish between harmful and authentic behaviors, thereby improving data quality and predictive capabilities. Furthermore, a Recurrent Neural Network‐Generative Adversarial Network is presented for detecting electricity fraud, which addresses the issue of class imbalance. This uses both supervised and unsupervised loss functions to produce synthetic theft samples that closely resemble actual theft incidents. From the experiment, it is showing that the proposed models perform with high accuracy and low error rates. The proposed model from the outcomes when compared to other existing models achieves high accuracy, detection rate, recall, and low computation time.
Wetting and Drying Treatments With Mesh Adaptation for Shallow Water Equations Using a Runge–Kutta Discontinuous Galerkin Method
Authors: Poussel Camille , Ersoy Mehmet , Golay Frédéric
Published: January 2025

This work is devoted to the numerical simulation of Shallow Water Equations involving dry areas, a moving shoreline and in the context of mesh adaptation. The space and time discretization using the Runge–Kutta Discontinuous Galerkin approach is applied to nonlinear hyperbolic Shallow Water Equations. Problems with dry areas are challenging for such methods. To counter this issue, special treatment is applied around the shoreline. This work compares three treatments, one based on Slope Modification, one based on p‐adaptation and the last one based on eXtended Finite Element methods and mesh adaptation.
Therapeutic Potential of Brassica carinata Microgreens Extract in Alleviating Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes in Wistar Rats
Authors: Nakakaawa Lilian , Gbala Ifeoluwa D. , Bargul Joel L. , Cheseto Xavier , Wesonga John M.
Published: January 2025

Microgreens of Brassica plants have attracted increasing research interest in the management of the prevailing epidemic of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) because of their high nutritional value. This study evaluated the antidiabetic effects of Brassica carinata Microgreens Ethanolic Extract (BMEE) in type‐2 diabetic rats. For the normoglycemic assay, rats were divided into five groups and received a single oral dose of 100, 250, and 500 mg/kg of BMEE while the control groups received distilled water and Glibenclamide. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels were determined on a weekly basis for 28 days in diabetic rats after treatment with BMEE at 250 and 500 mg/kg dosage levels. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), serum insulin levels, lipid profile and messenger RNA expression levels of Insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS‐1), Glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2), and Nuclear factor kappa light‐chain enhancer of activated B cells (NFKβ) genes were determined. BMEE did not induce hypoglycemic effects in rats with normal blood glucose levels, but induced antidiabetic activities in the experimental type‐2 diabetic rats. BMEE lowered FBG levels, increased oral glucose tolerance, increased insulin sensitization, and reduced insulin resistance. Treatment of diabetic rats with BMEE increased lipid metabolism and relatively higher expression levels of IRS‐1 and GLUT2 genes, and led to reduced expression levels of NFKβ in the liver. Overall, this study reports that BMEE has potential as a nutraceutical to be utilized in the management of T2DM.
Antimicrobial Efficacy of Teucrium polium L. Extracts for Dental Caries: Green Extraction Techniques and Bioactive Compounds
Authors: Javadpour Kamand , Shekarchizadeh Hajar , Goli Mohammad , Moradiyan Tehrani Helena
Published: January 2025

Dental caries is a highly prevalent chronic condition globally. In recent years, scientists have turned to natural compounds such as plant extracts as an alternative to address concerns related to biofilm‐mediated disease transmission, increasing bacterial resistance, and the adverse impacts of antibiotics. Consequently, this study investigated the antimicrobial properties of ethanolic, hydroethanolic, and aqueous extracts of Teucrium polium L. (T. polium), which belongs to the Lamiaceae family, at different concentrations (0.1, 1, 10, 100, 500, 1000 ppm) against seven bacteria commonly associated with dental decay. The hydroethanolic extract demonstrated the highest efficacy against S. mutans (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) = 1.24 mg/mL), while the ethanolic extract exhibited the most potent activity against S. sanguinis (MIC = 1.55 mg/mL). For S. sobrinus, the ethanolic extract was the most effective (MIC = 1.52 mg/mL), whereas the hydromethanolic extract displayed the highest efficacy against S. salivarius (MIC = 1.52 mg/mL). S. aureus was most susceptible to the ethanolic extract (MIC = 1.9 mg/mL), whereas the aqueous extract demonstrated the strongest antimicrobial effect against S. epidermidis (MIC = 2.03 mg/mL). Finally, the ethanolic extract exhibited the maximum efficacy against L. fermentum (MIC = 1.36 mg/mL). Overall, the ethanolic extract demonstrated the highest efficacy against all tested bacteria, followed by the hydroethanolic extract, while the aqueous extract showed comparatively lower effectiveness. Therefore, depending on the specific target bacteria, it is suggested to combine the antibacterial extract of T. polium with the most effective solvent to effectively combat the bacteria responsible for dental decay. The study found that mouthwashes containing ethanolic and hydroethanolic extracts, at a concentration of 2.44 mg/L, effectively inhibited the growth of all oral bacteria contributing to dental caries. Future research should explore T. polium extracts' mechanisms of action against oral pathogens, their practical applications, and their efficacy against conventional treatments, paving the way for innovative dental therapies.
Novel Insights Into Peptide‐Calcium Chelates From Lentinula edodes: Preparation and Its Structure, Stability, and Calcium Transport Analysis
Authors: Gu Haofeng , Liang Lei , Wei Yang , Wang Jia Hao , Ma Wanning , Fu Yuyu , Fan Dan , Gao Wanxiang , Yang Jiayao , Zheng Xinyu , Chen Tingshu , Chen Yuexin
Published: January 2025

Peptide‐Ca chelates are innovative calcium supplements. Lentinula edodes possesses nutritional advantages for preparing calcium‐binding peptides (CBPs), although there are limited studies on this subject. Therefore, this paper investigated the optimal condition for preparing Lentinula edodes CBPs and Lentinula edodes peptide‐calcium chelates (LP‐Ca), along with analyzing their microstructure, calcium‐binding mechanisms, stability, and calcium transporting efficacy. The optimal protease and hydrolysis time for preparing CBPs were neutral protease and 3 h, respectively. The optimized parameters for LP‐Ca preparation were as follows: pH9, time 50 min, mass ratio of peptide/CaCl2 5:1, and temperature 65°C. The chelates contain 4.23% ± 0.01% Ca. After chelation, Glu, Asp, Lys, Ser, His, and Cys were enriched. LP‐Ca possessed a rough and porous structure, exhibiting a pronounced calcium signal. COO, CO, and NH groups were contributed to the chelation, with calcium primarily existing in an amorphous form. LP‐Ca exhibited enhanced thermal stability and retained most of the calcium (62.33% ± 4.51%) after digestion, and calcium transportation was enhanced in the LP‐Ca group (9.57 ± 0.60 μg). Collectively, LP‐Ca are studied for the first time and the study is of great significance for developing novel calcium supplements.
Paleoenvironment, Provenance and Chert Origin of the Lower Cretaceous Xiguayuan Formation (Luanping Basin, North China): Evidence From the Geochemistry of Lacustrine Sediments
Authors: Han Chao , Liu Lu , Xiang Pengfei , Jia Haibo , Gao Xiao , Li Qiang
Published: January 2025

Industrial shale oil/gas flow have been discovered in the Luanping Basin, and the hydrocarbon potential of the Lower Cretaceous Xiguayuan Formation (Luanping Basin, North China) has attracted the attention of geologists in recent years. The paleoenvironmental conditions, provenance and chert origin of the Xiguayuan Formation were studied using the geochemistry of lacustrine sediments in the Caoying section. A pronounced positive correlation between the oxygen and carbon isotopes of autogenous carbonates indicates the Early Cretaceous Luanping paleolake was an alternating depositional environment of open and closed, with obvious evaporation. The V/(V + Ni) ratios, negative Ce and Eu anomalies suggest that the Xiguayuan Formation was deposited in anoxic conditions with fewer instances of euxinic conditions. Sr/Ba, Z and S values together demonstrate a brackish to saline waterbody under semi‐arid and fluctuating semi‐humid paleoclimatic conditions. Various indicators show that they are predominantly derived from felsic igneous rocks and minor probable basic source supply with minor sedimentary recycling. The cherts are developed in Unit 1 and Unit 2, compared with Unit 3, Unit 1 and Unit 2 show relatively open, less reductive, high salinity. A theoretical formation model of alternating rise and drop in lake levels in the basin was established to show syndepositional bedded chert‐bearing sedimentary succession. The acid river dominate water and the evaporation in front fan delta environment maybe the main factor that lead silica precipitation.
Psychometric Properties of the Bangla Version of the Beck Depression Inventory‐II (BDI‐II) With University Students in Bangladesh: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Hasan Md. Torun , Khan Mozibul H. A.
Published: January 2025

Background and Aims

In clinical practice and research, the Beck Depression Inventory‐II (BDI‐II) is one of the most frequently employed and consistent depression assessment instruments. Despite numerous international studies thoroughly establishing the psychometric properties of the BDI‐II, no notable study has validated the scale in Bangladesh, especially on the student sample as well as in nonclinical settings. Therefore, the current study was conducted with a view to assessing the psychometric properties of the Bangla version of the BDI‐II in a sample of undergraduate students in the cultural context of Bangladesh.

Methods

The sample consisted of 1128 undergraduate students (55.9% males) aged from 18 to 28 (M = 22.35, SD = 1.41) from the university of Rajshahi, Bangladesh. The factor structure of the BDI‐II was investigated through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).

Results

The CFA revealed that the hypothesized two‐factor model of the BDI‐II had an acceptable fit [χ2/df = 3.030, GFI = 0.957, TLI = 0.949, and CFI = 0.955, RMSEA = 0.042] in the current sample, which confirms the factorial validity of the Bangla version of the BDI‐II. Cronbach's α value (for total scale α = 0.90; for the cognitive‐affective factor α = 0.88; and for the somatic factor α = 0.73) assured high internal consistency. The concurrent validity of the BDI‐II was confirmed by the correlation with the Emotional Intelligence Scale (EIS) and the Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS) in the expected direction.

Conclusion

The findings of the study suggest that the Bangla version of the BDI‐II is a valid instrument for assessing depression among the student community in Bangladesh. This study will also be very beneficial to research on mental health problems in Bangladesh.
The Impact of Being Present During Resuscitation on Family Members: A Scoping Review Protocol
Authors: Rahmawati Ira , Page Tamara , Conlon Lisa , Donnelly Frank
Published: January 2025

Background and Aims

Family members of patients who are undergoing resuscitation may experience complex psychological challenges, including anxiety, depression, or posttraumatic stress symptoms. Although several studies have identified positive experiences of family members who were given the option to be present during their loved one's resuscitation, the actual impact of family presence during resuscitation on family members remains elusive and needs to be explored comprehensively. This review aims to identify the impact of being present during the resuscitation event of adult patients in in‐hospital settings on family members.

Methods

The proposed review will utilize the JBI methodology for scoping reviews. This review will include literature from all study designs that are published in English with no date restrictions. The inclusion criteria include studies evaluating the impact on family members after witnessing the resuscitation of a loved one or being present at the hospital during the event. This review will include studies conducted in intrahospital settings, including emergency departments, critical care units, and in‐hospital wards. This study will also emphasize the influences of social, cultural, and spiritual factors on FPDR practices. A systematic search will be conducted across five databases and gray literature. These include PubMed, CINAHL (EBSCO), Embase, Emcare, and PsycINFO, ProQuest Database, Open Access Theses and Dissertations, and Google Scholar. Two independent reviewers will screen titles and abstracts and assess the full text of selected articles against inclusion criteria. Discussion with all reviewer team members will be held when disagreements arise between the reviewers at each review stage. Data will be analysed and presented according to The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta‐Analyses extension for Scoping Review.

Scoping Review Registration

This scoping review protocol was registered with Open Science Framework (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/U6AW8).
Evaluation of Aneurysm Cases Undergoing Surgery at a Tertiary Center in Iran: A 22‐year Retrospective Study
Authors: Ghoddusi Johari Hamed , Ranjbar Keivan , Kassaee Kimia , Hoseini Seyed Mohammadali , Shahriarirad Reza
Published: January 2025

Background and Aims

An arterial aneurysm is characterized by a localized expansion of a blood vessel relative to its original dimensions. Specifically, an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is identified as an aortic diameter measuring at least one and a half times the standard diameter at the renal artery level, approximately equivalent to 2.0 cm. In this study, we aim to evaluate the prevalence of AAA, along with the clinical features, trend, and incidence of ruptured AAA among patients undergoing surgery in our center.

Methods

The database of patients operated in Namazi Hospital from 2000 to 2021 was retrieved and patients undergoing vascular surgeries due to aneurysm were reviewed. All data were analyzed with SPSS version 26.0.

Results

A total of 599 cases of aneurysm were operated, among which 334 were contributed to the aorta and included in our study. The average age of the participants was 69.6 (SD: 12.1, range 16–93) years and 161 (85.2%) were male. The majority of cases were in the 60 to 80 years age group (n = 205; 62.5%). There was a significant association between the age groups and the AAA rupture (p = 0.003), with the highest occurrence among the above 80 years age group (n = 37, 49.3%). Regarding the location of the aneurysm, 274 were located in the infrarenal and abdominal region, 21 in the thoracoabdominal region, and 12 in the thoracic region. Among the cases in our study, 112 were cases of ruptured aneurysms. Furthermore, the age of patients with ruptured aneurysm were significantly higher compared to non‐ruptured patients (71.8 vs. 68.5; p = 0.019).

Conclusion

We observed an increase in the incidence of AAA surgeries in our center throughout the years, with the population growing towards younger population, while the incidence of rupture increasing towards older age groups.
Reducing Air‐Conditioning Load by Using an Insulating Material in Iraq as a Case Study (Experimental and Numerical)
Authors: Hasan Atif Ali , Al‐Bayati Omer Adil Zainal , Lafta Noor Samir , Khaleel Mahmood H.
Published: January 2025

This paper has studied different types of walls using constant interior and exterior finishing materials (thermostone, 200‐mm thick (A); fired clay bricks, 240‐mm thick (B); hollow concrete blocks, 200‐mm thick (C); solid concrete blocks, 140‐mm thick (D); and limestone, 200‐mm thick (E)) due to the availability of many different types of building materials in Iraq and the lack of control over the best use to demonstrate how each of these materials affects a building's insulation to deliver the appropriate levels of comfort and achieve the greatest possible reduction in the electrical energy needed for air conditioning. A unique chamber was created for performing the actual trials on such walls in their natural environment, which was the climate of the city of Baghdad (zip code 10016, 33° N latitude, 44° E longitude). The tests have been done both in their current state of operation and with the addition of thermal insulation (60‐mm thick microfiber glass insulation material). The values for electricity consumption by a wall without insulation are 92, 121, 199, 148, and 138 kW/m2, in cases noted as A1, B1, C1, D1, and E1, respectively. However, when the insulator is used, the values become 58, 63, 51, 100, and 92 kW/m2 for the cases noted as A2, B2, C2, D2, and E2, respectively. The percentage reduction in electrical energy consumed by the air conditioner used within the room with and without thermal insulation has been recorded in the range of 50%–65% and 25%–60%, respectively. Depending on the model used, and compared with the traditional model, the saving difference with and without insulation was 15% and 35%, respectively. The best case is C2, because it has no effect on the room's interior area. Also, the cooling load was less than in other cases; it was 51 kW/m2 and had the highest building electrical savings, which are 65% when taking the wall in case C1 as a reference.
The causal relationship between systemic lupus erythematosus and juvenile myoclonic epilepsy: A Mendelian randomization study and mediation analysis
Authors: Chen Sirui , Zhang Ningning , Zhang Ruirui , Zhang Lan , Luo Dadong , Li Junqiang , Liu Yaqing , Wang Yunan , Duan Xinyue , Tian Xin , Wang Tiancheng
Published: January 2025

This study aimed to investigate the causal relationship between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME). Univariable and reverse Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were performed to investigate the potential causal associations between SLE, systemic autoimmune disorders (SADs), and JME. Two‐step mediation MR analysis was further performed to explore indirect factors that may influence the relationship between SLE and JME. Summary data on SADs were extracted from the Integrative Epidemiology Unit Open genome‐wide association study database, and summary statistics for JME were acquired from the International League Against Epilepsy Consortium. The inverse‐variance weighted (IVW) method was used for primary analysis, supplemented by MR‐Egger and weighted median. In the univariable MR analysis, IVW results indicated a causal relationship between SLE and an increased risk of JME (odds ratio = 1.0030, 95% confidence interval, 1.0004–1.0057; p = 0.023). The subsequent mediation MR analysis showed that inflammatory cytokines may not be the mediating factors between SLE and JME, while the inverse MR analysis found no significant relationship. Our study indicated that genetic susceptibility to SLE was causally linked to JME. However, subsequent mediation analysis failed to identify the potential mediators that could influence this relationship. Moreover, evidence suggested that other SADs were not causally associated with JME. This study may provide guidance for screening risk factors for seizures and exploring potential treatments in SLE and JME, and even all SADs and JME.
Artificial intelligence‐driven change redefining radiology through interdisciplinary innovation
Authors: Huang Runqiu , Meng Xiaolin , Zhang Xiaoxuan , Luo Zhendong , Cao Lu , Feng Qianjin , Ma Guolin , Dong Di , Wang Yang
Published: January 2025

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly advancing, yet its applications in radiology remain relatively nascent. From a spatiotemporal perspective, this review examines the forces driving AI development and its integration with medicine and radiology, with a particular focus on advancements addressing major diseases that significantly threaten human health. Temporally, the advent of foundational model architectures, combined with the underlying drivers of AI development, is accelerating the progress of AI interventions and their practical applications. Spatially, the discussion explores the potential of evolving AI methodologies to strengthen interdisciplinary applications within medicine, emphasizing the integration of AI with the four critical points of the imaging process, as well as its application in disease management, including the emergence of commercial AI products. Additionally, the current utilization of deep learning is reviewed, and future advancements through multimodal foundation models and Generative Pre‐trained Transformer are anticipated.
Effectiveness of custom‐designed pointed laser light for teaching intraoral radiographic technique to undergraduate students: A comparative study
Authors: Veerabhadrappa Suresh Kandagal , Yadav Seema , Ganesh Nandan , Ghani Wan Maria Nabillah , Khairah Bt Ismail Ummul , Zamzuri Ahmad Termizi Bin
Published: January 2025

Objectives

Intraoral periapical radiographic techniques are mandatory exercises taught to undergraduate students during their training. The key challenges encountered while teaching the bisecting angle technique (BAT) include correctly positioning the X‐ray cone and adjusting the central X‐ray beam to the tooth of interest. To address this, a custom‐designed pointed laser light (CDPLL) was fabricated and attached to the X‐ray cone. This study evaluated the effectiveness of CDPLL compared to conventional BAT in acquiring quality radiographs, reducing errors, and evaluating students' perceptions through a questionnaire.

Methods

Third‐year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) students were divided into two groups of 26 each. Group 1 used Conventional BAT, while Group 2 employed Laser‐Assisted BAT on a mannequin. Both techniques were taught through theory and clinical demonstrations. Students took radiographs of incisors, canines, premolars, and molars of both jaws. Group 1 students then transitioned to Laser‐Assisted BAT and repeated the radiographs. Inter‐group and intra‐group comparisons of radiographic quality and errors were analyzed using Chi‐Square tests.

Results

Group 2 produced more excellent (41.8%) and acceptable (47.6%) radiographs, with fewer unacceptable ones (10.6%) than Group 1 (p < 0.001). Transitioning from conventional BAT to Laser‐Assisted BAT in Group 1 led to significantly higher excellent (41.8%) and lower unacceptable (7.2%) radiographs (p < 0.001). Errors were significantly higher in Group 1 (81.5%) compared to Group 2 (59.5%) (p < 0.001). Common errors included cone cut and overlapping while foreshortening was the least frequent error. Over 80% of students felt CDPLL effectively guided the central X‐ray beam and expressed interest in using it in the future.

Conclusions

The CDPLL affixed to the X‐ray cone serves as an effective teaching tool for taking high‐quality radiographs, yielding a higher number of excellent and acceptable radiographs while minimizing repetition and errors. It also aids students in adjusting the X‐ray cone and central beam to the desired teeth.
Dependence of RF Sputtering Power on Structural and Electrical Properties of SnO2 Thin Films
Authors: Sajdeh Natasha , Terohid Seyed Ali Asghar , Asgary Somayeh , Pour Ghobad Behzadi
Published: January 2025

SnO2 thin films were deposited on Si substrates by radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering technique, and the effects of different sputtering power (60–90 W) on the structural, surface morphological, and electrical properties of the film were investigated with XRD, Raman, AFM, SEM, and fore point probe. The deposited SnO2 film at lower RF was amorphous, while well‐defined intense XRD signals at higher RF power indicated significant improvement in crystalline nature. Eg and A1g vibrating modes related to SnO2 were clearly observed in the Raman spectra. With the increasing RF sputtering power, the surface roughness of the films gradually increased while electrical resistivity revealed sharp decrease.
Intensified and Accelerated Rescue Infliximab Therapy for Acute Severe Ulcerative Colitis in Pregnancy: A Case Report
Authors: Yogakanthi Saiumaeswar , Phan Timothy , Flanagan Emma , Yang Linda , Basnayake Chamara , Thevathasan Iniyaval , Schulberg Julien
Published: January 2025

Acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC) in pregnancy poses a clinical challenge with significant risk to both mother and fetus. Anti‐TNF alpha therapy is known to be safe in pregnancy, however, data surrounding outcomes in ASUC is limited. In this report, we present the case of a pregnant patient of 10 weeks' gestation with ASUC successfully managed with intensified and accelerated infliximab therapy for a total dose of 35 mg/kg during a single admission. This case highlights the use of this therapeutic strategy, as a part of a multidisciplinary approach, to avoid the need for a high‐risk colectomy.
Synthesis and Characterization of Antibacterial Poly{2‐[(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium Chloride}/Chitosan Semi‐Interpenetrating Networks for Papain Release
Authors: Ferreira Carolina Cruz , Schutz Guilherme Frey , Teixeira Lucas Novaes , Martinez Elizabeth Ferreira , Vieira Roniérik Pioli , Mei Lúcia Helena Innocentini
Published: January 2025

Annually, thousands of individuals suffer from skin injuries resulting from trauma, surgeries, or diabetes. Inadequate wound treatment can delay healing and increase the risk of severe infections. In this context, a promising synthetic polymer with potent antimicrobial properties, Poly{2‐[(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride} (PMETAC), is synthesized and crosslinked with N,N’‐Methylenebis(acrylamide) (BIS) in the presence of Chitosan (CH), a natural, biocompatible polysaccharide that promotes cell regeneration and provides additional beneficial properties. These semi‐interpenetrating (semi‐IPN) networks are chosen as a matrix for releasing papain, a proteolytic enzyme with healing and debridement properties. By integrating the properties of the materials, this study evaluates PMETAC‐based hydrogels with different CH concentrations (5%, 10%, and 25%) to understand their physicochemical and biological performance, including antibacterial activity and cytocompatibility. By incorporating 25% CH led to a 19% increase in pore size and a 48% increase in maximum pore volume compared to the control PMETAC hydrogel. Additionally, all formulations demonstrate ≈100% reduction of E. coli and S. aureus, showcasing their remarkable antibacterial efficacy. The inclusion of CH also significantly improves fibroblast viability, with 25% CH formulation standing out as the most promising candidate for multifunctional dressings, highlighting their potential in the treatment of hard‐to‐heal wounds in regenerative medicine.
Bis‐Naphthylacrylonitrile‐Based Supramolecular Artificial Light‐Harvesting System for White Light Emission
Authors: Li Menghang , Wang Ruixin , Xia Yang , Fu Yuan , Wu Lujie , Sun Guangping , Zhu Jinli , Tang Yanfeng , Yao Yong
Published: January 2025

A novel aggregation‐induced emission (AIE)‐based artificial light‐harvesting system (LHS) is successfully assembled via the host‐guest interaction of bis‐naphthylacrylonitrile derivative (BND), water‐soluble pillar[5]arene (WP5), and sulforhodamine 101 (SR101). After host‐guest assembly, the formed WP5⊃BND complexes spontaneously self‐aggregated into WP5⊃BND nanoparticles (donors) and SR101 (acceptors) is introduced into WP5⊃BND to fabricate WP5⊃BND‐SR101 LHS. Through the investigation of energy transfer between donors and acceptors, the artificial light‐harvesting processes are certified in WP5⊃BND‐SR101 LHS and the absolute fluorescence quantum yields (Φf(abs)) are significantly improved from 8.9% (for WP5⊃BND) to 31.1% (for WP5⊃BND‐SR101), exhibiting the excellent light‐harvesting capabilities. Notably, by tuning the donor/acceptor (D:A) molar ratio to 250:1, a conspicuous white light emission (CIE coordinate is (0.32, 0.32)) is realized and the fluorescence quantum yield of white light emission (Φf(abs)WP5⊃BND‐SR101‐White) is 29.2%. Moreover, the antenna effect of white fluorescence emission (AEWP5⊃BND‐SR101‐White) can reach 36.2, which is higher than that of recent artificial LHSs in water environments, suggesting vast potential applications in aqueous LHSs.
A‐to‐I‐Edited miR‐1304‐3p Inhibits Glycolysis and Tumor Growth of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Inactivating Wnt5a/ROR2 Signaling
Authors: Chen Peng , Zhou Hang , Yang Xian , Zheng Yuzhen , Chen Yujie , Wang Peiyuan , He Hao , Liu Shuoyan , Wang Feng
Published: January 2025

A‐to‐I RNA editing is a pervasive mechanism in the human genome that affects the regulation of gene expression and is closely associated with the pathogenesis of numerous diseases. This study elucidates the regulatory mechanism of A‐to‐I edited miR‐1304‐3p in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and RT‐qPCR assays were employed to quantify protein and mRNA expression. Colony formation, Edu, wound healing, and Transwell assays were applied to determine miRNA function. Glycolysis was assessed using glucose uptake and lactate production assay. A dual‐luciferase reporter assay confirmed the downstream targets of miRNA, and a xenograft assay demonstrated the efficacy of the miRNA. The A‐to‐I RNA editing level of miR‐1304‐3p was observed to increase in KYSE180 and KYSE140 ESCC cells following ADAR1 treatment. Following A‐to‐I editing, the function of miR‐1304‐3p in ESCC progression underwent a reversal, shifting from carcinogenic to inhibitory. Wild‐type (WT) miR‐1304‐3p targets IRS1, whereas the edited version targets ROR2. The WT miR‐1304‐3p, but not the edited version, suppressed the expression and tumor‐suppressive effect of IRS1 in ESCC. Conversely, ROR2, a specific downstream target of the edited miR‐1304‐3p, acted as a tumor promoter in ESCC. Furthermore, A‐to‐I editing of miR‐1304‐3p can inhibit glycolysis and inactivate the Wnt5a/ROR2 signaling pathway in ESCC. A‐to‐I RNA editing alters the function of miR‐1304‐3p in ESCC by changing its target gene. The edited miR‐1304‐3p hinders the development of ESCC by inhibiting glycolysis and inactivating the Wnt5a/ROR2 signaling pathway.
Sorafenib Alters Interstitial Proton and Sodium Levels in the Tumor Microenvironment: A 1H/23Na Spectroscopic Imaging Study
Authors: Khan Muhammad H. , Walsh John J. , Kurdi Sara , Mishra Sandeep Kumar , Mihailović Jelena M. , Coman Daniel , Hyder Fahmeed
Published: January 2025

Cellular metabolism is inextricably linked to transmembrane levels of proton (H+), sodium (Na+), and potassium (K+) ions. Although reduced sodium‐potassium pump (Na+‐K+ ATPase) activity in tumors directly disturbs transmembrane Na+ and K+ levels, this dysfunction is a result of upregulated aerobic glycolysis generating excessive cytosolic H+ (and lactate) which are extruded to acidify the interstitial space. These oncogene‐directed metabolic changes, affecting intracellular Na+ and H+, can be further exacerbated by upregulation of ion exchangers/transporters. As Na+/H+ imbalances impact tumor invasion, chromosomal rearrangements, proliferation rate, angiogenesis, and immune function, measuring interstitial H+ (H+o) or pH (pHo) and interstitial Na+ (Na+o) could provide unique insights into cancer hallmarks. We obtained proton (1H) and sodium (23Na) magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) data to map pHo and Na+o in a human‐derived glioblastoma model (U87) in vivo with sorafenib (protein kinase inhibitor) treatment and a placebo. In U87 tumors, sorafenib slowed tumor growth compared to placebo and restored transmembrane H+ and Na+ levels. Placebo tumors maintained an interstitial space that was less salty and more acidic, similar to naive U87 tumors, implying a proliferative state. However, sorafenib‐treated tumors had interstitial space that became more salty and less acidic, comparable to normal tissue. Importantly, these interstitial ionic changes occurred prior to tumor growth changes. These results imply that glioblastoma therapies, which may perturb transmembrane ions by different mechanisms (e.g., ion pumping, exchange, and/or transport), can be tracked by merging 1H with 23Na MRSI to measure treatment effectiveness.
What Can Nonprofits Learn From Mutual Aid Organizing? Investigating Mutual Aid Approaches During the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Wu Viviana Chiu Sik , Russell Allison R. , Scott Marquisha Lawrence
Published: January 2025

Mutual aid groups surfaced globally to serve marginalized communities, offering a crucial community‐led crisis response at the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Despite playing a critical role in community‐led crisis responses, the existing literature offers limited insight into why and how they emerged to address the immediate needs of these communities. This study addresses this gap by investigating mutual aid organizing during the pandemic. Employing a sequential mixed methods approach, we utilize survey and interview data to examine how mutual aid groups in the United States rapidly responded to community needs, establishing legitimacy and gaining support from stakeholders. While these groups faced unique management challenges, they offer valuable lessons for the public and nonprofit sectors serving marginalized communities. These lessons include cultivating inclusive and egalitarian relationships, facilitating reciprocity and communal sharing, and catalyzing community‐led responses. Such community‐rooted responses offer crucial insights for enhancing community resilience during and after the pandemic.
The Molecular Symmetry Group; A Personal View of the History of Its Development
Authors: Bunker P. R.
Published: January 2025

This article gives the author's perspective on the history of the development of the molecular symmetry (MS) group. It explains how the initial work of Hougen, which was developed for nonlinear rigid molecules, inspired Longuet‐Higgins to introduce nuclear permutations and the inversion as the fundamental elements of molecular symmetry. The symmetry group that is obtained applies to all molecules, rigid or nonrigid. The criticism of Altmann, and the rebuttal of that work by Watson, is described. Altmann's work had the unfortunate effect of delaying the appreciation of Longuet‐Higgins' ideas.
An Energy Stable Well‐Balanced Scheme for the Barotropic Euler System With Gravity Under the Anelastic Scaling
Authors: Arun K. R. , Kar Mainak
Published: January 2025

We design and analyze an energy‐stable, structure‐preserving, well‐balanced, and asymptotic‐preserving (AP) scheme for the barotropic Euler system with gravity in the anelastic limit. The key to energy stability is the introduction of appropriate velocity shifts in the convective fluxes of mass and momenta. The semi‐implicit in time and finite volume in space fully‐discrete scheme supports the positivity of density and yields consistency with the weak solutions of the Euler system upon mesh refinement. The numerical scheme admits the discrete hydrostatic states as solutions and the stability of numerical solutions in terms of the relative energy leads to well‐balancing. The AP property of the scheme, that is, the boundedness of the mesh parameters to the Mach/Froude numbers and the scheme's asymptotic consistency with the anelastic Euler system is rigorously shown based on apriori energy estimates. The numerical scheme is resolved in two steps: by solving a non‐linear elliptic problem for the density and subsequent explicit computation of the velocity. Results from several benchmark case studies are presented to corroborate the proposed claims.
Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists and upper endoscopy: a real‐world experience
Authors: Jirapinyo Pichamol , Siranart Noppachai , Thompson Christopher C.
Published: January 2025

Objective

Increased use of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1RAs) has raised safety concerns during endoscopy due to their mechanism of delaying gastric emptying. This study aims to evaluate the impact of GLP‐1RAs on technical success and safety of esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD).

Methods

This was a retrospective study of bariatric patients who underwent EGD between January 2022 and December 2023. Only patients on GLP‐1RAs were included and were categorized into those who held GLP‐1RAs prior to EGD (GLP‐HELD group) and those who did not (GLP‐CONTINUED group). The primary outcome was technical success, defined as completion of EGD without interruption. Secondary outcomes included the presence of residual gastric contents during EGD and aspiration rates.

Results

A total of 629 patients were included. Baseline age and BMI were mean (SD) 54.9 (13.0) years and 37.3 (8.0) kg/m2, respectively. Of 629 patients, 146 (23%) were in the GLP‐HELD group, and 483 (77%) were in the GLP‐CONTINUED group. For the primary outcome, rates of early termination of EGD were similar between groups (1.4% for GLP‐CONTINUED vs. 0% for GLP‐HELD; p = 0.36). For secondary outcomes, incidence of residual gastric contents was similar between groups (6.4% for GLP‐CONTINUED vs. 2.7% for GLP‐HELD; p = 0.09). There were no aspiration events in either group.

Conclusions

Continuation of GLP‐1RAs did not appear to be associated with an increased incidence of residual gastric contents, early procedural termination, or aspiration events.
Midface Degloving Approach for Total Maxillectomy Without Orbital Exenteration: A Case Series
Authors: Sheen Derek , Weston Dequan , Gordin Eli
Published: January 2025

Objective

Evaluate the feasibility of the midface degloving approach (MDA) in total maxillectomy without orbital exenteration (TMWOE) and reconstruction for sino‐nasal neoplasms.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Setting

Tertiary referral center.

Methods

This single‐center series included 9 consecutive sino‐nasal neoplasm patients who had TMWOE using MDA, free tissue reconstruction, and orbital floor implants (April 2018‐Dec 2022) assessing tumor characteristics, margins, and complications.

Results

There were 3 female and 6 male patients with a median age of 61 years. The median follow‐up was 462 days. There were 7 malignant and 2 benign tumors. The median tumor size was 4.6 cm. There were 7 clear margins and 2 positive margins. Most patients underwent some combination of preoperative and or postoperative therapies. After resection, a variety of free tissue reconstruction was performed. Overall, there were no complications clearly attributable to the midface degloving approach. Flap debulking was required in one patient but no long‐term complications were encountered.

Conclusion

Midface degloving offers an alternative to the Weber‐Ferguson for TMWOE and avoids facial incision while providing adequate exposure to the orbital rim. Patient selection is critical, as tumors extending laterally into the zygomatic arch and infratemporal fossa may not be accessible.
Association Between Rurality and Race/Ethnicity and Pediatric Cancer Early Mortality: A Population‐Based Cohort Study Using SEER Data from 2000 to 2021
Authors: Preuss Kiersten , Hymel Emma , Acquazzino Melissa , Watanabe‐Galloway Shinobu
Published: January 2025

Background

Pediatric cancer mortality rates have steadily declined since 2009, but over a thousand deaths still occur annually. While existing research highlights the effects of race/ethnicity and rurality on overall survival, few studies have specifically analyzed these factors in relation to early mortality, defined as death within 12 months of diagnosis.

Procedure

This study utilized SEER Research Plus Limited‐Field Data (2000–2021) to examine the association between race/ethnicity, rurality, and early mortality in pediatric cancer patients. A cohort of 138,648 individuals was analyzed using Cox proportional hazards regression models to calculate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

The results demonstrated that both race/ethnicity and rurality were significantly associated with early mortality. Non‐Hispanic Black patients were 70% (95% CI: 1.60–1.82) more likely to die within the first year of diagnosis compared to non‐Hispanic Whites, and other racial/ethnic groups also saw significant associations. The adjusted hazard ratio for early mortality compared to urban counties greater than 1 million was significant (p < 0.05) for all degrees of rurality. Pediatric cancer patients in rural counties not adjacent to urban counties had the highest risk of early mortality, 27% (95% CI: 1.13–1.42), within 1 year of diagnosis. A subanalysis of adolescent patients also showed similar patterns.

Conclusions

These findings emphasize the need to address disparities in early mortality for pediatric cancer patients, particularly among racial/ethnic minorities and those in rural communities.