bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing Willingness to Pay for IVF Among Infertile Women in Greece: A Single‐Center Case Study
Authors: Ntais Christos , Artsita Mary , Talias Michael A. , Fanourgiakis John , Kontodimopoulos Nikolaos
Published: January 2025

Background and Aims

In recent years, In Vitro fertilization (IVF) science has grown by leaps and bounds in the field of assisted reproduction, helping millions of couples worldwide. The aim of this study is to examine the extent to which infertile women are willing to pay for IVF services in Greece.

Methods

Through the distribution of questionnaires, willingness to pay (WTP) is recorded according to IVF success rates, and the relationship between WTP and the respondents' demographic characteristics is analyzed. Subjects were divided into two groups according to age and were given a hypothetical scenario, according to the contingent valuation approach.

Results

The majority of women were reluctant to pay the amount of money corresponding to the average cost of an IVF cycle in Greece. In particular, participants replied that the amount they would be willing to pay is only one‐third of the indicative amount of €6000. Moreover, WTP is not influenced by the professional status or educational level of the participating women.

Conclusion

This study highlights the financial barriers many couples face when pursuing assisted reproduction. If the average cost of IVF were lower, infertile women would be willing to undergo more IVF cycles if necessary. This finding has important implications for the valuation of IVF services and the development of pricing policies to enhance affordability and accessibility. Policymakers must consider reforms that balance the cost of IVF with its societal benefits. By incorporating this aspect into pricing and policy decisions, Greece can improve the accessibility of IVF services and ensure equitable treatment opportunities for all concerned individuals.
A Perceptual Model of Drivers and Limiters of Coastal Groundwater Dynamics
Authors: Kretschmer Daniel V. , Michael Holly A. , Moosdorf Nils , Oude Essink Gualbert H. P. , Bierkens Marc F. P. , Wagener Thorsten , Reinecke Robert
Published: January 2025

Coastal groundwater is a vital resource for coastal communities around the globe, and submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) delivers nutrients to coastal marine ecosystems. Climatic changes and anthropogenic actions alter coastal hydrology, causing seawater intrusion (SWI) globally. However, the selection of SWI and SGD study sites may be highly biased, limiting our process knowledge. Here, we analyse hydroenvironmental characteristics of coastal basins studied in 1298 publications on SGD and SWI to understand these potential biases. We find that studies are biased towards basins with gross domestic product per capita below (SWI) and above (SGD) the median of all global coastal basins. Urban coastal basins are strongly overrepresented compared to rural coastal basins, limiting our progress in understanding undisturbed natural processes. Despite the connection between anthropogenic activity and coastal groundwater issues, and the consequential overrepresentation of urban basins in coastal groundwater studies, perceptual (or conceptual) models of coastal groundwater rarely include anthropogenic influences aside from pumping (e.g., subsidence, land use change). Taking a holistic view on coastal groundwater flows, we have developed an editable perceptual model illustrating the current understanding, including both natural and anthropogenic drivers. As SGD and SWI in new areas of the globe are studied, we advocate for researchers to utilise and further edit this perceptual model to openly communicate our process understanding and study assumptions.
Optimizing Breast Cancer Detection: Integrating Few‐Shot and Transfer Learning for Enhanced Accuracy and Efficiency
Authors: Sarwar Nadeem , Al‐Otaibi Shaha , Irshad Asma
Published: January 2025

Breast cancer (BC) detection based on mammogram images is still an open issue, particularly when there is little annotated data. Combining few‐shot learning (FSL) with transfer learning (TL) has been identified as a potential solution to overcome this problem due to its ability to learn from a few examples while producing robust features for classification. The objective of this study is to use and analyze FSL integrated with TL to enhance the classification accuracy and generalization ability in a limited dataset. The proposed approach integrates the FSL models (prototypical networks, matching networks, and relation networks) with the TL procedures. The models are trained using a small set of samples with annotation and can be assessed using various performance metrics. The models were trained and compared to the TL and the state‐of‐the‐art methods regarding accuracy, precision, recall, F1‐score, and area under the ROC curve (AUC). The models proved to be effective when integrated, and the relation networks model was the most accurate, with an accuracy of 95.6% and an AUC of 0.970. The models provided higher accuracy, recall, and F1‐scores, especially in the case of discerning between normal, benign, and malignant cases, as compared to TL traditional techniques and the various recent state‐of‐the‐art techniques. This integrated approach gives high efficiency, accuracy, and scalability to the whole BC detection process, and it has potential for further medical imaging domains. Future research will explore hyperparameter tuning and incorporating electronic health record systems to enhance diagnostic precision and individualized care.
Polycyclization decorated organoboron emitters with hetero[8]helicenes electronic structure for highly‐efficient and stable narrowband circularly polarized electroluminescence
Authors: Li Chenglong , Zhou Jianping , Dai Hengyi , Li Meng , Zhang Dongdong , Duan Lian
Published: January 2025

Multiresonance organoboron helicenes are promising narrowband circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) emitters, which, however, still face formidable challenges to balance a large luminescence dissymmetry factor (glum) and a high luminescence efficiency. Here, two pairs of organoboron enantiomers (P/M‐BN[8]H‐ICz and P/M‐BN[8]H‐BO) with the same hetero[8]helicene geometric structures are developed through polycyclization decoration. We find that it is the helicity of helicene electronic structures rather than the geometrical one that determines the molecular dissymmetry property as a larger electronic helicity could enhance the electron‐orbital coupling of the helicene structure. Therefore, P/M‐BN[8]H‐BO who possesses a hetero[8]helicene electronic structure realizes a nearly one‐order‐of‐magnitude higher glum (+2.75/−2.52 × 10−3) and a higher photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 99% compared with P/M‐BN[8]H‐ICz bearing only a hetero[6]helicene electronic distribution structure (glum of only +2.41/−2.37 × 10−4 and PLQY of 95%). Moreover, BN[8]H‐BO exhibits a narrowband green emission peaking at 538 nm with a full‐width at half‐maxima of merely 34 nm, narrower than most multiresonance CPL helicenes. The corresponding organic light‐emitting diodes simultaneously realize a high external quantum efficiency of 31.7%, an electroluminescence dissymmetry factors (gEL) of +5.23/−5.07 × 10−3, and an extremely long LT95 (time to 95% of the initial luminance) of over 731 h at an initial luminance of 1000 cd m–2.

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Resilience Assessment of Tomato Crop Chlorophyll Fluorescence Against Water Stress Under Elevated CO2 and Protective Cultivation
Authors: Akhlaq Muhammad , Miao Henglu , Zhang Chuan , Yan Haofang , Run Xue , Chauhdary Junaid Nawaz , Rehman Muhammad Mahmood ur , Li Jun , Ren Jiangtao
Published: January 2025

Water scarcity is a crucial issue that reduces plant growth and yield worldwide. Chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, which are associated with plant growth and yield under water stress, are the most sensitive plant parameters. The mitigation of water stress by elevated CO2 (e[CO2]) by chlorophyll fluorescence for tomato growth is rare. Tomato plants were grown in a controlled environment chambers (CECs) under eight treatments under controlled environmental conditions for two growing seasons: autumn–winter (AW) 2021 and spring–summer (SS) 2022. The four irrigation regimes included 40%–50% soil water holding capacity (WHC) (I1), 60%–70% WHC (I2), 80%–90% WHC (I3) and 100% WHC (I4). Eight treatments of four irrigation regimes coupled with e[CO2] (700 μmol·mol−1) and ambient CO2 (a[CO2], 500 μmol·mol−1) were designed, respectively: I1e[CO2], I2e[CO2], I3e[CO2], I4e[CO2], I1a[CO2], I2a[CO2], I3a[CO2] and I4a[CO2], where I4a[CO2] was considered the control treatment (CK). The chlorophyll fluorescence parameters maximum photochemical efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm), photochemical efficiency of PSII (ФPSII), electron transport rate (ETR) and photochemical quenching (qP) significantly decreased, whereas nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ) significantly increased under drought stress. Compared with that under CK, the maximum reduction in Fv/Fm under I1a[CO2] was 14% in AW 2021, whereas it was 19% in SS 2022. The ФPSII was reduced by 13%–3% and 13%–6% under I1a[CO2] in AW 2021 and SS 2022, respectively (under the fixed photosynthetically active radiation range of 125–625 μmol·m−2·s−1) compared with that in the CK. The ETR and qP decreased under I1a[CO2] at their maximum level in AW 2021 and SS 2022 with respect to those in the CK. The results showed that e[CO2] mitigated water stress as the Fv/Fm, ФPSII, ETR and qP were increased under water stress coupled with e[CO2]. I1e[CO2] was the most influential treatment for chlorophyll fluorescence parameters assessed via principal component analysis (PCA) in AW 2021 and SS 2022. This study explained the approach to develop crop resilience against water stress by inducing e[CO2], which will play a vital role in sustainable agriculture under drought stress.
Protective Effect of Fisetin on Subacute and Chronic Arsenic and Fluoride Co‐Exposure Induced Hepatic, Renal and Cardiac Toxicities in Mice
Authors: Nayak Sudipta , Rakshit Debarati , Yadav Vikas , Kundu Snehashis , Nema Mohit , Saharia Nilotpal , Mishra Awanish
Published: January 2025

Arsenic and fluoride are potent toxicants frequently present in drinking water and food, posing severe health risks through toxic impacts on key organs, primarily by inducing oxidative stress. Combined exposure to these elements exacerbates oxidative damage, yet effective strategies for preventing and managing their toxicities remain elusive. Fisetin, a bioflavonoid known for its antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties, has demonstrated protective effects in multiple toxicity studies. However, its effect on arsenic‐ and fluoride‐induced toxicity in vital organs (particularly the liver, kidneys, and heart) remains unexplored. This study investigates the protective potential of fisetin against subacute and chronic co‐exposure to arsenic and fluoride‐induced organ toxicity in a murine model. Male mice were administered arsenic and fluoride through drinking water, while fisetin (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg/day, orally) was co‐administered simultaneously. Animals were sacrificed at 4 weeks (subacute) and 24 weeks (chronic) for liver, kidney, and heart tissue analysis, assessing biochemical markers and arsenic accumulation. Spectrophotometry study revealed some degree of arsenic chelation with fisetin. The results of In Vivo studies showed that both subacute and chronic exposure led to significant increases in pro‐oxidant levels (ROS, TBARS, and nitrite) and arsenic accumulation, along with reduced GSH content in these organs compared to control. Fisetin treatment dose‐dependently reduced oxidative stress and arsenic content in vital organs of exposed animals. The findings highlight fisetin's antioxidant activity and its capacity to reduce arsenic burden as potential protective mechanisms. These results support fisetin or fisetin‐rich fruit consumption as a therapeutic strategy to mitigate organ toxicity from arsenic and fluoride co‐exposure.
Atomistic Insights Into Interaction of Doxorubicin With DNA: From Duplex to Nucleosome
Authors: Nedělníková Andrea , Stadlbauer Petr , Otyepka Michal , Kührová Petra , Paloncýová Markéta
Published: January 2025

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent known for intercalating into DNA. However, the exact modes of DOX interactions with various DNA structures remain unclear. Using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we explored DOX interactions with DNA duplexes (dsDNA), G‐quadruplex, and nucleosome. DOX predominantly stacks on terminal bases of dsDNA and occasionally binds into its minor groove. In the G‐quadruplex, DOX stacks on planar tetrads but does not spontaneously intercalate into these structures. Potential of mean force calculations indicate that while intercalation is the most energetically favorable interaction mode for DOX in dsDNA, the process requires overcoming a significant energy barrier. In contrast, DOX spontaneously intercalates into bent nucleosomal DNA, due to the increased torsional stress. This preferential intercalation of DOX into regions with higher torsional stress provides new insights into its mechanism of action and underscores the importance of DNA tertiary and quaternary structures in therapies utilizing DNA intercalation.
Dose Evaluation and Optimization of Amoxicillin in Children Treated for Lyme Disease
Authors: Ravix Anne , Gotta Verena , Pfister Marc , Berger Christoph , Glauser Antonia , Paioni Paolo , Csajka Chantal , Guidi Monia
Published: January 2025

Amoxicillin is commonly used to treat erythema migrans in the first stage of Lyme disease in children, with a recommended dose of 50 mg/kg/day, administered three times a day (q8h). This model‐based simulation study aimed to determine whether splitting the same daily dose into two administrations (q12h) would provide comparable drug exposure. A pharmacokinetic model suitable for a pediatric population (age: 1 month to 18 years, weight: 4–80 kg) was selected through a literature review. Simulations were performed with 15,000 virtual patients receiving 16.67 mg/kg/dose q8h, 25 mg/kg/dose q12h, or other q12h dosing variations. The target therapeutic level was defined by the percentage of time that the unbound drug concentration remained above the minimum inhibitory concentration (% fT > MIC) specific to Borrelia burgdorferi, with MICs of 0.06, 0.25, 1, 2, and 4 mg/L, requiring at least 40% and 50% of time for effective treatment. Probability of target attainment (PTA) was considered acceptable if it exceeded 50%, allowing for comparison of dosing schedules. Results indicated that the 50 mg/kg/day divided q12h regimen provided similar drug exposure to the q8h regimen for MICs below 2 mg/L (PTAs >50%). For a MIC of 2 mg/L, PTA was achieved with a higher dose of 30 mg/kg/dose q12h. However, for a MIC of 4 mg/L, the PTA criterion was not met. These findings suggest that a twice‐daily dosing of 25 mg/kg/dose provides comparable bactericidal activity to the thrice‐daily regimen for MICs between 0.06 and 1 mg/L. This simplified regimen may improve adherence and treatment implementation in children.
Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy in Monozygotic Twins—A Case Report
Authors: Xie Lijuan , Zhang Nan , Lv Yonglai
Published: January 2025

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is the classic phenotype of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. ARVC in twins have been reported rarely. Herein, we report an unusual case of young monozygotic twins with early disease onset presenting different course of disease progression and clinical manifestations. Echocardiography with multiparameters was used for the diagnosis, screening, and follow‐up of the disease for the family. Cardiac magnetic resonance revealed the fibrosis distribution in the right ventricular with late gadolinium enhancement. DSG2 mutation was found in the family members, which confirmed the final diagnosis of ARVC.
Breast Cancer‐Derived Extracellular Vesicles Modulate the Cytoplasmic and Cytoskeletal Dynamics of Blood‐Brain Barrier Endothelial Cells
Authors: Busatto Sara , Song Tzu‐Hsi , Kim Hyung Joon , Hallinan Caleb , Lombardo Michael N. , Stemmer‐Rachamimov Anat O. , Lee Kwonmoo , Moses Marsha A.
Published: January 2025

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) from brain‐seeking breast cancer cells (Br‐EVs) breach the blood‐brain barrier (BBB) via transcytosis and promote brain metastasis. Here, we defined the mechanisms by which Br‐EVs modulate brain endothelial cell (BEC) dynamics to facilitate their BBB transcytosis. BEC treated with Br‐EVs show significant downregulation of Rab11fip2, known to promote vesicle recycling to the plasma membrane and significant upregulation of Rab11fip3 and Rab11fip5, which support structural stability of the endosomal compartment and facilitate vesicle recycling and transcytosis, respectively. Using machine learning and quantitative global proteomic, we identified novel Br‐EV‐induced changes in BECs morphology, motility, and proteome that correlate with decreased BEC cytoplasm and cytoskeletal organization and dynamics. These results define early steps leading to breast‐to‐brain metastasis and identify molecules that could serve as targets for therapeutic strategies for brain metastasis.
Fish Evo‐Devo: Moving Toward Species‐Specific and Knowledge‐Based Interactome
Authors: Ahi Ehsan Pashay
Published: January 2025

A knowledge‐based interactome maps interactions among proteins and molecules within a cell using experimental data, computational predictions, and literature mining. These interactomes are vital for understanding cellular functions, pathways, and the evolutionary conservation of protein interactions. They reveal how interactions regulate growth, differentiation, and development. Transitioning to functionally validated interactomes is crucial in evolutionary developmental biology (Evo‐Devo), especially for non‐model species, to uncover unique regulatory networks, evolutionary novelties, and reliable gene interaction models. This enhances our understanding of complex trait evolution across species. The European Evo‐Devo 2024 conference in Helsinki hosted the first fish‐specific Evo‐Devo symposium, highlighting the growing interest in fish models. Advances in genome annotation, genome editing, imaging, and molecular screening are expanding fish Evo‐Devo research. High‐throughput molecular data have enabled the deduction of gene regulatory networks. The next steps involve creating species‐specific interactomes, validating them functionally, and integrating additional molecular data to deepen the understanding of complex regulatory interactions in fish Evo‐Devo. This short review aims to address the logical steps for this transition, as well as the necessities and limitations of this journey.
Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate Versus Entecavir: Effects on Lipid Profiles and Cardiovascular Outcomes in People Living With Chronic Hepatitis B
Authors: Kim Log Young , Kim Jae Young , Yoo Jeong‐Ju , Kim Sang Gyune , Kim Young‐Seok
Published: January 2025

While entecavir (ETV) and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) effectively manage chronic hepatitis B, their long‐term effects on lipid metabolism and cardiovascular outcomes remain unclear. This study compares the impact of ETV, TDF, and treatment‐naïve (control group) on hyperlipidemia and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in people living with chronic hepatitis B (PLWHB). We used claim data from the South Korean National Health Insurance Service. Propensity score matching was used to account for confounding factors. The 5‐year cumulative incidence of dyslipidemia was 7.10% for TDF, 12.17% for ETV, and 18.55% for the control group, with incidence rates per 1000 person‐years of 14.5, 25.5, and 38.9, respectively. TDF showed a significantly lower risk of dyslipidemia compared to ETV (IRR: 0.56, p < 0.001) and the control group, which was confirmed in Cox regression analysis (HR: 0.392 vs. control, p < 0.001). For MACE, the 5‐year cumulative incidence was 9.11% for TDF, 10.98% for ETV, and 12.32% for the control group, with incidence rates per 1000 person‐years of 18.4, 22.5, and 24.8, respectively. TDF demonstrated a reduced risk compared to ETV (IRR: 0.817, p < 0.001), which was similarly supported by Cox regression analysis (HR: 0.728 vs. control, p < 0.001). In conclusion, TDF not only reduces the risk of hyperlipidemia but is also associated with a reduced risk of MACE compared to ETV or treatment‐naive group in PLWHB.
Low Neutralization of SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron BA5248, XBB15 and JN1 by Homologous Booster and Breakthrough Infection
Authors: Li Jianhua , Yan Hao , Li Jiaxuan , Ling Feng , Feng Yan , Mao Haiyan , Wang Xingxing , Li Xiaoyan , Song Wanchen , Wu Guangshang , Zhang Yanjun , Chen Yin , Chen Keda
Published: January 2025

Immunity against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) can be induced through either infection with the virus or vaccination, providing protection against reinfection or reducing the risk of severe clinical outcomes. In this study, we recruited 172 volunteers who received different vaccination regimens, including 124 individuals who had recovered from breakthrough infections caused by the Omicron variant (27 with 2 doses, 49 with 3 doses, and 48 with 4 doses) and 48 healthy donors who did not experience breakthrough infections (all of whom received a fourth dose during the infection wave). We measured neutralizing antibody levels against Omicron BA.5.2.48, XBB.1.5, and JN.1 and found no significant differences in neutralizing antibody titers between natural infection and homologous booster vaccination at 6 months (p > 0.05), with geometric mean titers declining by over 100‐fold for some variants relative to the prototype strain.
Hotspots and global trends in research of host immune response in periodontitis: A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Huamán‐Mendoza Aldrin André , Pantigozo‐Morán Fabiola Lucía , da Silva José Carlos , Chuquimez‐Ventura Casimira Valeria , Holzhausen Marinella
Published: January 2025

Background

The host immune response plays a major role in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. A bibliometric study can be crucial to understanding the different processes involved in this area; however, to our knowledge, it has not been published until now. Therefore, a bibliometric analysis was conducted to assess research hotspots and global trends in scientific articles about the immune response in periodontitis published between 1952 and 2023.

Methods

The search strategy was defined using keywords and Boolean operators. The Web of Science Core Collection database was used. In addition, the bibliometric analysis was performed using four tools: Python 3.12, VOSviewer 1.6.19, R‐Bibliometrix, and CiteSpace.

Results

A total of 7696 articles were included, comprising 6691 regular articles and 1005 review articles. Data analysis revealed an increasing trend in the number of publications over the years in this field, with the most cited article written by Preshaw et al. (2012). Leading countries in article production include the United States, China, Japan, and Brazil. Regarding institutions, the University of Helsinki had the highest number of publications (N = 339), with one of its researchers being the author with the most publications (Dr. Sorsa, N = 143, H‐index = 52). Concerning journals, the Journal of Periodontology was the most influential journal. Finally, recent trending topics in research were related to the influence of inflammation on dysbiosis, immune biomarkers, immunomodulation, and the impact of aging on immunocompetence.

Conclusion

This bibliometric study demonstrated a growing interest and the emergence of new trends in research on host immune response in periodontitis.
NP‐bioTech: a circular economy approach to catalyst‐based biostabilization of citrus processing waste
Authors: Nardo Fabrizio , Piras Andrea , Bullitta Simonetta , Ledda Luigi , Serralutzu Francesca
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND

Biowaste accounts for about 40% of total waste. Food‐industry waste is one major biowaste stream. The available technological approaches to biowaste treatment are expensive, not circular, unsustainable, and they require pre‐treatments such as dehydration, extraction of inhibitors, pH correction, or the addition of other organic matrices. The NP‐bioTech process uses a biocatalyst adsorbed onto an inert material enabling accelerated fermentation of critical biomass without pre‐treatments, transforming it into biostabilized and pasteurized material, and converting waste into new usable products rapidly. Biocatalysts consist of naturally fortified selections of microbial colonies, enzymes, and fungi that are resistant to the action of d‐limonene and other fermentation inhibitors.

RESULTS

The NP‐bioTech process was able to activate vigorous fermentation of citrus waste without any of the pre‐treatments required by other available biowaste‐treatment technologies. The horticultural use of the biostabilized output of such process for greenhouse crops was verified. The addition of such output to the growth media was beneficial for plants and did not show negative effects on quality and yield of tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum L.). The concentration of Ca, K, Zn, Fe, and polyphenol increased; the average number of berries per plant was improved; the concentration of Pb and Cd contaminants decreased.

CONCLUSION

The NP‐bioTech process emits no odors or pollutants. It does not generate leachate, and its output can be used in agriculture. It is capable of reconciling compliance with strict environmental restrictions, industrial feasibility, and economic sustainability. Its potential impact thus aligns well with the circular economy model. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.
The Current State of Perioperative Chemotherapy in Resectable Colorectal Liver Metastases: A Narrative Review
Authors: Trehub Yevhenii , Malovanna Anna , Zemskov Sergii
Published: January 2025

Perioperative chemotherapy has emerged as a critical component in managing resectable colorectal liver metastases (CRLM), aiming to improve long‐term survival, although data supporting its use remains controversial. This narrative review explores the current state of perioperative chemotherapy in patients with resectable CRLM, focusing on its role in different oncological risk categories. The review highlights ongoing controversies, such as optimal patient selection and the role of post‐ versus preoperative treatment in specific scenarios.
Prolonged Vancomycin‐Induced Linear IgA Disease in a Patient With Renal Failure
Authors: Takezawa Kaori , Noborio Reiko , Nomura Yuki , Kiyohara Takahiro , Mine Mako , Hashimoto Takashi
Published: January 2025

A 64‐year‐old man with pneumococcal septic shock and subsequent renal failure underwent treatments with antibiotics including intravenous vancomycin (VCM). Blistering skin lesions appeared 10 days after the initiation of VCM. When the patient was transferred to us 5 months later, blisters with erythema were still observed on the abdomen and thighs. Histopathological examination revealed subepidermal blister with infiltration of eosinophils and neutrophils, and direct immunofluorescence revealed linear IgA deposition at the basement membrane zone. The diagnosis of linear IgA disease (LAD)was made, and drug‐induced LAD by VCM was suspected, because of the episode of the blister development 10 days after the first VCM administration. Although the results of various sero‐immunological tests were negative, IgA reactivity with type Ⅶ collagen was detected by VCM‐treated ELISA, which further suggested the diagnosis of VCM‐induced LAD. The possible mechanism for the prolonged disease course was speculated.
Histological Type‐Specific Behavior in Sarcomas: Analysis of Head and Neck Cancer Registry of Japan
Authors: Kobayashi Kenya , Yoshimoto Seiichi , Yamamura Koji , Kitayama Megumi , Kawakita Daisuke , Nibu Ken‐Ichi , Kondo Kenji , Saito Yuki
Published: January 2025

Objective

The goal of this study was to better understand the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and treatment outcomes of head and neck sarcomas using real‐world data from Japan.

Methods

Using the Japanese Head and Neck Cancer Registry, we identified 438 patients who were pathologically diagnosed with head and neck sarcoma between 2011 and 2020. We compared epidemiological, clinical, and prognostic data for the different histological types of sarcoma.

Results

The top five most common histopathological types were rhabdomyosarcoma, osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, and liposarcoma. The most common primary sites were the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. The overall cohort had clinical, pathologic, and occult lymph node positivity rate (OLR) of 18%, 15%, and 2%, respectively. Clinical lymph node positivity was highest in rhabdomyosarcoma (46%), followed by angiosarcoma (26%), with leiomyosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, and liposarcoma accounting for less than 10%. The 3‐year overall survival rate was 74.8% among the 147 patients with available prognostic information. The histological type with the lowest 3‐year overall survival was undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (54%), followed by leiomyosarcoma (65%), and angiosarcoma (69%). In six of seven histological types, the 3‐year locoregional‐free survival rate was less than 70%.

Conclusion

Sarcomas of the head and neck most commonly occur in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. The prevalent histological type depended on the primary site. Rhabdomyosarcoma and angiosarcoma are histological types with a high risk of cervical metastasis. In the head and neck region, there are numerous histological types many of which lack local control.

Level of Evidence

Level 3 Laryngoscope, 2025
Kill Two Birds With One Stone? China's Mixed Ownership Reform and Investment Efficiency
Authors: Ren Liying , Wu Haomin , Liu Yangyang
Published: January 2025

The reform of state‐owned enterprises (SOEs) is a major strategic step for the central government to implement the policy of strengthening and expanding SOEs and an important measure to support the development of the nonpublic economy. This has become the main direction of China's current reform and the focus of its governance. Mixed ownership reform is the key implementation path and main direction of SOE reform. Its fundamental purpose is to stimulate the vitality and competitiveness of these enterprises. Taking the sample of Chinese A‐share‐listed firms from 2004 to 2022, we aimed to explore the impact and mechanism of the mixed ownership reform of SOEs on the investment efficiency of SOEs and participating private enterprises (PEs). We found that the SOEs' mixed ownership reform provides a win–win situation for both SOEs and PEs. Specifically, the incorporation of non–state‐owned capital owed by PEs prevents SOEs' overinvestment, which is denoted as the “direct effect.” Meanwhile, PEs' participation in the reform leads to a reduction in underinvestment, which is denoted as the “indirect effect.” Mechanism analysis indicated that for SOEs, the reform leads to a decreased level of government intervention and a reduced principal agency cost, showing the reform's “governance effect.” For PEs, participation in the reform leads to reduced financing constraints, demonstrating the reform's “resource effect.” This study not only enriches the relevant research on the consequences of mixed ownership reform at the microlevel but also provides valuable experience and reference for the economic reform of emerging markets and developing countries.
Nonlinear SchröDinger Equation for Broad Bandwidth Interfacial Waves With a Current Jump
Authors: Manna Shibam , Dhar A. K.
Published: January 2025

Employing multiscale expansion, a modified nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NSE) of interfacial gravity waves for broad bandwidth in a two‐layer fluid of infinite depths with uniform velocity of the upper fluid has been developed. This NSE is widened by slackening the narrow bandwidth constraint with the purpose that it will be more appropriate for utilization to a realistic sea‐wave spectrum. The main results of this work are (a) to find the effect of wind velocity on the wave profiles and the modulational instability regions and (b) to discuss how the broad wave bandwidth affects on the stability results. On the basis of broad and narrow bandwidth equations, the instability regions in the wave numbers plane and the growth rate of instability curves against wave number for Stokes waves are drawn for several values of the dimensionless speed of the upper layer and the wave steepness. The key feature of this problem is that the new equation due to broad bandwidth is observed to predict the instability region in an excellent agreement with the exact results and due to sufficient bandwidth, this broad‐banded equation is expected to be more appropriate for realistic ocean wave problems.
Fixed Point Results of F$$ F $$‐Contractive–Type Operators With Applications
Authors: Shehu Shagari Mohammed , Ogbumba Rosemary O. , Noorwali Maha , Alotaibi Trad , Saliu Afis
Published: January 2025

This paper adopts new recent techniques for examining fixed point results in ‐metric space to introduce a novel idea termed as hybrid‐interpolative Reich‐Istrescu–type (‐‐)‐contraction. Wherefore, some new invariant point notions that cannot be derived from their cognate ones in both metric and quasi metric spaces are analyzed. To support the results acquired, an illustrative, comparable example is provided. From the viewpoint of application, the existence and distinctiveness of a solution to a mixed integral equation of Volterra‐Fredholm type is examined. A numerical example is also given to show the utility of the obtained results in discussing solvability criteria of the examined fixed point problem.
Generalized Hilbert Operator Acting Between Bergman Spaces
Authors: Tang Pengcheng , Zhang Xuejun
Published: January 2025

Let be a positive Borel measure on and . For , the generalized Hilbert operator is defined as follows:
where, for denotes the th moment of the measure , and . In this paper, we characterize the measures for which is a bounded operator acting from Bergman space into . We determine the Hilbert–Schmidt class on for all . In addition, we also study the boundedness (resp. compactness) of acting from to the Bloch space.
Study on Composition Operators Connected With the Laguerre Polynomials
Authors: Gupta Vijay , Violeta Muraru Carmen , Mihai Birou Marius
Published: January 2025

A new variant of discrete operators based on the associated (modified) Laguerre polynomials was introduced by Gupta. In the present paper, some direct convergence results for such operators are studied, including a Voronovskaja type result. Some approximation properties were established in weighted spaces, in terms of weighted modulus of continuity.
Fish Oil's Preventive Effect on Two‐Stage Skin Carcinogenesis in Swiss Albino Mice: Involvement of NF‐ҝB Pathways and Oxidative Stress in a Dose‐ and Route Dependent Manner
Authors: Cheniti Hayeme , Kadi Assia , Agred Rym , Kadi Yacine , Djeradi Meriem Khadidja , Melliti Hanane , Chiheb Nadia , Kherfi Hind , Messarah Mahfoud
Published: January 2025

This study investigated the chemopreventive mechanisms of fish oil (FO) at different doses and administration routes in skin carcinogenesis induced by 7,12‐dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) and croton oil (CO) in Swiss albino mice. Seventy mice were divided into 10 groups, including controls and those receiving FO either orally or topically, with or without the carcinogenesis protocol. Warts were morphologically analyzed. Anatomopathological analysis, qRT‐PCR of nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐қB) subunits' gene expression, and evaluation of oxidative parameters were conducted. Anatomopathological analysis revealed a presence of invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in DMBA group. Both oral (500 mg/kg/day) and topical FO treatment showed no signs of cancer, while oral administration at 50 mg/kg/day had no therapeutic effect, and 250 mg/kg/day resulted in low‐grade malignancy. Both oral (250 and 500 mg/kg/day) and topical FO significantly reduced NF‐кB1 gene expression, alleviated oxidative stress markers, and restored antioxidant enzyme activities compared to the DMBA group. FO shows dose‐dependent chemopreventive effects, with oral administration potentially as effective as topical application when using an appropriate dosage. The development of SCC is linked to the stress status and the upregulation of the canonical NF‐κB pathway, while FO's chemoprotective effects likely result from its downregulation.
Nexus: A versatile console for advanced low‐field MRI
Authors: Schote David , Silemek Berk , O'Reilly Thomas , Seifert Frank , Assmy Jan‐Lukas , Kolbitsch Christoph , Webb Andrew G. , Winter Lukas
Published: January 2025

Purpose

To develop a low‐cost, high‐performance, versatile, open‐source console for low‐field MRI applications that can integrate a multitude of different auxiliary sensors.

Methods

A new MR console was realized with four transmission and eight reception channels. The interface cards for signal transmission and reception are installed in PCI Express slots, allowing console integration in a commercial PC rack. Following standards developed by the MRI community, we implemented an open‐source console software package with native Pulseq and ISMRM raw data support. It is implemented in Python to allow easy customization and provide the flexible use of a freely configurable number of transmit and receive channels. We benchmarked the system by comparing the imaging quality with a state‐of‐the‐art reference system. Different examples of how auxiliary sensors, connected via additional channels, can improve imaging are demonstrated.

Results

Using a three‐dimensional turbo spin‐echo sequence, image quality of proton density–weighted and T2‐weighted images in the brain of a healthy volunteer obtained by the proposed Nexus console matches closely to a commonly applied commercial system. The use of additional receive channels was demonstrated for system monitoring (radiofrequency pulses and gradient currents), electromagnetic interference detection, and temperature and B0 field monitoring. Based on these measurements, system calibrations and electromagnetic interference–mitigation techniques were applied to improve image quality.

Conclusion

Our console offers high versatility in terms of data acquisition, is freely configurable, adheres to open‐source data standards, and is easy to customize. It yields a similar image quality compared with a commercially available reference system yet is substantially lower cost and open source.
Complete shielding of multivitamins to reduce toxic peroxides in the parenteral nutrition (C‐SMART‐PN): A randomized controlled pilot study
Authors: El Raichani Nadine , Thibaut Maxime , Lavoie Jean‐Claude , Mohamed Ibrahim
Published: January 2025

Background

When exposed to ambient light, parenteral nutrition (PN) contamination with peroxides almost doubles, which increases oxidative stress in preterm infants, contributing to the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. The American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) recommends complete PN photoprotection to reduce peroxide contamination and optimize its integrity but acknowledges the challenges of its implementation. In this study, a novel photoprotection procedure was tested for its effectiveness in reducing peroxide load and limiting ascorbic acid degradation, and for its feasibility and effectiveness in reducing urinary peroxide levels in preterm infants.

Methods

In vitro evaluation included neonatal lipid injectable emulsion–free PN admixtures prepared and infused according to current practice or the suggested photoprotection procedure through separation and complete shielding of intravenous multivitamin preparation from compounding to administration through photoprotected infusion sets. In vivo evaluation included a single‐center randomized controlled pilot study of extremely preterm infants receiving PN according to current practice or the suggested photoprotection procedure.

Results

In vitro, photoprotection allowed a 44% decrease in peroxide generation (P < 0.001) and reduced by half ascorbic acid degradation in PN admixtures (P < 0.001). In vivo, 28 infants completed the study. Baseline urinary peroxide levels were similar in both groups before PN initiation, and the suggested photoprotection procedure resulted in a significant decrease in urinary peroxide levels over the first week of life (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The suggested procedure appears feasible and effective in reducing peroxide contamination and optimizing PN integrity, representing a step toward integrating complete photoprotection of PN as the standard of care in preterm infants.
The Experiences of Nursing Students Who Attended Hospital Clinicals During the COVID‐19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Özer Güçlüel Yasemin , Kendirkiran Gülcan , Gökoğlu Gürer Pelin
Published: January 2025

Aim

This study examined the experiences of nursing students who attended hospital clinicals during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Design

Study was conducted in a descriptive design.

Methods

A total of 21 nursing students from the second, third and fourth grades who attended hospital clinics in the spring semester of the 2020–2021 academic year and volunteered to participate in the study were included in the study. Purposive sampling method was used in the study. The themes obtained through content analysis of the interviews were listed and sub‐themes were created. The NVivo computer program was also used in the analysis of the study data.

Results

A total six main themes were identified in this study. These main themes are the psychological effects of COVID‐19 on students, the effects on their families, the effects on their clinical practice, the students' perspectives on the profession, the behaviours of the staff in the clinical area and the behaviours of patients/patient relatives.

Patient or Public Contribution

Today, different crisis situations such as pandemics can be encountered. It is important to understand and analyse the experiences of nursing students in difficult and crisis situations. It is clear that the psychological effects on nursing students are high in crisis situations. This study can form a basis for many factors such as preventing stress‐related problems in students in crisis situations, preventing them from leaving the profession and developing a positive view of the profession.
Tubomanometry‐Score as Predictor of Outcome for Balloon Eustachian Tuboplasty in Patients With Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
Authors: Holm Niels H. , Mirz Alexander , Ovesen Therese , Pfeiffer Christoph J.
Published: January 2025

Objective

To investigate the predictive value of tubomanometry (TMM) in predicting subjective outcome of Balloon Eustachian Tuboplasty (BET) in patients with long‐lasting Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD).

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Setting

Single tertiary referral center.

Methods

A total of 111 ETD patients undergoing 194 BET procedures were included. Demographics, TMM measurements, and tympanograms were registered before and 3 to 6 months after BET. The time ratio between the pressure increase in the nasopharynx and the outer ear canal was labelled R value.

Results

At follow‐up, 58.8% of the patients were satisfied with BET outcomes. The prevalence of normal R values increased significantly at 30 mbar (12%, P = .024), 40 mbar (14%, P = .0082), and 50 mbar (13%, P = .011). The prevalence of R = 0 decreased at all three pressure levels (−20%, P = .0001; −15%, P = .0013, and −16%, P = .0005, respectively). Type A tympanograms increased from 37% to 56% (P = .0002), while type B tympanograms decreased from 44% to 25% (P = .0006). Stratifying TMM measurements (R ≤ 1, R > 1, and R = 0) showed that preoperative R values were not prognostic of subjective outcome. Preoperative type B tympanogram indicated a risk of poor subjective outcome.

Conclusion

BET appeared to improve Eustachian tube function with reduced prevalence of pathologic R values and tympanograms. Although preoperative R values were not prognostic, TMM remains promising for assessing Eustachian tube function. Further studies are needed to refine TMM's role in predicting BET efficacy.
Radiation‐Enhanced Annealing of Vacancy–Oxygen Defects in Cz n‐Si: Features of the Experiment, Factor of the Radiation Ionization, and a Possible Annealing Mechanism
Authors: Kras'ko Mykola , Kolosiuk Andrii , Povarchuk Vasyl , Voitovych Vasyl
Published: January 2025

The results of the detailed study of the accumulation and/or annealing of vacancy–oxygen (VO) complexes kinetics in the Czochralski‐grown n‐type silicon (Cz n‐Si) are presented. The samples are irradiated by electron beam pulses of different energies and intensities (J) at VO effective annealing temperatures (>300 °C). It is shown that: 1) upon high‐temperature (so‐called “hot”) irradiation Cz n‐Si at temperatures >300 °C, J can significantly stimulate VO annealing and a maximum concentration of accumulated VO defects ([VO]max, when the rates of formation and simultaneous annealing of VO complexes are equal) increases with increasing J and decreases with increasing irradiation temperature. Accelerated annealing of VO slows down sharply the growth rate of [VO]max as a function of J; 2) the VO defects introduced into Cz n‐Si at room temperature can also be annealed faster if the annealing is accompanied by additional electron irradiation of a certain intensity. It has been established that the radiation‐accelerated annealing of VO is characterized by a decrease in the activation energy from ≈1.7 to ≈0.5 eV due to radiation ionization of the Si crystal. A model of the enhanced VO annealing process is proposed.
Ultrafast Exciton and Charge Carrier Dynamics in Monolayer MoS2 Measured with Time‐Resolved Spectroscopic Ellipsometry
Authors: Krätschmer Lucas , Slimi Younes , Trefflich Lukas , Espinoza Shirley , Rebarz Mateusz , Vazquez‐Miranda Saul , Seyfarth Jakob , Pflug Theo , Olbrich Markus , Stiehm Noah , Hähnlein Bernd , Sturm Chris , Horn Alexander , Andreasson Jakob , Grundmann Marius , Krischok Stefan , Schmidt‐Grund Rüdiger
Published: January 2025

Due to their unique optical properties, 2D monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) show great potential for future electronic and photonic devices, but for real applications, the performance of those is still in need of improvement at the moment. Understanding the exciton and charge carrier dynamics in TMDCs plays a key role in device applications, especially as photonic devices operate under strongly nonequilibrium conditions, as well as for fundamental understanding of the TMDC materials. By employing pump‐probe femtosecond time‐resolved spectroscopic ellipsometry, the ultrafast exciton/charge carrier dynamics in monolayer by studying their impact on the materials dielectric function as a function of time is investigated. From the experiments and analysis of the time‐dependent changes in the dielectric function after laser‐excitation, a comprehensive model of the dynamics of the excitons, trions, and charge carriers within the Brillouin zone of the electronic structure is derived. The formation of trions, carrier scattering processes between the Γ‐ and K‐point of the Brillouin zone, arising of new intravalence and intraconduction band transitions, carrier relaxation within the bands, as well as recombination processes are found.