bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accurate Molecular Sensing based on a Modular and Customizable CRISPR/Cas‐Assisted Nanopore Operational Nexus (CANON)
Authors: Wang Huaning , Zhao Rujian , Zhang Bing , Xiao Yao , Yu Chunmiao , Wang Yesheng , Yu Chunxu , Tang Yidan , Li Yanru , Lu Baiyang , Li Bingling
Published: January 2025

Solid‐state nanopore is a promising single molecular detection technique, but is largely limited by relatively low resolution to small‐size targets and laborious design of signaling probes. Here we establish a universal, CRISPR/Cas‐Assisted Nanopore Operational Nexus (CANON), which can accurately transduce different targeting sources/species into different DNA structural probes via a “Signal‐ON” mode. Target recognition activates the cleavage activity of a Cas12a/crRNA system and then completely digest the blocker of an initiator. The unblocked initiator then triggers downstream DNA assembly reaction and generate a large‐size structure easy for nanopore detection. Such integration of Cas12a/crRNA with DNA assembly establishes an accurate correspondence among the input targets, output DNA structures, and the ultimate nanopore signals. We demonstrated dsDNA, long RNA (i.e., Flu virus gene), short microRNA (i.e., let‐7d) and non‐nucleic acids (i.e., Pb2+) as input paradigms. Various structural assembly reactions, such as hybridization chain reaction (HCR), G‐HCR and duplex polymerization strategy (DPS), are adapted as outputs for nanopore signaling. Simultaneous assay is also verified via transferring FluA and FluB genes into HCR and G‐HCR, respectively. CANON is thus a modular sensing platform holding multiple advantages such as high accuracy, high resolution and high universality, which can be easily customized into various application scenes.
Crystal‐Facet Engineering of Mesoporous CuS Cascade Nanoreactors Enhances Photocatalytic C−C Coupling of CO2‐to‐C2H4
Authors: Zhang Jiaming , Duan Linlin , Zhang Wei , Ma Bing , Zhang Jiangwei , Li Jinying , Wang Aixia , Guo Peiting , Zhao Dongyuan , Ma Yuzhu
Published: January 2025

Crystal‐facet heterojunction engineering of mesoporous nanoreactors with highly redox‐active represents an efficacious strategy for the transformation of CO2 into valuable C2 products (e.g., C2H4). Herein, hollow mesoporous cube‐like CuS nanoreactors (~860 nm) with controlled anisotropic crystal‐facets are prepared through an interfacial‐confined ion dynamic migration‐rearrangement strategy. The regulation of the S2− ion concentration facilitates the modulation of the highly active (110) to (100) crystal‐facet ratios from 0.119 to 0.288, and induces the formation of anisotropic crystal‐facet heterojunctions. The controllable crystal‐facet heterojunctions trigger the directional charge carrier migration, and are accompanied with the formation of tandem S‐defect sites (Cu0‐S1@S3). Both of them promote the efficient electron‐hole pair dissociation and attain asymmetric C−C coupling. The hollow mesoporous CuS nanoreactors with optimized crystal‐facet ratio of 0.224 (HMe‐CuS‐3) deliver a high selectivity of 72.7 % for the photocatalytic reduction of CO2 to acetylene (C2H2). Further constructed Au‐(110) and Co3O4‐(100) spatially separated cascade nanoreactors (SS‐Au@Co3O4‐CuS) achieve CO2‐C2H4 photoreduction, in which the Co‐sites enhance H2O dissociation to provide protons and the protonation of *CO to *COH. The *COH is further captured by Au‐sites to accomplish the asymmetric *CO‐*COH coupling and subsequent protonation, ensuring a high C2H4 generation rate of 4.11 μmol/g/h with a selectivity as high as 90.6 %.
Synthesis and Structural Characterization of Four Bidentate Ortho‐Hydroxy Schiff Bases and Their Copper (II) Complexes: Evaluation of Biological Activities, Antioxidant Power, and Molecular Docking Studies
Authors: Boukreris Sadia , Kheddam Narimane , Youcef Mohammed Hadj , Hamini‐Kadar Nisserine , Benabdallah Tayeb
Published: January 2025

Four ortho‐hydroxy aromatic bidentate Schiff bases were synthesized along with the corresponding copper (II) complexes and characterized by various analytical methods. The spatial configurations of the metal complexes were suggested in light of the analytical results obtained. Antibacterial evaluations revealed that the ligands were more active than their Cu(II) complexes. The study of antifungal activity showed that the fungus Candida albicans was more inhibited by the ligands (HL3 and HL4) and their Cu(II) complexes (IZ = 25 mm). According to the evaluation of antioxidant potency by the DPPH method, only ligand HL4 demonstrated a comparatively low ability to scavenge free radicals compared to the ascorbic acid reference. Using the AutoDock 4.2 program, molecular docking investigations were conducted with the aim of predicting the structure–activity relationship for antibacterial qualities. Using the active sites of receptor proteins, the synthesized ligands were evaluated by molecular docking assays. A good correlation was found between the results of experimental antibacterial activity and the molecular docking data.
Mechanically Strong Active‐Site‐Enriched Polymer Composite Solid Electrolytes toward Superior Room‐Temperature Performance in Lithium Batteries
Authors: Qi Jiaxiao , Wang Yongjing , Tang Haixiong , Zhao Jiayu , Hong Yu , Li Qiong , Jiang Ming , Dong Lijie
Published: January 2025

Solid‐state electrolytes (SSEs) are promising for lithium batteries with higher safety, cycling stability, and energy density. Among the various SSEs, solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) are a highly preferred choice due to their high thermal stability, thin design, and good formability. However, polymer electrolytes have low ionic conductivity, for example, polyethylene oxide (PEO), one of the most dominant polyelectrolyte materials, has a low ionic conductivity at room temperature due to its high crystallinity. Theoretically, increasing the ionic active sites by decreasing its crystallinity is an effective strategy, but this may lead to its inability to form films or poor mechanical strength. In this work, the crystallinity of PEO is reduced by introducing succinonitrile (SN), and solution blow‐spun polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fiber film is employed as the skeleton of the SPE to provide good mechanical strength. PEO‐LiTFSI‐SN/PAN SPEs have a tensile strength of at least 4.5 MPa. To provide more Li+ active sites, PEO‐LiTFSI‐SN/MXene@PAN composite SPEs are fabricated by doping the PAN fibers with MXene rich in functional groups. The specific capacity of the LFP|PEO‐LiTFSI‐SN/MXene@PAN|Li button cell reaches 134.8 mAh g−1 in the first cycle, and the capacity retention rate of 100 cycles is 75.8% at 0.5 C at room temperature.
Impurity Band Formation as a Route to Thermoelectric Power Factor Enhancement in n‐type XNiSn Half‐Heuslers
Authors: Quinn Robert J. , Go Yuji , Naden Aaron B. , Bojtor Andras , Paráda Gabor , Shawon Ashiq K. M. A. , Domosud Kamil , Refson Keith , Zevalkink Alexandra , Neophytou Neophytos , Bos Jan‐Willem G.
Published: January 2025

Bandstructure engineering is a key route for thermoelectric performance enhancement. Here, 20–50% Seebeck (S) enhancement is reported for XNiCuySn half‐Heusler samples based on X = Ti. This novel electronic effect is attributed to the emergence of impurity bands of finite extent, due to the Cu dopants. Depending on the dispersion, extent, and offset with respect to the parent material, these bands are shown to enhance S to different degrees. Experimentally, this effect is controllable by the Ti content of the samples, with the addition of Zr/Hf gradually removing the enhancement. At the same time, the mobility remains largely intact, enabling power factors ≥3 mW m−1 K−2 near room temperature, increasing to ≥5 mW m−1 K−2 at high temperature. Combined with reduced thermal conductivity due to the Cu interstitials, this enables high average zT = 0.67–0.72 between 320 and 793 K for XNiCuySn compositions with ≥70% Ti. This work reveals the existence of a new route for electronic performance enhancement in n‐type XNiSn materials that are normally limited by their single carrier pocket. In principle, impurity bands can be applied to other materials and provide a new direction for further development.
Tailoring Metal–Organic Frameworks for One‐Step Separation of Alkane/Alkene/Alkyne Mixtures
Authors: Guo Fu‐An , Gao Manglai , Wang Hao
Published: January 2025

The purification of polymer‐grade olefins (>99.9 %), primarily C2 and C3, is a significant yet challenging process in the petrochemical industry. The conventional method for hydrocarbon separation typically involves heat‐driven distillation. In contrast, adsorptive separation using porous solids presents a promising alternative, offering the potential for olefin purification under ambient conditions, thus providing substantial energy and environmental benefits. Particularly, one‐step purification of alkenes through the selective adsorption of their corresponding alkanes and alkynes has gained attention as an effective approach. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), with their tunable pore structures, such as pore size, shape, and internal chemical environment, hold considerable potential for this process. This review discusses recent advancements in the development of MOFs for the one‐step adsorptive purification of alkenes from ternary mixtures of alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes, with a focus on the rational design of pore structures to achieve the desired separation.
In Situ Selenization Induced Electron‐Rich Pd with Weakened O2 Adsorption for Boosted Photocatalytic H2O2 Production
Authors: Zhang Jing , Xu Jiachao , Tian Yanan , Wang Yu , Wu Sikai , Wang Ping , Chen Feng , Wang Xuefei , Yu Huogen
Published: January 2025

Pd cocatalysts show great potential for the photocatalytic production of H2O2. However, the catalytic efficiency of Pd cocatalyst is limited due to the strong adsorption of O2, which promotes O−O bond cleavage and thus reduces selectivity for the two‐electron O2 reduction reaction. Considering that adjusting the electron density of Pd can predominately optimize Pd−Oads bond strength, in this work, electron‐rich Pd sites are constructed by introducing Bi2Se3 middle layer between Pd cocatalysts and (010) facet of BiVO4 using an in‐situ selenization strategy. The photocatalytic results indicate that the designed BiVO4/Bi2Se3−Pd(0.3 %) photocatalyst achieves a high H2O2 yield of 2166 μmol L−1 in 2 h, which is 36 times and 3.75 times higher than BiVO4/Bi2Se3 and BiVO4/Pd photocatalyst, respectively. Additionally, the corresponding AQE value of BiVO4/Bi2Se3−Pd is 6.71 %. The subsequent Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and XPS spectra confirm that the introduction of Bi2Se3 via in‐situ selenization increases the electron density of Pd. This enhances the formation of electron‐rich Pd sites, reduces O2 adsorption, and ultimately improves the photocatalytic H2O2 yield. This strategy provides insights into designing efficient photocatalysts for H2O2 production through electronic structure modulation.
Recent advances in research on common targets of neurological and sex hormonal influences on asthma
Authors: Zhou Wenting , Chen Huan , Chen Xinyu , Gao Jing , Ji Wenting
Published: January 2025

Background

Asthma is currently one of the most common of respiratory diseases, severely affecting the lives of patients. With the in‐depth study of the role of the nervous system and sex hormones on the development of asthma, it has been found that the nervous system and sex hormones are related to each other in the pathway of asthma.

Objective

To investigate the effects of sex hormones and the nervous system on the development of asthma.

Methods

In this review, we searched for a large number of relevant literature to elucidate the unique mechanisms of sex hormones and the nervous system on asthma development, and summarized several common targets in the pathways of sex hormones and the nervous system on asthma.

Conclusion

We summarize several common important targets in the pathways of action of sex hormones and the nervous system in asthma, provide new directions and ideas for asthma treatment, and discuss current therapeutic limitations and future possibilities. Finally, the article predicts future applications of several important targets in asthma therapy.
Impact of obesity on outcome in children diagnosed with cancer in Canada: A report from Cancer in Young People in Canada
Authors: Sassine Samuel , Ilinca André P. , Coltin Hallie , Bittencourt Henrique , Athale Uma , Bowes Lynette , Brossard Josée , Israels Sara , Johnston Donna L. , Kulkarni Ketan , McKillop Sarah , Rayar Meera , Sinha Roona , Truong Tony , Vézina Catherine , Wheaton Laura , Zorzi Alexandra P. , Sung Lillian , Pelland‐Marcotte Marie‐Claude , Tran Thai Hoa
Published: January 2025

Background

Childhood obesity can result in adverse health outcomes. The objectives of this study were to describe the prevalence of obesity and determine the association between obesity at cancer diagnosis and event‐free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) in children diagnosed with cancer in Canada.

Methods

The authors conducted a retrospective cohort study using the Cancer in Young People in Canada database, including all children with newly diagnosed cancer aged 2–18 years across Canada from 2001 to 2020. Obesity was defined as age‐adjusted and sex‐adjusted body mass index greater than or equal to the 95th percentile. Univariate and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models compared EFS and OS between patients with and without obesity at diagnosis.

Results

In total, 11,291 patients were included, of whom 10.5% were obese at diagnosis. In multivariable models controlling for age, sex, ethnicity, neighborhood income quintile, treatment era, and cancer categories, obesity at diagnosis was independently associated with inferior EFS (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.16; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02–1.32; p = .02) and OS (aHR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.11–1.49; p = .001). The adverse prognostic impact of obesity was particularly notable for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and central nervous system (CNS) tumors. In children with ALL (n = 3458), obesity remained associated with inferior EFS (aHR, 1.55; p = .002) and OS (aHR, 1.75; p = .002) in multivariable analysis. In patients with CNS tumors (n = 2458), obesity was also associated with inferior EFS (aHR, 1.38; p = .008) and OS (aHR, 1.47; p = .004).

Conclusions

In this population‐based study, obesity at cancer diagnosis was independently associated with inferior survival across the entire cohort, and prominently in children with ALL and CNS tumors.
Afferent Projections to the Calca/CGRP‐Expressing Parabrachial Neurons in Mice
Authors: Korkutata Mustafa , De Luca Roberto , Fitzgerald Bridget , Khanday Mudasir A. , Arrigoni Elda , Scammell Thomas E.
Published: January 2025

The parabrachial nucleus (PB), located in the dorsolateral pons, contains primarily glutamatergic neurons that regulate responses to a variety of interoceptive and cutaneous sensory signals. One lateral PB subpopulation expresses the Calca gene, which codes for the neuropeptide calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP). These PBCalca/CGRP neurons relay signals related to threatening stimuli such as hypercarbia, pain, and nausea, yet their inputs and their neurochemical identity are only partially understood. We mapped the afferent projections to the lateral part of the PB in mice using conventional cholera toxin B subunit (CTb) retrograde tracing and then used conditional rabies virus retrograde tracing to map monosynaptic inputs specifically targeting the PBCalca/CGRP neurons. Using vesicular GABA (vGAT) and glutamate (vGLUT2) transporter reporter mice, we found that lateral PB neurons receive GABAergic afferents from regions such as the lateral part of the central nucleus of the amygdala, lateral dorsal subnucleus of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, substantia innominata, and ventrolateral periaqueductal gray. Additionally, they receive glutamatergic afferents from the infralimbic and insular cortex, paraventricular nucleus, parasubthalamic nucleus, trigeminal complex, medullary reticular nucleus, and nucleus of the solitary tract. Using anterograde tracing and confocal microscopy, we then identified close axonal appositions between these afferents and PBCalca/CGRP neurons. Finally, we used channelrhodopsin‐assisted circuit mapping and found that GABAergic neurons of the central nucleus of the amygdala directly inhibit the PBCalca/CGRP neurons. These findings provide a comprehensive neuroanatomical framework for understanding the afferent projections regulating the PBCalca/CGRP neurons.
Small‐Signal Modelling of Bidirectional CLLC Converters for Onboard Charging Application in Electric Vehicles
Authors: Vijaya Anand Nidumolu , Naveen Yalla
Published: January 2025

A two‐stage onboard battery charger with an CLLC resonant converter is a widely adopted configuration in the automotive industry. The ZVS and ZCS capability of the switching devices with high operating frequency of the CLLC converters encourages its application in various EV platforms to improve efficiency. In the literature, various authors proposed many methods to control the CLLC converters efficiently, but up to now, no simple and accurate small‐signal equivalent circuit modelling is available. As dynamic networks are load‐dependent, closed‐loop voltage and current controllers provide more stable operations in these converters. In this paper, a detailed mathematical modelling of the CLLC converters with time domain analysis has been presented. The proposed mathematical model accurately predicts the small‐signal behaviors seen in pulse‐frequency‐modulated (PFM) CLLC resonant converters whether the switching frequency is below, near to, or above the resonant frequency. Stable closed‐loop controllers for both current and voltage loops in battery charging applications are designed and detailed. A prototype hardware is been built and the experimental results with the load variations with the designed controllers are tested and the results are been discussed in the paper.
Artificial Neural Networks‐Based LEACH Algorithm for Fast and Efficient Cluster Head Selection in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Senturk Arafat
Published: January 2025

Recent improvements in wireless sensor networks (WSN) technology enabled more research on energy efficiency. Limited battery and difficulties in renewing the batteries in a critical application require the efficient use of energy for WSN. Besides energy efficiency, providing fast‐response systems facilitate real‐time applications. Combining machine learning (ML) with the clustering methods that significantly contribute to the energy efficiency of WSN seems to improve the efficiency. In this paper, the low‐energy adaptive clustering hierarchy (LEACH) clustering method for WSN is implemented through a supervised learning method, artificial neural networks (ANN), for cluster head (CH) selection. The power of ANN as a superior classifier is thought to contribute much to the field. The details of designing an ANN are given in detail for the first time in WSN field. In addition, a dataset is prepared via MATLAB to be used for classification or other analysis related to a clustered network. The proposed model provides more than 85% accuracy for CH selection, and it is 83.28% faster than LEACH to determine the CHs. This method produces more efficient solutions in large networks in terms of the time for CH selection. The feasibility of ANN is also shown for the issues related to WSN such as CH selection.
Covariation Between Microbiome Composition and Host Transcriptome in the Gut of Wild Drosophila melanogaster: A Re‐Analysis
Authors: Llanwarne Frances , Dobson Adam J.
Published: January 2025

Gut microbiota are fundamental for healthy animal function, but the evidence that host function can be predicted from microbiota taxonomy remains equivocal, and natural populations remain understudied compared to laboratory animals. Paired analyses of covariation in microbiota and host parameters are powerful approaches to characterise host–microbiome relationships mechanistically, especially in wild populations of animals that are also lab models, enabling insight into the ecological basis of host function at molecular and cellular levels. The fruitfly Drosophila melanogaster is a preeminent model organism, amenable to field investigation by ‘omic analyses. Previous work in wild male D. melanogaster guts analysed paired measurements of (A) bacterial diversity and abundance, measured by 16S amplicon sequencing; and (B) the host gut transcriptome, but no signature of covariation was detected. Here, we re‐analyse those data comprehensively. We find orthogonal axes of microbial genera, which correspond to differential expression of host genes. The differentially expressed gene sets were enriched in functions including protein translation, mitochondrial respiration, immunity and reproduction. Each gene set had a distinct functional signature, suggesting that wild flies exhibit a range of distinct axes of functional variation, which correspond to orthogonal axes of microbiome variation. These findings lay a foundation to better connect ecology and functional genetics of a leading host‐microbiome model.
Metal‐Doped Nitride‐Based Nanostructures for Saving Sustainable and Clean Energy in Batteries
Authors: Mollaamin Fatemeh , Monajjemi Majid
Published: January 2025

The hypothesis of the energy adsorption phenomenon was confirmed by density distributions of CDD, TDOS, and LOL for GaN and ternary alloys of AlGaN and InGaN. Based on TDOS, the excessive growth technique on doping manganese is a potential approach to designing high‐efficiency hybrid semipolar gallium nitride–based devices in a long wavelength zone. A vaster jointed area engaged by an isosurface map for Mn doping GaN, AlGaN, and InGaN toward formation of nanocomposites of Mn@GaN–H, Mn@AlGaN–H, and Mn@InGaN–H after hydrogen adsorption due to labeling atoms of N(4), Mn(5), and H (18), respectively. Therefore, it can be considered that manganese in the functionalized Mn@GaN, Mn@AlGaN, or Mn@InGaN might have more impressive sensitivity for admitting the electrons in the status of hydrogen adsorption. Furthermore, Mn@GaN, Mn@AlGaN, or Mn@InGaN are potentially advantageous for certain high‐frequency applications requiring batteries for energy storage. The advantages of manganese over GaN, AlGaN, or InGaN include its higher electron and hole mobility, allowing manganese doping devices to operate at higher frequencies than nondoping devices. A comprehensive investigation on hydrogen grabbing by heteroclusters of Mn‐doped GaN, AlGaN, and InGaN was carried out using DFT computations. The position of the Mn‐doped energy states was evaluated via the spectra obtained from the bipolar devices with the Mn‐doped GaN/AlGaN/InGaN as an active layer.
Prognostic significance of immune reconstitution following CD19 CAR T‐cell therapy for relapsed/refractory B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Stock Sophia , Bücklein Veit L. , Blumenberg Viktoria , Magno Giulia , Emhardt Alica‐Joana , Holzem Alessandra M. E. , Cordas dos Santos David M. , Schmidt Christian , Grießhammer Stefanie , Frölich Lisa , Kobold Sebastian , von Bergwelt‐Baildon Michael , Rejeski Kai , Subklewe Marion
Published: January 2025

Immune deficits after CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T‐cell therapy can be long‐lasting, predisposing patients to infections and non‐relapse mortality. In B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (B‐NHL), the prognostic impact of immune reconstitution (IR) remains ill‐defined, and detailed cross‐product comparisons have not been performed to date. In this retrospective observational study, we longitudinally characterized lymphocyte subsets and immunoglobulin levels in 105 B‐NHL patients to assess patterns of immune recovery arising after CD19 CAR‐T. Three key IR criteria were defined as CD4+ T helper (TH) cells > 200/µL, any detectable B cells, and serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels >4 g/L. After a median follow‐up of 24.6 months, 38% of patients displayed TH cells, 11% showed any B cells, and 41% had IgG recovery. Notable product‐specific differences emerged, including deeper TH cell aplasia with CD28z‐ versus longer B‐cell aplasia with 41BBz‐based products. Patients with any IR recovery experienced extended progression‐free survival (PFS) (median 20.8 vs. 1.7 months, p < 0.0001) and overall survival (OS) (34.9 vs. 4.0 months, p < 0.0001). While landmark analysis at 90 days confirmed improved PFS in patients with any recovery (34.9 vs. 8.6 months, p = 0.005), no significant OS difference was noted. Notably, 72% of patients with refractory disease never displayed recovery of any IR criteria. Early progressors showed diminished IR at the time of progression/relapse compared to patients with late progression/recurrence (after Day 90). Our results highlight the profound immune deficits observed after CD19 CAR‐T and shed light on the intersection of IR and efficacy in B‐NHL. Importantly, IR was impaired considerably postprogression, carrying significant implications for subsequent T‐cell‐engaging therapies and treatment sequencing.
Analysis of Body Fluid Distribution, Phase Angle and Its Association With Maximal Oxygen Consumption in Facioscapulohumeral Dystrophy: An Observational Study
Authors: Crisafulli Oscar , Baptista Renato , Drid Patrik , Grattarola Luca , Bottoni Giorgio , Lavaselli Emanuela , Negro Massimo , Tupler Rossella , Quintiero Venere , D'Antona Giuseppe
Published: January 2025

Background and Aims

Body composition parameters associated with aerobic fitness, mirrored by maximal oxygen consumption (V̇O2max), have recently gained interest as indicators of physical efficiency in facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD). Bioimpedance analysis (BIA) allows a noninvasive and repeatable estimate of body composition but is based on the use of predictive equations which, if used in cohorts with different characteristics from those for which the equation was originally formulated, could give biased results. Instead, the phase angle (PhA), a BIA raw bioelectrical parameter reflecting body fluids distribution, could provide reliable data for such analysis.

Methods

33 clinically and genetically characterized FSHD patients (mean age 35.7; 10 females) and 27 sex and age‐matched healthy controls (HC) were included in the analysis. BIA was used to evaluate body fluids distribution (intracellular water [ICW], extracellular water [ECW], and total body water [TBW]), and PhA, while cardiopulmonary exercise test was used to estimate V̇O2max.

Results

The groups were comparable for ECW and TBW. Instead, patients showed lower values of ICW (p = 0.020), ICW/ECW ratio (p < 0.001), and PhA (p < 0.001). Moreover, patients reported lower V̇O2max (p = 0.001 for absolute values; p = 0.002 for values expressed in relation to body weight) which, unlike HC, was not associated to PhA.

Conclusion

Based on our results, PhA of FSHD patients is lower than HC. Since PhA mirrors the ICW/ECW ratio, the lower share of ICW seems to be the basis of such difference. Given the lack of association with V̇O2max, PhA cannot be considered a reliable indicator of aerobic fitness in FSHD.
Do Co‐Opted Boards Lead to Managerial Obfuscation? Evidence From the 10‐K Report Readability
Authors: Gull Ammar Ali , Rind Asad Ali , Suleman Muhammad Tahir
Published: January 2025

This paper examines the relationship between board co‐option and managerial obfuscation captured through linguistic complexity of 10‐K reports. Using 7912 US firm‐year observations from 2003 to 2018, we find that firms with a higher proportion of co‐opted directors obfuscate the readability of the 10‐K reports. The findings are robust across various variable definitions, sample specifications and remain significant after addressing endogeneity concerns through multiple approaches, including lead‐lag regression, entropy balancing, instrumental variable analysis, the system GMM, and difference‐in‐difference estimations. Further analysis reveals that our main finding is driven by firms with weak internal (i.e., those with high CEO power and low board meeting attendance) and external (i.e., those with low institutional ownership and less analyst following) monitoring. The paper provides useful policy insights and implications for investors, regulators, and policymakers.
Optimizing pre‐eclampsia prevention: Embracing low‐dose calcium in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Kokori Emmanuel , Olatunji Gbolahan , Komolafe Rosemary , Olatunji Doyin , Ogunbowale Ibukunoluwa , Samuel Owolabi , Ezenwoba Chidiogo , Ukoaka Bonaventure , Ajayi Yusuf Ismaila , Aderinto Nicholas
Published: January 2025

Pre‐eclampsia remains a significant health challenge in sub‐Saharan Africa, contributing substantially to maternal and neonatal mortality rates. This paper explores the potential of low‐dose calcium supplementation as an alternative strategy to the conventional high‐dose regimen in preventing pre‐eclampsia. A consistent association between low serum calcium levels and an increased risk of pre‐eclampsia is established based on studies spanning Ghana, Nigeria, and Ethiopia. The challenges associated with implementing high‐dose calcium supplementation, including cost, logistics, limited information, and adherence issues, underscore the need for a paradigm shift. The evidence presented advocates for integrating low‐dose calcium supplementation into sub‐Saharan African prenatal care programs. The paper emphasizes the role of healthcare providers in educating women about the benefits and safety of low‐dose calcium supplements. Future research and implementation initiatives are urged to refine and tailor these approaches to the region's diverse needs, advancing the collective goal of enhancing maternal and newborn health. This exploration of creative and context‐specific solutions underscores the potential of low‐dose calcium to significantly contribute to reducing the prevalence of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, particularly pre‐eclampsia, ultimately contributing to healthier and thriving communities in sub‐Saharan Africa.
Global prevalence and risk factors of obstetric violence: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Hakimi Sevil , Allahqoli Leila , Alizadeh Maryam , Ozdemir Meryem , Soori Hamid , Turfan Esin Ceber , Sogukpinar Neriman , Alkatout Ibrahim
Published: January 2025

Background

Obstetric violence (OBV), defined as mistreatment or abuse during childbirth, is a pervasive global issue, albeit with regional differences, affecting women's physical and emotional well‐being.

Objectives

The purpose of this systematic review and meta‐analysis is to assess the prevalence of OBV to identify risk factors associated with OBV and to make suggestions for improving maternal healthcare practices and policies.

Search Strategy

In a systematic review and meta‐analysis, we searched four electronic databases for studies published over 10 years up to 31 January 2024: Medline (PubMed), Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science (WOS). The search was conducted among English language papers using a carefully curated set of keywords.

Selection Criteria

We conducted a comprehensive review, including all observational reporting data on the prevalence of and risk factors associated with OBV, irrespective of geographical location. The studies included in the review were required to be published in peer‐reviewed. journals and available in the English language.

Data Collection and Analysis

The data of the studies were summarized in an Excel file (version 19) and analyzed using R (version 4.2.3). A meta‐analysis was performed to evaluate the pooled prevalence of and identify risk factors associated with OBV.

Main Results

The global prevalence of OBV estimated based on 25 studies, calculated with a random‐effects model, was 59% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.48–0.70; I2 = 99.5%). The most prevalent subdomain of OBV was non‐consented care (37%; 95% CI 0.23–0.50; I2 = 99.7%). The following factors were found to be significantly associated with OBV: the presence of a midwife as skilled personnel beside the woman during childbirth (odds ratio [OR] [95% CI] = 0.4 [0.2–0.9]), which might reduce the likelihood of OBV; middle and high levels of income (OR [95% CI] = 0.5 [0.2–0.7]), which might also reduce the likelihood of OBV; and vaginal delivery (OR [95% CI] = 2.08 [1.1–3.08]), which is liable to increase the likelihood of OBV.

Conclusion

This systematic review and meta‐analysis highlights the considerable prevalence and multifaceted nature of OBV, underscoring the urgent need for interventions at multiple levels to address this pervasive issue and ensure respectful, safe, and dignified maternal healthcare for all women.
Development and validation of a prognostic nomogram for severe postpartum hemorrhage after cesarean delivery: A two‐center retrospective study
Authors: Yin Wanchang , Wang Xinghe , Li Ruiman
Published: January 2025

Objectives

To develop and validate a nomogram to predict severe postpartum hemorrhage following cesarean delivery.

Methods

This is a two‐center retrospective cohort study. Cesarean delivery patients from the First Affiliate Hospital of Jinan University were divided into a development cohort (n = 11 137) and an internal validation cohort (n = 4739). Cesarean delivery patients from the Dongguan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital (n = 13 775) were enrolled in the external validation cohort. The nomogram was based on independent risk factors for severe postpartum hemorrhage obtained by multivariate logistic regression. We evaluated the discrimination and calibration of the nomogram in the development and validation cohorts.

Results

The nomogram used data including previous cesarean delivery, pre‐pregnancy weight, preterm birth, placenta previa, placenta accreta spectrum disorders, placental abruption, and mode of anesthesia. The area under the curves of the nomogram in the internal and external validation cohorts were 0.922 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.897–0.947) and 0.813 (95% CI 0.785–0.841), respectively. Consistency between the predicted and actual probabilities was observed in both validation cohorts.

Conclusions

The nomogram displayed good calibration and discrimination and can be used for screening in clinical practice to enable clinicians to intervene appropriately.
Carbon dots as smart biosensing and imaging materials delving with antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral potentials against infectious pathogens
Authors: Tripathy Debashis , Mishra Sagar Kumar , Sahu Satyabrata , Katiyar Arpit , Kumar Neeraj , Mishra Tankadhar , Dash Sribatsa Lanchhana , Joshi Maya Datt , Dixit Prasanna Kumar , Sarangi Manoj Kumar
Published: January 2025

In the emerging era of infectious diseases, antimicrobials are widely applied against pathogenic microbes (i.e., bacteria, fungus, or virus) to avoid global mortality. Nonetheless, quite a few of the microbiome adopted genetic mutations over extended period and fostered sustainable resistance towards the existing and newer antibiotics. Carbon dots (CDs) are the carbon‐based nanomaterials, unveiled their potential as antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral agents resembled with ease of synthesis, reduced toxicity, smart functionalization, high aqueous dispersibility, and auspicious biocompatibility. This review has emphasized over the discussion corroborated with the types of CDs and their synthesis, and numerous properties of CDs tailored to their biofunctionalization. Further the article was featured with the antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, bioimaging, biosensing, and anticancer responsiveness of CDs (in vivo and in vitro mode) followed by their biocompatibility, toxicity assessments, challenges, and future prospectives.
Body Condition and Blood Biochemistry of Free‐Range Caiman latirostris in Northeast Brazilian Atlantic Forest
Authors: Gama Gabriela Mota , Passos Luiza Figueiredo , Paglia Adriano Pereira , Coutinho Marcos Eduardo
Published: January 2025

The Atlantic Forest broad‐snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris) inhabits regions within one of the world's most ecologically diverse ecosystems, yet few studies have explored the relationship between body condition, blood biochemistry, and environmental factors in the wild. Our study investigated the effects of sex, ontogeny, habitat, and environmental variables on the body condition and blood biochemistry of free‐ranging caimans from the state of Alagoas, Northeast Brazil. From 2020 to 2022, we captured 75 caimans across three sites in different seasons. Results revealed sex‐specific responses to seasonal and Interannual weather changes, with females showing higher body condition in the wet season, while males peaked in the dry season. Elevated glucose, total protein, albumin, triglycerides, and fructosamine were linked to higher body condition and larger individuals, while elevated aspartate aminotransferase to low body condition. Seasonal rainfall influenced blood parameters, with the dry season associated with higher creatinine, calcium, and alanine aminotransferase levels, and the wet season with higher total protein, sodium, and potassium. Differences in glucose, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma‐glutamyl transferase across sites pointed to physiological effects of human activities. Blood biochemical values varied widely, with some exceeding reported species ranges. These findings highlight the need to interpret physiological data within the context of local habitat and environmental conditions. Conservation strategies should go beyond species presence and habitat preservation, incorporating pollution control. Our study advances understanding of Caiman latirostris ecophysiology, offering valuable insights for the conservation and management of crocodilian populations in both wild and captive environments.
Significance of Endoscopic Redness of Duodenum in Health Checkup
Authors: Nakayama Atsushi , Kato Motohiko , Sakaguchi Yoshiki , Takahashi Yu , Kodashima Shinya , Fujimoto Ai , Yamamichi Nobutake , Miki Kazumasa , Yahagi Naohisa
Published: January 2025

Background and Aim

It is important for endoscopist to diagnose the lesion redness. In this study, we focused on the redness of duodenal bulb. We objectively analyzed the changes in redness of the duodenal bulb using linked color imaging (LCI) with chromatic indicators.

Methods

Seven endoscopists observed the duodenal bulb with white light imaging (WLI) and LCI, and evaluated them by visual analogue scale (VAS) for the degree of redness. The difference in VAS between WLI and LCI was defined as ΔVAS. All images were quantified by the Comission Internationale de l'Eclariage‐L*a*b* color space. Values related to color differences (ΔE*, ΔL*, Δa*, and Δb*) were calculated from the two images of WLI and LCI. Multiple regression analysis was performed for the factors with the health checkup correlated with ΔVAS and the correlation between ΔVAS and ΔE*, ΔL*, Δa*, and Δb* was also examined.

Results

The analysis prospectively included 1144 examinees. In multiple regression analysis, it revealed that sex (β = 0.5847, p < 0.0001) and metabolic syndrome (β = 0.4138, p = 0.0012) were the factors independently influenced ΔVAS. And only Δa*, a chromatic index for changes in the degree of redness, showed a statistically and considerably positive correlation with ΔVAS (r = 0.4529, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

To evaluate the difference in the degree of redness between WLI and LCI of duodenal bulb in esophagogastroduodenoscopy may help in early detection of metabolic syndrome, which rarely has symptoms.
The ongoing impact of COVID‐19 on the clinical education of Australian medical radiation science students
Authors: Steward Adam , Lacey Stephen , Gray Amy , Parsons Christopher , Thompson Kenton , Anderson Nigel
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The COVID‐19 pandemic has had a significant and ongoing impact on health care, particularly for medical radiation science (MRS) professionals. There exist many studies that describe the negative effects of clinical placement restrictions and access to universities on the well‐being of all health professional students during the pandemic. There also exists evidence of changes to MRS student teaching and impacts to students and academic clinical educators; however, there exists a paucity of research that investigates how changes have affected the performance of students within the clinical environment and entering the workforce. This study surveyed workplace MRS clinical educators within Australia to gather their perspectives regarding the impact of COVID‐19 on student clinical education.

Methods

A descriptive study comprising an online structured survey of 44 questions was provided to Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Clinical Educators across Australia.

Results

A total of 55 survey responses were received. Of note, respondents described heavy reductions to student intake capacity, losses of clinical placement time, a noted theory–practice gap and possibility of sites ‘failing to fail’ students. Negative impacts to all domains of MRPBA professional capabilities, as well as a perceived unpreparedness to meet the MRPBA capabilities were described. There was general agreement that graduating students will require supportive periods upon entry into the profession.

Conclusion

This study highlights the considerable impact of changes to the education and training of MRS students in response to COVID‐19. The results pose a real concern for a generation of MRS students affected by the COVID‐19 pandemic.
The Pleistocene Witch Ground Ice Stream in the central North Sea
Authors: Reinardy Benedict T. I. , Karstens Jens , Böttner Christoph , Lichtschlag Anna , Berndt Christian , Strandberg Nichola A. , Callow Ben J.
Published: January 2025

The North Sea Basin has been covered by ice sheets originating from both the British Isles and Scandinavia at multiple times during the Pleistocene. The Witch Ground Basin (WGB) in the central northern North Sea is a critical location in terms of interpreting Late Pleistocene glacial to glacimarine history of the North Sea since it was the location of the Witch Ground Ice Stream that was active on multiple occasions during the Mid to Late Pleistocene. We map five mega‐scale glacial lineation flowsets corresponding to the changing ice flow direction of the Witch Ground Ice Stream and investigate the sedimentological fingerprint and corresponding subglacial depositional processes of this palaeo‐ice stream. We show that sorted sand layers within a subglacial traction till represent periodic hydraulic jacking and ice–bed decoupling at the base of the Witch Ground Ice Stream. In contrast to previous studies that have described glacitectonites deposited below the most recent grounded ice in the WGB, we present analysis of sediment cores that recovered primarily massive diamictons without any obvious deformation structures. The most recent ice cover in the WGB (~18–16 ka) was thought to have been sourced from a localized ice cap over Orkney and Shetland. The presence of chalk clasts sourced from NW of the WGB described in this study from the stratigraphically youngest till confirms this interpretation. The transition from subglacial to glacimarine deposition, while acoustically well defined (from opaque to laminated acoustic units), appears surprisingly uniform in the recovered sediment cores, but can be differentiated based on a change in colour including mottling and banding, presence of whole intact shells, and the increased number of silt and sand lenses. 14C dating of glacimarine muds indicate high sedimentation rates of between 80 and 260 cm ka−1. The transition from glacimarine to marine deposition is represented by a comparative decrease in sedimentation rate and deposition of Holocene age sandy mud. This study demonstrates a highly dynamic Witch Ground Ice Stream in the northern North Sea during the Late Pleistocene with evolving subglacial hydrology and depositional processes at the ice stream bed that left a distinct geomorphological and sedimentological fingerprint within the WGB.
Macroscopic thermodynamic properties of ionic micellar solutions depending on physicochemical formulation for the sodium dodecyl sulfate/sodium sulfate/water/n‐heptane/1‐pentanol system
Authors: Marfisi‐Valladares Shirley , Correa Angiemar , Kluchuikon Michael , Cova‐Bonillo Alexis , Patino‐Camino Rayda , Lobo Mario , López José
Published: January 2025

This work characterized the macroscopic thermodynamic properties of ionic micellar solutions. Formulation‐composition studies were done along one dimension by varying the salinity (S) or oil–water ratio (WOR) in mixtures of sodium dodecyl sulfate, sodium sulfate, water, n‐heptane, and 1‐pentanol at 25°C and 1 atm. Material balance and multiple regression models were used to get the partial, mixed, and excess molar volumes. The UNIFAC local composition model, coupled with Debye–Hückel theory, was employed to calculate activity coefficients and dimensionless Gibbs energies (partial, mixed, and excess). The equilibrium SOW systems exhibited phase transitions (WI‐WIII‐WII), with micellar solubilization increasing as salinity increased at constant WOR. Solubilization peaked at the optimal formulation, and further increases in WOR enhanced solubilization up to the formation of a single‐phase system. Deviations from ideal behavior, in the thermodynamic properties between aqueous and oil micellar solutions, were mainly due to chemical interaction of solutes () respect to solvents (). Negative values of the Gibbs energy of mixing confirmed the stability of the liquid phases and their extension to the liquid–liquid equilibrium. The response surfaces V = f(WOR, S) and GE/RT = f(WOR, S) represent the macroscopic thermodynamic behavior of micellar solutions as a function of physicochemical formulation. These results can be extended to other colloidal systems for the design of formulations with surfactants and anionic salts, oriented to the diagnosis and resolution of problems in real systems, both at laboratory and industrial level.
Prevention of inflammation and oxidative stress by new ingredients based on high (poly)phenols winery by‐products
Authors: Sánchez‐Bravo Paola , Costa‐Pérez Antonio , García‐Viguera Cristina , Domínguez‐Perles Raúl , Medina Sonia
Published: January 2025

Background

New circular economy policies for producing high‐value ingredients and co‐products, rich in bioactive phytochemicals, have boosted valorising agro‐food residues, as sources of powerful functional compounds. In this context, (poly)phenols of winemaking by‐products have been associated with anti‐inflammatory and oxidative stress (OS) prevention. Nevertheless, this application needs stabilisation of such materials by fine‐tuning processing conditions, in a fashion compatible with the industrial capacities, to minimise the impact on the phytochemical profile. To fill these gaps, the present study uncovered the capacity of high (poly)phenol ingredients from winery by‐products (obtained by an oven a dehydration system), to modulate inflammatory and OS markers and mediators associated with intestinal inflammation.

Results

The results confirmed minimal changes in the winery residues' (poly)phenolic burden. The ingredients obtained provided (poly)phenolic pools that reduced the secretion of inflammatory markers, namely nitrates/nitrites, IL‐6, IL‐8 and TNF‐α by up to 66.8%, 20.1%, 95.4% and 78.3%, respectively. Even more, they also prevented ROS increase, preserving the molecular machinery of cells against OS (glutathione, catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase) in a significant manner. The correlation analyses allowed identifying proanthocyanidin dimer (B‐type) digallate, galloyl hexoside, ferulic acid hexoside, cyanidin 3‐O‐p‐coumaroylglucoside, as the main anti‐inflammatory compounds; and galloyl hexoside, ferulic acid hexoside, kaempferol glucoside and cyanidin 3‐O‐p‐coumaroylglucoside, as the most powerful antioxidant molecules.

Conclusion

These results support the interest in winery by‐products processed according to industrial procedures as sources of compounds with anti‐inflammatory and OS prevention traits.