bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Co-occurring Early Adolescent ACEs and Associations With Later Peer Relationships
Authors: Wang Joy Huanhuan , Merrin Gabriel J. , Wang Xiafei , Liu Qingyang , Kiefer Sarah M.
Published: February 2025

Research indicates complex associations between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and adolescent peer relationships. ACEs are related to lower peer status, yet the links between ACEs, peer characteristics, and peer relationship quality are inconclusive. The current literature has several further conceptual and methodological limitations, including a lack of attention to ACEs’ co-occurring nature, the developmental timing of ACEs during adolescence, and the multifaceted nature of peer relationships. In addition, much of the literature is cross-sectional. The current study addresses these limitations by examining the associations of early adolescents’ co-occurring ACEs at age 12 with three subsequent peer relationship aspects at age 16 (i.e., peer characteristics, peer status, and peer relationship quality) while controlling for demographics and early adversities. Participants included 883 youth from the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect. Latent class analyses of the 10 ACEs, as examined in the original CDC-Kaiser ACE study, identified three distinct ACE classes at age 12 (threat, deprivation, and low ACEs) that were distinguished by gender, race, income, and early adversities. Further, the threat class was related to adverse outcomes in peer characteristics and status, while the deprivation class was associated with differences in peer relationship quality. These findings highlight the need for researchers and practitioners to consider ACEs’ co-occurring nature and tailor trauma-informed care accordingly. Findings also underscore the salience of studying ACEs that occur in the developmental period of early adolescence.
Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome: Matching Therapies to the Patient
Authors: Moldwin Jennifer Fariello , Moldwin Robert M.
Published: February 2025

Purpose of Review

We intend to establish broad clinical subgroups of patients and match them to a more tailored approach with improved clinical outcomes.

Recent Findings

Patient experience over the past four decades and investigative initiatives such as The Multidisciplinary Approach to the Study of Chronic Pelvic Pain (MAPP) have led to the development of four broad categories of IC/BPS patients: bladder-centric (which is further sub-divided into those with Hunner lesion disease (HLD) and those without (IC/BPS)); widespread/centralized pain; and myofascial pelvic floor tenderness. Other systems of patient categorization, such as UPOINT, now INPUT, highlight the complexities of patient assessment.

Reanalysis of previous failed clinical trials and common sense suggests that matching the therapy's mechanism of action to the patient’s phenotype may yield better therapeutic outcomes.

Although the IC/BPS population is known to be phenotypically heterogeneous, therapeutic approaches afforded by most current guidelines have been relatively rigid, only accounting for those patients with and without Hunner lesions. Segregating the IC/BPS population further into distinct phenotypic groups that may respond to targeted therapy is relatively simplistic but represents an essential first step toward precision care.
Differential scanning fluorimetry followed by microscale thermophoresis and/or isothermal titration calorimetry as an efficient tool for ligand screening
Authors: Winiewska-Szajewska Maria , Poznański Jarosław
Published: February 2025

Various biophysical and biochemical techniques have been developed to measure the affinity of interacting molecules. This review analyzes the combination of three methods: differential scanning fluorimetry as the initial high-throughput screening technique and microscale thermophoresis and isothermal titration calorimetry as complementary methods to quantify binding affinity. The presented work is the first to detailed compare the strengths and flaws of these three specific methods, as well as their application possibilities and complementarity. The fundamentals of these methods will be covered, including the most often-used models for characterizing observable phenomena and an emphasis on methods for analyzing data. A comprehensive review of numerous approaches to data analysis found in the literature is additionally provided, with the benefits and drawbacks of each, as well as the pitfalls and related concerns. Finally, examples of different systems will be presented, and methods used and some discrepancies in results will be described and discussed.
Influence of Electron Drift Velocity on Ion-Acoustic Solitary Waves in Collisionless Electron–Positron-Ion Plasmas
Authors: Das Ranjan , Madhukalya Bhargab , Hosseini Kamyar , Alizadeh Farzaneh , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: February 2025

This study explores the complex behavior of ion-acoustic (IA) solitary waves (SWs) in unmagnetized collisionless plasmas composed of electrons, thermal positrons, and positive ions, with particular attention to the influence of electron drift velocity. By employing a fluid model and the reductive perturbation method (RPM), we retrieve the Korteweg-de Vries (KdV) equation, which describes the weakly nonlinear progression of such waves. The findings show the presence of two distinct IA modes, i.e., fast and slow. In the fast mode, KdV solitons occur within two different ranges of drift velocities (

$$0<{{v}_{e}^{\prime}}\le 172$$

0
<

v

e

′

≤
172

and

$${{v}_{e}^{\prime}}\ge 199$$

v

e

′

≥
199

), whereas for the slow mode, solitons appear when

$${{v}_{e}^{\prime}}\ge 223$$

v

e

′

≥
223

. Numerical simulations indicate that the fast mode supports both compressive and rarefactive solitons, while the slow mode only supports compressive solitons. The study underscores the importance of distinct factors such as positron density

$$\left(\mu \right)$$

μ

, electron drift velocity

$$\left({v}_{e}^{\prime}\right)$$

v

e

′

, and temperature ratios of electron to positron

$$\left(\delta \right)$$

δ

in determining the properties of solitons. The results offer valuable insights into space plasmas where similar plasma compositions and drift velocities can affect the transmission of IA waves in planetary ionospheres and interstellar spaces.
Social Policy and the Determinants of Vulnerability – Missing ‘Race’ in Climate Adaptation
Authors: Meer Nasar
Published: February 2025

This article stresses the need for climate adaptation to better grasp the social dynamics of vulnerability to climate change. It argues that prevailing approaches in the UK have been inattentive to the social determinants of vulnerability for ethnic and racial minorities. The article begins by setting out the ways in which adaptation is understood and interpolated across multiple levels in the policy process, before discussing why prevailing approaches struggle to recognise that certain social dynamics render some populations more vulnerable to the ongoing effects of climate change. Following this, it will focus on domains of housing and health to reinscribe vulnerability in adaptation as a multidimensional concept, something that registers differentiated levels of structured adaptive capacity by focusing on racialised communities. It concludes by elaborating ways forward in climate adaptation planning and action.
Aura Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) Collection 4 Formaldehyde Products
Authors: Ayazpour Zolal , González Abad Gonzalo , Nowlan Caroline R. , Sun Kang , Kwon Hyeong‐Ahn , Chan Miller Christopher , Chong Heesung , Wang Huiqun , Liu Xiong , Chance Kelly , O’Sullivan Ewan , Zhu Lei , Vigouroux Corinne , De Smedt Isabelle , Stremme Wolfgang , Hannigan James W. , Notholt Justus , Sun Xiaoyu , Palm Mathias , Petri Cristof , Strong Kimberly , Röhling Amelie N. , Mahieu Emmanuel , Smale Dan , Té Yao , Morino Isamu , Murata Isao , Nagahama Tomoo , Kivi Rigel , Makarova Maria , Jones Nicholas , Sussmann Ralf , Zhou Minqiang
Published: February 2025

This study presents the ozone monitoring instrument (OMI) Collection 4 formaldehyde (HCHO) retrieval developed with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory's (SAO) Making Earth System Data Records for Use in Research Environments (MEaSUREs) algorithm. The retrieval algorithm updates and makes improvements to the NASA operational OMI HCHO (OMI Collection 3 HCHO) algorithm, and has been transitioned to use OMI Collection 4 Level‐1B radiances. This paper describes the updated retrieval algorithm and compares Collection 3 and Collection 4 data products. The OMI Collection 4 HCHO exhibits remarkably improved stability over time in comparison to the OMI Collection 3 HCHO product, with better precision and the elimination of artificial trends present in the Collection 3 during the later years of the mission. We validate the OMI Collection 4 HCHO data product using Fourier‐Transform Infrared (FTIR) ground‐based HCHO measurements. The climatological monthly averaged OMI Collection 4 HCHO vertical column densities (VCDs) agree well with the FTIR VCDs, with a correlation coefficient of 0.83, root‐mean‐square error (RMSE) of molecules , regression slope of 0.79, and intercept of molecules . Additionally, we compare the monthly averaged OMI Collection 4 HCHO VCDs to OMPS Suomi NPP, OMPS NOAA‐20, and TROPOMI HCHO VCDs in overlapping years for 12 geographic regions. This comparison demonstrates high correlation coefficients of 0.98 (OMPS Suomi NPP), 0.97 (OMPS NOAA‐20), and 0.90 (TROPOMI).
Leveraging INSAT‐3D Indian Geostationary Satellite for Advanced Lightning Detection and Analysis
Authors: Goenka Rounaq , Taori Alok , Rao G. Srinivasa , Chauhan Prakash
Published: February 2025

Atmospheric lightning is an outcome of interplay among the meteorological parameters under the influence of convective processes occurring in troposphere. Radiation, temperature, and wind are the prime driving parameters of the convective phenomena. Often, the reanalysis data has been utilized to understand the precursors of lightning occurrences. As the lightning is a disaster where nowcasting is important, for operational utilization, it is deemed to utilize space‐borne near real‐time measurements. The present study investigates the utilization of near real‐time Indian remote sensing geostationary satellite (viz., INSAT) products (outgoing longwave radiation, land surface temperature, and winds) to identify the precursory signatures of the lightning occurrences. Results reveal that a lead‐time of about 2.5 hr can be achieved with agreement ranging from 0.6 to 0.8. The study provides first step into the prediction of the lightning occurrences over India using the Indian remote sensing geostationary satellite.
Inefficient Loss of Moderately Volatile Elements From Exposed Planetesimal Magma Oceans
Authors: Zhang Zhongtian , Driscoll Peter E.
Published: February 2025

Some melted and differentiated planetesimals, such as the parent bodies of angrites and howardite‐eucrite‐diogenite meteorites, are severely depleted in moderately volatile elements (MVEs). The origins of these depletions are critical for understanding early solar system evolution but remain topics of debate. Numerous previous studies have invoked evaporation from magma oceans as a potential mechanism for producing these depletions, yet this process is poorly explored. In this study, we examine the efficiency of MVE loss from planetesimal magma oceans. Upon heating from short‐lived , internal magma oceans can develop beneath insulating crusts. The magma oceans may be exposed to the surface by collisional disruption of the crusts, but would be rapidly cooled by the cold environments. The exposed surface would be quenched to solid/glass; even if the quenched skin can be recycled by convection such that the magma ocean can be continuously resurfaced, only a small portion of the surface can remain molten. In the convection boundary layer, “vertical” advection is suppressed, energy and element transports toward the surface occur via thermal and chemical diffusion (if MVEs do not exsolve as bubbles). As chemical diffusivity is much smaller than thermal diffusivity, MVE transport is much less efficient than heat transport, and MVE loss during magma ocean cooling is likely minimal ( the total inventory). Therefore, MVE depletions may not be easily explained by evaporation from ‐heated planetesimal magma oceans.
CircFUNDC1 interacts with CDK9 to promote mitophagy in nucleus pulposus cells under oxidative stress and ameliorates intervertebral disc degeneration
Authors: Gu Tianyuan , He Yong , Zhou Jianan , Qiu Xiaoming , Yang Wentao , Zhu Qiong , Liang Yi , Zheng Yang , Yik Jasper H. N. , Haudenschild Dominik R. , Fan Shunwu , Liu Chao , Shi Wenli , Yao Shasha , Ni Weiyu , Hu Ziang
Published: February 2025

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a leading cause of low back pain, with limited effective treatments due to an incomplete understanding of disease mechanisms. In this study, we report that circFUNDC1, a nuclear circular RNA, is markedly downregulated in nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) from patients with end-stage IVDD. CircFUNDC1 is derived from the gene encoding the FUN14 domain-containing 1 (FUNDC1) protein, which is essential for mitophagy and cell survival. Functional analyses reveal that circFUNDC1 plays a crucial role in maintaining extracellular matrix homeostasis by enhancing the expression of anabolic factors in NPCs. Additionally, we identified the transcriptional regulator cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) as a novel binding partner for circFUNDC1. Binding with circFUNDC1 recruits CDK9 via complementary nucleotides to the FUNDC1 promoter to stimulate the production of full-length FUNDC1 mRNAs and proteins, forming a positive feedback loop. Overexpression of circFUNDC1 protects NPCs from oxidative stress by promoting mitophagy, reducing reactive oxygen species levels, and inhibiting cellular senescence. Moreover, circFUNDC1 overexpression delays the onset of IVDD in an ex-vivo culture model. This study is the first to demonstrate that circFUNDC1 is vital for protecting NPCs from oxidative stress, suggesting circFUNDC1 as a potential therapeutic target for IVDD.
The proteomic landscape of stool-derived extracellular vesicles in patients with pre-cancerous lesions and colorectal cancer
Authors: Northrop-Albrecht Emmalee J. , Kim Yohan , Taylor William R. , Majumder Shounak , Kisiel John B. , Lucien Fabrice
Published: February 2025

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the 2nd most fatal cancer in the United States, but when detected early it is highly curable. Stool-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a novel biomarker source that could augment the sensitivity for detection of CRC precursors. However, standardization of isolation methods for stool-derived EVs remains underexplored. We previously reported that size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) followed by ultrafiltration (UF-100kDa) was suitable for human stool supernatant EV isolation. In this study, we first assess alternative EV concentration methods (ultrafiltration [UF]; 10 kDa, 30 kDa, 50 kDa, 100 kDa and speed vacuum [SV]). Second, we investigate the host/bacterial EV proteomes by mass spectrometry. We report no difference in recovery, RNA and soluble protein contamination among concentration methods. Proteomic analysis reveals a diverse bacterial proteome, while human-derived proteins are more abundant. Specifically, pancreatic enzymes are among the most abundant proteins, further exploration revealed that zymogen granules are likely co-isolated in stool EV preparations. To enable discovery of EV-based molecular signatures of CRC precursors with high sensitivity, immunocapture strategies will likely be needed. Notably, we identified 10 surface proteins that may serve as candidates for the purification of colon-derived EVs. This work serves as framework for the future discovery and validation of EV-based biomarkers for CRC.
ZIP-8/Ag-based size-selective SERS nanoplatform for ultrasensitive urea detection in milk samples: effects of analyte molecular dimensions on adsorption capacity and sensing performance
Authors: Nga Dao Thi Nguyet , Mai Quan Doan , Nguyen Linh Ho Thuy , Doan Tan Le Hoang , Thi Kim Oanh Vu , Ngoc Bach Ta , Dinh Lam Vu , Nguyen Ha Anh , Le Anh-Tuan
Published: February 2025

Urea, methylene blue and Congo red were employed to investigate SERS performance of a ZIP-8/Ag heterostructure. Small dimensions allowed urea to be adsorbed into ZIP-8 framework, leading to enhancement in its SERS signal while the others were not.
Diastereoselective synthesis of (Z)-fluoroalkene dipeptide isosteres utilizing chiral auxiliaries
Authors: Kobayakawa Takuya , Arioka Marisa , Yamamoto Kenichi , Tsuji Kohei , Tamamura Hirokazu
Published: February 2025

A diastereo-controlled synthetic method for (Z)-fluoroalkene dipeptide isosteres (FADIs) was developed utilizing our established methodology for chloroalkene dipeptide isosteres (CADIs) to construct two chiral centers.
Wavelet‐Based Texture Mining and Enhancement for Face Forgery Detection
Authors: Li Xin , Zhao Hui , Xu Bingxin , Liu Hongzhe
Published: February 2025

Due to the abuse of deep forgery technology, the research on forgery detection methods has become increasingly urgent. The corresponding relationship between the frequency spectrum information and the spatial clues, which is often neglected by current methods, could be conducive to a more accurate and generalized forgery detection. Motivated by this inspiration, we propose a wavelet‐based texture mining and enhancement framework for face forgery detection. First, we introduce a frequency‐guided texture enhancement (FGTE) module that mining the high‐frequency information to improve the network’s extraction of effective texture features. Next, we propose a global–local feature refinement (GLFR) module to enhance the model’s leverage of both global semantic features and local texture features. Moreover, the interactive fusion module (IFM) is designed to fully incorporate the enhanced texture clues with spatial features. The proposed method has been extensively evaluated on five public datasets, such as FaceForensics++ (FF++), deepfake (DF) detection (DFD) challenge (DFDC), Celeb‐DFv2, DFDC preview (DFDC‐P), and DFD, for face forgery detection, yielding promising performance within and cross dataset experiments.
Room temperature amplified spontaneous emission in CsPbBr3 polycrystalline thin films in transmission configuration
Authors: Enea Nicoleta , Tommasi Federico , Forcieri Leonardo , Ion Valentin , Andrei Florin , Calisi Nicola , Falsini Naomi , Cavalieri Stefano , Vinattieri Anna
Published: February 2025

We present an experimental study concerning the interplay between amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) and photoluminescence in polycrystalline thin films (100–300 nm) realized by Radio-Frequency Magnetron Sputtering (RF-MS) without the use of a waveguide configuration. Our results show that the amplification of the spontaneous emission requires only a thickness comparable to the absorption length (≈100 nm). Moreover, the strong ASE signal measured at room temperature shows a peculiar behavior performing a z-scan of the exciting beam waist: increasing the fluence, the decrease of the ASE intensity is accompanied by a significant decrease of the absorption coefficient, indicating the onset of a non-linear process due to multiexciton population (space filling effect) in the film nanocrystallites. Our studies performed with high spectral resolution reveal a modal structure with a significant stability in time, both in the spectral line shape and intensity, from pulse to pulse and demonstrate that CsPbBr3 nanometric films deposited by RF-MS can be efficiently used as active material for coherent light amplification. Moreover, the absorption change detected at high photon fluence can be used for the development of light modulators.
Effect of particle size on acoustic vortex manipulation of Mie particles
Authors: Zhou Juan , Han Fei , Huang Laixin , Wen Yonghao , Cai Feiyan , Meng Long , Liu Zhiyuan , Li Fei , Zheng Hairong
Published: February 2025

An acoustic vortex with orbit angular momentum can manipulate a particle in a single beam and multiple freedom manner, gaining increasing interest in recent years. We studied the performance of acoustic vortex trapping of wavelength-scale Mie particles with a negative acoustic contrast factor. It was found that there was a particle-size dependence of the trapping position in an acoustic vortex field: (1) particles with a radius less than 0.69 λ were trapped in the vortex ring; (2) particles with a radius larger than 0.76 λ were trapped in the vortex center. The physical mechanism originated from the competition between the gradient force induced by an incident acoustic field and the scattering force from scattered waves by the particles, and those high-order scattering terms over the fourth order will play significant roles with the increase of the particle size. The experimental results of two polydimethylsiloxane particles with radii of 500 μm and 1.2 mm validated the prediction under a synthesized vortex beam via a planar ultrasonic array with 256 elements and a working frequency of 1.04 MHz. This investigation will increase the physical insight of the interaction between acoustic vortex beam and matter and pave the way to developing acoustical tweezers to manipulate large objects for drug delivery, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine.
Propulsion performance of a flapping foil near free surfaces: Effects of submergence depth, Strouhal number, and pitching amplitude
Authors: Qi Zhanfeng , Xing Ziwen , Wang Yumei , Chen Xuanyu , Li Haolei , Liu Yan , Shang Zhiyuan
Published: February 2025

We numerically investigate the propulsion performance of a flapping foil operating near a free surface, focusing on the effects of submergence depth, Strouhal number, pitching amplitude, and surface features. A two-dimensional flapping foil of a National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) section 0015, subjected to coupled pitching and heaving motions, is simulated using the Volume of Fluid (VOF) method and overset grid techniques at a Reynolds number of 1 × 105. Results show that submergence depth critically affects the hydrodynamic performance of the flapping foil by modulating the ground effect. At small submergence depths, interactions between the free surface and flapping foil induce energy dissipation and reduce thrust generation, particularly on the upper surface of the foil during its ascending phase. However, as submergence depth increases beyond a threshold, i.e., more than five times the flapping chord length, the ground effect diminishes rapidly. Further, the Strouhal number exhibits a positive correlation with the thrust generation of the flapping foil, enhancing propulsion through intensified dipole structures and jet-like wake effects. In contrast, pitching amplitude shows a negative correlation, as excessive amplitudes decrease propulsion performance. Moreover, the comparative analysis of free and rigid surfaces highlighted that the free surface introduces energy dissipation and slightly degrades propulsion performance at small submergence depths.
Oxygen transport in pulsatile non-Newtonian fluid through a stenosed artery
Authors: Nagarani P. , Job Victor , Sankar Alana , Gunakala Sreedhara Rao
Published: February 2025

This paper explores non-Newtonian fluid flow and the transport of oxygen through a stenosed artery. The Casson fluid model was used to describe the pulsatile blood flow within the artery, whereas the oxygen transport was modeled using a convection-diffusion equation with suitable initial and boundary conditions. An analytical solution for the axial flow velocity was obtained based on the regular perturbation technique, then the finite element method was used to solve the nonlinear convection-diffusion equation to compute the local oxygen concentration. The impact of yield stress, Schmidt number, Womersley frequency parameter, maximum stenosis height, and pressure fluctuating parameter was investigated for the axial velocity, wall shear stress, local concentration, and average Sherwood number.
Readout electronics for neutron detectors at CSNS and CSNS-II: challenges, solutions, and progress
Authors: Liu H. , Bao X. , Cai D. , Chen S. , Guo H. , Jiang X. , Lai Y. , Li Q. , Li Y. , Luo H. , Ren J. , Sun Z. , Wang X. , Wang K. , Xiao L. , Xiu Q. , Yin W. , Yu L. , Zeng L. , Zhao Y. , Zhou J.
Published: February 2025

The China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS), operational since 2018, is upgrading to CSNS-II, increasing the proton beam power to 500 kW and requiring advancements in detector technology and readout electronics. This paper summarizes the current state of readout electronics at CSNS and outlines the challenges posed by the CSNS-II upgrade, including higher neutron flux, vacuum operation requirements, and demands for higher spatial resolution. We present the development of low-power electronics suitable for vacuum environments, such as customized ASIC preamplifiers and digitization modules for 3He position-sensitive detectors. Additionally, we discuss the implementation of high-resolution Timepix4-based neutron cameras and high-density readout systems for 3He-GEM detectors. Preliminary results from demonstrator tests indicate that these solutions meet the stringent requirements of CSNS-II. These advancements will play a crucial role in the success of upcoming neutron instruments and significantly contribute to materials science research.
Transforming the Twentieth Century
Authors: Smil Vaclav
Published: February 2025

Most of the fundamental technical advances that enabled the great human progress of the twentieth century (falling mortality, rising longevity, higher literacy and incomes, and wider ownership of consumer items) originated during the two singularly innovative generations preceding World War I: our debt to the Age of Synergy is enormous. But these advances were, often admirably, transformed by more efficient and more reliable designs that provided higher quality at lower cost while requiring lower material use: notable examples range from steel production to electricity generation and from marine shipping to intercontinental flight. In addition, the twentieth century saw fundamental technical advances in sectors ranging from energy (global expansion of hydrocarbon industry, generation of nuclear electricity) and food (high-yielding crops, pesticides, herbicides) to mechanization and robotization of industrial production and to the rapid rise of computing and telecommunications based on solid-state electronics.
Energy Conversions
Authors: Smil Vaclav
Published: February 2025

All established means of energy production (from coal and oil extraction to electricity generation) saw impressive improvements in capacity (mines, tankers, turbogenerators), productivity (per shift, per well), and efficiency. The century was marked by the transition from coal to oil and gas, by gradual decarbonization of the fuel supply, by mass-scale electrification, and by the introduction of a new way of electricity generation (nuclear fission) and of a new internal combustion engine as gas turbines were deployed first for stationary electricity generation and soon afterward in flight and in shipping. Nuclear generation did not fulfil its early commercial promise, but nuclear weapons present an unprecedented peril to the civilization’s survival.
Rationalized Production
Authors: Smil Vaclav
Published: February 2025

All economic sectors were transformed by mechanization and by optimization of inputs. Food production benefitted from the adoption of field machinery, irrigation, and the applications of fertilizers (above all of nitrogen), pesticides, and herbicides. All kinds of mineral extraction became highly mechanized, as did the mining of coal and production of oil gas (including offshore drilling). The automotive industry led the process of advancing from assembly lines to completely labor-free automatization enabled by specialized and multipurpose robots, and the process accelerated by widespread use of computers and numerical control. Japanese companies led the quest for continuous quality control aimed at minimizing defective products, and industrial processes became geared not just to mass production but to variety and flexibility.
Resolving Leukemia Heterogeneity and Lineage Aberrations with HematoMap
Authors: Dai Yuting , Ouyang Wen , Jin Wen , Zhang Fan , Cheng Wenyan , Li Jianfeng , He Shuo , Zong Junqi , Cao Shijia , Zhou Chenxin , Luo Junchen , Lu Gang , Huang Jinyan , Fang Hai , Sun Xiaojian , Wang Kankan , Chen Saijuan
Published: February 2025

Precise mapping of leukemic cells onto the known hematopoietic hierarchy is important for understanding the cell-of-origin and mechanisms underlying disease initiation and development. However, this task remains challenging because of the high interpatient and intrapatient heterogeneity of leukemia cell clones as well as the differences existed between leukemic and normal hematopoietic cells. Using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data with a curated clustering approach, we constructed a comprehensive reference hierarchy of normal hematopoiesis. This reference hierarchy was accomplished through multistep clustering and annotating over 100,000 bone marrow mononuclear cells derived from 25 healthy donors. We further employed the cosine distance algorithm to develop a likelihood score, determining the similarities of leukemic cells to their putative normal counterparts. Using our scoring strategies, we mapped the cells of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and B cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL) samples to their corresponding counterparts. The reference hierarchy also facilitated bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis, enabling the development of a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) score model to reveal subtle differences in lineage aberrancy within AML or BCP-ALL patients. To facilitate interpretation and application, we have established an R-based package (HematoMap) that offers a fast, convenient, and user-friendly tool for identifying and visualizing lineage aberrations in leukemia from scRNA-seq and bulk RNA-seq data. Our tool provides curated resources and data analytics for understanding leukemogenesis, with the potential to enhance leukemia risk stratification and personalized treatments. The HematoMap is available at https://github.com/NRCTM-bioinfo/HematoMap.
Identification, Characterization, and Fungicide Sensitivity of Botryosphaeriaceae Fungi Associated with Avocado Branch Canker Disease in Southern California
Authors: Valencia Bernal Valentina , Pegahrad Zahra , Kamali Dashtarzhaneh Mehdi , Khodadadi Fatemeh
Published: February 2025

Avocado branch canker disease, caused by Botryosphaeriaceae fungi, threatens avocado (Persea americana Mill.) production in California, reducing yield and orchard lifespan. To effectively manage avocado branch canker, it is imperative to identify the causal fungal species accurately and understand their biology and pathogenic potential. Over 500 fungal isolates were collected from symptomatic branches of avocados showing a general decline, including cankers and dieback of arms and twigs across several California orchards (n=23). Seventy-one representative isolates were selected for detailed analysis based on location, tissue type, colony morphology, and spore characteristics. Multi-locus phylogenetic analysis identified four Botryosphaeriaceae species: Neofusicoccum luteum (most prevalent, 66 isolates), Lasiodiplodia theobromae (3 isolates), Botryosphaeria dothidea (1 isolate), and Neofusicoccum australe (1 isolate). Pathogenicity tests revealed significant variability in aggressiveness, with L. theobromae (26.3 ± 3.77 mm) and N. luteum (23.6 ± 0.87 mm) causing the largest lesions. Additionally, a sporulation trial on an N. australe isolate revealed that acidified potato dextrose agar amended with sterilized pine needles at 22°C under constant light optimized its sporulation. In vitro fungicide assays identified fluazinam as the most effective fungicide across the species exhibiting the lowest EC50 values. Metconazole and propiconazole also exhibited low EC50, while azoxystrobin and boscalid showed the highest. Furthermore, L. theobromae showed reduced sensitivity to azoxystrobin (18.711 μg/mL), cyproconazole (6.381 μg/mL), flutriafol (4.151 μg/mL), and pyraclostrobin (5.477 μg/mL). These findings highlight the importance of species-specific identification and provide critical insights for integrated disease management strategies.
Evaluation of the Efficacy of NAI-9071 on Potato Black Scurf and Fusarium Dry Rot in Maine, 2024
Authors: Fan Xiaowei , Teng Lijie , Zhang Xiuyan , Morris Shayli , Askarizadeh Mandana , Hynes Georgia , Chim Bee , Hao Jianjun
Published: February 2025

Black scurf and Fusarium dry rot, caused by the fungal pathogens Rhizoctonia solani and Fusarium species, respectively, are economically significant potato diseases in the United States. Symptoms include dark, hardened sclerotia on the tuber surface in black scurf, as well as seed piece decay, shriveling, and internal discoloration in Fusarium dry rot, leading to poor emergence, reduced yield, and post-harvest losses. This report evaluates the efficacy of seed treatments using NAI-9071 and Emesto Silver for controlling Black scurf and Fusarium dry rot in potatoes. This trial was conducted in Presque Isle, ME in 2024 on potato (Solanum tuberosum) ‘Russet Burbank’. The results of this study can help improve disease management strategies in the United States, reducing yield losses and enhancing potato quality.
Ableism After Critical Illness: A Qualitative Translation of Key Concepts to the Post-ICU Context
Authors: Scheunemann Leslie P. , Christensen Janelle C. , Motter Erica M. , Kim S. Peter , Eisenhauer Peter , Gandhi Nimit , Tomko Heather , Potter Kelly M. , Girard Timothy D. , Reynolds Charles F. , Leland Natalie E.
Published: February 2025

Objectives:

Ableism—discrimination and social prejudice against people with disabilities—defines people by their disability and assumes that disabled people require fixing. We sought to characterize ableism after critical illness and to describe its relationship with care delivery.

Design:

A secondary analysis of semi-structured individual interviews (n = 42) and ten group interviews (n = 68 participants) using modified grounded theory. We identified categories of ableism informed by existing disability studies literature and used patterns in the analysis to describe overarching themes.

Setting:

A large healthcare system in western Pennsylvania.

Participants:

Critical illness survivors, family members, clinicians, and administrators.

Interventions:

None.

Measurements and Main Results:

Two overarching themes emerged: ableism presents multifaceted barriers to participation in meaningful activities after critical illness, and it is endemic. We observed examples of ableism in all interviews. The quotes characterizing ableism fell into six categories: 1) infantilization and patronization; 2) disability leading to inability; 3) denial of disability experience; 4) invasion of privacy and denial of meaningful relationships; 5) being ignored and excluded; and 6) pushing care providers beyond their perceived capacity. When participants expressed ableism toward others, it was typically matter-of-fact; however, when participants described experiencing or witnessing ableism, they expressed feelings ranging from anxiety to outrage. Participants explicitly and implicitly connected expressions of ableism to broader policies and practices, providing evidence that ableism is endemic to this healthcare system.

Conclusions:

Ableism presents multifaceted barriers to participation after critical illness, undermining resilience and wellbeing. We hypothesize that anti-ableist interventions could reduce disability-related barriers to resilience to optimize recovery after critical illness.
Health Care Disparities and Critical Illnesses-Related Mortality in the United States
Authors: Lee Yu-Che , Fadell Francois , Chang Ko-Yun , Baek Jessica , Rahman Muhaimen , Kickel Corrine , El-Solh Ali
Published: February 2025

Objectives:

To examine the association between social vulnerability index (SVI) and social deprivation index (SDI) with critical illness-related mortality in the United States and to guide future research and interventions aimed at reducing disparities in outcomes in patients with critical illness.

Design:

A cross-sectional study using county-level data.

Setting:

United States with data sourced from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research and the American Community Survey.

Patients:

County-level populations of all ages across the United States from 2015 to 2019.

Interventions:

None.

Measurements and Main Results:

Age-adjusted mortality rates for four categories of critical illnesses (respiratory, cardiac, neurologic, and renal/gastrointestinal) were analyzed against the county-level SVI and SDI. We assessed critical illness-related mortality associated with SVI and SDI through negative binomial regression models. Mortality rates per 100,000 were highest for cardiac (212.4; 95% CI, 212.2–212.6), followed by respiratory (116.8; 95% CI, 116.7–117.0), neurologic (30.8; 95% CI, 30.8–30.9), and renal/gastrointestinal illnesses (25.2; 95% CI, 25.1–25.3). Mortality was greater among adults 65 years old and older, males, Black or African American individuals, and those living in rural areas. Higher SVI and SDI were associated with increased mortality, with the strongest correlation found for cardiac critical illnesses, showing rate ratios of 1.52 (95% CI, 1.48–1.57) for SDI and 1.43 (95% CI, 1.39–1.47) for SVI. Specific diagnoses with the highest incidence rate ratios included sepsis (1.63 [95% CI, 1.58–1.69] for SVI and 1.75 [95% CI, 1.70–1.80] for SDI), cardiac arrest (1.92 [95% CI, 1.80–2.04] for SVI and 1.98 [95% CI, 1.86–2.10] for SDI), anoxic brain damage (1.62 [95% CI, 1.45–1.81] for SVI and 1.60 [95% CI, 1.45–1.76] for SDI), and acute hepatic failure (1.51 [95% CI, 0.92–2.46] for SVI and 1.49 [95% CI, 1.08–2.05] for SDI). The SDI demonstrated a stronger correlation with mortality compared with the SVI, with socioeconomic status, poverty, education, and unemployment being the most impactful indicators.

Conclusions:

Critical illness mortality is significantly associated with indicators of socioeconomic disadvantage. The SDI appears to be a more effective tool than the SVI for guiding resource allocation. Targeted interventions to address social determinants of health, including poverty, education, and unemployment, are essential to reduce disparities and improve outcomes in patients with critical illness. Public health strategies should focus on addressing these social determinants and enhancing support for vulnerable populations and areas.
An Objective Analysis of the Effect of Obstructive Sleep Apnea on Anterior Segment Parameters
Authors: Dursun Erdem , Derhem Baki , Karacan İsmet , Oğurel Tevfik
Published: February 2025

Objectives:

To evaluate the effect of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) on corneal anterior segment parameters compared with body mass index (BMI)-matched and polysomnography (PSG)-negative healthy controls.

Methods:

This cross-sectional case-control study included 42 patients with OSAS and 25 age-sex BMI-matched and PSG-negative healthy volunteers. Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome was diagnosed by the polysomnographic sleep test, and the control subjects were determined from a negative overnight PSG. Maximum keratometry (Kmax), central corneal thickness, corneal symmetry index (SI), keratoconus vertex (KV), Baiocchi–Calossi–Versaci (BCV), anterior chamber volume (ACV), anterior chamber angle (ACA), and anterior chamber depth (ACD) values from topographic measurements and endothelial cell density (ECD), coefficient of variation, and hexagonality percentage (Hex) values from specular microscopic measurements were recorded.

Results:

In our study, 48 eyes of 24 patients with mild-moderate OSAS (Group 1) and 36 eyes of 18 patients with severe OSAS (Group 2) and 50 eyes of 25 BMI-matched and PSG-negative volunteers (Group 3) were evaluated. Among the keratoconus index values, front and back KV values were significantly higher in the OSAS group compared with the control group (P=0.001, P:0.003, respectively), while there was no significant difference in SI and BCV values (P>0.05). Central corneal thickness was statistically lower in the severe OSAS group compared with the control group. There was no statistically significant difference between patients with OSAS and controls in Kmax, ACD, ACA, and ACV values. Among the specular microscopic measurements, the ECD value was significantly lower in the severe OSAS group (P<0.05).

Conclusion:

In the study comparing age-sex and BMI-matched groups, some abnormal changes in corneal endothelial morphology and topographic keratoconus screening indices were observed in patients with OSAS. We assume that these corneal changes are due to intermittent hypoxia and hypoxia-induced inflammatory response during apnea–hypopnea episodes in OSAS.
Efficacy of Silicone Gel Versus Placebo for Postsurgical Scars of the Eyelids: A Randomized, Controlled, Double-Blinded Study
Authors: Karanfilian Troy S. , Thuma Tobin , Cheng Tiffany , Paramo Ricky , Moon Jee-Young , Akella Sruti , Barmettler Anne
Published: February 2025

Purpose:

While silicone has been shown to be effective on scars on the sternum, foot, and other areas with thicker skin, the effect of silicone on scars in the thin periocular skin has not yet been evaluated in a prospective, randomized, and double-blinded fashion.

Methods:

This prospective, randomized, double-blinded study enrolled patients undergoing bilateral upper eyelid blepharoplasty or bilateral upper eyelid ptosis repair. Subjects were randomized to apply silicone gel to 1 eyelid incision site and placebo (petrolatum ointment) to the other side twice daily postoperatively. Outcome measures were physician-graded scar erythema, elevation, and pigmentation, as well as patient-reported satisfaction, itching, pain, and firmness. These were assessed postoperatively at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months.

Results:

Of 192 eyelids from 96 patients, there were no significant (p ≤ 0.05) differences in any outcomes between silicone gel and placebo across any measure or time point. Patient satisfaction and blinded doctor and patient appearance preferences did not show any significant difference between the 2 treatments at any time point. Average follow-up was 11 weeks (range: 1–136 weeks).

Discussion:

This clinical trial suggests that topical silicone may not offer significant advantages over petrolatum ointment in improving eyelid scar healing. Overall results indicate similar efficacy between treatments. These results underscore the importance of evidence-based medicine in choosing beneficial and cost-effective interventions.
Digital PCR quantification of hematopoietic chimerism by insertion/deletion: A personalized selection for different chimerism status
Authors: Li Dai-Yang , Xiao Pei-Li , Li Ye-Mo , An Lin , Wang Ning-Juan , Yuan Zhi-Yang , Du Ke-Ming , Zheng Zhong-Zheng
Published: February 2025

Background:

Clinical decision-making after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is partially based on hematopoietic chimerism analysis. Short tandem repeat (STR), the current gold standard for quantitative chimerism analysis, has limited sensitivity. Digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) combines precise quantification and high reproducibility with excellent sensitivity (usually ≤ 0.1%) in a wide measurement range. However, the reported dPCR-based chimerism detection methods were developed in non-Chinese cohorts and may not be applicable in a Chinese population.

Methods:

To achieve higher sensitivity and accuracy, we first screened out 14 insertions/deletions (indel) loci with high individual recognition rates in Asian populations based on the literature and NCBI. Then, we established a dPCR detection system for routine chimerism assessment (“dPCR-chimerism system”) in the Chinese transplant population. We compared the consistencies between STR and dPCR in patient samples.

Results:

The newly established dPCR-chimerism system has a high coverage (12 pairs of autosomes), a sensitivity of 0.01%, and an excellent linearity of 0.016%-50%. For dual-donor samples, there was a strong correlation between STR and dPCR chimerism detection values (R2 = 0.9974). The R2 of the dPCR results was higher than STR when the theoretical chimerism rate of the single recipient was ≤ 5%. Clinical verification in 44 HSCT patients suggested a close correlation between STR and dPCR on most occasions, (mean difference, 0.68%) and differences between the two techniques in some cases.

Conclusion:

Our new system has great repeatability and sensitivity, especially in detecting micro-chimerism and in dual donor samples. It is expected to show good applicability in Chinese transplant patients. Selecting dPCR/STR testing according to each individual’s chimerism status facilitates sensitive and accurate analysis, effective early treatment interventions, and relapse monitoring in clinical settings.
Air pollution causes abnormal alanine aminotransferase levels in patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Jang Tyng-Yuan , Zeng Yu-ting , Liang Po-Cheng , Wu Chih-Da , Wei Yu-Ju , Tsai Pei-Chien , Hsu Po-Yao , Tsai Yi-Shan , Hsieh Ming-Yen , Lin Yi-Hung , Hsieh Meng-Hsuan , Wang Chih-Wen , Yang Jeng-Fu , Yeh Ming-Lun , Huang Chung-Feng , Chuang Wan-Long , Huang Jee-Fu , Batsaikhan Batbold , Dai Chia-Yen , Chen Pau-Chung , Yu Ming-Lung
Published: February 2025

Background:

To investigate the association between air pollution and abnormal alanine aminotransferase levels in patients with chronic hepatitis B treated with nucleotide/nucleoside analogs.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study enrolled 1,275 patients with chronic hepatitis B treated with nucleotide/nucleoside analogs from 2019 to 2022 in Kaohsiung and analyzed the incidence and risk factors for abnormal alanine aminotransferase levels. Daily air pollutant concentrations were estimated for the year prior to enrolment.

Results:

Abnormal alanine aminotransferase levels were observed in 1,127 patients (88.4%) before treatment with nucleotide/nucleoside analogs (NAs). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the strongest factor associated with abnormal alanine aminotransferase levels was the level of hepatitis B virus DNA (odds ratio/confidence interval: 1.40/1.25-1.57; p<0.001), followed by concentration of particulate matter ≤2.5 µm in diameter (1.05/1.02-1.08; p<0.001) and liver cirrhosis (0.27/0.17-0.42; p<0.001). Among patients without cirrhosis, logistic regression analysis revealed that the strongest factors associated with abnormal alanine aminotransferase levels were the level of hepatitis B virus DNA (odds ratio/confidence interval: 1.52/1.28-1.82; p<0.001) and concentration of particulate matter ≤2.5 µm in diameter (1.06/1.101-1.11; p=0.01). Among patients with cirrhosis, logistic regression analysis revealed that the strongest factor associated with abnormal alanine aminotransferase levels was hepatitis B virus DNA level (odds ratio/confidence interval: 1.28/1.12-1.48; p=0.001).

Conclusion:

Higher concentrations of particulate matter ≤2.5 µm in diameter caused elevated baseline alanine aminotransferase levels in patients with chronic hepatitis B receiving nucleotide/nucleoside analog therapy. The impact of particulate matter ≤2.5 µm in diameter on abnormal alanine aminotransferase levels was particularly pronounced in patients without cirrhosis.