bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trends and patterns of dual use of combustible tobacco and e‐cigarettes among adults in England: A population study, 2016–2024
Authors: Jackson Sarah E. , Cox Sharon , Shahab Lion , Brown Jamie
Published: January 2025

Background/Aims

E‐cigarettes are frequently used by people who smoke. This study measured how the prevalence and patterns of smoking and vaping (‘dual use’) in England have changed as the vaping market has rapidly evolved.

Design

Representative monthly cross‐sectional survey, July 2016 to April 2024.

Setting

England.

Participants

128 588 adults (≥18y).

Measurements

Logistic regression estimated associations between survey wave and dual use. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse patterns of smoking and vaping, overall and by sociodemographic, smoking and vaping characteristics and harm perceptions of e‐cigarettes vs. cigarettes.

Findings

Across the period, the overall prevalence of dual use increased non‐linearly from 3.5% to 5.2% of adults [prevalence ratio (PR) = 1.49 (1.25–1.76)]. Among adults who smoked, the proportion who also vaped was relatively stable up to mid‐2021, at an average of 18.6% between July 2016 and May 2021, then increased rapidly to 34.2% by April 2024 [PR = 1.76 (1.48–2.09)]. This increase was greatest at younger ages [e.g. from 19.6% to 59.4% among 18‐ to 24‐year‐olds; PR = 3.04 (2.28–4.23)]. The most common pattern of dual use across the period was daily cigarette smoking with daily vaping [49.0% (47.3–50.8%)]. Over time, the proportion of dual users reporting daily cigarette smoking with non‐daily vaping decreased [from 35.2% to 15.0%; PR = 0.43 (0.29–0.63)], offset primarily by an increase in the proportion reporting non‐daily cigarette smoking with daily vaping [from 7.6% to 21.5%; PR = 2.84 (1.71–4.72)]. Daily cigarette smoking with daily vaping was more common (and non‐daily cigarette smoking with daily vaping less common) among dual users who were older, less advantaged, mainly smoked hand‐rolled cigarettes, had stronger urges to smoke and had been vaping for ≤6 months. Daily vaping was more common among dual users who thought e‐cigarettes were less/equally harmful as cigarettes, or were unsure.

Conclusions

In England, vaping prevalence has increased rapidly among adults who smoke since 2021, which was when disposable e‐cigarettes started to become popular. Since 2016, patterns of dual use have shifted away from more frequent smoking towards more frequent vaping. This may be the result of increasing prevalence of dual use among younger adults, who are more likely than older dual users to smoke non‐daily and vape daily.
Altered retinal vasculature in childhood cancer survivors: Data from the German CVSS‐study
Authors: Schuster Alexander K. , Voigt Anna Maria , Jäger Tamara , Nickels Stefan , Schulz Andreas , Faber Jörg , Wingerter Arthur , Merzenich Hiltrud , Schmidtmann Irene , Beutel Manfred E. , Münzel Thomas , Lackner Karl J. , Pfeiffer Norbert , Wild Philipp S.
Published: January 2025

Aims

Childhood cancer is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases in later life. Retinal examination allows to non‐invasively observe the vasculature of an end‐organ. We observe alterations in long‐term childhood cancer survivors (CCS).

Methods

In the Cardiac and Vascular Late Sequelae in Long‐Term Survivors of Childhood Cancer‐Study, 1002 CCS (23–48 years) having neoplasia prior to 15 years of age were prospectively enrolled in a general and ophthalmologic examination including fundus photography. Central retinal vessel equivalents (arterial: CRAE; venous CRVE) were measured and linear regression analysis was computed to compare CCS to controls from the population‐based Gutenberg Health Study (GHS) with adjustment for potential cardiovascular and ophthalmological confounders. Differences in cancer types and treatments were explored.

Results

For 837 CCS (45.3% female), CRAE and CRVE were conducted. Both were smaller in CCS previously having leukaemia, central nervous system tumour, neuroblastoma, renal tumour, malignant bone tumour, soft tissue sarcoma and germ cell tumour than in GHS controls. No difference was found for CCS with prior lymphoma. Previous radiotherapy of head or neck was associated with a smaller CRVE. Higher mean arterial blood pressure and intake of antihypertensive medication were associated with smaller CRAE.

Conclusions

Retinal vasculature is altered in CCS leading to smaller retinal arteries and veins. Our finding indicates that childhood cancer and its treatment leads to systemic alterations of the microcirculation on both branches of the vasculature system. While the retinal venous vasculature is altered by radiotherapy, the lower vessel width of the arterial branch is associated with arterial hypertension.
Exploring disparities in research through the lens of epistemic exclusion: A focus on Analyses of Social Issues and Public Policy
Authors: Jones Martinque K. , Grower Petal , Settles Isis H. , Gaskin‐Cole Gabriella , Son Eun Ju , Buchanan NiCole T. , Dotson Kristie
Published: January 2025

Epistemic exclusion is a form of scholarly devaluation based on disciplinary and identity‐based biases within systems of evaluation. In two studies, we draw upon the theory of epistemic exclusion to explore potential biases shaping journal review and publication processes in Analyses of Social Issues and Public Policy (ASAP). In Study 1, we coded 1293 manuscripts submitted to ASAP between 2016 and 2021 to determine if there were disparities in the review and publication of manuscripts centered on race/racism, gender/sexism, intersectionality, or other marginalized social identities/systems of oppression (focal manuscripts) compared to manuscripts not focused on these topics (non‐focal manuscripts). Results indicated both types of manuscripts were submitted to similar levels of scrutiny, and focal manuscripts were 1.85 times more likely to be published. In Study 2, we surveyed 106 authors who had submitted to ASAP to explore differences in experiences of epistemic exclusion across types of research and social identities (race and gender) and investigate whether epistemic exclusion was related to authors being published. Results indicated that researchers conducting marginalized research experienced less epistemic exclusion than their counterparts. Women experienced more epistemic exclusion than men, though Asian/Asian American/Pacific Islander, underrepresented minority, and White scholars experienced similar levels of exclusion. Experiences of epistemic exclusion were negatively associated with being published. Implications and future directions are discussed.
Economic growth targets and carbon emissions: Evidence from 278 cities in China
Authors: Chang Liang , Shan Yi , Tan Na , Yang Zhenzhen
Published: January 2025

The existing literature tends to overlook the trade‐off between the local government's dual goals of achieving economic growth targets and protecting the environment. This study reveals the adverse effects that local governments may have on the environment under the pressure of economic growth, indicating that an increase in regional economic growth targets is associated with an increase in local carbon emissions. Using data from Chinese prefecture‐level cities from 2000 to 2021, we find a 1% increase in the GDP growth target is associated with an increase in carbon emissions per unit of GDP of 1.6%. The mechanism analysis indicates that a higher regional growth target results in the entry of highly polluting new enterprises and a reduction in environmental protection‐related inputs, which consequently leads to an increase in carbon emissions. The implementation of administrative and market‐based policies, including government policy planning and piloting of emission rights, can mitigate the driving effect of growth targets on carbon emissions. This study provides new evidence on the impact of regional economic growth pressures on carbon emissions and serves as an important reference for governments seeking to formulate effective carbon emission reduction policies.
A review on the role of extrapolation as basis for paediatric marketing authorization applications of medicines in the EU
Authors: Simons Charlotte W. M. , Maton Loes C. H. , van Dartel Maaike , van den Heuvel Michiel , den Otter Loes , Versantvoort Carolien , Colin Pieter J. , Koomen Jeroen V.
Published: January 2025

Aims

For new medicines, drug companies obtain regulatory approval on the strategy to generate evidence in the paediatric population, which can be supported by extrapolation of evidence obtained in a reference population. This study investigated whether paediatric marketing authorization applications (PMAAs) supported by extrapolation based on exposure‐matching were more successful—i.e. approval of the targeted paediatric population—and efficient—i.e. duration of the drug development—compared to PMAAs not supported by extrapolation.

Methods

Data was extracted from completed paediatric investigation plans (PIPs), associated drug labels and public assessment reports published on the European Medicines Agency website. Assessment reports were evaluated to assess whether PMAAs were supported by extrapolation based on exposure‐matching. Wilcoxon rank‐sum tests were used to compare PMAAs supported and not supported by extrapolation based on exposure‐matching for outcomes of interest.

Results

Exposure‐matching supported the benefit/risk assessment of 39.6% of the PMAAs. Targeted and approved minimum age of the paediatric population were comparable for PMAAs where extrapolation based on exposure‐matching supported the benefit/risk assessment (2.0 vs. 2.0 years, P‐value = .72), but not for PMAAs not supported by extrapolation (0.2 years vs. 0.5 years, P‐value = .05). Completion of drug development was 5.4 years vs. 4.3 years (P = .04) in PMAAs supported by extrapolation based on exposure‐matching compared to those not supported by extrapolation, respectively.

Conclusions

PMAAs supported by extrapolation based on exposure‐matching succeeded more often in obtaining marketing approval in the targeted paediatric population than PMAAs not supported by exposure‐matching, but were also less efficient.
Assessing the applicability of the DOAC, HAS‐BLED and ORBIT risk scores in Chinese patients on non‐vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants
Authors: Fan Miao , Yin Xuan , Jin Yiyi , Zheng Xiaomeng , Zhu Suyan
Published: January 2025

Aims

The suitability of the DOAC score for assessing bleeding risk in Chinese patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who are receiving non‐vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) remains unclear. We compared the DOAC score to the HAS‐BLED and ORBIT scores in Chinese patients in a real‐world retrospective study.

Methods

The efficacy of these scores was assessed by a comparison study that measured their discrimination, calibration, net reclassification index (NRI), and decision curve analysis (DCA) over a 1‐year follow‐up period.

Results

Among 2532 patients with non‐valvular AF (mean age, 71.7 ± 11.3 years, 58.5% men), major bleeding (MB) occurred in 91 patients (3.59%/year): 44 intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) events (1.74%/year) and 49 gastrointestinal bleeding (GB) events (1.94%/year). The best predictor for MB was the HAS‐BLED score (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC], 0.674). HAS‐BLED score ≥3 provided the best prediction for MB (AUC, 0.642), followed by DOAC score ≥8 and ORBIT score ≥4 (AUCs of 0.615 and 0.583, respectively). The DOAC and HAS‐BLED scores did not differ significantly in discriminating MB events and risk reclassification. The calibration performance of the HAS‐BLED score was superior to that of the other two scores. Decision curve analysis showed that using the HAS‐BLED score to predict MB and ICH is clinically beneficial. However, there were no significant distinctions among the three models in forecasting GB.

Conclusions

In a non‐valvular AF Chinese patients receiving NOACs, the HAS‐BLED score showed an ability to predict MB comparable to that of the DOAC score and superior to that of the ORBIT score. The DOAC score does not seem to be more suitable for Chinese patients than the HAS‐BLED score.
The Influence of Ownership and Control on Corporate Social Responsibility in East Asia
Authors: Chen Szu‐Yu , Adegbite Emmanuel , Muthuri Judy N. , Nguyen Tam Huy
Published: January 2025

Research Question/Issue

Underpinned by an eclectic theoretical framework of agency theory and stakeholder theory, this study examines whether control by family, institutional investors, or governments affects a firm's corporate social responsibility (CSR) in East Asian firms.

Research Findings/Insights

By examining 1236 firms in nine East Asian countries from 2010 to 2019, our findings show that family‐controlled firms reduce their CSR engagement since family controller strengthens the agency problem. Additionally, agency conflicts between controlling shareholders and managers may be shifted onto the controller and other stakeholders. However, if institutional investors or the government have control power, they have a positive impact on firms' CSR since they act in the interests of stakeholders.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

This paper addresses a lacuna in the corporate governance and CSR literature by exploring the influence of ultimate control type in East Asia, a fast‐developing but under‐researched context. We contribute to the understanding of agency conflicts among institutional shareholders, government, family controllers, and stakeholders within East Asian firms, particularly highlighting how controllers' behavior influences CSR outcomes. We extend the discussions on the complementarity of agency and stakeholder theories to explain why different types of ultimate controllers affect CSR.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

This paper provides recommendations for embedding CSR through corporate governance, particularly in East Asia. First, for family‐controlled firms, agency problems and shareholder primacy may become obstacles to achieving CSR. Corporate governance supervision policy should pay attention to when firms are controlled by a family. Second, external investors seeking a socially responsible firm may consider whether firms have higher institutional ownership or government control.
Chemical profiling and characterisation of anthraquinone‐based polyphenols as biocolourants from Cortinarius semisanguineus
Authors: Negi Arvind , Toukola Peppi , Räisänen Riikka
Published: January 2025

Anthraquinone dyes are known for their significant colour (brightness of shade in the red, blue and green areas) and light fastness properties compared with other synthetic dyes (such as azo‐based dyes). However, challenging multi‐step synthesis of anthraquinones and limited access to fewer substituents result in insufficient reactivity, hindering their wider industrial applications. Therefore, seeking highly substituted anthraquinone‐based colourants from natural sources is gaining interest among researchers. Notably, certain species of Dermocybe mushrooms are recognised for their red gills rich in anthraquinone colourants, which have been studied. However, limited knowledge of the chemotaxonomic characteristics of their species and molecular structure hinders wide use of their commercial applications. Our study screened extraction methods for their selectivity towards specific anthraquinone types, such as glycosidic vs non‐glycosidic, or those with carboxylic acid groups vs those without. In our observation, a sequential extraction strategy, starting with aqueous buffer extract followed by acetone extract, selectively yielded carboxylic acid‐containing anthraquinones and non‐carboxylic acid‐containing anthraquinones, respectively. We carried out a detailed analysis of anthraquinone‐based colourants in Cortinarius semisanguineus, comparing MS1‐MS2 profiles with two other species of the Dermocybe fungus group (Cortinarius sanguineus and Cortinarius ominosus), highlighting key interspecies differences in expressing certain anthraquinones or regioisomers. This study led to the structural identification of eleven natural anthraquinones and their glycosidic forms among these species. The carboxylic anthraquinones identified and characterised by their fragmentation pattern using MS1‐MS2 profiles include dermolutein, dermorubin, chlorodermorubin, endocrocin and chlorodermolutein, while the non‐carboxylic anthraquinones, primarily from the acetone extract, were dermoglaucin, emodin and dermocybin.
Adaptive functioning in children and young adults with monogenic neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Baker Emma K. , St John Miya , Braden Ruth , Morison Lottie D. , Forbes Elana J. , Lelik Fatma , Hearps Stephen J. C. , Amor David J. , Morgan Angela T.
Published: January 2025

Aim

To examine the adaptive behaviour profiles of children with monogenic neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) to determine whether syndrome‐specific or transdiagnostic approaches provide a better understanding of the adaptive behavioural phenotypes of these NDDs.

Method

This cross‐sectional study included parents and caregivers of 243 (48% female) individuals (age range = 1–25 years; mean = 8 years 10 months, SD = 5 years 8 months) with genetically confirmed monogenic NDDs (CDK13, DYRK1A, FOXP2, KAT6A, KANSL1, SETBP1, BRPF1, and DDX3X). Parents and caregivers completed the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Third Edition to assess communication, daily living, socialization, and motor skills.

Results

Linear regression models comparing mean adaptive behaviours between monogenic NDDs, adjusting for the presence of intellectual disability, revealed few group differences. Children with variants in BRPF1 or KANSL1 had better adaptive behaviour skills compared to children with variants in CDK13, DDX3X, DYRK1A, and KAT6A, although group differences varied across domains. A latent profile analysis showed compelling evidence for a five‐profile model. These profiles were homogeneous, with similar delays across the subdomain scores in each profile. Additionally, each monogenic NDD was represented in each profile, with a few exceptions.

Interpretation

Transdiagnostic approaches to understand adaptive behaviour in monogenic NDDs provide a better understanding of individual strengths and challenges, enabling more targeted support.
Code‐Related Activities and Their Association With Early Literacy Skills: A Scoping Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Castillo‐Rabanal Isidora , Heitmayer Maxi
Published: January 2025

Literacy skills are acquired during childhood through ‘code‐related activities’, which are interactions and practices that directly engage children with written words. This study presents a scoping review and meta‐analysis of 18 peer‐reviewed articles that explore the relationship between these code‐related activities and early literacy skills. The analysis revealed a diverse range of samples, with participants from 12 countries speaking 10 different languages. However, many studies exhibited significant gaps in demographic information, omitting crucial details such as socioeconomic status, the number of languages spoken by children, the presence of disabilities, and which parent participated in the study. All studies utilised questionnaires to gather data; however, the content of these instruments varied significantly and often focused on limited reading resources. Despite these limitations, a small but significant positive correlation was found between code‐related activities and early literacy skills. The analysis also highlighted high heterogeneity and potential bias, which may be attributed to inconsistencies in measurement across the studies. In conclusion, while there is evidence suggesting a link between code‐related activities and early literacy skills, more thorough and comprehensive research is needed to better understand the influence of the home literacy environment. Future studies should aim to address the existing demographic and methodological gaps to provide a clearer picture of this relationship across diverse populations.
Severity of Repetitive Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Depends on Microglial Heme Oxygenase‐1 and Carbon Monoxide
Authors: Kaiser Sandra , Fritsch Anna , Jakob Lena , Schallner Nils
Published: January 2025

Traumatic brain injury is one of the most common cerebral incidences worldwide. Repetitive mild traumatic brain injuries occurring, for example, in athletes or victims of abuse, can cause chronic neurodegeneration due to neuroinflammation, in which the crosstalk between reactive astrocytes and activated microglia is crucial for modulating neuronal damage. The inducible enzyme heme oxygenase‐1 and its product carbon monoxide are known to be ascribed neuroprotective and anti‐inflammatory properties. We caused repetitive mild traumatic brain injuries in wild‐type mice compared to mice without microglial heme oxygenase‐1 expression. Additionally, mice were treated daily with either air or carbon monoxide exogenously. In wild‐type mice, we observed enhanced microglia activation and astrogliosis as well as vasodilation after repetitive trauma. In heme oxygenase‐1 knockout mice, we observed enhanced activation of microglia and astrocytes at baseline pretrauma with a lack of an adequate inflammatory response to repetitive injury. However, the knockout led to enhanced NF‐κB and IFNγ expression in the post‐trauma period. Carbon monoxide exerted neuroprotection, as suggested by reduced wake‐up times in mice and by beneficially altering inflammation post‐traumatic brain injury. This study further underlines the crucial role of the heme oxygenase‐1/carbon monoxide system in the modulation of neuronal damage and the associated neuroinflammatory response after repetitive traumatic brain injury.
A Novel Rat Model for Inflammatory Gut–Brain Interactions in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Kendall Grace E. , Underwood Conor F. , Parr‐Brownlie Louise C.
Published: January 2025

Gut inflammation is a salient prodromal feature of Parkinson's disease (PD) implicated in pathologic processes leading to nigrostriatal dopaminergic degeneration. However, existing rodent models of PD are suboptimal for investigating the interaction between gut inflammation and neuropathology. This study aimed to develop a rat model of PD in which gut inflammation exacerbated PD symptoms induced by a parkinsonian lesion. This was achieved by combining the 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA) rat model for PD and the dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) rat model for colitis. The model was characterised using behavioural tests, including reaching, step, gait, open‐field and cylinder tests, plus stereological quantification of substantia nigra (SN) DA neurodegeneration, and histological analysis of SN microglial activation and distal colon morphology. The combination of 6‐OHDA and DSS resulted in greater stool softening and bleeding, shorter colons and greater distal colon histological damage, when compared with the 6‐OHDA model. Additionally, 6‐OHDA and DSS rats displayed similar DA neurodegeneration, yet less SN microglial activation, when compared to 6‐OHDA rats that did not receive DSS. Finally, DSS + 6‐OHDA rats exhibited impaired forelimb motor function compared with 6‐OHDA rats, with decreased performance in reaching and step tests. In conclusion, DSS administration exacerbated forelimb motor dysfunction in 6‐OHDA rats. Behavioural changes in DSS + 6‐OHDA rats were associated with lower levels of microglial activation and similar levels of dopamine depletion compared with 6‐OHDA‐only rats. These results support that the DSS + 6‐OHDA rat model is a promising PD animal model to investigate deleterious gut–brain interactions in PD.
Seasonal Mineralisation of Organic Matter in Alpine Soils and Responses to Global Warming: An In Vitro Approach
Authors: Bonfanti Nicolas , Clement Jean‐Christophe , Millery‐Vigues Annie , Münkemüller Tamara , Perrette Yves , Poulenard Jérôme
Published: January 2025

Mountains are particularly vulnerable to climate change, as they are warming at a rate that exceeds the global average, significantly impacting cold‐adapted ecosystems. In these environments, soil organic matter (SOM) stocks are often considerably larger than at lower elevations. These stocks are therefore highly susceptible to global warming and the associated risk of greenhouse gas (GHG) (CO₂, CH₄, N₂O) emissions driven by temperature‐induced increases in SOM mineralisation. In order to quantify these emissions and the change of mineralisation rates under warming, it is necessary to gain an understanding of the annual mineralisation balance. We investigated how warming impacts the duration and intensity of mineralisation in different seasons. The main aim of this study is to quantify alpine SOM mineralisation rates and GHG production under a range of seasonal conditions, including those associated with warming. An in vitro approach was employed to expose alpine topsoils (0–10 cm) to the conditions of key seasonal periods: snow cover, growing season and rainfall/snowmelt. This was achieved by experimentally varying temperature and inflow of precipitation water. Additionally, the soil samples were subjected to a temperature increase of 4°C. The short‐term responses of carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) mineralisation and GHG production were monitored. The results demonstrated that alpine soil respiration rates exhibited a twofold increase with a 4°C warming, while the relative proportion of labile SOM demonstrated a decline with rising temperatures. Water saturation from simulated rain and snowmelt played a crucial role in organic matter mineralisation and increased the mineralisation of carbon (+12% to +53%), nitrogen (+20% to +80% of net ammonification) and phosphorus (+50% of net phosphate production). This suggests that nutrients present in the snowpack or the rain were added to the soil. In contrast, soil–water saturation decreased net nitrate production by between 10% and 90%. The results of this study highlight the potential for alpine soil warming to release labile SOM and demonstrate the influence of the snow regime on nutrient and carbon fluxes.
A Review of Kangaroo Grass (Themeda triandra Forssk.) Establishment Methods in Temperate Australia
Authors: Durnin Marne , Prober Suzanne , Marschner Petra
Published: January 2025

Kangaroo grass (Themeda triandra Forssk.) is a widespread summer‐active native tussock grass that has been removed from many ecosystems through overgrazing, absence of fire or changes in land use. This review of kangaroo grass establishment trials in temperate Australia shows that it can be established from seed, but success varies depending on season, preparation of the area to be sown, sowing rates and methods, and especially on controlling competition from other plants until the kangaroo grass is large enough to suppress them. Controlling exotic plants before sowing kangaroo grass using physical, ecological or chemical methods has been effective but is often not enough to allow the kangaroo grass to establish well. Exotic plants emerging from the soil seed or bud bank after kangaroo grass emerges, have led to project failures or prevented kangaroo grass from thriving. Research will help us learn how to control exotic competitors, especially which methods to use and when. Furthermore, most methods of establishing kangaroo grass have been suited to small areas of up to several hectares, and broadacre methods need research and development. Given that seed is typically expensive or in short supply, efficient use of seed is essential; better ways to label, clean and sow the seeds of kangaroo grass are needed. The provenance of kangaroo grass seed is also important when used for ecological restoration as, broadly, plants with two chromosome sets (i.e., diploid) are better adapted to cooler/wetter regions and plants with four chromosome sets (i.e., tetraploid) are more suited to hotter/drier areas.
Exploring Damage and Penetration in Soft Armors Under Ballistic Impact Through a Novel and Efficient 3D Peridynamic Model
Authors: Abdoh Daud Ali
Published: January 2025

This study focuses on improving soft body armor design for military and law enforcement personnel by developing a robust numerical model to simulate its response to projectile impacts. We introduce a novel and efficient 3D peridynamic model to simulate penetration and deformation in soft body armor fibers. The 3D peridynamic model overcomes the deficiency of using mesh‐based methods to simulate the excessive deformation of soft armor fibers. We confirm the validity and efficiency of the 3D peridynamic model by comparing its predictions with experimental and numerical results. After validation, the model assesses armor performance under various conditions, including bullet types and velocities. Results show that Kevlar armor with a 0.4‐mm thickness can stop bullets with impact velocities below 200 m/s but is ineffective against higher‐velocity bullets. The 3D peridynamic model can be utilized in armor optimization for military and law enforcement agencies regarding armor selection based on threat levels.
δ26Mg Values of Thirty‐One Geological Reference Materials Analysed by the Critical Mixture Double Spike Technique
Authors: Zhang Yinchu , Yang Weijuan , Wang Yang , He Yongsheng , Ke Shan , Qu Kezhen , Zhang Shiying
Published: January 2025

Stable Mg delta values (the relative deviation from a certain reference material, e.g., DSM‐3 here and expressed as δ26MgDSM‐3) were routinely measured by the sample‐standard bracketing (SSB) method on a multi‐collector ICP‐MS, as only three isotopes (i.e., 24Mg, 25Mg and 26Mg) naturally exist. Due to potential inaccuracy in correcting mass bias during measurements, considerable measurement bias has been reported among laboratories. Recently, a critical mixture double spike (CMDS) technique has been developed and demonstrated to accurately correct mass bias of measurement results with precision of ± 0.03‰ for δ26Mg. Here, we measured thirty‐one geological reference materials including igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks, sediments and minerals using the CMDS technique, with the purpose of better characterising their δ26MgDSM‐3 values. Aligning with the data previously reported, uncorrected bias, on average measured by ∆26MgSSB‐CMDS (i.e., δ26MgSSB ‐ δ26MgCMDS) as ‐0.071 ± 0.092‰ (2s, n = 42), has been reaffirmed for the traditional SSB method. Such uncorrected bias positively correlates with sample Mg/(Si+Al+Ca), and thus may result from the accumulative effect of residual matrix elements. The new data set herein can aid future inter‐laboratory comparison and data quality control.
Norma Peralta. The Story of a Pioneer of the Accounting Academy in Chile
Authors: Restrepo Quintero Katherine , González Valles Gabriela Alejandra , Benítez Reyes Damaris Nayelli
Published: January 2025

The literature on gender and accounting has focused on the participation of women in the accounting profession, documenting the barriers to entry, the problems of professional promotion, and issues related to gender roles, which shows a lack of historical works that narrate the life experiences of women within the accounting academy, particularly in Chile. Therefore, the purpose of this work is to tell the story of Professor Norma Peralta, who was one of the first women to graduate from undergraduate studies and enter the accounting academy in the case of the Universidad Santiago de Chile (USACH). This work of historical reconstruction gathered information through various conversations with Norma and interviews that have documented her passage through the academy from its beginnings until her retirement from her Alma Mater, which helps to show the contribution in the field of accounting education made by this pioneer.
ETHICS FOR ARTIFICIAL HISTORIANS
Authors: Hughes‐Warrington Marnie
Published: January 2025

Artificial historians do not need to have intentions to complete actions or to solve problems. Consequently, a revised approach to the ethics of history is needed. An approach to ethics for artificial historians can be proposed through the recognition of historiographical logic, which is a hybrid of modal, propositional, and erotetic (question‐based) types. Looking to examples of texts produced by artificial and human historians, I argue that this hybrid historiographical logic is seen at play in what Jo Guldi has called “signal” (which can denote both the focus and interpretation of historians) and I call “healthy noise,” or metadiscursive question‐begging and possible world generation. Together, the signal and noise of histories generate an ethical stance of openness toward the possibilities of new evidence from the past, new ways of interpreting that evidence, and new combinations of signal and noise. Recognizing the potential presence of this logic in modal‐propositional‐erotetic statements about the past in a wide range of texts, I argue for the recognition of historiographical logic as broadly useful for AI and specifically useful for the discipline. This historiographical and logical turn facilitates stepping beyond treating ethics as the generation of lists of principles that may fail in application and toward recognizing particular forms of logic as indicating ethically beneficent outcomes. This shift may facilitate the detection and deterrence of histories shaped by logics that indicate ethically maleficent outcomes.
Refractory monolithics as a containment of CaCl2–KCl–NaCl eutectic ternary chloride salt mixture for solar thermal storage
Authors: Nath Mithun , Yang Xingyu , Liao Ning , Li Yawei
Published: January 2025

Solar thermal technologies are sustainable, relatively safer, and cost‐effective renewable energy supplies. Theoretically, the efficiency of solar thermal power plants increases with increasing working temperatures. Solar thermal power plants hardly exceed the operating temperature of 500°C due to various limitations, such as the degradation of their components and linings (mainly alloys). In this paper, a recently proposed cost‐effective high‐temperature chloride salt mixture that can operate up to 750°C was tested against refractory monolithics (castables) as containment materials. Low‐cement castables (LCC,a type of monolithic refractory) were designed to meet the desired chemical, physical, and mechanical properties. The interaction between the refractory monolithics and the energy storage materials (molten chloride salt mixture) was investigated using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy‐energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopic analysis (SEM‐EDS), and so on. The castables designed with mullite aggregates (M) have more impurities and thermal conductivity but lower porosity than hibonite aggregates (B). Negligible salt corrosion and minimal penetration were observed for both samples, but sample B did not show refractory contamination in salt.
Intraoperative tumor capsule injury in patients with renal cell carcinoma receiving partial nephrectomy
Authors: Shimizu Takuto , Miyake Makito , Ichikawa Kazuki , Nishimura Nobutaka , Tomizawa Mitsuru , Onishi Kenta , Hori Shunta , Morizawa Yosuke , Gotoh Daisuke , Nakai Yasushi , Torimoto Kazumasa , Yoneda Tatsuo , Fujii Tomomi , Tanaka Nobumichi , Fujimoto Kiyohide
Published: January 2025

Objective

We investigated the impact of intraoperative tumor capsule injury (TCI) during robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) or laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) on oncological outcomes, as well as underlying factors of intraoperative TCI for improving surgical outcomes.

Methods

A total of 253 patients who underwent RAPN or LPN between 2010 and 2022 were retrospectively analyzed and were divided into two groups: non‐TCI and TCI groups. The background was compared between two groups. We investigated the surgical records or video to evaluate TCI and seek the possible causes for TCI. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify prognostic factors for cancer recurrence.

Results

Of the 253 patients, 227 have renal cell carcinoma (RCC), with 29 patients having TCI. The TCI group had larger tumors, a lower rate of trifecta achievement, higher bleeding, higher T stage, and a lower rate of clear cell RCC (ccRCC) histological types as compared to non‐TCI group. Disease recurrence rate was 13.8% with TCI and 1.0% with non‐TCI (odds ratio 15.7; 95% confidence interval, 2.73–90.1; p = 0.003). Univariate and multivariate analyses confirmed TCI as an independent prognostic factor for disease‐free survival. Compared with ccRCC, non‐clear cell RCC (non‐ccRCC) was found to have a higher probability of TCI and a significantly thinner capsule thickness on pathological evaluation.

Conclusion

TCI had a negative impact on oncological outcomes. Surgeons should consider thickness of tumor capsules, especially in cases with non‐ccRCC, to minimize the risk of TCI during partial nephrectomy.
Empathy and Mentalizing of Mental Health Nurses: A Cross‐Sectional Correlational Study
Authors: Free Gieke , Swildens Wilma , Hoogendoorn Adriaan , Beekman Aartjan , van Meijel Berno
Published: January 2025

In mental healthcare, therapists' empathy and mentalizing are associated with better opportunities to establish positive working relations with patients. The present study aimed to explore mental health nurses' level of empathy and mentalizing (compared with reference groups studying or working in different contexts), the association between mental health nurses' level of empathy and mentalizing and sociodemographic characteristics of these nurses, and the association between mental health nurses' level of empathy and mentalizing. A cross‐sectional design was used in adherence with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology statement. The 28‐item Empathy Quotient was used to investigate empathy, and the 28‐item Mentalisation Scale was used to assess mentalizing. One hundred and seven mental health nurses working in different work‐intensity settings (intensive and intermittent‐intensive) participated in the study. Our analyses showed that mental health nurses had statistically significantly higher levels of empathy and mentalizing than the matched reference groups. They also showed that most mental health nurses' demographic characteristics were not statistically significantly associated with their level of empathy and mentalizing: not with age, years of work experience, or educational level. Only two aspects were statistically significantly associated: female gender (for higher levels of empathy and mentalizing) and practicing in an intermittent‐intensive work setting (for higher scores on the subscale ‘Motivation’ of the Mentalisation Scale). Furthermore, empathy and mentalizing of mental health nurses were strongly associated and also emerged as two partly overlapping concepts. We conclude that mental health educational institutions and supervisors could pay extra attention to the aspects of gender and work situation concerning mental health nurses' mentalizing and empathy in patient relations.
β‐Carotene‐Loaded Pickering Emulsion‐Filled Gel: Role of Whey Protein‐Cress Seed Gum Nanoparticle and Sodium Alginate Gel in Physicochemical and In Vitro Gastrointestinal Behavior
Authors: Davtalab Maryam , Naji‐Tabasi Sara , Shahidi‐Noghabi Mostafa , Cerqueira Miguel A.
Published: January 2025

In this study, an emulsion‐filled gel (EFG) was developed and used for the delivery of β‐carotene. Pickering emulsions stabilized by whey protein‐cress seed gum (WPC‐CSG) nanoparticles were dispersed at three different concentrations (10%, 15%, and 20%) in a 4% sodium alginate network. To identify the optimal Pickering emulsion concentration, EFGs incorporating 10‐EFG, 15‐EFG, and 20‐EFG (corresponding to 10%, 15%, and 20% Pickering emulsions) were evaluated. Finally, the effect of CaCl2 concentrations (1%, 2%, 4%, and 6%) on EFG properties was evaluated. Rheological studies revealed that adding 15% of Pickering emulsion formed a more elastic gel (G′ = 454.76 Pa) when compared with 10% and 20%. β‐carotene release from EFGs containing 20%, 15%, and 10% (v/v) Pickering emulsion was 83.66%, 87.33%, and 74.33%, respectively. 15% Stability studies demonstrate that the use of a gel significantly enhanced Pickering emulsion stability, extending it from two to five months.
The PRO‐AGE Tool and Its Association With Post Discharge Outcomes in Older Adults Admitted From the Emergency Department
Authors: Cohen Inessa , Curiati Pedro K. , Morinaga Christian V. , Han Ling , Gandhi Tanish , Araujo Katy , Avelino‐Silva Thiago J. , Bianco Luann M. , Brandt Cynthia A. , Capelli Sandra , Carpenter Christopher R. , Cruz Daniel S. , Dresden Scott M. , Fishman Ivy L. , Gipson Katrina , Gray Elizabeth , Hastings S. Nicole , Hung William W. , Kang Raymond , Lockhart Mechelle , Meeker Daniella , Ohuabunwa Ugochi , Ottilie‐Kovelman Sierra , Platts‐Mills Timothy F. , Sandoval Jacqueline , Sifnugel Natalia , Taylor Zachary , Tomasino Debra F. , Vaughan Camille P. , Aliberti Márlon J. R. , Hwang Ula
Published: January 2025

Background

Existing risk scores assessing geriatric vulnerability in the emergency department (ED) have shown limited predictive power, especially in diverse populations. We investigated the relationship of a quick and easy‐to‐administer geriatric vulnerability scoring system with functional decline and mortality in older patients admitted to multiple hospitals through the ED in the United States (US) and Brazil (BR).

Method

Federated, international, multicenter observational study of hospitalized ED patients aged ≥ 65 from US and BR. The six criteria from the PRO‐AGE score (Physical impairment, Recent hospitalization, Older age [≥ 90], Acute mental alteration, Getting thinner, and Exhaustion; 0–8; higher scores = greater vulnerability) were assessed on admission. We used proportional hazards models to investigate the relationships between PRO‐AGE score groups and 90‐day mortality and functional decline, defined as new dependence in activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental ADL (IADL), after adjusting for age, sex, race and ethnicity, education, Charlson comorbidity score, and study site. Death was considered a competing event for the functional decline outcome.

Results

A total of 1390 patients were included (US = 560; Brazil = 830). The 90‐day risk of death was higher for the upper compared with the lower (reference) PRO‐AGE group in both cohorts (US: HR = 11.76; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.56–54.04; BR: HR = 12.29; 95% CI = 3.54–42.59), whereas the risk of new 90‐day ADL disability was higher for upper (HR = 2.08; 95% CI = 1.21–3.56) and middle groups (HR = 2.10; 95% CI = 1.35–3.27) in the US but only the upper group in BR (HR = 1.70; 95% CI = 1.02–2.85).

Conclusion

A higher PRO‐AGE score was associated with mortality and functional decline in older ED patients admitted to hospitals in the US and BR, demonstrating its generalizability as a geriatric vulnerability risk score.
Facial Skin Quality Improvement After Treatment With CPM‐HA20G: Clinical Experience in Korea
Authors: Park Je‐Young , Youn ChoonShik , Lee Chanwoo , Lee Kyou Chae , Shin Heawon , Yeom Kkot Bora , Park Juhyuk , Jung Sungkyu , Kim Joo Ha , Hong Wonkyu
Published: January 2025

Background

Intradermal injection of CPM‐HA20G, a low‐viscoelasticity hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal filler with glycerol, has been shown to be effective for facial rejuvenation in Caucasians, but research in Asians is limited.

Aims

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of CPM‐HA20G in enhancing facial skin quality in Korean women using a protocol developed by local aesthetic experts.

Patients/Methods

In this 24‐week prospective, single‐arm, open‐label study, 20 women received CPM‐HA20G injections in the immediate subdermal layer on the anterior cheek (1 mL per side; total 2 mL) in three sessions every 4 weeks. Evaluations included biophysical assessments covering the four emergent perceptual categories (EPCs) for skin quality and subjective assessment using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale.

Results

Significant improvements in skin glow (skin gloss, epidermal hydration), skin firmness (dermal elasticity, dermal hydration), skin surface evenness (average pore volume, pore area, pore density, pore count, maximum pore depth, total pore volume, skin roughness, sebum secretion, and skin depression volume), skin tone evenness (skin color brightness, skin redness), and transepidermal water loss were observed at Week 12 and Week 24 following the first injection with CPM‐HA20G. Most subjects and investigators reported improvements in overall aesthetic appearance with the treatment, with a 100% improvement rating from both groups at Week 12. No serious adverse reactions were observed.

Conclusions

Our study provides real‐world insights into the effectiveness and safety of CPM‐HA20G in improving facial skin quality in an Asian population, evaluated through both objective and subjective assessments.
A Combination of Conventional Transconjunctival Lower Blepharoplasty and Percutaneous Nanofat Grafting in a Young Chinese Population With Eyelid Bags and Tear Trough Deformities
Authors: Liu Chuanbo , Wu Zhiyuan , Tang Liang , Zhang Zijing , Li Jinsheng , Sun Xiaofang
Published: January 2025

Objective

A simple and minimally invasive combined procedure, including transconjunctival orbital fat removal and transcutaneous resected orbital fat injection, was performed based on the anatomical characteristics of the lower eyelids in our young Chinese patients. Our study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of this procedure in our study population.

Methods

In our retrospective study, a total of 183 consecutive patients underwent a combination of traditional transconjunctival blepharoplasty and nanofat grafting between February 2020 and June 2024. After transconjunctival septal fat removal, the resected orbital fat was processed into fat emulsion (nanofat) and then injected percutaneously into the depressed tear trough zone.

Results

The mean age of the 183 patients was 26.9 years old, and the average surgery time was 36.1 min. The mean volume of nanofat injected for bilateral lower eyelids in each patient was 1.1 mL. All the patients were followed for at least 6 months after surgery, and the subjective patient satisfaction was 96.6% (175/183) with fewer complications. In the objective assessment of the surgical outcomes according to the five anatomical elements of lower eyelids, orbital fat prolapse, tear trough depression and dark circles were all improved, orbicularis prominence was more evident, while skin elasticity did not vary significantly after operation.

Conclusion

Our study provided a simple, effective, and safe combination of transconjunctival lower blepharoplasty and percutaneous nanofat grafting for the treatment of lower eyelid bags with high patient satisfaction, quick recovery and low complication rate. Thus, this combined application may be a promising alternative choice for the young Chinese with lower eyelid bags.