bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Demographic effects of sanitary policies on European vulture population dynamics: A retrospective modeling approach
Authors: Colomer MªÀngels , Margalida Antoni
Published: February 2025

The prediction of population responses to environmental changes, including the effects of different management scenarios, is a useful tool and a necessary contributor to improving conservation decisions. Empirical datasets based on long‐term monitoring studies are essential to assess the robustness of retrospective modeling predictions on biodiversity. These allow checks on the performance of modeling projections and enable improvements to be made to future models, based on the errors detected. Here, we assess the performance of our earlier model to assess the impact of vulture food shortages caused by sanitary regulations on the population dynamics of Spanish vultures during the past decade (2009–2019). This model forecasts the population trends of three vulture species (griffon, Egyptian, and bearded vultures) in Spain (home to 90% of the European vulture population) under various food shortage scenarios. We show that it underestimated bearded and griffon vulture population numbers and overestimated Egyptian vultures. The model suggested that the most plausible food shortage scenario involved an approximate 50% reduction of livestock carcass availability in the ecosystem compared with the previous situation without sanitary carcass removal. However, the observed annual population growth for the period 2009–2019 (7.8% for griffon vulture, 2.4% for Egyptian vulture, and 3.5% for bearded vulture) showed that food shortages had little impact on vulture population dynamics. After assessing the robustness of the model, we developed a new model with updated demographic parameters and foraging movements under different hypothetical food shortage scenarios for the period 2019–2029. This model forecasts annual population increases of about 3.6% for the bearded vulture, 3.7% for the Egyptian vulture, and 1.1% for the Griffon vulture. Our findings suggest that food shortages due to the implementation of sanitary policies resulted in only a moderate impact on vulture population growth, probably thanks to the supplementary feeding network which provided alternative food. Also important was the availability of alternative food sources (intensive farms, landfills) that were used more regularly than expected. We discuss the computational performance of our modeling approach and its management consequences to improve future conservation measures for these threatened species, which provide essential ecosystem services.
Discovery of miRNAs unique to actively transcribed erythroparvovirus infection in heart failure patients
Authors: Aleshcheva Ganna , Salih Sara , Baumeier Christian , Escher Felicitas , Bock C. Thomas , Schultheiss Heinz‐Peter
Published: February 2025

Aims

miRNAs, small non‐coding RNAs, play key roles in gene regulation, cell differentiation and tissue development. They influence viral infection outcomes by directly interacting with viral genomes or modifying the host microenvironment. This study demonstrates miRNAs' ability to selectively suppress transcriptionally active erythroparvovirus, highlighting their potential in antiviral therapies.

Methods and results

Seventy‐five endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) specimens from patients with unexplained heart failure were analysed. The samples included 19 with dilated cardiomyopathy and inflammation (DCMi), 12 with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), 25 with inflammation and active erythroparvovirus infection, 13 with active erythroparvovirus infection only and 6 from undiagnosed patients as controls. miRNA expression was measured using TaqMan assays. miR‐98, miR‐222, miR‐106b and miR‐197 were significantly upregulated in patients with transcriptionally active erythroparvovirus infection, independent of inflammation (P < 0.005). These miRNAs differentiated these patients from all other groups with over 90% specificity.

Conclusions

These specific miRNAs offer a novel diagnostic tool for active erythroparvovirus infections and hold promise as therapeutic targets, providing safer alternatives to traditional antiviral treatments.
Axial Ligand Lability and Coordination Induced Spin State Variations of Tetracarbene Iron(II) Thiolato Complexes
Authors: Becker Isabelle , Morganti Massimiliano , Groß Sophie Jana , Demeshko Serhiy , Dechert Sebastian , John Michael , Meyer Franc
Published: February 2025

Starting from the six‐coordinate tetracarbene iron(II) bis(acetonitrile) complexes, a series of structurally characterized iron(II) thiolato complexes [(MTC)FeII(SR)(NCMe)]OTf (R = tBu, Ada) was synthesized based on the equatorial macrocyclic tetracarbene (MTC) ligands 18HL (3,9,14,20‐tetraaza‐1,6,12,17‐tetraazoniapenta‐cyclohex‐acosane‐1(23),4,6(26),10,12(25),15,17(24),21‐octaene) and its octamethylated derivative 18MeL. Those thiolato complexes can be viewed as bioinspired organometallic analogues of the iron(II) state of heme enzymes with axial cysteine coordination like cytochrome P450. Depending on the equatorial and axial ligands, the spin states of the complexes can change from low‐spin (S = 0) to intermediate‐spin (S = 1), but the strong donation by the MTC prevents the formation of any high‐spin species. The electronic structure was analyzed using 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy and magnetic susceptibility measurements. In addition, both axial ligands –acetonitrile and the thiolate – were found to be labile, leading to scrambling in solution as observed via NMR spectroscopy and ESI‐MS. A temperature‐dependent equilibrium was found for all complexes due to dissociation of the axial MeCN forming a 5‐coordinate species in solution. This 5‐coordinate species is significantly preferred for the 18MeL being in line with the higher donating ability of the equatorial ligand and thus the weakening of the axial ligand bonds, in line with cyclic voltammetry data.
A N3‐geminal Al/P‐based Intramolecular Lewis Pair: Synthesis, Characterization and Reactivity
Authors: Sun Xiong , Xie Zhuoyi , Zou Lianghua
Published: February 2025

Frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) play a crucial role in main‐group chemistry due to the diverse reactivities towards small molecules and extensive applications in organic transformations. The intramolecular FLP systems known in the literature are mainly consisted of boron‐containing Lewis acids and the linkers are almost exclusively based on carbon. Herein, the nitrogen‐linked geminal Al/P Lewis pair 1 was readily prepared by salt metathesis reaction between AlBr3 and N[CH2CH2NLi‐PtBu2]3 in toluene at room temperature. Further studies confirmed that 1 exhibited typical FLP‐type reactivity towards heterocumulenes, isocyanide and transition metal precursors. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis revealed that all the addition products contained a penta‐coordinated aluminum atom which was less common in FLP chemistry. This study demonstrated that the resulting Al/P‐based system represented an efficient alternative class of FLPs and enriched the linker motifs of intramolecular FLPs.
Automated and Parallel Amide Synthesis
Authors: Jiang Tuo , Coin Guillaume , Bordi Samuele , Nichols Paula L. , Bode Jeffrey W. , Wanner Benedikt M.
Published: February 2025

Amide bonds are ubiquitous in molecules of interest such as pharmaceuticals, natural products, and agrochemicals. Over the last decades, significant efforts have been directed at developing efficient methods for the formation of this class of chemical bonds. Herein, we disclose a robust, user‐friendly approach for the efficient and rapid parallel synthesis of amide‐containing compounds, in good yield and purity. Our approach utilizes automated synthesis technologies and pre‐packed capsules containing all the necessary materials for the reaction and work‐up. Following manual addition of the amine and carboxylic acid, the reaction and product isolation is achieved automatically in a standardized, integrated manner. This methodology tolerates a wide diversity of carboxylic acids and amines (or amine salts). To accelerate discovery and rapidly create amide‐containing compound libraries, the method was miniaturized into an automated parallel synthesis format, using 96‐well plate kits, which could be beneficial to medicinal chemists.
Influence of Pillararene‐Based Host–Guest Chemistry on the Enantioselective Synthesis of 2,3‐Dihydroquinazolinones
Authors: Zhou Dan , Ma Menglan , Liu Jiyong , Sheng Yuhang , Zhang Peiling , Wang Shuping , Huang Feihe , Li Shijun , Zhang Zibin
Published: February 2025

To clarify the relationship between the host‐guest complexation and enantioselectivity of an asymmetric reaction, we studied the impacts of pillar[5]arene‐based host–guest chemistry on the asymmetric catalytic synthesis of cyclic dihydroquinazolinones from aldehydes, where the aldehydes meanwhile acted as guests. The addition of different pillar[5]arenes cannot only adjust the reactivity of the substrates but also change the enantiomeric excess of the products. The magnitude of such impacts is influenced by several factors, including the solvent, the temperature, the catalyst, the usage and kind of pillararenes, and the structure of aldehydes. When the pillararene‐substrate interactions are strong in the reaction systems, the ee variations of products are mainly decided by the guests, aldehydes, whereas the reaction activities are mainly affected by the hosts, pillar[5]arenes.
Regio‐ and stereoselective alkyl enol ether synthesis via microwave‐promoted, base‐catalysed alkyne hydroalkoxylation
Authors: Perry Alexis , Guppy Owaen
Published: February 2025

The diverse reactivity presented by alkyl enol ethers underpins a wide range of synthetically significant processes. Their synthesis is often achieved by atom‐economical alkyne hydroalkoxylation (i.e., addition of an alcohol across an alkyne), either using superbasic conditions or transition metal catalysis. Unfortunately, the harsh conditions of the former approach limit substrate tolerance whilst the latter approach often requires inert, anhydrous conditions and exotic, expensive catalysts. In order to pursue more convenient, general and sustainable methodology for enol ether synthesis, we have developed microwave‐promoted alkyne hydroalkoxylation as an attractive solution. Our optimised conditions employ caesium carbonate as a mild base catalyst and the required alcohol as solvent and reagent, with reaction temperatures from 20‐150 °C and reaction times from 10‐60 minutes. We have demonstrated that the reaction shows broad tolerance of diverse substrate functionality (e.g., ester, ether, carboxylate, nitrile, nitro, halide), including examples of terminal, internal, aryl and alkyl alkynes. Greatest reactivity is observed with electron‐poor alkyne substrates, and the reaction shows near‐complete anti‐Markovnikov regioselectivity and a very strong stereochemical bias towards Z‐configured enol ether products. These observations are consistent with a polar mechanism proceeding via a vinyl anion intermediate, and we provide empirical and computation evidence in support of this.
The Effect of a Single Session Rubber Hand Illusion on Pressure Pain Is Not Long‐Lasting
Authors: Ceylan Hatice , Acet Nagihan , Günendi Zafer
Published: February 2025

Background

Rubber hand illusion (RHI) is an experience that causes changes in body perception and awareness as a result of the integration of simultaneous perceived visual and tactile stimuli. After synchronous brush strokes with rubber and real hands, the person perceives the rubber hand as their own. RHI is known to alter pain perception. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the effects of RHI on pressure pain threshold and continuity of this effect.

Methods

Twenty‐three volunteers who developed RHI were included in our study and two conditions, illusion (synchronous) and control (asynchronous), were applied. The illusion condition was created by synchronous brush strokes, while the control condition was created by asynchronous brush application using different frequency and different finger areas in the same individuals. In both conditions, pressure pain threshold measurements with an algometer were performed at four times: baseline/1st measurement, during the brush stroke/2nd measurement, at the end of the brush stroke/3rd measurement and after the hand was removed from the environment/4th measurement.

Results

It was shown that RHI increased the pressure‐pain threshold (p = 0.004) in healthy volunteers. Asynchronous brush strokes arranged as a control trial significantly decreased the pressure pain threshold (p = 0.002).

Conclusions

It was found that the threshold values that change during the brush strokes return to the initial state after the brush strokes are terminated and the rubber hand is removed from the environment so that the effect of the illusion does not last for a long time with a single session application.
Diagnostic yield of utilizing 24–72‐hour video electroencephalographic monitoring in the diagnosis of seizures presenting as paroxysmal events in resource‐limited settings
Authors: Nwogu Chukwudi , Nwaze Chukwuma , Avah Adaeze , Anyanwu Benjamin , Anyanwu Chinekwu
Published: February 2025

Objective

Long‐term video electroencephalogram monitoring (LTVEM) is a standard practice in epilepsy centers to diagnose and characterize paroxysmal events. With the lack of data on LTVEM in Africa, we aimed to determine the clinical yield of LTVEM performed for 24–72 h to diagnose seizures in an epilepsy center in Nigeria.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of all patients admitted to our Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) from September 2018 to September 2021, with monitoring lasting between 24 and 72 h. We reviewed the patients' seizure semiology, time to the first event, and final diagnosis. The frequency of seizures was classified as “daily” in patients with one or more seizures per day, “persistent” in patients with less than one seizure per day but at least once in 6 months, and “rare” in patients with less than one seizure in 6 months. Patients with unclear duration due to recent onset were classified as “undefined”.

Results

Seventy patients (34 males, 36 females) were included in our study. The mean age was 22.86 ± 18.00 years. The average duration of monitoring was 44.23 ± 16.16 h. Fifty‐seven patients (81.4%) were confirmed to have seizures. Thirteen patients experienced non‐epileptic events. Of these 13 patients, nine were diagnosed with psychogenic non‐epileptic spells (PNES). Two patients were diagnosed with essential myoclonus and two patients were diagnosed with syncope. The time to the first interictal epileptiform discharge was within 8 h. In the first 24 h, 56 of 57 patients had ictal and interictal discharge (98.2%). These included 100% daily seizures, 100% persistent seizures, and 100% undefined events. One rare seizure was observed within 48 h.

Significance

The diagnostic yield of the LTVEM in well‐selected patients for seizures in this study is 81.4%. Most patients received a diagnosis within 48 h of monitoring, and we found that extending the study beyond 72 h may not offer significant additional benefits in diagnosing seizures in patients presenting with paroxysmal events.

Plain Language Summary

There is limited information about the usefulness of long‐term video electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring in diagnosing seizures in Africa. Several conditions that resemble seizures (paroxysmal events) could be misdiagnosed, leading to inappropriate treatment. This study evaluated the effectiveness of 24‐ to 72‐h video EEG monitoring in diagnosing seizures at an epilepsy center in Nigeria. Among 70 patients, 81.4% were diagnosed with seizures, with most diagnoses made within 48 h. The findings suggest that video EEG performed within 48 h can significantly help distinguish seizures from other paroxysmal events, thereby contributing to better management and outcomes.
Impacts of Nonlinear Loads on the Power Quality of Solar Microgrids and Proposed Mitigation Strategies
Authors: Tweve Exaud , Kichonge Baraka , Kivevele Thomas
Published: February 2025

The integration of solar energy into microgrids poses significant challenges in maintaining power quality due to the variable nature of solar generation and the presence of nonlinear loads such as uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), variable frequency drives (VFDs), rectifiers, and power electronic components. Active power filters are often used to mitigate harmonics; however, these solutions are complex due to the use of control techniques like the synchronous reference frame and can introduce additional harmonic currents during compensation within electrical systems. This study investigates the effects of different nonlinear loads on the power quality of solar microgrids and explores the reduction of harmonics from VFDs through the application of passive harmonic filters (PHFs). The objective was achieved by measuring harmonics generated by nonlinear loads and simulating a modeled VFD circuit using MATLAB/Simulink R2021b software, considering the demand side. Analysis of current harmonics measurements at the point of common coupling revealed that the total harmonic current distortion (THCD) for UPS, VFDs, and rectifiers was 20.64%, 42.82%, and 22.59%, respectively, while the total harmonic voltage distortion (THVD) for UPS, VFDs, and rectifiers was 27.83%, 31.55%, and 29.16%, respectively. Moreover, the total losses caused by harmonic distortion from these nonlinear loads is 860 Watts. Among these loads, VFDs were the dominant source of harmonics. Therefore, the application of passive harmonic filters (PHFs) was proposed to minimize harmonics in solar microgrids, adhering to the standards set by the Institution of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the International Electro‐Technical Commission (IEC). Simulation of the VFD revealed that the THCD was reduced by 89.4% and the THVD was minimized by 89.9% due to the connection of passive harmonic filters. These filters have the capability to minimize harmonics to within IEEE 519 standard limits.
Optimization of Coal Mining Machine Drum Structure and Microscopic Analysis of Coal Particle Flow
Authors: Lao Junming , Chen Zhi , Wang Xuecheng , Zhang Mengqi , Guo Jianfeng
Published: February 2025

To solve the problems of low loading performance and insufficient design of the drum of thin‐seam coal mining machine, this paper proposes an innovative coal‐guiding drum design and systematically investigates the effects of different designs on the trajectory, flow structure, and loading efficiency of the coal particles from both macro‐ and microscopic perspectives. At the macroscopic level, the optimized design significantly improves the coal loading efficiency of coal particles by adding circular arc‐shaped coal guide plate and triangular coal guide plate. Simulation experiments show that the average mass flow rate of the coal‐guided drum is increased by 14.1%, and the mass flow rate under high load conditions is increased by 9.1%; with the increase of the rotational speed, the maximum increase of the loading efficiency is 16.96%. At the microscopic level, the optimized design changed the movement direction of coal particles, which led to a 15.85% increase in axial velocity and optimized the flow structure of coal particles. This paper provides a new theoretical basis and technical solution for improving the loading efficiency of thin‐seam coal‐mining machine, which has important practical significance and wide application potential.
Donepezil Reverses Alcohol‐Induced Changes in Hippocampal Neurogenic and Glial Responses Following Adolescent Intermittent Ethanol Exposure Into Adulthood in Female Rats
Authors: Nwachukwu Kala N. , Nelson James C. , Hill Kennedy M. , Clark Kennedy A. , Healey Kati , Swartzwelder H. Scott , Marshall S. Alex
Published: February 2025

Adolescent intermittent ethanol (AIE) exposure leads to persisting increases in glial markers and significantly decreases the neurogenic niche in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. Our previous study indicated that donepezil (DZ), a cholinesterase inhibitor, can reverse the AIE effect of decreased doublecortin (DCX), a neurogenic marker, and increased cleaved caspase 3, a marker of apoptosis, in the dentate gyrus of male rats. However, to date, no studies have assessed the effects of DZ on AIE effects in females. The purpose of this study was to determine whether DZ can reverse neuroimmune, neurogenic, and neuronal death effects in adulthood after AIE in female rats. Adolescent female rats were given 14 doses of ethanol (5 g/kg) over 24 days by intragastric gavage. Seventeen days later, DZ (2.5 mg/kg, 1.88 mL/kg, i.g., in water) was then administered daily for 4 days prior to sacrifice. Immunohistochemical techniques were utilized to determine the effects of DZ on AIE‐induced changes in neurogenesis, cell death, glial, and neuroimmune markers. As expected, AIE decreased the neurogenic markers DCX, SOX2, and Ki‐67 in the dentate gyrus and also caused an increase in the glial markers GFAP and Iba‐1 in the hippocampus. The effects of AIE on neurogenic and glial markers were reversed by DZ treatment, but the reversal of AIE effects on glial markers was regionally specific within the hippocampus. Overall, these findings indicate that systemic DZ in adult female rats ameliorates the effects of AIE on neurogenesis, neuronal cell death, neuroimmune markers, and glial activation markers. Future studies will determine if DZ alters hippocampally driven behaviors, as well as the mechanisms underlying donepezil's effects.
Twenty Four‐Hour Movement Behaviours Research Among Australian Children and Adolescents: A Scoping Review
Authors: Hossian Mosharop , Nisar Mehwish , Mielke Gregore Iven , Khan Asaduzzaman
Published: February 2025

Background

Adherence to 24‐h movement behaviour (24‐h MB) guidelines, encompassing moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA), recreational screen time (ST) and sleep, is low among Australian children and adolescents, with poorly understood contributing factors. This review synthesised current evidence to identify areas requiring further exploration in this demographic.

Methods

A systematic search in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, SportDiscus and CINAHL identified articles published from June 2016 and March 2024. Peer‐reviewed articles in English focusing on healthy school‐aged children and adolescents (5–17 years) addressing 24‐h MB guidelines, including those using compositional data analysis (CoDA), were included.

Results

Twenty‐three articles met the inclusion criteria. Most were of fair quality and used cross‐sectional designs and self‐reported measures. Adherence to 24‐h MB guidelines ranged from 2% to 22% in Australia. The included articles focused on prevalence (n = 12), correlates (n = 5), health outcomes (n = 13), academic performance (n = 4), and an intervention (n = 1). Factors negatively associated with adherence included lower socioeconomic status, transitions from primary to secondary school, and family history of diabetes. Positive outcomes associated with adherence included improved academic performance, quality of life, and physical and mental health. Important research gaps were identified, particularly regarding intervention studies and limited exploration of a causal relationship between adherence, contributing factors, and related outcomes. Compositional analyses (n = 10) suggested that reallocating time from sedentary behaviour to MVPA may improve fitness and academic performance, whereas increasing sedentary time may lower sleep efficiency.

Conclusions

A comprehensive understanding of factors associated with adherence to 24‐h MB guidelines among Australian children and adolescents is lacking. More longitudinal and interventional studies using objective measures are needed to establish causality and provide a deeper understanding of adherence to 24‐h MB guidelines among children and adolescents in Australia.

So What

This scoping review underscores the need for more longitudinal and intervention‐based research to explore causal relationships between adherence to 24‐h MB guidelines and potential benefits for health, academic performance, and quality of life in Australian children and adolescents.
Bank Capital Regulation and Derivatives Clearing
Authors: Acosta‐Smith Jonathan , Ferrara Gerardo , Rodriguez‐Tous Francesc
Published: February 2025

As part of the post global financial crisis banking reforms, regulators introduced a leverage ratio requirement, a minimum capital requirement over a bank's total exposures. We assess the consequences of this requirement for derivative clearing services to clients, which creates exposures for the dealers, by exploiting its earlier introduction in the United Kingdom and detailed confidential transaction and portfolio data. UK dealers reduce their client clearing business following the introduction of the requirement, particularly dealers with lower capital positions and for longer‐term derivatives; they are also more likely to end client relationships. Capital regulation might indirectly limit access to clearing services.
Effect of ice encasement, covers, and snow and ice removal on annual bluegrass, creeping bentgrass, and red fescue putting greens
Authors: Waalen Wendy M. , Heltoft Pia , Espevig Tatsiana , Aamlid Trygve S.
Published: February 2025

Turfgrass winter kill due to freeze/thaw cycles and ice encasement (IE) is a problem on putting greens the Nordic countries. Our objectives were (1) to investigate how green coverage with impermeable plastic before IE affects soil temperature, O2 and CO2 concentrations, winter survival and spring recovery of creeping bentgrass (CRB), red fescue (RF), and annual bluegrass (AB) and (2) to explore how these turfgrasses are affected by snow and ice removal during the entire winter or parts of it. Six treatments were imposed on 5‐month‐old turf of the three species during the winters 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 at NIBIO Apelsvoll, Norway (60°42′ N). With an average soil temperature at 2‐cm depth of −0.9°C and the lowest O2 concentrations around 5%, conditions under IE or plastic + IE treatments never became anoxic. On average for six treatments and 2 years, CRB and RF had significantly better winter survival (both 52%) than AB (25%). Turfgrass winter survival, spring color, and spring growth were significantly better (62% survival on average for species) with plastic between the grass and 10‐cm IE than with 10‐cm IE directly on the grass (23% survival). Snow and ice removal throughout the winter or before IE in early January improved turfgrass freezing tolerance in January but did not improve winter survival, green color, or spring growth compared with the control treatment with natural winter conditions. We conclude that putting greens in areas with unstable winters and risk for prolonged IE ought to be protected by impermeable plastic. Ventilation under the plastic may be necessary on old greens with more organic matter than in this experiment. On frozen uncovered greens, it is better to avoid prolonged IE by snow removal before rain or warm spell in December/early January than by mechanical ice removal in March.
Prevalence and Doppler Indices of Late‐Onset Fetal Growth Restriction at a Single University Hospital in Southern Thailand
Authors: Watthanasathitnukun Wattanan , Suwanrath Chitkasaem , Chainarong Natthicha , Petpichetchian Chusana , Leelarujijareon Chutinun
Published: February 2025

Objectives

To evaluate the prevalence of late‐onset fetal growth restriction (FGR), and comprehensively assess maternal and fetal Doppler indices by comparing the Doppler measurements of the uterine artery (UtA), umbilical artery (UA), umbilical vein (UV), middle cerebral artery (MCA), and ductus venosus (DV) between normal and FGR groups.

Methods

This prospective study enrolled 306 singleton pregnant women at ≥ 32 weeks' gestation between June 1, 2023 and April 30, 2024. Fetal biometry and Doppler indices were measured via transabdominal ultrasonography by a single operator. The Mann–Whitney U test was used for statistical comparison.

Results

Late‐onset FGR prevalence was 4.9% (15/306). The FGR group had a significantly higher UtA pulsatility index (PI) and lower cerebroplacental ratio (CPR), cerebral‐placental‐uterine ratio (CPUR), and UV blood flow normalized for fetal abdominal circumference (UVBF/AC) compared to the normal group.

Conclusion

Late‐onset FGR prevalence was approximately 5%. The higher UtA‐PI and lower CPR, CPUR, and UVBF/AC in the FGR group indicated mild placental insufficiency.
Chronic atrial and intestinal dysrhythmia: A rare genetic disorder of intestinal pseudo‐obstruction
Authors: Ahuja Kanya , Pathania Shivany , Baron Nicole , Khlevner Julie , Bialer Martin , Mait‐Kaufman Jennifer
Published: February 2025

Pediatric intestinal pseudo‐obstruction (PIPO) is a rare and severe disorder of gastrointestinal (GI) motility; patients with PIPO display signs and symptoms of intestinal obstruction in the absence of occluding lesions. Chronic atrial and intestinal dysrhythmia (CAID) syndrome is an exceedingly rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the SGO1 gene; SGO1 mutations disrupt the cohesin complex, a protein involved in chromosome organization during cell division and hence, DNA stability. CAID leads to both GI and cardiac dysfunction. This case report highlights an exceptional instance of early‐onset pediatric CAID marked by recurrent pseudo‐obstruction and, notably, developmental delay, which has not been previously described. The case emphasizes the importance of genetic evaluation in pediatric patients with unexplained pseudo‐obstruction, and the importance of multidisciplinary management.
Colorectal cancer in a 13‐year‐old with constitutional mismatch repair deficiency and MUTYH heterozygosity
Authors: Cohan Chloe J. , Putzeys Caroline Chinchilla , Pruniski Brianna , Tran Paul
Published: February 2025

Constitutional mismatch repair deficiency (CMMRD) is a rare hereditary cancer syndrome resulting from biallelic mutations in DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes that lead to early‐onset cancers in children, including lymphoma and colorectal cancer (CRC). This case report presents a 13‐year‐old boy diagnosed with CMMRD due to a homozygous MSH6 mutation and a heterozygous MUTYH mutation. The patient's initial misdiagnosis as neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) highlights the overlap between CMMRD and NF1, as their overlapping genetic pathologies can yield similar clinical manifestations. This case emphasizes the complexity of genetic diagnoses, particularly when multiple predispositions like MMR and MUTYH mutations coexist. Accurate identification of CMMRD and associated mutations is crucial for timely management and genetic counseling, given its significant implications for cancer risk and treatment strategies.
Effects of different exogenous proteins combined with dry heat treatment on physicochemical properties and digestive characteristics of puffed corn flour
Authors: Ye Yang , Du Haonan , Liu Xiaoqin , Jia Guixiang , Lu Zhaoyi , Wang Yang
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND

Puffed corn flour (PCF) is produced by the milling of corn flour, followed by extrusion, puffing, drying and grinding processes. PCF possesses extensive potential applications in the food industry, serving as a raw material to produce diverse expanded foods. Nonetheless, PCF presents certain issues, including inadequate protein content and suboptimal flushing characteristics. A multitude of studies indicate that physical alteration and the incorporation of exogenous protein positively affect the modifications in the physical and chemical properties of starch. This study examined the impact of incorporating exogenous protein alongside dry heat treatment (DHT) on the microstructure, physical and chemical properties and in vitro digestion of PCF.

RESULTS

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results demonstrated that DHT augmented the hydrogen bond strength of the samples while exerting a negligible effect on the overall structure. Furthermore, via DHT, the incorporation of soybean protein isolate (SPI), whey protein isolate (WPI) and egg white protein (EWP) enhanced the water solubility index of the samples by 8.77%, 19.39% and 22.02%, respectively; the resistant starch content increased by 18.12%, 13.28% and 15.56%, respectively. Nonetheless, DHT resulted in a decrease in sample particle size and the formation of additional cracks and pores on the surface of PCF.

CONCLUSION

The flushing properties of PCF were enhanced by DHT technology and the incorporation of exogenous proteins. The optimal treatment temperature for the EWP group was 90 °C; for the SPI group, it was 80 °C; and for the WPI group, it was 100 °C. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.
From Complexity to Clarity: Expanding Metabolome Coverage With Innovative Analytical Strategies
Authors: Aarika Kanukolanu , Rajyalakshmi Ramijinni , Nalla Lakshmi Vineela , Gajula Siva Nageswara Rao
Published: February 2025

Metabolomics, a powerful discipline within systems biology, aims at comprehensive profiling of small molecules in biological samples. The challenges of biological sample complexity are addressed through innovative sample preparation methods, including solid‐phase extraction and microextraction techniques, enhancing the detection and quantification of low‐abundance metabolites. Advances in chromatographic separation, particularly liquid chromatography (LC) and gas chromatography (GC), coupled with high‐resolution (HR) mass spectrometry (MS), have significantly improved the sensitivity, selectivity, and throughput of metabolomic studies. Cutting‐edge techniques, such as ion‐mobility mass spectrometry (IM‐MS) and tandem MS (MS/MS), further expand the capacity for comprehensive metabolite profiling. These advanced analytical platforms each offer unique advantages for metabolomics, with continued technological improvements driving deeper insights into metabolic pathways and biomarker discovery. By providing a detailed overview of current trends and techniques, this review aims to offer valuable insights into the future of metabolomics in human health research and its translational potential in clinical settings. Toward the end, this review also highlights the biomedical applications of metabolomics, emphasizing its role in biomarker discovery, disease diagnostics, personalized medicine, and drug development.
ELK4 transcription promotes MSI2‐mediated progression of non‐small cell lung cancer through the TGF‐β/SMAD3 pathway
Authors: Shi Guo‐Cui , Teng Yu‐Qing , Zhu Jin‐Song , Sun Jia‐Wei , Liu Cui , Zhang Yi‐Wei
Published: February 2025

Non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a primary contributor to global cancer‐related mortality. Musashi‐2 (MSI2), an RNA‐binding protein (RBP), is upregulated in specific NSCLC tumor subgroups. The current investigation evaluated the role and underlying mechanism of MSI2 in NSCLC. The expression levels of ELK4, MSI2, SMAD3, p‐SMAD3 and TGFβR1 were assessed via RT–qPCR or Western blot. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and dual luciferase reporter assays were used to confirm the interaction between ELK4 and MSI2. The proliferation, migration and invasion of NSCLC cells were determined via MTT, colony formation, and transwell assays, respectively. A xenograft tumor model was established in BALB/c nude mice. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was used to test Ki67 expression. We found that MSI2 and ELK4 expression levels were increased in NSCLC tissues and cells. ELK4 depletion suppressed the proliferation, migration and invasion of NSCLC cells. ELK4 acts as a transcription factor and promotes the transcription of MSI2. MSI2 depletion repressed NSCLC cell proliferation, migration and invasion through the TGF‐β/SMAD3 pathway. Overexpression of ELK4 reversed the inhibitory effect of MSI2 repression on NSCLC progression. These results confirmed that ELK4 is a direct regulator of MSI2 expression and that MSI2 promotes NSCLC progression through TGF‐β/SMAD3 activation, suggesting the potential clinical value of inhibiting MSI2 in NSCLC.
Cerium Oxide Decorated Graphene Nanolayers Filled Polyvinylidene Fluoride Nanofibers as Optical Piezoelectric Sensors
Authors: Bader Nour , Yempally Swathi , Al‐Ashker Firas , Al‐Ejji Maryam , Ponnamma Deepalekshmi
Published: February 2025

This article introduces the fabrication of optical piezoelectric sensors using cerium oxide (CeO)‐decorated graphene nanolayers incorporated into polyvinylidene fluoride hexafluoropropylene (PVDF‐HFP) fibers. Electrospinning method is employed to create the composite nanofibers, resulting in a highly aligned and consistent fibrous structure. Graphene nanolayers are functionalized onto CeO nanoparticles using a rapid and scalable solution‐based process. The resulting hybrid composite material exhibited superior piezoelectric characteristics compared to pure PVDF‐HFP. A fiber Bragg grating sensor is integrated into the PVDF‐HFP nanofiber composite to enable optical sensing. As a strain gauge, the sensor detected variations in fiber length caused by mechanical deformation. The addition of CeO‐decorated graphene nanolayers enhanced the piezoelectric response of the PVDF‐HFP nanofibers, producing an electrical signal proportional to the applied mechanical stress. The sensor's performance is evaluated under various mechanical stimuli, including compression, bending, and vibration. The sensor demonstrated excellent sensitivity, repeatability, and fast response times. The proposed optical piezoelectric sensor, based on PVDF‐HFP nanofibers filled with CeO‐decorated graphene nanolayers, shows great potential for applications in robotics, wearable electronics, and structural health monitoring. This sensor technology is highly appealing for next‐generation smart materials and devices due to its enhanced piezoelectric properties, optical sensing capabilities, and mechanical resilience.
Carrier Screening and Prenatal Diagnosis for Spinal Muscular Atrophy in Ningde City, Fujian Province
Authors: Lu JiaoJiao , Zheng Xian , Yang Jing , Dong WenXu , Cao LuoYuan , Zeng Xiaomei , Wu Qinjuan , Chen Xunyan , Fu XianGuo
Published: February 2025

Objective

This study aimed to screen for SMN1 (OMIM#600354) deletion carriers in 6035 pregnant women in the eastern part of Fujian Province, to provide a theoretical basis for genetic counseling and further prenatal diagnosis of the disease, and to explore the carrier frequency and clinical significance of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) in the eastern part of Fujian Province.

Methods

Pregnant women treated at the prenatal diagnosis institution of Ningde Municipal Hospital of Ningde Normal University from February 2022 to October 2023 were selected as research subjects. The exons 7 and 8 (E7 and E8) of the survival of motor neuron 1 gene (SMN1) from 6035 pregnant women were detected using real‐time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qPCR). Spouses of pregnant women with positive results were recalled for gene detection, and prenatal diagnosis was performed for both partners as carriers.

Results

A total of 100 SMA carriers were detected in 6035 pregnant women, including 98 with heterozygous deletions of E7 and E8 of the SMN1 gene and two with heterozygous deletions of E7 only. The carrier frequency was 1.66%. One couple was both identified as SMA carriers, and their fetus with a homozygous deletion of E7 and E8 of the SMN1 gene was finally detected by prenatal diagnosis and gene analysis.

Conclusion

The frequency of SMA mutation in the Ningde area of Fujian province has been identified, which can provide the basis for genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis. Interventional prenatal genetic diagnosis for high‐risk fetuses can effectively prevent the birth of children with SMA and is crucial for preventing and controlling birth defects.
The Numerical Analysis of the Fractional Maxwell Fluid in Porous Rock Formations
Authors: Jiang Jinxia , Liu Mengqi , Zhao Haojie , Zhang Yan
Published: February 2025

Fractional derivatives are global operators in which the time and space fractional derivatives represent temporal memory and spatial nonlocality, respectively. It is confirmed that the fractional Maxwell fluid model is more suitable for describing crude oil constitutive relation by the rheological experiment. In this paper, an investigation of the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flow and heat transfer of crude oil nanofluid in porous rock formations is presented. The fractional governing equations with the time and space fractional derivatives have been established. Numerical solutions are obtained by the finite difference method with the L1 algorithm and L2 algorithm to discrete the fractional derivatives. The numerical solution is verified by comparing with the exact solution constructed by introducing a source term. The effects of the involved parameters on the velocity and temperature distributions are analyzed and discussed in detail. It is noteworthy that the velocity profiles decrease significantly with the increasing while the temperature profiles increase with the increasing .
Innate Character of Conformable Fractional Derivative and Its Effects on Solutions of Differential Equations
Authors: Xu Jiafa , Cui Yujun , Rui Weiguo
Published: February 2025

In this paper, the innate character of the conformable fractional derivative is studied and a new type of soliton named semidomain soliton has been discovered in the conformable fractional model. The investigation shows that there is a large difference between the conformable fractional derivative and the classical Riemann–Liouville fractional derivative. The conformable fractional differential operator no longer have memory function as Riemann–Liouville fractional differential operator. The further investigation shows that the conformable fractional derivative is essentially a kind of cognate derivative of the integer‐order derivative. It is found that the solutions between the conformable fractional differential equations and the integer‐order differential equations can be transformed directly through the variable replacements. Several theorems for solution replacements between the conformable fractional differential equation and the integer‐order differential equation are given and proved. It is found that there are some differences on dynamical properties of solutions between the conformable fractional differential equations and the classical integer‐order differential equations. The finding of the above interesting properties implies that the conformable fractional differential operator will have good application prospects on establishing mathematical models in the future.
Development of Dual‐Slot Antenna Array Using Substrate Integrated Waveguide (SIW) Technique
Authors: Paliwal Gunjan J. , Kumar Arvind , Althuwayb Ayman A.
Published: February 2025

This study investigates a single‐layer substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) cavity‐backed slot antenna and its 1 × 4 linear array counterpart. The antenna unit comprises an SIW‐based rectangular cavity, dual arc‐shaped slots, and a tapered microstrip feed line. Operating in TE102 mode, the antenna exhibits dual resonant frequencies, spanning from 8.71 to 9.05 GHz, with peaks at 8.8 and 8.98 GHz. Fabricated using conventional printed circuit board (PCB) techniques, the array design is subjected to tests for reflection coefficient, gain, and radiation patterns. The measured results closely match simulations, showcasing operational frequencies from 8.65 to 9.025 GHz, with an average gain of 8.24 dBi. With dimensions of 2.15 × 2.48 × 0.023λ0 mm, the array offers advantages such as a planar feeding network, compact size, affordability, and ease of fabrication. These attributes position the proposed design as an ideal candidate for X‐band wireless communication transceivers.
The Optical Absorption and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance of Cu2+ Incorporated Dicalcium Lead Propionate
Authors: Yadav Awadhesh Kumar , Kripal Ram
Published: February 2025

Following γ‐ray exposure, a room‐temperature study of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) is conducted on Cu2+‐doped dicalcium lead propionate (DCLP), Ca2Pb(C2H5COO)6. Cu2+ is found at four magnetically equivalent sites replacing Ca2+. EPR spectra are fitted to a rhombic symmetry Hamiltonian in order to determine the spin Hamiltonian parameters. The determined parameters are gx = 2.0245 ± 0.0002, gy = 2.1024 ± 0.0002, gz = 2.3476 ± 0.0002, Ax = (56 ± 2) × 10−4 cm−1, Ay = (78 ± 2) × 10−4 cm−1, and Az = (98 ± 2) × 10−4 cm−1. The experimental value of g‐anisotropy is compared with the evaluated one. The wavefunction for the ground state is determined to be 0.999|x2 − y2> − 0.004|3z2 − r2>. The complex's bonding nature is determined with the aid of an optical study. The optical transitions dx2−y2 → dxy(2B1g → 2B2g), dx2−y2 → dxz,yz(2B1g → 2Eg), and dx2−y2 → d3z2‐r2(2B1g → 2A1g) are observed at 12,121, 18,691, and 25,316 cm−1, respectively. The molecular orbital coefficients α02, β12, β02, and β′2 and Fermi contact term K for Cu2+‐doped DCLP are found as 0.63, 1.00, 1.00, 0.40, and 0.44, respectively.
The demographic collapse of hunting in the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Gaspar Mario , Acevedo Pelayo , Arrondo Eneko , García‐Martínez Ignacio , Herrero Juan , Pascual‐Rico Roberto , Sánchez‐Zapata José A. , Anadón José D.
Published: February 2025

Hunting is one of the oldest and most relevant extractive activities performed by humans in nature. Over the last century hunting has experienced profound changes in developed countries, shifting from a consumption to a recreational activity and declining in some countries. However, substantial quantitative information on these trends at large temporal scales, as well as the projection of the number of hunters and their demographic structure under future scenarios is lacking at regional scales.

Here we (i) describe the current demography of hunters in a large portion of the Iberian Peninsula, (ii) quantify population and recruitment trends for the last five decades and (iii) starting from those trends, we project the number and structure of hunters for the following decades.

At present, the studied hunting population, with nearly 600,000 hunters, is strongly ageing, with the most abundant cohort being that between 61 and 70 years, and its prevalence is eight times higher on the smallest towns than in the large cities. Over the last 15 years hunters have declined by 26%, while over the last 50 years it has declined by 45%. This trend is linked to a steady decline of recruitment of young hunters that has been overall reduced by 89% in the last 50 years.

By 2050, if following average trends observed during the last five decades, hunters in the whole study area are expected to decrease by 70%, and the proportion of hunters aged over 60 will increase from 40% to 61%.

Overall, our results indicate an ongoing collapse of the population of hunters in the Iberian Peninsula due to lack of recruitment, which began at least five decades ago. This collapse, together with other post‐rural abandonment processes (e.g. livestock and wood‐collection) is likely having a deep impact on wildlife populations and ecosystems, which is largely understudied. In this new post‐abandonment state, approaches to environmental management should be adapted to accommodate these ongoing, long‐term socio‐ecological shifts.

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