bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of Ventilatory Thresholds Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in Recreational Endurance and CrossFit Athletes
Authors: Arnet Janik , Knaier Raphael , Schoch Raphael , D’Hulst Gommaar , Bruggisser Fabienne , Feldmann Andri , Leuenberger Rahel , Westerhuis Elena , Infanger Denis , Schmidt-Trucksäss Arno , Wagner Jonathan
Published: January 2025

To define training zones, ventilatory thresholds (VTs) are commonly established by cardiopulmonary gas-exchange analysis during incremental exercise tests. Portable near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) devices have emerged as a potential tool for detecting these thresholds by monitoring muscle oxygenation. This study evaluated the accuracy of NIRS measurements to determine VTs or critical power (CP) based on muscle oxygen saturation and assesses the device’s consistency across 2 constant-load tests. Data from 2 cross-sectional studies involving trained recreational endurance athletes (26 from study 1) and CrossFit athletes (59 from study 2) were examined. Incremental ramp tests on a cycle ergometer were performed and followed by either a constant-load test (study 1) or a CP test (study 2). When comparing power output or heart rate between NIRS-derived breakpoints and VTs, weak to moderate agreement was found. Mean differences in power output and heart rate ranged from 16.8 to 22.4 W and 3.8 to 6.0 beats·min−1 at the first threshold and 27.4 to 31.2 W and 7.1 to 7.8 beats·min−1 at the second threshold. Comparing with CP, mean differences ranged from −0.4 to 0.4 W and −0.6 to 0.9 beats·min−1. Test–retest reliability showed moderate agreement, with a mean bias of 1.2 percentage points between constant-load tests. Thus, NIRS may not be accurate for determining VTs or CP during exercise due to limited agreement in power output or hear rate, notable variability on individual level, and moderate reproducibility.
NAC regulates metabolism and cell fate in intestinal stem cells
Authors: Ramalho Sofia , Alkan Ferhat , Prekovic Stefan , Jastrzebski Katarzyna , Barberà Eric Pintó , Hoekman Liesbeth , Altelaar Maarten , de Heus Cecilia , Liv Nalan , Rodríguez-Colman Maria J. , Yilmaz Mehmet , van der Kammen Rob , Fedry Juliette , de Gooijer Mark C. , Suijkerbuijk Saskia Jacoba Elisabeth , Faller William J. , Silva Joana
Published: January 2025

Intestinal stem cells (ISCs) face the challenge of integrating metabolic demands with unique regenerative functions. Studies have shown an intricate interplay between metabolism and stem cell capacity; however, it is still not understood how this process is regulated. Combining ribosome profiling and CRISPR screening in intestinal organoids, we identify the nascent polypeptide–associated complex (NAC) as a key mediator of this process. Our findings suggest that NAC is responsible for relocalizing ribosomes to the mitochondria and regulating ISC metabolism. Upon NAC inhibition, intestinal cells show decreased import of mitochondrial proteins, which are needed for oxidative phosphorylation, and, consequently, enable the cell to maintain a stem cell identity. Furthermore, we show that overexpression of NACα is sufficient to drive mitochondrial respiration and promote ISC identity. Ultimately, our results reveal the pivotal role of NAC in regulating ribosome localization, mitochondrial metabolism, and ISC function, providing insights into the potential mechanism behind it.
Lattice-guided growth of dense arrays of aligned transition metal dichalcogenide nanoribbons with high catalytic reactivity
Authors: Ma Zongpeng , Solís-Fernández Pablo , Hirata Kaito , Lin Yung-Chang , Shinokita Keisuke , Maruyama Mina , Honda Kota , Kato Tatsuki , Uchida Aika , Ogura Hiroto , Otsuka Tomohiro , Hara Masahiro , Matsuda Kazunari , Suenaga Kazu , Okada Susumu , Kato Toshiaki , Takahashi Yasufumi , Ago Hiroki
Published: January 2025

Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) exhibit unique properties and potential applications when reduced to one-dimensional (1D) nanoribbons (NRs), owing to quantum confinement and high edge densities. However, effective growth methods for self-aligned TMD NRs are still lacking. We demonstrate a versatile approach for lattice-guided growth of dense, aligned MoS
2
NR arrays via chemical vapor deposition (CVD) on anisotropic sapphire substrates, without tailored surface steps. This method enables the synthesis of NRs with widths below 10 nanometers and longitudinal axis parallel to the zigzag direction, being also extensible to the growth of WS
2
NRs and MoS
2
-WS
2
heteronanoribbons. Growth is influenced by both substrate and CVD temperature, indicating the role of anisotropic precursor diffusion and substrate interaction. The 1D nature of the NRs was asserted by the observation of Coulomb blockade at low temperatures. Pronounced catalytic activity was observed at the edges of the NRs, indicating their promise for efficient catalysis.
Thickness-dependent polaron crossover in tellurene
Authors: Zhang Kunyan , Fu Chuliang , Kelly Shelly , Liang Liangbo , Kang Seoung-Hun , Jiang Jing , Zhang Ruifang , Wang Yixiu , Wan Gang , Siriviboon Phum , Yoon Mina , Ye Peide D. , Wu Wenzhuo , Li Mingda , Huang Shengxi
Published: January 2025

Polarons, quasiparticles from electron-phonon coupling, are crucial for material properties including high-temperature superconductivity and colossal magnetoresistance. However, scarce studies have investigated polaron formation in low-dimensional materials with phonon polarity and electronic structure transitions. In this work, we studied polarons of tellurene, composed of chiral Te chains. The frequency and linewidth of the A
1
phonon, which becomes increasingly polar for thinner tellurene, change abruptly for thickness below 10 nanometers, where field-effect mobility drops rapidly. These phonon and transport signatures, combined with phonon polarity and band structure, suggest a crossover from large polarons in bulk tellurium to small polarons in few-layer tellurene. Effective field theory considering phonon renormalization in the small-polaron regime semiquantitatively reproduces the phonon hardening and broadening effects. This polaron crossover stems from the quasi–one-dimensional nature of tellurene, where modulation of interchain distance reduces dielectric screening and promotes electron-phonon coupling. Our work provides valuable insights into the influence of polarons on phononic, electronic, and structural properties in low-dimensional materials.
Chlamydia trachomatis
impairs T cell priming by inducing dendritic cell death
Authors: Mao Haitong , Dumas Eric K. , Starnbach Michael N.
Published: January 2025

The lack of effective adaptive immunity against
Chlamydia trachomatis
leads to chronic or repeated infection and serious disease sequelae. Dendritic cells (DCs) are professional antigen-presenting cells that are crucial for the activation of T cells during
C. trachomatis
infection. cDC1s and cDC2s are the two main DC subsets responsible for T cell priming, but little is known about how
C. trachomatis
affects their ability to prime T cells. Using a mouse model of infection, we found that
C. trachomatis
uptake reduced the viability of cDC1s and cDC2s both
in vitro
and
in vivo
, with cDC1s experiencing more death. DC death was mainly due to apoptosis and is alleviated in
Casp3/7
or
Bak1/Bax
knockout DCs. In addition, we observed that
C. trachomatis
-specific CD8+ T cells were preferentially activated by cDC1s. Reduction in DC viability by
C. trachomatis
impaired the ability of infected DCs to activate T cells upon co-culture, although in the case of CD8+ T cell priming, controlling for viability was insufficient to fully rescue the defect. RNA sequencing of DCs from infected mice showed upregulation of cell death pathways, supporting our observations of DC death caused by
C. trachomatis
. Finally, we validated our findings with human DCs
in vitro
, observing
C. trachomatis
-induced cell death. These results indicate that
C. trachomatis
may evade the adaptive immune system by directly inducing cell death in DCs.
Recent progress in proteins regulating the germination of
Bacillus subtilis
spores
Authors: Zhang Tianyu , Gong Ziqi , Zhou Bing , Rao Lei , Liao Xiaojun
Published: January 2025

Bacterial spores can remain dormant for years, but they maintain the ability to recommence life through a process termed germination. Although spore germination has been reviewed many times, recent work has provided novel conceptual and molecular understandings of this important process. By using
Bacillus subtilis
as a model organism, here we thoroughly describe the signal transduction pathway and events that lead to spore germination, incorporating the latest findings on transcription and translation that are likely detected during germination. Then, we comprehensively review the proteins associated with germination and their respective functions. Notably, the typical germinant receptor GerA and the SpoVAF/FigP complex have been newly established as channels for ions release at early stage of germination. Moreover, given that germination is also affected by spore quality, such as molecular cargo, we collect the data about the proteins regulating sporulation to affect spore quality. Specifically, RocG-mediated glutamate catabolism during sporulation to ensure spore quality; GerE-regulated coat protein expression, and CotH-modified coat protein by phosphorylation to ensure normal coat assembly; and RNase Y-degraded RNA in newly released spores to promote dormancy. The latest progress in our understanding of these germination proteins provides valuable insights into the mechanism underlying germination.
Functions of nitroreductases in mycobacterial physiology and drug susceptibility
Authors: Eke Ifeanyichukwu E. , Abramovitch Robert B.
Published: January 2025

Tuberculosis is a respiratory infection that is caused by members of the
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
complex, with
M. tuberculosis
(Mtb) being the predominant cause of the disease in humans. The approval of pretomanid and delamanid, two nitroimidazole-based compounds, for the treatment of tuberculosis encourages the development of more nitro-containing drugs that target Mtb. Similar to the nitroimidazoles, many antimycobacterial nitro-containing scaffolds are prodrugs that require reductive activation into metabolites that inhibit the growth of the pathogen. This reductive activation is mediated by mycobacterial nitroreductases, leading to the hypothesis that these nitroreductases contribute to the specificity of the nitro prodrugs for mycobacteria. In addition to their prodrug-activating activities, these nitroreductases have different native activities that support the growth of the bacteria. This review summarizes the activities of different mycobacterial nitroreductases with respect to their activation of different nitro prodrugs and highlights their physiological functions in the bacteria.
Development and validation of a risk prediction model related to inflammatory and nutritional indexes for postoperative pulmonary infection after radical colorectal cancer surgery
Authors: Han Jingxiang , Yao Tian , Gao Linna , Gao Huiyang , Chen Yuhao , Wang Yanli , Cao Yinglei , Liu Chengfei , Qiu Fubin , Jia Kai , Huang He
Published: January 2025

Objective

To develop and validate a risk prediction model related to inflammatory and nutritional indexes for postoperative pulmonary infection (POI) after radical colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Participants

This study analysed 866 CRC patients after radical surgery at a tertiary hospital in China.

Methods

Univariable and multivariable logistic regression (LR) analyses were used to explore influence factors of POI. Predictive models were constructed using LR, random forest, support vector machine, K-nearest neighbours, naive Bayes and XGBoost. The LR model was used to generate a nomogram for POI prediction. The discrimination and calibration of the nomogram were assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and calibration curves. The contributions of inflammatory and nutritional indexes to the nomogram were evaluated through Net Reclassification Improvement and integrated discrimination improvement, while clinical practicability was assessed using decision curve analysis.

Main outcome measures

POI during hospitalisation.

Results

Independent factors identified from multivariable LR for prediction POI included age, respiratory disease, Systemic Inflammation Response Index, albumin-to-globulin ratio, operative method and operative duration. The LR model demonstrated the best performance, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.773 (95% CI: 0.674 to 0.872). The nomogram has good differentiation ability, calibration and net benefit. Incorporating inflammatory and nutritional indexes into the nomogram enhanced predictive value compared with models excluding either factor.

Conclusion

The nomogram related to inflammatory and nutritional indexes may represent a promising tool for predicting POI after radical surgery in CRC patients.
On the analytical solution of the Schrödinger equation in ellipsoidal coordinates with constant potential
Authors: Mahareeq A.S. , Barghouthi I.A. , Atawnah Q.S.
Published: January 2025

This paper solves the Schrödinger equation in confocal ellipsoidal coordinates under a constant potential. An auxiliary approach is introduced to separate the equation, which allows for the analytical derivation of energy levels using a series solution method. The results show that the four types of ellipsoidal harmonics lead to the same energy expressions. The energy levels are analyzed in terms of their dependence on the geometrical properties of the coordinates and their degeneracy patterns. This study highlights the role of ellipsoidal geometry in defining energy spectra and demonstrates its usefulness for describing quantum systems with non-spherical symmetry. The findings are relevant to diatomic molecules, quantum chemistry, and nanoscale physics, particularly nanorods. The method provides a foundation for future work on more complex potentials, which could extend the range of problems addressed using this approach.
Generative Artificial Intelligence Responses to Common Patient-Centric Hand and Wrist Surgery Questions: A Quality and Usability Analysis
Authors: PAUTLER Benjamin , MARCHESE Charles , SWANCUTT Makayla , BEUTEL Bryan G.
Published: January 2025

Background: Due to the rapid evolution of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and its implications on patient education, there is a pressing need to evaluate AI responses to patients’ medical questions. This study assessed the quality and usability of responses received from two prominent AI platforms to common patient-centric hand and wrist surgery questions.

Methods: Twelve commonly encountered hand and wrist surgery patient questions were inputted twice into both Gemini and ChatGPT, generating 48 responses. Each response underwent a content analysis, followed by assessment for quality and usability with three scoring tools: DISCERN, Suitability Assessment of Materials (SAM) and the AI Response Metric (AIRM). Statistical analyses compared the features and scores of the outputs when stratified by platform, question type and response order.

Results: Responses earned mean overall scores of 55.7 (‘good’), 57.2% (‘adequate’) and 4.4 for DISCERN, SAM and AIRM, respectively. No responses provided citations. Wrist question responses had significantly higher DISCERN (p < 0.01) and AIRM (p = 0.02) scores compared to hand responses. Second responses had significantly higher AIRM (p < 0.01), but similar DISCERN (p = 0.76) and SAM (p = 0.11), scores compared to the first responses. Gemini’s DISCERN (p = 0.04) and SAM (p < 0.01) scores were significantly higher than ChatGPT’s corresponding metrics.

Conclusions: Although responses are generally ‘good’ and ‘adequate’, there is variable quality with respect to platform used, type of question and response order. Given the diversity of publicly available AI platforms, it is important to understand the quality and usability of information patients may encounter during their search for answers to common hand and wrist surgery questions.

Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic)
Angiogenesis and Axonal Elongation in Decellularised Nerve Grafts Depend on the Surrounding Vascular Environment
Authors: TANIMOTO Kaguna , KODAMA Akira , KUNISAKI Atsushi , MUNEMORI Masaru , KAMEI Naosuke , ADACHI Nobuo
Published: January 2025

Background: Decellularised nerve transplantation has limited therapeutic efficacy for peripheral nerve injuries. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that nerve regeneration can be promoted by increasing blood circulation to the decellularised nerve through the surrounding blood-flow environment.

Methods: We transplanted 20 mm decellularised nerves into sciatic nerve defects in Sprague–Dawley rats (female, 12 weeks old). In the intramuscular group, the decellularised nerve was implanted into the biceps femoris muscle and covered with the muscle to provide blood circulation. In the avascular group, the decellularised nerve was sutured to the sciatic nerve and the surrounding nerve bed was cauterised to create a non-bleeding field. In the intramuscular without repair group, the decellularised nerve was implanted in the biceps femoris muscle, but not sutured to the sciatic nerve. Axonal elongation and angiogenesis were evaluated immunohistochemically using anti-neurofilament, anti-S100 and anti-CD31 antibodies in sagittal and transverse sections of the nerve 3 weeks later.

Results: In the intramuscular group, the number of neurofilaments per unit area and S100 were higher than those in the other groups (p < 0.05). CD31 staining was predominant in the intramuscular group. Axial images of the nerves confirmed the localisation of CD31-positive cells, and positive cells were found in the centre of the decellularised nerves in the intramuscular group.

Conclusions: Decellularised nerve grafts wrapped with vascular-rich tissue promoted nerve regeneration by enhancing angiogenesis in transplanted nerve grafts and preventing ischemia in the centre of the nerve graft.
Applications of Certainty Scoring for Machine Learning Classification and Out-of-Distribution Detection
Authors: Berenbeim Alexander M. , Cobb Adam D. , Roy Anirban , Jha Susmit , Bastian Nathaniel D.
Published: January 2025

Quantitative characterizations and estimations of uncertainty are of fundamental importance for machine learning classification, particularly in safety-critical settings where continuous real-time monitoring requires explainable and reliable scoring. Reliance on the maximum a posteriori principle to determine label classification can obscure the certainty of a label assignment. We develop a theoretical framework for quantitative scores of certainty and competence based on predicted probability estimates, formally prove their properties, and empirically confirm the inferential power of these properties across different data modalities, tasks and model architectures. Our theoretical results establish that competent models have distinct distributions of certainty for true and false positives conditioned on inputs similar to training and testing data, and prove that this framework provides a reliable means to infer the quality of model predictions and detect false positives. Our empirical results bear out that there are distinct distributions of certainty scores on training and holdout data, as well as data that is a priori out-of-distribution. For
expert
models, at least 62.1% of false positives could be identified when using a cut-off at at the bottom 5% TP threshold. Further, we found a strong negative correlation between empirical competence and the FPR95TPR rate for EnergyBased out-of-distribution (OOD) detectors. Finally, we developed two forms of an OOD detector that were able to reliably distinguish in-distribution data from OOD data for both frequentist and Bayesian models, performing better on average than previous state-of-the-art EnergyBased OOD detection methods, and improving upon the baseline Monte Carlo Dropout AUPR-OUT performance on average by 14.4% and 16.5%, and reducing the FPR95TPR by 54.2% and 37.6%.
LOGIC: Logic Synthesis for Digital In-Memory Computing
Authors: Rashed Muhammad Rashedul Haq , Thijssen Sven , Jha Sumit , Ewetz Rickard
Published: January 2025

In-memory processing offers a promising solution for enhancing the performance of data-intensive applications. While analog in-memory computing demonstrates remarkable efficiency, its limited precision is suitable only for approximate computing tasks. In contrast, digital in-memory computing delivers the deterministic precision necessary to accelerate high-assurance applications. Current digital in-memory computing methods typically involve manually breaking down arithmetic operations into in-memory compute kernels. In contrast, traditional digital circuits are synthesized through intricate and automated design workflows. In this article, we introduce a logic synthesis framework called LOGIC, which facilitates the translation of high-level applications into digital in-memory compute kernels that can be executed using non-volatile memory. We propose techniques for decomposing element-wise arithmetic operations into in-memory kernels while minimizing the number of in-memory operations. Additionally, we optimize the sequence of in-memory operations to reduce non-volatile memory utilization. To address the NP-hard execution sequencing optimization problem, we have developed two
look-ahead
algorithms that offer practical solutions. Additionally, we leverage data layout reorganization to efficiently accelerate applications that heavily rely on sparse matrix-vector multiplication operations. Our experimental evaluations demonstrate that our proposed synthesis approach improves the area and latency of fixed-point multiplication by 84% and 20% compared to the state-of-the-art, respectively. Moreover, when applied to scientific computing applications sourced from the SuiteSparse Matrix Collection, our design achieves remarkable improvements in area, latency, and energy efficiency by factors of 4.8×, 2.6×, and 11×, respectively.
FastMRI Breast: A Publicly Available Radial k-Space Dataset of Breast Dynamic Contrast-enhanced MRI
Authors: Solomon Eddy , Johnson Patricia M. , Tan Zhengguo , Tibrewala Radhika , Lui Yvonne W. , Knoll Florian , Moy Linda , Kim Sungheon Gene , Heacock Laura
Published: January 2025

The fastMRI breast dataset is the first large-scale dataset of radial k-space and Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine data for breast dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI with case-level labels, and its public availability aims to advance fast and quantitative machine learning research.
Role of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels and Ano1 Ca2+-activated Cl− channels in M2 muscarinic receptor-dependent contractions of murine airway smooth muscle
Authors: Ghosh Srijit , Alkawadri Tuleen , McGarvey Lorcan P. , Hollywood Mark A. , Thornbury Keith D. , Sergeant Gerard P.
Published: January 2025

The role of L-type Ca2+ channels and Ano1 Ca2+-activated Cl− channels in cholinergic contractions of airway smooth muscle is disputed. Here, we show that both channels are involved in M2 muscarinic receptor-dependent contractions of murine airway smooth muscle via inhibition of buffering of Ca2+ influx by sarcoplasmic endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPases.
Caspase inhibition restores collagen Iα1 and fibronectin release in cigarette smoke extract-exposed human lung fibroblasts
Authors: La Mensa Agnese , Buscetta Marco , Woldhuis Roy R. , Cimino Maura , Giuffrè Maria Rita , Cristaldi Marta , Dino Paola , Fiore Luigi , Fucarino Alberto , Lo Iacono Giovanna , Bertani Alessandro , Brandsma Corry-Anke , Bucchieri Fabio , Cipollina Chiara
Published: January 2025

This research investigates the connection between caspases, gasdermins, and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling in the context of cigarette smoke-associated lung diseases. The study found that cigarette smoke extract (CSE) activates caspases and gasdermin E in human lung fibroblasts, leading to decreased ECM protein expression and release. Findings herein reported suggest that targeting the caspase-8-3/7-gasdermin axis and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species may help restore ECM remodeling in chronic lung diseases associated with cigarette smoke exposure.
Counter‐Example to Diaby’s et al. Linear Programming Solution to the Traveling Salesman Problem
Authors: Hofman Radosław
Published: January 2025

This article presents a method of constructing counter‐examples and a complete counter‐example to the linear programming model alleged to be the solution to the traveling salesman problem. The counter‐example is checked against the model proposed by Diaby et al. However, it applies to all similar formulations of the TSP problem.

Although the model in question was published in 2006, and there were several discussions regarding its correctness, the counter‐example was never presented.

The presented counter‐example is a regular graph, and the aim was not to have an example with the least possible size; therefore, the focus was on clarity. The counter‐example has, therefore, 366 nodes in two main clusters, each node (in the main part) having exactly four connections to other nodes in the cluster.
Microbial Quality and Production Methods of Traditional Fermented Cheeses in Lebanon
Authors: Chedid Mabelle , Shaib Houssam , Jaber Lina , El Iskandarani Youmna , Hamadeh Shady Kamal
Published: January 2025

This study is aimed at evaluating the quality and safety of two traditional fermented dairy products commonly found in Lebanon (Ambarees and Kishk in its dry and wet forms) by detecting foodborne pathogens and indicator microorganisms. Additionally, it seeks to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to quality and the production level. A total of 58 random samples (duplicated) including goat milk (n = 16), dry Kishk (n = 8), wet Kishk (n = 8), and Ambarees (n = 26) were collected from individuals who both farm and process these products. They represent the two production levels within the identified value chains in the Shouf and West Bekaa regions. Microbiological analyses revealed that all samples were free of Escherichia coli, while Staphylococcus aureus was found in all of them with significantly higher levels of contamination in wet Kishk, indicating poor hygienic practices at the different production levels. Coliforms were found in only 3.8% of the Ambarees samples, made from raw milk, showing that the decreasing pH and water activity throughout the long milk fermentation process contributes to the low prevalence of these microorganisms and that cross‐contamination might have occurred during the packaging phase. A regional pattern was observed where microbial counts (total aerobic counts, total coliforms, and S. aureus) were found significantly higher (p < 0.05) in milk samples of the West Bekaa, suggesting better hygienic conditions in the Shouf as compared to the West Bekaa. This analysis would be an important tool for developing the goat dairy sector and enhancing the production and promotion of traditional goat milk products. Valorization at the different levels of the value chain, starting with the adoption of good production practices on the farm, training on hygienic standards, innovation in packaging and marketing, and developing adequate policies, may ensure high‐quality end‐products that will eventually contribute to the livelihoods of the main stakeholders in this value chain and help preserve these national culinary gems.
CO2‐ and PM2.5‐Focused Optimal Ventilation Strategy Based on Predictive Control
Authors: Choi Young Jae , Choi Eun Ji , Byun Jae Yoon , Moon Hyeun Jun , Sung Min Ki , Moon Jin Woo
Published: January 2025

This study developed and evaluated an optimal ventilation strategy for variable air volume (VAV) systems, targeting carbon dioxide (CO2) and particulate matter less than 2.5 μm in diameter (PM2.5) concentrations. The strategy integrates system‐level demand‐controlled ventilation (DCV) based on real‐time occupancy data and zone‐level predictive control using indoor air quality (IAQ) prediction models. By predicting indoor CO2 and PM2.5 levels for the subsequent time step and dynamically adjusting control priorities, optimal airflow is determined. A co‐simulation model integrating EnergyPlus, CONTAM, and Python was employed for model training and testing. The proposed strategy was compared with on–off control, CO2 predictive control, and PM2.5 predictive control, demonstrating superior prediction accuracy and stable IAQ maintenance. The optimal ventilation strategy achieved the highest performance, maintaining CO2 and PM2.5 levels below their respective upper limits of 100% and 97.33% of the time. Although this strategy resulted in slightly higher energy consumption compared to the other control algorithms due to its multivariable control approach, it effectively maintained IAQ standards. This method simplifies development and maintenance by circumventing the need for complex optimization, providing a flexible and cost‐effective solution for IAQ management. Future research will focus on developing integrated VAV system control strategies that ensure comfort year‐round, addressing both energy efficiency and thermal comfort.
Demographic and Clinical Characteristics of Patients With Charcot Neuro‐Osteoarthropathy in People With Diabetes Mellitus in Six Countries: A Multicenter Observational Study From 1996 to 2022
Authors: Jude E. B. , Siafarikas C. , Rastogi A. , Bem R. , Tankova T. , Kong M.-F. , LaFontaine J. , Pappachan J. , Tentolouris N.
Published: January 2025

Aim: To describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with Charcot neuro‐osteoarthropathy (CNO) and to examine for differences between participants with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) (T1DM) and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Materials and Methods: Multicenter observational study in eight diabetic foot clinics in six countries between January 1, 1996, and December 31, 2022. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory parameters were obtained from the medical records. Analyses were performed using parametric or nonparametric statistical tests for variables with normally or nonnormally distributed values, respectively. Comparisons of the qualitative data were performed using the chi‐square test.

Results: Seven hundred seventy‐four patients with DM and CNO were included. The mean age at diagnosis of CNO was 54.5 ± 11.7 years, and the median (interquartile range (IQR)) diabetes duration at diagnosis of CNO was 15 (10–22) years. Among participants, 71.8% (n = 546) were male and 83.2% (n = 634) had T2DM. Neuropathy was present in 91.7% (n = 688), retinopathy in 60.2% (n = 452), and nephropathy in 45.2% (n = 337). Subjects with T1DM, compared to T2DM, were diagnosed with CNO at a younger age (46.9 ± 11.0 vs. 57.9 ± 10.2 years, p < 0.001), had longer diabetes duration (median value (IQR): 29.0 (21.0–38.0) vs. 14.0 (8.0–20.0) years, p < 0.001), and had more often microvascular complications (neuropathy, 95.2% in T1DM vs. 87.4% in T2DM, p = 0.006; retinopathy, 83.3% vs. 55.4%, p < 0.001; and nephropathy 67.5% vs. 40.5%, p < 0.001).

Conclusions: CNO is predominant in males, occurs in long‐standing DM, and is often accompanied by microvascular complications. People with T1DM, compared to those with T2DM, are affected at a younger age, have longer diabetes duration, and have more often microvascular complications.
Supplementary Figure S10 from Autofluorescence Virtual Staining System for H&E Histology and Multiplex Immunofluorescence Applied to Immuno-Oncology Biomarkers in Lung Cancer
Authors: Loo Jessica , Robbins Marc , McNeil Carson , Yoshitake Tadayuki , Santori Charles , Shan Chuanhe (Jay) , Vyawahare Saurabh , Patel Hardik , Wang Tzu Chien , Findlater Robert , Steiner David F. , Rao Sudha , Gutierrez Michael , Wang Yang , Sanchez Adrian C. , Yin Raymund , Velez Vanessa , Sigman Julia S. , Coutinho de Souza Patricia , Chandrupatla Hareesh , Scott Liam , Weaver Shamira S. , Lee Chung-Wein , Rivlin Ehud , Goldenberg Roman , Couto Suzana S. , Cimermancic Peter , Wong Pok Fai
Published: January 2025

Supplementary Figure S10
Figure 2 from Autofluorescence Virtual Staining System for H&E Histology and Multiplex Immunofluorescence Applied to Immuno-Oncology Biomarkers in Lung Cancer
Authors: Loo Jessica , Robbins Marc , McNeil Carson , Yoshitake Tadayuki , Santori Charles , Shan Chuanhe (Jay) , Vyawahare Saurabh , Patel Hardik , Wang Tzu Chien , Findlater Robert , Steiner David F. , Rao Sudha , Gutierrez Michael , Wang Yang , Sanchez Adrian C. , Yin Raymund , Velez Vanessa , Sigman Julia S. , Coutinho de Souza Patricia , Chandrupatla Hareesh , Scott Liam , Weaver Shamira S. , Lee Chung-Wein , Rivlin Ehud , Goldenberg Roman , Couto Suzana S. , Cimermancic Peter , Wong Pok Fai
Published: January 2025

pIHC and segmentation algorithms were developed for mIF model development and evaluation. A, Examples of mIF (top) and the corresponding pIHC (bottom) for PanCK, PD-L1, CD3, and CD8. As per conventional practice, the residual unmixed AF is not shown in the mIF to maintain appropriate visual quality. B, Example of the segmentations of tumor regions based on the PanCK stain (dashed outline, green) and negative (solid outline, blue) and positive (solid outline, respective color) cells for PD-L1, CD3, and CD8.
Analysis of Urban Indian Organizations’ Promotion of Cancer Services
Authors: Carson William O. , Little Alyssa , Monetathchi Angela , Erdrich Jennifer , Cordova-Marks Felina M.
Published: January 2025

The burden of cancer remains elevated for American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/AN) in the United States, particularly in urban communities. Urban Indian Organizations (UIO) are a part of the Indian healthcare system for urban AI/AN populations to receive culturally competent care; therefore, it is important that UIOs convey the importance of cancer preventive and treatment options through their websites. The purpose of this study was to utilize the Indian Health Service (IHS) Office of Urban Indian Health Programs’ official website to identify, analyze, and describe the IHS-funded UIOs offering cancer-related services. We utilized qualitative content analysis on UIOs with primary care service capabilities. After determination of UIOs, each eligible website was reviewed to determine whether promotion of specific cancer-related services was being done based on the following categories: primary prevention, cancer screening, cancer support, and information/technology services that focus on the social determinants of health. There is limited, vague, or outdated information on UIO websites regarding the type of cancer-related services and programs provided. We found that whereas 21 of 34 UIOs list any mention of cancer screenings, few mentioned specific testing capabilities for various cancers. In addition, the listing of support and preventative services was also limited, with less than half of UIOs reporting on patient navigation services, among others. There is untapped potential in the utilization of websites for extending the impact of UIOs and their work with urban AI/AN populations in prevention, screening, and support of patients with cancer in a culturally appropriate manner that can improve outcomes.

Significance:

To the best of the knowledge of the authors, this is the first study to explore and measure cancer support services through public-facing channels. This study provides important data on how primary care facilities are engaging in public health promotion services in an online setting.
Left Ventricular Assist Device Therapy in Cold and Dry Patients
Authors: Varrias Dimitrios , Balgobind Amrita , Safiriyu Israel , Alhuarrat Majd Al Deen , Fang James C. , Patel Snehal R. , Alvarez Villela Miguel
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND:

Patients with end-stage heart failure and low pulmonary capillary wedge pressure are referred to as cold and dry and represent an understudied minority in whom the benefit of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy is unclear.

METHODS:

Adults receiving LVADs between 2006 and 2017 in the Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support database were classified as cold and wet (pulmonary capillary wedge pressure >15 mm Hg) and cold and dry (pulmonary capillary wedge pressure ≤15 mm Hg) based on pre-LVAD hemodynamics obtained via right heart catheterization. The primary outcome was 1-year survival. Secondary outcomes were rehospitalizations, change in 6-minute walk test distance, change in Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire, and change in EuroQol questionnaire scores 1 year after LVAD.

RESULTS:

Our study included 10 310 patients with complete clinical, echocardiographic, and functional capacity profiles. The median follow-up was 364 days (interquartile range, 326–381 days). Overall, the mean pulmonary capillary wedge pressure before LVAD implantation was 25±9 mm Hg. Cold and dry patients comprised 15% of the cohort and were more frequently female, had smaller mean body size, smaller mean left ventricular size, and better mean baseline renal function. Compared with cold and wet patients, cold and dry patients also had better baseline functional capacity and quality of life and experienced milder improvements after LVAD: EuroQol (+0.11 versus +0.17;
P
=0.001), Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (+26 versus +31;
P
=0.031), and 6-minute walk test distance (+194 feet versus +340 feet;
P
=0.026). There was no statistically significant difference between the rate of hospitalizations (
P
=0.76), adverse events, and mortality (log-rank
P
=0.81) at 1 year between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS:

In cold and dry patients with end-stage heart failure, LVADs are associated with milder but significant improvements in functional capacity and quality of life with a similar incidence of adverse events and survival at 1 year.
How to Use Imaging: Complex Cases of Atherosclerosis, Myocardial Inflammation, and Cardiomyopathy in Cardio-Oncology
Authors: Khattab Mohamad , Baig Mariam , El Zarif Talal , Barac Ana , Ferencik Maros , Henry Mariana L. , Lopez-Mattei Juan , Redheuil Alban , Salem Joe-Elie , Scherrer-Crosbie Marielle , Yang Eric H. , Baldassarre Lauren A.
Published: January 2025

It is well understood that cancer therapies including chemotherapy, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and radiation can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with cancer. This can manifest as a multitude of pathologies including left ventricular dysfunction, myocarditis, cardiomyopathy, accelerated atherosclerosis, and coronary vasospasm. Multimodal cardiac imaging plays a critical role in diagnosing such pathologies by relying on noninvasive tools including echocardiograms, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, single-photon emission computed tomography, and coronary computed tomography angiography. These methods have unique considerations and in recent years have made significant progress in their diagnostic capabilities in this patient population. As the field of cardio-oncology continues to expand rapidly, guidance on the management of such toxicities and the development of imaging technologies is crucial. In this review, we present 2 complex cases of atherosclerosis and myocarditis in patients with cancer, highlighting our rationale for management and discussing the nuances of various cardiac imaging modalities.
Enhancing Neuron Activity Promotes Functional Recovery by Inhibiting Microglia-Mediated Synapse Elimination After Stroke
Authors: Sun Hao , Wang Heng , Wu Chaoran , Liu Gang , He Meijun , Zhang Hao , Hou Fengsheng , Liao Hong
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND:

Activating glutamatergic neurons in the ipsilesional motor cortex can promote functional recovery after stroke. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Clarifying key molecular mechanisms involved in recovery could help understand the development of neuromodulation strategies after stroke.

METHODS:

Adeno-associated virus 2/9-CamKIIa-hM3Dq-mCherry was injected into ipsilesional motor cortex by stereotaxic in the photothrombotic stroke model. Starting from the third day after the stroke, male mice were injected intraperitoneally with clozapine-N-oxide every day to activate excitatory neurons. C1q-blocking antibody and annexin V were used to inhibit C1q and exposed phosphatidylserine (EPS), respectively. The cylinder test and grid-walking test were performed to evaluate functional recovery. The potential molecular mechanisms of excitatory neuronal activation on microglia-mediated synaptic pruning after stroke by immunofluorescence, real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and RNA sequencing.

RESULTS:

Activating excitatory neurons significantly promoted functional recovery and inhibited microglia-mediated synaptic pruning after stroke. Furthermore, it decreased EPS and C1q levels in synapses. On the contrary, inhibiting excitatory neurons aggravated functional defects, promoted microglia-mediated synaptic pruning, and increased EPS and C1q levels in synapses. Selective blocking of EPS repressed C1q tagging of synapses and microglia-mediated synaptic pruning and improved functional recovery. Meanwhile, blocking EPS markedly rescued synaptic density, and motor function deteriorated by chemogenetic inhibition. In addition, C1q-blocking antibody prevented phosphatidylserine engulfment by microglia.

CONCLUSIONS:

Together, these data provide mechanistic insight into microglia-mediated synapse pruning after neuronal activation after stroke and identify the role of C1q binding to EPS in stroke treatment during the repair phase.
Towards personalized mapping through lumbosacral spinal cord task fMRI
Authors: Hernandez-Charpak Sergio Daniel , Kinany Nawal , Ricchi Ilaria , Schlienger Raphaëlle , Mattera Loan , Martuzzi Roberto , Nazarian Bruno , Demesmaeker Robin , Rowald Andreas , Kavounoudias Anne , Bloch Jocelyne , Courtine Grégoire , Van De Ville Dimitri
Published: January 2025

The lumbosacral spinal cord contains neural circuits crucial for locomotion, organized into rostrocaudal levels with distinct somatosensory and motor neuron pools that project to and from the muscles of the lower limbs. However, the specific spinal levels that innervate each muscle and the locations of neuron pools vary significantly between individuals, presenting challenges for targeted therapies and neurosurgical interventions aimed at restoring locomotion. Non-invasive approaches to functionally map the segmental distribution of muscle innervation—or projectome—are therefore essential. Here, we developed a pipeline dedicated to record blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) signals in the lumbosacral spinal cord using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). We assessed spinal activity across different conditions targeting the extensor/flexor muscles of the right leg (ankle, knee, and hip) in 12 healthy participants. To enhance clinical relevance, we included not only active movements but also two conditions that did not rely on participants’ performance: passive stretches and muscle-specific tendon vibration, which activates proprioceptive afferents of the vibrated muscle. BOLD activity patterns were primarily located on the side ipsilateral to the movement, stretch, or vibration, both at the group and participant levels, indicating the BOLD activity being associated with the projectome. The fMRI-derived rostrocaudal BOLD activity patterns exhibited mixed alignment with expected innervation maps from invasive studies, varying by muscle and condition. While some muscles and conditions matched well across studies, others did not. Significant variability among individual participants underscores the need for personalized mapping of projections for targeted therapies and neurosurgical interventions. To support the interpretation of BOLD activity patterns, we developed a decision tree-based framework that combines reconstruction of neural structures from high-resolution anatomical MRI datasets and muscle-specific fMRI activity to produce personalized projectomes. Our findings provide a valuable proof-of-concept for the potential of fMRI to map the lumbosacral spinal cord’s functional organization, while shedding light on challenges associated with this endeavor.
Description of Deladenus hebetocaudatus n. sp. (Rhabditida: Neotylenchidae) from northern Iran
Authors: Rezaei Soheila , Pourjam Ebrahim , Atighi Mohammad Reza , Kanzaki Natsumi , Giblin-Davis Robin M. , Pedram Majid
Published: January 2025

Deladenus hebetocaudatus n. sp. was recovered from rotten wood samples of a dead broad-leaved forest tree, collected from forests of the city of Savadkooh, northern Iran. It was described and illustrated using morphological and partial SSU rDNA data. Females of the new species were mainly characterised by their 540-625 μm long body and conical tail with a wide blunt mucron-like differentiation at tip. They were further characterised by eight lines in lateral fields, 8.5-9.5 μm long stylet, pharyngo-intestinal junction at level with nerve ring, vulva at 89.7-91.0% of body, the vulva to anus distance 2.4-2.8 times vulval body width, presence of 9.2-11.0 μm long postvulval uterine sac (PUS), sperm inside female reproductive system and no males recovered. The new species was morphologically compared with free-living phase females of all known species under the genera Deladenus, Hexatylus and Rubzovinema. The morphological differences of the new species with four species of Deladenus sensu lato, namely D. ipini, D. megacondylus, D. saccatus and D. ulani, having a PUS in their free-living phase, were discussed. The phylogenetic relationships of the partial SSU rDNA sequence of the new species with other relevant sequences of related taxa were reconstructed using Bayesian approach and the resulting topology was discussed.
Zooming into refractory timber: enhancing anatomical identification with confocal laser scanning microscopy and fluorescence
Authors: Blais Martine , Tanguay Philippe , Duchesne Isabelle , Rioux Danny
Published: January 2025

Accurate wood identification is crucial for combatting the illegal logging and trade of forest products worldwide. However, certain challenges such as small specimen size, high wood density, and level of degradation can complicate the identification process. There is therefore a need to develop methods and use complementary techniques in forensic wood identification, particularly for difficult samples. This study utilized confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) to detect and locate autofluorescence of axial parenchyma cells (APCs) to facilitate the identification of three challenging unknown wood specimens. These specimens posed difficulties for sectioning with a microtome due to brittleness, density, or small size constraints. CLSM results were compared with those from conventional light compound and stereomicroscopy. In our investigation, the three unknown wood samples were identified as Bobgunnia cf. fistuloides, Chlorocardium cf. rodiei, and Diphysa cf. carthagenensis. Specifically, CLSM confirmed the absence of apotracheal parenchyma in B. cf. fistuloides, which could not be determined using fluorescence stereomicroscopy. For D. cf. carthagenensis, CLSM’s fluorescence intensity highlighted axial parenchyma effectively, surpassing fluorescence stereomicroscopy. A notable advantage of our non-invasive CLSM method was its ability to examine smooth, unsectioned block surfaces, thereby enhancing preservation and ‘in-situ’ visualization of APCs. Our results combining autofluorescence and CLSM clearly offered superior resolution in observing APCs compared to traditional microscopy and can thus be applied for increasing confidence in wood species identification.