bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Composition, Non‐Commutativity, and Vector Decompositions of Finite Rotations
Authors: Dubeau François
Published: January 2025

The need to use rotations occurs very often in different domains. We present a basic extensive treatment of rotations in 3D. The results are presented and derived in a coordinate‐free setting, where no frames are required and no components of any matrix are manipulated. We start with the direct problem of establishing the finite rotation formula. Then we consider the composition and the vector decomposition of finite rotations. We conclude the paper by considering the inverse problem namely finding the axis of rotation and the angle of rotation from its effect on vectors.
Eco‐Friendly Extraction and Utilization of Agro Crop Wastes Based Natural Dye for Textile Dyeing
Authors: Amin Nimra , Rehman Fazal‐ur‐ , Adeel Shahid , Ibrahim Muhammad , Mia Rony
Published: January 2025

The incorporation of waste plant residues into practical applications, particularly as a sustainable source of green dyes in textiles, is increasingly recommended by the global community. This research investigates the potential of Rangoon creeper flowers and madder roots for silk dyeing through environmentally friendly methodologies. Therefore, extraction procedures were conducted in suitable mediums and applied to the fabric before and after microwave (MW) treatment for durations of up to 10 min. Similarly, response surface methodology was employed to assess the significance of various dyeing parameters, which influence shade development and enhance colorfastness. The results indicate that subjecting acidic binary extracts of Rangoon creeper flowers and madder roots, along with silk fabric, to 6 min of radiation at 700 W is an effective condition for achieving colorfast shades, particularly when applied before and after mordanting with Al, Fe salts, and tannic acid single and their binary solution as eco‐chemical agents. The highest color strength (K/S = 15.0) was obtained using an acidic extract after MW treatment. Hence, evaluation based on standard methods such as ISO protocols for lightfastness, wash fastness, and rub fastness demonstrates that employing selected shades produced under environmentally friendly conditions is both time and energy‐efficient, yielding stable colorfast hues rated from good to excellent. This study suggests that utilizing microwave treatment in addition to statistical methodologies like the central composite design for exploring novel dye‐yielding plants, coupled with eco‐mordanting techniques, holds promise for obtaining desirable colorfast shades.
External Flow Field and Rock Erosion Characteristics of a Coaxial Straight‐Swirling Mixed Jet
Authors: Du Peng , Peng Zhao
Published: January 2025

Radial jet drilling is an effective technology for mining coal‐bed methane. A self‐propelled jet bit greatly affects drilling efficiency. Simulations and laboratory experiments using a coaxial straight‐swirling mixed jet (CSMJ) were performed to study the flow field and rock erosion characteristics, and analyze laws influencing key structural parameters (straight‐swirling flow ratio N, slot length–width ratio dr/ds, mixing chamber length–diameter ratio Lq/Dq, and linear segment length–diameter ratio Lf/df) on the flow field and rock erosion characteristics, and study the change law of the axial velocity of the flow field under different structural parameters and the distribution law of the three‐dimensional velocity along the radial direction at the non‐dimensional injection distance of 5.56. The CSMJ displayed characteristics of a straight jet, having a high‐velocity area near the axis. The velocity was attenuated with increasing dimensionless jet distance Ls/df. The bit also displayed characteristics of a swirling jet, with an obvious jet diffusion with increased Ls/df. N affected the distribution ratio of the straight and swirling jets, and dr/ds mainly affected CSMJ rotational shear energy. With the centerline velocity and radial distribution of the CSMJ as evaluation indices, the optimal parameters of the CSMJ suitable for self‐propelled drilling were N = 0.46, dr/ds = 3.88, Lq/Dq = 0.67, and Lf/df = 0.56. Optimal flow field parameters also optimized the erosion capability, realizing the mutual verification of experimental and simulation results. The erosion hole crushing volume was used as the evaluation sequence. The parameter's sensitivity to the rock erosion volume was Ls/df > Lq/Dq > dr/ds > N. The results provide engineering guidance for determining reasonable parameters for radial jet drilling.
Recent Advances in Detection and Control Strategies for Foodborne Bacteria in Raw and Ready‐to‐Eat Fruits and Vegetables
Authors: Abdelshafy Asem M. , Younis Hala A. , Osman Ahmed I. , Hussein Saleh M. , El‐Ela Amr S. Abou , Mahmoud Elsayed A. , Elsherbiny Osama , Rashwan Ahmed K.
Published: January 2025

The prevalence of foodborne outbreaks due to the consumption of uncooked and ready‐to‐eat fruits and vegetables has seen a noticeable increase, particularly in environments lacking sanitation. This article extensively explores recent advancements in the detection of foodborne pathogens in uncooked and ready‐to‐eat fruits and vegetables, alongside potential prevention strategies. Predominantly, pathogens like Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella enterica are the main culprits in outbreaks linked to these food items globally. Notably, contamination is more prevalent in fresh leafy greens than in fruit products. Various detection methods such as culturing, microscopy, immunological assays, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), biosensors, and hyperspectral imaging have proven effective in identifying pathogens in these foods. Nonetheless, these methods come with challenges, including time consumption, accuracy concerns, and high costs. Research is ongoing to refine these detection techniques, with efforts including combining methodologies like PCR–enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and integrating culturing with PCR. Additionally, several interventions, including cold plasma treatment, ultraviolet irradiation, and the application of edible coatings, have shown promise in mitigating contamination risks, thereby enhancing the safety of these fresh produce items.
Long‐Term Post‐Stroke Cognition in Patients With Minor Ischemic Stroke is Related to Tract‐Based Disconnection Induced by White Matter Hyperintensities
Authors: Lopes Renaud , Kuchcinski Grégory , Dondaine Thibaut , Duron Loïc , Mendyk Anne‐Marie , Hénon Hilde , Cordonnier Charlotte , Pruvo Jean‐Pierre , Bordet Régis , Leclerc Xavier
Published: January 2025

Over a third of minor stroke patients experience post‐stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI), but no validated tools exist to identify at‐risk patients early. This study investigated whether disconnection features derived from infarcts and white matter hyperintensities (WMH) could serve as markers for short‐ and long‐term cognitive decline in first‐ever minor ischemic stroke patients. First‐ever minor ischemic stroke patients (NIHSS ≤ 7) were prospectively followed at 72‐h, 6 months, and 36 months post‐stroke with cognitive tests and brain MRI. Infarct and WMH volumes were semi‐automatically assessed on DWI and FLAIR sequences. Bayesian tract‐based disconnection models estimated remote pathological effects of infarcts and WMH. Associations between disconnection features and cognitive outcomes were analyzed using canonical correlation analyses, adjusted for age, education, and multiple comparisons. Among 105 patients (31% female, mean age 63 ± 12 years), infarct volume averaged 10.28 ± 17.10 cm3 and predominantly involved the middle cerebral artery territory (83%). WMH burden was higher in frontal periventricular white matter. Infarct‐based features did not significantly relate to PCSI. However, a WMH‐derived disconnection factor, involving commissural and frontal tracts, and the right superior longitudinal fasciculus, was significantly associated with PSCI at 6 months (OR = 9.96, p value = 0.02) and 36 months (OR = 12.27, p value = 0.006), particularly in executive/attention, language, and visuospatial domains. This factor, unrelated to WMH volume, outperformed demographic and clinical predictors of PSCI. WMH‐induced disconnection may be associated with short‐ and long‐term PSCI in minor stroke. Routine MR‐derived features could identify at‐risk patients for rehabilitation trials.
The Prevalence and Determinants of Waterpipe and Cigarette Smoking Among Medical Sciences Students Living in Dormitories in Southern Iran
Authors: Ghanbari‐Jahromi Mohadeseh , Mobasheri Farzaneh , Nikbakht Hossein‐Ali , Rezaei Fatemeh
Published: January 2025

Background and Aims

Tobacco use among students is one of the most alarming problems throughout the world. This study was carried out to investigate the prevalence of cigarette and waterpipe smoking as well as their determinants among students in dormitories of Jahrom University of Medical Sciences.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted on 293 students living in the dormitories of Jahrom University of Medical Sciences using random sampling method. A researcher‐made questionnaire was used, which included demographic characteristics and patterns of cigarette and waterpipe smoking. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine factors related to cigarette and waterpipe smoking.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 20.99 ± 1.74 years and 49.8% of them were male. The mean age at the initiation of cigarette and waterpipe smoking was 15.53 ± 4.33 and 16.60 ± 3.01 years, respectively. The prevalence of current cigarette smoking was 6.48% and that of waterpipe smoking was 8.53%. In addition, 10.24% and 17.06% of the participants reported ever use of cigarette and waterpipe smoking, respectively. Moreover, the prevalence of tobacco smoking was higher in male students than in females (8.22% vs. 4.76% for cigarette smokers and 11% vs. 6.12% for waterpipe smokers). The results showed that there was a significant relationship between having cigarette‐smoker family members and having cigarette‐smoker friends with cigarette smoking. Also, waterpipe smoking was associated with having cigarette‐smoker family members and having waterpipe smoker friends (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Tobacco use is relatively high among medical students. Since the family and social factors are related to cigarette and waterpipe smoking, the family and society should be informed about the dangers of cigarettes and waterpipe smoking. It is also emphasized that students with risk factors be identified.
Beta‐blockers and epithelial ovarian cancer survival: A Norwegian population‐based cohort study
Authors: Löfling Leif Lukas , Støer Nathalie C. , Sloan Erica K. , Nafisi Sara , Fortner Renée Turzanski , Botteri Edoardo
Published: January 2025

Cancer diagnosis and therapy cause stress to the body. Preclinical studies have shown that stress hormones can stimulate tumor progression and metastasis by interacting with β‐adrenergic receptors, and that β‐blockers can inhibit those processes. We assessed if β‐blocker use was associated with survival in a nationwide cohort of women with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). We identified all women aged ≥40 years who underwent EOC surgery in 2004–2018 in Norway through the Cancer Registry of Norway. We estimated the association between peri‐diagnostic and post‐diagnostic β‐blocker use and survival. We used Cox models, adjusted for sociodemographic and health factors, and reported hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The difference in overall survival time between β‐blocker users and non‐users was estimated as the difference in restricted mean survival time at 5 years after diagnosis using flexible parametric models. We included 3911 women with EOC; 540 (14%) used β‐blockers at diagnosis, 1672 (43%) died of the disease, and 1882 (48%) died overall. We found an association between peri‐diagnostic β‐blocker use and longer EOC‐specific survival (HR = 0.85, 95%CI 0.73–1.00; p‐value = 0.048), and an indication of an association with overall survival (HR = 0.89, 95%CI 0.77–1.02; p‐value = 0.101). Analysis of post‐diagnostic β‐blocker use, which included only women who survived 12 months or longer (n = 3344), found similar associations. At 5 years from diagnosis, peri‐diagnostic β‐blocker users lived on average 1.28 months longer than non‐users (95%CI 0.01–2.60 months). The results support the hypothesis that β‐blocker use improves EOC‐specific survival in women with EOC.
Pivoting to Avoid Pitfalls: Trade Policy Uncertainty and Corporate ESG Performance
Authors: Tan Xue , Shen Zhixuan , Wen Xi
Published: January 2025

In the context of the U.S.‐China trade war, this study constructed a corporate trade policy uncertainty index through text analysis and found that rising trade policy uncertainty significantly improves corporate ESG performance. Mechanism analyses show that trade policy uncertainty promotes corporate ESG performance through a risk‐reducing channel, which has increased operational risks and dampened managers' optimistic expectations. Heterogeneity analyses find that the positive effect is more pronounced in target industries subject to tariff escalations of trade wars, non‐state‐owned enterprises and firms with lower foreign shareholdings. Tests of economic consequences show that better ESG performance positively affects market value during periods of high trade policy uncertainty while having little impact on financial performance. We further find that the promoting effect of trade policy uncertainty on ESG performance only persisted for 2 years, indicating that social responsibility activities compelled by export pressures manifest more as a short‐term strategy with insurance value. Our findings support the view that ESG acts as a nonmarket strategy to mitigate negative external shocks.
Revisiting Traceability of Vegetable Fresh‐Products in the EU: Why Blockchain Does (Not) Work?
Authors: Tasic I. , Benaissa R. R. , Gómez P. A. , Fernandez J. A. , Cano M.‐D.
Published: January 2025

Food safety is paramount for a healthy society. Traceability provides the means for a rapid response to any type of food‐related problem at any stage of the supply chain. This study delves into the application of blockchain technology in tracking vegetable products within the European Union's regulatory framework. It addresses the significant gap between the theoretical potential of blockchain and its practical implementation challenges, such as integration with existing systems, scalability, and cost. Here, we show that while blockchain offers enhanced traceability and transparency, substantial barriers are posed for its adoption. This research reveals that the effectiveness of blockchain in real‐world applications is less straightforward than previously anticipated, challenging the notion of blockchain as a one‐size‐fits‐all solution for food traceability. The findings contribute to a better understanding of technology application in food safety, emphasizing the need for tailored solutions that consider both technological capabilities and practical constraints.
Deciphering the senescence‐based tumoral heterogeneity and characteristics in pancreatic cancer: Results from parallel bulk and single‐cell transcriptome data
Authors: Lu Yeting , Han Shuo , Hu Jing , Lv Kaiji , Ruan Yi , Cheng Gong , Zhang Jing , Wu Xiang , Weng Zeming , Zhou Xinhua
Published: January 2025

The prevalent intra‐ and intertumoral heterogeneity results in undesirable prognosis and therapy failure of pancreatic cancer, potentially resulting from cellular senescence. Herein, integrated analysis of bulk and single‐cell RNA‐seq profiling was conducted to characterize senescence‐based heterogeneity in pancreatic cancer. Publicly available bulk and single‐cell RNA sequencing from pancreatic cancer patients were gathered from TCGA‐PAAD, PACA‐AU, PACA‐CA, and GSE154778 datasets. The activity of three senescence‐related pathways (cell cycle, DNA repair, and inflammation) was scored utilizing ssGSEA algorithm. A series of functional verifications of crucial genes were accomplished in patient tissue and pancreatic cancer cells. Based upon them, unsupervised clustering analysis was executed to classify pancreatic cancer samples into distinct senescence‐based clusters at the bulk and single‐cell levels. For single‐cell transcriptome profiling, cell clustering and annotation were implemented, and malignant cells were recognized utilizing infercnv algorithm. Two senescence‐based clusters were established and highly reproducible at the bulk level, with the heterogeneity in prognosis, clinicopathological features, genomic CNVs, oncogenic pathway activity, immune microenvironment and immune checkpoints. Senescence‐relevant gene CHGA, UBE2C and MCM10 were proved to correlate with the migration and prognosis of pancreatic cancer. At the single‐cell level, seven cell types were annotated, comprising ductal cells 1, ductal cells 2, fibroblasts, macrophages, T cells, stellate cells, and endothelial cells. The senescence‐based classification was also proven at the single‐cell level. Ductal cells were classified as malignant cells and non‐malignant cells. In the tumor microenvironment of malignant cells, hypoxia and angiogenesis affected senescent phenotype. The heterogeneity in senescence was also observed between and within cell types. Altogether, our findings unveil that cellular senescence contributes to intra‐ and intertumoral heterogeneity in pancreatic cancer, which might facilitate the development of therapeutics and precision therapy in pancreatic cancer.
Mechanistic Insight of Pharmacological Aspects of Violacein: Recent Trends and Advancements
Authors: Chauhan Abhishek , Mathkor Darin Mansor , Joshi Hemant , Chauhan Ritu , Sharma Ujjawal , Sharma Vikas , Kumar Manoj , Saini Reena V. , Saini Adesh K. , Tuli Hardeep Singh , Kaur Damandeep , Haque Shafiul
Published: January 2025

Since its discovery in the bacterium Chromobacterium violaceum, violacein—a striking purple pigment—has garnered significant interest due to its promising applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Violacein exhibits a range of pharmacological properties, including anti‐inflammatory, anticancer, antibacterial, and antiparasitic effects, yet its complete molecular mechanisms are still being elucidated. Its mechanisms of action likely involve complex interactions with cellular receptors, signaling pathways, and specific molecular targets. Given violacein's unique properties and bioactive intermediates, future research holds substantial potential to advance its clinical and industrial applications. Upcoming studies will focus on deepening our understanding of violacein's molecular interactions, conducting clinical trials, and refining drug delivery systems to maximize its therapeutic value. Additionally, obtaining regulatory approval, conducting rigorous safety assessments, and developing efficient biosynthetic methods remain essential steps for violacein's successful integration into food biotechnology and medical applications.
Erector Spinae Muscle to Epicardial Visceral Fat Ratio on Chest CT Predicts the Severity of Coronavirus Disease 2019
Authors: Shimada Takashi , Maetani Tomoki , Chubachi Shotaro , Tanabe Naoya , Asakura Takanori , Namkoong Ho , Tanaka Hiromu , Azekawa Shuhei , Otake Shiro , Nakagawara Kensuke , Fukushima Takahiro , Watase Mayuko , Shiraishi Yusuke , Terai Hideki , Sasaki Mamoru , Ueda Soichiro , Kato Yukari , Harada Norihiro , Suzuki Shoji , Yoshida Shuichi , Tateno Hiroki , Shimizu Kaoruko , Sato Susumu , Yamada Yoshitake , Jinzaki Masahiro , Hirai Toyohiro , Okada Yukinori , Koike Ryuji , Ishii Makoto , Kimura Akinori , Imoto Seiya , Miyano Satoru , Ogawa Seishi , Kanai Takanori , Fukunaga Koichi
Published: January 2025

Background

Chest computed tomography (CT) is a valuable tool for diagnosing and predicting the severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) and assessing extrapulmonary organs. Reduced muscle mass and visceral fat accumulation are important features of a body composition phenotype in which obesity and muscle loss coexist, but their relationship with COVID‐19 outcomes remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between the erector spinae muscle (ESM) to epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) ratio (ESM/EAT) on chest CT and disease severity in patients with COVID‐19.

Methods

We analysed data from 1074 COVID‐19 patients enrolled in the Japan COVID‐19 Task Force database. The primary outcome was the rate of critical outcomes (requiring high‐flow oxygen therapy, invasive ventilator support or death). The incidence of critical outcomes was compared between patients with high and low ESM/EAT ratios.

Results

The low ESM/EAT group (n = 353) had a higher incidence of critical outcomes (13.3% vs. 5.13%, p < 0.001) and mortality (2.55% vs. 0.69%, p = 0.019) than the high ESM/EAT group (n = 721). In multivariable analysis, the low ESM/EAT ratio was associated with critical outcomes (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.11, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.22–3.66) independently of the known COVID‐19 severity factors including age, sex, body mass index (BMI), smoking history, lifestyle‐related comorbidities and pneumonia volume.

Conclusion

The low ESM/EAT ratio in COVID‐19 patients can be obtained on chest CT and used to predict critical outcomes after disease onset, demonstrating the importance of detailed body composition assessments in COVID‐19 practice.
Assessment of Reference Values for Shoulder Ultrasonography and Effects of Position Change on Shoulder Hemodynamics
Authors: Kobayashi Yu , Matsuoka Ryota , Otokuni Takayuki , Minami Takeshi , Watanabe Tsuneo
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aimed to examine the reference values for shoulder ultrasonography and the effects of positional changes on anterior humeral circumflex artery (AHCA) hemodynamics.

Methods

In this study, shoulder ultrasound was examined in 92 healthy participants (women: 48; men: 44; age 37.8 ± 13.6 years). The thickness of the rotator cuff and the cross‐sectional area of the long head of the biceps tendon (LHB) were determined using ultrasonography. After gray‐scale evaluations, the pulse Doppler mode was used to measure the peak systolic velocity (PSV) of the AHCA in four shoulder positions: neutral, internal rotation, external rotation, and backward extension.

Results

The mean thickness of the supraspinatus tendon and cross‐sectional area of the LHB were significantly different between sexes and ages (p < 0.05). Compared to the neutral position, the PSV of the AHCA significantly decreased during internal rotation (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The findings of our study may be useful in daily shoulder practice.
Congeneric Rodents Differ in Immune Gene Expression: Implications for Host Competence for Tick‐Borne Pathogens
Authors: Assis Vania R. , Cifarelli Gabriella , Brehm Allison M. , Orrock John L. , Martin Lynn B.
Published: January 2025

Mice in the genus Peromyscus are abundant and geographically widespread in North America, serving as reservoirs for zoonotic pathogens, including Borrelia burgdorferi (B. burgdorferi), the causative agent of Lyme disease, transmitted by Ixodes scapularis ticks. While the white‐footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus (P. leucopus)) is the primary reservoir in the United States, the deer mouse (P. maniculatus), an ecologically similar congener, rarely transmits the pathogen to biting ticks. Understanding the factors that allow these similar species to serve as a poor and competent reservoir is critical for understanding tick‐borne disease ecology and epidemiology, especially as climate change expands the habitats where ticks can transmit pathogens. Our study investigated immunological differences between these rodent species. Specifically, we compared the expression of six immune genes (i.e., TLR‐2, IFN‐γ, IL‐6, IL‐10, GATA‐3, TGF‐β) broadly involved in bacterial recognition, elimination, and/or pathology mitigation in ear biopsies collected by the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) as part of their routine surveillance. A principal components analysis indicated that immune gene expression in both species varied in two dimensions: TLR2, IFN‐γ, IL‐6, and IL‐10 (comprising PC1) and TGF‐β and GATA3 (comprising PC2) expression tended to covary within individuals. However, when we analyzed expression differences of each gene singly between species, P. maniculatus expressed more TLR2, IL‐6, and IL‐10 but less IFN‐γ and GATA3 than P. leucopus. This immune profile could partly explain why P. leucopus is a better reservoir for bacterial pathogens such as B. burgdorferi.
Retrospective Review of Leadership Development Programs: Alumni Perceptions of Value, Influence, and Organizational Outcomes
Authors: Gigliotti Ralph A. , Blank Shavelsky Morit , Goldthwaite Christine , Spear Sara E. , Waran Vidhi
Published: January 2025

As formal leadership development programs grow in scale and scope, there is a need for further research that extends beyond the focus on short‐term outcomes for individual program participants. This study explored alumni perceptions of the longer‐term outcomes associated with participation in leadership development programs, focusing specifically on their retrospective analysis of organizational‐level outcomes and perceptions of program value and influence. This qualitative study consisted of semi‐structured interviews with alumni who participated in an academic leadership development program at Rutgers University within the last five years. The findings from this study highlight alumni perceptions of the value and influence of program participation, including an emphasis on organizational outcomes related to bridging social capital, translating theory to practice, enabling systems thinking, and promoting strategic alignment that were all made possible as a result of their participation in these leadership development programs. The article concludes with a call to action for additional research on the relationship between leadership development program participation and organizational outcomes, focusing specifically on the value of retrospective sensemaking and considerations of influence across multiple levels of analysis.
Well‐Being as Having, Loving, Doing, and Being: An Integrative Organizing Framework for Employee Well‐Being
Authors: Martela Frank
Published: January 2025

Employee well‐being is one of the most studied outcomes in organizational research, operationalized variously as job satisfaction, affective well‐being, work engagement, work meaningfulness, and eudaimonic well‐being. What is lacking is a unified theoretical framework integrating various disparate research streams around separate well‐being indicators. The present work offers such an organizing framework, building on self‐determination theory and Erik Allardt's multidimensional theory of well‐being. In particular, I distinguish functional well‐being from perceived well‐being, with the former consisting of three existential conditions associated with particular needs: Having focuses on feeling safe and getting the resources required for survival from work, loving focuses on getting one's interpersonal needs met at work, and doing focuses on getting one's agentic needs for autonomy and competence met at work. Perceived well‐being (being) focuses on directly experiencing well‐being at work, and I propose that it consists of evaluative, affective, and conative well‐being, which largely result from having the three types of needs satisfied at work. I also propose a distinction between the fulfillment pathway to well‐being and the frustration pathway to ill‐being as two partially independent wellness processes. This integrative framework helps both scholars and practitioners make more informed choices about what dimensions of employee well‐being to measure.
Global burden and trends of severe periodontitis among women of childbearing age, 1990–2021
Authors: Dai Xingzhu , Tao Yifan , Zhou Jing , Zhou Yu , Liang Shuyi , Ma Xiao
Published: January 2025

Background

The global burden and trend of severe periodontitis, as well as its association with sociodemographic development, among women of childbearing age (WCBA) have been unclear so far. This study aims to assess the epidemiological pattern of severe periodontitis in WCBA from 1990 to 2021 and provide projections through 2040.

Methods

Data on the incidence, prevalence, and disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs) of severe periodontitis among WCBA from 1990 to 2021 were retrieved from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study 2021. The Bayesian age‐period‐cohort model was run to project the age‐standardized incidence rate (ASIR) through 2040.

Results

In 2021, an estimated 26,315,786 incident cases, 257,234,399 prevalent cases, and 1,680,425 DALYs were reported globally. From 1990 to 2021, a consistent annual increase in the age‐standardized rate of severe periodontitis was observed, and the ASIR is projected to continue to rise until 2040. Additionally, the burden of severe periodontitis demonstrated a downward trend with increasing sociodemographic development. In 2021, age‐specific rates of severe periodontitis increased with age, with the most significant changes occurring in younger age groups.

Conclusion

The rising global burden of severe periodontitis, along with regional and age variations, highlights the urgent need for innovative prevention and healthcare strategies to reduce this burden among WCBA globally.

Plain language summary

Women of childbearing age (WCBA) represent nearly a quarter of the global population, yet there is a significant gap in consistent global and regional surveillance data on severe periodontitis in this group. Our study revealed that severe periodontitis among WCBA poses a substantial public health challenge worldwide. From 1990 to 2021, the age‐standardized rate of severe periodontitis increased globally, with the most significant rise observed in regions with middle socioeconomic development. This condition disproportionately affects women in their prime years, with the fastest growth seen among younger WCBA. It is essential that healthcare providers recognize the gender disparities and societal factors related to socioeconomic development that contribute to the risk of severe periodontitis in this population. To address this issue effectively, it is crucial to develop region‐ and age‐specific prevention strategies, as well as targeted healthcare interventions.
The real‐life positive predictive value of the Biofire FilmArray™ pathogen panel for stool culture organisms is modest
Authors: Britto Savini L. , Britto Rohan N. , Simon David A. , Szigeti Reka G. , Dunn James J. , Kellermayer Richard
Published: January 2025

What is Known

PCR based gastrointestinal pathogen testing is highly sensitive and specific.

PCR based gastrointestinal pathogen testing may be clinically too sensitive.

What is New

The positive predictive value of the Biofire FilmArray™ pathogen panel for stool culture organisms was modest, ~60% in pediatric patients.

None of the multi‐positive GI pathogen panels for stool culture organisms were confirmed by stool culture.

Positive, especially multi‐positive Biofire FilmArray™ pathogen panels for stool culture organisms should be carefully considered in the clinical setting.
Lake level fluctuation controls the formation, types, and abundance of coated grains in hypersaline lakes: a case study from Urmia Lake (NW Iran)
Authors: Ertunç Gülgün , Mohammadi Ali , Çiner Attila , Eriş Kürşad Kadir , Aydar Erkan , Lak Razyeh , Yetemen Ömer
Published: January 2025

The hypersaline Urmia Lake in NW Iran offers unique sedimentary environments sensitive to climate and environmental shifts, fostering coated grain formation and serving as a vital indicator of paleoenvironmental conditions. This study characterizes coated grains within a 25‐m sediment core dating back to ~50 cal ka bp, assessing their significance through morphology, internal structures, mineralogy, and geochemistry. Coated grains in Urmia Lake exhibit concentric laminations, primarily calcite and aragonite, revealing alternating light carbonate‐rich and dark organic‐rich laminations. These reflect seasonal and long‐term variations in water chemistry and biogenic production. Dry season algal blooms contribute to lamination, highlighting the interplay between seasonal climate fluctuations and the consequent lake water enrichment in calcium, carbonate, and bicarbonate ions. The diversity and abundance of coated grains indicate three main lake level fluctuation stages in the last ~50 cal ka: a lowering stage with dominant coated grains, a low lake level with dominant terrigenous fragments and minerals, and a high lake level with prominent Artemia urmiana fecal pellets. The role of the brine shrimp A. urmiana in coated grain formation involves absorbing calcium, carbonate, and bicarbonate ions and inhibiting coated grain formation during high lake levels while providing nuclei during lake lowering. An in‐depth investigation of coated grains provides a chemical and biological formation framework, highlighting three main episodes in the lake's history.
Raman Spectroscopic Analysis of Cyanobacteria in Apatite‐Containing Rocks of the Tomtor Nb‐REE Deposit (Russia)
Authors: Moroz Tatyana N. , Edwards Howell G. M. , Zhmodik Sergey M. , Ponomarchuk Viktor A. , Goryainov Sergey V.
Published: January 2025

Micro‐Raman spectroscopy was employed to analyze apatite‐containing samples from the Tomtor complex of ultrabasic rocks and carbonatites, located in the sharply continental region of Yakutia, Russia. Raman spectra excited at a wavelength of 532 nm revealed the characteristic vibrational bands of apatite, as well as bands attributed to carotenoid‐type cyanobacteria. Additionally, as an artifact, the spectra exhibited bands resulting from the laser‐induced photoluminescence of trivalent rare earth elements (REEs). Preresonance Raman spectra recorded at least two distinct C=C stretching modes of the β‐carotene polyene chain, indicating the presence of this carotenoid component associated with apatite. Furthermore, three characteristic carotenoid bands were recorded in samples from the specific weathering crust on carbonatites that lacked apatite‐related bands. These findings provide direct evidence of cyanobacteria in the studied samples, suggesting the likely involvement of microorganisms in the formation of Nb‐REE‐rich ores within the Tomtor field in Russia.
A sulfonated and nitrated polyether ether ketone/polyvinyl chloride modified atmosphere packaging delays the deterioration of grapes
Authors: Tang Xianhui , Huang Yuting , Zhu Liang
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND

Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) was modified by a sulfuric and nitric acid mixed system to improve the solubility of the material and the gas selective permeability of the film. SN1 and SN5, synthesized from mixed acid systems (with ratios of nitric acid and sulfuric acid of 1:1 and 1:5, respectively) were chosen because they had comparable nitro groups but differing sulfonyl groups. To investigate the impact of the type and content of sulfonated and nitrated polyether ether ketone (SNPEEK) on the structure and physicochemical properties of the films, SN1/polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and SN5/polyvinyl chloride films were made by adding varying amounts of SN1 and SN5 (0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0% and 2.5 wt%), respectively.

RESULTS

SNPEEK (with ratios of nitric acid and sulfuric acid of 1:1–9) with high nitric acid group concentration outperformed nitrated polyether ether ketone (NPEEK) (with ratios of nitric acid and sulfuric acid of 3–9:1) with a low nitric acid concentration in terms of solubility at room temperature and expanded the application range. The inclusion of SNPEEK resulted in more micropores on the membrane microstructure, and higher contents of ‐SO3H and ‐NO2 groups enhanced the polarity, which improved permeability and selectivity for CO2 and O2 and the moisture permeability of the membranes. During grape storage (4 ± 1 °C), 1.0% SN1/PVC and 1.0% SN5/PVC membranes reached equilibrium gas concentration on day 4 (4.6–5.4% CO2, 17.6–18.1% O2; 3.5–4.1% CO2 and 18.6–19.1% O2), grapes showed lower electrolyte leakage as well as higher hardness, total soluble solid content and vitamin C content.

CONCLUSION

Because there are few studies on modified PEEK air conditioning packaging for grape preservation, SNPEEK/PVC membrane has practical value. In the present study, 1.0% SN1/PVC and 1.0% SN5/PVC membranes extended the shelf life by more than 16 and 8 days, respectively, compared to the blank group (unsealed packaging). © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.
Banana rachis nanocellulose: a natural stabilizer for Pickering nanoemulsion and its potential as a carrier of β‐carotene in food systems
Authors: Basumatary Beatrice , Mahanta Charu Lata
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND

Incorporating β‐carotene into food systems improves nutritional value by providing a natural source of vitamin A. However, maintaining its stability during processing and storage is a significant barrier for its bioavailability.

RESULTS

This study investigated the utilization of banana rachis nanocellulose (BRNC) as a natural stabilizer in the formulation of Pickering nanoemulsion (PNE). Parameters were optimized for developing PNE using BNRC. A 20 g kg −1 concentration of BNRC was found to be suitable in terms of particle size and zeta potential. The PNE, with a particle size of 196 nm and a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.463, remained stable for 35 days. β‐Carotene (1 g kg−1) on encapsulation in PNE showed enhanced chemical stability with a retention rate of 0.81. The BRNC‐based PNE demonstrated enhanced stability against phase separation. Additionally, β‐carotene‐infused PNE mayonnaise was developed and characterized. Hydroperoxide formation in developed mayonnaise increased in control sample up to day 14, while samples with β‐carotene showed no significant increase (P > 0.05) throughout the analysis period. Furthermore, mayonnaise added with the BRNC‐based PNE enriched with β‐carotene exhibited improved functionality, including enhanced rheological (R2 = 0.99), textural, and colour attributes. High‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis showed 612.6 ± 0.8 μg β‐carotene kg −1 of mayonnaise.

CONCLUSION

The developed mayonnaise successfully reduces fat content while enhancing its overall functionality. The potential of BRNC as a promising bio‐based stabilizer was thus elucidated for the development of functional food products with improved nutritional value and stability. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.
Theoretical Kinetic Study of NH2 Reactions With Dimethyl Ether and Diethyl Ether: Implications for Kinetic Modeling
Authors: Giri Binod Raj , Mai Tam V.‐T. , Shrestha Krishna Prasad , Giri Sushant , Naik R. Thirumaleswara , Verma Rakhi , Mauss Fabian , Huynh Lam K.
Published: January 2025

Ammonia (NH3) and hydrogen (H2) have emerged as promising carbon‐free fuels to help mitigate global warming by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Our ongoing research currently focuses on understanding the combustion characteristics of NH3 blends with oxygenates and hydrocarbons, uncovering the critical role of carbon–nitrogen cross‐reactions in accurately modeling their combustion behavior. Amino (NH2) radicals, which are abundant in ammonia and nitrogen‐rich environments, strongly influence the low‐temperature reactivity of NH3‐hydrocarbon/oxygenate mixtures, affecting overall reactivity and emission characteristics. Recognizing the importance of NH2 radicals, we investigated the reaction kinetics of NH2 with dimethyl ether (DME, CH3OCH3) and diethyl ether (DEE, CH3CH2OCH2CH3) using appropriate high‐level ab initio and statistical rate theory methods. We computed the potential energy profiles at the CCSD(T)/cc‐pV(T, Q)Z//M06‐2X/aug‐cc‐pVTZ level of theory, analyzing the reactivity of NH2 radicals at various C─H sites of these diethers. Incorporating these newly derived rate parameters, our updated kinetic model successfully captures previous experimental data, addressing the modeling challenges encountered in our earlier studies. Our findings, including insights into the impact of NH2 radicals, contribute to an understanding of ammonia combustion and its potential in achieving carbon‐neutral energy systems.
Photoacoustics for Direct Light‐Guiding Inside Transparent and Scattering Media
Authors: Ricci Pietro , Colom Mateu , Mestre‐Torà Blanca , Duocastella Martí
Published: January 2025

The rapid and precise delivery of light at targeted positions on a sample is essential for any light‐based application, including laser materials processing or imaging. However, current systems for light control rely on bulky and costly optical components placed outside the sample. This configuration can be limited by the sample's geometry, poor flexibility in the illumination, and shallow penetration depth, particularly for scattering samples. Here a novel approach is proposed for guiding light within optically transparent and scattering media while obviating any external components. By simply employing an absorptive material and a pulsed laser, this method leverages the photoacoustic generation of a localized pressure wave to induce refractive index gradients within a medium. These gradients act as non‐invasive optical waveguides, that allow for light focusing and guiding across several millimeters at sub‐microsecond time scales. The principle and implementation of this method are described, the light‐guiding effects through various tissue phantoms are simulated and measured, and micrometric laser marking of a photo‐absorbing layer is demonstrated inside a 7‐mm‐thick scattering phantom. The possibility to operate with endogenous absorbing materials and low pressures makes photoacoustic‐enabled light guiding a promising step toward rapid light delivery at conditions not feasible today.
How Argument Numerosity Shapes Firm‐Generated Content Effectiveness
Authors: Pozharliev Rumen , De Angelis Matteo , Cascio Rizzo Giovanni Luca
Published: January 2025

Despite the growing popularity of firm‐generated content (FGC), defined as product‐oriented communication that an organization initiates on its official social media pages, there is persistent uncertainty about its effectiveness. Some posts elicit positive responses while others do not, which raises questions about what firms can do to improve social media user responses to FGC and achieve their business goals. This research demonstrates that the number of arguments (i.e., the product attributes listed in the promotional message) included in FGC tends to benefit utilitarian products more than hedonic ones, which has systematic effects on users' perceptions of and responses to the FGC. In the contexts of FGC, argument numerosity can be effective in mitigating the tension and uncertainty related to online shopping (due to psychological risk), but we argue this is only the case for utilitarian products and not for hedonic ones. To test our predictions, we present five studies that represent a mix of controlled experiments with fictitious Instagram posts and an automated text analysis, on Twitter, of thousands of real branded tweets. As predicted, the results demonstrate that argument numerosity reduces the perceived psychological risk (manifested in the uncertainty and tension associated with typical social commerce behaviors), which in turn enhances users' engagement with FGC and purchase intention—but only for utilitarian products. These findings have important implications for firms and managers looking for actionable insights on how to improve the effectiveness of their FGC.
Machine‐learning‐based integration of tumor microenvironment features predicting immunotherapy response
Authors: Luo Kunpeng , Liu Shuqiang , Cui Yunfu , Li Jinglin , Shen Xiuyun , Xu Jincheng , Jiang Yanan
Published: January 2025

Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment in recent years, yet non‐responsiveness of immunotherapy remains a challenge for cancer treatment. Therefore, the prediction method for potential clinical benefits of patients from immunotherapy is urgently needed. This study aims to develop an effective clinical practice assistance tool to evaluate the potential clinical benefits and therapy responsiveness of patients undergoing immunotherapy. We developed an immunotherapy resistance score (IRS), which performed well compared with conventional immunotherapy response indicators across different immunotherapy cohorts. Tumor microenvironment (TME) analysis showed that both immune and nonimmune features collectively impact immunotherapy responsiveness. Thus, IRS was constructed based on the TME features using machine learning approaches. The clinical application potential of IRS has been demonstrated in our in‐house Harbin Medical University (HMU) cohort and an external validation cohort. Furthermore, we analyzed the correlation between IRS and pathways related to cancer therapy targets to explore the application potential of IRS in comprehensive cancer therapy. In conclusion, IRS is a robust tool for predicting patient immunotherapy prognosis, which has great potential to promote precise clinical therapy.
Global Dynamics of a Multiscale Immuno‐Cholera Transmission Model With Bacterial Hyperinfectivity on Complex Networks
Authors: Cheng Xinxin , Wang Yi , Huang Gang
Published: January 2025

The spread of cholera at the population level depends on the immunological characteristics of pathogens at the individual level. In addition, contact heterogeneity among individuals plays a significant role in cholera transmission. In this paper, we construct a multiscale coupled immuno‐cholera model considering waning vaccine‐induced immunity and hyperinfectious vibrios and utilize a nested approach to bridge within‐host vibrio evolution and between‐host cholera transmission on complex networks. The basic reproduction numbers and for the within‐ and between‐host models are derived, respectively, and is validated to serve as a sharp threshold between extinction and persistence of cholera. Specifically, the global asymptotic stability of each feasible equilibrium for the between‐host system is established by formulating appropriate Lyapunov functionals. Numerical simulations are performed to assess the influences of within‐host vibrio dynamics and network topology on between‐host cholera transmission dynamics. The results show that the equilibrium level of total infected individuals is a nonmonotonic function of vibrio growth rate, implying that hampering within‐host vibrio growth by drug treatment during the outbreak could alter the long‐term outcomes of cholera. Furthermore, the heterogeneity of network degree distributions increases the risk of cholera outbreaks, suggesting that isolation and supervision for infected individuals with high degrees are effective measures to prevent and control cholera transmission.
Special Affine Fourier Transform on Tempered Distribution and Its Application
Authors: Kumar Manish , Bhawna
Published: January 2025

The main aim of this work is to develop a theoretical framework for generalized pseudo‐differential operators involving the special affine Fourier transform (SAFT), associated with a symbol . Some important properties of the SAFT are established, and it is proved that the product of two generalized pseudo‐differential operators is shown to be a generalized pseudo‐differential operator. Further, we explore the practical applications of the SAFT in solving generalized partial differential equations, such as the generalized telegraph and wave equations, providing closed‐form solutions. Furthermore, graphical visualizations for these solutions are illustrated via MATLAB R2023b.