bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical and Laboratory Risk Factors of Early Poor Outcome in Patients With Childhood‐Onset Lupus Nephritis—A Single‐Center Retrospective Study
Authors: Qijiao Wei , Fujia Huang , Bing Yang , Changyan Wang , Linqing Zhong , Yanqing Dong , Wei Wang , Hongmei Song
Published: February 2025

Objective

Childhood‐onset lupus nephritis (LN) tends to be more severe than in adults. A significant correlation between remission at 3 months of induction therapy and remission after 3 years was found in adults. While few studies on the risk factors of poor early prognosis in children with LN were made. Thus, this study investigated the risk factors of early poor response to help doctors develop effective treatment strategies.

Methods

A total of 99 LN children at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2012 to January 2018 were evaluated and clinical data were retrospectively collected. In the study, a complete remission (CR) was defined as laboratory test results were completely normal, including blood routine, renal function, albumin, complement, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and the 24‐h urinary total protein (24 h UTP) was less than 150 mg. After 3 months of treatment, 15 children achieved CR, and they were in good prognosis group (n = 15). While 84 did not achieve CR, and they were in poor prognosis group (n = 84). We compared the differences of clinical and laboratory indicators between the two groups.

Results

According to inclusion and exclusion criteria, 99 of 116 children with LN were included in this study. And 15 LN children were in good prognosis group. While 84 patients were in poor prognosis group. The incidence of rash (32.1% vs. 6.7%, p = 0.036) and oral ulcer (81.0% vs. 53.3%, p = 0.027) in poor prognosis group is higher than that in the good prognosis group. The 24 h UTP (g) [2.46 (1.41, 4.86) vs. 0.56 (0.30, 0.66), p < 0.001] and the serum creatinine (umol/L) [53.0 (40.3, 65.0) vs. 39.0 (29.8, 51.5), p = 0.017] were higher in poor prognosis group. The albumin (g/L) (28.7 ± 8.1 vs. 34.5 ± 5.3, p = 0.003) is lower in poor prognosis group. Logistic regression analysis showed that rash (p = 0.036), oral ulcer (p = 0.027), high 24 h UTP (p < 0.001), high creatinine (p = 0.017), and low serum albumin (p = 0.003) were significantly associated with poor early prognosis in childhood‐onset LN.

Conclusion

The occurrence of rash cannot be ignored, especially for children with oral ulcers, a comprehensive evaluation of each system should be carried out, so as not to cause inactive treatment and affect the prognosis. High 24 h UTP have a positive predictive value for the early poor outcome of childhood‐onset LN. Active control of proteinuria and achieving rapid renal remission is crucial for good prognosis.
Carbonic anhydrase‐9‐targeted near‐infrared photoimmunotherapy as a theranostic modality for clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Fukushima Hiroshi , Takao Seiichiro , Furusawa Aki , Suzuki Motofumi , Yang Youfeng , Ricketts Christopher J. , Kano Makoto , Okuyama Shuhei , Yamamoto Hiroshi , Kano Miyu , Ball Mark W. , Choyke Peter L. , Linehan W. Marston , Kobayashi Hisataka
Published: February 2025

Carbonic anhydrase‐9 (CA9) is highly expressed in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) cells despite no expression in normal kidney tissues. Thus, CA9 has been proposed as a theranostic target for radioligand therapy (RLT). However, ccRCC tends to be radioresistant and may not effectively respond to RLT. Alternatively, CA9 can be targeted for near‐infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR‐PIT) of ccRCC. Here, we sought to test NIR‐PIT using CA9 in a preclinical model of ccRCC to determine its potential as a therapeutic strategy. Tissue microarray analysis showed that membrane CA9 was expressed in the majority of ccRCC cases. In vitro, CA9‐targeted NIR‐PIT induced cell membrane damage and cell killing in all CA9‐expressing ccRCC cell lines specifically, UOK154, UOK220, and UOK122. In vivo, CA9‐targeted NIR‐PIT significantly inhibited tumor growth and prolonged survival in UOK154 and UOK220 subcutaneous xenograft models. Notably, 70%–80% of mice achieved complete remission after a single treatment of NIR‐PIT. Additionally, remaining tumors after the first NIR‐PIT persistently expressed CA9, suggesting that remaining tumors can be treated with repeated NIR‐PIT. Furthermore, CA9‐targeted NIR‐PIT induced significant cytoplasmic damages on ccRCC cells in UOK154 orthotopic xenograft models. In conclusion, CA9‐targeted NIR‐PIT, which allow for safe and repeated application on the same lesion, is a promising treatment for ccRCC, especially in the management of multiple primary ccRCC (e.g., von Hippel–Lindau syndrome) and oligometastatic ccRCC.
Geopolitical Risks and the Predictability of Green Investments: A GARCH‐Based Mixed Data Sampling Approach
Authors: Adekoya Oluwasegun B. , Badmus Jamiu O. , Al‐Faryan Mamdouh Abdulaziz Saleh
Published: February 2025

The frequent occurrences of geopolitical tensions, wars and conflicts continue to place a great limitation on the development of green projects, thereby reducing the incentives for sustainable investments. While there have been several attempts to connect geopolitical risks with financial market performance, there are still several limitations that this study intends to address. Among others, we make a comparison between the predictive impacts of global and country‐specific geopolitical risks on the volatility of green investment assets, putting threats and actual acts into perspective. Using the GARCH‐MIDAS methodology, we find that global geopolitical risks increase the volatility of most of the green investment assets, with the highest impact attributed to geopolitical risk threats. The country‐specific analysis shows more heterogeneous impacts, although a positive relationship is found in most cases. In Europe, the geopolitical risks of the Netherlands and the United Kingdom exert the strongest impacts on the volatility of green investments, whereas in the non‐European countries, the geopolitical risks of Russia and the United States have the strongest influence. Comparing regional impacts, the geopolitical risks of the non‐European countries have a stronger impact than those of the European countries.
Exploring the Impact of a Naturalist Training Camp on Biodiversity Conservation Willingness and Mental Well‐Being
Authors: Meng Yichuan , Zhao Jiangbo , Chen Jin
Published: February 2025

Engaging the public in naturalist activities has been identified as a promising approach to enhancing conservation awareness and improving mental well‐being; however, empirical evidence supporting this relationship remains limited. This study aimed to explore the impact of a naturalist training camp on participants' conservation attitudes and mental well‐being. The 9‐day camp, organized by the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG), focused on increasing participants' knowledge, social connectedness, and naturalist identity through a combination of indoor lectures and outdoor fieldwork on plants, insects, reptiles, and birds. Each session was led by expert researchers and science communicators. A mixed‐methods approach was used to assess the camp's effects on 26 participants through questionnaires administered before, immediately after, and 6 months post‐camp, as well as phone interviews. Quantitative analysis revealed significant improvements in participants' knowledge of biodiversity, social connectedness, perceived naturalist identity, and mental well‐being, although changes in conservation attitudes were not statistically significant. Qualitative data further supported these findings, indicating that enhanced conservation willingness and mental well‐being were likely influenced by increased knowledge, social connectedness, and perceived naturalist identity. Interview responses highlighted the importance of the camp's unique environment, supportive atmosphere, and the professionalism of the instructors in contributing to its success. Overall, this study underscores the value of promoting public engagement in naturalist activities as a means of addressing both biodiversity loss and mental health challenges while also advocating for ecological civilization to enhance human and environmental well‐being.
Hushed brilliance: Maintaining African American language‐speaking adolescent writers' rhetorical power
Authors: Breland Chevaunne Dara
Published: February 2025

This article examines African American rhetorical feature use in the secondary literacy classroom. It explores the historical evolution and pedagogical implications of incorporating African American rhetorical features into classroom writing instruction. The article discusses the historical evolution of African American Language and its position in the American literacy classroom. It also proposes actions educators can take in order to preserve African American Language‐speaking students' rhetorical style, including acknowledgment of African American Language, researching the evolution of African American Language in literacy education, and steps to support professional racialized linguistic self‐reflection. It also reviews recent literature and provides examples of African American rhetorical features educators can leverage while implementing instructional strategies that affirm African American Language‐speaking students. Understanding African American rhetorical feature's role in literacy education is crucial for developing equitable instructional practices that respect and affirm students' diverse linguistic backgrounds. This article offers valuable insight for secondary and middle school educators, policymakers, and researchers interested in language, race, literacy, and education. This article concludes that integrating culturally specific strategies into literacy practices can enhance student learning, confidence, and promote cultural equity. It calls for further research and policy development to support culturally affirming written literacy practices in schools.
Characterization of the Red Dye From Arthrinium phaeospermum and Its Application in Wood Dyeing
Authors: Wu Mengqi , Song Taize , Pang Tingwei , Zhuang Pengyan , Niu Jiashun , Li Yalan , Sun Jianping
Published: February 2025

The aim of this study was to investigate the production, stability and applicability of dyes produced by filamentous fungi isolated from wood. First, the effect of culture conditions on fungal growth and dye production was investigated. The dyes were experimentally studied for solubility and stability and chemically characterized by FT‐IR and UPLC‐Q‐EXACTIVE‐MS. Finally, the dye was used to evaluate its industrial applicability by staining a variety of woods. The results showed that the filamentous fungus Arthrinium phaeospermum was able to produce red water‐soluble pigments, which were thermally and ultraviolet stable and remained stable in pH 1−9. Chemical analysis showed that the red dye contained the chromogenic substances bostrycin and about 7.01% of griseofulvin. Dyeing experiments showed that the red dye was able to give the wood a red color and a natural grain. The results of various experiments indicate that A. phaeospermum has the potential to produce dyes for use in the wood dyeing and textile industries.
Cultivation Strategies to Improve Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Growth and Recombinant Mcherry Expression
Authors: Pessoa Jassiara da Silva , Silva Bruno Guzzo da , Júnior Ednilson Donisete de França , Filho Isac José da Silva , Molino João Vitor Dutra , de Carvalho João Carlos Monteiro , Ferreira‐Camargo Livia Seno
Published: February 2025

Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is a promising model microalga for recombinant molecules production. Nonetheless, low yield is a challenge for its industrial use. This work investigated the influence of ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) concentration and temperature on the growth of transgenic C. reinhardtii expressing the fluorescent protein mCherry on a laboratory scale. A Central Composite Rotatable Design was used to establish the cultivation conditions. NH4Cl concentrations ranging from 400 to 647.49 mg/L and temperatures between 25°C and 32.1°C resulted in maximum values of cell concentration and mCherry fluorescence. Lower temperatures (15°C–17°C) were found to be more suitable for the accumulation of total soluble proteins. These results demonstrate that cultivation conditions can positively affect C. reinhardtii growth, with a range of conditions that can be used. Unlike genetic approaches, this study provides a solution to enhance both growth and recombinant protein expression in C. reinhardtii. These findings pave the way for scaling up the use of C. reinhardtii as a biofactory in industry and can be applied to other microalgal systems.
Are the Risk Factors for Developing Type 1 and Type 2 Cesarean Scar Pregnancy Different?
Authors: Tang Yunhui , Qian Cuifeng , Li Man , Zhao Min , Chen Qi
Published: February 2025

Objectives

Cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) is a life‐threatening complication of pregnancy. Early termination of pregnancy is recommended because of the potential risks of uterine rupture if the pregnancy continues. CSP is clinically divided into type 1 and type 2, based on the site of embryo implantation and grow direction of the gestational sac. The clinical risk and treatment options may vary between these subtypes. Identifying the differences and potential factors impacting the development of each type could contribute to improved clinical management.

Methods

This retrospective study included 143 women with type 1 CSP and 200 women with type 2 CSP women, diagnosed between January 2020 and July 2023. The primary objective was to analyze the differences in clinical characteristics between the 2 CSP subtypes.

Results

Body mass index, the number of previous CSPs, elective abortions, gravidity, and parity were not significantly different between the 2 subtypes. Similarly, the interval between the last cesarean section and the current CSP was not associated with developing the 2 subtypes. However, women with more than 3 prior cesarean sections had an increased risk of developing type 1 CSP. In contrast, vaginal bleeding before diagnosis was more frequently associated with type 2 CSP.

Conclusions

Our study with a large sample size found that despite type 2 CSP involving deeper myometrial invasion, the 2 subtypes share many clinical characteristics. Moreover, the clinical risk factors for distinguishing between type 1 and type 2 CSP are limited. Future research to identify predictors for CSP classification is required.
Spastic Paraplegia Type 78 Associated With ATP13A2 Gene Variants in Compound Heterozygosity
Authors: Ramírez R. Bermejo , Gascó N. Villena , Palmero L. Ruiz , Bueno G. A. Ribes , Yamanaka E. Seiti , Andújar J. D. Arroyo
Published: February 2025

Background

Spastic Paraplegia Type 78 (SPG78) is a rare form of hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), mainly characterized by late‐onset lower‐limb spasticity, muscle weakness, and in some cases cerebellar dysfunction and cognitive impairment. Understanding its genetic background is essential to distinguish it from other autosomal recessive types of HSP.

Methods

A pathogenic variant screening in a Spanish HSP patient was carried out by whole‐exome sequencing, followed by a software filtering process and validation of candidate variants by Sanger sequencing. The pathogenicity of the selected variants was evaluated by In Silico predictions and a segregation analysis including the proband and 16 family members.

Results

Two variants in the ATP13A2 gene, predicted to have damaging effects by In Silico analyses, were considered potentially pathogenic: NM022089.4:c.649G>A (rs199961048), previously associated with SPG78 but with uncertain clinical significance, and NM_022089.4:c.2097delC, an unreported variant. The segregation analysis revealed that both variants were present in compound heterozygosity in the proband and two affected siblings, while unaffected relatives carried only one or none of the variants.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that the two variants are pathogenic when occurring in compound heterozygosity and, therefore, should be included in the genetic spectrum of SPG78 diagnosis.
Beam's eye view to fluence maps 3D network for ultra fast VMAT radiotherapy planning
Authors: Arberet Simon , Ghesu Florin C. , Gao Riqiang , Kraus Martin , Sackett Jonathan , Kuusela Esa , Kamen Ali
Published: February 2025

Background

Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) revolutionizes cancer treatment by precisely delivering radiation while sparing healthy tissues. Fluence maps generation, crucial in VMAT planning, traditionally involves complex and iterative, and thus time consuming processes. These fluence maps are subsequently leveraged for leaf‐sequence. The deep‐learning approach presented in this article aims to expedite this by directly predicting fluence maps from patient data.

Purpose

To accelerate VMAT treatment planning by quickly predicting fluence maps from a 3D dose map. The predicted fluence maps can be quickly leaf sequenced because the network was trained to take into account the machine constraints.

Methods

We developed a 3D network which we trained in a supervised way using a combination of and losses, and radiation therapy (RT) plans generated by Eclipse and from the REQUITE dataset, taking the RT dose map as input and the fluence maps computed from the corresponding RT plans as target. Our network predicts jointly the 180 fluence maps corresponding to the 180 control points (CP) of single arc VMAT plans. In order to help the network, we preprocess the input dose by computing the projections of the 3D dose map to the beam's eye view (BEV) of the 180 CPs, in the same coordinate system as the fluence maps. We generated over 2000 VMAT plans using Eclipse to scale up the dataset size. Additionally, we evaluated various network architectures and analyzed the impact of increasing the dataset size.

Results

We are measuring the performance in the 2D fluence maps domain using image metrics (PSNR and SSIM), as well as in the 3D dose domain using the dose‐volume histogram (DVH) on a test set. The network inference, which does not include the data loading and processing, is less than 20 ms. Using our proposed 3D network architecture as well as increasing the dataset size using Eclipse improved the fluence map reconstruction performance by approximately 8 dB in PSNR compared to a U‐Net architecture trained on the original REQUITE dataset. The resulting DVHs are very close to the one of the input target dose.

Conclusions

We developed a novel deep learning approach for ultrafast VMAT planning by predicting all the fluence maps of a VMAT arc in one single network inference. The small difference of the DVH validate this approach for ultrafast VMAT planning.
Automatic bone marrow segmentation for precise [177Lu]Lu‐PSMA‐617 dosimetry
Authors: Lu Zhonglin , Hu Jiaxi , Chen Gefei , Jiang Han , Shih Cheng‐Ting , Afshar‐Oromieh Ali , Rominger Axel , Shi Kuangyu , Mok Greta S. P.
Published: February 2025

Background

Bone marrow (BM) is the dominant dose‐limiting organ in [177Lu]Lu‐PSMA‐617 therapy for patients with metastasized castration resistant prostate cancer, where BM dosimetry is challenging due to segmentation.

Purpose

We aim to develop an automatic image‐based segmentation method on peri‐therapeutic sequential [177Lu]Lu‐PSMA‐617 images for personalized BM dosimetry.

Methods

Quantitative SPECT/CT imaging at 2, 20, 40 and 60 (n = 14)/200 (n = 16) h post [177Lu]Lu‐PSMA‐617 injection were analyzed for 10 patients with 30 treatment cycles. X‐means clustering was applied on the deep learning‐based segmented lumbar spines CT images to classify the BM region. A single threshold method, two empirical segmentation methods (one sphere and five spheres), and gold standard manual segmentation were also implemented. The Dice similarity coefficient between BM masks of the X‐means clustering and single threshold method was calculated as compared to the gold standard. BM mean absorbed dose (Dmean) was obtained for different segmentation methods. Absolute errors and Bland–Altman analysis were also evaluated for BM Dmean derived from evaluated segmentation methods compared with the gold standard. Wilcoxon signed‐rank test was performed for statistical evaluation. BM Dmean was correlated with the change of platelets and white blood cells (WBC) pre‐ and post‐treatment using Pearson correlation analysis.

Results

In 30 cycles of 10 patients, the average Dice is 0.76 ± 0.18 for the X‐means clustering method, as compared to 0.61 ± 0.19 for the single threshold method. The gold standard yields mean BM Dmean of 0.46 ± 0.69 Gy. The X‐means clustering method exhibits significantly (p < 0.01) lower mean absolute BM Dmean (25.34 ± 64.48%) errors, followed by the single threshold (32.46 ± 69.49%), one sphere (50.53 ± 35.40%), and five spheres (72.73 ± 115.97%) methods. Bland–Altman analysis reveals that the X‐means clustering method has a smaller Dmean difference (0.0330 Gy) compared to the single threshold (0.0512 Gy), one sphere (−0.1903 Gy), and five spheres (0.2108 Gy) methods. Stronger correlations (r ≤ −0.65) are found between platelets/WBC changes and BM Dmean from both the gold standard and X‐means clustering methods than other methods.

Conclusions

X‐means clustering is feasible to segment the BM based on the CT images of peri‐therapy SPECT/CT and shows advantages compared with the single threshold and empirical sphere segmentation methods.
A deep learning‐based peer review method for radiotherapy planning
Authors: Zhou Pujun , Gu Huikuan , Peng Qinghe , Kang Dehua , Zhu Jinhan , Chen Li
Published: February 2025

Background

Quality control (QC) in radiotherapy planning is crucial for ensuring treatment efficacy and patient safety. Traditionally, QC relies on standard indicators and subjective assessments, which may lead to inconsistencies.

Purpose

This study aims to develop a novel peer review method for personalized QC in radiotherapy planning, which is based on patient anatomical information, and utilizes deep learning dose prediction and a statistical model.

Methods

A UNet model was trained on 139 nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients to predict 3D dose distribution, with plans divided into 95 for training, 20 for validation, and 24 for testing. For the clinical evaluation (24 items in total) of organs at risk (OAR), the QC interval (qualified, acceptable, or unqualified) for these items was set according to the model accuracy. Peer review was performed on another 29 clinical treatment plans, the items identified by the model as requiring optimization and improvement were optimized, and the effectiveness of the peer review method was tested.

Results

The predicted mean voxel‐based dose difference was 0.29 ± 0.13 Gy. For most evaluation items, the model prediction results were comparable to the planned results. Peer review results suggested that 66% of the plans were acceptable or unqualified. After optimization, 100% of the acceptable plans and 47% of the unqualified plans became qualified, and 20% of the unqualified plans became acceptable.

Conclusions

A deep learning dose prediction model based on patient information can be used to develop personalized QC in radiotherapy planning and can help improve the quality of radiotherapy plans.
Preoperative Predictors Associated With Postoperative Chronic Knee Pain Following Total Knee Arthroplasty and the Effect on Patient Reported Outcomes at 6‐Months
Authors: Clement Nick D. , Leitch Gillian , Scott Chloe E. H.
Published: February 2025

Aim

The aim was to identify independent variables associated with chronic knee pain (CKP) 6 months after knee arthroplasty (KA) and to determine whether CKP influenced improvement in patient reported outcomes measures (PROMs).

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted over an 8‐year period and included 3310 patients with completed PROMs at 6 months postoperatively; with a mean age of 69.9 (standard deviation 9.3) and 1823 (55.1%) were females. The Oxford knee score (OKS) pain component score was used to define patients with CKP (≤ 14 points) at 6 months.

Results

There were 551 (16.6%) patients with CKP. Gender (p < 0.001), BMI (p = 0.025), preoperative EQ‐5D (p = 0.010) and pain VAS (p < 0.001) as well as questions 2: washing (p = 0.006), 8: night pain (p = 0.001), 10: stability (p = 0.008) and 11: shopping (p = 0.047) of the OKS were independently associated CKP. The pre‐operative OKS total score (p = 0.542) was not independently associated with CKP. The risk of CKP was shown to vary from 3.0% to 30.5% when discriminatory threshold values were used in the pre‐operative responses to questions 2, 8, 10 and 11 of the OKS. Patients with CKP had significantly (p < 0.001) worse 6‐month OKS, EQ‐5D, EQ‐VAS, and pain VAS scores and improvements in scores relative to preoperative baseline that were potentially not clinically meaningful (OKS mean difference 2.6, 95% CI 2.1–3.2). Those with CKP were significantly less likely to be satisfied with their KA (odds ratio 0.076, p < 0.001): only 231 (42.9%) patients with CKP were satisfied.

Conclusions

Approximately one‐in‐six (16.6%) patients had CKP at 6 months following KA, which was associated with significantly worse PROMs and lower satisfaction. Preoperative responses to four (2, 8, 10 and 11) of the pre‐operative OKS questions were independently associated with CKP. These questions could be used to inform patients of their risk of CKP (3.0%–30.5%) following KA and potentially with expectation modification this may improve their PROMs.

Level of Evidence

Retrospective study, Level III.
Longitudinal Outcomes Among Patients With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A Canadian Retrospective Population‐Based Study
Authors: Qian Christina , Klimchak Alexa C. , Szabo Shelagh M. , Gooch Katherine L. , Dragan Roxana , Prior Heather J. , Mah Jean K.
Published: February 2025

Aims

There are few long‐term studies evaluating clinical outcomes and mortality among individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD); particularly using longitudinal health administrative claims data, reflecting populations managed in typical clinical practice. This study aimed to characterize DMD outcomes via a population‐based database.

Methods

Patients with DMD, diagnosed between 01/1979 and 03/2020 at ≤ 10 years of age, were identified using the Manitoba Population Research Data Repository housed at the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy. De‐identified longitudinal administrative data from 1998 to 2020 were used to retrospectively assess frequencies and age at first observation of key DMD outcomes including scoliosis, cardiovascular‐related complications, severe respiratory‐related morbidities, and mortality. Survival analyses using Kaplan–Meier curves were used to describe attrition and estimate probability of patients remaining observation‐free by age.

Results

This study included 198 patients with median (IQR) follow‐up of 9.6 (6.6–15.5) years. Corticosteroid use was observed in 26%, with a mean (SD) percentage of days covered of 31% (39%) from initiation to end of follow‐up. Scoliosis observations were captured in 18% (median[IQR] age 12 [11–15] years at first observation), severe respiratory‐related morbidities in 20% (14[6.5–18] years), and cardiovascular‐related complications in 32% of the cohort (12.5[2–20.5] years). Mortality was observed in 14% of the cohort. Kaplan–Meier curves estimated 15% mortality by age 20 years and 20% by 25 years.

Discussion

In a population‐based data set with decades of follow‐up, these data provide longitudinal observations of the substantial burden of DMD, and insight into contemporary estimates of mortality and treatment patterns in Canada.
A Fix‐And‐Optimize Matheuristic to Solve the Location‐Allocation of Vaccination Facilities: Case of Jalisco, Mexico
Authors: Romero‐Mancilla Marisol S. , Mora‐Vargas Jaime , Ruiz Angel
Published: February 2025

Approximately 755 million cases and 7 million deaths have been reported since the COVID‐19 pandemic. Based on the availability of vaccines to contain the spread of COVID‐19, various vaccination plans have been implemented globally, some more effective than others, depending on each country's social, territorial, economic, and political circumstances. In Mexico and other Latin American countries with similar situations, COVID‐19 vaccinations have almost exclusively relied on ephemeral mass vaccination facilities and existing healthcare infrastructure. However, other countries (e.g., the USA and Canada) have opted into pharmacy‐based immunization (PBI), which uses community and/or chain pharmacies as vaccination facilities to provide more accessible immunization services. This research aims to evaluate the feasibility and expected performance if PBI had been used in Mexico. Therefore, we propose a mathematical formulation to address the location–allocation problem underlying the pharmacy selection and the assignment of individuals to them. However, since commercial solvers cannot efficiently address the resulting formulation for real‐sized instances, the formulation is embedded into a heuristic fix‐and‐optimize scheme to explore the solution space more efficiently. The case of Jalisco, Mexico, is used to illustrate the performance of the proposed approach.
Weight Stigma and Orthopedic Surgeons' Treatment Preferences for Patients With Obesity Who Are Candidates for Elective Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Yonai Yaniv , Masarwa Rawan , Ben Natan Merav , Berkovich Yaron
Published: February 2025

Objective

This study aimed to examine how anti‐fat attitudes and attitudes toward obesity management influence orthopedic surgeons' treatment preferences for patients with obesity who are candidates for elective total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was conducted among 150 orthopedic surgeons using a web‐based questionnaire. The survey included four sections: socio‐demographic data, the Antifat Attitudes Questionnaire (AFA) assessing biases related to obesity (dislike, fear of fatness, and beliefs about willpower), an adapted questionnaire on attitudes toward obesity management, and a custom section on treatment preferences.

Results

The sample had a mean age of 43.4 years (SD = 9.7) and was predominantly male (70.7%). Participants exhibited moderate anti‐fat attitudes alongside positive views on obesity management. Stronger anti‐fat attitudes correlated with a preference for conservative treatments over surgery (r = 0.45 to r = 0.29, p < 0.001), whereas supportive attitudes toward obesity management were associated with less preference for conservative treatment (r = −0.53, p < 0.001). Male surgeons demonstrated higher anti‐fat attitudes and a greater inclination for conservative treatment than female surgeons. Regression analysis identified attitudes toward obesity management as a significant predictor of treatment preferences (β = −0.54, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Findings highlight the impact of weight stigma on clinical decision‐making and emphasise the need for increased awareness and education to ensure equitable access to TKA for patients with obesity.
Fates of Diterpene Lactones in Storage Andrographis paniculata Extracts
Authors: Rattanaya Thiwa , Chuangrattanawan Chusanajit , Chootip Krongkarn , Pekthong Dumrongsak , Plubrukarn Anuchit
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Diterpene lactones in Andrographis paniculata are essential bioactive compounds that contribute to the herb's medicinal properties. The main diterpene lactones in A. paniculata are andrographolide and its derivatives. Spontaneous degradation of the diterpene leads to a short‐term stability and casts a significant problem in storage and distribution of A. paniculata raw materials and products.

Objective

To determine the stability of diterpene lactones in A. paniculata extracts and their transformation dynamics.

Materials and Methods

A 1H NMR‐based metabolomics workflow and HPLC‐based quantitative determination were used to map the stability profiles in A. paniculata extract stored in the standard storage conditions over a 6‐month period.

Results

Qualitatively, NMR‐based PCA detected both descending and ascending dynamics in transformation of diterpene lactones in A. paniculata extracts over a 6‐month storage period. The contents of five lactone markers, compounds 1–5, in storage A. paniculata extracts were monitored to show that compounds 1 and 5 degraded with decelatory rates and presumably transformed via dehydration into compound 3, which otherwise increased also in a coherently decelatory manner. Lacking of the labile allylic hydroxyl group, compounds 2 and 4 were more stable and remained unchanged throughout the storage period.

Conclusion

The short‐term stability of A. paniculata extracts and related products was primarily attributed to the dehydration of 1 and it allylic hydroxy analogs, for example, 5, into a diene as in 3. Compound 3 is hence recommended as a plausible candidate as the stability and age marker of A. paniculata raw materials and products.
Differences Between Unstimulated and Stimulated Human Male and Female Neutrophils in Protein and Phosphoprotein Profiles
Authors: Pilling Darrell , Consalvo Kristen M. , Kirolos Sara A. , Gomer Richard H.
Published: February 2025

Human males and females show differences in the incidence of neutrophil‐associated diseases and differences in neutrophil responses such as a faster response to the chemorepellent Ser‐Leu‐Ile‐Gly‐Lys‐Val‐NH2 (SLIGKV) in males. Little is known about the basis of sex‐based differences in human neutrophils. We used mass spectrometry to identify proteins and phosphoproteins in unstimulated human neutrophils and in neutrophils incubated with the SLIGKV, a protease‐activated receptor 2 agonist. There were 132 proteins with higher levels in unstimulated male neutrophils; these proteins tended to be associated with RNA regulation, ribosome, and phosphoinositide signaling pathways, whereas 30 proteins with higher levels in unstimulated female neutrophils were associated with metabolic processes, proteasomes, and phosphatase regulatory proteins. Unstimulated male neutrophils had increased phosphorylation of 32 proteins compared to females. After exposure to SLIGKV, male neutrophils showed a faster response in terms of protein phosphorylation compared to female neutrophils. Male neutrophils have higher levels of proteins and higher phosphorylation of proteins associated with RNA processing and signaling pathways. Female neutrophils have higher levels of proteins associated with metabolism and proteolytic pathways. This suggests that male neutrophils might be more ready to adapt to a new environment, and female neutrophils might be more effective at responding to pathogens.
Efficient Conversion from Atomic Spin Wave to Single Photon with Controllable Temporal Length
Authors: Lu Jiajin , Wang Minjie , Jiao Haole , Xi Mengqi , Yang Zhifang , Li Shujing
Published: February 2025

The single photons with controllable temporal length are essential to connect various heterogeneous nodes in quantum networks. The spontaneous Raman scattering (SRS) process in atomic ensembles is a candidate for generating heralded single photon sources. However, efficient conversion from atomic spin waves to single photons with controllable temporal length has not yet been demonstrated experimentally. Here SRS is used in a cold atomic ensemble to generate Stokes photons, which herald the generation of the correlated atomic spin waves. By applying read pulses with adjustable duration to the atoms, the spin waves are converted to heralded single photons (anti‐Stokes photons) with controllable temporal length. The conversion efficiency from atomic spin waves to anti‐Stokes photons is improved by utilizing cavity enhancement. The heralded single photons are proved to be nonclassical and to be in a pure state when the photon duration ranges from 100 ns to 3 µs. The conversion efficiency of photons from atomic spin waves is () for the anti‐Stokes photon duration of 3 µs (100 ns). The research offers an experimental foundation for the interconnection of heterogeneous quantum nodes.
AquaVar decision support system for water resource management: Lessons learned from the first five years of operation
Authors: Picourlat Fanny , Ler Lian Guey , Targosz Jérémy , Game Paguedame , Amaou Tallé Hézouwé , Abily Morgan , Billaud Félix
Published: February 2025

Decision support systems (DSS) based on physically based numerical models are standard tools used by water services and utilities. However, few DSS based on holistic approaches combining distributed hydrological, hydraulic, and hydrogeological models are operationally exploited. This holistic approach was adopted for the development of the AquaVar DSS, used for water resource management in the French Mediterranean Var watershed. The year 2019 marked the initial use of the DSS in its operational environment. Over the next 5 years, multiple hydrological events allowed to test the performance of the DSS. The results show that the tool is capable of simulating peak flows associated with two extreme rainfall events (storms Alex and Aline). For a moderate flood, the real‐time functionality was able to simulate forecast discharges 26 h before the flood peak, with a maximum local error of 30%. Finally, simulations for the drought period 2022–2023 highlighted the essential need for DSS to evolve in line with changing climatic conditions, which give rise to unprecedented hydrological processes. The lessons learned from these first 5 years of AquaVar use under operational conditions are synthesized, addressing various topics such as DSS modularity, evolution, data positioning, technology, and governance.
An Analysis of Students Who Represent Missed Opportunity for Diversifying STEM Fields
Authors: Masjutina Svetlana , Stearns Elizabeth , Bottia Martha Cecilia
Published: February 2025

Although many students exhibit interest and demonstrate academic preparedness in math and science, a significant proportion of students do not major in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. These students encounter systemic barriers to STEM opportunities related to their intersecting gender and racial/ethnic identities. This study uses intersectionality theory and Tinto's model of student departure to explore students' academic and social experiences and investigate structural factors which restrict their access to STEM participation. Surveys and interviews with students from six universities in North Carolina revealed that STEM fields often fail to attract a broad range of students due to inadequate academic support and students' perceptions of these disciplines as unwelcoming or uninteresting. The findings offer practical recommendations for improving diversity in STEM majors and emphasize the critical need for universities to address diverse students' values and aspirations as well as actively promote the benefits and opportunities offered by science and STEM fields more broadly.
Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback to Manage the Mental Health of Adults With Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Pilot Study
Authors: Minjoz Séphora , Jeanne Rudy , Vercueil Laurent , Sabourdy Cécile , Sinniger Valérie , Bonaz Bruno , Hot Pascal , Pellissier Sonia
Published: February 2025

Irritable bowel syndrome [IBS] is classified as a disorder of gut‐brain interaction related to stress with no curative option. Heart rate variability biofeedback [HRV‐BFB] is a non‐drug therapy recently suggested to be relevant in reducing both autonomic nervous system [ANS] dysregulations and psychiatric comorbidities. Nevertheless, empirical evidence is still scarce and only a few studies have tested HRV‐BFB in adults with IBS. Our aims were therefore to examine the effectiveness of HRV‐BFB training on the psychophysiological states of 29 adults with IBS. The study took place in three sessions, spaced 24 days apart. In all sessions, participants completed self‐report questionnaires to assess their psychological state (affectivity, anxiety, depression, perceived stress, coping strategy, life satisfaction, illness cognitions), ANS measurements were then recorded of them at rest, during completion of a mental task (reactivity), and while in recovery following this task. The first 24‐day period was a control period without any practice, and the second was an intervention period with HRV‐BFB. Participants practiced HRV‐BFB daily for 5 min, three times a day, for 24 days. We found that HRV‐BFB reduced psychological distress and the feeling of helplessness, and led to a decrease in sympathetic reactivity during the mental task. Our findings support the potential relevance of HRV‐BFB to manage mental health in adults with IBS.
Surface Energy Tailored Reduced Graphene Oxide Top‐Coat for Vertical Alignment of High‐χ Block Copolymers for Sub‐10‐nm Nanopatterning
Authors: Yang Geon Gug , Lee Chan Woo , Kim Jin Goo , Kim In Ho , Han Kyu Hyo , Kim Jang Hwan , Choi Hee Jae , You Dong Won , Jin Hyeong Min , Kim Sang Ouk
Published: February 2025

Vertically aligned nanopatterns of high Flory‐Huggins parameter (χ) block copolymers (BCPs) are desirable for effective pattern transfer of sub‐10‐nm scale self‐assembled morphologies. To this end, BCP thin film is required to interface with neutralized surface energy at both substrate and free‐surface, among which neutralization of top free‐surface is generally more difficult without well‐defined substrate geometry. Therefore, various types of top‐coat layers have been developed, many of which, however, require complex synthetic processes or specifically designed equipment. In this work, a surface energy‐tailored reduced graphene oxide (rGO) top‐coat layer capable of achieving neutral surface conditions for high‐χ BCPs is presented. The surface energy of rGO can be precisely controlled by straightforward thermal reduction to attain neutral surface energy conditions for high‐χ BCPs. The versatile processability of rGO introduces intriguing features in top‐coat layers, facilitating area‐selective nanopatterning or multilayer stacked independently self‐assembled nanopatterning. Additionally, a large area rGO top‐coat layer is successfully implemented on various types of substrate materials, over which directed self‐assembly (DSA) of high‐χ BCPs can be attained for highly aligned vertical nanopatterns of sub‐10‐nm scale lamellar morphologies.
Photothermal Active‐Deicing Nanocoatings with Long‐Term Superhydrophobicity Based on In Situ Amorphous Polymers Design
Authors: Ju Guannan , Zhang Hongqian , Lu Qi , Zheng Xianfa , Li Xingen , Su Changhong , Jiang Jiahang , Zhang Lina , Cong Hailin
Published: February 2025

The photothermal superhydrophobic coating has garnered considerable attention owing to its captivating and promising deicing applications in an eco‐friendly and efficient way. However, designing an active‐deicing nanocoating with both mechanical stability, superhydrophobicity, and photothermal performance from molecular structure remains a challenge. Herein, a robust epoxy (EP)&polysiloxane (PS) photothermal superhydrophobic coating (EP&PS‐PSC) is constructed by combining hydrophilic EP and hydrophobic PS along with graphene nanosheets via phase separation and swelling treatment strategy. Notably, polar epoxy with lower volume shrinkage can effectively inhibit swelling‐type polymers to achieve subsequent micro‐/nanostructures construction. Besides, the epoxy can also provide strong interaction interactions between the micro‐/nanostructures. While non‐polar liquid silicon rubber provides a low surface energy for achieving composite micro‐/nanostructures. Furthermore, the as‐prepared EP&PS‐PSC exhibits exceptional mechanical stability (e.g., 100 cycled sandpaper linear abrasion with 100 g load) with a WCA of 154.9° ± 1.2° and a WSA of 4.8° ± 1.3°, which is beneficial to improve physicochemical stability and deicing performance. The combination of long‐term superhydrophobicity and photothermal capability results in a maximum temperature of 59.4 °C being achieved within 400 s under standard sunlight. This work offers a novel approach for the mass production and practical application of the superhydrophobic coating in the active deicing field.
Directed Anion Diffusion Induces Defect Passivation in 0D/3D Perovskite Single‐Crystal Heterostructures
Authors: Dong Shunhong , Xiao Han , Li Chunsen , Fu Huiting , Zheng Qingdong
Published: February 2025

0D/3D perovskite heterostructures have been extensively utilized in optoelectronic devices. However, synthesizing 0D/3D heterostructures with well‐defined interfaces, high‐exposure crystal facet orientations, and high‐purity phases remains challenging due to their soft ionic nature, which complicates the understanding of ion defect passivation mechanisms in these heterostructure systems. In this study, a one‐step vapor‐phase epitaxial growth of pure‐phase 0D/3D single‐crystal heterostructures is reported with well‐defined interfaces. Through a combination of various in situ measurements and theoretical calculations, it is elucidated that defect passivation in the heterostructure arises from the diffusion of bromide anions in the 0D phase across the interface, effectively compensating for vacancies in the 3D component. The 0D/3D heterostructures exhibit enhanced stability in their physical and optical properties compared to pure 3D perovskites. Furthermore, the observed decrease in bromide anion kinetic energy (from 0D to 3D heterointerface) in 0D/3D provides direct evidence of the bromide‐rich form of the 3D component. As anticipated, the bulk defect density in the 0D/3D heterostructures is estimated to be an order of magnitude lower than that of pure 3D single crystals. As the first systematic study utilizing a 0D/3D heterostructure model to explore defect self‐passivation mechanisms, this work offers crucial insights for designing high‐performance perovskite devices.
Self‐Powered Linear Pressure Sensor Based on MXene/CNT Nanofluid Membrane
Authors: Chen Kun , Gao Mengyao , Liu Xiaoqing , Xing Haonan , Sun Huili , Wang Huatang , Lou Aosen , Song Xiaohui , Liu Weijie , Guo Haizhong
Published: February 2025

Ion channels, which own efficient, accurate, and selective ion transport ability, play a key role in maintaining cell homeostasis, participating in signal transduction, and other physiological processes in organisms. However, the inherent complexity and uncontrollability of ion channels in nature restrict their direct use in technical applications. In order to address the application requirements of specific fields, nanochannels have been designed to simulate and optimize the functional characteristics of biological ion channels. Herein, two‐dimensional (2D) nanochannels based on MXene/carbon nanotube (CNT) composite membrane are constructed, with their ion transport mechanisms analyzed using molecular dynamics simulations. In addition, the ion transport characteristics in nanochannels under the influence of external environment of pressure are further explored and the current density can reach up to 315 nA cm−2. Based on the ion selectivity of nanochannels in MXene/CNT composite membrane, a self‐powered linear pressure sensor is designed, which shows an ultrafast response (51.3 ms) and recovery time (60.2 ms), respectively. Thus, the sensor is capable of monitoring a range of human activities ranging from subtle deformations to vigorous body movements. Furthermore, the sensor can readily differentiate a range of sounds through air vibration and exhibit enormous potential in sound visualization technology.