bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unraveling the Microenvironment and the Pathogenic Axis of HIF‐1α–Visfatin–Fibrosis in Autoimmune Pancreatitis Using a Single‐Cell Atlas
Authors: Zhang Deyu , Ma Congjia , Wang Zhen , Liu Yanfang , Liu Zaoqu , Li Wanshun , Liu Yue , Wu Chang , Sun Liqi , Jiang Fei , Jiang Hui , Su Xiaoju , Peng Lisi , Li Jiayu , Wang Xinyue , Yin Hua , Wan Dongling , Zhou Yuyan , Tian Xiaorong , Li Shiyu , Jin Zhendong , Ji Baoan , Li Zhaoshen , Huang Haojie
Published: January 2025

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is identified as a severe chronic immune‐related disorder in pancreas, including two subtypes. In this study, pancreatic lesions in patients diagnosed as either type 1 AIP or type 2 AIP are examined, and these patients’ peripheral blood at single‐cell level. Furthermore, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and functional assays are performed to verify the identified cell subtypes. In type 1 AIP, there is a notable increase in the amount of B cells and plasma cells, and IgG4+ plasma cells are key pathogenic cells of AIP. The differentiation path of naïve‐stage B cells into IgG4+ produced plasma cells is observed, and an increased amount of T helper cells and T follicular helper (Tfh) cells. This study also reveals that HIF‐1α, an activated transcriptional factor, can directly bind to promoter site of NAMPT, promoting higher levels of visfatin production in HIF1A+ classical monocytes. Pancreatic stellate cells can be activated by extracellular visfatin and promote the development of fibrotic response in pancreatic lesions across both AIP subtypes. The current findings shed light on the exploration of dynamic alterations in peripheral blood cells and cell subgroups in pancreatic lesions of AIP, while elucidating a pathogenic cell subset and potential fibrosis mechanism of AIP.
Osteoblast‐Derived Mitochondria Formulated with Cationic Liposome Guide Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Osteogenic Differentiation
Authors: Kim Hye‐Ryoung , Woo Seonjeong , Cho Hui Bang , Lee Sujeong , Cho Chae Won , Park Ji‐In , Youn Seulki , So Gyuwon , Kang Sumin , Hwang Sohyun , Kim Hye Jin , Park Keun‐Hong
Published: January 2025

While mitochondria are known to be essential for intracellular energy production and overall function, emerging evidence highlights their role in influencing cell behavior through mitochondrial transfer. This phenomenon provides a potential basis for the development of treatment strategies for tissue damage and degeneration. This study aims to evaluate whether mitochondria isolated from osteoblasts can promote osteogenic differentiation in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Mitochondria from MSCs, which primarily utilize glycolysis, are compared with those from MG63 cells, which depend on oxidative phosphorylation. Mitochondria from both cell types are then encapsulated in cationic liposomes and transferred to MSCs, and their impact on differentiation is assessed. Mitochondria delivery from MG63 cells to MSCs grown in both two‐ and three‐dimensional cultures results in increased expression of osteogenic markers, including Runt‐related transcription factor 2, Osterix, and Osteopontin, and upregulation of genes involved in Bone morphogenetic protein 2 signaling and calcium import. This is accompanied by increased calcium influx and regulated by the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway. Transplantation of spheroids containing MSCs with MG63‐derived mitochondria in bone defect animal models improves bone regeneration. The results suggest that delivery of MG63‐derived mitochondria effectively guides MSCs toward osteogenesis, paving the way for the development of mitochondria‐transplantation therapies.
Temporal Association Cortex Gates Sound‐Evoked Arousal from NREM Sleep
Authors: Yu Haipeng , Wang Jincheng , Pang Ruiqi , Chen Penghui , Luo Tiantian , Zhang Xuan , Liao Yatao , Hu Chao , Gu Miaoqing , Luo Bingmin , Shi Zhiyue , Li Mengyao , Zhang Yueting , Wei Qiaoqian , Yuan Wei , Xie Hui , Chen Zhiyi , Liu Hongbang , Ren Shuancheng , Chen Xiaowei , Zhou Yi
Published: January 2025

Sound‐evoked wakefulness from sleep is crucial in daily life, yet its neural mechanisms remain poorly understood. It is found that CaMKIIα+ neurons in the temporal association cortex (TeA) of mice are not essential for natural awakening from sleep. However, optogenetic activation of these neurons reliably induces wakefulness from non‐rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep but not from rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. In vivo electrophysiological and calcium recordings further demonstrated that TeA neurons are monotonically tuned to sound intensity but not frequency. More importantly, it is found that the activity of CaMKIIα+ neurons in TeA can gate sound‐evoked arousal from NREM sleep, which is further confirmed by optogenetic manipulations. Further investigation reveals that the baseline excitability of TeA CaMKIIα+ neurons and the delta oscillations in the electroencephalogram are particularly important in regulating the evoked activity of TeA neurons. Anatomical and functional screening of downstream targets of TeA reveals that excitatory projections from TeA glutamatergic neurons to glutamatergic neurons in the basolateral/lateral amygdala are critical for modulating sound‐evoked arousal from NREM sleep. These findings uncover a top‐down regulatory circuit that selectively governs sound‐evoked arousal from NREM sleep, with the TeA functioning as a key connecting cortex to subcortical regions.
Near Infrared‐Mediated Intracellular NADH Delivery Strengthens Mitochondrial Function and Stability in Muscle Dysfunction Model
Authors: Cho Hui Bang , Kim Hye‐Ryoung , Lee Sujeong , Cho Chae Won , Park Ji‐In , Youn Seulki , So Gyuwon , Kang Sumin , Kim Hye Jin , Park Keun‐Hong
Published: January 2025

Mitochondrial transfer emerges as a promising therapy for the restoration of mitochondrial function in damaged cells, mainly due to its limited immunogenicity. However, isolated mitochondria rapidly lose function because they produce little energy outside cells. Therefore, this study investigates whether near infrared (NIR)‐mediated nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) pre‐treatment enhances mitochondrial function and stability in mitochondria‐donor cells prior to transplantation. Clinical applications of NADH, an essential electron donor in the oxidative phosphorylation process, are restricted due to the limited cellular uptake of NADH. To address this, a photo‐mediated method optimizes direct NADH delivery into cells and increases NADH absorption. L6 cells treated with NADH and irradiated with NIR enhanced NADH uptake, significantly improving mitochondrial energy production and function. Importantly, the improved functional characteristics of the mitochondria are maintained even after isolation from cells. Primed mitochondria, i.e., those enhanced by NIR‐mediated NADH uptake (P‐MT), are encapsulated in fusogenic liposomes and delivered into muscle cells with mitochondrial dysfunction. Compared to conventional mitochondria, P‐MT mitochondria promote greater mitochondrial recovery and muscle regeneration. These findings suggest that NIR‐mediated NADH delivery is an effective strategy for improving mitochondrial function, and has the potential to lead to novel treatments for mitochondrial disorders and muscle degeneration.
Activation of Nuclear Receptor CAR: A Pathway to Delay Aging through Enhanced Capacity for Xenobiotic Resistance
Authors: Yu Jing , Gao Xiaoyan , Shi Hang , Zhang Lijun , Nie Wenlong , Zhang Ruochen , Fang Minglv , Liu Ying , Yan Yingxuan , Fan Bingbing , Wu Chengyuan , Huang Cheng , Fan Shengjie
Published: January 2025

Environmental factors are linked to aging and age‐related diseases. Emerging evidence suggests that enhancing body's resistance to xenobiotics might be an anti‐aging strategy. The constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) regulates drug‐metabolizing enzymes and transporters, coordinating metabolism and immune responses to adapt to stress triggered by exogenous exposure. However, the impact of activating CAR on aging remains unknown. In this study, Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), drug‐induced premature aging mice, and senescence accelerated P8 (SAMP8) mice are used as models to explore the effects of CAR activation on lifespan and healthspan, along with the underlying mechanisms. The results showed that hCAR agonist CITCO and mCAR agonist TCPOBOP prolonged the lifespan and healthspan in model organism. The longevity effects of CITCO and TCPOBOP were attenuated in CAR homozygous nhr‐8/daf‐12 mutant C. elegans as well as CAR−/− mice. In C. elegans, CITCO activated both anti‐stress and detoxification genes, and increased the resistance to environmental adversities. Additionally, the lifespan‐extending and xenobiotic resistant effects of CITCO might be related to the regulation of age‐related pathways. Furthermore, CITCO improved age‐related neurodegeneration in C. elegans models. Taken together, the results suggest that the longevity effects of CAR agonists may be related to the enhancement of xenobiotic resistance of animals.
Covalent Organic Framework Membranes with Spatially Aligned Ionic Sites Achieve Record Thermo‐Osmotic Output Power Density
Authors: Lai Zhuozhi , Su Haitao , Xian Weipeng , Guo Qing , Meng Qing‐Wei , Wu Di , Wang Sai , Sun Qi
Published: January 2025

The advancement of nanofluidic membranes is critical for mimicking bioelectrogenic ion‐channel mechanisms and boosting output power density, essential for sustainable energy applications. The energy conversion efficiency of these devices significantly relies on the ion conductivity and permselectivity of the membranes. Membranes with aligned one‐dimentional (1D) pores, high pore density, and organized dangling ionic groups are theorized to offer superior ion permeability and selectivity, yet these configurations remain significantly underexplored. Herein, the successful fabrication of oriented ionic covalent organic framework (COF) membranes is presented. These membranes exhibit precisely aligned cationic and anionic sites within their pore channels, achieved through post‐synthetic modification using click chemistry, which shows high ion permselectivity and conductivity. When incorporated into full‐cell thermo‐osmotic generators, these membranes deliver an impressive output power density of 195 W m−‍2 under a 50‐fold salinity gradient (NaCl: 0.01 m ‖ 0.5 m ‖ 0.01 m) along with a 35 K temperature differential. This power output substantially increases 2.41 times to 471 W m−2 when the salinity gradient is enhanced tenfold, surpassing the performance of existing nanofluidic membranes under similar conditions and thus offering a promising avenue for enhancing efficiency in energy and resource utilization.
Boosting Ambient Hydrogen Storage in Graphene via Structural and Functional Designs: A Review
Authors: Wang Shun , Liu Chaojie , Zhu Yongyang
Published: January 2025

Graphene with a large specific surface area, excellent mechanical flexibility, and chemical adjustability is a promising medium for reversible hydrogen storage. The hydrogen adsorption capacity predicted for graphene under ideal conditions of low temperature and high pressure reaches 6.6 wt%, but the practical capacity at ambient conditions is far away from the theoretical value, mainly blamed on the weak Van der Waals interaction between hydrogen and graphene. In this case, strategies including structural engineering and functional modification have been widely adopted to create more adsorption active sites for hydrogen molecules and enhance their binding strength. Herein, the sustainable progress for enhancing the ambient hydrogen storage ability of graphene from both structural and functional perspectives is reviewed, with their synergy especially focused. Moreover, each strategy is further classified and discussed based on the difference of specific action mechanisms, with representative works introduced, aiming to presenting a clear and comprehensive development venation to the reader. Lastly, future research directions for developing advanced graphene‐based hydrogen storage systems are proposed.
Development of Z‐Scheme Photocatalyst Systems Combining Nonmetal Oxide Materials for Water Splitting under Visible Light Irradiation: (CuGa)0.5ZnS2 as a H2‐Evolving Photocatalyst and TaON as an O2‐Evolving Photocatalyst
Authors: Moriya Misa , Yoshino Shunya , Kobayashi Makoto , Kato Hideki , Ng Yun Hau , Iwase Akihide
Published: January 2025

Water splitting under visible light irradiation using a Z‐scheme system combining nonmetal oxides of TaON and (CuGa)0.5ZnS2 is demonstrated. The key factors lie in coloading with Ir and CoOx cocatalysts on TaON and using reduced graphene oxide (RGO) as a solid‐state electron mediator. Ir is loaded by an impregnation method, while CoOx is loaded by either impregnation or photodeposition methods. Loaded Ir boosts the electron migration from TaON to RGO, and loaded CoOx works as an active site for O2 evolution. Photocatalytic reduction of graphene oxide to RGO accompanied by simultaneous oxidation of Co2+ ions to CoOx over Ir‐loaded TaON is the optimum process for the formation of an RGO‐(CoOx/Ir/TaON) composite.
Impact of prostate cancer screening in European ancestry un‐affected men with germline DNA repair pathogenic variants
Authors: Fasulo Vittorio , Chiarelli Giuseppe , Garofano Giuseppe , Ripamonti Carla Barbara , Barile Monica , Bianchi Paolo , Morenghi Emanuela , Benetti Alessio , Aljoulani Muhannad , Finocchiaro Alessio , Paciotti Marco , Avolio Pier Paolo , Beatrici Edoardo , Arena Paola , Saita Alberto , Hurle Rodolfo , Maura Federica , Da Rin Giorgio , Asselta Rosanna , Capalbo Anita , Soldà Giulia , Casale Paolo , Buffi Nicolò Maria , Lughezzani Giovanni , Lazzeri Massimo
Published: January 2025

Background and Objective

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a significant global health concern, ranking as the second most prevalent cancer among men worldwide. Genetic factors, particularly germline pathogenic variants (PVs) in DNA repair genes (DRGs), play a crucial role in PCa predisposition. Our study aimed to assess patients' adherence to a targeted PCa screening program targeting high‐risk individuals with DRG PVs and evaluate the potential reduction in biopsy and MRI rates by employing our screening protocol.

Methods

We conducted a prospective ongoing trial evaluating targeted PCa screening in men with documented PVs in DRGs. Screening involved annual assessment of medical history, physical examination, prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) testing, Prostate Health Index (PHI), and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) when indicated. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse patient characteristics, and adherence to screening was evaluated at three time points: baseline (T0), one year (T1), and two years (T2) from enrolment.

Key Findings and Limitations

A total of 101 high‐risk individuals were enrolled, with a median age of 52 years. Adherence to screening was high, with 72.3% of patients attending the first annual follow‐up (T1) and 100% attending the second follow‐up (T2). Despite elevated PSA levels in some patients, no PCa was detected during the study period. However, our screening protocol demonstrated the potential in reducing unnecessary biopsies and MRIs, particularly in patients with elevated PSA but low PHI values. Limitations include the ongoing nature of the study, small sample size, and lack of non‐carrier controls.

Conclusions and Clinical Implications

Our findings described a new PCa screening strategy integrated with genetic risk factors. The incorporation of PHI shows promise in improving the efficiency of diagnostic procedures while minimizing unnecessary interventions. High adherence among high‐risk individuals underscores the potential effectiveness of targeted screening programs.
Modeling the Performance of an Anaerobic Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor
Authors: Cai Yuhang , Boltz Joshua P. , Rittmann Bruce E.
Published: January 2025

Sub‐models representing transformation processes by microorganisms and hydrolases, a one‐dimensional (1‐D) biofilm, and a bioreactor were integrated to simulate organic‐matter fermentation and methane (CH4) production in an anaerobic moving bed biofilm reactor (AnMBBR). The integrated models correctly represented all experimental observations and identified mechanisms underlying how and why AnMBBR performance changed when the volumetric loading rate (VLR) of total chemical oxygen demand (TCOD) increased from 3.9 to 19.5 kg CODT/m3‐d. The fractional removal of TCOD and CH4 production decreased as the VLR of TCOD increased, in part, due to an increasing biofilm thickness that filled the protected channels in the interior of the plastic carriers and led to a decrease in biofilm surface area and an increase in the mass‐transfer boundary layer. Also, the ~25‐day duration for each VLR of TCOD was too brief to allow the biofilm to establish a new quasi‐steady state with respect to biofilm thickness. The mechanistic understanding of how biofilm characteristics and process performance respond to increased VLR of TCOD can be applied in engineering practice to improve AnMBBR process design and operation.
Structurally regenerable high entropy aluminate spinel catalysts for dry reforming of methane
Authors: Datye Abhaya K , Riley Christopher Ryan , Burnside Brandon , Alcala Ryan , Valdez Nichole , Porter Stephen , Huang Wei-Ling , De La Riva Andrew , Salinas Perla , Grant Richard , Rodriguez Mark , Miller Jeffrey
Published: January 2025

The dry reforming of methane reaction is a promising means to convert two potent greenhouse gases, methane and carbon dioxide, into industrially valuable synthesis gas.  However, the presence of reducing gases and high operating temperatures degrade conventional nickel catalysts via excessive coke formation and particle sintering.  These catalysts are not readily regenerated because the oxidative heat treatments employed to remove coke further promote active particle sintering.  Herein, we designed high entropy aluminate spinel oxides (MAl2O4 where M = Co, Mg, Ni, and divalent site vacancies in nominal equimolar concentration) as selective and regenerable reforming catalysts.  Under reaction conditions, reducible nickel and cobalt cations exsolved from the spinel lattice to form highly selective bimetallic particles on the oxide surface.  Instead of sintering, these particles uniquely redissolved back into the aluminate lattice upon reoxidation and regained the original spinel structure.  This phenomenon is ascribed to entropic stabilization, wherein an increase in configurational entropy creates a thermodynamic driving force for redispersing supported metal particles back into the multi‐cationic oxide structure, which was not seen on the NiAl2O4 sample where Ni sintered during oxidation to burn off coke. High entropy materials thus provide a unique mechanism of regeneration, which is inaccessible in conventional catalysts.
A Guide for Implementing DPYD Genotyping for Systemic Fluoropyrimidines into Clinical Practice
Authors: Ho Teresa T. , Smith D. Max , Aquilante Christina L. , Cicali Emily J. , El Rouby Nihal , Hertz Daniel L. , Imanirad Iman , Patel Jai N. , Scott Stuart A. , Swain Sandra M. , Tuteja Sony , Hicks J. Kevin ,   the Pharmacogenomics Global Research Network Publication Committee
Published: January 2025

The safety of systemic fluoropyrimidines (e.g., 5‐fluorouracil, capecitabine) is impacted by germline genetic variants in DPYD, which encodes the dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) enzyme that functions as the rate‐limiting step in the catabolism of this drug class. Genetic testing to identify those with DPD deficiency can help mitigate the risk of severe and life‐threatening fluoropyrimidine‐induced toxicities. Globally, the integration of DPYD genetic testing into patient care has varied greatly, ranging from being required as the standard of care in some countries to limited clinical use in others. Thus, implementation strategies have evolved differently across health systems and countries. The primary objective of this tutorial is to provide practical considerations and best practice recommendations for the implementation of DPYD‐guided systemic fluoropyrimidine dosing. We adapted the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment (EPIS) framework to cover topics including the clinical evidence supporting DPYD genotyping to guide fluoropyrimidine therapy, regulatory guidance for DPYD genotyping, key stakeholder engagement, logistics for DPYD genotyping, development of point‐of‐care clinical decision support tools, and considerations for the creation of sustainable and scalable DPYD genotype‐integrated workflows. This guide also describes approaches to counseling patients about DPYD testing and result disclosure, along with examples of patient and provider educational resources. Together, DPYD testing and clinical practice integration aim to promote safe prescribing of fluoropyrimidine therapy and decrease the risk of severe and life‐threatening fluoropyrimidine toxicities.
Risk Assessment During Nest Defense Against Three Simulated Predators by Female Northern House Wrens (Troglodytes aedon)
Authors: Eggleston Ross C. , Fornara Josephina H. , Davis Kyle M. , Dong Jess , Reichard Dustin G.
Published: January 2025

Offspring predation is one of the greatest obstacles to an organism's reproductive success, but parents vary in the strength of their response to potential predators. One explanation for this variable investment is that defending current offspring has the potential to lower future reproductive success if the predator is also capable of injuring or killing the parent. Northern house wrens (Troglodytes aedon) are cavity‐nesting songbirds that defend against multiple species of nest predators including small mammals, birds of prey, and snakes. Here, we used three different predator decoys: two nest predators—an eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus) and an eastern ratsnake (Pantherophis alleghaniensis)—as well as a predator of both offspring and adults—a juvenile Cooper's hawk (Accipiter cooperi)—to elicit nest defense and test whether females use risk assessment to modulate their antipredator behavior. We found that antipredator behaviors were not significantly different between the two nest predators, which posed a high risk to the nestlings, but lower risk to the parents, as neither species frequently captures adult wrens outside the nest box. However, female wrens never dove at or attacked the Cooper's hawk, while they frequently attacked both the snake and chipmunk decoys. Neighboring house wrens from adjacent territories were also less likely to respond to the hawk, but more heterospecifics mobbed the hawk than the snake decoy. Collectively, these results show that risk assessment and the strength of the antipredator response varies substantially both within and among species. Female house wrens exhibit plasticity in their nest defense behavior, and they respond to different types of predators in a way that could maximize lifetime fitness while risking the loss of their current offspring.
An approach to functionalization of cucurbit[n]uril through a tetrahydrothiopheno equatorial substituent
Authors: Day Anthony Ivan , Abdulrahman Ahmed , Hamoud Mohamed M. S. , Mandadapu Vijaybabu , Zhao Yi , Chen Minghua
Published: January 2025

A tetrahydrothiopheno equatorial substituent on a glycoluril moiety of a cucurbit[n]uril was found to be robust and provided a capacity for reactive derivatization. We have demonstrated this on tetrahydrothiopheno substituted glycoluril derivatives as a proof of concept, then translatable reactions were applied to tetrahydrothiopheno substituted cucurbituril homologues 7 and 8. In addition to the successful derivatization tetrahydrothiophenocucurbit[7 and 8]uril, some new glycoluril derivatives have been synthesized, which may serve as future precursors for the synthesis of other substituted cucurbit[n]uril and their analogues.
Investigation of Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant Capacities in Selected Turkish Indigenous Wheat Varieties
Authors: Akram Muhammad Usman , Uğuz Ayşegül Bilge , Uygun Umran , Salantur Ayten , Yilmaz Remziye
Published: January 2025

Indigenous wheat varieties continue to be cultivated and preserved due to their climatic adaptability and distinctive flavor contributions to cultural cuisines. This study covers the research gap by investigating the natural bioactive and antioxidant compounds present in Turkish indigenous wheat varieties. To this aim, the phenolic composition, ash contents, and antioxidant capacity were investigated in eighteen different indigenous Turkish wheat varieties (4 monococcum, 3 dicoccum, 4 durum, and 7 aestivum genotypes). An overall comprehensive analysis was carried out using statistical tools such as Heatmap and PCA (Principal component analysis). The results indicated that dicoccum genotype exhibited highest soluble free (49.04 mg) and soluble conjugated phenolics (188.54 mg), whereas aestivum was found rich in insoluble bound (873.89 mg), total phenolic (1058.35 mg GAE/kg dm), and total flavonoid (380.43 mg CE/kg dm) contents. Moreover, monococcum, dicoccum, and durum genotypes exhibited non‐significantly higher total antioxidant capacities compared to the aestivum wheat genotype. In conclusion, indigenous wheat varieties, particularly from the dicoccum and aestivum genotypes, have the potential to be a significant source of phenolic and antioxidant compounds. These findings suggest promising prospects for the selection of indigenous wheat varieties under on‐farm conservation programs for future commercialization and breeding programs.
Sophora japonica Nanoemulsion: Ultrasound‐Assisted Extraction and Characterization
Authors: Younis Mohamed Ibrahim , Xiaofeng Ren , Hesarinejad Mohammad Ali , Abedelmaksoud Tarek Gamal
Published: January 2025

Sophora japonica, a member of the Fabaceae family, is recognized for its medicinal properties, particularly in traditional Asian medicine. This study aimed to investigate the efficiency of ultrasound‐assisted extraction techniques in obtaining bioactive compounds from S. japonica and to formulate these extracts into stable nanoemulsions with enhanced antioxidant activity. The extraction methods employed included ethanolic maceration followed by ultrasound‐assisted extraction, with the latter producing a total phenolic content of 65.57 mg gallic acid equivalent per milliliter, compared to 51.18 mg for the maceration method. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH scavenging assay, revealing that the ultrasound‐assisted extract exhibited a scavenging efficiency of 67%, whereas the ethanolic extract demonstrated a scavenging efficiency of 59%. The resultant nanoemulsions, formulated from the ultrasound‐assisted extracts, showed an average particle size of 252.92 nm and a zeta potential of −36.68 mV, indicating favorable stability. Visual inspections and peroxide value assessments during a 5‐day oxidative stability study indicated that the water‐based nanoemulsion experienced minimal changes, maintaining its stability, while the ethanolic nanoemulsion exhibited significant signs of separation and oxidation. These findings suggest that ultrasound‐assisted extraction not only enhances the recovery of bioactive compounds from S. japonica but also contributes to the formation of stable nanoemulsions, which hold potential applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Impact of Postoperative Radiation Therapy Delay and Treatment Facility Location on Survival in Head and Neck Cancer Patients
Authors: Vivek Niketna , Sharma Rahul , Prasad Kavita , Mannion Kyle , Sinard Robert J. , Langerman Alexander , Rosenthal Eben , Rohde Sarah , Whitaker Ryan , Lockney Natalie , Topf Michael C.
Published: January 2025

Background

Time from surgery to initiation of postoperative radiation therapy (PORT) of less than 6 weeks was recently instituted as the first quality metric within head and neck cancer care.

Methods

We performed a retrospective single institution cohort study to investigate predictors of PORT delay and the impact of PORT delay on survival.

Results

PORT delay rate was 73.2%, with a median time to treatment initiation of 51 days. Outside radiation facility treatment was independently associated with increased likelihood of PORT delay (OR 1.94, 95% CI 1.03–3.74, p = 0.043). PORT delay and location of radiation treatment did not impact OS or PFS.

Conclusions

In this single institution study, most patients experienced PORT delay. Patients that were treated at outside radiation facilities were more likely to experience delay. However, PORT delay did not result in statistically significant difference in OS and PFS which contrasts with the current literature.
A Cutting‐Edge Multilayer Nanofiber Wound Dressing: Design, Synthesis, and Investigation for Enhanced Wound Healing In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Bilgiseven Irem Mukaddes , Deveci Ilyas , Kismet Kemal , Karakurt Serdar
Published: January 2025

Wounds, disruptions in normal anatomy, are classified as acute or chronic. The choice of wound treatment relies significantly on dressing materials. Electrospun nanofibrous materials offer promising applications in wound healing, featuring a substantial surface area, close mimicry of the natural extracellular matrix, and adjustable water resistance, air permeability, and drug release. This research endeavors to formulate an innovative three‐layered nanofibrous wound dressing using the electrospinning technique with the primary objectives of enhancing patient well‐being, exhibiting antimicrobial characteristics, and expediting wound healing. The designed dressing comprises nanofibers of polyurethane (PU), quercetin (Q)‐loaded polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and gelatin. Characterization of individual layers and the integrated wound dressing was conducted through SEM and FT‐IR analyses. The efficacy of the nanofibrous wound dressing was assessed through in vitro human cell culture and in vivo rat wound models. The anti‐toxic effects of nanofiber wound dressing on human epithelial and keratin cells have been proven. In vitro wound models in 24‐well plates were utilized to assess the impact on wound healing rates. Photographic documentation of wound closure was performed at the different treatment hours, revealing complete closure of the wounds by the end of the 48th hour. Rats with 2 × 1 cm wounds were treated with the nanofibrous dressings, and wound healing progress was observed over a 14‐day period. qRT‐PCR was employed to analyze MMP‐9, TIMP1, COL1A1, PDGFA, and VEGFC mRNA expressions. With its contemporary design surpassing existing treatments, the nanofiber wound dressing stands out for its wound‐healing acceleration and antibacterial properties.
Association Between Lung Ultrasound Score and PaO2/FiO2 Ratio in Neonatal Pneumonia: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Liu Manrong , Mo Jinling , Nong Changliang , Huang Lifeng , Zhao Xiaoying , Qin Mi , Ding Ke
Published: January 2025

Objectives

Lung ultrasonography (LUS) is increasingly used to assess pulmonary diseases due to its safety and convenience. This study aimed to find out the association between the LUS score and the PaO2/FiO2 ratio in neonatal pneumonia.

Methods

This study prospectively enrolled 57 neonates with suspected pneumonia. LUS score (range 0–48) was evaluated by assessing 12 lung regions. The PaO2/FiO2 ratio was calculated by dividing the arterial oxygen partial pressure by the fraction of inspired oxygen from blood gas analysis. Correlations were analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient.

Results

Birth weight ranged 1 100–4 500 g (median 2 925 g), gestational age 27–41 weeks (median 37 weeks), and age 1–28 days (median 1 day). The LUS score was significantly correlated with the PaO2/FiO2 ratio (r = 0.758, p < 0.001), arterial oxygen partial pressure (r = 0.731, p < 0.001), partial pressure of carbon dioxide (r = 0.213, p < 0.001), and oxygen saturation (r = 0.196, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates significant correlations between the LUS score and blood gas analysis indices in neonatal pneumonia.
Optimizing Skin Cancer Diagnosis: A Modified Ensemble Convolutional Neural Network for Classification
Authors: Vidhyalakshmi A. M. , Kanchana M.
Published: January 2025

Skin cancer is recognized as one of the most harmful cancers worldwide. Early detection of this cancer is an effective measure for treating the disease efficiently. Traditional skin cancer detection methods face scalability challenges and overfitting issues. To address these complexities, this study proposes a random cat swarm optimization (CSO)with an ensemble convolutional neural network (RCS‐ECNN) method to categorize the different stages of skin cancer. In this study, two deep learning classifiers, deep neural network (DNN) and Keras DNN (KDNN), are utilized to identify the stages of skin cancer. In this method, an effective preprocessing phase is presented to simplify the classification process. The optimal features are selected using the feature extraction phase. Then, the GrabCut algorithm is employed to carry out the segmentation process. Also, the CSO is employed to enhance the effectiveness of the method. The HAM10000 and ISIC datasets are utilized to evaluate the RCS‐ECNN method. The RCS‐ECNN method achieved an accuracy of 99.56%, a recall of 99.66%, a specificity value of 99.254%, a precision value of 99.18%, and an F1‐score value of 98.545%, respectively. The experimental results demonstrated that the RCS‐ECNN method outperforms the existing techniques.
Reduced Water Availability to Mothers and Embryos Has Little Effect on Offspring Phenotypes in an Invasive Lizard
Authors: Wayne Sydney M. , Norris M. Christopher , Fargevieille Amélie , Cobb Kerry , Scruggs Cindy , Miracle Jocelyn , Herron Victoria , Hall Joshua M. , Warner Daniel A.
Published: January 2025

Water availability has critical impacts on numerous physiological functions in all organisms and can have different effects across life stages. For example, water available to reproductive females can influence offspring production, and has the potential to influence how early‐stage offspring (e.g., embryos) respond to moisture in their developmental environment. In this study, we use the brown anole lizard (Anolis sagrei) to examine the effects of water availability on reproductive investment. We tested the hypothesis that water available to mothers influences embryonic development under different levels of moisture in their incubation environment. We demonstrate that a substantial reduction in water availability to mothers (~70% reduction) has no observable effect on fecundity, egg size, or egg hydration. We also provide evidence that our water restriction to mothers does not influence how embryos respond to moisture conditions during egg incubation. However, moisture in the egg incubation substrate positively affected egg water uptake, egg hatching success and hatchling body size (but not hatchling hydration). Overall, our study shows that reproduction in adult female A. sagrei is robust to variation in water availability, but survival during early life stages is sensitive to this variable. Thus, the effect of water availability on different fitness components varies between life stages.
Adaptive Development of Soil Bacterial Communities to Ecological Processes Caused by Mining Subsidence
Authors: Yu Yan , Li Yuanjia , Zhou Jiangning , Zhang Jie , Li Wen
Published: January 2025

Subsidence from coal mining is a major environmental issue, causing significant damage to soil structure. Soil microorganisms, highly sensitive to environmental changes, adapt accordingly. This study focused on four areas of the Burdai coal mine: a non‐subsidence area (CK), half‐yearly (HY), 1‐year (OY), and 2‐year (TY) subsidence areas. Using high‐throughput sequencing and molecular ecological network analysis, we examined soil microbial community diversity and structure across these zones, exploring microbial community assembly and functional predictions. Results showed that compared to the control, subsidence areas experienced reduced soil water content, organic matter, available phosphorus, and alkaline nitrogen, with the lowest levels observed at 1 year. These values began to rise after 1 year, suggesting natural recovery after subsidence stabilized. Microbial communities were closely related to soil organic matter, water content, and alkaline nitrogen. At the 1‐year mark, soil property changes significantly reduced microbial diversity, which then began to recover after 2 years. The microbial network during 1‐year subsidence was simpler, with 102 nodes, 179 edges, and an average degree of 3.51, indicating that early subsidence was unstable, and the microbial community was still adapting. By 1 year, community structure and interactions had begun to stabilize. Stochastic processes played a key role in microbial variability during short‐term subsidence.
Determination of soil CO2 Concentration With Two Newly Developed Mobile Measuring Devices
Authors: Löwe Oliver , Thiers Oscar , Weltecke Katharina , Kurth Ezra W. , Gaertig Thorsten
Published: January 2025

Background

Carbon dioxide concentration in soil air is an important indicator of carbon turnover and the soil's aeration status. However, measuring CO2 in soil air using a gas chromatograph (GC) is time‐consuming and expensive.

Aim

This study presents two newly developed CO2 measuring devices. The first one is a mobile device with an infrared sensor (MiCO2), which enables time‐efficient soil air analyses up to a depth of 25 cm. The second device is a mobile profile probe equipped with CO2 sensors at four different depths (MaCO2).

Methods

The four built‐in sensors (8, 22, 42, and 62 cm depth) operate on the photoacoustic measuring principle and record temperature and soil air moisture in addition to CO2 concentration. MiCO2 offers a cost‐effective and rapid method for assessing the aeration status of the topsoil, enabling quick diagnosis of aeration problems. Conversely, MaCO2 allows for monitoring up to a soil depth of 60 cm, facilitating analysis of the entire aeration situation in the main rooting zone.

Results

Comparative tests with a GC have shown that the measuring accuracy of the newly developed CO2 measuring devices is comparable under laboratory and field conditions. Only in highly compacted soils with CO2 concentrations above 5%, that the MiCO2 measurements were lower than those of the GC.

Conclusion

The MaCO2 even showed a clear advantage over the GC and MiCO2: Since measurement can be achieved by diffusion, there is no risk of drawing in and measuring soil air from soil layers besides the measurement depth.
Ustekinumab is safe and effective in pediatric patients with Crohn's disease
Authors: Mitchel Elana B. , Dolinger Michael T. , Constant Brad , Wang Zi , Guisado Daniela , Gao Michael , Fusillo Steven , Baldassano Robert N. , Kelsen Judith , Dubinsky Marla , Huang Jing , Albenberg Lindsey
Published: January 2025

Objectives

Real‐world data on ustekinumab for the treatment of pediatric Crohn's disease (CD) are limited. This study sought to evaluate the effectiveness, long‐term durability, and safety of ustekinumab in the treatment of children with CD.

Methods

A retrospective longitudinal cohort study of children with CD treated with ustekinumab from two large centers between 2015 and 2020 was performed. The primary outcome was frequency of steroid‐free clinical remission at 1 year. Secondary outcomes included time to steroid‐free clinical remission, frequency of clinical and biochemical remission, drug escalation and discontinuation, serum level data, and adverse events. Standard descriptive and comparative statistics were performed. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with steroid‐free remission at 1 year. Kaplan–Meier curves were used to visualize time‐to‐event relationships for outcomes.

Results

A total of 101 patients were included. Median follow‐up time on ustekinumab was 16.6 months (interquartile range [IQR]: 8.71–31.2) with drug failure in 28% at 1 year. Fifty‐nine patients were in steroid‐free clinical remission at 1 year. Higher baseline disease activity (odds ratio [OR]: 0.91 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.84–0.97), p = 0.01) and stricturing/penetrating disease phenotype (OR: 0.14 (95% CI: 0.03–0.65), p = 0.02) were associated with decreased likelihood of steroid‐free clinical remission at 1‐year. Ustekinumab drug escalation occurred in 70% of patients, and after escalation, 50 (70%) achieved clinical remission, and 49 (69%) achieved steroid‐free remission at the last follow‐up. Adverse events were rare and did not require therapy discontinuation.

Conclusions

Ustekinumab is effective and safe in the treatment of children with CD. Escalation of therapy occurs frequently but results in sustained durability.
Power ultrasound enhanced the flavor quality of tomato juice
Authors: Guo Jingtong , Wu Lihong , Sun Yujing , Zhang Le , Ye Xingqian
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND

The loss of flavor in modern tomato cultivars represents a great challenge for the food industry. This study investigated the potential of power ultrasound as an innovative approach to improve tomato juice flavor by releasing bound volatiles.

RESULTS

It was found that power ultrasound offered a more viable, environmentally friendly technique for enhancing the aroma of tomato juice compared with enzymatic or acid hydrolysis methods. There were significant differences in the released aromas among these three methods: Ultrasound primarily released alcohols and esters, with the characteristic volatiles being trans‐2‐hexenol and 6‐methyl‐5‐hepten‐2‐one. Enzymatic hydrolysis primarily released glycosides such as alcohols and aldehydes, with the characteristic volatiles being hexanal, 6‐methyl‐5‐hepten‐2‐one, β‐damascenone, methyl salicylate and phenylethyl alcohol. Acid hydrolysis mainly released ketones and alkenes, with the characteristic volatiles being hexanal, 6‐methyl‐5‐hepten‐2‐one, β‐damascenone, methyl salicylate and trans‐2‐hexenol. Ultrasound parameters could be varied to improve the level of flavors of tomato juice with the optimal parameters being 40 °C, 10 min, 600 W L−1 ultrasound density and 50% duty cycle.

CONCLUSION

The present investigation will provide a reference for aroma‐enhancing application of power ultrasound. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.
Exploring the anti‐inflammatory effects of microencapsulated probiotic bacteria: in vivo and in vitro evaluation in healthy mouse models
Authors: Madali‐Kafes Berna , Parlak‐Yetisen Lütfiye , Dikmen Derya
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND

Encapsulation technology has been extensively employed in recent years to enhance the efficacy and efficiency of probiotics. Nevertheless, existing studies have primarily concentrated on product efficacy, with inadequate scrutiny concerning potential effects on living organisms. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of various encapsulated probiotic strains on inflammatory responses in healthy mice, alongside their in vitro viability. Nissle (EcN) and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) were microencapsulated for the study.

RESULTS

The differences in serum levels of Total Oxidant Status, Total Antioxidant Status, and C‐reactive protein among the groups were statistically significant (LGG, P = 0.039, P = 0.024, and P < 0.001; EcN, P = 0.019, P = 0.012, and P = 0.037, respectively). The highest levels were found in the control group, while the lowest levels were observed in the microencapsulated group. There were no significant differences in tissue tumor necrosis factor or interleukin‐6 levels for either LGG or EcN.

CONCLUSION

Probiotics reduced inflammation‐related parameters in serum of healthy mice. Microencapsulation preserved viability in vitro, but in vivo no significant differences were observed in anti‐inflammatory parameters or body weight between microencapsulated and free probiotics. © 2025 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
A Quantitative Basis for Intersource Differences in Tracer Concentrations for Accurate Sediment Source Fingerprinting
Authors: Dai Wei , Dang Tianmin , Zeng Yi , Wang Nanqiu , Zong Renjie , Ni Lingshan , Fang Nufang , Shi Zhihua
Published: January 2025

Sediment source fingerprinting provides support for targeted soil erosion control and land degradation mitigation. Tracer selection and source classification are the main considerations in this approach. However, the impact of tracer concentration divergences among different sediment sources on the accuracy of source apportionment remains uncertain and has not been quantitatively investigated. Here, artificial and virtual mixtures were created to explore the impact of low and high source differences on the accuracy of relative source apportionment. Additionally, global geochemical property data based on different source classification methods were collected to analyze the reliability of source classification. The results reveal that as the difference in tracer concentration between sources decreases (from 30% to 2%), the accuracy of source apportionment significantly decreased, with the mean absolute error (MAE) ranging from 5.9% to 60.1%. Furthermore, a relative deviation in tracer concentration > 10% between sources is suggested for reliable source classifications. Notably, approximately 40% of the existing papers exhibit potential issues due to low tracer concentration divergences between sources. The adoption of sediment source classification based on land use should be cautiously approached until tracer concentration divergences among major sources are examined. For catchments lacking long‐term stable vegetation, source classification methods based on geological properties are recommended. Finally, we recommend the consideration of clustering methods or alterative tracers for specific study areas to improve the accuracy of sediment fingerprinting.
Ultra‐Flat Broadband Low‐Noise Frequency Comb in a Fiber Fabry‐Perot Resonator
Authors: Li Tieying , Chen Jianping , Wu Kan
Published: January 2025

A low‐noise microcomb with a flat and broadband spectrum is highly desired for various applications, including spectroscopy, sensing, and communications. However, both dissipative Kerr solitons (DKSs) and platicons have limitations in spectrum flatness due to their sech‐shaped profile or peaks of dispersive waves. In this study, an ultra‐flat and broadband microcomb are presented in a fiber Fabry‐Perot (F‐P) resonator. By optimizing the group velocity dispersion (GVD) and third‐order dispersion (TOD), an ultra‐flat low‐noise comb spectrum is obtained with a −1 dB bandwidth of up to 58 nm and a −30 dB bandwidth of 190 nm. Additionally, a method to control the contribution of the stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) effect by adjusting the desynchronization frequency to meet the phase‐matching condition is proposed. With the contribution from SRS, the −30 dB bandwidth is further extended to 230 nm with more than 7700 comb lines. Furthermore, a detailed investigation is conducted on the interaction among GVD, TOD, SRS, and Kerr nonlinearity, revealing the generation mechanism of such an ultra‐flat broadband comb spectrum. The work will provide valuable insights for the advancement of dispersion‐engineered resonators and further stimulate the study of the effects of SRS in fiber and integrated resonators are anticipated.