bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the Impact of B Cell‐Related Genes on Colorectal Cancer Immunosuppressive Environment and Immunotherapy Evasion
Authors: Wu Haixia , Yu Yilin , Wang Zhiping , Wu Shiji , Shao Lingdong , Hong Liang , Qiu Jianjian , Zhang Xueqing , Wu Junxin
Published: January 2025

We aimed to elucidate the prognostic and immunological roles of B cell‐related genes in colorectal cancer (CRC). This study comprehensively integrated data from single‐cell RNA‐sequencing, TCGA, GEO, IMvigor210, GDSC, CancerSEA, HPA, and TISIDB databases to explore prognostic implications and immunological significance of B cell‐related gene signature in CRC. We identified seven prognostically significant B cell‐related genes for constructing a risk score. Clinical relevance analysis indicated that this risk score served as an independent prognostic factor, with the model accurately predicting patient outcomes. GSEA results implicated the risk score in immune function, cell cycle, and DNA replication. Immune infiltration analysis revealing lower levels of B cells, CD4+ cells, and CD8+ cells in the high‐risk group, correlating with decreased immune activity and function. IMvigor210 and TIDE analysis indicated poorer prognosis among high‐risk group patients receiving immune therapy. Additionally, the high‐risk group exhibited lower sensitivity to immune therapy. Further analysis of drug sensitivity suggested higher resistance to common chemotherapy drugs among high‐risk groups. Finally, we identified HSPA1A as the gene with the strongest association with immune and inflammatory responses. Validation of HSPA1A protein expression and prognosis demonstrated elevated expression in CRC compared to normal colorectal tissue, further reinforcing its association with poorer prognosis and higher tumor stage. The risk score exhibited substantial variations in clinical characteristics, functional mechanism, TMB, drug sensitivity, immune cell infiltration, and immune subtype. Our findings may aid in clinical decision‐making by shedding light on novel and promising biomarkers for CRC prognosis and immunotherapy response prediction.
Fiddler Crabs (Crustacea: Decapoda: Ocypodidae) From Coastal Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands: Species Descriptions and DNA Barcodes
Authors: Thurman Carl L. , McNamara John C. , Shih Hsi‐Te , Capparelli Mariana V.
Published: January 2025

Neotropical regions near the equator are recognized as speciation “hot spots” reflecting their abundant biodiversity. In western South America, the coasts of Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, the Galápagos Archipelago, and northern Peru form the Tropical Eastern Pacific biome. This area has the greatest heterogeneity of sympatric fiddler crab species of any portion of the planet. Since the coastal fauna has not been assessed for almost 50 years, we studied fiddler crab species diversity in Ecuador and on the Galápagos Archipelago. Preserved collecting records for various species were examined at the U.S. National Museum of Natural History, Washington, DC, the American Museum of Natural History, New York, and the Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, the Netherlands. During a field study, 51 locations were collected resulting in over 870 preserved specimens (120 lots) along the 2237‐km (1390 mi) coast of Ecuador and on three Galápagos Islands. A neighbor‐joining tree was constructed using the Kimura 2‐parameter model with a partial DNA sequence of the cytochrome oxidase‐subunit 1 gene (COI) for a barcoding study. Twenty‐five taxa were collected during the surveys, while two more were noted from the literature and museum collections. Five published species are new to Ecuador. The species assemblage was divided among four genera: Uca, Leptuca, Minuca, and Petruca. Morphological definitions and photographic images are given for 27 species. COI sequences were obtained for 27 operational taxonomic units from Ecuador, with three morphologically indistinguishable cryptic or pseudocryptic taxa also revealed. Based on species distributions, it appears that the area between Cabo San Lorenzo and Punta Santa Elena serves as a weak barrier separating some “northern” from “southern” taxa. Since coastal Ecuador is undergoing rapid economic development, the construction of maricultural facilities and the deforestation of mangroves promote wholesale habitat destruction. As habitat diversity is reduced, it is expected that there will be, in general, a local decline in fiddler crab species diversity with some taxa becoming rare or extinct.
Spatio‐Temporal Patterns of Hybridization in an Alloploid Salamander (Ambystomatidae: Ambystoma) and Conservation Implications of Introgression in a Unisexual Vertebrate
Authors: Laserna Alessa V. , Phillips Christopher A. , Kuhns Andrew R. , Davis Mark A. , Corush Joel B. , Paige Ken N.
Published: January 2025

Maynard Smith's proposed two‐fold cost of sex states that one of the disadvantages of clonal reproduction is the decreased ability to persist in dynamic ecosystems. However, the long‐term persistence of some clonal alloploid lineages suggests that these lineages may not always be so ephemeral in nature. Understanding the stability of these lineages over time can inform our understanding of the advantages of an asexual mode of life. Here we investigate a gynogenetic allopolyploid triploid, the Silvery Salamander (LJJ—historically referred to as Ambystoma platineum), an asexual lineage closely related to A. barbouri. However, in our focal populations, neither parental species is present, and another sexual host, A. texanum (TT), is a required sperm donor. Gynogenetic reproduction involving LJJ and its host A. texanum should result in a clone of the mother (LJJ); however, with the occurrence of kleptogenesis, it often can result in tetraploid hybrids (LJJT). LJJ is considered endangered in this population due to its restricted range coupled with concerns that the cryptic tetraploid (LJJT) could completely replace LJJ. Here we assess the level of LJJ × A. texanum hybridization in nine ephemeral wetland populations in east central Illinois. Using species‐specific microsatellite loci, we compared the prevalence of LJJ and LJJT genotypes across localities and years. We find variation across ponds and developmental stages but suggest relative stability over time. Given the considerable amount of environmental degradation and loss, we suggest continued monitoring of this unique segment of biodiversity to ensure its persistence into the future.
Genetic Evidence of Killer Whale Predation on White Sharks in Australia
Authors: Reeves Isabella M. , Weeks Andrew R. , Towner Alison V. , Impey Rachael , Fish Jessica J. , Clark Zach S. R. , Butcher Paul A. , Meyer Lauren , Donnelly David M. , Huveneers Charlie , Hudson Nicky , Miller Adam D.
Published: January 2025

Killer whales (Orcinus orca) have been documented to prey on white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias), in some cases causing localised shark displacement and triggering ecological cascades. Notably, a series of such predation events have been reported from South Africa over the last decade, with killer whales specifically targeting sharks' liver. However, observations of these interactions are rare, and knowledge of their frequency across the world's oceans remains limited. In October 2023, a 4.7 m (total length) white shark carcass washed ashore in southeastern Australia, coinciding with reports from citizen scientists of killer whales hunting a large, unidentified prey item in the area. Visual inspection of the carcass revealed that the liver, digestive, and reproductive organs were missing, and the presence of four distinctive bite wounds, one of which was characteristic of killer whale liver extraction as seen in South Africa. Genomic analyses performed on swabs taken from the bite wounds confirmed the presence of killer whale DNA in the major bite area, while the other bites were embedded with genetic material from the scavenging broadnose sevengill shark (Notorynchus cepedianus). These results provide confirmed evidence of killer whale predation on white sharks in Australia and the likely selective consumption of the liver, suggesting predations of this nature are more globally prevalent than currently assumed.
Hotter temperatures alter riparian plant outcomes under regulated river conditions
Authors: Palmquist Emily C. , Ogle Kiona , Butterfield Bradley J. , Whitham Thomas G. , Allan Gerard J. , Shafroth Patrick B.
Published: January 2025

Climate change and river regulation alter environmental controls on riparian plant occurrence and cover worldwide. Simultaneous changes to river flow and air temperature could result in unanticipated plant responses to novel environmental conditions. Increasing temperature could alter riparian plant response to hydrology and other factors, while river regulation may exacerbate environmental stress through novel flows like those resulting from power generation. Further, plant establishment and growth may require differing conditions, which may be decoupled by novel conditions. Using a large dataset that spans a natural 5°C mean annual temperature (MAT) gradient and a Bayesian model that integrates plant occurrence and cover, we address four questions: (1) Does hotter MAT modify plant response to hydrology, substrate composition, topography, and cover of co‐occurring plant species? (2) Does the timing of hydropower tides benefit some species over others? (3) Does dam‐induced erosion hinder riparian species more than upland species? (4) Do occurrence and cover respond to different environmental variables, allowing for decoupling of life history processes? We addressed these questions with data collected along 364 km of the Colorado River downstream of Glen Canyon Dam, Arizona, United States of America. Occurrence and cover class were recorded in >10,000 plots from 2016 to 2020, along with environmental covariates that repeat across the climate gradient. For 36 species, plant occurrence and cover were modeled with respect to MAT, hydrology, substrate, topography, other plant cover, and their interactions with MAT. There were four key results. (1) Increasing MAT will not only directly influence plants but will mediate their responses to the environment, including greater dependence on stable water supplies. (2) The timing of hydropower tides shapes plant community composition. (3) Dam‐related erosion has an outsized effect on riparian species, which could lead to a loss of regionally unique plant species. (4) For all species, the most important covariates driving occurrence differed from those for cover, suggesting the potential for these life stages to be decoupled. Not only will climate change and river regulation independently alter plant distributions, interactions among hotter temperature, dam‐controlled flow patterns, and limited fine sediments will determine which species flourish or perish under future conditions.
Photoinduced DNA Cleavage Using Bioinspired Photostable Flavin Analogues
Authors: Mondal Dipayan , Kumar Mishra Ashutosh
Published: January 2025

Inspired by the photosensitization capability of the naturally occurring flavin derivatives, viz. riboflavin (RF), flavin mononucleotide (FMN), flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and their photodegradation susceptibility due to the presence of ribityl/phosphate group; the current manuscript investigates the N10‐modified flavin analogues for their reactive oxygen species (ROS) generating capability and DNA cleavage activity, when irradiated with blue light. The effectiveness of superoxide anion generating property of photoexcited flavin analogs were determined using nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT) and gallic acid quenching experiments. Among the flavin analogues studied, the simple propylflavin (PFl) was found to be most photostable and efficient in the conditions studied. The carboxyl‐flavin (10Flc) displays behavior like that of FMN while the flavin‐aspartic acid conjugate (FA) was found to show properties in between the PFl and the 10Flc.
Autism, ADHD, and Their Traits in Adults With Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder: A Scoping Review
Authors: Makin Lauren , Zesch Elisa , Meyer Adia , Mondelli Valeria , Tchanturia Kate
Published: January 2025

Objective

This review maps existing literature on the prevalence of autism and ADHD in adult patients with Bulimia Nervosa (BN) and Binge Eating Disorder (BED); patient and stakeholder perspectives on this comorbidity; clinical differences in this population; and potential treatment adaptations or adjunct therapies. This is with the aim to inform future research priorities to improve clinical practice.

Method

As pre‐registered, and following PRISMA guidelines, six databases (Embase, MEDLINE via Ovid, PsycINFO, Web of Science, CENTRAL, and Scopus) were searched for studies regarding autism and/or ADHD (diagnosed, probable, or traits) in adult patients with BN or BED. Screening and data extraction were conducted twice independently for each record.

Results

Twenty‐nine studies were included, with 25,416 participants, mostly women (69.3%). Thirteen prevalence studies suggested autism and ADHD are more common in BN or BED than non‐ED populations. One study explored the expert perspectives on autism and ADHD in BED, while 15 studies considered treatment options, mainly medications.

Conclusion

This review highlights a need for more research on the experiences, clinical differences, and non‐medical treatment options for Autistic/ADHD patients with BN or BED. Findings suggest these conditions commonly co‐occur but remain under‐explored in terms of patient‐centred interventions and clinical outcomes.
Lightweight Natural Fiber Insulation Boards Produced with Kapok Fiber (Ceiba Pentandra) and Polylactic Acid or Bicomponent Fiber as a Binder
Authors: Cárdenas‐Oscanoa Aldo Joao , Bonaccurso Elmar , Machunze Wolfgang , Euring Markus , Zhang Kai
Published: January 2025

Traditionally, kapok fiber is employed as filling for soft pillows, bedding, and diverse elements. Due to its buoyancy and proportion between cell wall and lumen, it is also applied as buoyant material in life vests and insulation materials. This study examine slightweight insulation panels produced from kapok fibers. Lightweight insulation boards are produced by hot‐air using kapok fibers (95%) bonded with polylactic acid or bicomponent fiber (5%), achieving very low densities of 10,15, and 20 kg.m−3. The technological attributes like density, porosity, water absorption, wettability, compression, and thermal conductivity, are evaluated against commercial glass wool. In terms of water absorption rates, there is a direct correlation with density. All the variables reach short‐term water absorption values less than 1 kg.m−2, which are comparable to commercial standards. This can be attributed to the lower density, higher porosity of the samples, and the inherent hydrophobic wax layer in the cell wall surface of kapok fibers. This trend is also evident in wettability tests, where produced boards demonstrated water‐repellency when exposed to water. Regarding the mechanical property of compression, neither the binder nor the density significantly impacts compression strength. The thermal conductivity performance of kapok‐based boards is comparable with commercially available ones.
Cross‐Sectional Comparison of Structural MRI Markers of Impairment in a Diverse Cohort of Older Adults
Authors: Wisch Julie K. , Petersen Kalen , Millar Peter R. , Abdelmoity Omar , Babulal Ganesh M. , Meeker Karin L. , Braskie Meredith N. , Yaffe Kristine , Toga Arthur W. , O'Bryant Sid , Ances Beau M. ,   the HABS‐HD Study Team
Published: January 2025

Neurodegeneration is presumed to be the pathological process measure most proximal to clinical symptom onset in Alzheimer Disease (AD). Structural MRI is routinely collected in research and clinical trial settings. Several quantitative MRI‐based measures of atrophy have been proposed, but their low correspondence with each other has been previously documented. The purpose of this study was to identify which commonly used structural MRI measure (hippocampal volume, cortical thickness in AD signature regions, or brain age gap [BAG]) had the best correspondence with the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) in an ethno‐racially diverse sample. 2870 individuals recruited by the Healthy and Aging Brain Study—Health Disparities completed both structural MRI and CDR evaluation. Of these, 1887 individuals were matched on ethno‐racial identity (Mexican American [MA], non‐Hispanic Black [NHB], and non‐Hispanic White [NHW]) and CDR (27% CDR > 0). We estimated brain age using two pipelines (DeepBrainNet, BrainAgeR) and then calculated BAG as the difference between the estimated brain age and chronological age. We also quantified their hippocampal volumes using HippoDeep and cortical thicknesses (both an AD‐specific signature and average whole brain) using FreeSurfer. We used ordinal regression to evaluate associations between neuroimaging measures and CDR and to test whether these associations differed between ethno‐racial groups. Higher BAG (pDeepBrainNet = 0.0002; pBrainAgeR = 0.00117) and lower hippocampal volume (p = 0.0015) and cortical thickness (p < 0.0001) were associated with worse clinical status (higher CDR). AD signature cortical thickness had the strongest relationship with CDR (AICDeepBrainNet = 2623, AICwhole cortex = 2588, AICBrainAgeR = 2533, AICHippocampus = 2293, AICSignature Cortical Thickness = 1903). The relationship between CDR and atrophy measures differed between ethno‐racial groups for both BAG estimates and hippocampal volume, but not for cortical thickness. We interpret the lack of an interaction between ethno‐racial identity and AD signature cortical thickness on CDR as evidence that cortical thickness effectively captures sources of disease‐related atrophy that may differ across racial and ethnic groups. Cortical thickness had the strongest association with CDR. These results suggest that cortical thickness may be a more sensitive and generalizable marker of neurodegeneration than hippocampal volume or BAG in ethno‐racially diverse cohorts.
Surgery for the Treatment of HPV‐Negative Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma—A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: McArdle Erica , Bulbul Mustafa , Collins Chantz , Duvvuri Umamaheswar , Gross Neil , Turner Meghan
Published: January 2025

Background

Human papillomavirus (HPV) negative oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is associated with worse survival when compared to HPV‐positive OPSCC. Primary surgery is one option to intensify therapy in this high‐risk group of patients. Unfortunately, the only randomized trial to explore this approach (RTOG 1221) failed to accrue and the role of primary surgery in the treatment of HPV‐negative OPSCC remains unanswered.

Methods

A systematic review and meta‐analysis were performed to examine the outcomes of surgery in the treatment of HPV‐negative OPSCC. We used the PRISMA statement for reporting and queried Pubmed, Web of Science and the Cochrane databases for studies examining the use of primary surgery in the treatment of HPV‐negative OPSCC. Excluded from analysis were reviews, commentaries, case series with fewer than 10 patients, and studies that included HPV‐negative head and neck cancers of mixed sites. Our primary outcomes were 2‐year and 5‐year overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS). OS and DFS were pooled using meta‐analysis of proportions.

Results

A total of 15 studies were included in qualitative synthesis and 11 were included in the meta‐analysis. There were 923 patients total included. Eight studies including 483 patients reported staging of HPV negative disease, of which 81.6% had T1/T2 tumors and 41.4% had N0 nodal disease. The average rate of positive margins was 12.6%. The average rate of patients who underwent risk‐stratified adjuvant RT was 30.7% and CRT was 29.5%. The average follow‐up was 32.7 months (SD = 12.47 months). Only two studies reported survival outcomes for HPV‐negative disease based on overall staging: 5‐year OS was improved for stage III versus stage IV and early versus late stage disease.

The pooled 2‐ and 5‐year OS were 84% (95% CI 77%–91%, I2 = 52.4%; 5 studies) and 72% (95% CI 46%–92%, I2 = 95.5%; 4 studies), respectively. The pooled 2‐ and 5‐year DFS for the entire population were 77% (95% CI 66%–86%, I2 = 55%; 6 studies) and 59% (95% CI 50%–69%, I2 = 0%; 3 studies). Of the subgroup undergoing TOS alone, the pooled 2‐ and 5‐year OS were 87% (95% CI 79%–93%, I2 = 46.8%; 4 studies) and 82% (95% CI 69%–92%, I2 = 74.2%; 3 studies). The pooled 2‐ and 5‐year DFS for the subgroup of patients undergoing TOS alone were 78% (95% CI 63%–90%, I2 = 56%; 4 studies) and 59% (95% CI 47%–71%, I2 = undetermined; 2 studies).

Conclusions

The two‐ and five‐year OS for patients with HPV‐negative OPSCC treated with any surgical approach and pathology‐directed adjuvant therapy is 84% and 72%, respectively. The two‐ and five‐year OS for HPV‐negative OPCSCC treated with transoral surgery and pathology‐directed adjuvant therapy is 87% and 82%, respectively.
Human Skin Burn Intensity Resulting From Various Incidents Utilizing Bioheat Transfer Model: A Comparative Analogy
Authors: Hossain Md. Alamgir , Nasrin R. , Alatawi Eid S.
Published: January 2025

Understanding how human skin reacts to heat is vital for effective burn prevention and treatment. This study uses a bioheat transfer model to develop a comparative analogy to differentiate burn intensity from hot dishes, hot fluids, radiation, and flash fires, aiming to differentiate the burn profiles of each incident type. The finite element method is employed to solve the time‐dependent Pennes' bioheat transport equation concerning the three distinct layers of human skin. The Arrhenius equation is implemented to quantify the damage fraction associated with thermal burns. The burn intensities for the degrees of burns (first, second, and third) are evaluated by applying Henriques burn integral, considering various burning conditions and the corresponding exposure times required for each burn. The numerical results are displayed in various formats, including volume temperature plots and line graphs of damage fraction. The findings reveal that first‐degree burns occur the fastest, followed by second‐degree burns, with third‐degree burns taking the longest to develop. Notably, burns from direct contact with a hot dish are more severe than those from freely flowing heated fluids. The results highlight that exposure time, temperature, and thermal conductivity are key factors in burn depth and tissue damage, offering valuable insights for burn treatment and risk management. The outcomes will effectively predict burn consequences, making it useful in burn injury treatment and safety engineering.
Integrating UAV and Multisource Satellite Remote Sensing to Estimate Long‐Term River Discharge in High‐Mountain Basins
Authors: Gu Pengfei , Liao Aimin , Wu Yongxiang , Xu Yi , Wu Wei , Wang Gaoxu , Liu Hongwei , Hu Pengcheng , Zhang Xuan
Published: January 2025

In high‐mountain basins with complex underlying surface, harsh climate and difficult transportation, the conventional monitoring methods are less applicable, and it is also difficult to construct, operate and maintain ground observation stations. This has led to an extreme lack of ground hydrological data, which has restricted the understanding of hydrological processes in alpine basins. This study presents an integrated method for estimating long time‐series discharge using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and satellite remote sensing (Satellite‐RS). The method can integrate the refined observation capabilities of UAVs with the long time‐series observation capabilities of Satellite‐RS, and the discharge is estimated entirely by UAVs and Satellite‐RS information without relying on ground‐based measured discharge data. To test this method, six reaches within the main stream and tributaries of the Yarlung Zangbo River (YZR) were selected. The results indicate that the mean relative error (MRE) of UAV‐measured river discharge is consistently below 20%, however, larger errors occur for rivers with low water levels and narrow river widths. To address the limitations of the UAV‐based measurement method in capturing discharge variations over time, a discharge estimation formula was devised using the remotely sensed river width as an input variable. At‐a‐section river widths were derived from high‐resolution satellite images (i.e., Landsat‐8, Sentinel‐1, Sentinel‐2 and GF‐2). By integrating the highly precise observations obtained from UAVs with the long time‐series river widths obtained from multisource Satellite‐RS, long time‐series discharge data were estimated at several typical cross‐sections along the YZR. The Nash‐Sutcliffe efficiency values for the discharge estimates ranged from 0.72 to 0.92 during the study period (2014–2020). The results can provide data in support of the study of the YZR discharge composition analysis and other scientific issues, and also offer a theoretical and methodological basis for discharge observations in other high‐mountain basins around the world.
Trap‐induced persistent luminescence in organic light‐emitting diodes
Authors: Wu Zishuang , Lin Cunjian , Yang Rujun , Zhan Chenhan , Wang Yajing , Tong Kai‐Ning , You Shihai , Lv Ying , Wei Guodan , Ueda Jumpei , Zhuang Yixi , Xie Rong‐Jun
Published: January 2025

Luminescence in organics that lasts for seconds to a few hours after light excitation has been reported recently, showcasing significant application potentials in flexible electronics and bioimaging. In contrast, long‐lasting luminescence that can be electrically excited, whether in organics or inorganics, is much rarer and often less efficient. In this study, we report persistent luminescence (PersL) in organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) that lasts over 100 s and an energy storage effect beyond 60 min after charging with a direct‐current electric field. Thermoluminescence studies reveal that the PersL in OLEDs is induced by traps formed in a host‐guest molecular system serving as an emission layer (EML) with a trap depth of approximately 0.24 eV, consistent with the results from the same EML materials under light irradiation. Integrating results from electronic spin resonance, and density functional theory calculations, we propose a model delineating the charge carrier migration responsible for the trap‐induced PersL in OLEDs. This study on trap‐induced PersL in OLEDs may deepen our understanding of the luminescence mechanism in organic semiconductors and pave the way for expanding their applications in optoelectronics, energy storage and biological detection technologies.

image
Numerical and Experimental Investigations of a Double‐Suction Pump With a Middle Spacer and a Staggered Impeller
Authors: Wang Zhe , Chen Yongjun , Rakibuzzaman Md , Agarwal Ramesh , Zhou Ling
Published: January 2025

Double‐suction pumps are among the most commonly used mechanical devices in irrigation and drainage. To investigate the effects of the impeller configuration with a spacer and staggered arrangement on the internal flow field and radial force characteristics of a double‐suction centrifugal pump, a comparison investigation was conducted using the same type of pump with three different impeller configurations: a symmetrically arranged impeller without a spacer, a symmetrically arranged impeller with a spacer and a staggered 25° arrangement impeller with a spacer. This study employed a combination of experimental and numerical simulation methods to analyse changes in the head, efficiency, transient radial force and internal flow field under three typical operating conditions. The results indicate that the staggered 25° arrangement impeller with a spacer results in a higher head and efficiency than both the symmetrically arranged impellers without a spacer and those with a spacer across most working conditions. Furthermore, the efficiency improvement is most significant at low flow rates for the staggered 25° arrangement impeller with a spacer compared with the other configurations. In terms of the internal flow field, the addition of a spacer and staggered 25° arrangement impeller effectively reduces the high‐velocity flow, making the pressure distribution gradient more reasonable and the turbulent kinetic energy distribution more uniform. Additionally, adding spacers and employing staggered arrangements effectively reduces the steady‐state radial forces as well as the main frequency amplitude of the radial force fluctuations on the impeller. This improves both the high‐velocity flow structure attenuation rate and outlet flow stability for double‐suction impellers. By comparing and analysing the external characteristics, internal flow field and radial force characteristics of different impeller configurations, this study proposes an improved impeller scheme based on a spacer and staggered arrangement, which provides a new optimization idea for improving the efficiency and stability of double‐suction centrifugal pumps in irrigation systems.
Rapid reduction in surgical time and high level of accuracy in alignment and femoral component size prediction in robotic‐assisted total knee arthroplasty with ROSA Knee System
Authors: Petrillo Stefano , Moretti Giorgio , Bordignon Niccolò , Romagnoli Sergio
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Robotic‐assisted total knee arthroplasty (RA‐TKA) has gained popularity for its potential ability to improve surgical precision and patient outcomes, despite concerns about its long learning curve and increased operative times. The aim of this study is to evaluate the learning curve of the ROSA® Knee System, the relationship between each phase of the learning curve and the accuracy of the robotic system in femoral component size and knee alignment prediction.

Methods

A single surgeon retrospective analysis of total operative time (TOT) and total robotic time was conducted. The first 60 cases of RA‐TKA performed between July 2023 and March 2024 were included. Six (10%) patients were excluded due to incomplete surgical reports. A cumulative sum analysis was used to identify the learning and proficiency phases of the surgeon's learning curve. Moreover, femoral component size prediction accuracy and the difference between planned and achieved knee alignment were analyzed.

Results

The projected learning curve showed a significant reduction in TOT after 10 cases, with mean time decreasing from 62.6 ± 7.92 min in the learning phase to 49.9 ± 8.10 min in the proficiency phase (p = 0.0008). The robotic procedure accounted for 48% and 42% of the TOT in the learning and proficiency phases, respectively. Prediction in femoral component size was accurate in 92.6% of cases. The difference between planned and achieved knee alignment was not statistically significant (1.1° ± 0.9°).

Conclusions

The ROSA® Knee System allows a rapid learning curve in RA‐TKA, with a significant reduction in operative time after the first 10 cases. An experienced orthopaedic surgeon specialized in knee arthroplasty can quickly reach a proficiency phase, maintaining high accuracy in alignment and femoral component sizing. These findings suggest that the ROSA® system is an effective and reliable tool for CR RA‐TKA, offering precise and reproducible outcomes.

Level of Evidence

IV.
The effect of STI screening during pregnancy on vertical transmission of HIV and adverse pregnancy outcomes in South Africa: a modelling study
Authors: Nyemba Dorothy C. , Joseph‐Davey Dvora L. , Delany‐Moretlwe Sinead , Myer Landon , Johnson Leigh F.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of vertical HIV transmission and adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes. In South Africa, syndromic management is the standard of care for STI management. We assessed the potential impact of point‐of‐care (POC) screening for curable STIs (Chlamydia trachomatis [CT], Trichomonas vaginalis [TV] and Neisseria gonorrhoeae [NG]) during pregnancy on vertical HIV transmission and adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes.

Method

We developed a static mathematical model to estimate the impact of syndromic management compared to POC screening of STIs in pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in South Africa over one calendar year (2022). Our model assumptions regarding the effect of CT, NG and TV on adverse pregnancy/birth outcomes and vertical HIV transmission were informed by two separate meta‐analyses that we conducted. Local studies informed estimates of STI prevalence, POC screening uptake and treatment, and sensitivity of syndromic management.

Results

In the absence of POC screening for curable STIs, 25.5% of pregnant women without HIV and 34.6% of pregnant women living with HIV were estimated to have undiagnosed and untreated STIs. In the POC scenario, 92% (95% CI: 85−100%) of STIs were diagnosed and treated during pregnancy, reducing antenatal maternal HIV incidence by 10.0% (95% CI: 1.0−20.1%). Overall, vertical HIV transmission was anticipated to reduce by 8.6% (5.2−13.8%), with reductions of 20.9% (15.2−27.0%) at birth and 2.5% (−0.9% to 9.0%) postnatally, in the POC screening scenario compared to current syndromic management. POC screening of curable STIs is further estimated to reduce the incidence of stillbirth by 10.1% (1.3–18.7%), preterm delivery by 6.3% (3.4–9.7%), infants born small for gestational age by 2.7% (0.7–4.9%) and low birth weight by 9.1% (0.9–18%).

Conclusions

POC STI screening and treatment may modestly reduce maternal HIV incidence, vertical HIV transmission, and the risk of adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes, and would substantially reduce the burden of curable STIs in pregnancy. The study provides evidence to move beyond the syndromic management of STIs in South Africa, particularly in antenatal care.
Identifying Primary Sites of Spinal Metastases: Expert‐Derived Features vs. ResNet50 Model Using Nonenhanced MRI
Authors: Liu Ke , Ning Jinlai , Qin Siyuan , Xu Jun , Hao Dapeng , Lang Ning
Published: January 2025

Background

The spinal column is a frequent site for metastases, affecting over 30% of solid tumor patients. Identifying the primary tumor is essential for guiding clinical decisions but often requires resource‐intensive diagnostics.

Purpose

To develop and validate artificial intelligence (AI) models using noncontrast MRI to identify primary sites of spinal metastases, aiming to enhance diagnostic efficiency.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

A total of 514 patients with pathologically confirmed spinal metastases (mean age, 59.3 ± 11.2 years; 294 males) were included, split into a development set (360) and a test set (154).

Field Strength/Sequence

Noncontrast sagittal MRI sequences (T1‐weighted, T2‐weighted, and fat‐suppressed T2) were acquired using 1.5 T and 3 T scanners.

Assessment

Two models were evaluated for identifying primary sites of spinal metastases: the expert‐derived features (EDF) model using radiologist‐identified imaging features and a ResNet50‐based deep learning (DL) model trained on noncontrast MRI. Performance was assessed using accuracy, precision, recall, F1 score, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC‐AUC) for top‐1, top‐2, and top‐3 indicators.

Statistical Tests

Statistical analyses included Shapiro–Wilk, t tests, Mann–Whitney U test, and chi‐squared tests. ROC‐AUCs were compared via DeLong tests, with 95% confidence intervals from 1000 bootstrap replications and significance at P < 0.05.

Results

The EDF model outperformed the DL model in top‐3 accuracy (0.88 vs. 0.69) and AUC (0.80 vs. 0.71). Subgroup analysis showed superior EDF performance for common sites like lung and kidney (e.g., kidney F1: 0.94 vs. 0.76), while the DL model had higher recall for rare sites like thyroid (0.80 vs. 0.20). SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) analysis identified sex (SHAP: −0.57 to 0.68), age (−0.48 to 0.98), T1WI signal intensity (−0.29 to 0.72), and pathological fractures (−0.76 to 0.25) as key features.

Data Conclusion

AI techniques using noncontrast MRI improve diagnostic efficiency for spinal metastases. The EDF model outperformed the DL model, showing greater clinical potential.

Plain Language Summary

Spinal metastases, or cancer spreading to the spine, are common in patients with advanced cancer, often requiring extensive tests to determine the original tumor site. Our study explored whether artificial intelligence could make this process faster and more accurate using noncontrast MRI scans. We tested two methods: one based on radiologists' expertise in identifying imaging features and another using a deep learning model trained to analyze MRI images. The expert‐based method was more reliable, correctly identifying the tumor site in 88% of cases when considering the top three likely diagnoses. This approach may help doctors reduce diagnostic time and improve patient care.

Level of Evidence

3

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Identification and Variability Analysis of New Homogeneous Summer Monsoon Rainfall Regions Over India by Using K‐Means Clustering Technique
Authors: Sreekala P. P. , Babu C. A.
Published: January 2025

The identification of new homogeneous Indian summer monsoon rainfall regions is important for both research and operational forecasting purposes. The homogeneous rainfall regions used by the India Meteorological Department include areas that are actually dissimilar in terms of both the amount of rainfall and its variability. In the present study, we have identified three primary clusters of homogenous summer monsoon rainfall zones (low, medium and high rainfall) of India by using K‐means clustering technique and Calinski–Harabasz (CH) index. The identified clusters are again subdivided based on the distance between the clusters into six homogenous rainfall zones such as Southeast India (SI), West India (WI), Central India (CI), West Coast of India (WC), Northeast India1&2 (NE1 & NE2). Summer monsoon rainfall exhibit a positive trend over the western and southern region of India (SI, WC, and WI) while the eastern part of India (CI, NE1 and NE2) exhibit a negative trend. The increased sea surface temperature of tropical north Atlantic during May is conducive for the enhanced summer monsoon rainfall activity over low rainfall zone (Southeast India and West India). Tropical North Atlantic SST during May is related with the subsequent warming of Indo Pacific Ocean and cooling of Central Pacific Ocean, which induces southeasterlies towards Indian region and strengthen the rainfall activity over SI and WI. The position and intensity of the upper‐level circulations have profound impact on the interannual variability of rainfall over different homogenous regions. Above‐normal rainfall over SI and WI (CI and WC) is enhanced by the upper‐level anticyclonic (cyclonic) circulation in Bay of Bengal (West Asia), which extends north westward (south eastward) to the Indian landmass. Indian Ocean warming during May is associated with above (below) normal rainfall over NE2 region (the eastern part of CI). Southern Ocean SST during May is significantly correlated with the rainfall over southwest coast of India, which is also indicated by the positive correlation between April southern Annular Mode and south west coast rainfall. Sea surface temperature during May in different ocean basins can be used as the potential predictors for improving the long‐range forecast of seasonal rainfall over newly identified homogenous rainfall zones.
Mapping the Research Landscape: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Review of Global Warming and Human Health
Authors: Zheng Qingyong , Xu Jianguo , Liu Ming , Ji Kexin , Zhang Yu , Wu Songlin , Li Tengfei , Yuan Kaisen , Ma Zhichao , Ma Zijian , Tian Jinhui , Li Jiang
Published: January 2025

Human health is increasingly threatened by global warming, necessitating a thorough understanding of research progress in this critical area to inform future studies. The data were analysed using Microsoft Excel 2021, and visualisations were created with GraphPad, VOSviewer and R‐Studio (Bibliometrix). These tools were used to generate graphs and network visualisations illustrating author and country collaborations, journal article distributions, hotspot clustering and future trend predictions. Our analysis revealed a substantial increase in publications in recent years, with intensified research and collaboration observed across Asia, Europe, North America and Oceania, particularly in the United States. Various high‐impact journals have made meaningful contributions to raising awareness in this field, emphasises the multifaceted impacts of global warming on public health and societal activities, while also exploring adaptive measures being implemented in response to these changes. As the world continues to grapple with the global pandemic, further research is likely to spotlight related issues, with heightened interest anticipated. The evidence of global warming's impact on human health is becoming increasingly evident, underscoring the need for global cooperation to mitigate its effects and promote public health. This study provides a foundation for researchers and policymakers, highlighting the significance of addressing global warming's implications for human well‐being. By fostering international collaboration, we can collectively strive toward sustainable strategies to combat global warming and safeguard public health.
Land Use Effects on Organic Carbon in Andean Volcanic Ash Soils
Authors: Staß Stefanie , Dorau Kristof , Aguirre Patricia , Schwiebert Peter , Mansfeldt Tim
Published: January 2025

Background

Both organic carbon (OC) stocks and labile OC (LOC) fractions are important indicators of soil health and are sensitive to land use change.

Aims

To study the effects of land use change on these indicators in montane volcanic ash soils, a soil transect was surveyed in northern Ecuador.

Methods

Samples were collected from 0–30, 30–60, and 60–90 cm soil depth at two agricultural sites with different time of cultivation and at three natural vegetation sites (tropical alpine grassland, páramo). LOC was determined as cold and hot water extractable OC (CWEOC and HWEOC). Molar absorptivity at 254 nm was determined in the extracts as a qualitative measure.

Results

Total OC stocks were high at the páramo sites (51.3–60.2 kg C m−3) and the younger agricultural site (50.8 kg C m−3; 20 years of cultivation), but significantly lower (30.1 kg C m−3) at the older agricultural site (at least 100 years of cultivation); CWEOC (0.1%–0.7%) and HWEOC (0.6%–4.1%) represented only a small part of the OC. Both LOC pools decreased with increasing cultivation time, with CWEOC reflecting short‐term and HWEOC long‐term effects. In contrast, the molar absorptivity was highest at the oldest site (198–307 L mol−1 cm−1 vs. 36–64 L mol−1 cm−1 at the other sites), indicating that easily degradable labile C was depleted leaving compounds with higher aromaticity.

Conclusions

The conversion of páramo into agricultural land negatively affects OC stocks and soil health, as indicated by reduced OC storage capacities and lower LOC contents.
Toward a Scientific Understanding of Queer, Trans, and Two‐Spirit (QT2S) Native Youth Mental Health Disparities
Authors: BlackDeer Autumn Asher
Published: January 2025

Queer, trans, and Two‐Spirit native youth experience exponential increases in risk for health disparities, yet little is known about their distinct mental health needs. There remains a dearth of literature examining the unique intersection of Indigeneity, gender and sexuality, and age. As Indigenous populations in the United States have grown in the past decade, it is imperative to develop a comprehensive understanding of QT2S native youth mental health. The present work seeks to bridge the fields of scholarship on native youth and LGBTQ communities' mental health disparities to illuminate gaps in scientific understanding of QT2S native youth mental health. The current paper will discuss theoretical frameworks, methodological considerations, and mental health disparities scholarship on QT2S youth, concluding with research recommendations toward developing a scientific understanding of QT2S native youth mental health disparities.
Global Well‐Posedness and Large‐Time Behavior for Inhomogeneous Incompressible Navier–Stokes System in the Exterior of a Cylinder
Authors: Wang Ying , Guo Zhenhua
Published: January 2025

In this paper, we consider axisymmetric solutions of inhomogeneous incompressible Navier–Stokes system under Dirichlet boundary conditions in the exterior of a cylinder. We establish the global well‐posedness of strong solutions and obtain uniform estimates for the gradient of the density as well as algebraic decay rates for spatial gradients of the velocity. Note that the initial density can contain vacuum states, and the initial data do not need to satisfy compatibility condition.
Numerical Analysis of Heat Transfer and Flow Characteristics of Jeffrey Nanofluid Over Stretched Surfaces With MHD and Slip Effects
Authors: Khan Mumtaz , Imran Mudassar , Khan M. Riaz , Beinane Sid Ahmed Ould , Alzahrani Ali
Published: January 2025

This study employs the Jeffrey fluid model to investigate stress relaxation in non‐Newtonian fluids, offering a more precise representation than conventional viscous models. It explores the influence of multiple slip conditions and magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) on Jeffrey fluid flow and heat transfer across irregular surfaces. Additionally, the impact of thermal radiation and internal heat sources on heat transfer is examined, essential for a comprehensive understanding of the system's thermal dynamics. Using the Buongiorno model, the diffusion and thermophoresis of nanoparticles within the flow are analyzed. Nonlinear coupled governing equations covering flow dynamics, heat transfer, and nanoparticle transport are transformed into ordinary differential equations (ODEs) through similarity transformations and solved numerically using the Runge–Kutta fourth‐order (RK4) method combined with shooting techniques. Results indicate significant effects of physical parameters on temperature, velocity, and mass profiles: a 20% decrease in temperature profiles with an increase in the dimensionless thermal slip coefficient from 0.1 to 0.5 and a 15% reduction in velocity profiles from a 0.1 unit increase in the magnetic parameter . The study also quantifies mass and heat transfer rates to elucidate their impacts. These findings have profound implications for engineering applications involving non‐Newtonian and nanofluids in complex geometrical configurations.