bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thalamic Magnetic Susceptibility (χ) Alterations in Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping Studies
Authors: Ghaderi Sadegh , Mohammadi Sana , Ahmadzadeh Amir Mahmoud , Darmiani Kimia , Arab Bafrani Melika , Jashirenezhad Nahid , Helfi Maryam , Alibabaei Sanaz , Azadi Sareh , Heidary Sahar , Fatehi Farzad
Published: January 2025

Background

Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping (QSM) provides a non‐invasive post‐processing method to investigate alterations in magnetic susceptibility (χ), reflecting iron content within brain regions implicated in neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs).

Purpose

To investigate alterations in thalamic χ in patients with NDDs using QSM.

Study Type

Systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Population

A total of 696 patients with NDDs and 760 healthy controls (HCs) were included in 27 studies.

Field Strength/Sequence

Three‐dimensional multi‐echo gradient echo sequence for QSM at mostly 3 Tesla.

Assessment

Studies reporting QSM values in the thalamus of patients with NDDs were included. Following PRISMA 2020, we searched the four major databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase for peer‐reviewed studies published until October 2024.

Statistical Tests

Meta‐analysis was conducted using a random‐effects model to calculate the standardized mean difference (SMD) between patients and HCs.

Results

The pooled SMD indicated a significant increase in thalamic χ in NDDs compared to HCs (SMD = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.05–0.79; k = 27). Notably, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients showed a significant increase in thalamic χ (1.09, 95% CI: 0.65–1.53, k = 2) compared to HCs. Subgroup analyses revealed significant χ alterations in younger patients (mean age ≤ 62 years; 0.56, 95% CI: 0.10–1.02, k = 11) and studies using greater coil channels (coil channels > 16; 0.64, 95% CI: 0.28–1.00, k = 9). Publication bias was not detected and quality assessment indicated that studies with a lower risk of bias presented more reliable findings (0.75, 95% CI: 0.32–1.18, k = 9). Disease type was the primary driver of heterogeneity, while other factors, such as coil type and geographic location, also contributed to variability.

Data Conclusion

Our findings support the potential of QSM for investigating thalamic involvement in NDDs. Future research should focus on disease‐specific patterns, thalamic‐specific nucleus analysis, and temporal evolution.

Plain Language Summary

Our research investigated changes in iron levels within the thalamus, a brain region crucial for motor and cognitive functions, in patients with various neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). The study utilized a specific magnetic resonance imaging technique called Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping (QSM) to measure iron content. It identified a significant increase in thalamic iron levels in NDD patients compared to healthy individuals. This increase was particularly prominent in patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, younger individuals, and studies employing advanced imaging equipment.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Food access and the severity of newly diagnosed pediatric inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Zeky Nicole , LeBlanc Colleen , Yang Shengping , McDonough Elizabeth , Dhaliwal Jasbir , Moulton Dedrick
Published: January 2025

Objectives

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) results from genetic susceptibility, gut microbiome, and environmental factors. Diet, one modifiable environmental factor, has been linked to the increased prevalence of IBD. This study aimed to evaluate a potential association between food deserts and disease severity at diagnosis.

Methods

This retrospective study included newly diagnosed IBD patients (ages of 2 and 21 years of age; diagnosed between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2021). The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA's) Food Access Research Atlas was used to determine if patients resided in a food desert. The Modified Retail Food Environment Index (mRFEI) determined the ratio of healthy to unhealthy food options. The primary endpoint was disease severity at diagnosis based on endoscopy scores. Statistical analyses were applied as appropriate.

Results

Ninety‐eight patients were enrolled (75 [77%] Crohn’ disease; 23 [23%] ulcerative colitis), 59 (60%) identified as Non‐Hispanic White. Fifteen (15%) patients lived in a food desert. Food deserts consisted of more Black patients than White (67%; p = 0.05), more public insurance (12; 80%), and lower median vitamin D (17.6 [interquartile range (IQR): 10.8–24.]). In an adjusted (sex, age, insurance, race) multivariable model mRFEI was associated with reduced odds of a living in a food desert (0.91 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.83–0.98]). There was no difference between the severity of disease and living in a food desert or food swamp.

Conclusions

Fifteen IBD patients lived in a food desert. Food deserts have less access to healthy food retailers and higher rates of unhealthy food retailers. Further work is needed to better understand spatial disparities related to food accessibility and IBD.
Low‐Frequency Cyclic Stretch Upregulates the Expression of Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2‐Related Factor 2 in Human Nucleus Pulposus Cells to Inhibit the Resistin‐Induced Interleukin‐20 Expression
Authors: Yen Chia‐Kung , Pan Hung‐Yu , Chang Hsin‐I , Lu Ying‐Chen , Jeng Yeau‐Ren , Chen Cheng‐Nan , Huang Kuo‐Yuan
Published: January 2025

Background

Resistin may connect obesity and intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration (IDD) and is linked with chronic inflammation. Furthermore, human IDD is characterized by high expression of interleukin‐20 (IL‐20). The response of human nucleus pulposus (NP) cells to tensile forces depends on both the duration and magnitude of the force applied. Nonetheless, the interactions among resistin, IL‐20, and tensile forces in regulating the function of IVD NP cells remain yet to be fully understood. Nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (NRF2) has been identified as a pleiotropic protein that enhances cellular resistance to stress stimuli and inflammatory challenges. The role of NRF2 in NP cells is not well defined, and whether tensile force influences NRF2 levels in NP cells is not known.

Aims

This study investigated the role of NRF2 in human NP cells subjected to low‐frequency cyclic stretch stimulation, and the underlying mechanisms involved.

Materials and Methods

Human NP cells were cultured in chambers, serum‐starved for 12 h, then subjected to 5% cyclic strain at 0.1 Hz in a bioreactor. Control chambers had no stretching. Cells were lysed for analysis post‐loading.

Results

Resistin stimulation induced the expression of IL‐20 in human NP cells in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. The activation of the p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase, and Akt signaling pathways, as well as the production of toll‐like receptor 4, are necessary to render resistin to cause the release of IL‐20. In NP cells, transcription factor enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays revealed that resistin led to an increase in nuclear factor (NF)‐κB‐DNA binding activities. Exposure of NP cells to 5% cyclic stretch at 0.1 Hz inhibited this resistin‐induced NF‐κB activation and IL‐20 expression.

Discussion

These findings elucidate the molecular mechanisms through which resistin induces IL‐20 expression in NP cells and also demonstrate that low‐frequency cyclic stretch can protect against this induction.
A scoping review of psychosocial interventions delivered by non–mental health workers following disaster events
Authors: Varker Tracey , Fredrickson Julia , Agathos James , Howlett Phoebe , Howard Alexandra , O'Donnell Meaghan L.
Published: January 2025

Individuals exposed to disasters are at high risk of developing mental health conditions, yet the availability of mental health practitioners is often limited. The aim of this scoping review was to examine the quality of the evidence for psychosocial interventions that can be delivered by non–mental health workers in the context of disasters. Searches were performed in PsycInfo, EMBASE, Family & Society Studies Worldwide, CINAHL, Global Health, PubMed, and SCOPUS, from inception through to November 2024, to identify studies of relevance. Only studies investigating psychosocial interventions that could be delivered by non–mental health clinicians in a non–hospital or clinic setting were included. In total, 69 primary intervention studies examining 27 universal interventions and 10 indicated interventions were identified. Studies were rated on quality and risk of bias, and GRADE was used to rank the evidence for each intervention. For universal interventions, no study had an evidence rating above “very low” to support confidence in a significant impact on clinical outcomes. For indicated interventions, Problem Management Plus (PM+) and Self‐Help Plus (SH+) had an evidence rating of “high” in the postdisaster context, and Skills for Life Adjustment and Resilience (SOLAR) had a “low” evidence rating; the remaining interventions were given “very low” ratings. Despite the high number of psychosocial interventions that target postdisaster distress, very few have been tested using rigorous methodologies with large samples. Future research should include methodologies that test interventions at scale and recognize the impacts of compounding disasters.
Understanding the Grain Production Growth Pathways Transition and Its Implications for Sustainable Grain Production in China
Authors: Wang Xiaorong , Song Xiaoqing , Wang Ying , Wang Xiong , Gao Houxing
Published: January 2025

The grain production growth pathways transition can achieve the dual strategic objectives of increasing grain production and ensuring ecological security by adjusting the input structure of production factors. However, the current understanding of the transition patterns and driving mechanisms of grain production growth pathways remains inadequate, posing challenges to sustainable grain production. To address this research gap, this study establishes a theoretical analysis framework, proposes methods for identifying and partitioning, and uses panel data to reveal the patterns and driving mechanisms of this transition. The main findings indicate that induced production substitution directly causes the shift in grain production growth pathways from being driven by improvements in grain land productivity to improvements in grain labor productivity. This transition process shows significant differences among grain crop types and regional spatial heterogeneity. The primary contribution of this study is its comprehensive understanding of the driving mechanisms behind grain production growth pathways transition from the perspective of the evolution of production factors. This includes the economic‐social, socio‐institutional, and environmental‐site dimensions of drivers, which influence the induced substitution process of grain production factors and thereby drive the grain production growth pathways transition. We recommend formulating spatial planting plans based on the transition stages and implementing differentiated production targets and subsidy policies for various crops and regions. These findings and recommendations are valuable for ensuring grain security and promoting sustainable production.
The Combined Effects of Topography and Climate Factors Dominate the Spatiotemporal Evolution of the Ecological Environment in the Yangtze River Economic Belt
Authors: Shi Shouhai , Qiu Hua , Ji Shunping , Luo Zhaohui
Published: January 2025

The Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) is a key eco‐environmental protection barrier and economic engine in China. Understanding the characteristics of its eco‐environmental spatiotemporal evolution and mechanisms driving these changes is important for revealing shifts in ecosystem structure and function. However, the governing elements of the ecological environment and how these components interact remain unclear due to the strong coupling impact of urbanization and climate change. This paper constructed a long‐term series remote sensing based ecological index (RSEI) to evaluate the characteristics of eco‐environmental variation of YREB during 2000–2024. Subsequently, the fundamental reasons of the eco‐environmental evolution were quantitatively analyzed using optimal parameters‐based geographical detector (OPGD). Results indicated: (1) The average RSEI of YREB was 0.68, indicating a rather high overall eco‐environmental quality (EEQ), with 73% of the region having RSEI values more than 0.60. The regions with excellent conditions were concentrated in Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Guizhou, and Hunan, while the poorer areas were in northwestern Yunnan, southwestern Sichuan, and western Hubei. (2) The EEQ of YREB mainly showed a degradation trend, with degraded areas exceeding 80% over the past 25 years. In the future, most areas might face higher risks of ecological degradation. (3) Digital elevation model (DEM), temperature (Tem), and population (POP) were key driving factors of the ecological environment. There were significant interactions between certain factors, with the interaction between DEM and potential evapotranspiration (Pet) explaining 62.2% of the ecological quality distribution. The findings assisted the creation of an ecological civilization by offering policy proposals for managing and conserving ecological environments.
Excitation of Longitudinal Bound States in a Weyl Metamaterial cavity
Authors: Guan Fuxin , Yang Yang , Chan Hsun‐Chi , Lin Zemeng , Hu Yue , Bi Ke , Xiang Yuanjiang , Zhang Shuang
Published: January 2025

Bulk plasmons, which are longitudinal electromagnetic modes (LMs) with electric fields oriented along the propagation direction, play a key role in the formation of Weyl points and hyperbolic dispersions in metamaterials. However, LMs in their pure form are challenging to study due to the difficulty in coupling them with free space radiation, and their sensitivity to material loss. Here a Fabry–Pérot resonance of LMs inside a Weyl metamaterial cavity is realized by introducing a tunable defect into the cavity to control the coupling between the LMs and the transverse‐polarized states. A quasi‐bound state in the continuum‐like effect with FP resonance of LMs is successfully observed in microwave experiments with the help of the synthesized complex frequency approach. Experimental demonstration of longitudinal electromagnetic resonances can open up a wealth of potential applications in areas such as lasing, optical sensing, pass band filtering, and waveguiding.
Robust H∞$$ {H}_{\infty } $$ Filter Design for Uncertain 2‐D Singular Continuous Systems With State‐Varying Delay in Roesser Model
Authors: Hafid Chelliq El , Badie Khalid , Alfidi Mohammed , Chalh Zakaria
Published: January 2025

Robust performance analysis and robust filtering design are considered here for uncertain two‐dimensional (2‐D) singular continuous state‐varying delay systems with norm‐bounded parameter uncertainties. Based on the augmented Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functional (LKF) with triple integral terms and the use of the Wirtinger inequality combined with an improved reciprocally convex approach, a new sufficient admissibility condition is obtained, which guarantees that the 2‐D singular filtering error is regular, causal, and stable and satisfies the performance for all admissible uncertainties. This condition will be used later to design a robust filter. Finally, two numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness and merits of the proposed approach.
A Compact Difference Scheme for Mixed‐Type Time‐Fractional Black‐Scholes Equation in European Option Pricing
Authors: Wang Jiawei , Jiang Xiaoxuan , Yang Xuehua , Zhang Haixiang
Published: January 2025

The time‐fractional Black‐Scholes equation (TFBSE) is an important model in financial markets, widely used for estimating the prices of European options under conditions of memory effects and anomalous diffusion. Traditional models often fail to capture such dynamics, making TFBSE particularly important for accurately reflecting market behaviors over time. In this paper, we propose a novel compact difference scheme to solve the mixed‐type TFBSE. Discretization in the time direction is accomplished using the L1 scheme. To achieve fourth‐order discretization in the spatial direction, a compact difference method based on the reduced‐order method is employed. The stability and convergence of the proposed scheme under the norm are established using the discrete energy method. Finally, a series of numerical examples are provided to verify the theoretical results, demonstrating both the accuracy and efficiency of the method in practical applications.
Differences in Ferritin, Vitamin D, and Vitamin B12 Between Fibromyalgia Patients and Healthy Individuals: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Ismail Omar , Albdour Karam , Albdour Zain , Jaber Kamel
Published: January 2025

Background

Fibromyalgia—one of the chronic pain syndromes—characterised by pain, fatigue, and tenderness. The role of certain micronutrients like vitamin D, vitamin B12, and ferritin has been previously investigated in many primary studies aiming to assess both their therapeutic and diagnostic potential in the management of fibromyalgia.

Aim

To compare the levels of vitamin D, ferritin, and vitamin B12 between fibromyalgia patients and healthy controls.

Methods

Our study protocol was registered prospectively on PROSPERO (CRD42024585826) and was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Literature search, article screening, and data collection were conducted by two independent investigators. The mean difference along with its 95% confidence interval for each of the three outcomes was pooled under a random effects model.

Results

Twenty‐five studies were included in the final analysis; 22 reported vitamin D levels, 5 reported ferritin levels, and 3 reported vitamin B12 levels. Generally, fibromyalgia patients had lower vitamin D and ferritin levels compared with healthy controls (MD = −3.86, 95% CI [−6.99; −0.73] and −14.78, [−18.95; −10.62], respectively). Vitamin B12 showed no difference between the two groups (−20.70 [−51.57; 10.16]).

Conclusion

Vitamin D and ferritin levels were found to be lower in patients with fibromyalgia. Whether vitamin D supplementation improves fibromyalgia symptoms remains under debate. However, we recommend both routine empirical supplementation of vitamin D along with ferritin level testing in all patients. Further studies are needed to confirm whether lower ferritin and vitamin B12 levels contribute to fibromyalgia.
Are Women Physicians Underrecognized for National Awards in Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine? An Observational Study
Authors: Bateman Emma A. (Ali) , Cassidy Caitlin , Reardon Rachel , Fleet Jamie L.
Published: January 2025

Introduction/Aims

Institutions and organizations, including the American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM), have committed to embracing principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion. Notwithstanding this commitment, studies repeatedly demonstrate that women physicians are less likely to receive awards in medicine and research compared to their male counterparts. Whether women physicians are less likely to be recognized with AANEM awards is unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether there is a gender disparity in the AANEM's annual awards.

Methods

In this retrospective observational study, lists of award winners were obtained from the AANEM website. Award winners' gender was assigned by three independent reviewers based on searches of public professional websites according to established methodology. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results

Of 154 physician awards from 1957 to 2023, 24 (15.6%) were awarded to women and 135 (84.4%) to men. The first woman to win an AANEM award was in 2003. As the number of award categories increased over time (from 1 pre‐1994 to 9 as of 2019), so too did the proportion of women winners. From 1994 to 2003, 3.4% of AANEM awardees were women compared to 17.1% from 2004 to 2013 and 18% from 2014 to 2023. Even over time, the greatest disparities existed for the Distinguished Physician/Researcher and Lifetime Achievement awards.

Discussion

For the AANEM, there is a notable gender gap in physician awards, but this gap has narrowed over time. Further efforts to address systemic barriers contributing to this disparity are warranted.
Improving Completion Rates of Transcranial Doppler Ultrasounds in Children With Sickle Cell Disease Using Quality Improvement Efforts: In‐Clinic versus Population‐Based Assessments
Authors: Vissa Madhav , Parikh Priya , McCulloch Chuck , Bhasin Neha , Cabana Michael D. , Chung Jong , Marsh Anne , Wong Trisha , Treadwell Marsha , Bardach Naomi S.
Published: January 2025

Transcranial Doppler (TCD) screening is essential for stroke prevention in children with sickle cell disease (SCD), but screening rates are low nationally. We use Medicaid administrative claims to assess TCD completion rates before and after a 12‐month QI initiative to improve rates in the Pacific Sickle Cell Regional Collaborative (PSCRC). We found an increase in TCD screening rates for QI participant sites (52.4% to 58.6%), but not for the nonparticipant SCD population (48.3% to 38.3%). The increase in QI participant sites was not sustained 1 year after the initiative. Local clinic‐level QI initiatives may need to be supplemented with health system partnerships to sustain higher TCD screening rates, thereby improving SCD outcomes.
Intensified Induction Therapy for Newly Diagnosed, Localized Skeletal Ewing Sarcoma (ISG/AIEOP EW‐1): A Randomized, Open‐Label, Phase 3, Non‐Inferiority Trial
Authors: Luksch Roberto , Palmerini Emanuela , Milano Giuseppe Maria , Paioli Anna , Asaftei Sebastian , Barretta Francesco , Puma Nadia , Cesari Marilena , Tirtei Elisa , Podda Marta , Pierobon Marta , Manzitti Carla , Ferraresi Virginia , Tamburini Angela , Bertulli Rossella , Di Pinto Daniela , Mascarin Maurizio , Grignani Giovanni , Coccoli Luca , Rabusin Marco , De Leonardis Francesco , Gambarotti Marco , Parafioriti Antonina , Cammelli Silvia , Vennarini Sabina , Ferrari Stefano , Donati Davide Maria , Bastoni Stefano , Massimino Maura , Fagioli Franca , Ibrahim Toni
Published: January 2025

Background

Several studies have shown that the intensity of treatment in Ewing sarcoma has an impact on outcome. The present trial tested the non‐inferiority of intensive, shorter, induction chemotherapy (25 weeks total treatment time) compared to the standard treatment (37 weeks) in non‐metastatic Ewing sarcoma (ES) at onset.

Procedure

This national, multicenter, parallel, randomized, controlled, open‐label, non‐inferiority, phase III trial was conducted in 14 specialized hospitals in Italy. Patients aged 2‐40 years with newly diagnosed localized ES were randomized to receive four courses of induction therapy (one every 21 days) either with a standard arm (Arm A) or with an intensive arm (Arm B). For consolidation therapy, good responders (GRs) in Arm A received nine courses (37 weeks), while Arm B patients received five courses (25 weeks). Poor responders for both arms received four courses followed by high‐dose busulfan/melphalan + autologous stem cell rescue. Follow‐up was 5 years.

Results

In the study period 2009–2018, 274 patients with ES at onset were screened, 248 were eligible, 15 refused randomization, and 233 were randomized (Arm A: 113; Arm B: 120). Median age was 14 years. Arm B was not inferior to Arm A: 5‐year EFS was 77.5% and 71.6%, respectively (HR vs. Arm A: 0.74, 90% CI: 0.49–1.14). GRs were 54.9% in Arm A and 62.5% in Arm B. Hematological, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular Grade ≥3 toxicities had higher frequencies in Arm B.

Conclusions

Intensive induction therapy showed non‐inferiority in 5‐year EFS when compared with the standard induction therapy. Higher toxicity was reported in Arm B with similar outcome, counterbalanced in GRs with a shorter treatment plan. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02063022.
The Utility and Impact of Telemedicine in Childhood Cancer Care: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Ganguly Shuvadeep , Sasi Archana , Sra Manraj Singh , Sharma Swetambri , Sharma Shubhangi , Kumari Mamta , Pushpam Deepam , Bakhshi Sameer
Published: January 2025

Background

While teleconsultation has proven feasible for adult cancer patients, its utility in childhood cancer care in India is unknown. This study assesses caregiver satisfaction, feasibility, and the economic impact of teleconsultation for children with cancer.

Procedure

This mixed methods study was conducted in the pediatric cancer outpatient service at a tertiary care cancer center in India. Routine care teleconsultations were performed via telephone or email. Caregivers who received teleconsultations during the study period or 6 months prior were interviewed by phone. Data collected included demographic details, teleconsultation usage patterns, caregiver satisfaction, reasons for satisfaction or dissatisfaction, and cost savings. Logistic regression identified baseline characteristics associated with satisfaction. In‐depth interviews were conducted in a separate cohort till thematic saturation.

Results

Caregivers of 465 children were included for telephonic and eight for in‐depth interviews Among the respondents, 72.8% (n = 339) were satisfied with teleconsultation, and 85.4% (n = 397) of those planned to continue using it. Significant reasons for satisfaction were cost and time savings, while difficulty explaining issues caused dissatisfaction. Multivariable analysis showed parental education above high school [OR: 1.59, p = 0.035] increased satisfaction likelihood, while a residential distance of greater than 100 km from the hospital [OR: 0.62, p = 0.033] decreased it. Median cost savings per visit was $24.2 (range: $1–$846). Cost savings did not determine satisfaction magnitude. Frequently cited themes included cost and time savings and the need for literacy to benefit from teleconsultation.

Conclusions

Teleconsultation is feasible and effective for routine childhood cancer care, even in resource‐constrained settings.
Structural upcycling of thermoplastic composite recyclates through continuous fiber printed preforms
Authors: Kim Garam , Barocio Eduardo , Choi Sungjun , Eichenhofer Martin , Kalman Jordan , Pipes R. Byron
Published: January 2025

To enhance the structural characteristics of recycled composites, this paper demonstrates a process that incorporates additively manufactured continuous fiber preforms in a geometry that is compression molded with recyclates. The continuous fiber preform is designed to serve as the primary structural reinforcement whereas the recycled material serves as a secondary reinforcement in the composite part. Continuous fiber preforms were manufactured with 60% by volume of carbon fiber‐reinforced Poly Ether Ketone Ketone (PEKK) using Additive Fusion Technology (AFT) with account for reshaping during the molding process and ensure the continuous fiber is located where required. The performance of the upcycled composite pin bracket was evaluated by analyzing the onset of failure and the ultimate load under tensile loading of the bracket. The results demonstrated the potential of this upcycling method to enhance the structural characteristics of recycled composite materials and compensate for the loss of structural characteristics associated with fiber attrition.

Highlights

Continuous carbon fiber PEEK composite preforms were additively manufactured.

Preforms (17% by weight) were integrated into the recycled composite part.

The upcycled part showed significantly increased structural performance.

Ultimate failure load improved by 57%–61% in the upcycled composite part.

Onset failure load improved by 100% in the upcycled composite part.
Effect of ε‐polylysine on properties of chitosan‐anthocyanin films for food packaging
Authors: Li Yana , Qi Yangyang , Ahmad Faseeh
Published: January 2025

In this study, the chitosan (CS) was combined with purple tomato anthocyanin (ATH) and ε‐polylysine (PL) to prepare CS/ATH/PL films with PL concentrations of 0%, 1%, 3%, 5%, or 7%. In which, ATH and PL were used as the pH indicator and the antimicrobial agent, respectively. The effect of PL content on the physiochemical properties of CS/ATH/PL films, as well as the application in pork packaging, was investigated. Adding PL improved the color stability of ATH in the films. For instance, at 40°C, the retention index of ATH increased from 82.13% (for CS/ATH/0%‐PL) to 91.01% (for CS/ATH/7%‐PL); under UV radiation, it increased from 62.56% (for CS/ATH/0%‐PL) to 88.23% (for CS/ATH/7%‐PL). The doped PL significantly improved the elongation at break, antioxidant and antibacterial properties, and barrier properties against water vapor, while PL had no significant effect on the water content of the films. Compared with the control, the pH, total viable count (TVC), and total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N) of pork packaged by CS/ATH/PL films were effectively delayed during storage. The CS/ATH/7%‐PL film had the best preservative effect on the pork, and the most significant visual color change for monitoring the pork freshness on 0–4 days. Therefore, the CS/ATH/PL films with higher content of PL content have potential application prospects in active and intelligent packaging.

Highlights

ε‐Polylysine (PL) improved the color stability of anthocyanins in chitosan‐based films.

Barrier, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties of films increased with PL content.

PL‐7% films are promising for active and intelligent packaging for pork.
Cotton production areas are at high risk of invasion by Amrasca biguttula (Ishida) (Cicadellidae: Hemiptera): potential distribution under climate change
Authors: Azrag Abdelmutalab AG , Niassy Saliou , Bloukounon‐Goubalan Adin Y , Abdel‐Rahman Elfatih M , Tonnang Henri EZ , Mohamed Samira A
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND

The cotton jassid, Amrasca biguttula, a dangerous and polyphagous pest, has recently invaded the Middle East, Africa and South America, raising concerns about the future of cotton and other food crops including okra, eggplant and potato. However, its potential distribution remains largely unknown, posing a challenge in developing effective phytosanitary strategies. We used an ensemble model of six machine‐learning algorithms including random forest, maxent, support vector machines, classification and regression tree, generalized linear model and boosted regression trees to forecast the potential distribution of A. biguttula in the present and future using presence records of the pest and bioclimatic predictors. The accuracy of these algorithms was assessed based on the area under the curve (AUC), correlation (COR), deviance and true skill statistic (TSS).

RESULTS

All algorithms showed good performance in forecasting the distribution of A. biguttula (AUC ≥ 0.91, COR ≥ 0.72, TSS ≥ 0.77 and deviance ≤ 0.65). Mean temperature of wettest quarter, mean temperature of driest quarter and precipitation of the wettest month were the key variables that contributed to predicting A. biguttula occurrence. Projection of the model showed that cotton production areas in Asia, sub‐Saharan Africa, and South America are at threat of invasion by A. biguttula under the current climatic scenario. Additionally, range expansion for A. biguttula is projected in the future in sub‐Saharan Africa, South America and China, indicating a suitable ecological niche for A. biguttula to thrive.

CONCLUSION

Our results provide early warning and decision‐making information that can guide efforts to prevent this pest's further spread and invasion into new areas. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.
Special Issue: Scientific Advances in River Restoration
Authors: Prady Jane , Austin Sam , Dodd Jennifer , White James , Wilkes Martin , Naura Marc
Published: January 2025

In September 2023, the River Restoration Centre (RRC) hosted the inaugural Scientific Advances in River Restoration (SARR) conference in collaboration with the University of Liverpool, UK. As we confront the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss, this event underscored the importance of global collaboration among river restoration scientists to help inform evidence‐led solutions. Fluvial systems are particularly vulnerable to global climatic pressures, with droughts and floods exacerbating the impacts of human‐induced river modifications. River restoration is a crucial tool in addressing these pervasive challenges, capable of benefiting both people (e.g., flood mitigation, community engagement) and nature (e.g., ecological recovery, ecosystem functionality). The SARR conference aimed to unite scientists from various disciplines and countries, foster collaborations, and highlight new advancements to enhance global progress in river restoration science. This river restoration special issue features a diverse selection of papers presented at the SARR conference, showcasing the multidisciplinary nature of contemporary river restoration.
Sequence Outlier Detection and Application of Gated Recurrent Unit Autoencoder Gaussian Mixture Model Based on Various Loss Optimization
Authors: Xu Ting , Tian Yuzhu , Wu Chunho , Mian Zhibao
Published: January 2025

In the era of big data, detecting outliers in time series data is crucial, particularly in fields such as finance and engineering. This article proposes a novel sequence outlier detection method based on the gated recurrent unit autoencoder with Gaussian mixture model (GRU‐AE‐GMM), which combines gated recurrent unit (GRU), autoencoder (AE), Gaussian mixture model (GMM), and optimization algorithms. The GRU captures long‐term dependencies within the sequence, while the AE measures sequence abnormality. Meanwhile, the GMM models the relationship between the original and reconstructed sequences, employing the Expectation–Maximization (EM) algorithm for parameter estimation to calculate the likelihood of each hidden variable belonging to each Gaussian mixture component. In this article, we first train the model with mean‐squared error loss (MSEL), and then further enhanced by substituting it with quantile loss (QL), composite quantile loss (CQL), and Huber loss (HL), respectively. Next, we validate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed model through Monte Carlo experiments conducted under different error terms. Finally, the method is applied to Amazon stock data for 2022, demonstrating its significant potential for application in dynamic and unpredictable market environments.
Introducing the New ESG‐Based Sustainability Uncertainty Index (ESGUI)
Authors: Ongan Serdar , Gocer Ismet , Işık Cem
Published: January 2025

Rising uncertainties can affect countries' sustainability efforts. Therefore, this study develops and introduces a new ESG‐based sustainability uncertainty index (metric) called ESGUI for the first time. This new index is necessary to better analyze how uncertainties based on ESG (environmental, social, governance) factors, increasingly prominent in the modern business world, are reflected in investment processes. Accurate ESG risks are critical for investors and policymakers. To create this index, we employed text mining techniques on the Economist Intelligence Unit's monthly country reports, analyzing the frequency of ESG‐related keywords and uncertainty indicators. Specifically, the world uncertainty index was integrated into the ESG for 25 countries between 2002M11 and 2024M09. The index's reliability was validated through a vector autoregression model and cross‐referenced with control variables graphically. The findings indicate that the ESGUI exhibits significant correlations with existing measures such as the World Uncertainty Index (WUI) and Economic Policy Uncertainty (EPU) index, thus evidencing the index's robustness. This new index will help policymakers better manage sustainability uncertainties, develop sustainable economic policies, and help investors evaluate ESG‐related risks and opportunities more effectively.
Hypervalent Iodine(III)‐Mediated 1,2‐Aryl Migration in 3‐Arylideneindolin‐2‐ones: A Route to 3‐Aryloxindole Derivatives
Authors: Walke Prashik M. , Narnawre Aditya R. , Shahani Karuna H. , Karade Nandkishor N.
Published: January 2025

A new and effective metal‐free method for synthesizing 3‐aryloxindole derivatives through hypervalent iodine(III)‐mediated 1,2‐aryl migration in 3‐arylideneindolin‐2‐ones is presented in this study. The reaction utilizes (diacetoxyiodo)benzene (DIB) in methanol to trigger skeletal oxidative rearrangement, resulting in the formation of all‐carbon quaternary centers at the C3 position of oxindoles. This approach provides a mild and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional metal‐catalyzed processes, offering broad substrate tolerance. Furthermore, this method provides a valuable synthetic route for constructing biologically significant 3‐aryloxindole derivatives with potential pharmaceutical applications.
Statistical Reliability of Data‐Driven Science and Technology
Authors: Takeuchi Ichiro
Published: January 2025

With the rapid development of AI and machine learning, the use of data‐driven approaches has been expanding across various fields of science and technology. In data‐driven approaches, unlike traditional scientific research and technological development, hypotheses are generated based on data, requiring the consideration of data dependency when evaluating hypotheses. As a result, conventional statistical tests, which have served as the foundation for reliability assessments in scientific research and technological development, are inadequate for properly evaluating the reliability of data‐driven hypotheses. In this paper, we introduce the framework known as selective inference, which has gained attention as a statistical reliability evaluation method for data‐driven science and technology. We provide an overview of recent research trends in selective inference and present our recent studies on statistical tests for deep learning models based on selective inference. © 2025 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Data‐driven discovery of associations between prescribed drugs and dementia risk: A systematic review
Authors: Underwood Benjamin R. , Lourida Ilianna , Gong Jessica , Tamburin Stefano , Tang Eugene Yee Hing , Sidhom Emad , Tai Xin You , Betts Matthew J. , Ranson Janice M. , Zachariou Margarita , Olaleye Olajide E. , Das Saswati , Oxtoby Neil P. , Chen Shanquan , Llewellyn David J. ,   for the Deep Dementia Phenotyping (DEMON) Network
Published: January 2025

Recent clinical trials on slowing dementia progression have led to renewed focus on finding safer, more effective treatments. One approach to identify plausible candidates is to assess whether existing medications for other conditions may affect dementia risk. We conducted a systematic review to identify studies adopting a data‐driven approach to investigate the association between a wide range of prescribed medications and dementia risk. We included 14 studies using administrative or medical records data for more than 130 million individuals and 1 million dementia cases. Despite inconsistencies in identifying specific drugs that may modify Alzheimer's or dementia risk, some themes emerged for drug classes with biological plausibility. Antimicrobials, vaccinations, and anti‐inflammatories were associated with reduced risk, while diabetes drugs, vitamins and supplements, and antipsychotics were associated with increased risk. We found conflicting evidence for antihypertensives and antidepressants. Drug repurposing for use in dementia is an urgent priority. Our findings offer a basis for prioritizing candidates and exploring underlying mechanisms.

Highlights

We present a systematic review of studies reporting association between drugs prescribed for other conditions and risk of dementia including 139 million people and 1 million cases of dementia.

Our work supports some previously reported associations, for example, showing decreased risk of dementia with drugs to treat inflammatory disease and increased risk with antipsychotic treatment.

Antimicrobial treatment was perhaps more surprisingly associated with decreased risk, supportive of recent increased interest in this potential therapeutic avenue.

Our work should help prioritize drugs for entry into adaptive platform trials in Alzheimer's disease and will serve as a useful resource for those investigating drugs or classes of drugs and risk of dementia.
Cytoophidium complexes resonate with cell fates
Authors: Li Yi-Lan , Liu Ji-Long
Published: January 2025

Metabolism is a fundamental characteristic of life. In 2010, we discovered that the metabolic enzyme CTP synthase (CTPS) can assemble a snake like structure inside cells, which we call the cytoophidium. Including CTPS, an increasing number of metabolic enzymes have been found to form cytoophidia in cells. However, the distribution and relationship among cytoophidia formed by different metabolic enzymes remain elusive. Here we investigate five metabolic enzymes that can form cytoophidia, namely Asn1, Bna5, CTPS (i.e. Ura7), Glt1, and Prs5 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We find that multiple cytoophidia can be assembled into cytoophidium complexes by docking one after another. Glt1 cytoophidia tend to assemble in non-quiescent cells, while CTPS cytoophidia are more abundant in quiescent cells and form complexes with Prs5 and Asn1 cytoophidia. Blocking CTPS cytoophidium assembly can lead to a non-quiescent phenotype and increase the assembly of Glt1 cytoophidia, Bna5 cytoophidia, and a cytoophidium complex of them. Blocking CTPS cytoophidium assembly also inhibits the NAD biosynthesis pathway, which includes Bna5 and Sir2. Consistent with this result, the non-quiescent phenotype caused by blocking CTPS cytoophidium assembly can be rescued by blocking Glt1 cytoophidium assembly, supplementing nicotinic acid, or overexpressing Sir2. Our results indicate that the assembly of cytoophidium complexes with different compositions resonates with distinct cell fates.

Graphical Abstract
Tranexamic acid: single topical application for femoral neck fractures treated with arthroplasty results in lowest blood loss
Authors: Anna Kurnoth , Röttinger Timon , Lisitano Leonhard , Koenemann Nora , Förch Stefan , Mayr Edgar , Fenwick Annabel
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Tranexamic acid is widely accepted for hip fractures but there is no agreement about dose or application method and the use is still off label for hip fractures. The aim of our study was to find the best application method of tranexamic acid in patients with femoral neck fractures comparing total blood loss, hemoglobin and transfusion rate.

Methods

A retrospective single centre cohort study (level I trauma centre) with 2008 patients treated operatively for a proximal femur fracture between January 2016 and January 2022 was performed. 1 g of tranexamic acid was applied in 314 cases (systemic, topic or combined application) if patients consented. Patient data, surgical procedure, complications, and mortality were assessed. Haemoglobin levels, blood loss and transfusion rates were compared amongst application methods.

Results

For 884 femoral neck fractures treated with arthroplasty blood loss was significantly reduced by tranexamic acid which 314 had received in total (1151.0 ml vs 738.28 ml; p < 0.001). 151 patients received 1 g of tranexamic acid systemically which reduced blood loss from 1151 to 943.25 ml. Combined application of 1 g i.v. and 1 g topically reduced blood loss even further to 869.79 ml and topical application achieved the lowest total blood loss at 391.59 ml (average reduction of 759.41 ml compared to without tranexamic acid), p < 0.001. Transfusion rate and amount of RBC units transfused were the lowest for topical use and showed the highest hemoglobin levels postoperatively. Complication rates did not differ for adverse vascular events.

Conclusion

Tranexamic acid effectively reduces blood loss and transfusion rates and shows higher hemoglobin levels postoperatively, without increasing the risk of thromboembolic events after proximal femoral fractures. Single topic application of 1 g for arthroplasty treatment of femoral neck fractures has better results for blood loss reduction than single i.v. or combined application.
In silico and in vitro evaluation of the potential genotoxic impurities of vildagliptin
Authors: Hamitoğlu Muhammed , Tugcu Gulcin , Kılıç Ayşe Gökçen , Esen Gülşah , Aydin Ahmet
Published: January 2025

Establishing the safety of impurities in drug substances or products is crucial. The assessment of genotoxicity for these impurities and determining the acceptable limits pose considerable challenges, as recognized in recent guidelines. While the genotoxicity profile of vildagliptin—an oral hypoglycemic drug—is well established, there is limited knowledge about the genotoxic potential of its impurities. In this study, vildagliptin cyclic amidine, vildagliptin diketopiperazine, and vildagliptin amide were assessed in silico and in vitro for mutagenic and clastogenic/aneugenic potential using Ames and micronucleus tests. None of the investigated impurities showed mutagenic or clastogenic potential, thus, are considered non-mutagenic and non-clastogenic/aneugenic in vitro. These findings are consistent with negative in silico predictions for mutagenicity and clastogenicity/aneugenicity in vitro, indicating a good correlation between in silico and in vitro data. In conclusion, this study provides valuable information for the safety assessment of vildagliptin, confirming that its impurities are neither clastogenic/aneugenic nor mutagenic.
Impact of Acute Energy Drink Consumption on Heart Rate Variability in Children and Adolescents. A Randomized Trial
Authors: Mandilaras Guido , Li Pengzhu , Dalla-Pozza Robert , Jakob André , Haas Nikolaus Alexander , Oberhoffer Felix Sebastian
Published: January 2025

The EDUCATE study investigated the acute impact of energy drink (ED) consumption on heart rate variability (HRV) in children and adolescents, with a focus on how these stimulant-rich beverages influence cardiac autonomic function. Given the popularity of EDs among young people, this study assessed the immediate cardiovascular response to ED intake. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial involved 26 healthy participants aged 10–18 years. Each participant consumed a weight-adjusted ED or placebo in two separate test sessions. HRV was monitored via a 24-h Holter ECG, with analysis centered on time-domain measures, such as the standard deviation of normal RR intervals (SDNN) and root-mean square of successive differences (RMSSD), along with frequency-domain metrics. Statistical analysis included a two-way repeated-measures ANOVA to examine the effects of “beverage” and “time.” The study revealed a significant increase in the SDNN in the ED group within the first hour post-consumption, with a mean difference of 17.692 ms compared with that in the placebo group (SDNN: ED = 133.346 ± 50.217 ms vs. placebo = 115.654 ± 47.583 ms, p = 0.023). However, no significant differences in the SDNN were observed in the subsequent time intervals (60–240 min). In addition, frequency-domain parameters, such as total power, RMSSD, LF, HF, and the LF/HF ratio, showed no significant changes across the four-hour observation period, indicating that sympathetic activation was transient. The findings suggest that ED consumption in children and adolescents leads to a temporary increase in autonomic activity, marked by elevated SDNN, without lasting dysregulation. While the cardiovascular effects are brief, acute sympathetic activation underscores the need for regulated ED intake among minors. Further studies are recommended to explore the long-term effects of regular ED consumption on cardiovascular health in youth.