bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Model of the Deformations of a Cross‐Section of the Spinal Cord Due to Periodic Pressure Loadings
Authors: Harris Paul J. , Venton Jenny
Published: January 2025

Changes in the pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds the spinal cord can cause deformations of the spinal cord, which, in turn, may lead to the cord being damaged. In addition, the changes in the pressure of the surrounding cerebrospinal fluid can cause changes to the pressure of the extracellular fluid which saturates the spinal cord. The finite element method can be used to solve the differential equations, which describe both how the cord deforms and changes in the pressure of the extracellular fluid but often this requires a large number of time‐steps to obtain an accurate and stable numerical solution. We present an alternative approach that uses a Fourier series method that avoids the need for using a time‐stepping scheme and that can model how a pressure pulse affects the spinal cord.
A Novel Balanced Nonreciprocal Bandpass Filter Based on Stub‐Loaded Ring Time‐Modulated Resonator
Authors: Han Peng , Wang Zhongbao , Liu Hongmei , Gao Mingming , Fang Shaojun
Published: January 2025

In this paper, a novel balanced nonreciprocal bandpass filter based on stub‐loaded ring time‐modulated resonators (TMRs) is proposed, which is co‐designed to integrate the feed circuits and common‐mode (CM) suppression circuits. The design employs the fewest TMRs necessary, which is at least two, to achieve a reverse isolation level of larger than 20 dB. This configuration also ensures the presence of two reverse isolation poles, thereby maximizing the reverse isolation bandwidth. Even‐ and odd‐mode analysis elucidates the isolation of signals under differential mode (DM) and the suppression of noise under common mode. This approach eliminates the need for separate feed lines and complex CM noise suppression circuit designs. Furthermore, parameterization analysis is adopted to verify the modulation parameters on the impact of the circuit. A balanced microstrip nonreciprocal bandpass filter, centered at 1.5 GHz, has been designed, simulated, and experimentally verified. The measured DM forward insertion loss is 3.9 dB, and the reverse isolation is greater than 20 dB with a bandwidth of 48 MHz. The measured CM noise suppression exceeds 26.6 dB within the frequency range of 1.2 to 1.8 GHz.
Enhanced Osteogenic Differentiation for Bone Tissue Engineering: The Synergistic Effect of Adipose‐Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Exosomes and Carboxymethyl Chitosan Hydrogel
Authors: Rajabi Rozhin , Mohamadali Marjan , Sharifi Fereshteh , Moradi Yasamin , Hanjani Ghazaleh Naghizadeh , Irani Shiva
Published: January 2025

Exosomes (EXOs) have emerged as critical mediators of intercellular communication with the potential to enhance bone regeneration through paracrine actions. The promising application of EXOs in the tissue engineering (TE) domains has recently sparked heightened research interest. The selection of the type of appropriate biomaterial, along with the method used to produce a scaffold, is another factor determining successful TE. This study assessed the impact of incorporating adipose mesenchymal stem cell‐derived EXOs and its conditioned medium (CM) within a chitosan/carboxymethyl chitosan (CTS/CMC2%) hydrogel on osteogenic differentiation. EXOs were characterized for their morphology, protein content, and size using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), bicinchoninic acid (BCA) protein assay, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and Western blot. Adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) were encapsulated within hydrogels supplemented with EXOs (12.5 and 25 μg/mL) or CM and tested over 14 days. Cell viability, attachment, and proliferation were enhanced with EXOs and CM treatments versus controls were confirmed by SEM, DAPI staining, and MTT assay. Osteodifferentiation potential was evaluated by alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP), Alizarin‐Red staining (ARS), calcium deposition, and OSTEONECTIN immunostaining (ICC). According to ICC results, encapsulated ADMSCs in the CTS/CMC2% hydrogel treated with 25 μg/mL EXOs (EXO25) exhibited 45.55% OSTEONECTIN expression, the highest percentage observed among all samples. Additionally, encapsulated ADMSCs in CTS/CMC2% hydrogel treated with EXO25 exhibited high ALP expression after 14 days (p < 0.1). In conclusion, EXOs at different concentrations significantly impacted osteogenic differentiation, particularly EXO25, in cooperation with the designed hydrogel (CTS/CMC2%), significantly guiding cell fate for specific targeting differentiation.
Characterization of SARS‐CoV‐2 Diagnostic Tests and Liver Function Tests Among Patients With COVID‐19 Diagnosed in Outpatient Settings Using Administrative Healthcare Data and Data From Commercial Laboratories
Authors: Ali Ayad K. , Baglivo Aidan , Govil Priya , Gibbs Liza R. , Bradley Marie C. , Campbell Keith E. , Chakravarty Aloka , Lasky Tamar , Derbyshire Victoria , Garry Elizabeth M.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

To characterize select laboratory tests ordered versus reported for patients diagnosed with COVID‐19 in administrative healthcare and commercial laboratory data.

Methods

Among patients with an outpatient COVID‐19 diagnosis claim in HealthVerity data (01/01/2021–12/31/2022), this study described baseline characteristics and descriptively compared SARS‐CoV‐2 diagnostic tests and liver function tests from administrative healthcare (insurance claims and hospital billing data) and commercial laboratories, overall and by code type (e.g., CPT, LOINC). Select liver function tests were also described by method‐specific and methodless LOINC.

Results

Among 214 998 patients with COVID‐19, 46.1% had a SARS‐CoV‐2 molecular diagnostic test recorded within 7 days of diagnosis (in either administrative or laboratory data); 44.5% had a corresponding CPT in medical claims, while only 10.0% had a corresponding LOINC in laboratory data. In contrast, the six most common liver function tests (albumin, aspartate aminotransferase, total protein, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, and total bilirubin) were identified in 55.7%–56.6% of patients via LOINC, but only in 3.2%–4.2% via CPT claims. Of the total count of select liver function tests performed in the laboratory data, 99.7% of aspartate aminotransferase, 96.1% of direct bilirubin, and 82.9% of lactate dehydrogenase were reported by methodless LOINC rather than method‐specific LOINC.

Conclusions

Important differences were identified between orders for SARS‐CoV‐2 diagnostic tests and liver function tests, as well as missingness of LOINC method, highlighting challenges related to completeness of laboratory data in real‐world data sources. These challenges underscore a need to improve data quality when considering the utility of laboratory data for research.
A Descriptive Comparative Analysis of Safety Concerns Outlaid in the Risk Management Plans of the European Union and Japan
Authors: Honda Teruyuki , Narukawa Mamoru
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aimed to obtain a better understanding of the characteristics of the risk management plans (RMP) and the background regulatory policies governing them, in the European Union (EU) and Japan. This was done by descriptively comparing the safety concerns (SCs) listed in the RMP and examining their relationships with product labeling.

Methods

Information regarding SCs was collected from the published RMP of both the EU and Japan for the targeted products—all of which were commonly approved in both regions. The concordance rate of the SCs for each product between the EU‐ and Japan‐RMP was calculated. The warning information for each product was collected from the product labeling, summary of product characteristics for the EU, and package insert for Japan, and compared with the SCs listed in the corresponding RMP.

Results

A total of 259 products that were approved for sale in both the EU and Japan (1998–2023), for which RMP were available in both regions, were analyzed. While 51.0% of the SCs labeled as important identified risks (IIRs) in the EU‐RMP were concordant with those in the Japan‐RMP, 20.4% of the SCs listed as IIRs in the Japan‐RMP were concordant with those in the EU‐RMP. The concordance rate between the SCs identified as IIRs and the warning information was 18.6% for the EU‐RMP and 88.4% for the Japan‐RMP.

Conclusions

The low SC concordance rate between the EU‐ and Japan‐RMP indicates a different approach to selecting RMP SCs by the two regulatory authorities.
HDAC4/5 Inhibitor, LMK‐235 Improves Animal Voluntary Movement in MPTP‐Induced Parkinson's Disease Model
Authors: Lee Heejin , Kim Hyun‐Jin , Min Ju‐Sik , Lee Eunhye , Choi Dong Kyu , Choi Jae‐Hyeog , Seo Yohan , Lee Sion , Im Chun Young , Bae Gi Hun , Oh Yoojin , Ko Eun‐A , Jung Sung‐Cherl , Kim Soong‐Hyun , Kwon Oh‐Bin
Published: January 2025

Oxidation of dopamine can cause various side effects, which ultimately leads to cell death and contributes to Parkinson's disease (PD). To counteract dopamine oxidation, newly synthesized dopamine is quickly transported into vesicles via vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) for storage. VMAT2 expression is reduced in patients with PD, and studies have shown increased accumulation of dopamine oxidation byproducts and α‐synuclein in animals with low VMAT2 expression. Conversely, animals that overexpress VMAT2 show better protection for dopamine neurons. Based on these findings, this study used histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) to increase VMAT2 expression, reduce dopamine‐induced oxidative stress, and evaluate the resulting behavioral improvements in a 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)‐induced PD animal model. LMK‐235 not only increased VMAT2 expression at various concentrations in the SH‐SY5Y cell line differentiated into dopaminergic cells but also demonstrated effective cytoprotective properties in several toxicity assays. It significantly raised VMAT2 expression in both the striatum and the ventral tegmental area of an MPTP‐induced PD model, supporting its role in reversing behavioral abnormalities linked to PD. In addition to these results, coadministration of LMK‐235 with L‐DOPA, a standard therapy for PD, restored typical behavioral patterns, highlighting the potential of HDACi in alleviating PD symptoms. The expression of VMAT2 induced by LMK‐235, an inhibitor of Class IIa histone deacetylases primarily found in the nervous system, aids in sequestering dopamine into vesicles, potentially enhancing cell survival by inhibiting dopamine oxidation. Additionally, upregulation of VMAT2 has been shown to offer effective protection against MPTP‐induced toxicity and significantly improve behavioral abnormalities associated with PD. Coadministration with L‐DOPA produced the most notable improvement in behavioral outcomes. Altogether, these findings suggest that the overexpression of VMAT2 may offer a promising strategy for developing treatments for PD by mitigating dopaminergic neuron death resulting from dopamine oxidation.
Soil organic carbon and total nitrogen after 34 years under conventional and organic management practices at the Rodale Institute Farming Systems Trial
Authors: Lorenz Klaus , Omondi Emmanuel , Lal Rattan , Das Saurav , Smith Andrew
Published: January 2025

Long‐term agricultural experiments are uniquely positioned to capture the spatiotemporal dynamics of farming system effects on soil profile properties, which typically require decades for measurable changes to become apparent. Soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) concentrations and stocks were determined at a depth of 0–30 cm in the 34th year of the Rodale Institute Farming Systems Trial (FST), Kutztown, Pennsylvania, USA. Only the organic agriculture (OA) with manure (OA‐MNR) system plots had higher SOC concentrations and stocks than the plots of the other systems but only at depths of 0–10 and 10–20 cm, and not on equivalent soil mass (ESM) basis to 30‐cm depth. The ESM SOC stocks to 30‐cm depth at the tilled plots were 53.3, 56.2, and 61.9 Mg C ha−1 for conventional (CONV), OA‐legume (OA‐LEG), and OA‐MNR systems, respectively. The concentrations and stocks of TN, as well as ESM TN stocks to 30‐cm depth at the tilled plots, were higher for both OA systems compared to CONV. However, observations at the recently established reduced tillage (RT) subplots were inconsistent, as at least 10 years may be needed to ensure that differences in tillage treatment effects on SOC can be detected. The results are consistent with many other long‐term field experiments that have reported differences in SOC and TN concentrations and stocks only in the topsoil. Overall, the OA‐MNR system was advantageous in 2015 in increasing SOC and TN compared to the CONV and OA‐LEG systems. Thus, OA practices when combined with composted manure addition can result in increases in the SOC stock in the long term. However, subsequent studies should assess the implications for input of manure sourced from outside the OA‐MNR system. Further, soil samples should be taken several times over multiple years to more comprehensively assess management‐induced changes in soil properties.
A Cr2AlC MAX Phase‐Based Electrochemical Probe for the Detection of Asciminib in Biological and Pharmaceutical Samples
Authors: Genc Asena Ayse , Bouali Wiem , Erk Nevin , Kaya Gul , Ocakoglu Kasim
Published: January 2025

The Cr2AlC MAX phase, a two‐dimensional transition metal carbide, offers a compelling combination of properties ideal for electrochemical sensor fabrication. The exceptional electrical conductivity, high surface area, and inherent electrocatalytic activity of the catalyst enable the sensitive and selective detection of diverse analytes, including biomolecules of critical clinical relevance. This work presents the construction of a novel electrochemical sensor featuring a nanoscale Cr2AlC MAX phase‐modified electrode, demonstrating its exceptional analytical performance in Asciminib detection, a crucial aspect of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) treatment. The sensor exhibits a low limit of detection (0.212 µM) and a low limit of quantification (0.698 µM) and demonstrates excellent sensitivity toward Asciminib in the linear range of 1 µM–10 µM. Moreover, a rigorous tolerance limit has been established, allowing the sensor to tolerate the highest concentration of interfering substances with an error of less than ± 5% in determining ASC current. Successful quantification of Asciminibin biological samples further validates the method's reliability for real‐world applications. This novel electrochemical approach provides a rapid and cost‐effective alternative to existing methods and contributes significantly to the nanomaterial‐enabled advancement of CML management, ensuring precise Asciminib quantification at the nanoscale.
Bioinspired Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using L. Reuteri: Antibacterial Efficacy, Molecular Docking Insights, and Cytotoxicity Assessment
Authors: Othman Sara Ibrahim , Kamel Fouad H.
Published: January 2025

This study reports the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNps) by using Lactobacillus reuteri. Characterized AgNps exhibited near‐spherical morphology with an average size of 86.54 nm, as revealed by SEM (scanning electron microscopy), TEM (transmission electron microscopy), and AFM (atomic force microscopy) analyses. The nanoparticles displayed a slightly rough surface, with some particles exhibiting surface protrusions and sharp edges. The zeta potential measurement of −30.16 mV and electrophoretic mobility of −2.36 cm2/Vs that indicated the presence of negatively charged functional groups on the AgNps surface, suggesting stabilizing biomolecules that prevent nanoparticle aggregation in solution. The hydrodynamic size of the AgNps was determined to be 140.3 nm, and XRD (X‐ray diffraction) analysis revealed a crystallinity of 76.89% with an average crystal size of 8.35 nm and an interplanar distance of 0.233 nm. AgNps demonstrated crystallinity and potent antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (92.9% killing efficiency) and an ATCC reference strain (76.8%). Molecular docking revealed moderate interactions between an optimized Ag3 cluster and key amino acid residues (Arg277, Gln279, Trp280, Asp273, and Val276) in the P. aeruginosa protein. These interactions, with binding energies ranging from −1.89 to −3.68 kcal/mol, suggested a potential mechanism for the observed antibacterial activity. A charge transfer interaction involving Asp273, contributing a stabilization energy of 3.66 kcal/mol, was identified as a key factor in the Ag‐protein complex formation.
Designing Electroless Deposited RuO2 Thin Films for Laminated Quasi‐Solid‐State Symmetric Supercapacitor
Authors: Sutar Avdhut S. , Patil Jayshree L. , Sutar Bhagyasree A. , Shinde Surendra K. , Mendhe Avinash C. , Warkhade Swapnil K. , Al‐Enizi Abdullah M. , Truong Nguyen Tam Nguyen , Pawar Sachin J.
Published: January 2025

Producing energy storage electrodes with exceptional performance using pseudocapacitive materials presents significant challenges. This study introduces a binder‐free, economical, and scalable method for the synthesis of a thin film of ruthenium oxide (RuO2) suitable for symmetric supercapacitors through electroless deposition. The influence of annealing temperature (373, 473, 573, and 673 K) on electrochemical performance is investigated. The RO‐573 thin film electrode demonstrated an impressive specific capacitance of 1006 F g−1 at a scan rate of 10 mV s−1. Additionally, a laminated quasi‐solid‐state symmetric device has been developed, showcasing a remarkable specific capacitance of 198 F g−1, ultrahigh energy density of 59.01 Wh kg−1, and a power density of 2.4 kW kg−1. The laminated, symmetric, quasi‐solid‐state supercapacitor device demonstrates impressive stability over 10,000 cycles, achieving a retention rate of 92%. The characteristics and design of laminated quasi‐solid‐state symmetric supercapacitors render them highly appropriate for real‐time applications in advanced energy storage systems.
Unsymmetrical Schiff Bases Efficient Ligands for the Synthesis of Organotin (IV) Complexes and 1,5‐Benzodiazepines with Anxiolytic Properties, Molecular Docking Studies
Authors: Cárdenas‐Cárdenas Paula Gabriela , Guzmán‐Gutiérrez Silvia Laura , Gómez‐García Omar , González‐Hernández Arturo , Galván‐Hidalgo José Miguel , García‐Hernández Rebeca , Hernández Simón , Gómez Elizabeth
Published: January 2025

A series of organotin(IV) complexes were synthesized from an unsymmetrical diimine‐Schiff base ligand derived from dehydroacetic acid, salicylaldehydes (5‐R substituted R = H, F, Cl, Br, I, NO2, OCH3, CH3) and 1,2‐phenylenediamine. The reaction also led to the formation of 1,5‐benzodiazepines, catalyzed by the diorganotin(IV) derivative used. The compounds were characterized by IR, UV–vis, MS, and 1H, 13C and 119Sn NMR. The hexacoordination of the tin atom for complexes was suggested based on the 119Sn chemical shifts. X‐ray single‐crystal analysis was performed for the ligand H₂L 1 h and the 1,5‐benzodiazepine 3c. The 1,5‐benzodiazepines were screened for anxiolytic activity in mice using an elevated plus maze test with diazepam as a positive control. The 1,5‐benzodiazepines were screened for their anxiolytic activity in mice, using an elevated plus maze test with diazepam as a positive control. Benzodiazepines 3g and 3h presented an anxiolytic effect in mice at 1 mg/Kg (p.o.) without affecting their spontaneous motor activity, motor coordination, and muscle strength. Docking studies indicated that 1,5‐benzodiazepines interact with GABA‐A receptor binding site. Most ligands formed H‐bond with amino acid Phe43, Asp46, Asp475, Tyr123, Ser421, and/or Gln316 and exhibited Pi and Pi–Pi interactions with amino acid residues Tyr124, Phe319, Phe43, Phe325, Ala479, and Val120.
Redox‐Mediated Pyrene Electrolytes for Enhancing the Reversibility of Vertically Arranged Tin Electrodes in Seawater Batteries
Authors: Kim Dowan , Jung Youngjae , Lee Wang‐Geun , Lee Hyeon Seok , Kim Hyun Woo , Cho Jihun , Lee Seyoung , Kim Seohae , Jin Hyo , Min Hyeji , Lee Jin Bae , Kim Youngsik , Passerini Stefano , Kim Yongil
Published: January 2025

Seawater batteries (SWBs) have emerged as a next‐generation battery technology that does not rely on lithium, a limited resource essential for lithium‐ion batteries. Instead, SWBs utilize abundant sodium from seawater, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional battery technologies. Previous studies have demonstrated the feasibility of achieving high energy densities in SWB anodes using vertically aligned electrodes. However, the use of tin anode materials with high volumetric energy density has encountered reversibility challenges due to the electrical isolation of tin particles caused by severe pulverization during charging and discharging. In this study, the reversibility of vertically arranged tin electrodes is improved by promoting desodiation of pulverized tin particles through the use of sodium‐pyrene (Na‐Pyr) as a redox mediator. The Na‐Pyr redox‐mediated electrolyte, combined with vertically aligned tin electrodes, demonstrates reversible capacities of 6 mAh cm−2 over 80 cycles in SWBs. Furthermore, it is shown that arranging the electrodes vertically to maximize the area can achieve a high areal capacity of up to 40 mAh cm−2. The combination of the Na‐Pyr redox mediator and vertical tin electrode, with its excellent electrochemical performance, is promising as a practical anode material for enabling SWBs to achieve high energy density.
Donor–Acceptor Type Carbon Nitride Photocatalysts in Photocatalysis: Current Understanding, Applications and Challenges
Authors: Li Ling , Zhou Zhanpeng , Shi Yu , Tang Rongdi , Li Wenbo , Deng Yaocheng , Huang Ying
Published: January 2025

The exploration of photocatalytic materials with efficient charge separation has always been a prominent area of research in photocatalysis. In the preceding years, the strategy of constructing donor–acceptor (D–A) structured materials has gradually been developed in photocatalytic systems, becoming a new research crossroads and attracting extensive interdisciplinary focus. Polymeric carbon nitride (PCN) has gradually been recognized as the primary photocatalytic material for constructing D–A structures due to its attractive exceptional physicochemical stability, electronic band structure, and cost‐effectiveness. However, few reports have summarized the research on D–A type PCN at the molecular level. This review focuses on the molecular level design strategies and the performance enhancement mechanisms of D–A type PCN are emphasized from two main aspects: intramolecular D–A and intermolecular D–A. In addition, the concept of dual D–A type PCN is introduced, proposing a new direction for advancing the efficacy of photocatalysts. Subsequently, this review summarizes the application scenarios of D–A type PCN in energy transformation and environmental amelioration. Finally, by elaborating on the main difficulties and opportunities in this hot field, this review can provide inspiration and innovative strategies for developing D–A type PCN and resolving energy and environmental issues.
3d–5d Orbital Hybridization in Nanoflower‐Like High‐Entropy Alloy for Highly Efficient Overall Water Splitting at High Current Density
Authors: Ma Xiaolong , Zhou Yaojiang , Zhang Shuang , Lei Wenli , Zhao Yuanmeng , Shan Changsheng
Published: January 2025

Exploring highlyefficient electrocatalysts for overall water splitting is a challenging butnecessary task for development of green and renewable energy. Herein, PtIrFeCoNi high‐entropy alloy nanoflowers (HEA NFs) withstrong 3d‐5d orbital hybridization were fabricated to achieve highly efficientoverall water splitting at high current density. The Pt26Ir7Fe13Co22Ni32 HEA NFs achieved a 57.52‐fold higher than commercial IrO2 in turnoverfrequency (TOF) for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Besides, its TOF value forhydrogen evolution reaction (HER) was 2.11‐fold higher than that of commercialPt/C. The cell voltages based on Pt26Ir7Fe13Co22Ni32 HEA NFs for overall water splitting were only 1.594 V and 1.861 V at currentdensities of 100 mA cm−2 and 500 mA cm−2, which weresignificantly lower than those of Pt/C
Bamboo‐Inspired Hierarchically Hollow Aerogel MXene Fibers with Ultrafast Ionic Channels and Multiple Electromagnetic Wave Attenuation Routes Toward High‐Performance Supercapacitors and Microwave Absorption
Authors: Zhang Wenhui , Ren Shouyu , Zhang Yongzhe , An Chengzhi , Liu Yunchuan , Zhu Xiaolin , Man Zengming , Liang Xiaohui , Yang Chao , Lu Wangyang , Wu Guan
Published: January 2025

2D materials feature large specific surface areas and abundant active sites, showing great potential in energy storage and conversion. However, the dense, stacked structure severely restricts its practical application. Inspired by the structure of bamboo in nature, hollow interior and porous exterior wall, hollow MXene aerogel fiber (HA‐Ti3C2TX fiber) is proposed. Owing to continuous porous microstructure and optimized hollow cavity, this fiber possesses large accessible area to ions and abundant structural defects, leading to a fast charge transfer kinetics and high faradic activity. Consequently, the HA‐Ti3C2TX fiber exhibits exceptional gravimetric capacitance of 355 F g−1. Besides, the solid‐state asymmetric fiber‐shaped supercapacitors (FSCs) display a high capacitance of 276 F g−1 and energy density of 9.58 Wh kg−1. Additionally, the HA‐Ti3C2TX fiber delivers outstanding electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption performance with a minimum reflection loss of −52.39 dB and the effective absorption bandwidth up to 4.6 GHz, which is attributed to multiple reflection paths, strong dielectric loss from this hollow and porous structure. This novel design of hollow fiber provides a new reference for the construction of advanced fibers for energy storage and EMW absorption materials.
Reporting of Regression Models for Ordinal Responses in Sports Sciences Field: A Systematic Review
Authors: Fernández Daniel , Estopañan Mireia , Baumer Benjamin , Casals Martí
Published: January 2025

The integration of statistical methods in sports sciences has become essential for decision‐making in performance analysis, injury prevention, and athlete outcomes. This work presents a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines to explore the application of ordinal regression models in the sports sciences field. A comprehensive search of articles published prior to March 4, 2023 identified 34 included studies. This search included widely recognized databases such as Web of Science, PubMed, and specialized journals of sports statistics, such as the Journal of Quantitative Analysis in Sports, and the Journal of Sports Analytics. The analysis reveals that 26.5% of these articles were published in statistics and sports statistics journals. Notably, R emerged as the primary software used for analysis in 38.8% of the studies. However, a significant majority (82.4%) of the studies did not provide data and code repositories. Among sports, soccer had the highest representation (28.6%), followed by basketball (17.1%). The most reported ordinal model was the proportional odds model (32.3%), followed by the mixed effects proportional odds model (11.8%), while a relevant proportion (29.4%) did not report the model used. Furthermore, 23.5% of articles proposed novel models. Validation tests for proportional odds models were not conducted in 53.3% of cases. This review underscores the importance of improved reporting practices, inclusivity in sport representation, and statistical education in advancing sports analytics.
Schottky-Invariant p-Adic Diffusion Operators
Authors: Bradley Patrick Erik
Published: January 2025

A parametrised diffusion operator on the regular domain

$$\Omega $$

Ω

of a p-adic Schottky group is constructed. It is defined as an integral operator on the complex-valued functions on

$$\Omega $$

Ω

which are invariant under the Schottky group

$$\Gamma $$

Γ

, where integration is against the measure defined by an invariant regular differential 1-form

$$\omega $$

ω

. It is proven that the space of Schottky invariant

$$L^2$$

L
2

-functions on

$$\Omega $$

Ω

outside the zeros of

$$\omega $$

ω

has an orthonormal basis consisting of

$$\Gamma $$

Γ

-invariant extensions of Kozyrev wavelets which are eigenfunctions of the operator. The eigenvalues are calculated, and it is shown that the heat equation for this operator provides a unique solution for its Cauchy problem with Schottky-invariant continuous initial conditions supported outside the zero set of

$$\omega $$

ω

, and gives rise to a strong Markov process on the corresponding orbit space for the Schottky group whose paths are càdlàg.
Deep-Learning-based Automated Identification of Ventriculoperitoneal-Shunt Valve Models from Skull X-rays
Authors: Vach Marius , Weiss Daniel , Ivan Vivien Lorena , Boschenriedter Christian , Wolf Luisa , Beez Thomas , Hofmann Björn B. , Rubbert Christian , Caspers Julian
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Ventriculoperitoneal shunts (VPS) are an essential part of the treatment of hydrocephalus, with numerous valve models available with different ways of indicating pressure levels. The model types often need to be identified on X‑rays to assess pressure levels using a matching template. Artificial intelligence (AI), in particular deep learning, is ideally suited to automate repetitive tasks such as identifying different VPS valve models. The aim of this work was to investigate whether AI, in particular deep learning, allows the identification of VPS models in cranial X‑rays.

Methods

959 cranial X‑rays of patients with a VPS were included and reviewed for image quality and complete visualization of VPS valves. The images included four VPS model types: Codman Hakim (n = 774, 81%), Codman Certas Plus (n = 117, 12%), Sophysa Sophy Mini SM8 (n = 35, 4%) and proGAV 2.0 (n = 33, 3%). A Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) was trained using stratified five-fold cross-validation to classify the four VPS model types in the dataset. A finetuned CNN pretrained on the ImageNet dataset as well as a model trained from scratch were compared. The averaged performance and uncertainty metrics were evaluated across the cross-validation splits.

Results

The fine-tuned model identified VPS valve models with a mean accuracy of 0.98 ± 0.01, macro-averaged F1 score of 0.93 ± 0.04, a recall of 0.94 ± 0.03 and a precision of 0.95 ± 0.08 across the five cross-validation splits.

Conclusion

Automatic classification of VPS valve models in skull X‑rays, using fully automatable preprocessing steps and a CNN, is feasible. This is an encouraging finding to further explore the possibility of automating VPS valve model identification and pressure level reading in skull X‑rays.
Captopril attenuates oxidative stress and neuroinflammation implicated in cisplatin-induced cognitive deficits in rats
Authors: Mostafa Fatma , Mantawy Eman M. , Said Riham S. , Azab Samar S. , El-Demerdash Ebtehal
Published: January 2025

Rationale

One of the most debilitating drawbacks of cisplatin chemotherapy is neurotoxicity which elicits memory impairment and cognitive dysfunction (chemobrain). This is primarily triggered by oxidative stress and inflammation. Captopril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, has been reported as a neuroprotective agent owing to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Objective

We examined the possible neuroprotective effect of captopril against cisplatin-induced neurological and behavioral abnormalities in rats.

Methods

Chemobrain was induced in rats by cisplatin (5 mg/kg, i.p.) on the 7th and 14th days of the study while captopril was administered orally (25 mg/kg) daily for three weeks. The effects of captopril were assessed by performing behavioral tests, histological examination, and evaluation of oxidative stress and inflammatory markers.

Results

Cisplatin caused learning/memory dysfunction assessed by passive avoidance and Y-maze tests, decline in locomotion, and rotarod motor balance loss which were further verified by neurodegeneration observed in histological examination. Also, cisplatin aggravated oxidative stress by elevating lipid peroxidation (MDA) levels and diminishing catalase activity. Moreover, cisplatin upregulated the neuroinflammatory markers (TNF, IL-6, GFAP, and NF-κB). Captopril successfully ameliorated cisplatin damage on the levels of neurobehavioral and histopathological changes. Mechanistically, captopril significantly diminished MDA production and preserved catalase antioxidant activity. Captopril also counteracted neuroinflammation through inhibiting NF-κB and its downstream proinflammatory cytokines besides repressing astrocyte activity by reducing GFAP expression.

Conclusion

Our findings revealed that captopril could abrogate cisplatin neurotoxicity via reducing oxidative stress and neuroinflammation thus enhancing cognitive and behavioral performance. This could suggest the repurposing of captopril as a neuroprotective agent, especially in hypertensive cancer patients receiving cisplatin.
The fate of the rectum in ulcerative colitis at index surgery and beyond—a contemporary cohort
Authors: Stephens Ian J. B. , Murphy Brenda , McCawley Niamh , McNamara Deborah A. , Burke John P.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Proctectomy is frequently deferred at index colectomy for ulcerative colitis due to acuity or immunosuppressive treatments. The retained rectum remains symptomatic in over 50% with associated cancer risk. Management options include index or delayed proctectomy with or without restoration of continuity or surveillance. Comparative studies of perioperative outcomes and reasons for retaining the rectum are lacking.

Methods

This 13-year retrospective cohort assesses the fate of the rectum in 168 ulcerative colitis patients by analysing index proctectomy, staged proctectomy and retained rectal remnant determinants and outcomes. The primary outcome was the fate of the rectum. Secondary analysis included perioperative morbidity, length of stay and decision-making determinants.

Results

Proctectomy was performed in 69% of patients, with 16.1% at index surgery. Restorative surgery rate was 44%. Index proctectomy patients were older (54 vs 37 years, p < 0.01), more co-morbid (59.3% vs 38.2%, p = 0.04) and likely to have elective surgery (81.5% vs 21.3%, p < 0.01) or neoplasia (33.3% vs 1.1%, p < 0.01). Outcomes after staged proctectomy were comparable, with age influencing restoration of continuity (33.5 vs 46 years, p < 0.01). Younger patients were indecisive on proctectomy, while those opting for endoscopic surveillance were older (median 65 years, p < 0.01), had more complications (64.3%, p = 0.23) and prolonged hospitalisation (median 15 days, p = 0.02) at colectomy.

Conclusions

Index proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis is infrequently performed. Perioperative outcomes of restorative and non-restorative staged proctectomy are comparable. Perioperative experience at colectomy may influence patient decisions regarding future management of their rectum.
Wall slip and bulk flow heterogeneity in a sludge under shear
Authors: Castel Sébastien , Poulesquen Arnaud , Manneville Sébastien
Published: January 2025

We investigate the shear flow of a sludge mimicking slurries produced by the nuclear industry and constituted of a dispersion of non-Brownian particles into an attractive colloidal dispersion at a total solid volume fraction of about 10 %. Combining rheometry and ultrasound flow imaging, we show that, upon decreasing the shear rate, the flow transitions from a homogeneous shear profile in the bulk to a fully arrested plug-like state with total wall slip, through an oscillatory regime where strong fluctuations of the slip velocity propagate along the vorticity direction. When the shear stress is imposed close to the yield stress, the shear rate presents large, quasi-periodic peaks, associated with the propagation of local stick-and-slip events along the vorticity direction. Such complex dynamics, reminiscent of similar phenomena reported in much denser suspensions, highlight the importance of local flow characterization to fully understand sludge rheology.
The medico-legal interpretation of diatom findings for the diagnosis of fatal drowning: a systematic review
Authors: Tyr Alexander , Lunetta Philippe , Zilg Brita , Winskog Carl , Heldring Nina
Published: January 2025

The diagnostic use of the diatom test for drowning has been under investigation for more than a century. Despite continuing research, its true usefulness remains controversial and under debate. Data regarding the extent to which diatoms can penetrate the lungs and other organs of drowning victims are conflicting; similar discrepancies exist as to the presence of diatoms in the organs of living individuals; and as to the occurrence of postmortem (PM) contamination. To shed light on current understanding, we conducted a systematic review based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) to investigate how the presence of diatoms PM may be interpreted during medico-legal investigations of drowning. Following sequential screening of records based on our predetermined eligibility criteria, we assessed scientific evidence and risk of bias by use of the SPICOT framework. A total of 17 studies reporting diatom concentrations in victims of drowning, in non-drowned controls, and in non-drowned immersed controls were eligible for this review. Our findings suggest that diatom testing may be of use in medico-legal investigations, although its evidentiary value remains uncertain because both quantitative and qualitative results from the literature are insufficiently comparable. Variations in study design, methodology and reporting approach also fail to provide a comprehensive understanding of the significance of false-positive and false-negative results. Further research is warranted on antemortem and PM contamination, and on standardized autopsy and laboratory procedures, as well as on automated and certified diatom-counting and -identification systems. Moreover, since diatom taxonomy lies outside the specialty of forensic medicine, we underscore that collaboration with expert diatomologists is necessary for analysis and interpretation. Until these issues are adequately addressed, the evidentiary value of diatom testing for the diagnosis of drowning will continue to remain elusive and contentious.
Efficacy of the Roy Adaptation Model with smartphone training in reducing urinary tract infection in pediatric clean intermittent catheterization: a prospective study
Authors: Sari Canan , Kalyoncu Mukaddes
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Study aimed to compare incidence of urinary tract infection (UTI), type of bacteria grown, development of antibiotic resistance over 2 years in children whose caregivers underwent training based on the Roy Adaptation Model with an android phone application for patients clean intermittent catheterization (RAMACIC) versus those whose caregivers received routine training in hospital.

Method

This study was conducted as a descriptive, prospective study with 40 patients and caregivers between October 2021 and 2023 as a continuation of a previously conducted randomized controlled experimental study by the researchers. Data were collected the “Participant Form,” and “Urine Test Form” analyzed with the SPSS 22 package. Descriptive data were determined by number (n), percentage (%), mean, and standard deviation. The frequency of UTI between the two groups was determined by the Chi-square test, and the effect size of the data was determined by Cramer’s V value of the Chi-square test.

Results

A significant reduction in UTI incidence among children of RAMACIC-trained caregivers during the first, second, third, and fourth 6-month periods compared with those under routine CIC training was observed (p < 0.05). It was determined that E. coli was the most frequently grown bacteria in both groups, with a higher rate in the group receiving routine training in the hospital, and antibiotic resistance was higher in the group receiving routine training in the hospital compared with RAMACIC.

Conclusion

RAMACIC, when administered to caregivers, effectively lowers the long-term risk of UTI development in patients undergoing CIC, also effective in reducing the antibiotic resistance that developed in patients.
A community-based intervention (the Omama Project) improves neurodevelopment in impoverished 2-year-old Roma children: a quasi-experimental observational study
Authors: Fernandes M. , Matuskova O. , Babelova R. , Santosa W. B. , Shaw O. , Hrica P.
Published: January 2025

High rates of childhood neurodisability are reported among the Roma, Europe’s largest ethnic minority community. Interventions targeting early child development (ECD) during the first 2 years of life can improve neurodevelopmental outcomes in vulnerable children; however, evidence from Roma preschoolers is scarce. In a quasi-experimental observational study, we compared neurodevelopmental outcomes at age 2 years, measured on the INTERGROWTH-21st Project Neurodevelopmental Assessment (INTER-NDA), between Roma children receiving a community-based ECD intervention (RI, n = 98), and age- and sex-matched Roma and non-Roma children (RC, n = 99 and NRC, n = 54, respectively) who did not receive the intervention in Eastern Slovakia. The intervention was delivered between 3 weeks and 20 months in weekly home-based sessions by trained Roma women from matched settlements to RIs. Compared with RC, RI had higher 2-year cognitive (B = 0.15; 95% CI, 0.04, 0.25), language (B = 0.25; 95% CI, 0.11, 0.38) and fine motor (B = 0.08; 95% CI, 0.01, 0.16) scores. After adjustment for covariates, cognitive delay decreased by 88% in RI compared with RC (aOR, 0.12; 95% CI, 0.03, 0.53). Linear growth at 24 months was a key predictor of developmental scores for both groups (range, B = 0.04–0.14; 95% CI, 0.01, 0.07 and 0.09, 0.20).

Conclusions: Our results highlight that, without directly intervening on nutritional and poverty status, a community-based ECD intervention, delivered by trained Roma women to Roma children, can significantly improve neurodevelopmental outcomes at age 2 years.

What is Known:• The Roma are Europe’s largest ethnic minority. High rates of neurodisability, malnutrition and poverty are reported in Roma preschoolers.• Optimal early child development (ECD) is foundational to lifecourse health and wellbeing. Early interventions improve ECD outcomes in vulnerable children; however, evidence from Roma communities is limited.

What is New:• The Omama project is a community-based ECD intervention, delivered by trained Roma women to Roma children aged 3 weeks to 20 months living in impoverished settlements in Eastern Slovakia.• Roma children receiving the intervention had (i) higher cognitive, language and fine motor scores and (ii) lower rates of cognitive delay compared with controls.
Integration von Umwelt‑, Sozial- und Polit-Aspekten in die Abläufe der Abbauplanung
Authors: Haindl Angelika
Published: January 2025

Der Abbau von Rohstoffen ist ein grundlegender Aspekt der menschlichen Gesellschaft seit ihren frühesten Anfängen. Dabei liegt der aktuelle Fokus auf dem Einbinden des Begriffes ‚Nachhaltigkeit‘. Die Abbauplanung stellte schon immer einen wichtigen und zentralen Prozess im Bergbau dar. Eine aktuelle Studie an der Montanuniversität konzentriert sich auf einen Ansatz zur Integration von Umwelt‑, Sozial- und Polit-Aspekten (ESG) in den Abbauplanungsprozess. Es werden mehrere Indizes definiert und verwendet, um den Nettobarwert (NPV) zu einem transformierten „Sozialem NPV“ zu erweitern. In einer Analyse und einer Fallstudie wird untersucht, ob solche Aspekte in das Lagerstättenmodell integriert werden können und wie sie die optimale Abbaureihenfolge beeinflussen. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, wie wichtig die Einbeziehung von ESG in die Bergbauplanung ist, da sie einen erheblichen Einfluss auf die optimale Abbaureihenfolge haben. Es wird vorgeschlagen, dass die Umsetzung flexibel ist, um Iterationen zwischen Bergbauplänen und die Einbeziehung von Richtlinien und Standards, die derzeit entwickelt werden, zu ermöglichen.
Changes in swallowing response on patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy for head and neck cancer
Authors: Hashida Nao , Suzuki Motoyuki , Hosokawa Kiyohito , Takenaka Yukinori , Fukusumi Takahito , Takemoto Norihiko , Tanaka Hidenori , Kitamura Koji , Eguchi Hirotaka , Umatani Masanori , Kitayama Itsuki , Nozawa Masayuki , Kato Chieri , Okajima Eri , Inohara Hidenori
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for head and neck cancer (HNC) often causes dysphagia. The risk of dysphagia increases during CRT tends to become more severe after finishing CRT, and persists for a few weeks thereafter. Thus, understanding the changes in swallowing physiology during and immediately after CRT is essential. This study aimed to clarify the changes in the swallowing response during and early after CRT and identify associated factors.

Methods

This retrospective study enrolled 107 patients with HNC who underwent CRT. We measured pharyngeal delay time (PDT) and laryngeal elevation delay time (LEDT) as indicators of the timing of the swallowing response at three time points: at CRT initiation (baseline), at 40-Gy irradiation during CRT (mid-CRT) and within 2 weeks following the completion of CRT (early post-CRT) as primary outcomes; and subgroup analyses based on clinical parameters, such as tumor sites, T stage, N stage, and opioid use at 40-Gy irradiation as secondary outcomes.

Results

Both PDT and LEDT were significantly prolonged between baseline and mid-CRT (PDT: p = 0.003, LEDT: p = 0.002) and between baseline and early post-CRT (PDT, p = 0.001; LEDT, p < 0.001). N2c/N3 and opioid use at 40-Gy irradiation showed prolonged PDT and LEDT at mid-CRT and early post-CRT.

Conclusion

PDT and LEDT were prolonged at mid-CRT irradiation and further extended at early post-CRT. Additionally, N2c/N3 involvement, which typically necessitates bilateral neck irradiation fields and opioid use at mid-CRT, may constitute as risk factors for a delayed swallowing response.
Adverse health outcomes and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among long-term adolescent and young adult (AYA) brain tumour survivors: results from the population-based SURVAYA study
Authors: Angoumis Konstantinos , Padilla Catarina S. , Kouwenhoven Mathilde C. M. , Bijlsma Rhodé M. , Kaal Suzanne E. J. , Tromp Jacqueline M. , Bos Monique E. M. M. , van der Hulle Tom , Broen Martinus P. G. , Nuver Janine , van der Graaf Winette T. A. , Pauge Sophie , Husson Olga
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Adolescent and young adult (AYA) malignant brain tumour (BT) survivors are at risk of adverse health outcomes, which may impact their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study aimed to investigate the (1) prevalence of physical and psychological adverse health outcomes, (2) the HRQoL, and (3) the association of adverse health outcomes and HRQoL among long-term AYA-BT survivors. Adverse health outcomes and HRQoL were compared to other AYA cancer (AYAC) survivors.

Methods

A cross-sectional secondary data analysis of the SURVAYA study among 133 AYA-BT and 3877 AYAC survivors was conducted. Participant self-reported adverse health outcomes and HRQoL scores were analysed and compared between the two populations. Associations with HRQoL were assessed using linear regression modelling with AIC-based backward elimination.

Results

AYA-BT survivors faced significant issues of fatigue (47.6%), future uncertainty (45.2%), and medical conditions like vision (34.4%), speech, taste, or smell (26.2%) impairments, cancer recurrence, and metastasis (25.4%). Neurocognitive symptoms were identified as BT-specific issues (13.6–33.6%). Compared to AYAC survivors, AYA-BT survivors reported significantly (p < 0.05) lower functioning scores on the role, cognitive, emotional, and social HRQoL, with cognitive (56.0%) and emotional (40.0%) domains being the most affected. Adverse health outcomes were negatively associated with HRQoL, ranging from small to large clinical relevance.

Conclusion

Long-term AYA-BT survivors were identified as a highly burdened population, affected by multifaceted issues and multidimensional detriments in HRQoL years beyond their cancer diagnosis. This study highlights the necessity of long-term follow-up and a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to survivorship care to ultimately improve the quality of AYA-BT survivorship.