bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safety Requirement of Electric Facilities in BESS Fire Accidents Viewpoint
Authors: Tashiro Yoichiro
Published: January 2025

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are compatible with renewable energy, so they are becoming increasingly popular around the world. On the other hand, the number of fire accidents are increasing with the spread of batteries, and as a result of the author's own analysis of these fire accidents, the author found phenomena unique to BESS fires. Therefore, the author will investigate whether Japan domestic laws and regulations are compatible with these unique phenomena and propose necessary safety countermeasures.
Preparation and Physicochemical Characterization of Layered Double Hydroxide MgAl‐LDHs/Celecoxib Hybrid Material
Authors: Chetara Amina , Bahmani Abdellah
Published: January 2025

This study presents the development and characterization of a Mg3Al‐COX hybrid system, designed to enhance the bioavailability of celecoxib (COX), a BCS class II hydrophobic anti‐inflammatory drug. Mg/Al layered double hydroxides (LDHs), with a 3 : 1 ratio, were synthesized via coprecipitation and calcination methods and then used to trap COX through a reconstitution process in a 60/40 v/v ethanol/water mixture. Comprehensive characterization using XRD, FTIR, TGA/DSC, BET, and SEM/EDS techniques confirmed the successful incorporation of COX within the LDHs matrix. Batch loading studies investigated the effects of contact time, initial pH, host material quantity, initial COX concentration, and temperature on the loading capacity Qe (mg/g). Kinetic analyses revealed that COX fixation follows a pseudo‐second‐order model, with intraparticle diffusion occurring in two distinct stages. Thermodynamic analysis detected a spontaneous and exothermic process. The Sips equation best represents the adsorption equilibrium by providing the highest correlation with a maximum loading capacity of 220.10 mg/g. Parameter calculations and error analyses validated the models used for the kinetic, thermodynamic, and equilibrium studies. These results demonstrate the feasibility of using LDHs as inclusion matrices to enhance the release properties of celecoxib, thereby paving the way for the development of controlled‐release dosage forms.
Recent Advances in Radical Hydrofunctionalization of Alkenes and Dienes via Reductive Metal‐Hydride Hydrogen Atom Transfer (MHAT)
Authors: Shen Haigen , Zeng Xianrong , Wang Zhaobin
Published: January 2025

The metal‐hydride hydrogen atom transfer strategy (MHAT) has emerged as a robust approach for the radical hydrofunctionalization of alkenes, demonstrating exceptional functional group tolerance and chemoselectivity. Traditional methods for generating metal‐hydride (M‐H) species typically require oxidative conditions that depend on stoichiometric oxidants and hydride donors, posing challenges to sustainability and scalability. In contrast, the reductive MHAT strategy, which forms M‐H species through the transfer of a proton and an electron, offers a more concise and sustainable pathway for radical alkene hydrofunctionalization. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the key advances in reductive MHAT catalysis since 2019, highlighting recent innovations and discussing potential future directions for the field.
Diethylaluminium Chloride‐Mediated Cycloaddition/Conjugate Reduction Sequence towards Imido‐Substituted Norbornenes
Authors: Kirchhof Manuel , Batman Derman , Nicholas Elliot , Frey Wolfgang , Derdau Volker , Zens Anna , Laschat Sabine
Published: January 2025

Diethylaluminium chloride is a known Lewis acid and can undergo 1,2‐ and 1,4‐additions, whereas conjugate reductions are mostly observed as side reactions. By serendipity we found a Et2AlCl‐promoted sequential cycloaddition/conjugate hydrogenation of cyclopentadiene and 4‐isopropyl‐3‐(3‐phenylpropioloyl) oxazolidin‐2‐one resulting in the clean formation of the corresponding norbornene‐oxazolidin‐2‐one. NMR, kinetic and deuteration experiments provided insight into the mechanism of this reaction sequence.
A Novel Green Electrochemical Approach for the Determination of the Recently Approved Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Dacomitinib in Dosage Forms
Authors: Alossaimi Manal A. , Aldakhil Taibah , Elmansi Heba , Magdy Galal , Hashem Heba M.
Published: January 2025

The current study introduces the first voltammetric approach for the quantitation of the recently approved anticancer medication dacomitinib (DCN). The developed method is based on examining the electrode's voltammetric behavior with carbon paste. In this approach, both square wave and cyclic voltammetry were used. To achieve a satisfactory sensitivity, the measuring instrumental parameters were carefully studied using square‐wave voltammetry. The limits of detection and quantitation were 6.7 × 10−7 and 2.0 × 10−6 M, respectively, indicating the method's high sensitivity. The anodic peak current increased linearly with DCN concentration over the range of 2.3 × 10−6–1.5 × 10−5 M upon adjusting the pH at 4 with Britton–Robinson buffer. The electrochemical method was fully validated as per the International Council of Harmonization (ICH) guidelines. The inter‐ and intra‐assay precision relative standard deviation (%RSD) values were ≤1.809. This approach was applied to determine the drug in its pharmaceutical tablets (Vizimpro) with satisfactory %recoveries (98.8–100.9). The statistical results were favorably compared to those provided by a reported spectrofluorimetric method. The greenness and eco‐friendliness of the designed approach were demonstrated using the Green Analytical Procedure Index (GAPI) and Analytical GREEnness (AGREE) tools, suggesting its usage as an environmentally friendly alternative for the routine assay of the investigated drug.
Amperometric Biosensor Based on a Semipermeable Poly‐Meta‐Phenylenediamine Membrane and Immobilized Lactate Oxidase for Highly Accurate l‐Lactate Determination in Blood Serum
Authors: Berketa Kseniia , Buzhak Anhelina , Vakhovskyi Yevhen , Mruga Daryna , Sverstiuk Andrii , Soldatkina Olha , Lyubovych Olha , Marchuk Olga , Dzyadevych Serhii , Soldatkin Oleksandr
Published: January 2025

This article presents the development and optimization of a biosensor for the accurate and rapid determination of l‐lactate concentration in human serum samples. The biosensor uses lactate oxidase immobilized in a bovine serum albumin matrix on a platinum transducer, modified with a semipermeable m‐polyphenylenediamine (PPD) membrane. The PPD membrane minimizes influence from solution parameters like ionic strength and protein content, as well as interferents in blood serum on an analysis result. The biosensor offers a broad linear range (7–1000 μM), low detection limit (7 μM), and short analysis time (8 min), making it suitable for real serum samples measurement. Results showed high correlation with reference methods, with a correlation coefficient of 0.982 in comparison with standard analysis method. Stability tests indicated an RSD of 2.9% and 6.7% for model and real samples analysis, with functionality sustained over 5 days. This biosensor is promising for clinical diagnostics due to its speed, accuracy, and stability in measuring l‐lactate.
pH‐Dependant Electrochemical Oxidation of Small Molecules on Glassy Carbon, Platinum and Gold
Authors: Somerville Samuel V. , Dissanayake Manusha , Soda Yoshiki , Benedetti Tania M. , Tilley Richard D. , Gooding J. Justin
Published: January 2025

Composite electrodes often consisting of a purportedly inactive support material modified with a variety of nanomaterials, surface chemistry and coatings are commonly employed as electroanalytical devices for detection of biologically relevant molecules. However, these electrodes are often used in various electrolytes and biological fluids treated in a variety of ways making comparisons between materials difficult. Additionally, nanomaterial designers have developed techniques capable of controlling the local solution environment at the interface of electrodes. Herein, we present a study of the electro‐oxidation of glucose, ascorbic acid, uric acid and dopamine on glassy carbon, platinum and gold. Peak potential and current versus pH are presented to provide a database and resource to aid in the deconvolution of the electrochemical response produced by these materials. Additionally, in light of recent developments in pH control within nanoconfined electrodes, a study of how altering the pH of an electrolyte allows for the separation of previously overlapping peaks is presented.
Evaluation of Yeast Alcohol Acetyltransferases for Ethyl Acetate Production in Clostridium ljungdahlii
Authors: Boto Santiago T. , Gerges Kareem , Bardl Bettina , Rosenbaum Miriam A.
Published: January 2025

Sustainable chemical production from C1 gaseous substrates, such as syngas or CO2/H2, can be achieved through gas fermentation. In gas fermentation, acetogenic bacteria are able to utilize oxidized inorganic carbon sources as the sole carbon source and electron acceptor, while reduced inorganic species are used as the electron donor. Clostridium ljungdahlii, a model acetogen, is only capable of reducing CO2 to acetate and ethanol, with H2 as electron donor. In order to expand the product profile of this bacterium, five alcohol acetyltransferases (AATs) from yeast were heterologously expressed in C. ljungdahlii to evaluate its potential to produce ethyl acetate. When growing on CO2 and H2, up to 7.38 ± 0.43 mg/L of ethyl acetate were produced. Using fructose as the main carbon and energy source, up to 23.15 ± 1.28 mg/L of ethyl acetate were produced. Ethanol and fumarate supplementation were able to boost ethyl acetate titers (up to 37.51 ± 9.44 mg/L). Hence, ethyl acetate production was enabled in C. ljungdahlii at low titers, which could be explained by the high energetic cost of operation of AATs, and their shown promiscuity. However, we also show that this opens the door to more complex esterification reactions of higher added value biomolecules.
Cholinergic Denervation Patterns in Parkinson's Disease Associated With Cognitive Impairment Across Domains
Authors: d'Angremont Emile , Renken Remco , van der Zee Sygrid , de Vries Erik F. J. , van Laar Teus , Sommer Iris E. C.
Published: January 2025

Cognitive impairment is considered to be one of the key features of Parkinson's disease (PD), ultimately resulting in PD‐related dementia in approximately 80% of patients over the course of the disease. Several distinct cognitive syndromes of PD have been suggested, driven by different neurotransmitter deficiencies and thus requiring different treatment regimes. In this study, we aimed to identify characteristic brain covariance patterns that reveal how cholinergic denervation is related to PD and to cognitive impairment, focusing on four domains, including attention, executive functioning, memory, and visuospatial cognition. We applied scaled sub‐profile model principal component analysis to reveal cholinergic‐specific disease‐related and cognition‐related covariance patterns using [18F]fluoroethoxybenzovesamicol PET imaging. Stepwise logistic regression was applied to predict disease state (PD vs. healthy control). Linear regression models were applied to predict cognitive functioning within the PD group, for each cognitive domain separately. We assessed the performance of the identified patterns with leave‐one‐out cross validation and performed bootstrapping to assess pattern stability. We included 34 PD patients with various levels of cognitive dysfunction and 10 healthy controls, with similar age, sex, and educational level. The disease‐related cholinergic pattern was strongly discriminative (AUC 0.91), and was most prominent in posterior brain regions, with lower tracer uptake in patients compared to controls. We found largely overlapping cholinergic‐specific patterns across cognitive domains, with positive correlations between tracer uptake in the opercular cortex, left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and posterior cingulate gyrus, among other regions, and attention, executive, and visuospatial functioning. Cross validation showed significant correlations between predicted and measured cognition scores, with the exception of memory. We identified a robust structural covariance pattern for the assessment of cholinergic dysfunction related to PD, as well as overlapping cholinergic patterns related to attentional, executive‐ and visuospatial impairment in PD patients.
Whole Brain MRI Assessment of Age and Sex‐Related R2* Changes in the Human Fetal Brain
Authors: Ji Lanxin , Duffy Mark , Chen Bosi , Majbri Amyn , Trentacosta Christopher J. , Thomason Moriah
Published: January 2025

Iron in the brain is essential to neurodevelopmental processes, as it supports neural functions, including processes of oxygen delivery, electron transport, and enzymatic activity. However, the development of brain iron before birth is scarcely understood. By estimating R2* (1/T2*) relaxometry from a sizable sample of fetal multiecho echo‐planar imaging (EPI) scans, which is the standard sequence for functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), across gestation, this study investigates age and sex‐related changes in iron, across regions and tissue segments. Our findings reveal that brain R2* levels significantly increase throughout gestation spanning many different regions, except the frontal lobe. Furthermore, females exhibit a faster rate of R2* increase compared to males, in both gray matter and white matter. This sex effect is particularly notable within the left insula. This work represents the first MRI examination of iron accumulation and sex differences in developing fetal brains. This is also the first study to establish R2* estimation methodology in fetal multiecho functional MRI.
Chronic Wound Assessment System Using an Improved UPerNet Model
Authors: Zhang Zaifang , Sheng Shenjun , Zhu Shihui , Jin Jian
Published: January 2025

Wound assessment plays a crucial role in the healing process. Traditional methods for wound assessment, relying on manual judgment and recording, often yield inaccurate outcomes and require specialized medical equipment. This will result in increasing regular hospital visits and pose a series of challenges, such as delayed examinations, heightened infection risks, and increased costs. Thus, a real‐time, portable, and convenient wound assessment system is essential for healing chronic wounds and reducing complications. This paper proposes an improved UPerNet network for wound tissue segmentation, which consists of three modules: Feature‐aligned Pyramid Network (FaPN), Kernel update head, and Convolutional Block Attention Module (CBAM). The FaPN is employed to address feature misalignment. The Kernel update head is based on K‐Net and dynamically updates convolutional kernel weights. The CBAM module is adopted to attend to crucial features. Ablation studies and comparative studies show that this method can achieve superior performance in wound tissue segmentation compared to other common segmentation models. Meanwhile, based on this method, we develop a mobile application. By using this system, patients can easily upload wound images for assessment, facilitating the convenient tracking of wound healing progress at home, thereby reducing medical expenses and hospital visitation times.
Transaction of parental cognition, stress and depressive symptoms, and infant regulatory challenges
Authors: Bohne Agnes , Høifødt Ragnhild Sørensen , Nordahl Dag , Moe Vibeke , Landsem Inger Pauline , Vannebo Unni Tranaas , Holstad Siri Langmoen , Wang Catharina E. Arfwedson , Pfuhl Gerit
Published: January 2025

Parental cognitions, stress, depression, and infant regulatory challenges might reinforce each other in the early parent–infant relationship. A transactional model was used as a framework to investigate these relationships. Two hundred and twenty pregnant women and their partners were recruited during pregnancy and followed 7 months postnatally in the NorBaby study in Norway. To investigate risk and protective factors for parental stress and depressive symptoms at 2, 5, and 7 months postnatally, the following variables were entered antenatally: repetitive negative thinking, implicit associations to infants, parity, and social support. Postnatally, observed infant regulatory challenges at 2 months, parent's perception of infant temperament at 5 months, and signs of infant social withdrawal at 7 months. The model yielded that repetitive negative thinking predicted parenting stress and depressive symptoms, while infant regulatory challenges did not. Repetitive negative thinking is also related to infant temperament. For mothers, parity was beneficial against stress, depressive symptoms, and infant regulatory challenges. Implicit associations to infants were not related to parenting stress or depressive symptoms postnatally. Parenting stress and depressive symptoms were not related to infant social withdrawal at 7 months. In sum, how parents perceive their infant's temperament is associated with their own tendency to engage in repetitive negative thinking, and not by their infant's observed regulatory behavior. Accordingly, parental cognition and well‐being should be considered when families struggle to adapt in the perinatal period.
Young mothers’ prenatal attachment and later attachment‐related representations of their young children
Authors: Medina Nora Y. , Edwards Renee C. , Hans Sydney L.
Published: January 2025

Although mother‐to‐infant attachment begins during pregnancy, few studies have explored correlates of prenatal attachment and associations with later measures of attachment representations. This study explored whether prenatal attachment is related to attachment representations during toddlerhood and whether associations between them reflect the broader quality of mothers’ relationships. Young, ethnically/racially diverse, low‐income American women (n = 160) were followed from pregnancy through 30 months postpartum. Questionnaires assessed prenatal attachment (Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale [MAAS]) and mothers’ relationships prenatally (Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment [IPPA]; Social Provisions Scale [SPS]). At 30 months, the Working Model of the Child Interview (WMCI) assessed attachment representation classifications (balanced, disengaged, distorted) and affective themes. Stronger prenatal attachment was associated with balanced representations of the child, greater positive affect, and less negative affect at 30 months, even when accounting for quality of mothers’ other relationships. Relationship quality generally and with the parent figure and infant's father specifically, was associated with prenatal attachment, and relationship quality with the parent figure was related to 30‐month attachment representations. Findings support theory that mother‐to‐child attachment formed during pregnancy contributes to attachment representations and affective qualities of the relationship years later. Data highlight the role young mothers’ parent figures play during the transition to parenthood.
Elderly Onset Primary Intestinal Lymphangiectasia—A Rare Case
Authors: Goh Li‐Han , Manoharan Madhavan , Goh Khean‐Lee
Published: January 2025

Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia (PIL) is a rare protein‐losing gastroenteropathy characterized by diffuse or localized ectasia of the enteric lymphatics, which can be accompanied by lymphatic abnormalities in other parts of the body. This condition results in hypoalbuminemia, hypogammaglobulinemia, and lymphopenia due to the abnormal leakage of lymphatic fluid into the gastrointestinal tract. As there are no specific serological or radiological tests available, the gold standard for diagnosing intestinal lymphangiectasia is endoscopic examination with histopathological examination of intestinal biopsy specimens. We present a rare case of primary intestinal lymphangiectasia in a 62‐year‐old Chinese woman who presented with a six‐month history of lethargy, persistent diarrhea, and progressive weight loss. Gastroscopy and colonoscopy were performed, and biopsies revealed dilated intestinal lymphatics with broadened villi in the small intestine. Secondary causes of intestinal lymphangiectasia were ruled out, confirming the diagnosis of PIL. The patient was treated with a high‐protein, low‐fat diet supplemented with medium‐chain triglycerides, resulting in significant clinical improvement.
A global review of national guidelines of post‐exposure prophylaxis for the prevention of HIV
Authors: Maisano Marcus , Tran Daniel , Macdonald Virginia , Baggaley Rachel C. , Ford Nathan , Johnson Cheryl C. , Zhang Ying , Ong Jason J.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the use of antiretroviral drugs as post‐exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for preventing HIV acquisition for occupational and non‐occupational exposures. To inform the development of global WHO recommendations on PEP, we reviewed national guidelines of PEP for their recommendations.

Methods

Policies addressing PEP from 38 WHO HIV priority countries were obtained by searching governmental and non‐governmental websites and consulting country and regional experts; these countries were selected based on HIV burden, new HIV acquisitions and the number of HIV‐associated deaths. We reviewed national guidelines to collate data on where PEP can be offered, who can prescribe PEP, PEP eligibility, recommended drug regime, linkage to other interventions, recommended investigations prescribed with PEP, HIV self‐test recommendation related to PEP and stopping rules for PEP.

Results

In total, 46 guidelines from January 2010 to May 2023 across 36 countries were included, with 70% of documents published during or after 2020. There was significant variation across national guidelines regarding where PEP can be accessed and who can provide or prescribe PEP. Six countries (17%) described being able to access PEP from a primary care facility, four countries (11%) from hospitals and two (6%) from community‐based services. Only three countries (8%) specifically considered dispensing PEP by professionals other than doctors (e.g. nurses). None mentioned pharmacists as prescribers. We found a lack of consistency across countries regarding who is eligible for PEP, regimens used, interventions integrated into PEP provision and recommended investigations for PEP users. No country guidance provided considerations on using HIV self‐tests for starting or stopping PEP.

Discussion

Despite PEP being recommended for more than three decades, many national policies were lacking in terms of PEP guidance. There are opportunities for countries to update and optimize guidance to consider ways to improve the accessibility of PEP. Greater efforts are needed to support the development of global consensus on how best to implement and integrate PEP, as well as how to include decentralization and task‐sharing to achieve sufficient scale for impact.

Conclusions

Improving timely access to PEP and promoting PEP adherence could help contribute to reducing the incidence of HIV globally.
Disparities in Access to Care in the Multimodal Treatment of Primary Nonmetastatic Liver Cancers and Their Impact on Patient Outcomes
Authors: Hargis McKenzie , Danos Denise , Malinosky Hannah R. , Galatas Aimée , McManus Syndey , Byerley Ann , Efishat Mohammad Al , Lyons John M. , Sullivan Kevin , Moaven Omeed
Published: January 2025

Background

Liver cancer incidence and mortality have been shown to differ by race, ethnicity, and geography. This study aims to analyze disparities in the multimodal treatment of liver cancers in Louisiana.

Methods

Cases of nonmetastatic liver cancer in Louisiana from 2010 to 2020 were obtained from the Louisiana Tumor Registry. Generalized linear mixed models were used to model the receipt of therapy.

Results

A total of 2948 patients met inclusion criteria where 30.5% received no therapy. Multivariable models identified patients with increased odds of pursuing no treatment which include those 70 and older, no domestic partner, uninsured, high poverty, and rural residence (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Available therapeutic modalities are underutilized in Louisiana with a considerable number of patients receiving no treatment for liver cancer. Older age, no domestic partner, uninsured, rural residence, and high poverty are risk factors for not receiving treatment. Allocating resources to these patients is an important step in reversing inequities.
Is There a Positive or Negative Correlation Between Cervical Vertebral Bone Quality and Intervertebral Disc Degeneration by Pfirrmann Grading
Authors: Qiu Ziye , Chen Sixue , Feng Ningning , Li Wenhao , Ma Yukun , Zhou Shibo , Jiang Guozheng , Zhou Yishu , Yu Xing , Xiong Yang
Published: January 2025

Objective

Cervical degeneration involves many pathophysiological changes. Vertebral bone loss, sclerotic hyperplasia of the vertebral body and intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) are most common degenerative factors. However, whether there is a correlation between changes in vertebral bone mass and IDD remains unclear. In this study, based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Pfirrmann method was used to grade cervical disc degeneration, and vertebral bone quality (VBQ) was measured. The correlation between VBQ and IDD was analyzed, and its potential mechanism was discussed as well.

Methods

From June 2019 to June 2023, clinical data of patients undergoing surgical treatment for cervical degenerative disc diseases (CDDD) in our department were retrospectively analyzed. Preoperative MRI was collected, the degree of IDD was assessed by Pfirrmann grading, and VBQ was measured by T1‐weighted image of MRI. With VBQ score = 3.08 as the threshold, Spearman correlation analysis was used to quantified the correlation between IDD grade and VBQ, and multiple ordered Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the effect of VBQ on IDD grade.

Results

The preoperative MRI data of 94 patients (male, 42; female, 52) with CDDD were collected. Spearman correlation analysis: When VBQ score ≤ 3.08, the IDD grade was negatively correlated with VBQ (p < 0.05, r = −0.153). When VBQ score > 3.08, the IDD grade was positively correlated with VBQ (p < 0.05, r = 0.306). Multiple ordered Logistic regression analysis: When VBQ score ≤ 3.08, the effect of VBQ on IDD was negatively correlated (p < 0.05, β = −0.597). When VBQ score > 3.08, the effect of VBQ on IDD was positively correlated (p < 0.05, β = 0.986).

Conclusions

Either excessive increased or decreased VBQ in the cervical spine may accelerate the progression of IDD. The reason may be that both abnormal interference from the VBQ may imbalance the cervical spinal biomechanics and compromise the absorption of nutrients in the disc, thus accelerating the IDD. Therefore, cervical VBQ may have a bidirectional effect on IDD.
A Cost‐Effective Nonaqueous Reversed‐Phase High‐Performance Liquid Chromatography Method to Measure Vitamin D3 in Hen's Egg Yolk
Authors: Varfaj Ina , Mancinelli Alice Cartoni , Migni Anna , Mercolini Laura , Castellini Cesare , Galli Francesco , Bartolini Desirée , Sardella Roccaldo
Published: January 2025

The objective of this study is to develop an HPLC‐UV method for the cost‐effective and quantitative determination of vitamin D3 in food, even in the presence of vitamin D2, with a specific focus on egg yolk. During method development, the performance of three stationary phases in resolving the peak of vitamin D2 from that of vitamin D3 was investigated. The physicochemical properties of these phases differed particularly in the extent of hydrophobicity and silanophilic activity, including a GraceSmart RP C18 column without silanol endcapping, a Robusta RP C18 column with silanol endcapping, and a Waters Xbridge RP C18 column with ethylene‐bridged hybrid (BEH) particle technology. The Xbridge C18 stationary phase exhibited the most favorable performance, leading to an RS of 1.6 under the following nonaqueous reversed‐phase (NARP) experimental conditions: mobile phase, acetonitrile, methanol, and trifluoroacetic acid in a (99/1/0.1, v/v/v) ratio; column temperature, 15°C. The developed chromatographic method does not require preanalytical purification steps and is also compatible with mass spectrometry. The identity of the vitamin D3 peak observed in the HPLC analysis was verified via GC–MS. The NARP‐HPLC‐UV method was partially validated, demonstrating satisfactory linearity, precision, accuracy, limit of quantification, and robustness. The HPLC method was then successfully applied to the analysis of real egg yolk samples, revealing average concentrations of vitamin D3 of 4–5 µg/g of wet weight sample.
Soil Health Under Global Change and Human Impact
Authors: Bilyera Nataliya , Turner Benjamin L. , Zhang Xuechen , Zang Huadong , Dorodnikov Maxim , Kuzyakov Yakov
Published: January 2025

Soil health is pivotal to sustain biological productivity, maintain environmental quality, and ensure the health of plants, animals, and ultimately humans. Global changes—such as climate warming, elevated CO₂ atmospheric concentration, droughts, and floods—as well as human impacts like land‐use change, chemical contamination, and application of fertilizer and pesticides, threaten soil health. Protecting soil health and raising global awareness on this topic are now critical to ensure sustainable management of natural and agricultural ecosystems under global change. This Special Issue includes 19 studies in three thematic groups. The first group includes methodological advances in the assessment of soil health, exploring new tools, techniques, and approaches for accurate evaluation. The second group encompasses studies examining how soil health responds to land‐use change, agricultural and forestry practices. The third group addresses human‐induced pollution and its effects on soil health. Overall, these studies provide contemporary insight into soil health in managed and natural ecosystems and methods for soil health evaluation. These contributions will shape strategies to sustain soil functions and preserve healthy soils for future generations, including efforts to meet Sustainable Development Goals for the 21st century.
Unlocking Probiotic Potential: Physicochemical Approaches to Evaluate Probiotic Bacterial Adhesion Potential to the Intestinal Tract
Authors: Phùng Thị‐Thanh‐Trúc , Dupont Sébastien , Beney Laurent , Chanut Julie , Karbowiak Thomas
Published: January 2025

Bacterial adhesion in the gut is critical to evaluate their effectiveness as probiotics. Understanding the bacterial adhesion within the complex gut environment is challenging. This study explores the adhesion mechanisms and the adhesion potential of five selected bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Faecalibacterium duncaniae, Bifidobacterium longum, and Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis) at the initial stages when bacterial cells arriving in the gut, using different physicochemical approaches. Bacterial morphology, rheology, and surface properties were evaluated. Surprisingly, previous methods such as bacterial adhesion to hydrocarbon and the interfacial tension between bacterial suspensions and mineral oil did not fully capture the bacterial adhesion to intestinal mucus. Consequently, this study introduced a novel approach to assess bacterial adhesion to mucus, based on contact angle measurements, calculation of surface tension, and work of adhesion. Interestingly, both small and large intestinal mucus are rather hydrophilic, and thus highly hydrophilic bacteria such as E. coli and B. infantis tend to adhere better. Additionally, a multicriteria evaluation of bacterial adhesion to the gut, from the bulk liquid transport stage until the irreversible adhesion, was proposed. E. coli and B. infantis demonstrated the highest overall adhesion potential in the intestinal tract, followed by Lpb. plantarum, B. longum, and F. duncaniae, respectively. This work contributed original physicochemical approaches to comprehensively examine bacterial adhesion in the gut.
Rapid prospective motion correction using free induction decay and stationary field probe navigators at 7T
Authors: Serger Matthias , Stirnberg Rüdiger , Ehses Philipp , Stöcker Tony
Published: January 2025

Purpose

MR‐based FID navigators (FIDnavs) do not require gradient pulses and are attractive for prospective motion correction (PMC) due to short acquisition times and high sampling rates. However, accuracy and precision are limited and depend on a separate calibration measurement. Besides FIDnavs, stationary NMR field probes are also capable of measuring local, motion‐induced field changes. In this work, a linear model is calibrated between field probe data and motion parameters analog to FIDnav calibration and both tracking methods are compared and combined for PMC.

Methods

FIDnavs and field probe navigators were implemented in a fast 3D‐EPI sequence and calibrated by a linear model to realignment motion parameters of the 3D‐EPI time series. A workflow was established to correct head motion prospectively by FIDnavs, field probe navigators or a combination of both. Large motions were instructed to test the accuracy and the impact on image quality in EPI data.

Results

In a group of five subjects, FIDnavs demonstrated approximately doubled accuracy and precision in comparison with field probe navigators for large motions, especially nodding motions were tracked less accurately by field probes. A combination of both methods could not improve the accuracy consistently. Motion artifacts in high‐resolution data were reduced similarly by both PMC methods, although artifacts remained due to susceptibility‐induced B0 changes.

Conclusion

Stationary field probe navigators can be calibrated equivalently as FIDnavs and enable rapid PMC of large and fast motions. Although they reveal decreased accuracy, their contrast‐independence facilitates the potential insertion into many sequences.
MRI detects tubulointerstitial changes in mouse models of radiation‐induced nephropathy
Authors: Stabinska Julia , Piccolo Joe , Chhabra Anupriya , Liatsou Ioanna , Gabrielson Kathy , Li Zhi , Mohanta Zinia , Sedaghat Farzad , Hobbs Robert F. , Sgouros George , McMahon Michael T.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

We hypothesized that radiation‐induced tubulointerstitial changes in the kidney can be assessed using MRI‐based T2 relaxation time measurements.

Methods

We performed MRI, histology, and serum biochemistry in two mouse models of radiation nephropathy: one involving external beam radiotherapy and the other using internal irradiation with an α‐particle‐emitting actinium‐225 radiolabeled antibody. We compared the mean T2 values of different renal compartments between control and external beam radiotherapy or α‐particle‐emitting actinium‐225 radiolabeled antibody–treated groups and between the two radiation‐treated groups using a Wilcoxon rank‐sum test.

Results

Significantly higher T2 values were found in the cortex and outer stripe of the outer medulla in all treated animals compared with the control group (p < 0.05). In addition, these changes in T2 were observed before any changes in serum parameters, animal body weight, and kidney volume occurred.

Conclusion

T2 mapping is sensitive to radiation‐induced tubulointerstitial changes in the kidney.
Interface‐Filtering Structural Optimization
Authors: Wang Tianye , Qian Xiaoping
Published: January 2025

In this paper, we present an interface‐filtering structural optimization method that optimizes structural shape and topology through successive interface movements. This interface filtering is achieved via the combination of the variable‐radius‐based partial‐differential‐equation (PDE) filtering and the Heaviside projection on a density representation. In the proposed method, designs are represented by a density field with sharp interface and no internal grey features, and a filter radius field is used as the design variable in the optimization process. With this method, any density distribution with sharp interfaces can be used as initial designs, and sharp density contrast in density distribution is preserved throughout the optimization process. An analytical relation between the maximum movements of interfaces and the maximum filter radius is given, so that the interface movement can be controlled during the optimization process. Sensitivities with respect to filter radius variables are derived. Two numerical treatments, involving the density update scheme and the radius re‐initialization scheme, are developed to achieve smooth successive shape updates and avoid artificial local minima. Numerical examples, including geometric deformation problem, structural compliance minimization, thermal compliance minimization, and negative Poisson ratio problem, are presented to demonstrate the capabilities of the proposed method.
Non‐Pharmacological Interventions Before Cataract Surgery for Preoperative Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Nabighadim Mahsan , Mirghafourvand Mojgan , Maghalian Mahsa
Published: January 2025

Aim

The present study was conducted to determine the effect of non‐pharmacological interventions before cataract surgery on preoperative anxiety.

Design

Systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Methods

Five databases were systematically searched until 9 June, 2024. The risk of bias was evaluated using the ROBIN‐I instrument for non‐randomised studies and risk of bias 1 (ROB1) for RCTs. For cases with heterogeneity, random effects, rather than fixed effects, were reported, and subgroup analysis was performed based on the type of intervention. The investigation of publication bias was done in the form of a funnel plot, the Egger regression test and the Trim‐and‐Fill test. Meta‐regression analysis was performed to examine the impact of possible confounding factors on the effect size. Sensitivity analysis evaluated the robustness of our findings by excluding quasi‐experimental studies and applying the Knapp–Hartung method to assess their influence on the overall results.

Results

A random‐effects meta‐analysis of 22 studies and 1998 participants revealed that non‐pharmacological interventions (back massage, hand massage, foot massage, music, educational video, patient education, aromatherapy and relaxation techniques) significantly reduced mean preoperative anxiety compared to the control group. The subgroup analysis indicated that all interventions were effective in reducing preoperative anxiety; however, hand and foot massage did not yield significant effects. Meta‐regression analysis showed a significant correlation between the percentages of women with effect size. The sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of non‐pharmacological interventions, while the Knapp–Hartung method maintained the overall effect size but indicated wider confidence intervals. More high‐quality research is needed to validate these interventions and establish clearer guidelines.

Patient or Public Contribution

No Patient or Public Contribution.
Compassion and the perceived rarity of plants can increase plant appreciation
Authors: Prokop Pavol , Belzárová Kristína , Tomanová Čergeťová Ivana
Published: January 2025

Plants have traditionally been perceived as “less alive” and less attractive than animals, posing challenges for conservation initiatives. Previous efforts to address Plant Awareness Disparity (PAD) mainly focused on cognitive aspects, neglecting the role of the affective domain.

In our study involving a sample of Slovak individuals, we explored whether plants evoke compassion similar to that for animals and non‐living objects, and whether the perceived rarity of plants influences participants' willingness to pay (WTP).

Results showed that withered and water‐stressed plants elicited compassion responses comparable to those for abused animals, whereas non‐living objects (dilapidated buildings before reconstruction) received significantly lower compassion scores. Participants expressed a lower WTP for plants compared to animals or minerals. The perceived rarity of plants, animals and minerals was positively correlated with the increase in WTP. As predicted, WTP positively correlated with conservation attitudes.

Our findings highlight the potential to emphasize the affective domain and rarity in addressing PAD, both in science education lessons and conservation campaigns. This underscores the importance of recognizing and cultivating emotional connections with plants to enhance conservation efforts.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Alternative driver pathways in peripheral nerve sheath tumors – including DICER1 and/or KRAS alterations
Authors: Chang Hsin‐Yi , Saoud Carla , Torrence Dianne , Tap William , Chi Ping , Antonescu Cristina R
Published: January 2025

DICER1‐associated sarcoma is an emerging entity, defined by either somatic or germline dicer 1, ribonuclease III (DICER1) mutations and sharing characteristic morphologic features irrespective of the site of origin. In addition to the DICER1 driver mutation, concurrent genomic alterations, including tumor protein 53 (TP53) inactivation and RAS pathway activation, are frequently detected. Tumors that morphologically resemble malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) have rarely been reported among DICER1 sarcomas and often pose diagnostic challenges. This study was prompted by a case involving morphologic features of MPNST, which harbored co‐existing DICER1 and hotspot KRAS mutations. Hence, we investigated the incidence of these alterations in PNST from our molecular database compared to the genomic and morphologic spectrum of DICER1‐mutant sarcomas. In total, we identified three cases diagnosed as MPNST with co‐existing DICER1, ATRX chromatin remodeler (ATRX), and KRAS G12V/A alterations occurring in brain, cerebellopontine angle, and intra‐abdominal sites. Two additional cases each of MPNSTs and neurofibromas were identified with hotspot KRAS mutations. All five MPNSTs lacked canonical neurofibromin 1 (NF1)/neurofibromin 2 (NF2) alterations, displaying a classic morphologic appearance with fascicular monomorphic spindle cells and followed a diverse clinical behavior. Among the 38 DICER1‐associated sarcomas in our database, eight (21%) had secondary KRAS hotspot mutations, all composed of monomorphic spindle and/or round cells, including three with an MPNST‐like histology. In contrast, all 10 (26%) DICER1‐mutant sarcomas with TP53 mutations showed a pleomorphic phenotype. The DNA‐based methylation profile of our index case clustered within the group of sarcomas with DICER1 alterations. Our results highlight a small subset of MPNST associated with DICER1 and/or KRAS mutations. However, their relationship with conventional MPNST remains to be determined in larger studies. © 2025 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Access to CARe: A Narrative of Real‐World Medical Decision‐Making to Access Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T‐Cell Therapy in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults
Authors: Steineck Angela , Chao Karen , Hall Anurekha G. , Jacoby Elad , Leahy Allison Barz , Ligon John A. , Luciani Katia , Schultz Liora M. , Summers Corinne N. , Ward Lisa , Winestone Lena E. , Shah Nirali N.
Published: January 2025

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T‐cell therapy is a potentially life‐saving treatment for children with relapsed/refractory B‐cell hematologic malignancies, and remains an important investigational therapy for other childhood cancers. Yet, access to this class of therapies remains suboptimal through both commercial use and clinical trials, especially in children, adolescents, and young adults. Using a series of case‐based discussions, we outline guidance on real‐world medical decision‐making, and offer potential solutions to enhancing access to CAR T‐cell therapy as a treatment modality.
Bronchoscopic‐Guided Selective Endobronchial Injection of Methylene Blue Solution for Localising Peripheral Bronchopleural Fistulas During Pleural Debridement in a Post‐Lobectomy Patient With Bronchopleural Fistula and Empyema
Authors: Wei Yi , Wang Ke , Tao Honglei , He Zhongliang , Xu Weihua
Published: January 2025

The bronchopleural fistula (BPF) is a pathological passageway between the bronchus and the pleural cavity. Diagnosing and localising BPF can be challenging, and the traditional retrograde methylene blue (MB) perfusion method may fail to identify multifocal BPFs. This article reports a novel method for locating multifocal BPFs in patients undergoing concurrent empyema debridement. Initially, selective endobronchial injection of MB solution is performed under bronchoscopic guidance. Subsequently, the thoracic surgeon determines the location of BPFs as the MB solution flows into the pleural cavity. This process of injecting MB within the bronchus is repeated to locate any additional BPFs until no new ones are found. We report a case where this new method was used to identify multifocal BPFs, ultimately diagnosing three BPFs' presence. Following treatment with bronchopleural fistula occlusion, no recurrence of BPFs was observed during the follow‐up period.
Hospitalised Dengue Patients and Risk of Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Zhu Tonggang , Xiao Xue , Zhu Xiaoming , Wang Xiujiang
Published: January 2025

Identification and management of hypertension is a crucial part in hospitalised patients suffering from dengue infection (DV). Several studies with data conflicting have shown that DI may be linked to an elevated risk of hypertension in hospitalised patients. To gain a comprehensive understanding of this association, a systematic review and meta‐analysis was performed. A systematic search was conducted across electronic databases including PubMed, SCOPUS, Embase and Web of Science to gather pertinent published data up to 10 November 2024. A total of five articles were incorporated into the systematic review and meta‐analysis. DerSimonian and Liard random‐effects model was applied to determine the pooled odds ratio (OR). Sensitivity analysis was performed to evaluate the strength of the pooled findings by excluding every individual study from the overall effect size. Subgroup analyses were performed based on age, duration of dengue infection, study design, and geographical area to identify the source of considerable heterogeneity. We included five articles retrieved from the literature search in the meta‐analysis. The findings indicate a statistically significant correlation between dengue infection and elevated risk of hypertension (OR: 4.2; 95% CI 1.05–16.9; p = 0.04). A notable degree of heterogeneity was observed among the included studies. The Begg's correlation (p = 0.80) and Egger's linear regression (p = 0.45) tests revealed no evidence of publication bias. Furthermore, meta‐regression analysis demonstrated a significant relationship between high blood pressure and age, duration of dengue infection, study design and geographical area. Our finding supports risk of hypertension in patients with dengue infection. This result can help clinicians recognise risk of hypertension in the dengue infection in order to manage and treat it promptly.
Directional Anchoring of Dual Active Sites for Boosting Electrochemical Nonenzymatic H2O2 Sensing
Authors: Kong Yaqi , Zhang Xinjin , Zhang Chongchao , Yang Ziyin
Published: January 2025

The efficient construction of active sites is crucial for regulating the electrocatalytic activity of nanomaterials. In this work, nitrogen and ruthenium nanoparticles were anchored onto the inner and outer surfaces of graphene hollow nanospheres (N/GHSs/Ru) via the template method. Notably, the synergistic effect of the superfine Ru nanoparticles and N enhances the electrocatalytic activity of the N/GHSs/Ru nanomaterials, exhibiting excellent electrochemical performance for H2O2 detection. N/GHSs/Ru nanomaterials were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersion spectroscopy (EDS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and X‐ray photoelectron spectrometry (XPS). The electrocatalytic reduction of H2O2 showed a wide linear range from 0.02 to 5.6 mM, with a high sensitivity of 668.86 µA·mM−1·cm−2 and a limit of detection as low as 6.41 µM. This work offers a way to construct dual active sites, making N/GHSs/Ru as a promising material for nonenzymatic electrochemical H2O2 sensors.