bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Injecting structure-aware insights for the learning of RNA sequence representations to identify m6A modification sites
Authors: Yu Yue , Xiang Shuang , Wu Minghao
Published: February 2025

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) represents one of the most prevalent methylation modifications in eukaryotes and it is crucial to accurately identify its modification sites on RNA sequences. Traditional machine learning based approaches to m6A modification site identification primarily focus on RNA sequence data but often incorporate additional biological domain knowledge and rely on manually crafted features. These methods typically overlook the structural insights inherent in RNA sequences. To address this limitation, we propose M6A-SAI, an advanced predictor for RNA m6A modifications. M6A-SAI leverages a transformer-based deep learning framework to integrate structure-aware insights into sequence representation learning, thereby enhancing the precision of m6A modification site identification. The core innovation of M6A-SAI lies in its ability to incorporate structural information through a multi-step process: initially, the model utilizes a Transformer encoder to learn RNA sequence representations. It then constructs a similarity graph based on Manhattan distance to capture sequence correlations. To address the limitations of the smooth similarity graph, M6A-SAI integrates a structure-aware optimization block, which refines the graph by defining anchor sets and generating an awareness graph through PageRank. Following this, M6A-SAI employs a self-correlation fusion graph convolution framework to merge information from both the similarity and awareness graphs, thus producing enriched sequence representations. Finally, a support vector machine is utilized for classifying these representations. Experimental results validate that M6A-SAI substantially improves the recognition of m6A modification sites by incorporating structure-aware insights, demonstrating its efficacy as a robust method for identifying RNA m6A modification sites.
Market Access through Cooperative Action: Insights from Shea Cooperatives in the Tamale Metropolis, Ghana
Authors: Mahama Smith Wayo , Yussif Adam Bawa , Abudu Jacob Ibrahim
Published: February 2025

Aims: The aim of this study is to investigate how cooperative activity in the shea business affects market access. Access to shea business market is fundamental for the success of shea production. Yet shea nuts pickers are not always able to provide the shea nuts because of the seasonal nature making ready market a challenge.
Place of Study: This study was conducted to assess market access through cooperative action: Insights from shea cooperatives in the Tamale metropolis.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study design was used in this study among study participants in the Tamale metropolis. Simple random sampling technique was applied to obtain a sample size of 384. The collected data was filled on cleared for completeness and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science version (SPSS) 21.0 and Microsoft word excels 2013.
Results: From the results, 384 (100%) study participants indicated that cooperative assisted them to get access to market information about shea production. The results showed that, 84% study participants cited that being a member of the cooperative helped them to get ready market for shea nut/butter products. The results also showed that, the category of study participants and age were significantly associated with knowledge of factors that undermine the shea cooperatives from accessing markets (χ2=45.7, p=0.001; χ2=49.7, p=0.002) respectively. However, variables such as education and marital status respectively (χ2=10.3, p=0.10; χ2=10.5, p=0.14) were not statistically significant and had no association
Conclusion: The study concluded that, cooperatives had a positive effect on women access to shea market at the study setting. Among other things, the study recommends that, cooperative governance structures should be strengthened to enhance coordination, bulk marketing, and collective bargaining power for better market access.
Validation of the SAIS and AFQoL Scoring Systems for Predicting Fecal Continence and Quality of Life in Patients with Anorectal Malformations: A Cohort Study
Authors: Aboud Mohammed J
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Current ARM classification systems focus primarily on anatomical variations and surgical techniques but do not comprehensively address long-term functional outcomes and QoL impact.  To address these limitations, we introduce two novel scoring systems in this study: 1- Sacral Anomaly and Incontinence Severity (SAIS) Score, a novel metric integrating sacral morphology (hypoplasia or agenesis) with incontinence severity to enhance the predictive accuracy of continence outcomes. 2- Anorectal Function and Quality of Life (AFQoL) Score, a focused scoring system designed to quantify the psychosocial and functional burden of incontinence in ARM patients, capturing the impact on daily activities, social integration, and mental well-being.
Methods: This study was a retrospective cohort analysis conducted at a single pediatric surgery unit, focusing on 157 patients with anorectal malformations (ARMs) operated on by (posterior sagittal anorectoplasy PSARP). Sacral Development Assessment (SAIS Score), sacral function was quantified using the Sacral Anomaly Index Score (SAIS): Hypoplasia (≤4 sacral vertebrae) and agenesis (≤2 sacral vertebrae) were determined via pelvic X-ray and MRI. Psychosocial impact and health-related QoL were evaluated using the Anorectal Malformation Quality of Life (AFQoL) score, assessing: Social limitations due to fecal incontinence, impact on daily activities, psychological distress, and self-perceived severity of symptoms.  Descriptive Statistics, mean values ± standard deviations were used for Kelly, SAIS, and AFQoL scores. All analyses were performed using SPSS (v26.0) with statistical significance set at P = 0.05.
Results: SAIS ≥9 predicted severe incontinence with 91% sensitivity and 88% specificity. Optimal SAIS cutoff for predicting severe incontinence: ≥9 (92% positive predictive value). Optimal SAIS cutoff for predicting favorable continence: ≤3 (96% negative predictive value). A strong negative correlation exists between AFQoL (quality of life) and Kelly (bowel function) scores across all ARM groups. A significant correlation (r = 0.84, P < 0.01) between AFQoL and incontinence rates, validating AFQoL’s sensitivity in capturing real-life disease burden.
Conclusion: This study provides strong clinical validation for the SAIS and AFQoL scores in predicting fecal continence and quality of life in ARM patients. SAIS is a reliable predictor of incontinence severity, with higher scores (≥8) strongly correlating with poor bowel function. AFQoL effectively quantifies QoL impairment, demonstrating excellent predictive accuracy for severe psychosocial distress. These novel scores provide clinicians with objective, standardized, and actionable tools for risk stratification, patient counseling, and personalized treatment planning.
Gaps Between Integers Having a Common Divisor with an Odd Semiprime
Authors: Wang Xingbo
Published: February 2025

This paper elucidates the distribution law of integers that share a common divisor with an odd semiprime N = pq, where p and q are odd primes satisfying λp < q < (λ+1)p, and λ is a positive integer. It demonstrates that within the interval [1,N −1], the gaps between integers having p or q as a divisor exhibit symmetric behavior ranging from 0 to p −1. Specifically, each gap value from 0 to p −2 appears symmetrically and exactly twice, while the gap value p−1 occurs symmetrically and precisely q− p−1 times across p distinct subintervals. Among these p subintervals, q −λp −1 subintervals each contain λ gaps of value p −1, while the remaining subintervals each contain λ−1 gaps of value p−1.
A Phenological Study of Butea pellita Hook.f. Ex Prain, an Endemic and Critically Endangered Shrub of the Kumaun Himalayas
Authors: Koranga Sheetal , Tewari Lalit M. , Chaturvedi Preeti
Published: February 2025

Background: Butea pellita Hook.f. ex Prain, a critically endangered and endemic shrub of Uttarakhand, India, lacks documented phenological records crucial for its conservation.
Aim: This study investigates the phenological patterns of B. pellita to provide insights into its seasonal life cycle and regeneration strategies.
Methodology: Field observations over two years (2022 & 2023) in Patwadangar village (29.33°N, 79.43°E) recorded key life cycle events, including vegetative growth, flowering, fruiting, and dormancy.
Results: B. pellita exhibited a nine-month growth cycle, with shoot emergence in April, peak flowering in June-July, and seed maturation by November. Pollination was primarily facilitated by bees and butterflies, while natural regeneration relied on rootstock proliferation.
Conclusion: The study highlights significant challenges for conservation, including low seed viability and poor germination rates. These findings provide crucial insights for undertaking conservation strategies, and emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to ensure the long-term survival of this species in its natural habitat.
Quality Assessment and Evaluation in Traditional Landraces of Rice (Oryza sativa)
Authors: Sala M. , Gokulakannan K. , Usharani K.S. , Sasikumar K. , Chandrika R. , S.Rajkumar  , Marappan Kumaresan
Published: February 2025

After the Green Revolution, the increase in the choice of modern varieties at the expense of landraces has become a major cause of varietal loss. The preference, choice, and the economy of rice (Oryza sativa L.) largely depend on its physicochemical and cooking properties, which are found to be superior for landraces than modern varieties. This study aimed to evaluate 13 traditional rice landraces viz., Anaikomban, Bhavani, Karuthakkar, Bommi, Kaivara samba, Vadan samba, Kudavazhai samba, Sembalai, Valaguru, Kuzhiadichan, Kallundai, Sigappu Anai komban and Vaalan, assessing the variability for grain physiological and cooking quality characters which aim to promote the revival of old landraces. Variability studies were carried out to study the extent of variability for different physiological and cooking quality characters viz., grain length, grain breadth, grain L/B ratio, grain length before cooking, grain length after cooking, grain breadth before cooking, grain breadth after cooking, grain L/B ratio before and after cooking, linear elongation ratio, cooking time, alkali spreading value, water uptake and water absorption by weight. The analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the landraces for all the characters studied except alkali spreading value, water absorption by weight and water uptake. High GCV and PCV were recorded for traits like 100 grain weight, L/B ratio before cooking, L/B ratio after cooking and alkali spreading value. Moderate GCV and PCV recorded for traits viz., cooking time, grain elongation ratio, length before cooking, length after cooking, grain breadth before cooking and grain breadth after cooking. It indicates the availability of abundant variability present in rice landraces. Low GCV and PCV were recorded for traits like hulling percentage, water uptake. High heritability and high genetic advance as percent of mean were observed for the characters viz., Alkali spreading value, water absorption by weight, L/B ratio before cooking, L/B ratio after cooking, breadth after cooking and length after cooking, length before cooking, breadth before cooking, water uptake. Moderate heritability and moderate genetic advance as per cent of mean were observed for the characters viz., hulling percentage and 100 grain weight. Hence selection of these characters useful for quality improvement.
The Role of Participatory Approaches in Modern Agricultural Extension: Bridging Knowledge Gaps for Sustainable Farming Practices
Authors: Prajapati Chandra Shekhar , Priya N Krishna , Bishnoi Shobhana , Vishwakarma Santosh Kumar , Buvaneswari K. , Shastri Sakshi , Tripathi Somdutt , Jadhav Abhishek
Published: February 2025

Participatory approaches in agricultural extension have revolutionized knowledge dissemination by fostering collaborative learning, farmer empowerment, and the co-creation of context-specific innovations. Unlike traditional top-down extension models, participatory methodologies emphasize mutual learning, where farmers, researchers, and extension agents engage in dynamic exchanges to develop adaptive and sustainable agricultural practices. These approaches have proven effective in promoting climate-smart agriculture, integrated pest management, soil and water conservation, and agroecological transitions, ensuring resilience in the face of environmental and socio-economic challenges. The implementation of participatory extension faces significant barriers, including institutional rigidity, policy constraints, resource limitations, socio-cultural biases, and gaps in extension agent training. Addressing these challenges requires strategic interventions such as policy reforms to institutionalize participatory models, strengthening public-private partnerships to leverage financial and technical expertise, and investing in digital technologies to enhance accessibility and knowledge-sharing. The integration of artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and mobile-based advisory services has further expanded the potential of participatory extension, enabling real-time decision-making and personalized agricultural advisories. Future must prioritize farmer-led innovation networks, climate-resilient extension models, and participatory market linkages to ensure holistic agricultural development. Fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration among governments, research institutions, NGOs, and farmer organizations is critical to scaling up participatory extension services. Expanding the role of community-driven agroforestry, sustainable land management, and localized climate adaptation strategies will further enhance the impact of participatory agricultural extension. Ultimately, participatory approaches offer a sustainable and inclusive pathway for agricultural transformation, ensuring that extension services are responsive to farmer needs, environmentally sound, and economically viable. By integrating participatory methodologies with emerging agricultural technologies and policy support, the future of agricultural extension can effectively empower smallholder farmers, improve food security, and promote long-term sustainability in global agriculture systems.
A Review on Medicated Chewing Gum
Authors: SHAHIDULLA S M , HAJIRA SAYYADA , UNNISA ZEHRA
Published: February 2025

According to the European Pharmacopoeia, Medicated chewing gum (MCG) is a non-dissolving intraoral medicine dosage form that can be used locally to treat oral disorders or systemically after being absorbed through the buccal mucosa or from the gastrointestinal tract. It can be used locally or systemically to administer drugs orally. Significant advancements in technology and research pertaining to the oral medicine administration route have been made in recent years. Because of its capacity to increase patient compliance in both pediatric and elderly patients as well as the general public, medicated chewing gum has drawn attention from all around the world this year. The manufactured product is evaluated for a number of qualities, such as colour, stickiness, hardness, and In vitro drug release. Chewing gum can be used as a transportable method of oral medicine administration, both locally and systemically. International dentistry associations, authorities, and federations have validated the benefits of sugar-free chewing gum for the mouth and teeth. Caries and gingivitis can be prevented by combining sugar-free chewing gum with floss, fluoride toothpaste, and interdental cleaners.
Jogos Sérios para Ansiedade Social: Uma Revisão Sistemática
Authors: N. Santos Lucas , M. Lourenço Lelio
Published: February 2025

Social anxiety is characterized by the fear of negative evaluation in social contexts, leading to avoidance and psychological distress. Therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy are eff ective but face challenges related to adherence. E-Health, including serious games, emerges as a promising therapeutic alternative due to its potential for engagement. A systematic review conducted in April 2024 sought articles on the use of serious games as an intervention for social anxiety, covering both qualitative and quantitative studies, published from January 2014 to April 2024, using search terms in Portuguese, English, and Spanish: “Transtorno de Ansiedade Social”, “Fobia Social”, “Jogo Sério”, “Baseado em Jogo”, “Social Anxiety Disorder”, “Social Phobia“, ”Serious Game”, “Game-based”, “Trastorno de Ansiedad Social”, “Fobia Social”, “Juego Serio”, “Basado en Juego”.Using the databases Web of Science, PubMed, Redalyc, PsycINFO, BVS, SciELO, SciELO España, Dialnet, Scopus, and PePSic,studies that explored interventions with serious games for individuals with social anxiety were selected, with a thorough analysis of the methods, results, and limitations of the included articles. After a systematic review of various databases, seven studies were included, highlighting the use of serious games for Social Anxiety Disorder. Approaches with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy predominated, with Unity as a platform using 3D graphics and positive results in usability and participant engagement, despite limitations in sample sizes. The studies emphasize the need for further research to validate the results and expand the clinical application of these interventions.Keywords: Social anxiety, cognitive-behavioral therapy, e-Health, serious games, intervention
Multiscale Engineered Bionic Solid‐State Electrolytes Breaking the Stiffness‐Damping Trade‐Off
Authors: Hou Junyu , Sun Wu , Yuan Qunyao , Ding Longjiang , Wan Yanhua , Xiao Zuohui , Zhu Tianke , Lei Xingyu , Lin Jingsen , Cheacharoen Rongrong , Zhou Yunlei , Wang Shaolei , Manshaii Farid , Xie Jin , Li Wei , Zhao Jie
Published: January 2025

All‐solid‐state lithium metal batteries (LMBs) are regarded as next‐generation devices for energy storage due to their safety and high energy density. The issues of Li dendrites and poor mechanical compatibility with electrodes present the need for developing solid‐state electrolytes with high stiffness and damping, but it is a contradictory relationship. Here, inspired by the superstructure of tooth enamel, we develop a composite solid‐state electrolyte composed of amorphous ceramic nanotube arrays intertwined with solid polymer electrolytes. This bionic electrolyte exhibits both high stiffness (Young′s modulus=15 GPa, hardness=0.13 GPa) and damping (tanδ=0.08), breaking the trade‐off. Thus, this composite electrolyte can not only inhibit Li dendrites growth but also ensure intimate contact with electrodes. Meanwhile, it also exhibits considerable Li+ transference number (0.62) and room temperature ionic conductivity (1.34×10−4 S cm−1), which is attributed to oxygen vacancies of the amorphous ceramic effectively decoupling the Li‐TFSI ion pair. Consequently, the assembled Li symmetric battery shows an ultra‐stable cycling (>2000 hours at 0.1 mA cm−2 at 60 °C, >500 hours at 0.1 mA cm−2 at 30 °C). Moreover, the LiFePO4/Li and LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2/Li all‐solid‐state full cells both show excellent cycling performance. We demonstrate that this bionic strategy is a promising approach for the development of high‐performance solid‐state electrolytes.
Ligand Engineering Regulation toward Zn Ions and Zn Substrate for All‐Climate Zn Metal Batteries
Authors: Zhang Zhengchunyu , Xu Tianyang , Xu Kun , Jiang Zihan , Sun Di , Wang Cheng , Feng Jinkui , Xi Baojuan , Xiong Shenglin
Published: January 2025

The regulation of artificial interphase for advanced Zn anode is an effective solution to achieve superior electrochemical performance for aqueous batteries. However, the deployment of atomically precise architectures and ligand engineering to achieve functionalization‐oriented regulatory screening is lacking, which is hindered by higher requirements for synthetic chemistry and structural chemistry. Herein, we have first performed ligand engineering which selected zinc ion trapping ligands (−CH3) based on the coordination effect, and zinc substrate binding ligands (−N=N−C6H5) based on the electrostatic interaction. Correspondingly, octa nuclear Zn(II)‐Siloxane‐PhPz/BiPhPz/TriPhPz Cluster (OZSPC/OZSBPC/OZSTPC) are accurately synthesized, and OZSBPC is verified to serve as the most suitable artificial interphase via balancing the interactions with both Zn2+ and Zn substrate (“Zn−Zn effect”). Consequently, at −30 °C, the assembled OZSBPC‐Zn symmetric cells run for 3000 h and the assembled full cells with OZSBPC‐Zn anode could be stable for 10,000 cycles. The pouch cells using OZSBPC‐Zn anode deliver a reversible capacity of ~1.2 Ah and the energy density of 41 Wh kgtotal−1 with excellent cycling performance. The successful structural design of OZSBPC explores a novel well‐defined structural design concept as one criterion for artificial interface as well as motivates batteries systems to meet the requirements of industrialization.
Nanoconfinement‐Enabled Resistance to Water Matrix Components for Selective Degradation of Micropollutants
Authors: He Shaoxiong , Hu Zhuofeng , He Chun , Tian Shuanghong , Ouyang Gangfeng , Lin Zhiqun , Fang Jingyun
Published: January 2025

Despite recent substantial advances in water treatment, the ability to selectively degrade trace micropollutants in real waters with complex matrix components remains a grand challenge. Here we report rational crafting of graphene oxide (GO)‐wrapped defective TiO2 composite catalysts that creates nanoscopic confinement over the TiO2 surface within GO, thereby enabling the selective degradation of micropollutants through effectively excluding natural organic matter (NOM) and anions from the nanoconfined catalytic sites. In contrast to unconfined counterparts, the nanoconfined composite catalysts retain high degradation efficiency when exposed to various concentrations of NOM and anions, even in real water samples. Oxygen vacancies in TiO2 promote electron separation and oxygen adsorption, leading to a 4.9‐fold increase in hydroxyl radical concentration within the nanoconfined space compared to the bulk solution. In situ X‐ray photoemission spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy unveil the nanoconfined catalytic sites on the TiO2 surface, where micropollutants smaller than the pores of GO are effectively degraded, while NOM with a larger size is excluded by GO. Furthermore, the formation of toxic disinfection byproducts is well controlled due to the exclusion of NOM. This work provides a simple yet viable strategy for designing 2D material‐wrapped catalysts to selectively degrade target micropollutants in complex real waters.
Stable Boundary Layers in an Arctic Fjord‐Valley System: Evaluation of Temperature Profiles Observed From Fiber‐Optic Distributed Sensing and Comparison to Numerical Weather Prediction Systems at Different Resolutions
Authors: Mack Laura , Kähnert Marvin , Rauschenbach Quentin , Frank Lukas , Hasenburg Franziska H. , Huss Jannis‐Michael , Jonassen Marius O. , Malpas Megan , Batrak Yurii , Remes Teresa , Pirk Norbert , Thomas Christoph K.
Published: January 2025

Stable boundary layers (SBLs) commonly form during the Arctic polar night, but their correct representation poses a major challenge for numerical weather prediction (NWP) systems. To enable detailed model verification, we performed measurements of the lower atmospheric boundary layer with airborne fiber‐optic distributed sensing (FODS), a tethered sonde and ground‐based eddy‐covariance (EC) measurements during contrasting synoptic forcings in a fjord‐valley system in Svalbard. The FODS‐derived temperature variances and static stability profiles are used to investigate the spatial and temporal evolution of different inversion types. The strong gradients of the inversions are accompanied by an increased temperature variance, which is related to enhanced buoyancy fluctuations. The observed vertical temperature and wind speed profiles are compared to two configurations of the HARMONIE‐AROME system with different horizontal resolutions at 2.5 and 0.5 km. The higher‐resolution model captures cold pool and low level jet formation during weak synoptic forcing, resulting in a well‐represented vertical temperature profile, while the coarser model exhibits a warm bias in near‐surface temperatures of up to 8 K due to underestimated inversion strength. During changing background flow, the higher‐resolution model is more sensitive to misrepresented fjord‐scale wind directions and performs less well. The results indicate the importance of the ratio between nominal horizontal model resolution and valley width to represent SBL features. Our results underline the substantial benefit of spatially resolving FODS measurements for model verification studies as well as the importance of model and topography resolution for accurate representation of SBLs in complex terrain.
Engineering budding yeast for the de novo synthesis of valuable flavanone derivatives
Authors: Zhu Si-Yu , Li Na , Liu Zhi-Hua , Yuan Ying-Jin , Li Bing-Zhi
Published: January 2025

Green and sustainable production of valuable flavonoids from renewable substrates has been achieved by designing a versatile microbial cell factory.
Revisiting the fundamental parameters for the black hole X-ray transient Swift J1753.5–0127
Authors: Yanes-Rizo I. V. , Torres M. A. P. , Casares J. , Jonker P. G. , Sánchez-Sierras J. , Muñoz-Darias T. , Armas Padilla M.
Published: January 2025

We present time-resolved Gran Telescopio Canarias optical spectroscopy and William Herschel Telescope i-band photometry of the X-ray transient SWIFT J1753.5–0127 in quiescence. The i-band light curve is dominated by flickering with an amplitude of ∼0.5 mag and shows no evidence of the ellipsoidal modulation of the companion star. The telluric-corrected average spectrum, on the other hand, reveals the presence of weak (strongly veiled) TiO bands at 7055 Å and 7589 Å. We used them for a spectral classification, finding an M4-5 V companion star. However, as velocity shifts are not clearly detected in the individual spectra, we turned the analysis to the double-peaked Hα emission line from the accretion disc. By exploiting the empirical correlations established for quiescent X-ray transients between the line morphology and fundamental binary parameters, we estimated the radial velocity semi-amplitude of the companion K2 = 820 ± 36 km s−1, a mass ratio q = 0.023 ± 0.006 and an inclination i = 79 ± 5 deg. Moreover, an orbital period of 3.26 ± 0.02 h was measured from the modulation of the centroid velocities and the double-peak trough depth of the Hα profile. These quantities yielded a mass function f(M1) = 7.8 ± 1.0 M⊙ and black hole and companion star masses of M1 = 8.8 ± 1.3 M⊙ and M2 = 0.20 ± 0.06 M⊙, respectively. The companion star mass is in line with the spectral classification obtained from the relative depth of the TiO bands. Based on the mean quiescent magnitude (i = 21.4 ± 0.1), orbital period, and interstellar extinction, we estimate the distance to the source to be 3.9 ± 0.7 kpc and a Galactic plane elevation of 0.8 ± 0.2 kpc, supporting the case for a large natal kick.
Implications of a new clinical classification of acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Boeddinghaus Jasper , Bularga Anda , Taggart Caelan , Wereski Ryan , McDermott Michael , Thurston Alexander J F , Ferry Amy V , Williams Michelle C , Baker Andrew H , Dweck Marc R , Newby David E , Chapman Andrew R , Lindahl Bertil , Mills Nicholas L ,   DEMAND-MI Investigators, Bularga Anda , Hung John , Daghem Marwa , Schulberg Stacey , Taggart Caelan , Wereski Ryan , Singh Trisha , Meah Mohammed N , Fujisawa Takeshi , Ferry Amy V , Chiong Justin , Jenkins William S , Strachan Fiona E , Semple Scott , van Beek Edwin J R , Williams Michelle C , Dey Damini , Tuck Chris , Baker Andrew H , Newby David E , Dweck Marc R , Mills Nicholas L , Chapman Andrew R
Published: January 2025

Aim

The diagnostic criteria for type 2 myocardial infarction identify a heterogenous group of patients with variable outcomes and no clear treatment implications. We aimed to determine the implications of a new clinical classification for myocardial infarction with more objective diagnostic criteria using cardiac imaging.

Methods

In a prospective cohort study, patients with type 2 myocardial infarction underwent coronary angiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging or echocardiography. The new classification was applied to identify (a) spontaneous myocardial infarction due to acute coronary pathology, (b) secondary myocardial infarction precipitated by acute illness in the presence of obstructive coronary artery disease, a new regional wall motion abnormality or infarct pattern scarring, and (c) no myocardial infarction in the absence of obstructive disease or new myocardial abnormality.

Results

In 100 patients (65 years, 43% women) with type 2 myocardial infarction, the new classification identified 25 and 31 patients with spontaneous and secondary myocardial infarction, respectively, and 44 without myocardial infarction. Compared to patients without myocardial infarction, those with secondary myocardial infarction were older, had more risk factors, and higher troponin concentrations (P<0.05 for all). During a median follow up of 4.4 years, death, myocardial infarction or heart failure hospitalization was more common in secondary myocardial infarction compared to those without myocardial infarction (55% [17/31] versus 16% [7/44], P<0.001).

Conclusions

A new clinical classification of myocardial infarction informed by cardiac imaging would reduce the diagnosis of myocardial infarction in acute illness and identify those patients at highest risk who are most likely to benefit from treatment.

Clinical Trial Registration

https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03338504
Antimicrobial susceptibility and genomic characterization of Vibrio cholerae non-O1/non-O139 isolated from clinical and environmental samples in Jiaxing City, China
Authors: Jia Miaomiao , Li Ping , Yan Yong , Liu Xuejuan , Gao Lei , Zhu Guoying , Chen Zhongwen
Published: January 2025

Non-O1/non-O139 (NOVC) strains inhabit aquatic environments and sporadically induce human illnesses. This study involved the virulence and antimicrobial genetic characterization of 176 NOVC strains, comprising 25 from clinical samples and 151 from environmental sources, collected between 2021 and 2023. The antimicrobial susceptibility of the examined NOVC population was predominantly high, exhibiting only poor susceptibility to colistin, with 89.2% resistance. The examination of virulence genes revealed that the majority of strains were positive for glucose metabolism (als gene) (169/176, 96.0%). Through multilocus sequence typing, the 176 NOVC strains were categorised into 121 sequence types, 79 of which were novel. NOVC strains demonstrate significant genetic variability and frequently engage in recombination. This work offers genetic characterization of the pathogenicity and antimicrobial resistance of a NOVC community. Our findings offer insights that may aid in the development of preventative and treatment methods for this pathogen.
Circulating Tumor DNA Detection for Recurrence Monitoring of Stage I Non‐Small Cell Lung Cancer Treated With Microwave Ablation
Authors: Cheng Lin , Xu Sheng , Wang Yu‐feng , Li Sheng‐wei , Li Bin , Li Xiao‐Guang
Published: January 2025

Purpose

As microwave ablation continues to be used in patients with inoperable stage I non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), it is particularly important to monitor efficacy. Whether plasma ctDNA detection can predict its efficacy should be illustrated.

Methods

We recruited 43 patients with inoperative stage I NSCLC, all of whom underwent biopsy‐synchronous microwave ablation (MWA). Peripheral blood samples were collected at baseline (n = 43), within 1 h post‐MWA (n = 28), and at the landmark time point (n = 26) for MRD detection. Clinical outcomes were analyzed using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis.

Results

Patients with undetectable ctDNA at baseline (p = 0.042) and within 1 h after MWA (p = 0.023) had better clinical outcomes. In particular, patients with undetectable ctDNA at the 1‐h post‐MWA time point did not experience recurrence. Detection of ctDNA at the landmark time point is considered an independent risk factor for prognosis and is strongly correlated with clinical outcomes (p = 0.001), the median time to recurrence indicated by ctDNA was 4.9 months earlier compared to imaging. The clinical outcomes of patients with ctDNA clearance were similar to those with no ctDNA (p = 0.570). Risk stratification indicated that patients with persistent ctDNA had worse clinical outcomes compared to those who never had detectable ctDNA (p = 0.004).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that ctDNA monitoring can assist in predicting clinical outcomes in stage I NSCLC treated with microwave ablation. Patients with undetectable ctDNA within 1 h after MWA are determined to be clinically cured. Risk stratification based on ctDNA test results helps to differentiate high‐risk patients.
Spatial Distribution Modelling of a Threatened Lion Population in Relation to Prey Populations in Niokolo‐Koba National Park, Senegal
Authors: Gueye Mallé , Pellaton Raoul , Diouf Assane , Mané Sawdatou , Turek Daniel , Leirs Herwig , Bertola Laura D. , de Iongh Hans
Published: January 2025

The lion has experienced a major decline in its habitat and population size in recent years. This is explained by the transformation of its habitat and the reduction of its potential prey. Our study therefore focused on modelling its habitat and its prey and the analysis of its diet to contribute to its conservation in the Niokolo‐Koba National Park (NKNP). Elevation, annual precipitation, NDVI, land cover type, distance from large water bodies, prey availability, poaching pressure and livestock pressure were used as variables in modelling the lion habitat with MaxEnt software. The model obtained with the modelling of the lion habitat performs well, with an AUC of 0.96, and indicates that the most favourable habitat for the lion is located in the centre of the park. This distribution is influenced by elevation, annual rainfall, prey availability, poaching pressure and livestock pressure.
Vibration Suppression Based on Improved Adaptive Optimal Arbitrary-Time-Delay Input Shaping
Authors: Jiang Ruoyu , She Jinhua , Yin Xiang , Wu Lulu , Wang Feng , Kawata Seiichi
Published: January 2025

Vibration suppression is important for high-precision motion control because positioning accuracy is an essential figure of merit for a servosystem. The paper presents a vibration-suppression method based on improved adaptive optimal arbitrary-time-delay (IAOAT) input shaping. First, analyzing a conventional optimal-arbitrary-time-delay (OAT) input shaper yields an OAT input shaper with five pulses that completely suppresses two-mode vibrations when the natural frequency and damping ratio are exactly known. Next, embedding an adaptive algorithm in the shaper gives a conventional adaptive optimal arbitrary-time-delay (AOAT) input shaper that handles unknown natural frequencies and damping ratios. Note that the conventional AOAT input shaper contains five pulses that have to be updated, but the delay times of the pulses are prescribed. Then, the IAOAT method extends the symmetry of pulse amplitudes for zero damping ratio to a nonzero case and reduces the number of pulses to three. A recursive-least-squares (RLS) algorithm is devised to update these parameters. This shaper features the smallest number of parameters and high robust performance. Finally, comparisons with other input-shaping methods show the effectiveness and superiority of the developed method over others.
Enoxaparin Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis Dosing in Critically Ill Underweight Patients
Authors: Curcio Elizabeth , Meester Alyssa S. , Harding Angela , Lockhart Marie M. , Dillis John
Published: January 2025

Purpose: Optimal dosing of VTE prophylaxis for specific patient populations remains an area of concern as insufficient evidence exists regarding dosing for underweight patients. The purpose of this study is to compare the incidence of major bleeding events in underweight patients given different prophylactic doses of enoxaparin. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis performed at multiple hospitals within a single health care system. Patients with a BMI < 18.5 kg/m2 were divided into 2 groups depending on whether they received at least 1 prophylactic dose of enoxaparin 30 mg subcutaneously once daily or enoxaparin 40 mg subcutaneously once daily. Underweight adult patients were included if they were admitted to an ICU for at least 48 hours and received at least 1 dose of enoxaparin for VTE prophylaxis during their ICU admission. The primary aim was to compare the incidence of clinically significant bleeding between dosing strategies. Secondary aims included the incidence of VTE during admission, ICU length of stay, overall hospital length of stay, and all-cause mortality 30 days post-discharge. Results: A total of 310 patients met inclusion criteria for this study, with 80 patients in the 30 mg group and 230 patients in the 40 mg group. There was no significant difference in major bleeding events between the 2 groups ( P = .61). No significant differences in incidence of VTE ( P = .455 ), ICU length of stay ( P = .466), overall hospital stay ( P = .502), or all-cause mortality ( P = .925) were found between groups. Conclusions: No difference was found in clinically significant bleeding between underweight critically ill patients receiving VTE prophylaxis with enoxaparin 30 mg once daily or 40 mg once daily. Further studies are needed to evaluate the optimal dosing of VTE prophylaxis with enoxaparin in underweight patients.
Spontaneous motor tempo modulates the effect of music tempo on arousal levels
Authors: Hine Kyoko , Abe Koki , Nakauchi Shigeki
Published: January 2025

Music tempo affects listeners’ mental state, especially arousal levels. However, several studies have demonstrated that the effect of music tempo on arousal while listening to music can be modulated by individual differences, such as the pace of mental activity, that is, spontaneous motor tempo (SMT). Thus, SMT is a candidate factor that affects the relationship between music tempo and arousal. Here, we conducted a psychological experiment to investigate how SMT modulates the effect of music tempo on listeners’ arousal levels. First, the participants were required to tap their finger at their preferred tempo to identify the SMT of each participant. Next, the participants listened to music and then rated their arousal levels on a nine-point scale. A linear mixed model analysis revealed a significant effect of the interaction between music tempo and preferred tapping tempo on arousal levels. This finding indicates that SMT modulated the effect of music tempo on arousal levels while listening to music; the faster the SMT of a listener, the greater the impact of music tempo on arousal levels.
Towards a Theory of Compassion Fatigue in Palliative Care and Oncology: A Systematic Scoping Review
Authors: Sinnathamby Annushkha , Ibrahim Halah , Ong Yun Ting , Ravindran Nila , Wan Darius Wei Jun , Tan Jun Hao , Abdul Hamid Nur Amira Binte , Somasundaram Nagavalli , Ong Simon Yew Kuang , Krishna Lalit Kumar Radha
Published: January 2025

Background

In their care of terminally ill patients, palliative care physicians and oncologists are increasingly predisposed to physical and emotional exhaustion, or compassion fatigue (CF). Challenges faced by physicians include complex care needs; changing practice demands, and sociocultural contextual factors. Efforts to better understand CF have, however, been limited. We propose a systematic scoping review (SSR) to determine “What is known about theories of CF in physicians?”.

Methods

Guided by the PRISMA-based Systematic Evidence-based Approach (SEBA) methodology, our SSR comprised searches for articles published between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2023 on MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Wiley, CINAHL and Google Scholar databases. Both thematic and content analyses were carried out.

Results

Of the 10 505 titles identified, 80 articles were included. 15 current theories of CF were evaluated, leading to two key domains: theories of CF and theories related to the costs of caring. Overall, theories of CF evolved from Figley’s model with gradual encompassing of moral distress, vicarious trauma and burnout, alongside the inclusion of individual characteristics, decisioning and nous in later theories.

Conclusion

CF was found to be part of a wider cost of caring that links clinical experiences with self-concepts of personhood and identity. The Ring Theory of Personhood has been able to shed light on how physicians will respond to such experiences and is key to guiding physician support and the creation of nurturing working environments.
Awareness of Contraindications Among Cancer Patients in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Almuqbil Mansour , Alobaid Rama Abdulhamid Mohammed , Alhamad Amouna Abdulrahim Mazal , Eddin Noor Hussam , Yahya Nora Al , Alsanie Walaa F. , Alamri Abdulhakeem S. , Alhomrani Majid , Alshammary Amal F. , Gilkaramenthi Rafiulla , Asdaq Syed Mohammed Basheeruddin
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Cancer patients often face challenges in managing their disease, particularly with regard to contraindications related to medications, foods, and physical activity, which can negatively affect treatment outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate cancer patients’ awareness of these contraindications and to explore the influence of sociodemographic factors, support systems, comorbidities, and medication use on their knowledge.

Methods

A cross-sectional prospective study was conducted with 125 cancer patients in Saudi Arabia between December 2022 and February 2023. Participants were selected using purposive sampling, and data were collected through a validated questionnaire. Multinomial regression analysis was employed to identify the predictors of awareness of contraindicated medications, foods, and other environmental factors.

Results

Nationality, co-morbidities, and cancer duration were significant predictors of awareness regarding contraindicated drugs. Saudi patients were more likely to be aware of contraindicated medications ( P = 0.010), and those without chronic diseases were 15 times more likely to know about drug contraindications (OR = 15.076, 95% CI: 3.442-66.042). Cancer diagnosis ( P = 0.033) and cancer duration ( P = 0.022) were also significant for food contraindications. Over 58% were unaware of the need to regulate body temperature during treatment. Location influenced exercise awareness ( P = 0.064) and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) awareness, with rural participants showing higher CAM knowledge ( P = 0.001).

Conclusion

This study emphasizes the need to improve cancer patients’ awareness of contraindications, particularly regarding medications and foods. Key factors influencing awareness include nationality, co-morbidities, and cancer duration. While family support is beneficial, it doesn’t directly enhance knowledge, highlighting the importance of targeted educational interventions to improve patient outcomes and safety.
Generalizing linguistic patterns through data-driven learning: A study of the dative alternation in Japanese learners of English
Authors: Nakahara Ryosuke , Sugiura Masatoshi
Published: January 2025

This study examines whether learners exposed to specific example sentences through data-driven learning (DDL) can not only identify generalized linguistic patterns but also apply the patterns to other expressions, thereby demonstrating that DDL is a learning method based on a usage-based model. Forty-three Japanese learners of English participated in DDL activities to study the use of six verbs from two verb classes (three from the Throw class and three from the Whisper class) in terms of the dative alternation. Specifically, they studied whether these verbs can be used in the double object (DO) construction or the prepositional dative (PD) construction. The participants underwent pre-, post-, and delayed post-tests, during which they evaluated the grammaticality of sentences containing the studied verbs, as well as unstudied verbs from the same classes and verbs from the control classes (the Send and Mention classes). A cumulative link mixed model (CLMM) was employed to analyse the effects of test timing (pre/post/delayed post), learning (studied/unstudied), and construction (PD/DO) on test scores. The results showed that learners made more correct judgments on the post-test than on the pre-test. This improvement was observed not only for the studied verbs but also for unstudied verbs from the same classes, and even for verbs from the control classes. This indicates that DDL embodies the idea of a usage-based model; that is, learners generalize linguistic patterns through language experience. Furthermore, the learning effects were retained even in the delayed post-test, suggesting that DDL is not merely a tool for referencing word usage but also a learning method that converts input into intake.
Enhancing energy performance of glazing systems using solid-solid phase change materials
Authors: Arasteh Hossein , Maref Wahid , Saber Hamed H
Published: January 2025

In recent years, the implementation of decarbonization measures in response to global warming has brought significant attention to the building sector, recognizing it as a major contributor to CO2 emissions. This study explores the unique combination of solid-solid phase change material (SSPCM) in double-glazed window (DGW) subjected to different climates, offering a novel approach to enhancing energy efficiency of glazing system, thus Building envelope. To assess the system’s energy performance, numerical simulations were performed across a range of temperature conditions. These have included extreme temperatures of the hottest and coldest days of the year, as well as different weather patterns such as sunny and cloudy days in the cities of Montreal, Vancouver, and Miami. The obtained results demonstrated that during summer sunny conditions, energy savings were achieved in both Montreal (17.5%) and Vancouver (23.5%), while Miami experienced energy losses (5.3%). On summer cloudy days, energy savings were observed exclusively in Vancouver (53.6%), whereas energy losses occurred in both Montreal (356%) and Miami (36.3%). Under winter sunny conditions, all cities showed energy losses due to the SSPCM blocking beneficial direct solar radiation during the daytime (Montreal: 18.8%, Vancouver: 3.1%, and Miami: 270%). Conversely, during winter cloudy conditions, energy savings were noted in all cities, as the SSPCM helped retain warm indoor air (Montreal: 7.0%, Vancouver: 12.4%, and Miami: 26.2%). The results revealed that complete visual transparency can be achieved during office hours, enhancing the suitability of the proposed glazing system for commercial applications. These findings can help in designing energy-efficient glazing systems subjected to various climatic conditions.
“(Virtuous) Wives Don’t Have Anything to Hide”: Understanding Digital Privacy Perceptions and Behavior of Married Women in Rural India
Authors: Chakraborty Debjani , Garg Chhavi
Published: January 2025

This study explores digital privacy perceptions and behaviors among married women in rural India, a rapidly expanding demographic of mobile media and Internet users in the Global South. This ethnographic study found that women’s experience of privacy entails balancing between norms related to “hide” and “having nothing to hide.” Specifically, conflicting practices of avoiding online visibility while sharing passwords and accounts with family members exist to conform to their expected gender performance. The study highlights the dual nature of privacy practices that relate to the horizontal dimensions of privacy among the study participants. Limited digital literacy levels affect their perception of privacy, with vertical dimensions absent from the discussions.