bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organic photovoltaic mini-module providing more than 5000 V for energy autonomy of dielectric elastomer actuators
Authors: Jiang Ershuai , Jamali Armin , List Mathias , Mishra Dushyant Bhagwan , Sheikholeslami Seyed Alireza , Goldschmidtboeing Frank , Woias Peter , Baretzky Clemens , Fischer Oliver , Zimmermann Birger , Glunz Stefan W. , Würfel Uli
Published: February 2025

Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) are widely used for soft robotics. The required voltages of over 1000 V are usually supplied by amplifiers with batteries or power grids which however have limited operation time or mobility. This problem also exists for other advanced mobile devices such as electroaerodynamic thrusters. This work reports on the development of high-voltage organic photovoltaic mini-modules (HV-OPMs) comprising 5024 individual sub-cells on an area of 3.8 × 3.9 cm2. Under 100 klux white LED illumination, an open-circuit voltage (V
OC) of 5534 V and an efficiency of 6.4% is achieved with the photoactive material PM6:GS-ISO whereas with PV-X plus a V
OC of 3970 V and an efficiency of 19.0% is obtained. Furthermore, a soft suction cup based on DEA was built and could successfully be powered with one of these modules. These results show that HV-OPMs are very promising to realize energy autonomy of low-power high-voltage devices.
Respiratory long COVID in aged hamsters features impaired lung function post-exercise with bronchiolization and fibrosis
Authors: Heydemann Laura , Ciurkiewicz Małgorzata , Störk Theresa , Zdora Isabel , Hülskötter Kirsten , Gregor Katharina Manuela , Michaely Lukas Mathias , Reineking Wencke , Schreiner Tom , Beythien Georg , Volz Asisa , Tuchel Tamara , Meyer zu Natrup Christian , Schünemann Lisa-Marie , Clever Sabrina , Henneck Timo , von Köckritz-Blickwede Maren , Schaudien Dirk , Rohn Karl , Schughart Klaus , Geffers Robert , Kaneko Mika K. , Kato Yukinari , Gross Carina , Amanakis Georgios , Pavlou Andreas , Baumgärtner Wolfgang , Armando Federico
Published: February 2025

Long-term consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection affect millions of people and strain public health systems. The underlying pathomechanisms remain unclear, necessitating further research in appropriate animal models. This study aimed to characterize the trajectory of lung regeneration over 112 days in the male hamster model by combining morphological, transcriptomic and functional readouts. We demonstrate that in the acute phase, SARS-CoV-2 Delta-infected, male, aged hamsters show a severe impairment of lung function at rest. In the chronic phase, similar impairments persisted up to 7 weeks post-infection but were only evident after exercise on a rodent treadmill. The male hamster model recapitulates chronic pulmonary fibrotic changes observed in many patients with respiratory long COVID, but lacks extra-pulmonary long-term lesions. We show that sub-pleural and interstitial pulmonary fibrosis as well as alveolar bronchiolization persist until 112 dpi. Interestingly, CK8+ alveolar differentiation intermediate (ADI) cells are becoming less prominent in the alveolar proliferation areas from 28 dpi on. Instead, CK14+ airway basal cells and SCGB1A1+ club cells, expressing cell proliferation markers, mainly populate alveolar bronchiolization areas at later time-points. We postulate that pulmonary fibrosis and SCGB1A1+ club cell-rich areas of alveolar bronchiolization represent potential risk factors for other diseases in long-COVID survivors.
Mobilizing power quality and reliability measurements for electricity equity and justice in Africa
Authors: Osunmuyiwa Olufolahan , Odero Margaret , Wall Alexandra , Goode Jackson , Flaspohler Genevieve , Abrokwah Kwame , Adkins Joshua , Klugman Noah
Published: February 2025

In sub-Saharan Africa, urban electricity inequities manifesting as poor power quality and reliability (PQR) are prevalent. Yet, granular PQR data and frameworks for assessing PQR inequities and guiding equitable electricity interventions remain sparse. To address this gap, we present a conceptual framework that leverages energy justice, capability and multidimensional poverty theories alongside concepts relating to power systems to quantify PQR inequities in sub-Saharan Africa. To demonstrate our framework and using 1 year’s worth of remotely sensed PQR data from Accra, Ghana, we assessed the distributive scale of PQR inequities, explored how multidimensional poverty exacerbates these inequities and examined the impact of PQR on households’ domestic capabilities. We found wider patterns of PQR inequities and a link between poor PQR and neighbourhoods with higher multidimensional poverty. We conclude that using remotely sensed data combined with justice and capability frameworks offers a powerful method for revealing PQR inequities and driving sustainable energy transitions.
Past hydroclimate extremes in Europe driven by Atlantic jet stream and recurrent weather patterns
Authors: Brönnimann Stefan , Franke Jörg , Valler Veronika , Hand Ralf , Samakinwa Eric , Lundstad Elin , Burgdorf Angela-Maria , Lipfert Laura , Pfister Lucas , Imfeld Noemi , Rohrer Marco
Published: February 2025

The jet stream over the Atlantic–European sector is relevant for weather and climate in Europe. It generates temperature extremes and steers moisture and flood-propelling weather systems to Europe or facilitates the development of atmospheric blocks, which can lead to drought. Ongoing climate change may alter the jet characteristics, affecting weather extremes. However, little is known about the past interannual-to-decadal variability of the jet stream. Here we analyse the strength, tilt and latitude of the Atlantic–European jet from 1421 to 2023 in an ensemble of monthly and daily reconstructions of atmospheric fields. We compare the variability of these jet indices with blocking frequency and cyclonic activity data and with drought and flood reconstructions in Europe. Summer drought is enhanced in Central Europe in periods with a poleward-shifted jet. An equatorward-shifted jet associated with decreased blocking leads to frequent floods in Western Europe and the Alps, particularly in winter. Recurrent weather patterns causing floods often characterize an entire season, such that an association between peak discharge and jet indices is seen on seasonal or even annual scales. Jet strength and tilt are significantly influenced by volcanic eruptions. Our 600-year perspective shows that recent changes in the jet indices are within the past variability and cannot be drivers of increasing flood and drought frequency.
One-carbon fixation via the synthetic reductive glycine pathway exceeds yield of the Calvin cycle
Authors: Dronsella Beau , Orsi Enrico , Schulz-Mirbach Helena , Benito-Vaquerizo Sara , Yilmaz Suzan , Glatter Timo , Bar-Even Arren , Erb Tobias J. , Claassens Nico J.
Published: February 2025

One-carbon feedstocks such as formate could be promising renewable substrates for sustainable microbial production of food, fuels and chemicals. Here we replace the native energy-inefficient Calvin–Benson–Bassham cycle in Cupriavidus necator with the more energy-efficient reductive glycine pathway for growth on formate and CO2. In chemostats, our engineered strain reached a 17% higher biomass yield than the wild type and a yield higher than any natural formatotroph using the Calvin cycle. This shows the potential of synthetic metabolism to realize sustainable, bio-based production.
A telomere-to-telomere genome assembly of the protandrous hermaphrodite blackhead seabream, Acanthopagrus schlegelii
Authors: Zhang Kai , Guo Sixin , Yang Shaosen , Zhou Wenchuan , Wu Jinhui , Zhang Xinhui , Shi Qiong , Deng Li
Published: February 2025

A remarkable life cycle of the protandrous blackhead seabream (Acanthopagrus schlegelii), initiating as a male during the first two years and then naturally transforming to a female since the third year, makes this fish a valuable model for studying molecular mechanisms of sex change. Here, we constructed a gap-free telomere-to-telomere (T2T) genome assembly for a male blackhead seabream, by integration of PacBio HiFi, Ultra-long ONT and Hi-C sequencing techniques. With 97.87% of the entire sequences anchored into 24 chromosomes, this haplotypic genome assembly spans 714.98 Mb. In terms of correctness (quality value QV: 52.95) and completeness (BUSCO score: 99.9%), this chromosome-scale assembly is indeed of high quality. It has been annotated with 24,581 protein-coding genes, and predicted with low percentage (30.95%) of repetitive sequences. As the first reference T2T-level genome assembly of various protandrous fishes, it provides a valuable genetic resource for expansion of fish genomics database. It will also allow for in-depth genomic comparisons among diverse hermaphrodite vertebrates, as well as offer fundamental genome data to support extensive research on blackhead seabream.
Biological data derived from European weather radars
Authors: Desmet Peter , Shamoun-Baranes Judy , Kranstauber Bart , Dokter Adriaan M. , Weisshaupt Nadja , Schmid Baptiste , Bauer Silke , Haase Günther , Hoekstra Bart , Huybrechts Pieter , Leijnse Hidde , Noé Nicolas , Van Hoey Stijn , Wijers Berend , Nilsson Cecilia
Published: February 2025

Weather radars detect more than weather, they also continuously register the movements of billions of animals aloft in the lower atmosphere. This makes archived, unfiltered weather radar data a goldmine for biological monitoring purposes, providing coverage of the aerial habitat in a way no other method can. Here we present two datasets of biological data extracted from European weather radar data, obtained through a collaboration with the Operational Programme for the Exchange of Weather Radar Information (OPERA) and three national meteorological services. The datasets were created by processing weather radar data with methods optimized for extracting bird targets, resulting in vertical profiles of biological targets. The datasets collectively cover 141 radar stations in 18 countries, from 2008 to 2023. Data quality and coverage differs between years, countries, and radar stations, so care must be taken when evaluating data for each specific use case. Despite these challenges the datasets are currently the most comprehensive of their kind in Europe and open new avenues in understanding continental scale movements of aerial animals.
Gain enhancement wideband CPW antenna based on artificial magnetic conductor
Authors: AboEl-Hassan May , Farahat A. E. , Hussein K. F. A.
Published: February 2025

Unidirectional radiation and, hence, gain enhancement can be achieved by placing a primary radiator (simple antenna) at suitable height over a reflector to diminish back radiation and to enhance the forward radiation. The reflector used to enhance the gain is usually an electrically conducting surface (ECS) or an artificial magnetic conducting surface (AMCS). The ECS unifies the direction of radiation by reflecting the incident wave with
$$180^\circ$$
phase shift, which requires the placement of the antenna at large enough height above the reflector to avoid destructive interference between the incident and the reflected waves. The AMCS is a metasurface constructed as periodic structure to produce reflection with 0° phase. This allows the antenna to be placed near the AMCS without destructive interference. Thus, the combined structure of the antenna and the AMCS reflector can have lower profile than that resulting in the case of employing ECS. The present work proposes a planar wideband antenna as well as an AMCS to produce unidirectional radiation with high gain over a wide frequency band. The proposed antenna is a planar octagon-shaped monopole patch with inverted U-slot and is fed through a coplanar waveguide (CPW). Both the radiating patch and the feeding line are printed on a single-sided substrate of type Rogers RT5880 of dimensions
$$27\,\text{mm}\times 37\,\text{mm}$$
and thickness
$$1.57\,\text{mm}$$
. The patch geometry is designed to maximize the radiation efficiency by cutting an inverted U-shaped slot with long base. The proposed AMCS consists of
$$5\times 5$$
cells and has dimensions
$$70\,\text{mm }\times 70\,\text{mm}$$
. The metallic patches of AMCS cells are printed on the top layer of a substrate of type Rogers’ RO4003C of thickness
$$1.52\,\text{mm}$$
. Both the proposed antenna and AMCS are fabricated for experimental evaluation of the performance of the radiating structure. It is shown by simulation and measurement that the proposed antenna when based on the proposed AMCS produces a realized gain of
$$11.5\,\text{dBi}$$
and total efficiency of greater than
$$80\%$$
over the frequency band 3.5–6.5 GHz.
Alzheimer’s disease biological PET staging using plasma p217+tau
Authors: Feizpour Azadeh , Doré Vincent , Krishnadas Natasha , Bourgeat Pierrick , Doecke James D. , Saad Ziad S. , Triana-Baltzer Gallen , Laws Simon M. , Shishegar Rosita , Huang Kun , Fowler Christopher , Ward Larry , Masters Colin L. , Fripp Jurgen , Kolb Hartmuth C. , Villemagne Victor L. , Rowe Christopher C.
Published: February 2025

Background

Plasma phospho-tau biomarkers, such as p217+tau, excel at identifying Alzheimer’s disease (AD) neuropathology. However, their ability to substitute for tau PET to identify AD biological stage is unclear.

Methods

Participants included 248 cognitively unimpaired (CU) and 227 cognitively impaired (CI) individuals, with Janssen plasma p217+tau Simoa® assay, 18F-NAV4694 Aβ-PET (A) and 18F-MK6240 tau-PET (T) data. Biological PET stages were defined according to the Revised Criteria for Diagnosis and Staging of Alzheimer’s Disease (2024): Initial (A + T-), Early (A + TMTL + ), Intermediate (A + TMOD + ), and Advanced (A + THIGH + ). The threshold for A+ was 25 Centiloid and for THIGH + , the 75th percentile SUVRtemporo-parietal in A + CI. Sixty percent were A + , 36% Intermediate/Advanced, and 9% Advanced. The performance of p217+tau in discriminating AD stages was assessed using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis and logistic regression.

Results

Plasma p217+tau concentrations increase across the AD biological PET stages, except between Initial and Early stages. Screening for all AD stages (vs. A-T-), combined Intermediate/Advanced stages, or Advanced stage yields AUC of 0.92, 0.92, and 0.91, respectively (CI only: AUC 0.93, 0.89, 0.83). Plasma p217+tau Youden threshold provides sensitivity of 0.77 [0.73–0.90], specificity 0.91 [0.80–0.95], PPV 0.84 [0.71–0.89], and NPV 0.88 [0.85–0.93] for combined Intermediate/Advanced stages. For the Advanced stage alone, sensitivity is 0.89 [0.79–0.97], specificity 0.82 [0.75–0.9], NPV 0.99 [0.98–1.0], but PPV is only 0.33 [0.25–0.47].

Conclusions

In addition to accurately screening for A+ individuals, plasma p217+tau is useful for identifying a combined Intermediate/Advanced stage AD cohort or pre-screening to reduce the tau-PET required to identify Advanced stage AD individuals.
Deubiquitination of RIPK3 by OTUB2 potentiates neuronal necroptosis after ischemic stroke
Authors: Mei Fuqi , Deng Deyu , Cao Zijun , Lou Liyan , Chen Kangmin , Hu Minjie , Zhu Zhenhu , Shen Jiangyun , Zhang Jianzhao , Liang Jie , Huang Jingyong , Bao Min , Waisman Ari , Wang Xu
Published: February 2025

As a common and severe cerebrovascular disease, ischemic stroke casts a significant shadow over global health. Unfortunately, the mechanisms regulating neuronal death in the affected areas remain largely unclear. Here, we found that deletion of the deubiquitinating enzyme Otubain-2 (OTUB2) significantly alleviated ischemia-induced cerebral infarction and neurological deficits, accompanied by a reduction in neuronal loss, glial activation, and neuroinflammation. OTUB2 was predominantly expressed in neurons and its deletion decreased receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIPK3)-mediated neuronal necroptosis. Moreover, OTUB2 increased RIPK3 protein abundance by inhibiting the proteasomal degradation of RIPK3. Mechanistically, OTUB2 removed K48-linked polyubiquitin chains from RIPK3 through its active site C51. Importantly, pharmacological inhibition of OTUB2 alleviated ischemic brain injury in mice and reduced oxygen-glucose deprivation-induced neuronal death in human brain organoids. These results demonstrate that OTUB2 critically regulates ischemic stroke injury by potentiating neuronal necroptosis, suggesting that OTUB2 inhibition may become a potential therapeutic approach for treating ischemic stroke.
Microfluidic organ-on-a-chip models for the gut–liver axis: from structural mimicry to functional insights
Authors: Hu Wanlin , Wang Yushen , Han Junlei , Zhang Wenhong , Chen Jun , Li Xinyu , Wang Li
Published: February 2025

This review discusses advancements in organ-on-a-chip models, emphasizing gut, liver, and integrated gut–liver systems. It covers their applications in disease modeling, toxicity testing, and drug screening, as well as future prospects.
Thermodynamics of hydrogen adsorption on ruthenium fcc surfaces: a density functional theory study
Authors: Ungerer Marietjie J. , de Leeuw Nora H.
Published: February 2025

In this DFT study, the fcc Ru surfaces were systematically covered with hydrogen, focussing on the geometry, stability, adsorption energy and including thermodynamic analysis of the surface coverage. No evolution or surface poisoning was observed.
Buried Interface Modification for High Performance and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Cao Yang , Yang Li , Yan Nan , Meng Lanxiang , Chen Xin , Zhang JiaFan , Qi DanYang , Pi Jiacheng , Li Nan , Feng Xiaolong , Ma Chuang , Xiao Fengwei , Zhao Guang-Tao , Tan Shuwen , Liu Xiaoyan , Liu Yucheng , Zhao Kui , Liu Shengzhong Frank , Feng Jiangshan
Published: February 2025

Defects at the buried interface between of perovskite film and electron transport layer (ETL) are detrimental for both the power conversion efficiency (PCE) and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs)....
Selective dual-mode detection of reactive oxygen species and metal ions by chemodosimetric vs. chelation pathways: fluorescence ‘turn-on’ with OCl− and Zn2+/Mn2+, employing theoretical, practical, and bioimaging applications
Authors: Kumar Malavika S. , Das Avijit Kumar , Bylappa Yatheesharadhya , Nag Anish
Published: February 2025

An indole-coupled diaminomaleonitrile-based fluorescent chemosensor IMA has been designed and developed for the selective detection of ROS (OCl−) and metal ions Zn2+ and Mn2+via chemodosimetric and chelation pathways respectively.
Enhanced Rate and Cycle Performance of All-Solid-State Batteries with an Ionic and Electronic Conductive Composite Strategy
Authors: Kim Kyoungwan , Choi Seung Ho , Ha Chaeyeon , Kim Hyun-seung , Cho Woosuk , Kim Young-Jun , Kim KyungSu
Published: February 2025

All-solid-state batteries (ASSBs), which utilize non-flammable solid electrolytes, are increasingly recognized as a promising next-generation technology. ASSBs are expected to offer superior safety compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries while enabling...
Simulations of Plasmon-mediated Superradiance for Molecules in STM-based Nanocavity
Authors: Lyu Siyuan , Zhang Yuan , Wang Luxia
Published: February 2025

Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) can be considered as a kind of nanocavity due to its main structure consisting of metallic tip and substrate, and the interaction between molecular clusters and...
Classification of Roasted Coffee Bean Products Using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy: A Novel Variable Selection Approach for Multiclass Modeling
Authors: Oh Yujin , Chae Heesu , Jung Hyemin , Kumar Sandeep , Nam Sang-Ho , Lee Yonghoon
Published: February 2025

The classification of coffee beans by species, origin, and quality is essential in the coffee industry to ensure authenticity and consistency. While existing methods like spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques offer...
On the potential of the WSi12 superatom as a drug carrier: a DFT study
Authors: Liu Bin , Zhang Jia-Chen , Ye Ya-Ling , Chen Jing-Hua , Sun Wei-Ming
Published: February 2025

The potential of WSi12 as a delivery carrier for several drugs has been investigated via density functional theory calculations.
Proton affinities of aldehyde molecules determined from the forward and backward gas-phase proton transfer reactions in a selected ion flow-drift tube
Authors: Omezzine Gnioua Maroua , Spesyvyi Anatolii , Spanel Patrik
Published: February 2025

Proton affinity (PA) and gas-phase basicity (GB) are important thermodynamic properties that provide insights into molecular interactions in a gas-phase. Aldehydes play a significant role in biology, environment, and industries,...
Induced Orbital Asymmetry of Nonpolar Molecular Additives for Boosted Rapid Operating Performance in Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Jun Seo-Young , Son Chae Yeong , Kim Suji , Park Haesun , Ryu Won-Hee
Published: February 2025

Lithium metal batteries (LMBs) have emerged as a promising next-generation energy storage solution owing to their high energy density; however, the uncontrolled growth and short circuits of lithium dendrites on...
TiOx electrode interface modification layer promises the prominent electrical/macroscopic properties of the metallized dielectric films
Authors: Dong Qi , Li Hao-Lin , Zhu Zhong-Ming , Kong De-Peng , Zhong Shao-Long , Dang Zhi-Min
Published: February 2025

BOPP (Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene)//TiOx/Al composite films with “laminated” structure were prepared by vacuum evaporation and layer-by-layer coating.
Efficiency evaluation of two estrous synchronization protocols on reproductive performance of crossbreed ewe
Authors: Setyanto Amin , Rahmatul Khair Fia , Junaidi Aris
Published: February 2025

The study aimed to determine the effectiveness of spon progesterone and CIDR estrous synchronization protocols on the reproductive performance of crossbreed ewe. Fifty crossbreed ewes were divided randomly into two groups. The first group was given estrous synchronization using Controlled Internal Drug Release for 14 days and supplemented with Zn 20 mg/head by peroral. The Second group was given estrous synchronization using a sponge with medroxi progesterone acetate 60 mg for 14 days and supplemented with Zn 20 mg/head by peroral. The estrous observation was conducted every 6-hour interval up to 48 hours after release. Response estrous using CIDR and sponge progesterone with Zn supplementation was 100% and 100%. The quality of estrous response is divided into three groups (low, medium, and maximum). Using the CIDR and sponge progesterone, the estrous quality showed that 76% and 60% of the ewes exhibited medium estrous quality, and 24% and 40% exhibited low estrous quality. The data were analyzed using an independent sample T-test. The T-test analysis showed no significant difference (P>0.05) in the estrous response and estrous quality between the two estrous synchronization protocols.
Maxillary sinus floor augmentation and sinonasal polyposis: a multidisciplinary management
Authors: Lagadic Constance , Guyon Alice , Papon Jean-François
Published: February 2025

Introduction Maxillary sinus pathologies, such as sinonasal polyposis, is a risk factor for complications of maxillary sinus floor augmentation procedures or sinus lift. No studies in the literature have investigated sinus lift candidates with sinonasal polyposis. Clinical case: A 65-year-old woman was referred to oral surgery for implant rehabilitation at site 15. Sinus lift was indicated but sinonasal polyposis was diagnosed. After medical-surgical treatment of the sinonasal polyposis with an ear, nose and throat surgeon, sinus lift surgery was successfully performed. Discussion: Sinonasal polyposis is a diffuse chronic rhinosinusitis characterized by bilateral inflammatory polyps in nasal cavity or middle meatus. According to the latest guidelines of the French Society of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, the sinus lift surgery is possible with stable controlled sinonasal polyposis. Conclusion: Sinus lift surgery for patients with sinonasal polyposis is a multidisciplinary treatment involving ear, nose and throat and oral surgeons. Stable controlled sinonasal polyposis patients receive the same pre-implant management as healthy patients.
Effect of Ce2O3-bearing slag on inclusions in a low-carbon Al-killed steel
Authors: Wang Zeyu , Chang Shengcai , Ren Qiang , Zhang Lifeng
Published: February 2025

In this paper, the effect of Ce2O3 bearing slag on inclusions was investigated in laboratory scale experiments by slag-steel reaction. The morphology and chemical composition of inclusions were analyzed using an automatic scanning electron microscope equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy. In the case of the ratio of steel and slag was 10:1, dissolved cerium generated from the reaction between Ce2O3 in slag and [Al] in steel was transferred to molten steel. As the content of Ce2O3 in the slag increased, the average content of Al2O3 in inclusions decreased initially and then increased, the average content of MgO in inclusions showed an opposite trend compared with that of Al2O3. The content of [Ce] was too low to form pure cerium oxides and sulfides but just reacted with the existing inclusions in steel to generate a small number of multi-phase inclusions containing Ce2O3 and CeS. The CeAlO3 inclusion was generated from the reaction between [Ce] and Al2O3 and existed inside inclusions. While CeS precipitated outside the inclusions during solidification. The activity of CaO, Al2O3, MgO, Ce2O3 in the slag was calculated using Ion-Molecule Coexistence Theory. As the content of Ce2O3 in slag increased, the activity of Ce2O3 increased slightly and the activity of CaO and MgO increased significantly while the activity of Al2O3 decreased. According to the calculated result of [Al]-[Ce] equilibrium relation, the content of [Ce] generated from the reaction between Ce2O3 in slag and [Al] in steel was less than 1 ppm. Then the Gibbs free energy of possible chemical reactions of inclusions were calculated. The thermodynamic calculations were in good agreement with the experimental results.
Spine Trauma Classifications: Historical, Current, and Emerging Perspectives for Radiologists
Authors: Nandolia Khanak , Saran Sonal , Varshney Garima , Shirodkar Kapil , Iyengar Karthikeyan P. , Botchu Rajesh
Published: February 2025

The spine serves as a protective, load-bearing, and stabilizing axis for the body. Trauma can cause significant damage to spinal structures, potentially resulting in severe neurological dysfunction and disabilities such as paraplegia or quadriplegia. Early and accurate diagnosis of these injuries is important, with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging being important for recognizing these injuries and guiding timely treatment to minimize disability. Radiologists play a critical role in assessing spine trauma to determine stability, which informs the need for nonoperative or operative management. Trauma classification systems are vital for uniform communication between radiologists and surgeons, aiding in decision-making. Various classifications exist for cervical, thoracolumbar, and sacral trauma, each with advantages and limitations. Understanding these classification systems is essential for guiding diagnosis, treatment, and prognostication. Over the years, these systems have evolved, reflecting advancements in medical knowledge, imaging technology, and clinical practices. Contemporary classification systems have addressed the limitations of previous systems. Vaccaro et al proposed the “Thoracolumbar Injury Classification and Severity Score (TLICS)” in 2005 and the “Subaxial Cervical Spine Injury Classification System” in 2007. These classifications focus on injury morphology, the integrity of the posterior ligamentous complex or discoligamentous complex, and the patient's neurologic status. The Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen (AO) founded the “Spine Classification Group” to review the “AO-Magerl classification” and create an extensive system for the whole spine. This system focuses on fracture morphology, neurological status, clinical modifiers, and facet joint injury. The TLICS system is straightforward and easy to use in clinical practice, while the AOSpine system is more comprehensive and reliable. As classification systems evolve, collaboration among radiologists, spine surgeons, and researchers will be essential. By embracing advancements in imaging technology and incorporating new clinical data, the field of spine trauma classification can achieve greater accuracy and consistency, ultimately enhancing patient care and outcomes.
Stakeholder engagement in regulatory policymaking in a neo-corporatist setting: assessing diversity and balance in open consultations
Authors: Alasuutari Noora , Rantala Kati
Published: February 2025

It has been argued that engaging a wide range of stakeholders in regulatory policymaking could enhance its legitimacy, quality, and acceptability. Open consultations are the only venue that theoretically allows the participation of those affected by policy proposals or those with a special position in relation to them. We examine the participation of all stakeholder types in open consultations, including organized and non-organized interests, across policy areas and time in Finland, a country with a neo-corporatist background. Our novel dataset consists of over 16,000 written statements submitted in nearly 500 open consultations over three years (2013, 2017, and 2021). We study the level of diversity among stakeholder types using the Herfindahl–Hirschman index while also discussing the balance of their participation in relation to the policy areas in which their engagement occurs. Our findings reveal that organized interests are particularly active compared to non-organized actors, although we note some increase in the engagement of companies over the years. The overall level of stakeholder diversity reflects moderate concentration, but it varies considerably across policy areas. We suggest that occasional high concentration in engagement does not necessarily indicate imbalance, as the policy issue itself determines whose involvement is most relevant.
Gravitational lensing of neutrinos in parametrized black hole spacetimes
Authors: Alloqulov Mirzabek , Chakrabarty Hrishikesh , Malafarina Daniele , Ahmedov Bobomurat , Abdujabbarov Ahmadjon
Published: February 2025

We consider gravitational lensing of neutrinos in
a black hole geometry that parametrizes departures from the Schwarzschild spacetime
in the weak-field limit with plane-wave approximation.
We use the Rezzolla-Zhidenko parametrization and
apply the analysis to the effects of spatial curvature deviations from GR to a hypothetical system with a central object of mass of the order of a solar mass and a detector located at an Earth-like distance from the source.
We find that the deformation parameters of the metric can have significant impact on the oscillation probabilities of the neutrinos.
We also investigate the role of decoherence on flavor oscillations of the lensed neutrinos and show that the parameters of the metric
do not have significant effect on the decoherence length.
Probing dark matter electromagnetic properties in direct detection experiments
Authors: Ibarra Alejandro , Reichard Merlin , Tomar Gaurav
Published: February 2025

Astronomical and cosmological observations indicate that dark matter should interact very weakly with the electromagnetic radiation. Nevertheless, the existence of such interactions is not precluded by observations nor by theoretical considerations. A promising approach to probe the dark matter electromagnetic properties is through the search of photon-mediated dark matter-nucleus interactions in direct detection experiments. In this paper we present a simple methodology to calculate the scattering rate in a direct detection experiment for given values of the dark matter electric charge, charge radius, electric- and magnetic- dipole moments and anapole moment. In our work we include contributions to the scattering from nuclear recoils and from the Migdal effect. We finally apply this formalism to determine exclusion limits on the five electromagnetic interactions using data from XENON1T, LZ, PICO-60 and DS50 experiments, and we discuss the implications for a simplified dark matter model with t-channel mediators.
Expanding covariant cosmography of the local universe: incorporating the snap and axial symmetry
Authors: Kalbouneh Basheer , Santiago Jessica , Marinoni Christian , Maartens Roy , Clarkson Chris , Sarma Maharshi
Published: February 2025

Studies show that the model-independent, fully non-perturbative covariant cosmographic approach is suitable for analyzing the local Universe (z ≲ 0.1). However, accurately characterizing large and inhomogeneous mass distributions requires the fourth-order term in the redshift expansion of the covariant luminosity distance dL
(zn
).
We calculate the covariant snap parameter 𝕊 and its spherical harmonic multipole moments using the matter expansion tensor and the evolution equations for lightray bundles.
The fourth-order term adds 36 degrees of freedom, since the highest independent multipole of the snap is the 32-pole (dotriacontapole) (ℓ=5).
Including this term helps to de-bias estimations of the covariant deceleration parameter. Given that observations suggest axially symmetric anisotropies in the Hubble diagram for z ≲ 0.1 and theory shows that only a subset of multipoles contributes to the signal, we demonstrate that only 12 degrees of freedom are needed for a model-independent description of the local universe. We use an analytical axisymmetric model of the local Universe, with data that matches the Zwicky Transient Facility survey, in order to provide a numerical example of the amplitude of the snap multipoles and to forecast precision.
Asymmetric mode-pairing quantum key distribution with advantage distillation
Authors: Wang Hai-tao , Zhou Chun , Lu Yi-fei , Hao Chen-peng , Zhao Yan-mei , Zhou Yan-yang , Li Hong-wei , Bao Wan-su
Published: February 2025

Mode-pairing quantum key distribution (MP-QKD) is a excellent scheme that can exceed the the repeaterless rate-transmittance bound without complex phase locking. Nevertheless, MP-QKD usually needs to ensure that the communication distance between the two channels is equal. To address the problem, the asymmetric MP-QKD protocol is proposed. In this paper, we enhance the performance of asymmetric MP-QKD protocol based on the advantage distillation (AD) method without modifying the quantum process. The simulation results show that the AD method can extend the communication distance by about 70 km in the case of asymmetry. And we observe that as the misalignment error increases, the AD method further increases the expandable communication distance. Our work can further enhance the robustness and promote the practical application of asymmetric MP-QKD.
Isobavachalcone-loaded electrospun polycaprolactone/gelatin nanofibers for antibacterial and antioxidant applications
Authors: Guo Peibo , Zhang Wen , Zhao Pei , Lv Xinyi , Qu Ao , Liang Wenjing , Hou Huijing , Li Ying , Wu Zijian
Published: February 2025

Antibacterial nanofibers have been widely used in the fields of biomedicine and food packaging fields. To overcome existing antibiotic resistance, this study utilized isobavachalcone (IBC), a natural compound with antibacterial and antioxidant properties, combined with polycaprolactone (PCL) and gelatin (GEL) to develop an electrospun nanofibrous antibacterial membrane. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed a uniform and smooth surface structure of the nanofiber. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction confirmed the interactions among the components of the nanofibrous membrane PCL/GEL/IBC (PGI). Thermogravimetric analysis and contact angle measurements demonstrated the thermal stability and hydrophilic nature. Additionally, the mechanical properties of PGI membrane were that the elongation at break increased to 19.9% and the tensile strength to 2.9 MPa. In vitro release studies indicated at least 48% release rate of IBC from the PGI nanofibrous membrane in 12 h, and release period up to 14 d. Antioxidant results revealed PGI membranes had fine abilities for scavenging free radical. The elimination of over 99% of Staphylococcus aureus and elimination of 54% Candida albicans demonstrated the antibacterial capacities of the PGI membrane, indicating its potential as antibacterial and antioxidant materials. Subsequent faster wound healing, lower oxidative damage for 4-HNE and 8-OHdG, further demonstrated that PGI can reduce oxidative damage at the wound and promote wound healing. These findings also suggest the potential of PGI in the field of tissue engineering.
Biotechnological advances in 3D modeling of cancer initiation. Examples from pancreatic cancer research and beyond
Authors: Handschin C , Shalhoub H , Mazet A , Guyon C , Dusserre N , Boutet-Robinet E , Oliveira H , Guillermet-Guibert J
Published: February 2025

In recent years, biofabrication technologies have garnered significant attention within the scientific community for their potential to create advanced in vitro cancer models. While these technologies have been predominantly applied to model advanced stages of cancer, there exists a pressing need to develop pertinent, reproducible, and sensitive 3D models that mimic cancer initiation lesions within their native tissue microenvironment. Such models hold profound relevance for comprehending the intricacies of cancer initiation, to devise novel strategies for early intervention, and/or to conduct sophisticated toxicology assessments of putative carcinogens. Here, we will explain the pivotal factors that must be faithfully recapitulated when constructing these models, with a specific focus on early pancreatic cancer lesions. By synthesizing the current state of research in this field, we will provide insights into recent advances and breakthroughs. Additionally, we will delineate the key technological and biological challenges that necessitate resolution in future endeavors, thereby paving the way for more accurate and insightful in vitro cancer initiation models.
TIBI’s electronic skin patch: advancing health monitoring with GelMA technology. A commentary
Authors: Sajjad Waseem , Ansari Rafay Shahab , Khan Mishaim , Nasrallah Jamil
Published: February 2025

The Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI) has recently come forward with an innovative Electronic Skin (E-Skin) patch for continuous health monitoring with amazing patient-friendly as well as environment-friendly features. In contrast to the traditional skin patches, this patch has been developed from novel gelatin-based, highly porous material made from gelatin methacrylolyl (GelMA) with extended properties of biodegradability, biocompatibility, and tissue-like mechanical properties. The objectives of this commentary are to highlight the innovative breakthrough in continuous healthcare monitoring and introduce clinicians and healthcare practitioners to this new E-skin patch by TIBI. This new E-skin patch is more advanced employing a distinct cryofreezing method to enhance flexibility and durability and make it more patient-friendly due to better breathability and mechanical compatibility than the previously available ones. Alongside, these Skin patches have ultralight substrates with interconnected pores facilitating three-dimensional capillary action making them capable of continuous, multifunctional devices monitoring various parameters like temperature, electro-cardiac measures, hydration level, and different metabolic markers like lactic acid, glucose, etc. An extremely striking feature of this E-skin Patch is that this provides temperature-moisture management by stimulating sweat glands making comprehensive health monitoring possible. This cutting-edge development by TIBI brings a significant advancement in continuous health monitoring.
Stress Level of Adolescent with Idiopathic Scoliosis Using Braces for the Treatment: A Descriptive Study in Vietnam
Authors: Hong Khanh Son , Nguyen Thi Bang Giao , Trinh Quang Dung , Nguyen Hoai Nam , Pham Van Minh
Published: February 2025

Introduction

The effectiveness of braces in the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis has been demonstrated. However, prolonged use of a brace causes patients to feel self-conscious about their appearance, leading to stress in adolescents.

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the stress levels of adolescents utilizing braces for the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis, as well as analyze the correlation between stress with sociodemographic and clinical factors.

Methods

A total of 114 adolescents ages 10 to 18 who have idiopathic scoliosis with a Cobb angle of 20° to 40° receiving braces participated in a cross-sectional study. Participant eligibility requirements included a treatment period of 3 to 24 months and a wearing time of at least 12 hours daily. The Brace and Deformity versions of the Bad Sobernheim Stress Questionnaire (BSSQ) scale were used to assess the stress levels of individuals with idiopathic scoliosis.

Results

The BSSQ-Brace and BSSQ-Deformity scales measured a high level of stress of 83.3% and 71.1%, respectively. The correlation between stress level as measured by the BSSQ-Deformity and participation in additional courses was statistically significant (P = 0.022).

Conclusions

The stress levels of adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis are elevated. Health education, psychological, and social support are required to mitigate the effects of stress during braces treatment.

Clinical Relevance

The stress levels of adolescents during bracing were shown by our research. The research thus can assist clinicians in the development of support measures for children, the enhancement of treatment effectiveness, and the mitigation of adverse mental health effects.
Ventricular Assist Device Implantation in a Patient Congenitally Corrected Transposition of the Great Arteries With I, D, D
Authors: Sun Yongfeng , Yang Yuehang , Zhang Jing , Shi Jiawei , Zhou Cheng
Published: February 2025

Congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (ccTGA) is a rare congenital heart anomaly that often leads to systemic heart failure, necessitating mechanical circulatory support or transplantation. We report a case of a 54 year old male diagnosed with dextrocardia and ccTGA (I, D, D), who had been suffering from congestive heart failure for over 7 years. Despite receiving intensive treatment, his condition deteriorated. Preoperative evaluation revealed significant systemic right ventricular dysfunction with severe valvular regurgitation and pulmonary hypertension. The surgical approach included tricuspid and aortic bioprosthetic valve replacement, mitral valve annuloplasty, and right thoracic ventricular assist device (VAD) implantation. The patient recovered well postoperatively and was discharged on postoperative day 39 with New York Heart Association (NYHA) class I. This case demonstrates the feasibility of using VAD in right heart ccTGA as a bridge to transplantation or destination therapy, emphasizing the importance of meticulous preoperative planning and intraoperative management for successful outcomes.
Recent evidence for stepping down severe asthma therapies
Authors: Merrell Eric , Khurana Sandhya
Published: February 2025

Purpose of review

Biologics have proven safe and effective for severe asthma. Their introduction has offered hope for patients and prescribers with a growing list of novel medications and indications. While ‘step-up’ indications for biologic initiation are well described in guidelines, ‘step-down’ strategy remains poorly understood and thus guidance is limited. In this opinion article we aim to focus on recent practice changing evidence for stepping-down severe asthma management, tools for the assessment of biologic efficacy, propose a framework for the step-down of biologic and nonbiologic therapies and suggest topics of interest for future research.

Recent findings

Clinical tools have been developed to aid in assessing biologic response. Some patients experience marked improvement and may enter a period of clinical remission or even complete remission. Following positive response, add-on therapy may safely be approached for taper or withdrawal.

There is limited consensus but growing evidence for stepping-down therapies in patients who achieve clinical response and/or remission after biologic initiation. Further structured guidance would benefit clinicians who face clinical uncertainty when deciding to step-down therapy in patients with well controlled asthma.
The causal relationship between thyroid dysfunction and carpal tunnel syndrome: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhang Fan , Cui Rongrong , Yin Liang , Bi Rongxiu , Xu Honghao , Wang Shilu
Published: February 2025

Mendelian randomization was used to investigate the causal relationship between thyroid dysfunction (including hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism) and carpal tunnel syndrome. Genetic loci independently associated with hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism were selected as instrumental variables from pooled data from genome-wide association studies. Inverse variance weighting (IVW) was used to analyze the causal effect, supplemented by weighted median and MR-Egger. Heterogeneity test, pleiotropy testing and leave-one-out analysis were used to analyze the sensitivity test to explore the robustness of the results. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism increase the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome (hypothyroidism: IVW, OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.01–1.08, P = .017; hyperthyroidism: IVW, OR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.05–1.12, P = 9.218E‐06, no pleiotropy was found in both tests. Patients with thyroid dysfunction have an increased risk of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Efficacy and Safety of calcineurin inhibitors in cutaneous lupus: a systematic review and brief meta-analysis of recommended concentration, type, and outcomes
Authors: Alajaji Abdullah , Alshathri Almaha H. , Alshathri Aljohara H. , Alharbi Lamees Fahad , Allehyani Roaa Abdulrahman , Abdellatif Rim Adel , Alawaji Mayadah Assaf
Published: February 2025

Background:

Establishing effective treatment for cutaneous lupus erythematosus is of major importance given lack of approved medications for this autoimmune condition. Topical Calcineurin inhibitors have been used to treat all types of cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE), yet there is currently no robust study that evaluated the efficacy of calcineurin inhibitors in this patient population. Our aim is to study the efficacy of topical calcineurin inhibitors for treating patients with CLE and assess the side effects associated with the use of this class of medications.

Materials and methods:

A systematic review was conducted following the AMSTAR guidelines. A systematic search for articles published between 2003 and 2024 in PubMed, MEDLINE, the Cochrane library (Cochrane Databases of Systematic Reviews), and the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) for relevant studies that assessed the efficacy of calcineurin inhibitors in patients with CLE.

Results:

25 studies met the criteria, and we reviewed and collectively included. Based on the Quality assessment, some concerns are raised in the quality assessment of RCTs studies. However, Observational studies have high methodological quality.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, our systematic review analyzed 25 studies to evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical calcineurin inhibitors in treating cutaneous lupus erythematosus. Our systematic review findings support the effectiveness of these inhibitors, namely pimecrolimus cream and tacrolimus ointment in improving clinical manifestations and disease activity in various forms of CLE, such as discoid lupus and subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus. However, the result from RCTs metanalysis showed no significant difference between calcineurin inhibitors and other treatments. While calcineurin inhibitors are generally safe, the most common side effect was skin burning sensation at application site in the first few days of treatment. Further research is needed to prove the effectiveness of these drugs, explore the comparative effectiveness between different calcineurin inhibitors and comparing their types and their concentration.