bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polydopamine Nanohydrogel Decorated Adhesive and Responsive Hierarchical Microcarriers for Deafness Protection
Authors: Chen Hong , Zhang Hui , Li Jiayi , Wei Xianmei , Yu Chenjie , Zhao Yuanjin , Duan Maoli , Qian Xiaoyun , Gao Xia
Published: January 2025

Cisplatin‐induced ototoxicity is attributed to the aberrant accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within the inner ear. Antioxidants represented by α‐lipoic acid (ALA) have been demonstrated to scavenge ROS in the cochlea, while effective delivery of these agents in vivo remains a major challenge. Here, a novel polydopamine (PDA) nanogel decorated adhesive and responsive hierarchical microcarriers for controllable is presented ALA delivery and deafness prevention. As the composite microcarriers exhibit excellent bioadhesion and responsive hierarchical capabilities, this can result in a prolonged retention time in vivo and allow for precise ALA delivery under light stimulation, which significantly enhances the therapeutic efficacy of ALA. Based on these features, both in vitro and in vivo experiments are demonstrated that the composite microcarriers combined with near‐infrared light irradiation can effectively attenuate cisplatin‐induced ototoxicity. These findings suggest that composite microcarriers are a viable approach for both inner ear medication delivery and the prevention of deafness.
Nanosize Non‐Viral Gene Therapy Reverses Senescence Reprograming Driven by PBRM1 Deficiency to Suppress iCCA Progression
Authors: Wu Xiwen , Zhang Yi , Ding Yuan , Yang Jiali , Song Zimin , Lin Shuirong , Zhang Ruhe , Wu Jun , Shen Shunli
Published: January 2025

Polybromo‐1 (PBRM1) serves as a crucial regulator of gene transcription in various tumors, including intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA). However, the exact role of PBRM1 in iCCA and the mechanism by which it regulates downstream target genes remain unclear. This research has revealed that PBRM1 is significantly downregulated in iCCA tissues, and this reduced expression is linked to aggressive clinicopathological features and a poor prognosis. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that PBRM1 can impede iCCA progression, and a gene therapy nanomedicine is developed to treat iCCA in vivo by modulating PBRM1 expression. The heightened expression of PBRM1 induces by the nanomedicine substantially inhibited tumor growth in iCCA. Conversely, the decrease in PBRM1 results in the abnormal activation of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway, a reduction in p16, p53/p21, and cellular senescence, thereby promoting iCCA advancement. Treatment with U0126, an ERK1/2 inhibitor, effectively halted iCCA progression by regulating the PBRM1‐ERK1/2‐cellular senescence pathway. These findings underscore the significant role of PBRM1 in controlling iCCA progression and predicting prognosis. Targeting the PBRM1‐ERK1/2‐cellular senescence pathway with U0126 shows promise for clinical applications in treating iCCA.
Morphological Evolution of Sn‐Metal‐Based Anodes for Lithium‐Ion Batteries Using Operando X‐Ray Imaging
Authors: Bouabadi Bouchra , Hilger André , Kamm Paul H. , Neu Tillmann R. , Kardjilov Nikolay , Sintschuk Michael , Markötter Henning , Schedel‐Niedrig Thomas , Abou‐Ras Daniel , García‐Moreno Francisco , Risse Sebastian
Published: January 2025

Sn‐based electrodes are promising candidates for next‐generation lithium‐ion batteries. However, it suffers from deleterious micro‐structural deformation as it undergoes drastic volume changes upon lithium insertion and extraction. Progress in designing these materials is limited to complex structures. There is a significant need to develop an alloy‐based anode that can be industrially manufactured and offers high reversible capacity. This necessitates a profound understanding of the interplay between structural changes and electrochemical performance. Here, operando X‐ray imaging is used to correlate the morphological evolution to electrochemical performance in foil and foam systems. The 3D Sn‐foam‐like structure electrode is fabricated in‐house as a practical approach to accommodate the volume expansion and alleviate the mechanical stress experienced upon alloying/dealloying. Results show that generating pores in Sn electrodes can help manage the volume expansion and mitigate the severe mechanical stress in thick electrodes during alloying/dealloying processes. The foam electrode demonstrates superior electrochemical performance compared to non‐porous Sn foil with an equivalent absolute capacity. This work advances the understanding of the real‐time morphological evolution of Sn bulky electrodes.
Inadvertent insertion of dialysis catheter into subclavian artery treated with a covered stent: A case report
Authors: Takenobu Yohei , Furuta Akihiro , Haga Sumire , Yukawa Hiroshi , Nomura Noriko , Toyama Mizuha , Okada Akihiro , Kawauchi Takeshi , Terada Yukinori , Inoue Manabu , Hashimoto Kenji
Published: January 2025

Background

When inserting central venous catheters, inadvertent injury of major vessels is a rare yet critical complication. Direct surgery is sometimes overly invasive. This report describes a subclavian artery injury caused by inadvertent cannulation of a dialysis catheter, successfully treated with a covered stent.

Case Presentation

An 82‐year‐old woman with acute renal failure due to sepsis required emergency dialysis. During the insertion of a 12‐Fr dialysis catheter into the right jugular vein, pulsatile reflux was noted. Computed tomography revealed catheter misplacement in the subclavian artery. Considering the patient's fragility, endovascular repair was performed. After embolization of side branches, a GORE VIABAHN stentgraft was delivered using a pull‐through technique and deployed to seal the injury site. The patient was discharged without neurological or vascular complications.

Conclusion

Covered stents offer an effective solution for major vessel injuries requiring immediate hemostasis, particularly when direct surgery is complicated by underlying medical or anatomical conditions.
‘They have somewhere to turn to’: Wellbeing support for newly arrived refugee and migrant adolescents in English secondary schools
Authors: Kelley Aimee , Verelst An , Derluyn Ilse
Published: January 2025

Children continue to comprise a significant portion of refugees and migrants worldwide and may be impacted by challenges or trauma prior to or during their journey, or after arrival in the host country. School serves as a constant place in the lives of many of these newly arrived children, and a potential setting for wellbeing support. However, there is a gap in understanding how young newcomers are supported at school and by whom; this is especially unclear in an education system like England's, which has a default policy of directly mainstreaming non‐English‐speaking students, which many young newcomers are. We interviewed 29 school staff members at eight secondary schools to gather their perspectives on who provides wellbeing support to young newcomers and the nature of such support. Using thematic analysis, we found that the majority of wellbeing support for young newcomers is performed by English as an additional language (EAL) staff and that the main form of support provided is through individualised relationship building, which in turn mutually fosters other types of support. Using Gholami's framework of moral care and caring pedagogy as central to teachers' praxis, we discuss how care is at the core of EAL staff actions in supporting newcomer wellbeing and how these staff members at times prioritise care over learning. Our findings have important implications for both school staff and newcomer students, for which we provide several recommendations.
Impact of Methotrexate and 7‐Hydroxymethotrexate Exposure on Renal Toxicity in Pediatric Non‐Hodgkin Lymphoma
Authors: Bing Hao , Ma Yi , Xu Jiamin , Ling Qixian , Duan Yanlong , Zhao Libo
Published: January 2025

Background

7‐Hydroxymethotrexate (7‐OHMTX) is the main metabolite in plasma following high‐dose MTX (HD‐MTX), which may result in activity and toxicity of the MTX. Moreover, 7‐OHMTX could produce crystalline‐like deposits within the renal tubules under acidic conditions or induce renal inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell apoptosis through various signaling pathways, ultimately leading to kidney damage. The objectives of this study were thus to explore the exposure–safety relationship of two compounds and search the most reliable marker for predicting HDMTX nephrotoxicity.

Method

A total of 280 plasma concentration data (140 for MTX and 140 for 7‐OHMTX) for 60 pediatric patients with non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) were prospectively collected. Plasma MTX and 7‐OHMTX concentrations were determined using a high‐performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS/MS) method. A nonlinear mixed effect model approach was used to build a joint population pharmacokinetic (PopPK) model. After validation, the model estimated the peak concentration (Cmax) and area under the curve within the initial 48 h (AUC0‐48h) of the patients after drug administration by Bayesian feedback. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to identify an exposure threshold associated with nephrotoxicity.

Results

A three‐compartment chain model (central and peripheral compartments for MTX and central compartment 7‐OHMTX) with the first‐order elimination adequately characterized the in vivo process of MTX and 7‐OHMTX. The covariate analysis identified that the aspartate aminotransferase (AST) was strongly associated with the peripheral volume of distribution of MTX. Moreover, the Cmax of MTX and 7‐OHMTX showed significant differences (p < 0.0001, p = 0.0472, respectively) among patients with or without nephrotoxicity. Similarly, individuals with nephrotoxicity also exhibited substantially higher ratio of 7‐OHMTX to MTX peak concentration and the sum of MTX + 2.25 times the concentration of 7‐OHMTX (p < 0.0001, p = 0.0426, respectively). By ROC analysis, the Cmax of MTX and 7‐OHMTX had the greatest area under the curve (AUC) values (0.769 and 0.771, respectively). A Cmax threshold of 9.26 μmol/L for MTX or a Cmax threshold of 0.66 μmol/L for 7‐OHMTX was associated with the best sensitivity/specificity for toxicity events (MTX: sensitivity = 0.886; specificity = 0.70; 7‐OHMTX: sensitivity = 0.886; specificity = 0.70).

Conclusions

We demonstrated that the Cmax of MTX and 7‐OHMTX were the most reliable markers associated with nephrotoxicity and proposed a Cmax threshold of 9.26 μmol/L for MTX and 0.66 μmol/L for 7‐OHMTX as the point with a high risk of nephrotoxicity. Altogether, this study may contribute to crucial insights for ensuring the safe administration of drugs in pediatric clinical practice.
Understand Title IX implications of latest ruling on religious exemptions
Authors: Romano Robert J.
Published: January 2025

Title IX maintains that federal funding will be denied to an educational institution if it excludes, denies benefits to, or subjects to discrimination any person “on the basis of sex” (20 U.S.C. § 1681(a)), including athletics.
Pediatric Anesthetic Management of a Patient With an ALG‐13 Gene Mutation, a Rare Congenital Disorder of Glycosylation
Authors: Thakkar Esha , Iasiello John A. , Cai Sunny R. , Hutton Adrienne
Published: January 2025

Congenital disorders of glycosylation are rare and present a challenge in management due to interactions with intraoperative medications. We present safe and successful anesthetic management of a pediatric patient with an ALG‐13 gene mutation.
Impact of Prussian Blue Particle Size Distribution on Electrochemical Performance of Gel Polymer Electrolyte‐Based Na‐Ion Cells
Authors: Patriarchi Asia , Caroni Jonathan , Minnetti Luca , Sbrascini Leonardo , Darjazi Hamideh , Nobili Francesco , Muñoz‐Márquez Miguel Ángel
Published: January 2025

Lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) are one of the most advanced electrochemical energy storage technologies. However, the increasing demand for LIBs, coupled with problems related to availability and lack of manufacturing centers, has led to lithium market inflation. At this point, sodium‐ion batteries (SIB) represent an economically and environmentally attractive alternative for LIBs. Prussian Blue cathodes (PB) have been extensively studied as cost‐effective materials with volumetric variations that allow the accommodation of sodium ions in the structure. Herein, we present a quasi‐solid Na‐ion cell based on PB cathode and green gel polymer electrolyte (GPE). Nanometric and micrometric PB powders are synthesized and characterized using a wide variety of structural, compositional and electrochemical techniques. The effect of the PB particle size in combination with different electrolytes is investigated. Enhanced cell safety is obtained using a GPE prepared by following a novel green method that avoids using toxic organic solvents. All the tested cells report remarkable electrochemical performance, being the nanometric‐PB/ GPE/ Na cell configuration the one with the highest specific capacity and almost no capacity loss after 100 cycles, outperforming analogous cells assembled with liquid electrolyte. This electrochemical stability is triggered by a robust electrode‐electrolyte interphase.
Tumor Microenvironment‐Responsive Multinucleated Nanocomplexes Loaded with Carbon Dots for Combined Photothermal/Chemodynamic Therapy of Breast Cancer
Authors: Zhu Zihan , Zhang Yan , He Cui , Jin Yimin , Bian Wei , Tang Xinjing , Wang Jing
Published: January 2025

Low cure rate and high death rate of cancers have seriously threatened human health. The combining multiple therapies is a promising strategy for cancer treatment. In this study, we construct a novel multinucleated nanocomplex loaded with carbon dots (CDs‐SA@TAMn) that responds to tumor microenvironment for combined photothermal/chemodynamic cancer therapy. Fluorescence imaging results show that CDs‐SA@TAMn can effectively accumulated in tumor sites. In acidic tumor microenvironment, CDs‐SA@TAMn will release Mn2+, activating chemodynamic therapy and producing substantial reactive oxygen species (ROS) to kill tumor. Additionally, when irradiated by an 808 nm laser, CDs‐SA@TAMn will exert the photothermal effect to realize high performance of cancer hyperthermia treatment. The nanocomplexes feather simple preparation, low toxicity, controlled release and imaging‐guided therapy, showcasing the potential of precise and high‐performance anti‐tumor combination therapy in biomedical applications.
Seaweed Aquaculture for Carbon Farming: An Assessment Under the EU's QU.A.L.ITY (Quantification, Additionality, Long‐Term Storage, Sustainability) Framework
Authors: Hughes Adam D. , Fedenko Jeffrey , O'Dell Alasdair , Swanlund Hayley
Published: January 2025

There is growing interest in establishing a seaweed farming industry in Europe, and this industry has the potential for being a mechanism for atmospheric carbon dioxide removal (CDR). The EU recognises the potential of CDR to help meet climate change targets, but also acknowledges the importance of creating credible markets for CDR ecosystem services (ES) through voluntary carbon markets to promote sustainable investment and to avoid claims of greenwashing. In response to this, the EU has proposed a framework (termed QU.A.L.ITY) for the establishment of CDR certification schemes, based on the four criteria of quantifiable, additionality, long‐term storage and overall sustainability. While seaweed aquaculture holds potential for CDR and could meet the QU.A.L.ITY criteria on a generic level, specific projects face hurdles in data collection, standardized methodologies, sediment protection regulations, and applicability of the taxonomy. Robust certification frameworks like the EU's are crucial to avoid greenwashing and ensure credible climate action through seaweed CDR.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of dual‐task outcomes in subjective cognitive decline
Authors: Salzman Talia , Laurin Erica , Thibault Chloe , Farrell Peter , Fraser Sarah
Published: January 2025

Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) may represent a preclinical manifestation of objective cognitive impairment. This review consolidated existing findings to determine if dual‐tasks objectively differentiate between individuals with SCD, motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia. MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CENTRAL, AgeLine, and CINAHL were systematically searched for dual‐task studies examining older adults with SCD and analyzed using random‐effects meta‐analyses. Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Within the SCD group, faster gait speed (SMD, 1.35; 95% CI, 0.57–2.13; p = .0007) and longer step length (SMD, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.44–1.26; p < .0001) favored the single compared to dual‐task condition. Faster gait speed was observed in the SCD group compared to MCI (SMD, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.28–0.67; p = .0001). A standardized dual‐task approach is needed to track gait parameters longitudinally, beginning with changes occurring at the SCD stage as these may precede future cognitive impairments.

Highlights

Evidence demonstrates that SCD may be a precursor to dementia.

Faster dual‐task gait speed was observed in the SCD group compared to MCI.

Slower dual‐task gait speed and shorter step length were observed within the SCD group.

Dual‐tasks may help differentiate between preclinical and clinical cognitive decline.

Dual‐tasks should be standardized and changes should be tracked longitudinally.
A longitudinal study of functional brain complexity in progressive Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Zhang Ru , Aksman Leon , Wijesinghe Dilmini , Ringman John M. , Wang Danny J. J. , Jann Kay ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: January 2025

INTRODUCTION

Cross‐sectional resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) studies have revealed altered complexity with advanced Alzheimer's disease (AD) stages. The current study conducted longitudinal rsfMRI complexity analyses in AD.

METHODS

Linear mixed‐effects (LME) models were implemented to evaluate altered rates of disease progression in complexity across disease groups.

RESULTS

The LME models revealed complexity of the higher frequency in the CNtoMCI group (those converted from cognitively normal [CN] to mild cognitive impairment [MCI]) decayed faster over time versus CN in the prefrontal and lateral occipital cortex; complexity of the lower frequency decayed faster in AD versus CN in various frontal and temporal regions (p < 0.05 & Benjamini–Hochberg corrected with q < 0.05).

DISCUSSION

Local functional brain activities decayed in the early stage of the disease, and long‐range communications were impacted in the later stage. Our study demonstrated longitudinal changes in AD‐related rsfMRI complexity, indicating its potential as an imaging biomarker of AD.

Highlights

We conducted longitudinal resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) complexity analyses using the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative dataset.

Higher‐frequency complexity in the CNtoMCI group (those transitioning from cognitively normal [CN] to mild cognitive impairment [MCI]) was found to decay faster over time compared to CN, specifically in the prefrontal and lateral occipital cortex.

Lower‐frequency complexity was found to decay faster in AD versus CN in various frontal and temporal regions.

This study demonstrated that longitudinal changes in rsfMRI complexity could serve as a potential imaging biomarker for Alzheimer's disease.
Twoline Skiffia's Latency to Exit a Refuge and to Locate Food When Socialising With Invaders and Raising Temperatures
Authors: Santiago‐Arellano Abigail , Alcocer Javier , de la Barrera Erick , Camacho‐Cervantes Morelia
Published: January 2025

Aquatic ecosystems are reservoirs of biodiversity and are highly threatened. Among the main threats to biodiversity are invasive species and global warming, the later has allowed the establishment of invasive species from originally warmer climates outside their native range by reducing the barriers to their establishment and distribution. Behaviour is the immediate response that species modify to counteract changes in their environment. Latency to respond to certain stimuli is an indicator of different behavioural tendencies associated with boldness, for example, quickly leaving a shelter could lead to benefits like finding a mate or locating food faster. We investigated the latency to exit a refuge and to locate food of the native twoline skiffia (Skiffia bilineata) from central Mexico at three temperatures (18°C, 23°C and 28°C) and in the presence/absence of invasive guppies (Poecilia reticulata). Our results are the first to show native fish could benefit from associating with invaders when emerging from a refuge and locating food under higher temperatures, but they would find themselves at the extreme of their thermal tolerance. Evidence of positive outcomes from biological invasions is increasing; however, further research is needed to understand if potential benefits for natives are temporary, which may make biological invasions less detrimental during the initial stages.
Cardiopulmonary exercise testing as a prognosis‐assessing tool in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: da Conceicao C. Rozados , Krannich A. , Zach V. , Pinto R. , Deichl A. , Feuerstein A. , Schleussner L. , Edelmann F.
Published: January 2025

Aims

Patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction represent half of the heart failure patients nowadays, an at least steady trend due to the aging of the population. We investigated whether the parameters obtained from cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) correlated with the prognosis of these patients. This prospective observational cohort study assesses the relationship between the CPET parameters peakVO2 and VE/VCO2 slope and the number of heart failure hospitalizations or cardiovascular death of these patients.

Methods and results

From August 2016 until May 2019, 99 patients from our outpatient unit with newly diagnosed heart failure with preserved ejection fraction underwent CPET. Median follow‐up was 30 months [interquartile range, 24–38.5]. We selected peakVO2 < 14 mL/min/kg and a VE/VCO2 slope > 34 as threshold values for our primary clinically relevant endpoint, a composite of hospitalization for heart failure or cardiovascular death. Mean age was 75.07 ± 7.31 years, 49% were women, 75% were at NYHA class II and median NTproBNP was 511 pg/mL. Mean peakVO2 was 15.09 ± 4.75, and mean VE/VCO2 was 36.05 ± 6.60. During follow‐up, there were 207 all‐cause hospitalizations, 126 cardiovascular hospitalizations, 58 heart failure hospitalizations and 4 deaths. Over a median follow‐up of 30 months, the primary clinically relevant endpoint occurred in 5 of 40 patients (12.5%) with a VE/VCO2 slope ≤ 34 and in 19 of 59 patients (32.2%) with a VE/VCO2 slope > 34 [hazard ratio, 2.69; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.00–7.21; P = 0.04]. On multivariate analysis, VE/VCO2 slope was independently associated with heart failure hospitalization or cardiovascular death as a terminal event.

Conclusions

In patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, a VE/VCO2 slope > 34 predicts heart failure hospitalizations and cardiovascular death.
Ring Opening and C(ω)‐S Coupling: Nickel‐Mediated Transformation of Alicyclic Alkoxyhydroperoxides
Authors: Fomenkov Dmitri I. , Budekhin Roman A. , Mulina Olga M. , Komarova Olga A. , Doronin Mikhail M. , Belyakova Yulia Yu. , He Liang‐Nian , Yaremenko Ivan A. , Terent'ev Alexander O.
Published: January 2025

Ozonolysis of cycloalkanone semicarbazones in alcohol containing solution with the subsequent addition of nickel (II) dithiocarbamates or xanthates was found to result in ω‐xanthyl or ω‐dithiocarbamyl carboxylic acid esters. The reaction proceeds in several steps. The initial one is cycloalkanone semicarbazone ozonolysis in the presence of alcohol, which leads to alicyclic alkoxyhydroperoxide. The second step is an extraordinary interaction between the alkoxyhydroperoxide and nickel (II) dithiocarbamate or xanthate, which proceeds via alkoxy radical formation and its subsequent β‐scission, resulting in C−S coupling products. The developed method allows to obtain ω‐xanthyl or ω‐dithiocarbamyl esters in yields up to 52 % relative to the initial cycloalkanone semicarbazone.
Design and Analysis of Carbon‐Supported NiMo HER Catalysts and Electrodes for High Performance All PGM‐Free AEM Electrolysers
Authors: Heinius Lukas , Klingenhof Malte , Weiser Gregor , Schröer Pierre , Metzler Lukas , Koch Susanne , Selve Sören , Vierrath Severin , Strasser Peter
Published: January 2025

The influence of the nature of carbon‐support materials on the structure and the electrochemical performance of NiMo cathode catalysts is investigated. Carbon materials addressed in this study include Ketjen Black, Vulcan and MWCNT‐COOH. A one pot, easily scalable, hydrothermal microwave synthesis with a subsequent hydrogen reduction step was applied for the preparation of the catalyst materials. The structures and compositions of the catalysts were characterized by TEM/SEM, XRD, ICP‐OES, BET and STEM‐EDX. The performance of the catalysts was tested using rotating disc electrode (RDE) and anion exchange membrane (AEM) single‐cell electrolyser to downselect the most active material. The influence of pH, catalyst loading and type of carbon support was investigated to optimize the operating conditions. By increasing the KOH concentration from 0.1 to 1 M in an AEM electrolysis cell, the current density could be more than doubled, whereas the introduction of a carbon support raised the current density by a factor of seven. Finally, it is demonstrated how applying a novel bar‐coating preparation of the electrodes in a PGM‐free AEM electrolyser enabled a favourable current density of 1 A cm−2 at 2.04 V. This performance is comparable to earlier systems but requires only a fraction of the catalyst loading.
Translating policy harmonization into practice—The case of the EU Blue Card Directive
Authors: Bešić Almina , Diedrich Andreas , Karabegović Dženeta
Published: January 2025

This study introduces a translation perspective to analyze the policy harmonization process, highlighting imitation, brokering, and editing in shaping policy dynamics at EU and national levels. The translation perspective emphasizes that while policy development is ongoing, the protracted process signals a shift in EU‐wide coordination of skilled labor migration. We show how ongoing translation efforts have transformed the coordination of skilled labor migration across the EU, as labor migration policies have translated into each other, resulting in mutual transformation. The study provides insights into the complex processes of policy harmonization via the Blue Card, enhancing understanding of EU labor migration policy. The findings demonstrate the continuous nature of policy translation between multiple contexts. The article traces developments surrounding the EU Blue Card Directive, including a parallel scheme in Austria, offering insights into skilled migration policy dynamics beyond linear diffusion models.
How to Approach the Definition of WUI in Northern Europe
Authors: Elio Medina Javier , Plathner Frida Vermina , Pastor Elsa , Fernandez‐Anez Nieves
Published: January 2025

This article aims to delineate the wildland–urban interface in the sparsely populated, limited‐resourced Scandinavian peninsula (excluding Finland). Common WUI mapping assumptions and how different thresholds capture the reality of building ignition from wildfire in this region are evaluated. We show that dedicated fuel maps capture areas at risk slightly better than vegetation maps, although the choice of map per se is less important than the selected limit for possible ember transport. The commonly used 6.17 buildings/km2 threshold for building density fails to capture most wildfire incidents that have led to building ignition.
Platelet‐derived apoptotic vesicles ameliorate nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by regulating lipid metabolism via apolipoprotein A‐II
Authors: Jiang Yuhe , Liao Yike , Wang Zeying , Zhu Lei , Liu Yunsong , Zhang Ping , Zhu Yuan , Li Wenyue , Zhou Yongsheng , Zhang Xiao
Published: January 2025

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) encompasses a broad range of conditions, commencing with simple steatosis and progressing to non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis, with the possibility of further deterioration into fibrosis, cirrhosis, and ultimately, hepatocellular carcinoma. Unfortunately, there is currently no approved medication for treating NAFLD‐associated liver steatosis. This underscores the need for improved therapeutic approaches that can modulate lipid metabolism and halt the transition from liver steatosis to chronic liver disease. Our previous studies have demonstrated that apoptotic vesicles (apoVs), which are produced during apoptosis, show great potential in regulating liver homeostasis. However, whether they can ameliorate NAFLD is unknown. In our research, apoVs derived from platelets (PLT‐apoVs) as well as apoVs derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSC‐apoVs) were used to treat NAFLD. The results showed that PLT‐apoVs exhibited superior effects in diminishing lipid accumulation in liver induced by high‐fat diet than MSC‐apoVs. Through proteomic analysis, we defined and validated apolipoprotein A‐II (APOA2) as a regulator for apoV‐mediated MSC adipogenesis, which could be used as a target to enhance apoV therapeutic potential in the lipid metabolism biomedical field. Owing to the higher expression of APOA2, PLT‐apoVs showed better therapeutic effects than MSC‐apoVs. Our results pave the way to apoV‐based therapy for NAFLD.
Evaluation of the Financial Distress of Hospitals Through Machine Learning: An Application of AI in Healthcare Industry
Authors: Oner Nurettin , Zengul Ferhat D. , Agirbas Ismail
Published: January 2025

Due to the intricate nature of hospital structures, the examination of factors contributing to financial distress necessitates more advanced methodologies than conventional approaches. Recent advancements in artificial intelligence, specifically machine learning algorithms, offer alternative means of analyzing patterns in these factors to assess hospital financial distress. This study employs various machine learning algorithms to forecast financial distress, as measured by the Altman Z score, for hospitals in Turkey. Prediction models were constructed using decision trees, random forests, K‐nearest neighbors, artificial neural networks, support vector machines, and lasso regression algorithms. The findings indicate that the most effective classifiers for predicting hospital financial distress were lasso regression and random forest. Additionally, financial factors, competition, and socioeconomic development level emerged as significant determinants in forecasting hospital financial distress.
Enhanced efficiency fertilizers, potato production, and nitrate leaching in the Wisconsin Central Sands
Authors: Campbell Tracy , Ruark Matthew , Boswell Edward , Lowery Birl
Published: January 2025

Maintaining yield goals while reducing nitrate‐nitrogen (NO3‐N) leaching to groundwater is a challenge for potato (Solanum tuberosum) production in the Wisconsin Central Sands as well as across the United States. The objectives of this study were to quantify the effect of conventional and enhanced efficiency nitrogen (N) fertilizers on NO3‐N leaching, crop yield, and N uptake in potatoes. We compared five N treatments, which include a 0 N control and 280 kg ha−1 as ammonium sulfate and ammonium nitrate (AS/AN), polymer‐coated urea (PCU), urea with a urease inhibitor (Urea+UI), or urea with a UI and a nitrification inhibitor (Urea+UI+NI). The study occurred on grower fields during the 2009, 2010, and 2011 growing seasons, and NO3‐N leaching was measured with equilibrium tension lysimeters. PCU resulted in a reduction in NO3‐N leaching and an increase in yield compared to AS/AN in a year with large early‐season rainfall; Urea+UI also reduced NO3‐N leaching in this year. In 2010, large plot‐to‐plot variation and 250 kg ha−1 of additional N applied by the grower masked our ability to see differences among fertilized treatments. In 2011, a year with less intense rainfall events, no differences among treatments were observed. Collectively, these results show a potential benefit to PCU, but these benefits are only realized under specific seasonal weather conditions. Overall, the percentage of applied N lost to leaching during the growing season and removed in biomass was relatively low, suggesting substantial amounts of NO3‐N leaching outside of the growing season.
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Is Associated With Type 1 Diabetes: A Two‐Sample Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Chen Leyan , Hou Tianzhichao , Ge Feifan , Jiang Huachi , Liu Feng , Tian Jingyan , Zheng Mingfeng
Published: January 2025

Background

The pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) remains unclear; previous studies revealed the underlying connection between IPF and diabetes, but there is no consensual opinion. This study is aimed at examining the association between Type 1 diabetes (T1D) and IPF using Mendelian randomization (MR).

Method

In our two‐sample MR study, we selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that are strongly associated with T1D in a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) from IEU (dataset: ebi‐a‐GCST005536) and obtained their corresponding effect estimates on T1D risk in an IPF GWAS from IEU (dataset: finn‐b‐IPF). We conducted a multivariable Mendelian randomization (MVMR) analysis to eliminate the interference of aging.

Result

In the outcome of inverse‐variance weighted (IVW) method, T1D showed a promoting effect on IPF (odds ratio (OR): 1.132, p = 0.005). The statistics passed the MR‐PRESSO test, and no outliers were observed (global test p = 0.238). MVMR study was performed, and the aging‐adjusted result remains almost the same (OR = 1.132, OR_95% CI: 1.034–1.239, p = 0.007).

Conclusion

Our study shows a causal relation between T1D and IPF; further investigation should be conducted.
Stability of dabigatran etexilate (Pradaxa) capsules in dose administration aids
Authors: Allahham Ayman , Nooney Vivek B. , Jones Alex , Weigl Brianna Jayne , Sridhar Jyothsna , Farah Lama , Thrimawithana Thilini
Published: January 2025

Background

Recent studies produced conflicting results on the suitability of repackaging dabigatran etexilate (Pradaxa) capsules in dose administration aids (DAAs).

Aim

To determine the stability of Pradaxa capsules in climate zones II (25°C and 60% relative humidity [RH]) and IVa (30°C and 65% RH).

Method

Pradaxa 110 mg capsules were subjected to two storage conditions (25°C/60% RH and 30°C/65% RH) in both the original packaging and after repackaging into Webster packs. Content assay, appearance, pH, and dissolution profile of capsules were determined at baseline, and 2 and 4 weeks after storage. Ethics approval was not required for this research article as it was a stability study and did not contain human participants or human data.

Results

Dabigatran etexilate content (± standard deviation) decreased significantly after 4 weeks of storage in DAAs at 30°C/65% RH (87.7% ± 4.4%). In addition, the amount of dabigatran etexilate released from the capsules at 45 min was significantly lower for capsules repackaged in DAAs and stored at 30°C/65% RH at both time points. Considerable changes in the appearance of capsule content were also observed following storage at 30°C/65% RH for 4 weeks in DAAs. There were no significant changes to dissolution profile or drug content of capsules repackaged and stored at 25°C/60% RH. No significant changes in the pH of dabigatran etexilate solutions were observed.

Conclusion

Repackaging impacts the chemical stability of dabigatran etexilate if the DAAs are exposed to climate zone IVa conditions. Although repackaged dabigatran etexilate stored at 25°C/60% RH appears to be stable, caution should be exercised if these DAAs are to be stored at ambient room conditions due to the inability to guarantee humidity levels.
Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms During Adolescence: The Protective Roles of Adolescent and Family Assets Within ECHO's Diverse National Population
Authors: Ganiban Jody M. , Blackwell Courtney K. , Liu Chang , Leve Leslie , Neiderhiser Jenae , Mansolf Maxwell , Chen Zhaoying , Acevedo Bianca , Brennan Patricia A. , Bush Nicole R. , Frazier Jean A. , Hipwell Alison E. , Keating Daniel P. , LeWinn Kaja Z. , Morales Santiago , Norona‐Zhou Amanda , Sullivan Alexandra , Yao Lihua , Yi Li , Zhu Yeyi ,   program collaborators for the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) program
Published: January 2025

To understand the factors that preserve mental health amongst a diverse population of adolescents, we examined links between neighborhood‐level resources, adolescents' self‐reported personal assets (low perceived stress, meaning and purpose, life satisfaction), parent‐reported family assets (household income, maternal mental health) and adolescents' self‐reported depressive and anxiety symptoms. Participants included a racially and ethnically diverse national sample of 4325 adolescents (10–21 years) from the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) program. Neighborhood‐level resources were not directly associated with depressive or anxiety symptoms. However, higher levels of personal and family assets were related to lower levels of symptoms, regardless of neighborhood resources (ß's: −0.09 to 0.55). Last, high neighborhood resources compensated for the absence of one asset—low perceived stress. For adolescents with levels of perceived stress that were just 0.17 SD above the sample mean, neighborhood resources were negatively associated with depressive symptoms. Findings did not vary across racial and ethnic groups. Results support the development of asset building endeavors that bolster positive child assets in adolescents and families to reduce mental health disparities. Implications for programs that seek to promote mental health amongst minoritized youth are discussed.
A Novel Robust and Predefined‐Time Zeroing Neural Network Solver for Time‐Varying Linear Matrix Equation
Authors: Han Chunhao , Xu Jiao , Zheng Bing
Published: January 2025

This paper develops a novel robust and predefined‐time zeroing neural network (RPZNN) to solve the time‐varying linear matrix equation (TVLME) in real time by developing an innovative activation function with a time parameter . Different from the existing ZNN solvers with complex convergence time bounds, the RPZNN solver obtains the real‐time solution of the TVLME within an arbitrarily predefined time . Moreover, the RPZNN solver can freely adjust to accommodate the requirements for various convergence rates, demonstrating its considerable flexibility. We conduct a theoretical analysis for the predefined‐time convergence of the RPZNN solver and its robustness against additive noise interference. Furthermore, numerical experiments validate the effectiveness of the RPZNN in accurately addressing the TVLME and demonstrate its superior performance in terms of convergence rate and robustness when compared to several traditional or state‐of‐the‐art ZNN solvers. Additionally, the RPZNN solver also exhibits excellent capabilities in dynamic alternating current (DAC) computing and the 6‐link planar robot manipulator (6PRM) path‐tracking task, highlighting its potential for wide‐ranging applications.
Multi‐Targeting Phytochemicals for Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Bhattacharya Radha Shree , Singh Raghuraj , Panghal Archna , Thakur Ashima , Singh Lachhman , Verma Rahul Kumar , Singh Charan , Goyal Manoj , Kumar Jayant
Published: January 2025

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a type of neurodegenerative illness in which β‐amyloid (Aβ) and tau protein accumulate in neurons in the form of tangles. The pathophysiological pathway of AD consists of Aβ‐amyloid peptides, tau proteins, and oxidative stress in neurons and increased neuro‐inflammatory response. Food and Drug Administration in the United States has authorized various drugs for the effective treatment of AD, which include galantamine, rivastigmine, donepezil, memantine, sodium oligomannate, lecanemab, and aducanumab. The major disadvantage of these drugs is that they only provide “symptomatic” relief. They are most effective in the early stages or for mild to moderate cases of the disease, but are not suitable for long‐term use. Besides conventional therapies, phytochemicals have the potential to stop the progression of AD. According to research, the use of potential phytochemicals against AD has gained attention due to their potent anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, anti‐hyperphosphorylation of the tau protein, metal chelation, and anti‐amyloid properties. This study seeks to provide an up‐to‐date compilation of the most current and promising breakthroughs in AD therapy using phytochemicals. It could be concluded that phytochemicals light serve as an effective therapy for AD. However, more mechanistic investigations are needed to determine the clinical implications of phytochemicals in AD treatment.
Evaluating trapped lee‐wave characteristics over the UK and Ireland in convection‐permitting model forecasts using satellite imagery
Authors: Houtman Hette G. , Teixeira Miguel A. C. , Gray Suzanne L. , Sheridan Peter , Vosper Simon
Published: January 2025

Trapped lee waves exert frictional forces on the atmosphere which, due to the small scale of the orography that causes the waves, must be parametrised in coarser‐resolution weather and climate models. Because of the scarcity of in situ observations, numerical model data have been used in previous climatological studies of trapped lee waves, which necessitates model evaluation. While the occurrence of trapped lee waves in models has been evaluated in a systematic manner before, their characteristics have not. To this end, the wavelength and orientation of trapped lee waves in the (UK) Met Office's convective‐scale variable‐resolution model (UKV) are validated against geostationary satellite imagery for the year 2023. The validation is performed using a newly developed wavelet transform technique for the objective estimation of wavelengths and orientations from pre‐selected satellite images and corresponding model‐derived vertical velocity fields. The model is shown to be skilful in reproducing trapped lee‐wave wavelengths, but consistently overestimates them, especially when these wavelengths are below 9 km ( six times the model grid spacing). Anisotropy in the satellite's resolution complicates the analysis of wave orientations between the model and the satellite imagery, but they are nonetheless found to be correlated. There is no evidence for a decline in trapped lee‐wave production in short‐range forecasts and most of the model's skill in wavelength and orientation prediction is retained at a two‐day lead time. Overall, the wavelength and orientation of trapped lee waves are generally found to be well‐reproduced, which, due to the high sensitivity of trapped lee‐wave characteristics to flow parameters, suggests that the UKV provides an accurate representation of the conditions relevant to trapped lee‐wave formation. The model may therefore be considered a suitable substitute for observations in climatological studies of trapped lee waves and in the future development of a trapped lee‐wave drag parametrisation.
IPAD: Iterative Prediction and Decomposition for Sparse Anomaly Detection in Video With Non‐Low‐Rank Background
Authors: Wang Yichun , Wang Kaibo
Published: January 2025

Video anomaly detection (VAD) has the capability to identify product surface defects and has been used in some real industrial applications. Given the typically unlabeled nature of industrial data, most existing research employs unsupervised learning to detect surface defects. However, existing approaches, such as those based on tensor decomposition, assume a low‐rank video background and are only valid when the objects being inspected are static. If the objects are in motion, such as on a conveyor belt, which is common in modern manufacturing lines, these methods become ineffective. Additionally, deep learning‐based video prediction methods often suffer from error accumulation. In this work, a novel method called iterative prediction and decomposition (IPAD) has been proposed to address these challenges. In each iteration, the method initially predicts the subsequent frame based on information from the previous frames. Then, sparse surface defects are separated from the defect‐free regions through the application of an optimization algorithm. The proposed method relaxes the low‐rank assumption, making it applicable to non‐low‐rank backgrounds, and utilizes previously predicted frames to mitigate error accumulation. The prediction network is fine‐tuned using videos generated from industrial images, and its performance is evaluated by datasets with real factory environments and simulated anomalies. The IPAD method demonstrates superior performance in predicting defect‐free parts and detecting sparse surface defects.
Highly Efficient Compositional and Compound Specific Isotopic Analysis of Volatile Primary Amines and Ammonia in the Murchison Meteorite Using SPME On‐Fiber Derivatization: Optimization for Bennu Sample Analyses
Authors: Huang Yongsong , Santos Ewerton , Alexandre Marcelo R. , Heck Philipp R. , Milliken Ralph , Glavin Daniel P. , Dworkin Jason P.
Published: January 2025

Rationale

Extraterrestrial amines and ammonia are critical ingredients for the formation of astrobiologically important compounds such as amino acids and nucleobases. However, conventional methods for analyzing the composition and isotopic ratios of volatile amines suffer from lengthy derivatization and purification procedures, high sample mass consumption, and chromatographic interferences from derivatization reagents and non‐target compounds.

Methods

Here we demonstrate a highly efficient method to analyze the composition and compound specific isotopic ratios of C1 to C6 amines as well as ammonia based on solid phase micro‐extraction (SPME) on‐fiber derivatization. 2,3,4,5,6‐pentafluorobenzyl chloroformate (PFBCF) adsorbed on a solid phase SPME fiber is subsequently exposed to the headspace of the water extract of the Murchison meteorite to selectively extract, derivatize and concentrate volatile amines and ammonia. PFBCF does not directly contact the aqueous solution containing other soluble organics.

Results

An aliquot of volatile amines and ammonia in the headspace are selectively derivatized on the SPME fiber and subsequently thermally desorbed onto the GC injector for analysis. Only the amounts of amines required for either compositional or isotopic analysis are derivatized and consumed in the process, preserving the bulk fraction of amines and ammonia for other analyses, and the process does not affect other volatile compound classes. Carbon and hydrogen isotopic ratios of amines are obtained by isotopic mass balance.

Conclusions

The exceptional selectivity and sensitivity of SPME on‐fiber derivatization of volatile amines in carbonaceous chondrite extracts allow minimization of sample consumption. Carbon and hydrogen isotopic values of individual amines in the Murchison meteorite are consistent with their extraterrestrial origin, with a substantial fraction inherited from interstellar molecular clouds. SPME on‐fiber derivatization is well suited for analyzing extraterrestrial materials, especially precious asteroid return samples.