bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impacts of Swachh Bharat Mission on Health and Communicable Disease Control: A Systematic Review Protocol
Authors: Varshney Karan , Khatri Chirag , Lamichhane Prabhat
Published: February 2025

Background and Aims

Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) is a major initiative led by the Government of Bharat (India) in 2014 to improve sanitation across the country. While the government has received international praise for SBM's achievements, the health impacts of this initiative are not well understood, and to date, no systematic review has been conducted on the topic. In this protocol, we aim to describe our methodology for systematically reviewing the literature to determine the impacts of SBM on communicable disease control and population health outcomes across Bharat.

Methods

This protocol describes the process that will be taken for our systematic review. The review will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta‐Analysis guidelines. Searches will be conducted in Scopus, Embase, Medline, Web of Science, Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PubMed, and Global Health. Original, full‐text research articles conducted after October 2014 (the enactment of SBM) will be eligible for inclusion, as will be gray literature. Modeling studies will be excluded from this review. Studies which analyze impacts/trends relating to health or communicable disease control in any region of Bharat will be eligible for inclusion Included studies will assess at least one of the following: impact on infectious disease incidence/prevalence and morbidity/mortality, infant and under‐five mortality, nutritional impacts (including stunting, underweight and wasting) or non‐communicable disease rates. Study quality will be assessed using the Kmet checklist. Where possible, data will be pooled and synthesized to determine overall findings and trends.

Discussion

This review will highlight the extent to which SBM has, or has not, had lasting impacts on health and communicable disease control. The findings of this review can have important implications in shaping and guiding the ongoing implementation of SBM across Bharat.
Longitudinal Relationships of Phubbing, Depression, and Anxiety in the Middle and High School Students: A Cross‐Lagged Panel Network Analysis
Authors: Gao Tingting , Chen Yan , Gai Qian , Su Yingying , Meng Xiangfei
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Prior research has documented the associations among phubbing, depression, and anxiety, while the cross‐sectional design failed to clarify the temporal directionality of the relationships between these mental disorders and behavioral issues. To bridge this gap, the present study utilizing longitudinal data aimed to articulate the temporal relationships between these mental disorders and behavioral issues.

Methods

A total of 3296 adolescents from China (54.5% girls; Mage = 15.17) participated in the study. Symptoms of phubbing, depression, and anxiety were assessed 18 months later (May 2023) after the baseline (November, 2021). The cross‐sectional network and cross‐lagged panel network models were conducted to explore the associations between the network structures of phubbing, depression, and anxiety. The network comparison test (NCT) was then performed to unveil whether the network structures vary based on school grade.

Results

In the cross‐sectional network, significant differences in the overall structures between middle and high school students were observed. For the longitudinal network, the core symptoms responsible for temporal relationships were mostly between depressive and anxiety symptoms. Phubbing‐related symptoms and restlessness (anxiety symptom) were the bridge symptoms of phubbing, depression, and anxiety. Besides, the central bridges associated with phubbing‐related symptoms differed significantly across different school stages.

Conclusions

Successfully regulating negative emotions can play a pivotal role in tackling the root causes linked to phubbing. Apart from addressing restlessness, future interventions focusing on nomophobia and interpersonal conflict in middle school students, as well as self‐isolation in high school students, contributed to mitigating phubbing, depression, and anxiety.
A Pilot Study: Evaluating Disposable Syringes Compared to Non‐Disposable Syringes for Dental Training
Authors: Glickman Robert , Byrd Tara , Levine Marci H. , Sherwin Gene , McAlpin Elizabeth , Watson Colleen , Soeprono Aaron , Orthodoxou Chrystalla , Couamin Yvelande
Published: February 2025

Background

Needlestick exposures commonly occur with non‐disposable metal syringes during the assembly and disassembly of needles due to the manual handling of needles. Disposable syringes are designed to reduce these exposures by using a protective sheath thus eliminating the need to handle needles while uncapping and recapping them.

Purpose

This pilot study compared the two syringes with two alternating groups of third‐year (D3) students during clinical practice under faculty supervision to administer local anesthesia to live patients.

Methods

In 2023, two groups of Year 3 (D3) Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) students supervised by faculty in each group alternated over two 4‐week sessions using disposable (N = 67) and non‐disposable (N = 66) syringes to administer local anesthesia injections to live patients. At the end of each session, each group and supervising faculty completed a survey to capture their experience.

Results

While two participants reported needlestick injuries using non‐disposable syringes and no injuries incurred using disposable syringes, we found neither a statistically significant increase nor decrease in exposures related to needlesticks using either syringe. Statistically significant outcomes showed that the participants found the non‐disposable easier to use and they were more likely to use it going forward than the disposable syringe. Participants preferred using the non‐disposable syringe mainly because of the stability and familiarity aspects of prior education. The disposable syringe, while easier and safer to assemble and disassemble, felt less stable to use during the injection procedure, especially during aspiration.

Conclusion

While safety continues to be a concern, students and faculty prefer non‐disposable metal syringes over disposable syringes. Most dissatisfaction with using the disposable syringe came from the aspiration system. But prior experience and comfort using non‐disposable metal syringes, a lack of experience and confidence with local anesthesia procedures and a lack of experience with disposable syringes, may have contributed to these outcomes. Despite usability issues with the disposable syringe, performance was more impacted by lack of experience than the type of syringe used. Introducing both syringes early into the curriculum may help overcome usability factors, further reduce needlestick exposures, and prepare students for different workplace environments. Providing adequate training for faculty, especially on the differences between the two syringes, such as aspiration, will help alleviate discomfort and better promote the use of both.
Phosphorus and cover crop management practices affect phosphorus speciation in soils and eroded sediments
Authors: Gamage Kasuni H. H. , Hettiarachchi Ganga M. , Nelson Nathan O. , Roozeboom Kraig L. , Kluitenberg Gerard J. , Tomlinson Peter J. , Presley DeAnn R.
Published: February 2025

Agricultural runoff often contains P in dissolved and sediment‐bound forms, decreasing surface water quality. No‐till and cover cropping conservation practices have been recommended for reducing erosion and nutrient loss from cropping systems. The overall aims of this study were to characterize and evaluate the effects of fertilizer (placement and source) and cover crop management on P speciation in surface runoff sediments and source soil. In 2014, a field‐scale experiment was established in a no‐till, corn (Zea mays L.)–soybean (Glycine max L.) cropping system with two cover crop treatments (with and without a winter crop; winter wheat [Triticum aestivum L.], rapeseed [Brassica napus L.], hairy vetch [Vicia villosa Roth], winter triticale [×Triticosecale Wittm.], and cereal rye [Secale cereale L.]) and three P fertilizer management treatments (no P, fall broadcast diammonium phosphate, and spring subsurface injected ammonium polyphosphate). Phosphorus fractionation in the source soil collected in the fall of 2019 and sediment samples collected throughout 2020 were analyzed using a modified sequential P extraction method to evaluate the cumulative effects of imposing the treatment factors over 5 years. The direct P speciation was done using X‐ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy. The indirect P speciation (fractionation) results showed that the management practices affected the exchangeable, organic matter‐associated, and Fe‐bound P fractions in sediments and the exchangeable and residual fractions in source soil. Direct P speciation results showed a depletion of Fe‐associated P in soil and sediment from cover crop treatment, suggesting that Fe‐associated P species were affected by cover crops. Changes in soil and runoff sediment P speciation would change the proportions and forms of soluble and particulate P in runoff sediments and may influence P bioavailability in aquatic ecosystems. Developing P fertilizer and cropping system management options with an understanding of soil P transformations helps maintain environmental sustainability.
Conservative Agriculture Based on Irrigation Increased the Connections in Inter‐Kingdom Co‐Occurrence Networks in Arid Zones of Argentina
Authors: Frene Juan Pablo , Faggioli Valeria , Covelli Julieta , Reyna Dalila , Sobrero Patricio , Gabbarini Luciano , Ferrari Alejandro , Wall Luis Gabriel
Published: February 2025

Background

Water is one of the most important natural resources in agricultural systems, and the adoption of irrigation systems is producing the expansion of the productive agriculture frontier in Northern Patagonia's arid zone (Argentina). It is critical to evaluate how agricultural management shapes this soil process, like soil microbial communities, nutrient transformation, and ecosystem functions.

Aims

For this reason, we analyzed how converting from a semi‐arid steppe to an irrigated agricultural system based on no‐till and crop rotations impacted the soil microbiome (bacteria and fungi), focusing on the soil core microbiome and the connections between the soil members.

Methods

Soil microbiota was analyzed by soil DNA amplicon sequences V3‐V4 region of 16S rRNA for bacteria and ITS1–5F region of the ITS rRNA for fungi. Soil enzymes, aggregation, and chemical properties were analyzed related to microbiota structure.

Results

Our results suggest that irrigated agriculture enhanced the connections between members but not the number of network members per se. Additionally, we were able to identify a soil core microbiome, which played an important role in the co‐occurrence networks.

Conclusions

We concluded by demonstrating the critical role that the core microbiome plays in preserving soil bacterial–fungal interactions and their influence on inter‐kingdom relationships in complex microbial soil ecosystems in the arid zones of northern Patagonia.
Shrub Encroachment Increases Deep Soil Carbon Stocks and Reduces Carbon Turnover Rates in Alpine Meadows on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Chen Luyun , Gaire Narayan Prasad , Gao Yongheng
Published: February 2025

Background

Shrubs have been expanding on the alpine meadows of the Tibetan Plateau (TP).

Aim

However, the effects of interactions between shrub size and soil depth on soil organic carbon (SOC) remain unclear.

Methods

In this study, we selected alpine meadows encroached by Lonicera rupicola, Potentilla fruticosa, and Caragana erinacea, establishing sampling sites across three shrub sizes (small, medium, and large) and grass patches. We then measured SOC stocks and estimated SOC turnover rates using the isotopic enrichment factor β at a soil depth of 1 m.

Results

The results showed that all three typical expanding shrubs increased the SOC stocks, which mainly occurred in the deep soil of 20–100 cm. However, SOC stocks in the 0–10 cm layer tended to decrease with increasing shrub size, whereas the 10–20 cm layer exhibited no significant differences in SOC stocks across different vegetation types. Soils under shrubs also showed significantly higher β values compared to grass soils, particularly under large shrub patches, thus suggesting a slower SOC turnover. A positive correlation was found between β and SOC stock, indicating that the soil carbon (C) sequestration capacity of alpine meadows was enhanced after shrub expansion.

Conclusion

This study emphasizes the importance of deep SOC in shrub expansion research and provides new insights into the assessment and prediction of C sink functions in alpine meadows in the context of global change.
Clinical features of magnetically controlled capsule endoscopy in children: A large, retrospective cohort study
Authors: Cheng Weiwei , Lin Kai , Wang Ling , Wang Xing , Feng Yuling , Gu Zhujun , Liu Haifeng
Published: February 2025

Objective

This study aimed to assess the utility of magnetically controlled capsule endoscopy (MCE) in the diagnosis of pediatric gastrointestinal diseases.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted, which collected data from 1040 children (546 males and 494 females; mean age: 11.0 ± 2.6 years) who underwent MCE at Shanghai Children's Hospital between June 2017 and February 2023. Information on gastric visualization, cleanliness, examination times, lesion detection rates, and other parameters were recorded. A 2‐week follow‐up monitored capsule excretion and adverse reactions.

Results

Of the 1055 patients, 78 had difficulty swallowing the capsule, and 15 could not swallow even with assistance, which led to their exclusion. The small intestine was successfully examined in 94.5% (206 out of 218) of the 218 children who were able to proceed with the procedure. The remaining 822 underwent esophagus and stomach examinations. The average transit time of the endoscopy capsule in the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine was 5 (3, 9) s, 57.0 (29.0, 102.0) min, and 306.0 (234.0, 500.0) min. In the examined cases, complete small bowel visualization was achieved in 94.5% of the patients. The most common symptoms reported by the patients were abdominal pain (77.9%) and nausea with vomiting (13.5%). Lesion detection rates were 38.8% in the stomach, 21.1% in the duodenum, and 43.1% in the jejunoileum. No complications, such as capsule retention or intestinal obstruction, were observed.

Conclusion

MCE is a feasible and safe method for examining the gastric cavity and small bowel in pediatric patients.
Evaluation of metabolite profiles and neuroprotective potential in four pomegranate cultivars for Alzheimer's disease prevention
Authors: Lee Hana , Chater John M. , Heinitz Claire C. , Wang Yu
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline and memory loss, with oxidative stress and neuroinflammation playing crucial roles in its progression. Current treatments, such as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors, offer limited symptomatic relief and can have side effects. With growing interest in functional foods that have fewer side effects, pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) has gained attention because of its rich antioxidant content. The present study aims to evaluate the antioxidant and neuroprotective effects of four pomegranate cultivars: ‘Wonderful’, ‘Phoenicia’, ‘Azadi’ and ‘Eversweet’. Additionally, it investigates their metabolite profiles and predicts potential bioactive compounds that could help prevent AD.

RESULTS

The ‘Wonderful’ cultivar demonstrated the highest levels of total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, total anthocyanin content and radical scavenging activities. The AChE and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) inhibition rates were highest in ‘Phoenicia’ and ‘Wonderful’ cultivars, suggesting potential neuroprotective effects. PC12 cell assays indicated that these cultivars significantly improved cell viability, reduced reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde levels, and also enhanced catalase activity. Metabolomics analysis identified 141 metabolites, with the ‘Wonderful’ cultivar showing the highest metabolite abundance. Molecular docking studies indicated that some metabolites, such as taxifolin, demonstrated strong binding affinities for AChE and BuChE, suggesting potential for AD treatment.

CONCLUSION

The ‘Wonderful’ and ‘Phoenicia’ cultivars demonstrated the most promising antioxidant and neuroprotective effects among the evaluated pomegranates, likely because of their high taxifolin content. These findings suggest that these cultivars could be valuable for developing functional foods aimed at AD prevention and treatment. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.
Annulus Fibrosus Repair via Interpenetration of a Non‐Woven Scaffold Supports Tissue Integration and Prevents Re‐Herniation
Authors: Ongini Esteban D. , Abdullah Mohammed , Engiles Julie B. , Orozco Brianna S. , Moehl Andrea , Peredo Ana , Mahindroo Sonal , Hilliard Rachel , Schaer Thomas P. , Mauck Robert L. , Smith Harvey E. , Farshad Mazda , Snedeker Jess G. , Gullbrand Sarah E.
Published: February 2025

Background

Current surgical management of intervertebral disc herniation often fails to adequately address the risk of recurrence, primarily due to the disc's limited regenerative capacity. Regenerative, biomaterial‐based approaches for tissue augmentation, while showing preclinical promise, have consistently failed to meet the extreme mechanical demands of the intervertebral disc, impeding their clinical translation.

Methods

In this study, we introduce a novel annulus repair strategy that employs the mechanical interpenetration of a non‐woven PET scaffold into intervertebral disc tissue to resist reherniation. We investigate the efficacy in preventing herniations under compression using a bovine explant model and validate its performance in a pilot in vivo study in a goat cervical spine injury model. Healing and scaffold integration are assessed over 4 weeks using computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and histopathology.

Results

We demonstrate that this approach effectively prevents mechanically induced herniation. In vivo, the scaffold interpenetration enables biological integration at 4 weeks post‐surgery, with no evidence of scaffold migration or disc degeneration. The scaffold supports matrix deposition and cell infiltration, with no observed endplate pathologies or osteolysis.

Conclusions

These findings highlight a promising combination of biomechanical reliability and favorable histological outcomes, underscoring the potential of this technology for advancing toward human clinical applications.
Efficacy of Calcipotriol/Betamethasone Ointment in Facial Discoid Dermatosis
Authors: Murtas Alberto , Mugheddu Cristina , Pilloni Luca , Rongioletti Franco , Atzori Laura
Published: February 2025

Facial Discoid Dermatosis (FDD) is a rare chronic skin condition characterised by persistent, annular erythematous and desquamative papules on the face. Its aetiology is unclear, making differential diagnosis challenging. Key clinical features include pink‐orange, minimally scaling lesions limited to the face, sudden onset with long‐term stability, and resistance to treatment. We report a new case of FDD in a patient in his late 30's, unresponsive to various treatments until improvement with topical calcipotriol/betamethasone ointment. A review of 22 cases reveals a female predominance and broad age range. Histopathology consistently shows hyperkeratosis, parakeratosis, acanthosis, psoriasiform hyperplasia, follicular plugging, and perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate. Many cases, including ours, also reported the presence of abundant Demodex folliculorum.
Dilemma of Harvested Cropland and Land Degradation in Agriculture Growth: Determining the Role of Water and Green Energy Resources
Authors: Hu Hao , Luo Guangqiang
Published: February 2025

Research has paid much attention to climate change and natural resource management while overlooking a critical area of harvested cropland, land degradation, and agricultural growth. Nonetheless, the global population is rapidly increasing, and China, as the most populated economy globally, could face the issue of land degradation and scarcity of agricultural products. It is crucial to recognize the factors determining agriculture growth in the region. In this regard, this research intends to analyze the influence of land degradation, agriculture cropland, and agricultural growth. China has increased its green energy production and consumption climate change abatement, and water utilization for industrial and agricultural purposes. Therefore, these factors are also considered along with the socioeconomic conditions and technological advancement. Covering the quarterly data from 1980Q1 to 2023Q4, this research uses time series cointegration tests, which validate the presented of long‐run association. Following the mixed order of integration on variables, this uses the autoregressive distributed lag approach. The results mention that harvested cropland, water resources, and green energy are the significant drivers of agriculture growth in the short and long run. The study recommends investing in modern agriculture technology, implementing policies to improve socioeconomic conditions, enhancing circular economy and maintaining food security.
Programmable Photonic Extreme Learning Machines
Authors: Rausell‐Campo José Roberto , Hurtado Antonio , Pérez‐López Daniel , Capmany Francoy José
Published: February 2025

Photonic neural networks offer a promising alternative to traditional electronic systems for machine learning accelerators due to their low latency and energy efficiency. However, the challenge of implementing the backpropagation algorithm during training has limited their development. To address this, alternative machine learning schemes, such as extreme learning machines (ELMs), are proposed. ELMs use a random hidden layer to increase the feature space dimensionality, requiring only the output layer to be trained through linear regression, thus reducing training complexity. Here, a programmable photonic extreme learning machine (PPELM) is experimentally demonstrated using a hexagonal waveguide mesh, and which enables to program directly on chip the input feature vector and the random hidden layer. This system also permits to apply the nonlinearity directly on‐chip by using the system's integrated photodetecting elements. Using the PPELM, three different complex classification tasks are solved successfully. Additionally, two techniques are also proposed and demonstrated to increase the accuracy of the models and reduce their variability using an evolutionary algorithm and a wavelength division multiplexing approach, obtaining excellent performance. These results show that programmable photonic processors may become a feasible way to train competitive machine learning models on a versatile and compact platform.
Detection of Human Cervical Cancer by Probe‐Based Quantitative Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Han Tao , Qian Shuhao , Meng Jia , Zhou Lingxi , Xi Gangqin , Yang Lu , Chen Lingmei , Zhang Ling , Jiang Rushan , Wang Chuncheng , Niu Bo , Satapathi Soumitra , Zhang Jin , He Chao , Sun Ke , Zhuo Shuangmu , Ding Zhihua , Liu Zhiyi
Published: February 2025

Most cervical cancers develop from squamous cells in the exocervix followed by stromal invasion, which alters the organization and morphology of collagen fibers. Therefore, morpho‐structural remodeling of collagen fibers is closely associated with cancer progression. Collagen‐based cancer detection requires not only techniques capable of qualified large‐depth imaging but also computational sensitivity to extract subtle changes. Here, optical coherence tomography (OCT) is applied to collagen fibers in the exocervix. High‐quality imaging into deep stroma is guaranteed by an all‐fiber probe designed to have an extended depth of focus through the formation of the quasi‐Bessel focusing beam. Collagen fibers provide dominant scattering signals in OCT images, and volume information is utilized to establish an optical biomarker reflecting variation gradient in fiber alignment and crimping. Detection of cervical cancer with a multi‐parametric method is then evaluated by ex vivo imaging of human specimens and in vivo imaging of a murine model harboring human cervical cancer. Finally, the tumor potential index (TPI) is proposed by merging multiple metrics. The TPI map provides an intuitive illustration of cancer risk, which may guide clinicians more accurately to the correct location for biopsy.
Weighted Bourgain–Morrey‐Besov–Triebel–Lizorkin spaces associated with operators
Authors: Bai Tengfei , Xu Jingshi
Published: February 2025

Let be a space of homogeneous type and be a nonnegative self‐adjoint operator on satisfying a Gaussian upper bound on its heat kernel. First, we obtain the boundedness of the Hardy–Littlewood maximal function and its variant on weighted Bourgain–Morrey spaces. The Hardy‐type inequality on sequence Bourgain–Morrey spaces are also given. Then, we introduce the weighted homogeneous Bourgain–Morrey Besov spaces and Triebel–Lizorkin spaces associated with the operator . We obtain characterizations of these spaces in terms of Peetre maximal functions, noncompactly supported functional calculus, and heat kernel. Atomic decompositions and molecular decompositions of weighted homogeneous Bourgain–Morrey Besov spaces and Triebel–Lizorkin spaces are also proved. Finally, we apply our results to prove the boundedness of the fractional power of and the spectral multiplier of on Bourgain–Morrey Besov and Triebel–Lizorkin spaces.
SPP1 Promotes NSCLC Brain Metastasis Via Sequestration of Ubiquitin Ligase RNF114 to Facilitate P85α Ubiquitination
Authors: Li Xiaoqin , Wu Yun , Xie Baosong , Xu Mingxiao , Xie Tianjian , Yue Wenxiang , Lin Ming , Lin Ying , Chen Yusheng
Published: February 2025

Brain metastasis (BM) is a significant factor contributing to the poor prognosis of patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) is implicated in the progression and metastasis of several cancers. The role of SPP1 in NSCLC remains unclear, especially in NSCLC BM. This study aimed to identify genes associated with NSCLC BM and to investigate the involvement of SPP1 in NSCLC BM. Integrated genomic analysis was utilized to identify candidate genes in NSCLC. The expression levels of SPP1 were evaluated in NSCLC tissues and cell lines. In vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted to assess the effect of SPP1 on NSCLC cell behavior and BM. The potential mechanisms of SPP1 were demonstrated by CO‐IP and liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC‐MS). The underlying mechanism involving the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway was explored. The results showed that SPP1 expression was upregulated in NSCLC tissues and cell lines. Depletion of SPP1 using shRNA inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro and suppressed BM in vivo. Mechanistically, SPP1 facilitates the ubiquitination of P85α by interacting with the ubiquitin ligase RNF114, thus playing a role in regulating NSCLC BM through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Moreover, immunohistochemistry staining confirmed higher expression of SPP1 in NSCLC tissues with BM compared to those without BM. In summary, elevated SPP1 expression was associated with poor clinical outcomes in NSCLC patients. This study highlights the role of SPP1 as a regulator of cell metastasis and suggests its potential as a novel therapeutic target for BM in NSCLC.
Identification of Interleukin‐Related Genes Signature for Prognosis Prediction in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients
Authors: Yang Haojie , Liu Zihao , Tan Zicong , Luo Huimin , Li Qin , Liu Zhongqi , Ji Fengtao
Published: February 2025

This study focused on identifying the interleukin (IL)‐related genes that influence the head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients' prognosis and response to anticancer therapy in patients with HNSCC. We developed a risk model that included three gene signatures, IL Enhancer Binding Factor 2 (ILF2), IL 36 alpha (IL36A), and IL10, based on differential expression analysis, survival analysis, Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) analysis, and Cox regression analysis. We found that the low‐risk group was scored with higher immune cell infiltration, higher expression of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) family genes and immune checkpoint genes, higher cytolytic activity (CYT), tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS), and CD8A/PD‐L1 ratio. In contrast, the high‐risk group was scored with higher tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE), which implied worse response to immunotherapy and worse prognosis. The results above indicated that the low‐risk group had stronger antitumor immunity and better responsiveness to immunotherapy. We also observed a significantly enriched pattern of cancer‐related pathways and immune pathways in the comparison of the high‐risk and low‐risk groups. Furthermore, the high‐risk group had higher sensitivity to chemotherapy drugs, which suggested that they might benefit from chemotherapy treatment. Following the results above, we confirmed in HNSCC cell lines and clinical specimens that the level of ILF2 in tumors was significantly higher than that in adjacent tumor tissues. Besides, in vivo and in vitro results both showed that silencing ILF2 might depress tumor growth, invasion, and migration. This study not only provided novel perspectives into the immunological and molecular mechanisms of HNSCC and uncovered IL‐related gene signatures for predicting HNSCC patients' prognosis and response to chemotherapy and immunotherapy, but also preliminarily suggested that ILF2 might be an important target in the treatment of HNSCC.
Is Blockchain Really Good for E‐Platform? A Double‐Edged Sword From Consumer Trust and Channel Cannibalization
Authors: Zhu Xiaoxi , Chen Yu , Ren Minglun , Chu Wei
Published: February 2025

The application of blockchain technology in e‐platforms makes products more reliable and traceable, especially products from third‐party retailers without brand authorization. However, this technology will also intensify the competition between authorized retailers and third‐party retailers. On the other hand, as intermediaries, e‐platforms' profits have also become elusive. We aim to investigate how blockchain technology impacts optimal pricing strategies and profit distribution in a dual‐channel supply chain composed of one manufacturer, one e‐platform, and two e‐tailers. By adopting a Stackelberg game framework, the results show that (1) the e‐platforms may not necessarily benefit from blockchain; only when the commission rate and unit usage cost are both small (or large) enough can the platform achieve higher profit. (2) The application of blockchain can yield extra reputation benefits for third‐party retailer, while the retail prices of both channels may also be higher. (3) The Pareto improvements show that when manufacturer sells products to official retailer and third‐party retailer at different prices, the possibility of successful blockchain implementation increases. (4) When the third‐party retailer shares blockchain usage cost, its optimal channel price rises and demand decreases. For the official retailer, changes in pricing depend on competitive intensity. The manufacturer tends to reduce wholesale price under the strategy, benefiting both e‐tailers and enhancing product competitiveness and supply chain efficiency.
The endocytic pathway for absorption of exogenous RNAs in Verticillium dahliae
Authors: Liu Chuanhui , Cui Chen , Zhou Guanyin , Gao Feng , Zhao Jianhua , Guo Huishan , Jin Yun
Published: February 2025

RNAi technologies have been exploited to control viruses, pests, oomycetes, and fungal phytopathogens that cause disasters in host plants, including many agronomically significant crops. Double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) or small interfering RNA (siRNA) has been applied as a trigger for trans‐kingdom RNAi between hosts and fungi. However, it is unclear what process mediates RNA uptake by fungi. In this study, by using live‐cell imaging, we determined that exogenously synthesized RNA or small RNA (sRNA) was indiscriminately absorbed into Verticillium dahliae, a notorious pathogenic fungus. Moreover, the application of endocytic inhibitors or deletion of endocytic‐related genes reduced RNA uptake efficiency, showing that RNA absorption by fungal cells occurs mainly through endocytosis. In addition, we found that the endocytosed fluorescence‐labeled RNAs were partly colocalized with endosome marker genes. Overall, our research concluded that exogenous RNA could be assimilated by V. dahliae through the endocytic pathway. Unraveling this cytological mechanism underlying trans‐kingdom RNAi holds significant importance, especially considering the fact that RNAi‐based strategies targeting pathogenic fungi are increasingly prevalent in the realm of crop protection.
Uniform General Stability of Piezoelectric Beams With Viscoelastic Finite Memory
Authors: Liao Menglan
Published: February 2025

This paper aims to investigate the asymptotic stability of entirely magnetic effected piezoelectric beams equipped with viscoelastic finite memory. The well‐posedness of the system with finite memory is established by exploiting the semigroup theory. By estimating some suitable Lyapunov functionals and using differential inequality techniques, a general decay result is obtained under the assumptions that the memory kernel does not involve differential inequality.
Osteoarthritis Incidence Trends Globally, Regionally, and Nationally, 1990–2019: An Age‐Period‐Cohort Analysis
Authors: Wang Fei , Cao Yu , Lu Hao , Pan Yuehan , Tao Youping , Huang Shibo , Wang Jiaxu , Huo Litao , Wu Jigong
Published: February 2025

Objectives

Osteoarthritis (OA) contributes substantially to global disability. We analysed global and national OA incidence trends and associated factors.

Methods

Data obtained from the 2019 Global Burden of Disease Study were used to examine 30‐year OA incidence patterns globally and for 204 countries/territories. An age‐period‐cohort (APC) model determined annual percent changes, age‐specific changes, and period/cohort effects.

Results

From 1990 to 2019, global OA incidence rose by 21.3 million, with the highest cases in China, India, the United States, and Japan. Incidence was higher in women versus men and peaked at ages 20–24 years, though shifting towards middle‐aged adults. The annual increase was 0.225% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.157, 0.293) and 0.158% (95% CI: 0.114, 0.201) in high and low socio‐demographic index countries, respectively, with most countries showing increasing incidence. Disadvantageous incidence trends over time and birth cohorts occurred in all regions except middle‐high index countries, which had the lowest increase and declining period effect after 2005.

Conclusion

OA represents an escalating public health burden, predominantly affecting middle‐aged and elderly populations, and more women than men. Obesity and ageing are major drivers of rising OA incidence. Swiftly implementing policies to prevent modifiable risks and ensure proper treatment access is imperative to mitigate the impact of OA.
Determinants of Healthcare Seeking Patterns in Women With Pelvic Floor Disorders
Authors: Ghandour Rachan , Shen Julia , Zerdan Morgan Bou , Aljamal Sasha , Minassian Vatche A.
Published: February 2025

Objective

To determine if sociodemographic and health determinants of women with pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) affect health‐seeking behavior, and whether this varies by disease subtype and severity.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of women with PFDs at an academic urogynecology practice between January 2021 and May 2022. Groups were compared across sociodemographic and clinical variables and by pelvic organ prolapse (POP) stage and urinary incontinence (UI) subtype/severity. The primary outcomes of interest were POP stage and UI severity at initial presentation with duration of symptoms as a key determinant. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results

The study included 684 [307 POP (44.9%) and 377 UI (55.1%)] women. Of those with POP, 190 (61.9%) presented with stages I/II and 117 (38.1%) with stages III/IV. In women with UI, 188 (49.9%) had mild–moderate UI and 179 (47.5%) had severe UI. Approximately 76% of women reported PFD symptoms for over 6 months and 47% for 2 years or more upon presentation. Women with advanced‐stage POP had 1.27 increased odds (95% CI: 1.01–1.61) of delaying care for > 24 months, were older (1.07 adjusted OR, 95% CI: 1.03–1.11), and had fewer healthcare visits (0.95 adjusted OR, 95%: CI: 0.91–0.98) in the prior year. Women with severe UI had 1.88 increased odds (95% CI: 1.52–2.35) of delaying care > 24 months, 1.20 odds with government insurance (CI: 1.01–1.32), and 1.18 odds of other comorbidities (CI: 1.02–1.40).

Conclusion

Most women with PFD reported symptoms for over 6 months at presentation. Women with advanced POP or severe UI were more likely to seek care over 24 months after the onset of symptoms.
Hospital‐to‐Home Transitions for Lung Cancer Patients—A Qualitative Study of Healthcare Professionals' Experiences
Authors: Nilsen Charlotte , Oksholm Trine , Ågotnes Gudmund , Samdal Gro Beate , Ellingsen Sidsel
Published: February 2025

Aims and Objectives

To explore the professional practice of transferring patients with lung cancer from hospitals to their homes through the experiences of healthcare professionals (HCPs) working in hospitals.

Background

Hospital‐to‐home transitions are particularly challenging for vulnerable patients, including lung cancer patients, and could threaten patient safety. There is a need to improve coordination between specialised and community care and to develop knowledge on the practice of transferring patients with lung cancer.

Design

A descriptive qualitative design was used. Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) were followed for reporting.

Methods

Six focus group interviews with nurses and two focus group interviews with physicians at pulmonary medicine units in two hospitals in Norway were conducted. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyse the focus group interviews.

Results

Patients' vulnerability and gratitude motivated HCPs to ensure that patients experienced the best hospital‐to‐home transition. The following obstacles made it challenging to plan for a good hospital‐to‐home transition and to transfer the responsibility for the patient to the municipality: lack of time and routines to attend to the patient's individual needs, lack of established standards for patient information, absence of resources and predictability, and inadequate communication tools for collaborating with the primary healthcare services.

Conclusion

The healthcare system does not provide hospital units and HCPs with adequate resources to accommodate the individual needs of lung cancer patients in hospital‐to‐home transitions. HCPs compensate with supplementary initiatives to secure patient safety, but the additional responsibility and tasks leave them overworked.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The study provides knowledge on lung cancer patients' needs in hospital‐to‐home transitions and how HCPs try to ensure patient safety by compensating for the healthcare system's deficiencies.

Public Contribution

A reference group comprising one patient representative from the Norwegian Cancer Society and five HCPs with varied relevant backgrounds contributed to the overall design, recruited participants, and provided feedback on the interview guide.
Comprehensive characterization of micropapillary colorectal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Äijälä Ville K , Härkönen Jouni , Mantere Tuomo , Elomaa Hanna , Sirniö Päivi , Pohjanen Vesa‐Matti , Sirkiä Onni , Karjalainen Henna , Kastinen Meeri , Tapiainen Vilja V , Väyrynen Sara A , Pölönen Petri , Ahtiainen Maarit , Helminen Olli , Wirta Erkki‐Ville , Rintala Jukka , Meriläinen Sanna , Saarnio Juha , Rautio Tero , Pylkäs Katri , Seppälä Toni T , Böhm Jan , Mecklin Jukka‐Pekka , Tuomisto Anne , Mäkinen Markus J , Väyrynen Juha P
Published: February 2025

Micropapillary colorectal adenocarcinoma is a morphologic subtype of colorectal cancer (CRC) with insufficiently characterized prognostic significance and biological features. We analyzed the histopathological, immunological, and prognostic features of micropapillary adenocarcinoma in two independent CRC cohorts (N = 1,876). We found that micropapillary adenocarcinomas accounted for 4.9% and 6.4% of CRCs in the two cohorts. A micropapillary growth pattern was associated with advanced stage and lymphovascular invasion (p < 0.001), but also with shorter overall survival independent of these factors and other prognostic parameters (Cohort 1: hazard ratio [HR] 1.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08–2.87; Cohort 2: HR 1.47, 95% CI 1.08–2.00). Multiplex immunohistochemistry and machine learning‐assisted image analysis showed that the micropapillary growth pattern was associated with decreased CD3+ T‐cell and CD14+HLA‐DR+ monocytic cell densities. Molecular features of micropapillary adenocarcinoma were studied using bioinformatic analyses in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort (N = 629) and validated with optical genome mapping and immunohistochemistry. These analyses revealed that micropapillary adenocarcinomas frequently present with chromosome region 8q24 copy number gain, TP53 mutation, and overexpression of UPK2, MUC16, and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition involved genes, such as L1CAM. These results indicate that micropapillary colorectal adenocarcinoma is an aggressive morphologic subtype of CRC characterized by shorter overall survival, decreased antitumorigenic immune response, and unique molecular features. Our findings support the classification of micropapillary adenocarcinoma as a distinct, high‐risk subtype of CRC, which should be systematically evaluated in patient care. © 2025 The Author(s). The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Video Clip Extraction From Fetal Ultrasound Scans Using Artificial Intelligence to Allow Remote Second Expert Review for Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Day Thomas G. , Venturini Lorenzo , Budd Samuel F. , Farruggia Alfonso , Wright Robert , Matthew Jackie , Zidere Vita , Vigneswaran Trisha , Bo Ilaria , Savis Alex , Wolfenden Jo , Simpson John , Hajnal Jo , Kainz Bernhard , Razavi Reza
Published: February 2025

Objective

To use artificial intelligence (AI) to automatically extract video clips of the fetal heart from a stream of ultrasound video, and to assess the performance of these when used for remote second review.

Methods

Using a dataset from a previous clinical trial of AI to assist in fetal ultrasound scanning, AI was used to automatically extract video clips of the fetal heart from ultrasound scans of 48 fetuses in which the diagnosis was known: 24 normal and 24 with congenital heart disease (CHD). These, and manually still saved images, were shown in a random order to expert clinicians, who were asked to detect cardiac abnormalities.

Results

The initial manual scan had a sensitivity of 0.792 and specificity of 0.917 for detecting CHD in this cohort. The addition of second review improved the sensitivity to 0.975 using video clips, which was significantly higher than using still images (0.892, p = 0.002). There was a significant drop in specificity to 0.767 and 0.833 (p < 0.001) for the video and still method, respectively, which were statistically similar to each other (p = 0.117). The median review time was 1.0 min (IQR 0.71) for the still images, and 3.75 min (IQR 3.12) for the AI‐generated video clips.

Conclusion

AI can be used to automatically extract fetal cardiac video clips, and these can be used for remote second review to improve detection rates. Video clips are superior to still images, but both methods result in a significant drop in specificity.
Compressive behavior and shape memory performance of 4D‐printed metamaterial structures with different Poisson's ratio combinations
Authors: Wei Yuanyuan , Yuan Shaoqing , Shen Xing , Gong Junjie , Hao Wenfeng
Published: February 2025

This paper explores the potential applications of 4D printing technology in the aerospace field, with a focus on the mechanical properties and reusability of honeycomb metamaterials with shape memory characteristics fabricated using shape memory polymers (SMPs). Currently, research on the reusability of SMP‐based metamaterials is limited, particularly regarding the influence of cellular unit geometries on their recovery performance, which remains unclear. To address this gap, this study combines typical cellular units with positive, negative, and zero Poisson's ratio properties into various structures. Through quasi‐static compression experiments, complemented by three‐dimensional digital image correlation (DIC) technology and finite element analysis, the mechanical compression performance and deformation mechanisms of the three structures are compared in detail. The deformation patterns under compression are elucidated, and the influence of geometric shapes on deformation behavior and mechanical response is analyzed. Shape memory recovery experiments, including single‐cycle and multi‐cycle tests, are designed to evaluate the 4D smart recovery performance of the three structures in terms of key metrics such as recovery rate and restoring force. This study systematically characterizes the compressive mechanical properties and shape memory recovery characteristics of honeycomb structures with different Poisson's ratio combinations, providing significant guidance for the research and development of 4D‐printed mechanical metamaterials.

Highlights

Metamaterial structures combining unit cells with different Poisson's ratios.

DIC and FEM are used to assess the effects of unit cells on deformation and failure.

ZAZ structure shows superior stiffness and energy absorption in compression.

Evaluate the shape memory performance of SMP under loading conditions.

ZAP structure exhibits more stable cyclic recovery behavior under loading.
Research Progress of Noninvasive Evaluation of Portal Hypertension by Blood‐Based Tests
Authors: Chen Wei , Li Zhi , Zhang Xinjie , Chen Yanan , Hao Shirui , Wang Xiaojuan , Liang Kuopeng , Zhang Jian , Liu Dengxiang , Chen Shubo , Li Jinlong
Published: February 2025

Portal hypertension (PH) is a collection of clinical conditions that occur due to an enduring elevation of pressure within the portal venous system, and it is closely linked to the prognosis of liver disease patients. The hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) is considered the diagnostic standard for PH, but its use is limited due to its invasive, costly, and radiological nature. As such, the search for noninvasive diagnostic methods is the focus of researchers worldwide. This review article provides an overview of routine and novel blood test indicators, as well as diagnostic models composed of multiple indicators, in the diagnosis of PH, which was generally diagnosed by HVPG, and also insights into the development of more accurate and simpler diagnostic methods for PH.