bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trends and Clinical Implications of Pediatric Pulmonary Function After Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Systematic Review
Authors: Zhao Xiaowei , Zhao Yuqi , Ding Guoyu , Li Xue , Zhang Xiaoyue , Leng Yanli , Wang Hongmei
Published: January 2025

Background and Aims

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a key therapeutic approach for pediatric patients with hematologic and non‐hematologic disorders. However, post‐transplant pulmonary complications remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) are essential for the early detection of pulmonary dysfunction, yet their application in pediatric HSCT recipients has yielded inconsistent results. This review aims to assess the variations in pulmonary function post‐HSCT and explore their clinical implications for pediatric patients.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted by analyzing studies published between 2000 and 2024, sourced from PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, and Wan Fang databases. The review included cohort studies, randomized controlled trials, and case‐control studies that assessed pulmonary function using standardized PFTs.

Results

Pulmonary dysfunction, particularly obstructive and restrictive ventilatory disorders, is common in pediatric HSCT recipients. Significant changes in PFT parameters, such as FEV1/FVC ratio and FEF25‐75%, were observed. However, trends in post‐transplant pulmonary function vary due to factors such as pre‐transplant lung conditions, patient age, and treatment protocols. Innovative diagnostic methods, such as parametric response mapping (PRM) and multiple breath washout (MBW), show promise in enhancing early detection and management of pulmonary complications.

Conclusion

Monitoring pulmonary function is critical for the early identification of complications in pediatric HSCT recipients. Although standardized clinical guidelines are available, variability in PFT trends underscores the need for more refined diagnostic tools. Advanced diagnostic methods, like PRM and MBW, may improve early detection and help optimize the management of pulmonary dysfunction, ultimately improving long‐term outcomes for pediatric patients.
Parallel Chart Writing and Resilience Impact the Narrative Competence of Medical Staff in China: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Xu Yun , Guo Hongkai , Ge Guomei , Shu Jing , Liu Li , Jin Qi , Jia Junjun
Published: January 2025

Background and Aims

Narrative competence is essential for good communication between medical staff and patients. It is a powerful instrument for the delivery of holistic healthcare. However, little research focuses on the influencing factors of narrative competence and the relationships among resilience, self‐efficacy, and narrative competence. The study aims to explore the influence factors of narrative competence of medical staff and confirm the relationships among self‐efficacy, resilience, and narrative competence.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was conducted among 606 medical staff from two affiliated hospitals in Zhejiang and Heilongjiang provinces, respectively. The participants were scored using the Chinese narrative competence scale, the brief Chinese version of the resilience scale, and the Chinese version of the self‐efficacy scale.

Results

This study showed that the score of narrative competence was 149.76 ± 28.70, including the scores of listening dimension (48.01 ± 9.36), understanding dimension (67.75 ± 13.55), and reflecting dimension (34.00 ± 6.77). A high narrative competence score was associated with hospital location and parallel chart writing (p < 0.01). Pearson's correlation analysis showed resilience and self‐efficacy were positively related to narrative competence.

Conclusion

Medical staff's narrative competence is intermediate in China. Parallel chart writing and resilience would impact this competence, which should be further improved.
Pectus Carinatum Repair Using the Sandwiched Bars and Screw Fixation System: A Retrospective Cohort Study of a Single Center Experience
Authors: Vy Tran Thanh , Bang Ho Tat , Hung Ha Quoc , Cuong Lam Thao , Binh Nguyen Hoang
Published: January 2025

Background and Aims

Pectus carinatum (PC) is the second most common deformity of the anterior chest wall, resulting in detrimental effects on body image and quality of life. This study evaluated the safety, effectiveness, and factors associated with the treatment of PC using a sandwiched bar and screw fixation system, first performed in Vietnam at the University Medical Center Ho Chi Minh City in 2016.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was conducted from March 2016 to February 2023 in patients with PC and PC‐mixed pectus excavatum (PE) deformities. All patients underwent corrective surgery using the sandwiched bar and screw fixation system. Data were collected on demographic characteristics, operative time, length of hospital stay, Haller Index (HI), and postoperative complications. The effectiveness of the procedure was evaluated based on changes in the HI. Statistical analyses were performed using paired t‐tests to compare preoperative and postoperative HI values, and multivariate linear regression was used to identify factors associated with postoperative outcomes.

Results

Of the 39 consecutive patients, 12 (30.8%) had symmetric PC, 10 (25.6%) asymmetric PC, and 17 (43.6%) had PC with an excavatum complex. The mean operative time was 68.1 ± 35.8 min, and the length of stay was 5.3 ± 1.1 days. The preoperative and postoperative Haller index (HI) values were 1.96 ± 0.13 and 2.49 ± 0.14, respectively (p < 0.001). Independent variables correlated to postoperative HI included the asymmetry index absolute value (coefficient (β) = 0.649, p < 0.001) and angle of sternal rotation (β = −0.008, p < 0.001). The percentage of patients with good outcomes was 97.4%. No serious procedure‐related complications were observed.

Conclusion

Minimally invasive repair using the sandwiched bar and screw fixation system is an effective and safe treatment for PC. Sternal rotation and asymmetry index contribute to its effectiveness by correlating to postoperative HI.
In vivo dosimetry for proton therapy: A Monte Carlo study of the Gadolinium spectral response throughout the course of treatment
Authors: Brás Mariana , Freitas Hugo , Gonçalves Patrícia , Seco João
Published: January 2025

Background

In proton radiotherapy, the steep dose deposition profile near the end of the proton's track, the Bragg peak, ensures a more conformed deposition of dose to the tumor region when compared with conventional radiotherapy while reducing the probability of normal tissue complications. However, uncertainties, as in the proton range, patient geometry, and positioning pose challenges to the precise and secure delivery of the treatment plan (TP). In vivo range determination and dose distribution are pivotal for mitigation of uncertainties, opening the possibility to reduce uncertainty margins and for adaptation of the TP.

Purpose

This study aims to explore the feasibility of utilizing gadolinium (Gd), a highly used contrast agent in MRI, as a surrogate for in vivo dosimetry during the course of scanning proton therapy, tracking the delivery of a TP and the impact of uncertainties intra‐ and inter‐fraction in the course of treatment.

Methods

Monte Carlo simulations (Geant4 11.1.1) were performed, where a Gd‐filled volume was placed within a water phantom and underwent treatment with a scanning proton TP delivering 4 Gy. The secondary photons emitted upon proton‐Gd interaction were recorded and assessed for various tumor displacements. The spectral response of Gd to each pencil beam irradiation is therefore used as a surrogate for dose measurements during treatment.

Results

Results show that the deposited dose at the target volume can be tracked for each TP scanning point by correlating it with the recorded Gd signal. The analyzed Gd spectral line corresponded to the characteristic X‐ray line at 43 keV. Displacements from the planned geometry could be distinguished by observing changes in the Gd signal induced by each pencil beam. Moreover, the total 43 keV signal recorded subsequently to the full TP delivery reflected deviations from the planned integral dose to the target.

Conclusions

The study suggests that the spectral response of a Gd‐based contrast agent can be used for in vivo dosimetry, providing insights into the TP delivery. The Gd 43 keV spectral line was correlated with the dose at the tumor, its volume, and its position. Other variables that can impact the method, such as the kinetic energy of the incident protons and Gd concentration in the target were also discussed.
Hyphenation of 2D NMR With Hydrogenative PHIP
Authors: Jimmink Bono O. , Tessari Marco , Kentgens Arno P. M.
Published: January 2025

Parahydrogen induced polarisation (PHIP) is often used to enhance the sensitivity of NMR, with the purpose of extending the applicability of the technique. Nuclear spin hyperpolarisation obtained via PHIP is generally localised on the protons derived from the addition of para‐enriched hydrogen to an unsaturated substrate. This limitation has been previously addressed by pulse schemes that can spread this hyperpolarised magnetisation through the entire network of J‐coupled protons in the product molecule. Here, we extend this approach, by implementing 2D NMR spectroscopy on such network of hyperpolarised protons. This novel approach to 2D acquisition during parahydrogenation allows information to be gained from the entirety of a molecule, quicker and/or at lower concentrations than by conventional NMR. The efficacy of the method is exemplified by performing a 2D TOCSY experiment during hydrogenative PHIP, using 2‐pentyn‐1‐ol as a substrate. A 2D spectrum was obtained in a few minutes at micromolar concentration, demonstrating the applicability of this methodology.
Evaluation of Articulatory Dynamics in Palatalized Articulation Using Electropalatography and Analysis of Factors in Its Occurrence
Authors: Serizawa Shinki , Tezuka Masahiro , Suzuki Hajime , Kamikuri Yuhei , Kimura Namiko , Kibe Toshiro , Ishihata Kiyohide , Saijo Hideto
Published: January 2025

Aim

We aimed to visually evaluate the place of articulation of palatalized articulation (PA) using electropalatography (EPG) and to analyze the involvement of fistula and velopharyngeal function (VPF) as factors in the occurrence of PA.

Methods

Ten patients with postoperative cleft palate and auditory PA were included. The test sounds were three alveolar sounds, [t], [d], and [s], with [a] inserted before each consonant and [a], [e], and [o] inserted afterward. The test sounds were consecutively recorded five times using the EPG, and a cumulative frequency pattern was created by accumulating the maximum contact frames at the time of each consonant production to visually determine the PA. The place of articulation in the cumulative frequency pattern was subsequently evaluated in detail. The relationship between the place of articulation and fistula and VPF was statistically analyzed.

Results

All 10 patients had PA for any of the tested sounds. The place of articulation was divided into three patterns: anterior, middle, and posterior. The relationship between the place of articulation and the fistula for PA showed a significant difference between the groups with and without a fistula (U = 0, p = 0.0167, p < 0.05). The relationship with VPF showed no statistically significant differences.

Conclusion

Using EPG to visually evaluate the place of articulation of the PA, we could divide it into three positions. Furthermore, there was an association between the place of articulation and fistula, suggesting that the place of articulation is more posterior in the presence of a fistula.
Translation of the downstream ORF from bicistronic mRNAs by human cells: Impact of codon usage and splicing in the upstream ORF
Authors: Paget‐Bailly Philippe , Helpiquet Alexandre , Decourcelle Mathilde , Bories Roxane , Bravo Ignacio G.
Published: January 2025

Biochemistry textbooks describe eukaryotic mRNAs as monocistronic. However, increasing evidence reveals the widespread presence and translation of upstream open reading frames preceding the “main” ORF. DNA and RNA viruses infecting eukaryotes often produce polycistronic mRNAs and viruses have evolved multiple ways of manipulating the host's translation machinery. Here, we introduce an experimental model to study gene expression regulation from virus‐like bicistronic mRNAs in human cells. The model consists of a short upstream ORF and a reporter downstream ORF encoding a fluorescent protein. We have engineered synonymous variants of the upstream ORF to explore large parameter space, including codon usage preferences, mRNA folding features, and splicing propensity. We show that human translation machinery can translate the downstream ORF from bicistronic mRNAs, albeit reporter protein levels are thousand times lower than those from the upstream ORF. Furthermore, synonymous recoding of the upstream ORF exclusively during elongation significantly influences its own translation efficiency, reveals cryptic splice signals, and modulates the probability of downstream ORF translation. Our results are consistent with a leaky scanning mechanism facilitating downstream ORF translation from bicistronic mRNAs in human cells, offering new insights into the role of upstream ORFs in translation regulation.
Establishing and Investigating an Effective Atmosphere‐Ocean Cross‐Medium Propagation Model Based on GSM Beams
Authors: Wang Jiao , Tie Xuyan , Tan Zhenkun , Lei Sichen , Wu Pengfei , Wang Xianghui , Deng Lijun
Published: January 2025

Using the Gaussian‐Schell model (GSM) beam as the light source, this study creates a blue‐green beam atmosphere‐ocean cross‐medium propagation model (AOCPM) based on the extended Huygens‐Fresnel principle and the linear filtering method. The closed expression of the Cross Spectral Density Function (CSDF) of the GSM beam after propagation through atmospheric turbulence, atmosphere‐ocean interface, and ocean turbulence are derived. And the correctness of the model is verified by simulating the changes in intensity, relative beam width, and speckle normalized intensity autocorrelation function during the propagation of the GSM beam through the atmosphere‐ocean cross‐medium under different parameters. The findings demonstrate that the intensity of the GSM beam after being propagated through the atmosphere‐ocean medium presents a speckle‐like Gaussian distribution, the intensity of the GSM beam gradually attenuates, the relative beam width gradually grows, and the speckle normalized intensity autocorrelation function gradually decreases as the turbulence intensity and propagation distance increase. In addition, the increase in wind speed at rough sea surface mainly leads to the attenuation of intensity. The work of this paper provides a new idea for the study of atmosphere‐ocean cross‐medium propagation of blue‐green beams.
Polycystic ovary syndrome: Criteria, phenotypes, race and ethnicity
Authors: Baba Tsuyoshi
Published: January 2025

Background

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrinopathy, which leads to ovulation dysfunction and infertility, as well as metabolic and mental disorders. Women with PCOS exhibit several characteristic symptoms, with marked heterogeneity across different races and ethnicities.

Methods

In this review, the author outlines the phenotypic disparities of PCOS among various racial and ethnic populations. First, the prevalence of major symptoms in different racial and ethnic groups with PCOS is summarized. Next, the effects of four phenotypes, derived from the Rotterdam criteria for PCOS, on metabolic and reproductive features are recapitulated.

Main Findings

A growing body of evidence suggests that East Asian populations exhibit less hirsutism and adiposity compared with other groups. However, hirsutism is more prevalent in South Asian, Middle Eastern, and Hispanic populations. Hispanic and African American populations have more frequent obesity and insulin resistance. With regard to the association between mental disorders and racial and ethnic differences, limited studies exist; therefore, no conclusions can be drawn.

Conclusion

Race and ethnicity‐specific factors related to PCOS must be considered in clinical practice. The diagnostic criteria of PCOS should be specific to race and ethnicity to avoid missing treatment opportunities.
Leveraging Long‐Life Alkaline Redox Flow Batteries Using Durable and High‐Hydroxide Exchange N‐Bridged Triazine Framework Membranes
Authors: Sharma Jeet , Gupta Richa , Ramanujam Kothandaraman , Kulshrestha Vaibhav
Published: January 2025

Fluorine‐free organic framework polyelectrolyte membranes showing near frictionless ionic conductivities are gaining cognitive insights. However, the co‐precipitation of COFs in the membranes often brings trade‐offs to commission long‐life electrochemical energy storage solutions. Herein, a durable and ionically miscible dual‐ion exchange membrane based on triazine organic framework (TOF) is designed for alkaline redox flow batteries (RFB). Bearing dual ion‐exchange architectures, the all‐hydrocarbon TOF‐based PEMs (sTOF's) surpass fluorinated Nafion in terms of energy efficiency (>80%), energy density, and peak power densities. The fabricated sTOF's evidenced the highest net ion‐exchange of >2.1 meq g−1 which encourages electrolyte utilization with ≈100% and offers excellent capacities. Moreover, >97% efficiencies are preserved, and rate capability studies illustrate that, with sTOF‐5, the RFB can operate at reduced overpotentials (η ≤200 mV) and can uplift batteries life. The sTOF's supports successful demonstrations of batteries at higher redoxolyte concentrations thereby multiplying the energy densities. The afterlife performance of sTOF‐5 revealed efficiencies equivalent to fresh Nafion‐117 and surpassed bearing >50% capacity after ≈3000 continuous cycles. With sTOF‐5, the cell delivered a peak power (Pmax) of 2.3 W which is ≈60% higher than that of Nafion‐117 (Pmax = 1.45 W).
DNA Nanostructures‐Based In Situ Cancer Vaccines: Mechanisms and Applications
Authors: Lin Bingyu , Liu Yanfei , Chen Qiwen , Li Mingfeng , Xu Lishang , Chen Qianqian , Tan Yifu , Liu Zhenbao
Published: January 2025

Current tumor vaccines suffer from inadequate immune responsive due to the insufficient release of tumor antigens, low tumor infiltration, and immunosuppressive microenvironment. DNA nanostructures with their ability to precisely engineer, controlled release, biocompatibility, and the capability to augment the immunogenicity of tumor microenvironment, have gained significant attention for their potential to revolutionize vaccine designing. This review summarizes various applications of DNA nanostructures in the construction of in situ cancer vaccines, which can generate tumor‐associated antigens directly from damaged tumors for cancer immune‐stimulation. The mechanisms and components of cancer vaccines are listed, the specific strategies for constructing in situ vaccines using DNA nanostructures are explored and their underlying mechanisms of action are elucidated. The immunogenic cell death (ICD) induced by chemotherapeutic agents, photothermal therapy (PTT), photodynamic therapy (PDT), and radiation therapy (RT) and the related cancer vaccines building strategies are systematically summarized. The applications of different DNA nanostructures in various cancer immunotherapy are elaborated, which exerts precise, long‐lasting, and robust immune responses. The current challenges and future prospectives are proposed. This review provides a holistic understanding of the evolving role of DNA nanostructures for in situ vaccine development.
Chemical Looping: A Sustainable Approach for Upgrading Light Hydrocarbons to Value‐Added Olefins
Authors: Alabi Sherif , Gambo Yahya , Adamu Sagir , Hossain Mohammad Mozahar
Published: January 2025

In recent times, chemical looping offered a sustainable alternative for upgrading light hydrocarbons into olefins. Olefins are valuable platform chemicals that are utilized for diverse applications. To close the wide shortfall in their global supply, intensified efforts are ongoing to develop on‐purpose production technologies. Herein, we provide discussions on the emerging olefin production routes and chemical looping as a frontier concept in catalytic production of chemicals, especially light olefins. Moreover, we discuss the various rational strategies for designing and tuning of oxygen carriers with high catalytic activity and tailored selectivity to desired products. These strategies include creation of oxygen vacancies, controlled doping, synergistic metal‐support interactions, regulating oxygen mobility, modulation of crystal structure, functionalization and controlled treatment. The insights presented aim to inspire the development of robust, stable, and efficient oxygen carriers, ensuring catalytic activity, selectivity, and prolonged operational stability.
Numerical assessment of tool geometry for improving productivity in milling stainless steel 316 L
Authors: Malekan Mohammad , Madsen Karoline L. , Airao Jay , Ilvig Charlotte F. , Aghababaei Ramin
Published: January 2025

Improving the material removal rate (MRR) can significantly enhance the efficiency of the milling operations during machining. However, increasing MRR develops a larger degree of stress and eventual wear at the cutting edge, reducing the tool’s lifetime, in particular for hard metals like stainless steel. Therefore, it is important to optimize the tool geometry to enhance the stress-carrying capacity under extreme cutting conditions. Considering a four-fluted tungsten carbide milling tool for cutting stainless steel, we propose in this study a procedure for reducing tool stresses by modifying the tool geometry. Using a systematic set of finite element simulations, we showed that the degree of stresses on the cutting edge can be reduced by optimizing three geometrical parameters, i.e., helix angle, rake angle, and cutting edge radius. To validate the simulation results, we manufactured 18 four-fluted milling tools with varying geometries and tested them by milling stainless steel 316 L under identical cutting conditions. The performance of each tool was ranked based on microscopic inspections of their cutting edges, showing a close agreement with the numerical simulation predictions. This study presents a procedure for modifying milling tool geometry to enhance performance under extreme machining conditions.
Hausdorff dimension of the Apollonian gasket
Authors: Vytnova Polina L. , Wormell Caroline L.
Published: January 2025

The Apollonian gasket is a well-studied circle packing. Important properties of the packing, including the distribution of the circle radii, are governed by its Hausdorff dimension. No closed form is currently known for the Hausdorff dimension, and its computation is a special case of a more general and hard problem: effective, rigorous estimates of dimension of a parabolic limit set. In this paper we develop an efficient method for solving this problem which allows us to compute the dimension of the gasket to 128 decimal places and rigorously justify the error bounds. We expect our approach to generalise easily to other parabolic fractals.
The Diagnosis and Therapy of Osteoporosis in Gaucher Disease
Authors: Marcucci Gemma , Brandi Maria Luisa
Published: January 2025

Gaucher disease is a rare lysosomal storage disorder characterized by the accumulation of glucocerebroside lipids within multiple organs due to a deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme (acid β-glucosidase). It is an inherited autosomal recessive disease. The onset of symptoms can vary depending on disease type and severity, with milder forms presenting in adulthood. The main clinical manifestations include cytopenia, splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, and bone lesions. GD is characterized by several bone manifestations, such as osteopenia/osteoporosis, focal lytic or sclerotic lesions, osteonecrosis acute or chronic bone pain, Erlenmeyer flask deformity, and subchondral joint collapse with secondary degenerative arthritis. In 70–100% of patients affected by Gaucher disease type 1, clinical or radiographic evidence of bone disease occurs. Among bone complications, osteoporosis is very common, but its etiopathogenesis in GD is not completely clear. Results deriving from experimental studies support the hypothesis that there is an aberrant activity of both osteoclasts and osteoblasts due to several factors, resulting in impaired bone turnover. Bone complications represent the main cause of pain, disability, and reduced quality of life in these patients. Therefore, there is a need to enhance awareness among physicians on the skeletal manifestations throughout life of GD patients, in order to improve diagnosis and management of bone complications. In particular, this narrative review focuses on risk of bone fragility in GD, etiopathogenetic hypotheses, epidemiological data, diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of osteoporosis in patients suffering from Gaucher disease, specifying the challenges not yet addressed.
Pulmonary Atresia with Intact Ventricular Septum, an Evolving Strategy in the Era of PDA Stenting: Single Center Experience
Authors: Shibbani Kamel , Nigro John , Rao Rohit , Gordon Brent M. , Justino Henri , AlShawabkeh Laith , El-Said Howaida
Published: January 2025

Repair or palliation of pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PA/IVS) often falls into one of 4 categories: cardiac transplant, 2-ventricular circulation, 1.5 ventricle circulation, or single ventricle circulation. The optimal management strategy has been an area of much debate. We sought to review the management strategy of patients with PA/IVS at our institution to better understand what metrics can be used to guide management and initial interventions. The study aims to examine the outcomes of a single-center approach to managing patients with PA/IVS. Our cohort included 29 patients; one patient underwent a planned transplant at ten days of life (3.4%), 12 underwent repair via a two-ventricle circulation (41.4%), 7 underwent repair with 1.5 ventricle circulation (24.1%), and 7 underwent repair with single ventricle circulation (24.1%). Survival was achieved in 93.1% with two patients (6.9%) expiring. The TV annulus z-score was significantly different between the three groups, with the 1 V group having the smallest median TV annulus z-score at − 4.04 (IQR − 4.60– − 3.60) and the 2 V group having the largest median TV z-score at − 1.4 (IQR − 2.24– − 0.12). Six patients underwent late right ventricular decompression. We present a post-hoc algorithm to help guide treatment strategies for patients with PA/IVS.
The publication fate of abstracts awarded prizes at European Society of Paediatric Radiology annual scientific meetings
Authors: Paddock Michael , Bains Parasdeep S. , Kvist Ola , Andronikou Savvas , Franchi-Abella Stephanie , van Rijn Rick R. , Arthurs Owen J. , Offiah Amaka C. ,   ESPR Publications Committee (consortium)
Published: January 2025

Background

The European Society of Paediatric Radiology (ESPR) awards prizes for outstanding work presented at their annual scientific meetings. The proportion of ESPR prize-winning abstracts to journal publications is not known. Contextualising abstract-to-publication proportions by evaluating publication experience can yield valuable insights and actionable outcomes to support researchers in overcoming barriers to journal publication.

Objective

To assess the abstract-to-publication proportion of prize-winning ESPR abstracts and prize-winning authors’ experience of publishing in Pediatric Radiology, the affiliated journal of the ESPR and other specialist international paediatric radiology societies.

Materials and methods

PubMed was searched for titles of ESPR prize-winning abstracts from 1977 (the year of first award) up to and including 2021, where the presenter was either first or co-author, and the article was published 2 years before or after the presentation year. If not found, a general internet search was performed. Titles of all retrieved articles were evaluated for inclusion. A survey was distributed to all ESPR prize winners to better understand their experiences around journal submission.

Results

Over 44 years, 108 prizes were awarded. The prize-winning abstract-to-publication proportion was significantly higher (59.3%, OR=2.10, P=0.012) than the recently published pediatric radiology “abstract to publication rate” (41.9% from 2013–2016). Moreover, prize winners were more than twice as likely than to achieve journal publication (OR=2.10), and as first author (OR=1.33). The majority of awardees published their work as first author (52/64, 81.3%): the first-author abstract-to-publication proportion was not significantly higher than the paediatric radiology “abstract-to-publication rate” (48.1%, OR=0.33, P=0.330). Sixty-four survey responses were received (59.3%, out of a total 108 awarded prizes). Just over 20% of prize-winning work was published in Pediatric Radiology, with 41.5% of respondents reporting a good to excellent submission experience.

Conclusion

Prize-winning and first-author abstract-to-publication proportions are higher for ESPR-awarded abstracts than the most recently reported paediatric radiology “abstract-to-publication rate”, suggesting that prizes are either awarded to work most likely to be published or that being awarded a prize encourages publication. Given that just over 40% of prize-winning abstracts remain unpublished, the ESPR should do more to support and encourage all authors to publish their work.
On-the-fly resolution enhancement in X-ray protein crystallography using electric field
Authors: Khakurel Krishna Prasad , Nemergut Michal , Pant Purbaj , Savko Martin , Andreasson Jakob , Žoldák Gabriel
Published: January 2025

X-ray crystallography has tremendously served structural biology by routinely providing high-resolution 3D structures of macromolecules. The extent of information encoded in the X-ray crystallography is proportional to which resolution the crystals diffract and the structure can be refined to. Therefore, there is a continuous effort to obtain high-quality crystals, especially for those proteins, which are considered difficult to crystallize into high-quality protein crystals of suitable sizes for X-ray crystallography. Efforts in enhancing the resolution in X-ray crystallography have also been made by optimizing crystallization protocols using external stimuli such as an electric field and magnetic field during the crystallization. Here, we present the feasibility of on-the-fly post-crystallization resolution enhancement of the protein crystal diffraction by applying a high-voltage electric field. The electric field between 2 and 11 kV/cm, which was applied after mounting the crystals in the beamline, resulted in the enhancement of the resolution. The crystal diffraction quality improved progressively with the exposure time. Moreover, we also find that upto defined electric field threshold, the protein structure remains largely unperturbed, a conclusion further supported by molecular dynamics simulations.
A Snapshot of United States Sarcoidosis Patients and their Perceived Disease Impact: Results of the Sarcoidosis Research Institute Survey
Authors: Obi Ogugua Ndili , Polite Paula Yette , Fish Kenneth M. , DeLuca Robert , Feustel Paul J. , Mandis Alexandra E. , Coleman Annetta M. , Judson Marc A.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The priorities and concerns of sarcoidosis patients in the United States (US) have not been well-described.

Methods

A survey constructed by sarcoidosis patients and doctors was administered to US sarcoidosis patients. The survey queried patients concerning their demographics, disease state, disease impact on health and well-being, health care priorities and impressions of sarcoidosis care. Respondents were solicited via social media and networking with sarcoidosis clinicians.

Results

1018 US sarcoidosis patients completed this survey. 65% were female, 63% White, 34% Black, and 87% > 45 years old. The most common organs involved were the lungs 87%, skin 30%, heart 25%, and eyes 25%. Household income was < $50 K in 31% and > $150 K in 14% of patients. There was a fairly even split between those living in urban (29%), suburban (42%), and rural (29%) environments. The patients’greatest concerns were fear of worsening disease, fear of sarcoidosis developing in more organs, and fear of sarcoidosis not improving. These were closely followed by concerns about poor health-related quality of life (HRQoL), inability to enjoy everyday activities, lack of medical research, disability from sarcoidosis, and pulmonary function status. Lack of physician knowledge and poor physician communication were ranked of lowest concern. Concerns about ineffective medications and cost of medical care were also ranked relatively low. Patients overwhelmingly considered information from their doctor as very useful.

Conclusion

In this survey of over 1000 US sarcoidosis patients, their greatest concerns were fear of poor clinical outcomes. The patients were relatively less concerned about their doctors’ knowledge about sarcoidosis and poor physician communication. Although patients expressed significant concerns about poor HRQoL, not all domains of HRQoL were equally affected. US sarcoidosis patients rank concerns about disease progression higher than disease impact on HRQoL.
Analysis and Generation of Rough-Surfaced Fractures with Variable Aperture Based on Self-Affine Methods Using Surface Scan Measurements
Authors: Stock Brandon , Frampton Andrew
Published: January 2025

Methods founded on self-affine principles have successfully been used to generate synthetic rough-surfaced fractures, which can be based on properties inferred from measurements of fracture surfaces. Two key parameters, the Hurst exponent H and a scaling parameter Sp, together with a function describing the correlation between the surfaces forming the fracture, are needed. There are several methods for determining H and Sp in the literature, which are primarily adopted for measurements of 1-dimensional fracture traces. However, comparatively few studies have used these methods and applied them to aperture generation. In this study, we evaluate two commonly employed methods, the root-mean-square correlation function (RMS-COR) and the Fourier power spectrum (FPS) approach, each with several variations of their possible implementation when applied to measurements of fracture surfaces. We use high-resolution surface scans of a natural fracture sample to obtain an accurate representation of the aperture field and rough surfaces. Multiple realisations of aperture fields are generated for each method variation and their respective ensembles are evaluated against the aperture distribution of the measured fracture sample. For the fracture studied, the RMS-COR method is the most accurate method for obtaining H and Sp. We show that a linear relationship exists between H and Sp which provides a best fit of synthetically generated fractures when compared to the measured sample. Additionally, we introduce an improved approach for representing the correlation function between the two rough surfaces. Finally, we demonstrate that the model can successfully generate upscaled fracture apertures based on restricted subsections of the sample.
Autologous platelet concentrates as adjuncts to non-surgical periodontal therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lipovec Tina , Kapadia N. , Antonoglou G. N. , Lu E. M. C. , El-Sayed K. M. Fawzy , Nibali Luigi
Published: January 2025

Objective

To evaluate the possible additional clinical benefit from autologous platelet concentrate (APC) treatment adjunct to non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT).

Methods

Electronic (MEDLINE/Embase/Cochrane/MedNar/CORE) and hand searches were conducted. Following studies selection, evidence tables were formed, and meta-analyses were performed for the following outcomes: probing pocket depth (PPD) reduction, clinical attachment level (CAL) gain, and bleeding on probing (BoP) reduction. The protocol for this systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023514388).

Results

After de-duplication, the initial search yielded 194 citations, from which ten papers were eligible for quantitative synthesis. The APC group comprised 270 patients, while the control group included 230. The meta-analysis revealed that a single APC application resulted in a 0.6 mm greater PPD reduction (MD = -0.62; 95% CI: -1.03, -0.22) and 0.8 mm more CAL gain (MD = -0.77; 95% CI: -1.18, -0.37) at the 6–12 weeks follow-up. At six months, the APC group exhibited a 0.6 mm greater PPD reduction (MD = -0.61; 95% CI: -1.13, -0.09) and 1.1 mm more CAL gain (MD = -1.14; 95% CI: -1.94, -0.34) compared to the NSPT only group. In contrast, BoP indices did not reveal a statistically significant difference between the groups after 6–12 weeks (MD = -10.54; 95% CI: -25.21, 4.14). High heterogeneity and unclear to high risk of bias were detected.

Conclusion

Over six months, the adjunctive APC use appears to provide additional benefits in PPD reduction and CAL gain compared to NSPT alone.

Clinical relevance

The adjunctive use of APCs seems to promote further improvements in clinical outcomes following NSPT.
Do Uncertainties in US Affect Bitcoin Returns? Evidence from Time Series Analysis
Authors: Miba’am Benjamin Walwai , Güngör Hasan
Published: January 2025

The study attempts to add to the existing literature on the relationship between uncertainties and Bitcoin by determining the direction of the relationship between Economic Policy Uncertainty (EPU), Geopolitical Risk (GPR), Political Risk (PR) and Bitcoin returns. This is to ascertain if Bitcoin hedges and is a safe haven asset against uncertainties. We employed the use of Ordinary Least Square (OLS), Autoregressive Distributive Lag (ARDL) and Quantile Regression (QR) to achieve the research objective. Having discovered the existence of structural breaks after conducting the Zivot-Andrews unit root for structural breaks, the analysis was divided into full sample period, first sub-period and the second sub-period. Findings show that EPU, GPR and PR hedge and play the role of safe haven against uncertainties in the United States (US). We found that EPU exerts positive influence against Bitcoin returns while GPR and PR negatively influence Bitcoin returns. The result further shows that Bitcoin returns hedges against EPU in the lower and middle quantiles while Bitcoin returns hedges against PR only in the lower quantile. The study therefore concludes that uncertainty and risk in the US influence bitcoin returns. It supports the hedging ability and safe haven properties of bitcoin, emphasising that bitcoin returns react more to EPU US than GPR US and PR US, therefore recommending investment experts and financial analysts focus more on EPU US than GPR US and PR US.
Covariant single-field formulation of effective cosmological bounces
Authors: Miranda Marcello
Published: January 2025

This study explores the feasibility of an effective Friedmann equation in removing the classical Big Bang initial singularity and replacing it with a non-singular bounce occurring at a critical energy density value. In a spatially flat, homogeneous, and isotropic universe, the effective theory is obtained by introducing a function parametrically dependent on the critical energy density. This function measures the deviation from the benchmark theory, which is recovered as the critical energy density approaches infinity. Focusing on the covariant single-field formulation in viable Horndeski gravity, our analysis shows that both the effective and the benchmark theories belong to the same scalar–tensor theory, without any additional propagating degrees of freedom: the cuscuton and extended cuscuton models.
Interference cancellation to enhance bit error rate using the YOLO-CSE model
Authors: Salama Wessam M.
Published: January 2025

A novel framework based on combining the You Only Look Once-CSE (YOLO-CSE) model is implemented in this paper with Communication Visible Light (CVL) and Multiple Access non-orthogonality (MANO-CVL) for Multiple Input and Output (MIMO). The main goal of the proposed model is to decrease the detecting error in the received bits and distinguish between noise signal and correct bits. The YOLO-CSE model uses the Yolov5 model as a backbone. Two sorts of regulation are applied; position modulation (L-PPM) with different L and users, inside a Comparable Gain Combiner (CGC) at the recipient. This framework thinks about

$$n$$

n

and

$$m$$

m

clients in the ideal and non-ideal Cancellation of Successive Interferences (CSI). Because of the YOLO-CSE model, the error execution is additionally considered versus the power portion coefficient (α) for

$$n$$

n

and

$$m$$

m

clients switching keying (OOK) balance Single Input and Output (SISO),

$$(n \times n), and \left( {m \times n} \right)$$

(
n
×
n
)

,
a
n
d

m
×
n

for CVL based on utilizing the MANO and MIMO frameworks. The proposed model focuses on the significant highlights that have been removed from the dataset by utilizing the Convolutional unit (CBAU). The Fast-Pooling Spatial Pyramid (SPPF +) is likewise applied to the extricated highlights to reuse them. In that unique situation, the exponential block is coordinated to enact the capability for additional exact outcomes. The modified model, YOLO-CSE outperforms the other models in the literature by 18% outperform the other models in the literature.
Impact of heat treatment on structural and optical properties of 5,10,15,20-tetraphenyl-21H,23H-porphine vanadium (IV) oxide thin films
Authors: Elsayed N. A. , Desoky W. M. , Hassan M. M. , El-Shazly E. A. A. , Abd El-Rahman K. F.
Published: January 2025

Thin films of 5,10,15,20-tetraphenyl-21H,23H-porphine vanadium (IV) oxide, VOTPP, were placed on glass with an overall thickness of 495 nm utilizing the thermal deposition process. The films underwent annealing at various temperatures (323, 373, 423, 473, 573 K) for 3 h. The thermal behaviour of VOTPP powder was tested by DTA. The crystalline molecular structure, and surface morphology of as-deposited and annealed films were examined utilizing XRD, SEM, and AFM. The crystallinity of VOTPP film was enhanced and the crystallite size grew by boosting the annealing temperature. The RMS roughness of annealed film at 573 K is 14.87 nm. Optical parameters of as-deposited and annealed VOTPP films were determined by spectrophotometric measurements in the spectrum of (200–2500 nm). The absorbance spectrum of VOTPP films is characterized by the Soret band, which exhibits Davydov splitting into two peaks, Bx and By in the annealed films at 473 and 573 K. Additionally, Q and N bands are observed. Annealing reduces both the linear and nonlinear refractive index, as well as the dispersion parameters. Calculations for molar refractivity and absorptivity, nonlinear parameters, and optical conductivity at different annealing temperatures have been done. Additionally, the energy loss functions at different annealing temperatures were obtained. The electronic transition is indirectly allowed. Optical energies such as

$${E}_{g}^{onset}$$

E

g

onset

,

$${E}_{g}^{opt1}$$

E

g

o
p
t
1

,

$${E}_{g}^{opt2}$$

E

g

o
p
t
2

, and

$${E}_{U}$$

E
U

were observed to reduce as the annealing temperature elevated. All the optical parameters were compared with other porphyrin derivatives. This study demonstrates that thermally annealing is an efficient method in enhancing the optical and synthetic characteristics of VOTPP films, which serve as a viable absorbing layer in renewable energy systems.
Wellbeing and quality of life among parents of individuals with Fontan physiology
Authors: Marshall Kate H. , d’Udekem Yves , Winlaw David S. , Zannino Diana , Celermajer David S. , Eagleson Karen , Iyengar Ajay J. , Zentner Dominica , Cordina Rachael , Sholler Gary F. , Woolfenden Susan R. , Kasparian Nadine A.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

To examine global and health-related quality of life (QOL) among parents of individuals with Fontan physiology and determine associations with sociodemographic, parent and child-related health, psychological, and relational factors.

Methods

Parents participating in the Australian and New Zealand Fontan Registry (ANZFR) QOL Study (N = 151, Parent Mean age = 47.9 ± 10.2 years, age range: 31.6–79.6 years, 66% women; child Mean age = 16.3 ± 8.8, age range: 6.9–48.7 years, 40% female) completed a series of validated measures. Health-related QOL was assessed using the PedsQL 4.0 Core Generic Scales for adults and global QOL was assessed using a visual analogue scale (0–10).

Results

Most parents (81%) reported good global QOL (≥ 6), consistent with broader population trends. Nearly one-third of parents (28%) reported at-risk health-related QOL (based on total PedsQL scores) with physical functioning most affected (44%). Psychological factors, including psychological stress and sense of coherence, emerged as the strongest correlates of global and health-related QOL, explaining an additional 16 to 30% of the variance (using marginal R
2). Final models explained 35 and 57% and of the variance in global and health-related QOL, respectively (marginal R
2). Relational factors, including perceived social support and family functioning contributed minimally when analyzed alongside psychological variables.

Conclusion

While parents of individuals with Fontan physiology report good global QOL, challenges in health-related QOL exist. We identified key psychological, sociodemographic, and health-related factors associated with parental QOL outcomes. These data may aid early identification of physical and psychosocial difficulties and guide targeted health resource allocation for this population.
Detrimental effects of instructors’ fixed mindsets on students’ anticipated motivation and emotions in secondary and higher education
Authors: Heyder Anke , Pegels Hanna
Published: January 2025

Experimental evidence of effects of instructors’ growth or fixed mindsets has so far been provided only by studies on U.S. university students. Research outside the US and on primary and secondary school students has relied on correlational data. In two preregistered vignette experiments with secondary school and university students in Germany (N = 214 in total), we therefore tested for effects of fictitious instructors’ growth and fixed mindsets. Both studies revealed detrimental effects of fictitious instructors’ fixed mindsets. In Study 1, the fixed mindset teacher elicited lower anticipated positive emotions, stronger anticipated negative emotions, stronger anticipated performance-avoidance goals, and less anticipated help-seeking in fifth-to-seventh graders compared with the growth mindset teacher. In Study 2, the fixed mindset professor elicited lower anticipated positive emotions, stronger anticipated negative emotions, higher anticipated stress, less anticipated help-seeking, lower anticipated success expectancies, and less anticipated motivation in university students than the growth mindset professor did. Moreover, larger effects were found for female than male university students. These findings provide a more fine-grained perspective on the risks of being taught by a fixed mindset teacher or professor and support the idea that growth mindset instructors are an important part of a learning environment that helps every student flourish.