bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer: A Narrative Review
Authors: Patel Nitin Kumar , Desai R , Majumdar Aseem
Published: May 2023

To plan therapies for Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC), staging methods are necessary. The most often employed HCC management recommendation is the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system. Transarterial Chemoembolisation (TACE) is the go- to therapy for BCLC stage B (intermediate HCC). Numerous studies back the use of TACE in individuals with early and advanced HCC. TACE may be an option for individuals who are not candidates for Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) or Hepatic Resection (HR) for BCLC stage 0 (very early HCC). TACE with RFA offers superior local tumour suppression than RFA alone in BCLC stage. Patients awaiting liver transplants may benefit from TACE as a bridging treatment. When compared to supportive care approaches, TACE improves survival for BCLC-B patients. Patients with BCLC-C stage HCC are treated in the first instance with sorafenib. The combination of sorafenib and TACE has demonstrated efficacy in slowing the development of tumours. Patients with HCC and portal venous thrombosis have superior survival results with TACE combined with radiation. Taking all of these facts into account, it is obvious that TACE, either alone or in conjunction with other therapies, plays a crucial part in the treatment of HCC at every stage. Patients with HCC should get a variety of treatments, and the best TACE candidates should be chosen using a more accurate patient classification approach.
Economic Impact of Industrial Water Pollution on Agriculture and Rural Households in Bhavani River Basin of Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Suresh R. , Kumar D. Suresh , Palanichamy N. Venkatesa , Duraisamy M. R. , Maheswari M.
Published: May 2023

Aim: To study the impact of industrial water pollution on Agriculture and rural households in Bhavani River basin of Tamil Nadu.

Study Design: Multistage random sampling.

Place and Duration of the Study: The study was conducted in the Sathyamangalam block of Erode district of Tamil Nadu during September 2021 to December 2021.

Methodology: Erode district of Tamil Nadu has been purposively selected due to high intensity of industrial units. In the second stage, Sathyamangalam block of Erode district, was selected based on the extent of external effects on land and water. In total, 360 respondents are selected as a sample, constituting ten persons in each affected and unaffected village. Both primary and secondary data were collected for the present study.

Results and Conclusion: The industrial water pollution in Bhavani River basin of Tamil Nadu leads to changes in agricultural pattern, reduction in farm income, decline in agricultural activities and most of the rural households were shifted to non-farming activities in this study area. In order to overcome these issues, it is suggested to develop alternative sources of water for irrigation.
Length Weight Relationships of Small Indigenous Fish Parambassis ranga (Hamilton, 1822) from Ujani Wetland of Maharashtra, India
Authors: Markad Ganesh , Kakade Vinod
Published: May 2023

Length- weight relationships parameters are useful in fisheries science to estimate weight of individual fish from its length. It can always be used for determination of condition indices and to compare life history and morphology of populations of given species. Parambassis ranga commonly called Indian glassy fish was investigated for the study of length-weight relationships (LWRs) from Ujani wetland, a dam constructed on Bhima river of Maharashtra state of India. During the study period of November 2021 to October 2022, total of 300 samples were collected from local fishermen and length-weight parameters were recorded in laboratory at Modern College, Ganeshkhind, Pune. The present study shows intercept (a value) of 0.0089. Slope (b value) was 3.2303 which lie in expected range of 2.5 to 3.5. The slope value was more than 3 i.e. above isometric growth value that indicates positive allometric growth of fish.
Analysis of Radiation Dose Distribution in Nasopharyngeal and Organ Cancer Cases at Risk with Linear Accelerator Radiotherapy 6 MV Photon Energy Using the IMRT Technique at Prof. Hospital. Dr. I. G. N. G. Ngoerah
Authors: Rahmaniyah Safitri , Ratini Ni Nyoman , Sudarsana I. Wayan Balik , Suryatika Ida Bagus Made , Suarbawa Komang Ngurah , Artawan I. Nengah , Gunawan Anak Agung Ngurah , Irhas Rozi
Published: May 2023

This study aims to determine the distribution of radiation doses on PTV and OAR radioteraphy planning in RSUP. Prof. Dr. I.G.N.G Ngoerah, Bali, Indonesia does no exceed a predetermined limit. The research metode used is the value of Homogenity Index (H), Conformity Index (CI), and the maximum value of radiation ose to the Organ At Risk (OAR), amely the right eye lens, left eye lens, brainstem, optic chiasma, and spinal cord. These data are compared with the provisions of ICRU report 83 and the maximum dose reference value for OAR. Using data from 30 nasopharyngeal cancer patients with a total radiation dose of 7000 cGy. Obtained a value for HI of 0.1214 with a t-test result of 0.459> 0.05 which means it is not significant. While the value for CI is 0.9850 with nonparametric statistical test results of 0.285> 0.05 which means it is not significant. The maximum dose value for the right eye lens is 772.7 cGy with a t-test result of 0.779> 0.05 which means it is not significant. For the maximum value of the dose in the lens of the left eye of 771.0 cGy with a t test result of 0.791> 0.05 which means it is not significant. For the maximum value of the dose in the brain stem of 5178.1 cGy with nonparametric test results of 0.686> 0.05 which means not significant. The maximum dose value at the optic chiasma is 4,837.2 cGy with a nonparametric test result of 0.225>0.05 which means it is not significant. For the maximum value of the dose in the spinal cord of 4,663.3 cGy with a t test result of 0.958> 0.05 which means it is not significant.
Studies on Aspergillus flavus on Tiger Nut (Cyperus esculentus) Incubated at Different Regimes of Light and Two Temperatures
Authors: Udo Abasiofon , Digitemie Kuromiayebaye , Okereke Victor
Published: May 2023

An experiment was carried out to ascertain the effect of light regimes (continuous day light, continuous darkness and alternating day light and darkness) on the growth of A. flavus on tiger nut at temperature of 28oC and 30oC. The experiment was a 2 x 3 factorial laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) replicated 10 times. A. flavus was isolated from naturally infected tiger nuts obtained from different sellers at Delta Park, Abuja Park and Choba campus, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. The isolation and sub-culturing were done using Malt Extract Agar (MEA). A tiger nut-based-medium (15ml/Plate) was centrally inoculated with 6-day-old inoculums of A. flavus and incubated appropriately. Assessment of fungal growth was done daily for 10 days and mycelia diameter and mycelia growth rate obtained from the data. Result from the statistical analysis showed that the effect of light regime and temperature on the mycelia diameter of A. flavus was highly significant (P<0.001) and the interaction between light regime and temperature was also significant (P<0.0.01). Growth rate also showed significant (P<0.001) main effect of temperature and light regime and the light regimes x temperature was also significant (P=0.03). The highest mycelia growth rate and mycelia diameter occurred in continuous day light, followed by continuous darkness and finally alternating day light and darkness, with all higher at 30oC. Thus, storage of tiger nut under continuous day light and/or at temperature 28oC and above should be discouraged, in order to reduce microbial spoilage caused by Aspergillus flavus.
Study on the Effect of Different Drying Methods on the Proximate, Nutritional and Mineral Composition of Clarias gariepinus (Catfish)
Authors: Okwakpam F. N. , Felagha I. , Gbogbara M. V. , Uahomo P. O.
Published: May 2023

Aim: This study investigated the effect of modern drying methods on the proximate, nutritional, and mineral composition of Clarias gariepinus in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Methods: Fresh C. gariepinus were purchased from Mile 3 Market in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Samples were dissected using a sharp knife, intestinal components, and gills were removed and the edible portion was washed properly and rinsed with distilled water. Samples were treated in four groups: fresh, smoking using firewood, electric drying (200oC), and non-electric drying (200oC for 30 minutes) methods. Samples were blended using mortar and pestle into powder and kept in an air-tight container prior to analyses.

Results: The proximate composition of C. gariepinus revealed that crude protein concentration was in the following proportions; electric drying method (52.16+0.01%), non-electric drying method (43.40+0.00%), smoking method (32.72+0.00%) and fresh (23.01+0.00%). The lipid content of smoked and electric-dried C. gariepinus was significantly (p<0.05) higher compared to the fresh sample. However, there was no significant difference between the lipid content of fresh C. gariepinus sample and non-electric dried sample. The carbohydrate content increased in the smoking and electric drying methods but decreased in the non-electric drying method. The ash content increased only in the smoking method but decreased in both the electric dryer and non-electric dryer methods. Fresh samples had the highest moisture content (74.03+0.00%) while the least was observed in the electric dried sample (38.84+0.00%). The percent anti-nutrient composition of C. gariepinus showed that smoked samples had the highest flavonoid concentration (3.252±0.00%) which was not significantly higher (p>0.05) than the flavonoid content of electric dried C. gariepinus (2.89±0.33). The levels of selected minerals showed varying concentrations of potassium, sodium and calcium for the various processing methods.

Conclusion: Modern drying methods had a significant effect on the proximate component, flavonoids, and oxalate composition of C. gariepinus. Electric drying method showed to be a better method of drying Clarias gariepinus compared to other drying methods.
Influence of Hormonal Treatments on STEM Cuttings through Multiplication in Therapeutically Worthwhile Plant Tinospora cordifolia
Authors: Akhilraj B. C. , Suresh J. , Rajamani K. , Kumar M. , Gnanam R.
Published: May 2023

India is a leader in the usage of the ancient ayurveda system and is blessed with a vast richness of medicinal herbs. Over 68 Ayurveda formulations contain the medicine Guduchi as one of its main constituents, and need for this medication has climbed from 3000 to 6000 MT with a 9.1% yearly increase. Unfortunately, uncontrolled harvesting is causing the natural populations to decline. There is plenty of room to expand the commercial production of these plants given the enormous increase in demand. For the purpose of creating a technique for rapid multiplication, propagation by stem cuttings was examined in the current experiment. For this species, the impact of various GA3 concentrations on stem cuttings during 30 DAP and 45 DAP was investigated using the randomized block design (RBD) with four replications. The 200 ppm GA3-treated stem cuttings of T. cordifolia (T1) showed  considerable rooting (85.75%). The highest shoot lengths at 45 days after planting were measured for treatments T1 (average 106.15 cm). Maximum root numbers were measured for treatments T1 (6.25 cm) and treatment T1 had slightly longer roots (17.42 cm), but there were no statistical differences in mean values. Throughout the course of the experiment, T. cordifolia cuttings' average lowest and maximum growth rates ranged from 4.33 cm/day to 7.1 cm/day. The results of this study showed that the optimal propagation approach for T. cordifolia for commercial multiplication is influence of hormonal treatments on stem cuttings.
Divergence Analysis of Bitter Gourd Genotypes for Yield and Yield Attributes
Authors: Ankitha M. O. , Bindu M. R. , Reddy S. Bhaskar , Anand S.
Published: May 2023

Genetic divergence for yield and yield attributes were evaluated in 33 bitter gourd genotypes for 17 characters. Characters such as, days to first male flower appearance, days to first female flower appearance, node of first male flower appearance, node of first female flower appearance, number of male flowers per vine, number of female flowers per vine, days to first harvest, number of harvests, fruit length (cm), fruit girth (cm), individual fruit weight (g), vine length (cm), number of primary branches per vine, number of fruits per vine, sex ratio, number of seeds per fruit and yield of fruits per vine (g) were used for analysing the divergence among the genotypes. Genotypes were grouped into five clusters using D2 statistics, and a dendrogram was created using Ward's approach. Out of the five clusters, cluster I was the largest comprising of 14 genotypes. Maximum inter cluster distance was observed between cluster III and cluster V, hence diverse parents for hybridization can be selected from these two clusters.
Studies on the Preservation of Kokum (Garcinia indica) Rind Juice at Ambient Storage Condition
Authors: Takale S. R. , Relekar P. P. , Kadam J. H.
Published: May 2023

The study aimed to determine the effect of different concentrations of sodium benzoate at ambient storage condition on kokum rind juice. For this experiment, Factorial Completely Randomized Design (F.C.R.D.) was used. During the investigation, the chemical parameter, microbial analysis and sensory qualities of kokum rind juice were studied. During the 3 months of ambient storage condition, analysis was conducted at the interval of one month. The chemical parameter like acidity, TSS, reducing sugar, total sugar, anthocyanins and  microbial analysis, sensory qualities changed significantly. From the experiment it can be concluded that the kokum rind juice could be stored at 1500 ppm sodium benzoate concentration in a good acceptable condition at ambient storage condition.
Determinants of Capital Structure Evidence from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alabdulkarim Nouf
Published: May 2023

This study aims toinvestigate the most important determinants of capital structure in non-financial Saudi Arabian firms listed in Saudi Stock Exchange (TADAWUL) from 2010-2021, using a fixed effect with robust standard regression. Theories of capital structure have different views and conclusions as well as the empirical works. Thus, determining the factors affecting the capital structure in a different context like Saudi Arabia that has a unique feature such as the absence of corporate tax, undeveloped and illiquid bond market, will add to the existing literature. The study finds a positive relationship between each size, asset tangibility, and market- to book with firm leverage On the other hand, there is a negative relationship is found between profitability and sales growth. Some of the findings are consistent with the trade-off theory such as firm size while some of the findings support the picking order theory. Empirical findings should help corporate managers understand the nature of the market and make optimal capital structure decisions.
Recurrent Chest Pain in a Young Female Patient With Family History of Cancer
Authors: Saraswati Ushasi , Bhalla Jaideep Singh , Klein Allan L.
Published: January 2025

A female patient presents with chest pain, and echocardiography reveals moderate circumferential pericardial effusion, leading to a diagnosis of acute pericarditis. Initial cardiac magnetic resonance imaging phase-sensitive inversion recovery sequences in the sagittal section depict late gadolinium enhancement on the pericardium and pericardial thickening. What would you do next?
Latine Patients’ Beliefs, Attitudes, and Experience With Psoriasis
Authors: Gonzalez Nathaly , Wilkerson Kamina , Castillo Valladares Herbert , Sanchez-Anguiano Maria Elena , Chang Aileen Y. , Amerson Erin H.
Published: January 2025

Importance

In the US, Latine patients disproportionately experience severe psoriasis, limited access to care, and poor disease-related quality of life. However, little is known about psoriasis in this growing US population.

Objectives

To explore Latine patients’ perception of their illness and their attitudes toward and experiences with the health care system, treatment, and research.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this qualitative study, a thematic analysis was performed of in-depth, semistructured interviews of 30 Latine adults with moderate to severe psoriasis at an outpatient dermatology clinic in an urban safety-net hospital. All patients included had psoriasis diagnosed by a dermatologist and were defined as having moderate to severe psoriasis if systemic treatment was offered at any time during their disease course. Interviews were held between July 7 and August 3, 2022. Data saturation was used to determine sample size.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Interviews were conducted in English or Spanish, audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and translated. Transcripts were then coded through an iterative process, and themes were identified through thematic analysis.

Results

Among 30 participants included, the mean (SD) age was 50 (11) years, 20 (67%) were male, and 22 (73%) preferred Spanish. Among 15 participants who disclosed their country of origin or ancestry, 7 (23%) were from Mexico; 4 (13%), Guatemala; 2 (7%), El Salvador; 1 (3%), Honduras; 1 (3%), Nicaragua; and 1 (3%), Peru. Six interrelated themes describing participant experiences were identified: (1) illness perception of psoriasis, (2) reliance on sociofamilial connections for medical decision-making, (3) impact of psoriasis on work life, (4) barriers to accessing quality dermatologic care, (5) receptiveness to prescription and nonprescription treatments, and (6) positive perception and interest toward research.

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this study highlight the impact of psoriasis on Latine individuals, the efforts made by this population to overcome health disparities, their positive perception toward biologic medications, and their interest in participating in biomedical research. Future investigations should assess educational interventions and further explore the preferences of Latine patients toward biologic medications and biomedical research.
Academic Detailing Interventions and Evidence-Based Prescribing
Authors: Rome Benjamin N. , Dancel Ellen , Chaitoff Alexander , Trombetta Dominick , Roy Shuvro , Fanikos Paul , Germain Jayda , Avorn Jerry
Published: January 2025

Importance

Academic detailing (interactive educational outreach) is a widely used strategy to encourage evidence-based prescribing by clinicians.

Objective

To evaluate academic detailing programs targeted at improving prescribing behavior and describe program aspects associated with positive outcomes.

Evidence Review

A systematic search of MEDLINE from April 1, 2007, through December 31, 2022, was performed for randomized trials and nonrandomized studies of academic detailing interventions to improve prescribing. Academic detailing was defined as evidence-based medication education outreach delivered interactively to individuals or small groups of prescribers. Only studies that measured prescribing outcomes were included. Two investigators independently assessed studies for risk of bias using validated assessment tools. Among all studies rated as having low risk of bias and randomized trials rated as having moderate risk of bias, the absolute change in the proportion of patients using the targeted medications and the proportion of studies that led to significant changes in 1 or more prescribing outcome were determined. The data analysis was performed between January 25, 2022, and November 4, 2024.

Findings

The 118 studies identified varied by setting (eg, inpatient, outpatient) and academic detailing delivery (eg, individual vs groups of prescribers). The most common therapeutic targets were antibiotic overuse (32 studies [27%]), opioid prescribing (24 studies [20%]), and management of mental health conditions (16 studies [14%]) and cardiovascular disease (13 studies [11%]). Most studies (66 [56%]) combined academic detailing with other interventions (eg, audit and feedback, electronic health record reminders). Among 36 studies deemed to have the lowest risk of bias, 18 interventions (50%; 95% CI, 33%-67%) led to significant improvements in all prescribing outcomes, and 7 (19%; 95% CI, 8%-36%) led to significant improvements in 1 or more prescribing outcomes. The median absolute change in the proportion of patients using the targeted medication or medications was 4.0% (IQR, 0.3%-11.3%) in the intended direction.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this systematic review of academic detailing interventions addressing evidence-based prescribing, most interventions led to substantial changes in prescribing behavior, although the quality of evidence varied. These findings support the use of academic detailing to bring about more evidence-based prescribing in a variety of clinical settings.
Development and Validation of a Tool to Predict Onset of Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer Dementia
Authors: Chu Chenyin , Wang Yifei , Wang Yihan , Fowler Christopher , Zisis Georgios , Masters Colin L. , Doecke James D. , Goudey Benjamin , Jin Liang , Pan Yijun ,   AIBL Research Group and the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, Weiner Michael W. , Aisen Paul , Petersen Ronald , Beckett Laurel , Perrin Richard J. , Toga Arthur W. , Saykin Andrew J.
Published: January 2025

Importance

The ability to predict the onset of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer dementia (AD) could allow older adults and clinicians to make informed decisions about dementia care.

Objective

To assess whether the age at onset of MCI and AD can be predicted using a statistical modeling approach.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This prognostic study used data from 2 aging and dementia cohort studies—the Australian Imaging, Biomarker and Lifestyle (AIBL) study and the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI)—for model development and validation of the Florey Dementia Index (FDI), a tool used to predict the age at onset of MCI and AD in older adults. Data from the Anti-Amyloid Treatment in Asymptomatic Alzheimer (A4) study were used for a simulated trial. Data were collected from 1665 AIBL participants, 2029 ADNI participants, and 93 A4 participants from October 1, 2004, to March 1, 2023. The data analysis was conducted between January and August 2024.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Predicted age at onset compared with clinically observed age at onset.

Results

Among the 1665 AIBL participants (741 [44.5%] female) and 2029 ADNI participants (925 [45.6%] female), the mean (SD) age at first evaluation was 71.8 (7.1) years and 74.5 (6.7) years, respectively. The FDI achieved mean absolute errors of 2.78 (95% CI, 2.63-2.93) years for predicting MCI onset and 1.48 (95% CI, 1.32-1.65) years for predicting AD onset. In the simulated trial with 93 A4 participants (48 [51.6%] female; mean [SD] age at baseline, 73.4 [5.1] years), the FDI achieved mean absolute errors of 1.57 (95% CI, 1.41-1.71) years for predicting MCI onset and 0.70 (95% CI, 0.53-0.88) years for predicting AD onset.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this prognostic study, the FDI was developed and validated to predict the onset age of MCI and AD. This tool may be useful in organizing health care for older adults with cognitive decline or dementia and in the future may help prioritize patients for the use of disease-modifying monoclonal antibody drugs.
Modifying Informed Consent to Help Address Functional Unmasking in Psychedelic Clinical Trials
Authors: Matvey Michelle , Kelley D. Parker , Bradley Ellen R. , Chiong Winston , O’Donovan Aoife , Woolley Josh
Published: January 2025

Importance

There is unprecedented clinician, industry, and patient interest in the therapeutic development of psychedelic drugs. This is due to a combination of promising clinical trial results, positive media coverage, and the lack of novel pharmacologic treatments for psychiatric disorders in recent decades. However, the field faces a key methodological challenge: masking participants to treatment conditions in psychedelic clinical trials has been largely unsuccessful.

Objective

When participants can tell whether they received active drug or placebo, their responses to clinical assessments, questionnaires, and even their functional imaging and biological data can be influenced by preconceptions about treatment effects. Positive patient expectancies combined with ineffective masking may skew outcomes and inflate effect sizes. This complicates efforts to determine the safety and efficacy of psychedelic drugs. Here, we explore a method to help address this problem: modifying informed consent to obscure information about the study design.

Evidence Review

We reviewed all contemporary (2000-2024) clinical trials of psychedelic or methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) therapy and corresponded with the investigators to compile information on the use of modifications to informed consent in these studies.

Findings

Modifying informed consent to obscure details of the study design has been implemented in several psychedelic clinical trials and may offer a way to strengthen masking. However, this approach poses significant ethical risks. We examine examples of modifications used in the psychedelic literature, discuss the current regulatory landscape, and suggest strategies to mitigate risks associated with modified informed consent.

Conclusions and Relevance

Incorporating modified informed consent in future psychedelic clinical trials may improve interpretability and impact, but this has not been explicitly tested. Modifications to informed consent may not be appropriate in all cases, and risks to participants should be minimized by implementing appropriate guardrails.
Practical Guide to Clinical Big Data Sources
Authors: Fayanju Oluwadamilola M. , Haut Elliott R. , Itani Kamal
Published: January 2025

This Guide to Statistics and Methods summarizes the limitations and considerations when using large datasets comprising patient-level data, typically abstracted from institutional electronic health records, in health services research.
Practical Guide to Remote Patient Monitoring in Surgical Patients
Authors: Fong Yuman , Melstrom Laleh , Evans Heather L.
Published: January 2025

This Guide to Statistics and Methods overviews remote patient monitoring in surgical patients.
Practical Guide to Patient-Generated Data Sources
Authors: Merkow Ryan P. , Haynes Alex B. , Boermeester Marja A.
Published: January 2025

This Guide to Statistics and Methods provides an overview of different types of patient-generated data sources, discusses their limitations, and recommends areas for improvement prior to widespread integration.
Practical Guide to Use of Simulation and Video Data
Authors: Hashimoto Daniel A. , Dimick Justin B. , Pugh Carla M.
Published: January 2025

This Guide to Statistics and Methods summarizes the limitations and considerations when using simulation and intraoperative video data for surgical performance assessment.
CRISPR targeting of FOXL2 c.402C>G mutation reduces malignant phenotype in granulosa tumor cells and identifies anti‐tumoral compounds
Authors: Amarilla‐Quintana Sandra , Navarro Paloma , Hernández Iván , Ramos Alejandra , Montero‐Calle Ana , Cabezas‐Sainz Pablo , Barrero Maria J , Megías Diego , Vilaplana‐Martí Borja , Epifano Carolina , Gómez‐Dominguez Déborah , Monzón Sara , Cuesta Isabel , Sánchez Laura , Barderas Rodrigo , García‐Donas Jesús , Martín Alberto , Pérez de Castro Ignacio
Published: January 2025

Forkhead box L2 (FOXL2) encodes a transcription factor essential for sex determination, and ovary development and maintenance. Mutations in this gene are implicated in syndromes involving premature ovarian failure and granulosa cell tumors (GCTs). This rare cancer accounts for less than 5% of diagnosed ovarian cancers and is causally associated with the FOXL2 c.402C>G, p.C134W mutation in 97% of the adult cases (AGCTs). In this study, we employed CRISPR technology to specifically eliminate the FOXL2 c.402C>G mutation in granulosa tumor cells. Our results show that this Cas9‐mediated strategy selectively targets the mutation without affecting the wild‐type allele. Granulosa cells lacking FOXL2 c.402C>G exhibit a reduced malignant phenotype, with significant changes in cell proliferation and invasion. Furthermore, these modified cells are more susceptible to dasatinib and ketoconazole. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses reveal that CRISPR‐modified granulosa tumor cells shift their expression profiles towards a wild‐type‐like phenotype. Additionally, this altered expression signature has led to the identification of new compounds with antiproliferative and pro‐apoptotic effects on granulosa tumor cells. Our findings demonstrate the potential of CRISPR technology for the specific targeting and elimination of a mutation causing GCTs, highlighting its therapeutic promise for treating this rare ovarian cancer.
New gantry angle‐dependent beam control optimization with Elekta linear accelerator for VMAT delivery
Authors: van Appeldoorn Adriaan Abraham , Kok Johannes Gerardus Maria , Wolthaus Jochem Willem Heiko
Published: January 2025

Introduction

This paper describes a method to improve gantry‐dependent beam steering for Elekta traveling wave linear accelerators by applying the measured and filtered beam servo corrections to the existing lookup table (LUT). Beam steering has a direct influence on the treatment accuracy by affecting the beam symmetry and position. The presented method provides an improved LUT with respect to the default Elekta method to reduce treatment delivery interruptions. These interruptions are known to contribute to unwanted intrafraction motion and longer treatment times.

Methods

Compared to the default method of the manufacturer, this new method takes both clockwise and counterclockwise rotation to compensate for magnetic hysteresis as well as previous configuration and noise filtering into account. The improved method to determine the lookup table uses service graphing information from the linac without the need for additional symmetry information. The clinical configuration of the flattened beam energies remains untouched during the data record.

Results

This method results in a configuration where the gantry‐dependent steering is optimized over the full arc with optimal balance in the hysteresis and minimizing the effect of errors in the steering values. This method is a less error‐prone process compared to the methodology described in previous research, still achieving a reduction of interruption of about 60 percent compared to the Elekta method.

Conclusion

This study shows a simplified way to optimize linac stability with improved LUT. The optimized LUT results in a lower number of interruptions, preventing downtime, and a lower risk of intrafraction motion due to longer treatment time.
Suppression of Sepsis Cytokine Storm by Escherichia Coli Cell Wall‐Derived Carbon Dots
Authors: Li Yinan , Huang Xiu , Qiao Qingqing , Li Yingying , Han Xu , Chen Caihong , Chen Yang , Guo Shuang , Zhang Yang , Gao Wenqing , Liu Huijuan , Sun Tao
Published: January 2025

Sepsis is a life‐threatening disease caused by a dysregulated immune response to infection, often involving the translocation of Gram‐negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli) into the bloodstream, triggering a cytokine storm. Despite its severity, no effective drugs currently exist for sepsis treatment. This study explores whether pathogen‐derived carbon dots can mitigate their inherent toxicity while leveraging their structural similarity to pathogens to competitively bind pattern recognition receptors, thereby inhibiting sepsis. Based on this concept, E. coli wall‐derived carbon dots (E‐CDs) are synthesized and shown to reduce inflammatory cytokine production, protect organ function, and improve survival in septic mice. Mechanistic studies reveal that E‐CDs competitively bind to lipopolysaccharide‐binding protein with lipopolysaccharide, promoting toll‐like receptor 4 degradation via the lysosomal pathway and inhibiting nuclear factor kappa‐B (NF‐κB) activation. Additionally, E‐CDs exhibit antioxidant properties, reducing oxidative stress and mitochondrial DNA release, thereby suppressing overactivation of the stimulator of interferon genes pathway. In septic cynomolgus monkeys and patient‐derived peripheral blood mononuclear cells, E‐CDs alleviate inflammation and oxidative stress. Overall, this study demonstrates that E‐CDs can suppress the cytokine storm in sepsis by co‐silencing innate immune pathways, suggesting that converting pathogens into carbon dots offers a novel therapeutic strategy.
Impact of Halogen Groups on the Properties of PEA‐Based 2D Pb–Sn Halide Perovskites
Authors: Foadian Elham , Sanchez Sheryl L , Harris Sumner B. , Lawrie Benjamin J. , Dubey Astita , Tang Yipeng , Hu Bin , Yang Jonghee , Ahmadi Mahshid
Published: January 2025

Tuning broad emission in 2D Pb–Sn halide perovskites (HPs) is essential for advancing optoelectronic applications, particularly for color‐tunable and white‐light‐emitting devices. This broad emission is linked to structural factors, such as defects and phase segregation of the Pb component within the Pb–Sn system, which are strongly influenced by the molecular structure and chemical properties of spacer cations. Atomic tuning of the spacers via halogenation opens up a new way to fine‐tune the molecular properties, enabling further augmentations of HP functionalities. Nevertheless, the distinct broad emission's sensitivity to spacer chemistry remains underexplored. Here, halogenation's influence is systematically investigated on 2D HP emission characteristics using a high‐throughput workflow. These findings reveal that the F‐containing phenethylammonium (4F‐PEA) spacer narrows the broadband PL, whereas Cl broadens it. Through a correlative study, it is found that 4F‐PEA reduces not only the local phase segregation but also the defect levels and microstrains in 2D HPs. This is likely attributed to the manifestation of less lattice distortion via stronger surface coordination of the dipole‐augmented 4F‐PEA. These results highlight halogenation as a key factor in modulating phase segregation and defect density in 2D Pb–Sn HPs, offering a promising pathway to tune the emission for enhanced optoelectronic performance.
Developing machine‐learning‐based amyloidogenicity predictors with Cross‐Beta DB
Authors: Gonay Valentin , Dunne Michael P. , Caceres‐Delpiano Javier , Kajava Andrey V.
Published: January 2025

INTRODUCTION

The importance of protein amyloidogenesis, associated with various diseases and functional roles, has driven the creation of computational predictors of amyloidogenicity. The accuracy of these predictors, particularly those utilizing artificial intelligence technologies, heavily depends on the quality of the data.

METHODS

We built Cross‐Beta DB, a database containing high‐quality data on known cross‐β amyloids formed under natural conditions. We used it to train and benchmark several machine‐learning (ML) algorithms to predict amyloid‐forming potential of proteins.

RESULTS

We developed the Cross‐Beta predictor using an Extra trees ML algorithm, which outperforms other amyloid predictors with the highest F1 score (0.852) and accuracy (0.844) compared to existing methods.

DISCUSSION

The development of the Cross‐Beta DB database and a new ML‐based Cross‐Beta predictor may enable the creation of personalized risk profiles for neurodegenerative diseases and other amyloidoses—especially as genome sequencing becomes more affordable.

Highlights

Accuracy of ML‐based predictors depends on the quality of training data

We built Cross‐Beta DB, a database of high‐quality data on naturally‐occurring amyloids

Using this data, we developed an amyloid predictor that outperforms other predictors

This computational tool enables the creation of risk profiles for neurodegenerative diseases
Enhancing CO2 Electroreduction to Multicarbon Products by Modulating the Surface Microenvironment of Electrode with Polyethylene Glycol
Authors: Wang Yiyong , Cheng Yingying , Liu Shiqiang , Yin Yaoyu , Yang Jiahao , Wang Hengan , Li Ke , Zhou Meng , Jiao Jiapeng , Zhang Pei , Qian Qingli , Zhu Qinggong , Sun Xiaofu , Xu Yi , Luo Mingchuan , Kang Xinchen , Han Buxing
Published: January 2025

Modulating the surface microenvironment of electrodes stands as a pivotal aspect in enhancing the electrocatalytic performance for CO2 electroreduction. Herein, we propose an innovative approach by incorporating a small amount of linear oligomer, polyethylene glycol (PEG), into Cu2O catalysts during the preparation of the CuPEG electrode. The Faradaic efficiency (FE) toward multicarbon products (C2+) increases from 69.3 % over Cu electrode without PEG to 90.3 % over CuPEG electrode at 500 mA cm−2 in 1 M KOH in a flow cell. In situ investigations and theoretical calculations reveal that PEG molecules significantly modify the microenvironment on the Cu surface through hydrogen bond interactions. This modification leads to the relaxation of Nafion, increasing the availability of active sites and enhancing the adsorption of *CO and *OH, which in turn promotes C−C coupling. Concurrently, the reconstructed hydrogen bond network reduces the presence of active hydrogen species, thereby inhibiting the hydrogen evolution reaction.
Dual Targeting of MEK1 and Akt Kinase Identified SBL‐027 as a Promising Lead Candidate to Control Cell Proliferations in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Alghamdi Maha Alamodi , Deshpande Hemali
Published: January 2025

Dual inhibition of Akt and MEK1 pathways offers a promising strategy to enhance treatment efficacy in gastric cancer. In this study, we employed computational approaches followed by in vitro validations. Our results demonstrate that SBL‐027 exhibits robust and enduring interactions with Akt and MEK1 kinases, as evidenced by atomistic molecular dynamics simulations and molecular mechanics Poisson–Boltzmann surface area (MM‐PBSA) based binding free energy estimates. The predicted Gibbs binding free energies indicate highly favorable interactions between SBL‐027 and both Akt and MEK1 kinases. In vitro, SBL‐027 displayed an IC50 value of 195.20 nM against Akt and 239.10 nM against MEK1 enzymes. The compound exhibited potent inhibition of cell proliferation in KATOIII and SNU‐5 cells, with GI50 values of 490.70 and 615.14 nM, respectively. Moreover, SBL‐027 induced an increase in the sub G0/G1 population during the cell cycle of KATOIII and SNU‐5 cells, while facilitating early and late‐phase apoptosis in these cell lines. Notably, the compound significantly reduced the percentage of dual‐positive cells expressing both MEK1 and Akt in gastric cancer cells. The strong binding affinity, stability, and favorable thermodynamics of SBL‐027 along with the established in vitro efficacy highlight its potential as a lead compound for further preclinical and clinical development.
Effect of Physiologically Relevant Dehydration on the Dielectric Properties of Ground Beef
Authors: Besler Brendon C. , Baker Ryan , Shen Hua , Fear Elise C.
Published: January 2025

Readily available animal tissue, such as ground beef, is a convenient material to represent the dielectric properties of biological tissue when validating microwave imaging and sensing hardware and techniques. The reliable use of these materials depends on the accurate characterization of their properties. In this work, the effect of physiologically relevant levels of dehydration on ex vivo tissue samples is quantified while controlling for variation within and between samples. Seven commercial ground beef samples (90% lean muscle, 10% fat) are dehydrated from 0.0% to 7.0% in 1.0% increments by weight. Dielectric measurements are collected using a conventional dielectric probe technique from 0.2 to 6 GHz. A linear mixed‐effects model is used to control for within‐ and between‐sample variation while modeling the effect of dehydration and dispersion across frequency. Significant () changes are noted in both permittivity and conductivity due to sample dehydration. For a 1% change in weight due to dehydration, changes in permittivity (5.1%–5.6%) and conductivity (3.2%–5.7%) are reported. These changes are important for the use of large muscle‐based phantoms in microwave sensing and imaging validation, as well as the feasibility of microwave hydration assessment. The statistical model used here can be applied to similar research questions and can augment existing frameworks for reporting dielectric measurements.
Relationship of Autophagic Dysfunction With the Quality of Life and Sleep, Depression and Disease Severity in Patients With Restless Legs Syndrome
Authors: Çiçekli Esen , Okuyan Hamza Malik , Birimoğlu Okuyan Canan , Ayçiçek Şeyda Öznur , Kotan Dilcan
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a frequently encountered neurological illness that has no effective treatment and imposes an enormous socioeconomic burden. Autophagy is essential for the maintenance of healthy cellular physiology, cell viability, and defense against pathogenic conditions. However, there is no study investigating the possible role of autophagy‐related proteins (ATGs) in RLS patients. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the expression and diagnostic potential of ATG3 and ATG5, as well as the relationships between these proteins and laboratory markers, depression, disease score, quality of life, and sleep in RLS patients.

Methods

A total of 49 patients with RLS and 26 healthy individuals were recruited for the current study. The severity of the disease was assessed using the international RLS rating scale. All participants were administered the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Quality‐of‐Life Scale, and the Beck Depression Inventory. The enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was employed to quantify the expressions of ATG3 and ATG5.

Results

Serum ATG3 and ATG5 expressions were significantly upregulated in RLS patients compared to healthy controls (p = 0.005) and upregulated ATG3 and ATG5 expressions were relationship with the severity of the disease (p < 0.05). ATG3 was substantially correlated with the quality of sleep, whereas ATG5 was correlated with the quality of life and depression status (p < 0.05). The ROC curve analysis demonstrated that ATG3 expressions over 3146.5 ng/mL and ATG5 expressions over 4732.5 ng/mL may predict the presence of RLS (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

We report for the first time that autophagy may have a significant impact on the development of RLS.
Advancing the Technology of Lithium, Magnesium, and Aluminum‐Ion Batteries via Chromium Ditelluride as a Novel Anode Material
Authors: Majid Abdul , Raza Hafsa , Tasawar Sawaira , Batool Hira , Alkhedher Mohammad , Khan Salahuddin , Alam Kamran
Published: January 2025

The pursuit of novel anode materials that offer high storage capacity, hasty ionic transport, good cyclic stability, and material recyclability is at the core of the research activities. In this study, we uncovered the potential of 2D puckered chromium ditelluride (CrTe2) as a novel anode material for multivalent metal‐ion batteries employing Li ions, Mg ions, and Al ions. The structural and dynamical stability of the material was ensured via formation energy and phonon dispersion curves. The optimal anodic properties of the material were systematically analyzed, with a focus on its structural properties, electronic characteristics, adsorption sites, diffusion barriers, and storage capability. The exothermic interactions of Li, Mg, and Al with host CrTe2 demonstrated its suitability for the intercalation process in respective monovalent, divalent, and trivalent ion batteries. The storage capacity of the material appeared as 1745 mAh g–1 for LIBs, 872 mAh g‐1 for MIBs, and 785 mAh g–1 for AIBs. The open‐circuit voltage is found as 0.76 V for Li, 0.97 V for Mg, and 0.62 V for Al. The diffusion barriers faced by Li, Mg, and Al atoms are found to be low at 0.26 eV, 0.55 eV, and 0.42 eV, respectively, which points to the rapid charging capability of the battery. Furthermore, the electronic transport properties of the host material are also studied using a combined density functional theory (DFT) and Green's function method (DFT‐GF). The findings of this study indicate that CrTe2 has the potential for utilization as a promising anode material for the development of high‐performance Li, Mg, and Al‐ion batteries.
Evaluation of Antibacterial Activity in Some Algerian Essential Oils and Selection of Thymus vulgaris as a Potential Biofilm and Quorum Sensing Inhibitor Against Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Mohammed Aggad Fatima Zahra , Ilias Faiza , Elghali Fares , Mrabet Rania , El Haci Imad Abdelhamid , Aifa Sami , Mnif Sami
Published: January 2025

Biofilm formation and virulence factor production by Pseudomonas aeruginosa are identified as the main mechanisms of its antibiotic resistance and pathogenicity. In this context, the study of the chemical composition of three Algerian essential oils (EOs) and the screening of their antibacterial, antibiofilm, and virulence factor inhibitory activities enabled us to select the thyme EO as the best oil to control the P. aeruginosa strain isolated from hospital environments. This EO, composed essentially of thymol (55.82%) associated with carvacrol, had an anti‐adhesive activity of 69.8% at a concentration of 5 µL/mL and a biofilm eradication activity of 74.86% at a concentration of 2.5 µL/mL. In addition, this EO was able to inhibit P. aeruginosa twitching motility by 100% at a concentration of 2.5 µL/mL. Pyocyanin was inhibited by 99.33% at a thyme EO concentration of 1.25 µL/mL. Rhamnolipids were significantly inhibited by 63.33% in the presence of thyme EO at a concentration of 1.25 µL/mL after 24 h of incubation. Molecular docking showed that carvacrol and thymol can bind to the three quorum sensing receptors in P. aeruginosa, RhlR, LasR, and PqsR, with good affinities, which can inhibit or modulate biofilm formation and the production of certain virulence factors.
The Football Effect: Comparing European Identity Between Fans and Non‐Fans
Authors: Finger Tobias , Biel Jonas , Stockemer Daniel , Niemann Arne , Reinke Vincent , Jungblut Jens , Kossakowski Radosław , Llopis‐Goig Ramon , Mańkowski Dobrosław
Published: January 2025

The formation of European identities is a pivotal issue for the cohesion of the European community in times of multiple crises. Based on theories of identity formation through habitualisation, we posit that football fandom—a ubiquitous, emotional, strongly Europeanised activity in everyday life—holds unique potential for fostering a sense of a shared European identity. Football fandom provides habitual contact, interaction and experiences of Europe, shaping fans' European identity formations. We use new representative survey data from four European countries (Germany, Norway, Poland, and Spain) to examine the relationship between football fandom and various dimensions of European identity. The results largely support our hypotheses, demonstrating that football fans exhibit stronger attachments to Europe and the EU, greater support for European integration and a more positive assessment of EU membership than non‐fans.