bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Canagliflozin reduces oral loop diuretic intensification in patients with type 2 diabetes: A participant‐level pooled analysis of the CANVAS and CREDENCE trials
Authors: Chatur Safia , Vaduganathan Muthiah , Fletcher Robert A. , Perkovic Vlado , Heerspink Hiddo , Arnott Clare , Pollock Carol , Mahaffey Kenneth W. , Neal Bruce , Jardine Meg , Solomon Scott D. , Neuen Brendon L.
Published: January 2025

Aims

The sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor canagliflozin reduces the risk of heart failure (HF) hospitalization or cardiovascular death and chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression among patients with type 2 diabetes at high cardiovascular risk or with CKD. Patients with type 2 diabetes commonly have coexisting HF or CKD that require treatment with loop diuretics; however, the prognostic implications of oral loop diuretic intensification are not well characterized.

Methods and results

In this participant‐level pooled analysis of the CREDENCE and CANVAS trials (not including CANVAS‐R), 1454/8731 (16.7%) patients were treated with loop diuretics at baseline. Over a median on‐treatment follow‐up of 2.2 years, 1264 patients (14.5%) required oral loop diuretic intensification, of whom 981 (77.6%) required initiation of oral loop diuretics and 283 (22.4%) required oral loop diuretic dose increase. Patients requiring oral loop diuretic intensification experienced rates of subsequent HF hospitalization, CKD progression and mortality that were 29.5‐, 5.0‐, and 3.5‐fold higher, respectively, than those not requiring oral loop diuretic intensification. Treatment with canagliflozin reduced the need for oral loop diuretic intensification by 41% (hazard ratio [HR] 0.59; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.53–0.66) including both new diuretic initiation (HR 0.65; 95% CI 0.57–0.74) and diuretic dose increase (HR 0.42; 95% CI 0.33–0.54). Inclusion of oral diuretic intensification in an expanded HF composite outcome inclusive of cardiovascular death and HF hospitalization approximately double the number of events, with similar observed treatment effect (HR 0.64; 95% CI 0.58–0.70).

Conclusion

Among high‐risk patients with type 2 diabetes, new oral loop diuretic intensification was frequent and portended adverse prognostic significance. Treatment with canagliflozin significantly reduced the need for loop diuretic intensification.

Clinical Trial Registration: CANVAS (Canagliflozin Cardiovascular Assessment Study), ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01032629; CREDENCE (Canagliflozin and Renal Events in Diabetes with Established Nephropathy Clinical Evaluation), ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02065791.
Thermal Performance of Paraffin Enhanced With Fe₂O₃ and CuO Microparticles in Solar Air Heaters
Authors: Ulker Nergiz , Bulut Hüsamettin , Das Ruken
Published: January 2025

Solar air heaters (SAHs) are highly efficient, environmentally friendly, and cost effective devices for applications such as solar drying and space heating. However, the intermittent nature of solar energy significantly reduces the thermal efficiency of SAHs. Energy storage method is used to increase the thermal efficiency and operating hours of SAHs. In this study, the effect of microparticle doped paraffin, one of the phase change materials (PCMs) used for latent heat storage, on the thermal performance of SAHs was investigated experimentally. The thermal properties of paraffin doped with CuO and Fe₂O₃ microparticles and their behavior in energy storage processes were compared and analyzed. The PCM integrated collectors exhibited an average outlet temperature difference of up to 10°C compared to the flat collector, with maximum outlet temperatures reaching 60°C during peak solar radiation periods. DSC analysis revealed latent heat values of 107.2 and 122.7 J/g for CuO and Fe₂O₃ doped PCMs, respectively, indicating improved thermal energy storage compared to pure paraffin. Particularly, the Fe₂O₃ microparticle doped material excelled with faster energy storage and higher temperature differences. In contrast, the CuO microparticle doped material released the stored energy in a more controlled manner and over a longer period. The results indicate that both materials can be used to enhance energy efficiency and operating duration in solar energy applications.
MicroRNA Expression in High‐Grade B‐Cell Lymphoma With 11q Aberration
Authors: Di Stefano Gioia , Fischer Anja , Chteinberg Emil , Bens Susanne , Wagener Rabea , Abramov Dmitriy , Adam Patrick , Bernhart Stephan H. , Borkhardt Arndt , Burkhardt Birgit , Del‐Val Coral , Frühwald Michael C. , Guazzo Raffaella , Hoell Jessica I. , Hummel Michael , Horn Heike , Klapper Wolfram , Krugmann Jens , Kurz Katrin S. , Lazzi Stefano , Louissaint Abner Jr. , Mottok Anja , Oschlies Ilske , Santi Raffaella , Schafernak Kristian , Staiger Annette M. , Zhang Yanming , Rosenwald Andreas , Trümper Lorenz , Leoncini Lorenzo , Ott German , Siebert Reiner
Published: January 2025

Mature aggressive B‐cell lymphomas, such as Burkitt lymphoma (BL) and Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL), show variations in microRNA (miRNA) expression. The entity of High‐grade B‐cell lymphoma with 11q aberration (HGBCL‐11q) shares several biological features with both BL and DLBCL but data on its miRNA expression profile are yet scarce. Hence, this study aims to analyze the potential differences in miRNA expression of HGBCL‐11q compared to BL and DLBCL. We evaluated the expression profiles of 2083 miRNAs in 25 HGCBL‐11q, 7 BL, 131 DLBCL, and tonsils using the HTG EdgeSeq miRNA whole transcriptome assay. Uniform manifold approximation and projection (UMAP) and differential gene expression analyses based on DESeq2 were carried out. UMAP analysis of miRNA expression did not reveal distinct groups among the studied lymphomas. However, differential gene expression investigations detected sets of overexpressed miRNAs in HGBCL‐11q when compared to BL (miR‐9‐3p, miR‐9‐5p, miR‐3919, miR‐129‐1‐3p, miR‐129‐2‐3p, miR‐331‐3p, miR‐196b‐5p, and miR‐28‐5p) and DLBCL (miR‐3919, miR‐1290, miR‐4538, and miR‐4791), respectively. Notably, miR‐3919 showed heterogeneous but significantly higher expression (p‐value < 0.001) in HGBCL‐11q than in both, BL and DLBCL. We identified a group of differentially expressed miRNAs between HGBCL‐11q vs. BL and DLBCL, with miR‐3919 as the most commonly and recurrently overexpressed miRNA in HGBCL‐11q.
Oncological Feasibility of Limited Neck Dissection in cN0 Supraglottic Laryngeal Cancer
Authors: Bassani Sara , Papi Giacomo , Marani Filippo , Nocini Riccardo , Campagnari Valentina , Marchi Filippo , Lionello Marco , Varago Chiara , Paderno Alberto , Crosetti Erika , Mattioli Francesco , Serafini Edoardo , Fermi Matteo , Rosti Alessandro , Petruzzi Gerardo , Campo Flaminia , Bellini Elisa , Marcuzzo Alberto Vito , Mineo Chiara Angela , Mercante Giuseppe , De Virgilio Armando , Giordano Leone , Galli Andrea , Mannelli Giuditta , Mazzetti Luca , Paludetti Gaetano , Rossi Giorgia , Zeleník Karol , Ramos Daniel Marin , Dedivitis Rogèrio Aparecido , Succo Giovanni , Tirelli Giancarlo , Bussi Mario , Pellini Raul , Galli Jacopo , Spriano Giuseppe , Monzani Daniele , Peretti Giorgio , Bertolin Andy , Piazza Cesare , Marchioni Daniele , Presutti Livio , Molteni Gabriele
Published: January 2025

Background

Supraglottic squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a significant portion of head and neck cancers, with the management of clinically negative necks (cN0) through selective neck dissection (SND) being debated due to potential morbidities and low metastasis rates in levels IIb and IV.

Methods

This study is a retrospective, multicenter examination of the potential feasibility of limited neck dissection (LND), including only levels IIa and III in cN0 supraglottic SCC patients. It analyzed occult metastasis rates and explored relapse occurrences alongside potential predictors of lymph node metastasis.

Results

Among 425 patients, predominantly male (85.6%) with a mean age of 63 years, the occult metastasis rate was 28.9%, and 13.7% experienced relapses during a mean follow‐up of 52 months. Advanced clinical stage, higher grading, and other risk factors emerged as predictors of occult lymph node metastasis at level IIb.

Conclusions

The study supports LND potential feasibility for cN0 supraglottic SCC, suggesting level IIb dissection can be omitted in specific early‐stage cases to reduce morbidity without affecting outcomes.
Prevalence and Associated Factors of Long‐Acting and Permanent Methods (LAPMs) of Family Planning Among Women of Reproductive Age: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Taştekin Ayşe , Ok Tuğçe
Published: January 2025

Aim

To examine the prevalence and associated factors of long‐acting and permanent methods of family planning (LAPMs) in women of reproductive age.

Background

LAPMs reduce the rate of unwanted pregnancy. Understanding the prevalence and associated factors of LAPMs is the key to preventing unwanted pregnancies.

Methods

In this systematic review and meta‐analysis study, data from seven studies involving 1187 women, conducted between 2013 and 2022, were analysed by searching EBSCOhost, Google Scholar, Pubmed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest databases. PRISMA 2020 guidelines were followed in this study. Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Evaluation tools were used to evaluate the quality of the studies.

Results

The prevalence of LAPMs in women of reproductive age was 27.3%. Women with secondary education or higher, with three or more children, and who do not want to have more children use long‐acting and permanent methods more.

Conclusions

Our results can guide the development of strategies to be applied to prevent unintended pregnancies and to increase the use of LAPMs in women of reproductive age.
Long‐Term Care Insurance and Health Inequality: Evidence From China
Authors: Ke Jin , Sun Fei
Published: January 2025

This study examined the relationship between the Chinese Long‐Term Care Insurance (LTCI) programme and health inequality among older adults in China and explored potential explanatory factors. Overall, the LTCI was found to improve the health of Chinese older adults. However, it was also associated with widening health inequality among older residents across income classes and between urban and rural areas. The mechanism analysis found that LTCI significantly reduced out‐of‐pocket medical costs for high‐income older adults and urban residents, while its effects on the low‐ and middle‐income older adults and rural residents were not significant. The heterogeneous effects of LTCI on out‐of‐pocket medical costs for different groups contribute to widening health inequalities across income classes and between urban and rural areas. Further analyses showed that in the low‐ and middle‐income and rural resident groups, out‐of‐pocket medical costs were significantly reduced only for individuals covered by LTCI who reported access to formal care services. This implies that formal care accessibility is critical, and additional analyses affirmed that the LTCI programme was associated with widened inequalities in formal care accessibility across income classes and between urban and rural areas. The current LTCI programme appears to exacerbate disparities in access to formal care, undermining its effectiveness for low‐ and middle‐income and rural older adults. This finding calls for efforts to optimise the implementation of the LTCI programme including allocating care resources to address inequalities.
Interventions for siblings of children and young people with mental health conditions: A systematic review
Authors: Tetkovic Irena , Anderson Joanna K. , Brocklebank Danielle , O’Logbon Jessica , Burn Anne‐Marie , Ford Tamsin J.
Published: January 2025

Background

Childhood mental health conditions typically affect the entire family, including siblings, however there is a lack of research investigating interventions supporting siblings.

Methods

The review was prospectively registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022377163). We conducted systematic searches of 7 databases (Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Child and Developmental and Adolescent Studies, Applied Social Science Index and Abstracts, Education Research Information Centre, and British Eduction Index) for studies evaluating interventions for children and young people (CYP) with siblings presenting with mental health conditions from January 1980 to August 2024. We included interventions for young people aged 4 to 24 years who have a sibling with a mental health condition, with symptoms and impact lasting at least 3 months. Quality of reporting was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme qualitative checklist for qualitative and the Effective Public Health Project Practice quality assessment Tool for quantitative studies.

Results

We identified 4 eligible studies; 2 of family‐based treatment and the other of drop‐in group support from 2469 studies that were screened in total. Quantitative results were rated weak for three out of four studies, while qualitative results were rated moderate for two studies, and high for one study. The two studies of sibling support groups reported high acceptability.

Conclusion

The evidence for the effectiveness of interventions for siblings of CYP with mental health conditions is limited in both size and quality, highlighting a significant gap in research and practice. We cannot draw definitive conclusions from the available evidence, but it suggests support groups have potential to improve sibling outcomes. Additional research is required to determine sibling mental health trajectories and to identify risk and resilience factors possibly influencing poorer mental health outcomes. Clinicians should be mindful of potential effects of mental health conditions on other family members and encourage parents to communicate openly with siblings about family dynamics and the challenges they may face.
A Comprehensive Review on the Application of Artificial Intelligence for Predicting Postsurgical Recurrence Risk in Early‐Stage Non‐Small Cell Lung Cancer Using Computed Tomography, Positron Emission Tomography, and Clinical Data
Authors: Mehri‐kakavand Ghazal , Mdletshe Sibusiso , Wang Alan
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer‐related mortality worldwide. Despite advancements in early detection and treatment, postsurgical recurrence remains a significant challenge, occurring in 30%–55% of patients within 5 years after surgery. This review analysed existing studies on the utilisation of artificial intelligence (AI), incorporating CT, PET, and clinical data, for predicting recurrence risk in early‐stage NSCLCs.

Methods

A literature search was conducted across multiple databases, focusing on studies published between 2018 and 2024 that employed radiomics, machine learning, and deep learning based on preoperative positron emission tomography (PET), computed tomography (CT), and PET/CT, with or without clinical data integration. Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were assessed for methodological quality using the METhodological RadiomICs Score (METRICS).

Results

The reviewed studies demonstrated the potential of radiomics and AI models in predicting postoperative recurrence risk. Various approaches showed promising results, including handcrafted radiomics features, deep learning models, and multimodal models combining different imaging modalities with clinical data. However, several challenges and limitations were identified, such as small sample sizes, lack of external validation, interpretability issues, and the need for effective multimodal imaging techniques.

Conclusions

Future research should focus on conducting larger, prospective, multicentre studies, improving data integration and interpretability, enhancing the fusion of imaging modalities, assessing clinical utility, standardising methodologies, and fostering collaboration among researchers and institutions. Addressing these aspects will advance the development of robust and generalizable AI models for predicting postsurgical recurrence risk in early‐stage NSCLC, ultimately improving patient care and outcomes.
Improved outcomes of proximal hamstring avulsion surgery in patients both under and over 50 years, with greater gains in the younger group: A matched comparative study of the PHAS cohort
Authors: Lefèvre Nicolas , Moussa Mohamad K. , Alban Bouché Pierre , Valentin Eugénie , Gerometta Antoine , Khiami Frederic , Grimaud Olivier , Meyer Alain , Bohu Yoann , Hardy Alexandre
Published: January 2025

Purpose

To evaluate the functional outcomes of surgical treatment for proximal hamstring avulsion injuries in patients aged over 50 years and to compare the results across another matched group of patients under 50.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data in a matched case‐control design targeting patients with proximal hamstring avulsion injuries who underwent surgical treatment at a sports surgery referral centre. Patients over 50 years with complete avulsion or partial injury (>2 cm retraction) were included. Two age groups were formed (18–50 and over 50), matched by the following variables: gender, rupture type (complete or partial), injury chronicity (chronic: more than 4 weeks from the injury or acute) and the preinjury Tegner score. The primary outcome was the Parisian Hamstring Avulsion Score (PHAS), with secondary outcomes, including the Tegner Activity Scale, University of California, Los Angeles (scale) (UCLA) scale, return to sport and complication rates.

Results

The study included 298 patients, with a mean age of 41.8 (7.2) years for the younger group and 58.0 (5.7) years for the older group. The follow‐up duration in the younger group, 4.7 years (3.2), was slightly longer than that of the older group, 4.1 years (2.5), (p < 0.001). At the last follow‐up, significant improvements were observed in PHAS, UCLA and Tegner scores in both groups (p < 0.001) compared to preoperative scores. The differential gain was higher in the younger group in all three scores (p < 0.05). The rerupture rate was 8.1% in the younger group and 4.7% in the older group (p > 0.05), with no significant differences in complication and return to sports rates (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

This study shows that surgical treatment of proximal hamstring avulsion injuries is associated with significant improvements in functional outcomes in both younger and older patients, with greater magnitude of improvements in younger patients. Complication rates were similar between the age groups.

Level of Evidence

Level of evidence III, Cohort Study.
A PARK7 Mutation‐Induced Early‐Onset Parkinson's Disease in a Moroccan Family: Expanding the Geographic Spectrum
Authors: El Otmani Hicham , Tesson Christelle , Brice Alexis , Lesage Suzanne
Published: January 2025

Background

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor and nonmotor symptoms, with a significant genetic component. Early‐onset Parkinson's disease (EOPD), manifesting before age 45, is often linked to mutations in genes such as PARK2, PINK1, and PARK7, the latter coding for the protein DJ‐1.

Objective

We present the first reported cases of EOPD carrying a previously undescribed homozygous PARK7 mutation, p.Thr110Pro.

Methods

Whole exom sequencing was performed on two inbred Moroccan siblings with early‐onset Parkinson's disease (EOPD). Detailed clinical assessments, including neurological evaluations and cognitive testing, were conducted to understand the clinical presentation of the patients. Genetic analysis was also carried out to examine their genetic background. Therapeutic responses to treatments were monitored to assess the effectiveness of management strategies.

Results

The sequencing revealed that both siblings carried the homozygous PARK7 mutation, p.Thr110Pro. Both siblings presented with typical EOPD features, including motor and non‐motor symptoms. The patients both presented with cognitive impairment, with the male sibling exhibiting more pronounced symptoms. He also developed compulsive behaviors, which underscore the varied clinical presentations and therapeutic responses associated with this genetic variant.

Conclusion

This case study expands the genetic and geographic diversity of PD presentations, highlighting cognitive and behavioral challenges and variable therapeutic outcomes. It underscores the necessity for genetic screening and individualized management strategies for patients with PD.
Lattice Structures as an Energy‐Absorbing Component for Impact Loads
Authors: Bieler Sören , Weinberg Kerstin
Published: January 2025

Lattice structures allow the adopted design of material properties, for example, for impact protection systems. This work deals specifically with the energy absorption of selected lattice types from sudden impact loads. Split‐Hopkinson pressure bar tests show that lattice structures can spread the impact load over time. This reduces the peak value of the impact load. In our experiments, Octet and BFCC lattices with different volume fractions are compared. The structures are made of a viscoelastic polymer and are, therefore, reusable and sustainable.
Estimating Nonlinear Damping for Mechanical Single‐Degree‐of‐Freedom Systems: A Robust and Effective Approach
Authors: Eberle Robert
Published: January 2025

Single‐degree‐of‐freedom (SDOF) systems are a simple but widely used method in engineering to describe mechanical phenomena. Mathematically, a SDOF system can be described by a second‐order differential equation (Newton's second law). In general, the differential equation depends on arbitrary parameters (e.g., spring stiffness, damping, friction), which have to be estimated from measurements. Parameter estimation of such models is still a broad research field, especially for nonlinear systems. A widely used method for parameter estimation is the restoring force method. A robust and computationally effective method for the determination of unknown nonparametric restoring forces (e.g., nonlinear damping) for nonlinear SDOF systems based on measured data will be presented in this work. The parameter estimation problem is formulated as an inverse problem. Inverse problems are almost always ill‐posed. The Inverse problem is transformed into a boundary value problem using the calculus of variation. The ill‐posed problem is then solved efficiently using regularization techniques. Numerical experiments and the derivation of the method showed that a regularization term is necessary to obtain reasonable results. Furthermore, this approach does not require solving a complex and computationally intensive optimization problem. In this work, the method has been successfully demonstrated on a numerical example of a nonlinear SDOF.
Space charge behaviors and electrical insulation characteristics in EPDM/micro‐SiC composite with surface‐modified nano‐SiC for HVDC insulation
Authors: Park Jae‐Jun , Lee Sangmin
Published: January 2025

Nano‐sized semiconductive silicon carbide (nano‐SiC) is incorporated into an ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM)/micro‐SiC composite in order to prepare an electrical insulation compound for high voltage direct current (HVDC). The nano‐SiC surface is modified with 1,3‐divinyl‐1,1,3,3‐tetramethyldisilazane, and the effects of surface‐modified nano‐SiC content on the space charge characteristics, tensile strength, and electrical insulation characteristics are studied. An EPDM/micro‐SiC/nano‐SiC composite is prepared by a two‐roll mill. The weight ratios of EPDM rubber, micro‐SiC, and nano‐SiC are 96 g:2.5 g:0.0–3.0 g. When 2.0 g of a semiconductive nano‐SiC particle is incorporated into an EPDM (96 g)/micro‐SiC (2.5 g) composite, the space charge is adequately dispersed throughout the composite, and therefore, the HVDC breakdown strength increases. However, if the nano‐SiC is mixed in excess, a conductive passage is formed, causing the HVDC breakdown strength to decrease. HVDC breakdown strength for the composite with 2.0 g nano‐SiC under positive polarity power supply shows the maximum strength of 104.6 kV/mm. However, excessive mixing of nano‐SiC particles has a negative effect on the HVDC breakdown strength. Tensile strength for the composite with 2.0 g nano‐SiC shows the maximum value, 5.4 MPa.

Highlights

The surfaces of micro‐ and nano‐SiC particles were modified with 1,3‐divinyl‐1,1,3,3‐tetramethyldisilazane.

An EPDM/micro‐SiC/nano‐SiC composite was produced by a two‐roll mill.

Semiconductive nano‐SiC particles improved HVDC breakdown strength by dispersing the space charge within the EPDM composite.

However, if the nano‐SiC was mixed in excess, a conductive passage was formed, causing the HVDC breakdown strength to decrease.
Dactyliform appendage contributes to delayed selfing in the diminutive orchid Stigmatodactylus sikokianus
Authors: Suetsugu Kenji
Published: January 2025

Societal Impact Statement

Understanding plant reproductive strategies is vital for conserving endangered species. This study reveals a novel self‐pollination mechanism in the diminutive orchid Stigmatodactylus sikokianus, facilitated by the movement of a finger‐like appendage beneath the stigma. While this less‐than‐1‐mm‐long structure inspired the name Stigmatodactylus, its ecological function remained unknown for over 130 years—until now. The findings suggest that this appendage facilitates delayed self‐pollination, likely ensuring reproductive success under conditions of pollinator scarcity. Furthermore, the research highlights the value of integrating taxonomy with functional morphology to advance our understanding of pollination ecology.

Orchidaceae is one of the largest and most morphologically diverse plant families, largely due to intricate relationships with pollinators. However, autonomous self‐pollination is relatively common, likely as an adaptation to limited pollinator availability. This study examines the reproductive mechanism of the diminutive orchid Stigmatodactylus sikokianus, focusing on the finger‐like appendage beneath the stigma.

The reproductive biology of S. sikokianus was investigated through pollination observations, artificial pollination experiments, and detailed studies of column morphology.

Pollination experiments demonstrated that S. sikokianus primarily relies on autonomous self‐pollination, as indicated by high fruit set in bagged flowers and no fruit set in emasculated ones. Microscopic analysis revealed that the dactyliform appendage arcs toward the stigma, maintaining its straight structure, and eventually adheres to the stigma surface, allowing contact between the appendage apex and pollinia. UV microscopy showed thick bundles of pollen tubes penetrating the appendage adhered to the stigma and reaching the base of the column. The absence of pollen tube formation before contact between the appendage apex and pollinia suggests that autogamy occurs exclusively through the appendage at a later flowering stage.

This study uncovers a novel self‐pollination mechanism in orchids, where the movement of the stigma appendage likely facilitates delayed selfing. This mechanism ensures seed production and likely reproductive success in S. sikokianus, enabling it to thrive in shaded environments with limited pollinator availability. The discovery highlights the value of integrating taxonomic and ecological approaches, as morphological traits provide valuable insights into species life histories.
Effect of sugar beet variety resistance on the disease epidemiology of Cercospora beticola
Authors: Yang Yixuan , Varrelmann Mark , Liebe Sebastian
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND

Cercospora leaf spot (CLS), caused by Cercospora beticola, is the most destructive foliar disease in sugar beet. CLS is conventionally controlled with fungicide, but the emergence of fungicide‐resistant populations reinforces the importance of developing and cultivating resistant varieties. Understanding the dynamics of CLS in different varieties is hence essential for sustainable CLS management.

RESULTS

Field experiments (2022 and 2023) with four sugar beet varieties possessing different resistant properties were conducted to describe the relationship between the variety resistance and the disease epidemiology of C. beticola. For this purpose, spore flight and disease progression were assessed on a weekly basis. Disease severity (DS) and disease incidence (DI) were delayed in resistant varieties compared to the susceptible and moderately susceptible ones. This finding was further confirmed by a model‐based analysis of DS and DI for all varieties. Weekly spore flight monitoring during the vegetation period showed a similar tendency of reduced spore quantity by the resistant varieties. This was probably due to the lower DS, as no differences were found when the amount of fungal DNA was determined in individual lesions from the different varieties. Analysis of relative yield loss further confirmed the advantage of growing resistant varieties.

CONCLUSION

Our results highlight that resistant varieties delay disease onset resulting in less severe symptoms and reduced spore flight. We also proved that aerial spore flight intensity could reflect the resistant property of each variety. These results provide a deeper insight into the interaction between variety resistance and CLS epidemiology, emphasizing variety‐specific CLS management. © 2025 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
On the relay propagation of deep convection leading to a heavy rainfall event in a weak‐wind urban environment
Authors: Jiang Xiaoling , Zhang Da‐Lin , Luo Yali
Published: January 2025

This study examines the convection initiation (CI) and the subsequent continuous propagation of storms from the Shanghai–Suzhou–Wuxi–Changzhou city belt, which produce an afternoon heavy rainfall event at a distance of 70–100 km downstream over a coastal region, using a 1‐km grid‐spacing cloud‐permitting simulation and observed radar reflectivity and surface data. The regional environment is characterized by light winds, and high convective available potential energy with dry air in the upper troposphere under the influences of lake and sea breezes. Results show the importance of urban effects interacting with the breezes in CI on the downwind side of the city belt. By tracing the CI of individual storms in relation to convectively generated cold outflows, we find the recurrences of old storms locally dissipating, after dropping light rainfall, and new storms forming at cold outflow boundaries of the old storms until reaching the coastal region. This new mode of continuous storm propagation is termed convection relays that are governed by cold‐pool dynamics in a conditionally unstable environment with weak flows. While some storms during their downstream relay propagation are merged into larger‐sized clusters, their convective entities still remain separated from each other. However, these clusters tend to have higher rainfall rates and longer lifespans than unmerged storms. It is found that the heavy rainfall event is produced by a few convective mergers within a linear mesoscale convective system interacting with sea breezes. A single merger can produce an hourly rainfall rate of 95 mm·hr−1 due to its quasi‐stationarity and ample moisture supply from sea breezes.
From Breaking Bad to Breaking Bonds—Mass Spectrometry in the Classroom
Authors: Mortishire‐Smith Russell J. , Mortishire‐Smith Benjamin J. , Smith John S.
Published: January 2025

We describe a workshop that prompts chemistry students in the final 2 years of secondary school to apply their understanding of modern analytical chemistry techniques to a ‘real world’ example. The scenario used is that of a forensic science laboratory that has been asked to determine the structure of an illicit compound, Revisomed (methamphetamine) being sold as a revision aid, and seized by police. Over the course of an hour, the students use a combination of infrared (IR) spectroscopy, liquid chromatography (LC), high‐resolution mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy data to determine the structure of Revisomed from first principles. The bulk of the workshop is spent reviewing MS data and using m/z, the isotope pattern, elemental composition and product ion data to reach three plausible isomeric structures for Revisomed, which are then distinguished by NMR spectroscopy. More broadly, the workshop focusses on the use of the scientific method and the concept that ‘no ideas are bad’ when exploring hypotheses. We describe the structure of the workshop, and our experience delivering it to a local academy over the last 9 years.
Identifying the Morphodynamic Potential of Gilort River Sections: Natura 2000 Site as Case Study
Authors: Giurea Alexandru‐Andrei , Comănescu Laura , Clius Mioara , Sterienescu Lidia
Published: January 2025

River dynamics involve the input of water and sediment from the watershed, shaping the interaction between flow regime, sediment transport, and channel morphology. This study aims to present a novel methodology for identifying dynamic river sectors, based on a comprehensive multicriteria analysis encompassing various natural and anthropogenic factors observed or directly measured in the field, as well as extracted from available databases. The proposed methodology relies on a spatial multicriteria analysis, a valuable method for integrating large spatial datasets and efficiently estimating the spatial distribution of dynamics at a general level. Alongside the multicriteria analysis, this study incorporates several published and validated analyzes, such as the Bank Erosion Hazard Index and Morphological Quality Index, to derive relevant indicators reflecting the current field conditions. The analysis was conducted for 14 relatively homogeneous sectors of the Gilort river, resulting in a classification of these sectors based on morphodynamic potential, ranging from very low to very high.
Monofunctional Platin‐BODIPY Bullet for Mitochondria‐Targeted Chemo‐PDT Activity
Authors: Upadhyay Aarti , Nepalia Amrita , Bera Arpan , Pal Apurba Kumar , Saini Deepak Kumar , Chakravarty Akhil R.
Published: January 2025

Monofunctional Pt(II) complexes [Pt(GL)Cl]Cl (GL–Pt–Cl) and [Pt(RL)Cl]Cl (RL–Pt–Cl), where GL and RL are green and red‐light active PEGylated distyryl BODIPY‐terpyridine moieties, were synthesized and their photo‐ and chemotherapeutic activity studied. BODIPY‐terpyridine ligand was structurally characterized. RL–Pt–Cl showed an intense absorption peak at 658 nm (ε = 9.8 × 104 M−1 cm−1) with a shoulder at ∼624 nm and a broad emission at ∼672 nm in 10% DMSO/DPBS (Dulbecco's Phosphate Buffered Saline). It was produced 1O2 as evidenced from mechanistic studies. It displayed photocytotoxicity in red light (IC50: 0.7 µM) in MDA‐MB‐231 cells. The 2′,7′‐dichlorofluorescein diacetate assay indicated intracellular generation of reactive oxygen species. It showed chemotherapeutic activity (IC50: 13.7 µM) in A549 cells on 24 h incubation. Pt‐DNA adduct formation was proposed from the 9‐ethylguanine binding experiment. Imaging of RL‐Pt‐Cl treated A549 cancer cells displayed its mitochondrial localization. JC‐1 assay indicated loss of mitochondrial membrane potential in red light. The annexin V‐FITC/propidium iodide assay suggested cellular apoptosis.
A Self‐Amplifying Photodynamic Biomedicine for Cascade Immune Activation Against Triple‐Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Feng Xianquan , Zhang Yan , Lin Wanjing , Li Jing , Wu Fei , Lu Qingyu , Song Hongtao , Zhang Hao , Lan Fenghua , Lu Jun
Published: January 2025

The efficacy of immunotherapy in triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is significantly hindered by its low immunogenicity and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Non‐invasive photodynamic therapy (PDT) is increasingly recognized as a potential immunotherapeutic stimulant in the treatment of TNBC. However, photodynamic immunotherapy is constrained by tumor hypoxia and excessive inflammation suppression during the course of treatment. Herein, a simple and efficacious biomedicine is formulated to overcome adverse influences by amplifying photodynamic immunotherapy, thereby stimulating the systemic immune response. Specifically, the approach targeted tumor delivery by employing specific agents such as the photosensitizer (verteporfin), the hypoxic ameliorator (atovaquone), and the cyclooxygenase‐2/prostaglandin E2 (COX‐2/PGE2) signaling blocker (celecoxib). More importantly, the biomedicine effectively ameliorated hypoxia and inhibited COX‐2/PGE2 signaling, thereby amplifying PDT‐induced immunogenic cell death. This, in turn, enhanced the efficacy of photodynamic immunotherapy and triggered a robust immune response cascade. Notably, the self‐amplifying photodynamic biomedicine significantly inhibited primary tumors, distal tumors, lung metastases, and post‐operative recurrence while maintaining high biocompatibility. To sum up, the work provides a viable cascade stimulation approach and an efficient biomedical nanoplatform, offering a novel strategy for photodynamic immunotherapy of TNBC in the clinic.
DNA Origami Framework‐Based Spatial Nanochip for Circular ssDNA Assembly and Data Storage
Authors: Wang Shengwen , Yang Donglei , Li Jiankai , Bao Hongliang , Pan Shufan , Huang Kui , Shao Jialin , Yang Qiulan , Chen Xiao , Jiang Xingyu , Wang Pengfei , Yang Yang
Published: January 2025

A 3D DNA spatial chip (DSC) based on an icosahedral DNA origami framework is introduced to construct customized circular single‐stranded DNA (c‐ssDNA) for data storage. Within the confined space of the DSC, thirty addressable location sequences extending from the framework edges are available for designing circular paths and directing the assembly of a series of information oligonucleotides for efficient ligation. This strategy is verified by constructing c‐ssDNAs from up to 15 fragments to encode two poems (800 and 860 nucleotides). Using orthogonal location sites, both poems are simultaneously assembled within a single DSC and read out together. Rolling circle amplification (RCA) and nanopore sequencing enable complete retrieval of all the above data files. The DSCs with distinct fluorescent labels and capture sequences are further functionalized on their outer surfaces, allowing magnetic bead‐based retrieval and rapid identification of specific datasets from a mixture. Moreover, the DSCs maintain data integrity after storage under various conditions. These findings demonstrate that the 3D DNA spatial chip provides an efficient approach for assembling long c‐ssDNA for data storage, addressing limitations by reducing redundancy, enhancing stability, and enabling multiplexed storage and retrieval.
Conductive Textile Embedded with Bioinspired Wettability for Prolonged and Energy Efficient Thermal Management
Authors: Sarkar Debasmita , Ali Haydar , Singh Rajan , Phukan Anirban , Mishra Chittaranjan , Paily Roy P. , Manna Uttam
Published: January 2025

The design of electrically conductive textiles appears to be a promising approach to combat the existing challenge of deaths caused by severe cold climates around the globe. However, reports on the scalable fabrication of tolerant conductive textiles maintaining a low electrical resistance with an ability for unperturbed and prolonged performance are scarce. Here, a breathable and wrappable water‐repellent conductive textile (water‐repellent CT) with electrothermal and photothermal conversion abilities at low external voltage and in weak solar light is introduced, respectively. In the current approach, less carbon‐containing silver nanowires (AgNWs) are selected to spray deposit on a commercially available woven textile to attend a uniform and highly conductive network over a large dimension. The subsequent spray deposition of a reaction mixture of selected small molecules prevents aerial oxidation of deposited AgNWs even at elevated temperatures and provides bioinspired extreme water‐repellence. Thus, it maintains an unperturbed performance even when exposed to different aqueous environment. Using the scalability of current approach and durability of prepared water‐repellent CT, relevant wearable devices are derived to demonstrate personal heat management ability with rechargeable and portable battery for prolonged duration in severely cold conditions. Thus, the prepared water‐repellent CT enabled an energy‐efficient and “wrappable” heating, providing a basis for various potential applications.
Hybrid Transactional/Analytical Graph Processing in Modern Memory Hierarchies
Authors: Baumstark Alexander , Jibril Muhammad Attahir , Sattler Kai-Uwe
Published: January 2025

Today’s enterprise computing architectures are characterized by a complex memory hierarchy: different application requirements in terms of latency, bandwidth, persistence, and access pattern, as well as characteristics of available memory and storage technology require combining different technologies. Building highly efficient data management and analytics solutions that meet the challenges of modern applications requires to utilize this memory hierarchy, i.e., taking the specific characteristics of a given technology into account and keeping data objects in the optimal level. In this paper, we present results of our project on exploiting modern memory hierarchies in support of hybrid transactional/analytical processing (HTAP) on graph data. First, we discuss the design and evaluation of data structures and query operations for graph data in persistent memory. Second, we present an approach to support the analysis of graph data on GPU-based accelerators with dedicated memory by efficient data transfer and consistency mechanisms. Finally, we propose a storage and processing strategy for (bi-)temporal graphs using temporal materialized views while exploiting the memory hierarchy.
Self-Contact Preventing Energy for Tubular Rods
Authors: Lonati Chiara , Marzocchi Alfredo
Published: January 2025

We introduce a generalization of Möbius energy for knots to an energy functional for tubular neighbourhoods of closed inextensible curves. We prove the continuity of the energy and its boundedness for physically admissible tubes without self-contact and in particular for the torus. The functional allows to distinguish isotopy classes of the centreline through its physical resemblance to a self-repulsive electrostatic energy. If the tube has zero thickness, O’Hara’s functional is recovered. Finally, a discussion on the possible exponents in the functional is carried out and numerical examples are studied to highlight some advantages of our new definition.
Effect of antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications on implant survival: a long-term retrospective cohort study
Authors: Chatzopoulos Georgios S. , Wolff Larry F.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This large-scale retrospective study aimed to examine the long-term effect of antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications intake on dental implant treatment outcome.

Materials and methods

This study retrospectively examined data from patients who underwent dental implant procedures at several university dental clinics within the BigMouth network between 2011 and 2022. Patients’ characteristics including age, gender, ethnicity, race, tobacco use, systemic medical conditions and intake of antiplatelets and anticoagulants were analyzed. Implant treatment outcome was the main outcome variable. Implant failure was defined as the removal of a dental implant for any reason. Time to failure (date of procedure to date of visit with failure) was recorded, while sites without a failure were censored at the last follow-up visit.

Results

A total of 50,333 dental implants in 20,842 patients over 12 years were analyzed and an implant failure rate of 1.4% at the implant level and 2.7% at the patient level were found. Asians, African-Americans, American Indians or Alaskan Natives, and White individuals were significantly more likely to receive antiplatelet medications than Hispanics or Latinos. Males and smokers exhibited significantly higher odds of being antiplatelet and anticoagulant users compared to females and non-smokers, respectively. When the implant survival rates between antiplatelet and anticoagulant users were compared to non-users, no significant differences were observed.

Conclusion

Within the limitations of this study, it appears that the use of anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications does not affect the risk of implant failure. Both anticoagulant and antiplatelet users and non-users exhibit similar high implant survival rates.
Management and outcome of mesh infection after abdominal wall reconstruction in a tertiary care center
Authors: Franchi Victor , Triffault-Fillit Claire , Jarraud Sophie , Mabrut Jean-Yves , Javaux Clément , Monneuse Olivier , Conrad Anne , Ferry Tristan , Robert Maud , Ader Florence , Passot Guillaume , Valour Florent
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Abdominal wall reconstruction is a common surgical procedure, with a post-operative risk of mesh-associated infection of which management is poorly known. This study aims to comprehensively analyze clinical and microbiological aspects of mesh infection, treatment modalities, and associated outcomes.

Methods

Patients with abdominal mesh infection were included in a retrospective observational cohort (2010-2023). Patients characteristics and management were described, and determinants for failure were assessed by logistic regression and treatment failure-free survival curve analysis (Kaplan-Meier).

Results

Two hundred and nine patients (median age, 62 [IQR, 55-71] years) presented a mesh infection occurring within 15 (IQR, 7-31) days after surgery, mainly as an abdominal wall or deep abscess (n=189, 90.4%). Infection was polymicrobial in 89/166 (79.4%) cases, S. aureus (n=60, 36.1%), Enterobacteriaceae (n=60, 36.1%) and anaerobes (n=40, 24.1%) being the most prevalent pathogens. Surgery was performed in 130 (62.2%) patients, associated with a 13.5 (IQR, 8-21) day course of antimicrobial therapy in 172/207 (83.1%) cases. Sixty-three (30.1%) treatment failures occurred, associated with previous multiple abdominal surgeries (OR, 3.305; 95%CI, 1.297-8.425), complete mesh removal (OR, 0.145; 95%CI, 0.063-0.335) and antimicrobial therapy (OR, 0.328; 95%CI, 0.136-0.787). The higher failure rate of conservative strategies was associated with symptom duration >1 month (OR, 3.378; 95%CI, 1.089-4.005) and retromuscular mesh position (OR, 0.444; 95%CI, 0.199-0.992).

Conclusion

Mesh infection is associated with high treatment failure rates. Complete mesh removal coupled with targeted antibiotic therapy is associated with better outcomes. Conservative treatment strategies must rely on careful patient selection based on symptom duration and mesh placement.
Factors influencing success of virtual reality in Tunisia’s cultural heritage tourism sites: a UTAUT2 approach extension
Authors: Mosbeh Rim
Published: January 2025

The tourism industry is evolving rapidly with the emergence of virtual reality (VR), seen as a viable alternative to traditional travel. Our primary aim is to identify the factors influencing the success of VR and provide recommendations for resources, methods, and technology. Our study presents a multi-dimensional conceptual model for the pre-implementation success of VR in the tourism sector. We applied the UTAUT2 model with an additional contextual concept. Data from 352 participants support our model for assessing perceived VR success in Tunisian tourism. The study confirms the significant positive impact of performance expectancy, hedonic motivation, and facilitating conditions on behavioral intention. Personal innovativeness and trust expectancy positively influence performance expectancy. Conversely, effort expectancy negatively affects hedonic motivation. In summary, our research validates the model's suitability for assessing the intention to use VR in tourism activities. This framework is crucial as VR continues to revolutionize the tourism industry.