bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Withdrawal of life‐sustaining treatment in Japanese home care: A cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Takeshita Kei , Nagao Noriko , Dozono Toshihiko , Kamiya Keiko , Miura Yasuhiko
Published: January 2025

Background

In Japan, legal and social concerns exist about withdrawing life‐sustaining treatment (LST) even at the end of life. This study aimed to investigate the experience of physicians and nurses involved in home care with LST withdrawal.

Methods

A web‐based questionnaire survey was conducted among physicians and nurses who were members of the Japanese Association for Home Care Medicine in 2020. The survey collected data on the experience of respondents with withdrawing LST, the decision‐making processes involved in withdrawing treatment, and their experience with patients attempting voluntarily stopping eating and drinking (VSED).

Results

Results from 203 respondents, including 150 physicians and 53 nurses, showed that the most commonly withdrawn LSTs were intravenous infusions (115 respondents), tube feeding (69 respondents), and oral administration of medicine (74 respondents). A few respondents withdrew respiratory management, such as mechanical ventilation (11 respondents) or home oxygen therapy (12 respondents). The main diagnoses of patients who had LSTs withdrawn were malignancy, senility, and dementia. Many respondents made decisions through discussions with the families of patients (117 respondents) or multidisciplinary discussions at their facilities (80 respondents). There were 23 respondents who made the decision alone, and they were all physicians. Thirty‐two respondents had experience with patients who had completed VSED.

Conclusion

It was found that many Japanese home care physicians and nurses had experienced withdrawal of LSTs, and a significant number among them had experienced patients attempting VSED. Given this situation, there is an urgent need to provide ethics support in Japanese home care.
A fundamental rheological approach to determine the optimum water absorption capacity of a model gluten‐free dough system: soy flour dough
Authors: Yazar Gamze
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND

Determining the optimum water absorption capacity of gluten‐free flours for an improved breadmaking process has been a challenge because there is no standard method. In the present study, large amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS) tests were performed to explore the impact of different levels of added water on non‐linear viscoelastic response of soy flour dough in comparison to wheat flour dough at a consistency of 500 BU.

RESULTS

Among the LAOS parameters, large strain modulus (G′L) and large strain rate viscosity (η′L) were found to better probe the impact of added water amount on non‐linear viscoelastic properties of soy flour dough. Although soy flour dough with 160:100 (water: soy flour, v/w) and wheat flour dough had overlapping η*(ω) in the linear viscoelastic region, LAOS sweeps revealed similar tan δ, G′L and η′L values along with similar elastic and viscous Lissajous–Bowditch curves at γ0 = 200% for soy flour dough with 175:100 (water: soy flour, v/w) to those of wheat flour dough.

CONCLUSION

Considering the large deformations involved in breadmaking process and the poor capability of the linear viscoelastic measures to predict loaf volume, the present study suggests using the LAOS parameters to determine the optimum water absorption capacity and to optimize the strain‐stiffening and shear‐thinning behaviors of gluten‐free flours to improve end‐product quality. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.
Eco‐Friendly and Green Biochar Sorbent–Extraction Techniques for Pharmaceuticals, Environmental, and Food Analysis—A Review
Authors: Khan Wajid Ali , Arain Muhammad Balal , Balal Sana , Niaz Abdul , Mollahosseini Afsaneh , Soylak Mustafa
Published: January 2025

The most important aspect of sorbent‐based approaches is the use of a sustainable, readily available, and cost‐effective sorbent material for sample analysis. Biochar is an emerging and prominent sorbent material for various applications in sorbent‐based techniques due to its availability, affordability, eco‐friendly nature, porosity, pore structure, abundance of aliphatic and aromatic carbon structures, and abundant oxygen‐containing functional groups. On the basis of the numerous benefits of biochar, this review discusses why biochar is the preferred sorbent in sorptive‐based techniques. In addition, this review provides a brief evaluation of various biochar‐based sorptive approaches, including biochar‐based solid‐phase extraction (SPE)/microextraction (SPME), magnetic SPE/SPME, in‐tube SPME, pipette‐tip micro SPE, and thin‐film microextraction. Furthermore, each section briefly overviews various studies for various sample analyses and applications, including pharmaceuticals, environmental, and food. Most importantly, on the basis of the literature review, biochar is an emerging sorbent material for various sorbent‐based techniques that require further investigation for various applications.
Experimental Emulator of Pulse Dynamics in Fractional Nonlinear Schrödinger Equation
Authors: Liu Shilong , Zhang Yingwen , Virally Stéphane , Karimi Ebrahim , Malomed Boris A. , Seletskiy Denis V.
Published: January 2025

A nonlinear optical platform is presented to emulate a nonlinear Lévy waveguide that supports the pulse propagation governed by a generalized fractional nonlinear Schrödinger equation (FNLSE). This approach distinguishes between intra‐cavity and extra‐cavity regimes, exploring the interplay between the effective fractional group‐velocity dispersion (FGVD) and Kerr nonlinearity. In the intra‐cavity configuration, stable fractional solitons enabled by an engineered combination of the fractional and regular dispersions in the fiber cavity are observed. The soliton pulses exhibit their specific characteristics, viz., “heavy tails” and a “spectral valley” in the temporal and frequency domain, respectively, highlighting the effective nonlocality introduced by FGVD. Further investigation in the extra‐cavity regime reveals the generation of spectral valleys with multiple lobes, offering potential applications to the design of high‐dimensional data encoding. To elucidate the spectral valleys arising from the interplay of FGVD and nonlinearity, an innovative “force” model supported by comprehensive numerical analysis is developed. These findings open new avenues for experimental studies of spectral‐temporal dynamics in fractional nonlinear systems.
Eupalinolide B inhibits periodontitis development by targeting ubiquitin conjugating enzyme UBE2D3
Authors: Kuang Wenhua , Zhuge Ruishen , Song Ping , Yi Letai , Zhang Shujie , Zhang Ying , Wong Yin Kwan , Chen Ruixing , Zhang Junzhe , Wang Yuanbo , Liu Dandan , Gong Zipeng , Wang Peili , Ouyang Xiangying , Wang Jigang
Published: January 2025

Periodontitis is a chronic periodontal inflammatory disease caused by periodontal pathogens commonly seen in adults. Eupalinolide B (EB) is a sesquiterpenoid natural product extracted from Eupatorium lindleyanum and has been reported as a potential drug for cancers and immune disorders. Here, we explored the ameliorative effects and underlying molecular mechanism of EB on periodontitis for the first time. We demonstrated that EB ameliorates periodontal inflammation and alveolar bone resorption with a ligated periodontitis mouse model. In addition, the impact of EB on macrophages inflammation was examined in the Raw264.7 cell line. We identified ubiquitin‐conjugating enzyme, UBE2D3, as the direct covalent binding protein targets of EB by using a chemoproteomic method based on activity‐based protein profiling, biolayer interferometry method, and cellular thermal shift assay. Furthermore, the direct binding site of EB to UBE2D3 was identified using high‐resolution mass spectrometry and confirmed by experiments. Taken together, EB ameliorates periodontitis by targeting UBE2D3 to suppress the ubiquitination degradation of IκBα, leading to inactivation of nuclear transcription factor‐κB signaling pathway. And this was confirmed by siRNA‐mediated gene knockdown in inflammatory macrophages. Our results suggested that EB may be a new kind of UBE2D3 inhibitor and may become a promising therapeutic agent for anti‐periodontitis.
‘A deep, empathetic, wondrous connection’: Autistic adults' definitions and experiences of nature connection
Authors: Friedman Samantha , McHaffie Sara , Noble Roan , Stenning Anna
Published: January 2025

Connection to nature is an important concept for understanding human‐nature relationships, interests in nature and pro‐environmental behaviours. However, conceptualisations of this relationship thus far have excluded autistic perspectives.

Through this reflexive thematic analysis of survey responses from 108 autistic participants in the UK, we sought to understand how autistic people define and experience connection to nature.

Towards this aim, we developed three themes: ‘feeling that you benefit nature and nature benefits you’; ‘connecting with something ancient to which I nevertheless belong’; and ‘it makes me a little sad tbh.’ Across many participants in this sample, nature was not something they saw as separate from themselves (or from humans more generally), and so connection to nature was not a simple, unidirectional relationship nor a clear‐cut binary.

Through this work, we hope to contribute towards the effort to imbue ecopsychology and related fields with the influences of critical disability studies.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Registration of ‘Avant’ rice
Authors: Angira Brijesh , Linscombe Steve , Webster Connor , Kongchum Manoch , Dalla‐Lana Felipe , Wilson Blake , Zaunbrecher Richard E. , Dartez Valerie , Williams Brady , Theunissen Brent , Famoso Adam N.
Published: January 2025

‘Avant’ (Reg. no. CV‐161; PI 699954), an early‐maturing and high‐yielding long‐grain rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivar, was developed by the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center at the H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station near Crowley, LA, and was approved for release in 2021. Avant was selected from the cross ‘Trenasse’//‘Cocodrie’/‘Jefferson’/3/‘Ahrent’/‘Cocodrie’// Cocodrie/‘LaGrue’. It demonstrated good yield potential and favorable agronomic characteristics in the 2017 preliminary yield trial. From 2018 to 2023, Avant underwent evaluation in 54 replicated trials across nine locations in Louisiana. Four high‐yielding commercial cultivars were included as checks: ‘Mermentau’, ‘Cheniere’, ‘CL153’, and ‘CLL17’. The grain yield of Avant was 9.5 t ha−1 compared to 9.3 t ha−1 for Mermentau, 8.8 t ha−1 for Cheniere, 9.5 t ha−1 for CL153, and 9.3 t ha−1 for CLL17 across 46 trials from 2018 to 2023. Avant was significantly shorter than Mermentau, Cheniere, CL153, and CLL17. It exhibits cooking quality similar to typical US long‐grain rice. Avant is susceptible to sheath blight, moderately susceptible to leaf blast and bacterial panicle blight, and moderately resistant to narrow brown leaf spot.
Highly Simplified FeCl3‐Assisted Copolymerization and Doping for Organic Thermoelectrics
Authors: Kim Hyeokjun , Lee Taek Seong , Kim Haeseong , Shin Jiyoung , Baek Jisu , Jang Jaeyoung , Jung In Hwan
Published: January 2025

The FeCl3 is a well‐known oxidizing agent for oxidative polymerization as well as a p‐type dopant for making conducting polymers, but no studies have yet explored the simultaneous use of FeCl3 for both polymerization and doping of organic soluble conjugated polymers (CPs) in organic thermoelectric (OTE) applications. In this study, soluble 4H‐cyclopenta[2,1‐b:3,4‐b′]dithiophene (CPDT)‐co‐3,4‐ethylenedioxythio‐phene (EDOT) polymers were successfully synthesized via a simple FeCl3‐assisted oxidative coupling reaction at room temperature. In addition, FeCl3 doping of the synthesized polymers enabled them to exhibit thermoelectric properties. The addition of 10% ~ 20% EDOT in a polymer chain gave a synergetic effect on the electrical conductivity and power factor (PF) in the OTE devices. In that ratio, the strong electron‐donating EDOT facilitates doping in the CPs, and the planar CPDT backbones stabilize the generated polaron/bipolaron species through efficient π‐electron delocalization, resulting in the highest electrical conductivity. At the optimal EDOT ratio of 20%, a more than 10‐fold enhancement in PFs was achieved reaching up to 0.182 ± 0.021 μW m−1 K−2. The EDOT moiety, except in PEDOT:PSS, is rarely found in conjugated copolymers, but its proper incorporation is expected to enhance thermoelectric properties of the organic soluble CPs.
Development and Validation of a Predictive Model of Prostate Screening Compliance: A Nationwide Population‐Based Study
Authors: Arriaga‐Izabal Diego , Morales‐Lazcano Francisco , Canizalez‐Román Adrian
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common cancer in men worldwide, with significant incidence and mortality, particularly in Mexico, where diagnosis at advanced stages is common. Early detection through screening methods such as digital rectal examination and prostate‐specific antigen testing is essential to improve outcomes. Despite current efforts, compliance with prostate screening (PS) remains low due to several barriers. This study aims to develop and validate a predictive model for PCa screening compliance in Mexican men.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective observational design with data from the Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS). Participants were men aged 50–69 from three cohorts: development/internal validation, temporal validation, and external validation. Key predictors were identified using relaxed Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression, and model performance was assessed using the area under the curve (AUC) from receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses, along with calibration and decision curve analysis (DCA). A web nomogram was also developed.

Results

The final model included seven key predictors. AUC values indicated good predictive performance: 0.783 for the training subgroup, 0.722 for the test subgroup, 0.748 for the time cohort, and 0.756 for the external cohort, with sensitivities of 73.5%. The DCA demonstrated the superior clinical utility of the model compared to the reference strategies.

Conclusions

The predictive model developed for performance to PCa screening is robust across different cohorts and highlights critical factors influencing performance. The accompanying web‐based nomogram enhances clinical applicability and supports interventions aimed at improving PCa screening rates among Mexican men.
Cardiac Cachexia and the Associations to the Microbiome: State‐of‐the‐Science Review
Authors: Anderson Kelley M. , Schmitt Amanda , Weintraub William S. , Scally Rebecca , Steen Tomoko Y.
Published: January 2025

Background

Cardiac cachexia is a late manifestation of advanced heart failure, with a 5%–15% prevalence. A diagnosis of cardiac cachexia is not simply another complication of heart failure; clinical consequences of cachexia are impaired physical function, fatigue, poor quality of life and independently associated with heart failure severity, adverse cardiovascular and non‐cardiovascular outcomes, longer length of hospital stays and increased mortality. Although it is well established that cardiac cachexia is associated with poor outcomes, there remains a lack of evidence describing the underlying mechanisms that has resulted in limited impactful treatment modalities. Contemporary explorations describe the association of the gut microbiome related to many health conditions, including heart failure. Preclinical and clinical studies are defining the role of the microbiome and the associations to heart failure and comorbidities including cardiac cachexia.

Methods

In this review, we summarize the relevant literature to (1) describe the diagnosis and evaluation of cachexia in individuals with heart failure; (2) provide an overview of the heart–gut axis; (3) report on the gut microbiome as a mediator of cardiac cachexia with a focus on inflammation and protein loss; (4) detail the clinical characterizations and manifestations of cardiac cachexia; (5) review current treatment modalities for cardiac cachexia and their limitations; and (6) provide recommendations for future lines of inquiry for heart failure–related cachexia and the microbiome.

Results

Current clinical and animal studies are developing the science to expand our understanding of the association of the microbiome to the clinical expression of cardiovascular conditions, including heart failure and related conditions, including cachexia. Elucidating mechanisms of cachexia will provide the foundational evidence to improve treatment approaches. Available treatments are limited and do not meaningfully impact the illness experience of patients with heart failure and cachexia. Improving our understanding of the innovative concept of the heart–gut axis has the potential for significant clinical advances in developing novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for heart failure and for evaluating a common pathway for cachexia.

Conclusions

In this review, we discuss the characteristics, evaluation, impact on prognosis and therapeutic interventions of cachexia and the current state of the science related to the role of the microbiome in cardiac cachexia. Although the current evidence is limited, there are numerous opportunities for collaborative efforts among translational researchers to understand the underlying mechanisms of cardiac cachexia and the relationship to the gut microbiome and to develop innovative therapeutic treatment interventions for patients with advanced heart failure.
Robust Fault Detection for Fuzzy‐Model‐Based Networked Control Systems Under Denial‐of‐Service Attacks and Sensor Faults Within a Stochastic Communication Protocol
Authors: Ding Tongtong , Tan Cheng , Chen Ziran , Sun Hongtao
Published: January 2025

This paper investigates the robust fault detection problem in non‐linear networked systems, characterized by the Takagi‐Sugeno (T‐S) fuzzy model. The analysis is complicated by Denial‐of‐Service (DoS) attacks and sensor faults. In such systems, DoS attacks disrupt network communications, threatening both system stability and fault detection accuracy. Simultaneously, sensor faults compromise the reliability of the system's measurement outputs. To address these challenges, the stochastic communication protocol (SCP) is employed to optimize the transmission order between multiple sensors and the fault detector, effectively managing the limitations of communication capacity. Consequently, a fault detection scheme based on SCP is developed to generate residual signals, supported by an auxiliary residual system for stability analysis. Using the Lyapunov‐Krasovskii (L‐K) functional approach, sufficient conditions are derived to ensure the asymptotic stability of the residual system with a prescribed performance. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed fault detection scheme is validated through simulation examples.
Unveiling the Role Reversal of Guest and Host in OverTolerant Hybrid Perovskites
Authors: Srivastava Pradhi , Maity Sayan , Srinivasan Varadharajan
Published: January 2025

The structural and electronic changes are investigated in a 3D hybrid perovskite, methylhydrazinium lead chloride (MHyPbCl3) from a host/guest perspective as it transitions from a highly polar to less polar phase upon cooling, using first‐principles calculations. The two phases vary structurally in the guest (MHy) orientation and the two differently distorted host (lead halide) layers. These findings highlight the critical role of guest reorientation in reducing host distortion at high temperatures, making the former the primary order parameter for the transition, a notable contrast to the case of other hybrid perovskites. This is also confirmed by the dominating contribution of guest reorientation along the transition pathway. Analysis using maximally localized Wannier functions reveals that polarization enhancement upon heating is primarily due to host atoms, particularly of the more distorted octahedral layer. Despite its pivotal role in the transition, the contribution of the guest to polarization is relatively weaker, in contrast to previous suggestions. Furthermore, host distortion induces a significant (∼9%) feedback polarization on the guest. This distortion is also responsible for significantly altering the density of states occupied by the guest closer to band‐edges, suggesting a non‐trivial contribution of the guest in impacting the optoelectronic properties and exciton binding energies.
Mesoscale Filamentous Polyelectrolytes: Chemical Functionalization and Fluidic Structure
Authors: Meissner Cornelia , Crosby Alfred J. , Emrick Todd
Published: January 2025

The preparation and study of synthetic mesoscale structures opens opportunities to understand soft materials properties at length scales that are intermediate between that of the molecular and bulk, often referred to as the mesoscale. This paper details the preparation of mesoscale polymer filaments, prepared by flow coating and evaporative deposition from solution to yield filamentous versions of charged polymers. Using thiol‐ene reactions on olefin‐containing mesoscale polymer ribbons, anionic character in the form of carboxylates is introduced to the filamentous structures. The resultant mesoscale ribbons exhibit morphological changes as a function of their aqueous solution environment, based on their neutral versus anionic character, offering insights into the structure and morphology of small, multi‐length scale, soft structures comprised of macromolecular materials.
A Streamlined Approach to Anticounterfeiting Technologies: Patterned AAO Membranes Based on Photonic Crystal Effects with Tunable Color Shifts and pH Responsiveness
Authors: Lin Yu‐Chun , Lee Lin‐Ruei , Tsai Tsung‐Hung , Lin Ji , Hsu Yen‐Shen , Kesavan Manibalan , Lin Yu‐Liang , Chen Yi‐Fan , Chen Jiun‐Tai
Published: January 2025

Anticounterfeiting technologies have become increasingly crucial due to the growing issue of counterfeit goods, particularly in high‐value industries. Traditional methods such as barcodes and holograms are prone to replication, prompting the need for advanced, cost‐effective, and efficient solutions. In this work, a practical application of anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes are presented for anticounterfeiting, which addresses the challenges of high production costs and complex fabrication processes. Unlike previous approaches requiring metal coatings for color generation, this method uses commercial aluminum foils to produce colorful AAO membranes without metal layers. Elemental mapping suggests that impurities on the aluminum surface contribute to enhanced reflectivity, aiding photonic crystal formation. A two‐step anodization process that creates patterned AAO membranes is further introduced, with the pattern clarity controlled by anodization time. Additionally, a pH‐responsive film composed of 2‐anilino‐6‐dibutylaminofluoran (ODB‐2) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is integrated, enabling dynamic color changes under varying pH conditions, further enhancing the anticounterfeiting functionality. This streamlined approach provides a scalable and cost‐effective solution for developing versatile AAO membranes for industrial anticounterfeiting applications.
Anisotropically Epitaxial P‐N Heterostructures Actuating Efficient Z‐Scheme Photocatalytic Water Splitting
Authors: Lin Haifeng , Kong Mengdan , Zou Zhitao , Li Xue , Wang Hui , Xu Jixiang , Turkevich Vladimir , Li Yanyan , Wang Xun , Wang Lei
Published: January 2025

Crafting anisotropically epitaxial p‐n heterostructures with Z‐scheme charge transmission is a promising avenue toward excellent photocatalytic efficiency, yet the large lattice mismatch and diverse crystal growth habits between components have often arisen as a big challenge to this goal. Here, anisotropically epitaxial p‐n heterostructures with 19.8% lattice mismatch are obtained via a dynamics‐mediated seeded growth tactic under reaction temperature as low as 60 °C. Structural analyses reveal the epitaxy of hexagonal CuS nanoplates onto CdS nanowires through forming misfit dislocations at {101̄0} interface and stacking faults inside CuS nanoplates. Experimental and density functional theory calculation results verify the Z‐scheme photo‐carriers transfer in epitaxial CdS‐CuS heterostructures, which exhibit a much enhanced visible‐light‐driven H2 generation capability than non‐epitaxial CdS/CuS counterpart, and the site‐specified NiOOH photo‐deposition over CdS‐CuS heterostructures leads to a distinguished H2‐evolving activity ≈65 and 36 times promotion compared to those of pristine CdS and Pt‐loaded (3 wt.%) CdS, respectively. The study can enlighten new thinking to the steerable synthesis of epitaxial nanostructures with large lattice mismatch for various promising applications.
Advanced Functional NiCo2S4@CoMo2S4 Heterojunction Couple as Electrode for Hydrogen Production via Energy‐Saving Urea Oxidation
Authors: Nwaji Njemuwa , Fikadu Boka , Osial Magdalena , Warczak Magdalena , Moazzami Goudarzi Zahra , Gniadek Marianna , Asgaran Sohrab , Lee Jaebeom , Giersig Michael
Published: January 2025

The urea oxidation reaction (UOR) is characterized by a lower overpotential compared to the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) during electrolysis, which facilitates the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) at the cathode. Charge distribution, which can be modulated by the introduction of a heterostructure, plays a key role in enhancing the adsorption and cleavage of chemical groups within urea molecules. Herein, a facile all‐room temperature synthesis of functional heterojunction NiCo2S4/CoMo2S4 grown on carbon cloth (CC) is presented, and the as‐prepared electrode served as a catalyst for simultaneous hydrogen evolution and urea oxidation reaction. The Density Functional Theory (DFT) study reveals spontaneous transfer of charge at the heterointerface of NiCo2S4/CoMo2S4, which triggers the formation of localized electrophilic/nucleophilic regions and facilitates the adsorption of electron donating/electron withdrawing group in urea molecules during the UOR. The NiCo2S4/CoMo2S4// NiCo2S4/CoMo2S4 electrode pair required only a cell voltage of 1.17 and 1.18 V to deliver a current density of 10 and 100 mA cm−2 respectively in urea electrolysis cell and display very good stability. Tests performed in real urine samples show similar catalytic performance to urea electrolytes, making the work one of the best transition metal‐based catalysts for UOR applications, promising both efficient hydrogen production and urea decomposition.
Durable, Transparent, and Superhydrophobic Film Design for Flexible Substrate
Authors: Sun Minghong , Liu Xiaoyun , Wu Meijing , Miao Jiajun , Lin Hong , Wu Zhao , Diao Yifan , Yang Yue
Published: January 2025

Transparent superhydrophobic films/coatings have recently gained significant attention in the solar energy field due to their ease of preparation, low cost, self‐cleaning process, and high effectiveness in reducing dust adhesion to the surface. Compared to the rigid glass cover, the organic one has an advantage of flexibility and light weight, but the dust deposition impact is more serious. The aim of the present study is to design a transparent and superhydrophobic film with good durability on the organic glass surface, to recover the module efficiency reduction caused by dust deposition. Based on a soft photolithography and hot‐pressing process, periodic microcavities are prepared on the organic glass surface as an armor structure, and hydrophobic SiO2 nanoparticles are sprayed into the microcavities to achieve anti‐reflection and superhydrophobicity. The experimental test results show that the designed film possesses a large contact angle around 160°, a sliding angle of 3°, and a high visible transmittance over 90%. The unique armor structure design greatly improves the wear resistance of the film, and after encountering harsh conditions such as sandpaper friction, water flow impact, acid immersion, UV exposure, and repeatable bending, it still maintains excellent superhydrophobicity.
Greenness Assessment of High‐Performance Liquid Chromatography Method for Simultaneous Estimation of Apigenin, Apocynin, and Gallic Acid With Quality by Design Approach
Authors: Mevada Shweta , Shukla Saurabh , U Patel Harsha
Published: January 2025

This study presents the development of an eco‐friendly high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for the simultaneous determination of apigenin, apocynin, and gallic acid, integrating analytical quality by design (AQbD) and green analytical chemistry (GAC) principles. The objective was to enhance method efficiency while reducing environmental impact, energy consumption, and solvent use. An AQbD approach was employed, starting with quality risk assessment and scouting analysis, followed by optimization using Box–Behnken design (BBD) to screen three key chromatographic parameters. The optimal chromatographic conditions were determined using a C18 column (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) with a mobile phase of methanol: water (80%:20% v/v), a flow rate of 1 mL/min, ultraviolet detection at 228 nm, and a temperature of 25°C. The method demonstrated linearity over a concentration range of 1–5 µg/mL for the target compounds, with gallic acid as an internal standard. The method's greenness profile was assessed using various evaluation tools, confirming its compliance with GAC principles. The results indicate that the proposed HPLC method is not only effective and reliable but also environmentally sustainable, making it suitable for routine use in quality control laboratories. The integration of AQbD and GAC principles highlights the method's contribution to more sustainable and efficient analytical practices.
Potential Socioeconomic Impacts of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam Operation on Inland Fisheries in the High Aswan Dam Reservoir
Authors: Alsadeq Mai , Nassar Yasmin , Eldayem Ahmed Wagdy Abd
Published: January 2025

The High Aswan Dam (HAD) reservoir is considered as the most vital reservoir in Egypt and as a source of freshwater fish. It contributes 69% of the total inland fisheries production. The annual fish production from the HAD reservoir is estimated by the General Authority for Fishery Resources Development (GAFRD) as 12,000 ton/year. The HAD reservoir is the main source of freshwater fisheries in Egypt. That amount of fish in the reservoir guarantees a constant source of income and employment since the HAD establishment. Fish production is significantly affected by three environmental key parameters: water level fluctuation, water temperature change, and sedimentation amount. Any alteration in these three parameters will significantly affect the social and economic status of the HAD reservoir fisheries. This study aims to quantify the potential socioeconomic consequences of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) operation on the HAD reservoir fishery. To quantify these potential impacts, this research utilizes pre‐GERD socioeconomic data gathered by national and international organizations such as WorldFish (https://worldfishcenter.org/) and GAFRD, to establish baseline data. The change in predicted socioeconomic assessment is carried out based on the water level, temperature change, and sedimentation, after the GERD operation. A significant reduction in fish production is anticipated, with an estimated average decline by 48.5% compared to current production rates. This decline is expected to lead to a decrease in the overall socioeconomic value of the HAD reservoir fishery, potentially resulting in job losses for 25% to 72% of the fishermen and distributors employees. The total fishing income is expected to decrease, because of the decrease in fish production. The research findings highlight the importance of policy considerations to mitigate the possible socioeconomic impacts. Potential policy interventions could include stricter fishing regulations, alternative livelihood programs for affected communities, and collaborative management strategies with upstream dam operators.
The two-loop coefficient functions for double deeply virtual Compton scattering
Authors: Braun Vladimir M. , Jiang Hua-Yu , Manashov Alexander N. , von Manteuffel Andreas
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Making use of conformal symmetry of large-n

f
QCD in d = 4 – 2ϵ dimensions at the Wilson-Fischer fixed point, we calculate the two-loop coefficient functions in the operator product expansion of two electromagnetic currents in general kinematics with two different photon virtualities. This result is necessary for the description of the double deeply virtual Compton scattering to the next-to-next-to-leading order accuracy, but is also interesting for a range of other two-photon processes. We present analytic expression for the coefficient function in momentum fraction space in the

$$ \overline{\textrm{MS}} $$

MS
¯

scheme and study its numerical impact on the Compton form factors for a simple model of the generalized parton distributions. The calculated corrections turn out to be large and are significant for the kinematics of proposed experiments.
Prognostic significance of the mEPE score in intermediate-risk prostate cancer patients undergoing ultrahypofractionated robotic SBRT
Authors: Mose Lucas , Loebelenz Laura Isabel , Althaus Alexander , Ahmadsei Maiwand , Mathier Etienne , Broemel Isabelle , Aebersold Daniel M. , Obmann Verena Carola , Shelan Mohamed
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters on biochemical failure-free survival (BFS) in patients diagnosed with intermediate-risk prostate cancer and treated with robotic ultrahypofractionated stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) without androgen deprivation therapy (ADT).

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted in patients with intermediate-risk prostate cancer undergoing robotic SBRT delivered in five fractions with a total radiation dose of 35–36.25 Gy. The primary endpoint was biochemical failure as defined by the Phoenix criteria. Among other clinicopathological data, T stage, Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) score, and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging-based extra-prostatic extension (mEPE) score were collected and analyzed using the log-rank test.

Results

A total of 74 patients were eligible for analysis. Median age at treatment was 68.8 years and median prostate volume was 47.8 cm3. Fifty-four and 14 patients were diagnosed with Gleason scores 7a and 7b, respectively. In total, 40 patients were classified as having unfavorable intermediate-risk prostate cancer according to American Urological Association/American Society for Radiation Oncology/ Society of Urologic Oncology (AUA/ASTRO/SUO) guidelines. The median follow-up was 30 months (range: 4–91.2 months; interquartile range (IQR): 18.5–48 months). The 3‑year BFS was 92%. A total of 12 (16.2%) biochemical failures were reported. In univariate analysis, an mEPE score of 5, the delivered total radiation dose (35 Gy vs. 36.25 Gy), and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) nadir >1 ng/ml were associated with lower BFS (mEPE–BFS: p < 0.001, total radiation dose–BFS: p = 0.04, PSA nadir–BFS: p =< 0.001).

Conclusion

Patients diagnosed with intermediate-risk prostate cancer with a high mEPE score are more likely to experience biochemical failure after SBRT. Treatment intensification measures, such as administration of concomitant ADT, should be considered.
Bakterielle Vaginose – ein Syndrom zwischen gestern und heute
Authors: Swidsinski Alexander , Swidsinski Sonja , Mendling Werner , Farr Alex , Dörffel Yvonne
Published: January 2025

Ribosomale FISH(Fluoreszenz-in-situ-Hybridisierung)-Analysen zeigen, dass die bakterielle Vaginose (BV) ein komplexes klinisches Syndrom ist, das mehrere, nicht miteinander verwandte Infektionsprozesse mit ähnlicher Symptomatik umfasst. Die Biofilm-Vaginose ist die häufigste Ursache des BV-Syndroms, gefolgt von der kohäsiven Lactobacillus-iners-Sludge-Vaginose. Zum BV-Syndrom gehören darüber hinaus bisher nicht eindeutig charakterisierte Dysbiosen, wobei nicht ausgeschlossen ist, dass diese später in weitere nosologisch klar definierte Gruppen unterteilt werden. Derzeit lassen sich pathogene Konsortien nur mittels ribosomaler FISH bestimmen. Weder Lichtmikroskopie noch Multiplex-PCR (Polymerasekettenreaktion) und NGS („next generation sequencing“) sind hierfür hilfreich, da sie lediglich beteiligte Morphotypen bzw. Spezies, nicht aber ihre Wechselbeziehungen aufzeigen. Da alle polymikrobiellen Gemeinschaften auf spezielle Gene angewiesen sind, die für den Zusammenhalt der beteiligten Mikroorganismen notwendig sind, ist es nur eine Frage der Zeit, bis diese DNA-Sequenzen aufgedeckt und ihr Nachweis für die klinische Diagnostik und Therapie zugänglich sind.
Single-cell transcriptomics in a child with coenzyme Q10 nephropathy: potential of single-cell RNA sequencing in pediatric kidney disease
Authors: Park Peong Gang , Choi Sowon , Ahn Yo Han , Kim Seong Heon , Kim Chaeyoon , Kim Hyun Je , Kang Hee Gyung
Published: January 2025

Background

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) nephropathy is a well-known cause of hereditary steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome, primarily impacting podocytes. This study aimed to elucidate variations in individual cell-level gene expression in CoQ10 nephropathy using single-cell transcriptomics.

Methods

We conducted single-cell sequencing of a kidney biopsy specimen from a 5-year-old boy diagnosed with a CoQ10 nephropathy caused by a compound heterozygous COQ2 mutation complicated with immune complex-mediated glomerulonephritis. The analysis focused on the proportion of cell types, differentially expressed genes in each cell type, and changes in gene expression related to mitochondrial function and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS).

Results

Our findings revealed a uniform downregulation of mitochondrial gene expression across various cell types in the context of these mutations. Notably, there was a specific decrease in mitochondrial gene expression across all cell types. The study also highlighted an altered immune cell population proportion attributed to the COQ2 gene mutation. Pathway analysis indicated a downregulation in OXPHOS and an upregulation of various synthesis pathways, particularly in podocytes.

Conclusions

This study improves our understanding of CoQ10 nephropathy’s pathogenesis and highlights the potential applications of single-cell sequencing in pediatric hereditary kidney diseases.

Graphical Abstract
Weighing up the potential of “superfoods” compounds of green tea or turmeric as adjuncts in comparison to established therapeutical approaches for periodontal disease
Authors: Heuzeroth Georg , Kaufmann Manuela Elena , Herter-Aeberli Isabelle , Schlagenauf Ulrich , Liu Chun Ching , Papageorgiou Spyridon N. , Schmidlin Patrick R.
Published: January 2025

Objective

Aim of this study was to critically appraise clinical evidence on the potential benefits of adjunctive use of superfoods green tea and turmeric as mouthrinse or local delivery agents in the treatment of periodontal disease.

Materials and methods

Electronic searches were performed in four databases for randomized trials from inception to February 2024 assessing the supplemental use of superfoods green tea and turmeric for gingivitis/periodontitis treatment. After duplicate study selection, data extraction, and risk-of-bias assessment with the RoB 2 tool, random-effects meta-analyses of Mean Differences (MD) or Standardized Mean Differences (SMD) with their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were performed.

Results

Nineteen studies (814 patients) were included, with 11 on gingivitis and 8 on periodontitis patients. No benefits were seen from the use of mouthwashes containing green tea extract or turmeric for gingivitis treatment, while green tea was associated with smaller Gingival Index (GI) reductions than chlorhexidine (5 studies; MD = 0.08; 95% CI = 0.01 to 0.14; P = 0.01). As far as periodontitis treatment is concerned, local supplementation with turmeric showed no benefits, whereas local supplementation with green tea extract was associated with improved treatment outcomes in terms of probing depth (4 studies; MD=-0.79; 95% CI=-1.29 to -0.29 mm; P = 0.002) and GI (3 studies; MD=-0.53; 95% CI=-1.01 to -0.05; P = 0.02) than the control group. However, the strength of evidence was moderate to very low due to bias, imprecision, and inconsistency.

Conclusion

Limited evidence indicates that supplemental use of green tea extract is associated with improved periodontal treatment outcomes. However, the strength of evidence is weak and further research is needed.

Clinical relevance

Green tea extract could be a natural adjunct to enhance periodontal treatment, without the potential side-effects of other adjuncts like chlorhexidine.
Cytokine expression of soft tissue cells cultured with titanium discs and their respective supernatants in vitro
Authors: dos Santos Sanches Natália , Panahipour Layla , Wang Lei , Imani Atefe , Marchiolli Caroline Liberato , Cervantes Lara Cristina Cunha , Stein Maria Cristina Ruiz Voms , Berton Sara Alves , Souza Francisley Ávila , Okamoto Roberta , Júnior Idelmo Rangel Garcia , Gruber Reinhard
Published: January 2025

Objective

Titanium surface modifications improve osseointegration in dental and orthopedic implants. However, soft tissue cells can also reach the implant surface in immediate loading protocols. While previous research focused on osteogenic cells, the early response of soft tissue cells still needs to be better understood.

Material and methods

We have established a bioassay to this aim where human gingival fibroblasts, HSC2 oral squamous carcinoma cells, and murine bone marrow cells were cultured onto titanium discs or exposed to the respective supernatants for overnight. Modifications were double acid-etching (SLA), and coating with simulated body fluid (SBF) with or without odanacatib (ODN), a selective cathepsin K inhibitor reducing bone resorption.

Results

Our findings indicate that direct contact with titanium discs, with all surface modifications, slightly reduces cell viability. Growing gingival fibroblasts on discs consistently showed a trend toward increased IL8 expression. In HSC2 cells, this setting significantly increased IL1 and IL8 expression, confirmed by the immunoassay. Murine bone marrow macrophages also showed an increase in IL1 and IL6 expressions. Supernatants of the respective discs failed to cause these changes. Although ODN coating inhibited cathepsin K, osteoclastogenesis remained unchanged.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that titanium discs do not provide a favorable in vitro surface for oral soft tissue cells as they lose viability and respond with a moderately increased expression of inflammatory cytokines.

Clinical relevance

The soft tissue surrounding a dental implant can impact rehabilitation success. Understanding how soft tissue cells respond to titanium surface is potentially relevant to understand clinical outcomes.
Associated diseases and their effects on disease course in patients with chronic non-bacterial osteomyelitis: retrospective experience from a single center
Authors: Öksüz Aydın Betül , Aydın Fatma , Taş Özen , Bahçeci Onur , Özçakar Zeynep Birsin
Published: January 2025

Objective

Chronic non-bacterial osteomyelitis (CNO) is a rare autoinflammatory bone disease associated with other chronic inflammatory diseases such as familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), spondylarthropathies, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and pyoderma gangrenosum. We aimed to describe the clinical and follow-up characteristics of patients with CNO and to compare findings between patients with and without comorbidities.

Methods

The clinical records of patients with CNO who were followed up in our pediatric rheumatology clinic between 2018 and 2023 were reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of comorbidities. The clinical, laboratory, and radiological characteristics and treatments of the groups were compared.

Results

The study included 40 patients (65% male) diagnosed with CNO. The median (IQR) age at symptom onset was 10 (6.4) and at diagnosis was 11.5 (5.9) years. Fourteen (35%) patients had comorbidities. The comorbidities were FMF (n = 9), IBD (n = 3), uveitis (n = 3), psoriasis (n = 1) and acne conglabatae (n = 2). The group with comorbidities had higher number of bones involved (3 or more bones) (78.6% versus 42.3%) (p = 0.028), and 78.6% of patients with comorbidities received biologic treatment, while only 23.1% of patients without comorbidities were treated with biologics (p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Familial Mediterranean fever, uveitis, IBD, psoriasis and acne conglabata were found to be the clinical conditions associated with CNO. Patients with CNO who had comorbidities appeared to have a more severe phenotype of the disease accompanied with more bone involvement and requiring more biologic treatment.

Key Points• Chronic non-bacterial osteomyelitis (CNO), an auto-inflammatory bone disease, can be seen in association with other inflammatory conditions such as familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), uveitis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), psoriasis, and acne conglobata.• If CNO is associated with another inflammatory disease, the number of bones involved may be higher and patients may need more intensive treatments, such as biologics.• CNO may coexist with one or more inflammatory diseases, which may exacerbate the disease phenotype.
Identification of plant-based spilled oils using direct analysis in real-time–time-of-flight mass spectrometry with hydrophobic paper sampling
Authors: McCallum Paige , Saturos Genesis , Rabinovitch Lola , Filewood Taylor , Kwok Honoria , Yan Jeffrey , Cody Robert , Brunswick Pamela , Shang Dayue
Published: January 2025

Spilled plant-based oils behave very differently in comparison to petroleum oils and require different clean-up measures. They do not evaporate, disperse, dissolve, or emulsify to a significant degree but can polymerize and form an impermeable cap on sediment, smothering benthic media and resulting in an immediate impact on the wildlife community. The current study explored the application of rapid up-to-date direct analysis in real time (DART) with high-resolution mass spectrometry for plant-based oil typing. The study introduced a new concept of using hydrophobic paper to collect and analyze oil samples, thus minimizing sample preparation and expenses. Application of this technique showed its ability to speedily distinguish plant-based from petroleum-based oils. A microcosm experiment exposing plant-based oil samples to weathering processes for comparison with petroleum-based oils demonstrated the ability of the method to classify weathered oil samples and identify their source oil. It was observed that canola and peanut oil were the most resistant to weathering processes. The developed DART-TOFMS method was shown to be accurate for short-term weathered oil spills up to between 12 and 26 days of exposure. The developed method performed identification in less than a day compared to the established multi-day method for oil spill forensics requiring careful sample collection in glass containers, time-consuming laboratory clean-up, lengthy gas chromatography sequences, and careful integration including integration of retention time markers.