bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metal‐Organic Framework with Polar Pore Surface Designed for Purification of Both Natural Gas and Ethylene
Authors: Zhou Xia , Feng Meng , Zhang Kangli , Li Jiantang , Wang Xirong , Wang Dongmei , Chen Banglin
Published: January 2025

The advancement of high‐value CH4 purification technology within the natural gas industry is paramount for industrial processes. Herein, we constructed ZJNU‐402, a new porous material characterized by permanent porosity, as an effective adsorbent for separating C3H8/CH4 and C2H6/CH4 mixtures. The findings reveal an outstanding C3H8 adsorption capacity of 68 cm3 g−1 and a moderate C2H6 adsorption rate of 42 cm3 g−1, with a notably lower CH4 adsorption rate of 11 cm3 g−1. Noteworthy is the exceptional selectivity of ZJNU‐402 for C3H8/CH4 and C2H6/CH4, standing at 375 and 31, respectively, surpassing many previously documented high‐performance adsorbents and breaking the traditional trade‐off between adsorption capacity and separation selectivity. Adsorption heat calculations show that compared with CH4 molecules, C3H8 and C2H6 molecules form stronger bonds with the skeleton, resulting in excellent separation performance. In addition, the breakthrough experiment of ZJNU‐402 can also completely separate the ternary component C3H8/C2H6/CH4 mixture to obtain 99.95 % high‐purity methane. At the same time, ZJNU‐402 also has excellent structural stability, excellent recyclability, and low isosteric adsorption heat. Consequently, ZJNU‐402 exhibits substantial potential for augmenting the efficacy of natural gas enrichment processes.
Short‐ and Long‐Term Efficacy of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Irradiated Breast Cancer Patients With Long‐Standing Lymphedema: A Prospective Case Series
Authors: Chitapanarux Imjai , Chachvarat Siriarrayapa , Sripan Patumrat , Pattarasakulchai Thienchai , Pattamapaspong Nuttaya , Kanthawang Thanat , Buntragulpoontawee Montana
Published: January 2025

Background

Several studies have explored the advantage of treatment with hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) for upper extremity lymphedema in irradiated breast cancer patients and reported controversial results. This prospective case series aimed to document the short‐ and long‐term efficacy of this therapy, focusing on the arm volume and functional assessment in breast cancer patients with a history of long‐standing lymphedema for more than 2 years.

Case

Six breast cancer patients with long‐standing lymphedema were enrolled. All of them received breast surgery and dissection of axillary lymph nodes, chemotherapy, and postoperative radiotherapy. The average duration from the onset of lymphedema to HBO treatment was 9 ± 5.92 years (range 2–17). All patients were treated for 90 min in the HBO chamber with 100% oxygen at a higher pressure of two times the atmospheric pressure, five times a week for 30 sessions. We measured the circumference of both arms and calculated the arm volume before treatment (baseline), after 30 sessions of treatment, and after treatment at 3, 6, and 24 months. Functional assessment focused on the ability of the arm, shoulder, and hand using the Thai Quick‐DASH questionnaires, which were assessed by the patients at the same periods. The change of arm volume and Thai Quick‐DASH score at each time point were compared to the starting point data before HBO.

Conclusion

The change of arm volume and mean Quick‐DASH score had decreased at 3, 6, and 24 months after treatment compared to the starting point before HBO, However, these changes were not statistically significant.
Addressing Sustainability Footprint Disclosure for High Pollutant Firms in China and the US: The Roles of Firms Governance Structure, Financing Decisions, and Eco‐Technology
Authors: Agyemang Andrew Osei , Yusheng Kong , Osei Abednego
Published: January 2025

In a race toward a sustainable future, corporate actions speak louder than words but what drives firms to reveal their true environmental impact? This study uncovers how governance structures and financing decisions shape sustainability footprint disclosure (SFD) among high‐pollutant manufacturing firms in China and the US while exploring the pivotal role of eco‐technology in magnifying these effects. Drawing on agency and resource‐based theories, we dissect governance into structural, diversity, and process attributes, analyzing data from 149 Chinese firms and 158 US firms from 2000 to 2022. We found robust evidence that, regarding the structural attributes board size and CEO duality positively influence SFD, whilst board independence negatively impacts on SFD. Moreover, the diversity attributes such as age diversity and gender diversity recorded a positive link with SFD whilst foreign nationals recorded a negative link with SFD. In addition, process attributes such as board meetings recorded a positive link with SFD whilst board tenure recorded a negative link with SFD. Financing decisions such as debt financing and equity finance are positively linked to SFD. Notably, eco‐technology strengthens the relationship between governance, financing, and SFD. These findings highlight the vital role of corporate boards in shaping sustainability outcomes, offering key insights for policymakers to foster innovation and implement stringent environmental regulations that enhance governance and transparency.
The effect of thermal–hydro–mechanical coupling on grouting in a single fracture under coal mine flowing water conditions
Authors: Zhang Dingyang , Liu Dangping
Published: January 2025

Groundwater inrush is a hazard that always occurs during underground mining. Grouting is one of the most effective processes to seal underground water inflow for hazard prevention. In this study, grouting experiments are conducted by using a visualized transparent single‐fracture replica with plane roughness. Image processing and analysis are performed to investigate the thermo–hydro–mechanical coupling effect on the grouting diffusion under coal mine flowing water conditions. The results show that higher ambient temperature leads to shorter initial gel time of chemical grout and leads to a better relative sealing efficiency in the case of a lower flow rate. However, with a higher water flow rate, the relative sealing efficiency is gradually reduced under higher temperature conditions. The grouting pressure, the seepage pressure, and the temperature are measured. The results reveal that the seepage pressure shows a positive correlation with the grouting pressure, while the temperature change shows a negative correlation with the seepage pressure and the grouting pressure. The “equivalent grouting point offset” effect of grouting shows an eccentric elliptical diffusion with larger grouting distance and width under lower temperature conditions.
Adaptation of Archaeal Communities to Summer Hypoxia in the Sediment of Bohai Sea
Authors: Guo Xiaoxiao , Li Yanying , Song Guisheng , Zhao Liang , Wang Jing
Published: January 2025

Understanding the adaptation of archaea to hypoxia is essential for deciphering the functions and mechanisms of microbes when suffering environmental changes. However, the dynamics and responses of archaea to the sedimentary hypoxia in Bohai Sea are still unclear. In this study, the diversity, composition, and distribution of archaeal community in sediment along an inshore–offshore transect across the oxygen‐depleted area in the Bohai Sea were investigated in June, July, and August of 2021 by employing high‐throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA gene. Results indicated that the archaeal communities were dominated by Thermoproteota (80.61%), Asgardarchaeota (8.70%), and Thermoplasmatota (5.27%). Dissolved oxygen (DO) and NO3− were the two key factors shaping the distribution of archaeal communities, accounting for 49.5% and 38.3% of the total variabilities (p < 0.05), respectively. With the intensity of oxygen depletion, the diversity of archaeal communities increased significantly. Microbial networks revealed that Bathyarchaeia played a key role in interacting with both bacteria and other archaeal groups. Furthermore, adaptions to hypoxia of archaea were also displayed by variation in relative abundance of the predicted ecological functions and the metabolic pathways. The enrichment of specific nitrogen transformation enzymes showed the potential for nitrogen fixation and removal, which might contribute to the balance of N budget and thus facilitate the ecological restoration under eutrophication in Bohai Sea. Our results provided a new picture on ecological and metabolic adaptions to hypoxia by archaea, which will be beneficial to further investigations in extreme environments both theoretically and practically.
Genomics Reveal Population Structure and Intergeneric Hybridization in an Endangered South American Bird: Implications for Management and Conservation
Authors: Domínguez Marisol , Arantes Larissa S. , Lavinia Pablo D. , Bergjürgen Nicole , Casale Agustin I. , Fracas Pablo A. , Lijtmaer Darío A. , Tubaro Pablo , Sparmann Sarah , Mbedi Susan , Mazzoni Camila , Mahler Bettina , Tiedemann Ralph
Published: January 2025

Genomics is an invaluable tool for conservation, particularly for endangered species impacted by wildlife trafficking. This study uses genomic data to provide new insights to aid conservation and management of endangered species, using as a case study the Yellow cardinal (Gubernatrix cristata), a bird endemic to southern South America severely affected by illegal trade and the transformation of its natural habitat. We explore population structure within the Yellow cardinal, delimiting management units and describing connectivity among them. Additionally, we develop and assess the accuracy of a panel of 189 informative SNPs, and demonstrate how these can reliably assign confiscated individuals to one of the management units established. Lastly, we assess hybridization between the Yellow cardinal and the Diuca finch (Diuca diuca), which is reported to occur in regions of sympatry. We confirm that hybridization occurs, although it is not as common as previously thought, and that hybrids might be fertile, as we found evidence of backcrossing with Yellow cardinals. We discuss the implications of this introgression for the evolution and conservation of Yellow cardinals. Our study provides new, valuable information that can guide conservation efforts, comprising a test case for the use of genomics in combating illegal trafficking, with potential application beyond the case of the Yellow cardinal.
Metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease is associated with increased risks of heart failure
Authors: Chang Kai‐Chun , Su Tung‐Hung , Wu Cho‐Kai , Huang Shang‐Chin , Tseng Tai‐Chung , Hong Chun‐Ming , Hsu Shih‐Jer , Liu Chen‐Hua , Yang Hung‐Chih , Liu Chun‐Jen , Kao Jia‐Horng
Published: January 2025

Aims

Metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), defined by steatotic liver disease (SLD) and cardiometabolic factors, is increasing in prevalence, but its association with heart failure (HF) is unclear.

Methods and results

Patients with SLD without a history of HF from 2006 to 2021 were retrospectively included and were classified into MASLD and non‐MASLD groups that were followed longitudinally. The primary outcome was the new development of HF, which was sub‐classified by echocardiography. Multivariable and propensity score matching analyses were conducted to adjust for confounding factors. Overall, 26 676 patients with SLD were included, with a median age of 51 years and 71% classified as MASLD. During a median follow‐up of 6 years, 429 (1.61%) patients developed HF, and 76% were HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The risk of HF was significantly higher in patients with MASLD than in those without (sub‐distribution hazard ratio [SHR] 2.59, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.84–3.64) after adjustment of competing mortality. There was a dose‐dependent increase in HF risks in patients with more cardiometabolic risk factors (SHR 1.12, 95% CI 1.04–1.22). MASLD was also associated with higher risk of HF‐related hospitalization (SHR 2.30, 95% CI 1.31–4.04) and specifically, the risk of HFpEF (SHR 1.91, 95% CI 1.27–2.86). In propensity score‐matched cohorts, MASLD was also associated with a 2.52‐fold higher risk of HF.

Conclusion

In patients with SLD, those with MASLD show a higher risk of HF, specifically HFpEF. Future studies are warranted to validate the association between HF and MASLD.
A Review of High‐Temperature Molten Salt for Third‐Generation Concentrating Solar Power
Authors: Liu Xu , Zhong Yuan , Li Jinli , Wang Huaiyou , Wang Min
Published: January 2025

Current concentrating solar power (CSP) systems operate below 550°C, achieving annual electricity generation efficiencies of 10%–20%, which primarily employs nitrate molten salts as heat transfer fluids (HTFs). However, nitrate salts decompose at temperature exceeding 600°C, rendering them unsuitable for next‐generation CSP systems, which aim to operate above 700°C. This review presents the first comprehensive analysis of high‐temperature molten salts for third‐generation CSP systems. This highlights the potential of carbonates, chlorides, and sulfates as HTFs due to their extended operational temperature ranges. Guided by phase diagrams, multicomponent molten salts are systematically engineered to achieve desirable thermal properties. The review provides a detailed synthesis of compositions and working temperature ranges for these molten salts, with a particular focus on underexplored sulfate‐based salts. It consolidates critical data on the melting points and phase compositions of multicomponent sulfates and examines advancements in thermal property enhancements, including the integration of nanoparticles. By summarizing the latest progress and identifying future research directions, this work offers invaluable insights into the design and application of high‐temperature molten salts in next‐generation CSP systems.
Characterisation of Hedge Burning in the Context of Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Prevention
Authors: Tihay‐Felicelli Virginie , Meerpoel‐Pietri Karina , Santoni Paul‐Antoine , Perez‐Ramirez Yolanda , Graziani Anthony , Morandini Frédéric , Luciani Camille , Mell William , Maranghides Alexander
Published: January 2025

With global warming, the wildfire season tends to get longer, causing fatalities and devastating damage to human property. Although many countries have implemented fire risk prevention measures, particularly in Wildland Urban Interfaces (WUI), this finding shows that there are weaknesses in the prevention measures. This is mainly due to a lack of knowledge about WUI fire exposure conditions. This paper presents field‐scale experiments to characterise the burning of rockrose‐reconstructed hedges (6 × 1 × 1 m) close to a building in order to provide experimental data on heat release rate (HRR), flame front geometry, and heat fluxes to the building. The mean horizontal flame extent was 4.4 (±0.7) m with values up to 5.5 m. These values are generally higher than the minimum distance to be maintained between vegetation and buildings in most countries. The fire intensity ranged from 283 to 3479 kW/m, resulting in maximum values at 3 m from the hedge of up to 45.4 kW/m2 for the total heat flux and 38.1 kW/m2 for the radiant heat flux. However, the flame duration is short, averaging 112.8 (±27.1) s. This type of exposure is far from those used to test the fire resistance worldwide. Therefore, the data obtained in this study are crucial for improving fire risk prevention methods worldwide, whether for fuel management in defensible zones or for testing building materials to make buildings more resistant to wildfires.
A Comparative Study of Ignitibility and Combustibility Properties of Four Algerian Plants: Application to Wildland Fuels Classification
Authors: Krim F. Z. , Zekri N. , Boutchiche H. , Mosbah O. , Sahraoui S.
Published: January 2025

To seek a fire‐resistant fuel, the reaction to fire of Algerian Phoenix dactylifera leaves known for their thermal resistance was compared to that of three highly flammable Algerian fuel particles: Eucalyptus globulus leaves and Pinus halepensis and Pinus canariensis needles. By using a small‐scale cone calorimeter, their thermal properties were investigated under a low irradiance of , while their ignition and combustion properties were examined with irradiances of and . Eucalyptus globulus leaves were found the most ignitable fuels with the largest released heat, while Phoenix dactylifera leaves were found by far the least ignitable fuels with the smallest released heat, particularly under large heat flux intensities. Based on a theoretical analysis of thermal and ignition properties, a new flammability/spreading index combining the ignitability and combustibility metrics was proposed to rank these fuels. This index was compared with the fire retardancy index used for polymer composites and adapted to these plants because it uses a cone calorimeter. A similar ranking order was obtained between the two indices for the considered fuels, where Eucalyptus globulus leaves were found by far the most fire‐spreading fuels particularly at large fire intensity. On the other hand, Phoenix dactylifera leaves appeared by far the least fire‐spreading fuels particularly at large fire intensity. The possible use of Phoenix dactylifera trees as extreme fire retardants in wildland fuel management, as well as their use at the wildland–urban Interface, are discussed, but these results should be confirmed at a large scale.
Lifetime Treatment Trajectories of Mantle Cell Lymphoma: Simulation Based Analysis of 20 Years of Real‐World Data
Authors: Harmanen Minna , Hujo Mika , Sund Reijo , Sorigue Marc , Khan Madiha , Prusila Roosa , Klaavuniemi Tuula , Kari Esa , Jantunen Esa , Sunela Kaisa , Rajamäki Aino , Alanne Erika , Kuitunen Hanne , Sancho Juan‐Manuel , Jukkola Arja , Rönkä Aino , Kuittinen Outi
Published: January 2025

Mantle cell lymphoma is a rare type of B‐cell lymphoma, which is considered incurable yet treatable. In recent years, the treatment options of mantle cell lymphoma have multiplied, and the focus of treatment is expected to shift from traditional chemoimmunotherapy toward precision medicine. However, this development is hindered by the high costs of targeted therapies. To provide a baseline for future assessment of costs and benefits of new and emerging MCL treatments, we established a predictive simulated model of lifetime treatment trajectories based on a retrospective cohort of chemoimmunotherapy era patients diagnosed and treated between the year 2000 and 2020.
Priorities for research on improving health behaviours for optimal mental health of Australian university students: A twin‐panel Delphi study
Authors: Hutchesson Melinda J. , Stanton Robert , Johnson Natalie , Francis‐Taylor Rohan , Burrows Tracy , Fassnacht Daniel B. , Farrer Louise M.
Published: January 2025

Issue Addressed

University students are at risk of poor health behaviours which negatively affect mental health and wellbeing. Informing the implementation of appropriate strategies to support Australian university students' health and wellbeing, requires quality evidence. This study aimed to identify research priorities for improving health behaviours to optimise mental health of Australian university students.

Methods

A twin‐panel Delphi method comprising 32 experts across two panels (Panel 1: n = 24, Panel 2; n = 8), with three rounds of data collection, was utilised. In round one panellists identified up to five research priorities. Identified priorities were grouped into themes and in Round 2 panellists ranked their panels priorities using a 4‐point Likert scale (1 irrelevant, 2 peripheral, 3 important, 4 essential), and in Round 3 they ranked the importance of the priorities identified by the other panel.

Results

Panel 1 identified 35 research priorities in Round 1, and Panel 2 identified 11. Priorities were ranked based on the mean score, with strong, between‐panel agreement in the rankings for Panel 1's priorities. (rs = .68, p < .001) but not Panel 2 (rs = .32, p = .34). A list of 25 priorities was retained.

Conclusions

Priorities were derived from experts and provided a further call to action for research targeting suicide prevention, social determinants, co‐design, behaviour change, and the effectiveness and accessibility of services.

So What?

With further input from students, universities and other stakeholders, these research priorities can guide research to optimise health behaviours and mental health of Australian university students.
Infant mental health integration into OB care leads to increased connection to services during the perinatal period
Authors: Jester Jennifer M. , Bengel Cierra , Issa Meriam , Duprey Michelle , Riggs Jessica L. , Hoffman Charity M. , Harris Sharnita D. , Muzik Maria , Rosenblum Katherine Lisa
Published: January 2025

We compared referrals and connection to care between perinatal patients: 90 receiving OB/GYN care in clinics with integrated behavioral health consultants with infant mental health specialization (IMH‐BHC), and 68 receiving traditional care, in the United States. Participants identified as: Native American/Alaskan native, 1.90%; Asian, .63%; African American, 58.23%; Middle Eastern, 6.96%; African National/Caribbean Islander, .63%; Latin‐American, 8.86%; and White, 28.48%.

Approximately 80% of families in each group were offered referrals. By design, intervention women received mental health services during pregnancy; 16% of women in either group received postpartum mental health services. Intervention group participants were over three times as likely to engage in IMH home visiting. Treatment families were less likely to follow up with infant referrals, but also had fewer infant emergency room visits.

All intervention participants met with an IMH‐BHC prior to recruitment; however, only 20% self‐reported encounters with a mental health professional, indicating these interactions may not be identified by the participants as mental health care; therefore, openness to treatment may be increased for women who feel stigma around mental health care.

Given the importance of perinatal mental health, OB/GYN clinics and others serving perinatal patients may consider integrating IMH providers as part of the care team.
Comprehensive landscape of small non‐coding RNAs in large and small extracellular vesicles from human serum and plasma
Authors: Xie Gui‐Yan , Deng Yi‐Han , Liu Chun‐Jie , Guo An‐Yuan , Lei Qian
Published: January 2025

Small non‐coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are functional molecules contained within extracellular vesicles (EVs) that modulate various physiological and pathological processes. This study provides a comprehensive expression profile of seven types of small ncRNAs in serum‐ and plasma‐derived EVs under various conditions. Both large EVs (lEVs) and small EVs (sEVs) contain high proportions of miRNAs (∼28.2% in lEVs and ∼20.8% in sEVs) and ribosomal RNAs (∼24.0% in lEVs and ∼19.1% in sEVs). lEVs are enriched with more transfer RNA (∼38.8%) than sEVs, whereas sEVs have a greater abundance of Y RNA (∼22.5%). Notably, Y RNA is more abundant in sEVs obtained from aged samples (age ≥60 years), a pattern not observed in lEVs. Small ncRNAs are more diverse in serum‐derived EVs than plasma‐derived EVs. There is also a high degree of overlap (>50%) in the top 100 small ncRNAs identified in lEVs and sEVs. The miRNAs hsa‐miR‐16‐5p, hsa‐let‐7a‐5p, hsa‐miR‐142‐3p, and hsa‐miR‐103‐3p are consistently among the top 10 highly expressed small ncRNAs in plasma‐ and serum‐derived lEVs as well as in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Serum‐derived sEVs in glioblastoma, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and gastric cancer contain specific, highly expressed miRNAs, snoRNAs, small nuclear RNAs, and piRNAs. These results elucidate the patterns of small ncRNA cargoes within lEVs and sEVs derived from serum and plasma under various physiological and pathological conditions and offer valuable insights for future diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
Transgenerational Reproductive and Developmental Toxicity Induced by N‐Nitrosodimethylamine and Its Metabolite Formaldehyde in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Tabares‐Mosquera Oscar Eduardo , Juárez‐Díaz Javier Andrés , Camacho‐Carranza Rafael , Ramos‐Morales Patricia
Published: January 2025

N‐Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) is a known water disinfection byproduct (DBP) characterized as a potent hepatotoxin, promutagen, and probable human carcinogen; this is because of the metabolites associated with its biotransformation. The metabolism of NDMA produces formaldehyde, another alkylating agent and DBP. Both compounds are generated from natural and anthropogenic sources, but the safety restrictions applied to NDMA do not extend to the uses of formaldehyde. Hence, potential health and ecological risks are of concern. Due to limited information on the long‐term effects of exposure to these compounds at environmentally relevant concentrations, this work aimed to compare the transgenerational reproductive and developmental toxicity of separate exposures to NDMA or its metabolite formaldehyde in Drosophila melanogaster over four generations. The parental flies were fed NDMA or formaldehyde (1.19E−06 to 5 mM) for 48 h during the third larval instar. Subsequent offspring (F1–F3) were grown under compound‐free conditions. In the parental generation, both exposures modified the time to emergence and reduced the number of progenies. NDMA, but not formaldehyde, was lethal, affected fertility, and weakly induced malformations. In the next generations, both exposures induced malformed flies and modified the number of offspring. Reproductive toxicity and malformations were maintained for at least three generations, suggesting that detrimental effects could extend to unexposed offspring. This is the first study reporting the associated individual transgenerational effects on reproduction and development between NDMA and its metabolite formaldehyde in D. melanogaster, highlighting the relevance of evaluating multiple generations to accurately determine the health and environmental risks of pollutants.
Quantitative fluorescent nanoparticle tracking analysis and nano‐flow cytometry enable advanced characterization of single extracellular vesicles
Authors: Mladenović Danilo , Brealey Joseph , Peacock Ben , Koort Kairi , Zarovni Nataša
Published: January 2025

Current state‐of‐the‐art tools for analysing extracellular vesicles (EVs) offer either highly sensitive but unidimensional bulk measurements of EV components, or high‐resolution multiparametric single‐particle analyses which lack standardization and appropriate reference materials. This limits the accuracy of the assessment of marker abundance and overall marker distribution amongst individual EVs, and finally, the understanding of true EV heterogeneity. In this study, we aimed to define the standardized operating procedures and reference material for fluorescent characterization of EVs with two commonly used EV analytical platforms—nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and nano‐flow cytometry (nFCM). We achieved quantitative fluorescence analyses on ZetaView NTA and NanoAnalyzer nFCM instruments, by utilizing yellow‐green FluoSpheres (FS) with assigned ERF (equivalent reference fluorophore) values. This standardization technique allowed for fluorescent EV signal to be expressed in ERF units (indicative of bound fluorescent antibodies per EV), thus enabling measurement of target protein marker abundance on individual EVs, and in the whole EV population. The NTA's and nFCM's limits of detection (LoD) were evaluated at 21 and 9 Alexa Fluor 488 (AF488) molecules, respectively. To complement the limited quantification of markers expressed in a few copies per single EV, in‐line bulk fluorescence measurements with a plate reader were performed. This provided absolute marker quantification and more insightful analyses of EV heterogeneity and marker stoichiometry. The standardization method outlined in this work unlocks the full analytical potential of NTA and nFCM, enabling cross‐platform data comparison. At the same time, it highlights some of the technical challenges and considerations and thus contributes to the ongoing efforts towards the development of EV analytical tools.
Pediatric Bilateral Vestibular Hypofunction: A Review of 26 Cases
Authors: Peng Hwa Tiffany , Villarin Colin , Davin Kathleen , Field Erin , Caine Melissa , O'Reilly Robert
Published: January 2025

Objective

Peripheral bilateral vestibular hypofunction (BVH) is a rare condition that is well‐studied in the adult population, whereas characterization in children has been limited. We report a pediatric cohort of patients with BVH at a multidisciplinary, tertiary care pediatric vestibular clinic.

Methods

A record review of 832 patients with balance‐related complaints in our center was conducted. Multidisciplinary evaluations in Otolaryngology, Physical Therapy (PT), and Audiology were reviewed for each subject, and data were entered into a REDCap database for further analysis.

Results

Twenty‐six individuals met diagnostic criteria for BVH. The cohort consisted of 17 females and nine males, with a mean age of 5.24 years (1.41–17.35; SD 3.97). Thirteen subjects had diagnoses of one or more concurrent neurodevelopmental syndromes. Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) was present in 21 (80.8%) subjects, of which 17 were profound in severity and 14 had undergone cochlear implant surgery. Seventeen (65.4%) children were able to complete vHIT testing, revealing reduced lateral semicircular canal (SCC) gains bilaterally in 11 cases. Twenty‐one (80.8%) patients received recommendation for PT services, of which 15 were for vestibular therapy specifically. Patients who completed their course of vestibular PT achieved improved functional goal outcomes and discharge from therapy in nine of 11 (81.8%) cases.

Conclusion

We present a case series of pediatric patients with bilateral vestibular hypofunction. BVH in this population is often associated with SNHL and comorbid congenital or neurodevelopmental diagnoses. Vestibular physical therapy may provide a significant improvement in quality of life for patients.

Level of Evidence

Level 4 Laryngoscope, 2025
Chain‐Folding Effects on Polymer Film Gas Permeabilities
Authors: Agami Iris , Mendelson Orit , Diesendruck Charles E.
Published: January 2025

Polymer gas sorption and permeability are key parameters when choosing materials for applications from gas separation to food packaging. These parameters are naturally affected by the polymer chemistry, but also by the bulk morphology. In this work, the effect of chain folding (intramolecular) collapse on such properties is studied. While maintaining the same chemical composition, powders and films made from linear and folded chains are compared, indicating that chain folding affects only slightly the overall gas solubility in the polymer, but the diffusivity and permeability is changed very significantly. Measurements at different pressures provide clear support for well‐behaved systems which are chemically similar but show very different properties, allowing for the decoupling of chemistry and properties.
Targeting MDA‐MB‐231 Cancer Stem Cells With Temsirolimus in 3D Collagen/PGA/Na2SiO3‐Based Bone Model
Authors: Altundag‐Erdogan Özlem , Çetinkaya Hayrullah , Özgür Öteyaka Mustafa , Çelebi‐Saltik Betül
Published: January 2025

This study evaluated the efficacy of temsirolimus in a 3D model mimicking breast cancer stem cell (CSC) metastasis to bone. A composite material (collagen/PGA/Na₂SiO₃) is used to create a scaffold with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM‐MSCs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). MSCs maintained over 80% viability for 21 days on the scaffold. Calcium analysis shows increased calcium release in both control (3‐fold, 2.7‐fold) and osteogenic (2.3‐fold, 2.5‐fold) mediums on days 14 and 21. Gene expression analysis reveals higher levels of Osteopontin (OPN) (6‐fold), Osteocalcin (OCN) (12‐fold), and RUNX Family transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) (1.8‐fold) in the osteogenic medium (p < 0.05). The impact of 5 µM temsirolimus treatment for 6 hours is assessed under control and dynamic culture conditions, reducing mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)‐related protein levels (phospho (p)‐mTOR and p‐AKT) in CSCs. The composite material is characterized through viscosity and compression testing, confirming its suitability for supporting osteogenic differentiation and cell viability (WST‐1, Alizarin Red Staining, Calcium Assay, RT‐qPCR). Gene expression of CSCs, selected based on CD133 expression, shows elevated stemness‐associated genes (OCT4, NANOG), EMT (MMP2, CXCR4, CHD1, CDH2), and drug resistance (ABCG1, ABCG2) in the CD133⁺ group in dynamic condition. Temsirolimus treatment reduces the expression of these genes by 21‐fold to 7.52‐fold (p < 0.05). These findings suggest temsirolimus as a promising therapeutic for CSC metastasis to bone.
Investigating the Role of Aniline Structure in Improving Proton Exchange Membranes for High Conductivity
Authors: Wang Gang , Li Shuwei , Yao Qifang , Yuan Xinghui , Gu Jia , Lu Mingxia , Wei Hongliang
Published: January 2025

Polybenzothiazole exhibits high proton conductivity; however, its rigid backbone limits its applicability, necessitating processes such as modification or doping. The aniline structure can participate in various reactions, including nucleophilic or electrophilic substitution reactions, salt formation, and acylation reactions. In this experiment, an aniline structure is integrated into the main chain of sulfonated polybenzothiazole to investigate the potential of aniline for enhancing proton exchange membranes. The incorporation of the aniline structure is confirmed through infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance analyses. A comparison of different proportions of aniline revealed that 12.5% aniline increased the tensile modulus to 274.40 MPa and the elongation at break to 6.26%. Furthermore, the water absorption rate reached 65.73%, while the expansion rate remained at 25%. The aniline structure exhibits inherent basicity and utilizes phosphoric acid adsorption to enhance proton conductivity. After aniline adsorbs phosphoric acid, the proton conductivity peaks at 0.157 S cm−1. Additionally, the introduction of amino groups provides further modification potential to the main chain of polybenzothiazole.
Taming the Flow with Hyperbranched Polyamides as Melt Modifiers in Polyamide Composites
Authors: Jo Suna , Kwon Daeyul , Yu Jeehoon , Kim Yong Seok , Yoo Youngjae
Published: January 2025

Transport equipment manufacturers in the automotive and aerospace industries are focused on developing materials that enhance fuel efficiency and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. A significant approach is employing lightweight materials like aluminum, magnesium, and polymer‐based composites. Polyamide‐based composites, particularly nylon 66, as viable alternatives due to their excellent rigidity, chemical resistance, and thermal stability are investigated to address the limitations of traditional thermosetting resins, which are difficult to recycle and have lengthy molding processes that hinder mass production. This research aims to create a polymer additive that lowers melt viscosity during high‐temperature processing, thereby improving the processability of these composites. Hyperbranched polyamides (HBPs) with a dendritic structure and numerous terminal groups, which offer lower melt viscosity and greater solubility than linear polymers, are synthesized. By disrupting intermolecular bonds within PA66, these HBPs are expected to enhance miscibility and act as internal slip agents and melt‐modifier. Using the A2+B3 approach, novel‐hyperbranched polyamides are produced from commercially available monomers, allowing for better industrial applicability. The resulting composites demonstrate improved dispersion, reduced melt viscosity, and high‐thermal stability, highlighting their potential as effective melt modifiers for engineering plastics in lightweight composite applications.
The Transcription Factor ATF2 Accelerates Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma Progression Through Activating the PLEKHO1/NUS1 Pathway
Authors: Lu Zheng , Xu Jinge , Li Junyu
Published: January 2025

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a common malignant cancer with high mortality rate. Activating transcription factor 2 (ATF2) and pleckstrin homology domain containing O1 (PLEKHO1) were reported to participate in numerous cancers. However, their roles and the detailed mechanisms in ccRCC development remain largely unknown. RT‐qPCR and western blot were used to measure the levels of PLEKHO1, ATF2, and nuclear undecaprenyl pyrophosphate synthase 1 (NUS1). Cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, migration and stemness were evaluated using CCK‐8 assay, flow cytometry, transwell invasion assay, wound‐healing assay and sphere formation assay, respectively. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay was conducted to verify the relationship between ATF2 and PLEKHO1. The interaction between PLEKHO1 and NUS1 was proved by Co‐IP assay. Xenograft models were utilized to evaluate the tumorigenic capability of ccRCC cells upon PLEKHO1 knockdown. PLEKHO1, ATF2 and NUS1 expression were significantly elevated in ccRCC, and PLEKHO1 might be a prognosis biomarker for ccRCC. PLEKHO1 depletion significantly inhibited cell proliferation, invasion, migration, stemness, and induced cell apoptosis in ccRCC cells. ATF2 activated PLEKHO1 expression via transcription regulation, and PLEKHO1 overexpression could reverse the suppressive effects of ATF2 knockdown on the malignant behaviors of ccRCC cells. Moreover, PLEKHO1 directly bound to NUS1, and PLEKHO1 depletion markedly restrained ccRCC progression through targeting NUS1 in vitro and in vivo. Our findings suggested that ATF2 transcriptionally activated PLEKHO1 to promote the development of ccRCC via regulating NUS1 expression.
PTPN2 Expression in Hypopharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Its Clinical Significance
Authors: Li Xue , Feng Hua , Jian Hengheng , Zhang Shilan , Tai Zhaoli Liao , Wang Xiaoyu , Lu Fengzhi , Liu Zuwei , Li Tingchao , Ji Yangsong , Liu Youxuan , Ma Zuxia
Published: January 2025

This study aimed to explore PTPN2 expression levels in Hypopharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HPSCC) tissues and their relationship with the clinical characteristics and prognosis of HPSCC patients. PTPN2, a protein tyrosine phosphatase, has recently emerged as a promising target for cancer immunotherapy, and in many previous studies, PTPN2 may have a significant role in the growth, differentiation, metabolism and immune response of head and neck malignant tumors. In this study, PTPN2 expression in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) and other cancer tissues was analyzed using datasets derived from the Sangerbox database. Furthermore, we analyzed data on PTPN2 mRNA levels across various clinical stages of HNSCC (I, II, III, and IV), which was extracted from the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) database. Clinical data from patients who underwent surgical resection for hypopharyngeal malignancies at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University between January 2013 and January 2024 were also obtained and analyzed. The patient specimens were categorized into two groups (the HPSCC tumor and paracarcinoma tissue groups) and compared for PTPN2 expression using Immunohistochemistry (IHC), Immunofluorescence (IF), and Western Blot (WB) analyses. According to the results, HPSCC patients were mostly elderly males with a history of tobacco and alcohol abuse. Furthermore, the most common site of HPSCC onset was piriform sinuses, and the disease was often diagnosed in the middle or advanced stages. Additionally, HPSCC tissues exhibited PTPN2 upregulation. Moreover, PTPN2 expression did not correlate significantly with patients' gender, Smoking Index (SI), alcohol abuse, tumor diameter, Hypertension (HTN), diabetes, and M stage. On the other hand, it correlated with HPSCC patients' T‐stage, N‐stage, Overall Survival (OS), and clinical stage. Based on these findings, we deduced that high PTPN2 expression could be involved in HPSCC patients' poor prognosis.
A Topology‐Enhanced Multi‐Viewed Contrastive Approach for Molecular Graph Representation Learning and Classification
Authors: Pham Phu
Published: January 2025

In recent times, graph representation learning has been becoming a hot research topic which has attracted a lot of attention from researchers. Graph embeddings have diverse applications across fields such as information and social network analysis, bioinformatics and cheminformatics, natural language processing (NLP), and recommendation systems. Among the advanced deep learning (DL) based architectures used in graph representation learning, graph neural networks (GNNs) have emerged as the dominant and highly effective framework. The recent GNN‐based methods have demonstrated state‐of‐the‐art performance on complex supervised and unsupervised tasks at both the node and graph levels. In recent years, to enhance multi‐view and structured graph representations, contrastive learning‐based techniques have been developed, introducing models known as graph contrastive learning (GCL) models. These GCL approaches leverage unsupervised contrastive methods to capture multi‐view graph representations by comparing node and graph embeddings, yielding significant improvements in both graph‐level representations and task‐specific applications, such as molecular embedding and classification. However, as most GCL techniques are primarily designed to focus on the explicit graph structure through GNN‐based encoders, they often overlook critical topological insights that could be provided through topological data analysis (TDA). Given the promising research indicating that topological features can greatly benefit various graph learning tasks, we propose a novel topology‐enhanced, multi‐view graph contrastive learning model called TMGCL. Our TMGCL model is designed to capture and utilize both comprehensive multi‐scale topological and global structural information from graphs. This enhanced representation capability positions TMGCL to directly support a range of applications, such as molecular classification, with improved accuracy and robustness. Extensive experiments within two real‐world datasets proved the effectiveness and outperformance of our proposed TMGCL in comparing with state‐of‐the‐art GNN/GCL‐based baselines.
On a Truncated Thermoelastic Timoshenko System With a Dual‐Phase Lag Model
Authors: Messaoudi Salim A. , Keddi Ahmed , Alahyane Mohamed
Published: January 2025

In this work, we consider a one‐dimensional truncated Timoshenko system coupled with a heat equation, where the heat flux is given by the generalized dual‐phase lag model. By using the semigroup theory and some nonclassical differential operators, we establish the well‐posedness of the problem. Then, we use the multiplier method to show that the only one heat control is enough to stabilize the whole system exponentially without imposing the usual equal‐speed assumption or any other stability number. Moreover, to illustrate our theoretical results, we give some numerical tests. Our result seems to be the first of this type.
The N‐Terminal Fragment of Urine Titin Is Not a Product of Degradation by Calpain 3
Authors: Nambu Yoshinori , Matsumura Tsuyoshi , Machida Kyoka , Tsutsumi Rie , Hata Shoji , Shinkai‐Ouchi Fumiko , Ono Yasuko , Osawa Kayo , Shirakawa Taku , Bo Ryosuke , Nishio Hisahide , Sakaue Hiroshi , Awano Hiroyuki , Matsuo Masafumi
Published: January 2025

Introduction

A 20 kDa fragment at the N‐terminus of titin is highly excreted in the urine of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), making urine titin a prominent biomarker for muscle breakdown. This N‐terminal fragment is presumed to be a product of degradation by a protein‐degrading enzyme, calpain 3; however, whether calpain 3 is required remains unclear. We aimed to determine whether urine titin elevation occurs in the absence of calpain 3.

Methods

We measured urine titin by ELISA in two genetically confirmed limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy type R1(LGMDR1) patients, 11 other LGMD patients, and five healthy controls. Five Capn3−/− and nine wild‐type mice were also examined.

Results

Urine titin in LGMDR1 patients was ~100‐fold higher than in controls (median 112.3 vs. 1.3 pmol/mg Cr, p < 0.0001), with no difference between LGMDR1 and other LGMD subtypes. Similarly, urine titin levels in Capn3−/− mice were more than four times higher than normal (p < 0.01).

Discussion

These results suggest the involvement of other protein‐degrading enzymes leading to the production of the N‐terminal fragment.
Decoding the role of large heat shock proteins in the progression of neuroinflammation‐mediated neurodegenerative disorders
Authors: Saxena Shailendra K. , Sharma Deepak , Kumar Swatantra , Maurya Vimal K. , Ansari Saniya , Malhotra Hardeep S. , Singh Amit
Published: January 2025

Chronic neuroinflammation and protein aggregation are the fundamental events mainly responsible for the progression of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). Potential neurotoxic changes in the intra‐ and extracellular environment are typical hallmarks of many NDs. Treatment of ND is challenging, as the symptoms in these patients arises when a significant numbers of neurons have already been destroyed. Heat shock proteins (HSPs) can bind to recipient cells that are susceptible to stress, such as neurons, in the extracellular environment, therefore enhancing stress resistance. Among all, HSP60, HSP70, and HSP90 are highly conserved molecular chaperones involved in protein folding and assembly, maintaining cellular homeostasis in the central nervous system. Notably, α‐synuclein accumulation is a major pathophysiology in Parkinson's disease, where HSP90 modulates the assembly of α‐synuclein in vesicles to prevent its accumulation. Moreover, HSP90 regulates the activity of the glycogen synthase kinase‐3β protein, which is crucial in diabetes mellitus‐associated neurocognitive disorder. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanism by which HSPs facilitate protein aggregation and respond to inflammatory stimuli, including metabolic disease such as diabetes, is essential for understanding the significance of HSPs in NDs. This review emphasizes the role of various HSPs in the progression of NDs such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, and Huntington's disease, including diabetes, which is one of the major risk factors for neurodegeneration.