bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insufficiency fractures in patients with sacral chordoma treated with high-dose radiation therapy with and without resection
Authors: Miladinovic Vesna , van der Wal Robert J P , Appelman-Dijkstra Natasha M , Navas Cañete Ana , Peul Wilco C , Bloem Johan L , Krol Augustinus D G
Published: January 2025

Objectives

Determine the incidence, location, and features of insufficiency fractures (IFs) in sacral chordoma patients treated with high-dose radiation therapy (HDR) with(out) resection, relative to radiation therapy type and irradiation plans.

Methods

Clinical data, including details of all surgical procedures and radiotherapies of patients histologically diagnosed with sacral chordoma between 2008 and 2023 available at our database, were retrospectively reviewed. Inclusion criteria were as follows: availability of diagnostic, treatment planning and follow-up magnetic resonance and/or computed tomography scans, and completed treatment. Scans were re-evaluated for the presence and location of IF defined as linear abnormalities with(out) bone marrow oedema (BME)-like changes.

Results

From 48 included patients (29 male, median age 66, range 27-85), 22 were diagnosed with 56 IF (45.8%). IF occurred 3-266 months following the treatment. All sacral and iliac bone IF had vertical components parallel to the SI joint. Twenty patients had bilateral and 16 unilateral IF. BME-like changes were visible in 46 IF (82.1%, 0.80, P ≤ .001). In 13/56 IF (23.2%), BME-like changes were seen prior to IF diagnosis; in only 1 patient, BME-like changes did not develop into an IF. Thirty-nine IF (84.7%) occurred within low-dose volume and 7 (15.3%) outside of irradiated volume in 16/44 irradiated patients. Six IF occurred in 1 patient treated with surgery only.

Conclusions

Pelvic IFs are common in sacral chordoma patients treated with definitive or (neo)adjuvant HDR, occurring months to years following treatment. Not all IF occur in the irradiated volume.

Advances in knowledge

When present, BME-like changes indicate risk of IF developing. IF do not heal over time.
General dermatology and dermatology in primary healthcare
Authors: Aydemir Ahmet Taha , Boyvat Ayse , Akay Bengu Nisa
Published: January 2025

We report the case of a 29-year-old man who presented with newly developed asymptomatic linear venous telangiectasias on the chest.
Outcomes of ciclosporin treatment in paediatric patients with drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS): a retrospective cohort analysis
Authors: Zabihi Haleh , Maliyar Khalad , Sibbald Cathryn , Verstegen Ruud H J
Published: January 2025

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is a rare but severe hypersensitivity reaction. In this retrospective cohort study, we compared the efficacy of systemic corticosteroids, the current first-line treatment, with ciclosporin, a treatment that is increasingly being used in paediatric patients with DRESS. We analysed the cases of 14 paediatric patients (aged < 18 years) admitted to the hospital between January 2016 and September 2023. Five patients received ciclosporin, while nine were treated with systemic corticosteroids. Ciclosporin treatment was associated with shorter hospital stays (median 6 days vs. 9 days) and more rapid normalization of alanine aminotransferase levels (25 days vs. 40 days) compared with corticosteroid treatment. While ciclosporin was well-tolerated, corticosteroid treatment was linked to adverse events, including corticosteroid-induced diabetes (n = 2), disease flares during tapering (n = 3) and the need for treatment intensification (n = 2). These findings suggest that ciclosporin may be a promising treatment for managing paediatric DRESS.
Lupus Vulgaris Over the Earlobe with Atypical Milia Formation
Authors: Wang Jingying , Ke Huiyi , Pan Meng , Zhao Xiaoqing
Published: January 2025

Herein, we report a case of a 69-year-old woman with recurrent reddish-brown plaques over the left auricle with milia formation. Diascopy showed an ‘apple jelly’ appearance. Histopathology revealed inflammatory epithelioid granulomas with mild central caseous necrosis. QuantiFERON TB gold test, staining for acid-fast bacillus and tissue culture were negative, and Mantoux test was weakly positive. The diagnosis of lupus vulgaris was based on a positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for M. tuberculosis DNA in both lesions. A triad antitubercular therapy was thus introduced, and her lesions completely resolved within 6 months, with transient increased milia formation over the lesions.
Autonomic cardiac control independently predicts incident hypertension and systolic blood pressure in a multi-ethnic population: the HELIUS study
Authors: Bouwmeester Thomas A , Vriend Esther M C , Galenkamp Henrike , Westerhof Berend E , Collard Didier , van den Born Bert-Jan H
Published: January 2025

Aims

Cross-correlation baroreflex sensitivity (xBRS) and heart rate variability (HRV) are measures of autonomic cardiac control and are associated with hypertension. However, their value in predicting new-onset hypertension and changes in systolic blood pressure (SBP) remains elusive.

Methods and results

We used longitudinal data of participants with and without a history of cardiovascular disease from the HEalthy Life In an Urban Setting (HELIUS) study. A non-invasive continuous finger blood pressure measurement at baseline was used to calculate xBRS and HRV. In normotensives at baseline, we calculated the odds ratio (OR) of developing hypertension at follow-up. In the full cohort, we assessed the change in SBP between baseline and follow-up using linear regression. Subgroup analyses were performed in the younger (<50 years) and older (≥50 years) participants. Median follow-up was 6.6 years (interquartile range 5.8–7.4). A 50% lower xBRS at baseline was independently associated with a 1.31 higher OR [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.09–1.57] of developing hypertension at follow-up. No significant associations between the standard deviation of the normal-to-normal interval (SDNN) or the square root of the mean of successive differences between adjacent normal-to-normal intervals (RMSSD), and new-onset hypertension were found. Compared to the lowest tertile, an xBRS in the highest tertile was associated with a 3.61 mmHg (95% CI 2.50–4.71) higher increase in SBP over time, whereas this was 1.11 mmHg (95% CI 0.12–2.09) and 1.76 mmHg (95% CI 0.73–2.79) for SDNN and RMSSD.

Conclusion

In the general population, a lower xBRS is associated with increased odds of developing hypertension, and a steeper increase in SBP over time.
Trait genetic architecture and population structure determine model selection for genomic prediction in natural Arabidopsis thaliana populations
Authors: Gibbs Patrick M , Paril Jefferson F , Fournier-Level Alexandre
Published: January 2025

Genomic prediction applies to any agro- or ecologically relevant traits, with distinct ontologies and genetic architectures. Selecting the most appropriate model for the distribution of genetic effects and their associated allele frequencies in the training population is crucial. Linear regression models are often preferred for genomic prediction. However, linear models may not suit all genetic architectures and training populations. Machine learning approaches have been proposed to improve genomic prediction owing to their capacity to capture complex biology including epistasis. However, the applicability of different genomic prediction models, including non-linear, non-parametric approaches, has not been rigorously assessed across a wide variety of plant traits in natural outbreeding populations. This study evaluates genomic prediction sensitivity to trait ontology and the impact of population structure on model selection and prediction accuracy. Examining 36 quantitative traits in 1,000+ natural genotypes of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, we assessed the performance of penalized regression, random forest, and multilayer perceptron at producing genomic predictions. Regression models were generally the most accurate, except for biochemical traits where random forest performed best. We link this result to the genetic architecture of each trait—notably that biochemical traits have simpler genetic architecture than macroscopic traits. Moreover, complex macroscopic traits, particularly those related to flowering time and yield, were strongly correlated to population structure, while molecular traits were better predicted by fewer, independent markers. This study highlights the relevance of machine learning approaches for simple molecular traits and underscores the need to consider ancestral population history when designing training samples.
Expected electromagnetic response from natural earthquakes in a layered ocean model
Authors: Cheng Qianli , Gao Yongxin , Zhou Guanqun , Chen Chieh-Hung , Wang Dongdong , Yao Cheng
Published: January 2025

In this study, we adopt a horizontally layered model consisting of air, seawater and undersea porous rock and develop an analytically based method to calculate the seismic and electromagnetic (EM) fields generated by undersea earthquakes. We conduct numerical simulations to investigate the characteristics of the EM response at the receivers located at the seafloor, in the seawater near the sea surface and in the air, respectively. The results show that two kinds of EM signals can be identified in the EM records at these receivers, namely, the early EM wave (seismic-to-EM conversion at the seafloor interface) arriving before the seismic waves and the coseismic EM fields with apparent speeds of the seismic waves. The EM signals observed at the seafloor are mostly stronger than those observed in the seawater and air near the sea surface. The method is applied to simulating the EM response to the 2022 Mw 7.3 earthquake that took place in the sea near Fukushima, Japan. At a receiver with 76 km epicentral distance at the seafloor, the predicted coseismic electric and magnetic signals reach 2 μV m−1 and 2 nT, respectively, which are within the detectability of the current EM equipment. This suggests a possibility to monitor the EM disturbances associated with undersea earthquakes and use them to serve the earthquake early warning, helping to mitigate the societal impact of large earthquakes.
Novel approaches to disseminating transformation research for food science and technology—looking forwards to the 60th volume of the International Journal of Food Science and Technology
Authors: Brennan Charles Stephen
Published: January 2025

2025 marks the publishing of the 60th Volume of the International Journal of Food Science and Technology. This editorial highlights developments to be seen in 2025 for the journal as well as highlighting some of the key references published IJFST over the last 5 years. This gives an insight into the global trends we are experiencing in innovation and process development in food science, technology and consumer nutrition.
Communicating cancer treatment with pictogram-based timeline visualizations
Authors: Jambor Helena Klara , Ketges Julian , Otto Anna Lea , von Bonin Malte , Trautmann-Grill Karolin , Teipel Raphael , Middeke Jan Moritz , Uhlig Maria , Eichler Martin , Pannasch Sebastian , Bornhäuser Martin
Published: January 2025

Objective

This study evaluated the legibility, comprehension, and clinical usability of visual timelines for communicating cancer treatment paths. We examined how these visual aids enhance participants’ and patients’ understanding of their treatment plans.

Materials and Methods

The study included 2 online surveys and 1 in-person survey with hematology cancer patients. The online surveys involved 306 and 160 participants, respectively, while the clinical evaluation included 30 patients (11 re-surveyed) and 24 medical doctors. Participants were assessed on their ability to understand treatment paths provided with audio information alone or with visual aids. The study also evaluated the comprehensibility of key treatment terms and the ability of patients to recall their cancer treatment paths.

Results

Visual representations effectively communicated treatment terms, with 7 out of 8 terms achieving over 85% transparency as pictograms, compared to 5 out of 8 for comics and 4 out of 8 for photos. Visual treatment timelines improved the proportion of correct responses, increased confidence, and were rated higher in information quality than audio-only information. In the clinical evaluation, patients showed good comprehension (mean proportion correct: 0.82) and recall (mean proportion correct: 0.71 after several weeks), and both patients and physicians found the visual aids helpful.

Discussion

We discuss that visual timelines enhance patient comprehension and confidence in cancer communication. We also discuss limitations of the online surveys and clinical evaluation. The importance of accessible visual aids in patient consultations is emphasized, with potential benefits for diverse patient populations.

Conclusion

Visual aids in the form of treatment timelines improve the legibility and comprehension of cancer treatment paths. Both patients and physicians support integrating these tools into cancer treatment communication.
First-line pembrolizumab-axitinib versus sunitinib in metastatic RCC: subgroup analysis of patients enrolled in the phase 3 KEYNOTE-426 in Eastern Asia
Authors: Chung Hsiao-Jen , Kondoh Chihiro , Bae Woo Kyun , Tamada Satoshi , Matsubara Nobuaki , Lee Hyo Jin , Mizuno Ryuichi , Anai Satoshi , Kimura Go , Tomita Yoshihiko , Chang Chao-Hsiang , Chang John Wen-Cheng , Lin Jianxin , Perini Rodolfo F , Molife L Rhoda , Powles Thomas , Rini Brian I , Uemura Hirotsugu
Published: January 2025

Background

The phase 3 open-label KEYNOTE-426 study demonstrated that first-line pembrolizumab plus axitinib improved overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) versus sunitinib for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) in a global population. This subgroup analysis investigated the efficacy and safety of pembrolizumab-axitinib versus sunitinib in patients enrolled in KEYNOTE-426 in East Asia (Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan).

Methods

Adults with clear cell mRCC were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive intravenous pembrolizumab 200 mg every 3 weeks with oral axitinib 5 mg twice daily or oral sunitinib 50 mg once daily (4 weeks on/2 weeks off). Dual primary endpoints were OS and PFS, assessed by blinded independent central review. Secondary endpoints were objective response rate (ORR) and safety.

Results

The East Asian subgroup comprised 130 patients (pembrolizumab-axitinib, n = 62; sunitinib, n = 68; 15.1% of the global intention-to-treat population). Compared with sunitinib, pembrolizumab-axitinib OS hazard ratio (HR) was 0.85 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.50–1.44; 36-month rates, 62.9% and 58.8%, respectively] and PFS HR was 0.59 (95% CI 0.38–0.92) in favor of pembrolizumab-axitinib. ORR favored pembrolizumab-axitinib (64.5% vs 44.1% for sunitinib). The results were generally consistent with the intention-to-treat population. Grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) occurred in 69.4% of patients on pembrolizumab-axitinib and 74.6% on sunitinib; 16 (25.8%) patients on pembrolizumab-axitinib and 17 (25.4%) patients on sunitinib discontinued due to adverse events. No deaths from TRAEs occurred.

Conclusion

Pembrolizumab-axitinib improved efficacy for East Asian patients with untreated clear cell mRCC, consistent with results from the global population. Safety was manageable.

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02853331.
Far-side helioseismology with Sun-as-a-star data: the solar cycle as seen with 7-d-long BiSON time series
Authors: Howe R , Chaplin W J , Elsworth Y P , Hale S J , Hatt E , Nielsen M B
Published: January 2025

We present results from fitting p-mode spectra derived from 7-d segments of Sun-as-a-star helioseismic observations from the Birmingham Solar Oscillations Network covering 32 yr. The results show a clear dependence of the mode frequencies on solar activity, and the frequency dependence of the sensitivity to activity can also be seen. Because we use data segments that cover less than half of a solar rotation, we are able to test for the effect of activity on the solar far side. By fitting with a model that takes into account activity on the far side of the Sun, we show that the frequency shifts are sensitive to activity from the whole Sun, not just the side facing the observer. Our results suggest that there is potential to investigate activity-related asteroseismic frequency shifts in solar-like oscillators using short time series of observations.
Constructing the Cretaceous Highly Silicic Plutons in SE China through the Magmatic Plumbing System
Authors: Chen Jing-Yuan , Yang Jin-Hui , Zhang Ji-Heng , Sun Jing-Feng , Zhu Yu-Sheng
Published: January 2025

High-silica plutons (SiO2 > 75 wt %) play a key role in deciphering the evolution and origin of the upper continental crust. Therefore, studying vertical cross sections of high-silica plutons is essential for gaining new insights into magmatic evolution and the thermal and material processes that shape the Earth's crust during pluton formation. In this study, we present extensive data on the bulk-rock geochemistry, zircon U–Pb ages, Hf isotopes, and trace elements for a range of high-silicic rocks from top-to-bottom cross-section in the Jiuzhen batholith and Yunhe pluton in southeastern China. Geochemical and zircon trace element features of the granitic rocks from the Jiuzhen batholith and Yunhe pluton indicate that these high-silica rocks originated from middle- to upper-crustal magma reservoirs via crystal-melt segregation. In the Jiuzhen batholith, the coarse-grained porphyritic granite in the upper unit originated from the reactivation of a pre-existing, highly evolved, water-rich magma reservoir with lower crystallinity, while the coarse-grained porphyritic granite in the lower unit was segregated from the same magma reservoir with higher crystallinity and involved a higher proportion of mantle material in its formation. The fine-grained granite was later extracted from the nearby magma reservoir of coarse-grained porphyritic granite in the upper unit, indicating they were formed through in situ differentiation of the silica magma reservoir in the shallow crust. Similarly, the geochemical characteristics of granites from different units of the Yunhe pluton suggest they were produced by the solidification of high-silica melts extracted from a common water-poor magma reservoir. As the high-silica magmas accumulated to form a magma reservoir in the shallow crust and subsequently underwent further cooling and crystallization, the proportion of melt decreased, leading to an enrichment of volatiles and silica in the residual melt. The upward migration of these residual melts within the high silicic magma reservoir resulted in vertical compositional variations within the Yunhe pluton. Our research on the Jiuzhen batholith and Yunhe pluton has revealed that the composition of high-silica magmas is influenced not only by crystal-melt segregation within deep magma reservoir but also by in situ crystal-melt segregation occurring within magma reservoirs formed through the aggregation of felsic melts in the shallow crust.
King George II as an Ass: The Dunciad Variorum Engravings and Their Consequences
Authors: McLaverty James
Published: January 2025

This essay explores the significance of the Dunciad Variorum engravings (1729) and their role in the antagonism between Pope and the court in the years 1729 to 1735. It argues that the images of a burdened ass and of asses’ ears have been correctly interpreted by J. Paul Hunter as representations of the king, and that recognition of that insult (planned with William Kent and the Earl and Countess of Burlington) lay behind the attacks on Pope in subsequent years. The motto engraved alongside the title-page ass should be interpreted as a reference to Horace’s warning of the power of poor writing to degrade the poet and the ruler, while Leonard Welsted, prominent in that engraving, should be identified as a flatterer of the king and Robert Walpole. The subsequent attacks on Pope’s friend, Charles Jervas, on the imitation of Horace Satire 2.1, and on Pope’s To Burlington (led by Welsted), are shown to be disproportionate and motivated by resentment of the engravings. Pope’s attempted replies to the court and to Lord Hervey (identified as his leading opponent) in two prose pieces were hampered by his inability to identify his offence. Instead he moved into attack and outed his engravings in To Arbuthnot.
From forests to farming: identification of photosynthetic limitations in breadfruit across diverse environments
Authors: Dow Graham J , Lincoln Noa Kekuewa , Autufuga Dolly , Paull Robert
Published: January 2025

Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis (Parkinson) Fosberg) is a prolific tropical tree producing highly nutritious and voluminous carbohydrate-rich fruits. Already recognized as an underutilized crop of high potential, breadfruit could ameliorate food insecurity and protect against climate-related productivity shocks in undernourished equatorial regions. However, a lack of fundamental knowledge impedes widespread agricultural adoption, from modern agroforestry to plantation schemes. Here, we used a multi-environment breadfruit variety trial across the Hawaiian Islands to determine photosynthetic limitations, understand the role of site conditions or varietal features, and define their contributions to agronomic efficiency. Photosynthetic rates were dependent on location and variety, and strongly correlated with fruit yield (r2 = 0.80, P < 0.001). Photochemistry was suitable to full-sunlight conditions, with a saturation point of 1545 photosynthetically active radiation, Vcmax of 151 μmol m−2 s−1 and Jmax of 128 μmol m−2 s−1, which are high-end compared with other tropical and temperate tree crops. However, limitations on CO2 assimilation were imposed by stomatal characteristics, including stomatal density (P < 0.05) and diurnal oscillations of stomatal conductance (>50% reductions from daily maxima). These constraints on CO2 diffusion are likely to limit maximum productivity more than photochemistry. Our results comprise the first comprehensive analysis of breadfruit photosynthesis, successfully link ecophysiology with fruit yield, and identify vital traits for future research and management optimization.
Postpartum Pharmacologic Thromboprophylaxis and Venous Thromboembolism in a U.S. Cohort
Authors: Bruno Ann M. , Allshouse Amanda A. , Saad Antonio , Subramaniam Akila , Saade George R. , Benson Meagan , Szychowski Jeff M. , Jauk Victoria , Kim Dhong Jin , Larrea Nicole , Kennedy Stephanie , Silver Robert M. , Scharfstein Daniel , Metz Torri D.
Published: January 2025

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the effect of administering postpartum heparin-based pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis on the incidence of postpartum venous thromboembolism (VTE) and complications.

METHODS:

This was a multicenter retrospective cohort study of all individuals delivering at more than 20 weeks of gestation at four U.S. hospitals from 2016 to 2019. Individuals with a personal history of VTE or thrombophilia, with an antepartum diagnosis of VTE, or receiving therapeutic anticoagulation were excluded. The exposure was postpartum heparin-based pharmacologic prophylaxis (including unfractionated and low-molecular-weight formulations). The primary outcome was VTE identified within 12 weeks of delivery. Secondary outcomes included hospital readmission and wound complications among individuals undergoing cesarean delivery. Baseline characteristics were compared between those receiving and those not receiving pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis. Augmented inverse probability of treatment weighting was used to estimate risk difference in outcomes among those who received prophylaxis. The effects are reported as a risk difference with 95% CIs. Positive and negative effects indicate benefit and harm, respectively.

RESULTS:

Of 64,886 deliveries included, the rate of heparin-based postpartum pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis was 13.8% (95% CI, 13.5–14.1%), and the rate of VTE was 0.11% (95% CI, 0.09–0.14%). Individuals receiving thromboprophylaxis were more likely to be older, to deliver by cesarean, and to have a comorbid health condition. In propensity score analysis, pharmacologic prophylaxis compared with no pharmacologic prophylaxis resulted in no difference in VTE (risk difference 0.0%, 95% CI, 0–0.16%) but an increased risk for hospital readmission (risk difference −1.36%, 95% CI, −2.51 to −0.14%) and wound complications (risk difference −1.45%, 95% CI, −2.35 to −0.65%).

CONCLUSION:

Use of postpartum pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis did not reduce postpartum VTE in this U.S. cohort. Findings may reflect persistent confounding despite covariate adjustment or suggest that the current practice of administration of thromboprophylaxis (eg, dosing, timing of initiation, length of use) is ineffective.
Benefits of Cochlear Implantation and Hearing Preservation for Children With Preoperative Functional Hearing: A Prospective Clinical Trial
Authors: Park Lisa R. , Richter Margaret E. , Gagnon Erika B. , Culbertson Shannon R. , Henderson Lillian W. , Dillon Margaret T.
Published: January 2025

Objectives:

This study was designed to (1) compare preactivation and postactivation performance with a cochlear implant for children with functional preoperative low-frequency hearing, (2) compare outcomes of electric-acoustic stimulation (EAS) versus electric-only stimulation (ES) for children with versus without hearing preservation to understand the benefits of low-frequency acoustic cues, and (3) to investigate the relationship between postoperative acoustic hearing thresholds and performance.

Design:

This was a prospective, 12-month between-subjects trial including 24 pediatric cochlear implant recipients with preoperative low-frequency functional hearing. Participant ages ranged from 5 to 17 years old. They were recruited at their device activation and fit with EAS or ES based on their postoperative thresholds. Group outcomes were compared for single-word recognition, masked sentence recognition, perceived hearing abilities, speech production, receptive language, expressive language, and prosodic identification.

Results:

Children experienced improvements in word recognition, subjective hearing, speech production, and expressive language with EAS or ES as compared with their preoperative abilities. Children using EAS performed better on a prosodic identification task and had higher subjective hearing scores postactivation as compared with children using ES. There was a significant relationship between postoperative thresholds at 125 Hz and prosodic identification.

Conclusions:

The results of this study support cochlear implantation for children with normal-to-moderate low-frequency hearing thresholds and severe-to-profound high-frequency hearing loss. They also highlight the benefits of postoperative hearing preservation for language development.
Pancreatic Serous Neoplasm and Metastatic Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Theparee Talent , Umetsu Sarah E. , Chan Emily
Published: January 2025

Pancreatic serous neoplasms can morphologically resemble metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and may present a diagnostic dilemma, particularly if the solid variant is in small biopsy specimens and/or in patients with von Hippel Lindau (VHL) syndrome. We investigate the utility of immunohistochemical staining in this differential diagnosis by performing head-to-head comparisons of commonly used immunohistochemical markers for these 2 tumor types. We examined 16 pancreatic serous neoplasms and 24 ccRCCs (12 metastatic to pancreas and 12 primaries in patients with VHL). All pancreatic serous neoplasms stained positive for CK7, and most were positive for CAIX (15/16) and GLUT1 (15/16), variable for alpha-inhibin and vimentin (each 8/16 weak/focal; and 7/16 and 8/16, respectively, positive), and weak/focal for synaptophysin (14/16). All pancreatic serous neoplasms were negative for PAX8 and Periodic acid-Schiff without diastase. In contrast, ccRCC, both metastatic and in VHL patients, were mostly positive for PAX8 (18/24; 6/24 were weak/focal), negative for CK7 (15/24; 8/24 were weak/focal, one case diffuse positive), and negative for alpha-inhibin (100%) and synaptophysin (22/24). Like pancreatic serous neoplasms, all ccRCC showed weak/focal or positive staining for GLUT1, CAIX, and vimentin, and were negative for PAS-D. In conclusion, CK7 and PAX8 are the most useful stains in distinguishing between pancreatic serous neoplasm and ccRCC; however, weak/focal CK7 or PAX8 staining can be seen in a minority of ccRCC, thereby presenting a diagnostic pitfall. Alpha-inhibin was at least weak/focal in most pancreatic serous neoplasms and negative in all ccRCC and may be useful as an adjunct stain in difficult cases.
Preferences for HIV PrEP care among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men: a large discrete choice experiment
Authors: Patel Viraj V. , Andrade Eli A. , Zimba Rebecca , Mirzayi Chloe , Zhang Chenshu , Kharfen Michael , Doshi Rupali , Nash Denis , Grov Christian
Published: January 2025

Objective:

We aimed to identify preferences for PrEP care among diverse gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (BLGBM) in the US with discrete choice experiment (DCE).

Design:

We conducted two DCEs to elicit care delivery preferences for Starting and Continuing PrEP among 16–49 year-old HIV negative GBM not using PrEP from across the United States. DCEs assessed preferences for care options including location, formulation (pills, injectable), lab testing, and costs. Participants completed 16 choice tasks and utility scores and relative importance were estimated. We performed latent class analyses to identify groups within each DCE, and multivariable logistic regression to identify sociodemographic characteristics associated with class membership.

Results:

Among 1514 participants, 46.5% identified as Latino, 21.4% Black, and 25.2 White. For Starting PrEP DCE, two latent classes were identified: “In-Person” (28.5%) which preferred in-person care and lab testing, and “Virtual” (71.5%) which preferred telehealth and at-home lab testing. For Continuing PrEP DCE, two latent classes were identified: “Pills” (23.6%) which preferred oral PrEP with low-cost options and “No Cost/Injectable” (76.4%) which strongly preferred no-costs and injectable PrEP. In multivariable models for Starting PrEP and for Continuing PrEP, latent class membership was significantly associated with a range of sociodemographic characteristics including race/ethnicity, income, housing instability, and provider and PrEP stigma.

Conclusions:

The preferences identified for PrEP care in this diverse GBM sample indicate the need for multiple care and formulation choices including elimination of costs to improve PrEP uptake. DCE findings can guide implementation efforts to improve equitable access to PrEP.
Exploiting the lock: leveraging MiG-V's logic locking for secret-data extraction
Authors: Reimann Lennart M. , Madhukumar Variyar Yadu , Huelser Lennet , Ghinami Chiara , Germek Dominik , Leupers Rainer
Published: January 2025

The MiG-V was designed for high-security applications and is the first commercially available logic-locked RISC-V processor on the market. In this context, logic locking was used to protect the RISC-V processor design during the untrusted manufacturing process by using key-driven logic gates to obfuscate the original design. Although this method defends against malicious modifications, such as hardware Trojans, logic locking’s impact on the RISC-V processor’s data confidentiality during runtime has not been thoroughly examined. In this study, we evaluate the impact of logic locking on data confidentiality. By altering the logic locking key of the MiG-V while running SSL cryptographic algorithms, we identify data leakages resulting from the exploitation of the logic-locking hardware. We show that changing a single bit of the logic locking key can expose 100% of the cryptographic encryption key. This research reveals a critical security flaw in logic locking, highlighting the need for comprehensive security assessments beyond logic-locking key-recovery attacks.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Emerging technologies for future secure computing platforms’.
IMPACT: In-Memory ComPuting Architecture based on Y-FlAsh Technology for Coalesced Tsetlin machine inference
Authors: Ghazal Omar , Wang Wei , Kvatinsky Shahar , Merchant Farhad , Yakovlev Alex , Shafik Rishad
Published: January 2025

The increasing demand for processing large volumes of data for machine learning (ML) models has pushed data bandwidth requirements beyond the capability of traditional von Neumann architecture. In-memory computing (IMC) has recently emerged as a promising solution to address this gap by enabling distributed data storage and processing at the micro-architectural level, significantly reducing both latency and energy. In this article, we present In-Memory comPuting architecture based on Y-FlAsh technology for Coalesced Tsetlin machine inference (IMPACT), underpinned on a cutting-edge memory device, Y-Flash, fabricated on a 180 nm complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) process. Y-Flash devices have recently been demonstrated for digital and analogue memory applications; they offer high yield, non-volatility and low power consumption. IMPACT leverages the Y-Flash array to implement the inference of a novel ML algorithm: coalesced Tsetlin machine (CoTM) based on propositional logic. CoTM utilizes Tsetlin automata (TA) to create Boolean feature selections stochastically across parallel clauses. IMPACT is organized into two computational crossbars for storing the TA and weights. Through validation on the MNIST dataset, IMPACT achieved

96.3
%

accuracy. IMPACT demonstrated improvements in energy efficiency, e.g. factors of 2.23 over CNN-based ReRAM, 2.46 over neuromorphic using NOR-Flash and 2.06 over DNN-based phase-change memory (PCM), suited for modern ML inference applications.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Emerging technologies for future secure computing platforms’.
Neural in-memory checksums: an error detection and correction technique for safe in-memory inference
Authors: Parrini Luca , Soliman Taha , Hettwer Benjamin , De La Parra Cecilia , Borrmann Jan Micha , Singh Simranjeet , Bende Ankit , Rana Vikas , Merchant Farhad , Wehn Norbert
Published: January 2025

The advent of in-memory computing has introduced a new paradigm of computation, which offers significant improvements in terms of latency and power consumption for emerging embedded AI accelerators. Nevertheless, the effect of the hardware variations and non-idealities of the emerging memory technologies may significantly compromise the accuracy of inferred neural networks and result in malfunctions in safety-critical applications. This article addresses the issue from three different perspectives. First, we describe the technology-related sources of these variations. Then, we propose an architectural-level mitigation strategy that involves the coordinated action of two checksum codes designed to detect and correct errors at runtime. Finally, we optimize the area and latency overhead of the proposed solution by using two accuracy-aware hardware–software co-design techniques. The results demonstrate higher efficiency in mitigating the accuracy degradation of multiple AI algorithms in the context of different technologies compared with state-of-the-art solutions and traditional techniques such as triple modular redundancy. Several configurations of our implementation recover more than 95% of the original accuracy with less than 40% of the area and less than 30% of latency overhead.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Emerging technologies for future secure computing platforms’.
Effect of rice cultivars on the fermentation characteristics and aroma profile of distilled soju using N9 yeast
Authors: Kim Bo-Ram , Kang Hyun-Ho , Kim Chan-Woo , Choi Ji-Ho , Hwang In-Seo , Kang Ji-Eun
Published: January 2025

This study aimed to investigate the fermentation performance and quality characteristics of distilled soju produced from various rice cultivars using Saccharomyces cerevisiae N9 yeast. The rice cultivars included high-yield varieties such as Samkwang (SK, control), Shindongjin (SDJ), Baromi2 (BRM2), Guemgang-1 (GG-1), Hanareum-4 (HAR-4), Chohong (CH), Saemimyeon (SMM), Mirchal (MRC), Irumi (IRM), and Migam (MG). The fermentation results showed that the high-amylose SMM exhibited significantly lower CO2 production and alcohol content (16.57%), indicating its unsuitability for distilled soju production. The pH, total acid, and amino acid content were similar among the rice cultivars. However, volatile acid content was comparatively higher in the SDJ and SMM cultivars. Organic acid composition revealed that succinic acid, citric acid, and lactic acid were the predominant components contributing to ester compound formation. Distilled soju made from the SDJ, IRM, and MG cultivars exhibited higher organic acid levels, enhancing ester production. Sensory evaluation indicated that distilled soju made from SDJ, with the highest ethyl acetate concentration, scored the highest in aroma and overall preference. This result is likely due to the positive contribution of ester aroma compounds to the sensory profile. In contrast, SMM was found to be unsuitable for distilled soju production. The SDJ cultivar showed superior fermentation efficiency, higher volatile aroma compound formation, and greater consumer preference, making it suitable for producing distilled soju.
Comparison of quality characteristics of tofu made from three soybean cultivars grown in different regions of Korea
Authors: Sim Eunyeong , Choi Hye-Sun , Park Hye-Young , Kim Hong-Sik , Chun Areum
Published: January 2025

This study examined the physicochemical properties, flavor, and quality characteristics of tofu made from three Korean soybean cultivars (Daewonkong, Seonpung, Seonyu2ho) grown in three different regions (Suwon, Gimje, Daegu) using instrumental analyses. To assess factors impacting tofu’s taste, aroma, and texture, we analyzed the amino acid and fatty acid compositions of the soybeans, along with the taste and aroma characteristics of tofu. Results revealed a correlation between soybean protein content and tofu hardness, with significant compositional differences based on cultivation region; soybeans from Gimje, in particular, showed a higher crude fat content. Using an electronic nose, 41 to 57 volatile compounds were identified across tofu samples, with 2-methylbutane and acetaldehyde as dominant components. Correlation analysis showed positive associations between acetaldehyde and palmitic acid and between 2-methylbutane and oleic, eicosanoic, total, and unsaturated fatty acids. SPME-GC-MS analysis identified 37 volatile active compounds, including alcohols, aldehydes, esters, furans, hydrocarbons, and ketones, with 1-hexanol and 1-octen-3-ol present at significantly higher levels across samples. Among the SPME-GC-MS results, Seonyu2ho-tofu samples exhibited notably higher alcohol levels. Both cultivar and environmental factors substantially influenced tofu’s physicochemical quality and sensory attributes. Since sensory panel evaluations were not conducted, future studies should incorporate panel assessments to further explore correlations between sensory perceptions and instrumental measurements.
Anti-inflammatory and skin improvement effect of a complex extract including Sophorae fruztus, Zingiber officinale, and Akebia quinata
Authors: Yoo Dan-Hee , Hur Ji-Won , Kang Jung-Wook , Jang A-Reum , Kim Hye-Jin , Cho Hang-Eui , Choung Eui-Su , Lee In-Chul
Published: January 2025

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect on skin barrier improvement and anti-inflammatory effects using CSP-811 and CSP-532 complex extracts mixed with 8:1:1 and 5:3:2 ratios of Sophorae fructus, Zingiber officinale, and Akebia quinata. The experiment was conducted by setting a concentration range that exhibited cell viability of more than 95% in HaCaT and RAW 264.7 cells. To determine the effect of skin barrier improvement, the expression levels of filaggrin, involucrin, claudin-1, and ZO-1 were measured using HaCaT cells. As a result, compared to the group treated only with P. acnes, CSP-811 and CSP-532 increased in a concentration-dependent manner. As a result of measuring the nitric oxide production inhibitory activity, CSP-811 and CSP-532 decreased in a concentration-dependent manner. At the final concentration of 1,000 μg/mL, both extracts showed an inhibitory effect of more than 35% compared to the lipopolysaccharide alone treatment group. Afterward, as a result of protein expression levels of inducible NOS and cyclooxygenase-2, confirmed at the final concentration of 1,000 μg/mL, that CSP-811 and CSP-532 decreased in a concentration-dependent manner. Therefore, it was confirmed that CSP-811 and CSP-532 complex extracts have skin barrier improvement and anti-inflammatory effects, and it is judged to have excellent potential for use as a functional material.
Quality properties of defatted rice bran extract powder and vegan cookies
Authors: Lee A-Young , An Hyun-A , Han Seung-Bin , Cho Eun-Ju , Kim Hye-Jeong , Moon Dong-Jin , Lee Jeung-Hee
Published: January 2025

This study aimed to enhance the value of defatted rice bran, a byproduct of rice milling, as a sustainable food ingredient. Defatted rice bran extract powders were obtained by water, autoclave, alcalase, and autoclave/alcalase treatment, and their quality characteristics were investigated. The extract powders treated with alcalase and autoclave/alcalase showed higher contents of protein (19.34-22.86%), essential amino acids (6.22-7.44%), and branched-chain amino acids (2.67-3.18%). The autoclave/alcalase-treated extract powder exhibited the highest amino acid score (0.94), in vitro protein digestibility (90.67%), and protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score (0.86). The extract powder showed higher oil absorption capacity and water solubility index but lower water absorption capacity compared to wheat flour. Vegan cookies prepared with 7%, 13%, 20%, and 27% of autoclave/alcalase-treated powder had a lower spread ratio, loss rate, and leavening rate than control cookie, with a firmer texture, lower elasticity, and a darker red color. Sensory evaluation results showed that the vegan cookie with 20% extract powder received higher scores in appearance, aroma, taste, texture, and overall preference. Therefore, defatted rice bran extract powder can be applied in the food processing industry, particularly in vegan bakery products, as a source of high-quality protein.
Optimization of extraction condition of hesperetin in mandarin peel by acid hydrolysis
Authors: Kim Yoonjeong , Jin Mingeun , Hwang In Guk , Kim Younghwa
Published: January 2025

Acid hydrolysis is a favorable food processing for fruit peel to release deglycosylated compounds from tissues and enhance biological activity. This study aimed to investigate the optimal extraction of flavonoid hesperetin by acid hydrolysis in mandarin peel using response surface methodology (RSM). A Box-Behnken design was employed to develop the following three extracting parameters: ethanol concentration (X1: 60-100%), HCl molar concentration (X2: 0-1 M), and extraction time (X3: 4-8 h). The optimum extraction conditions for hesperetin were obtained at X1=100%, X2=0.6 M, and X3=4 h. The predicted results matched well with the experimental results obtained using the optimal conditions, which validated the RSM model with a good correlation. This study provides useful information on mandarin peel as a potential dietary supplement for functional ingredients.
Control measures to reduce Salmonella spp. and L. monocytogenes contamination in mung bean seeds and managing their growth during sprouting
Authors: Lee Ha Kyoung , Yoon Ki Sun
Published: January 2025

Abstract Contaminated seeds pose a significant risk for foodborne disease related to sprouts. We investigated to assess the effect of various control measures (ultraviolet-C light-emitting diodes, UVC LED; slightly acidic electrolyzed water, SAEW; UVC waterproof-LED, UVC W-LED, and 60°C mild heat), both individually and in combination, on mung bean seeds to mitigate the growth of Salmonella spp. and L. monocytogenes during germination. Mung bean seeds inoculated with Salmonella spp. and L. monocytogenes were germinated in sprouting equipment at 25°C with 85% relative humidity for 4 days. No significant effects (p<0.05) on germination rate or total aerobic bacterial growth in mung bean sprouts were observed with individual treatments. However, combined treatments significantly (p<0.05) inhibited pathogen growth during germination compared to the control (no treatment) and were particularly effective in mung bean sprouts contaminated with L. monocytogenes. Treating seeds with SAEW+mild heat or UVC W-LED achieved the highest reduction of both pathogens in seeds and resulted in the least growth of both pathogens in sprouts among the tested treatments. Since UVC W-LED demonstrated efficacy in preventing cross-contamination of washing water, combined treatments of SAEW with UVC W-LED or mild heat identified as economically viable options for ensuring the production of safe sprouts in the sprout industry.
Inhibition effect against 20 bacteria and 4 cell lines of methanol and water extract from pawpaw (Asimina triloba [L.] Dunal) cultivated in Korea
Authors: Nam Jin-Sik , Oh Hye-Jun , Lee Hyo-Jeong , Jang Hye-Lim , Rhee Young Ha
Published: January 2025

Pawpaw (Asimina triloba [L.] Dunal) is a subtropical plant belonging to the Annonaceae family and is different from papaya. Except for the fruit, the remaining parts are used for medicinal purposes, but little is known about them in Korea. In this study, antibacterial activities of pawpaw extracts derived using methanol and water solvents on roots, twigs, and leaves were investigated by determining the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) against 20 bacterial strains. Most of the extracts produced an inhibition zone at 50 mg/disc against all tested microorganisms. In particular, pawpaw twigs and root methanolic extracts (PTM and PRM, respectively) showed potent antibacterial effects superior to those of other samples. The anticancer activities of the extracts were investigated using a cytotoxicity assay against 4 cancer cell lines (human fibrosarcoma cells HT-1080, human cervical cancer cells HeLa, human liver cancer cells HepG2, and human gastric cancer cells AGS). PTM showed the strongest inhibition activity against HT-1080 (IC50=64.57 μg/mL), HepG2 (IC50=68.99 μg/mL), and AGS (IC50=70.48 μg/mL) cells. PRM exhibited the highest antiproliferative activity for HeLa cells, with an IC50 value of 126.17 μg/mL. These findings suggest that the pawpaw twigs and root extracts have medicinal value and can be further investigated as biomaterials in various fields.