bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Sheet Thickness and Gate Voltage Dependence of Electrical Characteristics for Nanosheet MOSFETs
Authors: Hosoda Kosei , Hiroki Akira
Published: January 2025

In this paper, we have analyzed sheet thickness and gate voltage dependence of electrical characteristics for nanosheet MOSFETs using a device simulation that takes quantum confinement effects into account. Since the sheet thickness of nanosheet MOSFETs decreases to several nanometers, the simulated on‐current shows significant reduction compared to the on‐current required in the device design due to the quantum confinement effect. We analyze the relative difference between the on‐current required in the device design and the simulated on‐current and propose a design guideline using the relative difference. In order to suppress the relative difference of the on‐currents within 3%, the minimum sizes of the sheet thickness are 3.4, 4.5, and 5.5 nm at supply voltages of 0.70, 0.60, and 0.50 V, respectively.
Development and Validation of Estimation of Breakdown Voltage of Stator Windings of Generator From Partial Discharge Magnitude
Authors: Nakamura Shin , Kanegami Masaki , Kuraishi Takashi , Miyazaki Satoru
Published: January 2025

For the insulation diagnosis of stator windings of generators, sampling surveys are conducted on the coils to estimate the dielectric strength of the stator winding. Previous research has relied on inferring the breakdown voltage of the stator winding from the value 3σ away from the mean value of the breakdown voltage of the coil. However, this conventional method exhibits a significant estimation error when the sample size is small. Therefore, we propose a method for estimating the breakdown voltage of the stator winding based on the maximum value of the partial discharge magnitude and the minimum value of the breakdown voltage of the sample coil. We verify this method by Monte Carlo simulation assuming a sampling survey of coils.
Fault Localization Method Based on Surge Diagram
Authors: Inuzuka Tatsuki , Maesaka Tatsuya , Iida Yoshikazu , Ono Tetsushi
Published: January 2025

The paper presents a new fault location method with traveling waves (surge) on distribution line to restore power supply as soon as possible. The proposed method builds a diagram that describes transmission and reflection of traveling waves over the lines and generates pseudo waves based on the diagram. The least error condition including fault point is estimated by numerical analysis comparing measured waves and pseudo waves. The method is robust and accurate without line parameters such as the speed of traveling waves. The method can be applicable for multiple faults and branch line faults without any additional modification.
Low‐Temperature Solar Thermal Energy Storage Using LaNi5−xMx (M = Al, Fe, Ga, and Zn) Alloys
Authors: Babu K. Sarath , Dashbabu Dinesh , Kumar E. Anil
Published: January 2025

Lanthanum based alloys are used in this current work to store the low temperature (less than 120°C) thermal energy, as they absorb and desorb hydrogen gas reversibly. LaNi5−xMx (M = Al, Fe, Ga, and Zn) alloys are compared at constant energy storage and recovery temperatures based on their absorption characteristics. A comparison is made between a Simple Absorption System (SAS), a Compressor Operated Absorption system (CAS), and a Cascade Resorption System (CRS) to store thermal energy at low temperatures. van't Hoff relation is used to estimate the lowest temperature to store energy and the maximum temperature to extract it. The energy was successfully upgraded by CAS and CRS. For various La‐based alloys, the three systems' performances were thermodynamically examined and compared. A maximum COP of 0.86 and 0.74 is obtained in a simple absorption and compressor operated absorption system, respectively, using LaNi4.75Fe0.25 due to low hysteresis. Maximum heat upgradation with the Al, Fe, Ga, and Zn substitution is reported as 50°C, 20°C, 48°C, and 60°C, respectively, at a compressor ratio of 5 with CAS. The CRS with same substitution gives the highest heat upgradation of 66°C, 43°C, 88°C, and 107°C at regeneration temperature of 120°C respectively.
BGHO‐E2EB Model: Enhancing IoT Security With Gaussian Artificial Hummingbird Optimization and Blockchain Technology
Authors: Dhanushkodi Kavitha , Venkataramani Kiruthika , K R Naghul Pranav , Sethuraman Ravikumar
Published: January 2025

The Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming numerous sectors but also presents unique security challenges due to its interconnected and resource‐constrained devices. This study introduces the Bidirectional Gaussian Hummingbird Optimized End‐to‐End Blockchain (BGHO‐E2EB) model, designed to detect and classify cyberattacks within IoT environments. Unlike preventive approaches, the developed model focuses on real‐time detection and categorization of attacks, enabling timely responses to emerging threats. The proposed model integrates blockchain technology through Ethereum‐based smart contracts to enhance the security and integrity of data exchanges within IoT networks. Additionally, a Gaussian Artificial Hummingbird Algorithm is employed for optimal feature selection, minimizing data dimensionality and computational load. A Bidirectional Long Short‐Term Memory (Bi‐LSTM) network further improves the model's capability by accurately detecting and categorizing cyber threats based on selected features. The Adam optimizer is used for efficient parameter tuning within the Bi‐LSTM network, ensuring high‐performance cyberattack detection. The proposed model was evaluated using established IoT security benchmarks, including the UNSW‐NB15, BOT‐IoT, and NSL‐KDD datasets, accomplishing an accuracy of 98.7%, precision of 96.3%, and security level of 99.5%, significantly outperforming traditional methods. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of BGHO‐E2EB as a robust tool for detecting and classifying cyberattacks in IoT networks, making it suitable for real‐world deployment in dynamic IoT environments where security is paramount.
Effect of Incorporating Oat Flour and Sourdough on the Sensory and Technological Characteristics of Bread
Authors: Sayadi Masoome , Arianfar Akram , Mohamadi Sani Ali , Sheikholeslami Zahra
Published: January 2025

This study investigated the effects of different formulations on the technological and sensory properties of bread. The bread formulation included 9 variations of sourdough treatments and 4 variations of wheat flour and oat flour percentages. Results demonstrated that the highest increase in dough volume occurred in samples containing sourdough made from wheat, oat, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae at 64.5%–68%, and breads lacking yeast exhibited the lowest amount of porosity 2.3–7.2. Texture Profile Analysis (TPA) revealed that sourdoughs without Sc. cerevisiae exhibited significantly higher levels of hardness, chewiness, and cohesiveness. The stickiness of breads was most pronounced in those produced with wheat sourdough, Sc. cerevisiae, and Lb. plantarum. Conversely, samples containing wheat, oat, Lb. plantarum, and Sc. cerevisiae with varying wheat flour ratios (100%, 95%, and 85%) showed no stickiness. SEM analysis showed incorporating into bread with oat flour led to larger porosity. HunterLab measurements indicated that breads with sourdough of wheat, oat, Lb. plantrum, and Sc. cerevisiae had the highest values of parameters a*, b*, and ΔE, 11.2–11.7, 34.5–35.35, 0.52–0.58, respectively, while yeast‐free breads exhibited the highest L* value 72.3–72.9. Sensory evaluations indicated that breads produced with sourdough of wheat, oat, Lb. plantarum, and Sc. cerevisiae received the highest overall scores for taste, aroma, texture, appearance, and total acceptance from evaluators. Conversely, samples lacking yeast received the lowest scores. Therefore, the optimal bread formulation involved using sourdough composed of wheat, oat, Lb. plantarum, and Sc. cerevisiae with up to a 10% replacement of wheat flour with oat flour.
Efficient Hydrolysis of Fish Parvalbumin by Marine Bacterial Protease VSP2V‐280: Allergen Removal
Authors: Zhou Junlan , Bai Yue , Gao Yuan , Tian Huili , Wang Ming'ao , Kang Xinxin , Zhang Lei , Lv Mingsheng , Wang Shujun
Published: January 2025

Parvalbumin is a major allergen in fish. However, there is currently no effective and safe way to remove this allergen from fish. In this study, protease gene VSP2V‐280 of marine bacteria Virgibacillus sp. SP2 was cloned and expressed. The protease enzyme showed maximum activity at 50°C and pH 10.0. Ca2+ and Cu2+ promoted the enzyme. The enzyme showed good parvalbumin degradation efficiency in fish. Based on the gel analysis, when 0.3 mg/mL of parvalbumin was incubated with protease VSP2V‐280 (30 U/mL) containing 1 mM Ca2+ for 3 h, the parvalbumin removal rate reached 97%. The enzyme was further used for parvalbumin removal from Ctenopharyngodon idella, Pelteobagrus fulvidraco, Parabramis pekinensis, and Carassius auratus. The parvalbumin removal rate reached 93% in 4 h at an enzyme dosage of 72 U/mL. The study showed the potential of VSP2V‐280 to remove parvalbumin from aquatic products.
Suitability Evaluation of CO2 Geological Storage in Deep Coal Seam: A Case Study in the Eastern Margin of Ordos Basin, China
Authors: Ma Haojie , Meng Yanjun , Zhang Xinyu , Cui Xiaosong , Wang Jiaoxia
Published: January 2025

CO2 coal seam storage is a significant component of carbon capture and storage technology, which serves as a pivotal technical instrument for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The Ordos Basin develops a considerable number of unminable coal seams, which present an optimal place for CO2 coal seam storage. This paper presents an investigation into the geological characteristics of the No.4 coal seam reservoir in the Shanxi Formation of Permian age and the No.8 coal seam reservoir in the Benxi Formation of Carboniferous age. To explore the adsorption capacity of coal rock and the sealing performance of caprock, relevant experiments were conducted. The results of the experiments demonstrate that the adsorption capacity of CO2 on the coal samples is 1.11–3.73 times that of CH4. The results of the breakthrough pressure test demonstrate that the mudstone sealing performance is the most effective, followed by dense limestone and sandy mudstone. Combined with the geological data of the study area, the analytic hierarchy process method was used to evaluate the CO2 storage potential of coal seams. The areas suitable for geological storage of CO2 in the study area are located in the central part and the south‐central part.
What's Trust Got to Do With It? Interpersonal and Institutional Trust in University Faculty
Authors: Gratz Erin , Looney Lisa
Published: January 2025

Higher education institutions are in a state of flux. To remain viable, faculty and administrators need to work together through a healthy shared governance process to implement changes that reflect their institutions’ mission, market, and organizational culture, which requires trust. Trust has been shown to be a critical component of the workplace yet has remained under‐researched within higher education. This gap in the literature necessitates the exploration of how trust operates amongst higher education faculty. This study explored the relationship between interpersonal and institutional trust, and whether interpersonal trust predicts institutional trust in faculty members at mid‐sized universities. Eighty‐nine faculty from all ranks across multiple institutions were surveyed on their trust in colleagues, deans, and their institution. Results showed significant relationships between faculty trust in colleagues and faculty trust in deans, between faculty trust in colleagues and institutional trust, and between faculty trust in deans and institutional trust. Faculty trust in colleagues and deans was determined to be a predictor of institutional trust; however, faculty rank was a higher predictor, indicating that faculty with higher rank reported less trust. Implications for these findings are discussed, with an emphasis on how administrators’ focus on trust can benefit the university.
Relevance of Sentinel Nodes in Atypical Territories in Surgically Treated Patients With T1‐2N0 Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Campos Alejandro Mazarro , Barba Manel Sáez , de Pablo García‐Cuenca Alba , Pamias‐Romero Jorge , Roca‐Bielsa Isabel , Alberola‐Ferranti Margarita , Bescós‐Atín Coro
Published: January 2025

Objectives

To assess the usefulness of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in patients with early‐stage oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Materials and Methods

Seventy‐five patients (mean age 62 years) diagnosed with cT1‐2 N0 underwent SLNB with 99mTc, lymphoscintigraphy/SPECT–CT, and gamma probe detection with intraoperative histological examination of the resected sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs). Elective neck dissection was performed during the same surgical procedure of primary tumor resection when malignant deposits were detected microscopically.

Results

The rate of occult metastases was 10.1% (26 out of 258 SLNs) and 24% (18 out of 75 patients). In 61 cases of well‐lateralized tumors, metastases were detected in 11.1% (23 out of 208 SLNs), with an 11.5% metastatic rate in necks with ipsilateral drainage and 1.0% in necks with contralateral drainage patterns. In 28 patients with SLNs removed beyond Levels I–III, the rate of skip metastasis was 1.3%. The SLNB procedure for the detection of metastasis in patients with OSCC stage cT1‐2 N0 showed a sensitivity of 94.7%, a specificity of 100%, a negative predictive value of 98.2%, a positive predictive value of 100%, and an overall diagnostic accuracy of 98.7%.

Conclusions

The analysis of atypical SLN plays an important role in refining the characterization of cervical involvement and tailoring the therapeutic approach to the actual extent of the disease.
circHOMER1 Alleviates Sevoflurane‐Induced Hippocampal Neuronal Injury via Targeted Negative Regulation of miR‐217
Authors: Wen Jipeng , Long Feiyu , Bi Xiaobo , Wang Xiaoying
Published: January 2025

Sevoflurane (Sev) is a widely applied anesthetic in clinical practice; however, it could induce neurotoxicity and lead to postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). This study aimed to investigate the role and underlying mechanism of circHOMER1 in Sev‐induced neurotoxicity and POCD. Sev treated mouse hippocampal neuronal HT22 cells and SD rats. RT‐qPCR was used to detect the levels of circHOMER1 and miR‐217. ELISA was employed to measure the levels of inflammatory factors IL‐6, IL‐1β, and TNF‐α. Commercially available kits assessed the concentration of MDA and measured the activities LDH and SOD. The CCK‐8 assay assessed cell viability. Flow cytometry analyzed cell apoptosis. The Morris water maze test evaluated the learning and cognitive abilities of the rats. Dual luciferase reporter assays and RIP experiments validated the targeted binding of circHOMER1 to miR‐217. Sev treatment significantly reduces cell viability, increases apoptosis, stimulates inflammatory responses and oxidative stress, and induces learning and memory impairments in SD rats. Following exposure to Sev, the expression of circHOMER1 is markedly decreased, while overexpression of circHOMER1 can alleviate Sev‐induced neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and learning and memory deficits in rats. CircHOMER1 targets miR‐217, and transfection of miR‐217 antagonizes the neuroprotective effects of circHOMER1. This study demonstrated that circHOMER1 negatively regulated miR‐217, thereby inhibiting Sev‐induced neurotoxicity and learning and memory disorders.
SMAD4 Regulates the Expression of LCK Affecting Chimeric Antigen Receptor‐T Cells Proliferation Through PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Authors: Wan Rongxue , Fu Bowen , Fu Xiaokang , Liu Zengping , Simayi Nafeisha , Fu Yongshui , Liang Huaqin , Li Chengyao , Huang Wenhua
Published: January 2025

The proliferation of CAR‐T cells was hindered and cannot play its killing function well in solid tumors. And yet the regulatory mechanism of CAR‐T cell proliferation is not fully understood. Here, we showed that recombinant expression of CD19CAR in T cells significantly increased the basal activation level of CAR‐T cells and LCK activation. Both LCK and SMAD4 were essential for CAR‐T cells proliferation since over‐express LCK or SMAD4 significantly promotes CAR‐T cells proliferation, while knock‐down LCK or SMAD4 expression inhibited the proliferation of CAR‐T cells seriously. More cells go into apoptosis when knock‐down LCK or SMAD4 expression, and the cell cycle was arrested in G2/M or S phase, respectively. Over‐express LCK or SMAD4 significantly promotes phosphorylation of PI3K and Akt, while it was inhibited when cells were treated with PI3K and Akt inhibitors (LY294002 or MK2206). Further mechanism exploration experiments showed that SMAD4 bound on the promoter region of LCK regulating its expression. Taken together, we reported that the transcription factor SMAD4 regulated the expression of LCK and further involved in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway to affect the proliferation of CAR‐T cells.
Capillary Filtration of Plasma is Accelerated During General Anesthesia: A Secondary Population Volume Kinetic Analysis
Authors: Hahn Robert G.
Published: January 2025

How infusion fluids are distributed and eliminated is of importance to how much and how fast they should be administered. This manuscript applies population pharmacokinetic modeling to intravenous infusions of crystalloid fluid, which is a common therapy in hospital care and mandatory during surgery. The analysis was based on the hemodilution and urine output measured during and after 262 infusions of 1647 ± 461 mL (mean ± SD) of fluid over 30 min in adults. The result shows that distribution of fluid from the plasma to the interstitial fluid space occurred twice as fast during general anesthesia as compared to the conscious state. The increased rate ensures adequate nutritional flow to the cells despite decreased flow in the macrocirculation, which is a characteristic of general anesthesia. This increased capillary leakage of fluid was coupled with an even greater reduction of the urinary output and accumulation of fluid in both the fast‐exchange interstitial fluid space and a remote “third fluid space,” the latter of which apparently serves as an overflow reservoir. During the first hour of the experiments, 88% more fluid resided extravascularly in the presence of general anesthesia than in the awake state. General anesthesia increased the half‐life from 1.8 to 16.6 h, showing marked impairment in the handling of infused crystalloid fluid.
A Comparative Study on Kidney Morphology of Anatolian Ground Squirrels, Rabbits, and Rats
Authors: Kose Fatma , Orhan Imdat , Beyaz Feyzullah , Poscu Osman Talha , Alan Aydın , Duzler Ayhan
Published: January 2025

In this study, the kidneys of ground squirrels (hibernated and nonhibernated), rabbits, and rats were examined macro and microanatomically. Kidney morphology was investigated by stereo microscopy, light microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Triple and immunohistochemical staining were performed for light microscopic examinations. Cold crushing and takilon injection into the renal arteries were performed for scanning electron microscopic examinations. The course and branching of intrarenal capillaries and morphologic features from glomeruli to foramina papillaria were demonstrated. The location, position, shape, weight, and size of the kidneys of the three species studied were determined. Relative medullary thickness (RMT) and kidney index (Ki) values were calculated from the measurements. Based on the RMT values of the three species, it was concluded that they are mammals belonging to the semiarid and humid habitat category. The number of nephrons with long segments was high in the kidneys of all three species. Structural findings suggested that the rat may produce more concentrated urine than the ground squirrel, and the ground squirrel may produce more concentrated urine than the rabbit. The mean diameter of the renal corpuscles was 112.5 μm in the hibernated ground squirrel, 137.6 μm in the nonhibernated ground squirrel, 138.1 μm in the rabbit, and 137.8 μm in the rat. In hibernated ground squirrels, a narrowing of the cavum glomeruli and a decrease in renal corpuscle diameters were found. In contrast to ground squirrel and rat kidneys, rabbit kidneys showed the presence of species‐specific subcapsular glomeruli. Immunohistochemistry (antinestin antibody) staining and scanning electron microscope (SEM) images revealed the structure of podocytes in detail. Species‐specific area cribrosa configurations were detected in the renal papillae of the kidneys we examined. With this study, new renal morphological findings were obtained in ground squirrels, rabbits, and rats.
DetectEV: A functional enzymatic assay to assess integrity and bioactivity of extracellular vesicles
Authors: Adamo Giorgia , Picciotto Sabrina , Gargano Paola , Paterna Angela , Raccosta Samuele , Rao Estella , Romancino Daniele Paolo , Ghersi Giulio , Manno Mauro , Salamone Monica , Bongiovanni Antonella
Published: January 2025

The application of extracellular vesicles (EVs) as therapeutics or nanocarriers in cell‐free therapies necessitates meticulous evaluations of different features, including their identity, bioactivity, batch‐to‐batch reproducibility, and stability. Given the inherent heterogeneity in EV preparations, this assessment demands sensitive functional assays to provide key quality control metrics, complementing established methods to ensure that EV preparations meet the required functionality and quality standards. Here, we introduce the detectEV assay, an enzymatic‐based approach for assessing EV luminal cargo bioactivity and membrane integrity. This method is fast, cost‐effective, and quantifiable through enzymatic units. Utilizing microalgae‐derived EVs, known as nanoalgosomes, as model systems, we optimised the assay parameters and validated its sensitivity and specificity in quantifying the enzymatic activity of esterases within the EV lumen while also evaluating EV membrane integrity. Compared to conventional methods that assess physicochemical features of EVs, our single‐step analysis efficiently detects batch‐to‐batch variations by evaluating changes in luminal cargo bioactivity and integrity across various EV samples, including differences under distinct storage conditions and following diverse isolation and exogenous loading methods, all using small sample sizes. The detectEV assay's application to various human‐derived EV types demonstrated its versatility and potential universality. Additionally, the assay effectively predicted EV functionality, such as the antioxidant activity of different nanoalgosome batches. Our findings underscore the detectEV assay's utility in comprehensive characterization of EV functionality and integrity, enhancing batch‐to‐batch reproducibility and facilitating their therapeutic applications.
Balanced Independent Sets and Colorings of Hypergraphs
Authors: Dhawan Abhishek
Published: January 2025

A ‐uniform hypergraph is ‐partite if can be partitioned into sets such that every edge in contains precisely one vertex from each . We call such a graph ‐balanced if for each . An independent set in is balanced if for each , and a coloring is balanced if each color class induces a balanced independent set in . In this paper, we provide a lower bound on the balanced independence number in terms of the average degree , and an upper bound on the balanced chromatic number in terms of the maximum degree . Our results recover those of recent work of Chakraborti for .
Packing Colourings in Complete Bipartite Graphs and the Inverse Problem for Correspondence Packing
Authors: Cambie Stijn , Hämäläinen Rimma
Published: January 2025

Applications of graph colouring often involve taking restrictions into account, and it is desirable to have multiple (disjoint) solutions. In the optimal case, where there is a partition into disjoint colourings, we speak of a packing. However, even for complete bipartite graphs, the list chromatic number can be arbitrarily large, and its exact determination is generally difficult. For the packing variant, this question becomes even harder. In this paper, we study the correspondence‐ and list‐packing numbers of (asymmetric) complete bipartite graphs. In the most asymmetric cases, Latin squares come into play. Our results show that every can be equal to the correspondence packing number of a graph. We disprove a recent conjecture that relates the list packing number and the list flexibility number. Additionally, we improve the threshold functions for the correspondence packing variant.
The impact of the National Syphilis Prevention Program on the prevalence of syphilis among people living with HIV in China: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zeng Qingling , Yang Yuhui , Zhang Limin , Yan Jiangyu , Wang Jian , Nie Jingmin , Wang Qingmei , Luo Yu , Li Gaoming
Published: January 2025

Introduction

In 2010, China launched the 10‐year National Syphilis Prevention and Control Program to curb the spread of syphilis by integrating syphilis screening and treatment with HIV services. Herein, we aimed to evaluate changes in the prevalence of syphilis among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in China.

Methods

We conducted this systematic review and meta‐analysis by searching the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, China Biomedical Literature, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang and CQVIP databases from inception to 1 June 2024 to obtain relevant articles. A total of 75 studies were ultimately included. We used a DerSimonian‒Laird random effects model to estimate the prevalence and 95% confidence interval of syphilis among PLHIV.

Results

The overall prevalence of syphilis among PLHIV in China was 18.6% (95% CI 16.5–21.0). Regional differences (R2 = 15.29%) were observed in the prevalence rates: 22.2% (18.9–25.8) in the eastern region, 19.0% (15.1–23.8) in the central region and 14.0% (11.1–17.5) in the western region. The prevalence decreased from 22.8% (18.4–27.9) before 2010 to 17.0% (14.6–19.6) in 2010 and thereafter (R2 = 5.82%). Among PLHIV via homosexual transmission, the prevalence of syphilis was 24.9% (21.3–28.9), which significantly declined from 33.8% (27.5–40.8) to 21.4% (18.3–24.9) in 2010 and thereafter (R2 = 22.35%). The prevalence of syphilis was significantly higher in men living with HIV than in women living with HIV (pooled odds ratio 1.67, 95% CI 1.29–2.15), with the highest prevalence in the eastern region (2.55, 95% CI 1.80–3.59).

Discussion

The prevalence of syphilis among PLHIV, particularly in cases of homosexual transmission, has declined. There was a correlation between the prevalence of syphilis and regional economic conditions, with a greater burden in developed eastern coastal areas. Additionally, the risk of syphilis differed across sexes, with men living with HIV having a higher risk.

Conclusions

There has been preliminary success in the control of syphilis among PLHIV, but there is still a long way to go to meet the WHO's 2030 syphilis prevention and control goal. Syphilis prevention measures should be integrated into broader health policies and development plans, particularly in high‐burden regions and populations.
Novel Insights Into Gyrate Atrophy of the Choroid and Retina (GACR): A Cohort Study
Authors: Balfoort Berith M. , Van den Broeck Filip , Boon Camiel J. F. , Brouwers Martijn C. G. J. , Diederen Roselie M. H. , Dhillon Preet ,   GACR “Bird's Eye View” Consortium, van Hasselt Peter M. , Jaeger Bregje , Karuntu Jessica S. , Rennings Alexander J. M. , van Spronsen Francjan J. , Timmer Corrie , Wagenmakers Margreet A. E. M. , De Zaeytijd Julie , Leroy Bart P. , Schulze Andreas , van Karnebeek Clara D. , Brands Marion M.
Published: January 2025

Gyrate atrophy of the choroid and retina (GACR, OMIM #258870) is a rare inherited metabolic disorder characterized by progressive chorioretinal degeneration and hyperornithinemia. Current therapeutic modalities potentially slow disease progression but are not successful in preventing blindness. To allow for trial development, increased knowledge of the clinical phenotype and current therapeutic outcomes is required. In this study, we analyzed 27 patients with GACR. The median age at inclusion was 24 years (range 8–58), with a median age at diagnosis of 14 years (range 0–42). Symptoms began at a mean age of 9 years (range 0–21). Mixed‐models analysis showed a significant association between dietary natural protein intake and plasma ornithine levels. Ornithine increased significantly with age, independent of dietary natural protein intake. We found no statistically significant association between ornithine levels and best‐corrected visual acuity over time. Patients who started a natural protein‐restricted diet below 10 years of age had better VF outcomes compared to patients that started at a later age. MR spectroscopy was used to asses cerebral creatine deficiency, which was present in 15/20 patients, of whom 10 were supplemented with creatine at the time. Finally, using the Michigan Retinal Degeneration Questionnaire, we provided a first insight into the vision‐related disability reported by patients with GACR and showed that higher foveal sensitivity was associated with less perceived disability. To conclude, this study provides insights into the phenotype, genotype, biochemistry, and treatment effects of GACR, which can be used for care pathways and clinical trial design.
Metabolic Risk Factors Relate to Worse Tendon Health in Individuals With Achilles Tendinopathy
Authors: Seymore Kayla D. , Smitheman Hayley Powell , Smith Andy K. , Pohlig Ryan T. , Couppé Christian , Silbernagel Karin Grävare
Published: January 2025

A high proportion of individuals with Achilles tendinopathy continue to demonstrate long‐term symptoms and functional impairments after exercise treatment. Thus, there is a need to delineate patient presentations that may require alternative treatment. The objective of this study was to evaluate if the presence of metabolic risk factors relates to tendon symptoms, psychological factors, triceps surae structure, and lower limb function in individuals with Achilles tendinopathy. One hundred and fifty‐eight individuals (88 female) with diagnosed midportion Achilles tendinopathy were divided into three groups based on the number of metabolic risk factors linked to cardiovascular disease present at baseline: two or more factors, one factor, no factors. Metabolic risk factors were determined by clinical evaluation and past medical history. Achilles tendinopathy symptoms (Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment‐Achilles, Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System, movement‐evoked pain ratings), psychological factors (Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia), triceps surae structure (B‐mode ultrasound of tendon and muscle morphology, continuous shear wave elastography of tendon mechanical properties), and lower limb function (test battery) were compared among groups. Individuals with two or more metabolic risk factors had worse symptoms with loading (p = 0.011), smaller Achilles tendon size relative to body mass (p = 0.002), and worse lower limb function compared to individuals without metabolic risk factors (p < 0.02). No differences were observed between individuals with one metabolic risk factor and those without metabolic risk factors. Future consideration of multiple metabolic risk factors for individuals with Achilles tendinopathy could facilitate understanding the underlying impairments of tendon pathology and recovery that may be addressed with treatment.
Targeting SETDB1 in cancer and immune regulation: Potential therapeutic strategies in cancer
Authors: Pan Bo‐Syong , Lin Cheng‐Yu , Lee Gilbert Aaron , Lin Hui‐Kuan
Published: January 2025

SET domain bifurcated histone lysine methyltransferase 1 (SETDB1/ESET), a pivotal H3K9 methyltransferase, has been extensively studied since its discovery over two decades ago. SETDB1 plays critical roles in immune regulation, including B cell maturation, T‐cell activity modulation, and endogenous retrovirus (ERV) silencing. While essential for normal immune cell function, SETDB1 overexpression in cancer cells disrupts immune responses by suppressing tumor immunogenicity and facilitating immune evasion. This is achieved through the repression of anti‐tumor immune cell production, ERV silencing, and interference with the type I interferon pathway leading to inhibiting immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) efficacy. Beyond its immunological implications, SETDB1 overexpression fosters tumor growth and metastasis via transcriptional silencing of tumor suppressor genes through histone regulation and activating oncogenic signaling by non‐histone regulation. These multifaceted roles make SETDB1 an attractive epigenetic target for novel cancer therapies. This review explores SETDB1's dual function in immune regulation and tumor progression, emphasizing its potential in the development of innovative cancer treatments targeting epigenetic dysregulation and oncogenic signaling.
Activation or Rigidity: The Dual‐Channel Mechanism of Responsibility on Consumer Citizenship Behavior Beneficial to Community Members
Authors: Wei Helin , Liu Jiawen , Zhu Shaoying , Lyu Bei
Published: January 2025

In recent years, private domain communities have become key hubs for connecting businesses and users. However, many private domain communities remain “rigid” rather than “activated,” limiting their marketing potential. This paper, grounded in psychological reactance theory, examines how dual‐channel responsibility affects consumer citizenship behavior beneficial to community members. Using surveys, experiments, and regression analysis across seven studies, the research shows that taking charge boosts freedom and promotes citizenship behavior beneficial to community members. In contrast, responsibility diffusion limits such behavior by imposing constraints. Community warmth moderates the effects of responsibility diffusion and taking charge on these behaviors.
High‐Density Polyethylene Janus Fibrous Membrane with Enhanced Breathability and Moisture Permeability via PDA Assisted Hydrophilic Modification
Authors: Liu Qingqing , Li Zhongde , Lu Tianyu , Zhu Qianqin , Mao Xiaohui , Zhu Liping , Wang Xuefen , Zhu Meifang
Published: January 2025

Functional fibrous membranes with high mechanical properties are intensively developed for different application fields. In this study, to enhance moisture and air permeability without compromising mechanical strength, a facile float‐surface modification strategy is employed to fabricate Janus fibrous membranes with distinct hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity using the high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) fibrous membranes. By coating one side of the HDPE fibrous membranes with polydopamine (PDA) and a superhydrophilic polyelectrolyte, the obtained Janus HDPE fibrous membranes demonstrate an excellent water transmission rate (577.61 ± 72.66 g m−2 h−1), water vapor transmission rate (WVTR, 131.62 ± 24.34 g m−2 h−1) and gas permeability (17,496 ± 235 m3 m−2 h−1 bar−1), which are much better than those commercial membranes (Tyvek with water transmission rate 518.93  ± 23.20 g m−2 h−1, WVTR 53.09  ± 6.19 g m−2 h−1, and gas permeability 2,871  ± 145 m3 m−2 h−1 bar−1). Further, the Janus HDPE fibrous membranes keep outstanding mechanical strength (17.00 ± 4.26 MPa of tensile strength, 45.49 ± 8.75% of strain at break), and exhibit an asymmetric wettability on each side which is demonstrated by the separation experiments with various oil‐water mixtures. This simple modification approach not only improves the serviceability of HDPE fibrous membranes but also offers scalable potential for apparel applications and other industrial applications.
Exploring Barriers to Innovative Marketing in MSMEs: An Analysis Using a BWM‐ISM Multi‐Criteria Decision‐Making Framework
Authors: Mondal Sourav , Singh Saumya , Gupta Himanshu
Published: January 2025

In today's dynamic business landscape, organisations increasingly realise the pivotal role of innovative marketing approaches (IMA) in gaining a competitive edge and driving sustainable growth. However, many organisations encounter formidable barriers to adopting and developing IMA, despite the growing importance of innovative approaches in marketing. The purpose of this research is to identify, prioritise, establish the inter‐relationships and propose a ‘level‐wise structural model’ of the barriers that an organisation faces in adopting and developing IMA. The research employed a mix of quantitative and qualitative methods. An exhaustive review of related literature and theoretical frameworks (namely the ‘resource‐based view’ (RBV) theory, the ‘social capital theory’ (SCT) theory, the ‘innovation resistance theory’ (IRT) theory, and the ‘institutional theory’ (IT) theory), along with expert feedback, are used to categorise and finalise the barriers. Further, a case study from ‘micro, small and medium enterprises’ (MSMEs) in a developing nation such as India along with hybrid ‘multi‐criteria decision‐making’ (MCDM), that is, best‐worst method (BWM), was applied to prioritise the barriers. While ‘interpretive structural modelling’ (ISM) was used to establish contextual relationships, and ‘matrice d'impacts croisés multiplication appliquée á un classment’ (MICMAC) analysis was employed to cluster the barriers. The findings suggest that among the main category technology‐related barriers and from subcategories, infrastructure supports the top barriers and works as a driving obstacle while building IMA for sustainable development. The findings from this study can help develop effective marketing strategies that align profitability with environmental and social responsibility.
On the Solitons, Shocks, and Periodic Wave Solutions to the Fractional Quintic Benney–Lin Equation for Liquid Film Dynamics
Authors: Alyousef Haifa A. , Shah Rasool , Salas Alvaro H. , Tiofack C. G. L. , Ismaeel Sherif M. E. , Alhejaili Weaam , El‐Tantawy Samir A.
Published: January 2025

In this study, two improved versions related to the family of ‐approaches , namely, the simple ‐expansion method and the generalized ‐expansion method, are applied to investigate the families of symmetric solitary wave solutions for the quintic fractional Benney–Lin equation that arises in the liquid film. The ‐expansion method is a transformation‐based method that has been used a lot to solve nonlinear partial differential equations and fractional partial differential equations. This method produces several solitary wave solutions to the current problem by supposing a series‐form solution. The generalized ‐expansion method, on the other hand, builds on the simple ‐expansion method by adding more parameters to the series‐form solution. This makes finding more families of solitary wave solutions possible and better shows how the system changes over time. These techniques identify various traveling waves, such as periodic, kink, ‐shaped, bell‐shaped, shock waves and others physical solutions. Some obtained solutions are graphically discussed to better visualize the wave phenomena connected to various symmetrical solitary wave solutions. The fractional Benney–Lin equation's dynamics and wave characteristics may be better understood through these graphical depictions, which makes it easier to analyze the model's behavior in detail.
Tracking Survivors With Long COVID: Method, Implementation, and Results of an Observational Study
Authors: Wu Horng‐Shiuann , Pathak Dola , Hall Mandy , Given Charles W.
Published: January 2025

While the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has declined, many survivors continue to suffer debilitating symptoms, such as fatigue, pain, and foggy thoughts. Sustained COVID‐19 symptoms, or Long COVID, challenge health care resources and economic recovery. This article describes the methodology, implementation, and results of an observational study investigating how time since diagnosis may affect lingering symptoms among the adult COVID‐19 population. The descriptive distribution and overall symptoms experience by individuals' characteristics were examined. Random samples from two patient cohorts (n = 147 in 2020−2021 and n = 137 in 2021−2022) were recruited from a COVID‐19 patient registry in mid‐Michigan. Samples were drawn from a pool of patients ≥ 3 months following their COVID‐19 diagnosis. Overall symptoms experience (number, severity, interference) was self‐reported using a comprehensive symptom inventory. The findings showed that 66% of the 2020−2021 cohort and 47% of the 2021−2022 cohort reported ≥ 1 lingering symptom with an average of 11.2 (±3.0) and 8.9 (±3.3) months, respectively, after COVID‐19 diagnosis. Females reported significantly more symptoms (p = 0.018), higher symptom severity (p = 0.008) and interference (p = 0.007) compared to males. Compared to patients admitted to emergency departments, outpatients reported significantly lower symptom severity (p = 0.020) and less symptom interference (p = 0.018). Our analyses showed that a moderate proportion (43%) of adults remained symptomatic nearly a year after COVID‐19 infection and time since diagnosis did not affect symptom experience in either cohort. Female sex and admission setting are important factors to consider for managing and studying Long COVID.
Maxillomandibular Advancement Safety and Effectiveness in Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Walker Angelica , Kassir Mohamed F. , Sama Vineeth , Nguyen Shaun A. , Abdelwahab Mohamed
Published: January 2025

Objective

To provide an updated evaluation of clinical effectiveness and sequelae of maxillomandibular advancement surgery in obstructive sleep apnea.

Data Sources

PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL.

Review Methods

Included studies described patients with obstructive sleep apnea that completed maxillomandibular advancement with any reported sequelae. Meta‐analysis of proportions, regressions, and single means with 95% confidence interval were calculated using random and fixed effects models.

Results

Of 380 unique abstracts reviewed, a total of 31 studies (n = 1597) were included in meta‐analysis. Maxillomandibular advancement patients showed significant improvements in apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI), respiratory disturbance index (RDI), SpO2 Nadir, Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), and body‐mass index (BMI) by −41.87/h [−49.86 to −33.89], −46.24/h [−62.18 to −30.29], 6.29% [3.42 to 12.08], −8.69 [−11.54 to −5.83], and −0.74 kg/m2 [−1.35 to −0.12], respectively. Sequelae with the greatest incidence were early lower facial numbness (83.40%), late lower facial numbness at less and greater than 1 year follow‐up (66.51%, 32.73% respectively), and hardware removal (21.99%). There was a positive correlation between both preoperative BMI and length of hospital stay (r = 0.81, P = .052) and age and lower facial numbness (r = 0.42, P = .196). A negative correlation was found between Change in AHI and time to follow up (r = 0.75, P = .087). No major complications nor mortality were reported.

Conclusion

Maxillomandibular advancement has the highest success rate for obstructive sleep apnea among current surgical treatments, with most sequelae being transient. Early lower facial numbness should be highlighted preoperatively to ensure informed decision‐making. Further research should be geared towards reducing this risk.
Risk Factors for Suicidal Ideation and Attempt in Patients With Skull Base Tumors
Authors: Chung Tony , Edalati Shaun , Vasan Vikram , Iloreta Alfred Marc , Govindaraj Satish
Published: January 2025

Objective

Patients with head and neck cancer experience suicide rates significantly higher than the general population. However, the relationship between skull base tumors (SBTs) and suicidal ideation and attempt (SIA) remains underexplored. This study aims to identify sociodemographic and clinical risk factors for SIA among patients with SBTs.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the National Inpatient Sample (2016‐2019) to analyze 275,195 hospitalizations involving SBTs. Survey‐weighted methods were used to assess univariable and multivariable risk factors for SIA.

Results

Among SBT patients, 2160 (0.78%) were diagnosed with SIA. Younger age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.98; P < .001) and emergent admissions (aOR: 2.25; P < .001) were strongly associated with SIA. Socioeconomic difficulties were one of the most significant predictors (aOR: 7.57; P < .001). Depressive, bipolar, and adjustment disorders were the strongest mental health comorbidity predictors (aOR: 8.18, 7.24, 5.19, respectively; P < .001). Alcohol and cannabis use disorders also elevated SIA risk (aOR: 2.79, 2.29, respectively; P < .001). Protective factors included treatment in Western hospitals (aOR: 0.52; P < .001) and undergoing surgery (aOR: 0.29‐0.36; P < .001). Meningiomas were associated with lower SIA odds (aOR: 0.68; P = .013), while pituitary adenomas showed a significant association in univariable analysis.

Conclusion

Younger age, socioeconomic difficulties, mental health comorbidities, and substance use are key risk factors for SIA in SBT patients, while surgery and treatment in Western hospitals are protective. Regular suicidality screening and proactive mental health interventions are essential for improving outcomes in this vulnerable population.
Utilization of ChatGPT for Rhinology Patient Education: Limitations in a Surgical Sub‐Specialty
Authors: Huang Alice E. , Chang Michael T. , Khanwalkar Ashoke , Yan Carol H. , Phillips Katie M. , Yong Michael J. , Nayak Jayakar V. , Hwang Peter H. , Patel Zara M.
Published: January 2025

Objective

To analyze the accuracy of ChatGPT‐generated responses to common rhinologic patient questions.

Methods

Ten common questions from rhinology patients were compiled by a panel of 4 rhinology fellowship‐trained surgeons based on clinical patient experience. This panel (Panel 1) developed consensus “expert” responses to each question. Questions were individually posed to ChatGPT (version 3.5) and its responses recorded. ChatGPT‐generated responses were individually graded by Panel 1 on a scale of 0 (incorrect) to 3 (correct and exceeding the quality of expert responses). A 2nd panel was given the consensus and ChatGPT responses to each question and asked to guess which response corresponded to which source. They then graded ChatGPT responses using the same criteria as Panel 1. Question‐specific and overall mean grades for ChatGPT responses, as well as interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) as a measure of interrater reliability, were calculated.

Results

The overall mean grade for ChatGPT responses was 1.65/3. For 2 out of 10 questions, ChatGPT responses were equal to or better than expert responses. However, for 8 out of 10 questions, ChatGPT provided responses that were incorrect, false, or incomplete based on mean rater grades. Overall ICC was 0.526, indicating moderate reliability among raters of ChatGPT responses. Reviewers were able to discern ChatGPT from human responses with 97.5% accuracy.

Conclusion

This preliminary study demonstrates overall near‐complete and variably accurate responses provided by ChatGPT to common rhinologic questions, demonstrating important limitations in nuanced subspecialty fields.