bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
β-Lactam Inoculum Effect in Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus Infective Endocarditis
Authors: Jean Baptiste , Crolle Maelys , Pollani Candice , Le Guilloux Adèle , Martin-Blondel Guillaume , Tattevin Pierre , Le Bot Audrey , Luque Paz David , Guérin François , Cattoir Vincent , Armand-Lefevre Laurence , Gueye Signara , Lescure François-Xavier , Duval Xavier , Massip Clémence , Delobel Pierre 
Published: December 2024

ImportanceInfective endocarditis (IE) caused by Staphylococcus aureus is associated with high mortality, approximately 20% to 30%, mostly in the first month, with no improvement in recent decades. Current opinion is that antistaphylococcal penicillin and cefazolin are equally effective in treating methicillin-susceptible S aureus (MSSA) IE, and both are recommended as possible first-line treatments. Most MSSA strains carry the β-lactamase blaZ gene, and some blaZ-positive strains exhibit an inoculum effect, meaning increased minimum inhibitory concentrations at high inoculum. This reduced susceptibility to an antibiotic at high bacterial inoculum may be particularly relevant in IE, where vegetations have very high bacterial densities.ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between phenotypic characteristics of S aureus isolates, β-lactam used, and outcome in patients with MSSA IE.Design, Settings, and ParticipantsThis retrospective case series included MSSA cases treated at 3 French university hospitals between February 2016 and February 2022. The study included patients who had clinical isolates available and had definite or possible S aureus IE that involved native or prosthetic valves. Data were analyzed from July 2023 to June 2024.Main Outcomes and MeasuresMSSA isolates were tested for the presence of blaZ and for inoculum effects to cefazolin and oxacillin. The association between first-month mortality and the β-lactam used, the presence of blaZ, and the presence of an inoculum effect to the treatment received was evaluated.ResultsThis study included 216 patients with MSSA IE (median [IQR] age, 65 [49-73] years; 152 [70.4%] male) who were treated with antistaphylococcal penicillin (139 [64.4%]) or cefazolin (77 [35.6%]). One-month mortality of left-sided IE was 44 of 180 patients (24.4%), with no overall difference between patients treated with antistaphylococcal penicillin or cefazolin. However, 1-month mortality was higher in patients infected with blaZ-positive strains than with blaZ-negative strains (38 of 129 [29.5%] vs 6 of 51 [11.8%]; P = .01), and with strains with an inoculum effect to the β-lactam received than with strains without an inoculum effect (25 of 62 [40.3%] vs 13 of 67 [19.4%]; P = .005). On multivariable analysis, the presence of an inoculum effect was independently associated with first-month mortality (HR, 2.84; 95% CI, 1.28-6.30; P = .01).Conclusions and RelevanceIn this case series of MSSA IE, the presence of an inoculum effect to the β-lactam received was a risk factor for death in the first month. Phenotyping MSSA isolates for inoculum effect may guide β-lactam choice and improve outcomes.
Optimization of target grouping in distributive stereotactic radiosurgery using the excel evolutionary solver
Authors: Ramsey Chester , Gallemore Samuel , Bowling Joseph 
Published: December 2024

AbstractPurposeDistributive stereotactic radiosurgery (dSRS) is a form of fractionation where groups of metastases are treated with a full single‐fraction dose on different days. The challenge with dSRS is determining optimal target groupings to maximize the distance between targets treated in the same fraction. This study aimed to develop and validate an accessible optimization technique for distributing brain metastases into optimal treatment fractions using a genetic algorithm.MethodsThe Evolutionary Solver in Excel was used to optimize the grouping of target volumes for distributive SRS fractionation. The algorithm's performance was tested using three geometric test cases with known optimal solutions, 400 simulations with randomly distributed target volumes, and clinical data from five GammaKnife patients. The objective function was defined as the sum of average distances between target volumes within each fraction, with constraints ensuring 2–5 targets per fraction, each target being assigned to only one fraction, and a constraint on the minimum distance between any two targets in the same fraction.ResultsThe Evolutionary Solver successfully identified optimal target groupings in all geometric test cases. Compared to random groupings, the mean distance between target volumes increased by 9%, from 68.1 ± 0.8 to 74.2 ± 1.1 mm post‐optimization, while the minimum distance between targets increased by 57%, from 24.9 ± 5.9 to 39.1 ± 7.5 mm. In clinical test cases, the mean distances improved from 81.6 ± 11.9 mm for manual target grouping to 85.6 ± 14.5 mm for optimized target grouping. The minimum separation improved from 35.2 ± 14.5 mm with manual grouping to 51.6 ± 14.7 mm with optimized grouping, corresponding to a mean improvement of 16.4 ± 6.1 mm.ConclusionThe Evolutionary Solver in Excel provides a systematic and reproducible method for optimizing distributive target groupings in SRS and enhances spatial separation.
Innovative Application of Photochromic Molecules in Inorganic Perovskite Solar Cells: Simultaneous Refinement in Performance and Environmental Sustainability
Authors: Zhou Tianxiang , Zhao Wenshi , Wang Zhiteng , Li Rui , Feng Xiaolong , Du Yachao , Liu Lei , Zhang Junqi , Yin Guiyong , Wang Kuo , Yu Hongcan , Liu Yang , Tian Qingwen , (Frank) Liu Shengzhong 
Published: December 2024

AbstractMost strategies only focus on passivating dynamic defects on the surfaces of perovskite films or addressing Pb leakage issues separately, lacking comprehensive solutions. In view of this, photochromic compound 1,3,3‐trimethylindolinonaphthospirooxazine (SO) and its photoisomerization product (MC) are innovatively introduced into inorganic perovskite solar cells (IPSCs). Under light irradiation, the distinctive transformation characteristics of photoisomeric molecules are leveraged to effectively and continuously passivate dynamic defects. Meanwhile, ring‐opening MC structure provides two anchoring sites, which form a stable chelating ring with undercoordinated Pb2+, thereby mitigating the risk of Pb leakage. Both theoretical analyses and experimental findings indicate that MC molecules expose more active sites due to their open molecular structure under illumination, thus tightly binding to undercoordinated ions (I− and Pb2+) in films. The MC passivation treatment exhibits an impressive power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 22.04%, while also improving hydrophobicity, UV resistance, and biocompatibility of films. This approach not only presents a new perspective for boosting performance and stability of IPSCs but also takes an important step toward promoting their development in environmental friendliness and sustainability.
Expansion of the Phenotype of You‐Hoover‐Fong Syndrome and Possible Increased Risk of Cancer
Authors: De Falco Alessandro , De Gregorio Fabiola , Abate Massimo Eraldo , Paolella Chiara , Nigro Vincenzo , Scala Iris , Brunetti‐Pierri Nicola 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTYou‐Hoover‐Fong syndrome (YHFS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by global developmental delay, microcephaly, dysmorphic facial features, and a spectrum of neurodevelopmental abnormalities. YHFS is caused by pathogenic variants in TELO2, a gene involved in regulation of the cell cycle. To date, 29 individuals with YHFS have been reported and none of them has been reported to develop tumors. We describe two siblings with YHFS both presenting with bilateral acoustic nerve agenesis, microcephaly, and dysmorphic features. Notably, one sibling developed hepatoblastoma at the age of 7.5 years. Clinical exome sequencing revealed in both siblings compound heterozygous variants in the TELO2 gene. Although the development of hepatoblastoma might be coincidental, given the role of TELO2 in cell cycle, we suspect YHFS might be associated with an increased cancer susceptibility. Further cases are needed to confirm whether YHFS is associated with an increased risk of cancer.
Navigating from industry to higher education: Practitioner transitions to academic life
Authors: Myers Fran , Baxter Jacqueline , Selby‐Fell Helen , Pachón Andrés Morales 
Published: December 2024

AbstractIn this paper, we entwine sympathetic concepts of liminality and workplace identity to capture processual, agential and emotional elements of transition for established professionals from other sectors taking up academic careers in a digitised UK business school. We undertake interpretative analysis of explicit and latent responses through three core themes exploring processes of transition, agencies of transition and emotions of transition through anonymised interviews conducted with 15 participants coming in from a variety of industrial and service roles. With a rationale of better understanding barriers and ambiguities experienced during times of transition, the paper considers perceptions of ambiguity and flux experienced by those undertaking second careers in the context of marketised higher education, arguing that coming in from a profession is complex and unsettling. The paper argues for greater institutional focus on improving perceptions of belonging, valorisation and recognition for those negotiating the ritual and contested space of transition, particularly in light of increasing collaboration between academia and practice and growing student numbers in this space. It concludes that in the light of continued policy decisions embracing rapid growth in apprenticeship and other practice‐based degree programmes, university managers need active strategies to retain and develop those from industry and other professional backgrounds.
Is Whole‐Brain Radiotherapy for Brain Metastases an Overestimated Therapy? A Retrospective Study of Real‐World Data Using Landmark Analyses
Authors: Hoelzl Florian , Koelbl Oliver , Gruber Isabella 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe role of whole‐brain radiotherapy for patients with brain metastases is changing as immunotherapy and molecularly targeted therapies advance. However, whole‐brain radiotherapy continues to be part of the multimodal concept.MethodsThis retrospective study included 285 patients who received whole‐brain radiotherapy for brain metastases, using a median dose of 30 Gy. The study analyzed prognostic factors for survival using Cox regression analyses, while two landmark analyses, reflecting a minimum survival of 60 and 90 days, accounted for early deaths. Neurological symptoms were compared before and after treatment using the McNemar test.ResultsThe median patient age was 62 years. Non‐small cell lung cancer (n = 95), breast cancer (n = 53), and small cell lung cancer (n = 48) were the most frequent cancer types. Median survival was 4.3 months (interquartile range 1.8–11.1). In the multivariable Cox regression model, patients who received additional immunotherapy/molecularly targeted therapy had a higher chance of survival than others. Overall survival was influenced by control of primary cancer, extracranial metastases, age, Karnofsky performance status, and number of brain metastases. The 90‐day landmark analysis included 181 patients who survived at least 90 days, reflecting that 104 patients (36.5%) died within the first 90 days. The 90‐day landmark analysis confirmed all predictive variables for survival. Patients who died before the 90‐day landmark endpoint had more brain metastases, lower Karnofsky performance status, higher age, and were less frequently treated with immunotherapy/molecularly targeted therapy than those surviving at least 90 days. The treatment significantly improved neurological symptoms.ConclusionThese results indicate an insufficient patient selection, as one‐third of patients treated with whole‐brain radiotherapy died within 90 days. However, neurological symptoms improved, and the addition of immunotherapy and/or molecularly targeted therapy to whole‐brain radiotherapy was associated with better survival. Patients receiving whole‐brain irradiation should be more carefully selected.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials: 24‐3626‐104
Cold Philosophers: Female Students' Perceived Lack of Fit in Stereotypes Is Associated With Underrepresentation
Authors: Leopold Arian , Köller Michaela M. , Renger Daniela 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTWomen's underrepresentation in philosophy requires a comprehensive investigation of the factors that contribute to it. This paper examines the presence of gender stereotypes regarding philosophers and the consequences of a perceived misfit in three studies. A pre‐study (N = 49) confirmed that students tend to think about males when asked to name philosophers. Study 1 (N = 530) used an online experiment with a general sample and found that philosophers are perceived as more male than female. Results demonstrated a perceived gender‐philosopher‐misfit regarding communal but not agentic attributes. Study 2 (N = 178) confirmed the prevalence of the male philosopher stereotype in philosophy students. Building on the Lack‐of‐Fit Model, we hypothesized and found that female students showed a higher perceived self‐philosopher‐misfit than male students on the communion dimension, but unexpectedly not on the agency dimension. Using a structural equation model, we showed that this perceived gender‐related communal misfit was associated with their lowered intention to persist and increased intention to quit their philosophy studies. The results replicate prior findings on gender stereotype misfits and highlight the special role of the communal dimension in shaping career decisions. Please refer to the Supporting Information section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.
Characterization of microRNA‐223‐3p as a novel promoter of cell proliferation and invasion in papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Pan Xinghe , Liu Junliang , Zhang Yitong , Sun Chenglin , Li You , Guo Hongpeng 
Published: December 2024

AbstractPapillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), the most common thyroid cancer, has been linked to various molecular alterations. This study focuses on microRNA‐223‐3p, whose upregulated expression in PTC tissues appears to enhance tumor growth and cellular dysfunctions. Our findings demonstrate that microRNA‐223‐3p significantly promotes cell proliferation, invasion, and migration and induces epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). Additionally, neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is identified as a direct target, suggesting that microRNA‐223‐3p could be crucial in PTC pathogenesis and may offer a target for therapeutic intervention.
Toward a Generic Model for Phosgene Synthesis Catalysis over Activated Carbon
Authors: Hughes Rory , Davies Philip R. , Brennan Colin , Lennon David 
Published: December 2024

AbstractA reaction model was recently been postulated to describe the phosgene synthesis process over an activated carbon catalyst. That body of work exclusively considered a single grade of activated carbon (Donau Supersorbon K40), raising the issue that the mechanistic insight gleaned could be restricted to the single substrate. Therefore, to evaluate the generality of the proposed sequence of elementary reactions that lead to phosgene production, this article concentrates on Norit RX3 Extra, a representative activated carbon that finds wide application in industrial applications. Several phosgene synthesis traits were associated with Donau Supersorbon K40 and are reproduced with Norit RX3 extra over the reaction conditions studied, such as exclusive phosgene selectivity and a degree of reagent retention. However, temperature‐programmed reaction studies show the reaction profile of the Norit RX3 extra to exhibit deviations from that observed for Donau Supersorbon K40. A modified reaction model is proposed to account for these differences. The revised reaction model is thought to represent a generic model for phosgene synthesis that can accommodate disparities in the surface chemistry of different activated carbon formulations.
Carbohydrate Wastes to Chemicals (CtC): From Second‐Generation Sugars to Glycols
Authors: Cusati Giuseppe , Fergen Hannah , Bouge Marine , Bücker Thomas , Vogel Kevin , Taherkhani Mehran , Ehret Ralf 
Published: December 2024

AbstractIn the Carbohydrate Wastes to Chemicals (CtC) project, Air Liquide Engineering & Construction, Air Liquide Innovation Campus Frankfurt, Provadis Hochschule, BASF SE, and hte GmbH worked together to develop an alternative and sustainable route to the production of glycols, with propylene glycol as the main product. Starting from second‐generation sugars as residues from carbohydrate biomass waste streams, the pretreatment as well as the product purification were evaluated. In addition, the greenhouse gas emissions for the whole process, from residues to glycols, were estimated.
Optimization of Romiplostim Biosimilar Efficacy Trial Using In Silico Clinical Trial Approach for Patients With Immune Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Petrov Aleksandr , Makarenko Igor , Belova Bella , Melikyan Anait , Saparova Valeria , Peskov Kirill , Kudryashova Nataliya , Kovalik Vladislav , Gefen Maria , Khokhlov Alexandr , Drai Roman 
Published: December 2024

AbstractDuring biosimilar drug development, conducting a clinical trial of biosimilar efficacy in patients may become necessary in the presence of residual uncertainty regarding the biosimilarity of the drugs. In the development of the biosimilar romiplostim GP40141, we aimed to use a model‐based in silico clinical trial (ISCT) approach to optimize the planned biosimilar efficacy trial in patients with immune thrombocytopenia. The population pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model for healthy volunteers was modified and validated to describe platelet dynamics in patients with immune thrombocytopenia. ISCTs were then conducted using the modified model for various expected scenarios of biosimilar efficacy trials. Statistical analysis of the simulation results was subsequently used to confirm the appropriateness of the chosen design for evaluating the planned efficacy end points. Since the planned trial includes both patients naïve to therapy with thrombopoietin receptor agonists and nonnaïve patients, various expected ratios of naïve to nonnaïve patients (1:1, 1:2, 1:3) and the percentage of nonnaïve patients who previously received eltrombopag (0% or 30%) were assessed across 200 ISCTs performed for each scenario. The obtained estimates of empirical power for the equivalence test of platelet response/durable platelet response by the 10th/26th week between the test and reference groups were not less than 94%, regardless of the scenario. Differences in power between the 10‐ and 26‐week end points did not exceed 4%. The analysis of ISCT results allowed for an effective reduction of uncertainty in the biosimilar development of GP40141, demonstrating the appropriateness of using the 10‐week efficacy end point as the primary one.
Early‐season floral bud loss has little impact on the maturity, yield, and lint quality of high‐yielding Bt cotton crops
Authors: Grundy Paul R. , Bell Kerry L. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractProtecting floral buds (squares) from insect damage in cotton during early growth is a priority for crop managers despite unclear implications for yield potential and increased system risks from early‐season insecticide use. This study was conducted to determine the compensatory responses of high‐yielding Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L. cultivars, following manual square damage across 30 experiments, spanning different seasons and environments under commercial production conditions. Square removal from the first five sympodia (fruiting branches) before flowering reduced yield by 9% in one experiment, increased yield by 9%–12% in three experiments and had no effect in the remaining experiments. The most damaging treatment, with squares removed twice across 10 sympodia, reduced yield in just nine experiments by 10%–23%. Lint strength and length remained high, exceeding Australian market preferences. Micronaire decreased with later or more severe square loss particularly in shorter season environments, but economic impact varied. Compensatory growth following pre‐flowering square loss increased fruiting site production without raising total biomass or boll proportion commensurately and caused only minor boll opening delay (<4 days). Yield compensation occurred through increased boll retention at the first position on upper canopy sympodia and more distal positions on remaining sympodia and was un‐reliant on growth of additional mainstem sympodia. Square loss impacts were greater after commencement of flowering or when pre‐flowering losses continued during the early‐flowering period. Crop managers can have confidence to reduce pre‐flowering pesticide use without jeopardizing high yields, which may produce additional systems benefits.
Cross‐cultural adaption of the computerized assessment of information processing battery (COGNITO) for an Indian longitudinal study on rural elderly
Authors: Lukose Ammu , Venkatesh Rahul Kodihalli , Joseph Mino Susan , Sivakumar Palanimuthu T. , Rao Girish N. , Gangadhar Bangalore N. , Ritchie Karen , Balakrishnan Aditi , Ravindranath Vijayalakshmi , Rao Naren P. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractIntroductionTesting cognitive functions in Indians with low literacy and linguistic diversity is challenging. We describe the adaptation process of a comprehensive neurocognitive test battery to suit both literate and illiterate aging rural Indians.MethodsFollowing the International Test Commission (ITC) guidelines for cross‐cultural adaptation, we adapted the COGNITO battery. This involved translating instructions, linguistic elements, and stimuli of each test from the original English version with the help of bilingual experts. Five stimuli across eight subtests were adapted to maintain construct equivalence and cultural relevance.ResultsThe Kannada version of COGNITO, a digitally administered tool, was feasible and effective measure for assessing cognitive functions in Kannada‐speaking aging individuals from a rural Indian population.DiscussionWe emphasize the importance of maintaining semantic and theoretical construct equivalence with the source tool, and ensuring cultural and socioeconomic congruence for the cross‐cultural adaptation of computerized cognitive batteries.HIGHLIGHTS
Assessed cognitive functions in rural elderly with low literacy and high linguistic diversity.
Followed International Test Commission (ITC) guidelines for cross‐cultural adaptation to suit literate and illiterate aging rural Indians.
Maintained semantic and theoretical construct equivalence with the source tool, ensuring cultural and socioeconomic congruence for cross‐cultural adaptation of cognitive batteries.