bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phylogeny and bioprospecting: The diversity of medicinal plants used in cancer management
Authors: Thompson Jamie B. , Hawkins Julie A. 
Published: August 2024

Societal Impact StatementAs the second‐leading cause of mortality worldwide, cancer is a major focus of drug discovery research. Traditional plant knowledge can guide the search for undiscovered compounds, but the efficacy of this approach for cancer, a highly complex disease affecting diverse tissues, is unknown. We investigated the patterns underlying plant selection for cancer treatment globally, finding certain lineages are repeatedly targeted. While this indicates therapeutic value, their relatedness with plants used for unrelated ethnobotanical uses suggests that plants are probably selected to treat cancer‐associated symptoms, rather than addressing tumour growth. Careful re‐examination and scoring of ethnobotanical reports may make the prediction of lineages for drug discovery more informative.Summary

Cancer is a highly diverse disease and as the second‐leading cause of death worldwide is a focus of drug discovery research. Natural products have been shown to be a useful source of novel molecules for treating cancer. It is likely there are many plants with undiscovered molecules of therapeutic value, however identifying new leads from the vast diversity of plants is very challenging. Traditional knowledge might inform bioprospecting by predicting lineages of plants rich in therapeutically useful molecules.
We characterise the phylogenetic diversity of plants used in traditional cancer management using a comprehensive genus‐level phylogeny of angiosperms, and a list of 597 genera used globally to treat different cancers. We phylogenetically predict which lineages may have elevated potential for drug discovery and assess the quality of the prediction.
We demonstrate the independent and repeated targeting of specific lineages of plants by different peoples in different parts of the world. However, the lineages we report here as rich in plants used in traditional cancer management coincide with those for other ethnobotanical applications and contain few plants with proven anti‐cancer activity.
That the same lineages are used to treat different cancers is suggestive of independent discovery of therapeutic value. However, it is likely that the traditional knowledge explored here is shaped by the selection of plants conferring milder effects for treating wider symptoms, such as tiredness or nausea, rather than for halting tumour growth. Accurate prediction of useful plant lineages for cancer management requires more nuanced information than is commonly provided in ethnobotanical records.
Cascading consequences of structural interventions in a tropical wandering gravel‐bed river
Authors: Tolentino Pamela Louise M. , Williams Richard D. , Hurst Martin D. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractRiverscapes are often modified and managed through ‘command and control’ structural engineering approaches. These structures not only alter flow and sediment transport patterns but also negatively affect riverscape biodiversity. These impacts are particularly acute for rivers that are characterised by high mobility and wide flow distribution during extreme events. We used hydrodynamic and geomorphological change assessment to appraise the impacts of existing flood structures and their potential for removal in a tropical wandering gravel‐bed river in the Philippines. Our approach informs a systematic decision‐making process to screen opportunities for channel reconnection. Two‐dimensional hydraulic modelling showed flood structures confine flood water within the active channel for more frequent flood events, but banks are overtopped during larger magnitude events (>50‐year recurrence interval). Incorporating modelling results, a multi‐criteria analysis was developed to appraise opportunities for river reconnection based on structure purpose, functionality, and local land‐use. We differentiate among four actions for each structure: removal, redesign, set back, or retention. One structure is recommended for removal because it cuts off an anabranch, reduces channel capacity, and increases main anabranch bed shear stress. Increased potential for bed and bank erosion due to the structure's presence had a cascading effect, resulting in further interventions downstream and on the opposite bank. We show how the use of system‐scale two‐dimensional hydraulic modelling alongside high‐resolution topographic mapping can support management of interventions to reconnect a river to its wider anabranch‐bar morphology. Such actions form part of proactive, adaptive, and nature‐based flood management plans with local and non‐local benefits.
Topical Immunotherapy with Diphenylcyclopropenone in Paediatric Patients with Alopecia Areata—A Retrospective Study of 97 Patients
Authors: Esmaeili Farzad , Vahabi Seyed Mohammad , Abdoli Mohammadsadegh , Fazeli Patrick , Ghandi Narges , Seddigh Leila , Aryanian Zeinab , Etesami Ifa 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease causing chronic non-scarring hair loss. Different therapeutic regimens have been suggested for AA, which depend on patients’ age, scalp involvement extent and duration. Topical immunotherapy with diphenylcyclopropenone (DPCP) is one of the treatment options for these patients.

Objectives
We aimed to investigate the response to DPCP in paediatric AA patients.

Methods
This retrospective study included 97 paediatric AA patients followed in the DPCP clinic from March 2016 to March 2021 at a referral dermatology hospital.

Results
In a cohort of 97 paediatric patients with AA under treatment with DPCP, with a mean age of 11.10 ± 0.9, 53.6% of the patients were male. Patchy alopecia was the most prevalent type (45.4%). After 6 months of DPCP treatment, 51.5% showed no response, while 3.1% achieved complete response. At the 12-month evaluation, among the 68 patients who continued treatment, complete response was observed in 8.8%. A significant positive correlation was found between alopecia type, specifically patchy, and treatment response (p = 0.031). Additionally, treatment duration emerged as a significant predictor of positive response at both six (OR 1.450, p = 0.026) and 12 months (OR 1.310, p = 0.043). A higher initial Severity of Alopecia Tool score was inversely correlated with treatment response (Spearman’s rho −0.14, p = 0.002), indicating that initial disease severity may predict treatment efficacy.

Conclusions
One year after the onset of DPCP in paediatric AA patients, the complete response and any hair regrowth rates were 8.8% and 61.8%, respectively. The milder initial disease severity and longer duration of treatment resulted in a better response.
Bimetallic Sulfide Sb2S3/FeS2 Heterostructure Anchored in a Carbon Skeleton for Fast and Stable Sodium Storage
Authors: Yu Lianghao , Li Zhuanxia , Cai Wu , Xie Haoliang , Wang Jing , Ling Yihan , Huang Fei , Li Hengzheng , Zhu Guang , Jin Huile , Wang Shun 
Published: August 2024

AbstractSodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) are a promising substitute for lithium batteries due to their abundant resources and low cost. Metal sulfides are regarded as highly attractive anode materials due to their superior mechanical stability and high theoretical specific capacity. Guided by the density functional theory (DFT) calculations, 3D porous network shaped Sb2S3/FeS2 composite materials with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) through a simple solvothermal and calcination method, which is predicted to facilitate favorable Na+ ion diffusion, is synthesized. Benefiting from the well‐designed structure, the resulting Sb2S3/FeS2 exhibit a remarkable reversible capacity of 536 mAh g−1 after 2000 cycles at a current density of 5 A g−1 and long high‐rate cycle life of 3000 cycles at a current density of 30 A g−1 as SIBs anode. In situ and ex situ analyses are carried out to gain further insights into the storage mechanisms and processes of sodium ions in Sb2S3/FeS2@rGO composites. The significantly enhanced sodium storage capacity is attributed to the unique structure and the heterogeneous interface between Sb2S3 and FeS2. This study illustrates that combining rGO with heterogeneous engineering can provide an ideal strategy for the synthesis of new hetero‐structured anode materials with outstanding battery performance for SIBs.
Emerging Strategies to Prevent Bacterial Infections on Titanium‐Based Implants
Authors: Villegas Martin , Bayat Fereshteh , Kramer Taylor , Schwarz Elise , Wilson David , Hosseinidoust Zeinab , Didar Tohid F. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractTitanium and titanium alloys remain the gold standard for dental and orthopedic implants. These materials are heavily used because of their bioinert nature, robust mechanical properties, and seamless integration with bone. However, implant‐associated infections (IAIs) remain one of the leading causes of implant failure. Eradicating an IAI can be difficult since bacteria can form biofilms on the medical implant, protecting the bacterial cells against systemic antibiotics and the host's immune system. If the infection is not treated promptly and aggressively, device failure is inevitable, leading to costly multi‐step revision surgeries. To circumvent this dire situation, scientists and engineers continue to develop novel strategies to protect the surface of medical implants from bacteria. In this review, details on emerging strategies to prevent infection in titanium implants are reported. These strategies include anti‐adhesion properties provided by polymers, superhydrophobic, superhydrophilic, and liquid‐infused surface coatings, as well as strategies and coatings employed to lyse the bacteria. Additionally, commercially available technologies and those under preclinical trials are examined while discussing current and future trends.
Unique Organic Crystal Skeleton Based on N‐Phenyl‐Carbazole Derivatives with Adjustable Room Temperature Phosphorescence and Highly Stable Inclusion Ability to Dichloromethane
Authors: Liu Xudong , Jiang Hongji 
Published: August 2024

AbstractMonosubstituted 9‐(2‐bromophenyl)‐carbazole (1Br1CZ) and disubstituted 9,9′‐(2,4‐dibromo‐1,3‐phenylene) bis(9H‐carbazole) (2Br2CZ) are synthesized by introducing bromine into ortho‐phenyl position of 9‐phenyl‐carbazole (PhCZ). The decomposition temperature with 5% mass loss and melting point of 2Br2CZ crystal are 360 and 230 °C. The highest occupied molecular orbital energy level of PhCZ is the highest, and that of 2Br2CZ is the lowest. The crystals of PhCZ, 1Br1CZ, and 2Br2CZ are monoclinic, orthorhombic, and triclinic system, which exhibit room temperature phosphorescence with lifetimes of 171.81, 37.15, and 28.77 ms, and their corresponding phosphorescence quantum yields are 0.83%, 0.16%, and 4.58%. It theoretically reveals that six triplet energy levels (T1‐T6) exist under S1 in 2Br2CZ crystal, and the spin orbit coupling constants between S1 and Tn in 2Br2CZ are also greater than those in PhCZ and 1Br1CZ, which promotes the intersystem crossing. Meanwhile, through crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis, the torsion angles between the carbazole unit of 2Br2CZ and the central phenyl group reached 85.28°. The 2Br2CZ crystal exhibits the richest intermolecular interactions. A cavity of 4.498 Å is formed within the crystal skeleton of 2Br2CZ, which can precisely fixe dichloromethane with a record‐high desorption temperature over 145 °C.
Uncovering security vulnerabilities through multiplatform malware analysis
Authors: Mohammadi R. , Hosseini M. M. , Bahrami R. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractCybercriminals, keen on staying anonymous, focus on creating secure connections to hide their activities. This has fueled the rise of malware, especially remote access trojans (RATs), designed to protect themselves for long‐term use and profit. This research investigates how multiplatform malware analysis can expose security weaknesses across Windows, Linux, and macOS systems. We designed and analyzed custom malware to uncover vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit to establish persistent, hidden access. The malware was programmed to bypass detection while performing actions like stealing sensitive data, launching denial‐of‐service attacks, and generating fake website traffic. Controlled lab experiments and real‐world simulations confirmed the malware's ability to operate stealthily on various platforms, highlighting critical security gaps. By uncovering these vulnerabilities, this study provides valuable insights for strengthening cybersecurity defenses.
Effect of alkali silica reaction on pretensioned concrete bridge girders
Authors: Aligolnia Hamed , Yousefpour Hossein 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAlkali silica reaction (ASR) is an undesirable phenomenon that occurs between alkalis that usually originate from cement and certain types of siliceous aggregates in concrete. The result of this reaction is delayed expansion of hardened concrete in the presence of moisture, which may cause cracking and damage in an existing structure. The present paper investigates the general behavior and shear strength of pretensioned concrete bridge girders affected by ASR. Four identical pretensioned concrete AASHTO Type I girders were fabricated using reactive concrete and subjected to environmental conditioning at a relative humidity of 100% and a temperature of 45 degrees Celsius for up to 296 days to accelerate the development of ASR. During this period, ASR‐induced expansions, changes in surface strains of concrete, transfer lengths, and patterns of damage and cracking were monitored. Each specimen was subjected to shear‐critical loading until failure upon reaching the desired expansion level. The results showed that the existence of prestressing force played a significant role in limiting the ASR‐induced in‐plane expansion and cracking. Progress of ASR caused a reduction in the load corresponding to the first detected flexural crack but an increase by up to 14% in the load corresponding to the first diagonal cracking compared to the control specimen, likely due to the additional prestress caused by restrained ASR‐induced expansions. The ultimate shear strength of ASR‐affected girders was generally within 5% of the control specimens, and all specimens exceeded their nominal shear strengths according to AASHTO LRFD 2020 specifications. Until the unrestrained uniaxial expansion of 0.2%, no significant concerns were identified regarding the shear strength of the ASR‐affected pretensioned concrete specimens.
National Regulation of Satellite Ground Stations: A Global Comparison
Authors: Rasila Tommi , Ojala Arto 
Published: August 2024

AbstractGround stations play a key role in space ecosystems by enabling communications with satellites. Due to the increasing number of LEO satellites, the number of ground stations is also growing. However, legislation and regulations related to ground stations have fallen behind due to this rapid development. Furthermore, different countries have varying regulations for ground stations, making it difficult for firms operating ground stations to establish and conduct successful global operations. In this study, we employ a qualitative approach to collect data and compare ground station regulations in 20 different countries. Based on our findings, we categorize regulations into specific, general, and hidden categories and explain their impact on ground station operations. Secondly, we highlight the possibilities for foreign operators to act and establish ground stations in different countries. Thirdly, we emphasize the need for harmonizing regulations globally.
The safety and utility of the semi-sitting position for clipping of posterior circulation aneurysms
Authors: Al-Afif Shadi , Lang Josef M. , Abdulbaki Arif , Palmaers Thomas , Scheinichen Dirk , Abu-Fares Omar , Hermann Elvis J. , Krauss Joachim K. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
The semi-sitting position offers advantages for surgeries in the posterior cranial fossa. However, data on its safety and effectiveness for clipping aneurysms in the posterior cerebral circulation are limited. This retrospective cohort study evaluates the safety and effectiveness of using the semi-sitting position for these surgeries.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective study of 17 patients with posterior cerebral circulation aneurysms who underwent surgical clipping in the semi-sitting position in the Department of Neurosurgery at Hannover Medical School over a 10-year period.

Results
The mean age at surgery was 62 years (range, 31 to 75). Fourteen patients were admitted with subarachnoid hemorrhage and 3 patients had incidental aneurysmas. Fifteen patients had PICA aneurysms, and two had aneurysms of the vertebral artery and the superior cerebellar artery, respectively. The median diameter of the aneurysms was 5 mm (range 3–17 mm). Intraoperative venous air embolism (VAE) occurred in 4 patients, without affecting the surgical or clinical course. VAE was associated with a mild decrease of EtCO2 levels in 3 patients and in 2 patients a decrease of blood pressure occurred which was managed effectively. Surgical procedures proceeded as planned in all instances. There were no complications secondary to VAE. Two patients died secondary to respiratory problems (not related to VAE), and one patient was lost to follow-up. Eleven of fourteen patients were partially or completely independent (Barthel index between 60 and 100) at a median follow-up duration of 13.5 months (range, 3–103 months).

Conclusion
The semi-sitting position is a safe and effective technique for the surgical clipping of aneurysms in the posterior cerebral circulation. The incidence of VAE is comparable to that seen in tumor surgery. However, it is crucial for the surgical and anesthesiological team to be familiar with potential complications and to react immediately in case of an occurrence of VAE.
Cost-effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine retinopathy screening: the current guideline versus no screening and reduced regimens
Authors: Quist Sara W. , Dorsthorst Sophie te , Freriks Roel D. , Postma Maarten J. , Hoyng Carel B. , van Asten Freekje 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Objective
Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) effectively treats autoimmune diseases but prolonged use may lead to retinopathy and subsequent vision loss. Guidelines suggest annual follow-up after 5 years for low-risk and 1 year for high-risk patients. This study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of current screening guidelines and a reduced regimen in the Netherlands from a societal perspective.

Methods
A Markov model assessed costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) for current and reduced screening regimens. The model included 359 HCQ-treated patients from Radboud University Medical Center. Cost-effectiveness was examined in the general population and patients using < 5.0 mg/kg, 5.0–6.0 mg/kg, or > 6.0 mg/kg HCQ per day for several reduced regimens.

Results
Compared to no screening, the current screening guideline saves costs (i.e., €210 per patient), while gaining QALYs (i.e., 0.79 QALY per patient) over a lifetime in the Netherlands. However, in patients receiving < 5.0 mg/kg HCQ per day, a biennial screening regimen after 10 years using SD-OCT was more cost-effective. For those with 5.0–6.0 mg/kg and > 6.0 mg/kg per day, initiating annual screening with an SD-OCT after 5 years was more cost-effective than the current guideline.

Conclusions
Screening for HCQ retinopathy is cost-effective, but delayed initiation and a reduced frequency, using solely an SD-OCT, are more cost-effective. We recommend screening with an SD-OCT and a biennial regimen after 10 years for low-risk patients, an annual regimen after 5 years for intermediate- and high-risk patients.
A comprehensive numerical approach to coil placement in cerebral aneurysms: mathematical modeling and in silico occlusion classification
Authors: Holzberger Fabian , Muhr Markus , Wohlmuth Barbara 
Published: August 2024

AbstractEndovascular coil embolization is one of the primary treatment techniques for cerebral aneurysms. Although it is a well-established and minimally invasive method, it bears the risk of suboptimal coil placement which can lead to incomplete occlusion of the aneurysm possibly causing recurrence. One of the key features of coils is that they have an imprinted natural shape supporting the fixation within the aneurysm. For the spatial discretization, our mathematical coil model is based on the discrete elastic rod model which results in a dimension-reduced 1D system of differential equations. We include bending and twisting responses to account for the coils natural curvature and allow for the placement of several coils having different material parameters. Collisions between coil segments and the aneurysm wall are handled by an efficient contact algorithm that relies on an octree based collision detection. In time, we use a standard symplectic semi-implicit Euler time stepping method. Our model can be easily incorporated into blood flow simulations of embolized aneurysms. In order to differentiate optimal from suboptimal placements, we employ a suitable in silico Raymond–Roy-type occlusion classification and measure the local packing density in the aneurysm at its neck, wall region and core. We investigate the impact of uncertainties in the coil parameters and embolization procedure. To this end, we vary the position and the angle of insertion of the micro-catheter, and approximate the local packing density distributions by evaluating sample statistics.
Acceptance of farmed African catfish in Egypt: addressing consumer concerns and marketing challenges
Authors: Abdel-Hady Mahmoud M. , Haggag Shaimaa M. , Abdel-Khalek Zeinab M. , Othman Mahmoud G. , Abdelrahman Hisham A. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAfrican catfish farmers used animal waste as feed to reduce production costs, a practice that raised concerns among consumers, causing them to avoid it. Consequently, this study aimed to explore factors that influenced the acceptance of farmed African catfish. The data survey involving 2294 participants from Egypt was analyzed using descriptive statistics and the chi-square test. The results indicated that 67% of participants abstained from consuming it, while 2.30% consumed it regularly. The chi-square test revealed significant consumption pattern variations (p < 0.05) based on most demographic factors. Entirely, 43% were uninformed about the nutritional value, market availability, and the potential impact of using aquafeeds on pricing. About 55–57% lacked information on feeding practices, had quality concerns, viewed catfish consumption as a health risk, and were unaware of its prices. Additionally, 68% were worried about pollution, and 76% found the available information insufficient. The main reasons for this challenge lie in consumers’ health, religious, and psychological concerns. To address this, we propose a targeted marketing strategy focusing on improving safety and quality through safe and cost-effective aquafeeds. This involves requiring farmers to obtain quality certifications and adhere to best management practices, adding value to the product, and transparent communication with consumers to provide them with reliable information about cultivation practices and the nutritional value of African catfish. Effective collaboration among key stakeholders in implementation, efficient sector management, establishing an activity licensing system, and prohibiting current feeding practices will enhance sustainable demand and reverse the declining production trend of this promising species.