bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Infectious Subgenomic Amplicon Strategies for Japanese Encephalitis and West Nile Viruses
Authors: Singh Prince Pal , Le Nguyen Phuong Khanh , Karniychuk Uladzimir 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTClassical methods for constructing infectious cDNA clones of flaviviruses are often hindered by instability and toxicity. The Infectious‐Subgenomic‐Amplicons (ISA) method is an advancement which utilizes overlapping DNA fragments representing viral genomic sequence and in‐cell recombination to bypass bacterial plasmid assembly. However, the ISA method has limitations due to the toxicity of some ISA DNA fragments in bacteria during synthetic production. We validated modified ISA strategies for producing toxic ISA Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) and West Nile virus (WNV) DNA fragments. Three approaches were explored, including subdividing toxic DNA fragments into two sub‐fragments for synthetic clonal production, using a low‐copy bacterial plasmid, and subdividing the toxic DNA fragments into four short overlapping sub‐fragments, each up to 1.8 kb. The latter novel approach in ISA applications enabled the synthesis of entirely bacteria‐free ISA DNA fragments. Our results demonstrate that subdividing toxic fragments into sub‐fragments smaller than 1.8 kb for synthesis is the efficient strategy, circumventing the need for bacterial plasmids and ensuring rapid production of synthetic flaviviruses. This method also shortens the production timeline. We also compared the efficacy of JEV and WNV ISA in zinc finger antiviral protein 1 (ZAP) wild‐type and knockout cells and found that knockout cells may be more effective for ISA rescue of flaviviruses, including CpG‐enriched strains for live attenuated vaccines. The validated modified ISA strategies provide an efficient approach for producing synthetic JEV and WNV. This will enable rapid research during outbreaks of emerging flaviviruses by facilitating the quick generation of new virus variants.
Climate Change in Sergipe, Northeast Brazil: Hydrological Trends in Recent Decades
Authors: de Souza Thiers Pereira , Souza Neto Izaias Rodrigues de , Lima Ronaldo Guilherme Santos , Mendes Ludmilson Abritta 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTAnalysing spatial and temporal variability in climate is not just an academic exercise; it is also crucial for identifying hydrological trends, assessing climate change, and understanding the environmental vulnerability of a region. These analyses also help in projecting future water availability and susceptibility to desertification. The Northeast of Brazil (NEB), characterised by prolonged droughts and intense rainfall events, could greatly benefit from such research. In Sergipe, the smallest state in NEB, some studies have revealed trends indicating a decrease in annual rainfall and increasing extremes in maximum and minimum temperatures, accompanied by signs of climate change in arid zones. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the temporal variability of precipitation (P), evapotranspiration (ETo), and the aridity index (AI) in Sergipe's watersheds, as well as to assess changes in their spatial distribution across the territory. The results showed that, over the past six decades, Sergipe did not exhibit statistically significant tendencies in the P variables: total annual precipitation, total precipitation in the wettest quarter (WQT), and total precipitation in the driest quarter (DQT). However, spatial analysis revealed changes in the dynamics of these variables. Five watersheds presented a statistically significant increase in ETo annually and during the DQT. Spatially, an expansion of ETo occurred in areas highly susceptible to desertification, particularly in the São Francisco watershed and at the headwaters of the Piauí and Real rivers. These findings suggest a trend of decreasing water availability in the region, emphasising the need for immediate policy intervention to mitigate the risks and damage caused by prolonged droughts.
Sexual dimorphism in periodontal inflammation: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Farina Roberto , Simonelli Anna , Tomasi Cristiano , Ioannidou Effie , Trombelli Leonardo 
Published: February 2025

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of the present study was to evaluate the role of sexual dimorphism (SD) in the clinical manifestation of plaque‐induced periodontal inflammation by analyzing the association between patient‐related factors and the full‐mouth prevalence of bleeding on probing (BOP%) within 2 cohorts of male and female individuals.MethodsData on BOP (dichotomously recorded as present/absent after the assessment of probing depth [PD]) were retrospectively obtained from the files of adult patients undergoing a first periodontal visit at a University center. Two multiple regression models (1 for males, 1 for females) were built with BOP% as the dependent variable and patient‐related factors (i.e., age; smoking status; daily cigarette consumption; history of diabetes diagnosis; number of teeth present; proportion of sites with PD ≥ 5 mm around teeth) as independent variables.ResultsIn males (n = 212), BOP% was 5.9% lower in smokers compared to non‐smokers (p = 0.021). In females (n = 389), BOP% increased by 1.6% for each 10‐year increase in age (p = 0.046). The proportion of sites with PD ≥ 5 mm showed a strongly significant, positive association with BOP% irrespective of biological sex (p < 0.001).ConclusionSD manifested as a sex‐dependent diversity in the association between patient‐related factors and periodontal inflammation expressed as BOP%. While smoking determined a lower BOP% only in males, aging was associated with increased BOP% only in females.Plain Language SummaryGingival bleeding upon mechanical stimulation of the bottom of the gingival sulcus/pocket with a periodontal probe (bleeding on probing [BOP]) is suggestive of the presence of an inflammatory infiltrate induced by dental plaque within the gingival tissue. The prevalence of BOP within the dentition (BOP%) has a diagnostic relevance, being one of the main parameters to discriminate between periodontal health and disease. Also, BOP% informs the probability for a patient to either develop destructive form of periodontal disease (i.e., periodontitis) or manifest periodontitis progression. Based on the documented influence of biological sex on the incidence, traits, and/or progression rate of several diseases, which goes under the name of sexual dimorphism (SD), the effect of SD was investigated in relation to the factors that were previously associated with BOP% in a cohort of patients with heterogeneous periodontal conditions undergoing their first periodontal visit. Interestingly, SD manifested as a sex‐dependent diversity in the association between patient‐related factors and periodontal inflammation expressed by BOP%. While smoking determined a lower BOP% only in males, aging was associated with increased BOP% only in females. The present findings may find potential applications in personalized periodontal medicine and inspire future studies in this field.
A multicenter study: New cut‐off values of antitransglutaminase antibodies processed by chemiluminescence in children with suspected celiac disease
Authors: Ortiz Gonzalo , Ursino Florencia , Battiston Fernando , Messere Gabriela , Busoni Veronica , Neffa Rosana Solis , Bigliardi Roman , Mora Mabel , Toca Maria del Carmen , Orsi Marina 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTObjectives(1) To assess the predictive value of anti‐tissue transglutaminase immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies (a‐tTG) by chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) related to duodenal histology in children with suspected celiac disease (CD) and (2) to determine the cut‐off value of a‐tTG by CLIA that allows diagnosis of CD avoiding biopsy.MethodsRetrospective, descriptive, observational study in children between 1 and 16 years of age, studied for CD. Patients with IgA deficiency and those on a gluten‐free diet were excluded. Sensitivity (S), specificity (Sp), positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated for ≥10, 30, and 50 times the normal a‐tTG (normal value [NV]) compared with histology, evaluated by blinded pathologists.ResultsThe total number of patients included was 262. The a‐tTG IgA by CLIA with a cut‐off point of 20 chemiluminescent units (CU) had a S of 99.5%, Sp, 10.26%, PPV, 86.38%, NPV, 80%. When a cut‐off value of a‐tTG ≥ 10 times NV (200 CU) was used, the S, Sp, PPV, and NPV were 65.4%, 69.23%, 94.2%, and 25.96%, respectively. Likewise, with a value ≥30 times NV (600 CU) the correlation with histology was 99.03%, reaching a PPV of 100% with a cut‐off value ≥50 NV (1000 CU). Combining both methods a‐tTG IgA + EMA IgA, we obtained similar results to the a‐tTG IgA level for the proposed cut‐off values.ConclusionsWe suggest that the use of 30 times the NV cutoff values would be the best predictor of which patients do not need a biopsy.
A clear approach: Hemostatic gel as a novel adjunct for pediatric upper gastrointestinal bleeding
Authors: Plott Natalia , Rougraff Audra , Bose Paroma , Tolliver Kyla M. , Waseem Shamaila , Hoskins Brett J. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractPediatric upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a significant clinical concern, with a mortality rate of approximately 2%. Endoscopic management of UGIB in children includes various techniques such as injections, mechanical devices, thermal therapies, and topical agents. PuraStat®, a clear hemostatic gel, has been used in adults to create a physical barrier for hemostasis without obscuring the endoscopic view. However, its use in pediatric UGIB has not been well‐documented. A review of four pediatric cases where PuraStat® was used to treat UGIB showed that it was applied as an adjunct to other hemostatic methods like clip placement or epinephrine injections, and in one case, as monotherapy for a large duodenal ulcer/site of recently contained perforation. The gel was easy to use, appeared to be beneficial, and was well‐tolerated in this small cohort, although conclusions regarding its safety and efficacy are limited by the sample size.
Targeting the Antibody Fab Region Using Light‐Induced Indole‐3‐Butyric Acid Functionalized Magnetic Microspheres
Authors: Yi Yu , Li Yao , Wang Sa , Liang Yuting , Mei Jianfeng , Ying Guoqing 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTA novel light‐controlled adsorption system for direct targeting of antibody Fab fragments was developed by utilizing indole‐3‐butyric acid functionalized magnetic microspheres. Indole‐3‐butyric acid, serving as a specific small molecule ligand, was successfully conjugated to amine‐functionalized magnetic microspheres via a 1‐ethyl‐3‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide/N‐hydroxysuccinimide activation strategy. Under illumination at a particular wavelength, the indole‐3‐butyric acid ligand generated reactive radicals that interacted with the nucleotide‐binding sites of antibody Fab fragments, enabling effective affinity adsorption. Static adsorption experiments demonstrated that the system's adsorption behavior obeys the Langmuir model (KF = 0.122, R2 = 0.996), indicating a homogeneous adsorption process. Kinetic studies further revealed that the adsorption process follows a second‐order kinetic model (k2 = 0.0257, R2 = 0.989). When compared with conventional antibody adsorption systems, this new system exhibited specific targeting of Fab fragments, enhanced selectivity, and adjustable properties. In particular, at pH 7.0, effective elution was achieved by increasing the salt concentration, with the eluted product retaining antigen‐binding activity. The purification recovery rate exceeded 98%, and the system maintained effective adsorption and elution of Fab fragments across various pH conditions. Besides, even after 10 reuse cycles, the system retained more than 96% of its efficiency, thus presenting excellent regenerability and reusability. In summary, the developed light‐controlled antibody Fab region adsorption system offers a highly efficient, stable, and cost‐effective approach. It is also expected to become one of the most effective methods for antibody Fab purification in the future.
Rewritable ITO Patterning for Nanophotonics
Authors: Liu Xinqin , Peng Pan , Zhang Zhenyang , Zhao Xiangyu , Chen Wenyu , Liu Shiyuan , Zhu Jinlong 
Published: February 2025

AbstractNanophotonic devices leverage unique interactions between photons and materials at the nanoscale, enabling applications in optical communication, biosensing, and quantum computing. These devices' properties are susceptible to material composition and structural design. Nanofabrication techniques, such as optical lithography, e‐beam lithography, two‐photon polymerization, and direct laser writing, have been widely applied to fabricate nanophotonic devices. Notably, rewritable fabrication stands out due to its low cost, flexibility, efficiency, and multi‐functionality. In this paper, a novel rewritable nanofabrication technique is proposed, which combines electrochemical reactions with direct laser writing, to fabricate nanophotonic devices on low‐cost indium tin oxide (ITO) films. The experimental results have demonstrated that high‐quality and erasable photonic structures such as diffraction gratings and holography masks can be directly fabricated using our technique. Hence, it is believed that this method can be applied in diverse fields such as nanophotonics, optoelectronic devices, biosensors, micro‐electromechanical systems, and nonlinear optics.
Thermo‐Responsive Polymer‐Based Nanoparticles: From Chemical Design to Advanced Applications
Authors: Nunziata Giuseppe , Nava Marco , Lacroce Elisa , Pizzetti Fabio , Rossi Filippo 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThermo‐responsive polymers have emerged as a cutting‐edge tool in nanomedicine, paving the way for innovative approaches to targeted drug delivery and advanced therapeutic strategies. These “smart” polymers respond to temperature changes, enabling controlled drug release in pathological environments characterized by high temperatures. By exploiting their unique phase transition, occurring at the lower or upper critical solution temperatures (LCST and UCST), these systems ensure localized therapeutic action, minimizing collateral damage to healthy tissues. The integration of these polymers into nanoparticles with hydrophilic shells and hydrophobic cores enhances their stability and biocompatibility. Furthermore, advanced polymer engineering allows precise modulation of LCST and UCST through adjustments in composition and hydrophilic‐lipophilic balance, optimizing their responsiveness for specific applications. In addition to drug delivery, thermo‐responsive nanoparticles are gaining attention in several fields such as gene therapy and imaging. Therefore, this review explores the chemical and structural diversity of thermo‐responsive nanoparticles, emphasizing their ability to encapsulate and release drugs effectively. Second, this review highlights the potential of thermo‐responsive nanoparticles to redefine treatment paradigms, providing a comprehensive understanding of their mechanisms, applications, and future perspectives in biomedical research.
Kumada‐Tamao Catalyst‐Transfer Condensation Polymerization of AB2 Monomer: Synthesis of Well‐Defined Hyperbranched Poly(thienylene‐phenylene)
Authors: Ohta Yoshihiro , Hirota Toshiki , Yamamoto Arisa , Yokozawa Tsutomu 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThe synthesis of well‐defined hyperbranched aromatic polymer by Kumada‐Tamao catalyst‐transfer condensation polymerization of AB2 monomer is investigated. Grignard monomer 2 is generated by treatment of 2‐(3,5‐dibromophenyl)‐3‐hexyl‐5‐iodothiophene (1) with 1.0 equivalent of isopropylmagnesium chloride in THF at 0 °C for 1 h and subsequently polymerized with Ni(dppe)Cl2 at room temperature for 1 h. The molecular weight of the obtained polymer increases linearly up to ≈30 000 in proportion to the ratio of [consumed 2] /[Ni(dppe)Cl2]0 and in proportion to the conversion of 2, while a narrow molecular weight distribution is maintained (Mw/Mn ≤ 1.12). The matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight (MALDI‐TOF) mass spectrum shows almost a single series of peaks due to polymer with hydrogen at one end and bromine at the other, as in the case of Kumada‐Tamao catalyst transfer condensation polymerization of AB monomers. The degree of branching (DB) of the obtained polymers is 0.70–0.75, irrespective of the degree of polymerization. These results indicate that the polymerization of 2 proceeds in a chain‐growth polymerization manner through the intramolecular catalyst transfer mechanism, affording hyperbranched polymer with higher DB than the theoretical DB value of 0.5 in conventional polycondensation of AB2 monomers.
Multi‐scale dual attention embedded U‐shaped network for accurate segmentation of coronary vessels in digital subtraction angiography
Authors: Deng He , Li Yuqing , Liu Xu , Cheng Kai , Fang Tong , Min Xiangde 
Published: February 2025

AbstractBackgroundMost attention‐based networks fall short in effectively integrating spatial and channel‐wise information across different scales, which results in suboptimal performance for segmenting coronary vessels in x‐ray digital subtraction angiography (DSA) images. This limitation becomes particularly evident when attempting to identify tiny sub‐branches.PurposeTo address this limitation, a multi‐scale dual attention embedded network (named MDA‐Net) is proposed to consolidate contextual spatial and channel information across contiguous levels and scales.MethodsMDA‐Net employs five cascaded double‐convolution blocks within its encoder to adeptly extract multi‐scale features. It incorporates skip connections that facilitate the retention of low‐level feature details throughout the decoding phase, thereby enhancing the reconstruction of detailed image information. Furthermore, MDA modules, which take in features from neighboring scales and hierarchical levels, are tasked with discerning subtle distinctions between foreground elements, such as coronary vessels of diverse morphologies and dimensions, and the complex background, which includes structures like catheters or other tissues with analogous intensities. To sharpen the segmentation accuracy, the network utilizes a composite loss function that integrates intersection over union (IoU) loss with binary cross‐entropy loss, ensuring the precision of the segmentation outcomes and maintaining an equilibrium between positive and negative classifications.ResultsExperimental results demonstrate that MDA‐Net not only performs more robustly and effectively on DSA images under various image conditions, but also achieves significant advantages over state‐of‐the‐art methods, achieving the optimal scores in terms of IoU, Dice, accuracy, and Hausdorff distance 95%.ConclusionsMDA‐Net has high robustness for coronary vessels segmentation, providing an active strategy for early diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases. The code is publicly available at https://github.com/30410B/MDA‐Net.git.
Accurate and precise in vivo liver 3DT1 mapping at 3T
Authors: Belsley Gabriela , Mózes Ferenc E. , Tyler Damian J. , Robson Matthew D. , Tunnicliffe Elizabeth M. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractPurposeTo develop an accurate and precise liver 3D mapping method using only scanner‐agnostic sequences.MethodsWhile the spoiled gradient‐recalled echo sequence is widely available on clinical scanners, variable flip angle mapping methods based on this sequence provide biased estimates, with the largest systematic error arising from inhomogeneities. To correct for this, the flip angle was mapped using a 2D gradient‐echo double‐angle method approach. To correct for the confounding effect of fat on liver and , Dixon and fat saturation techniques were used in combination with the variable flip angle and the map acquisitions, respectively. The and mapping methods were validated with a ‐phantom against gold standard methods. An intra‐ and inter‐repeatability study was conducted at 3T in 10 healthy individuals' livers.ResultsThe developed 3D mapping method achieved an excellent agreement with the gold standard, with a weighted root mean squared normalized error below 2.8%. In vivo, a median standard deviation of 31 ms and an interquartile range of [27, 39] ms was achieved across all measurements, including the intra‐ and inter‐repeatability study data. A within‐subject standard deviation for of 21 ± 5 ms had a corresponding repeatability coefficient of 60 ms. The measured values agree well with MOLLI and SASHA mapping methods, with average differences of 5%.ConclusionAccurate and precise 3D liver measurements can lead the way to the wider adoption of a clinically feasible measurement as a marker of hepatic fibro‐inflammation.
A 60‐channel high‐density flexible receive array for pediatric abdominal MRI
Authors: Lee Wonje , Stickle Yunjeong , Follante Clyve , Grafendorfer Thomas , Yang Taeyoung , Robb Fraser , Zhang Fan , Pauly John , Scott Greig , Vasanawala Shreyas , Syed Ali 
Published: February 2025

AbstractPurposeConventional MRI coils offer suboptimal parallel imaging performance for young children. Our goal was to enhance imaging acceleration by dedicated, flexible high‐density coil design for pediatric patients at 3T.MethodsWe design, construct, and evaluate a highly flexible small loop array. Key design notes include full‐wave simulation and analysis of the dual‐turn loop, miniature feedboard allocation at the loop center, and cable management. Phantom experiments and adult and pediatric volunteer case studies were conducted to evaluate the small loop array imaging performance compared to commercial reference coils.ResultsDual‐turn loop configuration forms higher preamp decoupling impedance than the same size single‐turn, supporting a flexible form factor that requires a wide range of critical overlap. Both phantom and in‐vivo studies demonstrate superior parallel imaging performance or high spatial resolution imaging using the small loop, compared to commercial reference coils.ConclusionA dedicated high‐density coil array with a minimum inter‐component interference layout design allows a flexible form factor and higher imaging accelerations. Phantom and in‐vivo volunteer case studies demonstrate promising results in improving efficiency for pediatric patients in routine clinical imaging procedures.
Financial Growth of Sport Industry in the Extreme Context: Evidence From Iran Under Economic Sanction and COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Mohity Zahra , Mokhtari Dinani Maryam , Rezaei Pandari Abbas , Afshar Jahanshahi Asghar 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThe objective of this research is to shift the narrative toward the impact of international sanctions against Iran and the ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic on the financial growth of the sports industry. Employing Importance‐Performance Analysis (IPA), we delve into the diverse factors influencing the financial dynamics of the sports sector in Iran. After an extensive review of the research literature, we identify pivotal elements affecting the financial prosperity of the sports industry. Using expert opinions and the content validity index (CVI), we select 20 significant factors shaping the financial landscape of the sports industry in Iran. Subsequently, we evaluate the importance and performance of these identified factors, drawing insights from the perspectives of 12 sports economics experts and sports managers. Employing Decision‐making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DANP) and IPA methods, we analyze the interplay of these factors. The research outcomes underscore the pivotal role of international sanctions against Iran and the challenges posed by the COVID‐19 pandemic in influencing the financial growth of the sports industry. Noteworthy factors include the stability of sports club incomes, the commercialization of the sports industry, private sector investment in sports, and the allocation of sports expenses within government expenditures. These findings illuminate the nuanced relationship between external geopolitical factors and internal financial dynamics, shaping the trajectory of the sports industry's financial growth in Iran.