bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Energy resolution values of GAGG:Ce crystals coupled to various SiPMs
Authors: Nikolaos Potiriadis , Aikaterini Skouroliakou , Panagiotis Liaparinos , Stratos David 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
GAGG:Ce (Gadolinium Aluminum Gallium Garnet doped with Cerium) crystals coupled with SiPMs (Silicon Photomultipliers) form a scintillation detector system commonly used in various fields such as medical imaging, high-energy physics, and radiation detection. The purpose of this study is to compare the energy resolution performance of GAGG:Ce crystals coupled to various SiPMs. Comparisons were conducted among crystals and photomultipliers from various companies, all featuring a pixel size of 3 × 3 mm2. The detector system consisted of a crystal optically coupled to a SiPM array, along with the photomultiplier electronics. The entire system was housed within a black box, positioned adjacent to a radiation source—a closed-type 137Cs isotope, intended for laboratory use—with a radioactivity value of 0.03 MBq. All crystals underwent surface polishing and were subsequently wrapped with multiple layers of Teflon. Additionally, an optical grease was applied between the crystal and the photomultiplier to enhance their optical properties. The size of the crystals and their coupling with the SiPMs were found to significantly impact the energy resolution. Excellent energy resolution values, up to 4.9%, were achieved for the majority of the crystals and SiPMs. Utilizing the 30035 C-Series SiPM from Onsemi, GAGG-HR single crystals exhibited the most favorable energy resolution values, achieving 5% for both 3 × 3 × 5 mm3 and 3 × 3 × 8 mm3 sizes. Furukawa GAGG:Ce crystals demonstrated consistent energy resolution ranging from 6.6% to 7.2%. Employing the PM3350 Trench type SiPM by Ketek, GAGG-HR single crystals achieved the best energy resolution values of 5.5% for 3 × 3 × 5 mm3 and 5.7% for 3 × 3 × 8 mm3 sizes. Furukawa GAGG:Ce samples of 3 × 3 × 5 mm3 crystals yielded an energy resolution value of 6.8%. When using the S10362-33 Series SiPM from Hamamatsu, the best energy resolution values were obtained with the S10362-33-050 SiPM coupled with 3 × 3 × 8 mm3 GAGG:HR crystals, resulting in an energy resolution of 8%.
First-principles analysis on the electronic structure, magnetic and optical properties of Fe-incorporated boron nitride zigzag nanotubes
Authors: Khalaf Abdulsalam M. , Motlak Moaaed , Humadi Manar A. , Rzaij Jamal M. , Nawaf Sameer , Their Othman M. 
Published: February 2025

The influence of incorporating iron on the electronic structure, magnetic and optical properties of zigzag (10,0) boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) was investigated using first-principles calculations. The structures were incorporated with Fe according to B1[Formula: see text]Fe xN at various (x) contents (0.10, 0.20 and 0.30). Our calculations exhibited that adding additional Fe atoms reduced the energy gap of the structure. Incorporating more iron atoms creates additional sharp peaks within Fermi levels that come from the contribution of Fe-3d states. Doping with (Fe) also introduced magnetic moments in the BNNT structure. The optical parameters of the Fe-incorporated boron nitride nanotube are calculated. The real part of the dielectric function of pristine BNNT started to increase up to the middle of the UV region and then rapidly decreased between the wavelength range of 310–390 nm. Also, the pure boron nitride nanotube has no absorption in the visible light range and only detects UV radiation. The optical calculations showed that incorporating Fe shifted the absorption peaks of BNNTs into risky UV radiations, which helps researchers develop a vision for controlling and developing advanced materials for various electronic applications.
Challenges in the Repatriation Processes of a Foreign Citizen With Schizophrenia: A Case Report From Tanzania
Authors: Kiwango Frank 
Published: February 2025

Background: Schizophrenia is a chronic mental health disorder characterized by an array of symptoms, leading to impairment of functioning. Many patients with schizophrenia tend to have long‐stay hospitalizations due to several factors, one of them being the repatriation process.Case Presentation: I report the case of a 29‐year‐old male foreign citizen who presented with auditory hallucinations, paranoid delusions, and aggressiveness. The patient had a history of multiple admissions due to poor drug adherence. After being admitted to the psychiatry ward, the patient was improved and ready for discharge after 4 weeks but struggled to remember his relatives’ phone numbers. Due to financial constraints and poor support, the repatriation process was delayed for 160 days.Conclusion: The present case highlights the challenges in managing schizophrenia abroad, urging international protocols to streamline the repatriation process and address financial, logistical, and social barriers for improved outcomes.
Clinical Efficacy of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) in Pediatric Functional Constipation: Impact on Immunological Indicators and Gut Microbiota
Authors: Guo Piao , Zhang Xue Ning , Jin Xin Yu , Xia Wen Juan , Zhou Li , Sheng Wei Song , Zhu Dan Rong 
Published: February 2025

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in treating pediatric functional constipation (FC) and to explore its mechanisms by analyzing changes in serum neurotransmitters and gut microbiota.Materials and Methods: This was a prospective cohort study conducted on 60 children aged 4–14 years diagnosed with FC. Participants were divided into two groups, namely, one receiving TENS therapy three times a week for 4 weeks and the control group receiving lactulose. Pretreatment and posttreatment evaluations included serum neurotransmitters, immunological indicators, and gut microbiota composition.Results: The TENS group demonstrated significant improvements in defecation frequency and constipation symptoms compared with the lactulose group (p < 0.001). Posttreatment, remarkable increases were detected in serum motilin and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) levels, along with a significant decrease in interleukin‐12 levels (p < 0.05), indicating anti‐inflammatory effects. Gut microbiota analysis revealed significant shifts in microbial composition, with an increase in the abundance of Bacteroidetes and a decrease in the abundance of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, suggesting improved gut health and metabolic function.Conclusion: TENS effectively improves symptoms of pediatric FC and induces beneficial changes in immunological indicators and gut microbiota. These results suggest potential anti‐inflammatory and microbiota‐modulating effects. However, due to the limited sample size, further studies are needed to confirm these findings and explore the long‐term benefits of TENS therapy.Trial Registration: Clinical Trial Registry identifier: ChiCTR2200059549
Body Weight Changes During Ramadan Intermittent Fasting: A Cross‐Sectional Study of Healthy Adults in Turkey
Authors: Mektebi Ammar , Bozlar Mağfiret Abdulveli , Kanjo Noura , Al-Jebaili Muhammed Munir , Nasrallah Youssef , Faris MoezAlIslam , Khan Moien AB ,   ISRI Research Group
Published: February 2025

Introduction: This study explores the impact of observing Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF) on body weight in Turkish residents, marking it as the first study conducted in Turkey to investigate the interplay of religious fasting with dietary changes amid the COVID‐19 pandemic. We hypothesized that observing Ramadan fasting would result in weight loss attributable to dietary changes, while decreased physical activity would correlate with weight gain during this period.Methods: A cross‐sectional survey was conducted among Muslims aged 18+ in Turkey who fasted at least two days during Ramadan 2021. Data were collected via Google Forms, with 1669 participants recruited through social media. Descriptive statistics summarized participant characteristics, and Pearson’s Chi‐square tests assessed weight change differences. Binary logistic regression identified predictors of weight gain, adjusting for factors such as sex, age, physical activity, water consumption, and diet.Results: Of the 1669 respondents (53.6% female), 49.4% perceived their weight as normal, while 47.0% classified themselves as overweight or obese. Logistic regression indicated that decreased physical activity (AOR = 1.618, p = 0.001) and increased fat intake (AOR = 1.9, 95% CI 1.2–2.9) were significant predictors of weight gain.Conclusion: Our findings emphasize the importance of promoting healthy eating and regular physical activity during Ramadan.
An Ethnobotanical Survey and Pharmacological and Toxicity Review of Medicinal Plants Used in the Management of Obesity in the North Central Zone of Nigeria
Authors: Anyanwu Gabriel O. , Anzaku Dorathy , Bulus Yanga J. , Girgi Jemimah N. , Donwell Chinda C. , Ihuma Jerome O. , Onyeneke Eusebius C. , Bermano Giovanna , Steenkamp Vanessa 
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Obesity is increasing worldwide. Due to the unavailability of affordable obesity drugs in most parts of Nigeria, many overweight and obese people rely on medicinal plants to manage obesity. Thus, the aim of this study is to document medicinal plants traditionally used in the treatment and management of obesity in the North Central Zone of Nigeria, determine the plants to which pharmacological assessment of their use in obesity management has not been reported, and assess their toxicity based on the literature.Methods: Semistructured questionnaires and interviews were used to assess sociodemographic information of the 700 herb sellers/practitioners (100 for each state) who consented to participate in the study. Information gathered on plants that are traditionally used in the management of obesity included administration/dosage, method of preparation, plant part used, method of growth, and plant type. The field study was conducted over a one‐year period, from March 2018 to March 2019. Reports of pharmacological activity pertaining to obesity as well as toxicity of the plants were obtained from the literature via scientific databases (Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, SciFinder, AJOL, PubChem, and other web sources) after the field survey.Results: A total of 39 families and 70 plant species were used to treat or manage obesity. The majority of plant species used resulted in the family Leguminosae. The relative frequency of citation (RFC) and percentage values for the five most frequently used plants were as follows: Citrus aurantifolia (0.0500; 3.56%), Citrus limon (0.0457; 3.26%), Garcinia kola (0.0429; 3.05%), Zingiber officinale (0.0429; 3.05%), and Allium sativum (0.0414; 2.95%). The majority of the medications were prepared as decoctions (50.5%), and cultivated plants (62.86%) were in the majority of plants used. Results showed that 23 plants have no pharmacological report for antiobesity activities while among the five frequently used plants, only Garcinia kola was reported toxic in preclinical models.Conclusions: This paper provides a valuable compilation of the plants used in obesity treatment in the study area by indigenous healers, highlights plants with no reported pharmacological activity pertaining to obesity, and indicates the toxicity profile of used plants. However, further studies on the mechanism of action are warranted, especially where no reports were obtained.
A Phase 2 Study of Sotigalimab, a CD40 Agonist Antibody, plus Concurrent Chemoradiation as Neoadjuvant Therapy for Esophageal and Gastroesophageal Junction Cancers
Authors: Ko Andrew H. , Chao Joseph , Noel Marcus S. , Shankaran Veena , Sohal Davendra , Crow Mary , Oberstein Paul E. , Scott Aaron J. , McRee Autumn J. , Rocha Lima Caio Max Sao Pedro , Fong Lawrence , Keenan Bridget P. , Soto Maira , Filbert Erin L. , Hsu Frank J. , Yang Xiaodong 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Purpose:
Neoadjuvant chemoradiation (NCRT) followed by surgical resection represents a standard approach for patients with locally advanced esophageal/gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancers. Sotigalimab is a high-affinity CD40 agonist antibody capable of inducing and expanding antitumor immune responses by activating dendritic cells, T and B lymphocytes, NK cells, and M1 macrophages. This study examined the safety and efficacy of combining sotigalimab with NCRT in patients with esophageal or GEJ cancers.

Patients and Methods:
Patients with resectable (T1-3 Nx) adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus or GEJ were eligible. T1N0 and cervical tumors were excluded. Study treatment: weekly carboplatin/paclitaxel with concurrent radiation 5,040 cGy plus 3 to 4 doses of sotigalimab prior to Ivor Lewis esophagectomy. Primary efficacy endpoint was the pathologic complete response (path CR) rate.

Results:
Thirty-three patients were enrolled (adenocarcinoma 76%, squamous cell carcinoma 24%; and clinical stage III 67%). Ninety percent of patients received all planned doses of sotigalimab. The most common adverse events attributed to sotigalimab were nausea, fever/chills, fatigue, and cytokine release syndrome; most of these were grade 1 to 2. Grade ≥3 cytokine release syndrome was observed in 3 patients (9%). Twenty-five of the 29 efficacy-evaluable patients underwent an R0 resection (87.9%), with an overall path CR rate of 37.9% (11/29). Post-tumor samples demonstrated increased infiltration and activation of dendritic cells, monocytes, and cytotoxic T cells compared with baseline.

Conclusions:
Sotigalimab combined with NCRT for esophageal or GEJ cancers was generally well tolerated and achieved path CR rates that compare favorably with historical data and are promising for this treatment strategy. Clinical trial information: NCT03165994.

Significance:
The current study represents the first report to evaluate a CD40 agonist antibody in combination with concurrent chemoradiation in the neoadjuvant setting for patients with esophageal/GEJ cancers. This novel strategy was both safe and feasible, producing encouraging path CR rates that compare favorably with historical data. Our findings support the further evaluation of how immune-based therapies may be incorporated into perioperative treatment paradigms for upper gastrointestinal malignancies.
Downregulated PSME3 Contributes to Severe Preeclampsia by Promoting Trophoblast Cell Apoptosis
Authors: Liu Lin , Chen Hui , Wu Renfei , Wang Qiongyao , Guan Qiujing , Chen Yang , Cao Siyuan , Tang Longying , Lin Zaijun , Li Lei , Ge Xiaoli 
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND:
Severe preeclampsia (sPE) is a serious condition posing risks to both maternal and fetal health. Based on mass spectrometry analysis, we identified a key protein, PSME3 (proteasome activator subunit 3), an 11S proteasome activator, whose protein level was significantly downregulated in sPE placentas and whose function in sPE remains unknown.

METHODS:

PSME3 protein levels in human placental tissue were detected using Western blot, and PSME3 concentration in serum was detected by ELISA assay. The human preeclampsia-like phenotypes of
Psme3
−

/
−

pregnant mice were examined. Trophoblast cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. Pregnant mice were treated with 9.5% O
2
to construct a preeclampsia mouse model for detecting placental Psme3 expression. The regulation of PSME3 expression by hypoxia was detected in trophoblast cell lines treated with 21% O
2
or 1% O
2
.

RESULTS:

PSME3 protein levels were significantly downregulated in sPE placentas and serum. Pregnant mice with
Psme3

−
/
−

embryos and placentas spontaneously presented human preeclampsia-like symptoms, including hypertension and proteinuria, increased serum soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 concentration, fetal growth restriction, and increased cellular apoptosis. Mechanically, PSME3 knockdown promoted the apoptosis of trophoblast cells by repressing the degradation of UBE2V2 (ubiquitin conjugating enzyme E2 V2). Moreover, the placentas of hypoxia-induced preeclampsia mice presented significantly reduced Psme3 protein levels and elevated Ube2v2 protein levels. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α functioned as a transcriptional repressor of PSME3.

CONCLUSIONS:
In sPE placentas, hypoxia of the placenta may lead to the transcriptional inhibition of PSME3. PSME3 deficiency promotes the accumulation of UBE2V2, thereby inducing trophoblast cell apoptosis. Our study provides a new perspective for elucidating the pathogenesis of sPE.
Wildfire Air Pollution and Rates of Cardiovascular Events and Mortality in Northern California in 2018
Authors: Alexeeff Stacey E. , Van Den Eeden Stephen K. , Deosaransingh Kamala , Sidney Stephen , Liao Noelle S. , Rana Jamal S. 
Published: February 2025

Background
We examined the association between acute cardiovascular disease (CVD) events and wildfire air pollution in California in 2018.

Methods

The study included adult (≥18 years) members of Kaiser Permanente Northern California, an integrated health care system. Outcomes included CVD events (hospitalizations for acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, or stroke, and CVD death) and death from any cause. Fine particulate air pollution (particulate matter <2.5 microns in diameter; PM
2.5
) exposure was assessed in categories (Good <12 μg/m
3
, Moderate 12–34 μg/m
3
, High ≥35 μg/m
3
) and continuously. Poisson time series regression was used to model daily event rates during July 1 to December 31, 2018, using a spline to adjust for long‐term time trends. We calculated rate ratios (RR) to estimate the association between wildfire air pollution and daily rate of CVD events and deaths.

Results

Our study included 3.2 million adults with a total follow‐up of 587.9 million person‐days. High PM
2.5
concentrations during the Mendocino Complex wildfire in July to August was associated with an increased rate of CVD events (RR, 1.231 [95% CI, 1.039–1.458]) and death (RR, 1.358 [95% CI, 1.128–1.635]) compared with Good PM
2.5
concentrations. In contrast, there was no evidence of increased risk during the Camp wildfire in November (RR for CVD events, 0.966 [95% CI, 0.894–1.044]; RR for all‐cause mortality, 0.985 [95% CI, 0.904–1.074] High versus Good PM
2.5
concentrations).

Conclusions
There was some evidence of increased rates of CVD events and death during wildfires, but results were inconsistent. With ongoing climate change, large wildfires are a pressing public health concern and future work is needed to understand differences in health outcomes by wildfire.
Nonsuicidal self-injury in a cross-sectional community survey of New Zealand adults: Associations with demographic and psychological characteristics
Authors: Robinson Kealagh , Grey Isabella , Broodryk Terise , Hove Lisa Van , Wilson Marc S 
Published: February 2025

Objective: Understanding of nonsuicidal self-injury relies almost exclusively on adolescent and emerging adult samples. We investigated the prevalence of lifetime and past-year nonsuicidal self-injury among New Zealanders aged 16–75 years and above, before evaluating if established associations between nonsuicidal self-injury, and demographic and psychological characteristics generalise to adults. Method: New Zealand adults ( n = 4906; median age 55–59 years; 55.5% female) completed a cross-sectional survey assessing lifetime and past-year nonsuicidal self-injury, psychological distress, self-esteem, emotion dysregulation, and social desirability susceptibility. Results: Nonsuicidal self-injury was common among adults; 25.6% participants reported ever self-injuring and 10.7% had done so at least once in the past year. Women and younger participants were more likely to report lifetime self-injury. Although younger participants were also more likely to report past-year self-injury than older participants, this age effect was attenuated for men ( b = −0.09) compared to women ( b = −0.18). Self-esteem (odds ratios 0.74, 0.74), psychological distress (odds ratios 1.09, 1.16), emotion dysregulation (odds ratios 2.05, 1.88), and desire to manage others’ impressions of oneself (odds ratios 0.88, 0.85) were uniquely associated with both lifetime and past-year nonsuicidal self-injury, respectively, and these effects were not moderated by age. Conclusion: Although self-injury was most common among emerging adults, adults of all ages reported self-injuring. Individuals with a greater desire to manage how others perceive them appeared to underreport their nonsuicidal self-injury. While men were less likely than women to self-injure, they may also be more likely to continue self-injuring over adulthood, suggesting that the developmental factors which drive self-injury cessation among adults differ for men and women.
Clinical outcomes following treatment for small saphenous vein insufficiency: An AVLS PRO venous registry study
Authors: Echevarria Carlos , Scovell Sherry , Blebea John , Thornton Micah , Stoughton Julianne 
Published: February 2025

Background Compared to the great saphenous vein, there is a relative paucity of data in the literature focused on treating the small saphenous vein (SSV). Our goal was to evaluate and analyze national registry data related to the diagnosis and treatment of the SSV and identify practice patterns and clinical outcomes. Method Subjects undergoing SSV interventions between April 2014 and March 2023 were identified in the AVLS PRO Venous Registry. Data points included Clinical, Etiological, Anatomical, Pathological (CEAP) classifications; Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS), Venous Quality of Life (VVSymQ®) instrument scores, Heaviness, Aching, Swelling, Throbbing, Itching (HASTI) symptoms, and Short Form Health Survey (SF-36.) Duplex ultrasound findings included vein diameter, length, and the overall recanalization rate. Result A total of 92,175 SSV interventions were identified. Over two-thirds of subjects presented with a CEAP classification of C3 (31%) and C4 (C4 40%). Clinical results demonstrated significant improvement immediately after treatment in the first month and maintained beneficial results at 1 year or longer ( p < 0.001.) This improvement was reflected in the significant decrease in VCSS scores (6 ± 3.4 to 5 ± 2.9; p < 0.0001), VVSymQ (9.5 ± 6.0 to 5.9 ± 4.4; p < 0.0001), and HASTI (9.4 ± 5.9 to 6.6 ± 5.2; p < 0.0001). The recanalization rate at any follow-up was 3%; 48% of those occurring within the first year. Predictors associated with recanalization were larger vein diameter (mean 4.0 mm, 95% CI 3.9-4.1, p < 0.0001) and shorter SSV length (mean 15.27 mm, 95 % CI 14.4-16.1, p < 0.0001). Conclusion Treatment of SSV insufficiency improved clinical outcomes by both patient and physician-derived outcome measures. Only 3% of SSV demonstrated recanalization, and nearly half occurred within the first year following the procedure. Predictors of recanalization included larger pre-procedure vein diameters and treatment of a shorter length of SSV.