bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Barium Oxide Thin Films Designed as Electro‐Optical Gigahertz/Terahertz Filters
Authors: Alharbi Seham R. , Qasrawi A. F. , Gaabour Laila H. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractHerein barium oxide thin films are studied as a promising electro‐optical system. The deposited films exhibited a polycrystalline tetragonal structure and are composed of a mixture of BaO and BaO2. The p‐type films are highly transparent (80%) with an energy band gap of 3.55 eV containing exponential band tails of widths of 1.22 eV. Analyses using the Drude‐Lorentz model demonstrated the films suitability for nonlinear optical applications, with optical conductivity parameters revealing a scattering time constant in the range of 0.4–1.8 fs, a free hole concentration of 1018−1019 cm−3 and drift mobility values of 0.70–3.16 cm2 Vs−1. Terahertz cutoff frequency spectra calculations indicated the films capability as efficient terahertz band filters with a cutoff frequency range of 3.2–193.0 THz. Additionally, the nonlinear third‐order optical susceptibility increased with decreasing incident photon energy. Applying an AC signal with a driving frequency of 0.01–1.40 GHz across the terminals of Yb/BaO/Ag devices revealed a high cutoff frequency (≈9 GHz) in the microwave frequency domain. These properties highlight the potential of BaO films as nonlinear optical filters and microwave waveguides, positioning them as candidates for gigahertz/terahertz technology applications.
Stable isotopes of saproxylic beetles reveal low differences among trophic guilds and suggest a high dependence on fungi
Authors: Kozel Petr , Lejeune Benjamin , Lepoint Gilles , Drag Lukas , Cizek Lukas , Sebek Pavel 
Published: February 2025

AbstractDeadwood stores about 8% of global carbon stock, and its decomposition is a key factor in forest ecosystems. Deadwood‐associated (saproxylic) organisms constitute a food web that sustains a substantial part of biodiversity globally. After fungi, saproxylic beetles are the most prominent agents of structural deadwood decomposition in forests. They are often classified according to their presumed link to the deadwood decomposition gradient, generally as feeding on fresh wood, decayed wood, fungi, or predators. These classifications are, however, based on ecomorphological characters (e.g., trophic morphology, habitat use) while information on their diet is globally limited. Carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotope ratios represent potential useful tracers to improve knowledge on the trophic ecology of this model group and the whole decomposition food web. We performed stable isotope analysis on 121 beetle species (530 samples) from a mixed‐deciduous forest in Central Europe in order to (1) characterize drivers of saproxylic beetles' isotopic variability with respect to potential food sources along the wood decomposition gradient and in relation to the potentially key intrinsic factors such as phylogeny and body size and (2) to assess how isotope information matches with two trophic guild classifications based on ecomorphological characters which are commonly used in ecological studies. The analysis revealed a clear pattern of δ13C increase and simultaneous C:N ratio decrease across potential food sources along the gradient from fresh to decayed deadwood and fungi. Beetle phylogeny and body size explained a significant part of their isotope variability, with values of δ13C being lower in smaller species. After filtering out these effects, the δ13C values reflected the position of beetle species on the decomposition gradient only loosely. Fungi‐feeding guilds had higher δ13C values than the guilds dependent on fresher deadwood, but otherwise the guilds were indistinguishable. Deadwood consumers did not differ from predators. The isotopic niches of different feeding guilds largely overlapped, and the large observed variation suggests that not only fungi feeders but species from most guilds may depend considerably on fungi and that mixed trophic strategies may be more common in the decomposition food web than currently acknowledged.
Photochemical Oxidative Cleavage and Dihydroxylation of Unsaturated Fatty Acids Using Triplet Nitroarenes
Authors: Błyszczyk Piotr T. , Leonori Daniele 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThe widespread use of bio‐derived lipids as renewable feedstock chemicals requires their synthetic modification for downstream applications. Herein, we demonstrate the use of nitroarenes as photo‐responsive oxidants for the synthesis of aldehydes and 1,2‐diols from unsaturated fatty acids. This approach addresses the conventional use of hazardous and toxic reagents such as ozone (O3) and osmium tetroxide (OsO4). The successful employment of stable and nontoxic nitroarenes in oxidation chemistry is demonstrated on a series of industrially relevant fatty acids including carboxylic acids and their methyl ester equivalents producing oxygen‐enriched substrates.
Analysis of numerous economic and financial barriers using the fuzzy DEMATEL method in the reverse supply chain to implement PV waste handling
Authors: Yadav Dinesh , Saraf Amit Kumar 
Published: February 2025

AbstractIn the future, the management and disposal of waste from solar panels will pose increasing challenges for the sustainable provision of renewable energy. The recovery and recycling of PV waste have the potential to stimulate a nation's economy. Numerous obstacles impede the implementation of reverse supply chain PV waste management in India. The primary challenge faced by RSC management in establishing a circular economy is the financial burden. This study primarily focuses on the application of the fuzzy DEMATEL approach to assess and investigate the impact of financial and economic barriers in the reverse supply chain utilized for PV waste management in India. A review of the literature identified five barriers: insufficient investment in research and development (R&D) due to financial and economic constraints, lack of recycling incentives, limited realized economic profits, inadequate investment in PV waste recycling, and high initial cost of adopting RSCM. The results indicated that compared to other barriers, the high initial cost of implementing RSCM exerts a greater influence.
Open Science in Qualitative Evaluation: Considerations and Opportunities
Authors: Steltenpohl Crystal N. , Standiford Reyes Laurel , Pei Mary A. , Lee Lindsay Ellis 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThis article discusses how open science principles—often rooted in quantitative epistemologies—and qualitative evaluation practices can complement each other and explores strategies for evaluators and researchers to consider adopting in their practices. Although the qualitative and quantitative approaches to knowledge creation may be perceived as being in conflict, many practices and values can be viewed as different expressions of the shared goals of rigor and transparency. We describe practices like data, process, and outcome sharing as activities that already align with open science values and encourage evaluators to consider practices like preregistration, registered reports, and replication as possible areas for evaluators to expand into. We also encourage evaluators to contribute to conversations about transparency, community engagement, evaluating effectiveness, and avoiding harm. A flexible, additive approach to evaluation and research projects can allow all parties to draw on each other's strengths for more rigorous, comprehensive, transparent, and community‐centered work. Finally, we suggest a few starting places for evaluators who are interested in incorporating open science practices and researchers who are interested in conducting qualitative evaluations.
Crossing the Boundaries of Conflict: Analyzing Epidemiology & Outcomes of Afghan Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients at a Pakistani Cancer Hospital
Authors: Haider Hasnain , Kanwal Muhammad Awais , Ali Muhammad Mohaymin , Khanum Afshan , Khalid Shayan , Malik Kashif Iqbal , Hussain Syed Raza , Faisal Muhammad 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundThis study investigates oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) among Afghan patients treated at a Pakistani cancer center, focusing on epidemiology, tumor characteristics, outcomes, and healthcare challenges faced by patients from conflict‐affected regions.MethodsA retrospective analysis of Afghan OSCC patients (2010–2023) was conducted. Demographic, clinical, and treatment data were evaluated, with survival outcomes analyzed using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis.ResultsOf the 117 patients, 47.1% had risk factors, predominantly smokeless tobacco use (61.8%). Tumors were common in oral subsites, especially the tongue (47.86%), with advanced‐stage disease (Stage IV) in 34.2%. Mean overall survival was 56.29 months, and mean disease‐free survival was 45.54 months. The 5‐year overall and disease‐free survival rates were 57.7% and 56.5%, respectively.ConclusionThe study highlights a high prevalence of advanced OSCC, underscoring the need for early detection, public health initiatives, and enhanced cancer care in Afghanistan. International collaboration is essential to improve healthcare access and reduce regional healthcare burdens.
Polyamine depletion limits progression of acute leukaemia
Authors: Gao Weiman , Karsa Mawar , Xiao Lin , Spurling Dayna , Karsa Ayu , Ronca Emma , Bongers Angelika , Guo Xinyi , Mayoh Chelsea , Azfar Mujahid , Verhelst Steven H. L. , Tanaka Katsunori , Cheung Laurence C. , Kotecha Rishi S. , Lock Richard B. , Burns Mark R. , Vangheluwe Peter , Norris Murray D. , Haber Michelle , Somers Klaartje 
Published: February 2025

AbstractCancer cells are addicted to polyamines, polycations essential for cellular function. While dual targeting of cellular polyamine biosynthesis and polyamine uptake is under clinical investigation in solid cancers, preclinical and clinical studies into its potential in haematological malignancies are lacking. Here we investigated the preclinical efficacy of polyamine depletion in acute leukaemia. The polyamine biosynthesis inhibitor difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) inhibited growth of a molecularly diverse panel of acute leukaemia cell lines, while non‐malignant cells were unaffected. Responsiveness to DFMO was linked to decreased levels of its molecular target, the rate‐limiting polyamine biosynthesis enzyme ODC1, and of the polyamine transporters ATP13A2 and ATP13A3. DFMO increased polyamine uptake and upregulated expression of polyamine transporters in acute leukaemia cells, a compensatory effect abolished by treatment with the polyamine transport inhibitor AMXT 1501. This drug, currently in a phase 1 clinical trial in solid tumours in combination with DFMO, potentiated the inhibitory effects of DFMO, and their combination synergistically inhibited the growth of acute leukaemia cell lines by inducing apoptosis. DFMO and AMXT 1501 limited disease progression in highly aggressive xenograft models of infant KMT2A‐rearranged leukaemia, even when treatment was initiated at high disease burden. Increased expression of c‐MYC was associated with enhanced sensitivity to the combination of DFMO and AMXT 1501, suggesting this oncoprotein as a potential predictive marker of response to the drug combination. In conclusion, targeting polyamine biosynthesis and polyamine uptake limits disease progression in models of acute leukaemia, supporting further preclinical and clinical investigation into this approach for acute leukaemia.
Community Efforts to Support LGBTQ+ Youth Mental Health: Programs Objectives, Development, and Delivery
Authors: Fish Jessica N. , Paceley Megan S. , Evans Spencer , Kosi‐Huber Jacob A. J. , Phillips Danielle R. , Levine Deborah S. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTLesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) youth face disparities in mental health and substance use. LGBTQ+ community‐based organizations (CBOs) offer resources that may combat stress and mental health concerns; however, limited research has examined their programs or practices. We explored the facets of youth mental health services offered by LGBTQ+ CBOs in the US. Qualitative interviews were conducted with staff at 16 LGBTQ+ CBOs in the US. Findings revealed four overarching themes. Mental health program objectives and characteristics included four sub‐themes: counseling and therapy, safe spaces and community, case management, and education. Factors influencing the development of LGBTQ+ mental health programs included two sub‐themes: program creation and youth influence. Factors influencing the delivery of LGBTQ+ youth mental health programs included four sub‐themes: program planning and coordination, inclusive and intersectional processes, training and curriculum resources, and capacity‐building resources. Implications for LGBTQ+ CBOs are discussed.
Shear Wave Elastography of the Achilles Tendon in Primary Hyperparathyroidism: An Observational Prospective Study
Authors: Ozturk Mesut , Onar Mustafa Arda , Polat Cafer , Kilic Kan Elif , Polat Ahmet Veysel 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTPurposeThis study aimed to assess the thickness and stiffness of the Achilles tendon in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and compare these findings with those of healthy individuals.MethodsBilateral Achilles tendons of 28 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and 28 healthy controls were evaluated using ultrasound (US) and shear wave elastography (SWE). Tendon thickness was measured with gray‐scale US, while stiffness was assessed using SWE, expressed as shear wave velocity (SWV) in meters per second. US and SWE findings were statistically compared between the two groups.ResultsThe mean Achilles tendon thickness in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (right Achilles: 5.07 ± 0.84 mm, left Achilles: 5.16 ± 0.79 mm) did not differ significantly from that in healthy controls (right Achilles: 5.01 ± 0.50 mm, left Achilles: 4.96 ± 0.44 mm; p = 0.757 and p = 0.237 respectively). Similarly, no significant difference was observed in tendon SWV between patients (right: 8.00 ± 1.01 m/s, left: 7.85 ± 1.16 m/s) and controls (right: 7.71 ± 0.95 m/s, left: 7.36 ± 0.97 m/s; p = 0.270 and p = 0.089). Additionally, no correlation was found between serum parathyroid hormone or calcium levels and tendon stiffness (p = 0.889–p = 0.902).ConclusionPrimary hyperparathyroidism does not appear to influence the thickness or stiffness of the Achilles tendon when compared to healthy individuals.
“Histological and Immunohistochemical Characterization of the Kidney and Adrenal Gland in Nile Monitor Lizards (Varanus niloticus)”
Authors: Mokhtar Doaa M. , Abdel‐Ghani Mohammed A. , Khalaf Mohammed Abdelsabour , Alkhodair Khalid M. , Abdelhafez Enas A. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThis study provides a detailed histological and immunohistochemical analysis of the kidney and adrenal gland in Varanus niloticus (Nile monitor lizard), highlighting their structural features and adaptive mechanisms. Ten adult female Nile monitors were collected from Qena Province, Egypt, and their kidneys and adrenal glands were examined. Kidney tissues were processed for histological analysis, and immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate the expression of key markers, including vimentin, E‐cadherin, CK7, and NSE. In contrast to other reptiles, the kidney was divided into the cortex and medulla and contained a loop of Henle. The cortex contains renal corpuscles and nephron tubules, while the medulla primarily comprises collecting ducts. The proximal tubules were lined with acidophilic cuboidal cells, whereas the distal tubules exhibited pale cuboidal cells with fewer microvilli. Immunohistochemistry revealed vimentin expression in podocytes and a few renal tubule epithelial cells, while E‐cadherin was expressed in the distal tubules, loop of Henle, and collecting ducts. NSE was strongly expressed in the renal corpuscles and macula densa of the juxtaglomerular apparatus, as well as in the peripolar cells, but was absent in the proximal tubules. CK7 was predominantly expressed in the distal tubules and collecting ducts. The adrenal glands comprise steroidogenic and chromaffin cells associated with the posterior cardinal veins of the kidney. NSE was strongly expressed in chromaffin cells, while vimentin was detected in steroidogenic cells. E‐cadherin and CK7 are not expressed in the adrenal tissues. These findings provide insights into the structural and functional adaptations of the kidney and adrenal glands in Nile monitors, offering a foundation for future research into the comparative anatomy and functional ecology of reptilian excretory and endocrine systems.
Etiology and Clinical Features of Secondary Sclerosing Cholangitis: A Single‐Center Retrospective Study From 2016 to 2024
Authors: Meng Xiangchen , Peng Jiafei , Wei Hongtao 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTAimsSecondary sclerosing cholangitis (SSC) is a rare progressive biliary disease. We aimed to analyze the underlying causes, treatment approaches, and prognosis of SSC in order to enhance awareness of this disease.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on patients diagnosed with SSC in a single tertiary center in China between October 2016 and March 2024, focusing on the etiology, treatment modalities, and follow‐up outcomes. Clinical outcomes were compared to patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis during the same period.ResultsA total of 21 patients were included in the study, with a median age of 42 (interquartile range 34, 57). The primary causes of SSC included surgical injury (seven cases, 33.3%) and drug‐induction (six cases, 28.6%). Eight patients (38.1%) underwent ERCP, six patients (28.6%) received PTCD, and two patients (9.5%) underwent choledochoscopic bile duct dilation or stone extraction.Median follow‐up time was 13 (interquartile range 10, 35) months, during which five patients (23.8%) died and five patients (23.8%) underwent liver transplants.Comparison of patients who received biliary decompression interventions and patients who did not revealed no significant difference in prognosis (p = 0.45). The median time of transplant‐free survival was 35 months in the SSC group compared with 67 months in the PSC group. A trend toward a worse prognosis was observed in SSC compared to PSC (p = 0.13).ConclusionsSSC is a complex disease with varied etiologies and poor prognosis, particularly when caused by bile duct surgical trauma. Bile duct decompression like ERCP does not offer long‐term survival benefits. SSC exhibited a trend towards a less favorable prognosis compared to PSC.
Characterizing HIV seroconversions among a cohort of oral PrEP users in South Africa
Authors: Martin Catherine E. , Ramatsoma Hlologelo , Chidumwa Glory , Cox Laura Ashleigh , Mullick Saiqa 
Published: February 2025

AbstractIntroductionThere has been significant progress in the rollout of oral pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for the prevention of HIV. The introduction of long‐acting prevention methods holds the potential to improve HIV prevention uptake and use, however, presents unique complexities regarding HIV diagnosis and potential for resistance. Quantifying and understanding the scenarios within which seroconversions occur may help to inform approaches to identifying acute HIV in programmes delivering PrEP at scale.MethodsThis paper documents ctra series of seroconversions within a large implementation study conducted in eight Department of Health facilities and four linked mobile clinics in four areas of South Africa. Using routinely collected data, we conducted a descriptive analysis of clients who seroconverted after initiating oral PrEP and determined the distribution of time from oral PrEP initiation to seroconversion as well as the proportion of days covered by oral PrEP. A seroconversion was defined as any HIV‐positive diagnosis after initiation of PrEP. Time to seroconversion was calculated as the number of days between the first PrEP initiation and the date of HIV diagnosis. The proportion of days covered by PrEP was calculated as the number of days of PrEP prescribed over the number of days between PrEP initiation and HIV seroconversion. We conducted a logistic regression to determine factors associated with seroconversion.ResultsOf the 11,882 clients initiated on PrEP between January 2019 and October 2022 who attended at least one follow‐up visit, 112 (0.9%) seroconverted after PrEP initiation. Among those who seroconverted, the median proportion of days covered by PrEP between initiation and seroconversion was 33%. In the period between PrEP initiation and seroconversion, almost all (n = 93, 83.0%) had not used PrEP consistently, with only 19 (17.0%) having consistent PrEP use, all of whom were identified at the 1‐month follow‐up visit and were likely missed acute acquisitions. Younger age and geographical area were associated with seroconversion.ConclusionsThis study reports a low number of seroconversions among a large cohort of PrEP users in a real‐world implementation study, the majority of which occurred among clients who had interrupted or discontinued PrEP use.
“Trafficking Disorders: Phenotypical Similarities and Differences With Other IMDs”
Authors: García‐Cazorla Ángeles , Morava Eva , Saudubray Jean‐Marie 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTCell trafficking disorders (CTD) are genetic defects in complex molecules and correspond to the largest category of IEM with mutations in more than 370 genes described. They are still poorly recognized as a global entity but rather seen as isolated rare diseases by non‐metabolic specialists. Complex lipid metabolism (mostly phospholipids, sphingolipids, and non‐mitochondrial fatty acids) is tightly associated with cell trafficking and interactions between organelles at the membrane contact sites. Accordingly, from a clinical point of view CTD presents with multisystem manifestations that may overlap and mimic mitochondrial and other complex molecule disorders such as peroxisomal, lysosomal defects, CDG, or autophagy disorders. The nervous system is especially vulnerable and neurological presentations are prominent, but CTD targets any organ at any age. Interestingly the involvement of the immune system is particularly characteristic of CTD and rarely (or at least little described so far) in other categories of IEM. Most CTD are progressive disorders, except for CDG. They may have “metabolic crises” mimicking disorders of intermediary and energy metabolism for which emergency protocols have been developed. They are generally diagnosed by exome sequencing. Relatively few biomarkers are available.