bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the Performances of the Accunome DXcellence and Cepheid GeneXpert Assays in Detecting Influenza A and B Viruses and Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Nasopharyngeal Swab
Authors: Hu Hui , Xuan Qiankun , Yu Tong , Wang Dongjiang , Guo Jian , Wu Wenjuan 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundRespiratory viruses, such as influenza A and B and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), pose a severe threat to public health. The precise identification and distinction of these viruses are crucial in clinical laboratories. Here, we comparatively evaluated the performance of the Accunome DXcellence assay and the Cepheid GeneXpert assay in the detection of influenza A and B and RSV in nasopharyngeal swab specimens.MethodsFour hundred archived nasopharyngeal swab specimens collected for routine clinical analysis were tested in parallel with the Accunome DXcellence assay and Cepheid GeneXpert assay. RNA standards were serially diluted and tested with the Accunome DXcellence assay to calculate the limit of detection (LOD).ResultsThe positive and negative percentage agreement between the Accunome DXcellence assay and the Cepheid GeneXpert assay was as follows: 94.9% (74/78) and 100% (321/321), respectively, for influenza A; 98.1% (104/106) and 100% (293/293), respectively, for influenza B; and 100% (22/22) and 100% (377/377), respectively, for RSV. The LODs of the Accunome DXcellence assay for influenza A and B and RSV were 100, 87.5, and 62.5 copies/mL, respectively.ConclusionsThe performance of the Accunome DXcellence assay was similar to that of the Cepheid GeneXpert assay in the detection of influenza A, B, and RSV in nasopharyngeal swab specimens, indicating that the Accunome DXcellence assay is a useful diagnostic tool when these viruses are cocirculating.
Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Techniques—A Review on Principles, Applications and Clinical Relevance
Authors: Shcheslavskiy V. I. , Shirmanova M. V. , Yashin K. S. , Rück A. C. , Skala M. C. , Becker W. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThis article gives an overview of the most frequently used fluorescence‐lifetime imaging (FLIM) techniques, their capabilities, and typical applications. Starting from a general introduction to fluorescence and phosphorescence lifetime, we will show that the fluorescence lifetime or, more accurately, the fluorescence decay function of a fluorophore is a direct indicator of the interaction with its molecular environment. FLIM is therefore more than a simple contrast technique in microscopy—it is a technique of molecular imaging. FLIM techniques can be classified into time‐domain and frequency‐domain techniques, analogue and photon counting techniques, and scanning and wide‐field techniques. Starting from an overview of these general technical principles we will describe the features and peculiarities of the different FLIM techniques in use. An extended section is dedicated to TCSPC FLIM, addressing unique capabilities that make the technique especially interesting to FLIM of biological systems.
Enhanced Anticancer Effects Through Combined Therapeutic Model of Macrophage Polarization and Cancer Cell Apoptosis by Multifunctional Lipid Nanocomposites
Authors: Rodponthukwaji Kamonlatth , Khowawisetsut Ladawan , Limjunyawong Nathachit , Kunwong Natsuda , Duangchan Kongpop , Sripinitchai Sirinapa , Sathornsumetee Sith , Nguyen Tam , Srisawat Chatchawan , Punnakitikashem Primana 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTAlthough the mono‐anticancer therapy approach particularly directly targeting tumors is still common, this conventional method is generally deemed not effective and insufficient. In tumor microenvironment (TME), tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs, referred to as M2‐polarized) play a crucial role in creating an immunosuppressive TME, contributing to various pro‐tumorigenic effects. A promising strategy to inhibit tumor growth involves re‐educating M2 macrophages into tumoricidal macrophages (M1). Therefore, combining macrophage reprogramming with cancer cell death induction in a single modality may offer synergistic benefits in cancer therapy. Here, we engineered a lipid‐based delivery platform capable of co‐delivering resiquimod (R848) and polyinosinic: polycytidylic acid (PIC). R848 in our nanosystem effectively triggered M2‐to‐M1 repolarization, as evidenced by the upregulation of M1 marker genes (TNF, IL6), the release of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF‐α and IL‐6), and the downregulation of the M2 marker gene, MRC1. On the other hand, the presence of PIC increased caspase‐3/7 activity leading to cancer cell death through the apoptotic pathway. This nanocarrier system established a multifunctional platform to enhance the anticancer effect. The synergistic effect of repolarized macrophages in combination with the induction of apoptosis, facilitated by our nanomedicine, was evident in a co‐culture system of macrophage and cancer cells, showing a significant increase in cancer cell death compared to individual treatments. These findings attractively demonstrated the potential of our multifunctional lipid nanoparticles as therapeutic agents for anticancer treatment by modulating the tumor immune microenvironment and simultaneously increasing cancer cell cytotoxicity.
Are All Alginate Dressings Equivalent?
Authors: Duciel Laura , Proust Richard , Ponsen Anne‐Charlotte , Ziarelli Fabio , Coudreuse Arnaud , Jeanmichel Laurence , Samardzic Marina , Uzan Georges , Courtils Céline des 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTAlginate dressings are widely used in wound treatment for their healing and hemostatic properties and their capacity to drain exudate. However, a clear understanding of the heterogeneity within this class of dressings is lacking. Numerous sources of variability exist between alginate dressings: their composition (% of calcium alginate relative to other components), the ratio of D‐Mannuronic and L‐Guluronic acids in the alginate fraction, their purity (presence of toxic contaminants), and the shape of their fibers (surface and thickness). These parameters affect the performance and safety of alginate dressings, which may thus not be interchangeable in clinical practice. Therefore, clinicians must be aware of these differences to ensure optimal treatment and avoid complications or suboptimal healing. The objective of this study was to compare six alginate dressings to conclude or not on their equivalence. The results obtained demonstrate considerable variability between alginate dressings in the assessed characteristics: composition, Ca2+ release, level of cytotoxicity, fiber shape, draining capacity, and their resistance to traction. Algostéril, the only pure calcium alginate rich in G, releases a specific dose of Ca2+ and is the only non‐cytotoxic dressing. With its multilobed fibers that are statistically the thickest, it provides the best draining capacity and greatest resistance to traction. These results demonstrate that alginate dressings are not equivalent. Each dressing is distinct, and consequently the clinical performance of one cannot be transposed to the others. Therefore, each alginate dressing should demonstrate its own efficacy, in a given indication, through a clinical trial.
Pairs in Nested Steiner Quadruple Systems
Authors: Chee Yeow Meng , Dau Son Hoang , Etzion Tuvi , Kiah Han Mao , Zhang Wenqin 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTMotivated by a repair problem for fractional repetition codes in distributed storage, each block of any Steiner quadruple system (SQS) of order is partitioned into two pairs. Each pair in such a partition is called a nested design pair, and its multiplicity is the number of times it is a pair in this partition. Such a partition of each block is considered a new block design called a nested SQS. Several related questions on this type of design are considered in this paper: What is the maximum multiplicity of the nested design pair with minimum multiplicity? What is the minimum multiplicity of the nested design pair with maximum multiplicity? Are there nested quadruple systems in which all the nested design pairs have the same multiplicity? Of special interest are nested quadruple systems in which all the pairs are nested design pairs with the same multiplicity. Several constructions of nested quadruple systems are considered, and in particular, classic constructions of SQS are examined.
Degradation and ecotoxicity of favipiravir and oseltamivir in the presence of microplastics during ozonation and catalytic ozonation of synthetic municipal wastewater effluents
Authors: Dogruel Serdar , Chavoshi Nasim , Bilgin‐Saritas Nilay , Khataee Alireza , Topuz Emel , Pehlivanoglu Elif 
Published: February 2025

AbstractBackgroundFavipiravir (FAV) and oseltamivir (OSE) are antiviral agents developed against influenza and they were repurposed against SARS‐CoV‐2 during the COVID‐19 pandemic. This study evaluated the potential of ozonation and catalytic ozonation as tertiary treatment approaches for removing FAV and OSE from municipal wastewaters, both in the presence and absence of microplastics (MPs), while comparing the ecotoxicity of untreated and treated secondary effluents to predict the ecotoxicological effects of these technologies during municipal wastewater treatment.ResultsAt an initial antiviral concentration of 50 μg L−1, ozonation at pH 7 with a specific ozone dose of 0.6 mg O3 (mg DOC)−1 yielded FAV and OSE removals of 84 and 64%, respectively, while the presence of catalyst or MPs decreased the degradation rate by 30–40%. Raising the pH to 10 had minimal impact on FAV abatement, but improved OSE reduction by 21%. Acute toxicity tests using Vibrio fischeri demonstrated that simultaneous ozonation of the analytes led to the accumulation of transformation products (TPs) of FAV and OSE, with their combined effect almost equal to that of the original compounds. Reproduction toxicity tests indicated that TPs of antiviral drugs generated during ozonation were less toxic to Enchytraeus crypticus than the parent chemicals.ConclusionOzonation proved to be a viable option for upgrading existing wastewater treatment facilities, serving as a complementary treatment to minimize the release of antivirals from municipal secondary effluents and reduce their inhibitory effect on earthworm reproduction, thereby enhancing the reuse potential of treated wastewater for irrigation. © 2025 The Author(s). Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Characteristics of Adult Intussusception due to Malignancy in Japanese Patients
Authors: Kitahata Shogo , Nakamura Ayaka , Kimura Yuka , Fukumoto Mai , Matsuoka Kana , Matsuda Takuya , Murakawa Kazuya , Murakami Taisei , Onishi Kei , Izumoto Hirofumi , Kanemitsu‐Okada Kozue , Kawamura Tomoe , Kuroda Taira , Matsuoka Junko , Tada Fujimasa , Miyata Hideki , Hiraoka Atsushi , Tange Kazuhiro , Yamamoto Yasunori , Takeshita Eiji , Ikeda Yoshiou , Furukawa Shinya , Tsubouchi Eiji , Ninomiya Tomoyuki , Hiasa Yoichi 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTAimsAdult intussusception (AI) is often associated with organic diseases. However, few studies have examined the causes of AI in Japanese patients. This study aimed to elucidate the clinical characteristics of AI due to malignancy in Japanese patients.Methods and ResultsFrom 2013 to 2021, 54 Japanese patients with AI (≥ 20 years) diagnosed at our hospital were enrolled and divided into two groups according to the cause of AI (malignancy group, n = 26; other diseases group, n = 28). The patients' clinical characteristics were retrospectively evaluated. Patients in the malignancy group were significantly older than those in the other diseases group (p < 0.001). The cutoff value for age as a factor associated with AI due to malignancy was 64 years (area under the curve: 0.78, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.65–0.90). The frequency of chronic symptoms (> 14 days) in AI due to malignancy was significantly higher than the frequencies of acute (≤ 4 days) and subacute (4–14 days) symptoms (p = 0.010 and p = 0.027, respectively). The colonic type of AI was significantly more common than the small intestinal and ileocecal types in the malignancy group (both p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that age of ≥ 64 years, chronic symptoms, and the colonic type were independently associated with AI due to malignancy (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 16.00, 95% CI 1.23–208.00; adjusted OR 32.70, 95% CI 1.50–712.00; adjusted OR 31.20, 95% CI 2.68–363.00, respectively).ConclusionAdvanced age (≥ 64 years), chronic symptoms, and AI in the colon are characteristics of AI due to malignancy.
The Interactive Dynamics of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Global Ecology
Authors: de Sousa Telma , Silva Catarina , Igrejas Gilberto , Hébraud Michel , Poeta Patrícia 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTPseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic bacterium widely distributed in both natural and urban environments, playing a crucial role in global microbial ecology. This article reviews the interactive dynamics of P. aeruginosa across different ecosystems, highlighting its capacity for adaptation and resistance in response to environmental and therapeutic pressures. We analyze the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, including the presence of resistance genes and efflux systems, which contribute to its persistence in both clinical and nonclinical settings. The interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health, within the context of the One Health concept, is discussed, emphasizing the importance of monitoring and sustainable management practices to mitigate the spread of resistance. Through a holistic approach, this work offers insights into the influence of P. aeruginosa on public health and biodiversity.
Unlocking Business Success: How Networking and Branding Capabilities Drive Performance Through Product Innovativeness
Authors: Fakhreddin Farbod , Foroudi Pantea 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTIn today's fast‐paced market, developing innovative products with significant advantages over existing alternatives is essential for a strong market presence. This study, based on the resource‐based and dynamic capability view, examines how market and technological innovativeness contribute to differentiation advantage and improved business performance. It also investigates the roles of complementary capabilities in enhancing these relationships. Primary data were collected through an on‐site questionnaire survey of Iranian research and development‐intensive manufacturing firms. Using 125 valid responses from senior managers, partial least squares structural equation modeling tested the proposed model. Findings indicate that networking and branding capabilities enhance technological and market innovativeness, respectively, thereby strengthening differentiation advantage. Moreover, differentiation advantage is a crucial mechanism for translating innovativeness into improved business performance. These results provide theoretical insights and practical guidance for developing effective product innovativeness strategies to augment international competitiveness and performance.
Parallel Networks to Predict TIMP and Protease Cell Activity of Nucleus Pulposus Cells Exposed and Not Exposed to Pro‐Inflammatory Cytokines
Authors: Baumgartner L. , Witta S. , Noailly J. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundIntervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is characterized by a disruption of the balance between anabolic and catabolic cellular processes. Within the nucleus pulposus (NP), this involves increased levels of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines interleukin 1beta (IL1B) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and an upregulation of the protease families matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS). Primary inhibitors of these proteases are the tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMP). This work aims at contributing to a better understanding of the dynamics among proteases, TIMP, and pro‐inflammatory cytokines within the complex, multifactorial environment of the NP.MethodsThe Parallel Network (PN)‐Methodology was used to estimate relative mRNA expressions of TIMP1–3, MMP3, and ADAMTS4 for five simulated human activities: walking, sitting, jogging, hiking with 20 kg extra weight, and exposure to high vibration. Simulations were executed for nutrient conditions in non‐ and early‐degenerated IVD approximations. To estimate the impact of cytokines, the PN‐Methodology inferred relative protein levels for IL1B and TNF, reintegrated as secondary stimuli into the network.ResultsTIMP1 and TIMP2 expressions were found to be overall lower than TIMP3 expression. In the absence of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, MMP3 and/or ADAMTS4 expressions were strongly downregulated in all conditions but vibration and hiking with extra weight. Pro‐inflammatory cytokine exposure resulted in an impaired inhibition of MMP3, rather than of ADAMTS4, progressively rising with increasing nutrient deprivation. TNF mRNA was less expressed than IL1B. However, at the protein level, TNF was mainly responsible for the catabolic shift in the simulated pro‐inflammatory environment. Overall, results agreed with previous experimental findings.ConclusionsThe PN‐Methodology successfully allowed the exploration of the relative dynamics of TIMP and protease regulations in different mechanical, nutritional, and inflammatory environments in the NP. It shall stand as a comprehensive tool to integrate in vitro model results in IVD research and approximate NP cell activities in complex multifactorial environments.
Recent Advances in Bioanalysis of Cephalosporins Toward Green Sample Preparation
Authors: Kousi Maria , Kalogiouri Natasa P. , Samanidou Victoria F. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThis review highlights recent advances in the bioanalysis of cephalosporins using liquid chromatographic methods, focusing on green sample preparation (GSP) techniques. Cephalosporins, a class of β‐lactam antibiotics, are critical in combating bacterial infections but present challenges related to drug resistance and toxicity. This article evaluates various sample preparation methods, including solid‐phase extraction, solid‐phase microextraction, and protein precipitation, which have been employed in the extraction and quantification of cephalosporins from biological matrices. Special attention is given to the optimization of critical parameters, such as pH, extraction solvents, and purification techniques to maximize analytes’ recovery and sensitivity. Emerging trends in GSP, such as the use of molecularly imprinted polymers and miniaturized processing devices, are also discussed. The review underscores the growing importance of integrating environmentally friendly approaches in cephalosporin bioanalysis, paving the way for future innovations in bioanalytical research.
The Effect of Backscatter Anisotropy in Assessing Hepatic Steatosis Using Ultrasound Hepatorenal Index
Authors: Gao Jing , Wilde Ben , Kripfgans Oliver D. , Chen Johnson , Rubin Jonathan M. 
Published: February 2025

ObjectivesTo discuss challenges in assessing hepatic steatosis using ultrasound hepatorenal index (HRI).MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed HRI and liver magnetic resonance imaging‐based proton density fat fraction (MRI‐PDFF) in 134 adult participants (53 men and 81 women, mean age 55 years). The diagnostic performance of HRI for determining hepatic steatosis was tested by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) using liver MRI‐PDFF as the reference. Regression plots were employed to compare the sampling sites in liver and kidney that were used to calculate HRIs.ResultsIn 11 of 134 cases (8.2%), we failed to acquire HRI measurements. In the remaining 123 cases, AUROC for HRI (cutoff: 1.69 ± 0.13 [mean ± standard deviation]) for defining the HRI threshold for diagnosing hepatic steatosis was 0.83. In 60 of 123 cases (49%) with HRI measurement IQR/median >0.3, slopes of the regression lines in the liver showed backscatter intensity changes consistent with signal attenuation. However, in the kidney, the backscatter intensity was inverted yielding position‐dependent HRI cutoff values, mid‐pole = 2.24 ± 0.20 and upper pole = 1.08 ± 0.16.ConclusionsHRI is used to estimate liver steatosis based on backscattered ultrasound. In order to compensate for effects such as body habitus and transducer frequency, the liver backscatter is divided by backscatter from a corresponding region at the same depth in the right renal cortex. Theoretically, this compensation should make HRI sampling position independent. Yet, due to renal cortical backscatter anisotropy, this compensation method does not work in general, potentially producing inaccurate liver fat estimates.
Satisfactory 10‐year survivorship of medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy for isolated medial compartment osteoarthritis and varus alignment: An analysis from a high‐volume institution
Authors: Ayet Cristian A. Brito , Mancino Fabio , Lim Yoong P. , Qian Kevin , Jacob George , Parker David A. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractPurposeMedial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO) is a reliable joint‐preserving surgical procedure for isolated medial compartment knee osteoarthritis (OA) and overload. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long‐term survivorship and clinical outcomes of patients undergoing MOWHTO and to identify the risk factors associated with an increased risk of failure.MethodsThis was a retrospective study of prospectively collected patients who underwent MOWHTO for isolated medial OA and overload between 2002 and 2023. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and Tegner activity score. Radiographic analysis included hip–knee–ankle (HKA) angle and medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA). Survivorship was intended from conversion to total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Logistic regression was used to identify risk factors, and p values < 0.05 were considered significant.ResultsFour hundred thirty‐one patients who underwent MOWHTO were included for analysis. Males were 82.5%, and the mean age was 49.1 ± 8.0 years. The KOOS increased in any subsection at mean 5.7 ± 4.5 years of follow‐up (p < 0.001). Complication rate was 35.9% and reoperation rate was 25.5% at mean 9.6 years of follow‐up. Removal of metal hardware due to pain and/or discomfort was the main cause of reoperation in 22% of the patients. The cumulative rate of conversion to TKA at 5 years was 2.2%, at 10 years 17.8% and at 15 years 37.1%. Age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.05, p = 0.017), wedge thickness (OR: 1.08, p = 0.015), medial femoral condyle OA (OR: 3.41, p = 0.029), medial tibial plateau OA (OR: 2.04, p = 0.044), post‐operative HKA (OR: 1.25, p = 0.031) and post‐operative MPTA (OR: 1.26, p = 0.04) were associated with an increased risk of failure.ConclusionMOWHTO yields satisfactory 10‐year survivorship in patients with medial compartment isolated knee OA and overload. Age, preoperative stage of OA, cartilage wear and post‐operative alignment are relevant patient‐related risk factors for reduced survivorship.Level of EvidenceLevel III, retrospective cohort study.