bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antiviral metabolites from Passiflora edulis: An in vitro, phytochemical, and computational studies
Authors: Elmaidomy Abeer H. , Teutsch Michelle , Bodem Jochen , Bedaiwi Ruqaiah I. , Alzubaidi Mubarak A. , Abou‐Zied Hisham A. , Abdelmohsen Usama Ramadan
Published: February 2025

Yellow fever (YF) is a mosquito‐borne virus with high mortality rates, affecting regions in South America and Africa. Despite the effectiveness of YF vaccines, increased global demand and reports of rare, severe side effects have spurred the search for safer therapeutic alternatives. Current treatments lack specific antiviral drugs approved for YF, underscoring the need for new, effective therapies. This study investigated the potential of Passiflora edulis f. edulis leaf and stem extracts as antiviral agents against the yellow fever virus (YFV). In vitro tests showed that the extracts significantly reduced YFV viral loads by twofold in Huh‐7 cells and 1.5‐fold in Vero‐h‐Slam cells at a concentration of 50 µg/mL, with a smaller reduction at 25 µg/mL and no cytotoxic effects on either cell line. Phytochemical analysis identified a new C‐deoxyhexosyl flavone, luteolin‐8‐(1‐C‐β‐boivinopyranosyl)‐4′1‐O‐β‐d‐glucopyranoside, along with several known compounds. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis using the STRING database and Cytoscape software revealed key hub genes, including IFNA1, IL7R, CD19, IL2RA, and IFNG, crucial in antiviral defense. Molecular docking studies further evaluated how these compounds interact with the YFV NS2B‐NS3 protease, essential for viral replication. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations confirmed the stability of these interactions over a 120‐nanosecond period, supporting the compounds’ antiviral potential. This study demonstrates the promise of Passiflora edulis metabolites as a foundation for developing novel YFV therapies by combining computational and experimental insights.
Sustainability Orientation and Innovation Speed: The Moderating Effects of Competitive Intensity and R&D Agility
Authors: Adomako Samuel , Nguyen Nguyen Phong
Published: February 2025

This article explores the contingent factors that shape the relationship between sustainability orientation and innovation speed. Although the body of research on sustainability orientation is growing, a lack of studies focusing on the contextual and boundary conditions affecting sustainability orientation. Additionally, little is known about how sustainability orientation influences innovation speed in emerging markets. To address this, we expand the literature by developing and testing a model that examines the moderating effects of R&D agility and competitive intensity on the link between sustainability orientation and innovation speed. Specifically, we investigate how sustainability orientation affects innovation speed and how R&D and perceptions of competitive intensity moderate this effect. Based on time‐lagged data from 257 manufacturing firms in Vietnam, our findings reveal that sustainability orientation negatively influences firms' innovation speed. The results also reveal that R&D agility attenuates the negative impact of sustainability orientation on innovation speed. Furthermore, we observe that the negative relationship between sustainability orientation and innovation speed is weakened when both R&D agility and competitive intensity are high. Our detailed analysis extends the conceptual reach of sustainability orientation and increases its applicability to non‐Western contexts.
A Unique Case of Fungal Endometritis Caused by Aspergillus quadrilineatus in an Immunocompetent Woman and Literature Review
Authors: Ranjbar Golafshani Fatemeh Zahra , Ghaffari Lashkenari Erfan , Kermani Firoozeh , Abbaszadeh Godarzi Soheila , Mahdavi Omran Saeid
Published: February 2025

Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is a common gynecological concern often attributed to hormonal disorders, malignancies, or infections. While bacterial and viral infections are frequently investigated, fungal infections, such as aspergillosis, are often overlooked. This case report highlights a rare instance of endometrial aspergillosis caused by Aspergillus quadrilineatus in an immunocompetent woman. A 64‐year‐old woman presented with persistent vaginal bleeding. Histopathological examination of endometrial tissue revealed septate hyphae consistent with fungal infection. Molecular analysis identified the causative agent as A. quadrilineatus. The A. quadrilineatus isolate demonstrated susceptibility to various antifungal agents, including azoles and amphotericin B. This report emphasizes the need for increased awareness of fungal infections, including aspergillosis, as a potential cause of AUB. Further research is needed to enhance understanding of the epidemiology, risk factors, and clinical manifestations of endometrial aspergillosis.
Job descriptions by oncology patient navigator experience
Authors: Varanasi Arti Patel , Burhansstipanov Linda , Gentry Sharon , Chappell Michelle , Dorn Carrie , McMahon Julie , Bradsher Kimberly , Ferrer Elba L. Saavedra , Barnett LaSonia Melvin , Leighliter Marjorie , Wilson Donna Moore , Lewis Tracie
Published: February 2025

This article provides guidance and examples for creating patient navigator job descriptions based on levels of expertise that align with the roles and responsibilities detailed in the January 2024 publication. By understanding the depth and breadth of navigation, administrators can better appreciate the value of navigators across the cancer continuum.
Relevance and Timing of Implant‐Driven Rehabilitation in Central Giant Cell Granuloma Cases—A Scoping Review
Authors: Tatiana Roman , Thomas Robert , Olivier Leclercq , Gilbert Nafash , Naji Kharouf , Etienne Olivier , Francois Boschin
Published: February 2025

Objectives

Central giant cell granuloma (CGCG) is a rare benign tumor. Extended aggressive lesions require large resections, which can lead to bone defects and tooth loss. Rehabilitative treatment is necessary to restore good aesthetics and function. However, the protocol for implant treatment post‐CGCG is still unclear. The objective of this scoping review is to shed light on the rehabilitation protocol for CGCG sites by outlining the relevance and timing of implant surgery and prosthetic rehabilitation.

Materials and methods

The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta‐Analyses statement and searched databases for data published between 1999 and 2023. The scoping review aimed to answer the question: “In patients with a diagnosed and treated CGCG, able to receive an implant, does the CGCG tumor recur before or after implant surgery”? Only articles that described cases where patients with a diagnosed CGCG received an implant in a site previously affected by CGCG were included.

Results

The review describes seven case reports and one case series that discuss implantology‐driven restoration after CGCG exeresis in humans. The patients, aged between 7 and 80 years, underwent surgical removal of CGCG and received implant‐supported prosthetic rehabilitation. A total of 34 implants were placed between 4 and 60 months after the tumor‐resection surgery. No recurring lesions were observed during the follow‐up period, which ranged between 2 and 12 years.

Conclusions

Based on the limited evidence available, it appears that implant placement after CGCG removal is safe after a minimum of 4 months of healing. However, further research is necessary to confirm this conclusion.
Proposal and Evaluation of a Pitch Estimation Model Based on Reconstruction of the Spectrum of Input Sound by Using Timbre Information and Pitch Information
Authors: Kawa Ryoji , Banno Hideki , Asahi Kensaku
Published: February 2025

Automatic music transcription (AMT) is a task that automatically generates music scores from the sound of music. Pitch estimation is one of the most important technologies in AMT, and its accuracy strongly affects the quality of AMT. Although its accuracy is improving, thanks to deep neural networks nowadays, pitch estimation for multi‐instrumental music is still a challenging task, because there are many difficulties caused by numerous and complicated timbre patterns in multi‐instrumental music. In this paper, we propose a pitch estimation model based on the reconstruction of the spectrum of input sound which can reduce the effect of timbre complexity on pitch estimation. The experimental result indicated that the proposed model improved the average precision by 8.8 points compared to the conventional method.
Recent Advances in the Multicomponent Reactions of Indoles
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxiang , Lu Xiaohe , Zhang Pengyan , Dai Maoyi , Liang Taoyuan
Published: February 2025

Indoles, which are distinguished by their nitrogen‐containing heterocyclic structure, play a pivotal role in organic chemistry due to their diverse biological profiles and unique chemical reactivity. In particular, poly‐substituted indoles are extensively found in a wide range of natural products, pharmaceuticals, materials, and bioactive compounds. The integration of indoles into multicomponent reactions (MCRs) has emerged as a powerful synthetic strategy, facilitating the construction of these complex poly‐substituted indole frameworks from simple precursors. This review highlights the latest advancements in MCRs involving indoles, focusing on innovative methodologies for site‐selective synthesis of indole derivatives, catalytic systems, mechanistic insights, and their applications. The review encompasses significant developments from 2014 to 2024 and covers a variety of indole MCRs, including those targeting the C3 position, dual‐site reactions at the C2 and C3 positions, and reactions involving the pyrrole and benzene rings of the indole scaffold.
Proarrhythmic Lipid Inflammatory Mediators: Mechanisms in Obesity Arrhythmias
Authors: Bahrami Pegah , Aromolaran Kelly A. , Aromolaran Ademuyiwa S.
Published: February 2025

The prevalence of obesity and associated metabolic disorders such as diabetes is rapidly increasing; therefore, concerns regarding their cardiovascular consequences, including cardiac arrhythmias, are rising. As obesity progresses, the excessively produced lipids accumulate in unconventional areas such as the epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) around the myocardium. Metabolic alterations in obesity contribute to the transformation of these ectopic fat deposits into arrhythmogenic substrates. However, despite advances in therapeutic approaches, particularly in lowering EAT volume and thickness through sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) receptor agonists, obese and diabetic patients still suffer from fatal arrhythmias that may lead to sudden cardiac death. Therefore, an investigation into how unappreciated underlying pathways such as lipid mediators contribute to the transformation of adipose tissues into proinflammatory and arrhythmogenic substrates is of significance. Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) is an eicosanoid derived from arachidonic acid and acts as a lipid mediator. LTB4 has recently been identified to be associated with cardiac ion channel modulations and arrhythmogenic conditions in diabetes. LTB4 increases circulatory free fatty acids (FFAs) and has been associated with adipocyte hypertrophy. LTB4 also interferes with insulin signaling pathways, instigating insulin resistance (IR). In addition, LTB4, as a potent chemoattractant, contributes to the mobilization of circulatory immune cells such as monocytes and promotes inflammatory macrophage polarization and macrophage dysfunction. Thus, this review provides a comprehensive overview of LTB4's underlying pathways in obesity; illustrates how these pathways might lead to alterations in cardiac ion channels, currents, and cardiac arrhythmias; and shows how they might pose a therapeutic target for metabolic‐associated arrhythmias.
An integrated communication and technical skills educational intervention in critical healthcare situations: A qualitative method
Authors: Juliá‐Sanchis Rocío , Escribano Silvia , Sánchez‐Marco María , García‐Aracil Noelia , Perpiñá‐Galvañ Juana , Cabañero‐Martínez Maria José
Published: February 2025

Aim

To evaluate a postgraduate educational intervention that integrates communication and technical skills in critical healthcare situations for interprofessional teams from the perspective of students and lecturers.

Methods

In phase 1, students and lecturers participated in the evaluation of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the Sim‐IPE educational intervention included in a postgraduate program, generating a list of improvement actions. In phase 2, an expert panel prioritized the items on the list.

Results

Both groups addressed nearly identical themes, albeit with different points of view, allowing the panellists to have a broad vision of the issue. Students identified six themes: competence acquisition, pre‐briefing, debriefing, fidelity, resources, and teaching team. Lecturers added a seventh theme related to how students systematically emphasize technical skills over communication skills, and the difficulties in balancing interprofessional groups and scenarios with students with varying professional experiences. A list of 23 improvement actions was generated. Panellists prioritized nine action points for improvement and grouped them into three categories (competitiveness of the program, aspects of the pre‐briefing, and aspects of the debriefing).

Conclusions

The program is expected to promote Sim‐IPE intervention through the master's degree website, generate a complete preplanned briefing script, and sensitize students to the relevance of integrating communication skills in critical situations. Academic institutions will achieve quality educational intervention that is updated and aligned with best academic practices and equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed academically and professionally.

Reporting Method

This research has adhered to relevant EQUATOR guidelines, the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative studies (COREQ 32‐item checklist).

Patient or Public Contribution

Sixteen participants from a master's degree in emergencies and disasters and seven panellists completed the research.
Practical Awareness‐Based Strategies for Eating (PASE): A Pilot and Feasibility Randomized Trial
Authors: Arterburn David , Garcia Robin , Rosenberg Dori , Johnson Eric , Mettert Kayne , Ng Janet , Brewer Judson
Published: February 2025

Background

Few prior interventions for obesity have focused on reward‐related eating. Researchers developed a mobile health mindfulness‐based intervention, Eat Right Now (ERN), for improving reward related eating; ERN has not yet been feasibility tested as a weight loss intervention.

Objective

To obtain 6‐month pilot and feasibility data in patients using the ERN intervention alone or with asynchronous coaching.

Methods

A 6‐month, two‐arm pilot and feasibility randomized trial was conducted involving 20 adults with a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 recruited from Kaiser Permanente Washington. Participants were randomized to ERN alone or ERN plus individualized coaching. Weight loss was assessed via a Wi‐Fi‐enabled digital scale.

Results

Among the 20 randomized participants, 17 (85%) started the intervention and remained enrolled in six months. Among these, 82% (14/17) had weight data captured by a Wi‐Fi scale and 70.5% (12/17) completed follow‐up questionnaires at the 6‐month time point. The coached ERN participants had 4.3% weight loss (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.3%, 6.3%) and uncoached participants had 3.6% weight loss (95% CI: 1.2%, 5.9%). Participants in both approaches reported reductions in reward‐related eating.

Conclusions

This pilot randomized trial of ERN demonstrates the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention for the majority of both the coached and uncoached groups. Further efforts are needed to ensure high retention and data capture in future studies.
PMMA/MMA binary liquid resins and composites: Molecular weight, initiator selection, mechanical properties and pot life
Authors: Zhang Chong , Zhang Yiru , Gao Yafei , Li Jing , Zhang Jianmin
Published: February 2025

The replacement of thermosetting epoxy resins by thermoplastic polymers is a promising trend in the development of continuous fiber‐reinforced composites. Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) shows good mechanical properties and plasticity and is expected to be used as a polymer matrix material for composites. In this paper, the PMMA/methyl methacrylate (MMA) binary liquid resins were prepared and the effects of PMMA molecular weight and its concentration on the viscosity were investigated. A comparison was made between two types of initiators, BPO‐DMA (benzoyl peroxide and N‐N‐dimethylaniline) and LPO‐DMA (dodecanoyl peroxide and N‐N‐dimethylaniline), on the mechanical properties of PMMA casting and pot life of the binary liquid resins. It was observed that LPO‐DMA was more suitable for potential application during the preparation of large wind turbine blades, both in terms of mechanical performance and pot life. Furthermore, the tensile property, flexural property and interlaminar shear property of glass fiber‐reinforced PMMA composites were conducted, which were superior to epoxy resin composites, revealing the bright prospect of PMMA/MMA binary liquid resin.

Highlights

A recyclable thermoplastic resin was developed for fiber reinforced composite.

The first study on the pot life of acrylic‐based infusion resins.

LPO‐DMA surpasses BPO‐DMA according to mechanics and pot life.
pH and Temperature Dependence of Low‐Core Tg Micellar Structures Formed by PDMAEMA‐b‐PLMA Diblock Copolymers in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Chrysostomou Varvara , Da Vela Stefano , Pispas Stergios , Papadakis Christine M.
Published: February 2025

A diblock copolymer featuring a hydrophobic block with a low glass transition temperature and a pH‐responsive, cationic block is synthesized and investigated with respect to its self‐assembly behavior in aqueous solution. The synthesis of the poly(lauryl methacrylate)‐block‐poly(2‐(N,N‐dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate) diblock copolymer PDMAEMA60‐b‐PLMA40 is carried out using reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. Its self‐assembly in dilute aqueous solution at pH 7 is investigated using various light scattering methods. Micelles with a positive zeta potential are identified. Synchrotron small‐angle X‐ray scattering reveals changes in the inner structure of the micelles as a function of temperature and at pH values above, below and close to the pKa value of PDMAEMA (ca. 7.5). At all pH values, cigar‐shaped core–shell micelles are found. While the micellar size and shape hardly change with temperature at pH 5, temperature responsivity is observed at pH 7 and 10, resulting in, among others, a change of the core size. These structural changes are facilitated by the softness of the PLMA core. Such systems may be suitable for the co‐delivery of hydrophobic drugs and nucleic acids.
Employing Best–Worst Approach and Distance‐Similarity Measure Based Aggregation Method in Intuitionistic Fuzzy Fault Tree Analysis for Risk Assessment With Application to Coal Dust Explosion
Authors: Kaushik Manvi , Kumar Mohit
Published: February 2025

Fault tree analysis is a widely used method for analyzing the failure causes of systems and evaluating system safety and reliability. It is sometimes difficult to obtain the precise failure data of system components contributing to the system failure. Therefore, in practical applications, experts estimate the basic events' occurrence possibilities in the system fault tree. This article presents a novel system fault tree analysis to assess the probability of system failure through qualitative data as experts' opinions in an intuitionistic fuzzy environment. However, different experts may have varying opinions about the likelihood of a particular basic event. Thus, there is a significant challenge in aggregating the occurrence possibilities for a particular basic event provided by multiple experts. To address this issue, the paper introduces a novel method that employs distance and similarity measures to aggregate the judgments of various experts. Furthermore, to mitigate the potential for expert bias, the Best–Worst method is also utilized to assign weight to each expert. To validate the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed method, a case study on the coal dust explosion is presented. The probability of coal dust explosion is evaluated using qualitative data, and critical basic events that contribute to the explosion are identified using the Fussell–Vesely importance measure. To benchmark the proposed approach, the criticality ranking results of basic events are compared with existing methods, and the rankings are found to be almost similar.
Modeling and solution of the buckling problem of axially loaded laminated nanocomposite truncated conical shells in thermal environments
Authors: Avey Mahmure , Aslanova Nigar , Sofiyev Abdullah
Published: February 2025

In this study, the modeling and solution of buckling problem of axially loaded laminated truncated conical shells (LTCSs) consisting of functionally graded (FG) nanocomposite plies (NCPs) in thermal environments are investigated in the framework extended shear deformation theory (ST). The effective material properties and thermal expansion coefficients of each NCPs are computed using extended rule‐of mixture (ROM) method and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation techniques. Basic relations and equations for LTCSs consisting of NCPs in thermal environments are derived and solved to find the expression for the dimensionless critical axial load (DCAL). The numerical results of the theoretical approach are compared with reliable results found in the literature obtained using a different methodology. Finally, the effects of thermal environments, NCP models, shear stresses and lay‐up on the DCAL of LCTSs are studied.
Tridiagonal scalar mass matrix in the CP4 3HDM and its implications
Authors: Liu Bei , Ivanov Igor P. , Gonçalves João
Published: February 2025

Abstract

When parametrizing multi-Higgs potentials, it is desirable to express its coefficients via observables. This is routinely done for the 2HDM, but this approach often fails in more elaborate models. Here, we show that the scalar sector of the CP4 3HDM, an intriguing model based on an order-4 CP symmetry, can also be parametrized in an observable-driven manner. The key feature that makes it work is the very special tridiagonal form of the 5 × 5 neutral Higgs mass matrix. We propose a set of input observables and present an algorithm to reconstruct the coefficients of the potential through linear relations. Equipped with this procedure, we explore the scalar sector of the CP4 3HDM beyond the limitations of previous studies. In particular, we identify a viable and testable regime in which all additional Higgses lie in the 300–600 GeV range. This work offers a key ingredient for a future full phenomenological scan of this model.
Unsuspected diversity and multiple origins of the frog legs imported to Switzerland for human consumption, as determined by DNA barcoding and morphology
Authors: Dubey Sylvain , Pellaud Sébastien , Furrer Samuel , Dufresnes Christophe
Published: February 2025

The frog leg industry relies on a global, largely underregulated market with potentially important ecological impact such as the uncontrolled harvest of declining wild populations and the introduction of invasive species. Here, we inferred the taxonomic nature and geographic origins of frog legs imported to Switzerland by DNA barcoding. Out of 34 samples, we retrieved eight distinct lineages attributed to five species from four genera, namely Hoplobatrachus rugulosus from Vietnam, Fejervarya cancrivora from Indonesia (invasive on several Pacific islands), two phylogeographic lineages of Limnonectes macrodon from Western and Central Java, L. kadarsani from eastern Indonesia, and three phylogeographic lineages of Pelophylax ridibundus from northern and central southern Turkey (invasive in Western Europe). Only the first two species were correctly declared, which is particularly problematic to track down harvests of the declining and geographically restricted Limnonectes taxa. In this respect, we show that the three Asian genera can be reliably distinguished by basic measurements of the frog legs, which could be used in future forensic controls. Our study calls for more stringent international regulations of the frog trade, including shipment monitoring to document the relative abundance of harvested species and ensure the sustainability of their wild populations.
Analysis of coupling complexity in echo state networks via ordinal persistent homology
Authors: Haruna Taichi
Published: February 2025

We study coupling complexity in multivariate time series generated by echo state networks subject to i.i.d. input signals using the ordinal persistent index as a coupling complexity measure. Coupling complexity is a notion of complexity focusing on the relations among components of a given system. Given a time segment of a multivariate time series, its ordinal persistent index is defined by taking the persistent homology of a filtered simplicial complex reflecting similarity among the ordinal patterns of individual time series. As the strength of input signals increases, the dynamics of echo state networks shift from asynchronous ones to more synchronized ones. We show that the original ordinal persistent index cannot capture such change in the synchronization behavior, but a generalized version of the ordinal persistent index is sensitive to the change: the latter takes relatively high values between the two extremes, namely when the strength of input signals to the echo state networks is within a certain range of intermediate values.
BalanceVR: balance training to increase tolerance to cybersickness in immersive virtual reality
Authors: Yang Yechan , Kang Seonghoon , Kim Minchae , Kim Gerard Jounhyun , Kim Hanseob
Published: February 2025

Cybersickness (CS) is a serious usability problem in virtual reality (VR). Postural instability theory has emerged as one major hypothesis for the cause of CS. Based on such a hypothesis, we present two experiments to observe the trends in users’ trained balance ability with respect to their susceptibilities to CS. The first experiment (as a preliminary study) evaluated the effects of 2-week balance training under three different operational conditions: training in VR (VRT), training in non-immersive media with a 2D projection display (2DT), and VR exposure without any training (VRO; Baseline). The effect toward CS was tested not only in the training space but also in a different VR content to observe for any transfer effect. As results clearly indicated that the non-VR 2DT was ineffective in gaining any significant tolerance to CS, we conducted a follow-up second experiment with 1-week balance training, focusing on comparing only the VRT and VRO conditions. Overall, the experimental findings have shown, aside from the obvious improvement in balance performance itself, that accompanying balance training had the stronger effect of increasing tolerance to CS than mere exposure to VR. Furthermore, the tolerance to CS developed through VR balance training exhibited a transfer effect, that is, with reduced levels of CS in another VR content (not used during the training sessions).
A poisson cokriging modeling of mosquito-borne diseases in Colombia
Authors: Payares-Garcia David , Osei Frank , Mateu Jorge , Stein Alfred
Published: February 2025

Mosquito-borne diseases pose a significant public health concern in Colombia, necessitating robust quantification of their geographic patterns to guide and optimize interventions. This study explores the spatial dynamics and interactions among Zika, Dengue, and Chikungunya within the context of joint disease modeling in the Andean region of Colombia. Leveraging the Poisson cokriging method, we modeled and mapped an improved version of risks associated with the three diseases by incorporating a related mosquito-borne disease as secondary information while accounting for heterogeneous population distributions. Our findings reveal similar disease spatial risk patterns, suggesting possible shared localized transmission dynamics among the three diseases, with hotspots primarily occurring in municipalities characterized by high co-morbidity rates. The semivariogram and cross-semivariogram ranges suggested the potential influence of common local risk factors that might contribute to the spatial variation across the region. The smoothed disease risk maps highlight areas with elevated incidence rates, informing targeted intervention strategies. This study provides insights into the spatial distribution of the risk of Zika, Dengue, and Chikungunya, and hypothesize possible shared factors that drive their emergence in Colombia. It further highlights the utility of Poisson cokriging for improving disease risk mapping when auxiliary disease data are available, advancing the understanding of the intricate spatial relationships between related diseases.
Towards Consensus According to Experts on the Theorised Contribution of Vital Communities to Successful Ageing in Place: a Modified Delphi Study
Authors: Pani-Harreman Katinka E. , Bours Gerrie J. J. W. , Bleijlevens Michel H. M. C. , Kempen Gertrudis J. I. M. , Zwakhalen Sandra G. M. , Van Duren Joop A. M.
Published: February 2025

Older people value their independence and prefer to live in an environment they are familiar with and can benefit substantially from vital communities. The objective of this study is to examine the theorised contribution of vital communities to successful ageing in place, as increasing numbers of older people in western societies, are living longer independently at home, while their need for support gradually increases. A modified Delphi study was conducted and consisted of two stages. In the first stage, we conducted two panel discussions in order to develop statements representing the theorised contribution of the features of vital communities to the key themes of ageing in place. This was followed by the second stage which had three online Delphi rounds, and which aimed to reach a consensus among 126 international experts concerning the theorised contribution. The findings of this study showed a consensus among the experts about aspects that show the positive contribution with regard to the aim of vital communities (quality of life, belonging), and all the key themes of ageing in place (place, technology, social networks, support, personal characteristics). However, experts nuanced the theorised contribution of the mechanisms and typical characteristics of vital communities and the key theme of technology. According to the experts, whether technology contribute depends on the skills of older people and the type of technology. The findings of this study imply that vital communities could facilitate older people to age in place for as long as possible, while maintaining their quality of life.
Metastasising Pleomorphic Adenoma of the Parotid Gland: Where are We Now? A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Andrea Sacchetto , Carlotta Liberale , Marina Silvestrini , Giulio Riva , Roberto Saetti
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Metastasising pleomorphic adenoma (MPA) is a rare malignant tumour that can affect multiple organs with a considerable time latency compared to primary pleomorphic adenoma (PA). To date, MPA and its clinical course, including survival and relapse rates, are still poorly understood.

Methods

We performed a systematic literature review following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The research was carried out using the PUBMED database and the following search terms: ((Metastatic) OR (metastases) OR (metastasis) OR (metastasizing)) AND (pleomorphic adenoma). The inclusion criteria for the final selection were: case reports or case series as study designs, availability of full text, and diseases specific to the parotid gland. Review articles, articles without full text, and studies on salivary glands other than the parotid gland were excluded.

Results

A total of 908 papers were initially selected and 42 patients. The mean age at the diagnosis of MPA was 49.2 years (range 13–75 years). The average interval of onset of first metastasis was 15.7 years (range 1.4–45 years). The most common sites of metastasis were the bones (23.8%) and lungs (23.8%). In 31 patients (73.8%) a surgical treatment for complete removal of MPA was performed, while 10 patients withstood definitive or adjuvant radiotherapy. The follow up status was described only in 22 out of 40 papers where only 3 patients died from the neoplasm.

Conclusion

MPA of the parotid gland is a rare condition. The transformation of a PA to MPA is unpredictable. Because of the scarcity of data in the literature, the long-term behaviour of metastatic neoplasm is uncertain. However, we found that 5 out of 19 patients experienced disease relapse after treatment. Additionally, the average survival rate for individuals with MPA of the parotid gland is 64% after 5 years. The preferred course of treatment, if possible, is the surgical removal of the neoplasm.
Spatio–Temporal Modeling and Spatial Inference Using NA-CORDEX Climate Data
Authors: Lin Wenyi , Schwartzman Armin
Published: February 2025

Responding to climate change requires not only modeling changing trends in temperature and precipitation over time but also doing so spatially, identifying geographical regions where such changes are more extreme. This work presents the construction of geographically weighted multivariate time-series models for temperature and precipitation, considering distinct distributional data assumptions in both spatial and temporal domains. To identify regions of significant change in the estimated trend parameters in the proposed models, we employ the spatial inference method of coverage probability excursion (CoPE) sets, providing spatial uncertainty on the regions whose changes exceed a certain threshold. The North American CORDEX (NA-CORDEX) data are used as a case study for the proposed spatio-temporal models and statistical inference method. The proposed models are used to analyze climate changing trends in three distinct geographical areas of the USA (the states of California, Colorado and Kansas), considering both historical and future series. The proposed models can serve as a reference for future studies related to regional climate data modeling and inference.
Microwave synthesis of alkyl levulinates using a Keggin heteropolyacid from the cellulose of Eichhornia crassipes
Authors: Monroy Andrés F. , Caicedo Gerardo A. , Rojas Hugo , Sathicq Ángel Gabriel , Romanelli Gustavo P. , Martínez José J.
Published: February 2025

Alkyl levulinates were synthesized directly from cellulose derived from water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) using a Keggin heteropolyacid under microwave-assisted hydrolysis. The pretreatment method to obtain cellulose was identified as a key factor to achieve higher yields of butyl levulinate. Hydrothermal pretreatment with H2SO4 resulted in the highest cellulose yield, with minimal hemicellulose and lignin content, the highest crystallinity index, and reduced water adsorption, all contributing to an increased yield of butyl levulinate. Additionally, the use of longer-chain alcohols, such as pentanol, further enhanced the yield, indicating that solvent polarity significantly impacts on alkyl levulinate production.
Atmospheric emissions from maritime activities in Altamira, Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Antonio Durán R. E. , Sosa Echeverría R. , Fuentes García G. , César Valdez E. , Cortez-Huerta M. , Kahl J. D. W.
Published: February 2025

Altamira is one of the most important Mexican ports in the Gulf of Mexico, located in an important industrial and petrochemical, which is a high pollutant emission area. In this study, the atmospheric emissions generated by shipping activity in the port of Altamira were estimated, specifically those caused by engine combustion. Official data from the port of Altamira were used, covering the period from 2017 to 2022. The Bottom-Up approach was applied considering the maneuvering and hotelling phases of the ships. The calculated emissions covered various substances, including criteria pollutants, toxics, persistent organic pollutants, and greenhouse gases. Maneuvering and hotelling times were considered individually for each vessel to obtain a more accurate representation of emissions. Emissions were found to be directly influenced by several factors, including vessel operating times, number of recorded arrivals, and engine power. Emissions during the study period were higher in 2022 due to increased length of stay and the number of ships arriving. About the categorization of emitting vessels, it was determined that container ships stood out as the main generators of pollutants. This was followed by bulk carriers, which had long dwell times during the port phase, contributing to their higher emissions. In comparison tankers had relatively lower emissions compared to the other ship types. Finally, the ARIMA forecast model was applied to predict future NMVOC, CO2, and SO2 emissions.
Insights into the recognition mechanism of shark-derived single-domain antibodies with high affinity and specificity targeting fluoroquinolones
Authors: Liu Chang , Li Guoqiang , Chen Yuan , Lin Hong , Cao Limin , Wang Kaiqiang , Wang Xiudan , Flajnik Martin F. , Sui Jianxin
Published: February 2025

In this study, we investigated the molecular recognition mechanisms of shark-derived single-domain antibodies (ssdAbs) targeting fluoroquinolones using an integrated approach that combines in silico homologous modeling, molecular dynamics simulations, molecular docking, and alanine scanning mutagenesis. Three ssdAbs—2E6, 1N9, and 1O17—specific to enrofloxacin, norfloxacin, and ofloxacin, respectively, were selected based on previous work. Through AlphaFold2 and GalaxyWEB, the protein structures of these ssdAbs were predicted and optimized, followed by molecular dynamics simulations to emulate realistic protein behavior in a solvent environment. Molecular docking, alanine scanning mutagenesis, and subsequent verifications identified 30N and 93W of 2E6; 30N, 89R, 98Y, and 99D of 1N9; 100W and 101R of 1O17, all located within the complementarity determining region 3 loop, as critical for antigen binding. These residues primarily interact with their targets through hydrogen bonds, salt bridges, π–π stackings, and cation–π interactions. This study revealed, for the first time, the binding mechanism of ssdAbs to fluoroquinolones from a theoretical perspective, emphasizing the importance of aromatic and polar residues in recognizing characteristic epitopes, such as the carboxyl group at the C3 position and the 1-piperazinyl group at the C7 position. Our findings provide valuable insights for the rational design and enhancement of ssdAbs for detecting small molecule hazards in aquaculture.
Dropping the urine culture: sustained CAUTI reduction using a UTI order panel
Authors: Torres Cristina , Lyden Elizabeth , Gillett Gayle , Rupp Mark E. , Van Schooneveld Trevor C.
Published: February 2025

Objective:

We introduced a urinary tract infection (UTI) panel requiring symptom documentation and identification of special populations linked to reflex urine culturing and evaluated its impact on catheter-associated UTI (CAUTI) including during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design:

Quasi-experimental encompassing 3 periods: pre-panel (January 2014–March 2015), post-panel (April 2015–March 2020), and post-panel COVID (April 2020–June 2022).

Setting/participants:

Tertiary care center inpatients.

Methods:

Poisson regression and interrupted time series (ITS) analysis evaluated changes in catheter days (CD), urine cultures (UC), and CAUTI measured by 1,000 CD and patient days (PD). National Health Safety Network standardized infection ratio (SIR) and standardized utilization ratio (SUR) data were analyzed.

Results:

UC per 1,000 PD decreased after implementation (pre-panel 36.9 vs 16.6 post-panel vs 14.4 post-panel COVID, all P < .001). CD declined pre-panel versus post-panel (RR 0.37, P < .001) but not from post-panel to post-panel COVID (RR 0.94, P = .88). UTI panel implementation was associated with a 40% decrease in CAUTI rates per 1,000 CD (P < .001). During the COVID-19 pandemic (post-panel COVID), a nonsignificant increase of 13% (P = .61) in CAUTI was noted but remained 32% lower than pre-panel (P = .02). The slope of change using ITS changed from negative to positive but was nonsignificant (P = .26). CAUTI rates per 1,000 PD demonstrated greater reductions (pre- vs post-panel (RR 0.37; 95% CI, 0.29–0.47) and pre- vs post-panel COVID (RR 0.35; 95% CI, 0.26–0.46)). SIRs were unavailable before 2016, but median SIRs post-panel compared to post-panel COVID were similar (1.05 vs 1.56, respectively, P = .067).

Conclusions:

Implementation of the UTI panel was associated with a reduction in both UC and CAUTI with the impact maintained despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
De Karukinka-Usin a Europa: Las colecciones etnográficas transportadas por Martin Gusinde y sus implicaciones ontológicas sobre las agencias fueguinas
Authors: Butto Ana , Fiore Danae
Published: February 2025

En este trabajo presentamos el hallazgo, la identificación y el análisis de dos colecciones de artefactos etnográficos fueguinos recolectados por Martin Gusinde durante sus trabajos de campo con los pueblos originarios Selk'nam, Yagan y Kawésqar en Tierra del Fuego entre 1918 y 1924, y luego transportados a dos museos europeos. Se trata de 391 artefactos etnográficos fueguinos resguardados en el Missionshaus Sankt Gabriel y el Weltmuseum, ubicados en Viena (Austria). Identificamos los artefactos según la sociedad fueguina que los produjo: 118 selk'nam, 125 yagan y 83 kawésqar; y los analizamos de acuerdo a la clase de artefacto, morfología y materia prima. Caracterizamos así cada colección y la estudiamos de forma comparativa, evaluando su proveniencia e infiriendo que su “representatividad etnográfica” puede ser asignada a Gusinde. Sin embargo, las colecciones son internamente heterogéneas, y muestran recurrencias inter-colección que remiten a las distintas agencias de los pueblos originarios fueguinos, mostrando cómo la ontología de la colección subsume no sólo la agencia del coleccionista, sino también la agencia de los productores/usuarios originarios de los artefactos.
El motivo del camélido en el arte rupestre de El Carrizal (Tucumán, Argentina): Criterios de reconocimiento, “naturaleza múltiple” y proporciones anatómicas
Authors: Cantarelli Violeta , Nastri Javier
Published: February 2025

Abordamos aquí la problemática de la identificación de los referentes de los motivos rupestres de la localidad arqueológica de El Carrizal. Hasta el momento, la gran mayoría de las imágenes de cuadrúpedos ha sido reconocida como una representación de camélido, al tiempo que frecuentemente dichos atributos coexisten con otros propios de otras especies. Calculamos las proporciones anatómicas de las imágenes de cuadrúpedos plasmadas en los distintos paneles de los sitios, con el fin de compararlos con casos de referencia de otros ámbitos del Noroeste Argentino. Analizamos los rangos de variación de dichas proporciones en los sitios de referencia y los de El Carrizal, donde destacan, en primer lugar, una alta frecuencia de representación de terminaciones perpendiculares en las extremidades, asimilables a vasaduras; y, en segundo lugar, una longitud de cola mayor a aquellas propias del camélido, según se registra en las variedades vivientes actuales. Al comparar estas imágenes con las de cuadrúpedos del arte alfarero santamariano, interpretamos la presencia de este último rasgo (en figuras con el resto de los atributos asimilables a los de los camélidos), como expresión de un ser híbrido o quimérico, para el cual proponemos el nombre de “zoomorfo de naturaleza múltiple”.
Longitudinal development of cognition and vocabulary knowledge in young second language learners in a bilingual programme
Authors: Teng Mark Feng
Published: February 2025

Despite the importance of cognitive development for vocabulary acquisition, limited attention has been given to the impacts of cognitive factors on this phenomenon from a longitudinal perspective. This study evaluates the longitudinal development of such factors (i.e. metacognitive knowledge, working memory, and non-verbal intelligence) and L2 vocabulary knowledge growth in 210 young second language learners enrolled in a bilingual programme in China. Results supported individual differences in the initial level and the growth rate of learners’ cognitive development and vocabulary knowledge growth: a higher starting level of cognitive development correlated with a higher level of vocabulary knowledge and a faster rate of vocabulary knowledge growth. Findings revealed particularly significant predictive role of metacognitive knowledge on vocabulary knowledge, followed by non-verbal intelligence and working memory. Relevant implications were discussed based on the findings.
A Friendship of Heart and Mind: Kim dong-ri and Seo jeong-ju
Authors: Wang-Le Min Sook
Published: February 2025

Kim Dong-ri and Seo Jeong-ju were prodigious personalities of Korean literature in the 20th century. The friendship of these prominent writers began in the 1930s and lasted their entire lives. Together they contributed to the reconstruction of the literary world in Korea after the end of the Japanese Occupation. This paper examines their biographies, auto-biographies, and different testimonies in an attempt to understand and appreciate not only the development and depth of their friendship, but also their legacy to Korean literature that was based on the literary and humanistic values they shared.
Ukrainian and Russian Wartime Poetry in the Age of Social Media: Challenges and Lessons
Authors: Chernetsky Vitaly
Published: February 2025

This essay argues for considering wartime Ukrainian poetry in the broader context of Ukrainian artistic projects investigating the relationship between observation, agency, and responsibility. It highlights the profoundly democratic features of this process that explores the ways art can help one process trauma and engage in difficult but necessary conversations. It argues that Ukrainian poetic activity can be viewed as a unified corpus across multiple languages, while problematizing approaches to Russophone Ukrainian poetry that treat is as part of an allegedly unified Russophone discursive space. It also emphasizes the ethical imperative for greater scholarly engagement with Ukrainian literary texts.
Ice Thickness‐Induced Variations in Effective Pressure and Basal Conditions Influence Seasonal and Multi‐Annual Ice Velocity at Sermeq Kujalleq (Jakobshavn Isbræ)
Authors: Lu Xi , Sole Andrew , Livingstone Stephen J. , Cheng Gong , Jiang Liming , Chudley Tom , Noël Brice , Li Daan
Published: February 2025

Acceleration of Sermeq Kujalleq has been linked to the retreat of its calving front. However, models consistently underestimate its ice‐flow variability, indicating that important physical processes might be ignored, which introduces uncertainties in projecting its future mass loss and sea‐level rise contribution. Using the Ice‐sheet and Sea‐level System Model, we simulate Sermeq Kujalleq from 2016 to 2022 constrained by sub‐monthly ice front positions. Changes in front position explain >76% of the velocity variations but with a spatially and seasonally varying misfit between modeled and observed velocities up to 30 km upstream. This misfit significantly correlates with variations in height above flotation within 10 km of the terminus. Incorporating these variations into the model by scaling the basal shear stress reduces the average misfit by over 90%. This indicates that seasonal variations in ice thickness‐induced effective pressure and basal conditions play a crucial role in controlling intra‐annual and longer‐term ice‐flow variations.