bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross-sectional Study on MyocardialInfarction in Young Adults in an EmergencyDepartment of a Rural Tertiary Care Hospital, Davanagere,Karnataka, India
Authors: Reddy CH Karthik , Krishnamurthy Mahesh , Vasanthapuram Ashray , Narayan Girish , Narendra SS
Published: June 2021

Introduction: The incidence of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) in the young has been increasing globally. Research in this population has been limited in developed countries or urban areas in developing countries. Identifying the various epidemiologic features in this age group is crucial to understand the disease. Aim: To describe the clinical characteristics of young adults presenting with ACS in a rural tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 50 patients diagnosed with ACS. Data were collected from consecutive patients between the ages of 18 to 45 years diagnosed with ACS between January 2014 to January 2015 in the Emergency Medicine Department of a tertiary care hospital in Davanagere, India. Data were collected on demographic characteristics, risk factors, laboratory tests, and angiographic findings. Range, mean and percentages were calculated for continuous and categorical variables, respectively. A 95% confidence intervals were calculated for all variables. Results: The mean age was 38.1±5.8 years with male preponderance 46 (92%). Risk factors were smoking 36 (72%), diabetes 17 (34%), hypertension 6 (12%) and Body Mass Index (BMI) >23 kg/m2, 36 (72%). Anterior Wall Myocardial Infarction (AWMI) was observed in 35 (70%) of subjects with angiography revealing Single Vessel Disease (SVD) 28 (56%), Double Vessel Disease (DVD) 5 (10%), Triple Vessel Disease (TVD) 3 (6%) and Myocardial Infarction with Non-Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease (MINOCA) 11 (22%). Three patients died during their course of treatment before initiating an interventional procedure. Conclusion: Smoking, diabetes mellitus and elevated BMI are associated with ACS among young patients. Interventions targeting these risk factors among younger individuals should be developed.
Geographic Distribution Shift of Invasive Plant Austroeupatorium inulifolium in the Future Climate Projection
Authors: Yudaputra Angga , Fijridiyanto Izu Andry , Astuti Inggit Puji , Zulkarnaen Rizmoon Nurul , Yuswandi Ade , Witono Joko R. , Yuzammi .
Published: June 2021

Aims: This study aims to predict the future geographic distribution shift of invasive plant species Austroeupathorium inulifolium as the impact of global climate change.

Study Design: The rising temperature and precipitation change lead to the geographic distribution shift of organisms. A. inulifolium belongs to invasive plant species that often causes a substantial economic loss and ecological degradation in the invaded areas. Modelling of species distribution using the climate-based model could be used to understand the geographic distribution shift of invasive species in the future scenario under global climate change.

Place and Duration of Study: Center for Plant Conservation and Botanic Gardens – LIPI and 6 months.

Methodology: The total 2228 of occurrence records were derived from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) database. The seven climatic variables were selected from 19 variables using a pairwise correlation test (vifcor) with a threshold >0.7. The ensemble model was used by combining Random Forest (RF) and Support Vector Machine (SVM).

Results: Both two models are well-performed either using AUC or TSS evaluation methods. RF and SVM have AUC >0.95, and TSS >0.8. The predicted current distribution tends to have larger distribution areas compared to observed occurrence records. The predicted future distribution seems to be shifted in several parts of North America and Europe.

Conclusion: The geographic distribution of invasive plant species A. inulifolium will be shifted to the Northern part of globe in 2090. Mean temperature of driest quarter and precipitation of warmest quarter are the two most important variables that determine the distribution pattern of the A. inulifolium. The predictive distribution pattern of invasive plant A. inulifolium would be important to provide information about the impact of climate change to the geographic distribution shift of this species.
Extent of Home Based Care Program Support to Hospital Based Care for Children with Chronic and Terminal Illness in Meru County, Kenya
Authors: Kubai P. K. , Kei M. R. , Mutema A. M.
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Chronic and Terminal illnesses continue to increase and aggravate the burden of disease and the diminish space in our hospitals and communities, Worldwide, 57 million persons died in 2008, an estimated 40 million were in need of HBCP, 6.6 - 10.8 million Children died, 98% Chronic and Terminal illnesses (CI/TI) are found in low and middle-income Countries. Chronic and Terminal illnesses in Children are on the rise in Sub Saharan Africa. Kenya lags in implementation of Home Based Care to mitigate effects of CI/TI. WHO, 2017 and Ministry of Health-Kenya 2013 shows that Children are affected by these Illnesses. These illnesses have made families’ to suffer psychosocial and economic hardships. Evaluation of determinants of Home Based Care Program (EHBCP) services by assessing if effective and quality delivery of HBCP Supports Hospital Based Care is key.

Aims: To determine the extent to which Home Based Care Program services Support to Hospital Based Care for Children aged 1-14 years diagnosed with selected Chronic and Terminal illnesses in Meru County Kenya.

Study Design: A descriptive Cross Sectional Survey.

Place and Duration of Study: Meru County, Kenya between June 2018 and Dec 2019.

Methodology: Methodology: Descriptive Cross Sectional Survey of 245 Caregivers of Children diagnosed with Chronic and Terminal illness were selected by proportionate to size sampling and simple random sampling from Meru County Health Facilities.

Results: Delivery of quality and effective Home Based Care Program was positively associated with age, return rate of over 100% was achieved with about 245 respondents being interviewed (132%),experience of Health Care Workers (HCWs) 4.8 [95% CI = 1.06 – 21.68, P = 0.041]. HCWs profession, gender and years of work were positively related to Hospital Based Care services 3.03 [95%CI = 1.64 – 5.59, P<0.001]. Use of minimum HBCP package was found to be useful in support of hospital care, as 50.4% reported that its support was of a good or great extent. The trend was observed in all aspects of the minimum HBCP package studied, with 52.4%, 54.4% and 46.4% having the opinion that use of the package by caregivers, in management and mitigation of complications supported hospital care by a good or great extent respectively.

Conclusion: Need for an urgent adoption of holistic approach on health care system strengthening by putting up a well-integrated Home Based Care Program with quality Minimum HBCP essential package to support the mainstream health care system. In addition adopt better management practices, planning strategies, resource allocation and monitoring for effective HBCP programmes as per the current guidelines to bridge the gaps identified in planning, management practices to fill the disjointed policy implementation and resource inadequacies in implementation of HBCP services to support Hospital Based care for ultimate delivery of quality care among the Chronically and Terminally ill Children.
Changes in the Levels of Biochemical Markers Following Coronavirus Infection in Patients with Liver Disease, Renal Disease and Diabetes Mellitus as Compared to Control Participants: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Ahmed Osama J. , Al-Wasiti Estabraq A. , Jamil Dina , Al-Aubaidy Hayder A.
Published: June 2021

Background & Aim of the Study: Increased levels of many biomarkers, including liver enzymes, blood urea and serum creatinine as well as glycemic markers have been reported following coronavirus (COVID-19) infection, leading to the development of acute disease. This study aims to measure and follow-up the following biomarkers (fasting blood glucose, blood urea, serum creatinine, total serum bilirubin, as well as the liver enzymes AST, ALT, and ALP) in otherwise healthy participants and patients with liver disease, renal disease and diabetes following COVID-19 infection.

Materials and Methods: This is cross section study, included 144 participants who were infected with COVID-19 and admitted to the Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Baghdad, Iraq. Participants were divided into 4 study groups, Group 1: 46 participants with no pre-existing medical condition (Control), Group 2: 30 patients with existing liver disease. Group 3: 28 patients with existing renal disease and Group 4: 40 patients with diabetes mellitus. Participants were followed up for 14 days following COVID-19 infection to monitor the progression of the biochemical markers.

Results: There were significant changes in serum levels of all the markers of this study between the four study groups (p<0.001). Serum ALP levels were not significantly changed within any of the four study groups. However, both ALT and AST levels were significantly changed within all the four study groups (p<0.001). The levels of TSB changes significantly within the renal group (Group 3), (p=0.017). The levels of S. Creatinine showed significant changes in all the study groups except the renal group (Group 3). The levels change significantly within all the study groups except the control group (Group 1), while fasting blood glucose levels changes significantly in the control group only (Group 1), (p=0.004).

Conclusions: Following COVID-19 infection, there were significant changes in the levels of ALT, AST, S. Creatinine and B.Urea after 14 days of the disease progression. While in patients with existing renal disease, there were significant changes in the levels of TSB, AST, ALT and B. Urea following COVID-19 infection. In diabetic patients, there were significant increase in the level of   fasting blood glucose after 14 days of COVID-19 infection. there were no significant changes in serum levels of ALP and FBG in patients with chronic illnesses (liver disease, renal disease, and diabetes) when compared to control group.
Characteristics of Masked Hypertension in Diabetes Mellitus Patientstype 2
Authors: Binh Vu Thanh , Thuy Nguyen Le , Hieu Le Minh
Published: June 2021

Monitoring blood pressure with a continuous blood pressure monitor to carry around to detect masked hypertension (MH) in type 2 diabetes patients who are on outpatient treatment at Thai Binh Medical University Hospital, Thai Binh, Vietnam.

Objective: Analysis of MH characteristics in type 2 diabetic patients.

Research Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study, sample size of 186 patients with type 2 diabetes with MH determined by blood pressure monitor 24 hours. Analysis of 24-hour blood pressure results in MH patients.

Results: 186 patients with hypertension / type 2 diabetes, including 77 men and 109 more, the average age is 62.2 ± 9.3 years old, there are 98.9% of hypertensive patients with grade I, only 1.1% of hypertensive patients degree II; MH at night accounted for the highest rate of 43.0%, of which the average systolic blood pressure was 123.8 ± 9.8 mmHg, and diastolic blood pressure was 75.2 ± 6.1 mmHg; On average, the highest increase is around 9 am and 19 pm, slightly down around 13pm and down at the deepest around 2-3am. There is a synchronous variation between systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Conclusion: Blood pressure should be monitored continuously for 24 hours in all patients with type 2 diabetes to detect and promptly treat MH.
Chlorhexidine vs Routine Foot Washing to Prevent Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Authors: Lydecker Alison D. , Kim Justin J. , Robinson Gwen L. , Johnson J. Kristie , Brown Clayton H. , Petruccelli Christopher C. , Terrin Michael L. , Margolis David J. , Roghmann Mary-Claire
Published: February 2025

Importance

Foot ulcers are a common and feared complication for people with diabetes because 20% of foot ulcers become infected and lead to a lower extremity amputation.

Objective

To evaluate the effect of daily foot care using chlorhexidine wipes vs soap-and-water wipes for 1 year on the risk of developing new foot complications in veterans with diabetes.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2b randomized clinical trial was conducted at the Baltimore Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center between January 2019 to January 2023. Veterans were eligible if they had a diabetes diagnosis, were at high risk for diabetic foot complications, were ambulatory, had both feet, and did not have a current foot infection. Participants were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive either soap-and-water wipes (control group) or 2% chlorhexidine wipes (chlorhexidine group). Intention-to-treat data analysis was conducted from October 5, 2023, to April 24, 2024.

Intervention

Daily use of a 2% chlorhexidine wipe or a soap-and-water wipe on the feet for 1 year. Wipes were nearly identical in color, size, shape, thickness, feel, and scent. Both chlorhexidine and control groups received the same lotion for application on the feet after wipe use and education on foot self-care.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was time in days from randomization to new foot complication, including chronic foot ulcer, foot infection, or foot amputation.

Results

A total of 175 participants (170 males [97%]; mean [SD] age at enrollment, 68 [9] years; 1 Asian [1%], 117 Black or African American [67%], 53 White [30%] individuals) were randomly assigned to the chlorhexidine group (n = 88) or the control group (n = 87). Twelve participants (14%) in the chlorhexidine group and 14 participants (16%) in the control group developed a new foot complication within 1 year. Median (IQR) time from randomization to development of a new foot complication was 232 (115-315) days. The reduction in hazard of new foot complications in the chlorhexidine group compared with the control group was not significant (hazard ratio, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.39-1.80). The intervention was well tolerated, with 145 participants (83%) continuing it over the study period. Sixty adverse events occurred, but none was related to the study products or procedures.

Conclusions and Relevance

This randomized clinical trial found that daily use of chlorhexidine wipes for foot washing for 1 year did not lead to a significant reduction in the risk of new foot complications compared with daily use of soap-and-water wipes. The intervention was well tolerated, and the trial provides important lessons for future studies on diabetic foot ulcer prevention.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03503370
A Spanish-Language Patient-Reported Outcome Measure for Trust in Pregnancy Care Clinician
Authors: Molina Rose L. , Bazan Maria , Hacker Michele R. , Kaimal Anjali J. , Alegría Margarita , Fernández Leonor , Guise Jeanne-Marie , Edelen Maria O.
Published: February 2025

Importance

Despite the importance of patient trust in health care, there are no patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for trust in their clinician that have been developed empirically in Spanish, which is the second most common language in the US.

Objective

To develop and validate a Spanish-language PROM for trust in pregnancy care clinician.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study used a national online panel of patients who reported a Spanish language preference and had limited English proficiency and were currently pregnant or had given birth within the 12 months before the survey. Participants resided in the United States, and data were collected from January to May 2024.

Exposures

Participants had clinical interactions during pregnancy and/or postpartum care. Data collected included demographics, Confianza (Trust) Scale candidate items, and 4 measures for concurrent validity evidence: the Trust in Physician Scale (TPS), the Mothers on Respect Index, the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS), and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Global 10.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcomes were psychometric properties of the Confianza scale and its association with validated scales (validity coefficients). Item response theory (IRT) analyses were conducted to evaluate the psychometric properties of the candidate items, select the best item subset for the Confianza scale, examine its correlation with other measures, and compare scores according to demographic characteristics.

Results

Of the included 204 participants (mean [SD] age, 26 [7] years; 62 participants from South America [30%]; 32 participants from Mexico [16%]), 117 participants were pregnant (57%), and 87 were within 1-year post partum (43%) at the time of survey completion. Four items were removed based on exploratory factor analysis. Using results from IRT analysis on the remaining 12 items, 5 items were selected to represent communication, caring, competency, accompaniment, and overall trust for the final measure. The 5-item Confianza scale had high measurement precision, with reliability above 0.90 across a wide range of the trust continuum. The Confianza scale (mean [SD] score, 21.5 [4.6] out of 25) was positively correlated with the TPS (r = 0.47; 95% CI, 0.36 to 0.57; P < .001) and negatively correlated with the EPDS (r = −0.41; 95% CI, −0.52 to −0.29; P <.001). Higher trust scores were obtained when there was language concordance with clinicians (mean [SD], 23.6 [2.3] vs 20.0 [5.3]; P < .001) and care continuity (mean [SD], 22.3 [3.8] vs 20.9 [5.3]; P = .001).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study of pregnant and postpartum Spanish-speaking individuals, a Spanish-language PROM for trust in pregnancy care clinician had initial validity.
Tobacco and E-Product Use by US Adults With Disabilities
Authors: Parks Michael J. , Marshall Daniela , Kimmel Heather L. , Kingsbury John H. , Everard Colm D. , Aboaziza Eiman , Blanco Carlos , Compton Wilson M.
Published: February 2025

Importance

Research on cumulative disabilities and tobacco use in the current tobacco landscape is lacking.

Objective

To examine prevalence of tobacco use across cumulative disabilities within and across years among US adults.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Representative cross-sectional surveys of the US adult (aged ≥18 years) civilian, noninstitutionalized population from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study were compared across 2013 to 2014 (wave 1), 2016 to 2018 (wave 4), and 2022 to 2023 (wave 7). Age-adjusted estimates and change scores were compared using design-based significance tests. Data were analyzed from November 2023 and April 2024.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Past 30-day use of tobacco (cigarette, electronic nicotine [e-product], traditional cigar, filtered cigar, cigarillo, pipe, hookah, and smokeless products); disability types (mobility, self-care, independent living, cognitive, hearing, and vision) summed to generate a 4-level cumulative disability measure (0, 1, 2, or ≥3).

Results

In 2013 to 2014, among 32 314 participants at wave 1, 3110 participants were 65 years or older (18.2%), 15 993 (51.9%) were female, 5536 (15.2%) were Hispanic, 4496 (11.2%) were non-Hispanic Black, 19 295 (66.0%) were non-Hispanic White, and 2428 (7.5%) were another non-Hispanic race. A total of 32 314 adults were included in 2013 to 2014, 33 638 in 2016 to 2018, and 30 681 in 2022 to 2023. In 2013 to 2014, any tobacco use prevalence for those with no disabilities was 25.4% (95% CI, 24.7% to 26.1%), while prevalence was 40.2% (95% CI, 38.6% to 41.8%), 48.9% (95% CI, 45.4% to 52.5%), and 51.8% (95% CI, 48.6% to 55.0%) for those with 1, 2, and 3 or more disabilities, respectively. Any tobacco, cigarette, e-product, cigarillo, filtered cigar, and pipe use were consistently higher among those with multiple disabilities compared with those with 0 or 1 disability. Prevalence was highest among those with 3 or more disabilities for all products. Tobacco use declined over time, except e-product use increased. However, not all declines in prevalence between 2013 to 2014 and 2022 to 2023 were significant among those with 3 or more disabilities. The declines for those who used any tobacco (−4.6%; 95% CI, −8.7% to −0.6%) and cigarettes (−8.9%; 95% CI, −12.7% to −5.1%) were small, and increases in e-product use were large (4.6%; 95% CI, 1.0% to 8.3%) for those with 3 or more disabilities compared with other groups.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this survey study, disparities in tobacco use existed across cumulative disabilities. Despite declines in tobacco use over time, differences in use across cumulative disabilities persisted or worsened, especially among those with 3 or more disabilities. Targeted prevention, screening, and cessation efforts inclusive of multiple products are needed.
Diluted Ternary Heterojunctions to Suppress Charge Recombination for Organic Solar Cells with 21% Efficiency
Authors: Wang Liang , Chen Chen , Gan Zirui , Cheng Jingchao , Sun Yuandong , Zhou Jing , Xia Weiyi , Liu Dan , Li Wei , Wang Tao
Published: February 2025

As an exitonic photovoltaic device, organic solar cells (OSCs) consist of electron donating and accepting components in their photoactive layer, in which the molecular interactions between donor and acceptor can significantly affect the nanoscale morphology as well as the photovoltaic performance of OSCs. In this work, by diluting electron donor with electron acceptor having opposite electrostatic potentials to promote the structural order via strengthened intermolecular interactions, this study shows that polymeric diluent is more effective due to its long‐ranged conjugated backbone compared with small molecular diluent. The ternary heterojunction made of C5‐16:L8‐BO binary acceptors diluted with D18 shows the strongest structural order, benefiting from the strong interactions between L8‐BO and C5‐16. The enhanced structural order within the photoactive layer prepared by layer‐by‐layer deposition of the diluted p‐type and n‐type heterojunctions contributes to enhanced light absorption, improved charge transport, and inhibited charge recombination. As the result, OSC based on D18 (PY‐IT diluted)/L8‐BO:C5‐16 (D18 diluted) having donor and acceptor dual fibrils obtains an unprecedented power conversion efficiency of 21.0% (certified value of 20.25%), which is one of the highest certified PCE up to date.
Modulating D33 Coefficients Through In Situ AgF and Ag2O Growth in PVDF Composites for High‐Performance Piezoelectric Nanogenerators
Authors: Liu Renjun , Shin Ki Hoon , Zhu Yu , Liu Qing , Ji Bing , Sun Guoxing , Li Zongjin , De Silva Dadimuni , Stewart Aisling , Lorenzoni Matteo , Ludtke Ingo , Williams Oliver A. , Ming Wenlong , Divitini Giorgio , Sohn Jung Inn , Hou Bo
Published: February 2025

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes, known for their flexibility, biocompatibility, and piezoelectricity, hold significant promise for energy harvesting applications in bioelectronics. Enhancing the β‐phase content is critical for improving device performance. This study presents an effective strategy to boost the relative concentration of β‐PVDF through the in situ growth of silver(I) fluoride (AgF) and silver oxide (Ag2O) nanoparticles (NPs). By optimizing the concentration of NPs, the β‐phase content in PVDF composite films increased to 91.4%. Dielectric analysis revealed a remarkable enhancement of the dielectric constant, reaching 30.1—over three times higher than that of pristine PVDF at 1000 Hz. Additionally, the piezoelectric coefficient of the optimized PVDF composite film improved by 50%, reaching ≈12 pC N−1. A prototype nanogenerator based on the optimized composite film achieved an open‐circuit voltage of ≈35 V, a short‐circuit current of ≈1.6 µA, and an output power density of ≈25 µW cm⁻2 under 0.5 MPa compressive stress. The device successfully powered 10 blue LEDs and charged a 50 nF capacitor within 10 s. These findings highlight in‐situ growth of silver‐based nanoparticle in PVDF matrix provides a scalable approach for energy harvesting and storage technologies.
End‐to‐End Optimization of Metalens for Broadband and Wide‐Angle Imaging
Authors: Park Yeongmyeong , Kim Youngjin , Kim Changhyun , Lee Gun‐Yeal , Choi Hyeongyu , Choi Taewon , Jeong Yoonchan , Lee Byoungho
Published: February 2025

End‐to‐end optimization of metalens and artificial intelligence‐driven image restoration algorithms has recently emerged as a powerful tool for realizing ultra‐compact imaging systems. However, the limited imaging quality of existing approaches remains challenging in meeting the demand for commercial devices due to the severe aberrations exhibited by metalens. These results in highly blurred sensor images, creating substantial challenges for accurate image restoration. In this work, a novel meta‐imager is introduced that overcomes this challenge by employing an aperture‐stop‐integrated metalens and co‐designing it with a computational image restoration network using a fully differentiable optimization framework. The proposed imager physically consists of a single metalens and an aperture stop located on the opposite side of the 1 mm‐thick glass substrate. This configuration effectively alleviates off‐axis aberrations such as coma and astigmatism, facilitating the image restoration process of the deep neural networks. The experimental results present that this scheme features 70° field‐of‐view, for full‐color imaging across the entire visible spectrum. It is believed that this work represents a significant advancement in creating ultra‐compact cameras using nanophotonics.
Study of Charge Transfer Mechanism and Dielectric Relaxation of CdSe‐MSA Nanocrystals
Authors: Bouzidi Mohamed , Alatawi Abdullah A. , Mohamed Naim Bel Haj , Alshammari Abdullah S. , Mohamed Mansour , Khan Ziaul R. , Rhaiem Abdallah Ben
Published: February 2025

The CdSe nanocrystals were synthesized in an aqueous medium containing mercaptosuccinic acid (MSA). The X‐ray diffraction study verifies that CdSe‐MSA has a cubic phase. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images show an array of approximately spherical nanoparticles with very small sizes. The electrical and dielectric properties of these nanocrystals were studied using the complex impedance method. By analyzing Nyquist diagrams, we derived the equivalent circuit consisting of R//C//CPE for temperaturesT ≤ 413 K, with a Warburg element appearing for T > 413 K, confirming the diffusion of MSA on the surface of the nanocrystals. The relaxation time (τ) was deduced by analyzing the spectra of M" using the Bergman equation, which is defined by an activation energy (Ea) of 0.743 eV. The conductivity follows Jonscher's power law, with DC conductivity (σDC) increasing in phase I (T ≤ 413 K) and decreasing in phase II (T > 413 K). The variation of s as a function of temperature shows that the conductivity adheres to the single CBH model in the semiconductor domain. It is observed that the hopping distance (RW) decreases with temperature and frequency, which explains the increase in charge carriers and the rise in conductivity in this temperature range.
Does Developing a Belief in One Conspiracy Theory Lead a Person to be More Likely to Believe in Others?
Authors: Williams Matt N. , Marques Mathew D. , Kerr John R. , Hill Stephen R. , Ling Mathew , Clarke Edward J. R.
Published: February 2025

The monological belief system model suggests that—for at least a subset of people—developing a belief in one conspiracy theory will cause them to be more likely to believe in others. This model has been influential in the literature, but its core causal hypothesis has never been credibly tested. We therefore tested it in two longitudinal studies. Study 1 used a sample from New Zealand and Australia (N = 498), with 7 monthly waves. Study 2 (preregistered) used a sample from New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom (N = 978), with 13 monthly waves. We applied random intercept cross‐lagged panel models, permitting a credible causal identification strategy, albeit we cannot rule out time‐varying confounds. We find that increased belief in a conspiracy theory at one wave did (on average) predict increased belief in other conspiracies at the next wave, although the estimated coefficients were small.
Stacking Weights and Model Space Selection in Frequentist Model Averaging for Benchmark Dose Estimation
Authors: Baalkilde Jens Riis , Hansen Niels Richard , Jensen Signe Marie
Published: February 2025

In dose‐response modeling, several models can often yield satisfactory fits to the observed data. The current practice in risk assessment is to use model averaging, which is a way to combine multiple models in a weighted average. A key parameter in risk assessment is the benchmark dose, the dose resulting in a predefined abnormal change in response. Current practice when applying frequentist model averaging is to use weights based on the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). This paper introduces stacking weights as an alternative for dose‐response modeling and generalizes a Diversity Index from dichotomous to continuous responses for model space selection. Three simulation studies were conducted to evaluate the new methods. They showed that, in three realistic scenarios, recommended strategies generally performed well, with stacking weights outperforming AIC weights in several cases. Strategies involving model selection were less effective. However, in a challenging scenario, none of the methods performed well. Due to the promising results of stacking weights, they have been added to the R package “bmd.”
An Attempt to Classify Elementary Reactions on the Basis of TS Motifs
Authors: Hori Kenji , Matsuo Yujiro , Yamaguchi Toru , Funatsu Kimito
Published: February 2025

Reactions commonly used in synthetic organic chemistry are named after their discoverers or developers. They are called the name reactions and generally consist of several elementary reactions. Quantum chemical calculations can optimize transition state (TS) structures of the elementary reactions. The geometrical feature of TS is called TS motif. We have constructed a database (QMRDB) with the TS motif information and have been continuing to accumulate them. In the present study, we extracted 102 elementary reactions from the QMRDB and attempted to classify them using the Kohonen self‐organization map. As the results, all the TS motifs were clustered. By firing a target compound on a Kohonen map generated, we expect to be able to easily find the TS motifs most similar to the target.
CRISPR in Butterflies
Authors: Kee Hooi Lynn
Published: February 2025

What You Will Learn in This Chapter

In this book chapter, you will learn how painted lady butterflies are used for CRISPR gene targeting experiments in an undergraduate biology course. We describe the advantages to using butterflies for undergraduate lab classroom, and the specific reasons that make them an undergraduate-accessible organism for gene targeting with CRISPR. Readers will learn about the benefits of the life cycle and husbandry of the butterflies and caterpillars. We discuss the overall CRISPR strategy and tools needed to deliver CRISPR components into butterfly eggs. We explain how CRISPR is used for loss-of-function gene studies, where CRISPR is used to disrupt the proper expression of genes involved in wing color and patterning. We show how a simple microinjection system and stereoscope is used to deliver CRISPR components into the eggs. Furthermore, we describe the molecular biology techniques used to determine nucleotide changes made by CRISPR and DNA repair mechanisms. We discuss how CRISPR of genes regulating wing color and patterning can show a visually drastic change that students find extremely fascinating, and thus enables students to make connections between genotype and phenotype.
Professionelle Gesundheitskompetenz. Berufs- und geschlechtsspezifische Aspekte
Authors: Griese Lennert , Schaeffer Doris
Published: February 2025

Hintergrund

Die Bedeutung der Gesundheitsprofessionen (GP) für die Förderung von Gesundheitskompetenz (GK) wird als zunehmend wichtig diskutiert. Ziel des Artikels ist es, die professionelle GK ausgewählter GP zu analysieren und zu fragen, wo die Schwierigkeiten bei der Förderung der GK bestehen, welche berufs- und geschlechtsspezifischen Unterschiede sichtbar werden und wie die Aufgabenrealisierung mit organisatorischen und qualifikatorischen Rahmenbedingungen zusammenhängt.

Methode

Im Mai und Juni 2022 wurden 624 Pflegefachpersonen und 297 Ärzt:innen mit einem neu entwickelten Fragebogen, der die professionelle GK mit 34 Items in 4 Aufgabenbereichen misst (HLS-PROF‑Q), online befragt. Die Befragten wurden über zwei Online-Panels rekrutiert. Es wurden Scores professioneller GK (0–100 Punkte) sowie die subjektiven Schwierigkeiten bei der Aufgabenbewältigung berechnet. Die Analyse der Schwierigkeiten und Zusammenhänge erfolgte mittels deskriptiver und bivariater Statistik.

Ergebnisse

Die GP erreichen je nach Aufgabenbereich durchschnittlich 54,0 bis 73,8 von 100 möglichen Punkten. Die Aufgaben in den Bereichen „professionelle digitale GK“ und „Informations- und Wissensvermittlung“ werden am schwierigsten eingeschätzt. Insgesamt zeigen sich kaum Unterschiede zwischen den Berufsgruppen. Vereinzelt werden Unterschiede nach Geschlecht sichtbar. Die Bewältigung der Aufgaben bei der Förderung der GK ist positiv mit den untersuchten organisatorischen und qualifikatorischen Rahmenbedingungen assoziiert.

Diskussion

Die professionelle GK fällt moderat aus. Die Ergebnisse deuten zugleich auf Optimierungsbedarf und geben konkrete Hinweise, wie die professionelle GK gestärkt werden kann und welche Anpassungen der organisatorischen und qualifikatorischen Rahmenbedingungen erforderlich sind.
Predicting incident cardio-metabolic disease among persons with and without depressive and anxiety disorders: a machine learning approach
Authors: Rydin Arja O. , Aalbers George , van Eeden Wessel A. , Lamers Femke , Milaneschi Yuri , Penninx Brenda W. J. H.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

There is a global increase of cardiovascular disease and diabetes (Cardio-Metabolic diseases: CMD). Suffering from depression or anxiety disorders increases the probability of developing CMD. In this study we tested a wide array of predictors for the onset of CMD with Machine Learning (ML), evaluating whether adding detailed psychiatric or biological variables increases predictive performance.

Methods

We analysed data from the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety, a longitudinal cohort study (N = 2071), using 368 predictors covering 4 domains (demographic, lifestyle & somatic, psychiatric, and biological markers). CMD onset (24% incidence) over a 9-year follow-up was defined using self-reported stroke, heart disease, diabetes with high fasting glucose levels and (antithrombotic, cardiovascular, or diabetes) medication use (ATC codes C01DA, C01-C05A-B, C07-C09A-B, C01DB, B01, A10A-X). Using different ML methods (Logistic regression, Support vector machine, Random forest, and XGBoost) we tested the predictive performance of single domains and domain combinations.

Results

The classifiers performed similarly, therefore the simplest classifier (Logistic regression) was selected. The Area Under the Receiver Operator Characteristic Curve (AUC-ROC) achieved by singe domains ranged from 0.569 to 0.649. The combination of demographics, lifestyle & somatic indicators and psychiatric variables performed best (AUC-ROC = 0.669), but did not significantly outperform demographics. Age and hypertension contributed most to prediction; detailed psychiatric variables added relatively little.

Conclusion

In this longitudinal study, ML classifiers were not able to accurately predict 9-year CMD onset in a sample enriched of subjects with psychopathology. Detailed psychiatric/biological information did not substantially increase predictive performance.
Downscaling GRACE-derived ocean bottom pressure anomalies using self-supervised data fusion
Authors: Gou Junyang , Börger Lara , Schindelegger Michael , Soja Benedikt
Published: February 2025

The gravimetry measurements from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) and its follow-on (GRACE-FO) mission provide an essential way to monitor changes in ocean bottom pressure (

$$p_b$$

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b

), which is a critical variable in understanding ocean circulation. However, the coarse spatial resolution of the GRACE(-FO) fields blurs important spatial details, such as

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b

gradients. In this study, we employ a self-supervised deep learning algorithm to downscale global monthly

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b

anomalies derived from GRACE(-FO) observations to an equal-angle 0.25 

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grid in the absence of high-resolution ground truth. The optimization process is realized by constraining the outputs to follow the large-scale mass conservation contained in the gravity field estimates while learning the spatial details from two ocean reanalysis products. The downscaled product agrees with GRACE(-FO) solutions over large ocean basins at the millimeter level in terms of equivalent water height and shows signs of outperforming them when evaluating short spatial scale variability. In particular, the downscaled

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b

product has more realistic signal content near the coast and exhibits better agreement with tide gauge measurements at around 80% of 465 globally distributed stations. Our method presents a novel way of combining the advantages of satellite measurements and ocean models at the product level, with potential downstream applications for studies of the large-scale ocean circulation, coastal sea level variability, and changes in global geodetic parameters.
Technology, connection, and engagement—achieving a balance for maximal value hybrid conferences in radiology
Authors: Liu Amanda , Lopez-Rippe Julian , Reid Janet
Published: February 2025

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed a transformation in medical education, leading to the emergence of hybrid learning formats that combine in-person and remote participation. While this format offers increased flexibility and accessibility, it presents unique challenges for both educators and learners in radiology training programs.

Methods

This review examines the critical elements necessary for successful hybrid resident and fellow conferences in radiology education, focusing on three key domains: technology, connection, and engagement.

Results

Technical considerations, including appropriate audiovisual setup and the designation of conference moderators, are crucial for seamless integration of remote participants. Digital tools such as audience response systems, web-based DICOM viewers, and collaborative platforms can enhance interactivity and simulate clinical practice effectively in the hybrid format. Creating an effective learning environment requires careful attention to establishing expectations, maintaining psychological safety, and ensuring equal participation between in-person and remote attendees. Active learning strategies, such as case-based discussions, buzz groups, and peer instruction, can be adapted to include both remote and in-person learners effectively.

Conclusion

While the flexibility of hybrid education offers advantages for work-life balance and accessibility, maintaining educational quality requires thoughtful implementation of these strategies. As hybrid conferences become a permanent fixture in radiology education, programs must address these challenges to optimize the learning experience for all participants while preserving the essential elements of traditional radiology training.

Graphical Abstract
Immediate weight-bearing after tibial plateau fractures internal fixation results in better clinical outcomes with similar radiological outcomes: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Ibrahim Mariam Abdel-azim , Moustafa Mohamed M. A. , Brismée Jean-Michel , Farouk Osama , Abdelnasser Mohammad Kamal , Said Hatem Galal , Hooper Troy L. , Abdelmegeed Mohamed , Abdelkawi Ayman F.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

To investigate the effects of adding immediate weight-bearing to tolerance into a post-operative rehabilitation program for surgically treated Tibial Plateau (TP) fractures on clinical and radiological outcomes.

Methods

A randomized control trial. 106 Patients were recruited following open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) TP fracture, with 54 patients meeting the criteria for inclusion. Patients were assigned randomly into one of two groups: (1) the traditional group (TG) and (2) the weight-bearing group (WG). The TG was given the non-weight-bearing (NWB) rehabilitation protocol for six weeks. The WG was allowed immediate weight-bearing, and the same therapeutic exercise program was given to both groups. The dependent variables, including clinical and radiological measurements, were recorded six weeks, three months, and six months after the surgery.

Results

A total of 45 patients (11 women and 34 men), with a mean age of 43 ± 14 years, completed the study. There were significant differences between groups in favor of the WG at 6-months for the total clinical Rasmussen score (p =.002) as well as for the pain (p =.005), walking capacity (p =.002), and knee ROM (p =.047). We found neither difference between groups regarding radiological CT- Scan and X-ray measures nor Rasmussen’s radiological scores (p =.854). Fracture type (Schatzker I-IV) did not affect any radiological measures between the groups. Four of 45 patients had intra-articular collapse, three in TG and one in WG (p =.571).

Conclusion

Immediate weight-bearing as tolerated after ORIF of TP fractures (Schatzker I-IV) resulted in better clinical outcomes with no significant differences in the radiological measures.
Mastoid pouch of the sigmoid sinus– an extraordinary anatomical variant
Authors: Rusu Mugurel Constantin , Toader Corneliu , Tudose Răzvan Costin
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The dural sigmoid sinus (SS) is a major surgical landmark. It is aimed to report an extraordinary and clinically significant anatomical variation– the mastoid pouch of the SS, which replaces the mastoid air cells.

Method

The archived angioCT file of a 45 y.o. male was retrospectively studied on planar sections and by three-dimensional volume renderings.

Results

An expansive mastoid pouch of the left SS was found, measuring 1.74 cm in transverse diameter and 2.18 cm in sagittal diameter, replacing the typical mastoid air cell system. This SS pouch extended to the mastoid cortex and was covered by a robust (1.41 cm broad) tegmen sinus sigmoidei. The bony wall between the SS pouch and the mastoid portion of the facial canal was 4.65 mm thick.

Conclusion

The marked venous encroachments into the mastoid region emphasise the necessity for comprehensive preoperative imaging and careful selection of surgical approaches to prevent inadvertent vascular compromise.
Integrated pallet retrieval and processing in warehouses under uncertainty
Authors: Buckow Jan-Niklas , Goerigk Marc , Knust Sigrid
Published: February 2025

We study the problem of integrated pallet retrieval and successive processing in warehouses motivated by a practical company setting. A set of pallets has to be retrieved in a warehouse having a single stacker crane and multiple input/output-points, and the goal is to minimize the makespan. Previous research focuses on minimizing stacker crane travel times, while subsequent pallet processing times at the input/output-points are neglected. A distinction is made between a blocking and buffering variant, in which either no or sufficient buffer space is available at the input/output-points to temporarily store pallets there before they are processed. To hedge against uncertainties in the pallet processing times, we additionally apply robust optimization with budgeted uncertainty sets. We develop dynamic programming algorithms for the worst-case evaluation, identify polynomially solvable cases when there is only a single input/output-point, and present mathematical models for the general case with an arbitrary number of input/output-points. Our extensive computational study reveals that the integrated models yield considerable benefits compared to either ignoring the stacker crane travel times or the pallet processing times. We propose heuristic algorithms that provide good solutions for large instances in a short amount of computational time.
Experimentelle Governance für die Transformation zur Klimaneutralität: Transition Super Lab für den Aufbau der Wasserstoffwirtschaft im Ruhrgebiet
Authors: Wiemann Judith , Meister Thomas , Kiese Matthias
Published: February 2025

Die Europäische Union, ihre Mitgliedstaaten, Regionen und Städte haben sich dem Ziel der Klimaneutralität verschrieben. Eine zentrale Herausforderung in diesem Transformationsprozess besteht in der Mobilisierung und Beteiligung heterogener Stakeholder aus Politik und Verwaltung, Wirtschaft, Wissenschaft und Zivilgesellschaft. Auf der methodischen Grundlage von Reallaboren (Living Labs) versuchen Transition Super Labs, auf regionaler Ebene Stakeholder in co-kreativen Prozessen zusammenzuführen, um Visionen und systemische Lösungen für regionsspezifische Transformationspfade zur Klimaneutralität zu entwickeln. Durch die frühzeitige Einbindung aller relevanten Akteur:innen sollen Konflikte und Hemmnisse erkannt und abgebaut werden, um die bislang vielfach zähen Transformationsprozesse zu beschleunigen. Dabei gehen Transition Super Labs über den Reallabor-Ansatz hinaus, indem sie Portfolios von miteinander verbundenen Lösungen entwickeln und testen, um Innovationen für einen systemischen Wandel auf regionaler Ebene zu schaffen. Im Rahmen des Horizon-Europe-Projekts TRANSFORMER wurden Transition Super Labs in vier europäischen Regionen durchgeführt, die vor besonderen Transformationsherausforderungen stehen. Der Beitrag stellt diesen Ansatz mit Anwendungsbeispielen zur Beschleunigung der Wasserstofftransformation im Ruhrgebiet vor und diskutiert Erfahrungen aus dem Umsetzungsprozess als Grundlage für die weitere Anwendung und Weiterentwicklung von Transition Super Labs in der Praxis.