bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection Rate and Concordance of 4D‐MDCT, US, and Tc99m MIBI Imaging in the Detection of Ectopic and Intrathyroidal Parathyroid Adenomas
Authors: Abts Trevor , Vu Thinh , Perrier Nancy D. , Wang Yunyi , Ning Jing , Debnam J. Matthew
Published: February 2025

Background

Primary hyperparathyroidism is often caused by parathyroid adenomas (PAs), which can be ectopic (EPAs) or intrathyroidal (ITPAs). Accurate localization is crucial for effective surgical intervention. This study aimed to determine the detection rate of four‐dimensional multidetector computed tomography (4D‐MDCT), ultrasonography (US), and technetium 99 m sestamibi scintigraphy (MIBI) in detecting EPAs and ITPAs. Additionally, we explored the role of ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration (US‐FNA) and evaluated correlations between parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, adenoma size, and detection performance.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 28 patients with 29 EPAs and 27 patients with 27 ITPAs who underwent 4D‐MDCT, US (including cine Doppler US and US‐FNA), and/or MIBI at our institution. Data were collected on demographics, laboratory values, imaging findings, and intraoperative findings. The detection rate was calculated for each imaging modality and their combination. Logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between PTH level, adenoma size, and detection performance.

Results

The detection rate of EPAs was 96% for 4D‐MDCT, 97% for MIBI, and 46% for US. The detection rate of ITPAs was 96% for US, 65% for 4D‐MDCT, and 58% for MIBI. Combined multimodality imaging with results concordant between two or more modalities achieved an overall detection rate of 87%. For ITPAs, smaller PA size was associated with significantly worse MIBI detection performance (p < 0.05). The PTH level was not associated with detection performance.

Conclusions

Our study highlights the superior detection rate of 4D‐MDCT and MIBI for EPAs and US for ITPAs. Combining imaging modalities enhances the diagnostic detection rate.
Sustainable Earnings for a Resilient Economic System
Authors: Charles Aurelie
Published: February 2025

What makes an economic system resilient? It is one that first recognises the role of group behaviour in financial accumulation and manages to redirect its excesses where needed. This Chapter therefore look at the bubbling effect of group accumulation affecting the resilience of the entire system of financial flows, before describing how to improve the fluidity and resilience of the system. Applying such understanding to the Sustainable Development Goals, I then go on to look at the local and national governance systems necessary to facilitate a fluid and resilient system or resource and financial flows. Whether improving the fluidity and resilience of the entire system of financial flows occur would depend on taking ‘groupism’ rather than ‘individualism’ seriously in policy-making. Ironically enough, it is also an individual task for each of us to go back to the point of experienced utility in decision-making: sensing the ecological context of decision-making to trigger the individual responsibility of one’s ecological footprint.
Challenge, Engagement and Decline, 1958–1977
Authors: Woodin Tom , Vernon Keith , Shaw Linda
Published: February 2025

Just as the College was expanding, the co-operative movement found itself on the brow of a precipitous decline. Many solutions were developed and discussed, notably by the 1958 Independent Commission, although actual change was almost impossible to co-ordinate in a voluntarist and democratic movement. Yet, the College managed to retain a virtually full cohort into the 1970s forging a unique blend of technical education, liberal studies and education for social change. This took place within an international atmosphere marked by the Cold War and the independence of many former colonies. While co-operative education was on the defensive, the role of the College became more important within a movement shedding its array of educational activities. New training initiatives were developed. The College was not only the primary location for serious, intensive co-operative education and research, but also played a symbolic role as a shrine which represented what the movement stood for.
Infant Hippocampal Segmentation in Ultra-Low-Field MRI Using External Datasets with Diverse Field Strengths
Authors: Zhou Weichen , Li Jingyu , Wang Xi , Wang Yuwan , Lyu Mengye
Published: February 2025

Ultra-low-field (uLF) MRI is a promising technology for expanding access to MRI in resource-limited settings, but it presents significant image analysis challenges, particularly in the segmentation of small brain structures. One such structure is the hippocampus, which is crucial for monitoring the neurodevelopment after birth. In this study, we developed a hippocampal segmentation method using the nnUNet framework, exploring various training strategies, including using additional labeled high-field (HF) and unlabeled low-field (LF) data. Our results show that integrating external datasets improves segmentation accuracy over using uLF data alone, even with substantial differences in imaging parameters and field strengths. This approach highlights the importance of leveraging diverse datasets to enhance the performance of segmentation models in low-quality imaging modalities, potentially leading to better diagnostic capabilities in challenging clinical environments.
Women’s Public Participation and Political Activism During the Troubles
Authors: Eitrem Holmgren Linda
Published: February 2025

This chapter analyses women’s activism and public citizen participation during the Troubles in Northern Ireland (1968–1998). It discusses how women became politicised as women during the conflict and the ideas which underpinned solidarity between them in the different settings. This chapter explores several different forms of activism with examples to illustrate their attributes and overall trends. First, women’s involvement in ethno-nationalist activities within Loyalist and Republican paramilitaries and Unionist and Nationalist political parties is analysed. Second, women’s community organising, maternal activism and “family feminism” is explored. Third, women’s feminist activism for civil rights and women’s rights is addressed, including how difference has been dealt with when building feminist alliances in a divided society. This chapter is concluded with a discussion of transversal politics and intersectional feminist activism by looking at activism for gender equality and gender-just peace, including the work of the Northern Ireland Women’s Coalition.
Experimentelle Untersuchungen
Authors: Reimer Maximilian Vincent
Published: February 2025

Die Untersuchungen mithilfe der Methodik des ökonomischen Experiments werden zunächst motiviert. Nach der Hypothesenentwicklung und der Vorstellung des Experimentaldesigns folgen die Ergebnisse.
Press freedom and stringency measures: the role of energy consumption during COVID-19 lockdowns
Authors: Bhattacharya Mita , Yan Eric
Published: February 2025

Effective disaster management is necessary for saving lives during any pandemic period. However, it is debatable whether higher stringency measures harm the livelihood (proxied by electricity consumption) of citizens. A negative impact (if any) can be alleviated by higher press freedom, given that higher information transparency is supported by the literature in facilitating government and public responses to a pandemic. We consider the recent COVID-19 pandemic for the empirical analysis. To analyze the impact, we estimate the responsiveness of electricity consumption due to the rate of changes in COVID-19 stringency measures. We compare the responsiveness value between countries of high- and low-press-freedom groups. The data cover the period between January 01, 2020, and December 31, 2021, for 240 countries. The finding suggests the robustness of higher press freedom in alleviating the negative impact of COVID-19 stringency measures. This conclusion holds even when using per capita GDP as a measure of livelihood instead of electricity consumption.
Global, regional and national temporal trends in incidence and mortality of non-Hodgkin lymphoma from 1992 to 2021: an age-period-cohort analysis
Authors: Tang Shanshan , Cao Jin , Jiang Denan , Zhu Longzhu , Luo Zeyu , Shan Shiyi , Zhou Jiali , Ying Jiayao , Wu Jing , Song Peige , Li Wei
Published: February 2025

Objectives: This study aimed to provide an overview of temporal trends in incidence and mortality of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) from 1992 to 2021 at global, regional, and national levels, with a special focus on their associations with age, period and cohort. Methods: Data were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. We presented temporal trends in NHL incidence and mortality for the world and 204 countries and territories from 1992 to 2021. An age-period-cohort (APC) model was adopted to estimate net drifts (overall annual percentage change), local drifts (annual percentage change in each age group), longitudinal age curves (expected longitudinal age-specific rate), and period (cohort) relative risks. Results: The global age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) and age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) for NHL were 7.14 (95% uncertainty interval [UI]: 6.58, 7.66) and 3.19 (95% UI: 2.93, 3.44) per 100,000 population in 2021, respectively. From 1992 to 2021, the global net drift of incidence rate was 0.11% (95% confidential intervals [CI]: 0.07%, 0.15%) per year, ranging from - 0.60% (95% CI: -0.66%, -0.54%) in high socio-demographic index (SDI) region to 1.51% (95% CI: 1.46%, 1.57%) in middle SDI region, with 100 countries and territories presenting increasing trends. Similar patterns can be found in the net drift of mortality rate, with 19 countries and territories showing upward trends. Age effects illustrated that incidence and mortality risks progressively increased with advancing age across different SDI regions. Period effects on incidence presented rising risks in high-middle, middle and low-middle SDI regions, whereas on mortality exhibited persistent downward trends in high and high-middle SDI regions. High-middle and middle SDI regions presented initially unfavourable and then favourable trends in incidence and mortality risks across successive birth cohorts. A strong heterogeneity was found in age, period and cohort effects on incidence and mortality across countries. Conclusions: Despite observing an increasing temporal trend in NHL incidence, coupled with a declining trend in mortality, NHL represented a substantial public health challenge worldwide. Temporal trends in NHL were not completely commensurate with socioeconomic development and varied widely across countries. Timely intervention should be conducted, especially for middle-aged and aged individuals.
Experimental and numerical study of direct sub-20fs multi-pass-cell post-compression of up to 4mJ, 80W Yb-based lasers
Authors: Hergott Jean-François , Réau Fabrice , Tcherbakoff Olivier , Lepetit Fabien , Lericheux Nicolas , Guer Matthieu , Marroux Hugo , Géneaux Romain , Tyagi Akansha , Cazali Romain , Nonnon Pierre , Bresteau David , Ruchon Thierry , Salières Pascal , Auguste Thierry
Published: February 2025

In recent years, various methods for laser pulse post-compression have demonstrated their effectiveness. Nonlinear spectral broadening, achieved by coupling an ultrafast pulse into a gas-filled multi-pass cell (MPC), typically enables pulse compression factors exceeding 20, depending on the initial pulse duration. In this work, we report the direct post-compression of four Yb-based commercial laser systems to sub-20 fs durations, with energies up to 4 mJ and initial pulse durations ranging from 320 fs to 450 fs, using argon-filled MPCs. Each MPC was specifically designed to operate at a fixed optimal point for each laser, achieving the shortest possible pulse duration. Numerical simulations reproducing the experimental data highlight the critical influence of the driver pulse’s temporal profile on the shape of the broadened spectra. These simulations are compared with the experimental results, demonstrating strong agreement.
Heart failure with supranormal ejection fraction: clinical characteristics and outcomes compared to mildly reduced and preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Segev Amitai , Ishay Rotem Tal-Ben , Metra Marco , Maor Elad , Freimark Dov , Younis Anan , Beigel Roy , Matetzky Shlomi , Grupper Avishay
Published: February 2025

Background

Little is known about the recently emerging entity, heart failure with supranormal ejection fraction (HFsnEF).

Objective

To describe the clinical characteristics and outcome of HFsnEF, compared to HF with mildly reduced EF (HFmrEF) and HF with preserved EF (HFpEF) patients.

Design

A single center retrospective analysis.

Patients

Hospitalized and ambulatory heart failure (HF) patients who underwent echocardiography with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) > 40%.

Main measures

Clinical and echocardiographic parameters, hospitalization rates and mortality.

Key results

A total of 6,202 patients (mean age 81.4 ± 14.1 years, 52% females) were analyzed: 750 in the HFmrEF group (LVEF 41–49%), 4360 in the HFpEF group (LVEF 50–64%), and 1092 in the HFsnEF group (LVEF ≥ 65%). Patients were followed for a median of 32 (11–65) months. HFsnEF patients were older, predominantly female, exhibited higher hypertension prevalence, more severe LV hypertrophy, smaller LV dimensions, and higher filling pressures compared to the other groups (p < 0.001 for all). These features were consistent in both hospitalized and ambulatory patients. In a univariable model, HFsnEF patients had higher mortality rates compared to HFmrEF and HFpEF patients (HR 1.258, 95% CI 1.117–1.418; p < 0.001 and HR 1.112, 95% CI 1.023–1.208; p = 0.012, respectively). However, in a multivariable model, adjusted for age, sex, comorbidities, and echocardiographic parameters, there was no significant difference in the mortality rates between all groups. The total hospitalization rate was similar between the HFpEF and HFsnEF groups, and lower in the HFmrEF group (p = 0.022). However, the HFsnEF group had the lowest rate of HF-related hospitalizations (p = 0.002).

Conclusion

HFsnEF represents a group of patients with a distinct clinical and echocardiographic profile accompanied by worse outcomes, likely mediated by older age and a higher comorbidity burden, compared to HFmrEF and HFpEF. Therefore, the supranormal EF may serve as a marker rather than an independent prognostic factor.

Graphical abstract
Diagnostic performance of attenuation imaging versus controlled attenuation parameter for hepatic steatosis with MRI-based proton density fat fraction as the reference standard: a prospective multicenter study
Authors: Nishimura Takashi , Tada Toshifumi , Akita Tomoyuki , Kondo Reiichiro , Suzuki Yasuaki , Imajo Kento , Kokubu Shigehiro , Abe Tamami , Kuroda Hidekatsu , Hirooka Masashi , Hiasa Yoichi , Nogami Asako , Nakajima Atsushi , Ogawa Sadanobu , Toyoda Hidenori , Oeda Satoshi , Takahashi Hirokazu , Eguchi Yuichiro , Sugimoto Katsutoshi , Yano Hirohisa , Tanaka Junko , Moriyasu Fuminori , Kage Masayoshi , Kumada Takashi , Iijima Hiroko
Published: February 2025

Background

Attenuation Imaging (ATI) and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) are non-invasive ultrasound-based methods for diagnosing hepatic steatosis. However, reports on the clinical usefulness of ATI are limited. We aimed to compare the ability of ATI and CAP to diagnose hepatic steatosis with magnetic resonance imaging–based proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF) as the reference standard.

Methods

We performed a prospective multicenter study of 562 patients with chronic liver disease who underwent ATI, CAP, and MRI-PDFF. Patients with skin-to-liver capsule distance (SCD) ≤ 25 mm underwent CAP with an M probe; those with SCD > 25 mm underwent CAP with an XL probe. MRI-PDFF was used as the reference standard: S0 corresponds to MRI-PDFF < 5.2%, S1 to 5.2% ≤ MRI-PDFF < 11.3%, S2 to 11.3% ≤ MRI-PDFF < 17.1%, and S3 to MRI-PDFF ≥ 17.1%.

Results

The correlation coefficients for ATI and MRI-PDFF stratified by body mass index (< 30, ≥ 30 kg/m2), SCD (< 25, ≥ 25 mm), 2-dimensional share wave elastography (< 1.8 m/s), fibrosis-4 index (≤ 2.67), albumin–bilirubin score (< − 2.60) and type IV collagen 7 s (< 5.0 ng/ml) were significantly higher than those for CAP and MRI-PDFF. Areas under the receiver operating characteristics (95% CI) for ATI and CAP were 0.895 (0.869–0.922) and 0.845 (0.809–0.881) for ≥ S1 steatosis, 0.944 (0.926–0.963) and 0.881(0.852–0.910) for ≥ S2 steatosis, and 0.928 (95% CI 0.906–0.950) and 0.860 (95% CI 0.829–0.890) for S3 steatosis. ATI had higher diagnostic performance for all hepatic steatosis grades than CAP.

Conclusions

ATI is a more useful non-invasive method for diagnosing hepatic steatosis than CAP.
Spectrum of the axially loaded Timoshenko rod
Authors: Hohls K. A. , Van Rensburg N. F. J.
Published: February 2025

The response to excitation in the axially loaded Timoshenko rod is greatly influenced by the type of axial load, which could be compressive or tensile. The results presented in this article have practical applications, particularly when the axial load is compressive, as non-positive eigenvalues indicate possible buckling. The mathematical model leads to an eigenvalue problem. Abstract theory from a recent article is presented and applied, demonstrating that partial sums of modal solutions converge to a solution of the model problem. This enables one to predict the response of a given structure to excitation.
Geostatistischer Datensatz zur Temperaturauswirkung (0–80 °C) auf die Hydrochemie pleistozäner Grundwasserleiter – Labor- und Feldexperimente für gelöste Hauptkomponenten
Authors: Lüders Klas , Hornbruch Götz , Köber Ralf , Ebert Markus , Dahmke Andreas
Published: February 2025

Das Klimaschutzpotenzial einer verstärkten thermischen Nutzung des oberflächennahen Untergrundes als saisonaler Speicher bleibt bisher weitestgehend ungenutzt. Als Hindernis wird häufig die Besorgnis vor negativen Veränderungen der Grundwasserchemie angeführt, welche für den Hochtemperatur-Bereich (HT-Bereich) (≤ 90 °C) jedoch größtenteils auf relativ einfachen Laboruntersuchungen beruht. Mit der Zusammenstellung (un)publizierter Labor- und Felddaten für Corg-arme, teilentkalkte pleistozäne bzw. jungtertiäre Lockersedimente wird dieser Diskussion hier eine erste empirische Datengrundlage gegeben. Darin zeigen Konzentrationsspannbreiten der gelösten Hauptkomponenten bei natürlichen (10 °C) und erhöhten (25, 40, 70 °C) Temperaturen, außer bei K, Si und OC, jeweils eine größere natürliche Variabilität als temperaturinduzierte Änderungen.

Wie auf Basis begleitender Batchversuche erwartbar, überschritten Sigel. und DOC in einem zyklischen HT-Aquifer-Wärmespeicher-Feldversuch (≤ 80 °C) die Konzentrationsspannbreiten des Baseline-Monitorings. Die hydrochemisch modifizierte Abstromfahne blieb jedoch während des gesamten (Post)Betriebs-Monitorings auf < 30 m Entfernung zum ‚warmen‘ Brunnen begrenzt.

Mit Blick auf die Grundwasserqualität muss diese empirische Datengrundlage zukünftig auf Spurenkomponenten und weitere Aquifertypen wie bspw. Corg-reichere Sedimente erweitert werden.
Quantum mechanical and machine learning prediction of rotational energy barriers in halogenated aromatic alcohols
Authors: Cerabona Steven T. , Brown Gordon G. , Casabianca Leah B.
Published: February 2025

Context

Rotation about a chemical bond is important in many chemical processes and can be influenced by neighboring substituents on a molecule. Rotational energy barriers can be predicted by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Here, we specifically explore how substituents influence the barrier to rotation about the C-O bond in symmetrically halogenated aromatic alcohols. A machine learning model was trained on the DFT-calculated rotational energies and was found to do a good job predicting rotational energy barriers from the electronegativity, atomic radius, and Hammett constant for each substituent. The machine learning model was found to perform better when it was trained separately on pyrenols, anthranols, or phenols than when it was trained on all classes of compounds together. Even though the models were trained on compounds containing only one kind of substituent, they were found to perform similarly well on compounds containing mixed substituents. Machine learning was able to predict the rotational energy barrier heights better than correlations among parameters that would be expected to be relevant based on chemical intuition.

Methods

DFT calculations were done with Gaussian 16 software at the B3LYP/6–311 + G(d.p) level of theory. Machine learning was done using the classification and regression training (caret) package in R version 4.4.0.
Fragmenting Consumer Law Through Data Protection and Digital Market Regulations: The DMA, the DSA, the GDPR, and EU Consumer Law
Authors: de Elizalde F.
Published: February 2025

The paper assesses the impact of EU digital legislation on general consumer law. To that end, it addresses the Digital Markets Act and the Digital Services Act in their interaction with the General Data Protection Regulation, as the legal instruments of economic characteristics that seem to confront consumer law more straightforwardly. The main claim that the paper makes is that they fragment consumer law by altering its bases and affecting its principal horizontal provisions, namely, the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive (UCPD, 2005) and the Unfair Contract Terms Directive (UCTD, 1993). The transformation arises from the assumption, by the digital regulations, of the competition concern for market structure and business size while ignoring the nuances among the users of digital services. The societal aims of the EU’s digital policy are also relevant, particularly those concerning personal data. Overall, the digital laws frame a regulation of private relationships that does not pivot on consumption while affecting consumers. Consumer law could be gradually giving way to EU digital private law.
Electrochemical hydrogen evolution performance of molybdenum disulphide/HKUST-1 metal organic framework/polyaniline ternary nanocomposite in acidic medium
Authors: Ramohlola Kabelo E. , Ndipingwi Miranda M. , Modibane Kwena D. , Morudu Tshaamano C. , Makhado Edwin , Makgopa Katlego , Raseale Shaine , Hato Mpitloane J. , Iwuoha Emmanuel I.
Published: February 2025

A search for an abundant and cheap electrocatalyst to replace the expensive and scarce precious metal-based electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is critical for realization of hydrogen as an energy carrier. Herein, molybdenum disulphide-copper-based metal organic framework/polyaniline (MoS2/HKUST-1/PANI) ternary composite was synthesized following a simple in situ chemical oxidative polymerization of aniline in the presence of already hydrothermally synthesized MoS2 and HKUST-1 pristine materials. Several analytical techniques were used to evaluation the formation and structure properties of the ternary composite. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results were in agreement with the morphological and structural characterization techniques and further confirming the wrapping of MoS2 and HKUST-1 by PANI. Optical studies displayed an increase of direct and indirect band gaps the ternary composite but closer to the one of PANI homopolymer suggesting that the ternary composite exhibited good conductivity, which is an essential property for HER. The electrochemical characterization presented that the ternary composite possessed a diffusion-controlled nature with a 12-fold increase in the electrochemical surface area of as compared to PANI homopolymer. The prepared MoS2/HKUST-1/PANI composite exhibited excellent HER properties with a Tafel slope of 44.7 mV.dec−1 and low charge-transfer resistance as well as turnover frequency of 4.0 mol H2 per second at 750 mV potential versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE). Most importantly, it only needed 110 mV overpotential vs RHE to reach the current density of 10 mA.cm−2. In addition, MoS2/HKUST-1/PANI ternary composite achieved superior stability over other prepared electrocatalysts. For the first time, employing MoS2 and HKUST-1 to the backbone of polyaniline for the construction of the edge-rich integrative ternary nanocomposite has successfully achieved an outstanding HER performance.

Graphical abstract
The Minsk Game
Authors: Driscoll Jesse , Arel Dominique
Published: February 2025

Why did the Minsk Accords fail to prevent the current Ukraine War? Standard explanations for the diplomatic failure center on irreconcilable commitment problems between Moscow and Washington: both revisionist with respect to the other, neither able to credibly promise non-involvement in the other’s perceived sphere of influence, and both capable of recruiting local allies within Ukraine. This account omits relevant historical context related to the demographic legacy of the Soviet Union. To shed light on the kinds of policies that would be most effective at “buying peace” in some dimly-visible future, we analyze a simple model of domestic Ukrainian interest group politics.
Building Democracy at Work: The Contributions of Morten Levin to Action Research and Organizational Development
Authors: Finnestrand Hanne
Published: February 2025

This article explores the research legacy of Professor Morten Levin, who was a sociologist, engineer and prominent action researcher. His focus on power dynamics, interdisciplinarity and democratised knowledge production underscores his lasting impact on action research, offering valuable insights for addressing contemporary challenges in organisational change and higher education.
Association between electronic cigarette use and respiratory outcomes among people with no established smoking history: a comprehensive review and critical appraisal
Authors: Selya Arielle , La Rosa Giusy Rita Maria , Spicuzza Lucia , Morjaria Jaymin B. , Caci Grazia , Polosa Riccardo
Published: February 2025

Nicotine consumption in many countries is shifting away from combustible cigarettes and toward electronic cigarettes (ECs). Understanding the overall population-level impact requires weighing their possible benefits (e.g., for smoking cessation/switching) vs harms (e.g., long-term health risks). However, current evidence on health risks is limited by the absence of long-term data and confounding by prior cigarette smoking history. Focusing on short- to medium-term respiratory outcomes associated with EC use among people who never smoked (PWNS) is informative. We perform a narrative review and critical appraisal of studies examining the prospective association between exclusive EC use and respiratory outcomes among PWNS (either true never-smoking or never-established smoking). We included 12 studies with prospective designs that examine a range of respiratory outcomes subsequent to EC use among PWNS. Eight studies did not find statistically significant differences in respiratory risk associated with baseline EC use. The remaining five studies reported a significant association in at least one analysis, but in four of these studies, associations were not robust across models. Limitations included overreliance on data from the U.S. Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health, uncertain directionality (i.e., pre-existing respiratory conditions were not always ruled out), confounding by other combustible tobacco use, and small sample sizes. All but one study lacked clear and statistically significant evidence of self-reported respiratory diagnoses associated with EC use among PWNS, or showed a tenuous association with mild respiratory symptoms. This has favorable implications for ECs’ population health impact; however, small sample sizes and statistical biases limit this evidence. A formal systematic review on this topic is forthcoming.
On Δ-spaces
Authors: Leiderman Arkady , Szeptycki Paul
Published: February 2025

Δ-spaces have been defined by a natural generalization of a classical notion of Δ-sets of reals to Tychonoff topological spaces; moreover, the class Δ of all Δ-spaces consists precisely of those X for which the locally convex space C

p
(X) is distinguished [25].

The aim of this article is to better understand the boundaries of the class Δ, by presenting new examples and counterexamples.

(1) We examine when trees considered as topological spaces equipped with the interval topology belong to Δ. In particular, we prove that no Souslin tree is a Δ-space. Other main results are connected with the study of (2) Ψ-spaces built on maximal almost disjoint families of countable sets; and (3) Ladder system spaces.

It is consistent with CH that all ladder system spaces on ω1 are in Δ. We show that in forcing extension of ZFC obtained by adding one Cohen real, there is a ladder system space on ω1 which is not in Δ.

We resolve several open problems posed in [12], [25], [31], [32].
Bioengineering Novel Hydrogel Systems: Nucleic Acid Nanoparticles and Protein Polymeric Networks for Sustained Model Drug Delivery
Authors: Akay Kamile Bayrak , Akalan Merve , Karakuş Mehmet Şükrü , Yücetepe Melike , Şimşek Eray , Başyiğit Bülent , Karaaslan Asliye , Karaaslan Mehmet
Published: February 2025

The present study focused on the inclusion of tomato leaves-derived DNA nanoparticles into the production processes of natural hydrogel models. UV–VIS spectrophotometer and agarose gel electrophoresis were performed for investigating DNA purity. DNA powders were qualified in terms of particle size and zeta potential. Various amounts of DNA nanoparticles were integrated into pea protein-derived hydrogels. Gel namely PPDH1, PPDH2, PPDH3, and PPDH4 were prepared in the presence of 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2% (w/v) DNA. Locust bean gum (LBG) instead of DNA was utilized in the production of positive control (PPLH). Negative control (PPH) was created with pea protein alone. FTIR spectra, molecular visualization, and thermal stabilities of hydrogels were debated. Their morphological structures were monitored by SEM. Incorporating DNA to hydrogel resulted in the development of water-holding capacity (PPDH1: 93.54%, PPDH2: 94.93%, PPDH3: 91.12%, PPDH4: 82.16%, PPH: 50.25%) and swelling ratio (PPDH1: 10.04%, PPDH2: 12.33%, PPDH3: 7.76%, PPDH4: 5.91%; PPH: 6.77%). Also, protein leachability showed that the presence of nanoparticles contributed to preventing leakage of proteins from the system. Moreover, in general, superior values in terms of mechanical (textural/rheology) behaviors were obvious in PPDH2. Awareness in ascorbic acid release for PPDH2 was apparent in sodium phosphate buffer and in simulated gastrointestinal fluids. Moreover, hydrogels for stability tests were stored for 15 days. Findings indicated that increasing DNA concentration above a certain level led to unwelcome side effects on functional behavior and structural strength of natural hydrogels. Ultimately, approaches and findings will be a guide for future studies regarding biosensor hydrogel and drug delivery systems.
Drought propagation in an Andean basin in South America: a spatio-temporal analysis approach with monitoring indices
Authors: Ocampo-Marulanda Camilo , Mera-Franco Julián David , Lizcano Víctor Augusto , Carvajal-Escobar Yesid , Canchala Teresita , Zorrilla-Millan Daniel Felipe , Caicedo-Bravo Eduardo
Published: February 2025

Drought is a climatic phenomenon that has increased in severity over time. This study analyzed drought spread in the Alto Patía basin (13,047 km2) in South America, applying the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), Vegetation Health Index (VHI), and Streamflow Drought Index (SDI) to assess meteorological, agricultural, and hydrological drought, respectively. Synchronous and asynchronous correlations were estimated, and Wavelet analysis was conducted to verify relationships among drought types. Results show that the lag between drought types varies based on the intensity, temporal continuity, and spatial extent of meteorological drought. A lag of zero months (1–2 months) was observed between meteorological and hydrological drought when moderate (severe) meteorological drought partially (fully) covers the basin. Agricultural drought, however, does not always correspond to meteorological drought during isolated rainfall events. As the first study in Colombia to systematically connect these drought types, this research addresses a gap in understanding how drought impacts progress across systems in regions with complex rainfall patterns. These findings offer critical insights into the interdependencies among drought types, supporting enhanced drought monitoring and early warning systems in similar climatic regions. By identifying specific lags between meteorological and hydrological droughts, this study provides practical guidance for land management, water conservation, and crop planning, offering a foundation for future research on drought resilience strategies.
A Skew-Symmetric Plastic Potential Model for Material Processing Lagrangian Formulation
Authors: Choi Jae-Hyuck , Lee Eun-Ho
Published: February 2025

In manufacturing processes, precise processing of materials is crucial for producing high-quality products, and in metal forming and machining, accurate process design that considers plastic deformation is essential. The plastic potential theory is a popular approach for determining the rate of plastic flow, particularly within the framework of the Lagrangian formulation. This method is thermodynamically valid because the rate of plastic deformation adequately satisfies the dissipation inequality; however, its effect on the skew-symmetric plastic spin has not been considered directly, an issue which this paper particularly highlights. To account for plastic spin, which directly affects the distortion of the material axes, an additional constitutive equation is required. Consequently, the effect of skew-symmetric spin has been overlooked for convenience in plastic potential theory. This study introduces the theoretical structure of an asymmetric plastic potential function that models both the rate of plastic deformation and the rate of plastic spin using one constitutive equation in the Lagrangian formulation. The plastic potential function is derived from material dissipation, with its symmetric and asymmetric components governing the rates of plastic deformation and plastic spin, respectively. In simpler terms, the asymmetric plastic potential establishes the plastic velocity gradient, and not just the rate of plastic deformation. This study shows that the proposed method satisfies the dissipation inequality and theoretically discusses the completeness of the plastic potential theory through skew-symmetric potential modeling. Finally, it is shown that simulations with the proposed model effectively predict the observations of the evolution of material axes that the general plastic potential function cannot account for under uniaxial tension conditions.
New Ordovician hyolith Elegantilites custos sp. n. and the palaeogeographic and stratigraphic distribution of the genus Elegantilites Marek, 1966
Authors: Valent Martin , Fatka Oldřich , Budil Petr
Published: February 2025

Elegantilites custos sp. n., a rare new hyolithid species is described from the late Middle to early Late Ordovician Dobrotivá Formation of the Prague Basin in the Barrandian area of the Czech Republic. The new taxon is based on excellently preserved external and internal moulds of three opercula and several conchs, collected from siliceous nodules and shales. Internal moulds of both conch and operculum bear small tunnels resembling the ichnogenera Pilichnus and Arachnostega. Specimens of the hyolithid genus Elegantilites have been described exclusively from the Ordovician of North African Gondwana. The stratigraphic range of this genus is from the Lower Ordovician (Tremadocian) to the Upper Ordvocian (Katian).
Green Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Carotenoids from Peach Wastes Using Vegetable Oils
Authors: Drosaki Aikaterini M. , Solomakou Nikoletta , Kyriakoudi Anastasia , Mourtzinos Ioannis , Goula Athanasia M.
Published: February 2025

The aim of this work was to study a novel method for utilizing peach peels in the food industry through ultrasound-assisted extraction of carotenoids, after phenolics extraction, employing various vegetable oils as solvents. This approach results in the production of an oil enriched with antioxidants. Soybean oil and rice bran oil were selected as alternative solvents. The factors analyzed included extraction temperature, solid-to-oil ratio, and amplitude level. Comparative analyses between ultrasound-assisted extraction and traditional solvent extraction were conducted. The optimum conditions were: extraction temperature of 55 °C; peels-to-solvent ratio of 0.30; amplitude level of 80%; and use of soy bean oil. The optimum extraction yield was 0.672 mg/100 g of dry peels, whereas the obtained value for conventional extraction with n-hexane was 0.677 mg per 100 g of dry peels. To assess the quality of the enriched oils, acidity, peroxide levels, and the presence of conjugated dienes were evaluated, whereas the identification of carotenoids was conducted to evaluate their stability during ultrasound extraction. The quality of the enriched oils was preserved, showing no signs of oxidation. These oils exhibited a high level of unsaturated fatty acids, in contrast to a markedly reduced total content of saturated fatty acids.
Construction of a novel disulfidptosis and cuproptosis-related lncRNA signature for predicting the clinical outcome and immune response in stomach adenocarcinoma
Authors: Qu Caihao , Yan Xin , Tang Futian , Li Yumin
Published: February 2025

Background

Disulfidptosis, a newly discovered form of cell death resulting from disulfide stress, remains unclear in its role in stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD). This study aimed to establish a novel disulfidptosis and cuproptosis-related lncRNAs (DCRLs) signature for STAD.

Methods

We sourced RNA-seq data for STAD from the The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) repository. STAD samples underwent nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF) clustering to identify distinct molecular subgroups, followed by Lasso-Cox regression to construct a prognostic model for DCRLs. Subsequently, the model’s clinical predictive capacity was evaluated using a nomogram. The expression of risk lncRNAs was validated via quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).

Results

The samples were classified into three molecular subtypes based on DCRLs, with the C1 subtype demonstrating the worst prognosis. We identified four independent prognostic lncRNAs (AC016394.2, NUTM2A-AS1, OIP5-AS1, and LIMS1-AS1) and constructed a prognostic risk model. Survival analysis revealed that high-risk patients had a poorer prognosis. The model’s risk score was strongly correlated with the tumor mutational burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), immune subtypes, and tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Analysis utilizing the Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) revealed a higher risk of tumor immune evasion among high-risk patients. Moreover, the expression levels of four risk lncRNAs were higher in the majority of gastric cancer cell lines compared to normal cell lines.

Conclusion

Our study establishes a risk model that effectively predicts clinical outcomes and immune response in STAD.
Cardiac structure and function 1.5 years after COVID-19: results from the EPILOC study
Authors: Schellenberg Jana , Matits Lynn , Bizjak Daniel A. , Deibert Peter , Friedmann-Bette Birgit , Göpel Siri , Merle Uta , Niess Andreas , Frey Norbert , Morath Oliver , Erz Gunnar , Peter Raphael S. , Nieters Alexandra , Rothenbacher Dietrich , Kern Winfried V. , Steinacker Jürgen M.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Impaired left and right ventricular (LV/RV) function during acute SARS-CoV-2 infection has been predominantly reported in hospitalized patients, but long-term cardiac sequelae in large, well-characterized cohorts remain inconclusive. This study evaluated cardiac structure and function in individuals with post-Coronavirus disease (COVID) syndrome (PCS) compared to recovered controls (CON), focusing on associations with cardiopulmonary symptoms and rapid physical exhaustion (RPE).

Methods

This multicenter, population-based study included 1154 participants (679 PCS, 475 age- and sex matched CON; mean age 49 ± 12 years; 760 women) 1.5 years post-infection. Transthoracic echocardiography assessed LV global longitudinal strain (GLS), RV GLS and RV free wall strain (FWS), and other measures. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) measured maximum respiratory oxygen uptake (VO2max) as a marker of cardiopulmonary fitness.

Results

PCS participants exhibited significantly lower LV GLS (-20.25% [-21.28 – -19.22] vs. -20.73% [-21.74 – -19.72], p = 0.003), reduced diastolic function (E/A 1.16 [1.04–1.27] vs. 1.21 [1.1–1.32], p = 0.022) and decreased TAPSE (24.45 mm [22.14–26.77] vs. 25.05 mm [22.78–27.32], p = 0.022) compared to CON, even after adjusting for confounders. RV strain values were similar between groups. LV GLS correlated inversely with VO2max (p = 0.004) and positively with RPE (p = 0.050), though no associations were observed with other cardiopulmonary symptoms.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates subtle yet consistent reductions in LV function, specifically LV GLS and diastolic function, and exercise capacity in PCS compared to CON. While these changes are within reference ranges, their potential impact on clinical outcomes warrants further investigation. These findings highlight the need for cardiac assessments and long-term follow-up in symptomatic PCS patients.
Science and Society: Pathways to Equitable Access and Delivery of Genomics Medicine in Africa
Authors: Munung Nchangwi Syntia
Published: February 2025

Purpose of Review

Recent advances in genetics are pushing the frontiers of health research in Africa. Notable developments include the release of the draft human pangenome reference, regulatory approval of gene editing therapies for sickle cell disease, and the announcements of major initiatives such as the Ghana Genome Project, the Personalized Medicine in North Africa Initiative, Nigeria’s 100K Genome Project and South Africa’s 110K Human Genomes Project. Additionally, gene-based therapies for HIV are on the horizon, with clinical trials planned in some African countries. Despite this progress, a pressing challenge remains: ensuring equitable access and delivery of genomics medicine worldwide, particularly in Africa and other low and middle income regions.

Summary and a Call to Action

Science diplomacy and academic-industry partnerships are key to achieving "Genomics for All." This requires collaboration between African governments, academic institutions, funding agencies, commercial biotechnology companies, civil society, and international health organizations. Together, these stakeholders must define and establish a sustainable framework to support genetic research in Africa, increase the availability of genetic data from African populations, and set-up translational genomics medicine initiatives tailored to the continent’s unique healthcare needs. Science advocacy and diplomacy is also needed to establish mechanisms that prevent the hoarding of genetic resources, including genetic data and novel interventions, and guarantee equitable access to the scientific, medical and economic benefits of genomics for all nations. Achieving this vision may necessitate international treaties to promote equitable access to genomic innovations, responsible and ethical cross-border data sharing, and long-term strategies to address funding gaps in genomic research and its application in medicine and healthcare in Africa.
Examining Structural and Social Supports Offered to Resettled Refugees in 10 Host Countries – A Scoping Review Acknowledging Health in All Policies
Authors: Wenger Lea S. , Saifee Jessica Farangaiz , Macikunas Andrea , Shetty Janavi , Fredricks Karla , Wiemker Veronika , Russell Eric A. , Vik Eline Skirnisdottir , Cunningham Jessie , Guttmann Astrid , Wanigaratne Susitha , Brandenberger Julia
Published: February 2025

Purpose of Review

Acknowledging health in all policies, this scoping review aims to describe and compare i) structural and social supports offered by countries participating in the United Nations refugee agency resettlement program and ii) refugees’ and service providers’ experiences with these supports.

Recent Findings

Structural supports in the 10 countries resettling the largest number of refugees in 2021 (United States [US], Canada, and 8 European nations) were summarized, using official national documentation. A scoping review of published literature (1995–2022) sourced from four databases was conducted to capture met and unmet needs of refugees and service providers related to these supports during the first year of resettlement. Study characteristics were enumerated, and needs were descriptively summarized.

We found important differences in structural supports offered to resettled refugees by host countries and regions, particularly with access to healthcare, language training, employment and financial support. The 63 included studies originated from the US (34), Canada, (25) and the United Kingdom (UK) (4), with uneven sub-national distributions. Most studies focusing on healthcare reported unmet needs, with language barriers, lack of culturally sensitive care and logistical challenges described in all three countries. Insufficient language training and unmet economic needs were also often reported.

More research on resettled refugees' and service providers’ experiences with structural supports is needed, particularly in Europe and underrepresented regions in the US and Canada. A “Health in All Policies” approach to policies and programs related to resettlement should address unmet needs in healthcare, language training, employment and financial support.
Holistic Map of Internal Solitary Waves Propagating Through Background Currents
Authors: Sciortino Giampiero , Prestininzi Pietro , Lombardi Valentina , La Forgia Giovanni
Published: February 2025

Recent studies have shown that background currents deeply affect Internal Solitary Waves (ISWs) behavior as they propagate in the stratified coastal oceans. Shear currents, in particular, are observed to significantly impact waves geometry and their kinematics. By building upon a fully non-linear theoretical model for a two-layer configuration, we investigate features of all possible ISWs propagating through a background shear current. We then implement an analytical procedure and a corresponding graphical map, capable of revealing the background current intensity associated with specific ISWs features. With the increasing availability of solitary wave properties derived from satellite imagery, this study can serve as a valuable resource for advancing research in coastal ocean dynamics.
Teaching and learning with smartphones in tertiary outdoor studies programs
Authors: van Kraalingen Imre , Eriksen Jørgen W.
Published: February 2025

This inquiry investigates educators’ and students’ perspectives of and experiences with smartphones usage in tertiary outdoor studies programs. Based on a collective case study design undertaken at three Norwegian institutions, individual interviews with educators (n = 12) and focus group interviews with students (n = 27) were conducted. The data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis and yielded two key themes: 1) smartphones have the potential to be valuable learning resources if they are used intentionally as resources, and 2) pedagogical considerations for using and managing smartphones. The findings and their implications for outdoor teaching and learning are interpreted with affordance theory and demonstrate that smartphones can enhance certain outdoor learning experiences by offering tools for accessing information, navigation, safety, documentation, and communication, and constrain other experiences, such as nature experience. The paper closes by offering pedagogical considerations for mitigating the challenges that emerge when smartphones are used in outdoor studies, through their balanced, intentional, and critical use and by creating space for dialogue about the use of these devices between students and educators.