bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monocationic versus dicationic-based monomethine cyanine dyes for ultrasensitive colorimetric detection of hypochlorite ion in water
Authors: Hafez Nermeen S. , Amer Wael A. , Okba Ehab A. , Sakr Mahmoud A. S. , Alganzory Hussein H. , Khalil Sohaila M. , Ebeid El-Zeiny M.
Published: February 2025

Detecting residual chlorine as a hypochlorite ion (ClO−) in drinking water is crucial for ensuring disinfection effectiveness and safety. In the present study, we report two novel Quinolium Benzothiazole-Based Cyanine (3ethylbenzothiazol-2(3 H)-ylidene)methyl)-1-(4-iodobutyl)quinolin-1-ium tetrafluoroborate (IBTQ) and 1-(3-(4-(dimethylamino)pyridin-1-ium-1-yl)propyl)-4-((3-methylbenzothiazol-2(3 H)-ylidene)methyl)quinolin-1-ium diiodide (DMP-BTQ) hypochlorite (ClO−) sensors using UV- visible, colorimetric, and quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) techniques. The two sensors generate distinct absorption spectra, frequency shifts, and color changes that are visible to the naked eye. They exhibit high sensitivity and selectivity towards ClO−. The sensors have limits of detection (LOD) values in the range of 13.92 ppm and 0.127 ppm for IBTQ and DMP-BTQ, respectively, based on absorption performance with no interference of potential ions in drinking water. The method yields good recovery results, ranging from 97.4 to 103.0%, for ClO− detection in the studied water samples. In addition, the LOD for the QCM technique is 0.06 ppm for IBTQ and 0.045 ppm for DMP-BTQ with low quantification. The sensors can be loaded on paper strips for naked-eye detection of ClO− in domestic tap water and water treatment facilities. The sensors also provide low-cost, low cytotoxicity, high sensitivity, selectivity, and reusability of ClO− in water. The sensing mechanism was rationalized in terms of radical cation generation upon ClO− oxidizing action. The ease of cyanine oxidation was substantiated by quantum chemical studies including density functional theory (DFT) calculations, natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis, molecular electrostatic potential (MESP), and time-dependent density functional theory to support the experimental results.
A first report of Biomphalaria pfeifferi in the Lower Shire Valley, Southern Malawi, a major intermediate snail host species for intestinal schistosomiasis
Authors: Nkolokosa Clinton , Mbewe Rex , Chirombo James , Stanton Michelle C. , Jones Christopher M. , Makaula Peter , Namacha Gladys , Chiepa Blessings , Kalonde Patrick Ken , Baluwa Chifuniro , Zembere Kennedy , Kambewa Eggrey Aisha , Kaonga Chikumbusko Chiziwa , Archer John , Juhász Alexandra , Cunningham Lucas J. , Tangena Julie-Anne Akiko , Stothard J. Russell
Published: February 2025

The distribution of certain permissive intermediate snail host species in freshwater is a crucial factor shaping transmission of intestinal schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease that causes much human suffering in Africa. To shed new light on southern Malawi, where cases of intestinal schistosomiasis have been found, repeated malacological surveys were conducted in Chikwawa and Nsanje Districts in the Lower Shire Valley, to detect and to characterize populations of Biomphalaria, the intermediate host for intestinal schistosomiasis. Sampling took place across a total of 45 freshwater sites, noting water conductivity, pH, temperature, total dissolved salts (TDS) and geographical elevation. The presence or absence of snails was predicted upon physiochemical and environmental conditions in Random Forest modelling. Water conductivity, TDS and geographical elevation were most important in predicting abundance of snails with water temperature and pH of slightly less important roles. This first report of B. pfeifferi in the Lower Shire Valley enhances understanding of the environmental factors that strongly associate and allow prediction of its local distribution. This represents a useful step towards developing appropriate intervention strategies to mitigate intestinal schistosomiasis transmission.
Impact of the right ventricular mechanical pattern assessed by three-dimensional echocardiography on adverse outcomes following cardiac surgery
Authors: Keller Marius , Fábián Alexandra , Bandini Andrea , Szijártó Ádám , Tősér Zoltán , Merkely Béla , Heller Tim , Dürr Marcia-Marleen , Rosenberger Peter , Kovács Attila , Magunia Harry
Published: February 2025

Risk stratification for cardiac surgery is a cornerstone of perioperative management. While the prognostic impact of severe right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is well understood, the added value of the RV mechanical pattern regarding risk prediction remains unknown. We sought to prospectively validate the predictive value of 3D RV mechanics for adverse perioperative outcomes. The clinical and echocardiographic parameters of 439 retrospectively selected patients who underwent various types of cardiac surgery and 3D transesophageal echocardiography were investigated to determine their associations with a composite endpoint of an unfavorable postoperative outcome. Tricuspid regurgitation, 2D RV strains, and 3D measures of left ventricular (LV) and RV function were associated with the composite endpoint. Multivariable logistic regression models revealed that only tricuspid regurgitation, LV ejection fraction and 3D RV global longitudinal strain (GLS) were independently associated with the endpoint. By applying the model to the data of 128 prospectively enrolled patients, only 3D RV GLS remained an independent predictor. A RV GLS cutoff of -17.4% was found to be associated with a 3-fold increased risk for adverse outcomes. This led us to conclude that RV longitudinal deformation derived from 3D echocardiography is predictive of adverse outcomes and should be incorporated in perioperative risk stratification.
Social processing distorts physical distance perception
Authors: Michalareas Georgios , Lehr Claudia , Grabenhorst Matthias , Hecht Heiko
Published: February 2025

Psychopathy is traditionally linked to higher-level cognitive processes, but its impact on low-level cognitive functions has remained largely unexplored. This study investigates the relationship between the fundamental cognitive function of physical distance estimation and our social predisposition towards others, as captured by psychopathic traits, grouped into the three facets of Fearless Dominance, Self-Centered Impulsivity and Coldheartedness. Using an innovative experimental design, participants estimated the distance of an approaching avatar agent. We demonstrate that social processing, as reflected in the scale of Psychopathy in the general population, significantly distorts egocentric space perception. Strikingly, this distortion is absent with non-anthropomorphic agents. The study also reveals that agent emotional expressions do not affect distance estimation, when they are task-irrelevant, suggesting a disocciation between the effect of psychopathic traits on social processing and emotion processing. These results uncover a direct top-down effect of psychopathic traits on basic spatial cognition, in the presence of others. These new insights into the basic cognitive mechanisms underlying social interactions have broader implications for any field involving interpersonal spatial behaviour.
Distinct clinicopathological features and treatment differences in breast cancer patients of young age
Authors: Humlevik Rasmus O. C. , Svanøe Amalie A. , Aas Turid , Heie Anette , Sæle Anna K. M. , Akslen Lars A. , Wik Elisabeth , Hoivik Erling A.
Published: February 2025

The incidence of breast cancer in young women (aged under 40) is on the rise and is associated with more aggressive tumor characteristics and lower survival rates. Breast cancer is most frequently diagnosed in the sixth decade, and most research presents results based on data from older patients. By using large-scale clinico-pathologic and transcriptomic data from the Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium (METABRIC) (n = 1932), we aimed to explore age-related differences in treatment, tumor characteristics, and gene expression signatures. Young patients presented more aggressive clinico-pathologic features such as higher histological grade, more frequent lymph node metastasis involvement, and estrogen receptor negativity. Accordingly, age below 40 years was associated with lower mRNA expression of the estrogen- and progesterone receptors, encoded by ESR1 and PGR, a higher proportion of the basal-like subtype, and increased transcription patterns reflecting stemness. Young breast cancer patients showed reduced survival, also within the basal-like subtype. We observed age-related differences in treatment, with more patients receiving chemotherapy among the young. Our results confirm a more challenging disease in young patients with breast cancer despite the more abundant use of chemotherapy. This argues for increased attention to young patients in current management and future research in breast cancer.
Artificial intelligence can extract important features for diagnosing axillary lymph node metastasis in early breast cancer using contrast-enhanced ultrasonography
Authors: Oshino Tomohiro , Enda Ken , Shimizu Hirokazu , Sato Megumi , Nishida Mutsumi , Kato Fumi , Oda Yoshitaka , Hosoda Mitsuchika , Kudo Kohsuke , Iwasaki Norimasa , Tanaka Shinya , Takahashi Masato
Published: February 2025

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis of primary breast cancer and in axillary lymph node (ALN) metastasis. However, the imaging features that are clinically crucial for lymph node metastasis have not been fully elucidated. Hence, we developed a bimodal model to predict ALN metastasis in patients with early breast cancer by integrating CEUS images with the annotated imaging features. The model adopted a light-gradient boosting machine to produce feature importance, enabling the extraction of clinically crucial imaging features. In this retrospective study, the diagnostic performance of the model was investigated using 788 CEUS images of ALNs obtained from 788 patients who underwent breast surgery between 2013 and 2021, with the ground truth defined by the pathological diagnosis. The results indicated that the test cohort had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) value of 0.93 (95% confidence interval: 0.88, 0.98). The model had an accuracy of 0.93, which was higher than the radiologist’s diagnosis (accuracy of 0.85). The most important imaging features were heterogeneous enhancement, diffuse cortical thickening, and eccentric cortical thickening. Our model has an excellent diagnostic performance, and the extracted imaging features could be crucial for confirming ALN metastasis in clinical settings.
Biomarkers of inflammation in sweat after myocardial infarction
Authors: Björkenheim Anna , Sunnefeldt Erik , Finke Karl , Smith Daniel Robert , Fröbert Ole , Brasier Noé
Published: February 2025

ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) triggers a significant inflammatory response. Sweat may offer a novel, non-invasive medium for monitoring inflammation. In this prospective study, we characterized the inflammatory signatures in plasma and sweat collected from the skin surface of two patient groups: (1) 18 STEMI patients immediately following percutaneous coronary intervention (exposure) and (2) six patients who underwent outpatient angiography without subsequent intervention (control). Levels of 92 biomarkers were measured using a high-throughput proteomic assay and reassessed after 4–6 weeks in STEMI patients. Adjusting for patient group, sweat biomarkers did not show significant changes over time. In plasma, hepatocyte growth factor and interleukin-6 showed a significant decrease from the acute phase to follow-up, adjusted for patient group. STAM binding protein was significantly higher in the sweat of STEMI patients compared to controls, adjusted for time effects. While sweat was less sensitive than plasma for detecting biomarker levels in the setting of STEMI, its longitudinal analysis via wearable sensors holds promise for detecting specific markers.

Trial registration: The trial is registered on www.clinicaltrials.gov with the trial registration number NCT05843006.
Projection of climate change impact on the occurrence of drought events in Poland
Authors: Ghazi Babak , Salehi Hossein , Przybylak Rajmund , Pospieszyńska Aleksandra
Published: February 2025

In the era of human-induced climate change, droughts are one of the extreme events that can severely impact water resources, regional agriculture and the ecological environment. A reliable projection of droughts for the future is crucial with the rapid global increase in the frequency and intensity of droughts. This research aims to project the future of droughts in Poland by the end of the 21st century. To achieve this, we use a multi-model mean ensemble of 26 downscaled and bias-corrected high-resolution general circulation models (GCMs) under Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP1–2.6, SSP2–4.5, SSP3–7.0, and SSP5–8.5) scenarios from Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) to project changes in temperature and precipitation. Then, estimation of droughts was completed for the periods 2031–2060 and 2071–2100 according to the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) at three-time scales of 1, 6 and 12 months to address three types of droughts (i.e., meteorological, agricultural and hydrological, respectively). The temperature and precipitation projection revealed that temperature will increase in both future periods, which is dramatic under the SSP3–7.0 and SSP5–8.5 scenarios. However, precipitation fluctuates based on scenarios with a slight increase, excluding far-future periods under SSP3–7.0, and SSP5–8.5 scenarios. The projected changes in droughts based on SPEI under SSP scenarios showed a decrease in frequency in the near-future, but an increase under SSP2–4.5, SSP3–7.0 and SSP5–8.5 in the far-future. The number of severe and moderate droughts is expected to rise, with a notable increase in agricultural and hydrological droughts (SPEI-6 and SPEI-12) under SSP3–7.0 and SSP5–8.5.
The design of unit cells by combining the self-reproduction systems and metabolic cushioning loads
Authors: Abner Kristo , Šverns Peter , Arold Janar , Lints Taivo , Eller Neeme-Andreas , Morell Indrek , Seiman Andrus , Adamberg Kaarel , Vilu Raivo
Published: February 2025

Recently, we published a comprehensive theoretical analysis of the self-reproduction processes in proto-cells (doubling of their components) composed of different combinations of cellular subsystems. In this paper, we extend the detailed analysis of structural and functional peculiarities of self-reproduction processes to unit cells of the Cooper-Helmstetter-Donachie cell cycle theory. We show that: 1. Our modelling framework allows to calculate physiological parameters (numbers of cell components, flux patterns, cellular composition, etc.) of unit cells, including also unit cell mass that determines the DNA replication initiation conditions. 2. Unit cells might have additional cell (cushioning) components that are responsible not only for carrying out various special functions, but also for regulating cell size and stabilizing the growth of cells. 3. The optimal productivity of the synthesis of cushioning components (useful cellular load) is observed at doubling time approximately two times longer than the minimal doubling time of the unit cells.
Measurement of phospholipid lateral diffusion at high pressure by in situ magic-angle spinning NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Osborn Popp Thomas M. , Karthikeyan Mithun , Herman Elias M. , Dufur Andrew C. , Vetriani Costantino , Nieuwkoop Andrew J.
Published: February 2025

The development of experimental methodologies that enable investigations of biochemistry at high pressure promises to yield significant advances in our understanding of life on Earth and its origins. Here, we introduce a method for studying lipid membranes at thermodynamic conditions relevant for life at deep sea hydrothermal vents. Using in situ high pressure magic-angle spinning solid state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), we measure changes in the fluidity of model microbial membranes at pressures up to 28 MPa. We find that the fluid-phase lateral diffusion of phospholipids at high pressure is significantly affected by the stoichiometric ratio of lipids in the membrane. Our results were facilitated by an accessible pressurization strategy that we have developed to enable routine preparation of solid state NMR rotors to pressures of 30 MPa or greater.
Absence of diode effect in chiral type-I superconductor NbGe2
Authors: Li Dong , Lu Zouyouwei , Cheng Wenxin , Shi Xiaofan , Hu Lihong , Ma Xiaoping , Liu Yue , Itahashi Yuki M. , Shitaokoshi Takashi , Li Peiling , Zhang Hua , Liu Ziyi , Qu Fanming , Shen Jie , Chen Qihong , Jin Kui , Cheng Jinguang , Hänisch Jens , Yang Huaixin , Liu Guangtong , Lu Li , Dong Xiaoli , Iwasa Yoshihiro , Hu Jiangping
Published: February 2025

Symmetry elegantly governs the fundamental properties and derived functionalities of condensed matter. For instance, realizing the superconducting diode effect (SDE) demands breaking space-inversion and time-reversal symmetries simultaneously. Although the SDE is widely observed in various platforms, its underlying mechanism remains debated, particularly regarding the role of vortices. Here, we systematically investigate the nonreciprocal transport in the chiral type-I superconductor NbGe2. Moreover, we induce type-II superconductivity with elevated superconducting critical temperature on the artificial surface by focused ion beam irradiation, enabling control over vortex dynamics in NbGe2 devices. Strikingly, we observe negligible diode efficiency (Q < 2%) at low magnetic fields, which rises significantly to Q ~ 50% at high magnetic fields, coinciding with an abrupt increase in vortex creep rate when the superconductivity of NbGe2 bulk is suppressed. These results unambiguously highlight the critical role of vortex dynamics in the SDE, in addition to the established symmetry rules.
Improving the thermoelectric performance of scandium nitride thin films by implanting helium ions
Authors: Bouteiller Hugo , Burcea Razvan , Poterie Charlotte , Fournier Danièle , Giovannelli Fabien , Nyman Johan , Ezzahri Younès , Dubois Sylvain , Eklund Per , le Febvrier Arnaud , Barbot Jean-François
Published: February 2025

Ion implantation is a widely used technique to introduce defects in low-dimensional materials and tune their properties. Here, we investigate the thermoelectric properties of scandium nitride thin films implanted with helium ions, revealing a positive impact of defect engineering on thermoelectric performance. Transport properties modeling and electron microscopy provide insights on the defect distribution in the films. The electrical resistivity and Seebeck coefficient increase significantly in absolute values after implantation and partially recover upon annealing as some of the implantation-induced defects heal. The thermal conductivity decreases by 46 % post- implantation due to the formation of extended defects and nanocavities. Consequently, the thermoelectric figure of merit zT doubles for the sample annealed at 673 K. These findings highlight the potential of controlled ion implantation to enhance thermoelectric properties in thin films, paving the way for further optimization through defect engineering.
Pharmaceutical salts of venetoclax with dicarboxylic and sulfonic acids: solid-state characterization and dissolution performance
Authors: Havlůjová Tereza , Hriňová Erika , Zmeškalová Eliška , Kučeráková Monika , Ridvan Luděk , Šoóš Miroslav
Published: February 2025

10 new salts of venetoclax with improved dissolution were prepared and fully characterized. Their formation was explained by molecular electrostatic potential paired with ΔpKa. New crystal structures, both solvated and unsolvated, were solved.
A resonant photoemission study of La 4f-states in the LaMn2Si2 intermetallic compound
Authors: Ponomareva E. A. , Radzivonchik D. I. , Grebennikov V. I. , Lukoyanov A. V. , Yarmoshenko Y. M. , Chumakov R. G. , Gerasimov E. G. , Mushnikov N. V. , Kuznetsova T. V.
Published: February 2025

Resonant photoemission spectroscopy makes it possible to study the electronic structure of rare earth intermetallics using LaMn2Si2 as an example, in particular to determine the contribution of La 4f-states to the valence band.
PIDA mediated oxidative annulation of aryl methyl ketones: a facile approach for the chemoselective synthesis of 5-substituted oxazoles
Authors: Devaraju Mohankumar , Prasad Dasappa Jagadeesh
Published: February 2025

We have developed a simple and efficient protocol for the chemoselective synthesis of 5-substituted oxazoles via oxidative annulation of substituted acetophenones with NH4OAc and DMSO using PIDA as an effective oxidant.
Chiral 3,3′-diaroyl BINOL phosphoric acids: syntheses and evaluation in asymmetric transfer hydrogenation, photophysical, and electrochemical studies
Authors: Karthick Muthupandi , Someshwar Nagamalla , Mariappan Chinnasamy Ramaraj , Ramasubbu Alagunambi , Ramanathan Chinnasamy Ramaraj
Published: February 2025

Facile syntheses of 3,3’-chiral diaroyl BINOL phosphoric acids have been developed from chiral BINOL-3,3’-dicarboxylic acid and found to exhibit catalytic activity and show good absorption and redox behaviour.
Dynamic interfacial cross-linking and chain entanglement enabling robust mechanical and conductive TPU composite fiber for knitted wearable strain sensors
Authors: Zhao Shuqiang , Cong Honglian , Liu Saining , Zhao Kezheng , wan ailan , Fan Wei , He Haijun
Published: February 2025

Integrating conductive materials into elastomeric fibers as wearable and knittable sensors has recently attained extensive attention. However, the poor interfacial adhesion between them poses significant challenges. The issue impedes the...
Metal-free carbon nitride catalyst for toluene oxidation
Authors: Li Yanping , Chen Lizheng , Gan Tao , Chu Xuefeng , Zhu Wanchun , Zhang Wenxiang , Yan Wenfu , Liu Gang
Published: February 2025

Carbon nitride, as a metal-free catalyst, is demonstrated to effectively catalyze toluene oxidation.
Influence of peptides chirality on their protein-triggered supramolecular hydrogelation
Authors: More Shahaji Hanumantrao , Dorosh Tetiana , Runser Jean-Yves , Bigo-Simon Alexis , Schurhammer Rachel , Ball Vincent , Jacomine Leandro , Schmutz Marc , Chaumont Alain , Schaaf Pierre , Jierry Loïc
Published: February 2025

Many articles describe the use of enzymes to induce the formation of a supramolecular hydrogel. These enzymes catalyze the transformation of water-soluble precursors, often short peptides, into hydrogelators. The use...
Photoredox β-C(sp3)–H heteroarylation of o-iodoaryl-alkan-1-ones with heteroarenes via HAT and dual C–H functionalizations
Authors: Xu Guang-Chuan , Zeng Liang , Hu Ming , Sun Fu-Jin , Li Jin-Heng
Published: February 2025

A formal ketone β-heteroarylation via iodoarene-directed photoredox remote C(sp3)–H heteroarylation of o-iodoaryl-alkan-1-ones with heteroarenes is depicted.
Recent advances and developments in solar-driven photothermal catalytic CO2 reduction into multicarbon (C2+) products
Authors: Wu Xiuting , Zhang Senlin , Ning Shangbo , Yang Chuanyun , Li Ling , Tang Linjun , Wang Jing , Liu Ruixiang , Yin Xingyu , Zhu Ying , Chen Shaohua , Ye Jinhua
Published: February 2025

Solar-driven photothermal CO2 reduction converts CO2 into valuable C2+ chemicals and fuels. This review highlights key catalytic strategies, reaction pathways, and recent advances, offering insights for future research and industrial applications.
Physical layer security in satellite communication: State‐of‐the‐art and open problems
Authors: Abdelsalam Nora , Al‐Kuwari Saif , Erbad Aiman
Published: February 2025

Satellite communications have emerged as a promising extension of terrestrial networks in future 6G network research due to their extensive coverage in remote areas and their ability to support the increasing traffic rate and heterogeneous networks. Like other wireless communication technologies, satellite signals are transmitted in a shared medium, making them vulnerable to attacks such as eavesdropping, jamming, and spoofing. A good candidate to overcome these issues is physical layer security (PLS), which utilizes physical layer characteristics to provide security, mainly due to its suitability for resource‐limited devices such as satellites and IoT devices. This paper provides a comprehensive and up‐to‐date review of PLS solutions to secure satellite communication. Main satellite applications are classified into five domains: satellite‐terrestrial, satellite‐based IoT, satellite navigation systems, FSO‐based, and inter‐satellite. In each domain, how PLS can improve the overall security of the system, preserve desirable security properties, and resist widespread attacks are discussed and investigated. Finally, some gaps in the related literature are highlight and open research problems, including uplink secrecy techniques, smart threat models, authentication and integrity techniques, PLS for inter‐satellite links, and machine learning‐based PLS, are discussed.
Small target detection with decoupling and decorrelation of confusion features
Authors: Zhang Yonghua , Wang Hui , Tang He , Liu Xingze , Liu Benxue , Sun Siyuan
Published: February 2025

Small target detection has important application value in military, cigarette defect detection, monitoring and remote sensing fields. However, due to the complex background interference of infrared images, the background and target features are confused with each other, which makes it difficult for existing detection methods to effectively distinguish the features of the background and the target, resulting in poor detection effect. Therefore, to solve this problem, this paper proposes a small target detection method based on confusion feature decoupling and decorrelation, aiming to achieve accurate detection of small targets in complex environments by extracting robust small target features. Specifically, in confusion feature decoupling and decorrelation, we propose a confusion feature decoupling and decorrelation module. By introducing a feature decoupling mechanism, the features of the input image are decomposed into independent background features and target features, and feature decorrelation is used to achieve independence between the target and the background. The target features after decoupling and decorrelation are purer, which helps to reduce background interference and thus improve detection performance. Systematic experimental results show that the detection performance of the proposed method on public small target detection datasets is much better than that of existing advanced detection methods.
Klinischer Ultraschall (ClinUS) – Konzepte und Kontroversen
Authors: Nürnberg Dieter , Jenssen Christian , Lucius Claudia , Klingenberg-Noftz Rolf , Wüstner Matthias , Worlicek Hans , Merkel Daniel , Eder Nicole , Lo Hendra , Nürnberg Maria , Dietrich Christoph F.
Published: February 2025

Unter Klinischem Ultraschall (ClinUS) wird die Integration der Ultraschalldiagnostik in die klinische Untersuchung verstanden. Diese Übersicht stellt im Vergleich zu anderen Modellen der Ultraschalldiagnostik ein Konzept vor, das Point-of-Care-Ultraschall, die umfassende fachgebietsspezifische Ultraschalluntersuchung, wie auch den spezialisierten multiparametrischen Ultraschall integriert. Insbesondere am Beispiel der Gastroenterologie und der Allgemeinmedizin werden Anwendungen, Vorteile und Herausforderungen des Klinischen Ultraschalls und dessen Besonderheiten im Vergleich zu anderen Schnittbildverfahren diskutiert.
Effect of Balloon Dilatation and Stent Implantation in Iliac Vein Compression Syndrome
Authors: Yang Sen , Zhao Jian , Hou Peng , Gu Yan
Published: February 2025

Objective To investigate the efficacy of balloon dilatation combined with stent implantation in the treatment of iliac vein compression syndrome (IVCS).

Methods This research was a retrospective study that enrolled 127 IVCS patients for clinical data. The patients were divided into percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) group (n = 63) and stent implantation group (n = 64). The PTA group was treated with iliac vein balloon dilatation, and the stent implantation group was treated with combined stent implantation based on the PTA group. In both the groups, the quality of life was assessed using Chronic Venous Insufficiency Quality of Life Questionnaire (CIVIQ); complications occurring during the perioperative period and at postoperative follow-up were recorded; the vascular patency rate was calculated, and patient's condition was evaluated using the Villalta scale.

Results The stent implantation group exhibited lower postoperative CIVIQ scores than the PTA group, and the stent implantation group (4.60%) had lower complication rate than the PTA group (19.05%). At 2 years of follow-up, the stent implantation group (92.19%) had higher vascular patency rate than the PTA group (79.37%). Villalta scores were lower in the stent implantation group than in the PTA group at 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively.

Conclusion Iliac vein balloon dilatation combined with stent implantation for the treatment of IVCS can improve vessel patency rates, alleviate patients' clinical symptoms, and enhance their quality of life.
Zusammenhang von traumatischen Erfahrungen mit milder Neurokognitiver
Störung im Alter
Authors: Matzel Anna , Luck Tobias , Riedel-Heller Steffi G. , Engel Christoph , Wirkner Kerstin , Nesterko Yuriy , Glaesmer Heide
Published: February 2025

Die Befundlage zum Zusammenhang von traumatischen Erfahrungen über
die Lebensspanne (TEL) und dem Auftreten von kognitiven Veränderungen und
Demenzen ist heterogen und beruht häufig auf Untersuchungen in Risikogruppen.
Die vorliegende Arbeit prüft in einer deutschen bevölkerungsbasierten Studie, ob
es einen Zusammenhang zwischen TEL und Missbrauchs- (MB) und
Vernachlässigungserfahrungen (VN) in der Kindheit mit leichter Neurokognitiven
Störung im Alter (miNCD) gibt.

889 Teilnehmer:innen wurden in die Analyse eingeschlossen. Zur
Erfassung von TEL wurde die Traumaliste des PTBS-Moduls des Strukturierten
Klinischen Interviews für DSM-IV (SKID-I) und der Childhood Trauma Screener
(CTS) genutzt. Die Diagnose von miNCD erfolgte mit einer neurokognitiven
Testbatterie gemäß DSM-5-Kriterien. In binär logistischen Regressionsanalysen
wurde geprüft, ob das Vorliegen von TEL mit dem Vorliegen einer miNCD
zusammenhängt.

In der Stichprobe berichteten 31,0% mindestens ein TEL, 30,3%
berichteten VN und 13,2% MB. 19,1% erfüllten die Kriterien einer miNCD. Es
wurden vier Modelle getestet, die Alter, Geschlecht und Bildungsstand als
mögliche konfundierende Variablen berücksichtigen. In Modell 1 wurde untersucht,
ob TEL (ja/nein) mit miNCD im Alter zusammenhängt. In Modell 2 wurde geprüft, ob
die Anzahl der TEL mit miNCD zusammenhängt. In Modell 3 wurde getestet, ob VN
mit miNCD zusammenhängen und in Modell 4 wurde getestet, ob MB und miNCD
zusammenhängen. In keinem der Modelle wurde ein signifikanter Effekt der
untersuchten Variablen auf das Auftreten von miNCD gefunden.

Internationale Studien zeigen Hinweise auf einen Zusammenhang
zwischen TEL, VN, MB und miNCD, jedoch fehlen entsprechende Studien in
Deutschland. Unsere Analyse fand trotz methodischer Stärken (standardisierte
Erfassung aller Variablen, bevölkerungsbasierte Studie) keine Zusammenhänge.
Möglicherweise führten die Studienanforderungen zu einer positiven Selektion
gesunder Älterer. Trotzdem waren TEL, MB, und VN nicht unterrepräsentiert. Die
Ergebnisse widersprechen denen an Hochrisikopopulationen, passen aber zu neueren
bevölkerungsbasierten Studien, die keine Zusammenhänge finden.

Auf Bevölkerungsebene scheint der gesuchte Zusammenhang
nicht eindeutig nachweisbar zu sein, im Gegensatz zu Populationen mit hoher
traumatischer Last, wie z. B. Veteranen, was angesichts der Tatsache, dass TEL
Risikofaktoren für zahlreiche Komorbiditäten darstellen, die dann eine Rolle bei
der Entwicklung der kognitiven Veränderungen spielen könnten, eine beruhigende
Nachricht zu sein scheint.
Mentale Gesundheit von Frauen nach der Geburt: Stationäre
Familienzimmer als Ressource? Eine Pilotstudie
Authors: Wonner Nana-Rosa , Koehnlein Annalena , Sommerlad Sarah , Rohrmann Sonja , Louwen Frank , Schermelleh-Engel Karin , Oddo-Sommerfeld Silvia
Published: February 2025

Soziale Unterstützung ist ein zentraler Faktor für die mentale Gesundheit.
Diese kann im stationären geburtshilflichen Setting durch Familienzimmer
optimal ermöglicht werden. Familienzimmer existieren jedoch bisher nicht
flächendeckend, ebenso fehlen Studien zum Einfluss eines Familienzimmers auf
die Psyche. In der vorliegenden Studie wurde die mentale Gesundheit von
Frauen mit und ohne Unterbringung in einem Familienzimmer auf einer
geburtshilflichen Station in einem Perinatalzentrum erstmalig im
deutschsprachigen Raum untersucht.

113 Patientinnen beantworteten 1–3 Tage postpartal standardisierte Fragebögen
zu Ängstlichkeit, Depressivität, psychischem Wohlbefinden und
posttraumatischen Stresssymptomen. Zudem wurden geburtshilfliche Daten wie
Geburtsmodus, Schwangerschafts- und Geburtskomplikationen erhoben. Die
Rekrutierung während strikter pandemischer Besuchsrestriktionen ermöglichte
die Gegenüberstellung von Frauen im Familienzimmer (konstante Anwesenheit
des Partners) und Frauen ohne Familienzimmer (ohne jeglichen Besuch).

In der Gesamtstichprobe zeigte sich v. a. Ängstlichkeit (22,6%) sowie ein
mangelndes psychisches Wohlbefinden (33,6%). Die beiden Gruppen
unterschieden sich hinsichtlich ihrer mentalen Gesundheit nicht voneinander,
jedoch wiesen Frauen mit Geburtskomplikationen sowie einem ungeplantem
Geburtsmodus im Familienzimmer signifikant geringere Ängstlichkeitswerte auf
als Frauen ohne Familienzimmer. Frauen mit Geburtskomplikationen wiesen
insgesamt höhere posttraumatische Stresssymptome auf. Signifikante
Unterschiede gab es außerdem in den geburtshilflichen Parametern: Im
Familienzimmer waren Frauen häufiger Primipara und sie unterschieden sich in
der Häufigkeit ihrer Geburtskomplikationen.

Die vorliegende Pilotstudie liefert erste Hinweise für einen
psychoprotektiven Effekt von Familienzimmern auf die Ängstlichkeit bei
Patientinnen mit vorausgegangenen Komplikationen und ungeplanten
Geburtsverläufen. Eine Diskussion über den Ausbau von Familienzimmern,
besonders für Patientinnen nach peripartalen Komplikationen, erscheint
notwendig. Weitere Studien zur Wirksamkeit von stationären Familienzimmern
sind erforderlich, um die Generalisierbarkeit auf andere Risikogruppen und
Fachbereiche zu überprüfen.
Neue Technologien in Forschung und Palliativversorgung – Die Wissenschaftlichen Arbeitstage der DGP 2024
Authors: Öhl Natalie , Tewes Mitra , Stanze Henrikje , Banse Christian , Heckel Maria
Published: February 2025

In der Palliativversorgung und -forschung gewinnen neue Technologien an Bedeutung. Um dieser Entwicklung Rechnung zu tragen, widmeten sich die Wissenschaftlichen Arbeitstage (WAT) 2024 der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Palliativmedizin diesem Thema.

Unter den Teilnehmenden wurden zwei Online-Befragungen durchgeführt: eine vor Durchführung der WAT und eine weitere nach Durchführung der WAT im Rahmen deren Evaluation. Dabei wurden die Technikaffinität und Einschätzungen zu neuen Technologien der Teilnehmenden erhoben. Die Daten wurden mit deskriptiver quantitativer Statistik sowie qualitativer Inhaltsanalyse ausgewertet.

Die Mehrheit der (n=76/80) Teilnehmenden vor den WAT hatte bisher wenig Kontakt mit neuen Technologien (57,9%), 36,8% besaßen Vorerfahrungen. Im Fragebogen zur interaktionsbezogenen Technikaffinität (ATI) hatten 70 Teilnehmende im Mittel einen Score von 3,78 (SD 0,36). Die Potenziale wurden für die Forschung höher eingeschätzt als für die Versorgung, die Risiken für beide Bereiche eher gering bis mittel. Die (n=38/80) Teilnehmenden an der Befragung nach den WAT gaben überwiegend an, nach der Veranstaltung mehr Potenziale neuer Technologien in der Palliativversorgung zu sehen.

Die WAT trugen dazu bei, die Wissenschaftler:innen für Potenziale und Risiken neuer Technologien zu sensibilisieren.
TRAP (Twin Reversed Arterial Perfusion) Sequenz im dritten
Trimenon
Authors: Rizos Andreas , Snaaijer-Grotheer Froukje , Meyberg Horst , De Gregorio Nikolaus , Jückstock Julia
Published: February 2025

Die Twin Reverse Arterial Perfusion (TRAP) Sequenz ist ein komplexes
Fehlbildungssyndrom bei monochorialen Mehrlingsschwangerschaft, die durch
vaskuläre Anastomosen und partielle oder vollständige Fehlbildung des Herzens
und der Extremitäten eines Feten charakterisiert ist. Dies führt zu einer
hämodynamischen Abhängigkeit des parasitären Zwillings (Akzeptor) vom
„Pump-Zwilling“ (Donor). Ziel des Managements ist, die Überlebenschancen des
Pump-Zwillings zu maximieren. Der optimale Zeitpunkt für die Behandlung mittels
Radiofrequenz-Ablation oder ultraschallgesteuerter Laserkoagulation ist unklar,
internationale wird häufig eine Intervention vor der 16. SSW empfohlen. Wir
berichten über die Entbindung bei einer bis dahin nicht diagnostizierten und
damit im klinischen Verlauf besonderen monochorial-monoamnioten
Geminischwangerschaft in der 34. SSW in unserem Perinatalzentum und zeigen die
beeindruckende Maximalausprägung einer untherapierten TRAP-Sequenz.
Implementation of enhanced recovery in women undergoing cesarean
delivery improves breastfeeding and maternal perioperative
outcomes
Authors: Yıldız Birden Duygu , Başbuğ Alper , Yurtcu Engin , Kale İbrahim
Published: February 2025

The study aimed to evaluate delivery outcomes after implementation of the
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol in patients delivered by
cesarean section (CD).

This randomized controlled prospective study was conducted on 78 pregnant
women who underwent CD with the ERAS protocol and 78 pregnant women who
under went standard perioperative care. We compared the time to first
flatus, visual pain score (VAS), the success of breastfeeding, time to
initiation of breastfeeding, time to return to daily activities, hemoglobin
values, the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, hospital
readmission rates, postoperative wound infection rates, incidence of
postpartum blues, and the need for blood transfusion between two groups.

Time to first flatus, VAS score, time to initiation of breastfeeding, and
time to return to activities of daily living were significantly lower in the
ERAS group (p<0.001 for all). The rate of successful breastfeeding was
significantly higher in the ERAS group (p<0.001). Both groups were
similar in terms of other parameters.

Implementation of ERAS after CD shortens the breastfeeding initiation time
and increases rates of successful breastfeeding. ERAS protocols implemented
in CD improve perioperative outcomes such as visual pain score and time to
resume daily activities.
Intraosseous Pseudoprogression vs. Progression and Recurrence of Clival Chordoma after Proton Radiation Therapy: Case Series
Authors: Hong Sukwoo , Shinya Yuki , Mahajan Anita , Laack Nadia , Raghunathan Aditya , Mark Ian , Van Gompel Jamie J
Published: February 2025

OBJECTIVE To propose a novel entity of possible intraosseous pseudoprogression in clival chordoma following proton radiation therapy (PRT).
METHODS Thirty-eight consecutive patients who underwent surgical resection followed by PRT for clival chordoma between January 2015 and December 2023 were analyzed retrospectively. Follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suggesting recurrence or progression was evaluated for validity. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and tumor-to-brainstem signal intensity ratio on contrast-enhanced T1-weighted imaging (Rce) were assessed. Pseudoprogression was defined as 1) MRI signs of recurrence or progression with no pathological confirmation despite obtaining a specimen, or 2) MRI signs of recurrence or regression with spontaneous resolution/regression.
RESULTS Of the 11 patients with MRI findings suggestive of recurrence or progression, three were diagnosed with recurrence, five with progression, and three with pseudoprogression. Patients with pseudoprogression were significantly younger than those with progression (P = 0.04), and all were female. The median time to recurrence, progression, and pseudoprogression was 31 months, 29 months, and 21 months, respectively. The three pseudoprogression cases were managed with gross-total resection followed by stereotactic radiosurgery, extensive biopsy, and observation, respectively. Although statistical significance was not reached, ADC (P = 0.33) and Rce (P = 0.13) tended to be higher in pseudoprogression cases.
CONCLUSIONS After PRT for clival chordoma, intraosseous pseudoprogression should be considered in the differential diagnosis, particularly in relatively young female patients, although the role of ADC and Rce on MRI remains inconclusive. Multidisciplinary teams managing chordomas should take this into account when determining the aggressiveness of treatment in such cases.
An Interactive Voice Response System for Postoperative Care in Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty Patients: A Pilot Study
Authors: Ayala-Ortiz Jose L , McCrosson Matthew , Jacob Roshan , Vinoth Aryan , Mehta Tapan , Al-Hardan Waleed , McGwin Gerald , Naranje Sameer
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Effective postoperative care is crucial for the success of total joint arthroplasty (TJA) and prevention of unnecessary emergency department (ED) visits. We explore the feasibility and acceptability of utilizing an Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS) to enhance postoperative monitoring in primary TJA patients.

Methods: This pilot study was conducted with 24 participants undergoing primary TJA randomly assigned to an intervention group receiving IVRS calls (n=12) or a control group (n=12) receiving standard postoperative follow-up. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed through patient satisfaction and willingness to participate. Outcome measures included the Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36), the Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS), the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and pain assessments using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).

Results: The IVRS group exhibited a 92.3% retention rate, with 100% completion of the 12-week study. IVRS calls triggered 10 notifications, addressing pain control and respiratory concerns, leading to timely interventions and preventing ED visits. The IVRS demonstrated an 81% (95% CI, 77.1–86.0%) overall response rate, with high patient satisfaction (92% finding calls 'very useful').

Conclusion: This pilot study demonstrates the feasibility and acceptability of an IVRS-based postoperative follow-up system for TJA patients. Patients reported high satisfaction and expressed willingness to use the IVRS service again.
Nickel-Catalyzed Cross-Electrophile Coupling Reactions of Alcohols and Derivatives
Authors: Jana Sayan K. , Maji Biplab
Published: February 2025

Nickel-catalyzed cross-electrophile coupling of halide coupling partners has emerged as a powerful tool for constructing C–C bonds under mild conditions. However, the limited natural abundance of halides means that a significant portion must be synthetically prepared, which can pose sustainability challenges. In this context, aryl and alkyl alcohols represent highly promising alternative coupling partners due to their abundance and versatility. Despite their potential, the application of alcohols in cross-electrophile coupling reactions is mostly explored for their coupling with aryl or alky halide derivatives. The cross-coupling reactions, in which both coupling partners are alcohols or derivatives, remained underexplored until recent advancements. This short review aims to highlight the current progress in the nickel-catalyzed cross-electrophile coupling of alcohols and their derivatives, as well as to discuss future opportunities in this burgeoning field.
Phosphate Recovery at ‘A Campingflight to Lowlands Paradise’: Organic Micropollutant Uptake and Environmental Risk Assessment
Authors: Beijer Steven , Salgueiro Noelia , Castiglioni Sara , de Jong Bas , Gerlein Juan , Scheer Peter , Slootweg Chris
Published: February 2025

Despite increasing interest in struvite as a renewable phosphate source and fertilizer, research into real-world cases of organic micropollutant contamination in struvite is limited, with no studies addressing the inclusion of illicit substances. Urine is an ideal matrix to precipitate struvite from and study its organic contamination, as it contains the majority of organic contaminants as well as nutrients excreted by humans. As such, we devised a worst-case scenario in terms of organic contamination by collecting urine at the Dutch festival 'A Campingflight to Lowlands Paradise' and precipitating struvite on-site in three batches. This festival setting provided a highly contaminated urine source, offering extreme conditions to evaluate to what extent such contamination translates to struvite, and if that struvite would be safe to use as fertilizer. Surveys on consumed pharmaceuticals and illicit drugs by participants guided subsequent analysis of urine and struvite samples, which was performed using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Concentrations of organic contaminants in the urine corresponded well with the survey results and were found in a broad range from < 1 to over 34,000 ng mL-1.
Efficacy of a higher flexibility duodenal stent for palliation of gastric outlet obstruction.
Authors: Kapteijn Noa Eveline Adriana , Zellenrath Pauline A. , Siersema Peter , Reijm Agnes N , Van Driel Lydi , de Jonge Pieter J.F. , Lammers Wim J. , Honing Judith , Spaander Manon C.W.
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Duodenal self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) placement is a common palliative treatment for malignant gastric outlet obstruction symptoms (GOOS). The higher flexibility of the WallFlex Duodenal Soft stent aims to ease stent placement and reduce adverse events (AE). This descriptive study compares the WallFlex Soft stent to other duodenal SEMS designs with regard to efficacy and safety.
Methods: Patients receiving the WallFlex Duodenal Soft stent as first-line treatment for GOOS were included in a prospective cohort (2019–2023). A retrospective cohort (1998–2019) with patients treated with other duodenal SEMS designs as first-line treatment for GOOS was used for comparison.
Results: In the prospective cohort, 11 patients were treated with the WallFlex Duodenal Soft, achieving 100% technical and 82% clinical success rates. The retrospective cohort of 147 patients with various types of duodenal SEMS showed 97% technical and 86% clinical success. For the WallFlex Duodenal Soft vs. the other duodenal SEMS the overall survival was 101 vs. 82 days and median symptom-free survival was 83 vs. 28 days. AE rates were 18% vs. 28%, respectively.
Conclusion: The WallFlex Duodenal Soft stent effectively treats GOOS in palliative patients and seems to have a longer symptom-free survival and lower AE rate compared to previous duodenal SEMS designs.