bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hackathons as a bridge between academia and industry
Authors: Rys Maciej
Published: February 2025

This study explores the unique role of hackathons in bridging the gap between academia and industry, through ethnographic study approach methods, in-depth analysis of 12 hackathons and over 50 interviews. Findings suggest 15 key features that create a favorable environment for such collaboration. The environment, shaped by a mix of these features, enables participants from diverse backgrounds to work together on specific challenges, fostering interdisciplinary cooperation that might not be possible in traditional settings. Moreover, while hackathons may present formidable challenges, particularly in aligning the differing objectives of academia and industry, they also offer unique benefits and opportunities for establishing long-term, productive collaborations. The insights gained from this study provide a foundation for implementing similar collaborative mechanisms and methods in other contexts, enhancing the effectiveness of industry-academia partnerships and contributing to the advancement of both academic and business-oriented goals.
Effects of MoS2 particles on tribological characteristics of ZA-27 alloy metal composites by ultrasonic-assisted stir-casting
Authors: Kumar Nagavelly Shiva , Sridhar Atla , Manmadha Chary A
Published: February 2025

ZA-27 alloys are widely used in applications requiring high loads and moderate speeds, such as worm gears, bearings, and bushings. The wear resistance of ZA-27 alloy can be notably improved by reinforcing molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) particles, a soft ceramic known for its outstanding lubricating characteristics. Limited studies have focused on incorporating MoS2 particles into zinc-aluminium alloys, highlighting a need to explore their potential to enhance wear resistance and tribological properties. This study focuses on fabricating ZA-27 composites by an ultrasonic-aided stir-casting technique with varying MoS2 content (0.5 wt.%, 1.0 wt.%, and 1.5 wt.%) to evaluate their tribological properties. The tribological performance of the composites was evaluated using a pin-on-disc machine, emphasizing parameters including reinforcement content, sliding distance, applied load, and sliding speed. Response surface methodology (RSM) and analysis of variance were utilized to examine the effects and interactions of these factors. The findings indicate that the incorporation of 1.5 wt.% MoS2 leads to a reduction in the coefficient of friction (COF) by 0.23 and a decrease in the wear rate by [Formula: see text] mm³/m, underscoring the role of MoS2 in improving tribological characteristics. Notable interactions between distance–speed and reinforcement–load impacted the wear rate, whereas distance–load influenced the COF. Mathematical models for wear rate and COF were developed using RSM, and confirmation tests showed discrepancies of 1.4% and 1.7%, respectively, between predicted and experimental results. Scanning electron microscopy analysis of the worn surfaces showed diminished debris and more uniform wear tracks, suggesting a robust bonding between the matrix and reinforcement.
Clinical Outcomes and Management of Post-varicocelectomy on Male Fertility: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Hossain Mohammad Akbar
Published: February 2025

Background

Varicocelectomy is one of the main complications that, if left untreated, results in male infertility. Various approaches have been adopted to manage it, but there is a variation in the consensus.

Purpose

This systematic review aims to summarize the evidence on the various clinical trials and post-varicocelectomy recovery for patients consuming different supplements or regimens.

Materials and Methods

An organized and systematic literature search was conducted in five electronic databases from their inception till 2021. Upon applying the PICOT format and student inclusion criteria, only n = 13 articles fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were selected for this systematic review.

Results

A total of 13 studies were included in this systematic review, and different outcomes were measured in all the studies. Generalizing the outcomes measured, they are classified in semen parameters, including sperm count, sperm motility percentage, sperm with standard morphology percentage, semen volume, sperm density, hormonal profile including testosterone (nanograms/liter), follicle-stimulating hormone (international units/liter), luteinizing hormone (international unit/liter), seminal oxidative stress including total antioxidant capacity (mm Trolox equivalent per liter), and pregnancy outcome.

Conclusion

This systematic review suggests improved sperm count and pregnancy outcomes with pharmacotherapeutic interventions. Oral antioxidants, vitamin C, and vitamin E showed marked improvements in sperm density and reduction in sperm DNA damage. Oral supplements, that is, saffron, were also effective but needed larger, well-conducted randomized clinical trials to validate the findings and estimate the overall impact of these interventions in the post-varicocelectomy period.
Anatomical Study of Nerve Injuries With Minimally Invasive Calcaneus Osteotomies
Authors: Felsberg Maria , Adamik Martha , Schilde Sebastian , Kielstein Heike , Delank Karl-Stefan , Zeh Alexander , Arbab Dariusch , Gutteck Natalia
Published: February 2025

Background:

Calcaneal osteotomy is frequently used in correcting various foot deformities. Minimally invasive procedures such as minimally invasive calcaneus osteotomy (MICO) have become established because of their more favorable risk profile. The literature describes a safe zone for performing the osteotomy to protect the nerve structures. Overall, the existence of a “safe zone” remains controversial. The aim of this anatomical study was to determine the risk of nerve injury in the context of MICO.

Methods:

Twenty fresh frozen specimens were randomized to a V-shaped and oblique MICO groups. Following the skin incision, the osteotomies were performed with a Shannon burr. The nerve structures were then investigated both medially and laterally. After visualization of the osteotomy plane, standardized distance measurements were taken from the plane to the nerve and injuries were detected. Radiographs were then taken of all specimens, and the safe zone on each was measured and outlined.

Results:

The evaluation of the safe zone showed that in 17 of 20 cases the osteotomies we performed were located within the safe zone. We found 10 nerve injuries on 8 of 20 specimens. The medial calcaneal nerve was most vulnerable Overall, we found no significant correlation between the frequency of injured nerves and the type of osteotomy ( P  = .361).

Conclusion:

MICO is a procedure with a low-risk profile. We found that nerve injuries can occur despite compliance with surgical standards and the relative “safe zone” previously described. Other options for protecting the nerve structures and further investigations into the type of osteotomies should be carried out. The clinical relevance of these findings remains to be investigated.
Gearbox fault diagnosis: A DL-based nonparametric filter approach
Authors: Kumar Vikash , Gupta Dipak , Sarangi Somnath
Published: February 2025

Deep Learning (DL) models have become increasingly popular for gearbox fault diagnosis due to their ability to automatically extract features and deliver accurate results with time series data. Typically, these models are applied directly to raw data collected from industrial machines. However, such real-world data often contains significant noise and interference from other components, which can compromise signal quality and reduce the classification accuracy of DL models. This work investigates the effectiveness of signal preprocessing using the Energy Operator (EO) and its variants, non-parametric filters, to enhance the performance of convolutional neural networks (CNNs), a widely used deep learning technique, in fault diagnosis. By improving the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), EO and its variants help the CNN classifier achieve better accuracy compared to when raw, unprocessed data is used. The findings highlight that the higher-order variant, EO123, significantly outperforms other EO variants, as well as the traditional approach of using raw data without preprocessing. This superior performance of EO123 is consistently demonstrated across three benchmark datasets, each representing different gearboxes under various fault conditions. The results highlight that EO123 is the most effective method for improving classification accuracy in DL-based gearbox fault diagnosis, making it the preferred choice over other preprocessing techniques and raw data.
Interaction between an edge dislocation and a partially debonded circular elastic inhomogeneity with the debonded portion occupied by a liquid slit inclusion
Authors: Wang Xu , Schiavone Peter
Published: February 2025

We study the plane strain problem of a circular elastic inhomogeneity partially debonded from an infinite elastic matrix subjected to an edge dislocation at an arbitrary position. The debonded portion of the circular interface is occupied by an incompressible liquid slit inclusion. The original boundary value problem is reduced to a standard Riemann–Hilbert problem with discontinuous coefficients which can be solved analytically. The two unknown constants appearing in the analytical solution are determined by imposing the incompressibility condition of the liquid inclusion. Closed-form expressions for the internal uniform hydrostatic stress field within the liquid slit inclusion, the average mean stress within the circular elastic inhomogeneity, the rigid body rotation at the center of the circular inhomogeneity, and the two complex stress intensity factors at the two tips of the debonded portion induced by the edge dislocation are obtained.
Do they dislike us as much as we think? Positive contact as a potential rectifier of meta-attitude inaccuracy in conflictual intergroup settings
Authors: Guvensoy Ipek , Bagci Sabahat Cigdem , Turner Rhiannon N. , Stathi Sofia
Published: February 2025

Intergroup meta-attitude inaccuracy—the extent to which perceptions of outgroup views towards the ingroup diverge from what outgroup members actually think—fuels intergroup hostility, yet research on its precursors is scarce. Through four correlational studies, we examined whether and how intergroup contact predicts meta-attitude (in)accuracy in three conflict contexts: Black–White British in the United Kingdom (UK), Turks–Kurds in Turkey, and Catholics–Protestants in Northern Ireland. Regardless of context or status, all groups perceived themselves to be evaluated more negatively by the outgroup than they really were. Positive contact predicted increased meta-attitude accuracy (through increased shared reality) which was, in turn, associated with more positive outgroup attitudes. The role of negative contact and affective mediators (such as intergroup anxiety and fear) was not consistent and depended on group and context. The use of positive intergroup contact as a potential rectifier of overestimated negative meta-attitudes in conflict contexts is discussed.
Study on the non-linear vibration and impact characteristics of composite structure of embedded track
Authors: Yang Gang , He Yuanpeng , Han Jian , Wang Xianheng , Chi Maoru
Published: February 2025

The embedded track composite structure, composed of various polymer composites, is a specialized type of vibration- and noise-reducing track whose parameters and composition critically influence the vibration and impact dynamics experienced by trains. However, the complexity of the embedded track’s structural configurations and material properties presents significant challenges for its design, modeling, and analytical processes. To address these challenges, this study first designed the embedded track structure based on stress–strain criteria and subsequently analyzed the influence of individual components on system parameters. A simulation-based predictive model was then constructed and validated through both material and system-level testing, with results verifying the model’s accuracy. The calibrated model was then employed to predict the nonlinear vibration and impact behaviors of the embedded track composite structure. Key findings include: (1) the embedded track structure can be effectively divided into strain and compression strain zones, enhancing the system’s modal damping ratio; (2) preloading has a limited effect on the stiffness of the embedded composite track but shows a positive correlation with the fundamental frequency range of system damping, which can be represented using Rayleigh damping; (3) the high damping characteristics of the embedded track substantially attenuate high-frequency vibrations and wheel-rail impacts, particularly improving long-wavelength effects.
Ethnic fragmentation: An ethnographic study of the Uluan community of South Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: Arifin Zainal , Afrizal Afrizal , Gani Maulid Hariri , Halim Abdul
Published: February 2025

Fragmentation is often understood as a social movement that creates disharmony due to the differentiation and polarization of society. Relatively few articles emphasize that fragmentation occurs because it must be done as stated in cultural values. This article attempts to show the case of the Uluan community in South Sumatra province (Indonesia), where cultural values require the community to divide and separate into new communities. Despite the fragmentation, the pattern of inter-community relations remains harmonious, and in the past even formed inter-ethnic confederations. The case of the Uluan community in South Sumatra confirms that ethnic fragmentation is a common reality and is culturally legitimized as a necessity. Through this article, we will explain what cultural values have developed in the Uluan community of South Sumatra, so that fragmentation is considered a cultural demand, as well as its implications for the pattern of inter-ethnic relations in the Uluan community.
‘I want to go to the bat den. . . are you coming?’ Investigating opportunities for intergenerational participation in Forest School’
Authors: Heslop Kay , Friedman Samantha
Published: February 2025

Internationally, there is a growing interest in both intergenerational practice and outdoor learning opportunities such as those provided in Forest School settings. This participatory action research project, planned by a university researcher and early years educators working together as co-researchers, set out to investigate intergenerational practice in an urban outdoor environment with children aged under 5 years, and older adults. The focus was upon interactions, knowledge exchange and benefits. Data from forest diaries, interviews and observations was analysed thematically, resulting in the development of four main themes relating to different forms of participation and their value for those involved: affective participation, collaborative participation, learning through intergenerational participation and challenging participation. This study contributes to the body of knowledge that highlights the value of intergenerational activity and suggests that opportunities should be sought to involve older adults in the lives of young children within early childhood education, particularly within informal outdoor places such as Forest School.
Synthesis of the vanillin-modified lauryl imidazoline derivative and its corrosion inhibition properties
Authors: Hu Nian , Zhu Junyi , Song Guannan , Song Chenyang , Xiong Jing
Published: February 2025

The objective of the present study was to investigate the corrosion inhibition effect of two novel imidazoline-derived compounds, namely 2-(2-undecyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-1-yl)ethan-1-amine (LI) and (Z)-2-methoxy-5-(((2-(2-undecyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-1-yl)ethyl)imino)methyl) phenol (VLI) in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution. The molecular structures of the two compounds were characterized by 1H-NMR and FT-IR spectroscopy. The corrosion behavior of the two compounds on Q235 carbon steel in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution and the mechanism of action were systematically investigated using electrochemical techniques, surface analysis methods, and quantum chemical calculations. The results showed that the corrosion inhibition efficiencies of LI and VLI reached 92.75% and 90.1%, respectively, with LI as anodic and VLI as mixed corrosion inhibitors. Theoretical calculations confirmed that the two corrosion inhibitors were adsorbed on the metal surface by physicochemical means.VLI demonstrated superior corrosion inhibition performance compared to LI, which was attributed to its higher adsorption sites, effectively enhancing its adsorption capacity.
The Five-Year Impact of State and Community Program Efforts to Increase Opportunities for Healthy Eating and Active Living, 2018 to 2023
Authors: Pejavara Anu , Kahin Sahra , O’Toole Terrence , Petersen Ruth
Published: February 2025

The burden of obesity and other chronic diseases negatively affects the nation’s health, businesses, economy, and military readiness. From 2018 to 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity (DNPAO) awarded funding to 71 recipients to advance evidence-based strategies to increase opportunities for healthy eating, physical activity, breastfeeding, and tobacco-free living. Recipients consisted of states, universities, and communities funded through the following three cooperative agreements: State Physical Activity and Nutrition (SPAN), Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH), and the High Obesity Program (HOP). Recipients tailored efforts to their state or local contexts by using community engagement methods, needs assessments, and coalitions to accomplish their work. DNPAO transparently developed an evaluation approach that was feasible for recipients. DNPAO annually collected and validated recipient self-reported data using a two-way cloud-based platform to increase the visibility around data sharing and to ensure real-time communication. SPAN, REACH, and HOP recipients made considerable impact in funded states and communities. For example, more than 28 million people have increased access to places to be physically active, and more than 9 million people have increased access to places with healthy nutrition standards. Recipients also leveraged additional resources from a source other than the granting organization totaling almost US$400 million during the five-year cooperative agreement period. This article documents the combined five-year impact of three public health programs funded by one CDC Division and illustrates the rigorous methods used to evaluate impact.
In Vitro Investigation of Microcatheter Behavior During Microsphere Injection in Transarterial Radioembolization
Authors: Snoeijink Tess Josien , van der Hoek Jan Lucas , Mirgolbabaee Hadi , Vlogman Tristan Gerard , Roosen Joey , Nijsen Johannes Frank Wilhelmus , Groot Jebbink Erik
Published: February 2025

Purpose:

To experimentally investigate the behavior of a clinically used microcatheter during transarterial radioembolization (TARE) microsphere injection in a successively bifurcating in vitro model.

Materials and Methods:

A symmetrical phantom was developed which bifurcated 3 times into 8 outlets. A blood-mimicking fluid was pumped through the phantom using a physiological representative waveform. Holmium-165 microspheres were injected in a pulsed manner at 3 different locations using a standard microcatheter and a rigid counterpart with same dimensions as a control. Motion of the catheter was studied with a top- and side-view camera on the phantom. Microspheres were collected at each outlet and their distribution over the 8 outlets was analyzed.

Results:

Due to the pulsatile flow in the phantom, strengthened by the pulsatile microsphere injection, the clinical catheter showed maximum displacements of 0.87 mm within a vessel with a diameter of 3.6 mm. This motion resulted in a different microsphere distribution for the clinical catheter compared with the rigid counterpart (75.9% vs 49.4% of the microspheres went to outlet 1–4, respectively).

Conclusion:

In this in vitro model, the motion of the clinical catheter affected distribution of microspheres. Since the pulsatile administration of microspheres resulted in increased motion of the clinical catheter, standardizing microsphere administration could be beneficial to reduce interprocedural differences in TARE.

Clinical Impact

Our study demonstrated that microsphere distribution during transarterial radioembolization (TARE) is affected by catheter motion. Furthermore, increased catheter motion was observed as a result of the injection profile. Predictive tools such as the contrast CBCT and scout dose use different injection profiles compared to therapeutic TARE injections, potentially altering catheter tip behaviour and microsphere distribution, which could compromise their predictive values. Additionally, current TARE microsphere injection guidelines provide limited details, which may lead to variability across institutes and interventional radiologists. Standardizing injection techniques could reduce catheter motion variability and may facilitate more consistent and predictable microsphere distribution patterns.
Damage behavior of 3D orthogonal C/C composites considering interface pores
Authors: Zhang Yiming , Chu Yuji , Yu Mingming , Zhang Guangxi , Fang Lin , Xie Wang , Ren Musu , Sun Jinliang
Published: February 2025

The interface and porosity play important roles in determining the damage of C/C composites (C/Cs). This study presents a novel finite element model that incorporates cohesive elements with porosity. Based on this model, numerical analyses were conducted to investigate the axial compressive damage of C/C composites with orthogonal woven structure (3DOW) and fine weave pieced (3DFWP) structures, both of which are 3D woven structures. The results indicate that damage initially occurs at the interface, and axial fiber damage is the decisive factor in material failure. The pores at the interface have little effect on the failure of C/Cs. Eliminating the pores within the fibers significantly improves the compression performance of the material, and the strengths of the two structural models increase by 28% and 6%.
Occupational Impact of COVID-19 Social Isolation on Brazilian Mothers: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Santos Lima Lisandra Emy Taketa dos , Rodrigues Wellington Francisco , Freire Oliveira Carlo José , Kososki Edinara , Silva e Dutra Fabiana Caetano Martins , Cavalcanti Alessandra , Cardoso Ana Amélia
Published: February 2025

The COVID-19 pandemic lockdown impacted the occupational performance of all mothers. For those who were mothers of diversely developing children, it was even more difficult. To measure how the lockdown affected mothers in Brazil, comparing those with typically developing children (MTD) to those with children with disabilities or developmental disorders (MDD). This is a cross-sectional, exploratory, quantitative research realized using an online questionnaire; data were collected on sociodemographics and changes in occupational performance during lockdown. In total, 1,070 mothers of children aged 3 to 12 years (76.5% MTD, 23.5% MDD) reported diminished performance, especially in activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living. The decline was more significant in the MDD group. The lockdown negatively impacted the occupational performance of all mothers, with a greater effect on MDD, suggesting possibilities for interventions in occupational therapy to reduce maternal overload in similar situations.
Recurrent isolated sixth cranial nerve palsy as a manifestation of preeclampsia
Authors: Negreanu Daniel , Legault Catherine , El-Messidi Amira , Malhamé Isabelle
Published: February 2025

Background

Isolated sixth nerve palsy is a rare neurologic manifestation of preeclampsia suggesting severity. The purpose of this article is to describe a case of recurrent sixth cranial nerve palsy in the setting of preeclampsia and to highlight its clinical significance, management considerations, and prognosis.

Case

A 28-year-old woman presented with recurrent left sixth nerve palsy in the setting of preeclampsia at 36 weeks’ gestation. No alternative diagnosis was found in laboratory investigations and cerebral imaging. Symptoms resolved spontaneously within 5 days of delivery.

Conclusion

A case of recurrent isolated sixth cranial nerve palsy as a manifestation of preeclampsia is described. This rare finding must be recognized by those caring for pregnant individuals.
How Do Silent Trolls Become Overt Trolls? Fear of Punishment and Online Disinhibition Moderate the Trolling Path
Authors: Montez Daniel , Kim Dam Hee
Published: February 2025

Digital media allow users the ability to engage in and be exposed to trolling. Although many people may enjoy the occasional opportunity to witness others being trolled, a relative minority directly troll others, those whom we can label overt trolls. Nevertheless, features afforded on social media and online communities (e.g., likes, upvotes) make it accessible for people to positively react to and support trolling, becoming supportive trolls, a potential steppingstone into overt trolling. In the theoretical contexts of social cognitive theory and the bystander effect, we advance a model in which enjoyment of observing trolling prompts supportive trolling, which could then lead to overt trolling. Analyses of data from an online survey conducted in the United States ( N = 604) show the positive link between enjoyment of observing trolling and supportive trolling is stronger among individuals with higher fear of punishment, while the subsequent link between supportive and overt trolling is stronger among those with higher online disinhibition. Our findings hold implications in understanding the effects of trolling on social media audiences and how trolling can be performed in nuanced ways.
Unlocking Carbon Reduction Potential of Digital Trade: Evidence from China’s Comprehensive Cross-border E-Commerce Pilot Zones
Authors: Gao Da , Tan Linfang , Chen Yue
Published: February 2025

As an important driving force for economic growth, digital trade provides opportunities for urban green development. Using city-level data in China from 2005 to 2020, we take the cross-border e-commerce comprehensive pilot zone (CBEC) as a policy shock to construct a spatial difference-in-difference (SDID) model, which is adapted to quantitatively examine the carbon reduction effects and impact mechanisms of CBEC policy. The results confirm that the implementation of CBEC policy significantly reduces the carbon emissions (CE) of pilot cities about 4.5%, mainly due to resource allocation efficiency promotion, industrial structure upgrading, and green technology boosting. Meanwhile, there is a significant spatial spillover effect, resulting in a 3.9% CE decrease in the neighboring cities. In addition, the CBEC policy has a more significant CE reduction effect in resource-based and high-degree information cities. Our results provide evidence for the economic effect of digital trade and accelerate green development in cities.
From Learning Science to Computer Science: A Scientometric Review of Deeper Learning in Foreign Languages (1993–2024)
Authors: Wanli Zhao , Youjun Tang , Xiaomei Ma
Published: February 2025

Deeper learning (DL) is firmly rooted in learning science and computer science. However, a dearth of review studies has probed its trajectory in DL in foreign languages(DLFL). Utilizing SSCI from the Web of Science Core Collection, we employ Citespace and Vosviewer to analyze the scientific knowledge graph of DLFL literature. Our analysis elucidates its geographical spread over time, highlights critical areas for further research, and identifies current trends in its evolution. The results show that DLFL research advances with the United States, China, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Australia ranking in the top five in terms of the number of articles published; the research hotspots focus on factors influencing DLFL, learners’ cognitive processes through language acquisition and information technology intervention in DLFL. The field of DLFL pertains to learning science, which is dedicated to enhancing learners’ performance, while computer science emphasizes utilizing advanced educational technologies as intervention tools. From learning science to computer science, both fields have followed distinct paths in their respective developments with a trend of integration, and the latter provided the former with a continuous supply of technology-mediated educational tools, including the future uses of computational thinking and ChatGPTs. As for future research directions, the development trajectory of DLFL will focus on natural language processing, cognitive neuroscience, and artificial intelligence. The findings will offer insights for future research on DLFL by enhancing the informational and computational literacy of both instructors and learners, empowering them to navigate and leverage the transformative potential of DLFL.
Rising Into Relevance: A Rare Case of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Pyelonephritis in an Immunosuppressed Patient With Exposure to Sourdough Starter
Authors: Mingo Alissa , Stone Drew , Schreiner Andrew D. , Lueking Richard
Published: February 2025

Saccharomyces cerevisiae, commonly known as Baker’s yeast, has been used in breadmaking, winemaking, and beer brewing for centuries. Although not generally regarded as pathogenic, rare cases of invasive infections have occurred in patients predisposed by critical illness, immunosuppression, or prolonged antibiotic use. Using data collected from the electronic medical record and personal interactions with the patient, we present a case of complicated S cerevisiae urinary tract infection (UTI). We searched terms (and permutations of terms) including Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Baker’s or Brewer’s yeast, and urinary tract infection using PubMed to identify previously published evidence of invasive S cerevisiae infections. Our patient is a 30-year-old woman with a history of rheumatoid arthritis on methotrexate, and previous admission for Candida glabrata UTI requiring intravenous antifungal therapies, who presented to her gynecologist with complaints of vaginitis and flank pain. Vaginal and urine cultures grew S cerevisiae, and the patient was diagnosed with pyelonephritis and admitted for treatment. A further review of the patient’s history revealed daily exposure to S cerevisiae through baking sourdough bread. She was treated with 7 days of IV amphotericin deoxycholate and discharged on a 6-month course of suppressive oteseconazole for vulvovaginitis suppression. Saccharomyces cerevisiae is an exceedingly rare cause of invasive fungal UTI, with our literature review identifying only a few case reports of associated UTI and fungemia, all related to probiotic use. Our case emphasizes the importance of careful history taking and early diagnostic cultures in those at risk of invasive fungal infections.
Who Said That? The Effect of Hearing Ability on Following Sequential Utterances From Varying Talkers in Noise
Authors: Whitley Alexina , Beechey Timothy , Hadley Lauren V.
Published: February 2025

Many of our conversations occur in nonideal situations, from the hum of a car to the babble of a cocktail party. Additionally, in conversation, listeners are often required to switch their attention between multiple talkers, which places demands on both auditory and cognitive processes. Speech understanding in such situations appears to be particularly demanding for older adults with hearing impairment. This study examined the effects of age and hearing ability on performance in an online speech recall task. Two target sentences, spoken by the same talker or different talkers, were presented one after the other, analogous to a conversational turn switch. The first target sentence was presented in quiet, and the second target sentence was presented alongside either a noise masker (steady-state speech-shaped noise) or a speech masker (another nontarget sentence). Relative to when the target talker remained the same between sentences, listeners were less accurate at recalling information in the second target sentence when the target talker changed, particularly when the target talker for sentence one became the masker for sentence two. Listeners with poorer speech-in-noise reception thresholds were less accurate in both noise- and speech-masked trials and made more masker confusions in speech-masked trials. Furthermore, an interaction revealed that listeners with poorer speech reception thresholds had particular difficulty when the target talker remained the same. Our study replicates previous research regarding the costs of switching nonspatial attention, extending these findings to older adults with a range of hearing abilities.
Social Adaptation and Resilience of Children in Care Institutions: A Systematic Review of Effective Strategies and Practices
Authors: Hajam Irfan Ahmad , Jan Shabnum
Published: February 2025

This systematic review aims to explore the effective strategies and practices that can foster social adaptation and resilience in children residing in care institutions. The review analyses three main aspects of the care institutions: Enrichment activities, programmes and practices and care-giving relationship. The findings suggest that enrichment activities can enhance the children’s social and emotional competence, socialisation and identity formation, life skills and purpose, teamwork and communication, and cultural relevance and expression. The programmes and practices can facilitate the children’s rites of passage and mental strength, socio-emotional behaviour and resilience, life skills and adjustment, participatory socialisation and inclusion, and educational space and family values. The care-giving relationship can influence the caregivers’ mental health and wellbeing, and their training and education. The evaluation comes to the conclusion that care facilities can be quite helpful in helping institutionalised children develop social skills and resilience. It also offers suggestions for further study and clinical applications.
How I Teach It: Endoluminal Techniques for Submucosal Tumors of the Esophagus and Gastroesophageal Junction
Authors: Mahmood Syed Kashif , Morse Eli
Published: February 2025

Submucosal tumors (SMTs) are often discovered incidentally during endoscopy as protrusions in the gastrointestinal wall, typically with intact overlying mucosa. While most SMTs arising from the esophagus are benign, some carry a risk of malignant transformation, warranting removal. Endoscopic resection provides a minimally invasive option that preserves esophageal structure and function. This review outlines endoluminal techniques for the resection of SMTs located in the esophagus and gastroesophageal junction. These techniques include Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR), Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD), and Endoscopic Full-Thickness Resection (EFTR) [including Submucosal Tunneling Endoscopic Resection (STER)]. The review highlights key technical details to improve the endoscopist’s skill and precision in these procedures.
Machine learning method for damage classification based on acoustic emission waveform analysis in composite lap bar
Authors: Liu Ran , Qiao Shuai , Ye Chao , Liang Yu-jiao , Zhang Peng-fei , Zhou Wei , Li Qing
Published: February 2025

Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP), known for their high strength, low density, and excellent corrosion resistance, are widely used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and wind energy. In recent years, with the growing demand for lightweight solutions in the amusement ride industry, CFRP has gradually been used in non-primary load-bearing components. The lap bar, as a critical component used to secure passengers, has become a primary focus for lightweight design. This paper presents a preliminary study on failure analysis of a composite lap bar using acoustic emission (AE) and machine learning. The main purpose is to analyze the suitability of the prepared composite lap bar in a operational conditions using a classification model. The main challenge, however, is to be able to extract valid descriptors of the damage mechanism from the acquired AE signals. The damage modes of the basic units of the composite lap bar were first characterized individually and information of Hilbert marginal energy spectrum (HMES) about the AE signal associated with each damage mechanism was collected. These spectral features and parameters were then correlated and that is used as a dataset to train the model based on k-nearest neighbor (KNN) algorithm. The model achieved an accuracy of 92% through cross-validation. Then a destructive test was conducted on the composite lap bar, and the failure process was monitored using the AE technique. The acquired AE signals were identified by the classification model. This analysis provides information on the damage process of composite lap bar at different loading stages, with matrix cracking being the more common damage mechanisms. Additionally, the microanalysis of the fracture surface also verified the effectiveness of the classification model. Meanwhile, supervised machine learning shows its potential in handling multi-dimensional data.
CPEB3 can regulate seizure susceptibility by inhibiting the transcriptional activity of STAT3 on NMDARs expression
Authors: You Zhipeng , Huang Cong , Wei Fan , Li Jiran , Liu Yang , Liu Xingan , Fan Zhijie , Gao Xiaoying , Sun Jiahang
Published: February 2025

Background

The pathogenesis of epilepsy is complex, and current antiepileptic drugs do not effectively control the seizures. Cytoplasmic polyadenylation element-binding protein 3 (CPEB3) regulates neuronal excitability, but its mechanism of action in epilepsy is not clear. In this paper, we investigated the effect of CPEB3 on seizures and elucidated its underlying molecular mechanism.

Methods

Bioinformatics-based search for genes closely associated with epilepsy. Changes in expression and cellular localization of CPEB3 in epilepsy were verified by western blotting (WB) and Immunofluorescence staining. Subsequently, The adeno-associated virus was employed to overexpress or knockdown in mice. Behavioral experiments verified the effect of CPEB3 on epileptic phenotype, and the molecular mechanism of CPEB3 affecting epileptic phenotype was explored by WB, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), and chromatin immunoprecipitation (CHIP).

Results

The results were that CPEB3 was downregulated epilepsy in model mice and patients with temporal lobe epilepsy and co-expressed with neurons. Behavioral experiments have shown that CPEB3 negatively regulates epilepsy phenotype in mice. In addition, exogenous CPEB3 can also bind to the mRNA of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and inhibit its translation, resulting in lower levels of STAT3 and p-STAT3, reduced nuclear translocation of STAT3, and decreased STAT3-mediated transcriptional activity of GluN1, GluN2A, and GluN2B, suppressing the expression of NMDAR subunits, which attenuate the seizure degree and susceptibility of epileptic mice.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that CPEB3 may influence excitability and susceptibility in epileptic mice by regulating STAT3 translation and transcriptional activities to promote NMDARs expression. This mechanism could offer insights into novel therapeutic targets for epilepsy.
Regulating chemoresistance and cancer stemness: the CDH17-YAP pathway in distinct cellular states of lung cancer CTC clusters
Authors: Que Zujun , Qi Dan , Yang Yun , Yao Wang , Liu Jiajun , Li Yan , Yu Yuanyuan , Wang Luyao , Li Fangfei , Zhang Ge , Wu Erxi , Tian Jianhui
Published: February 2025

Background

Drug resistance in metastatic lung cancer significantly contributes to patient mortality. This study explores the role of circulating tumor cells (CTCs), the precursors to metastasis, in driving this resistance. We aim to delineate the unique biological traits of CTC clusters in lung cancer and elucidate the mechanisms underlying their resistance to chemotherapy.

Methods

We used an ultralow adsorption plate to establish a CTC suspension culture system. Comparisons between adherent and suspension cultures of CTC-TJH-01 cells were made via Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), western blot, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry assays to evaluate cell proliferation, drug resistance, and cancer stemness. The tumorigenicity, tumor growth rate, and drug resistance of the CTC clusters were assessed in nude mice. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses were subsequently conducted to identify differentially expressed genes and proteins in CTC-TJH-01 cells cultured under adherent and suspension conditions. CDH17 gene knockdown in CTC-TJH-01 cells was achieved through RNA interference, and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence assays were used to examine the pathological status of these cells.

Results

CTC-TJH-01 cells in suspension formed cell clusters and exhibited decreased proliferation, tumorigenicity, and tumor growth, but increased cancer stemness and drug resistance. CDH17 protein expression was significantly upregulated in these clusters, activating the YAP/TAZ pathway. Knocking down CDH17 not only inactivated this pathway but also significantly increased cell proliferation activity and cisplatin sensitivity in CTC-TJH-01 clusters. Additionally, the tumor growth rate was correlated with cisplatin sensitivity. CDH17 knockdown notably promoted the growth of CTC-TJH-01 xenografts and enhanced their sensitivity to cisplatin, although no significant difference was observed compared with those in the control group.

Conclusions

The results indicate that lung CTC clusters with stem cell-like properties exhibit chemoresistance, which is linked to an activated CDH17-YAP pathway. Additionally, the effectiveness of cisplatin is primarily observed in tumors with relatively high growth rates, highlighting the connection between tumor growth and sensitivity to chemotherapy.

Graphical abstract
Postnatal surgical complications in lower urinary tract obstruction following fetal vesico- amniotic shunting
Authors: Meßling Anna , Ziegler Anna-Maria , Hubertus Jochen , Berg Christoph , Nissen Matthias , Heydweiller Andreas , Weber Eva
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Fetal lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO) is a rare congenital disease associated with high morbidity and mortality due to pulmonary hypoplasia and renal insufficiency. Fetal management includes early vesicoamniotic shunting (VAS), a technique that has evolved in recent years to preserve kidney function. Previous publications have focused on intrauterine shunt complications, such as dislocation and preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). In our study we aimed to assess postnatal shunt related complications that became obvious after birth.

Materials and Methods

We describe our preliminary experience with 25 fetuses who underwent VAS with a Somatex® shunt as well as postnatal shunt removal at two experienced centers for fetal medicine. The intrauterine course, underlying pathology, postnatal outcome and details on shunt explantation and related complications were assessed. The data were retrospectively analysed in relation to the intrauterine course, underlying pathology, further malformations, and perioperative characteristics with a focus on the complication spectrum and type of intervention.

Results

Twenty-five fetuses underwent VAS at a median of 17 weeks. Two newborns were excluded because they died within the first 24 hours of life secondary to fulminant lung hypoplasia. In ten (43%) newborns, shunt removal was performed under local anaesthesia. In 13 (57%) neonates, the shunt was explanted surgically, and five (22%) of these operations were defined as complex.

Conclusion

Intrauterine VAS with a Somatex® shunt is feasible, and in the majority of cases, shunt explantation can be easily performed after birth. However, the umbrellas may cause intraabdominal tissue damage, peritoneal adhesions or skin defects, and early surgical management of VAS associated complications might be necessary.
Enteritis in raccoons (Procyon lotor) caused by an infection with zoonotic Salmonella and carnivore parvovirus
Authors: Pütsch Kristin , Spitzbarth Ingo , Scheller Regina , Heenemann Kristin , Hansmann Florian
Published: February 2025

Background

The raccoon (Procyon lotor) is a potential carrier of a large number of zoonotic pathogens, and its population is increasing in urban areas in Europe. In the present study, we investigated two cases of fatal enteritis in raccoons in Germany. Parvoviruses are a common cause of enteritis in raccoons, however in these cases an additional infection with zoonotic Salmonella was found, which has not yet been described in other countries than the United States.

Case presentation

Two female raccoons, aged 14 and 18 weeks, were submitted for necropsy. Histopathology of the small intestine revealed crypt degeneration and necrosis, atrophy and fusion of villi, as well as numerous bacteria partially covered by fibrinous pseudomembranes. By microbiological culture of small intestinal samples Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica Serovar Kottbus and Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica Serovar Ferruch were isolated, respectively. In addition, carnivore
protoparvovirus type 1 was identified in the small intestine of both animals.

Conclusions

The infection of raccoons with carnivore protoparvovirus type 1 results in immunosuppression, which facilitates the spread of other pathogens. Both isolated Salmonella serovars represent a significant zoonotic threat for humans being in contact with the raccoon. Furthermore, in raccoons with sudden death a double infection with carnivore protoparvovirus type 1 and Salmonella should be considered as an important differential diagnosis.