bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Landmark Series: Extent of Surgery for Low-Risk Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Ullmann Timothy M. , Sosa Julie A.
Published: February 2025

The management of patients with differentiated thyroid cancers (DTCs) at low risk for disease progression or relapse after treatment remains controversial. These patients have excellent disease-specific survival. Therefore, minimizing the impact of treatments on patients’ quality of life is particularly important. For these reasons, the pendulum has swung in recent years to favor less extensive surgery toward lobectomy instead of total thyroidectomy, away from prophylactic (central compartment) lymphadenectomy, and even in some cases, omitting surgery altogether. This review discusses several of the influential studies from the past two decades that have had an impact on the management for these patients, including a shift toward more personalized care.
Case Report: Synchronous primary location of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) and adenocarcinoma of the colon: an unusual occurrence
Authors: Sghaier Asma , El Ghali Amine , Fradi Khalil , Chiba Dorra , Hamila Fehmi , Youssef Sabri
Published: February 2025

Background: We have little knowledge about the synchronous occurrence of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) and other types of histologic tumors. This association is very rare. Case presentation: We describe a case of synchronous stromal tumor and adenocarcinoma of the left side colonic localization. Immunohistochemistry identified c-Kit expression. The discovery of colonic adenocarcinoma was on operative specimen after histologic examination. The patient underwent left carcinologic colectomy with stoma. Follow-up at one year postoperatively did not detect tumor recurrence. Discussion: Clinical implications of the association between these two neoplasms are not clearly described. Treatment depends on the dominance of one histologic type. Knowledge of the genetic data of this association offers opportunity of treatment with the new targeted-therapy molecules. Surgical resection, may remain the curative treatment. Conclusions: Synchronous adenocarcinoma and GIST has been more commonly described in the stomach.  The pathogeneses of tumorigenesis may not be the same for the two tumors. More studies seem be necessary to clarify a potential role of different genes in the development of adenocarcinomas. And therefore, above all their therapeutic implications
Buying Cheap: Brand Switching During Economic Distress and Its Disparate Impact on Consumers
Authors: Dutta Shantanu , Singhvi Divya , Singhvi Somya
Published: February 2025

Problem definition: Improving the surplus of low-income consumers during economic distress is of primary concern for many governments. This paper uses an economic model to investigate consumers’ brand switching during economic distress and highlights its disparate impact on low-income consumers. Our modeling framework also captures how retailers and national-brand manufacturers strategically adjust the market prices in response to brand switching and shelf space constraints. To generate prescriptive insights, we also analyze the effectiveness of commonly observed government interventions that fall into two major categories: (i) consumer-focused (e.g., cash subsidy) and (ii) retailer-focused (e.g., price control). Methodology/results: Our analysis indicates that market access for low-income consumers can decline significantly because of the brand switching behavior. Furthermore, not all government interventions are equally effective in increasing the welfare of low-income consumers. In fact, retailer-focused schemes such as price control (PC) can backfire and decrease access for low-income consumers. Although cash subsidy (CS) can increase the surplus of low-income consumers, it is always at the expense of high-income consumers. Managerial implications: We study an important but understudied challenge that highlights how strategic behavior by retailers can exacerbate affordability and accessibility concerns during economic distress. Model calibration using NielsenIQ Homescan Panel data shows that our model captures the data well and generates practical insights for policymakers. These results suggest that the success of government interventions depends critically on whether they account for the strategic behavior of different stakeholders in the supply chain.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2022.0380 .
Are the Heteromyidae paraphyletic? Molecular phylogenetics of extant geomyoid rodents
Authors: Lessa Enrique , Parada Andrés
Published: February 2025

The superfamily Geomyoidea includes the Geomyidae (pocket gophers: 7 genera, 42 species) and Heteromyidae (pocket mice, kangaroo mice, and kangaroo rats: 5 genera, 69 species). Analyses of both morphological and molecular data have confirmed the monophyly of the superfamily relative to other rodents but have cast doubts on the reciprocal monophyly of Geomyidae and Heteromyidae. The latter are recovered as paraphyletic in some, but not all molecular phylogenies, with low to moderate support for critical nodes. To test alternative hypotheses of geomyoid phylogenetic relationships, we searched NCBI databases and assembled four datasets: a) the 13 protein-coding mitochondrial DNA genes (7 genera, 13 species); b) the mitochondrial 12s, 16s, and COX1 loci (7 genera, 43 species); and two datasets of ultraconserved elements (UCEs; 6 genera, 9 species): c) one with 3,991 loci, allowing for up to 2 unrepresented taxa per locus, and d) another one reduced to 1,750 UCEs (with no missing data). In all cases, beavers were included as outgroups. Maximum likelihood analysis of both mitochondrial datasets were equivocal regarding heteromyid paraphyly, as support for the critical nodes was very low. In contrast, the trees obtained from UCE loci with both Maximum Likelihood and a multi-species coalescent method (wASTRAL) indicated that pocket gophers were sister to pocket mice (100 % bootstrap, local Posterior Probability of 1), to the exclusion of kangaroo rats, which formed a second, strongly supported clade (100 % bootstrap, local Posterior Probability of 1; Figure 3). These preliminary findings are consistent with the hypothesis that Heteromyidae are paraphyletic relative to Geomyidae. The inclusion of additional taxa (e. g., kangaroo mice) in the analyses is required to confirm these results.
Chromosome evolution and speciation: Revisiting Bush et al. (1977)
Authors: Moritz Craig , Potter Sally
Published: February 2025

Whether and how chromosome change can drive speciation has long attracted the interest of evolutionary biologists.  In a seminal paper, Bush et al. (1977) demonstrated wide variation in rates of macroscopic chromosome change across vertebrates and a positive correlation with rates of speciation at genus-level, and then considered possible causal processes.  We revisit the key findings of this paper, highlighting how rapidly advancing knowledge of genome organisation and function shed new light on this long standing question.  The central findings of Bush et al. (1977) have endured.  There is now great opportunity to apply new genome technologies to understand the interaction of genome change and function in the classic systems of chromosomal speciation discovered through classical cytogenetics.
Survey on Risks Cyber Security in Edge Computing for The Internet of Things Understanding Cyber Attacks Threats and Mitigation
Authors: Hadiningrum Tiara Rahmania , Talasari Resky Ayu Dewi , Ilham Karina Fitriwulandari , Ijtihadie Royyana Muslim
Published: February 2025

Dalam era pesatnya perkembangan teknologi, penggunaan IoT terus meningkat, terutama dalam konteks edge computing. Makalah survei ini secara teliti menjelajahi tantangan keamanan yang muncul dalam implementasi IoT pada edge computing. Fokus utama penelitian ini adalah potensi serangan dan ancaman siber yang dapat mempengaruhi keamanan sistem. Melalui metode survei literatur, makalah ini mengidentifikasi risiko keamanan siber yang mungkin timbul dalam lingkungan IoT di edge computing. Pendekatan metodologi penelitian digunakan untuk mengklasifikasikan serangan berdasarkan dampaknya pada infrastruktur, layanan, dan komunikasi. Keempat dimensi klasifikasi, yaitu Network Bandwidth Consumption Attacks, System Resources Consumption Attacks, Threats to Service Availability, dan Threats to Communication, memberikan dasar untuk memahami dan mengatasi risiko keamanan. Makalah ini diharapkan memberikan landasan pemahaman yang kokoh tentang keamanan pada IoT dalam edge computing, serta kontribusi untuk pengembangan strategi keamanan yang efektif. Dengan fokus pada pemahaman mendalam tentang risiko keamanan, makalah ini mendorong pengembangan solusi keamanan yang adaptif di masa depan untuk mengatasi tantangan keamanan yang berkembang seiring dengan pesatnya adopsi teknologi IoT di edge computing.
Evaluating Object Collection In Emergency Simulations Using Virtual And Augmented Reality
Authors: Suriawan Matthew Vieri , Fabroyir Hadziq , Herumurti Darlis
Published: February 2025

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are two technologies that have received significant attention in recent years. While both hold immense potential, they offer distinct ways for users to interact with digital content and their physical surroundings. This research aims to evaluate the interaction between users and a collection of objects in both VR and AR settings. To achieve this, a user study was conducted with 24 participant using Meta Quest 3 headset to run simulation in both environments. The study focused on tasks related to object collection and emergency management while utilizing combination of objective and subjective metrics to evaluate user interactions in both VR and AR environments. Despite the relatively close scores for both result, research shows that participants prefer AR for emergency simulations over VR. Even considering participants' first-time use of the applications, AR remains more popular, supported by lower symptom rates reported in the sickness than VR. Additionally, participants tended to focus more on collecting small objects, though VR users often forgot these items, while medium-sized objects were more frequently overlooked in AR. Although VR users experienced more human errors related to collisions with real objects, the overall impact on immersion during simulations was not significant enough to favor one technology over the other. Based on this result, it can be said that while VR is better for showing immersion, it is generally better for a first-time user to engage in AR first since it will give less incidence of virtual sickness.
Evaluation of Synthetic Data Effectiveness using Generative Adversarial Networks (GAN) in Improving Javanese Script Recognition on Ancient Manuscript
Authors: Faizin Muhammad 'Arif , Suciati Nanik , Fatichah Chastine
Published: February 2025

The imbalance of Javanese script data in ancient manuscript recognition poses a challenge due to the limited availability of data. A potential approach to addressing this issue is the use of Generative Adversarial Networks (GAN). This study evaluates the effectiveness of synthetic data generated using Enhanced Balancing GAN (EBGAN) in mitigating data imbalance. Various evaluation scenarios are conducted, including: (i) assessing the impact of syn-thetic data as augmentation, (ii) evaluating the sufficiency of synthetic data for recognition models, (iii) analyzing minority class oversampling with different selection strategies, and (iv) evaluating model generalization through cross-validation. Quantitative analysis of the generated synthetic data, based on Fréchet Inception Distance (FID) and Structural Similarity Index (SSIM), as well as visual assessment, indicates that the quality of synthetic data closely resembles real data. Additionally, experimental results demonstrate that combining real and synthetic data improves accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score. The oversampling strategy for synthetic data has proven effective in meeting the data sufficiency requirements for training recognition models. Meanwhile, selecting minority classes and determining threshold values based on percentage, distribution, and model performance in oversampling can serve as guidelines for enhancing script recognition performance. Compared to previous methods, the use of EBGAN has been shown to produce more diverse synthetic data with better visual quality. However, further research is still needed to optimize GAN performance in supporting script recognition.
Pelatihan Pembuatan Media Pembelajaran Interaktif untuk Guru Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini Dengan Canva
Authors: Sarwosri Sarwosri , Rochimah Siti , Yuhana Umi Laili , Oranova Daniel , Akbar Rizky Januar , Nuralamsyah Bintang
Published: February 2025

Pada era modern kini, teknologi menjadi salah satu peran penting dalam kehidupan sehari-hari. Penguasaan teknologi menjadi kemampuan yang harus dimiliki berbagai lapisan masyarakat, tak terkecuali dalam bidang pendidikan. Semua tingkat pendidikan terdampak arus perkembangan teknologi, bahkan mencapai tingkat pendidikan anak usia dini. Melihat urgensi ini, penting bagi guru PAUD untuk memanfaatkan teknologi dalam kegiatan belajar mengajar. Salah satu pemanfaatan teknologi adalah dengan pembuatan media pembelajaran yang interaktif menggunakan Canva. Dengan memiliki kemampuan ini, diharapkan kualitas kegiatan belajar mengajar akan meningkat, mengingat metode belajar yang interaktif dan menarik menjadi salah satu kunci kesuksesan dari proses belajar anak pada usia dini. Laboratorium Rekayasa Perangkat Lunak mengadakan Pelatihan Pembuatan Media Pembelajaran Interaktif untuk Guru Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini. Jumlah peserta yang mengikuti pelatihan adalah 19 orang. Pelatihan dilakukan secara luring bertempat di Laboratorium Algoritma dan Pemrograman 2, Departemen Teknik Informatika ITS. Materi pelatihan yang diberikan meliputi pengenalan desain grafis dan canva, pembuatan kolase foto, pembuatan poster acara, dan pembuatan jadwal piket kelas. Pengabdian ini berhasil dilakukan dan dapat menjadi bentuk kontribusi ITS terhadap perkembangan pendidikan di Indonesia.
Penggunaan Media Peraga Berbasis Energi Terbarukan Guna Menunjang Model Pembelajaran Student-Centered Learning di SDN Ajung 01 Kalisat
Authors: Fadhilah Nur , Risanti Doty Dewi , Wahyuono Ruri Agung , Sawitri Dyah , Mawarani Lizda Johar , Muharja Maktum
Published: February 2025

Pengembangan media pembelajaran berbasis energi terbarukan dilakukan untuk mendukung implementasi Kurikulum Merdeka yang berfokus pada pembelajaran berbasis siswa (student-centered learning) dan pendekatan eksperimen. Media ini mencakup alat peraga yang memanfaatkan energi surya, angin, dan air, serta dilengkapi modul pembelajaran dan Lembar Kerja Siswa (LKS). Berdasarkan observasi di SDN Ajung 01 Kalisat Kabupaten Jember, keterbatasan media pembelajaran menjadi hambatan dalam penerapan Kurikulum Merdeka. Proses pembelajaran energi terbarukan cenderung bersifat teoretis tanpa visualisasi yang memadai. Untuk mengatasi hal ini, media pembelajaran yang dikembangkan tidak hanya mendemonstrasikan prinsip kerja energi terbarukan, tetapi juga memungkinkan siswa melakukan eksplorasi dan praktik langsung. Monitoring program selama empat bulan menunjukkan hasil yang positif. Siswa mengalami peningkatan pemahaman signifikan, sebagaimana terlihat dari hasil pretest dan posttest. Analisis berdasarkan Taksonomi Bloom menunjukkan capaian yang baik pada aspek kognitif, psikomotor, dan afektif. Selain itu, guru memberikan respon yang sangat baik terhadap media ini karena relevansinya dalam mendukung pembelajaran aktif dan inovatif.
Managing heart failure at home: a remote monitoring pilot project in a community heart failure service
Authors: Hyland Rebecca , Bailey Lisa , Owen Eloise
Published: February 2025

Background/Aims

The service described in this study took part in NHS England's ‘managing heart failure @home’ initiative, with a pilot project that implemented remote monitoring for patients with heart failure. The project aimed to improve quality of life, promote self-management and facilitate recognition of deteriorating symptoms. This study described and evaluated the 6-month pilot project.

Methods

A total of 44 patients attending the heart failure service were recruited into the project and provided with the required technology for remote monitoring. Data were collected at baseline, 3 months and 6 months regarding patients' New York Heart Association classifications and clinic capacity. Quality of life was assessed using the EQ-5D and Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire. Patient confidence in self-managing their condition was assessed using the Person-Centered Coordinated Care Experience Questionnaire. Data regarding the distance between local services and patients' homes and number of in-person visits avoided were used to estimate the environmental impact.

Results

Improvements in overall quality of life, New York Heart Association classifications and patient confidence in self-management were observed across the sample. Daily clinic capacity increased by 45% and an estimated 3808 miles of patient travel were prevented. A case study illustrated the utility of remote monitoring for patients who live far away from services.

Conclusions

The remote monitoring project had several benefits for patients and the service. Challenges and considerations for other trusts that may wish to implement remote monitoring for patients with heart failure are discussed.
Highlighting the latest research: February 2025
Authors: Spencer Charles
Published: February 2025

Charles Spencer summarises three recent research trials, exploring the use of beta blockers following myocardial infarction and the potential benefits of mechanical circulatory support devices and bioadaptors. The implications for cardiac nursing practice are discussed and a full reference is provided for those who wish to look at this research in further detail.
Making a difference in pressure injury prevalence: the community nurse's guide
Authors: Ramadan Francesca
Published: February 2025

Many patients in the community experience prolonged bedrest and are exposed to the risk of complications arising from inactivity, including the development of pressure injuries. Community nurses, with their wide-ranging expertise and position at the frontline of patient care, are well-equipped to make an impact on pressure injury prevalence. Francesca Ramadan explores evidence-based strategies for the assessment, prevention and treatment of pressure injuries, equipping the community practitioner with the necessary knowledge and guidance.
On-Site Energy Consumption and Life-Cycle Environmental Impacts of Sawmills in California
Authors: Khatri Poonam , Loeffler Dan , Bergman Richard D. , Nepal Prakash
Published: February 2025

Addressing climate change is a global priority. Life-cycle assessment (LCA) quantifies the carbon footprint of products and can provide strategies for climate change mitigation. This novel study analyzed the energy consumption of softwood sawmills and used attributional LCA to estimate cradle-to-gate environmental impacts of softwood lumber manufactured in California. Using a representative sample size, 16 California sawmills (capturing ∼88% of lumber production) were surveyed. Sawmills’ energy consumption was characterized and evaluated by fuel type and on-site energy generation for annual lumber output in thousand board feet (MBF). Electric energy (194 kWh/MBF), with 85 percent of it coming from on-site generation and diesel fuel (5.55 L/MBF), was the main hot spot in the energy analysis. For cradle-to-gate environmental impacts, LCA of 1 m3 of lumber was conducted on three lumber types. Using the survey data and secondary data specific to western US forest industry operations and raw material transportation, a cradle-to-gate life-cycle inventory was developed. For different impact categories, environmental impact indicators per cubic meter were reported and discussed; for instance, 36 to 48.4 kg CO2 eq for global warming, 0.34 to 0.61 kg SO2 eq for acidification, and 60.1 to 94.4 MJ surplus for fossil fuel depletion. As expected, planed-dry lumber had the highest environmental impacts per cubic meter. Energy analysis and environmental hot spots in lumber manufacturing were discussed in connection with carbon emission reduction strategies by the California forest products industry. California sawmills have adapted climate change mitigation strategies including on-site combined heat and power generation from renewable and sustainable wood residues, as evident in the results.
The Balancing Act: Analyzing the Interest Convergence of Affirmative Action in Supreme Court Decisions
Authors: Brooks Marcelle
Published: February 2025

This essay takes a deep look into the Supreme Court's higher education affirmative action cases, examining the conflicting interests of Blacks, Whites, and Asian Americans. Interest convergence theory employed by critical race theorist Derrick Bell is used as a framework to discuss the occasions when the agendas of these three racial groups converge. Additionally, Schneider and Ingram's social construct of target population theory is employed to highlight the language surrounding “deviant” and “advantage” groups within the context of affirmative action. Through this analysis, this essay concludes that activism has been employed by opponents of affirmative action to undermine admissions policies.
Relationships Between Bioecological Factors and Expectations for Community Living and Participation Outcomes Among Individuals With Intellectual Disability and Families: A Scoping Review
Authors: Francis Grace L. , Eagle Christina DeCostanza , Espanol Sarah H. , Conn-Reda Kelly , Reed Alexandra S. , Majetich Emil , Duke Jodi M. , Walter Heather L.
Published: February 2025

Although community living and participation (CLP) is associated with increased economic self-sufficiency, rates of happiness, and high quality of life among individuals with intellectual disability (ID), the rates of individuals with ID experiencing CLP outcomes remain below their same-age peers. Although the expectations of individuals with ID and their family members influence CLP outcomes, which bioecological factors have the greatest influence on expectations remains largely unknown, thereby weakening the foundations upon which efforts and policies designed to enhance CLP are developed. The purpose of this scoping review was to map knowledge of relationships between bioecological factors and CLP expectations from the perspectives of individuals with ID and families of individuals with ID. Recommendations for research, policy, and practices are described.
“You always have a high sugar if you don’t communicate”: A qualitative secondary analysis of ‘Diabetes Together’ process evaluation data from couples in South Africa
Authors: Lynch Lucy , van Pinxteren Myrna , Delobelle Peter , Levitt Naomi , Majikela-Dlangamandla Buyelwa , Greenwell Kate , McGrath Nuala
Published: February 2025

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2D) can negatively impact relationships which may affect health and disease management. This can be moderated by positive communication between partners. Our aims were first, to identify ways in which couples’ communication and T2D impact each other. Second, we aimed to explore how improving couples’ communication may enhance self-management for people living with T2D (PLWD) and their partners in South Africa. We conducted secondary data analysis of qualitative interview and focus group data from an intervention pilot study designed to improve T2D self-management – ‘Diabetes Together’. 14 PLWD and their partners took part in two diabetes self-management workshops, including communication skills training, and were offered two couples counselling sessions. Inductive thematic and dyadic analysis explored how T2D and couples’ communication were connected, and how participants perceived the impact of couples’ communication skills training. Findings were compared to data collected from qualitative interviews with intervention-naive participants. We generated four themes linking couples’ communication and T2D: tone of discussions; listening; openness; and being informed about T2D. Participants described that T2D can create negative moods and stress (both from the disease and its management) and this can make communication challenging. They reported that negative communication styles can create stress worsening T2D and making it harder to manage. Participants felt that positive communication could ease stress, enable problem-solving and support behaviour change, which may improve T2D management. Couples reported that communication skills training helped them to address communication-related issues in their relationships. This included managing negative moods, changing communication styles and developing skills to discuss, listen and collaborate on improving T2D self-management. PLWD and their partners perceived that T2D and couples’ communication can affect one another positively and negatively. Equipping couples with effective communication skills may empower them to manage T2D more effectively.
Whole-genome sequencing reveals evidence for inter-species transmission of the yaws bacterium among nonhuman primates in Tanzania
Authors: Janečková Klára , Roos Christian , Andrla Petr , Fedrová Pavla , Tom Nikola , Lueert Simone , Keyyu Julius D. , Chuma Idrissa S. , Šmajs David , Knauf Sascha
Published: February 2025

Background

Treponema pallidum subspecies pertenue (TPE) is the causative agent of human and nonhuman primate (NHP) yaws infection. The discovery of yaws bacterium in wild populations of NHPs opened the question of transmission mechanisms within NHPs, and this work aims to take a closer look at the transmission of the disease.

Methodology/Principal Findings

Our study determined eleven whole TPE genomes from NHP isolates collected from three national parks in Tanzania: Lake Manyara National Park (NP), Serengeti NP, and Ruaha NP. The bacteria were isolated from four species of NHPs: Chlorocebus pygerythrus (vervet monkey), Cercopithecus mitis (blue monkey), Papio anubis (olive baboon), and Papio cynocephalus (yellow baboon). Combined with previously generated genomes of TPE originating from NHPs in Tanzania (n = 11), 22 whole-genome TPE sequences have now been analyzed. Out of 231 possible combinations of genome-to-genome comparisons, five revealed an unexpectedly high degree of genetic similarity in samples collected from different NHP species, consistent with inter-species transmission of TPE among NHPs. We estimated a substitution rate of TPE of NHP origin, ranging between 1.77 × 10-7 and 3.43 × 10-7 per genomic site per year.

Conclusions/Significance

The model estimations predicted that the inter-species transmission happened recently, within decades, roughly in an order of magnitude shorter time compared to time needed for the natural diversification of all tested TPE of Tanzanian NHP origin. Moreover, the geographical separation of the sampling sites (NPs) does not preclude TPE transmission between and within NHP species.
Supply chain integration and innovation performance of manufacturing firms: The moderating role of research and development investment intensity
Authors: Zhou Juanmei , Mei Jie
Published: February 2025

This paper delves into the impact of supply chain integration on corporate innovation performance. Utilizing panel data from 1,038 manufacturing companies listed on China’s A-shares stock market from 2012 to 2021, it analyzes how firms influence their innovation performance through supply chain integration and explores the moderating role of R&D investment in this relationship. The study reveals that internal integration significantly enhances corporate innovation performance, while customer and supplier integration negatively impact it. Furthermore, R&D investment mitigates the negative effect of supplier integration on innovation performance and positively moderates the relationship between customer integration and innovation performance. Given the diversity in ownership structures and equity concentration among Chinese firms, heterogeneity analysis shows that the positive effect of internal integration on innovation performance is more pronounced in state-owned enterprises and firms with high equity concentration. Conversely, in non-state-owned enterprises and firms with low equity concentration, the negative impact of customer and supplier integration on innovation performance is more significant, and the moderating effect of R&D investment varies according to the firm’s heterogeneity. The findings can help firms understand the mechanisms through which different dimensions of supply chain integration affect innovation. By leveraging resource dependence theory, this study offers theoretical guidance for supply chain management and offers practical insights aimed at enhancing corporate innovation practices.
Efficacy of regular gargling with a cetylpyridinium chloride plus zinc containing mouthwash can reduce upper respiratory symptoms
Authors: Muniz Francisco Wilker Mustafa Gomes , Casarin Maísa , Pola Natália Marcumini , Rösing Cassiano Kuchenbecker , Silveira Taciane Menezes da , Silva Francisco Hecktheuer , de Holanda Guilherme Azario , de Oliveira Larissa Viana , Dantas Pedro Paulo de Almeida , Stewart Bernal , Malheiros Zilson , Benítez Carlos , Schaeffer Lyndsay
Published: February 2025

The posterior oral cavity serves as an entry point to both the digestive and respiratory systems. Optimal oral hygiene, particularly by means of gargling, has been shown to effectively reduce transmission and duration of respiratory illnesses (Clinical Trials registration: NCT06479226). Previous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of gargling with an antimicrobial mouthwash in preventing the development of respiratory symptoms. To assess the impact of using an antimicrobial mouthwash for gargling in lowering the incidence of upper respiratory symptoms. A total of 150 individuals were recruited and randomly assigned to two groups: Control group: participants were requested to brush their teeth twice daily for two minutes using a commercially available fluoride toothpaste; and the Test Group, which also brushed their teeth twice daily for two minutes with a commercially available fluoride toothpaste and additional gargling twice a day with a mouthwash containing 0.075% Cetylpyridinium chloride and 0.28% Zinc Lactate (CPC+Zn). Individuals were asked to complete the WURSS-21 Daily Symptom Report over the course of the three-month study period using a diary. Regular gargling with the mouthwash containing CPC+Zn was efficacious in decreasing both the frequency (21.5% lower) and severity (11% lower) of respiratory symptoms throughout the study. Additionally, individuals that performed consistent cleansing of the posterior oral cavity with mouthwash had greater interference in daily activities, which should be further investigated. Adding gargling with a mouthwash containing 0.075% CPC + 0.28% Zn to a normal oral hygiene routine proves beneficial in lowering the incidence of upper respiratory symptoms commonly associated with cold and the flu.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06479226
The value of vector ECG in predicting residual pulmonary hypertension in CTEPH patients after pulmonary endarterectomy
Authors: Luijten Dieuwke , Rodenburg Tamara , Bogaard Harm-Jan , Kianzad Azar , Ruigrok Dieuwertje , Croon Philip , Smeele Patrick , Vliegen Hubert W. , Noordegraaf Anton Vonk , Meijboom Lilian J. , Klok Frederikus A.
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Right heart catheterization (RHC) is the diagnostic standard for establishing residual pulmonary hypertension (PH) after pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). A potential non-invasive alternative diagnostic test could be electrocardiography (ECG)-derived ventricular gradient optimized for right ventricular pressure overload (VG-RVPO).

Methods

We studied 66 CTEPH patients who underwent PEA. A subgroup of 20 patients also had a cardiac MRI before and after PEA. The diagnostic performance of the VG-RVPO for the detection of residual PH as well as the potential to replace RHC were assessed. Different cut-off values to define a normal VG-RVPO were evaluated. Also, we evaluated the association between mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) and CMR derived indexed right ventricular (RV) mass and the VG-RVPO.

Results

During follow-up, 28 patients had residual PH (42%). A decrease in VG-RVPO after PEA was associated with decrease in mPAP or indexed RV mass post PEA (r = 0.55, p < 0.05 and r = 0.64, p < 0.05, respectively). If a normal VG-RVPO would exclude residual PH, the need for RHC would be reduced with 15–48%, but up to 36% of the CTEPH patients with residual PH would have been missed as they had a normal VG-RVPO.

Conclusion

Although there was an association between the change in VG-RPVO and changes in mPAP or indexed RV mass, our study demonstrated that VG-RPVO has limited value in excluding the presence of residual PH post-PEA as up to 36% of the CTEPH patients with residual PH would have been missed if residual PH would have been excluded based on a normal VG-RVPO.
Gait characteristics in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus: A controlled study using an inertial sensor system
Authors: Rydja Johanna , Pohl Petra , Eleftheriou Andreas , Lundin Fredrik
Published: February 2025

Background

Gait disturbance is the most pronounced symptom in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH). Some gait parameters have been previously described, but an in-depth description of the gait pattern is lacking. The aim was to quantitatively evaluate gait in iNPH patients before and after shunt surgery and compare it to healthy individuals (HI), and correlate it with functional tests preoperatively.

Methods

In total, 47 patients and 42 HI were included. The patients were assessed with the iNPH scale (total, gait and balance domain scores were analyzed), the timed up and go test (TUG) and an inertial sensor gait analysis system, RehaGait®, pre- and postoperatively. The HI were assessed with TUG and RehaGait®. Gait variables were: stride length, stride duration, velocity, cadence, variability, stance, swing, single support, double support, step height, hip, knee and ankle joint angles.

Results

Compared to HI, the main differences in the gait variables were: decreased stride length (p < 0.01), velocity (p < 0.01), swing time (p < 0.01), single support (p < 0.01), hip flexion (p < 0.01), heel strike angle (p < 0.01) and toe-off angle (p < 0.01). Step height was normalized postoperatively; all other variables remained significantly worse than the HI. There were strong correlations between stride length, velocity, heel strike angle, and toe-off angle and the functional gait tests, but no correlations for any variable and the balance domain score.

Conclusions

The patients walked with reduced hip flexion, heel strike angle and toe-off angle, and had shorter strides, decreased velocity, and increased time for swing and single support, compared to HI. Step height was the only gait variable normalized after shunt surgery. Ankle joint kinematics correlated strongly with the results in functional gait tests. More research is warranted about how gait speed affects other gait variables in iNPH.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04795089
Bluesky: Network topology, polarization, and algorithmic curation
Authors: Quelle Dorian , Bovet Alexandre
Published: February 2025

Bluesky is a nascent “Twitter-like” and decentralized social media network with novel features and unprecedented data access. This paper provides a characterization of its interaction network, studying the political leaning, polarization, network structure, and algorithmic curation mechanisms of five million users. The dataset spans from the website’s first release in February of 2023 to May of 2024. We investigate the replies, likes, reposts, and follows layers of the Bluesky network. We find that all networks are characterized by heavy-tailed distributions, high clustering, and short connection paths, similar to other larger social networks. BlueSky introduced feeds—algorithmic content recommenders created for and by users. We analyze all feeds and find that while a large number of custom feeds have been created, users’ uptake of them appears to be limited. We analyze the hyperlinks shared by BlueSky’s users and find no evidence of polarization in terms of the political leaning of the news sources they share. They share predominantly left-center news sources and little to no links associated with questionable news sources. In contrast to the homogeneous political ideology, we find significant issues-based divergence by studying opinions related to the Israel-Palestine conflict. Two clear homophilic clusters emerge: Pro-Palestinian voices outnumber pro-Israeli users, and the proportion has increased. We conclude by claiming that Bluesky—for all its novel features—is very similar in its network structure to existing and larger social media sites and provides unprecedented research opportunities for social scientists, network scientists, and political scientists alike.
Hyaluronic acid: Function and location in the urothelial barrier for bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis, an in vitro study
Authors: van Ginkel Charlotte J. , Baars Cléo D.M. , Tiemessen Dorien M. , Jansen Cornelius F.J. , Martens Frank M.J. , Schalken Jack A. , Janssen Dick A.W.
Published: February 2025

Disruption of the glycosaminoglycan (GAG)-layer and urothelial barrier is an important aspect of the pathophysiology of bladder pain syndrome/ interstitial cystitis. Intravesical hyaluronic acid (HA) is often used in treatments for IC/BPS, however the role in the urothelial barrier is unknown. This study aims to clarify the location and functional contribution of HA in the urothelium, using an in vitro model. Immunohistochemistry was performed on human and porcine biopsies and on porcine cell cultures to evaluate the location of HA. Functional contribution was assessed through transepithelial electrical resistance measurements and the effects on gene expression in a differentiated primary porcine urothelial cell model. HA was found throughout in the urothelium and most abundant around the basal layer. Digestion of HA increased impermeability of the urothelium, contrasting with the effect of protamine sulfate (PS). After HA digestion, quantitative PCR analysis revealed upregulation of HA-synthesizing gene (HAS3) and the inflammatory marker (IL8). Treatment with HA and/or chondroitin sulfate therapy in undamaged cells upregulated genes related to GAG synthesis, barrier markers and inflammation. In PS-damaged cells, GAG therapy only upregulated genes associated with HA synthesis and inflammation, without affecting barrier recovery speed. These results emphasize the interaction of HA on urothelial cell inflammation and barrier repair physiology. HA seems to not directly restore the urothelial luminal GAG layer but influences barrier integrity through its interactions with urothelial cells.
Data collection and analysis of temperature field simulation of steam boiler for soil steam disinfection
Authors: Pan Sipu
Published: February 2025

Soil steam disinfection (SSD) has emerged as a highly promising substitute for methyl bromide fumigation in the management of soil-borne pathogens, nematodes, and weed seeds. In the present study, an innovative steam boiler driven by Helmholtz-type pulse combustors was meticulously engineered to meet the requirements of SSD in horticultural greenhouses. The water within the boiler was partitioned into discrete zones, and a total of 80 temperature sensors were strategically positioned to precisely monitor the temperature fluctuations at specific locations. Leveraging the Natural Neighbor Interpolation method, a comprehensive model of the temperature field within the boiler was developed. The experimental findings demonstrated that at the initial stage, the temperature in the vicinity of the pulse combustors escalated rapidly, while the regions located farther away exhibited a relatively sluggish heating rate. As the heating process progressed, the area of high temperature expanded progressively. After 35 minutes of operation, the majority of the water within the boiler reached temperatures exceeding 89 °C, signifying the generation of saturated steam. Notably, distinct temperature gradients were discerned along different axes and planes, offering valuable insights for the structural optimization of the boiler. In comparison with other steam boiler models, the designed boiler boasted a relatively compact volume, a lightweight empty weight, and an impressively favorable fuel consumption rate per unit steam production, registering at 0.06867 L·kg⁻¹. These results unequivocally highlight the potential of this boiler for efficient SSD applications, thus laying a solid foundation for further research and development in this field.
Physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of pork meat exposed to SoRegen® Technology
Authors: Purnamasari Listya , dela Cruz Joseph Flores , Kim Chang Soo , Hwang Seong Gu , Yi Jun Koo
Published: February 2025

Background and Aim: Quantum entanglement has been explored as a novel approach in food technology to enhance the quality and nutritional properties of animal products. SoRegen® Technology applies quantum entanglement signals to food products, aiming to induce physicochemical modifications. This study investigates the effects of SoRegen® Technology on the physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of pork meat, focusing on meat quality attributes and cholesterol levels.

Materials and Methods: Pork meat samples were exposed to a quantum entanglement signal from a SoRegen® chip for 20 min in an electromagnetic field chamber. Physicochemical properties, including water-holding capacity (WHC), pH, drip loss, and cooking loss, were analyzed. Cholesterol levels, including total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Microbiological analysis included total plate count (TPC), Escherichia coli, and Listeria monocytogenes enumeration. Data were statistically analyzed using an independent sample t-test with significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: Pork meat exposed to SoRegen® Technology exhibited significant improvements in physicochemical properties. WHC increased, indicating better moisture retention, while drip loss and cooking loss were reduced, suggesting improved meat texture and quality. Minor but statistically significant fluctuations in pH were observed at specific time points. Cholesterol analysis revealed a significant 35% reduction in total cholesterol levels, alongside a significant increase in HDL cholesterol levels, indicating potential health benefits. Microbiological analysis indicated no significant differences between exposed and unexposed pork samples in terms of E. coli, L. monocytogenes, and TPC, suggesting that the technology does not directly affect microbial contamination.

Conclusion: The application of SoRegen® Technology significantly improved the physicochemical and nutritional attributes of pork meat, particularly by enhancing WHC and reducing cholesterol levels. However, no significant changes were observed in microbiological characteristics. These findings highlight the potential of quantum entanglement technology in food science, though further research is required to elucidate the mechanisms underlying these effects and explore commercial applications.

Keywords: cholesterol, microbiological safety, physicochemical properties, pork meat, quantum entanglement, SoRegen® Technology.
A kelet-európai szocialista oktatáspolitika szovjet gyökerei: A szovjet kommunizmus pedagógiájának két útja: Herbart kiátkozásától a herbartianizmus rehabilitálásáig
Authors: Sáska Géza
Published: February 2025

Sztálin hatalomra kerülésével a kommunista társadalom építésének koncepciója és módja teljes és eredményes fordulatot vett. A szocializmus sztálini értelmezésében visszaállították a forradalom előtti porosz mintát követő központi tanügyigazgatási, tantervi, egy tankönyvön alapuló rendszert, és vele együtt a herbarti logikát, noha nevét továbbra is gyűlölet tárgyaként kezelték. A felszabadított gyermek önállósága már nem az iskolában, hanem az állami érdek önkéntes követésében és felismerésében jelent meg. A proletár nemzetköziséget az orosz nacionalizmussal felváltó, bezárkózó politika továbbra is a kommunizmus felépítésének a programját hirdette, ellenségként járt el a forradalom utáni korszak helyi mérvadó szereplőivel és a külhoni gyökerű kulturális, tudományos irányzatok képviselőivel szemben. A terror éveiben a könyörtelenül megsemmisített pedológia helyébe a sztálini értelmezésű szocialista pedagógia és pszichológia lépett; továbbá az iskolák fölött totális állami kontrollt, az e berendezkedést kiszolgáló neveléstudományt és pedagógusképzést állítottak fel, amelyeket sikeresen implementáltak a későbbi szovjetizált európai államok oktatásügyébe.
L'angolo di fase del momento angolare del fotone determina localmente la misurazione dello spin e l'entanglement.
Authors: Nanu Rolando
Published: February 2025

Spiegazione delle misure di spin e coincidenza tra fotoni entangled utilizzando una variabile aggiuntiva λ che rende le misure locali e deterministiche e prevede lo stesso risultato della meccanica quantistica Dimostrazione dell'invalidità del teorema di Bell per tutte le teorie locali Proposta di nuove misure per verificare la correttezza della spiegazione
Penambahan Campuran Plasticizer Gliserol dan Sorbitol Terhadap Karakteristik Edible Film Karagenan
Authors: Asriani Nur , Asikin Andi Noor , Irawan Irman , Kusumaningrum Indrati , Pamungkas Bagus Fajar
Published: February 2025

Penggunaan plastik sebagai kemasan sudah tidak dapat terpisahkan dalam kehidupan sehari-hari, namun kemasan plastik juga dapat menimbulkan masalah bagi lingkungan karena tidak dapat terurai secara alami. Salah satu alternatif untuk menggantikan plastik sebagai pengemas makanan yang ramah lingkungan (biodegradable) dan aman bagi kesehatan adalah edible film. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh penambahan campuran plasticizer gliserol dan sorbitol pada konsentrasi berbeda terhadap karakteristik edible film dari karagenan K. alvarezii.  Pembuatan edible film dilakukan dengan cara mencampurkan 1 g karagenan dalam 100 ml aquades, diaduk menggunakan magnetic stirrer selama 15 menit pada suhu 80oC selama 15 menit. Plasticizer yang digunakan dalam pembuatan edible film berupa campuran gliserol dan sorbitol dengan konsentrasi berbeda sebagai perlakuan yaitu : 10%,20%,30%,40%,50% dan 60%, dihomogenkan kembali selama 25 menit. Edible film tuang ke dalam cawan petri dan dikeringkan dalam oven pada suhu 50oC selama ± 24 jam, setelah kering dilepaskan dari cawan petri dan disimpan dalam plastik klip. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa penambahan campuran plasticizer gliserol dan sorbitol dengan konsentrasi berbeda tidak berpengaruh (p>0,05) terhadap karakteristik edible film karagenan untuk parameter ketebalan dan laju transmisi uap air, namun berpengaruh (p<0,05) terhadap parameter elongasi dan kuat tarik edible film. Edible film karagenan dengan penambahan campuran plasticizer gliserol dan sorbitol 60% menunjukkan karakteristik terbaik yaitu memiliki nilai ketebalan 0,05 mm, kuat tarik 6,03 MPa, elongasi 10,53% dan laju transmisi uap air 8,49 g/m2.24 jam.