bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unveiling the Structural, Electronic and Magnetic Properties of Gd4.5A0.5Si3O13 (A = K, Na, and Li) Oxides With Promising Potential for Low‐Temperature Magnetic Cooling
Authors: Zhang Yikun , Law Jia Yan , Li Angsai , Hao Weixiang , Franco Victorino , Li Lingwei
Published: December 2024

The growing demand for solid‐state magnetic cooling, leveraging the magnetocaloric effect requires the discovery of high‐performing magnetocaloric materials (MCMs). Herein, a family of Gd‐containing MCMs is provided, specifically the Gd4.5A0.5Si3O13 (A = K, Na, and Li) oxides, which demonstratse exceptional low‐temperature magnetocaloric performance. Through comprehensive experimental investigations and theoretical calculations on their structural, electronic, and magnetic properties, it is unequivocally confirmed that all of them crystallize in a hexagonal apatite‐type structure (space group P63/m), exhibiting an antiferromagnetic semiconductor ground state with magnetic ordering temperatures below 1.8 K (typically ≈0.7 K for Gd4.5K0.5Si3O13). Furthermore, their remarkable maximum magnetic entropy change (−ΔSMmax) values of 31.85 and 58.22 J kgK−1 for Gd4.5K0.5Si3O13; 25.31 and 55.01 J kgK−1 for Gd4.5Na0.5Si3O13; and 25.15 and 55.77 J kgK−1 for Gd4.5Li0.5Si3O13, under the magnetic field changes of 0‐2 and 0‐5 T, respectively, surpass those of prominent low‐temperature MCMs, including the commercialized Gd3Ga5O12 (≈14.6 and 32.8 J kgK−1) paramagnetic salt. These findings in addition to their high environmental stability position these Gd4.5A0.5Si3O13 oxides as exceptionally promising for practical magnetic cooling applications.
Imidazopyridinium‐Linked Covalent Organic Frameworks for Efficient Gold Recovery
Authors: Yang Xiubei , Jiang Di , Cheng Yuanzhe , Fu Yubin , Li Xuewen , Liu Guojuan , Ding Xuesong , Han Bao‐Hang , Xu Qing , Zeng Gaofeng
Published: December 2024

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with high surface areas and specialized binding sites garnered attention in the field of gold (Au) adsorption. The adsorption capacity mostly depends on the functional skeletons and porous structures, however, the roles of linkages have not been thoroughly explored. In this study, imidazopyridinium‐linked COFs, specifically im‐PYTA‐PZDH‐COF and im‐PYTA‐BPDH‐COF were synthesized, to enhance gold adsorption efficacy. These engineered COFs exhibit excellent crystallinity and high surface areas, with the charged linkages demonstrating a strong binding ability for Au, which results in high Au uptake and rapid adsorption kinetics. The optimized COF, im‐PYTA‐PZDH‐COF, offered a maximum adsorption capacity of 1558 mg g−1, achieving 95% of this capacity within a mere 10 min. Theoretical calculations further confirm that the carbon atoms adjacent to the nitrogen in the imidazopyridinium ring, serving as adsorption sites, directly interact with AuCl4− through coulombic forces, thereby enhancing both the adsorption capacity and rate. This work provides a new strategy for designing COFs for effective Au adsorption.
Combining the Capability Approach and System Dynamics for Well‐Being Oriented Policy‐Making
Authors: Veldhuis Guido A. , van Dongen Kees
Published: November 2024

Policymakers are increasingly focusing on well‐being. However, the development and ex‐ante assessment of well‐being science‐based policies are not widespread. The Capability Approach (CA) offers a theoretical framework for understanding well‐being and the policies aimed at its improvement. The CA does not provide means to analyse how well‐being evolves over time as a result of the complex interrelations between its constituent components. Additionally, the CA literature provides few analytical techniques for conducting ex‐ante policy evaluation. To overcome these challenges, we propose an approach that combines the CA with the System Dynamics (SD) methodology. The SD method uses modelling and simulation to create insights into the structure and behaviour of complex problems to support policy‐making. While SD is commonly used to examine well‐being issues, utilising well‐being frameworks like the CA is rare. In this paper, we explore both the theoretical and practical benefits of integrating the CA and SD for well‐being‐oriented policy‐making. To aid the practical application of the ideas presented in this paper, we present an illustrative example, a template for modellers, and outline a procedure for an integrated approach to developing well‐being‐oriented policies.
Rapid identification of invasive Brook Trout through CRISPR-based environmental DNA detection
Authors: Blasko Tholen J. , Larson Samantha , Phelps Michael P.
Published: December 2024

Objective

Invasions of nonnative fish species, such as Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis, disrupt ecosystem function and adversely impact native populations through competition, hybridization, and predation. Timely detection of invasive species is crucial for effective management and prevention of further spread. Environmental DNA (eDNA) technology is a powerful tool for monitoring the spread of invasive species, especially in aquatic environments, where direct observation is challenging. While eDNA sampling is sensitive and cost-effective, real-time analysis remains a challenge.

Methods

To address this limitation, we developed eDNA detection tools, using CRISPR-Cas12a technology, that facilitate the rapid identification of invasive Brook Trout and native cutthroat trout (Lahontan Cutthroat Trout Oncorhynchus henshawi, Westslope Cutthroat Trout O. lewisi, Rocky Mountain Cutthroat Trout O. virginalis, or Coastal Cutthroat Trout O. clarkii), without the need for specialized laboratory equipment. We employed this technology in Marsh Creek, a semi-isolated tributary to the Sultan River in Washington State with no previous documentation of invasive Brook Trout.

Result

We successfully identified Brook Trout and cutthroat trout eDNA during on-site analysis at Marsh Creek and found that the sensitivity of detecting these species can be increased with improvements in eDNA purification technology. Our results identified that Brook Trout were present in the lower reaches of the stream, particularly in areas of slow-moving water.

Conclusion

The portability and simplicity of this method offer the potential for streamside eDNA detection of invasive species, and it could become another tool in the fight against the spread of invasive Brook Trout in the western United States.
Alzheimer's disease drug development in an evolving therapeutic landscape
Authors: Weninger Stacie , Irizarry Michael C. , Fleisher Adam S. , León Teresa , Maruff Paul , Miller David S. , Seleri Sheila , Carrillo Maria C. , Weber Christopher J.
Published: November 2024

The Alzheimer's disease (AD) research field has entered a new era, where our fundamental understanding of the pathophysiology of AD and advances in biomarkers have not only allowed for earlier, timely, and accurate detection and diagnosis of the disease, but that amyloid removal has been shown to be associated with signals of slowing cognitive and functional decline. Although recent FDA‐approved amyloid plaque‐lowering monoclonal antibody therapies have shifted the trajectory of AD, additional treatment options will be key to further slowing clinical decline or stopping disease progression. Thus, new and emerging therapies for AD have created an evolving therapeutic landscape. The Alzheimer's Association Research Roundtable (AARR) Spring meeting held on May 23–34, 2023, brought together a broad array of scientific leaders from the AARR membership, academia, industry, and government and regulatory agencies to discuss the future of clinical trials in an era of regulator‐approved amyloid‐targeting therapies. Participants discussed lessons learned from other neurological diseases where disease‐modifying treatments were first approved and key considerations for future clinical trials, for example, trial population real‐world representativeness, duration, biomarker screening, efficacy endpoints, combination therapy, as well as overall trial design and the ethical and equity concerns that clinicians, patients, and their families face when considering clinical trial participation.

Highlights

The Alzheimer's Association Research Roundtable (AARR) convened leaders from industry and academia, as well as patients, clinicians, and government and regulatory agency scientists to discuss the topic, “Alzheimer's Disease Drug Development in an Evolving Therapeutic Landscape.”

While recently approved amyloid‐targeting therapies show great promise in providing clinically meaningful outcomes for patients and families, additional treatments, and a better understanding of dosing and administration of these approved treatments, are needed to further slow and eventually prevent clinical decline in AD.

Approved therapies will impact many aspects of clinical trial design including the use of placebo‐controls, participant re‐enrollment, safety monitoring, as well as biomarker selection.

This exciting new era in AD research represents a hopeful future for clinicians, patients, and their care partners.
Glycated haemoglobin and serum fructosamine concentrations in sick, non‐diabetic dogs receiving oral prednisolone
Authors: Oikonomidis Ioannis L. , Daravigka Alexandra , Ceron Jose J. , Tvarijonaviciute Asta , Lambrou Froso , Tzenetidou Zoi , Konstantinidis Alexandros O. , Soubasis Nectarios
Published: December 2024

Background

Glucocorticoids have been associated with an increased risk of developing diabetes mellitus (DM) in dogs. Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and serum fructosamine have been scarcely studied in dogs receiving glucocorticoid therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate HbA1c and fructosamine in non‐diabetic dogs receiving oral prednisolone.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study including non‐diabetic dogs receiving oral prednisolone for 2 weeks or more for a diverse range of diseases. Aliquots of blood samples collected for diagnostic purposes were used. HbA1c was measured using a previously validated capillary electrophoresis assay. Fructosamine was measured using the nitroblue tetrazolium assay.

Results

Forty‐three adult dogs were included. The dogs received oral prednisolone (0.1‒2.3 mg/kg daily) for a median duration of 8 weeks (range: 2‒52 weeks). The median (range) glucose, fructosamine and HbA1c were 5.3 (2.6‒9.2) mmol/L, 265 (128‒388) µmol/L and 1.6% (0.8‒2.7%), respectively. Glucose increased in nine of the 43 dogs (16.2%), while fructosamine increased in eight of the 33 dogs in which it was tested (24.2%). HbA1c did not increase in any of the 40 dogs in which it was tested.

Limitations

The cross‐sectional study design is a limitation, as more conclusions could be drawn in a longitudinal study.

Conclusions

HbA1c does not appear to be increased in sick, non‐diabetic dogs receiving oral prednisolone for 2 weeks or more at the doses used in our study, whereas increases in serum fructosamine are not uncommon.
Incorporating an international perspective in leadership training
Authors: Roberts Dennis C. , Nyunt Gudrun
Published: November 2024

Incorporating an international perspective in the experience and skill‐based focus of leadership learning is central to preparing for leadership in the 21st century; a time when the world is increasingly connected across culture, governance, economies, and educational systems. For leadership educators to be more effective, the authors advocate heeding the voices of international students and colleagues, examining the legacy of colonialism, and engaging as humble and curious learners.
Interactive learning: Using experiential activities to boost training engagement
Authors: Whitney Rich
Published: November 2024

Drawing on Kolb's experiential learning theory, this article offers practical and ready‐to‐use ideas that can be implemented into trainings to transform them into interactive experiences for students. By blending practical exercises with the power of theory, trainers can harness their creative ideas to craft dynamic training sessions that not only teach but inspire, bringing concepts to life in ways that stick and resonate long after the training ends.
Couette flow through an anisotropic porous rotating channel: Brinkman approach
Authors: Verma Vineet Kumar , Ansari Abdul Faiz
Published: November 2024

This paper investigates the steady‐state Couette flow of a viscous, incompressible fluid through a rotating anisotropic porous channel confined between two horizontal plates, where the upper plate moves at a constant velocity. The main goal is to explore the combined effects of rotation and anisotropy on the flow behavior within the channel, which is governed by the Darcy–Brinkman equation and subject to no‐slip boundary conditions. Analytical solutions are derived for both the primary and secondary velocity components, along with the corresponding volumetric flow rates. The novelty of the study lies in examining how anisotropic permeability influences the flow under rotational effects. Key findings show that the primary velocity decreases as the rotation parameter increases, while the secondary velocity increases with rotation. The primary volumetric flow rate decreases with increasing anisotropy in the primary direction but increases with anisotropy in the secondary direction. The secondary volumetric flow rate, however, decreases with both permeability parameters. These effects are further elucidated through graphical and tabulated results, providing comprehensive insight into the flow behavior under various rotational and anisotropic conditions. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of anisotropic rotational flows and their practical applications in engineering systems involving porous media. The real‐life application of present paper lies in improving the design and analysis of fluid flow systems in rotating machinery, such as turbines, filters, and biomedical devices, where anisotropic porous materials are used.
Portraits
Authors: Laws Ben
Published: November 2024

This chapter presents a series of pen portraits, offering a detailed and contextual view of nonreligious asylum seekers’ experiences. These portraits aim to foreground the voices of the research participants, revealing the variety and complexity of their cases. The chapter highlights key themes for deeper analysis in subsequent chapters revealing pejorative assumptions made about cultural differences and the difficulty in materialising nonreligion. It further emphasises the importance of confidentiality and the ethical considerations involved in presenting these narratives.
Black Hole and Equipotential Photon Surface Uniqueness in Four-Dimensional Asymptotically Flat Electrostatic Electro-Vacuum Spacetimes
Authors: Borghini Stefano , Cederbaum Carla , Cogo Albachiara
Published: December 2024

We study four-dimensional asymptotically flat electrostatic electro-vacuum spacetimes with a connected black hole, photon sphere, or equipotential photon surface inner boundary. Our analysis, inspired by the potential theory approach by Agostiniani–Mazzieri, allows to give self-contained proofs of known uniqueness theorems of the sub-extremal, extremal, and super-extremal Reissner–Nordström spacetimes. We also obtain new results for connected photon spheres and equipotential photon surfaces in the extremal case. Finally, we provide, up to a restriction on the range of their radii, the uniqueness result for connected (both non-degenerate and degenerate) equipotential photon surfaces in the super-extremal case, not yet treated in the literature.
A critique of measurement of defective insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity as a precision approach to gestational diabetes
Authors: Jones Danielle L. , Kusinski Laura C. , Gillies Clare , Meek Claire L.
Published: December 2024

Aims/hypothesis

Precision medicine approaches to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have categorised patients according to disease pathophysiology (insulin resistance, insulin insufficiency or both), and demonstrated associations with clinical outcomes. We aimed to assess whether using enhanced processing to determine indices of insulin secretion and sensitivity is analytically robust, reproducible in a different population, and useful diagnostically and prognostically in clinical practice.

Methods

A total of 1308 pregnant women with one or more risk factors for GDM who underwent a 75 g OGTT at one of nine hospital sites were recruited to this observational study. Specimens were collected for determination of glucose levels using standard and enhanced procedures, HbA1c and insulin analysis. GDM diagnosis and management followed National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance. We categorised women into pathophysiological subtypes: insulin-resistant GDM (HOMA2-S < 25th centile of the population with normal glucose tolerance [NGT]), insulin-insufficient GDM (HOMA2-B < 25th centile), both or neither. We assessed associations with pregnancy outcomes using logistic regression.

Results

Using enhanced specimen handling, 1027/1308 (78.5%) women had NGT, with 281/1308 (21.5%) being classified as having GDM. Of this group, 135/281 (48.0%) had insulin-resistant GDM, 73/281 (26.0%) had insulin-insufficient GDM and 2/281 (0.7%) had both insulin-resistant and insulin-insufficient GDM. Unexpectedly, 71 patients (25.3%) had GDM with both HOMA2-S and HOMA2-B ≥ 25th centile (GDM-neither). This novel subgroup appeared to be relatively insulin-sensitive in the fasting state but developed marked post-load hyperglycaemia and hyperinsulinaemia, suggesting an isolated postprandial defect in insulin sensitivity that was not captured by HOMA2-B or HOMA2-S. Women within most GDM subgroups had comparable pregnancy outcomes to those of normoglycaemic women, and HOMA2-B and HOMA2-S were weak predictors of pregnancy outcomes. Maternal BMI predicted a similar number of outcomes to HOMA2-S, suggesting that there was no additional predictive value in adding HOMA2-S. Similar findings were obtained when using different indices and standard specimen handling techniques.

Conclusions/interpretation

Precision categorisation of GDM using HOMA2-S and HOMA2-B does not provide useful diagnostic or prognostic information, but did distinguish a novel subgroup of patients with GDM, characterised by an isolated postprandial defect in insulin sensitivity.

Graphical Abstract
Estimating three-dimensional displacements with InSAR: the strapdown approach
Authors: Brouwer Wietske S. , Hanssen Ramon F
Published: November 2024

Deformation phenomena on Earth are inherently three dimensional. With SAR interferometry (InSAR), in many practical situations the maximum number of observations is two (ascending and descending), resulting in an infinite number of possible displacement estimates. Here we propose a practical solution to this underdeterminancy problem in the form of the strapdown approach. With the strapdown approach, it is possible to obtain “3D-global/2D-local” solutions, by using minimal and largely undisputed contextual information, on the expected driving mechanisms and/or spatial geometry. It is a generic method that defines a local reference system with transversal, longitudinal, and normal (TLN) axes, with displacement occurring in the transversal-normal plane only. Since the orientation of the local frame is based on the physics of the problem at hand, the strapdown approach gives physically more relevant estimates compared to conventional approaches. Moreover, using an a-priori uncertainty approximation on the orientation of the local frame it is possible to assess the precision of the final estimates. As a result, appropriate cartographic visualization using a vector map with confidence ellipses enables an improved interpretation of the results.
Rapid quantification of murine bile acids using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Hermeling Sven , Plagge Johannes , Krautbauer Sabrina , Ecker Josef , Burkhardt Ralph , Liebisch Gerhard
Published: December 2024

Interest in bile acids (BAs) is growing due to their emerging role as signaling molecules and their association with various diseases such as colon cancer and metabolic syndrome. Analyzing BAs requires chromatographic separation of isomers, often with long run times, which hinders BA analysis in large studies. Here, we present a high-throughput method based on liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to quantify BAs in mouse samples. After acidic protein precipitation in the presence of a comprehensive mixture of stable isotope-labeled internal standards (SIL-ISs), BAs are separated on a biphenyl column by gradient elution at basic pH. Quantification is performed using a six-point calibration curve. Except for the separation of β- and ω-muricholic acid (MCA) species, a rapid separation of 27 BA species was achieved in a run time of 6.5 min. Plasma quality controls (QCs) were used to evaluate intra- and inter-day precision. The CV was less than 10% for most BA species and exceeded 20% only for glycohyodeoxycholic (GHDCA) and taurohyodeoxycholic acid (THDCA) due to the lack of a corresponding SIL-IS. The limit of quantification (LoQ) was tested using diluted QCs and was found to be compromised for some BA species as a result of insufficient isotopic purity of the SIL-IS, leading to significant interference with the respective analyte. Finally, we tested the mouse sample material requirements for plasma, bile, and liver samples and determined BA concentrations in C57/BL6N wild-type mice. In conclusion, the LC–MS/MS method presented here permits a rapid and reproducible quantification of the major murine BAs.
Sub-colony variation in foraging behaviour and at-sea distribution of a breeding tropical seabird and consequences for marine spatial planning
Authors: Nicoll Malcolm A. C. , Jaeger Audrey , Hector Aurelie , Letori Jake , Rocamora Gerard , Corre Matthieu Le
Published: December 2024

Many species of seabirds are threatened and understanding their at-sea distributions during breeding is a priority for their conservation. Recent developments in tracking technology, data analytical frameworks and tools are proving invaluable in the identification of at-sea areas of high use and hence conservation importance, which can be used to inform marine spatial planning. However, the outputs from these frameworks and tools are contingent on the underlying tracking data, which are shaped by the myriad of decisions made when designing and implementing a tracking program. These decisions include breeding colony choice and identification of areas (sub-colonies) within the colony in which to deploy tracking devices. However, our understanding of the consequences of this on the resulting tracking data and hence identification of at-sea priority areas is limited and rarely considered. In April 2022 we tracked 196 foraging trips of 54 breeding red-footed boobies (Sula sula) at two sub-colonies (1.5 km apart) on South Island, Farquhar Atoll in south-west Seychelles. We found that foraging trip distance and duration did not differ between the two sub-colonies, but trip orientation did: resulting in sub-colony segregation at sea predominantly to the north and south of the atoll with consequences for the identification of at-sea areas of high use. Our findings indicate that sub-colony variation in at-sea distribution of breeding seabirds may be more commonplace than current research suggests and if our tracking program had involved only one sub-colony then key outputs which could serve towards marine spatial planning efforts may be biased.
Maximizing Aesthetic Outcomes in Delayed Breast Reconstruction: the Be.A.U.T-I.F.U.L. DIEP® Step-by-Step Inset Technique
Authors: Morelli Coppola Marco , Schaffer Clara , Jaber Giulio Jad , Sapino Gianluca , di Summa Pietro Giovanni
Published: December 2024

Introduction

In microvascular breast reconstruction, the focus has shifted to achieving aesthetically pleasing results. Delayed breast reconstruction poses challenges such as ensuring natural ptosis and avoiding a “patch” effect. The Be.A.U.T-I.F.U.L. deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap inset, presented here, offers a systematic and sequential seven-step method to optimize breast reconstruction outcomes.

Methods

This approach emphasizes safety during flap harvest using the best (Be.) perforator identified via computed tomography angiography to minimize dissection and ensure solid perfusion. The flap is placed obliquely, directing its tail to the axilla (A.), enhancing upper (U.) pole volume and ptosis. The flap base is tucked-in (T-I.) to increase the projection of the breast mound, and its lateral portion is split as a fishtail (F.): the upper (U.) fin is used to define the lateral inframammary fold and prevent lateral displacement of the reconstructed breast, while the lower (L.) fin is turned under the flap to further improve projection.

Conclusion

This structured approach, focusing on key breast aesthetics, ensures optimal cosmetic outcomes and can serve for most delayed microsurgical breast reconstruction scenarios.

Level of Evidence IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.
Beware of Bear? Long-Term Spatio-Temporal Patterns of Human–Bear Conflict in Connecticut
Authors: Berkowitz Zachary , Bravo Larissa Montas , Sen Roy Shouraseni
Published: November 2024

In this study, we examine the spatio-temporal patterns of citizen-reported human–bear conflict (HBC) from 2002 to 2022 and use the Forest-Based and Boosted Classification (FBBC) technique to assess the significance of several factors in the occurrence of HBC. Our analysis reveals a significant increase in HBC incidents over the study period, with the fewest conflicts in 2002 (217) and the most in 2022 (4455). These were concentrated in northwestern Connecticut, particularly eastern Litchfield County and western Hartford County. The results of geostatistical analysis, including measures of dispersion and emerging hot spot analysis indicated a southward trend in HBC on both annual and monthly scales. The validation results of the FBBC highlighted the relevance of forest fragmentation, intermediate housing density, proximity to water bodies, and snowfall in predicting HBC. Each variable demonstrated nearly equal importance (20%) in predicting HBC occurrences from 2010 to 2022, though land cover showed no significant predictive power. These findings elucidate the spatio-temporal dynamics of HBC and offer valuable insights for wildlife managers to prioritize conflict mitigation strategies effectively. The results of this study identify locations prone to HBC. Moreover, FBBC results show that this technique can be used to predict future HBC based on projected changes in these variables due to climate change and expansion of the human–wildlife interface. Our analysis can aid in the development of targeted, evidence-driven, and ethical management interventions in Connecticut.
Anastomotic leakage after resection for rectal cancer and recurrence-free survival in relation to postoperative C-reactive protein levels
Authors: Gerdin Anders , Park Jennifer , Häggström Jenny , Segelman Josefin , Matthiessen Peter , Lydrup Marie-Louise , Rutegård Martin ,   on behalf of the RectoLeak Study Group, Sjöström Östersund Olle , Staffan Falun Maria , Jangmalm Växjö Staffan , Royson Växjö Hanna , Tsimogiannis Uppsala Konstantinos , Anderin Ersta Kajsa , Nygren Ersta Jonas , Hurtig Luleå Jennie , Golshani Gävle Parisa
Published: December 2024

Background

Anastomotic leakage after rectal cancer surgery is linked to reduced survival and higher recurrence rates. While an aggravated inflammatory response may worsen outcomes, few studies have explored the combined effects of leakage and inflammation.

Methods

This is a retrospective multicenter cohort study including patients operated with anterior resection for rectal cancer in Sweden during 2014–2018. Anastomotic leakage within 12 months was exposure and primary outcome was recurrence-free survival. Mediation analysis was performed to evaluate the potential effect of systemic inflammatory response, as measured by the highest postoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) level within 14 days of surgery. Confounders were chosen using a causal diagram.

Results

Some 1036 patients were eligible for analysis, of whom 218 (21%) experienced an anastomotic leakage. At the end of follow-up at a median of 61 months after surgery, recurrence-free survival amounted to 82.6% and 77.8% in the group with and without leakage, respectively. The median highest postoperative CRP value after surgery was higher in the leakage group (219 mg/l), compared with the group without leakage (108 mg/l). Leakage did not lead to worse recurrence-free survival (HR 0.66; 95% CI 0.43–0.94), and there was no apparent effect through postoperative highest CRP (HR 1.12; 95% CI 0.93–1.29).

Conclusions

In conclusion, anastomotic leakage, with its accompanying CRP increase, was not found to be associated with recurrence-free survival after anterior resection for rectal cancer in this patient cohort. Larger, even more detailed studies are needed to further investigate this topic.
Nasal breathing: a neglected factor in metabolic regulation?
Authors: de Sousa Francisco Alves , Correia João Tavares , Ferreira Miguel Gonçalves , Rios Marta , Magalhães Manuel , Santos Mariline
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Nasal breathing (NB) is a fundamental physiological process, and emerging research indicates its potential role in modulating resting metabolism, impacting energy expenditure and metabolic efficiency. This study investigates the impact of NB on resting metabolic rate (RMR), offering novel insights into metabolic regulation.

Methods

A prospective study was conducted on patients undergoing nasal surgery, with measurements taken before and 3 months after surgery. Metabolic rate assessments, anthropometric dimensions, and peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) were recorded. Factors like age, sex, and health status were considered to control for confounding variables.

Results

A total of 83 patients were initially enrolled: 17 underwent septorhinoplasty (SRP), 61 septoplasty (ST) and 5 inferior turbinate reduction alone. 72 patients completed the follow-up. SRP patients exhibited significantly higher pre- and post-operative RMR compared to ST patients (p = 0.005), and this association was not observed when PNIF was included in the analysis (p > 0.05). Pre-operative and post-operative PNIF values significantly correlated with pre-operative and post-operative RMR (p = 0.049 and p = 0.005, respectively). Post-operative PNIF predicted post-operative RMR after confoundment adjustment in linear regression (β = – 0.043, p = 0.017). Importantly, total body weight increased after surgery (pre-op: 74 ± 14.6 kg versus post-op: 75.6 ± 15.5 kg, p < 0.001) due to an increment in muscle mass (pre-op: 52.3 ± 12 versus post-op: 55.5 ± 14, p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Preliminary analysis suggests a potential link between NB and RMR, emphasizing the overlooked role of nasal respiratory physiology in energy homeostasis. Surgery also elicited body composition alterations. Further research is needed to uncover the underlying mechanisms of this association. Understanding the impact of NB on RMR could underscore its significance in metabolic regulation, reinforcing the importance of nasal surgery on overall health. This study provides foundation for future investigations.
Teaching residents in emergency surgery for acute bowel obstruction—is supervised surgery safe and feasible? A retrospective single-center analysis from a MIS-specialized hospital
Authors: Hoi Hannes , Ebner Barbara , Grünbart Martin , de Cillia Michael , Uzel Robert , Schlosser Lisa , Weiss Helmut , Mittermair Christof
Published: December 2024

Objective

Emergency surgery for acute bowel obstruction (ABO) is a common and occasionally technically demanding procedure, requiring both surgical skill and strategic planning. The risk entailed in teaching residents during ABO surgery has not been defined or investigated in detail to date. It is the aim of this study to reveal whether surgery for ABO, performed by resident surgeons under supervision, is safe and feasible.

Design

A retrospective analysis was conducted of all emergency surgeries for ABO performed between 2009 and 2023 at a community-based hospital. Patients’ general characteristics, procedural data and outcome parameters were compared. Differences between teaching procedures and non-teaching procedures were analysed.

Setting

The study was conducted at the Department of General and Visceral surgery at a community-based hospital (St. John of God Hospital Salzburg, Austria).

Participants

All emergency surgeries for ABO (n = 300 patients) that were performed during the study period were included.

Results

Emergency surgery for ABO was performed in 300 patients during the study period, 15.3% of which operations were performed by residents under supervision and 84.7% by senior surgeons. No differences between these two groups were found in terms of patient characteristics, except for a past medical history of previous gynecologic or urologic surgery that was more frequent in the senior surgeon group (p = 0.02). Neither procedural data nor conversion rates from a minimally invasive (MIS) to an open (OS) approach, nor postoperative complication rates were found to be significantly different between these groups.

Conclusion

Emergency surgery for ABO, performed by residents under supervision, is safe and feasible, showing no significant differences in terms of complication rates, morbidity or mortality as compared to procedures performed by senior surgeons.

Graphical abstract
Mid-term results of intra-articular calcaneal fractures treated with minimally invasive two-point distractor
Authors: Stark Matthias , Popp Domenik , Schmoelz Lukas , Doering Kevin , Stark Kerstin , Nia Arastoo
Published: December 2024

Background

Displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures are a complication-ridden injury to treat and there are various treatment techniques to address this injury. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mid-term outcome of a percutaneous two-point distractor technique in patients with displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures.

Methods

A retrospective data analysis of patients with intra-articular calcaneal fractures treated in a level 1 trauma center was conducted. The patients were subsequently invited for a follow-up visit to assess the mid-term outcome. The Böhler’s and Gissane’s angles, the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society hindfoot score, the Maryland foot score and a visual analog scale for pain were measured preoperatively and postoperatively and after at least 6 years to assess the radiological and functional outcome.

Results

Of the patients 59 completed the study with a mean follow-up of 76 months after surgery. The mean American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society hindfoot score at the last follow-up visit was 81, the mean Maryland foot score was 78. There were three cases (5%) of superficial wound complications and secondary arthrodesis of the subtalar joint was performed in five patients (8%).

Conclusion

The low rates of postoperative infections and secondary arthrodesis in this study underline the good to excellent mid-term functional results for a minimally invasive technique.
Choroid plexus tumors in adults: a retrospective mono-institutional study
Authors: Anghileri Elena , Gaviani Paola , Amato Anna , Pollo Bianca , Paterra Rosina , Marchetti Marcello , Doniselli Fabio M. , Restelli Francesco , Eoli Marica , de Oliveira Muniz Koch Ludmila , Redaelli Veronica , Botturi Andrea Giorgio , DiMeco Francesco , Ferroli Paolo , Farinotti Mariangela , Silvani Antonio
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Choroid plexus tumors (CPT) are rare entities, and even rarer in adulthood.

Methods

A retrospective consecutive series of 24 adult CPT patients was reviewed.

Results

We described 24 adult CPTs. Clinical onset included cerebellar signs (n = 11, 45.8%), intracranial hypertension signs (n = 8, 33.4%), cranial nerves impairment (n = 5, 20.8%), incidental findings (n = 4, 16.6%), seizures (n = 1, 4.2%), spinal signs (n = 1, 4.2%). At first diagnosis, CPT was mostly located in the ventricular system, but other locations can occur, including the spine (one case); meningeal involvement was present in one, pre-surgical hydrocephalus in one case only. CPT histological grade ranged from grade 1 (n = 17), grade 2 (n = 6), and grade 3 (n = 1). TERTp mutation was detected in 17.6% (n = 3/17). TP53 mutation in 5.9% (n = 1/17). Gross Total, Subtotal, Partial resection and Biopsy were achieved in 17 (70.8%), 3 (12.5%), 3 (12.5%) and 1 (4.2%) of patients, respectively. 76% of cases (n = 16/21) experienced clinical worsening suddenly after surgery for different reasons, and mostly gradually recovered. For three cases no data was available. Adjuvant therapy was performed only for grades 2 and 3. At recurrence, surgery, radiosurgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy were considered. The median Overall Survival from surgery was 219.25 months (95% CI, 188.83–249.67).

Conclusions

We confirm that CPT can occur in adults and are mostly grade 1 tumors located in the ventricular system. The surgical approach is the gold standard, although 76% of clinical worsening occurred, often transient. Adjuvant treatment was limited to higher grade CPT; however, no consensus has already been achieved about adjuvant therapy.
Waste glass fibre composites valorization using the fluidised bed: a global warming potential and economic assessment
Authors: Pender K. , Yang L.
Published: December 2024

Glass fibre composites have become widely used in many applications, notably in wind turbine rotors. Fluidised bed valorization has demonstrated glass fibre recycling from waste composites, enabling reuse in traditional composite manufacturing technologies. This paper intendeds to inform long-term strategies for glass fibre composite waste by identify operating conditions that can optimise environmental and economic metrics for fluidised bed valorization. Experimentally derived operating parameters were integrated into energy models for a commercial-scale recycling process. An environmental assessment was conducted to compare the global warming potential of recycled glass fibres with that of virgin materials. In addition, a technoeconomic analysis was performed to assess the viability of the recycling technology at scale. The findings indicate that recycled glass fibre can achieve a global warming potential of less than 2 kg CO2e. per kg, contributing to a net reduction in greenhouse gas emissions when replacing virgin glass fibre. Furthermore, the economic analysis showed that a recycling facility with a capacity of just 10 kt per year could produce recycled glass fibre at a cost of $0.61/kg, significantly lower than the cost of virgin glass fibre. Overall, fluidised bed valorization presents an environmentally and economically sustainable solution for managing glass fibre composite waste.
Predictors of word writing in Spanish and Arabic among 6- and 7-year-old children
Authors: González-Valenzuela Maria-José , López-Montiel Dolores , Chebaani Fatma , Cobos‑Cali Marta , Piedra‑Martínez Elisa , Martín-Ruiz Isaías
Published: November 2024

This study analyses the impact of certain cognitive processes on the writing of words in languages with different orthographic consistency (Spanish and Arabic) in the first and second years of Primary Education. One hundred twenty-eight schoolchildren from Ecuador and 109 from Algiers participated in this study. All the participants were aged between 6 and 7 years old, came from the middle classes, and had no special educational needs. We evaluated all the participants for word writing, knowledge of letters, phonological awareness, rapid automatised naming (alphanumeric and non-alphanumeric), and phonological memory. We performed descriptive-exploratory analyses and bivariate and multivariate regressions for the writing of words in each language. The results show that most of the cognitive variables considered do not contribute equally to the explanation of word writing in both languages at 6 and 7 years of age. However, in each language, at these ages, similar variables contribute to the explanation of word writing. These results have important implications for educational practice, as well as the explanatory theory of writing acquisition.
On random sampling of supersingular elliptic curves
Authors: Mula Marzio , Murru Nadir , Pintore Federico
Published: December 2024

We consider the problem of sampling random supersingular elliptic curves over finite fields of cryptographic size (SRS problem). The currently best-known method combines the reduction of a suitable complex multiplication (CM) elliptic curve and a random walk over some supersingular isogeny graph. Unfortunately, this method is not suitable when the endomorphism ring of the generated curve needs to be hidden, like in some cryptographic applications. This motivates a stricter version of the SRS problem, requiring that the sampling algorithm gives no information about the endomorphism ring of the output curve (cSRS problem). In this work we formally define the SRS and cSRS problems, which are both of theoretical interest. We discuss the relevance of the two problems for cryptographic applications, and we provide a self-contained survey of the known approaches to solve them. Those for the cSRS problem have exponential complexity in the characteristic of the base finite field (since they require computing and finding roots of polynomials of large degree), leaving the problem open. In the second part of the paper, we propose and analyse some alternative techniques—based either on the Hasse invariant or division polynomials—and we explain the reasons why they do not readily lead to efficient cSRS algorithms, but they may open promising research directions.
Internationalisation as a boost for many firms: evidence from Germany
Authors: Frey Rainer , Goldbach Stefan
Published: December 2024

The advantages of globalisation have been increasingly called into question, and protectionist tendencies have entered the stage. So what experiences have firms had after going international in an open economy over the past years? With respect to foreign investor takeovers of initially national firms, we see predominantly positive effects for acquired manufacturing firms in terms of productivity, sales and expenditures on the labour force – likely due to higher employment – in the short and long term. Looking at the results, firm size matters: positive effects are stronger among large firms. In the case of firms starting to invest abroad, positive effects are very rare and limited to short-term sales of acquiring small manufacturing firms. All in all, the largely positive evidence is generally supportive of internationalisation and thus largely contradicts the negative views sometimes present in the public sphere, though even unaffected firms may see themselves as relative losers.
Damage Analysis of a Tunnel Under Rigid and Deformable Impactors
Authors: Khan Arif , Yong Fang , Yifan Jiang , Hajivand Dastgerdi Rashid
Published: November 2024

Missile impacts on underground structures pose significant safety concerns, necessitating thorough investigation to enhance the resilience and safety of such infrastructures. This study aims to evaluate the effects of missile impacts on underground structures by comparing the impact of rigid and deformable impactors using advanced simulation techniques. The simulation of 3D models of impact scenarios on underground structure was carried out using ANSYS/LSDYNA software. The simulations focused on assessing the differences in damage caused by rigid and deformable impactors. Due to the symmetry of the geometry and loading, a quarter of the model was simulated to reduce calculation time. Various material models were employed, including MAT_RHT for rock, MAT_CSCM_CONCRETE for concrete, and MAT_PLASTIC_KINEMATIC for rebars and impactors. Different contact algorithms and boundary conditions were applied to replicate real-world scenarios accurately. Our analysis revealed that employing a deformable impactor significantly reduces the damage to both the ground and the tunnel lining compared to a rigid impactor. Specifically, the velocities observed for rigid and deformable impactors were 91.8 and 65.7 m/s, respectively. Validation of the numerical model was achieved through comparison with experimental data on RC beams subjected to impact, demonstrating the model’s reliability in predicting impact responses. Our findings underscore the critical influence of impactor material behaviour on damage outcomes. The results advocate for the consideration of nonrigid materials in impact assessments for stiff structures, contributing to enhanced safety protocols and design strategies for underground infrastructure.
Borosilicate bioactive glasses with added Mg/Sr enhances human adipose-derived stem cells osteogenic commitment and angiogenic properties
Authors: Tainio Jenna M. , Vanhatupa Sari , Miettinen Susanna , Massera Jonathan
Published: November 2024

Bioactive glasses are one of the most promising materials for applications in bone tissue engineering. In this study, the focus was on borosilicate bioactive glasses with composition 47.12 SiO2 - 6.73 B2O3 - 21.77-x-y CaO - 22.65 Na2O - 1.72 P2O5 - x MgO - y SrO (mol%). These compositions are based on silicate S53P4 bioactive glass, from where 12.5% of SiO2 is replaced with B2O3, and additionally, part of CaO is substituted for MgO and/or SrO. The impact of ion release, both as extract and in direct contact, on human adipose-derived stem cells’ (hADSCs) viability, proliferation, ECM maturation, osteogenic commitment and endothelial marker expression was assessed. Osteogenic media supplements were utilized with the extracts, and in part of the direct cell/material culturing conditions. While it has been reported in other studies that boron release can induce cytotoxicity, the glasses in this study supported cells viability and proliferation. Moreover, borosilicate’s, especially with further Mg/Sr substitutions, upregulated several osteogenic markers (such as RUNX2a, OSTERIX, DLX5, OSTEOPONTIN), as well as angiogenic factors (e.g., vWF and PECAM-1). Furthermore, the studied glasses supported collagen-I production even in the absence of osteogenic supplements, when hADSCs were cultured in contact with the glasses, suggesting that while the bioactive glass degradation products are beneficial for osteogenesis, the glasses surface physico-chemical properties play a significant role on hADSCs differentiation. This study brings critical information on the impact of bioactive glass compositional modification to control glass dissolution and the subsequent influence on stem cells proliferation and differentiation. Furthermore, the role of the material surface chemistry on promoting cell differentiation is reported.

Graphical Abstract