bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vascular Microphysiological System for Investigating Endothelial Barrier Function During Organ Preservation and Reperfusion
Authors: Kim Yongdeok , Goswami Ishan , Gill Elisabeth , Mahmoodi S. Reza , Consiglio Anthony N. , Velazquez Jazmin , Nieman Gabriel , Alburo Alexis Abigail A. , Woods Brady , Ellis Bradley W. , von Filz von Reiterdank Irina , Uygun Korkut , Uygun Basak E. , Rubinsky Boris , Healy Kevin E.
Published: February 2025

Endothelial cell damage after cold preservation and reperfusion injury causes deterioration of the endothelial barrier and ultimately results in edema, leading to transplant failure. Here, a vascular microphysiological system (MPS) is introduced as a testbed to investigate the combinational effect of thermal and fluid perturbations (i.e., wall shear stress) on human endothelial barrier function. Two methods of organ storage are compared: isochoric supercooling (ISC) preservation, which prevents ice formation at subzero temperatures; and, the standard clinical protocol of static cold storage (SCS) at 4 °C. Integrating electrical impedance measurements on chip allow real‐time monitoring and quantification of barrier function during preservation and reperfusion protocols. Isochoric supercooling preservation enables longer periods of preservation with superior recovery of barrier function during reperfusion, and has lower metabolic activities compared to static cold storage. Genomic analysis reveals injury and recovery mechanisms at the molecular level for the different preservation and reperfusion conditions. The multifunctional vascular microphysiological system provides a physiologically relevant in vitro model recapitulating ischemia‐reperfusion injury to the endothelium. The vascular MPS has potential for optimizing organ preservation protocols, ultimately improving organ transplant viability.
Cerium Oxide‐Induced Synchronous Lattice Oxygen Activation and Accelerated Deprotonation Kinetics in Cobalt (oxy)Hydroxide for Robust Water Oxidation
Authors: Li Ruopeng , Wu Youzheng , Yang Peixia , Wang Dan , Xu Hao , Li Yaqiang , Ren Penghui , Meng Fan , Peng Xuesong , Qin Jiang , Zhang Jinqiu , An Maozhong
Published: February 2025

Theoretically, triggering the lattice oxygen mechanism (LOM) of the catalysts during the alkaline oxygen evolution reaction (OER) can effectively break through the thermodynamic limitations, while following this path, the rate of simultaneous deprotonation also determines the overall kinetics. A cerium oxide units‐modified cobalt (oxy)hydroxide nanocomposite of CeO2‐CoOOH/NF is proposed, where the Ce(4f)‐O(2p)‐Co (3d) coupling with sites interaction mediates the Co─O Mott–Hubbard splitting state to trigger efficient LOM. Meanwhile, the 4f orbital electron‐rich state near the Fermi level is favorable for proceeding the electron‐involved deprotonation behavior. All these empower CeO2‐CoOOH/NF with considerable OER activity, which delivers an overpotential of 249 mV at 10 mA cm−2, and coupling with commercial Pt/C in anion exchange membrane water electrolyze (AEMWE) to realize energy‐saving hydrogen production. This work is instructive for the design of high‐performance OER catalysts through controlling the electron orbitals hybridization state of the catalysts to synchronously accelerate the kinetics of each link in OER.
Strain‐Induced Bandgap Narrowing in Crumpled TMDs for NIR Light Detection
Authors: Katiyar Ajit Kumar , Kim Youngjae , Kim Beom Jin , Choi Jonggyu , Hoang Anh Tuan , Lee JaeDong , Ahn Jong‐Hyun
Published: February 2025

Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) such as MoS2 and WS2 emerge as promising materials in optoelectronics, especially for flexible photo‐ /image‐sensors due to their direct bandgap nature. However, the intrinsic bandgaps of these semiconductor monolayers (e.g., MoS2 ≈1.86 eV and WS2 ≈2.0 eV) restrict the operational wavelength range of developed photosensors in the visible spectrum. In addition, their ultrathin nature provides a limited optical absorption cross‐section that restricts the device's performance. Exploiting the strong impact of strain on the electronic band structure, strain engineering has emerged as a promising approach for adjusting the electrical and optical characteristics of layered semiconductors. In particular, the application of tensile strain in MoS2 and WS2 can decrease their bandgaps, which potentially can extend the optical absorption toward the near‐infrared (NIR) wavelength. Herein, a non‐conventional crumpling approach is employed to incorporate uniaxial tensile strain into a graphene/TMD/graphene metal‐semiconductor‐metal photodetector (PD) array. The utilized crumpled geometry provides exclusive photon management with enhanced light scattering and trapping at the sinusoidal surface that results in increased light absorption in NIR wavelength range.
Room‐Temperature Deuterium Separation in van Der Waals Gap Engineered Vermiculite Quantum Sieves
Authors: Lalita Saini , Aparna Rathi , Suvigya Kaushik , Yeh Li‐Hsien , Gopinadhan Kalon
Published: February 2025

As the demand for nuclear energy grows, enriching deuterium from hydrogen mixtures has become more important. However, traditional methods are either very energy‐intensive because they require extremely cold temperatures, or they don't separate deuterium (D2) from regular hydrogen (H2) very well, with a D2/H2 selectivity of ≈0.71. To achieve efficient deuterium separation at room temperature, materials with very tiny spaces, on an atomic scale are needed. For the first time, a material with spaces just ≈2.1 Å (angstroms) wide is successfully created, which is similar in size to the wavelength of hydrogen isotopes at room temperature. This allows for efficient deuterium separation, with a much higher D2/H2 selectivity of ≈2.20, meaning the material can separate deuterium from hydrogen much more effectively at room temperature. The smaller deuterium molecules are more likely to pass through these tiny spaces, showing that quantum effects play a key role in this process. In contrast, a material like graphene oxide, with larger spaces (≈4.0 Å), only shows a lower D2/H2 selectivity of ≈1.17, indicating weaker quantum effects. This discovery suggests that materials with very small, atomic‐scale spaces can be key to efficient separation of hydrogen isotopes at room temperature.
Genome sequencing of three Polyscias species reveals common features in terpene synthase gene family evolution in these species
Authors: Bai Mingzhou , Yang Xin , Lorence David H. , Wood Kenneth R. , Ahlstrand Natalie Iwanycki , Flynn Timothy W. , Zhao Shancen , Rønsted Nina , Simonsen Henrik Toft
Published: February 2025

The genus Polyscias, part of the Araliaceae family, is known for its significant ornamental and medicinal value, as well as its rich variety of metabolites. These plants are primarily found in tropical regions, particularly in Southeast Asia and the Pacific islands. The diverse geographical environments have led to the emergence of many unique and endangered species, although there is limited genomic information available about them. In this study, we generated high‐quality reference genomes for three endangered species: two that are endemic to Hawaiʻi, Polyscias cf. bisattenuata and Polyscias lallanii, and one more widespread species, Polyscias macgillivrayi. We identified a total of 51,083, 60,881, and 29,060 genes in these three species, respectively. Whole‐genome duplication analysis indicated that all three species underwent a common duplication event. By examining the phylogenetic and structural characteristics of the terpene synthase gene family in these species and closely related species, we identified several gene clusters that play crucial roles in metabolite synthesis. A variety of mono‐ and sesquiterpenoids were detected, with several of these compounds having been validated in previous studies. Our findings provide a foundation for further genetic and biochemical investigations of Polyscias, which may aid in the conservation of these endangered species.
Searching for displaced vertices with a gaseous tracker for a future e+e− Higgs factory
Authors: Klamka Jan , Żarnecki Aleksander Filip ,   on behalf of the ILD concept group
Published: February 2025

Abstract

This paper presents results of the first full simulation study addressing prospects for observation of long-lived particles (LLPs) with the International Large Detector (ILD), operating at the International Linear Collider (ILC) at

$$ \sqrt{s} $$

s

= 250 GeV. Neutral LLP production, resulting in a displaced vertex signature inside the ILD’s time projection chamber (TPC), is considered. We focus on scenarios interesting from the experimental perspective and perform a search based on displaced vertex finding inside the TPC volume. Two experimentally challenging scenarios are explored: the first involving very soft final states due to a small mass splitting between a heavy LLP and the dark matter particle to which it decays, and the second with production of a light and therefore highly boosted LLP resulting in almost colinear vertex tracks. The expected limits on the signal production cross section are presented for a wide range of the LLP proper lifetimes corresponding to cτ from 0.1 mm to 10 km.
Obtusifolin improves cisplatin-induced hepatonephrotoxicity via the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway
Authors: Cesur Selcan , Yalinbas-Kaya Berrin , Tureyen Ali , Zemheri-Navruz Fahriye , Demirel Hasan Huseyin , Ince Sinan
Published: February 2025

Cisplatin (CIS) is a highly effective chemotherapeutic drug, but one of its most serious side effects is hepatonephrotoxicity, which varies based on its dosage and duration of use. Previous studies have reported that obtusifolin (OBS) exhibits several pharmacological effects, including antioxidant and antidiabetic activities. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of OBS against CIS-induced hepatonephrotoxicity. OBS (0.5 and 1 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered to male mice for 10 days, while CIS (20 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered on day 7 to induce hepatonephrotoxicity. The results showed that OBS reduced the CIS-induced elevations in AST, ALT, ALP, BUN, and creatinine levels by approximately 14%, 11%, 9%, 18%, and 14%, respectively. OBS also decreased liver and kidney MDA levels by approximately 31% and 25%, while enhancing liver and kidney GSH, SOD, and CAT levels by 50–36%, 80–70%, and 95–55%, respectively. In association with oxidative stress and the apoptotic process, OBS reduced liver and kidney mRNA expression levels of Nrf2 (by approximately 1.7- and 1.6-fold, respectively), HO-1 (by 1.6- and 1.4-fold, respectively), and Bcl-2 (by 1.6- and 1.4-fold, respectively). Additionally, OBS suppressed the mRNA expression levels of NF-κB (by 0.7- and 0.7-fold), TNF-α (by 0.6- and 0.6-fold), Bax (by 0.8- and 0.7-fold), and Cas-3 (by 0.7- and 0.7-fold). Protein expression analysis revealed that OBS increased Nrf2 (showing a 1.7- to 1.2-fold) and Bcl-2 levels (by 1.3- to 1.8-fold), and reduced Bax (by 0.7- to 0.8-fold) and caspase-3 (by 0.7- and 0.7-fold) levels altered by CIS treatment. Histopathological examinations confirmed that OBS reduced liver and kidney damage caused by CIS. In conclusion, OBS significantly improved CIS-induced hepatonephrotoxicity by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis via modulation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. These findings suggest that OBS could be a potential therapeutic agent for mitigating the side effects of chemotherapeutics.
Effector selection precedes movement specification: evidence from repetition effects in motor planning
Authors: Seegelke Christian , Heed Tobias
Published: February 2025

Motor performance is influenced by movements that were performed shortly prior. For example, reaction times (RTs) for successive movements are reduced when executed with the same effector, even if the specifics of the consecutive movements differ. These findings have been taken to support the notion that repetition effects in motor planning reflect the involvement of effector-specific motor plans. However, previous studies have confounded motor and visual aspects of repetition: movements have typically been instructed via visual cues, and movement repetition, therefore, implied repeating also the visual cue, so that the latter may be (at least partly) responsible for the observed RT effects. In the present study, participants performed two movements in succession, a prime and a probe action, either with their left or right hand and in one of two directions, inward or outward relative to the body midline. We used different cues for prime and probe actions, so that movement repetitions did not involve repetition of the visual cue. Participants initiated successive same-limb movements faster than different-limb movements, but this RT advantage was smaller than observed in previous work. Moreover, repeating movement direction also led to a decrease in RT, though only in combination with hand repetition. Whereas these findings imply that visual cue repetition can contribute to accelerated RTs in movement repetition, they confirm that the recent motor history affects motor planning. Furthermore, they support the idea of a hierarchical framework of motor planning in which effector selection precedes specification of motor parameters.
Yeasts Prefer Daycares and Molds Prefer Private Homes
Authors: Kauserud Håvard , Martin-Sanchez Pedro M. , Estensmo Eva Lena , Botnen Synnøve , Morgado Luis , Maurice Sundy , Høiland Klaus , Skrede Inger
Published: February 2025

Worldwide, people spend most of their time indoors; in their homes, workplaces, schools, and daycares. Indoor fungi can cause negative health effects due to the production of toxins or volatiles that trigger the immune system of the occupants. To what degree indoor fungi (mycobiomes) differ between buildings with different usage is poorly known. Here, we compare the indoor mycobiomes in 123 children’s daycare centers and 214 private homes throughout Norway, as revealed by metabarcoding of DNA extracted from dust samples collected by community scientists. Although the fungal richness per se was similar in dust samples from daycares and homes, the fungal community composition differed. Yeast fungi, distributed mainly across the orders Saccharomycetales, Filobasidiales, and Tremellales, were proportionally more abundant in the daycares, while filamentous fungi, including spore-producing molds such as Aspergillus, Penicillum, and Cladosporium, were relatively more abundant in homes. Number of occupants, which is considerably higher in daycares, correlated significantly with the fungal community shift. We hypothesize that the density of occupants and their age distribution drive the systematic difference of yeasts and filamentous fungi in the two building types.
Enzymes that catalyze cyclization of β-1,2-glucans
Authors: Nakajima Masahiro , Motouchi Sei , Tanaka Nobukiyo , Masaike Tomoko
Published: February 2025

β-1,2-Glucans are physiologically important polymers for interactions such as symbiosis and pathogenesis between organisms and adaptation to environmental changes. However, rarity of β-1,2-glucans in nature limits exploration of related enzymes. Recently, many β-1,2-glucan-degrading enzymes have been found after identification of a novel phosphorylase acting on β-1,2-glucooligosaccharides. The expansion of the repertoire has reached revelation of the cyclization mechanism of cyclic β-1,2-glucan synthase and led to finding of new enzymes catalyzing cyclization of β-1,2-glucans in a manner different from cyclic β-1,2-glucan synthase. In this review, we mainly focus on newly found enzymes that catalyze cyclization of β-1,2-glucans along with existence of β-1,2-glucan-associated carbohydrates in nature and introduction of the repertoire of β-1,2-glucan-degrading enzymes.

Key points

• Newly found domain which cyclizes β-1,2-glucan created a new glycoside hydrolase family.

• Cyclization is performed with a unique mechanism.

• α-1,6-Cyclized β-1,2-glucan is produced by an enzyme in another newly found family.
The role of nerve transfers in chronic nerve compression syndromes
Authors: Kennedy Patrick J. , Nag Shayoni , Otto-Moudry Reade , Moore Amy M.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Compression neuropathy is a common problem that results in impaired axonal conduction, and with time, numbness, tingling and weakness from muscle atrophy. Supercharge reverse end-to-side (SETS) nerve transfers have emerged as a novel approach to augment function in chronic nerve compression syndromes with minimal donor site morbidity. This review answers the question, “What are the indications, surgical techniques, and nuances of SETS nerve transfers for ulnar, axillary, radial, and femoral compression neuropathies?”.

Methods

This article reviews current literature and technical components of the use of SETS in chronic nerve compression syndromes.

Results

SETS nerve transfers improve functional outcomes and reduce disability in chronic nerve compression syndromes with limited donor site morbidity. SETS nerve transfers for ulnar, axillary, and femoral compressive neuropathy improve muscle strength, as demonstrated by increased MRC scores. It has also been shown that SETS transfers decrease clawing in ulnar nerve compression and pain in axillary nerve compression. More research is needed for SETS transfers for radial nerve compression neuropathies.

Conclusion

SETs nerve transfers have emerged as a novel approach to restore function and reduce pain and dysfunction in chronic nerve compression syndromes. SETS nerve transfers have minimal donor site morbidity and improve the strength and function of muscles innervated by the effected “recipient” nerve. This review explores the indications and surgical techniques of SETS nerve transfers for ulnar, axillary, radial, and femoral compression neuropathies as well as their reported outcomes.
Management Strategies for Dissolved Organic Carbon Reduction from Forested Watersheds using the SWAT-C model
Authors: Lee Dongjun , Karki Ritesh , Kalin Latif , Isik Sabahattin , Srivastava Puneet , Zhang Xuesong
Published: February 2025

Forests serve as crucial carbon sinks, yet quantifying carbon cycle processes within forested watersheds is challenging due to inherent complexities, including multiple carbon pools and variability. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) transport from forests significantly impacts drinking water quality since it interacts with chlorine to form disinfection byproducts. Although the Soil and Water Assessment Tool-Carbon (SWAT-C) has been widely used to understand carbon fluxes at the watershed scale, the model has been primarily evaluated in non-forested watersheds and loading to aquatic systems, often overlooking terrestrial carbon fluxes from forested regions within watersheds of interests. This study assessed the applicability of SWAT-C in simulating carbon fluxes in both terrestrial and aquatic systems in the forested Big Creek watershed located in the south-central United States (U.S.), which also serves as a drinking water source, and analyzed dominant pathways of DOC transport across the landscape. Additionally, three management scenarios (i.e., forest conversion, raking in forests, and adjusting biomass harvest in croplands) aimed at reducing DOC transport were evaluated. Calibration efforts using remotely sensed as well as datasets demonstrated the proficiency of SWAT-C in simulating both terrestrial and aquatic carbon fluxes in forest-dominated regions. Results emphasize the importance of initializing and calibrating the parameters of dominant land use/cover types to enhance model performance in simulating carbon fluxes. The study found that all evaluated management scenarios can reduce DOC transport into streams, with the conversion of the dominant loblolly pine forests to restored longleaf pine forests achieving a 40% reduction in forest-derived DOC yields. These findings offer valuable insights for watershed-scale carbon cycling modeling and inform management strategies in forest-dominant watersheds to mitigate DOC yields.
Genomes of the Bacterial Endosymbionts of Carrot Psyllid Trioza apicalis Suggest Complementary Biosynthetic Capabilities
Authors: Thompson Sarah , Wang Jinhui , Schott Thomas , Nissinen Riitta , Haapalainen Minna
Published: February 2025

Carrot psyllid Trioza apicalis is a serious pest of cultivated carrot and also a vector of the plant pathogen ‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’ (Lso). To find out whether T. apicalis harbours other species of bacteria that might affect the Lso infection rate, the bacterial communities and metagenome in T. apicalis were studied. Lso haplotype C was detected in a third of the psyllids sampled, at different relative amounts. Surprisingly, T. apicalis was found to harbour only one secondary endosymbiont, a previously unknown species of gamma proteobacterium endosymbiont (Gpe), beside the primary endosymbiont ‘Candidatus Carsonella ruddii’ (CCr). The relative abundancies of these two endosymbionts were approximately equal. The genomes of CCr, Gpe and Lso were assembled from a T. apicalis metagenome sample. Based on the 16S rRNA gene, the closest relative of Gpe of T. apicalis could be a secondary endosymbiont of Trioza magnoliae. The 253.171 kb Gpe genome contains all the tRNA and rRNA genes and most of the protein-coding genes required for DNA replication, transcription and translation, but it lacks most of the genes for amino acid biosynthesis. Gpe has no genes encoding cell wall peptidoglycan synthesis, suggesting it has no cell wall, and could thus live as an intracellular endosymbiont. Like the CCr of other psyllids, CCr of T. apicalis retains a broad amino acid biosynthetic capacity, whilst lacking many genes required for DNA replication and repair and for transcription and translation. These findings suggest that these two endosymbionts of T. apicalis are complementary in their biosynthetic capabilities.
Exploring the Complete Chloroplast Genomes of Key Lamiaceae Species Uncovers the Secrets of Evolutionary Dynamics and Phylogenetic Relationships
Authors: Alp Furan Mehmet , Yildiz Faruk , Kaya Ozkan
Published: February 2025

Chloroplast genome analysis provides crucial insights into plant evolution, classification, and conservation strategies. This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive comparative analysis of chloroplast genome architecture, gene content, and evolutionary relationships among five species of Lamiaceae (Lavandula angustifolia, Mentha × piperita, Ocimum × africanum, Salvia japonica, and Thymus serpyllum). Complete chloroplast genome sequences were retrieved from the NCBI database and analyzed using a systematic bioinformatics pipeline. Genome annotation was performed using Geneious Prime software, while repetitive sequence analysis was conducted using Tandem Repeats Finder. Phylogenetic relationships were reconstructed using MEGA software, implementing both the DualBrothers model and Neighbor-Joining method. The analyzed genomes exhibited the characteristic quadripartite structure, with sizes ranging from 152,048 to 153,995 base pairs and GC content between 37.8 and 38.0%. Each genome contained 131–134 genes, including 50 protein-coding sequences, 8 rRNA genes, and 37 tRNA genes. Comparative analysis revealed region-specific GC content variations, with IR regions showing the highest (43.0–43.4%), followed by LSC (35.9–36.2%) and SSC regions (31.6–32.1%). Codon usage analysis demonstrated a significant bias toward T/C-ending codons, particularly TTT, AAA, and AAT, correlating with the high AT content. Notable variations were observed at the LSC/IR/SSC junction regions, attributed to IR expansion and contraction. Molecular clock analyses indicated consistent evolutionary rates across the studied species. These findings provide valuable insights into the molecular evolution of Lamiaceae chloroplast genomes and establish a foundation for future research in plant molecular biology, systematic studies, and conservation efforts.
The advanced lung cancer inflammation index as a useful prognostic indicator for patients who underwent radical nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Hatayama Tomoya , Goto Keisuke , Kohada Yuki , Nishida Kensuke , Ueno Takeshi , Furutani Tomoki , Hashimoto Kunihiro , Takemoto Kenshiro , Naito Miki , Miyamoto Shunsuke , Kobatake Kohei , Sekino Yohei , Kitano Hiroyuki , Goriki Akihiro , Hieda Keisuke , Hinata Nobuyuki
Published: February 2025

Purpose

We aimed to evaluate the ability of the advanced lung cancer inflammation index (ALI) to predict the prognosis of patients who underwent radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). We also aimed to compare the ALI with other inflammatory or nutritional indices as prognostic indicators.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated patients who underwent RNU for UTUC at multiple centers between January 2010 and April 2024. We calculated the ALI before RNU and divided the patients into the low ALI and high ALI groups. We used 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) to adjust the clinicopathological differences between two groups. We compared the overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) of the low and high ALI groups using the Kaplan-Meier method. Furthermore, we assessed the ALI as a predictor of OS and RFS using a multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis.

Results

Of 488 patients (48.3% low ALI group), 160 patients from each group were matched. The Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the OS (p = 0.009) and RFS (p = 0.006) of the low ALI group were significantly shorter than those of the high ALI group. According to a multivariate analysis that included clinicopathological prognostic indicators, a low ALI was an independent predictor of poor OS (p = 0.014) and RFS (p = 0.038). Furthermore, according to the multivariate analysis including other inflammatory or nutritional indices, the ALI was an independent predictor of poor OS (p = 0.024) and RFS (p = 0.044).

Conclusions

The ALI was a significantly useful prognostic predictors of patients with UTUC who underwent RNU.
The differences between the subtypes of obstructive sleep apnea among different provinces in Turkey: a multicenter study
Authors: Yalim Sidika Deniz , Bayram Nazan , Ozdemir Imran , Cingi Cemal , Muluk Nuray Bayar
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Our aim in this study is to investigate the significance and implications of different clinical subtypes of patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in three different sleep centers from varied provinces.

Methods

Between January 2023 and November 2024, 330 patients from three sleep centers (Adana, Gaziantep, and Istanbul) were retrospectively examined for age, gender, body mass index (BMI), polysomnography parameters, sleep stages, arousals, oxygen parameters, heart rates, apnea-hypopnea indexes (AHI) and snoring.

Results

OSAS patients of Gaziantep were fat and severe OSAS patients who slept lightly but efficiently at lower oxygen levels with longer durations. They fell into Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep quickly. The number of hypopneas is high. OSAS patients of Adana sleep deeply, frequently wake after sleep onset, and snore less. The number of obstructive apnea is high. OSAS patients of Istanbul sleep efficiently but snore a lot. REM oxygen saturation, oxygen desaturation index (ODI) levels, and the average heart rate were high in Istanbul. The number of central and mixed apneas is high.

Conclusions

Sleep patterns and oxygen measurements varied among clinical subtypes of patients with OSAS, as well as among provinces. Understanding regional or subtype-specific OSAS could alter practice because treatment can be planned according to the severity of OSAS.
Lust im Lockdown – Das Sexuelle unter dem Brennglas der Coronapandemie
Authors: Busch Charlotte , Quindeau Ilka , Herzog Dagmar , Lemke Richard , Herrmann Friederike , Tannich Pascal , Schweizer Katinka
Published: February 2025

Die Coronapandemie dient dieser Forschungsarbeit als vergrößerndes Brennglas zur Analyse gesellschaftlicher und individueller Konflikte um das Sexuelle. Es wird untersucht, welchen Umgang die Subjekte während der Coronapandemie mit ihrer Sexualität gefunden haben, und welche gesellschaftliche Vermittlung und welcher soziale Austausch diesbezüglich stattfanden. Durch die Krisenhaftigkeit der Coronapandemie wird ein verschärftes (triebinduziertes) Dilemma zwischen Befriedigung und Verzicht angenommen; dieses aktualisierte unbewusste Konflikte und Wünsche und rief Abwehrformationen auf den Plan, die anhand sexueller Szenen und Skripte untersucht werden. Methodisch werden dafür ein Videobeitrag aus den öffentlich-rechtlichen Medien über Dating und Sexualität im Lockdown mit der tiefenhermeneutischen Methode des szenischen Verstehens analysiert sowie die dazugehörigen Nutzer:innenkommentare mittels der Codiersoftware MAXQDA qualitativ-inhaltsanalytisch ausgewertet. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass das Sexuelle in der Pandemie nicht in dessen Ambivalenz ausgehalten werden konnte und überwunden geglaubte sexuelle Skripte über Geschlecht und Sexualität hervorbrachte, was mittels Schiefheilungen reguliert werden sollte. Auf diese Weise konnten verpönte Wünsche und Ängste um das Sexuelle zunächst in Schach gehalten werden, was langfristig selbst Leid und Frust erzeugen kann.
Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair with self-fixated meshes: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Thölix Anna-Maria , Kössi Jyrki , Grönroos-Korhonen Marie , Harju Jukka
Published: February 2025

Background

Laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgery leads to rapid recovery and low complication rates. An alternative to fixate the mesh is using a self-fixated mesh.

Methods

From April 2021 to June 2024, we conducted a randomized controlled trial comparing self-adhesive mesh (Adhesix™) with self-gripping mesh (Progrip™) in laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgery (TAPP and TEP). Adult patients scheduled for day surgery were included in the study with a 1-year follow up. The primary endpoint was the number of analgesics (Paracetamol or Ibuprofen) used during the first post-operative week. Secondary outcomes were pain-related issues, complications, and recurrence rate.

Results

A total of 174 patients participated; 90 received Adhesix™ (group A) and 84 Progrip™ (Group P). Forty-six (26.4%) patients had recurrent hernia, 68 (39.1%) had unilateral and 60 (34.5%) had bilateral primary hernias. A total of 156 (90%) patients completed follow up. The number of analgesics during the first post-operative week was comparable between groups (P 22.9, A 21.2 tablets, p = 0.461). Group P used more analgesics during day 1, after which no difference was observed. In general, all participants used analgesics after surgery regularly for 10.8 days (SD 10.6) and occasionally for 15.9 days (SD 16.9). Time to return to work and normal activities was 16.1 days (SD 10.8) and 16.6 days (SD 9.6), respectively. More patients in group P reported moderate or severe pain (numeric rating scale > 3) during exercise 3 months after surgery (P 15.4%, A 3.1%, p = 0.035), although no difference was observed at 1 year after surgery. Both groups had significantly improved quality of life measures in physical aspects of the RAND-36 Item Health Survey after 3 months. Two recurrences, one in each group (1.1%) occurred.

Conclusion

The use of Adhesix was non-inferior to Progrip in laparoscopic surgery. Surgery using either mesh led to rapid recovery and improved quality of life.

This trial was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05091853).

Graphical abstract
Urinary oxygen tension measurement using a 3-way silicone urinary catheter with enhanced capability for urine collection
Authors: Kato Takao , Kobashi Riku , Watanabe Fumikazu , Koyama Kaoru
Published: February 2025

Acute kidney injury (AKI), particularly during cardiac surgery, severely affects patient outcomes, yet current diagnostics using serum creatinine levels delay detection. This study investigates real-time urinary oxygen tension (PuO2) as an alternative early marker and correlates it with renal medullary oxygen tension for potential AKI prediction. We developed a modified 3-way silicone urinary catheter designed for more reliable urine collection and evaluated its performance in terms of PuO2 measurement accuracy. The results of the experiment showed that the improved catheter enabled continuous urine collection, but it was suggested that the oxygen permeability of the silicone material may have caused an increase in PuO2 level. These results suggest that material selection, particularly oxygen permeability, has a significant impact on PuO2 measurements and highlight the need for alternative low-permeability materials to improve the reliability of PuO2-based AKI diagnostics.
Static analysis to make the most of CHERI C/C++ for existing code: improving memory safety at scale
Authors: Dudina Irina , Stark Ian
Published: February 2025

We describe and evaluate custom static analyses to support transitioning existing C/C++ codebases to CHERI hardware. CHERI is a novel architectural extension, implemented for RISC-V and AArch64, that uses capabilities to provide fine-grained memory protection and scalable software compartmentalization. While the existing CHERI toolchain can recompile large code collections for the platform with only a few source changes, those changes are nonetheless critical: we demonstrate that static analysis can help to identify where they are needed and what must be done to avoid later runtime faults. We provide custom checkers for the Clang Static Analyzer to handle capability alignment, copying through memory, and manipulation as integers. Beyond simply picking up problems in existing code, we also have checkers that identify where code can take advantage of capabilities to better enforce least privilege and improve spatial memory safety. We evaluate all implemented checkers on a sample of packages from the CheriBSD ports library (408 packages, "Equation missing" analyzed) and confirm by analyzing true-positive warning rates that the reports produced are sufficiently high quality for practical use.
Deep crowd anomaly detection: state-of-the-art, challenges, and future research directions
Authors: Sharif Md. Haidar , Jiao Lei , Omlin Christian W.
Published: February 2025

Crowd anomaly detection is one of the most popular topics in computer vision in the context of smart cities. A plethora of deep learning methods have been proposed that generally outperform other machine learning solutions. Our review primarily discusses algorithms that were published in mainstream conferences and journals between 2020 and 2022. We present datasets that are typically used for benchmarking, produce a taxonomy of the developed algorithms, and discuss and compare their performances. Our main findings are that the heterogeneities of pre-trained convolutional models have a negligible impact on crowd video anomaly detection performance. We conclude our discussion with fruitful directions for future research.
How eye tracking may advance the field of mathematics education: a commentary on the ESM Special Issue on eye-tracking research in mathematics education
Authors: Bikner-Ahsbahs Angelika
Published: February 2025

Eye-tracking technologies are increasingly being used for empirical research in mathematics education. However, we do not yet know how they are influencing the field. In this commentary paper, the articles in the Special Issue on research with eye-tracking are examined to reconstruct how they have advanced the field. To address this research aim, the construct of research praxeology is used. Based on the components of a praxeology, four types of progress are identified and characterized: Theoretical progress within a theoretical research program, methodological progress through the development of a research instrument, progress through the establishment of new types of research questions and aims, which address new topics, and progress in relation to a research technique. These types of progress show that the articles on eye tracking may advance the field by consolidating and redirecting previous research, pointing to new lines of research and providing new kinds of tasks. Knowledge of these types of progress can help researchers to shape, situate, and critically reflect on their publications.
Growth rate comparison of three Kappaphycus alvarezii colour strains cultivated using tubular netting and tie-tie methods in the waters of Ecuador
Authors: Cáceres-Farias Lenin , Montúfar-Romero Milton , Lodeiros César , Espinoza-Vera María Mercedes , Cáceres-Farias Lorena Belén , Avendaño Ulises , Ruiz-Chóez Walter , Alfaro-Núñez Alonzo
Published: February 2025

Kappaphycus alvarezii is widely cultivated in tropical regions, with its growth influenced by cultivation techniques. Despite extensive global studies, there is a knowledge gap in Ecuador regarding the performance of different strains and systems under local specific conditions. The growth performance of K. alvarezii strains (green, brown, and red) cultivated in Ecuador using “tubular nets” and “tie-tie systems” was evaluated. Fifteen thalli from each strain were grown for 70 days, with daily measurements of water temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and nutrient levels. No significant differences were detected between the systems, and their DGR growth rates were high for algae culture development (4.0 ± 0.92% day⁻1 in the tie-tie and 3.8 ± 0.81% day⁻1 in the tubular net) demonstrating their suitability for commercial cultivation. All strains exhibited DGR > 3%, with the green strain particularly excelling in the tubular system (6.1 ± 5.54% day⁻1). The local environmental conditions were found to be favourable for macroalgal growth, with a particularly strong positive correlation with temperature. The results show that both cultivation systems are viable for the commercial production of K. alvarezii, establishing a foundation for future applications in local aquaculture and highlighting the adaptability of the evaluated strains to Ecuador's environmental conditions.
The minimum orientable genus of the repeated Cartesian product of graphs
Authors: Galea Marietta , Gauci John Baptist
Published: February 2025

Determining the minimum genus of a graph is a fundamental optimisation problem in the study of network design and implementation as it gives a measure of non-planarity of graphs. In this paper, we are concerned with determining the smallest value of g such that a given graph G has an embedding on the orientable surface of genus g. In particular, we consider the Cartesian product of graphs since this is a well studied graph operation which is often used for modeling interconnection networks. The s-cube

$$Q_i^{(s)}$$

Q
i

(
s
)

is obtained by taking the repeated Cartesian product of i complete bipartite graphs

$$K_{s,s}$$

K

s
,
s

. We determine the genus of the Cartesian product of the 2r-cube with the repeated Cartesian product of cycles and of the Cartesian product of the 2r-cube with the repeated Cartesian product of paths.
Spiritual Well-Being and Treatment Adherence in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in Turkey
Authors: Erden Melikoğlu Seçil , Köktürk Dalcali Berna , Güngörmüş Esra , Kaya Hatice
Published: February 2025

This study aimed to identify the correlation between treatment adherence and spiritual well-being in patients with Type 2 Diabetes. A descriptive and correlational design was used. The study consisted of 203 patients. The data were collected through a patient information form, The Scale for Compliance to the Treatment in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and the FACIT-Sp-12 and analyzed by using descriptive and Pearson’s Correlation analysis. A correlation was found between patients treatment adherence and their peace, faith, and meaning sub-dimensions of the FACIT Sp-12. This study shows a need for interventions for patients with Type 2 diabetes to increase their spiritual well-being and, therefore, their treatment adherence. For this reason, individuals’ needs should be met with a holistic approach by integrating spiritual care into nursing care practices.
Probabilistic numerical simulation of morphology development from non-isothermal calorimetric crystallization curves
Authors: Lelik Alíz , Bubenkó Lilla , Koncz Medárd , Molnár János , Sepsi Örs , Menyhárd Alfréd
Published: February 2025

This work introduces a probabilistic numerical simulation method to describe or predict the spherulitic morphology of semicrystalline polymer formed during non-isothermal crystallization process. The numerical simulation is based on the general crystallization theory, which consists of random nucleation and subsequent growth of supermolecular formations. The model is capable for prediction of morphology from the conversion curve of crystallization recorded by calorimetry during crystallization at a constant cooling rate. Samples made of polypropylene nucleated by different nucleating agents were used as a model material for testing the simulation approach. The results indicated that valuable structural information can be predicted from the conversion curve, like nucleus density, average spherulite size and size distribution as well. In addition, the simulation method also capable to predict the mechanism of nucleation during the crystallization process, namely, whether the number of nuclei is constant or continuously changing. The results also indicated that nucleus density increases significantly as a consequence of heterogeneous nucleation, which indicates that the simulation results in realistic and reliable structural data both in nucleated and non-nucleated samples.
Strategies for Promoting Doula Inclusivity in the Labor and Delivery Setting
Authors: Perkins Holly DeBernard , Isaacs Christine
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Our facility aimed to establish a standardized process to guide healthcare team members to incorporate doulas in the labor and delivery setting while meeting regulatory and safety requirements and promoting operational transparency.

Description

Doulas provide emotional, physical, and educational support to patients and families throughout the pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey. Doula care has been identified with improved maternal and neonatal birth outcomes, as well as improved perceptions of the birthing process.

Assessment

Our facility lacked a standard operating procedure for successfully incorporating doulas into the healthcare team.

Conclusion

We developed strategies to promote doula inclusivity in our labor and delivery environment with safety and quality at the core of our focus.
Patient and hospital staff perspectives on introducing pharmacist-led medication reviews at an orthopedic ward: a mixed methods pilot study
Authors: Revell Joo Hanne Poulsen , Schlünsen Maja , Kandasamy Abisha , Meijers Annette , Eggers Jens , Kjeldsen Lene Juel
Published: February 2025

Background

Multi-morbidity is associated with multiple medication use, which potentially increases the risk of adverse drug events. Pharmacist-led medication reviews have been introduced to meet these challenges.

Aim

To evaluate the implementation of pharmacist-led medication reviews for older patients admitted to an orthopedic ward in terms of quality and safety from the perspectives of patients, hospital-based physicians, nurses, and healthcare assistants.

Method

Patients (n=11) were interviewed, with the interviews having a reflexive thematic analysis using the hermeneutic approach, while healthcare-professionals’ (HCPs) (n=26) perspectives on pharmacist-led medication reviews were assessed using questionnaires.

Results

The qualitative patient interviews revealed four themes: (1) Positive perception of pharmacists’ medication communication, (2) Mixed perceptions of a medication review, (3) Satisfaction with the general outcome of the medication review, and (4) Safety perception with medication treatment. Twenty-six HCPs completed the questionnaire (response rate 48%) with a distribution of 10 hospital-based physicians (38%), eight nurses (31%), and eight healthcare assistants (31%). Almost 85% of the HCPs (n = 22) were familiar with the pharmacist conducting medication reviews. More than 70% of the HCPs reported that pharmacist-led medication reviews contributed to increased quality of admitted patients’ medication use.

Conclusion

High levels of satisfaction with the outcomes of the medication reviews—particularly regarding quality, patient safety, and their overall positive impact on the ward—indicate that both patients and HCPs perceived the service as highly valuable in supporting patient care throughout the medication process.
Life Satisfaction and Internet Use in Later Life in Italy: The Role of Online Activities and Living Arrangements
Authors: Furlan Claudia , Meggiolaro Silvia
Published: February 2025

This study aimed to provide new insights into the role of internet use in the life satisfaction of older people in Italy, considering, in detail, the types of their online activities and the potential differences between these activities according to the old people’s genders and living arrangements. The data came from the survey Aspects of Daily Life conducted by the Italian National Institute of Statistics in 2021. The results of the logistic regression models used suggest that some online activities have associations with life satisfaction that vary according to gender and living arrangement. In particular, men living alone seem to benefit from voice and video calls, and men living with others, from messaging. On the other hand, for women living alone, online activities do not seem to be significantly associated with life satisfaction, but for women living with others, voice and video calls seem to be positively related to life satisfaction. Thus, not all online activities can be considered significant tools of empowerment for older adults. Specifically, internet use may have a beneficial effect among older Italians (excluding women living alone) when it is used to maintain or reinforce a real social network that is already present.
Happiness and productivity: a research synthesis using an online findings archive
Authors: Fang Yizhen , Veenhoven Ruut , Burger Martijn J.
Published: February 2025

The ‘happy productive worker’ thesis (HPW) holds that the happiness of workers has a positive impact on their productivity. In this study, we take stock of the research findings about the relationship between happiness on the productivity of workers that have been collected in the World Database of Happiness. We considered both objective and subjective productivity measures. In total, we drew on 33 studies that yielded 197 correlational findings over 27 countries and regions. The following questions were addressed: (1) Does happiness have a positive association with productivity? (2) Does the positive association between happiness and productivity differ across sectors and occupations? (3) Which component of happiness relates most to a productive workplace: how well a worker feels most of the time (the affective component) or the degree to which a worker feels able to get what they want from life (the cognitive or evaluative component)? (4) To what extent can we speak of a causal effect of happiness on productivity at work? Overall, the findings provide evidence of a positive relationship between happiness and productivity. The association between happiness and productivity at work differ across occupations and sectors and seems to be particularly strong for the affective component of happiness (how well a worker feels most of the time). More comparison studies are necessary to examine the relative importance of the affective and cognitive component. A causal effect of happiness on productivity is likely to exist but empirical evidence is thin on the ground.