bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Screening for sickle cell disease by point-of-care tests in Italy: pilot study on 1000 at risk children
Authors: Casale Maddalena , Scianguetta Saverio , Palma Teresa , Pinfildi Laura , Vallefuoco Giampiero , Capellupo Maria Chiara , Roberti Domenico , Perrotta Silverio
Published: January 2025

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a global health problem causing premature deaths and preventable severe chronic complications. A priority goal to improve outcomes both in the short and long term is the screening for early diagnosis and access to specialized care. In Italy, as in other countries, no systematic national screening program is available. A regional pilot project was developed with the aim to screen 1000 children at risk of SCD in Italy. Primary care paediatricians received point-of-care tests (POCTs) to detect abnormal haemoglobin (Hb) to be offered to children regularly followed at their own clinics. Children positive to the POCT were referred to the regional paediatric specialized centre for diagnosis confirmation and follow up. Among 1000 at risk children screened, 85 (8,5%) tested positive for an abnormal Hb. HbS trait was reported in 69 (7%) children, HbC trait in 13 (1,3%) and SCD was diagnosed in 3 (0,3% overall; 0,56% in African background) children. African family background was the most affected by sickle mutations and all children with SCD had African ancestry. Only 56/259 (22%) primary care paediatricians invited but 20/21 (95%) reception centres adhered to the pilot screening project.

Conclusions: A screening program for SCD performed by the primary care paediatricians is feasible and relatively easy to organize. SCD affects mainly children with African family background and the scarce adherence of primary care paediatricians, in contrast to the high adhesion of charitable institutions, outlines the need for a mandatory screening for SCD, and improved awareness among health care providers.

What is Known:• Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a serious global health problem that requires management in specialized centres from the first months of life.• In the absence of neonatal screening for SCD, primary health care settings represent a feasible and costeffective approach for early disease detection.

What is New:• In Italy, screening for SCD performed by primary care pediatricians detected a hemoglobin variant in 8.5% children, with a disease prevalence of 0.3% in the whole population and 0.56% in children with African family background.• The poor adherence of paediatricians to the voluntary screening for SCD highlights the need for legislative interventions and training activities to ensure early diagnosis and rapid access to care for all children affected by SCD.
Acute kidney injury in paediatric kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Mohidin Barian , Marks Stephen D.
Published: January 2025

Acute kidney injury (AKI) in paediatric kidney transplant recipients is common. Infection including urinary tract infection (UTI) and rejection are the most common causes in children. Surgical complications often cause AKI early post-transplant, whereas BK polyomavirus nephropathy rarely occurs in the first month post-transplant. Understanding kidney physiology helps to appreciate the sensitivity of the allograft to AKI, more so than native kidneys. Although the cause of AKI is often multi-factorial, there may be an underlying process that is treatable. Eliciting the aetiology, in this regard, is of paramount importance. Pre-renal and post-renal causes of allograft dysfunction are important to distinguish from intrinsic kidney disease. Clinical information and examination of fluid balance, urine dipstick testing, blood tests, bladder and kidney transplant ultrasound, and kidney transplant biopsy remain vital assessment tools in narrowing the differential diagnosis. A careful prescribed and recreational drug history is always warranted as many drugs including supplements are nephrotoxic. Additional causes such as allograft rejection, recurrent disease, and calcineurin inhibitor toxicity need to be considered in cases of allograft dysfunction, which would not affect the native kidneys. Early detection and assessment of AKI is crucial in promoting recovery. Significant progress has been made in specific pathologies over the last 20 years, which has improved kidney allograft survival rates considerably. Research into identifying AKI biomarkers to assist early diagnosis, before the serum creatinine rises, is ongoing.

Graphical abstract
Longitudinal impact of extended-hours hemodialysis with a liberalized diet on nutritional status and survival outcomes: findings from the LIBERTY cohort
Authors: Imaizumi Takahiro , Okazaki Masaki , Hishida Manabu , Kurasawa Shimon , Nishibori Nobuhiro , Nakamura Yoshihiro , Ishikawa Shigefumi , Suzuki Katsuhiko , Takeda Yuki , Otobe Yuhei , Kondo Toru , Kaneda Fumika , Kaneda Hiroshi , Maruyama Shoichi
Published: January 2025

Background

Protein-energy wasting (PEW), a unique weight loss linked to nutritional and metabolic abnormalities, is common in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) and associated with adverse outcomes. This study investigated whether extended-hours HD combined with a liberalized diet could overcome PEW and improve survival.

Methods

The body mass index (BMI) and survival outcomes in patients undergoing extended-hours HD were evaluated for up to 8 years using data from the LIBeralized diet Extended-houRs hemodialysis Therapy (LIBERTY) cohort. Extended-hours HD was defined as weekly dialysis length ≥ 18 h.

Results

The LIBERTY cohort included 402 patients who initiated extended-hours HD. An increase in the length and frequency of HD sessions was observed over time, with approximately 70% and 20% of patients undergoing extended-hours HD for > 21 h/week and > 3 sessions/week at 5 years, respectively. The BMI and percentage creatinine generation rate were maintained over time, with no substantial increase in the phosphorus and potassium levels. The estimated BMI initially increased, and thereafter plateaued over time in patients with a baseline BMI < 25 kg/m2, whereas it decreased gradually in patients with a baseline BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 after several years from baseline. Ninety-one patients died, and 108 discontinued extended-hours HD during the median follow-up period of 6.2 years (interquartile range, 3.5–8.0), yielding a 5-year survival rate of 85%.

Conclusions

Extended-hours HD with a liberalized diet may help achieve favorable survival outcomes and maintain nutritional status. Thus, it is a promising treatment option for managing PEW in patients undergoing HD.
The influence of GP advice on physical activity and health promotion in elderly patients – findings from a quantitative waiting room survey in Germany
Authors: Wangler Julian , Jansky Michael
Published: January 2025

Aim

Physical activity can help maintain an independent and healthy life, especially at an older age. In view of the ageing population, the necessity for better prevention concepts is becoming evident. The present study has ascertained the importance and potential of primary care in the task of motivating patients to participate in exercise, fitness, and health programmes.

Subject and methods

As part of a waiting room survey conducted between November 2022 and April 2023, a total of 1701 patients aged 70 and older were surveyed in 35 GP practices in the federal state of Hesse.

Results

Half of those surveyed participate in sports activities on a regular basis. It is widely considered a problem that there is a lack of health and exercise programmes that match the (health) situation of individuals. Many of those questioned also have no overview of what courses are available in their vicinity. GPs enjoy an excellent reputation as highly trustworthy and reliable advisors for health and exercise programmes; 46% of respondents stated that their GP had already recommended an increase in physically activity, 38% stated that their GP had drawn their attention to specific sports, fitness, or health programmes. Of these, 84% decided to try out this recommendation. Ninety percent were in favour of a closer cooperation between GPs and health course providers.

Conclusion

The results indicate that the primary care setting is in a particularly good position to introduce older people to exercise and health programmes and motivate them to take part. General practitioners should be encouraged to assume such an intermediary role with regard to prevention. For this purpose, it would appear that urgent action is necessary in local and municipal health promotion networks as well as relevant training of GPs and practice staff.
Probabilistic parametric analysis of capacity, fragility and expected seismic damage of framed reinforced concrete buildings
Authors: Pujades L. G. , Vargas-Alzate Y. F. , Lantada N. , González-Drigo R.
Published: January 2025

1160 framed reinforced concrete buildings, holding 3–13 stories, have been modelled in a probabilistic way. Capacity spectra have been calculated and characterized by means of 5 parameters: initial stiffness, ultimate capacity (Sdu, Sau), μ and σ. μ is related to ductility, and σ controls the way the building strength degrades. A strong correlation among these five parameters has been found. Moreover, the also high correlation between the initial stiffness and the number of stories allows to define median and percentile capacity spectra starting from the number of stories. Afterwards, for each number of stories, a fragility analysis is performed for the median capacity spectrum. The Barcelona city, in Spain, is used to depict the expected physical damage for a probabilistic and a deterministic seismic hazard scenario. Two procedures, based on the bilinear form of the capacity spectrum and on the Park and Ang damage index, are used to define damage states thresholds. The probabilistic scenario is more damaging than the deterministic one is and, damage states thresholds based on the capacity spectrum lead to more damages than the ones based on the Park and Ang damage index. Mean damage states close to 2.0 are obtained, being 25% and 6% the probabilities of Severe, and Complete, damage states, which would have significant impact on the number of homeless people and victims. Maps of expected damages depict the physical seismic risk of the probabilistic scenario. These scenarios are very useful for emergency planning and for earthquake protection.
Development of optical microneedle–lens array for photodynamic therapy
Authors: Park Jongho , Zhang Jingzong , Kim Beomjoon
Published: January 2025

Recently, photodynamic therapy (PDT) which involves a photosensitizer (PS), a special drug activated by light, and light irradiation has been widely used in treating various skin diseases such as port-wine stain as well as cancers such as melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. PDT comprises two general steps: the introduction of PS into the body or a specific spot to be treated, and the irradiation process using a light source with a specific wavelength to excite the PS. Although PDT is gaining great attention owing to its potential as a targeted approach in the treatment of skin cancers, several limitations still exist for practical use. One of the biggest challenges is the limited penetration of light owing to scattering, reflection, and absorption of light inside the skin layers. In addition, accidental light exposure of the target area causes additional cellular damage, which causes unexpected complications. To solve these issues, we introduced an optical microneedle–lens array (OMLA) to improve the efficiency and safety of PDT treatment. We designed and fabricated a novel optical microneedle–lens array with controlled dimensions to optimize light transmission. In addition, PS was coated uniformly over the tips of the OMLA using the dip coating method. Finally, we confirmed that the PS coated on the OMLA was released into the target area and subsequently generated radical oxygen by light irradiation. We expect that our proposed OMLA for PDT treatment can realize a new light-transmission platform optimized for PDT with targeting various types of skin cancers.

Graphical abstract
Targeting MYC for the treatment of breast cancer: use of the novel MYC-GSPT1 degrader, GT19630
Authors: Tang Minhong , Crown John , Duffy Michael J.
Published: January 2025

Background

Since MYC is one of the most frequently altered driver genes involved in cancer formation, it is a potential target for new anti-cancer therapies. Historically, however, MYC has proved difficult to target due to the absence of a suitable crevice for binding potential low molecular weight drugs.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate a novel molecular glue, dubbed GT19630, which degrades both MYC and GSPT1, for the treatment of breast cancer.

Methods

The antiproliferative potential of GT19630 was evaluated in 14 breast cancer cell lines representing the main molecular subtypes of breast cancer. In addition, we also investigated the effects of GT19630 on apoptosis, cell cycle progression, cell migration, and degradation of the negative immune checkpoint protein, B7-H3.

Results

GT19630 inhibited cell proliferation, blocked cell cycle progression, promoted apoptosis, and decreased cell migration at low nanomolar concentrations in breast cancer cell lines. By contrast, previously described MYC inhibitors such as specific MYC-MAX antagonists affected these processes at micromolar concentrations. Consistent with the ability of MYC to promote immune evasion, we also found that GT19630 degraded the negative immune checkpoint inhibitor, B7-H3.

Conclusions

We conclude that the novel molecular glue, GT19630, is a potent mediator of endpoints associated with cancer formation/progression. Its ability to degrade B7-H3 suggests that GT19630 may also promote host immunity against cancer. To progress GT19630 as a therapy for breast cancer, our finding should now be confirmed in an animal model system.
Development and Validation of Deep Procedural Knowledge Test on Angles and Polygons (Deep-ProKT-AngPoly)
Authors: Aydınyer Yurdagül , Ubuz Behiye
Published: January 2025

This mixed methods study aimed to develop a test assessing middle school students’ predominantly deep procedural knowledge of angles and polygons and then to determine its validity based on test content (expert evaluation and developmental field testing) and internal structure (dimensionality and internal consistency). Deep procedural knowledge of angles and polygons refers to knowing how to use the three major elements (i.e., applying figural procedures, using corresponding geometric statements, and making arithmetical calculations) to find the unknown(s) for solving “geometric calculation” questions. The results suggest that the Deep Procedural Knowledge Test on Angles and Polygons including 14 constructed-response questions demonstrates satisfactory validity evidence based on test content and internal structure. In conclusion, such a content-specific test could be valuable to be used in classrooms and research to assess students’ deep procedural knowledge of angles and polygons.
The effect of single versus group culture on cumulus-oocyte complexes from early antral follicles
Authors: Ebrahimi Mohammadreza , Mara Laura , Succu Sara , Gadau Sergio Domenico , Palmerini Maria Grazia , Chessa Fabrizio , Dattena Maria , Sotgiu Francesca D. , Pasciu Valeria , Mascitti Ilaria Antenisca , Macchiarelli Guido , Luciano Alberto Maria , Berlinguer Fiammetta
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of single versus group culture strategies for cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) derived from early antral follicles (EAFs), with the goal of optimizing culture conditions to increase oocyte availability for assisted reproductive technologies.

Methods

COCs isolated from EAFs (350–450 µm) from sheep ovaries were cultured in TCM199 medium supplemented with 0.15 µg/mL Zn++ as zinc sulfate, 10−4 IU/mL FSH, 10 ng/mL estradiol, 50 ng/mL testosterone, 50 ng/mL progesterone, and 5 µM Cilostamide. After 5 days of long in vitro culture (LIVC), COCs underwent in vitro maturation. This study investigated the effects of single and group culture conditions on COCs, focusing on morphology (integrity of oocyte-granulosa cell complex), viability, oocyte diameter, chromatin configuration, and ultrastructure. Additional factors influencing developmental competence were assessed, including global transcriptional activity, gap junction communication, and meiotic competence. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and mitochondrial activity were also measured.

Results

No significant differences were observed between groups in terms of morphology, viability, oocyte diameter, chromatin configuration, ROS levels, or mitochondrial activity. However, group culture resulted in ultrastructural changes, with a notable reduction in global transcriptional activity, an increase in active gap junctions, and a higher rate of meiosis resumption (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Overall, group culture of COCs derived from sheep EAFs promoted meiosis resumption, suggesting that this approach could improve in vitro culture techniques, increase the availability of mature gametes, and support fertility preservation programs.

Graphical abstract
Development of two novel supramolecular metallogels of Mn(II) and Zn(II)-ion derived from L-(+) tartaric acid for fabricating light responsive junction type semiconducting diodes with non-ohmic conduction mechanism
Authors: Dhibar Subhendu , Dey Arka , Mondal Bijnaneswar , Karmakar Kripasindhu , Roy Arpita , Bhattacharjee Subham , Trivedi Aditi , Mohan Aiswarya , Saha Ratnakar , Chatterjee Priyajit , Mondal Aniruddha , Ajiboye Timothy O. , Saha Bidyut
Published: January 2025

A rapid development strategy was successfully implemented to create a suEPSR111459pramolecular metallogel comprising Mn(II) (referred to as MnA-TA) and Zn(II) (referred to as ZnA-TA) ions. These gels were formed using L-(+)-tartaric acid as a low molecular weight gelator in DMF medium at ambient conditions. Rheological analysis was employed to assess the mechanical stability of the synthesized MnA-TA and ZnA-TA metallogel. The results of the analysis revealed the gel’s impressive resilience when subjected to various angular frequencies and levels of oscillator stress. The exploration of MnA-TA and ZnA-TA metallogel’s distinct morphological patterns was conducted using FESEM images. FESEM analysis revealed that MnA-TA metallogel exhibited a flake-like hierarchical network structure, while ZnA-TA metallogel demonstrated a diamond-shaped architecture. EDX analysis was utilized for elemental mapping, confirming the presence of primary chemical constituents in the metallogels. The formation strategy and nature of the gel materials were examined through FT-IR spectroscopy and PXRD analysis. The synthesized metallogels exhibited semiconducting properties, as confirmed by optical band-gap measurements. Furthermore, a metal-semiconductor junction-based device was successfully fabricated by combining Al metal with Mn(II)- and Zn(II)-metallogels. The device displayed nonlinear charge transport behavior, resembling that of a Schottky diode, as evidenced by its I-V characteristic. This indicates the potential use of the sandwich-like configuration of ITO/MnA-TA metallogel/Al and ITO/ZnA-TA metallogel/Al in the development of advanced electronic devices based on supramolecular Mn(II)- and Zn(II)-metallogels. Notably, the direct utilization of tartaric acid and Mn(II)/Zn(II) sources in the MnA-TA and ZnA-TA metallogels presents an innovative approach, highlighting their suitability as semiconducting materials for device fabrication. This study delves into the multifunctional applications of MnA-TA and ZnA-TA metallogels, providing valuable insights for researchers in the field of material science.

Graphical Abstract
Impact of signs and symptoms of dry eye disease on health-related quality of life: a cross-sectional population study among older adults
Authors: Aapola Ulla , Mosallaei Paula , Nättinen Janika , Suurkuukka Ilona , Tuomilehto Jaakko , Keinänen-Kiukaanniemi Sirkka , Saramies Jouko , Uusitalo Hannu
Published: January 2025

Purpose

To assess the relationship between quality of life (QoL) and ocular surface health within a Finnish population-based cohort.

Methods

A cross-sectional study involved 601 individuals born between the years 1933–1956. Ocular surface health and dry eye disease (DED) were clinically evaluated using several diagnostic tests. Participants completed the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), QoL assessment with the 15D and Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), and the Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI-II) questionnaires. Various statistical methods were employed to explore the associations between QoL, ocular surface health, and sex disparities.

Results

DED had negative impact on QoL in all participants, and especially in women. Adjusted for comorbidities, DED doubled the odds of worse health-related QoL (15D: OR = 2.31 [95% CI: 1.24–4.31, p < 0.01]) and mental health (SF-36 MCS and BDI-II: OR = 2.08 [95% CI: 1.04–4.16, p < 0.05]). Noninvasive tear break-up time (NIBUT) correlated with all QoL scores. In women, the most significant clinical signs correlating with low QoL were NIBUT (15D: r = 0.20, p = 0.002; SF-36 MCS: r = 0.18, p = 0.026), and conjunctival staining (15D: r=-0.19, p = 0.004; BDI-II: r = 0.27, p < 0.001), whereas in men, blepharitis correlated with depression score (BDI-II: r = 0.20, p = 0.036). High OSDI was associated with worse QoL in women, but not in men.

Conclusion

This first population-based study assessing general QoL data with objective clinical measures of DED indicated that among elderly population, both symptoms and signs of DED independently impacted different aspects of QoL. In addition, significant sex-differences in these associations were observed and should be considered both in research settings and when assessing and treating people with DED.
Signs behaviour of sums of weighted numbers of compositions
Authors: Gawron Filip , Ulas Maciej
Published: January 2025

Let A be a subset of positive integers. For a given positive integer n and

$$0 \le i \le n$$

0
≤
i
≤
n

, let

$$c_{A}(i, n)$$

c
A

(
i
,
n
)

denote the number of A-compositions of n with exactly i parts. In this note, we investigate the sign behaviour of the sequence

$$(S_{A, k}(n))_{n \in \mathbb {N}}$$

(

S

A
,
k

(
n
)

)

n
∈
N

, where

$$S_{A, k}(n) = \sum _{i=0}^{n} (-1)^{k} i^{k} c_{A}(i, n)$$

S

A
,
k

(
n
)

=

∑

i
=
0

n

(
-
1
)

k

i
k

c
A

(
i
,
n
)

. We prove that for a broad class of subsets A, the number

$$(-1)^{n} S_{A, k}(n)$$

(
-
1
)

n

S

A
,
k

(
n
)

is non-negative for all sufficiently large n. Moreover, we show that there exists

$$A \subset \mathbb {N}_{+}$$

A
⊂

N
+

such that the sign behaviour of

$$S_{A, k}(n)$$

S

A
,
k

(
n
)

is not periodic.
Current methods and best practice recommendations for skate and ray (Batoidea) research: capture, handling, anaesthesia, euthanasia, and tag attachment
Authors: Orrell Danielle L. , Andrzejaczek Samantha , Armstrong Asia O. , Barbosa Martins Ana , Branco Ilka , Charvet Patricia , Chin Andrew , Elston Chantel , Espinoza Mario , Greenway Eleanor S. I. , McCully Phillips Sophy R. , Mickle Megan F. , Murray Taryn S. , Silva Joana F. , Thorburn James , Wosnick Natascha
Published: January 2025

Skates and rays (Batoidea) play a significant ecological role, contributing to ecosystem services through bioturbation and acting as vital intermediate components of the trophic chain in various aquatic environments. Despite their wide global distribution and ecological importance, batoids receive less attention than their shark relatives, resulting in substantial knowledge gaps that might impede a comprehensive understanding of their conservation status. This review addresses critical aspects of their capture, handling, tagging, and release to provide readers with crucial information needed to perform research on batoids. Protocols for analgesia, anaesthesia, and euthanasia are also discussed, taking into account the ethical and logistical considerations necessary for research involving this group of species. This information can give researchers and ethics committees the knowledge to conduct and approve studies involving batoids, thereby promoting more effective and ethical research practices.
Attitudes towards healthy eating and its determinants among older adults in a deprived region of Hungary: implications for the National Healthy Aging Program
Authors: Kovacs Nora , Biro Eva , Piko Peter , Ungvari Zoltan , Adany Roza
Published: January 2025

A healthy diet is a key determinant of successful aging. However, the psychological, social, and physiological changes associated with ageing often disrupt dietary behaviours. Hungary has one of the highest rates of chronic age-related diseases in the European Union, exacerbated by unhealthy dietary patterns and rapid population aging. This study evaluates attitudes and barriers to healthy eating among older adults in a socioeconomically disadvantaged region of Hungary, identifying determinants of these attitudes across different age groups. A cross-sectional survey sampled 678 adults aged 18 and older from Northeast Hungary, assessing their beliefs on healthy eating through an attitude score (range: 9–45). Multivariate regression analyses were conducted to explore relationships between mental health, self-perceived health, and attitudes toward healthy eating. The mean attitude score was 31.47 (± 5.14), with older adults (≥ 65 years) showing significantly greater uncertainty about dietary choices. The cost of healthy food was the most frequently reported barrier, regardless of age. Regression results revealed that older adults with higher well-being (B = 0.03, p = 0.026), life satisfaction (B = 0.40, p = 0.005), and self-perceived health (fair: B = 2.20, p = 0.003; good/very good: B = 1.96, p = 0.031) were more likely to have positive attitudes toward healthy eating. These results emphasize the importance of addressing both mental and physical health in educational interventions to promote healthier diets. Tailored approaches addressing affordability and accessibility of healthy foods are critical to advancing Hungary’s National Healthy Aging Program and mitigating dietary risk factors among vulnerable populations.
Finite element modeling of clavicle fracture fixations: a systematic scoping review
Authors: Zheng Yi , Li Jing , Tam Andy Yiu-Chau , Lee Timothy Tin-Yan , Peng Yinghu , Cheung James Chung-Wai , Wong Duo Wai-Chi , Ni Ming
Published: January 2025

Finite element analysis has become indispensable for biomechanical research on clavicle fractures. This review summarized evidence regarding configurations and applications of finite element analysis in clavicle fracture fixation. Seventeen articles involving 22 clavicles were synthesized from CINAHL, Embase, IEEE Xplore, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Most studies investigated midshaft transverse closed fractures by reconstructing intact models from CT scans and simulating fractures through gap creation. Common loading schemes included axial compression, distal torsion, and inferior bending. The primary objective was comparing different implant designs/placements on construct stiffness, von Mises stress, and fracture site micro-motion. Our review suggested a preference for plate fixation, particularly with anterior placement, for midshaft transverse fractures. However, limited fracture types studied constrain comprehensive recommendations. Additionally, the review highlighted discrepancies between finite element and clinical studies, emphasizing the need for improved modeling of physiological conditions. Future research should focus on developing a comprehensive database of finite element models to test various implant options and placements under common loading schemes, bridging the gap between biomechanical simulations and clinical outcomes.

Graphical Abstract
Short on time—big on impact: MeetingHacks as a digital intervention to enhance virtual meeting collaboration
Authors: Tartler Darien , Ritter Marie , Kauffeld Simone
Published: January 2025

This contribution to the journal ‘Gruppe. Interaktion. Organisation. (GIO)’ presents a novel video learning format for optimizing virtual meetings as well as initial evaluation data on its usefulness and application in an organizational context: the MeetingHacks. Effective collaboration in virtual meetings requires a novel approach to fusing communication and technology. To enhance virtual meetings through accessible digital interventions, we developed MeetingHacks, a series of short videos based on findings of contemporary meeting science. These MeetingHacks address general aspects as well as professional, methodological, social, and proactive aspects of meeting behavior, aligning with the four facets of team skills of the Kassler competence grid. The introductory video, Meetings General, triggers reflective processes to enhance the impact of the subsequent MeetingHacks. Meetings Professional focuses on professional skills, particularly the interplay of problems and solutions and knowledge transfer, drawing on results from interaction analysis and shared mental models. Meetings Structured addresses methodological behavior, emphasizing structured meeting designs. Meetings Social covers prosocial behavior, focusing on making social and informal interaction in virtual meetings more tangible. Meetings Proactive highlights responsibility and proactivity in meetings, informed by interaction analysis and reflection research. The MeetingHacks were implemented over five weeks in a corporate setting and evaluated for their usefulness, applicability, and fit within daily routines. The results demonstrated the benefits and limits of MeetingHacks in an organizational context. Based on this evaluation, this article critically discusses the merits and further development of the MeetingHacks and their effectiveness as a digital intervention.
Modeling of Direct Energy Deposition for Wire Laser Additive Manufacturing
Authors: la Peña J. Angel Diosdado-De , Limon-Leyva Pablo A. , Cortes Pedro , Choo Kyosung
Published: January 2025

This work discusses the relevance of direct energy deposition (DED) and its classifications. Different types of DED processes are discussed, including their main parameters and issues. Two experiments were carried out, named single bead and rectangular prism, for the purpose of this research. These were built with a hot wire and laser DED system, where experimental thermal data were obtained, later geometric information was obtained via a 3D scan. Limitations of the equipment used as well as observed defects in the material deposition are discussed based on the experimental data. FEA models were developed to duplicate the experiments, which included a detailed geometry of the single bead. Two modifications to the bead geometry are presented and evaluated, where it is was concluded that a semi-circular bead approximation provides better results than if a rectangular one is assumed. This led to the definition of a thermal and structural equivalent model of the single bead, which was the basis for the numerical work of the rectangular prism. The results obtained for the latter show good agreement with the thermal results, although differences in the structural results are perceptible.
Association Between Plasmodium Infection and Blood Count Values: Implications for Malaria Diagnosis in Resource-Limited Settings
Authors: Seijas-Pereda Laura , Fernández-González Pablo , Asare Isaac , Asumang Godlove Osei , Frimpong Emmanuel , Rescalvo-Casas Carlos , Hernando-Gozalo Marcos , Pérez-Tanoira Ramón
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Malaria remains a major global health challenge, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), contributing substantially to mortality and morbidity rates. In resource-limited settings, access to specialized diagnostic tests is often restricted, making basic blood analysis a valuable diagnostic tool. This study investigated the correlation between malaria infection and full blood count values in a rural region of Ghana during the 2022 rainy season, aiming to highlight diagnostic insights available from routine blood analyses.

Methods

A retrospective case-control analysis was conducted on 544 confirmed malaria cases, comparing their blood values with those of matched malaria-negative controls.

Results

Parasitaemia levels peaked during the rainy season, with July showing the highest values. Malaria-positive patients exhibited lower levels of haemoglobin, white blood cells, lymphocytes, and platelets, but higher neutrophil counts compared to controls. Middle-aged women had significantly lower haemoglobin levels than men, and younger individuals showed higher parasitaemia levels. A negative correlation was found between Plasmodium density and haemoglobin and platelet counts, while positive correlations were observed with white blood cell and neutrophil counts.

Conclusion

This study highlights the significant burden of malaria in rural Ghana during the rainy season and underscores the impact of infection on blood values. Routine full blood count analysis provides a practical and accessible diagnostic tool in resource-limited settings. The findings emphasise the importance of targeted interventions for high-risk groups, particularly children and women, to improve patient management and reduce malaria-related morbidity.

Graphical Abstract
Sleeve Gastrectomy and Gastric Bypass Impact in Patient’s Metabolic, Gut Microbiome, and Immuno-inflammatory Profiles—A Comparative Study
Authors: Lazaro Andre , Tiago Igor , Mendes Joao , Ribeiro Joana , Bernardes Antonio , Oliveira Fernando , Regateiro Fernando , Caramelo Francisco , Silva Henriqueta
Published: January 2025

Background

Bariatric surgery is the most long-term effective treatment option for severe obesity. The role of gut microbiome (GM) in either the development of obesity or in response to obesity management strategies has been a matter of debate. This study aims to compare the impact of two of the most popular procedures, sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (GB), on metabolic syndrome parameters and gut bacterial microbiome and in systemic immuno-inflammatory response.

Methods

A prospective observational study enrolled 24 patients with severe obesity, 14 underwent SG and 10 GB. Evaluations before (0 M) and 6 months (6 M) after surgical procedures included clinical and biochemical parameters, expression of 17 immuno-inflammatory genes in peripheral blood leukocytes, and assessment of gut microbiome profile using 16 s rRNA next-generation sequencing approach. Statistical significance was set to a p value < 0.05 with an FDR < 0.1.

Results

A significant and similar decrease in weight-associated parameters and for most metabolic markers was achieved with both surgeries. Considering the gut microbiome in the whole study population, there was an increase in alpha diversity at family-level taxa. Beta diversity between SG and GB at 6 M showed near significant differences (p = 0.042) at genus levels. Analysis of the relative abundance of individual taxonomic groups highlighted differences between pre- and post-surgical treatment and between both approaches, namely, a higher representation of family Enterobacteriaceae and genera Veillonella and Enterobacteriaceae_unclassified after GB. Increased expression of immune-inflammatory genes was observed mainly for SG patients.

Conclusions

We conclude that SG and GB have similar clinical and metabolic outcomes but different impacts in the gut bacterial microbiome. Results also suggest reactivation of immune response after bariatric surgery.
Variation in weed seed DNA detectability among arable carabids with different trophic specialization
Authors: Neidel Veronika , Vašková Hana , Wallinger Corinna , Saska Pavel
Published: January 2025

While most ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) include seeds in their diet, preferences for seed feeding vary among carabid species and range from facultative diet supplementation to obligate seed feeding. DNA-based diet analyses have been used to study their regulatory effect on soil seedbanks. It is unknown whether specialized granivores digest seed species they are adapted to (‘essential seeds’) faster, and whether this affects food web construction based on molecular data. We hypothesized that specialized granivores digest their essential seed faster than other seeds, and at faster rates than generalist granivores or carnivores. Further, we assumed that generalist granivores digest different seeds equally fast, while carnivorous carabids digest seeds slower than granivores. In feeding experiments, three carabid species—Amara similata (specialized granivore), Harpalus affinis (generalist granivore), and Poecilus cupreus (generalist carnivore)—were fed either a broadly accepted seed or the specialist's essential seed. Gut content samples were collected 0, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h after feeding and screened with plant-primers to trace seed DNA. Time until 50% detection probability in the specialists was shorter for its essential than the broadly accepted seed and shorter than in the generalist granivore, which digested both seed species equally fast. The carnivore was reluctant to feed on the seed species offered, and detection probabilities did not significantly decrease with digestion time. Our findings suggest that the strength of specialized granivores’ feeding interactions and their role in weed seed regulation might be underestimated when assessed with DNA-based diet analysis, due to their more efficient seed digestion.
Head and Neck Classic Hodgkin, T and NK Lymphomas with Eosinophilia
Authors: Danielson David T , Aguilera Nadine S , Auerbach Aaron
Published: January 2025

Eosinophilia is a notable feature in various hematological malignancies, including specific types of leukemias and lymphomas that may occur in the head and neck. In hematologic malignancies, eosinophilia can be primary, driven by genetic abnormalities, or secondary, resulting from cytokine and chemokine production by the neoplastic cells or the tumor microenvironment. This review examines the association between eosinophilia and head and neck hematolymphoid malignancies including Classic Hodgkin lymphoma, T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia, mature T and NK-cell lymphomas, and Langerhans cell histiocytosis. It explores the underlying mechanisms of eosinophilia in these malignancies, highlighting the role of chemokines and cytokines such as IL-5, TARC, and eotaxin. Recognition of eosinophilia may aid in the diagnosis of these conditions and understanding the mechanisms of eosinophilia may provide insights into potential prognostic implications and treatment strategies.
Antiretroviral Use for HIV Prevention During Pregnancy: The Need to Strengthen Regulatory and Surveillance Systems in Africa
Authors: Schaefer Robin , Donaldson L. , Chigome A. , Escudeiro dos Santos M. , Lamprianou S. , Ndembi N. , Nwokike J. I. , Nyambayo P. , Palmi V. , Renaud F. , Gonzalez Tome M. , Miller V.
Published: January 2025

HIV-prevention efforts focusing on women of child-bearing potential are needed to end the HIV epidemic in the African region. The use of antiretroviral drugs as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a critical HIV prevention tool. However, safety data on new antiretrovirals during pregnancy are often limited because pregnant people are excluded from drug development studies. Calls from communities, healthcare professionals, and regulators to improve the information supporting decision-making around the use of medical products during pregnancy have been increasing. Post-marketing safety surveillance is an essential tool for detecting adverse outcomes and evaluating real-world, longer-term effects of drugs. Detecting and evaluating uncommon pregnancy outcomes requires large sample sizes, highlighting the benefits of and need for safety surveillance. Surveillance systems vary widely across Africa, and the need for enhanced surveillance of PrEP use during pregnancy highlights the limitations of current regulatory and surveillance systems. Challenges include weak regulation and insufficient resources. Pooling of resources and regulatory harmonization could address resource challenges. The African Medicines Agency, as a specialized agency of the African Union, has the potential to improve African medical product regulation, including post-marketing safety surveillance. This can strengthen regulation and ensure that market authorization holders meet their responsibility to invest in post-marketing surveillance systems, such as pregnancy registries. At the same time, independent post-marketing studies are needed to ensure generation of essential safety data. The Forum for Collaborative Research has initiated a project to facilitate interactions between regulators in Africa, the USA, and Europe, as well as other stakeholders, and to work toward consensus on safety data generation from PrEP during pregnancy before and after marketing authorization.
Stellung beziehen? Zum journalistischen und wissenschaftlichen Umgang mit der Neuen Rechten. Ein Podiumsgespräch mit Marcel Lepper und Volker Weiß, moderiert von Julia Encke
Authors: Lepper Marcel , Encke Julia , Weiß Volker
Published: January 2025

In diesem transkribierten Podiumsgespräch, das im Januar 2024 auf der Tagung »Neurechte Literatur und Literaturpolitik« in Stuttgart geführt wurde, wird darüber nachgedacht, wie ein angemessener wissenschaftlicher und journalistischer Umgang mit der Neuen Rechten aussehen sollte. Beispielhaft wird dabei u. a. auf die Berichterstattung über das Ehepaar Helmut Lethen und Caroline Sommerfeld eingegangen.
Large N limit of the Yang–Mills measure on compact surfaces II: Makeenko–Migdal equations and the planar master field
Authors: Dahlqvist Antoine , Lemoine Thibaut
Published: January 2025

This paper considers the large N limit of Wilson loops for the two-dimensional Euclidean Yang–Mills measure on all orientable compact surfaces of genus larger or equal to
$1$
, with a structure group given by a classical compact matrix Lie group. Our main theorem shows the convergence of all Wilson loops in probability, given that it holds true on a restricted class of loops, obtained as a modification of geodesic paths. Combined with the result of [20], a corollary is the convergence of all Wilson loops on the torus. Unlike the sphere case, we show that the limiting object is remarkably expressed thanks to the master field on the plane defined in [3, 39], and we conjecture that this phenomenon is also valid for all surfaces of higher genus. We prove that this conjecture holds true whenever it does for the restricted class of loops of the main theorem. Our result on the torus justifies the introduction of an interpolation between free and classical convolution of probability measures, defined with the free unitary Brownian motion but differing from t-freeness of [5] that was defined in terms of the liberation process of Voiculescu [67]. In contrast to [20], our main tool is a fine use of Makeenko–Migdal equations, proving uniqueness of their solution under suitable assumptions, and generalising the arguments of [21, 33].
Control of microparticles through hydrodynamic interactions
Authors: Shum Henry , Zoppello Marta , Astwood Michael , Morandotti Marco
Published: January 2025

The controllability of passive microparticles that are advected with the fluid flow generated by an actively controlled one is studied. The particles are assumed to be suspended in a viscous fluid and well separated so that the far-field Stokes flow solutions may be used to describe their interactions. Explicit elementary moves parametrized by an amplitude

$\varepsilon >0$

are devised for the active particle. Applying concepts from geometric control theory, the leading-order resulting displacements of the passive particles in the limit

$\varepsilon \to 0$

are used to propose strategies for moving one active particle and one or two passive particles, proving controllability in such systems. The leading-order (in

$\varepsilon$

) theoretical predictions of the particle displacements are compared with those obtained numerically and it is found that the discrepancy is small even when

$\varepsilon \approx 1$

. These results demonstrate the potential for a single actuated particle to perform complex micromanipulations of passive particles in a suspension.
The Incluseum Manifesto for the Humanities in the Public Sphere
Authors: Moore Porchia , Paquet Rose , Wittman Aletheia
Published: January 2025

The Inclusuem is a collaborative project established in 2012 with international reach and global impact. The three co-directors, Aletheia Whitman, Dr. Rose Paquet, and Dr. Porchia Moore share a mission to “advance new ways of being a museum through dialogue, community building, and collaborative practice related to inclusive practice in museums.” We have provided a platform for over a decade which prompts arts and cultural heritage professionals to push the bounds of museum work to be as expansive and inclusive as possible while enacting structural change. In this piece, we focus on museums as sites where the humanities are made public. Our manifesto proposes a vision for the public humanities in a changing political landscape and will introduce new perspectives for both an emerging museum and an emergent new understanding for the public humanities within museums faced with an antagonistic intellectual and cultural ecosystem.
How to Do Accompaniment
Authors: Fouts Sarah
Published: January 2025

This essay examines the integration of accompaniment methodology with public humanities and policy work through case studies from activist research in New Orleans. The concept of accompaniment involves providing active, supportive engagement alongside marginalized communities to address systemic barriers and foster mutual understandings. This essay highlights how accompaniment can provide support in navigating bureaucratic challenges and inform immigration policy. It also explores how accompaniment can inform public humanities work, like the development of a digital timeline and physical exhibition documenting Black labor history in New Orleans. This approach underscores the transformative potential of combining accompaniment with public humanities to enhance community empowerment, inform policy, and challenge systemic inequities. By engaging with community experiences and integrating insights from both historical and contemporary struggles, this essay chronicles the development of accompaniment methodology and shows how this approach can enrich public humanities scholarship and policy work, creating more inclusive and responsive solutions to social challenges. Accompaniment serves as a vital tool for bridging academic inquiry with social justice, making public humanities research more relevant, ethical, equitable, and impactful.
QUENCHED CENTRAL LIMIT THEOREM FOR DVORETZKY COVERING
Authors: CHANG YUANYANG , LIU PING
Published: January 2025

Let

$\{\omega _n\}_{n\geq 1}$

be a sequence of independent and identically distributed random variables on a probability space

$(\Omega , \mathcal {F}, \mathbb {P})$

, each uniformly distributed on the unit circle

$\mathbb {T}$

, and let

$\ell _n=cn^{-\tau }$

for some

$c>0$

and

$0<\tau <1$

. Let

$I_{n}=(\omega _n,\omega _n+\ell _n)$

be the random interval with left endpoint

$\omega _n$

and length

$\ell _n$

. We study the asymptotic property of the covering time

$N_n(x)=\sharp \{1\leq k\leq n: x\in I_k\}$

for each

$x\in \mathbb {T}$

. We prove the quenched central limit theorem for the covering time, that is,

$\mathbb {P}$

-almost surely,

$$ \begin{align*}\frac{N_n(x)-\mathbb{E}_{\mathbb{P}}(N_n(x))}{\sqrt{\sum_{k=1}^n \ell_k(1-\ell_k)}}\end{align*} $$

converges in law to the standard normal distribution.