bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid Biodegradation Assessment of Biomass Plastics Using Closed Recirculating Aquaculture Systems: A Novel Approach for Environmental Sustainability
Authors: Kotcharoen Wilasinee , Wada Naoki , Kakikawa Makiko , Takiguchi Noboru , Takahashi Yoshinori , Takahashi Kenji , Takeuchi Yutaka
Published: February 2025

The increasing plastic production causes serious problems in the marine environment, and the main source of plastic waste comes from the fishing and aquaculture industries. Although there have been various efforts to develop aquaculture equipment with marine biodegradable plastics, an urgent need is to develop an assay to evaluate their biodegradation in aquaculture environments. This study focused on evaluating the biodegradation of biomass plastic in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) that mimic freshwater, brackish water, and saltwater aquacultures. The methods used to assess biomass plastic biodegradability included changes in physical properties, weight loss, biochemical oxygen demand, and microbial community investigation using poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA) as a model. Scanning electron microscopy studies indicated the erosion on the biomass plastic surface from 1 to 2 days in the RAS tank (salinity, 0–0.5%) harboring Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). 4′,6-Diamidino-2-phenylindole fluorescence microscopy confirmed the presence of the microorganisms on the PBSA surface. The microorganisms in RAS tanks degraded 11.6% of 1 g/L PBSA in 7 days, demonstrating their biodegradation potential. 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that Pseudomonas plays a major role as an early decomposer in the biodegradation process within 24 h. A multifaceted analytical method that provides sufficient evidence was developed to show that the erosion on the PBSA surface in RAS tanks results from biodegradation. The ability of RAS to control various aquatic environments (pH, salinity, temperature, and bacterial density) makes it suitable for testing the marine biodegradability of biomass plastics for use in aquaculture and fishery industries.
Impact of genetic mutations on prognosis and chemotherapy efficacy in advanced appendiceal carcinoma: insights from the nationwide Japanese comprehensive genomic profiling test database
Authors: Taniguchi Sakura Hiraide , Takahashi Masanobu , Chiu Shih-Wei , Komine Keigo , Wakayama Shonosuke , Numakura Ryunosuke , Yoshida Yuya , Kasahara Yuki , Ouchi Kota , Imai Hiroo , Saijo Ken , Shirota Hidekazu , Ishioka Chikashi
Published: February 2025

Background

Appendiceal carcinoma (AC) is a rare malignancy and has distinct genomic features, but their impact on prognosis and chemotherapy efficacy requires further investigation.

Methods

This retrospective study analyzed patients with advanced AC from the Japanese nationwide comprehensive genomic profiling test database, the Center for Cancer Genomics and Advanced Therapeutics (C-CAT) database, focusing on genetic alterations and their associations with clinical outcomes.

Results

Of the 314 patients, the histological types Queryincluded adenocarcinoma (Ad) (51.9%), mucinous adenocarcinoma (MAd) (30.3%), goblet cell adenocarcinoma (12.4%), and signet-ring cell adenocarcinoma (5.4%). The most common mutations were KRAS (52.5%), TP53 (49.4%), SMAD4 (18.8%), and GNAS (17.2%). KRAS mutations were most frequent in MAd (68.4%) and Ad (58.9%), whereas TP53 mutations were mostly prevalent in Ad (62.6%). We classified patients into molecular subtypes based on the presence of mutations and analyzed differences in overall survival (OS) by molecular subtype. Patients with TP53-mutant (mut) dominant tumors (all TP53-mut) and KRAS-mut focused tumors (TP53-wild-type (wt)/GNAS-wt/KRAS-mut/any SMAD4) showed a poorer median OS compared with those with GNAS-mut focused tumors (TP53-wt/GNAS-mut/any KRAS /any SMAD4) (median 47.4 and 37.5 months vs. not reached; p = 0.01 and p = 0.01, respectively). TP53 mutation was associated with poor time to treatment failure and OS with the oxaliplatin-based regimen for first-line chemotherapy.

Conclusions

This study suggested that the genetic mutations influenced the prognosis and chemotherapy efficacy in AC.
$C^{\infty }$ Well-Posedness of Higher Order Hyperbolic Pseudo-Differential Equations with Multiplicities
Authors: Garetto Claudia , Sabitbek Bolys
Published: February 2025

In this paper, we study higher order hyperbolic pseudo-differential equations with variable multiplicities. We work in arbitrary space dimension and we assume that the principal part is time-dependent only. We identify sufficient conditions on the roots and the lower order terms (Levi conditions) under which the corresponding Cauchy problem is

$C^{\infty }$

C
∞

well-posed. This is achieved via transformation into a first order system, reduction into upper-triangular form and application of suitable Fourier integral operator methods previously developed for hyperbolic non-diagonalisable systems. We also discuss how our result compares with the literature on second and third order hyperbolic equations.
A statistical categorization-based curriculum learning approach for multi-task classification of images
Authors: Veranyurt Ozan , Sakar C. Okan
Published: February 2025

Image classification and the detection of features within images remain significant challenges in computer vision. Several approaches, including serial task models and multi-output models, have been explored to address these challenges. This study focuses on multitasking attention mechanisms, which enable simultaneous categorization of data and tasks. By applying a statistical framework, the proposed method enhances the efficiency and accuracy of image classification and feature detection, with a focus on handling multiple tasks concurrently. To enhance the robustness of the model, a data-driven approach based on curriculum learning was proposed. The experiments were conducted using two distinct datasets. The first dataset involves forensic examinations, specifically identifying firearms and their calibers from firing pin marks. The proposed model achieved an accuracy of 95% in brand detection and 98% in caliber detection on this dataset. In the second part of the experiments, the animals with attributes 2 (AwA2) dataset, where state-of-the-art models have previously been applied, was used. The proposed model reduced classification errors by 1 to 10% compared to traditional convolutional neural network (CNN) architectures. The experimental results from both the forensic and public datasets demonstrate that the proposed model effectively handles multitask classification tasks, validating its applicability across diverse domains.
Antidiabetic potential of vanadium complexes combined with olive leaf extracts: a viable approach to reduce metal toxicity
Authors: Sanna Daniele , Fadda Angela , Casula Milena , Palomba Grazia , Sini Maria Cristina , Colombino Maria , Rozzo Carla , Palmieri Giuseppe , Gallo Carmela , Carbone Dalila , Siracusa Laura , Pulvirenti Luana , Ugone Valeria
Published: February 2025

Vanadium compounds are known for their antidiabetic properties due to their ability to interfere with numerous mechanisms that lead to the decrease of blood glucose levels. Although some of these compounds have reached clinical trials and have the advantage of being orally administrable, no vanadium-containing drugs are currently available on the market, primarily due to the high doses required, which can lead intestinal and renal problems in case of long-term treatments. In this study, plant extracts obtained from olive leaves (Olea europaea L.) were combined with vanadium complexes with established antidiabetic activity with the aim of reducing their metal toxicity and, at the same time, amplifying their hypoglycemic action. The extracts were characterized by chromatographic and spectroscopic methods showing a composition rich in polyphenols and a high antioxidant activity. Formulations containing a vanadium complex (bis(maltolato)oxidovanadium(IV), BMOV, or bis(picolinato)oxidovanadium(IV), BPOV) mixed with different amount of olive leaves extract were tested in vitro to evaluate intestinal toxicity and hypoglycemic activity. The results demonstrated that the plant extracts are generally non-toxic toward human colon fibroblast in the whole range of tested concentrations and some of them are particularly effective in reducing the toxicity of the two vanadium compounds. Further in vitro tests conducted on differentiated human adipocyte cell lines revealed a significant increase in glucose uptake following treatment with the mixed formulations, compared to the effect of the individual components, indicating a synergistic effect. Immunocytochemical assays suggested that the translocation of GLUT4 transporter can be involved in the mechanism of action.
What Predicts Changes in the Work Situation of Recently Diagnosed People with Multiple Sclerosis and do these Predictors also Apply to Healthy People?
Authors: Saddal Shalina R. D. , van der Hiele Karin , Motazedi Ehsan , van Egmond Elianne E. A. , Visser Leo H. , Waskowiak Pauline T. , van der Kruit Amber , van Dam Maureen , Schoonheim Menno M. , de Groot Vincent , Hulst Hanneke E. , Schaafsma Frederieke G.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

To study associations of baseline predictors with work difficulties and number of working hours after one year in recently diagnosed people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Furthermore, to analyze whether these predictors are generic, i.e., apply to healthy people as well, or are disease specific.

Methods

TEMPRANO and MS@Work data were combined resulting in a dataset of 135 recently diagnosed PwMS (≤ 1 year) and 172 healthy people. We analyzed the associations of baseline predictors that fit within the international classification of functioning and health (ICF) framework using a mixed-effect negative-binomial model with log link for work difficulties and number of working hours after one year, and fitted each model using a fully Bayesian approach.

Results

Slower information processing speed was a disease-specific predictor for more work difficulties after one year (posterior mean ratio (PMR) = 0.82, 95% confidence interval (CI) = [0.69, 0.97]). Higher conscientiousness was a generic predictor for more working hours after one year (PMR = 1.02, 95%CI = [1.01, 1.03] for PwMS and PMR = 1.01, 95% CI = [1.00, 1.02] for healthy people). Being male (PMR = 0.75, 95% CI = [0.58, 0.96]), being younger (PMR = 0.99, 95% CI = [0.98, 1.00]), higher information processing speed (PMR = 1.08, 95% CI = [1.04, 1.13]), better learning and memory (PMR = 1.09, 95% CI = [1.03, 1.15]), and mentally burdensome job tasks (PMR = 1.36, 95% CI = [1.22, 1.52]) were disease-specific predictors for more working hours after one year.

Conclusion

For recently diagnosed PwMS, disease-specific predictors that fit within the ICF framework associate with perceived work difficulties and working hours after one year.
Simulating and validating virus machines
Authors: Orellana-Martín David , Ramírez-de-Arellano Antonio , Pérez-Jiménez Mario J.
Published: February 2025

Virus machines are computing devices inspired by the transmission and replication of viruses. This model of computation has been proved to be as powerful as Turing machines, while using very simple semantics: instructions can open channels to let viruses travel between different hosts. The basic model is sequential, in the sense that only one instruction can be executed in each time step. This behaviour is, in principle, easy to follow by using pen and paper, but it can become harder when the model is big enough, as it happens with other models of computation. This paper introduces a base software for virus machines that simulates their behaviour and has an easy approach for both researchers and developers. Besides, apart from the simulator, the software has two other main purposes: on the one hand, a experimental validator has been introduced to help the researcher with both the design and the formal verification of such devices; on the other hand, it has included a tool to create a LaTeX graphic of a virus machine with the usual visuals.
Numerical Hopf normal form for delay-differential equations
Authors: Kalmár-Nagy Tamás , Horváth Dávid András
Published: February 2025

A data-driven algorithm to approximate the Poincaré–Lyapunov constant has been developed to overcome the tedious calculations involved in the center manifold reduction for delay-differential equations. By using a single numerical solution at the critical value of the bifurcation parameter, the flow on the center manifold is recovered by a least-squares fit. This planar system is then used to compute the Poincaré–Lyapunov constant. The algorithm is tested for the delayed Liénard equation, the analytic center manifold reduction forms the basis of the comparison. A performance metric for the method is defined and computed. Numerical results demonstrate that our method works well for identifying the Poincaré–Lyapunov constant for delay-differential equations.
Scientometric indicators in research evaluation and research misconduct: analysis of the Russian university excellence initiative
Authors: Lovakov Andrey , Teixeira da Silva Jaime A.
Published: February 2025

This study aimed to examine the impact of the Russian University Excellence Initiative (RUEI), also known as Project 5–100, on research misconduct in Russian higher education. Launched in 2013, the RUEI incentivized universities to increase the number of publications in internationally indexed journals. The analysis compares the prevalence of retracted publications—as a proxy for research misconduct—between universities that participated in the RUEI and a control group of universities that did not. A total of 2621 retracted papers affiliated with at least one Russian institution were identified. Of which 203 papers were indexed in Web of Science (WoS) and/or Scopus databases. The results showed that RUEI universities had a significantly higher number of retracted publications in WoS- and Scopus-indexed journals, suggesting that pressure to meet quantitative scientometric indicators may have encouraged unethical research practices and research misconduct. In addition, different reasons for retraction were found between publications indexed and not indexed in WoS and/or Scopus databases. These findings suggest that the direct and irresponsible use of scientometric indicators as performance measures may have unintended negative consequences that may undermine research integrity.
LMD: Light-Weight Prediction Quality Estimation for Object Detection in Lidar Point Clouds
Authors: Riedlinger Tobias , Schubert Marius , Penquitt Sarina , Kezmann Jan-Marcel , Colling Pascal , Kahl Karsten , Roese-Koerner Lutz , Arnold Michael , Zimmermann Urs , Rottmann Matthias
Published: February 2025

Object detection on Lidar point cloud data is a promising technology for autonomous driving and robotics which has seen a significant rise in performance and accuracy during recent years. Particularly uncertainty estimation is a crucial component for down-stream tasks and deep neural networks remain error-prone even for predictions with high confidence. Previously proposed methods for quantifying prediction uncertainty tend to alter the training scheme of the detector or rely on prediction sampling which results in vastly increased inference time. In order to address these two issues, we propose LidarMetaDetect (LMD), a light-weight post-processing scheme for prediction quality estimation. Our method can easily be added to any pre-trained Lidar object detector without altering anything about the base model and is purely based on post-processing, therefore, only leading to a negligible computational overhead. Our experiments show a significant increase of statistical reliability in separating true from false predictions. We show that this improvement carries over to object detection performance when replacing the objectness score native to the object detector. We propose and evaluate an additional application of our method leading to the detection of annotation errors. Explicit samples and a conservative count of annotation error proposals indicates the viability of our method for large-scale datasets like KITTI and nuScenes. On the widely-used nuScenes test dataset, 43 out of the top 100 proposals of our method indicate, in fact, erroneous annotations.
Quantifying Molecular Changes in the Preeclamptic Rat Placenta with Targeted Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Imaging
Authors: Shi Lili , Alencar Allan K. N. , Swan Kenneth F. , Lawrence Dylan J. , Pridjian Gabriella , Bayer Carolyn L.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Abnormal placental remodeling is linked to various pregnancy-related diseases, including preeclampsia (PE). This study applies a bicompartmental (BCM) model to quantify molecular expression changes in the placenta, indicative of abnormal placental remodeling, and evaluates the effectiveness of targeted contrast-enhanced ultrasound (T-CEUS) in detecting the abnormal placental vasculature. The BCM model provides high temporal resolution and differentiation of anatomical artery structures within the placenta by analyzing the distribution of contrast agents.

Methods

A targeted contrast agent (TCA) composed of gas-filled microbubbles (MB), with a surface-conjugated peptide to target ανβ3 integrin, a biomarker for angiogenesis, was used for quantifying placental vascular development. CEUS images were acquired from timed pregnant Sprague Dawley rats with experimentally-induced reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) placental insufficiency. On gestational day (GD) 18 of a 21-day gestation, CEUS images were acquired from both Normal pregnant (NP; n = 6) and RUPP (n = 6) dams after injection of the TCA. The BCM model was used to estimate the binding dynamics of the TCA, providing a parametric map of the binding constant (

$${K}_{b}$$

K
b

) of the placenta.

Results

The RUPP group showed a significant reduction in the value of

$${K}_{b}$$

K
b

compared to the NP group (p < 0.05). A histogram of the placental

$${K}_{b}$$

K
b

was compared to alternative analyses (differential target enhancement, dTE and late enhancement, LE) to demonstrate that it can differentiate between anatomical artery structures with a higher contrast-to-background ratio.

Conclusions

The BCM method differentiates molecular changes associated with the abnormal placental development associated with PE. It also reveals more intricate internal anatomical structures of the placenta in comparison to dTE and LE, suggesting that the BCM could enhance early detection and monitoring of PE.
Comparison of three different zeolites to activate peroxymonosulfate for the degradation of the pharmaceutical ciprofloxacin in water
Authors: Serna-Galvis Efraím A. , Mendoza-Merlano Carlos , Arboleda-Echavarría Johana , Torres-Palma Ricardo A. , Echavarría-Isaza Adriana
Published: February 2025

Zeolites are typically used as adsorbents for the removal of organic pollutants from water but recently are gaining attention as catalysts for the activation of persulfates toward contaminants degradation. In this work, the capability of a zeolite Y (FAU-type) and two zeolites beta (BEA-type) to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) toward the degradation of one representative pollutant of a pharmaceutical nature (i.e., ciprofloxacin) was tested and compared. Initially, the characterization of the considered zeolites was carried out, evidencing that they had different Si/Al, surface area, and basicity. Then, the main degradation pathway involved in the target pollutant degradation was determined and the activating ability of three zeolites was compared. It was found that among the three tested materials, zeolite Y had the highest activating capability toward PMS for ciprofloxacin degradation (showing ~ 90% degradation after 10 min of treatment). The synergy (S) of the systems followed the order: zeolites beta/PMS (S, 0.5–1.4) < zeolite Y/PMS (S, 3.9), revealing that the Si/Al ratio has a determinant role in the zeolite/peroxymonosulfate combination, being convenient lower values of such a ratio. In the most adequate combination (i.e., zeolite Y/PMS), the pharmaceutical was attacked by singlet oxygen (coming from the PMS activation by the zeolite via basic sites), which modified ciprofloxacin on its piperazyl ring, producing two intermediates. Theoretical analyses based on the structure suggested that the two intermediates have low toxicity against mammals. Additionally, experimental tests showed that the zeolite Y/PMS process led to a resultant solution without antimicrobial activity against S. aureus. Finally, it can be mentioned that ZY/PMS was used to deal with ciprofloxacin in synthetic hospital wastewater, achieving ~ 40% pollutant elimination after 60 min of treatment.
Scientific habits of arguing minds: enhancing online argumentation to foster SHOM
Authors: Çakiroğlu Ünal , Güven Onurhan , Yaman Havva , Güven Ebru Mazlum
Published: February 2025

This paper reports on a study aiming at examining whether online argumentation enhance the teacher candidates’ scientific habits of mind (SHOM). The study was carried out as a pre-experimental design including pre and post-test. Scientific Habits of Mind scale, interviews and written arguments were used as data collection tools. Google Classroom, sentence openers, prompt questions and videos were used to facilitate the online argumentation process. Five different SSIs were given as discussion and argumentation tasks for the participants who worked in online groups. The results indicated that, the SHOM scores of the teacher candidates were slightly decreased while the argumentation skills were significantly increased. In addition, there was a medium, positive correlation between the levels of scientific habits of mind and levels of argumentation skills. Participants’ perspectives also showed the contributions of virtual argumentation strategy implemented in this study. Sentence openers, prompt questions, videos and feedback were the prominent factors shaped the online argumentation process. We believe that the findings of this study would assist in future design and implementation of online tools for enhancing argumentation.
Enhanced self-supervised monocular depth estimation with self-attention and joint depth-pose loss for laparoscopic images
Authors: Li Wenda , Hayashi Yuichiro , Oda Masahiro , Kitasaka Takayuki , Misawa Kazunari , Mori Kensaku
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Depth estimation is a powerful tool for navigation in laparoscopic surgery. Previous methods utilize predicted depth maps and the relative poses of the camera to accomplish self-supervised depth estimation. However, the smooth surfaces of organs with textureless regions and the laparoscope’s complex rotations make depth and pose estimation difficult in laparoscopic scenes. Therefore, we propose a novel and effective self-supervised monocular depth estimation method with self-attention-guided pose estimation and a joint depth-pose loss function for laparoscopic images.

Methods

We extract feature maps and calculate the minimum re-projection error as a feature-metric loss to establish constraints based on feature maps with more meaningful representations. Moreover, we introduce the self-attention block in the pose estimation network to predict rotations and translations of the relative poses. In addition, we minimize the difference between predicted relative poses as the pose loss. We combine all of the losses as a joint depth-pose loss.

Results

The proposed method is extensively evaluated using SCARED and Hamlyn datasets. Quantitative results show that the proposed method achieves improvements of about 18.07

$$\%$$

%

and 14.00

$$\%$$

%

in the absolute relative error when combining all of the proposed components for depth estimation on SCARED and Hamlyn datasets. The qualitative results show that the proposed method produces smooth depth maps with low error in various laparoscopic scenes. The proposed method also exhibits a trade-off between computational efficiency and performance.

Conclusion

This study considers the characteristics of laparoscopic datasets and presents a simple yet effective self-supervised monocular depth estimation. We propose a joint depth-pose loss function based on the extracted feature for depth estimation on laparoscopic images guided by a self-attention block. The experimental results prove that all of the proposed components contribute to the proposed method. Furthermore, the proposed method strikes an efficient balance between computational efficiency and performance.
Digitalization against tax evasion: evidence on the role of company size
Authors: Ván Bálint , Lovics Gábor , Tóth Csaba G. , Szőke Katalin
Published: February 2025

To reduce tax evasion, in 2013 and 2014 the Hungarian government introduced mandatory online cash registers (OCR) in some sectors. As a result, almost 200,000 OCRs have been installed by 100,000 enterprises. We assume that OCR installation does not change the company’s operating model, so the increase in reported turnover around the installation date reflects a reduction in tax evasion. In this paper, we use microdata to estimate the effect of OCR introduction on reported turnover and tax liabilities using fixed-effects panel and event study models. We identify strong size-related heterogeneity in the retail and the accommodation and food services sectors: smaller companies increased their reported turnover more than larger ones. Since large companies pay the dominant part of value-added tax, the effects on the payment of this tax were mitigated. We find significant spillover effects to suppliers in both sectors, which are slightly stronger among larger companies.
Potential use of the ATR-FTIR spectroscopy as an almond cultivar recognition tool: impact of sample and spectral pre-treatments
Authors: Lamas Sandra , Rodrigues Nuno , Santamaria-Echart Arantzazu , Palu Igor , Manhique Jocyla R. , Herrero Baudilio , López-Cortés Isabel , Pereira José Alberto , Peres António M.
Published: February 2025

Three almond cultivars (Lauranne, Marinada, and Vairo) were studied, considering morphological parameters that showed statistical cultivar-dependence but not enabled accurate cultivar recognition. Alternatively, attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) was applied to whole endocarp, kernel, and ground almonds. Both transmittance spectra and respective derivatives (3400–2800 and 1900–600 cm−1) of the three matrices were used to establish multivariate linear discriminant models, based on subsets of selected wavenumbers (6–33), allowing 90.5–99.7% of correct cultivar classification for repeated K-fold cross-validation. Ground almonds yielded the best results regardless of spectrum pre-treatment. While epicarp analysis offers less invasiveness, the use of raw transmittance spectra of ground almonds resulted into the most practical approach due to the need of fewer independent variables (less complex models), proving effective for cultivar identification via ATR-FTIR -chemometric tools. Overall, the findings point out that ATR-FTIR is a reliable tool for almond cultivar traceability.
Deep Learning for Time Series Forecasting: Review and Applications in Geotechnics and Geosciences
Authors: Mojtahedi F. Fazel , Yousefpour N. , Chow S. H. , Cassidy M.
Published: February 2025

This paper presents a detailed review of existing and emerging deep learning algorithms for time series forecasting in geotechnics and geoscience applications. Deep learning has shown promising results in addressing complex prediction problems involving large datasets and multiple interacting variables without requiring extensive feature extraction. This study provides an in-depth description of prominent deep learning methods, including recurrent neural networks (RNNs), convolutional neural networks (CNNs), generative adversarial network, deep belief network, reinforcement learning, attention and transformer algorithms as well as hybrid networks using a combination of these architectures. In addition, this paper summarizes the applications of these models in various fields, including mining and tunnelling, railway and road construction, seismology, slope stability, earth retaining and stabilizing structures, remote sensing, as well as scour and erosion. This review reveals that RNN-based models, particularly Long Short-Term Memory networks, are the most commonly used models for time series forecasting. The advantages of deep learning models over traditional machine learning, including their superior ability to handle complex patterns and process large-scale data more effectively, are discussed. Furthermore, in time series forecasting within the fields of geotechnics and geosciences, studies frequently reveal that deep learning methods tend to surpass traditional machine learning techniques in effectiveness.
Echocardiography and Heart Failure: An Echocardiographic Decision Aid for the Diagnosis and Management of Cardiomyopathies
Authors: Pender Ashley , Lewis-Owona Jessica , Ekiyoyo Abdulmojeed , Stoddard Marcus
Published: February 2025

Purpose of Review

The purpose of this review is to highlight the utility of echocardiography in the diagnosis and management of cardiomyopathies.

Recent Findings

Echocardiographic parameters function synergistically to guide decision-making ranging from early detection of disease and screening to risk stratification of complex disease.

The collective wealth of information available from 2D/3D assessment, Doppler, diastology and strain makes echocardiography an invaluable decision aid.
Exploring Habits in Anorexia Nervosa: Promise, Pitfalls, and Progress
Authors: Foerde Karin
Published: February 2025

Purpose of Review

Habits, characterized by automaticity and insensitivity to outcomes, may be key to the persistence of maladaptive behaviors in anorexia nervosa (AN). This review examines the status of habit research in AN, focusing on insights from task-based assessments.

Recent Findings

Findings indicate dysfunction in the frontostriatal circuits associated with habitual and goal-directed behaviors, with some studies linking neural disturbances to habit measures or clinically relevant behaviors. Heightened habitual tendencies in AN have consistently been reported using self-reports, while research utilizing experimental paradigms has yielded mixed results and efforts to capture real-world habits in AN remain limited.

Some experimental paradigms appear more sensitive than others, but all face challenges associated with studying habits in the lab. Promising new approaches will need to be adopted and efforts made to capture real-world habits. Understanding which habits are problematic, when in illness and for whom they dominate, could make good on the promise of habit-focused treatments for AN.
Effects of Epicatechin on the Expression of MyomiRs−31, −133, −136, −206, −296, and −486 in the Skeletal Muscle of the Offspring of Obese Mothers
Authors: Zárate-Segura Paola B. , Alvarez-Chávez Ana Luisa , De los Santos Sergio , Bastida-Gonzalez Fernando G. , Hernández-Hernández José Manuel , Zambrano Elena , Coral-Vázquez Ramón Mauricio , Canto Patricia
Published: February 2025

Specific myogenic microRNAs termed “myomiRNAs” are involved in skeletal muscle development and regeneration, and an obesogenic environment in utero may affect these processes. The present study aimed to determine whether this environment induced variations in the expression levels of myomiRs-31, −133, −136, −206, and −296 and whether the administration of (-)-epicatechin (Epi), an exercise mimetic, could modify these variations. Rat Wistar male offspring from control mothers (C) or obese mothers (MO) were treated (C+Epi and MO+Epi) or not treated with Epi (C and MO). MyomiRNA expression in the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles was analyzed via RT‒qPCR, and bioinformatic analysis was used to predict the participation of these miRNAs in different skeletal muscle signal transduction pathways. The expression of myomiRNA-31-5p in the gastrocnemius and soleus was significantly lower in the Epi-treated groups (C+Epi and MO+Epi vs. C and MO). The expression of myomiRNA-206 increased in the gastrocnemius muscles of the MO and MO+Epi groups but decreased in the soleus muscles of the MO and MO+Epi groups. The expression of myomiRNA-296 was increased in the MO group in the gastrocnemius and soleus but was reduced in the Epi stimulus group. The expression of myomiRNA-486 increased in the gastrocnemius of the C+Epi group and decreased in the soleus of the MO+Epi group (p = 0.028 vs. MO). In conclusion, we show that an intrauterine obesogenic environment differentially affects the expression levels of some myomiRNAs and that this effect is modified by epicatechin.
A Gene-Expression Based Comparison of Murine and Human Inhibitory Interneurons in the Cerebellar Cortex and Nuclei
Authors: Schilling Karl
Published: February 2025

Cerebellar information processing is critically shaped by several types of inhibitory interneurons forming various intra-cerebellar feed-forward and feed-back loops. Evidence gathered over the past decades has focused interest on a non-uniform set of cortical inhibitory interneurons distinct from “classical” Golgi, basket or stellate cells, summarily referred to as PLIs (for Purkinje cell layer interneurons). Similarly, cerebellar nuclear inhibitory interneurons have gained increasing attention. Our understanding of the functions of these cells is still fragmentary. For humans, we lack functional data, and even any dependable morphological classification for these cells. Here, I used publicly available single cell based gene expression data to compare inhibitory interneurons from the cerebellar cortex and inhibitory nuclear neurons of humans and mice. Integration of nuclear and cortical cells revealed transcriptomic similarities between subsets of these cells and suggest known characteristics of cortical cell types may be helpful to devise strategies for the further characterization of nuclear inhibitory interneurons. Comparison of human and murine PLIs indicate that these strongly differ by the expression of genes used to characterize these cells in mice. This limits their utility to identify and classify human PLIs, and leaves the question open as to the number and characteristics of non-Golgi inhibitory interneurons resident in the cerebellar granule cell and Purkinje cell layers in humans.
Toegankelijkheid van digitale zorg: signalen uit de e‑healthmonitor 2023
Authors: van Tuyl Lilian , Keuper Jelle , Standaar Lucille , Alblas Eva , Keij Brigitta
Published: February 2025

Samenvatting

Digitalisering en technologische innovaties spelen een steeds prominentere rol in de gezondheidszorg. Het gebruik van digitale technologieën in de gezondheidszorg, ook wel bekend als e‑health of digitale zorg, heeft de potentie om de toegankelijkheid, efficiëntie en kwaliteit van zorg te verbeteren. Om de potentie van e‑health te kunnen realiseren, is het essentieel dat technologieën voor zo veel mogelijk inwoners toegankelijk zijn. Recente nationale gegevens van de E‑healthmonitor van 2023 laten zien dat hier nog verbetering mogelijk is.
Data en de praktijk van gehandicaptenzorg: wat zijn thema’s voor data-ondersteund werken?
Authors: Winkelmolen Christijn , Sloot Bart , Boon Brigitte , van der Poel Agnes , de Nooij Ruud
Published: February 2025

Samenvatting

Data-ondersteund werken betekent een verandering in zorg- en werkprocessen. Het kan bijdragen aan de toekomstbestendigheid, en de kwaliteit van de zorg en de kwaliteit van leven van mensen met een beperking vergroten. Binnen het programma Leren Werken met Data in de gehandicaptenzorg zijn in zestien sessies met individuele gehandicaptenzorgorganisaties vier overkoepelende thema’s opgehaald waar kansen liggen voor data-ondersteund werken. Gehandicaptenzorgorganisaties beschikken over databronnen en data om ermee aan de slag te gaan, al is nog niet aan alle randvoorwaarden daarvoor voldaan. Ze hebben een grote behoefte en motivatie om data-ondersteund werken rond thema’s voor de cliënt en zorgmedewerker te implementeren. In dit artikel presenteren we de vier thema’s waar de gehandicaptenzorg kansen ziet als het gaat om data-ondersteund werken.
From low remission to hope: the efficacy of targeted therapies in NUP98-R positive pediatric acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Xiong Run-Ji , Tang Hong-Xia , Yin Tian-Tian , Pan Hui-Yi , Jin Run-Ming
Published: February 2025

Background

Treating pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with NUP98 rearrangement (NUP98-R) is challenging. Standard chemotherapy results in low remission rates. This study aimed to evaluate different induction regimens and explore alternative therapies to improve outcomes.

Methods

This retrospective study included 111 pediatric patients with AML treated at our institution from March 2012 to March 2023. Patients were classified into two groups: NUP98-R-positive (n = 10) and NUP98-R-negative (n = 101). We compared their clinical characteristics, treatment responses, and prognoses. Additionally, we presented three cases of NUP98-R-positive patients to elaborate on the role of targeted therapies during induction in treatment outcomes and prognosis.

Results

Patients with NUP98-R fusion genes had a complete remission (CR) rate of 20% after the first induction, which was significantly lower than the 64.3% reported in those without NUP98-R fusion genes (P < 0.05). The 3-year event-free survival (EFS) rate was also lower, with only 30% for NUP98-R patients and 55.3% for non-NUP98-R patients (P < 0.05). The prognosis of NUP98-R patients improved with targeted therapies during induction. For example, Patient 1 achieved CR with FLT3 and BCL-2 inhibitors plus conventional chemotherapy. Patient 2, who was treated with a CDK6 inhibitor, a BCL-2 inhibitor, azacitidine, and an FLT3 inhibitor, also achieved CR and underwent successful stem cell transplantation. Conversely, Patient 3, who received only standard chemotherapy, did not achieve remission and died from a severe infection.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that using targeted drugs for the induction in NUP98-R pediatric AML improved treatment outcomes. BCL-2, FLT3, and CDK6 inhibitors available at our institution are promising options for this phase of treatment.

Graphical abstract
Fine Classification of Vegetation Under Complex Surface Cover Conditions with Hyperspectral and High-Spatial Resolution: A Case Study of the Xisha Area, Chongming District, Shanghai
Authors: Zheng Bo , Shi Yishao , Wang Qian , Zheng Jianwen , Lu Jue
Published: February 2025

Since both diversity and similarity exist among different vegetation types and since differences and similarities are reflected mainly in geometric morphology and in physical and chemical characteristics, the feedback signals of remote sensors can exhibit both similarities and differences. In vegetation remote sensing, the phenomenon of foreign bodies within the same spectrum is likely to occur. The complex mixed environment of land and water, which is a combination of cultivated land, wetland, woodland, and grassland areas, leads to the occurrence of such problems. In this case, relying on data with a high spatial resolution or high spectral resolution alone cannot effectively improve the accuracy of vegetation classification. Both hyperspectral and high spatial resolutions (H2, with both nanometre spectral resolution and submeter spatial resolution) can ensure that both morphological and spectral characteristics are considered when improving vegetation classification accuracy. In this paper, the Xisha wetland in Chongming and the surrounding cultivated land and forestland areas comprise the experimental area. H2 images with both high spatial and high spectral resolutions were collected using an unmanned aerial vehicle platform. Forty-five plant cover types (and 10 non-vegetation features) were classified according to the spectral features of ground objects. The overall classification accuracy reached 97.86%, and the kappa coefficient reached 0.9725.
Experiences of stigmatization and its impacts among individuals living with hereditary diseases and family members in Portugal: an exploratory study
Authors: Valentim Joana , Paneque Milena , Mendes Álvaro
Published: February 2025

Stigma is defined as the perception of an undesirable attribute that leads to discrimination against individuals and groups. Stigmatisation is often triggered due to visible physical or cognitive differences. Although the literature consistently highlights the (fear of) stigmatisation as a significant concern among individuals living with hereditary conditions, no studies in Portugal have specifically provided evidence on this issue. This study aims to address this gap by examining the experiences and impact of stigma on individuals and families affected by hereditary diseases in Portugal. After receiving ethics approval, a total of 216 participants, including affected individuals, asymptomatic carriers and family members from families with a range of hereditary conditions, were recruited through patient support associations. Participants completed an online questionnaire via Limesurvey. Data were analysed through Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), median comparison tests, and thematic analysis. Of the participants, 78.7% were women, 55.6% had a university degree, and 20.4% were aged between 42 and 47 years. Findings indicate that stigma impacts individuals across various domains, including social interactions, institutional settings, the workplace, and healthcare. EFA identified a bi-factorial model of stigma, comprising Stigma Experiences and Perceived Support subscales, and the overall scale demonstrated high internal consistency (α = .879). Women and younger participants reported higher levels of stigma. Religiosity and humor emerged as key coping strategies. This study is the first in Portugal to assess stigma among individuals living with hereditary conditions. Our findings contributed to validating a measurement instrument, identified sociodemographic variations, and examined the psychosocial dimensions of stigma among affected patients. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive strategies to address and mitigate stigma, improve support systems, and enhance the well-being and healthcare experiences of individuals and families impacted by hereditary diseases.
Ultrasound-guided small-bore chest drain placement: a retrospective analysis of feasibility, safety and clinical implications in internal medicine ward
Authors: Boccatonda Andrea , Tallarico Viola , Venerato Stefano , Serra Carla , Vicari Susanna
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Massive and complex pleural effusions represent a frequent challenge for internists, particularly when patients present with significant symptoms and the hospital setting lacks dedicated thoracic surgery or interventional pneumology services.

Methods

This retrospective study evaluates the effectiveness and feasibility of ultrasound-guided small-bore chest drain placement performed by internal medicine physicians with interventional ultrasound experience. We analyze procedural success rates, complication profiles, and subsequent clinical management in a cohort of patients managed in a single internal medicine ultrasound ward.

Results

In our series of ten patients, ultrasound-guided drain placement was successful in all cases. No immediate major complications were encountered, and subsequent complications were minimal and manageable.

Conclusion

Ultrasound-guided small-bore chest drain placement is a feasible, safe, and effective alternative to surgical chest tube insertion in selected patients in internal medicine wards, potentially avoiding the need for hospitalization or transfer to specialized thoracic surgery services.
Patient Safety Events Among People from Ethnic Minority Backgrounds: A Retrospective Medical Record Review of Australian Cancer Services
Authors: Chauhan Ashfaq , Joseph Kathryn , Chin Melvin , Pitcher Meron , Wilson Carlene , Manias Elizabeth , Ozavci Guncag , Gan Hui , Newman Bronwyn , Walpola Ramesh Lahiru , Seale Holly , Walsan Ramya , Harrison Reema
Published: February 2025

Objectives

People from ethnic minority backgrounds are exposed to greater risk of patient safety events (such as healthcare-acquired infections and medication errors) occurring in their healthcare. However, evidence of the type and frequency of patient safety events occurring in cancer care among patients from ethnic minority background is lacking. This study sought to address this evidence gap.

Design

A two-stage retrospective medical record review was conducted at four cancer services in two Australian states. Eligible medical records at each service that were identified as belonging to ethnic minority patients were reviewed by two clinician researchers in stage one, followed by authentication of extracted data by a site-specific cancer clinician in stage two. Descriptive statistics were used to report the frequency and type of safety events. Chi-square and independent sample T-tests were used to examine the association between safety events and patient socio-cultural indicators.

Results

A total of 628 patient records were included. Of the 628 patient records, 212 (33.75%) documented at least one safety event. A total of 410 safety events were documented in the 212 patient records. Medication-related safety events were most commonly documented (121/410, 29.5%), followed by clinical process/procedure-related safety events (76/410, 18.5%) and patient accidents (60/410, 14.6%). The occurrence of a safety event was associated with patient records that documented ‘no interpreter was required’.

Conclusion

Patient safety events in cancer care occur frequently among patients from ethnic minority backgrounds. Unsafe cancer care for this population is associated with inadequate use of interpreters, lack of shared understanding and expectations of care processes linked to cultural and linguistic barriers. Approaches to enhance engagement are required.
Diagnostica medico nucleare del carcinoma midollare tiroideo
Authors: Giovanella Luca
Published: February 2025

Sommario

Il carcinoma midollare della tiroide (CMT) è un tumore maligno derivato dalle cellule C parafollicolari della tiroide. Può presentarsi in forme sporadiche o ereditarie e la chirurgia rappresenta la cura primaria. L’esame ecografico e, in casi selezionati, le procedure di imaging anatomico vengono adottate per stadiare la malattia prima dell’intervento chirurgico primario, mentre diverse procedure di imaging anatomico/morfologico e funzionale/molecolare possono essere adottate per rilevare la malattia persistente/ricorrente. I radiofarmaci emettitori di positroni, tra cui fluoro-18 fluorodesossiglucosio (18F-FDG), fluoro-18 diidrossifenilalanina (18F-FDOPA) e analoghi della somatostatina marcati con gallio-68 (68Ga-SSA) si sono dimostrati utili per rilevare recidive/metastasi del CMT. La presente review illustra i principali radiofarmaci per imaging a positroni impiegati nei pazienti affetti da CMT e fornisce indicazioni pratiche per un razionale utilizzo clinico.
Selective Gold Recovery with Electrochemically Assisted Aqueous Reduction
Authors: Herrala Reima , Yliniemi Kirsi , Vapaavuori Jaana , Lundström Mari
Published: February 2025

The recovery of valuable and rare metals from complex feeds has become increasingly important to realize more circular hydrometallurgical processes. Electrochemical methods are an attractive option as they typically do not require chemical addition; however, competing reactions may lead to low current efficiencies. Therefore, targeted methods like electrodeposition-redox replacement (EDRR) and more recently electrochemically assisted aqueous reduction (EAR) have been developed. This work studies for the first time the impact of oxidants (Cu, Fe), passive base metals (Ni, Zn, Al) and precious metals (Pd, Pt, Ag)—commonly found in hydrometallurgical process streams—on gold recovery through EAR. The study is carried out with synthetic solutions simulating chloride leachates, where the impact of each metal impurity is first studied individually and then from a combined solution. High oxidant concentrations are observed to be detrimental for process efficiency, but the electrochemical pulse parameters can be adjusted to compensate. Finally, electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance analysis and deposit characterization reveals high selectivity for gold recovery from a combined multimetal solution.

Graphical Abstract