bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Postpartum hemorrhage: risk factors for severe blood loss, surgical intervention and peripartum hysterectomy
Authors: Barth Emma , Klapdor Rüdiger , Brodowski Lars , Hillemanns Peter , von Kaisenberg Constantin , Dütemeyer Vivien
Published: February 2025

Purpose

To evaluate risk factors in patients presenting with postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) associated with severe blood loss (BL), surgical intervention or peripartum hysterectomy.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included all patients who gave birth at the Hannover Medical School between January 2013 and August 2022 with PPH, defined as BL ≥ 500 ml after vaginal delivery and ≥ 1000 ml after cesarean section. The threshold for severe PPH was set at BL ≥ 1500 ml. Operative management included manual placental removal and/or aspiration/curettage, need for intrauterine balloon tamponade, uterine packing with a chitosan covered gauze or compression sutures. Hysterectomy as ultima ratio was observed separately.

Results

In total 20.9% of 1038 patients with PPH developed severe BL. Several risk factors were identified such as nicotine abuse (aOR 3.45, 95% CI 1.57–7.59, p = 0.002), multiparity (aOR 2.12, 95% CI 1.10–4.10, p = 0.03), uterine malformation (aOR 5.09, 95% CI 1.22–21.16, p = 0.03), c-section (aOR 3.92, 95% CI 2.59–5.92, p < 0.001), placenta praevia (aOR 2.82, 95% CI 1.2–6.63, p = 0.02), abnormal placentation (aOR 9.76, 95% CI 4.22–22.56, p < 0.001) and inversion of the uterus (aOR 16.89, 95% CI 1.62–176.12, p = 0.02). More than one third of the women had a surgical intervention. Independent risk factors for an operative management of PPH were uterus malformation (aOR 5.04, 95% CI 1.22–20.91, p = 0.03), placenta praevia (aOR 2.84, 95% CI 1.23–6.53, p = 0.01), abnormal placentation (aOR 9.78, 95% CI 4.30–22.27, p < 0.001) and c-section (aOR 4.65, 95% CI 3.14–6.89, p < 0.001). Peripartum hysterectomy occurred in 1.9% of the cases and was in addition independently associated wih preeclampsia (aOR 7.50, 95% CI 1.29–43.81, p = 0.03) and amniotic infection syndrome (aOR 12.22, 95% CI 1.92–77.90, p = 0.01).

Conclusion

PPH is a common complication in modern obstetrics and one in five patients with pathological bleeding after birth develops severe BL. There are specific risk factors associated with a BL ≥ 1500 ml, surgical intervention and peripartum hysterectomy in PPH that should be assessed by health professionals and taken into account in the management of this postpartum complication.
Vestibular paroxysmia: a systematic review
Authors: Dieterich Marianne , Brandt Thomas
Published: February 2025

The key symptoms of vestibular paroxysmia (VP) due to neurovascular cross-compression (classical VP) or compression of the eighth nerve by space-occupying cerebellar-pontine angle processes (secondary VP) are frequent short attacks of vertigo and dizziness with unsteadiness which last seconds to minutes. They can be accompanied by unilateral auditory symptoms such as tinnitus or hyperacusis. Head movements and hyperventilation can induce nystagmus and VP attacks that most often occur spontaneously. VP is diagnosed in 3% of patients in a tertiary vertigo care center and very rarely affects children. The mean age of first appearance is 47 to 51 years with equal sex distribution. A combination of high-resolution MRI sequences (with constructive interference in steady-state/fast imaging employing steady-state, 3D-CISS/ FIESTA) of the cerebello-pontine may support the diagnosis although the beneficial treatment with sodium channel blockers is the most reliable clinical sign for classical VP, secondary VP and idiopathic VP (without verification of a causative pathology). Because of the frequency, shortness, and audiovestibular symptomatology of the attacks, the differential diagnosis to other conditions such as paroxysmal brainstem attacks, vestibular epilepsy, rotational vertebral artery compression syndrome or “near”-narrowed internal auditory canal syndrome is only relevant in exceptional cases. However, imaging of the posterior fossa including the inner ear is mandatory to distinguish between classical, secondary and idiopathic VP forms. Randomized controlled trials for medical treatment are still needed. Practical therapy of choice is medical treatment with sodium channel blockers (carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, lacosamide). A microsurgical decompression is effective in secondary VP but is the ultimate therapy in cases with classical or idiopathic VP when medication is not tolerated.
Global evolution of breast cancer incidence in childbearing-age women aged 15–49 years: a 30-year analysis
Authors: Xia Chengwei , Liu Yini , Yong Wei , Qing Xin
Published: February 2025

Background

Breast cancer (BC) poses an increasing threat to women’s health, yet its characteristics in women of childbearing age (WCBA) are infrequently reported. This study aims to investigate the patterns and trends in BC incidence among WCBA over the past decades.

Materials and methods

This study focuses on BC incidence in women aged 15–49 years, consistent with the WHO definition of WCBA. Estimates and 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs) for BC incidence in WCBA were obtained from the Global Burden of Diseases Study 2021. We utilized an age-period-cohort (APC) model to estimate the overall annual percentage change in incidence (net drift, % per year) and the annual percentage change within each age group (local drift, % per year). This model also provided fitted longitudinal age-specific rates adjusted for period deviations (age effects) and period/cohort relative risks (period/cohort effects) from 1992 to 2021.

Results

In 2021, the global incidence of BC among WCBA was 561.44 thousand (95% UI 519.76 to 606.99). Between 1992 and 2021, the estimated annual change in BC incidence among WCBA was 0.47 (95% CI 0.41–0.52) worldwide, ranging from −0.43 (95% CI −0.54–−0.31) in High sociodemographic index (SDI) region to 2.03 (95% CI 1.97–2.1) in Low-middle SDI region. Local drift analysis showed that higher SDI regions had higher age-standardized incidence rates among WCBA, with age effects demonstrating similar patterns across different SDI regions and increasing risk with age. Notably, the rising trend in BC incidence among WCBA occurs at progressively younger ages. Globally, unfavorable period and cohort effects were observed. All SDI regions exhibited increased period and cohort risks, except for the High SDI region, which saw a reduction in incidence rates influenced by period and cohort effects, particularly among those born after 1996.

Conclusion

The increasing incidence of BC among WCBA highlights the urgent need for effective intervention and preventive policies to alleviate this growing global burden.
Acoustic and Perceptual Profiles of Swallowing Sounds in Preterm Neonates: A Cross-Sectional Study Cohort
Authors: Frakking Thuy T. , Humphries Seiji , Chang Anne B. , Schwerin Belinda , Palmer Majorie M. , David Michael , Kyriakou Annelise , So Stephen ,   SUPERB collaborative, Bautista Manuel , Blake Alicia , Dunsmuir Julie , Hong Timothy , Weir Kelly , Carty Christopher , Colditz Paul , Lai Melissa
Published: February 2025

Cervical auscultation, commonly used by speech-language pathologists in some countries as an adjuvant to the clinical feeding evaluation, requires data on acoustic and perceptual profiles of swallowing sounds. Whilst these exists in adults and children, none currently exist for preterm neonates. Our study aims to establish the acoustic and perceptual parameters of swallowing sounds in preterm neonates. Swallowing sounds were recorded on a digital microphone during oral feeding observations. Acoustic parameters of duration, peak frequency, peak power and peak intensity were determined. Perceptual parameters heard pre, during and post-swallows were rated as ‘present’, ‘absent’, or ‘cannot be determined’. Eighty preterm neonates (43 males; mean age = 33.4 weeks [SD 2.6]) from three Australian special care nurseries demonstrated mean swallow durations of < 1 s. The peak amplitude correlated with the number of medical co-morbidities (r = 0.24; 95%CI 0.03–0.45). Most preterm neonates have coordinated swallows that are loud, quick and completed in < 1 s. The perceptual parameters of a bolus transit sound was consistently present in all preterm neonates. One in five pre-term neonates have an uncoordinated swallow where wheeze, stridor or wet breath sounds were present post-swallow. Our study provides clinicians with acoustic and perceptual parameters to guide use of cervical auscultation in special care nurseries. Future studies should consider simultaneous instrumental assessment to ensure validity when using cervical auscultation to support diagnostic decision-making on swallowing coordination.
Artificial neural networks for random fields to predict the buckling load of geometrically imperfect structures
Authors: Schweizer Maximilian , Fina Marc , Wagner Werner , Freitag Steffen
Published: February 2025

The prediction of buckling loads for slender and thin-walled structures under compression loading is important for the structural reliability assessment. The presence of random geometrical imperfections reduces the buckling load and is uncertain. In the framework of a probabilistic buckling analysis, the geometrical imperfections are modeled as correlated random fields and applied on the Finite-Element (FE) model. The buckling analysis is then computed by a Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS). The probabilistic approach in structural engineering demands the assurance of a low probability of failure and thus, high accuracy in the calculation of the probability distribution. The resulting high computational cost of the Monte Carlo Simulation can be reduced with a surrogate model of the FE simulation. The development of an effective surrogate model for random fields is challenging, because of the high dimensional input. In this work, an artificial neural network (ANN) surrogate model is presented, to predict the buckling load of structures considering random fields of geometrical imperfections as input. The training procedure is based on random field and the corresponding buckling load samples obtained from FE simulations. The trained ANN surrogate model is finally applied within a MCS-loop, yielding the probability distribution of the buckling load. Three numerical examples (column, plate and cylindrical shell segment) demonstrate that the ANN is able to learn the input-output relationship for structures with different buckling behaviors. The results are compared with a reference FE solution and the computation time shows, that the presented method is an efficient way to speedup the MCS. It is shown that the ANNs learning ability depends on the correlation length of the random field realizations.
Development of optimisation methods to identify sources of pollution and assess potential health risks in the vicinity of antimony mines
Authors: Čakmak Dragan , Perović Veljko , Pavlović Dragana , Matić Marija , Jakšić Darko , Tanirbergenov Samat , Pavlović Pavle
Published: February 2025

After elevated levels of lead (Pb) were found in the blood of children living near the antimony (Sb) mine and battery smelter in Zajača, Republic Serbia, studies were carried out to determine the health risk assessment (HRA) effects of the soil. In this study, for the first time a combination of Network Analysis, CoDA (Compositional Data Analysis) and receptor modelling was used to determine the geopedological and atmospheric origin of PTEs in soil and their historical significance. It was found that arsenic (As) and Pb are the main pollutants in the area. The largest contribution to the environmental risk (Er) was made by Pb. In addition to perception methods Network Analysis (NA) was used to determine the source of pollution and, for the first time, the strength of the positive and negative connections of the network nodes of the mutual influence of PTE. Lead pollution was found to originate from two sources: historical and present, and As was found to originate from a wider area. For the child population, an unacceptable risk for the occurrence of chronic diseases with a probability of 95% was found, with As and Pb accounting for the highest percentage. Similarly, As has the greatest impact on occurrence of cancer at the unacceptable risk level, while Pb is at the notable risk level. The historical exposure to Pb is slightly lower and the difference is slightly more pronounced for total pollution for HRA.
Genetic insights into non-obstructive azoospermia: Implications for diagnosis and TESE outcomes
Authors: Sharifi Shahrashoub , Dursun Murat , Şahin Ayla , Turan Serdar , Altun Ayşe , Özcan Özden , Kalkanlı Arif , Çefle Kıvanç , Öztürk Şükrü , Palanduz Şükrü , Kadıoğlu Ateş
Published: February 2025

Background

Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is considered one of the most severe forms of male infertility. Despite the limited range of testicular phenotypes, NOA exhibits considerable genetic heterogeneity. The aim of this study was to uncover the etiopathogenesis of NOA and provide insights into the outcomes of testicular sperm extraction (TESE).

Material method

To elucidate the potential causes of testicular pathogenesis, a cohort of 61 patients was analyzed. The genetic etiology was assessed using our developed gene panel, based on genes with prior functional studies conducted specifically in the context of testicular characterization.

Results

Our analytical approach, built upon these findings, enabled us to explore the potential genetic causes of NOA and assess their relevance to TESE outcomes. A potential causal defect was identified in 14 genes across a total of 26 individuals (42%). Of these, three genes—MEIOB, TERB1, and USP26—had been previously described in men, while eight genes—SPO11, RBBP7, STS, RBMXL3, ZCCHC13, HUWE1, ESR1, and ABCD1—had been reported in prior studies. Additionally, three genes—CEP85, NAP1L3, and CENPI—had been previously described only in knockout (KO) phenotype studies, and this study represents the first identification of these genes in men.

Conclusion

Interestingly, the histological findings of meiotic arrest were strongly linked to genes involved in meiosis, reinforcing the clinical diagnosis of patients in this cohort. Additionally, our study underscores the importance of refining diagnostic strategies that focus on genes associated with testicular phenotypes, which could enhance the accuracy of TESE success predictions.
Sperm oxidative damage acquired during seminal plasma removal for assisted reproductive technology is reduced by BGP-15
Authors: Gonzalez Macarena B. , Rose Ryan D. , Connaughton Haley S. , Mackintosh Gracie , Bugeja Caitlyn , Barry Michael , McPherson Nicole O. , Robker Rebecca L.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Semen manipulation for assisted reproductive technology (ART) causes spermatozoa damage; thus, we investigated the potential of the novel therapeutic BGP-15 to preserve sperm quality during semen washing prior to insemination.

Methods

Donated human ejaculates (N = 40), with or without 10 µM BGP-15, were analyzed for sperm motility, DNA fragmentation, and oxidation. Seminal plasma was removed using different clinical sperm selection methods: simple wash, swim-up, or density gradient centrifugation (DGC), followed by assessment for sperm motility, mitochondrial ROS (mtROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and DNA fragmentation and oxidation.

Results

Donated semen samples incubated with BGP-15 had increased sperm motility (+ 15%, p = 0.002) and reduced oxidative DNA damage levels (− 57%, p = 0.03).

Samples processed by simple wash had the highest sperm count compared with DGC (+ 55%, p < 0.005) and swim-up (+ 21%, p < 0.0005). Swim-up showed increased vitality compared with DGC (+ 18%, p < 0.001) and simple wash (+ 27%, p < 0.0001), as well as the lowest DNA oxidation levels compared with simple wash − 40%, (p = 0.01) and DGC (− 76%, p < 0.0001). Swim-up also had the lowest mitochondrial membrane potential compared with simple wash and DGC (− 28%, p < 0.03).

Comparison between untreated and BGP-15-treated groups for each sperm washing method showed that BGP-15 increased MMP in DGC sperm (+ 11%, p = 0.0006), and reduced DNA fragmentation in washed samples (− 22%, p = 0.03). Moreover, BGP-15 lowered DNA oxidation in all preparation methods: washed (− 48%, p = 0.002), swim-up (− 42%, p = 0.04), and DGC (− 29%, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

The inclusion of BGP-15 during semen preparation can protect sperm quality and, in the future, may be used clinically to improve sperm selection methods.
Meeting the Challenges of Flexible Work Designs: Effects of an Intervention Based on Self-Regulation on Detachment, Well-being, and Work–Family Conflict
Authors: Althammer Sarah Elena , Wöhrmann Anne Marit , Michel Alexandra
Published: February 2025

Self-regulation is important for coping with demands of flexible work designs (FWD) such as telework, remote work, or flextime. This article evaluates a web-based intervention based on self-regulation models to enable workers meet challenges of FWD and thus improve recovery, work-life balance, and well-being. Over six weeks, participants learnt self-regulation strategies to detach from work, segment work and private life, and organize their workday. In a randomized controlled trial, participants were assigned to an intervention group or a waitlist control group. Study participants rated their levels of self-regulation, psychological detachment, strain-based work–family conflict (WFC), and affective, cognitive and work-related well-being (indicated by positive affect, stress, and work engagement) before and after the intervention, and at a four-week and six-month follow-up. The final sample after the training included 358 participants (intervention group: n = 147; control group: n = 211). As expected, covariance analyses revealed that the intervention improved positive affect and work engagement, and that it reduced stress and strain-based WFC. Moreover, we found positive effects on psychological detachment for participants with low baseline levels of psychological detachment. Self-regulation mediated intervention effects on positive affect and work engagement. Effects hold at four-week and six-month follow-ups, except for work engagement. Overall, findings indicate that the intervention is an effective tool for promoting self-regulation and enabling workers to achieve their goals regarding recovery, work-life balance, and well-being.
Structural and gas sensing properties of NiO thin films deposited by a novel spin coating technique
Authors: Nayman Enes , Gozukizil Mehmet Fatih , Armutci Bayram , Temel Sinan , Gokmen Fatma Ozge
Published: February 2025

This study presents the development and application of a novel sol-gel spin coating technique for the deposition of nickel oxide (NiO) thin films on glass substrates. The newly designed spin coating device operates without the need for a vacuum, providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional methods. NiO thin films were prepared using a sol-gel process, with various thicknesses and rotation speeds tested to idealize film quality. Structural and morphological analyses were conducted using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), revealing that the 6-layer sample coated at 3000 rpm exhibited the best crystallization and surface homogeneity. Gas sensor tests were performed to evaluate the sensitivity of the NiO thin films to ethanol, NO2, and H2 gases. The results showed that the sensor responded stably and reproducibly over multiple gas exposure cycles. It also demonstrated the potential for reliable gas detection applications.

Graphical Abstract
Availability without common ground
Authors: Simons Mandy
Published: February 2025

The dominant model of linguistic communication in current philosophy of language, semantics and formal pragmatics is centered around the idea that communication involves interlocutors coordinating with respect to a single body of information, the common ground. This body of information is understood to serve two central roles: it is the target of speech acts, and constitutes the information available to interlocutors for planning and interpreting utterances. In this paper, I provide a series of examples which show that, contra the dominant model, the information available to interlocutors cannot be modeled as common ground information. The examples involve interpreters making use of background information which cannot become common ground either because the interpreter refuses to accept it, or because the communicative situation is what Harris (2020) calls publicity averse. I consider and disarm a variety of responses that might be offered on behalf of the common ground view, including alternative construals of acceptance and of publicity. I demonstrate that a model of communication in which interlocutors maintain separate representations of their own and their interlocutors' information states easily accommodates these cases, taking as an example the model due to Heller and Brown-Schmidt (2023). I end the paper with the observation that my conclusions do not pose any threat to formal models of dynamic semantics/pragmatics, as these can be, and in some cases already are, interpreted as modelling the evolution of individual information states
Multivariate functional linear discriminant analysis for partially-observed time series
Authors: Bordoloi Rahul , Réda Clémence , Trautmann Orell , Bej Saptarshi , Wolkenhauer Olaf
Published: February 2025

The more extensive access to time-series data, especially for biomedical purposes, raises new methodological challenges, particularly regarding missing values. Functional linear discriminant analysis (FLDA) extends Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA)-mediated multiclass classification and dimension reduction to data in the form of fragmented observations of a univariate function. For large multivariate and partially-observed data, there are two challenges: (i) statistical dependencies between different components of a multivariate function and (ii) heterogeneous sampling times with missing features. We here develop a multivariate version of FLDA, called MUDRA, to tackle these challenges and describe a computationally efficient expectation/conditional-maximisation (ECM) algorithm to infer its parameters without any tensor inversions. We assess its predictive power on the “Articulary Words” dataset and show its improvement over the state-of-the-art, especially in the case of missing data. This advancement in dimension reduction of multivariate functional data holds promise for enhancing classification accuracy in scenarios like partially observed short multivariate time series analysis.
Morphing shape metastructures using the hybrid position feedback control and bistable structural elements
Authors: Simsek Mehmet , Alberts Thomas E. , Bilgen Onur
Published: February 2025

This research introduces a new multi-degree-of-freedom metastructure concept utilizing a hybrid position feedback controller. An arbitrary number of bistable segments, or structural elements, are connected serially or in parallel to form a distributed bistable structure, or a so-called metastructure. The hybrid controller, an unstable-then-stable second-order single-degree-of-freedom system, leverages the resonant mode of a bistable system to destabilize it and dynamically induce snap-through between equilibria. The metastructure inherits multiple bistable positions, maintaining equilibrium shapes without consuming power and enabling many equilibrium configurations. Two geometric configurations are proposed and analyzed using a modified hybrid feedback control approach, which rejects forces from neighboring degrees of freedom and linearizes the system around a user-specified target equilibrium. Despite the added complexity compared to the previous approach by the authors, the modified controller facilitates robust control. Parametric analyses identify controller parameters for successful shape adaptation. The simplicity of the baseline hybrid controller enables physical implementation with simple circuit elements integrated into the structure.
Defining the quality of sediment in the context of the WFD monitoring plans: metal enrichment in two catchments from the north of Portugal
Authors: Reis Anabela R. , Vieira B. , Roboredo Marta
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Riverbed sediment geochemistry provides useful information regarding metal contamination. To integrate sediment quality in river monitoring, within the WFD, the report of sediment quality to water quality managers must be expeditious. This study revisits the metal enrichment concept, applied to sediments from two mountain catchments, as a useful technique in river monitoring.

Methods

Riverbed sediment samples, collected at the end of the Dry and Wet Periods (DP, WP) were analysed for Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, and Fe in fractions < 2 mm and < 63 µm. The metal enrichment factors (EFs) were referenced to distinct background values: average shale (AS), world rivers suspended sediments (WRSS) and Geochemical Atlas of Portugal (GAP).

Results

Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn contents are higher in the fraction < 63 µm, and at DP. The ranges of variation in fraction < 63 µm are (mg kg−1): a) River Vilariça, Cd (5–18 DP; 0.3 WP); Cu (103–341 DP; 22–218 WP); Pb —(24–55 DP; 11–42 WP); Zn (107–241 DP; 54–103 WP); b) River Vizela, —Cd (13–44 DP; 8–41 WP); Cu (267–444 DP; 18–168 WP); Pb —(44–132 DP; 20–42 WP); Zn (141–801 DP; 36–181 WP). Variations in metal contents are influenced by lithological, geomorphological, and microclimatic features, and anthropogenic pressures. EFs are higher when referenced to AS. In the River Vizela, the EFs reveal an enrichment of Cu, Pb and Zn relative to WRSS; Cd registers an enrichment relative to GAP.

Conclusion

Local/regional background, and EFs, are relevant when assessing environmental risks in freshwater systems: low EFs, when associated to natural enrichments, originate values of concern in terms of quality guidelines; high EFs may not imply risk to the fluvial environment. Using the fraction < 63 µm in river monitoring is considered adequate. In dynamic mountain streams, recent sediments and associated contaminants are retained, providing information on possible pollution sources. Identifying metals contamination (or natural enrichment) can help decision-makers to provide solutions for pollution sources.
Comanagement of surgical patients between neurosurgeons and internal-medicine clinicians: observational cohort study
Authors: Para Ombretta , Valuparampil Joel Byju , Merilli Irene , Caruso Lorenzo , Raza Asim , Parenti Alberto , Angoli Carolina , Al Refaie Mohammed , Onesto Marzia , Barbacci Lorenzo , Nozzoli Carlo , Della Puppa Alessandro
Published: February 2025

The rising prevalence of chronic diseases have contributed to a population with high complexity of care. There has been an increasing need for a new organizational model based on the interaction in the same department between the specialist skills of surgical and medical disciplines. This study aims to describe the implementation of a hospitalist co-management program in a Neurosurgery Department (ND) and its impact on the incidence of medical complications, 30 days readmission rate for medical causes, number of transfers to Intensive Care Units (ICU)/Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit (NICU) or to medical wards (MW), length-of stay (LOS), mortality and satisfaction of health workers. We conducted an observational study comparing changes before and after the Internal medicine-Neurosurgical Comanagement (INC) intervention. We conducted a retrospective evaluation of patients enrolled before the INC intervention and a prospective evaluation of those enrolled after the INC intervention was implemented. We defined the pre-INC intervention group as 380 patients admitted to the ND for neurosurgical disease between January 2022 and April 2022 and the post-INC intervention group as 367 patients admitted to the ND between January 2023 and April 2023. INC intervention was associated with a significant decrease in medical complications during the hospital stay (OR 0.52; 95% CI; 0.39–0.70, p < 0.001), 30 days in-hospital readmission for medical reasons (OR 0.95; 95% CI 0.93–0.97, p < 0.001) and numbers of transfers to ICU/NICU (OR 0.31; 95% CI; 0.17–0.55, p < 0.001) or MW (OR 0.51; 95% CI 0.33–0.77, p = 0.002). During the INC intervention period, we observed a high satisfaction rate in health workers, evaluated by standardized questionnaire. In our study, LOS, in-hospital mortality and 30-day mortality were not significantly associated with INC. Hospitalist co-management in Neurosurgical Departments was associated with a reduced incidence of medical complications, 30-days in-hospital readmission and numbers of transfers to ICU/NICU or MW with a high satisfaction rate among healthcare workers, but without a significant decrease in LOS and mortality rate.
Genetic screening in cohort of Egyptian patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension disease
Authors: Ayyad Samar I. E. , Refeat Miral M. , Ashaat Engy A. , Abdel-Ghaffar Abdel-Rahman B. , Hamdy Germine M.
Published: February 2025

Background

Variants in the bone morphogenetic protein 2 receptor gene (BMPR2) are the most frequent genetic cause of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, correlation of BMPR2 variants and PAH clinical phenotype remains to be elucidated.

Methods and results

The goal of the present study is to investigate variants of the causative gene (BMPR2) in 25 Egyptian patients clinically pre-diagnosed with PAH symptoms and 10 healthy candidates using Sanger sequencing technique. Three pathogenic heterozygous missense variants have been illustrated in BMPR2 gene, two novel variants (V387E, E481K) in exon 9 and 11 respectively and one previously reported missense variant (C496G) in exon 11. The remaining 22 patients as well as the 10 healthy individuals showed no pathogenic variants.

Conclusion

Further studies on larger number of participants, using advanced NGS technique, should be performed to enrich information about genotype/phenotype correlations and incidence of PAH disease among Egyptian population; thus, it would provide families of PAH patients with accurate genetic counseling in order to prevent disease recurrence.
From Mechanisms to Management: Tackling In-Stent Restenosis in the Drug-Eluting Stent Era
Authors: Spadafora Luigi , Quarta Rossella , Martino Giovanni , Romano Letizia , Greco Francesco , Curcio Antonio , Gori Tommaso , Spaccarotella Carmen , Indolfi Ciro , Polimeni Alberto
Published: February 2025

Purpose of review

Drug-eluting stent (DES) technology has greatly enhanced the safety and effectiveness of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). The aim of the present paper is to provide a comprehensive review of in-stent restenosis (ISR), focusing on the contemporary DES era, including its incidence, mechanisms, and imaging characterization.

Recent findings

Despite the widespread use of DES and numerous improvements, recent clinical data indicate that ISR still occurs in 5–10% of PCI procedures, posing a considerable public health issue.

The incidence, morphology, and clinical implications of ISR are determined by a complex interplay of several factors: the patient, stent, procedure, and vessel and lesion-related factors. Advancements in intracoronary imaging have provided greater insight into its patterns and underlying causes. Over time, treatment strategies have evolved, and current guidelines recommend an individualized approach using intracoronary imaging to characterize ISR’s underlying substrate.
Integration and Potential Applications of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography in Cardio-Oncology
Authors: Erbay Muhammed Ibrahim , Manubolu Venkat Sanjay , Stein-Merlob Ashley F. , Ferencik Maros , Mamas Mamas A. , Lopez-Mattei Juan , Baldassarre Lauren A. , Budoff Matthew J. , Yang Eric H.
Published: February 2025

Purpose of Review

Cardiovascular computed tomography (CCT) is a versatile, readily available, and non-invasive imaging tool with high-resolution capabilities in many cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Our review explains the increased risk of CVD among patients with cancer due to chemoradiotherapies, shared risk factors and cancer itself and explores the expanding role of CCT in the detection, surveillance, and management of numerous CVD among these patients.

Recent Findings

Recent research has highlighted the versatility and enhanced resolution capabilities of CCT in assessing a wide range of cardiovascular diseases. Early detection of cardiac changes and monitoring of disease progression in asymptomatic patients with cancer may lessen the severity of CVD. It offers an essential means to assess for coronary artery disease when patients are either unable to safely undergo stress testing for ischemia evaluation or at risk of complications from invasive coronary angiography. Furthermore, CCT extends its utility to valvular diseases, cardiomyopathies, pericardial diseases, cardiac masses, and radiation-induced cardiovascular diseases, allowing for a comprehensive, noninvasive assessment of the entire spectrum of cancer treatment associated CVD. Looking to the future, the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms holds potential for automated image interpretation, improved precision and earlier detection of subclinical cardiac deterioration, allowing opportunities for earlier intervention and disease prevention.

CCT is a useful imaging modality for assessing the myriad cardiovascular manifestations of diseases such as coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies, pericardial disesaes, cardiac masses and radiation-induced cardiovascular diseases. CCT has several advantages. Readily available non-cardiac chest CT scans of patients with cancer may help with improved cardiovascular care, enhanced ASCVD risk stratification and toxicity surveillance.
Multiple Sclerosis: A Story of the Interaction Between Gut Microbiome and Components of the Immune System
Authors: Mohsen Esraa , Haffez Hesham , Ahmed Sandra , Hamed Selwan , El-Mahdy Taghrid S.
Published: February 2025

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is defined as an inflammatory disorder that chronically affects the central nervous system of young people mostly and is distributed globally. It is associated with degeneration and demyelination of the myelin sheath around the nerves, resulting in multiple neurological disability symptoms ranging from mild to severe cases that end with paralysis sometimes. MS is one of the rising diseases globally that is unfortunately associated with reduced quality of life and adding national economic burdens. The definite MS mechanism is not clearly defined; however, all the previous researches confirm the role of the immune system as the master contributor in the pathogenesis. Innate and adaptive immune cells are activated peripherally then attracted toward the central nervous system (CNS) due to the breakdown of the blood–brain barrier. Recently, the gut-brain axis was shown to depend on gut metabolites that are produced by different microorganisms in the colon. The difference in microbiota composition between individuals is responsible for diversity in secreted metabolites that affect immune responses locally in the gut or systemically when reach blood circulation to the brain. It may enhance or suppress immune responses in the central nervous system (CNS) (repeated short forms); consequently, it may exacerbate or ameliorate MS symptoms. Recent data showed that some metabolites can be used as adjuvant therapy in MS and other inflammatory diseases. This review sheds light on the nature of MS and the possible interaction between gut microbiota and immune system regulation through the gut-brain axis, hence contributing to MS pathogenesis.
Enhancing Rigor in Quantitative Meta-Analyses for Mindfulness Research: A Comprehensive Guide
Authors: Sperling Edie L. , Khoury Bassam , Sutton Anna , Price-Blackshear Mollie A. , Bettencourt B. Ann
Published: February 2025

Meta-analyses are considered the highest level of evidence in research design, providing a quantitatively estimated effect size for an outcome of interest pooled from some or all primary studies on a particular topic. The usefulness and accuracy of a meta-analysis depend on the rigor of the included studies and the methods adopted by the meta-analyst. In recent years, the number of meta-analyses in the field of mindfulness has increased, but the relative rigor of meta-analyses on mindfulness research has varied. Our aim with this report, therefore, is to provide a guide for future authors of mindfulness meta-analyses that offers recommendations and explanations for best practices in meta-analysis. We selected high-quality literature on meta-analyses and used the 19 meta-analyses published in the journal Mindfulness between January 2022 and 2024 to highlight methodological approaches that can enhance the rigor of future meta-analyses on mindfulness research. Although instructive content already exists on meta-analytic techniques, in this work, we brought together meta-analytic recommendations specific to mindfulness studies. We reviewed current literature on meta-analytics and now present recommendations for meta-analytic methods, reporting of meta-analytic results, and what to include in discussion sections. The present article also provides an overall checklist of mandatory and recommended items to be included in a meta-analysis.
Removal of Volatile Organic Compounds from Gases with Innovative Electrochemically-Assisted Reactive Absorbers
Authors: Arias-Sanchez Andrea N. , Lobato Justo , Rodrigo Manuel A.
Published: February 2025

Volatile organic compounds emitted by various industries constitute relevant atmospheric pollutants with a risk to human health. An electrochemically assisted absorption process (electro-absorption) is proposed and evaluated for the treatment of gaseous streams polluted with benzene or xylene as representative VOCs. The main objective of this work is focused on the comparison between the performance of a packed column and a jet mixer as absorption configuration in this electrochemical technology. The results show that the degradation pathway with both configurations is mineralization. The intermediates compounds vary depending on the pollutant, benzoquinone and tolualdehyde are mainly produced in the removal of benzene and xylene, respectively. An increase in the current density applied to the system implies higher removal rates of the pollutants but lower energy efficiencies, with 50 mA cm-2 being the optimum. Furthermore, it was observed that the jet mixer improves the treatment of gaseous streams with VOCs with low water solubility and volatility (as p-xylene) while the packed column is more effective in treating gases polluted with VOCs with high water solubility and volatility (as benzene). The obtained data allow to establish the technical feasibility and functionality of electro-absorption technology as treatment process to remove VOCs from gas streams, which is meaningful for future research perspectives on scalability, economic evaluation and life cycle analysis to validate and expand the current findings.
Top-Down Dual-Interface Carrier Management for Highly Efficient and Stable Perovskite/Silicon Tandem Solar Cells
Authors: Li Xin , Ying Zhiqin , Li Shuo , Chen Lei , Zhang Meili , Liu Linhui , Guo Xuchao , Wu Jun , Sun Yihan , Xiao Chuanxiao , Zeng Yuheng , Wu Jian , Yang Xi , Ye Jichun
Published: February 2025

Despite significant advancements in the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells, improving carrier management in top cells remains challenging due to the defective dual interfaces of wide-bandgap perovskite, particularly on textured silicon surfaces. Herein, a series of halide ions (Cl−, Br−, I−) substituted piperazinium salts are designed and synthesized as post-treatment modifiers for perovskite surfaces. Notably, piperazinium chloride induces an asymmetric bidirectional ions distribution from the top to the bottom surface, with large piperazinium cations concentrating at the perovskite surface and small chloride anions migrating downward to accumulate at the buried interface. This results in effective dual-interface defect passivation and energy band modulation, enabling wide-bandgap (1.68 eV) perovskite solar cells to achieve a PCE of 22.3% and a record product of open-circuit voltage × fill factor (84.4% relative to the Shockley–Queisser limit). Furthermore, the device retains 91.3% of its initial efficiency after 1200 h of maximum power point tracking without encapsulation. When integrated with double-textured silicon heterojunction solar cells, a remarkable PCE of 31.5% is achieved for a 1.04 cm2 monolithic perovskite/silicon tandem solar cell, exhibiting excellent long-term operational stability (T
80 = 755 h) without encapsulation in ambient air. This work provides a convenient strategy on dual-interface engineering for making high-efficiency and stable perovskite platforms.
Construction of Multifunctional Conductive Carbon-Based Cathode Additives for Boosting Li6PS5Cl-Based All-Solid-State Lithium Batteries
Authors: Gao Xin , Chen Ya , Zhen Zheng , Cui Lifeng , Huang Ling , Chen Xiao , Chen Jiayi , Chen Xiaodong , Lee Duu-Jong , Wang Guoxiu
Published: February 2025

The electrochemical performance of all-solid-state lithium batteries (ASSLBs) can be prominently enhanced by minimizing the detrimental degradation of solid electrolytes through their undesirable side reactions with the conductive carbon additives (CCAs) inside the composite cathodes. Herein, the well-defined Mo3Ni3N nanosheets embedded onto the N-doped porous carbons (NPCs) substrate are successfully synthesized (Mo-Ni@NPCs) as CCAs inside LiCoO2 for Li6PSC5Cl (LPSCl)-based ASSLBs. This nano-composite not only makes it difficult for hydroxide groups (–OH) to survive on the surface but also allows the in situ surface reconstruction to generate the ultra-stable MoS2-Mo3Ni3N heterostructures after the initial cycling stage. These can effectively prevent the occurrence of OH-induced LPSC decomposition reaction from producing harmful insulating sulfates, as well as simultaneously constructing the highly-efficient electrons/ions dual-migration pathways at the cathode interfaces to facilitate the improvement of both electrons and Li+ ions conductivities in ASSLBs. With this approach, fine-tuned Mo-Ni@NPCs can deliver extremely outstanding performance, including an ultra-high first discharge-specific capacity of 148.61 mAh g−1 (0.1C), a high Coulombic efficiency (94.01%), and a capacity retention rate after 1000 cycles still attain as high as 90.62%. This work provides a brand-new approach of “conversion-protection” strategy to overcome the drawbacks of composite cathodes interfaces instability and further promotes the commercialization of ASSLBs.
Study on the Internal Force and Deformation of Double-System Composite Guideway for Monorail Transit Based on Energy Theory
Authors: Bai Zhengwei , Zhu Eryu
Published: February 2025

To further investigate the impact of prestressing on the internal force and deformation of the double-system composite guideway (DSCG), theoretical equations for internal force and deformation were established based on the principle of energy variation. The theoretical results were validated through finite element modelling and elastic analysis methods. The proposed DSCG theoretical model, derived from the energy method, effectively addresses the influence of symmetric and asymmetric loads on the internal force and deformation of the guideway. The findings indicated that the ratios of interface slip, axial force, and vertical deformation under the two loading conditions were 1.16, 1.06, and 1.06, respectively, showing close agreement. The prestressing effect significantly impacted the mechanical behaviour of the guideway, particularly the vertical deformation, with a maximum influence of 4.92%. Moreover, the results of the energy and elastic analysis methods exhibited a high degree of consistency, with the maximum deviation in the calculated internal force and deformation results not exceeding 3%. This research fills a gap in the theoretical study of the DSCG and provides valuable insights for developing multi-system monorail transit systems.
Can We Assess Attitudes Toward AI with Single Items? Associations with Existing Attitudes Toward AI Measures and Trust in ChatGPT
Authors: Montag Christian , Ali Raian
Published: February 2025

A growing number of researchers investigate individual differences in attitudes toward Artificial Intelligence (AI), which is not surprising given that the AI revolution is impacting societies around the globe. Different frameworks have been proposed to study both positive and negative attitudes toward AI. To our knowledge, the present work is the first to simultaneously investigate the ATAI (Attitudes Toward Artificial Intelligence Scale) and the GAAIS (General Attitudes Towards Artificial Intelligence Scale). Further, two single items assessing positive and negative attitudes toward AI were added to the study to see if they would grasp substantial parts of the variance of the already established ATAI and GAAIS inventories. Correlations were of moderate to large effect size when comparing associations between the single-item measures and both ATAI and GAAI scales (German speaking sample 1 = 151 participants; German speaking sample 2 = 386). Finally, also associations with trusting the generative AI ChatGPT were included as external validation measurement in both investigated samples. Results revealed that all attitudes toward AI measures were associated with trusting ChatGPT. Moreover, a stepwise regression model demonstrated that the acceptance scale of the ATAI was the best predictor for trust in ChatGPT in sample 1, with more predictors in sample 2. The present work shows substantial overlap between the available attitudes towards AI measures, and this could be replicated in two samples. These insights can help future researchers and AI designers to choose the appropriate survey tool when considering to assess attitudes toward AI.
Fodor, Bruner and Beyond
Authors: Hagoort Peter , Gaudenzi Rocco
Published: February 2025

This article presents an in-depth conversation with Peter Hagoort, a leading cognitive neuroscientist and director of the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics. The interview explores the contrasting paradigms of Jerry Fodor and Jerome Bruner, focusing on their differing conceptions of the mind, including modularity, perception, and the role of cognitive processes. Hagoort reflects on Fodor’s modularity theory and Bruner’s New Look in Perception, examining their influence on his own research, particularly the language marker hypothesis, which highlights the symbolic and flexible nature of human internal models shaped by language. The discussion further addresses Fodor’s critique of relativism, his scepticism about cognitive neuroscience, and the relevance of these foundational ideas to contemporary questions in cognitive science and artificial intelligence, including the distinctions between human cognition and large language models. Through this dialogue, the article revisits key debates in cognitive science while situating them within current research and theoretical developments.