bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring Mothers’ Experiences of an Online Musical Parenting Educational Program
Authors: Papazachariou-Christoforou Maria
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this study was to investigate the experiences of a group of mothers who participated in an online musical parenting educational program. The participants comprised 18 mothers with infants from birth to 12 months old. This study was conducted for 6 months using qualitative research methods: semi-structured interviews and informal discussions with mother-participants, participants’ digital journals and filmed videos, and researcher field notes taken during the educational program. Findings revealed that during the program, mothers engaged in multimodal musical interaction with their infants, which facilitated a dynamic state of attunement within the mother-infant dyad. Active participation in the educational program fostered mothers’ confidence in using music as a parenting tool and enhanced conscious musical parenting practices with their infants. I discuss implications for musical parenting educational programs and research.
Screening-level ecological risk assessment (SLERA) in an abandoned As–Cu mining area (N Spain): implications of phyto-availability and soil properties on vegetation
Authors: Serrano-García Humberto , Izquierdo-Díaz Miguel , Barrio-Parra Fernando , Álvarez Rodrigo , Ordóñez Almudena , De Miguel Eduardo
Published: February 2025

This study applies a Screening-Level Ecological Risk Assessment (SLERA) to evaluate the potential impact of trace elements on vegetation in an abandoned As–Cu mining area in northern Spain. A total of 27 soil samples were analyzed for pseudo-total (aqua regia) and phyto-available (EDTA 0.05 M) content of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn. Contamination and ecotoxicological risk indices were used to identify pollution hotspots and contaminants of ecological concern (COPEC). Arsenic, Cu, Co and Zn pose a potential risk to vegetation across the site. Available concentrations of these elements are high, although average phyto-availabilities are generally low (< 30%). Remarkably, some highly contaminated areas support vegetation, while others remain barren. This suggests that high phyto-available concentrations alone do not fully explain the presence or absence of vegetation. Edaphic properties, such as low soil pH and minimal organic matter content, seem to play a critical role in inhibiting vegetation growth in certain areas. These results underline the importance of considering not only trace element concentrations but also site-specific edaphic properties when assessing ecological risk and planning remediation strategies in contaminated mining areas.
Puzzle-based movable rack system with diagonal movements and class-based storage policy
Authors: Weerasinghe Kasuni Vimasha , Sgarbossa Fabio , Fede Giulia
Published: February 2025

There is a rising need for responsive and innovative compact storage solutions to handle fluctuating demand volumes. When compared to other traditional storage systems, Puzzle-based storage (PBS) systems are better suited to handle high demand in small or compact storage. However, achieving high throughput often remains a challenge for these systems. This paper studies a new paradigm of PBS proposed as a result of the collaboration between Logistics 4.0 lab and the Norwegian company Wheel.me. This solution, called Puzzle-Based Movable Rack (PBMR) system, enables achieving together a high storage density and high throughput, and it is characterized by storage racks mounted on autonomous wheels. These autonomous wheels can move in any direction including diagonal movements, which could result in high throughput. In this study, we employed a PBMR system with diagonal movement and a class-based storage policy. Under the above configurations, we identified optimal first zone percentages that can minimize the average travel time. Further, we optimized the system performance while understanding the impact of different input parameters such as capacity and shape of the system, and demand profile to the optimal first zone.
Autistic Burnout on Reddit: A Sisyphean Struggle with Daily Tasks
Authors: Clarey Megan M. , Abel Susan , Ireland Michael J. , Brownlow Charlotte
Published: February 2025

The crippling impacts of autistic burnout are well known to the autistic community, yet research is only in its early stages. While research to date has chiefly relied on structured interviews and Delphi studies, it has focused on defining and measuring burnout. What is missing from the research is an analysis of the broader experiences of autistic burnout, and the very real implications that autistic people face when impacted by it. This study reviewed the narratives of autistic people discussing their experiences of autistic burnout on the social media platform Reddit. Using data scraped from Reddit, quantitative and qualitative analyses were undertaken to elicit meaning from the online discourse. After analysing 249 Reddit threads using quantitative content analysis, the results supported existing research identifying three core components of autistic burnout, those being: chronic exhaustion; increased sensory sensitivities; and social withdrawal. New insights were found with users reporting physiological ailments as a complicating factor in their burnout experience. The research also found evidence supporting suggested treatment options for autistic burnout including reducing/stopping social obligations, reducing sensory inputs as much as possible, and time spent alone to reset and recharge. Most importantly, users identified that being autonomous in their recovery choices was critical to the success of their recovery.
Enantioselective cyclopropanations: a study on the catalytic effects of methyl-α-D-mannopyranoside-based lariat ethers
Authors: Orbán István , Ujj Dóra , Mátravölgyi Béla , Rapi Zsolt
Published: February 2025

Novel monoaza-15-crown-5 ethers have been synthesized with an α-d-mannopyranoside backbone. These chiral catalysts contain different heteroaromatic side chains, which have never been incorporated in sugar-based crown ethers before. The novel macrocycles together with a few previously synthesized mannose-based crown ethers were examined in four asymmetric phase-transfer cyclopropanations. The reactions proceeded mainly with excellent yields (up to 99%), while enantiomeric excesses ranged from 1 to 44%, proving the mannose-based lariat ethers to be moderate enantioselective catalysts in these reactions. The distance between the crown ring and the functional group of the side chain proved to be important in terms of enantioselectivity, the propylene moiety was more favorable than the ethylene bridge. The type of heteroaromatic ring also affected the catalytic activity of the mannose-based macrocycles, using lariat ethers containing a pyrrole unit, higher enantiomeric excess was measured.
A Comparison of the Long and Short Forms of the Penn State Worry Questionnaire in Adults with Generalised Anxiety Disorder
Authors: Wilson Emily J. , Abbott Maree J. , Norton Alice R. , Berle David , Stapinski Lexine , Rapee Ronald M.
Published: February 2025

The Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ) is a 16-item self-report measure designed to assess pathological worry. The PSWQ has, however, demonstrated inconsistent factor structure in adults and older adults leading to the development of the 8-item PSWQ-A and the ultra-brief 3-item PSWQ-3. The PSWQ is yet to be compared to the PSWQ-A and PSWQ-3 in adults with generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). Thus, the current study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of these three versions. Participants were screened using the Anxiety Disorders Interview Schedule for DSM-IV-TR to ascertain clinical principal diagnosis of GAD (n = 140) or non-clinical status (n = 76). Four different confirmatory factor models were fit to the 16-item PSWQ, with a unidimensional model fit to the 8-item PSWQ-A and to the PSWQ-3. A bifactor model fitted the data best for the PSWQ, and a unidimensional PSWQ-A model fitted the data best for the GAD sample. Results found that all three versions of the PSWQ demonstrated good construct validity, moderate test-retest reliability, and excellent criterion validity. ROC curve analysis indicated that all three versions demonstrated comparable levels of sensitivity and specificity for screening GAD. Both the PSWQ-A and PSWQ demonstrated no floor or ceiling effects and good internal consistency, whereas the PSWQ-3 demonstrated floor effects with adequate internal consistency. Overall, all three versions of the PSWQ share comparable psychometric properties. As such, the brevity of the PSWQ-A and its comparable performance to the 16-item PSWQ, warrant recommendations for use of this version to researchers and clinicians.
Eating to Feel Better: The Role of Comfort Eating in Chronic Pain
Authors: Roche Claudia , Burton Amy , Newton-John Toby
Published: February 2025

Research has identified that individuals with chronic pain comfort eat in response to their pain, however, little is known about the function that comfort eating serves for chronic pain patients. Given the synergistic relationship between higher body weight and chronic pain, it is important to further understand the role and impact of eating behaviours, such as comfort eating, for individuals with chronic pain. This study aimed to investigate the perceived function of pain-induced comfort eating for chronic pain sufferers. Adult participants (N = 141) with chronic pain were recruited through online advertisements. Participants completed self-report questions on an online survey platform. Over two-thirds of the sample identified with engaging in comfort eating in response to chronic pain flare-ups. Results revealed that the most endorsed function of pain-induced comfort eating was ‘to have a pleasant experience’ (51.8%), followed by ‘distraction’ (49.6%) and ‘to reduce emotions’ (39%). This study provides further evidence that comfort eating is common amongst individuals with chronic pain and sheds light on the perceived function of comfort eating for those who are managing chronic pain. Given the potential impact on outcomes for chronic pain patients, future studies should further investigate the relationship between comfort eating and chronic pain.
Barriers and Facilitators for Interprofessional Education in Work-Focused Healthcare: An Integrative Review
Authors: Zwaan Elmi , Zipfel Nina , Kuijer-Siebelink Wietske , Oomens Shirley , van der Burg-Vermeulen Sylvia J.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

To identify, summarize, and synthesize barriers and facilitators associated with interprofessional education (IPE) for work-focused healthcare professionals such as occupational physicians, social insurance physicians, and labor experts, to inform and stimulate interprofessional collaborative practice within the field of work-focused healthcare.

Methods

An integrative review was conducted to identify studies that report on IPE for work-focused healthcare professionals. Eight databases (APA PsycInfo, CINAHL, Cochrane, Embase, ERIC, Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science) were searched until March 2024. Reference lists of included articles were screened. Inclusion criteria were a description of an IPE activity of which at least one group of participants were work-focused healthcare professionals (in training). Barriers and facilitators were structured using the framework of Measurement Instruments for Determinants of Innovation (MIDI).

Results

From 6123 studies, seven were included. Barriers and facilitators were identified for each level of the MIDI framework. For example, at the level of characteristics of the IPE activity, involvement of skilled educators and reflection opportunities facilitated IPE. At the level of characteristics of IPE participants, role misunderstanding and lack of interaction hindered IPE. At the level of the organizational context, connection to work practice facilitated IPE. At the level of socio-political context, lack of support from external organizations hindered IPE.

Conclusion

Insights from this review can inform future IPE development. It is recommended that IPE is integrated in a learning continuum, is connected to daily practice, and includes reflection possibilities and training for interprofessional competencies.
Enhanced stability of curcumin and polyethylene glycol composites in the presence of flavonoids and whey protein concentrate: synthesis, structural evaluation and thermal analysis
Authors: Tomoaia-Cotisel Maria , Kun Attila-Zsolt , Rácz Csaba-Pál , Tomoaia Gheorghe , Mocanu Aurora , Forizs Edit , Avram Alexandra , Rácz Levente-Zsolt , Pop Lucian-Cristian , Sarkozi Melinda , Várhelyi Csaba
Published: February 2025

Curcumin (CCM) is a natural polyphenol with promising pharmacological potential. This potential is severely restricted, however, due to its limited bioavailability, poor solubility and stability. To address this, several systems of curcumin and polyethylene glycol, PEG (PEG4000 or PEG6000), were synthetized, with or without whey protein concentrate (WPC), trans-resveratrol (RES) or silymarin (SIL) using solid dispersion technique. Firstly, CCM-PEG composites were synthesized using PEG4000 or PEG6000 for 1:8 mol ratio by polymer melting method. Further, the CCM-WPC-PEG4000 composite for 1:0.4:8 mol ratio and CCM-WPC-PEG6000 composite for 1:0.5:10 mol ratio were synthesized. Furthermore, CCM-RES-WPC-PEG and CCM-SIL-WPC-PEG composites were prepared for 1:2.5:0.4:10 mol ratio for PEG4000 or PEG6000. The composite formation was investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The thermal stability of synthesized composites was analyzed through thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealing a high stability up to 200 °C. Thus, each composite formulation was optimized to carry CCM, RES and WPC or CCM, SIL and WPC within PEG matrix primarily by hydrogen bonds and van der Waals interactions. This study demonstrated that all synthesized composites may have potential advantages for applications such as nutraceuticals, functional foods, supplements and pharmaceuticals.
Urban pollinator communities are structured by local-scale garden features, not landscape context
Authors: Sexton Aaron N. , Conitz Felix , Karlebowski Susan , Neumann Astrid E. , Schmack Julia Marion , Sturm Ulrike , Egerer Monika
Published: February 2025

Context

Understanding the drivers of urban pollinator communities is relevant to both biodiversity conservation and sustainable agriculture, particularly in urban community gardens. However, much interest has been placed on bee communities, focused on bee species alpha diversity and which large-scale factors predict their occurrence and abundance.

Objectives

In this study we build on previous urban bee work by investigating how a suite of specific local-scale garden features and landscape context influence the composition of the entire arthropod flower visiting community in urban agroecosystems.

Methods

We conducted pollinator observations in 33 gardens across two large German cities, Berlin & Munich, over two years. We then tested the influence of local-scale and landscape-scale factors on pollinator community composition, and beta diversity.

Results

Across the two cities, local-scale garden features predominantly influenced pollinator communities in urban community gardens, more so than landscape context. Features such as vegetation height, floral and woody plant richness and bare soil cover significantly influenced pollinator community composition—leading to a dominance of preferable taxa such as bees, butterflies and hoverflies, while garden size and urbanization did not. Beta diversity of pollinator communities did not decrease along an urbanization gradient indicating no urban homogenization impact on the full pollinator community.

Conclusions

Decisions made at the local garden scale can significantly influence pollinator communities and their floral resources. As we found that garden features can support beneficial taxa that provide important ecosystem services in urban agroecosystems, gardeners and practitioners can focus on implementing these features to support pollinators and therefore garden productivity.
Scalable and Sustainable DMF-Free Solid-Phase Synthesis of Liraglutide by 1-Tert-Butyl-3-Ethylcarbodiimide-Mediated Couplings and Catch-and-Release Acylation and Purification Strategies
Authors: Pacini Lorenzo , Muthyala Manoj Kumar , Zitterbart Robert , Marder Oleg , Rovero Paolo , Papini Anna Maria
Published: February 2025

Introduction

The growing need for sustainable practices in pharmaceutical manufacturing has stimulated advancements in peptide synthesis. This study focuses on applying green chemistry principles to the synthesis of the Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 analog liraglutide.

Material and Methods

The safer coupling reagent 1-tert-butyl-3-ethylcarbodiimide (TBEC) was tested in combination with eco-friendly binary solvents such as dimethyl sulfoxide and butyl acetate to propose novel and sustainable solid-phase synthetic and purification strategies of liraglutide.

Results

Two synthetic strategies were developed for liraglutide production. The first strategy was based on a “direct synthesis”, incorporating a lipidated lysine building block into the peptide sequence, achieving 86% HPLC purity after catch-and-release purification. The second strategy based on “catch-lipidation-and-release” approach, allowed to obtain the peptide precursor without the lipid moiety, which was later linked during a controlled lipidation step. This latter strategy yielded purities exceeding 90% and reduced reliance on preparative HPLC. TBEC minimizes hazardous byproducts, such as hydrogen cyanide, and enhances solvent compatibility, achieving crude purities and yields comparable to conventional syntheses.

Conclusion

This work underscores the potential of green chemistry to align pharmaceutical innovation with environmental responsibility. In particular our findings highlight the effectiveness of TBEC and green solvent systems optimizing scalable and sustainable SPPS processes and improving resource efficiency. Thus, we propose a viable pathway to produce the therapeutic peptide ingredient liraglutide significantly reducing the environmental impact while maintaining high efficiency and quality of the synthesis.
Design and synthesis of novel pyrimidine-pyrazole hybrids with dual anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects targeting BRAFV600E and JNK
Authors: Abdel-Maksoud Mohammed S. , Eitah Hebatollah E. , Hassan Rasha M. , Abd-Allah Walaa Hamada
Published: February 2025

Two new series of pyrimidinyl ethyl pyrazoles derivatives 13a–f and 14a–f were designed and synthesized to possess both anticancer effect by inhibiting BRAFV600E and anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting JNK isoforms. The structure of the new compounds was generated from hybridization of two main moieties. The pyrimidinyl moiety from reported BRAFV600E inhibitors, and the pyrazole moiety from JNK isoforms inhibitors. The new final compounds were tested on BRAFV600E, JNK1, JNK2, and JNK3 to measure their kinases inhibitory effect. Compound 14c showed the highest activity on JNK isoforms and BRAFV600E with IC50 = 0.51 μM, 0.53 μM, 1.02 μM, 0.009 μM on JNK1, JNK2, JNK3,and BRAFV600E, respectively. All final compounds were tested over four cancer cell lines related to the target enzymes. Compound 14d showed the most potent activity on all tested cell lines with IC50 = 0.87 μM, 0.91, 0.42 μM and 0.63 μM on MOLT-4, K-562, SK-MEL-28, and A375 cell lines, respectively. The ability of 14d and 14c to inhibit MEK1/2 and ERK1/2 phosphorylation was performed by using western blot. The cell cycle analysis of compound 14d on A375 cell line revealed that compound 14d arrested cell growth at G0-G1 phase. Compound 14d remarkably decreased cell migration compared to control group in traditional migration test. Compounds 13a–f and 14a–f showed significant ability to inhibit nitric oxide release and PGE2 production on raw 264.7 macrophages. Compounds 13d and 14d exhibited high inhibitory effect on iNOS and COX-2 compared to COX-1. Finally, the effect of most potent compounds on TNF-alpha and IL-6 was determined.

Graphical abstract

Two new series of pyrimidinyl ethyl pyrazoles were synthesized. The new derivatives were able to inhibit both JNK isoforms and BRAFV600E. JNK and BRAFV600E play a key role in both cancer and inflammatory disorders. Final compounds were tested for their anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities.
Unstable limit cycle estimation from small perturbations: a minimal-data-driven approach
Authors: Habib Giuseppe
Published: February 2025

While stable solutions of dynamical systems are generally regarded as more significant than unstable ones, the latter play a crucial role in the dynamical integrity of stable steady-states. In fact, the boundaries of basins of attraction are often formed by unstable saddle-type solutions and their stable manifolds. This study proposes a method for estimating unstable limit cycles surrounding stable equilibrium points. The method leverages the shape of trajectories converging towards the equilibrium. Trajectories from small perturbations near the equilibrium state are sufficient to provide an acceptable estimate of the unstable limit cycle. No mathematical model of the system dynamics is required for the computation, which relies on just a single trajectory in the phase space. Consequently, the method is computationally efficient and can potentially be implemented in real-world structures.
Long-term clinical outcome of 103 patients with acromegaly after pituitary surgery
Authors: Pennlund Anna , Esposito Daniela , Bontell Thomas Olsson , Skoglund Thomas , Hallén Tobias , Carén Helena , Johannsson Gudmundur , Olsson Daniel S.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Acromegaly is a rare disease that can be challenging to treat due to residual pituitary adenoma after surgery or variable response to medical treatments. The primary aim of the study was to evaluate the path of treatment and long-term outcome of acromegaly after pituitary surgery.

Methods

Patients with acromegaly who had undergone surgery for a growth hormone-producing pituitary neuroendocrine tumor also known as a pituitary adenoma, at Sahlgrenska University Hospital between 1994 and 2019 were included in the study. Medical records from diagnosis to the end of study (November 2022) were reviewed for surgical outcome and treatment patterns related to acromegaly.

Results

In the cohort of 103 patients, 111 surgeries were performed. Mean follow-up duration was 12.7 (range: 0–37) years. Lesions were identified as a macroadenoma in 76 (76.8%) cases. At post-surgical follow-up until discharge from hospital, surgical complications and new pituitary hormone deficiency or syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion occurred in 37% of cases. At 1-year post-surgery follow-up, 50% of evaluable patients achieved biochemical control of acromegaly. Of the 96 patients who had follow-up > 1 year, 53 (51.5%) had no additional medication for acromegaly after surgery until end of their follow-up. From diagnosis to the end of follow-up, 53 patients received medical therapy and seven were treated with radiotherapy.

Conclusion

About half of the patients had biochemical control of acromegaly 1-year post-surgery. Treatment patterns reflected the complexity of post-surgical management and provided an overview of the long-term clinical progression in patients with acromegaly following pituitary surgery.
Combined metal treatments cause marked changes in the ionomic patterns in Szarvasi-1 energy grass shoot biomass
Authors: Rana Deepali , Arcoverde Cerveira Sterner Vitor , May Zoltán , Sipos Gyula , Fodor Ferenc
Published: February 2025

Background and aims

Trace metal (TM) contamination has been and still is a major environmental threat as pollutants are frequently released to the environment through various channels. High biomass plants used for energy production can be a good option for decontamination or stabilization of soils. In the present study we have tested Szarvasi-1 energy grass (Elymus elongatus subsp. ponticus cv. Szarvasi-1) under single or combined treatment with three TMs (Cu, Cd, and Pb) in three concentrations aiming to reveal bioaccumulation and ionomic characteristics.

Methods

The plants were grown in soil spiked with Cd, Cu and Pb in single or combined treatments. Physiological and elemental data were collected, and the changes were evaluated using several multivariate analyses.

Results

Germination, growth, chlorophyll (Chl) content and photochemical reflectance index (PRI) declined in the Pb < Cu ~ Cd order whereas the relative water content and malondialdehyde (MDA) content of the shoots were stable across the treatments. In the combined treatments the growth variables, Chl and PRI declined rapidly and MDA increased showing the exhaustion of detoxification capacity of the plant. The accumulation of TMs (bioconcentration factor) decreased in the following order Cd > Cu > Pb in both single and combined treatments but in the latter the accumulation pattern slightly changed in favour of Pb. The nutrient and trace elements showed a characteristic change in their pattern in the shoots.

Conclusions

Our study points to the limitations of the application of grasses such as Szarvasi-1 energy grass in phytoremediation projects conducted on soils with multiple metal contamination.
Effects of target coverage on local recurrence in stereotactic body radiotherapy for early-stage lung squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Sudo Shuou , Kita Nozomi , Tomita Natsuo , Takaoka Taiki , Okazaki Dai , Niwa Masanari , Torii Akira , Takano Seiya , Oguri Masanosuke , Matsuura Akane , Ukai Machiko , Niimi Akio , Hiwatashi Akio
Published: February 2025

Background and purpose

This study investigated effects of target coverage on local recurrence (LR) in stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for early-stage lung squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Materials and methods

Patients with clinical stage IA1–IIA lung SCC treated with SBRT were included in the analysis. Doses of 48–52 Gy were prescribed to the isocenter of the planning target volume according to the tumor diameter. The primary endpoint was LR. To examine the independent effects of dosimetric factors on LR after adjustment for clinical factors, Fine–Gray model with death as a competing risk was used for evaluation.

Results

Among all 59 patients analyzed, the median follow-up was 42 months. The 3-year LR rate was 24.0%. Univariate analysis of clinical factors showed that biologically effective dose calculated with an α/β value of 10 (BED10) was associated with LR (p = 0.033). After adjustment for clinical factors, internal target volume (ITV) Dmean was associated with LR (p = 0.049). Subgroup analysis was performed for each prescribed dose group. The results of Fine–Gray model and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that ITV Dmean > 100% of the prescribed dose was the best indicator of preventing LR.

Conclusions

ITV coverage may be particularly important in SBRT for early-stage lung SCC.
Purification and characterization of anthocyanin from Irish wild blackberry: impact on color, composition, and antioxidant capacity
Authors: Bhosale Sanyogita Sangram , Granato Daniel , Mohammadi Nima
Published: February 2025

The extraction of anthocyanins from fruits and food waste using eco-friendly techniques has gained attention. This study, for the first time, used Amberlite XAD-7 resin to purify Irish wild blackberries, known for their high polyphenol and anthocyanin content. Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) with 60% ethanol at 325 W for 7.5 min was employed. The crude extract (BCE) was purified with resin to remove impurities while retaining anthocyanins. The total phenolic content (TPC) was 9.35 ± 0.07 mg GAE/g for BCE and 8.82 ± 0.33 mg GAE/g for the purified extract (BPE). Total anthocyanin content (TAC) was 0.21 ± 0.01 mg CYE/g for BCE and 0.15 ± 0.01 mg CYE/g for BPE. HPLC identified cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G) as the dominant anthocyanin. The C3G concentration was 5.50 ± 0.02 mg/g in BCE and 4.01 ± 0.01 mg/g in BPE at 520 nm. Antioxidant capacity assessed via CUPRAC, FRAP, and DPPH assays showed significant differences between BCE and BPE in CUPRAC (25.13 ± 1.09 mg AAE/g for BCE vs. 23.06 ± 0.26 mg AAE/g for BPE), with no significant differences in FRAP and DPPH assays. Amberlite XAD-7 resin effectively removed impurities while preserving antioxidant capacity, making BPE a potential ingredient for pharmaceutical and food applications due to its concentrated anthocyanin content, thereby introducing a novel approach in the field.

Graphical Abstract
Flap Valve-Preserving Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (INNOVATE-VSG): Clinical Trial Study Protocol
Authors: Nguyen Ninh T. , Gadde Kishore M. , Mittal Ravinder K.
Published: February 2025

Background

Conventional vertical sleeve gastrectomy (cVSG), the most commonly performed bariatric surgery, is associated with low complications, durable weight loss, and significant improvement of many obesity-related comorbidities. However, numerous studies have reported that patients who underwent the cVSG have worsening or new onset (de
novo) gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) which could be related to a negative effect of the operative procedure on the geometry of the gastroesophageal junction impacting on the function of the native gastroesophageal valve. It is imperative to innovate the cVSG procedure because chronic GERD is a debilitating condition associated with increased risk for Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer. INNOVATE-VSG aims to test whether a modified flap valve-preserving VSG (fvpVSG), compared to cVSG, will be associated with improvement of preexisting GERD.

Methods

The fvpVSG incorporates the following surgical modifications that strengthen the antireflux barrier: achieving 3 cm intrabdominal esophageal length; repair of the diaphragmatic crura; and preservation of 3 cm length of gastric fundus/cardia during the sleeve gastrectomy procedure which will be used to symmetrically wrap around the distal esophagus (120–160° wrap) to restore the naturally occurring gastroesophageal valve. A total of 44 obese patients (BMI 35–50 kg/m2) with pathologic GERD, confirmed by abnormal acid exposure time (AET), will be randomly assigned to cVSG or fvpVSG in this pilot randomized clinical trial at two academic sites. The primary outcome is the change in AET at 6–9 months after surgery. Secondary outcomes include changes in the lower esophageal sphincter pressure, compliance of the esophagogastric junction, weight loss, and quality of life.

Discussion

Data generated from the INNOVATE-VSG trial will be used to design a larger multi-center randomized clinical trial to confirm the value of preserving a functioning gastroesophageal valve following sleeve gastrectomy.
Sedentary behavior and physical activity one year after colorectal cancer diagnosis: results from the ColoCare Study
Authors: Viskochil Richard H. , Lin Tengda , Gigic Biljana , Himbert Caroline , Bandera Victoria M. , Skender Stephanie , Holowatyj Andreana N. , Schrotz-King Petra , Steindorf Karen , Strehli Ildiko , Mutch Matthew G. , Chao Dante , Toriola Adetunji T. , Shibata David , Siegel Erin M. , Li Christopher I. , Hardikar Sheetal , Peoples Anita R. , Figueiredo Jane C. , Schneider Martin , Ulrich Cornelia M. , Ose Jennifer
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Physical activity plays key roles in colorectal cancer survivorship; however, the impact of different clinicodemographic outcomes on cross-sectional and longitudinal objectively measured physical activity 12 and 24 months post-diagnosis are unclear.

Methods

ColoCare study participants (n = 165) wore an Actigraph GT3x accelerometer for 4–10 consecutive days to objectively assess activity levels 12 and 24 months after colorectal cancer diagnosis and resection. Associations between these clinical/demographic exposures and physical activity outcomes and longitudinal changes were determined using t-test, ANOVA F-test, and linear regression modeling, adjusting for common confounders (e.g., sex, age, stage).

Results

Key physical activity and sedentary behavior variables significantly differed by demographic status, including minutes of weekly exercise by sex and age (age < 50: 364 min ± 303 min; age 50–70: 232 min ± 263 min; age > 70: 93 min ± 135 min, p < 0.001) and (%) daily sedentary time by age (age < 50: 64 ± 10%; age 50–70: 67 ± 7%; age > 70: 71 ± 7%, p = 0.003). Within the multivariate model, age was the primary measure consistently associated with activity differences. Participants who wore accelerometers 12- and 24-month post-resection (n = 52) significantly increased weekly exercise minutes (214 min ± 208 min vs. 288 min ± 316 min, p = 0.04).

Conclusion

Age is the primary clinicodemographic determinant separating physical activity levels in colorectal cancer survivors, and increases in exercise from 12 to 24 months are likely due to consolidation of sporadic daily physical activity into bouts of exercise.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

Colorectal cancer survivors experience different volumes and changes in accelerometer-derived physical activity based on some (e.g., age) but not all (e.g., stage) clinicodemographic variables.
Agri–food supply chain design for perishable products: application to small-scale farmers
Authors: Bolívar Jorge , Cantillo Víctor , Miranda Pablo
Published: February 2025

Modelling the deterioration of perishable products in logistics systems is quite challenging as it depends on the nature of the product and environmental factors such as humidity and temperature in transport and storage processes. This paper proposes a mixed-integer linear programming model for designing a supply chain network of perishable agricultural products within a strategic and tactical-operational decision framework. The proposed framework considers price sensitivity to product quality, which decreases as the product approaches shelf life, and the possibility of choosing between refrigerated and non-refrigerated facilities, as the type of facility influences the quality and, consequently, the price of the product over the storage period. Based on deterministic scenarios, the model optimises warehouse type selection and location, market assignment to located warehouses, farmer selection and related product purchasing/producing, and inventory evolution, considering warehouse setting, purchasing, inventory, and transport costs, along with income from product selling in the existing markets. The final selling prices in the markets depend on product quality or deterioration level, which relies on how long products are stored in the warehouses. The model is applied to a real-world case of small farmers in Colombia, considering different product demand profiles. Results show that including deterioration of perishability products in supply chain design may significantly impact strategic decisions on network design, estimations of chain revenue, and inventory/capacity relationships. Also, the synchrony between supply and demand strongly influences the network structure. Finally, the choice of refrigerated facilities might effectively increase the profit of the agri-food supply chain over regular facilities.
Experimental assessment of the performance of terrestrial laser scanners in monitoring the geometric deformations in retaining walls
Authors: Algadhi Ali , Psimoulis Panos , Grizi Athina , Neves Luis
Published: February 2025

The Terrestrial Laser Scanner (TLS) has a great potential to be used in monitoring structures, specifically retaining walls, due to its fast acquisition and contactless function. However, previous research showed that the accuracy of deformation estimation using the TLS varied between few millimeters to a few centimeters. The Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) of retaining walls is executed according to their serviceability limits, and has to be taken with a tolerance of a few millimeters. Therefore, the aim in this study is to propose methods and approaches that ensure that the accuracy of the deformation estimation using the TLS is within

$$1-2 \hspace{0.2em} \text {mm}$$

1
-
2

mm

. This study is based on experimental assessment, where the main scenarios of geometric deformations in retaining walls are simulated through an experimental device (i.e., wooden sheet). The wooden sheet was scanned by a TLS from distance varying from

$$10-27 \hspace{0.2em} \text {m}$$

10
-
27

m

with scanning angle varying between

$${0}^{\circ } \hspace{0.2em} \text {and} \hspace{0.2em} {20}^{\circ }$$

0

∘

and

20

∘

. The wooden sheet was designed to simulate three main scenarios of deformation (i.e., lateral displacement, settlement and tilt) with amplitudes varying from

$$2 \hspace{0.2em} \text {to} \hspace{0.2em} 16 \hspace{0.2em} \text {mm}$$

2

to

16

mm

and

$${0.2}^{\circ } \hspace{0.2em} \text {to} \hspace{0.2em} {1.6}^{\circ }$$

0.2

∘

to

1.6

∘

for tilt. This study presents a holistic attempt based on controlled experiments to evaluate the performance in monitoring deformation, using a multi-parametric analysis and identifying approaches to enhance the application of TLS in monitoring deformation of wall-type structures, such as retaining wall. The TLS measurements were compared to robotic total station measurements as well as absolute measurements using a ruler. These strategies should enhance the efficient use of the TLS in monitoring small geometric deformations.
Nilmanifolds with non-nilpotent complex structures and their pseudo-Kähler geometry
Authors: Latorre Adela , Ugarte Luis
Published: February 2025

We classify nilpotent Lie algebras with complex structures of weakly non-nilpotent type in real dimension eight, which is the lowest dimension where they arise. Our study, together with previous results on strongly non-nilpotent structures, completes the classification of 8-dimensional nilpotent Lie algebras admitting complex structures of non-nilpotent type. As an application, we identify those that support a pseudo-Kähler metric, thus providing new counterexamples to a previous conjecture and an infinite family of (Ricci-flat) non-flat neutral Calabi–Yau structures. Moreover, we arrive at the topological restriction

$$b_1(X)\ge 3$$

b
1

(
X
)

≥
3

for every pseudo-Kähler nilmanifold X with an invariant complex structure, up to complex dimension four.
Refining arrival headway for high-speed trains approaching a large railway station: a speed profile intervention approach
Authors: Lu Gongyuan , Zhang Hongxiang , Shen Zili , Liu Xiaobo
Published: February 2025

Arrival headway, the minimum time interval between two trains that consecutively stop in the same railway yard, significantly influences overall railway capacity and becomes a bottleneck in large high-speed railway yards. This occurs because the leading train slows considerably along the long receiving route to the yard; while, the following train continues at top speed, creating a substantial spatial and temporal interval between them. This paper proposes a speed profile intervention (SPI) approach to reduce arrival headway. By setting appropriate speed limits in specific block sections for each train, the following train decelerates in advance, thereby shortening the interval with its predecessor. We first study the impact of speed values and locations on arrival headway theoretically, then validate our findings through a multi-agent simulation approach to quantitatively investigate the relationship between headway and SPI parameters. Simulation experiments using real-world data from the Beijing–Shanghai high-speed railway demonstrate that the SPI approach can significantly reduce arrival headway without any infrastructure modifications. To mitigate potential side effects on travel time associated with this approach, we perform an analysis that involves setting appropriate speed limit values and selecting strategic locations for their implementation.
Highly Dynamic Cytoskeletal Networks Support Productive Viral Infection and Host Innate Immune Response Activation
Authors: De Conto Flora , Mancabelli Leonardo , Prandini Elizabeth , Ventura Marco
Published: February 2025

Purpose of Review

Increasing evidence shows that the onset of the host cytoskeleton changes during the viral infection process. The attainment of in-depth knowledge about the molecular pathways coopted by viruses to induce cytoskeleton remodeling represents a useful premise for designing broad-spectrum antivirals.

Recent Findings

Current investigations suggest that viruses coopt specific host factors to induce cell type-related cytoskeleton modifications for successful cell invasion and viral progeny spread to neighboring cells. On the other hand, it has been argued that cytoskeletal dynamics represent the first line of innate antiviral response activation.

Here, we highlight the role of the main cytoskeletal regulatory mechanisms responsible for modulating the structure/function of specific cytoskeletal proteins at the global and local levels, which may affect the outcome of virus infection.
When Accelerated MD Program Is Not the Right Path: The Why and How to Support Accelerated Learners in the Transition to the 4-Year Program
Authors: Macerollo Allison , Santen Sally A. , Brenner Judith , Cangiarella Joan , Gonzalez-Flores Alicia , Jones Betsy Goebel , Leong Shou Ling , Roberts Caroline , Traba Christin , Vitto Christina M. , Strano-Paul Lisa
Published: February 2025

Accelerated 3-year medical school programs (A3YP) allow students to complete medical school in 3 years rather than the traditional 4-year program (4YP). This paper describes the perspective of 14 A3YPs, exploring the rate of and reasons for transition out of an accelerated pathway into a traditional 4YP. As of 2023, 19% of students in A3YP transitioned to 4YP. The authors provide practical recommendations to guide transitions based on pooled experiences and expert consensus from members of the Consortium of Accelerated Medical Pathway Programs (CAMPP). Having clear policies that define academic, clinical, and professional expectations and processes to guide transition is important.
Sentiment analysis of solar energy in U.S. Cities: a 10-year analysis using transformer-based deep learning
Authors: Kim Serena Y. , Soderman Crystal , Sang Lan
Published: February 2025

This study examines U.S. public sentiment toward solar energy from 2013 to 2022 by analyzing 8 million social media posts using RoBERTa, a transformer-based deep learning algorithm. While sentiment has been generally positive, it has declined since 2016, driven by increasing negativity. The analysis reveals significant and widening regional disparities, with Republican-leaning and Southern U.S. regions showing more pronounced negativity. A two-way fixed-effects panel analysis at the municipality level indicates that positive sentiment is associated with high solar radiation and a larger remote-working population, while negative sentiment is linked to a greater prevalence of multifamily housing. These results highlight the complex interplay of environmental, socioeconomic, political, and technological factors in shaping solar energy sentiment and underscore the need for tailored, region-specific strategies. The computational approach, which combines natural language processing and geospatial analysis of social media data, provides a scalable framework for sentiment analysis across diverse topics and regions, extending beyond the specific case of solar energy in the United States.
A Novel Clustering Framework to Identify Team Playing Styles Within Australian Football
Authors: Moffatt Samuel J. , Gupta Ritu , Rakshit Suman , Keller Brad S.
Published: February 2025

A novel clustering framework is proposed to identify playing styles in invasion sports, particularly Australian football, based on match transactional data. These data are segmented at a granular level, representing an intrinsic partitioning of the entire match period into short-time interval event data. Clustering based on such granular time-event data provides opportunities to identify team playing styles at different periods within a match. Identifying effective team playing styles over short time intervals can be crucial for improving overall match strategies. Due to the complexity involved in forming interpretable clusters from vast amounts of data, this research has not been attempted before. As a key component of the clustering framework, this paper introduces a composite clustering assessment index, enabling the selection of the optimal clustering algorithm and the appropriate number of clusters. The composite index integrates subject matter expert knowledge, ensuring that the resulting clusters are not only data-driven but also aligned with the goals of the analysis. The framework is applied to identify offensive playing styles within Australian football by clustering possession chain data of offensive phases from 414 matches during the 2021 and 2022 Australian Football League (AFL) seasons. A total of 27 features from 112,530 offensive possession chains were clustered, identifying five distinct offensive team playing styles: (i) ‘Ineffective Ball Movers’, (ii) ‘Uncontested Ball Movers’, (iii) ‘Direct Ball Movers’, (iv) ‘Handball Ball Movers’, and (v) ‘Kick Ball Movers’.
Manipulating brassinosteroid signaling pathway to genetically improve horticultural plants
Authors: Li Xiaopeng , Li Jiaxuan , Zabed Hossain M. , Li Junjie , Xiong Min , Shi Hongyong , Li Jia
Published: February 2025

Brassinosteroids (BRs), a class of plant-specific steroidal hormones, play crucial roles in regulating various plant physiological functions, such as growth, development, and adaptability to the environment. Despite this broader role of BRs, previously published reviews mainly focused on the molecular mechanisms of BR-mediated regulation of vegetative and reproductive growth of model plants like Arabidopsis and some food crops, such as rice, maize, and wheat. While horticultural plants hold significant economic importance in modern agriculture, less attention has been paid to understanding the role of BRs in regulating the physiological functions of these plants. Given the lack of relevant reviews, this article aims to discuss the major roles of BRs in horticultural plants, particularly fruit and leaf development, whole plant architecture, and adaptive stress response. We also highlight key challenges and provide some future research directions for genetically improving horticultural plants by altering the BR signaling pathway.