bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of MALDI-TOF for identification of Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio parahaemolyticus from growth on agar media
Authors: Banerjee Swapan , Flint Annika , Brosseau Madeleine B. , Weedmark Kelly , Shutinoski Bojan
Published: January 2025

Two methods were compared for their ability to accurately identify Vibrio species of interest: whole genome sequencing as the reference method and MALDI-TOF MS (matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry) proteome fingerprinting. The accuracy of mass spectrometry–based identification method was evaluated for its ability to accurately identify isolates of Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Identification result of each isolate obtained by mass spectrometry was compared to identification by whole genome sequencing (WGS). The MALDI-TOF MS system had excellent performance for identification of V. cholerae and V. parahaemolyticus isolates grown on a non-selective solid agar media. Unlike the biochemical characterization performed by API20E. In this study, 161 isolates (V. cholerae, n = 33; V. parahaemolyticus, n = 102; V. spp., n = 23; other enteropathogens, Salmonella and E. coli, n = 3) were used to assess accuracy. The MALDI-TOF MS system was able to accurately identify 100% (33/33) of the V. cholerae isolates and 99.9% (101/102) of V. parahaemolyticus isolates, with 100% for both sensitivity and specificity for V. cholerae and 99% sensitivity and 98% specificity for V. parahaemolyticus. Thus, mass spectrometry for bacterial identification is comparable to the WGS. Furthermore, in comparison to a biochemical characterization, the use of MALDI-TOF MS system shortens the analysis time from over 72 h to less than 24 h.

Key points

• V. cholerae and V. parahaemolyticus were successfully ID-ed by MALDI-TOF

• MALDI-TOF sensitivity and specificity parallels the WGS method of identification

• MALDI-TOF is several days faster than the battery of culture-dependent methods
Decoding Periorbital Aging: A Multilayered Analysis of Anatomical Changes
Authors: Lohakitsatian Pongsak , Tunlayadechanont Padcha , Tantitham Thiti
Published: January 2025

Background

Periorbital aging is a complex phenomenon that involves multiple layers of facial anatomy, including bone, fat, and globe. While previous studies have predominantly focused on age-related changes in facial fat compartments, this research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of all periorbital components, including upper and lower orbital fat, orbital cavity volume, globe volume, and globe position, in the context of aging.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study involving 118 patients (236 subjects) aged 18–99 years who underwent brain MRI using a 3 Tesla MR system. Baseline demographics and various parameters pertaining to periorbital aging were collected, and comprehensive measurements were obtained through meticulous radiological analysis.

Results

Our findings revealed distinct patterns of age-related changes in the periorbital region. Upper orbital fat remained stable with age, while lower orbital fat exhibited a substantial increase in both anterior and posterior compartments. Notably, orbital cavity volume expanded with bony resorption, while eye globe volume decreased, contributing to an enophthalmic appearance. We observed no vertical displacement of the globe with aging.

Conclusion

This study provides a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted anatomical changes that occur in the periorbital region with aging. The insights gained from this research offer important clinical implications for addressing the signs of periorbital aging, guiding surgical interventions, and ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.

Level of Evidence IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.
Sintering of inkjet-printed silver nanoparticles by large-area atmospheric pressure nitrogen plasma
Authors: Vida Julius , Solak Selen , Shao Yuhang , Homola Tomáš , List-Kratochvil Emil , Hermerschmidt Felix
Published: January 2025

Silver nanoparticles were sintered at atmospheric pressure using nitrogen plasma generated by diffuse coplanar surface barrier discharge (DCSBD). Compared to the standard thermal sintering of 1 h at 140 °C only 8 min of nonthermal plasma treatment at 50 °C were necessary to sufficiently anneal the silver nanoparticle film. Electrical resistivity as low as 9 × 10–6 Ω cm was achieved, i.e., 17% of the bulk conductivity of silver. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to study the removal of organic moieties from the surface of the inkjet-printed layers. Scanning electron microscopy revealed in detail the process of formation of interconnection between nanoparticles. Our findings pave the way for implementing low-cost and eco-friendly DCSBD plasma sintering into continuous roll-to-roll processing in the future for the annealing of silver nanoparticles on substrates that cannot tolerate high temperatures.
Soft stereolithographic 3D printed phantoms for dual-modality particle image velocimetry (PIV)
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Elnaz , Mirgolbabaee Hadi , van de Velde Lennart , Versluis Michel , Groot Jebbink Erik , Aguirre-Soto Alan , Reijnen Michel M. P. J.
Published: January 2025

The fabrication of arterial flow phantoms for fluid dynamics studies suitable for particle image velocimetry (PIV) techniques has presented challenges. Current 3D-printed blood flow phantoms with suitable transparency for optical PIV (laserPIV) are restricted to rigid materials far from those of arterial properties. Conversely, while soft 3D-printed phantoms demonstrate promise for sufficient acoustical transparency for ultrasound PIV (echoPIV), their optical translucency presents challenges for laserPIV applicability. This dual-modality approach leverages the high spatial resolution of laserPIV for in-vitro applications and the ability of echoPIV to quantify flow in both in-vivo and in-vitro application (also inside stents), providing a more comprehensive understanding of flow dynamics. In this study, we present a series of coated thin-walled 3D-printed compliant phantoms suitable for dual-modality PIV flow imaging (i.e., laserPIV and echoPIV) methods, overcoming current 3D-printable material limitations. Stereolithographic (SLA) 3D printing was used to fabricate pipe flow phantoms from a set of commercial soft resins (flexible and elastic) as vascular tissue surrogates. To overcome low transparency and poor surface finish of soft resins, we coated the 3D-printed flow phantoms with a soft, optically transparent, photo-activated polymeric coating. The feasibility of performing dual-modality PIV was tested in an in-vitro flow setup. Our results show that the average normalized root mean square errors obtained from comparing laserPIV and echoPIV velocity profiles against the analytical solutions were 3.2% and 5.1%, and 3.3% and 5.3% for the flexible and elastic phantoms, respectively. These results indicate that dual-modality PIV flow imaging is feasible in the 3D-printed coated phantoms, promoting its future use in fabricating clinically-relevant flow phantoms.

Graphical abstract
Sport practice and hemorrhoidal disease: results from a self-assessment questionnaire among athletes
Authors: Romano Lucia , Giuliani Antonio , Paniccia Federico , Masedu Francesco , Tersigni Leonardo , Padula Martina , Pietroletti Renato , Clementi Marco , Vistoli Fabio
Published: January 2025

Background

Hemorrhoidal disease (HD) is a common proctologic disease. Dietary and lifestyle play a role in the genesis of the disease or in its progression to more severe forms, although the exact mechanism is still not fully understood. We performed a pilot observational cross-sectional analytical association study to evaluate the possible association between sport activities and HD.

Methods

We included subjects aged 18 years old or more, competitive and non-competitive, practicing at least one sport activity, at least twice a week. Data were collected using an online questionnaire, developed on the Microsoft Teams communication platform.

Results

Out of the 312 study participants, 34% reported HD. Among subjects who practiced cycling or horseback riding, 57% reported suffering from HD; among those practicing bodybuilding, 48% complained of HD. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, age and bodybuilding practice showed a statistically significant association with HD.

Conclusions

Some sport activities could play a role in the onset or worsening of HD. Our results showed a positive association between cycling, horseback riding, bodybuilding, and HD occurrence. Given the numerous health benefits of physical activity, patients should be provided with correct information regarding the practice of sports in relation to their pathology.
Early outcomes of robotic vs open living donor right hepatectomy in a US Center
Authors: Sambommatsu Yuzuru , Kumaran Vinay , Imai Daisuke , Savsani Kush , Khan Aamir A. , Sharma Amit , Saeed Muhammad , Cotterell Adrian H. , Levy Marlon F. , Lee Seung Duk , Bruno David A.
Published: January 2025

Background

Robotic living donor hepatectomy offers potential advantages but has been limited to high-volume centers, primarily in Asia and the Middle East. We report our experience establishing a robotic living donor right hepatectomy program in a U.S. center with low LDLT volume and no prior laparoscopic donor hepatectomy experience and analyze early outcomes.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study analyzed 37 living donor right hepatectomies (13 robotic [including one open conversion], 24 open) performed between June 2022 and February 2024.

Results

The robotic group had longer operative times (median [range], 451 [374–568] minutes vs 368 [276–421] minutes; P < 0.001) but less blood loss (median [range], 200 [50–700] mL vs 900 [300–2500] mL; P < 0.001). One case required unplanned open conversion due to gas embolism. Two hematomas/bleeding (Clavien–Dindo grade IIIB) occurred in the robotic group, but no biliary complications. Comprehensive Complication Index, liver function tests, and hospital stays were similar between the two groups, with no 90-day graft failure/mortality.

Conclusion

With extensive surgical experience in both open donor hepatectomy and robotic surgery, along with meticulous preparation as a team, U.S. centers with lower LDLT volume and no laparoscopic experience can safely implement robotic living donor right hepatectomy, achieving comparable short-term outcomes to the open approach. Further research on long-term outcomes and donor quality of life is necessary.
Paleoenvironmental constraints influencing charophyte communities in an Early Cretaceous Karstic Lake, La Pedrera de Meià Konservat-Lagerstätte (Southern Pyrenees): combining geochemical and palaeoecological analyses
Authors: Pérez-Cano Jordi , Gil-Delgado Alejandro , Oms Oriol , Mercedes-Martín Ramon
Published: January 2025

The combined sedimentological and palaeoecological analysis of charophyte-rich carbonate microfacies is proven to be a useful methodology for the palaeoenvironmental reconstruction of continental settings. However, the integration of these charophyte assemblages with geochemical proxies has not been explored, yet. In the present work, the charophyte-rich muddy carbonates of the Barremian La Pedrera de Meià Konservat-Lagerstätte (Southern Pyrenees, Spain) were studied from a taxonomic, taphonomic, and palaeoecological viewpoint, and the results were later integrated with previously published paleoenvironmental proxies (δ13C, δ18O, and elemental geochemistry). In the studied locality, monospecific Echinochara sp.–Charaxis spicatus meadows are only found in the temporary lakes recorded in the lower stages of lake infilling. The high Al, K, Fe and Ti concentrations and δ18O values previously described in these carbonates indicate meteoric infilling followed by evaporation periods. Freshwater and brackish communities are found in the upper stage of lake infilling. Freshwater settings had mixed meadows with Atopochara–Clavatoraxis, Clavatoroidae utricles–Clavatoraxis, and Ascidiella–Favargerella plants, while the brackish environments, that occurred laterally to freshwater, contain meadows dominated by porocharacean– Charaxis sp., and Echinochara sp.–Charaxis spicatus plants. Miliolids and broken dasycladaceans also occur in these facies. Sr/Ba ratios, REE + Y concentrations, and δ18O values previously reported in these lacustrine carbonates indicate prevalence of freshwater environments with occasional marine influence, which agrees with the occurrence of distinct brackish and freshwater charophyte assemblage and marine-affinity organisms, suggesting that during the last stage of lake evolution, the system was part of a coastal wetland. This work demonstrates that the integration of geochemical, palaeontological and palaeoecological datasets improves the understanding of the fossil continental carbonate settings and their evolution.
Delayed cutaneous wound healing in young and old female mice is associated with differential growth factor release but not inflammatory cytokine secretion
Authors: Plum Melissa , Beier Justus P. , Ruhl Tim
Published: January 2025

The capacity for tissue repair during wound healing declines with age. A chronic low but systemic inflammatory status, often called “inflammaging”, is considered a key factor that contributes to impaired tissue regeneration. This phenomenon has been substantiated by an increased number of immune cells in wound-tissue of old mice. Although immune cells coordinate an inflammatory response by their secretome the composition of the wound milieu has not been examined. In young (2 months) and old (18 months) female mice, excision wounds were induced using a punch biopsy device, i.e., the healing progress occurred through secondary intention. The closure rate was analyzed for 7 days. At days 1, 3 and 7 post-surgery, wound specimen were investigated for immunohistochemical detection of granulocytes, M1-macrophages and mesenchymal stem cells of the skin. The concentrations of inflammatory cytokines and regenerative growth factors were determined in tissue homogenates by ELISA. The carbonyl assay was used to determine protein oxidation. In old mice, the wound closure was delayed between days 1 and 3 post-surgery, as was the peak of immune cell infiltration. There was no age effect on the concentration of inflammatory cytokines, but wounds of young animals contained higher number of mesenchymal stem cells and increased levels of growth factors. Protein oxidation was increased with age. The present study suggests that a reduced regenerative capacity rather than an enhanced inflammatory score affected the tissue regeneration process in old mice.
Estrogen receptor positivity in stromal cells of the tumor bed predicts the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast carcinoma
Authors: Bayram Aysel , Bagbudar Sidar , Karanlık Hasan , Cabıoglu Neslihan , Aydıner Adnan , Onder Semen , Yavuz Ekrem
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aimed to determine estrogen receptor (ER) expression in stromal cells in postchemotherapy tumor bed (PCTB) and its relationship with tumor regression and tumor characteristics.

Methods

The study included 490 breast cancer patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). We performed ER in stromal cells in all resection specimens and available pre-treatment core biopsy materials of 299 patients immunohistochemically.

Results

Two hundred and forty-two (49.4%) cases were negative for ER in the stromal cells of the PCTB, and 248 (50.6%) cases were positive. ER-positive stromal cells in the PCTB correlated with a higher regression rate (90.2 vs 68.6%) and lower mean residual cancer burden value (1.366 vs 2.424) compared to ER-negative cases (p < 0.001). Stromal ER positivity was more prevalent in cases achieving pathologic complete response (pCR) (68.1%) compared to those without pCR (39.8%, p < 0.001). ER positivity in stromal cells was more common in non-luminal tumors than in luminal ones. Multivariate analysis identified stromal ER positivity (OR: 3.059, 95% CI [1.947–4.807], p < 0.001), intrinsic subtype (Odds ratio (OR): 1.477, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.102–1.980], p = 0.009), and Ki67 index (OR: 1.028, 95% CI [1.104–1.041], p < 0.001) as independent predictors of pCR. In core biopsies before NAC, 270 cases (90.3%) and 29 cases (9.7%) were negative and positive in stromal cells, respectively. Out of the cases with ER-negativity in stromal cells before NAC, 132 (48.9%) converted to ER positivity in stromal cells of PCTB and displayed a high regression rate (89.8%).

Conclusion

This is the first study regarding ER expression in the stroma of breast carcinoma that compares treatment response after NAC. We showed that the increase in ER positivity in the stromal cells of the PCTB is correlative with the complete response and tumor subtypes. In this manner, ER positivity in stromal cells will soon serve as a cornerstone for individualized treatment options.
Cardiotoxicity as important differential diagnosis for reduced myocardial blood flow during Rubidium cardiac PET/CT
Authors: Pop Sabin G. , Hägler Eva , Popescu Cristina , Burger Irene A. , Sauter Alexander W.
Published: January 2025

A 65-year-old woman with a history of ductal mammary carcinoma and recent autonomic dysfunction underwent a Rb-82 chloride (RbCl) cardiac PET/CT scan that showed no ischemia or scarring, but significantly reduced myocardial flow reserve (MFR) (global: 1.5) and a CAC-Score of 0. The patient’s chemotherapy history (paclitaxel, carboplatin, epirubicin, pembrolizumab 2 years before) with elevated Troponin T and NT-pro-BNP levels at that time, and now reduced MFR with 0 CAC suggests cancer-therapy-related cardiotoxicity. An important differential diagnosis to the more common CAD-associated microvascular disease. Furthermore, tumor recurrence with a PET-avid lymph node metastasis was found additionally.
Heart failure outpatient clinics resources in Italy: a viewpoint of Italian Society of Cardiology organization
Authors: Palazzuoli Alberto , Agostoni Piergiuseppe , Nodari Savina , Paolillo Stefania , Filardi Pasquale Perrone
Published: January 2025

The current paper reports the model organization, level of health care, and type of medical and research activities related to the existing heart failure centers of the Italian Society of Cardiology. Of note, we conduced an internal survey among the members of heart failure working group and related hospital and territorial sites about the quality of care and assistance levels according to the local hospital resources and type of diagnostic therapeutic and management resources. Thirty-two hospital ambulatorial structures have been identified, the centers were equally distributed within the national ground, with similar concentration between north and south regions of the Italian country. We distinguished three different levels of organization: (1) basal territorial clinics in which patients with suspected or already diagnosed heart failure (HF) are initially identified and screened; (2) intermediate clinics in which HF patients can be routinary followed by HF specialists supported by a dedicated staff including imaging and arrythmologist experts, and interventional cardiologist; (3) advanced clinics composed by all the technical and staff resources capable of guarantying repetitive invasive assessment, continuous invasive monitoring, dedicated telemedicine structures focused on more advanced HF management integrated by heart transplantation or mechanical assistance programs. Different type of assistance is supported by a relevant number of research activity primarily conducted by the Italian Society of Cardiology or spontaneous studies arranged by HF specialist members. The number of HF centers has increased over the past few decades in proportion to the progressive rise in HF diagnoses and associated hospitalization. The expansion of ambulatory structures has been facilitated by an increasing socioeconomic and research influence. The quality of HF services in Italy could be raised by improving the network and connections between HF specialists, general practitioners (GPs), caregivers, and other specialists frequently working in this field.
Child and Family Characteristics Associated with Symptoms of Anxiety in Autistic Children: A Biobank Study
Authors: Sainsbury Willow J. , Whitehouse Andrew J. O. , Woods Lisa , Jiang Terence , Waddington Hannah
Published: January 2025

Purpose: Autistic children have an increased likelihood of anxiety, but more research is needed on the characteristics that predict various types of anxiety in this population. Methods: In this study, we examined a range of child and family predictors of various types of anxiety using a sample of 452 autistic children from the Australian Autism Biobank. We used logistic regression to examine child and family predictors of four common types of anxiety in autistic children: generalised, phobic, separation, and social anxiety. Results: We found that 62.8% of children in this sample had symptoms of at least one type of anxiety. Poor quality sleep habits were the only predictive factor consistently identified across all anxiety symptom types. Specific to children with indicated generalised, separation, and phobic anxiety symptoms were the predictive factors of being older than five years, and specific to generalised and social anxiety were the predictive factors of higher cognitive abilities. Maternal anxiety was also a predictive factor in indicated children’s separation anxiety. Conclusion: These findings can help inform the provision of more targeted support for autistic people, particularly the interaction of poor sleep habits and anxiety symptoms.
A green approach to prepare graphene-coated flexible and conductive cotton fabrics for motion sensing
Authors: Navidfar Amir , Saad Samir Abdul Salam , Caylak Sena , Trabzon Levent
Published: January 2025

Electrically conductive textiles have revolutionized wearable electronics, integrating them to create interactive and intelligent clothing. Graphene is an ideal candidate for increasing the electrical properties of textiles owing to its mechanical flexibility and high electrical conductivity. In this work, electrically conductive cotton fabrics were prepared through the dip-dry technique using a solution containing graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs), sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS), and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The sheet resistance of seven times coated cotton fabrics was ~ 1.9 (kΩ/sq), which showed their sensing capabilities. In addition, the flexibility and durability of the coated cotton fabrics were evaluated to certify their suitability for wearable applications using a cyclic test up to around 2300. Prepared conductive cotton fabrics were tested in four main body joints with different angles (45°, 90° and 120°), i.e. wrist, elbow, knee, and finger. The coated fabrics can detect mechanical actions such as bending/unbending, and stretching/relaxation as skin-mounted strain sensors.
The structural, optical, topographical, and H2 sensing characteristics of a Zn-doped Fe2O3 thin layer deposited via DC & RF magnetron co-sputtering method
Authors: Merhan Muğlu Günay , Şenay Volkan , Saritaş Sevda , Abdolahpour Salari Maryam , Kundakçi Mutlu
Published: January 2025

In this study, a Zn-doped iron oxide layer was deposited onto a microscope slide using the magnetron co-sputtering technique with direct current (DC) and radio frequency (RF) sources. We comprehensively characterized the resulting Zn-doped Fe2O3 thin layer, employing techniques such as XRD, Raman spectroscopy, UV–VIS spectrophotometry, SEM, EDX, & AFM. XRD examination showed the nanocrystalline structure in the thin layer under investigation. Based on recorded absorption data, the band gap energy value calculation resulted in a value of 2.23 eV for the thin film. Raman spectroscopy identified peaks possessing Raman shifts from 100 to 1400 cm−1. SEM investigation illustrated a consistently uniform thin film surface characteristic throughout the substrate. Additionally, the AFM study disclosed a small RMS roughness value, indicative of an unrough surface for the Zn: Fe2O3 thin layer. The Fe2O3 thin film doped with Zn employing a 30 W DC voltage demonstrated effective hydrogen sensing capability at 300 °C, achieving notable response and recovery time. This work presents a novel application of Zn-doped Fe2O3 thin films as highly sensitive and stable hydrogen sensors, tailored for high-temperature environments. The unique combination of nanocrystalline structure and Zn doping optimizes the material’s electronic properties, enhancing its responsiveness to hydrogen gas. This approach offers a scalable, cost-effective pathway for developing advanced sensor technologies suited to environmental monitoring, industrial safety, and hazardous gas detection, making it a valuable addition to the field of gas-sensing materials.
The Krasnoselskii-Mann Method for Common Coincidence Problems
Authors: Zaslavski Alexander J.
Published: January 2025

In the present paper, we study the Krasnoselskii-Mann method in order to obtain approximate solutions of a common coincidence problem in a metric space with a hyperbolic structure.
Enhanced crop diversity but not smaller field size benefit bats in agricultural landscapes
Authors: Hiller Thomas , Gall Friederike , Grass Ingo
Published: January 2025

Context

Farmland biodiversity continues to decline due to the expansion and intensification of agriculture. Historically, efforts to conserve farmland biodiversity have focused on conserving habitats outside agricultural production areas. More recently, attention has turned to the conservation potential of the cropland matrix, where reducing field size and increasing crop diversity to promote crop heterogeneity can significantly benefit farmland biodiversity. Bats are one group of farmland species that have experienced dramatic declines over recent decades.

Objectives

Here we investigated the effects of crop heterogeneity (crop diversity, field size) and landscape structural elements (e.g. length of linear structures, distance to forest, proportion of semi-natural habitat) on the activity of bat functional groups.

Results

Increasing crop diversity led to greater bat activity, especially for open space foraging bats. However, contrary expectations, bat activity was not affected by heterogeneity in crop configuration, i.e. field edge density. Furthermore, structural landscape elements, including hedgerows and distance to forest, were important predictors of bat activity, especially for species that hunt in highly cluttered spaces. While crop diversity clearly benefited bat activity, the lack of effect of crop configurational heterogeneity on bat foraging activity may suggest heterogeneityarea trade-offs and intensive pesticide use in small-scale vegetable production.

Conclusions

Therefore, in addition to maintaining high levels of crop diversity, promoting hedgerows and tree lines between farmland and woodland may facilitate bat activity across the agricultural landscape matrix. The combination of high crop heterogeneity and structural elements provides favorable hunting grounds for bats and may promote their conservation in agricultural landscapes.
Advancing Patient Advocacy in Mycology: Cultivating Collaboration in Education, Research, and Policy
Authors: Purdie Rob , Kuran Rasha , Alastruey-Izquierdo Ana , Sati Hatim , Rodriguez-Tudela Juan Luis , Hoenigl Martin , Perfect John , Oladele Rita , Walsh Thomas J. , Chiller Tom
Published: January 2025

In the healthcare landscape, diseases such as cancer and HIV/AIDS have benefited from the patient's perspective. For fungal diseases, the patient voice remains absent in critical areas such as policy formulation, funding decisions, and research priorities. Patients affected by fungal disease, along with their caregivers and advocacy groups, possess invaluable insights into the challenges and unmet needs they face. By elevating their voices and experiences, policymakers, funding agencies, and researchers can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted nature of fungal disease and the urgency of addressing them. This paper addresses the pressing need for a coordinated effort to elevate the patient voice in advocating for improved policies, increased funding, and enhanced research initiatives regarding fungal disease.
A Novel Approach to Research Synthesis with the Distillation and Matching Model: Application to the Prevention of Youth Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Problems
Authors: Oddo Lauren E. , McLeod Bryce D. , Sutherland Kevin S. , Chow Jason C. , Ledford Jennifer R. , Li Grace W.
Published: January 2025

It is difficult for consumers to access the evidence base for prevention programs to determine which models or practices have the strongest empirical support for improving youth social, emotional, and behavioral (SEB) outcomes within their specific service contexts. Researchers can address this evidence-to-practice gap through innovations in research synthesis. The Distillation and Matching Model (Chorpita et al., 2005), an approach to research synthesis developed for the mental health field, is designed to identify what works for whom and under what conditions via three steps. In this paper, we describe the Distillation and Matching Model and suggest that applying this approach to the prevention literature for youth SEB problems may help bridge the evidence-to-practice gap. The first step, distillation, involves identifying “practice elements,” defined as the goal or general principle guiding a discrete practice (e.g., praise) targeting a specific domain of SEB outcomes. This step produces a standard set of terms for the individual practices used across the literature that are studied in isolation and comprise comprehensive intervention models. The second step involves identifying “common elements,” or the practice elements found in studies that meet standards of methodological rigor and report significant improvements in youth SEB outcomes. The third step, “matching,” is a method for matching common element profiles (combinations of common elements) to intervention and personal characteristics to identify what combinations of common elements work for whom and under what conditions. The Distillation and Matching Model can provide a method for researchers to generate actionable information about common elements that can be used to develop and evaluate tailored interventions.
Anticipating Solar Flares
Authors: Hudson Hugh
Published: January 2025

Solar flares commonly have a “hot onset precursor event” (HOPE), detectable from soft X-ray observations. To detect this requires subtraction of pre-flare fluxes from the non-flaring Sun prior to the event, fitting an isothermal emission model to the flare excess fluxes by comparing the GOES passbands at 1 – 8 Å and 0.5 – 4 Å, and plotting the timewise evolution of the flare emission in a diagram of temperature vs. emission measure. The HOPE then appears as an initial “horizontal branch” in this diagram. It precedes the nonthermal impulsive phase of the flare and thus the flare peak in soft X-rays as well. We use this property to define a “flare anticipation index” (FAI), which can serve as an alert for observational programs aimed at solar flares based on near-real-time soft X-ray observations. This FAI gives lead times of a few minutes and produces very few false positive alerts, even for flare brightenings that are too weak to merit NOAA classification.
Development of a Multi-objective Optimal Operation Model of a Dam using Meteorological Ensemble Forecasts for Flood Control
Authors: Tanhapour Mitra , Soltani Jaber , Shakibian Hadi , Malekmohammadi Bahram , Hlavcova Kamila , Kohnova Silvia
Published: January 2025

Reservoir operation in flood conditions on hourly time scales poses significant difficulties due to the inherent uncertainty of inflow forecasts. Hence, incorporating ensemble flood forecasts into real-time reservoir operation optimization has rarely been investigated to effectively address uncertainties in inflow forecasts for flood control, let alone its added value compared to no-forecast operating scheme in multi-objective reservoir operating system. This research first investigates the potential of sequential Long Short-Term Memory networks to forecast one-day-ahead ensemble inflow floods based on numerical weather prediction data. Next, a new framework has been developed to incorporate ensemble inflow forecasts into multi-objective reservoir operation optimization using grid search-based genetic algorithm. Finally, we implemented our proposed ensemble-based operating method on the Dez dam basin in Iran and compared it with the benchmark no-forecast operating approach. The results revealed that the Long Short-Term Memory model reasonably performed well to propagate uncertainty in short-term ensemble inflow forecasts. In addition, the ensemble-based operating method could reduce release peaks and increase reservoir storage more than that of a deterministic (no-forecast) operating approach. Our findings demonstrated that the applicability of a skillful ensemble-based scheme in reservoir flood control operations could be effective in decreasing flood damage and water shortage.
Foreign Language Use, Virtuality, and the Creative Performance of Dyadic Teams
Authors: Muehlfeld Katrin , Loderer Anja , Semrau Thorsten , Wilken Robert
Published: January 2025

Firms rely on their employees’ creativity to drive innovation and secure competitive advantages. In the modern workplace, team members often collaborate in a non-native language and interact virtually rather than face-to-face. Yet, the effects of foreign language use and virtuality on the creative performance of teams have not been fully explored. The present study addresses this issue using an experiment with 95 dyadic teams, which we randomly assigned to either a foreign or a native language condition. In line with our theoretical reasoning, we find that foreign language use is detrimental for team creative performance, an effect that can be alleviated by team members’ foreign language proficiency. We further observe that, at least in the foreign language condition, interacting virtually rather than face-to-face can stimulate team creative performance. Virtuality may thus help alleviate some globalization-induced challenges to nurturing creative performance.
When East Meets West in Building Organisational Resilience: An Exploratory Study Among Bangladeshi Exporters
Authors: Ahamed A. F. M. Jalal , Nummela Niina , Vissak Tiia
Published: January 2025

This longitudinal qualitative study examines how globally operating readymade garment exporters from Bangladesh build organisational resilience in order to cope in the turbulent business environment. We found that at the time of crisis, such as the one caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic, the studied exporters lacked robustness, and were not prepared for unexpected external shocks. However, the companies built resilience by adaptation to the situation as well as possible. Their ability to build resilience was found to be partly rooted in the local culture. At the time of crisis, the companies combined jugaad—a regional cultural practice—with a Western mindset and management tools. In this study, this unique combination of regional and Western practices is labelled as jugalbandi. Interestingly, organisational resilience which is achieved in this way seems to be temporary: the exporters discarded the locally-embedded practices when the situation stabilised. Our study challenges the mainstream views on organisational resilience espoused in earlier research, and develops a context-sensitive, culture-embedded framework of resilience building.
Diagnostic challenge: pancreatic cancer masked by peripancreatic fluid collection after acute pancreatitis
Authors: Ahmad Akram , Ansari Zaid , Karablieh Marah , Khan Osama Sherjeel , Shah Tilak
Published: January 2025

Pancreatic cancer (PC) manifests as a highly aggressive neoplastic growth, ranking as the fourth major contributor to cancer-related mortality in the United States. Despite sustained efforts, the incidence of PC is projected to rise, and the mortality rate has seen only a marginal reduction over time. A mere 15% of pancreatic cancer cases are deemed resectable upon presentation, explaining the notably low 5-year survival rate associated with this malignancy. Acute pancreatitis (AP) encompasses various degrees of inflammation in the pancreas, leading to diverse outcomes. While commonly associated with gallstone and alcohol use, it can serve as the initial presentation of PC in approximately 1% of cases. Our case series highlights two patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer (PC) following an episode of acute pancreatitis (AP). It is not uncommon for PC to be preceded by AP, with up to 5.9% of PC cases in the United States presenting similarly.
Polyacrylamide-based nanocomposite hydrogel prepared by synergistic solar light-induced polymerization
Authors: Aguilar Nery M. , Sanchez-Gaytan Brenda L. , Soriano-Moro Guillermo
Published: January 2025

A straightforward approach to prepare a nanocomposite hybrid hydrogel through simultaneous processes of nanoparticle formation, polymerization and crosslinking processes induced by sunlight is reported. This method requires just the gold precursor and acrylamide monomers to form a hydrogel network without the need of any initiator or crosslinking agent. The synthesis is based on a synergistic approach where the acrylamide monomer (AM) acts as a reducing agent and capping ligand to obtain gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), while the presence of these nanostructures induce both the polymerization and the crosslinking process.

Graphical abstract
Unimodularity and invariant volume forms for Hamiltonian dynamics on coisotropic Poisson homogeneous spaces
Authors: Gutierrez-Sagredo I. , Iglesias-Ponte D. , Marrero J. C. , Padrón E.
Published: January 2025

In this paper, we introduce a notion of multiplicative unimodularity for a coisotropic Poisson homogeneous space. Then, we discuss the unimodularity and the multiplicative unimodularity for these spaces and the existence of an invariant volume form for explicit Hamiltonian systems on such spaces. Several interesting examples illustrating the theoretical results are also presented.
Global, regional, and national burden of malignant neoplasm of bone and articular cartilage in adults aged 65 years and older, 1990–2021: a systematic analysis based on the global burden of disease study 2021
Authors: Zhang Xiang , Dai Xiao , Chen Yuelin , Wang Song , Yang Hao , Qu Bo , Luo Hong , Yang Hongsheng
Published: January 2025

Background

This study aims to delineate the global, regional, and national burden of malignant neoplasms of bone and articular cartilage (MNBAC) among individuals aged 65 years and older from 1990 to 2021, stratified by age, sex, and sociodemographic index (SDI).

Methods

We harnessed data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 to evaluate the prevalence, incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) associated with MNBAC among individuals aged 65 years and older across 204 countries and territories between 1990 and 2021. The socio-demographic Index (SDI) served as a metric to examine the influence of socioeconomic development on the burden of MNBAC. Furthermore, joinpoint regression analysis was employed to identify the years marked by the most significant temporal changes over the study period.

Results

In 2021, an estimated 163,561 prevalent cases of MNBAC were recorded among individuals aged ≥ 65 years, alongside 28,100 newly diagnosed cases, 27,588 deaths, and 508,202 DALYs. The age-standardized rates per 100,000 population were 21.30 for prevalence, 3.69 for incidence, 3.66 for mortality, and 65.85 for DALYs. Notably, Cuba reported the highest prevalence rate (42.42), while the Philippines exhibited the greatest DALY burden (161.78). Egypt demonstrated the highest incidence (7.44) and mortality rates (8.90). A significant inverse correlation was observed between age-standardized DALY rates and SDI across regions.

Conclusions

This analysis underscores the substantial global burden of MNBAC among older adults, accentuating the imperative for tailored public health interventions, alongside advancements in diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, particularly within resource-constrained settings.
The Performance-based IISCA Can Inform Effective and Socially Meaningful Skill-based Treatment
Authors: Fruchtman Tess , Jessel Joshua , Pan Bai , McLeod Shauntae , Rajaraman Adithyan
Published: January 2025

Jessel et al. (Behavior Analysis in Practice, 17, 727–745, 2024) demonstrated that results from the performance-based, interview-informed synthesized contingency analysis (IISCA) had strong correspondence when compared to typical IISCA procedures and produced positive outcomes with resultant functional communication training procedures. On the basis of the assumption that functional analyses may include potentially adverse events insofar as they deliberately and repeatedly arrange conditions suspected to evoke dangerous behavior, Jessel and colleagues argued in favor of aligning functional analysis procedures with guidelines of trauma-informed care. We replicated and extended Jessel et al. (Behavior Analysis in Practice, 17, 727–745, 2024) by conducting a performance-based IISCA with three children with autism referred for behavioral services due to dangerous behavior and by evaluating a comprehensive skill-based treatment informed by the performance-based IISCA. The skill-based treatment resulted in the eventual elimination of dangerous behavior and the acquisition of multiple important skills, with caregivers implementing treatment sessions for two of the three participants. Assessment and intervention procedures and outcomes were socially validated by all participating families.
Adam Smith: Evolutionary Social Theorist ante litteram
Authors: Kurz Heinz D.
Published: January 2025

The paper examines evolutionary elements in Adam Smith’s social theory, connecting them to an earlier contribution to natural history by George-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon. It then compares Smith’s analysis with those of Karl Marx and Joseph Schumpeter, who were fascinated by Darwinian evolutionary biology. This comparison demonstrates that while developing evolutionary approaches to the social sciences suitable for their respective subject matter, Marx and Schumpeter drew heavily on Smith’s insights. All three authors aimed to unveil the forces shaping the “process of civilization”, or society’s “law of motion,” along with its associated hazards. They pondered whether this process inherently led to rising living standards, along with “equality, liberty, and justice”, and whether it could derail, ending in a tailspin.
CellSpark: A Simulation Tool to Spark Discovery Learning of Electrophysiology
Authors: Harvey Tyler G. , Dean Delphine
Published: January 2025

Challenge

While hands-on laboratory experiences are an important component of biomedical engineering curricula, many of the topics which would often benefit most from these experiences are often too time-, space-, and resource-intensive to incorporate into laboratory classes. One such topic is electrophysiology, where phenomena are hard to observe and the mathematical models used to describe them are complex.

Novel Initiative

We present CellSpark, an electrophysiology simulation software that allows students to perform virtual patch clamp experiments without the need for complex laboratory equipment, training, or prior knowledge in mathematical modelling. We describe how this tool is implemented in an undergraduate bioinstrumentation lab through the theoretical framework of discovery learning.

Reflection

The use of the software tool was informally assessed by surveying students about their experience using the software, by analyzing the content of their submitted assignments for evidence that the learning objectives were met. Additionally, an individual use case is presented to demonstrate the utility of the tool to achieve authentic discovery learning. Overall, we successfully demonstrate a framework for the effective use of simulation tools designed primarily for research as teaching tools.
Fabrication of filter paper with green synthesized iron nanoparticles for heavy metals contaminated wastewater treatment
Authors: Khan Jamshaid , Fayyaz Muhammad , Aslam Muhammad Mudasar , Gillani Syeda Rabia , Masood Sadaf , Jahangir Muhammad Shadab , Rehman Muhammad , Ullah Faizan , Jamil Muhammad , Saud Shah , Hassan Shah , Nawaz Taufiq , Joshi Nitish , Fahad Shah
Published: January 2025

Wastewater containing heavy metals poses severe risks to human health. Traditional methods to synthesis iron nanoparticles (Fe NPs) for wastewater treatment are often costly and labor intensive, limiting their widespread use. This study explore the use of green synthesized Fe NPs by green tea extract and their fabrication onto filter paper for efficient heavy metal remediation. The Fe NPs were characterized through UV–Visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). UV–Vis spectroscopy revealed an absorbance peak of Fe NPs at 270 nm, while FT-IR analysis indicated that carboxylic acid and phenol were associated with Fe NPs as a functional group. SEM analysis confirmed that the Fe NPs were spherical in shape. The fabricated Fe NP-coated filter paper was evaluated for its ability to remediate wastewater containing heavy metals. The results demonstrated significant removal efficiencies for cadmium (Cd) 90.4%, copper (Cu) 92.3%, lead (Pb) 93.5%, and nickel (Ni) 85.6%. These findings highlight the potential of green-synthesized Fe NPs as a cost-effective and sustainable solution for wastewater treatment, addressing the pressing need for environmentally friendly remediation technologies.
A modern, flexible cloud-based database and computing service for real-time analysis of vehicle emissions data
Authors: Rushton Christopher E. , Tate James E. , Sjödin Åke
Published: January 2025

In response to the demand for advanced tools in environmental monitoring and policy formulation, this work leverages modern software and big data technologies to enhance novel road transport emissions research. This is achieved by making data and analysis tools more widely available and customisable so users can tailor outputs to their requirements. Through the novel combination of vehicle emissions remote sensing and cloud computing methodologies, these developments aim to reduce the barriers to understanding real-driving emissions (RDE) across urban environments. The platform demonstrates the practical application of modern cloud-computing resources in overcoming the complex demands of air quality management and policy monitoring. This paper shows the potential of modern technological solutions to improve the accessibility of environmental data for policy-making and the broader pursuit of sustainable urban development. The web-application is publicly and freely available at https://cares-public-app.azurewebsites.net.