bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Results of digitised blood smear differentiations by veterinary students using item analysis
Authors: Marahrens Hannah , Freise Fritjof , Kiene Frederik , Ganter Martin , Wagener Matthias Gerhard
Published: February 2025

Familiarisation with manual blood examination methods and the morphologies of leukocytes in peripheral blood contributes to routine veterinary practice. It enables veterinarians to verify automated analysis results and to examine blood cell morphology using the microscope. Third-year students therefore participated in an online module including 10 clinical cases of various mammal species with a haematological focus. Each case required the differentiation of 100 leukocytes using digitised cell images (= items) photographed from corresponding blood films. The study aims to provide insights into student difficulties with different leukocyte morphologies by calculating the Difficulty Index (DI) values. Out of 247 participating students, 96% completed the course in full, contributing 2197 differential white blood count (dWBC) responses for evaluation. The mean DI for all items (n = 1033) was 0.95 (± 0.09 SD), indicating overall low difficulty. Nucleated red blood cells (nRBC) (DI 0.98 ± 0.03 SD), segmented neutrophils (0.98 ± 0.07), and lymphocytes (0.97 ± 0.05) obtained high scores, whereas DIs for myelocytes (0.72 ± 0.14) and monocytes (0.82 ± 0.20) posed a greater challenge for the students to recognise these types of cells. Basophils, metamyelocytes, band neutrophils, platelets, and eosinophils ranged between DIs of 0.83 (± 0.12) to 0.94 (± 0.08). In contrast to hands-on microscopy, this digital format provided valuable training to gain routine in leukocyte differentiation and presentation, particularly of uncommon cell types. These should, however, be reliably distinguished by the examiner from the more common cell types, as they usually have a relatively high clinical significance even if they occur in small numbers. Nevertheless, the lack of dynamic manual adjustments during the microscopic examination emphasises the need for hands-on microscopy in combination with a digital format.
Early-life environmental enrichment promotes positive animal welfare for juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in aquaculture research
Authors: Prentice Pamela M. , Chivite Alcalde Mauro , Císař Petr , Rey Planellas Sonia
Published: February 2025

Early life experiences have long-lasting effects on behaviour and physiology, influencing development of adaptive natural behaviours. Enriching farmed environments encourages expression of natural behaviours in captive fish, promoting positive animal welfare, important for conducting valid and reproducible research and informing better management practices. Using juvenile Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar), we tested whether provision of environmental enrichment in early life improves welfare. Welfare indicators were measured comparing enriched to non-enriched tanks. Morphological (fin damage and body condition), physiological (plasma cortisol) and behavioural traits (activity, group cohesion, and neophobia) were recorded. Molecular expression of brain mRNA transcripts related to stress response, neuroplasticity and serotonergic system was analysed. Environmental enrichment did not affect morphological welfare indicators, activity, or cortisol. Enriched fish were more cohesive than non-enriched fish, less neophobic, with higher serotonergic turnover, suggesting enrichment mitigates against stress, promoting positive emotional states. Genes related to neuronal development and activity (bdnf and ndf1), cellular stress (hsp90 and hsp70), and serotonin synthesis (tph2) increased in enriched fish following stress, enhancing cognitive function. Our findings suggest early life environmental enrichment is advantageous for positive animal welfare by improving emotional states in captive environments, ensuring animals are free of negative experiences and able to access positive ones.
Carboxylate and coordination influence on the formation of an active RuV Oxo species
Authors: El-Abid Jamal , Dorst Kevin M. , Inge Andrew K. , Verho Oscar , Kundi Varun , Kumar Priyank V. , Thapper Anders , Das Biswanath
Published: February 2025

Understanding the structure of Ru(V)-oxo species is crucial for designing novel catalysts for sustainable energy applications, such as water splitting for green hydrogen production. This study reports the EPR detection of a Ru(V)-oxo intermediate stabilized by terpyridine and phenanthroline carboxylate ligands. The interaction between the carboxylate group and the ruthenium center, along with PCET-dependent hemilability under oxidative conditions, plays a critical role in achieving the high-valent state. Subtle changes in the coordination environment around the central metal also proved to be essential. Low-temperature NMR, high-resolution mass spectrometry, UV–Vis spectroscopy, and density functional theory calculations support these findings.
Spatiotemporal dynamics of suspended sediment in coastal Mekong Delta: a hydrodynamic modelling approach under tropical monsoon climate
Authors: An Nguyen Ngoc , Hong Pham Viet , Binh Nguyen An , Thao Giang Thi Phuong , Van Tinh Le , Hanh Nguyen Cao , Tran Thai Thanh
Published: February 2025

Suspended sediment concentration (SSC) plays a pivotal role in shaping coastal dynamics, impacting terrestrial and marine ecosystems. This study employed the hydrodynamic model MIKE21 to simulate hydrological runoff and sediment transport within the Mekong River’s fluvial-marine continuum, the longest river in Southeast Asia currently challenged with escalating anthropogenic pressures and sea-level rise. By strategically selecting hourly observed data from various locations (river channel, coastal estuary) and periods (dry and rainy seasons) for model calibration and validation, we demonstrated the robust performance of the model simulation of both water levels (RMSE: 0.343 m) and SSC (RMSE: 0.006 kg.m−3). Spatiotemporal analysis of 2019–2023 revealed the pronounced sensitivity of water level, velocity, and flow direction under tropical monsoon regime. SSC time series decomposition further extracted seasonal amplitudes, while spatial patterns showed distinctly the lowest concentrations occurring in April and the highest in September annually. Furthermore, SSC upward trends were observed during low-flow periods, while downward trends predominated during high-flow periods. Our quantitative analysis offers a comprehensive understanding of hydrological processes within tropical monsoon coastal regions. These findings support the establishment of long-term monitoring frameworks to inform nature-based strategies for sustainable coastal development.
Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of Aeromonas hydrophila isolated from freshwater fishes at Middle Upper Egypt
Authors: Abo-Shama Usama H. , El Raheem Amany A. Abd , Alsaadawy Reem M. , Sayed Haitham H.
Published: February 2025

Aeromonas hydrophila is a common fish pathogen and a significant foodborne pathogen of increasing public health concern. This study was conducted in Middle Upper Egypt to determine the prevalence of A. hydrophila among the diseased Oreochromis niloticus (n = 100) and Clarias gariepinus (n = 100) at Assiut and Sohag Governorates. A. hydrophila isolates (n = 44) were assessed for antimicrobial susceptibility and biofilm production. Moreover, PCR was performed to analyze the incidence of some genes in 20 isolates of A. hydrophila. The results showed that 24% and 20% of the examined O. niloticus and C. gariepinus were infected with A. hydrophila respectively, with all (100%) showing a variety of clinical signs of septicemia. A. hydrophila isolates were all biofilm producers, with varied degrees of biofilm production. 79.5% of the isolates were multidrug-resistant and had a high multiple antimicrobial resistance index > 0.2. PCR analysis revealed that all isolates carried act and blaTEM genes but not carried int2 gene. Additionally, sul1, aer, tetA, int1, and qnrA genes were present in 75%, 60%, 55%, 55% and 45% of them, respectively. This study highlights the high incidence of multidrug-resistant pathogenic A. hydrophila in the infected fishes, posing a serious risk to humans and fish.
Dependent Infrastructure Service Disruption Mapping (DISruptionMap): A method to assess cascading service disruptions in disaster scenarios
Authors: Schneider Moritz , Halekotte Lukas , Mentges Andrea , Fiedrich Frank
Published: February 2025

Critical infrastructures provide essential services for our modern society. Large-scale natural hazards, such as floods or storms, can disrupt multiple critical infrastructures at once. In addition, a localized failure of one service can trigger a cascade of failures of other dependent services. This makes it challenging to anticipate and prepare adequately for direct and indirect consequences of such events. Existing methods that are spatially explicit and consider service dependencies currently lack practicality, as they require large amounts of data. To address this gap, we propose a novel method called DISruptionMap which analyzes complex disruptions to critical infrastructure services. The proposed method combines (i) spatial service models to assess direct service disruptions with (ii) a service dependency model to assess indirect (cascading) service disruptions. A fault tree-based approach is implemented, resulting in a significant decrease in the information required to set up the service dependency model. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our method in a case study examining the impact of an extreme flood on health, transport, and power services in Cologne, Germany.
Exploring the low-carbon development path of resource-based cities based on scenario simulation
Authors: Cao Liyong , Chong Peian
Published: February 2025

Resource-based cities (RBCs) have historically been constrained by their inherent characteristics, impeding rapid shifts in energy consumption patterns and exerting substantial pressure on regional decarbonization efforts. Herein, 18 RBCs in southwestern China were taken as the research object. Firstly, a resilience index system was constructed for the resource ecosystem and socio-economic system of RBCs, and the optimization mutation level algorithm was used to measure the resilience level of each city. Secondly, an interval prediction model was established for carbon emissions in RBCs based on the GA-DBN-KDE algorithm. Finally, by setting 16 scenarios, the carbon emission range and “carbon peak” time range of RBCs in Southwest China from 2023 to 2040 were predicted, and the scientific path of low-carbon development of RBCs was explored under differentiated scenarios. The research results indicated that: (1) The carbon emissions and urban resilience levels of RBCs in southwestern China were both on the rise; (2) The interval prediction model based on GA-DBN-KDE demonstrated excellent prediction performance; (3) The simulation results of 16 scenarios revealed varying specific paths for 18 cities to achieve carbon peak, underscoring the necessity for city-specific policy formulation. Overall, this paper provides a new analytical method for the low-carbon transformation and development of RBCs, further forging a basis for decision-makers to formulate carbon reduction measures.
Effects of stimulus polarity on the local evoked potential in auditory brainstem implant users
Authors: Schröder Anne , Takanen Marko , Schwarz Konrad , Lenarz Thomas , Gärtner Lutz , Büchner Andreas
Published: February 2025

Auditory brainstem implants (ABI) can enable hearing sensation through electrical stimulation of the cochlear nucleus. The basic stimulation and signal coding strategies of the ABI are based on those of the cochlear implant. This may not always be optimal, and ABI-specific strategies may be preferred. In a cohort of ten ABI users, we examined the feasibility of measuring local evoked potentials (LEP) via fine-grained stimulation with a forward masking paradigm. We introduce a new baseline-dependent definition of LEP amplitude for analyzing the LEP amplitude growth function to obtain threshold stimulation levels and slope values. The processing of biphasic pulses by the cochlear nucleus and the influence of the leading phase polarity were examined. There were no statistically significant differences in LEP thresholds or slopes between cathodic and anodic leading pulses. LEP thresholds measured with cathodic leading pulses (r = 0.77, t
31 = 6.81, p < 0.0001) and anodic leading pulses (r = 0.70, t
27 = 45.14, p < 0.0001) correlated significantly with perceptual hearing thresholds. The correlation analysis was impacted by outlier values, especially in the case of LEP thresholds measured with anodic leading pulses. Cathodic leading pulses had significantly shorter LEP peak latencies (t
104.8 = 2.63, p < 0.01). These results show that the cathodic leading pulses are superior for eliciting LEPs. We suggest that cathodic leading pulses should be the basis for ABI-specific coding strategies.
Clinically meaningful interpretability of an AI model for ECG classification
Authors: Gliner Vadim , Levy Idan , Tsutsui Kenta , Acha Moshe Rav , Schliamser Jorge , Schuster Assaf , Yaniv Yael
Published: February 2025

Despite the high accuracy of AI-based automated analysis of 12-lead ECG images for classification of cardiac conditions, clinical integration of such tools is hindered by limited interpretability of model recommendations. We aim to demonstrate the feasibility of a generic, clinical resource interpretability tool for AI models analyzing digitized 12-lead ECG images. To this end, we utilized the sensitivity of the Jacobian matrix to compute the gradient of the classifier for each pixel and provide medical relevance interpretability. Our methodology was validated using a dataset consisting of 79,226 labeled scanned ECG images, 11,316 unlabeled and 1807 labeled images obtained via mobile camera in clinical settings. The tool provided interpretability for both morphological and arrhythmogenic conditions, highlighting features in terms understandable to physician. It also emphasized significant signal features indicating the absence of certain cardiac conditions. High correlation was achieved between our method of interpretability and gold standard interpretations of 3 electrophysiologists.
Tafazzin regulates neutrophil maturation and inflammatory response
Authors: Zakrzewski Przemysław , Rice Christopher M , Fleming Kathryn , Cela Drinalda , Groves Sarah J , Ponce-Garcia Fernando M , Gibbs Willem , Roberts Kiran , Pike Tobias , Strathdee Douglas , Anderson Eve , Nobbs Angela H , Toye Ashley M , Steward Colin , Amulic Borko
Published: February 2025

Barth syndrome (BTHS) is a rare genetic disease caused by mutations in the TAFAZZIN gene. It is characterized by neutropenia, cardiomyopathy and skeletal myopathy. Neutropenia in BTHS is associated with life-threatening infections, yet there is little understanding of the molecular and physiological causes of this phenomenon. We combined bone marrow analysis, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in hematopoietic stem cells and functional characterization of circulating BTHS patient neutrophils to investigate the role of TAFAZZIN in neutrophils and their progenitors. We demonstrate a partial cell intrinsic differentiation defect, along with a dysregulated neutrophil inflammatory response in BTHS, including elevated degranulation and formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in response to calcium flux. Developmental and functional alterations in BTHS neutrophils are underpinned by perturbations in the unfolded protein response (UPR) signaling pathway, suggesting potential therapeutic avenues for targeting BTHS neutropenia.
A nickel glutamate metal biomolecule framework
Authors: de Campos Élvio Antônio , Silva Luana Thayline Casagrande , Rodrigues Rodrigo Vieira , de Souza Ronan Farias Freire , dos Santos Jeane Patrícia Cardozo , Olguin Conceição de Fátima Alves , Buzanello Cleide Viviane , Ellena Javier Alcides , Santiago Pedro Henrique de Oliveira , Denofre de Campos Sílvia
Published: February 2025

The first solved supramolecular crystal structure for the combination of glutamic acid and Ni(ii) ions.
Spin-coating processing of oriented Sb2S3 layer for PV applications: effect of the precursors and the device architecture
Authors: Daem Nathan , Charlier Marie-Julie , Spronck Gilles , Colson Pierre , Cloots Rudi , Dewalque Jennifer
Published: February 2025

Sb2S3 chalcogenide stands out as low toxic, promising material for photovoltaic applications because of its unique optoelectronic properties such as a suitable band gap (1.4-1.8 eV), a high absorption coefficient...
Phosphatidylserine affinity for and flip-flop dependence on Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions
Authors: Hymas Preston P. , Conboy John
Published: February 2025

Ca2+ ions are believed to play a crucial role in regulating lipid membrane asymmetry by modulating the activity of flippases, floppases, and scramblases. Dysregulation of Ca2+ homeostasis, and subsequent loss...
From in silico screening to in vivo validation in zebrafish – a framework for reeling in the right psychobiotics
Authors: Valderrama Benjamin , Daly Isabelle , Gunnigle Eoin , O'Riordan Kenneth J. , Chichlowski Maciej , Banerjee Sagarika , Skowronski Alicja A. , Pandey Neeraj , Cryan John F. , Clarke Gerard , Nagpal Jatin
Published: February 2025

The integrated framework of in silico, in vitro and in vivo approaches identifies bacterial strains with the potential to degrade prebiotics, produce neuroactive molecules, and alter stress-related gene expression and behaviour in a zebrafish model.
Decarbonization approaches for ethylene production: comparative techno-economic and life-cycle analysis
Authors: Shin Woojae , Lin Bosong , Lai Haoxiang , Ibrahim Gasim , Zang Guiyan
Published: February 2025

Detailed economic, environmental, and sensitivity analysis reveals decarbonization potential for ethane-based ethylene production plants.
Sieging tumor cells via an amorphous ferric coordination polymer
Authors: Gong Teng , Liu Wen , Zhuang Luwen , Li Yanli , Zhang Ruoqi , Dang Yuan-Ye , Liang Yongyu , Wang Lulu , Chen Na
Published: February 2025

Metastasis is one of the main reasons for cancer treatment failure. Unfortunately, most treatment approaches inevitably destroy the extracellular matrix (ECM) during tumor cell elimination, thereby augmenting metastasis risk. Herein,...
Organophosphonate- and dimethylarsinate-functionalized hexamolybdates(V) and their solution and gas phase properties
Authors: Siby Vinaya , Pal Arun , Bassil Bassem , Bhattacharya Saurav , Sundar Anusree , Oberstein Juliane , Kim Damin , Gupta Rizul , Kuanysh Alisher , Hölscher Jana , Schmidt Dorothea , Kuhnert Nikolai , Kortz Ulrich
Published: February 2025

Here we report a comprehensive study on the synthesis and characterization of dimethylarsinate-functionalized phosphomolybdates(V), [RPMoV6O15(OH)3{AsO2(CH3)2}3]2- (R = H, HO, CH3, HO2CCH2, HO2CC2H4, C6H5, 4-FC6H4, 4-F3COC6H4) and the monoanionic mixed-valent heptamolybdate...
FeCl3/SiO2-catalyzed bis-indolylation of acetals and ketals: a highly atom-economical approach to the selective deprotection of protected carbohydrates
Authors: Das Barnali , Das Kamal , De Utpal Ch. , Majumdar Swapan
Published: February 2025

Herein, we report a general and green protocol for FeCl3/SiO2-catalyzed bis-indolylation of acetals and ketals, which is extended to a 100% atom-economical approach for the deprotection of protected carbohydrates.
Boronic acid-functionalized Fe3O4 nanoparticles for activity-preserved enrichment of low-abundance bacteria from real samples
Authors: Chen Jingwen , Li Shaobo , Deng Bin , Wang Hongyuan , Sun Wenkui , Li Li , Bai Zongchun , Liu Jing
Published: February 2025

Fe3O4@poly(PEGDA-co-MAAPBA) NPs prepared for selective capture and enrichment of Gram-positive bacteria.
Probing cage dynamics in concentrated hard-sphere suspensions and glasses with high frequency rheometry
Authors: Athanasiou Thanasis , Mei Baicheng , Schweizer Kenneth S , Petekidis George
Published: February 2025

The cage concept, a central microscopic mechanism for glassy dynamics, has been utilized in concentrated colloidal suspensions to describe a number of phenomena. Here we probe the evolution of cage...
CO2 reduction by dielectric barrier discharge plasma in collaboration with Cu2−xSe/AlO(OH) catalyst
Authors: Chen Yi , Shi Weilin , Li Claudia , Lim Kang Hui , Wang Xueqian , Wang Langlang , Ning Ping , Ma Yixing , Kawi Sibudjing
Published: February 2025

Hydrothermal temperature modulation of AlO(OH) morphology and Cu2−xSe dispersion. CO2 decomposition rate of 28.07% at SIE of 58.07 kJ L−1. Cu2−xSe-Al-180 promotes CO2 excitation in DBD plasma fields.
Enhanced utilization of light through polystyrene microspheres for boosting photoelectrochemical hydrogen production in MoS2/Si heterostructures
Authors: Yu Jing , Wang Yingying , Gai Qixiao , Hou Chaoyang , Luan Zhiyong , Liang Yao , Liu Wenjun , Fan Xiaofeng
Published: February 2025

The MF effect of PS microspheres, the defects in MoS2, and the p–n junction formed at the interface synergistically enhance the PEC-HER performance of PS-coupled defective MoS2/Si photocathode.
Spin Dynamic of Tri-addition Endohedral Nitrogen Fullerene with Transversal Chemical Functionalization
Authors: Wu Cong-Hui , Wu Yu-Jin , Yuan Jia-Yue , Wu Zhi-Rong , Xiong Qi , Zhou Li-Nan , Gao Song , Zhou Shen , Jiang ShangDa
Published: February 2025

Endohedral nitrogen fullerenes are ideal spin-carrier molecules, possessing both the internal spin inertia for ultra-long coherence time and external chemical activity for facile modifications. Using the multifunctionality of the fullerene...
Zn-promoted Sandmeyer-type reductive chalcogenation of (hetero)aryl diazonium salts
Authors: Fan Qiujin , Zhao Yanchuang , Wang Junhong , Bai Ying , Zhou Shengbin , Shao Xinxin
Published: February 2025

In this report, we describe a nickel-free, zinc-induced reductive coupling between (hetero)aryl diazonium salts and electrophilic chalcogen species under mild reaction conditions.
Potassium tin chloride (K2SnCl6) as a lead-free perovskite: anti-solvent synthesis, structural characterization, and charge transport properties
Authors: Nasri S. , Jraba A. , Garoui I. , Oueslati A. , Elaloui E.
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the synthesis, structure, and electrical properties of K2SnCl6. Impedance spectroscopy reveals promising ionic conductivity, highlighting its potential for energy storage applications.
Quantitative NMR for detection of spinosad residues in agricultural soils
Authors: Pawar Tushar Janardan , Ramos-Cruz Siuly Xenia , Bonilla-Landa Israel , Muteeb Ghazala , Delgado-Alvarado Enrique , Patil Sachin V. , Perez-Landa Irving David , Olivares-Romero José Luis
Published: February 2025

Monitoring pesticide residues in soil is crucial for ensuring food safety and environmental sustainability.
Acute Comparison of Mild-Gain Hearing Aid Approaches in an Adult With Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Long-Term Effects of Mild-Gain Amplification on Speech Perception in Noise and Self-Reported Hearing-Related Disability, Hyperacusis, and Quality of Life
Authors: Chung Acayla P. , Brennan Christine , Glick Hannah , Baiduc Rachael R.
Published: February 2025

Objective:

This report documents the effects of hearing treatment in an adult with a history of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and normal peripheral hearing acuity.

Design:

This report details a case study of a 26-year-old female with a history of mTBI.

Study Sample:

A 26-year-old female with a history of mTBI presented with auditory symptoms including tinnitus, hyperacusis, listening fatigue, and speech-in-noise (SIN) difficulties despite diagnostic audiological findings showing normal peripheral auditory function and suprathreshold SIN performance within the normal range. The patient was fit with premium-level receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) hearing aids (HAs) using several different mild-gain fitting approaches involving wide dynamic range compression (WDRC) or linearized gain. A combination of objective and subjective methods was utilized to guide clinical decision making on the fitting approach and to verify/validate treatment outcomes.

Results:

Despite no difference in acutely aided SIN performance between the WDRC or linearized fitting approaches, the patient expressed a clear preference for the HA fitting approach involving application of 2–10 dB of shaped linearized gain > 1.5 kHz for soft, medium, and loud input levels (with greatest gain applied at 3–4 kHz). These settings were preferred in terms of loudness and sound quality even compared to the WDRC fitting approaches previously reported in literature. This fitting approach was verified and validated by SIN testing showing improved performance in the aided condition, as well as high levels of self-reported benefit and satisfaction, reduction in self-reported hearing handicap, reduction in sound sensitivity, and enhanced quality of life with HAs.

Conclusions:

Results add to the growing body of evidence supporting the benefits of mild-gain HAs for adults with mTBI and self-reported SIN deficits despite normal hearing acuity. Results also support the importance of using a combination of measures (e.g., SIN testing, patient report, outcome questionnaires) to guide the HA fitting process and to verify/validate treatment outcomes. Although findings were derived from a single case study and should be interpreted with caution, the patient's preference for a shaped linearized mild-gain approach is noteworthy. There exists a lack of clinical guidelines and prescriptive fitting methodology for fitting HAs in mTBI adults with SIN difficulty despite normal peripheral hearing acuity. Future research should systematically compare WDRC versus linearized gain approaches of fitting in this population to develop a clinical methodology for HA fitting and optimize outcomes in this special subpopulation.
Postural Control in Adults With Age-Related Hearing Loss
Authors: Tobener Elizabeth , Doettl Steven , Plyler Patrick , McCaslin Devin
Published: February 2025

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate postural control in adults with age-related hearing loss (ARHL) by adding a variation of a 30° lateral head tilt for each measure.

Method:

Individuals between the ages of 50 and 70 years were recruited (10 with normal hearing, 32 with ARHL) and evaluated using pure-tone audiometry, vestibular function assessments, and postural control measures. Vestibular function assessments used were video head impulse test (vHIT), cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs), and ocular VEMPs. Postural control measures used were single leg stance (SLS), Romberg on foam (RF), and tandem walking (TW). Pearson correlation and linear regression were used to evaluate the relationship between pure-tone average, vestibular function assessments, and postural control measures.

Results:

Results revealed significant correlations between ARHL and cervical VEMPs and ocular VEMPs. As ARHL increased, amplitude of cervical and ocular VEMPs decreased. There were no significant correlations for ARHL and vHIT gain. SLS with lateral head tilt was significantly associated with ARHL. As ARHL increased, the time for SLS with lateral head tilt decreased. There were no significant findings for ARHL and SLS without lateral head tilt, TW with and without lateral head tilt, or RF with and without lateral head tilt.

Conclusions:

The results of this study described the decreased postural control with lateral head tilt present as ARHL increased. Furthermore, this study supported the previously documented vestibular degradation that is present in the ARHL population compared to normal hearing. This study suggested that the postural control measure most sensitive to detecting reduced postural control in individuals with ARHL was SLS with lateral head tilt. Further study is needed to hone the specific parameters of using SLS with lateral head tilt as a screening measure to assess risk of falls in the ARHL population.
QUIJOTE scientific results. XVIII. New constraints on the polarisation of the anomalous microwave emission in bright Galactic regions: ρ Ophiuchi, Perseus, and W43
Authors: González-González R. , Génova-Santos R.T. , Rubiño-Martín J.A. , Peel M.W. , Guidi F. , Lόpez-Caraballo C.H. , Fernández-Torreiro M. , Rebolo R. , Hernandez-Monteagudo C. , Adak D. , Artal E. , Ashdown M. , Barreiro R.B. , Casas F.J. , Cepeda-Arroita R. , de la Hoz E. , Fasano A. , Herranz D. , Hoyland R.J. , Martínez-Gonzalez E. , Pascual-Cisneros G. , Piccirillo L. , Poidevin F. , Ruiz-Granados B. , Tramonte D. , Vansyngel F. , Vielva P. , Watson R.A.
Published: February 2025

This work focuses on the study of the anomalous microwave emission (AME), an important emission mechanism between 10 and 60,GHz whose polarisation properties are not yet fully understood and is therefore a potential contaminant for future cosmic microwave background (CMB) polarisation observations. We used new QUIJOTE-MFI maps at 11, 13, 17, and 19,GHz obtained from the combination of the public wide survey data and additional 1800,h of dedicated raster scan observations together with other public ancillary data, including WMAP and Planck to study the polarisation properties of the AME in three Galactic regions: ρ,Ophiuchi, Perseus, and W43. We obtained the spectral energy distributions (SEDs) of the three regions over the frequency range $0.4--3000$,GHz in intensity and polarisation. The intensity SEDs are well described by a combination of free-free emission, thermal dust, AME, and CMB anisotropies. In polarisation, we extracted the flux densities using all available data between 11 and 353,GHz. We implemented an improved intensity-to-polarisation leakage correction that allowed reliable polarisation constraints well below the 1% level from Planck -LFI data to be derived for the first time. A frequency stacking of maps in the range 10--60,GHz allowed us to reduce the statistical noise and to push the upper limits on the AME polarisation level. We obtained upper limits on the AME polarisation fraction of the order lesssim 1% (95% confidence level) for the three regions. In particular, we obtained AME < 1.0% (at 28.4,GHz) AME < 0.9% (at 28.4,GHz), and AME < 0.28% (at 33,GHz) in ρ,Ophiuchi, Perseus, and W43, respectively. At the QUIJOTE 17,GHz frequency band, we found AME < 5.0% for ρ,Ophiuchi AME < 3.4% for Perseus, and Π_ AME < 0.85% for W43. We note that for the ρ,Ophiuchi molecular cloud, the new QUIJOTE-MFI data allowed us to set the first constraints on the AME polarisation in the range 10--20,GHz. Our final upper limits derived using the stacking procedure are AME < 0.58% for ρ,Ophiuchi AME < 0.67% for Perseus, and Π_ AME < 0.31% for W43. Altogether, these are the most stringent constraints to date on the AME polarisation fraction of these three star-forming regions.
The dynamical history of the Kepler-221 planet system
Authors: Yi Tian , Ormel Chris W. , Huang Shuo , Petit Antoine C.
Published: February 2025

Kepler-221 is a G-type star hosting four planets. In this system, planets b, c, and e are in (or near) a 6:3:1 three-body resonance even though the planets' period ratios show significant departures from exact two-body commensurability. Importantly, the intermediate planet d is not part of the resonance chain. To reach this resonance configuration, we propose a scenario in which there were originally five planets in the system in a chain of first-order resonances. After disk dispersal, the resonance chain became unstable, and two planets quickly merged to become the current planet d. In addition, the three-body resonance was re-established. We ran N-body simulations using REBOUND to investigate the parameter space under which this scenario can operate. We find that our envisioned scenario is possible when certain conditions are met. First, the reformation of the three-body resonance after planet merging requires convergent migration between planets b and c. Second, as has been previously pointed out, an efficient damping mechanism must operate to power the expansion of the system. We find that planet d plays a crucial role during the orbital expansion phase due to destabilizing encounters of a three-body resonance between c, d, and e. A successful orbital expansion phase puts constraints on the planet properties in the Kepler-221 system including the planet mass ratios and the tidal quality factors for the planets. Our model can also be applied to other planet systems in resonance, such as Kepler-402 and K2-138.
Non-evolutionary effects on period change in Magellanic Cepheids. II. Empirical constraints on non-linear period changes
Authors: Singh Rathour Rajeev , Smolec Radosław , Hajdu Gergely , Ziołkowska Oliwia , Hocdé Vincent , Soszynski Igor , Udalski Andrzej , Karczmarek Paulina
Published: February 2025

Classical Cepheids are not only excellent standard candles, but also invaluable tools to test stellar evolution and pulsation theories. Rates of their pulsation period change, quantified usually through O-C diagrams, can be confronted with predictions of stellar evolution theory. On the other hand, period changes on much shorter time scales (∼10^2-10^4days), attributed to non-evolutionary effects are often detected and lack detailed explanation. We aim to provide a systematic and quantitative description of irregular or non-linear period changes in Cepheids. Such a study is crucial for a complete understanding of period changes in Cepheids and is key to decoupling the evolutionary aspects from the non-evolutionary ones. We analysed part of the OGLE data for classical Cepheids in the Magellanic Clouds (MCs; from both Large Magellanic Cloud, LMC, and the Small Magellanic Cloud, SMC) using the modified Hertzsprung O-C technique. A sample of 3658 stars, with the best quality data and void of additional low-amplitude periodicities (e.g. due to non-radial pulsations), that could impact the results, was selected for analysis. Based on O-C shapes, stars were classified into three categories: no period change (class 1), linear period change (class 2), and irregular change (class 3). The Eddington-Plakidis test, wavelet analysis, Stetson index, and instantaneous period method were used to characterise class 3 candidates. We also investigated the correlation between the irregular period change in Cepheids and their metallicity environment In our investigation, $33.5±0.7$% of analysed stars show irregular period changes. Considering the pulsation mode, irregular period changes were detected in $16.5±0.7$% of the analysed fundamental mode stars and in $68.1±1.2$% of the first overtone stars. The amplitude of variability in the O-C diagrams increases with the pulsation period, and at a given pulsation period, it is larger for first overtone stars. While the increase is linear for first overtone stars, for fundamental mode stars it becomes steeper as the pulsation period increases. Time scales of the observed variability range from a few hundred to a few thousand days. Irregular period changes are a ubiquitous property of classical Cepheids and may impact the derivation of secular, evolutionary period change rates; hence their quantitative characterisation is essential. The nature of these changes is still unknown. Our research provides observational constraints on their modelling. The markedly higher frequency of irregular period variations in first overtone Cepheids is a key observation that must be accounted for by the models.
Mass flows in the Galactic Center by supernovae of the circumnuclear disk
Authors: Barna B. , Wünsch R. , Palous J. , Morris M.R. , Ehlerová S. , Vermot P.
Published: February 2025

The circumnuclear disk (CND) is presently the main supply of mass for the accretion onto the supermassive black hole (SMBH) in the Galactic Center (GC). While the accretion is relatively slow, it has been suspected that local episodic explosive events play an important role in the temporary mass inflow toward the SMBH, while also affecting the evolution of the CND. The aim of this study is to follow the changes in mass flows caused by supernova (SN) explosions nestled in or near the CND. We performed simulations with the grid-based magnetohydrodynamic code FLASH of the inner 5 pc of the Milky Way GC, including the gravitational potential, rotation, magnetic field, central wind source, and the warm gas of the CND, all mimicking the observed physical properties. Assuming a M_ SN =10 M_⊙ as the mass of the precursor of the core-collapse SN event at various locations within 2 pc from the GC, we detect a temporary increase in the accretion rate, transferring an additional 2-60 M_⊙ of warm gas to the immediate vicinity of the SMBH, depending on the explosion site. At the same time, the kinetic energy of the SN even blows away mass from the CND; the additional warm gas leaving the simulation domain after the explosion is on the order of ∼100 M_⊙. In the studied cases, the impact on mass flows and the turbulence caused by the explosion cease after ∼250 kyr.
Wall losses in straight ducts with non-circular cross sections: a scaling rule of identical losses for wooden flue organ pipes
Authors: Rucz Péter , Fontestad Elena Esteve , Angster Judit , Miklós András
Published: February 2025

Viscothermal effects at the walls are the dominant sources of loss in the air columns of various types of wind instruments. The classical theory of viscous and thermal boundary layers gives an analytical result that allows for computing the wall losses of acoustical wave propagation in cylindrical ducts. Based on theoretical considerations, a simple formula is derived for straight ducts that allows for taking the shape of the cross section into account in the wall loss coefficient. This unidimensional model is compared to three-dimensional finite element computations of different geometries, and an excellent agreement is found. As an application of the theory, a revised scaling method for wooden flue organ pipes with rectangular cross sections is elaborated. In organ building practice, wooden pipes are often made narrower than the reference width because of space limitations. Organ builders reported an undesired change of timbre for narrow pipes, which may be explained by the increased amount of wall losses. The proposed scaling approach enables designing narrower wooden pipes with keeping the amount of wall losses the same as of a reference pipe. Two series of experimental organ pipes designed following the traditional and new scaling rules are examined and compared by means of acoustical measurements and sound analyses, proving the practical applicability of the proposed scaling method.
Giant dermoid cyst of the buccal floor: a case report
Authors: Hibelot David , Doger De Speville Emmanuel
Published: February 2025

Dermoid cysts of the buccal floor are uncommon lesions, typically found in young individuals. Herein, we report the case of a 15-year-old patient referred by her general practitioner after MRI evaluation. The patient complained of dysphagia with solid foods and aesthetic discomfort due to a swelling under her chin, which led to teasing at school. She exhibited no signs of severity. Imaging revealed a sizable buccal floor cyst measuring 7 cm × 4 cm × 3 cm. Surgical excision was performed via a dual approach, intraoral and cervical, with straightforward postoperative recovery. Histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of a dermoid cyst. Management of dermoid cysts remains exclusively surgical, with rare recurrences dependent on complete excision quality. Prognosis is favorable.
A practical guide to the use of Narrow Band Imaging (NBI) in the early detection of oral cancer: case series and review of the literature
Authors: Guida Agostino , Perri Francesco , Annunziata Marco , Monteiro Luis , Warnakulasuriya Saman
Published: February 2025

Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) shows an overall 5 yr survival rate of just above 50%. With an estimated 390,000 new cases per year the current therapeutic approaches have failed in the past 20 yr to improve survival. Reducing the burden of this malignancy represents a challenge for clinicians around the globe. Early diagnosis represents the most effective option to reduce the impact of OSCC. Several chairside adjunctive techniques have been researched for the early diagnosis of OSCC but many of them have been found to have limited application due to their low sensitivity and specificity. Narrow Band Imaging (NBI) has the potential to be a useful aid for the clinician involved in the diagnosis and management of Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders (OPMDs) and OSCC. NBI fibroscopy is able to show microvasculature of oral lesions, possibly indicating the likelihood of malignant transformation. Yet, due to its high costs, the long learning curve, and the necessity for calibration of the users its application requires through careful investigation. We performed a review of the existing literature and, by showcasing some clinical cases, we aim to give the clinicians a practical guide to perform NBI when managing OPMD lesions of the different anatomical subsites of the oral cavity, based on the existing clinical evidence.
Chirurgische Versorgung distaler Kombinationsfrakturen von Radius und
Ulna bei Toy-Rassen mit Fixateur externe Typ 2 und intramedullärem Pin – eine
retrospektive Studie
Authors: Gellermann Lennart , Grußendorf Carsten
Published: February 2025

Das Ziel der vorliegenden Studie war,
die Versorgung von kombinierten Radius- und Ulnafrakturen bei Toy-Rassen
mittels Fixateur externe sowie intramedullärem Pin zu beschreiben und die
Vorteile bzw. Nachteile dieser Osteosynthese darzustellen.

Diese retrospektive Studie umfasste
ausschließlich Hunde verschiedener Toy-Rassen, die in den Jahren 2012 bis
2023 im Tiergesundheitszentrum Grußendorf mit einer distalen diaphysären
Kombinationsfraktur von Radius und Ulna vorstellig wurden. Bei allen Tieren
wurde die Fraktur mittels offener Reposition sowie intramedullärem radialen
Pin versorgt und im Anschluss mit einem Fixateur externe Typ 2 fixiert. Die
Nachsorge umfasste einen stationären Aufenthalt sowie Wundkontrollen 10 Tage
und Röntgenkontrollen 6 Wochen nach der Operation. Nach Implantatentfernung
folgte eine 2-wöchige Verbandstherapie. Gelistete Komplikationen wurden in
geringfügige sowie schwerwiegende Komplikationen unterschieden. Dabei waren
schwerwiegende Komplikationen dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass eine zusätzliche
Behandlung, medikamentös oder chirurgisch, notwendig war.

Insgesamt erfüllten 54 Patienten die Kriterien
der Studie. Im Durchschnitt wurden die Patienten postoperativ 3 Tage
stationär betreut und der Fixateur externe nach 9,2 Wochen entfernt.
Komplikationen traten bei 17 Patienten auf (31,5%). Es waren 14 geringfügige
und 3 schwerwiegende Komplikationen vertreten. In allen Fällen führte die
beschriebene Frakturversorgung zur vollständigen Genesung (Restitutio ad
integrum).

Die Kombination
eines Fixateur externe Typ 2 und der intramedullären Bolzung des Radius zur
Versorgung von distalen Kombinationsfrakturen von Radius und Ulna bei Toy-
und Miniaturhunderassen hat sich im vorgestellten Patientengut als
zuverlässig bewiesen und kann mit wenig Materialaufwand durchgeführt
werden.
Monocyte/Macrophage Infiltration in Thrombus and Outcomes of Stroke Patients with Monocyte/Macrophage-dominant Thrombus
Authors: Lee Kijeong , Cha Myoung-Jin , Kwon Il , Kim Sungeun , Song Jin Ju , Kim Young Dae , Nam Hyo Suk , Koo Jaseong , Lee Hye Sun , Joo Haram , Choi Hyunjung , Heo Ji Hoe
Published: February 2025

Background Inflammatory cells may play a role in thrombus formation. However, the impact of monocytes in thrombosis and clinical characteristics of patients with monocyte-rich thrombus are less well understood.

Methods A FeCl3-induced carotid thrombosis model in mice was used to study aged thrombus by ligating the distal carotid artery for 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 6, 24, 48, or 72 hours. In stroke patients, we used thrombi that were obtained during endovascular thrombectomy. Immunohistochemistry was performed to determine thrombus composition. We investigated monocyte/macrophage recruitment to arterial thrombus over time in mice, and compared clinical outcomes between stroke patients with the higher and the lower monocyte/macrophage compositions in thrombus.

Results In 90 mice, CD68 (monocyte/macrophage) counts increased from 3 hours in a time-dependent manner, and decreased after 48 hours (p < 0.001). In 102 stroke patients, the higher monocyte/macrophage group had higher blood platelet counts (median 228 × 109/L, interquartile range [177–267] versus median 186 × 109/L, interquartile range [164–225], p = 0.036), less frequently parenchymal hematoma (8.0% versus 28.8%, p = 0.007), and more frequently functional independence (54.0% versus 32.7%, p = 0.030). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, the higher monocyte/macrophage group was independently associated with functional independence (odds ratio 4.954, 95% confidence interval 1.467–16.724, p = 0.010).

Conclusion Monocytes/macrophages increasingly infiltrated the thrombus after a few hours in mouse arterial thrombosis model, suggesting their role in later stages rather than initial stages of thrombosis. Stroke patients with higher monocyte/macrophage counts had less frequent parenchymal hematoma and more frequent functional independence, suggesting that monocyte/macrophage-rich thrombi are a predictor of better clinical outcomes.
Tiermedizinische Versorgung von Minischweinen – eine Herausforderung
für die Kleintierpraxis
Authors: Löwenstein Frederik
Published: February 2025

Miniaturschweine, kurz Minischweine, wurden ursprünglich zu Versuchszwecken
gezüchtet. Seit den 1990er Jahren werden sie als Heimtiere in privaten
Haushalten gehalten. Haltungen in Wohnungen, Stallgebäuden mit Ausläufen und im
Freiland kommen gleichermaßen vor. Fehler in der Fütterung und unzureichendes
Wissen der Tierhalter über ihre Tiere führen häufig zu haltungsbedingten
Erkrankungen. Im Falle von Krankheiten oder für notwendige Pflegemaßnahmen
werden meist Kleintierpraxen aufgesucht. In der vorliegenden Übersichtsarbeit
werden die Themen Zuchtlinien, Haltung, Fütterung, rechtliche Grundlagen,
klinische Untersuchung, die wichtigsten Krankheiten sowie deren Behandlung
vorgestellt.
Immuntherapie-Resistenzen auf der Spur
Authors: Kretzschmar Alexander
Published: February 2025

Strategien gegen Resistenzen bei zielgerichteten und Immuntherapien wurden auf dem ENA 24-Symposium on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics Ende Oktober in Barcelona intensiv diskutiert. Viele Kandidaten sind noch in einem frühen Entwicklungsstadium. Aber die große Zahl lässt auf neue therapeutische Optionen für die Praxis hoffen.
Update bei den indolenten B-Zell-Lymphomen
Authors: Kretzschmar Alexander
Published: February 2025

Vom 07.–10. Dezember 2024 fand die 66. Jahrestagung der American Society of Hematology (ASH) in San Diego statt. Aus dem überwältigenden Angebot der Vorträge und Poster wurden einige Highlights von Expert*innen auf einem virtuellen Online-Symposium vorgestellt.
Obecabtagene autoleucel mit vorteilhafter Nutzen-Risiko-Relation
Authors: Kretzschmar Alexander
Published: February 2025

Mit dem autologen antiCD19 CAR-T-Zell-Antikörper Obecabtagene autoleucel (obe-cel) kann bei einem hohen Anteil von Erwachsenen mit rezidivierter/refraktärer akuter prä-B-Zell-lymphoblastischer Leukämie (prä-B-Zell-ALL) eine dauerhafte Response mit kompletter Remission (CR) oder CR mit inkompletter hämatologischer Recovery erreicht werden. Die Inzidenz toxischer therapieassoziierter Immuneffekte war gering.
Blasenerhaltende multimodale Therapiekonzepte
Authors: Ott Oliver J.
Published: February 2025

In deutschen und internationalen Leitlinien wird die organerhaltende Behandlung des muskelinvasiven Harnblasenkarzinoms für geeignete Patient*innen als onkologisch gleichwertige therapeutische Alternative zur radikalen Zystektomie deklariert. Aktuelle, hochrangig publizierte Daten beschreiben für die multimodale Therapie im Vergleich zur Operation einen Vorteil im Gesamtüberleben.