bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Secondary lesions and sensitivity to signaling inhibitors in iAMP21 acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Hormann Femke M. , Østergaard Anna , van den Broek Stijn , Boeree Aurélie , van de Ven Cesca , Escherich Gabriele , Sonneveld Edwin , Boer Judith M. , den Boer Monique L.
Published: January 2025

Intrachromosomal amplification of chromosome 21 (iAMP21) B‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP‐ALL) in children is a high‐risk subtype for which targeted drugs are lacking. In this study, we determined the frequency of secondary lesions in 28 iAMP21 BCP‐ALL patient samples and investigated cellular sensitivity for candidate‐targeted drugs. iAMP21 was enriched in FLT3 aberrations (10.7% vs. 50.0%, p = 0.003) and SH2B3 inactivation (7.14% vs. 46.4%, p = 0.002), compared with 28 B‐other cases, and these alterations co‐occurred in 21.4%. The occurrence of lesions in CRLF2 and IL7R was similar between iAMP21 and B‐other cases (25% vs. 17.9%, p = 0.746 and 7.14% vs. 0%, p = 0.491 respectively) as were mutations in JAK1 and JAK2 (3.57% vs. 0% and 10.7% vs. 10.7%, p = 1 for both). Sensitivity to the FLT3 inhibitor gilteritinib did not differ between iAMP21 and B‐other cases irrespective of FLT3 status. However, iAMP21 samples harboring both FLT3‐ITD and SH2B3 lesions showed the highest sensitivity. CRLF2‐rearranged iAMP21 samples were slightly more sensitive to JAK inhibitor ruxolitinib than those without, although a lack of sensitivity was present in 50% of iAMP21 cases. Trametinib sensitivity varied among iAMP21 samples with over half of iAMP21 samples being sensitive irrespective of RAS‐pathway mutation status or other secondary lesions. In summary, iAMP21 leukemias were enriched in FLT3 and in SH2B3 lesions, which when co‐occurring affected sensitivity to FLT3 inhibition by gilteritinib but not JAK inhibition by ruxolitinib. Together, our results suggest that FLT3 and RAS signaling inhibitors are of interest for further (pre)clinical evaluation in iAMP21 BCP‐ALL.
Nomogram prediction model based on non‐enhanced computed tomography for adnexal torsion: A retrospective multicenter study
Authors: Gu Xiaowen , Jiang Lu , Xu Chijie , Yin Jianbing , Zhang Jibin , Cui Lei
Published: January 2025

Objective

To develop and validate an individualized nomogram for predicting adnexal torsion in women with abdominal pain and an adnexal mass based on preoperative non‐contrast computed tomography (CT) findings.

Methods

This retrospective study included 200 women with surgically resected ovarian lesions who underwent preoperative non‐contrast CT for abdominal pain from January 2017 to September 2023 in seven hospitals. The 200 patients were randomly divided into a development group (140 cases) and a validation group (60 cases). The independent risk factors for adnexal torsion from non‐contrast CT signs were screened using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. The corresponding nomogram prediction model was drawn according to the regression coefficients. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) and the calibration plots were used to estimate the discrimination and calibration of the prediction model, respectively.

Results

The most common lesion causing adnexal torsion was ovarian cyst (30.1%), followed by mature cystic teratoma (25.7%), whereas malignant tumors and tubo‐ovarian abscesses were more common in non‐torsioned patients. Multivariable regression analysis showed that navel sign (odds ratio [OR] 14.78; P = 0.005), whirl sign (OR 38.05; P = 0.002), and peri‐adnexal fat haziness (OR 0.20; P = 0.012) were independent significant parameters predicting adnexal torsion. The AUC of the development group and validation group were 0.903 and 0.861, respectively, and the calibration curve suggested good agreement between the predictive probability and the actual probability.

Conclusion

Navel sign, whirl sign, and peri‐adnexal fat haziness, and an integrated nomogram derived from these non‐contrast CT findings, can be useful for predicting adnexal torsion, especially when ultrasound and contrast‐enhanced CT cannot be used.
Evaluating Chromosomal Mosaicism in Prenatal Diagnosis: The Complementary Roles of Chromosomal Microarray Analysis and Karyotyping
Authors: Xu Chenxia , Xiong Yi , Wang Degang , Zhang Sheng , Wu Xuewei , Li Miaoyuan
Published: January 2025

Objective

To explore the impact of in vitro cell subculture on prenatal diagnostic sample results and compare the efficacy of conventional karyotyping and chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) in detecting chromosome mosaicism.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of G‐banding karyotyping and CMA data from 2007 amniocentesis cases to investigate chromosome mosaicism.

Results

Chromosome mosaicism was detected in 1.49% of cases (30/2007). Sex chromosome mosaicism was the most common form of mosaicism. Among the 30 mosaicisms, 18 results were consistent between the two methods. In four cases, CMA indicated mosaicism but the karyotypes were normal. In eight cases, CMA was normal while the karyotypes suggested mosaicism.

Conclusions

CMA and karyotyping complement each other in prenatal genetic diagnosis. Combining both methods enhances detection accuracy, particularly in cases of chromosomal mosaicism, which may be missed after the subculture of adherent cells in karyotype analysis.
“Undisciplined and a Moral Danger”: Fright, Idleness and Immorality as Attributions of “Imbecile Children” in Late Victorian and Edwardian Britain
Authors: Sims‐Schouten Wendy
Published: January 2025

From the second half of the nineteenth‐century treatment of “imbecile” children in Britain underwent significant change. Examining the period from 1870 to 1920 when imbecility became a discrete category, and a matter of concern in policy and practice, this paper focuses on conceptualizations around fright, idleness, morality, and parental mental state as behavioral, emotional, and psychological causes and attributions of “imbecility” in children. I view this in light of the Victorian emotional culture of “care and control,” which was driven by a shift in cost‐cutting and fear of the impact of “imbecile children” on society, justifying exclusions, defining boundaries, and driving change. In light of the legacy of the “deserving/undeserving paradigm” and “care and control” agenda propagated by the Poor Law established in 1834 in England (and in 1845 in Scotland), “idleness” and “immorality” implied a form of abnormality, while “fright” could cause abnormality, and all needed to be controlled. Furthermore “fright” was classified as an (external) emotional event or trigger that has a lasting impact, and an early indication of including psychological factors (in addition to somatic) in explanations of “deficiencies.” Using the Scottish National Institution for the Education of Imbecile Children founded in 1862 and the Waifs and Strays Society for destitute children, established in London in 1881 as examples, I argue that concerns about the rise of “mental deficiency” in the late Victorian and Edwardian periods were driven by moral panic as a force for social control, and to a lesser extent, the concept of care.
Sensitivity of Lung Point‐of‐Care Ultrasound (POCUS) to Predict Oxygen Requirements in Emerging Viral Infections
Authors: Theodoro Daniel L. , Coneybeare Di , Lema Penelope , Renz Nicholas , Wallace Laura , Ablordeppey Enyo , Stickles Sean , Rosenthal Alek , Holley Ian , Chamarti Sirivalli , Acuña Josie , Patterson James , Ancona Rachel , Adhikari Srikar
Published: January 2025

Objectives

The prognostic characteristics of lung point‐of‐care ultrasound (L‐POCUS) to predict respiratory decompensation in patients with emerging infections remains unstudied. Our objective was to examine whether scored lung ultrasounds predict hypoxia among a nonhypoxic, ambulatory population of patients with COVID‐19.

Methods

This was a diagnostic case–control study. Three academic emergency departments across the United States collected a convenience sample of nonhypoxic subjects with COVID‐19, scored subjects' hemithorax at 7 locations using lung ultrasound, and followed outcomes for 40 days. We defined cases as hypoxia (≤91% by pulse oxygenation) from 2 hours after index presentation to day 40. Follow‐up was by telephone plus home pulse oximeter and by chart review. We conducted a logistic regression to test the association between L‐POCUS scores and hypoxia. To evaluate lung ultrasound score prediction of a hypoxic event, we calculated sensitivity and specificity at optimal cut off scores and report receiver operating characteristic curve and area under the curve.

Results

We enrolled 163 subjects but excluded 15 (3 duplicate entries; 12 lost to follow up). Median age was 41 years (interquartile range [IQR] 31–56); 83 (56%) were female, and median body mass index was 29 (IQR 25–35). We classified 47 of 148 as hypoxic cases (32%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 25–40), leaving 101 controls. L‐POCUS scores associated with hypoxia by logistic regression (odds ratio = 1.05, 95% CI: 1.02–1.08), with a 5% increase in odds of hypoxia for each 1‐unit increase in L‐POCUS score. The optimal cut‐off score was 15 (sensitivity, 0.60; specificity, 0.73) and the area under the curve was 0·66 (95% CI 0·58–0·75). The correctly classified proportion was 69% (95% CI: 61–76).

Conclusions

Among nonhypoxic COVID‐19 patients, higher L‐POCUS rubric scores were associated with hypoxia but no scoring threshold strongly predicts hypoxia at 40 days.
Relationship Between Carotid Artery Remodeling Characteristics and Early Carotid Atherosclerosis
Authors: Yang Yujia , Hua Yang , Jia Lingyun
Published: January 2025

Objectives

This study analyzed carotid artery remodeling characteristics in early carotid atherosclerosis (ECAS).

Methods

The 1021 participants were evaluated using ultrasonography and categorized into three groups: Group A, 391 participants with increased intima‐media thickness (IMT); Group B, 300 participants with atherosclerotic plaque only on the carotid bulb (CB); and the control group (330 participants). The ratios of the diameters in the CB to those in the common carotid artery (DCCA) and internal carotid artery (DICA) were defined as carotid index1 (CI1) and 2 (CI2).

Results

Group A had a higher DCCA, DCB, and CI2 than the controls (P < .05). Group B had a smaller DCB, CI1, and CI2 than Group A, and higher DCCA and smaller CI1 than the controls (P < .05). Logistic regression showed that CI2 was a positive influencing factor for increased IMT (OR: 3.42, 95% CI: 1.74–6.70, P < .001), and CI1 was a negative independent factor for CB plaque formation (OR: 0.11, 95% CI: 0.04–0.28, P < .001). Multiple linear regression showed that only in Group B, the vessel side had a significant influence on CI1 (β = 0.055, P < .05), while age, sex, body mass index, and cerebrovascular risk factors had no significant correlation with CI.

Conclusions

The CB and common carotid artery showed positive remodeling with increased IMT, however, the CB showed negative remodeling with plaque formation. CI changes were consistent with CB remodeling. CI was an independent influencing factor for ECAS, and it was only affected by vessel side, providing an objective predictive parameter for ECAS.
Hypoxia threatens coral and sea anemone early life stages
Authors: Glass Benjamin H. , Barott Katie L.
Published: January 2025

Seawater hypoxia is increasing globally and can drive declines in organismal performance across a wide range of marine taxa. However, the effects of hypoxia on early life stages (e.g., larvae and juveniles) are largely unknown, and it is unclear how evolutionary and life histories may influence these outcomes. Here, we addressed this question by comparing hypoxia responses across early life stages of three cnidarian species representing a range of life histories: the reef‐building coral Galaxea fascicularis, a broadcast spawner with horizontal transmission of endosymbiotic algae (family Symbiodiniaceae); the reef‐building coral Porites astreoides, a brooder with vertical endosymbiont transmission; and the estuarine sea anemone Nematostella vectensis, a non‐symbiotic broadcast spawner. Transient exposure of larvae to hypoxia (dissolved oxygen < 2 mg L−1 for 6 h) led to decreased larval swimming and growth for all three species, which resulted in impaired settlement for the corals. Coral‐specific responses also included larval swelling, depressed respiration rates, and decreases in symbiont densities and function. These results indicate both immediate and latent negative effects of hypoxia on cnidarian physiology and coral–algal mutualisms specifically. In addition, G. fascicularis and P. astreoides were sensitized to heat stress following hypoxia exposure, suggesting that the combinatorial nature of climate stressors will lead to declining performance for corals. However, sensitization to heat stress was not observed in N. vectensis exposed to hypoxia, suggesting that this species may be more resilient to combined stressors. Overall, these results emphasize the importance of reducing anthropogenic carbon emissions to limit further ocean deoxygenation and warming.
Multicolor Borogermanate Glass Films for High‐Brightness Wide‐Color‐Gamut Laser‐Driven Projection Display
Authors: Xu Yue , Lin Hang , Wang Pengfei , Lin Yi , Wang Bo , Xu Ju , Cheng Yao , Wang Yuansheng
Published: January 2025

The urgent demand for color conversion composites in laser‐driven projection display technology has highlighted fluorescent phosphor‐in‐glass films (PiGF) as a promising material. The newly designed borogermanate glass matrix is proven to be a versatile platform for incorporating various commercial phosphors to create multicolor PiGFs. Notably, the controlled interfacial interaction leads to exceptional luminescent performance, particularly in achieving unprecedented quantum efficiency for rare earth ions activated (oxy)nitrides, which are of critical importance. By conducting comparative analyses in static and rotating excitation modes, the combined effects of thermal quenching and intensity quenching on luminescence saturation under high‐power blue laser irradiation are explored. The developed rotating phosphor wheel, featuring an intricate pattern structure, delivers high‐brightness high‐quality white light with a luminous flux (LF) of 1665 lm @26.8W mm−2, luminous efficacy (LE) of 84.4 lm W−1, and color rendering index (CRI) of 92. Introducing the four‐color “polygon scheme” significantly expands the color gamut of laser displays to 114% NTSC, thereby enhancing the visual experience with superior color reproduction.
A Korean Patient With Leber Congenital Amaurosis and a Homozygous RPE65 Variant Originating From a Paternal Uniparental Isodisomy
Authors: Lee Hane , Moon Dongseok , Khang Rin , Seo Go Hun , Yoon Chang Ki , Park Un Chul , Park Kyu Hyung , Lee Eun Kyoung
Published: January 2025

Background

Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), the most severe form of inherited retinal dystrophy, is a rare, heterogeneous, genetic eye disease associated with severe congenital visual impairment. RPE65, one of the causative genes for LCA, encodes retinoid isomerohydrolase, an enzyme that plays a critical role in regenerating visual pigment in photoreceptor cells.

Methods

Exome sequencing (ES) was performed on a patient with suspected LCA.

Results

Here, we report a 33‐year‐old male patient diagnosed with RPE65‐related LCA caused by uniparental isodisomy (UPiD) who received gene therapy as treatment, fourth patient to receive it in Korea. His fundus examinations showed salt‐and‐pepper retinal dystrophy, with diffuse extinguished signal on fundus autofluorescence and attenuated amplitude on electroretinogram. A homozygous frameshift variant NM_000329.3:c.1067del (p.Asn356MetfsTer17) in RPE65 was identified by ES with the entire chromosome 1 proving to be paternal UPiD. Within 5 months after the molecular diagnosis, the patient was treated with subretinal voretigene neparvovec (VN) therapy and is being followed up for prognosis.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this patient is the first UPiD case to receive VN treatment. Performing ES as a first‐tier test was favourable because it allowed to identify UPiD that needed to be detected in addition to the disease‐causing variant.
A Power Transistor Cell Optimized CMOS Power Amplifier for Ku‐Band Phased Array Application
Authors: Zhang Kai , Liu Shuai , Liu Zhiqing , Liu Huihua
Published: January 2025

A Ku‐band CMOS power amplifier (PA) with an optimized power transistor cell for phased array application has been implemented using ‐μm RF CMOS technology. To alleviate the parasitic effects induced by the metal interconnection between the common source and common gate, the power transistor cell has been optimized. A pair of cascode transistors is employed as a unit cell to construct the power cell so that the metal interconnection loss and power transmission capability of the cascode power transistor cell can be improved. To ease pressure on the hot carrier effect and current intensity requirement at C, the Ku‐band CMOS PA operates under a 1.8 V supply voltage and provides saturation output power of 14.3 dBm with a peak power‐added efficiency of 13.7% at 17 GHz. It shows suitable performances for phased array application.
Turning numbers into stories: Using data to create compelling web content
Authors: Talarico Donna
Published: January 2025

Last fall, I was honored to present a lightning talk at the Higher Education Web Professionals Association annual conference. These fast‐paced talks cover a topic in five minutes or less, and mine focused on using data to tell bite‐sized stories. I shared the stage with four other industry professionals who spoke about building custom GPTs, working with design systems, showing gratitude, and overcoming workplace obstacles.
Improving Interactions Around Student Concerns with Faculty
Authors: May Rachel
Published: January 2025

A new article proposes the benefits of medical school leaders supporting more positive interactions with respect to student concerns about faculty and offers suggestions that are applicable in any higher education context. Dr. John A. Rankin, a professor in the University of Massachusetts Chan School of Medicine, argues that medical school administrators have an “opportunity to teach students to voice these concerns productively … and thereby to teach critical conflict management skills that will serve students throughout their careers.”
Polyethylene glycol grafting by thiol‐ene reaction for the chemical modification of polyhydroxyalkanoates
Authors: Miyahara Yuki , Nakagawa Ayata , Nakata Yusuke , Nomura Christopher T. , Tsuge Takeharu
Published: January 2025

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are biodegradable thermoplastics synthesized from renewable biomass resources by various microbes. They have garnered significant attention owing to their superior biodegradability in natural environments compared to other biodegradable plastics. However, preserving their properties while preventing biodegradation during use as plastic material is crucial. In this study, polyethylene glycol (PEG)‐grafted PHAs were investigated for the development of biodegradable materials with controlled surface properties. To this end, PHA copolymers containing 6–19 mol% of 3‐hydroxy‐4‐pentenoate (3H4PE), which features an unsaturated side chain as a site for chemical modification, were synthesized using recombinant Escherichia coli and 4‐pentenoic acid as 3H4PE precursors. Thiol‐PEG (MW 2000) was then grafted onto the PHA at the unsaturated side chain via thiol‐ene ‘click’ chemistry reactions. Although the thermal properties of the PEG‐grafted PHA showed minimal changes compared with those of the unmodified PHA copolymers, the PEG‐grafted PHA films exhibited increased wettability and excellent protein‐repellent properties. Furthermore, when biodegradability was tested on an agar plate containing PEG‐grafted PHA, the PHA‐degrading bacteria did not form clear zones around their colonies when the PEG content was 12 wt%. These results suggest that PEG grafting effectively alters the properties of PHA, offering a promising strategy for controlling its biodegradability and its thermal and antifouling properties. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.
An Aerial Transport System in Marine GNSS‐Denied Environment
Authors: Sun Jianjun , Niu Zhenwei , Dong Yihao , Zhang Fenglin , Din Muhayy Ud , Seneviratne Lakmal , Lin Defu , Hussain Irfan , He Shaoming
Published: January 2025

This paper presents an autonomous aerial system specifically engineered for operation in challenging marine GNSS‐denied environments, aimed at transporting small cargo from a target vessel. In these environments, characterized by weakly textured sea surfaces with few feature points, chaotic deck oscillations due to waves, and significant wind gusts, conventional navigation methods often prove inadequate. Leveraging the DJI M300 platform, our system is designed to autonomously navigate and transport cargo while overcoming these environmental challenges. In particular, this paper proposes an anchor‐based localization method using ultrawideband and quick‐response codes facilities, which decouples the unmanned aerial vehicle's (UAV's) attitude from that of the moving landing platform, thus reducing control oscillations caused by platform movement. Additionally, a motor‐driven attachment mechanism for cargo is designed, which enhances the UAV's field of view during descent and ensures a reliable attachment to the cargo upon landing. The system's reliability and effectiveness were progressively enhanced through multiple outdoor experimental iterations and were validated by the successful cargo transport during the Mohamed Bin Zayed International Robotics Challenge 2024 competition. Crucially, the system addresses uncertainties and interferences inherent in maritime transportation missions without prior knowledge of cargo locations on the deck and with strict limitations on intervention throughout the transportation.
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Can Improve the Water Use and Phosphorus Acquisition Efficiencies of Aerobically Grown Rice
Authors: Watts‐Williams Stephanie J. , Gill Alison R. , Nguyen Thi Diem , Tavakkoli Ehsan , Jewell Nathaniel , Brien Chris
Published: January 2025

Most rice production is conducted in flooded (anaerobic) soil conditions, but aerobic rice cultivation presents several potential benefits: increased grain water use efficiency (gWUE), reduced methane emissions, and minimised loss of phosphorus (P). Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are more effective at colonising and functioning in rice under aerobic soil conditions, and this rice‐AM fungi association could increase both gWUE and P acquisition efficiency (PAE). We used a precision irrigation platform to apply watering treatments (60% or 80% of soil field capacity) throughout the experiment. Four commercial Australian rice varieties were grown with or without inoculation with Rhizophagus irregularis, and with addition of P fertiliser at 10 or 25 mg P kg–1 soil. Plants were grown to maturity (134–188 days after planting), after which grain yield, plant water use, gWUE, and PAE were determined. Overall, R. irregularis inoculation increased gWUE in all four rice varieties (by a mean of 14.4%), and increased grain yield and PAE in two varieties. Grain yields were primarily constrained by low water availability (mean 48.4% reduction), but P availability also limited yield in two varieties. Of the four, Topaz showed the greatest response to AM fungal inoculation, with increased qWUE and PAE. There is potential for AM fungal inoculation to increase the water use and P acquisition efficiencies of aerobically grown rice. However, the extent of these benefits depends on the specific rice variety, which highlights the importance of variety selection in transitioning to aerobic rice production in temperate regions and in enhancing the resilience of rice cultivation to climate change.
Preparation and Hydrophobicity of In Situ Biomineralized Biomimetic Hydrophobic Coating on Wood Surface
Authors: Cui Siyu , Li Jun , Zhang Kangkang , Yang Yushan , Qiu Jian
Published: January 2025

Inspired from the biomineralization of nacre in seawater, a method was proposed to synthesize superhydrophobic CaCO3 coating on the surface of spruce wood. After prenucleation, a platelike CaCO3 coating with structures on the surface of spruce wood was obtained by immersing it in simulated seawater solution at 60°C for 1–24 h to obtain the bionic superhydrophilic CaCO3 coating. The resulting spruce wood surface was then modified with FAS‐17. The FAS‐17 modified CaCO3/spruce wood surface has superhydrophobicity, with a water contact angle of 154.9°, but also had good thermal stability. Therefore, the construction of superhydrophobic surfaces provides theoretical support for the high value‐added utilization of wood substrates.
Intrahepatic portosystemic shunt: salvage mechanism for oligohydramnios complicating fetal growth restriction
Authors: Gilboa Y. , Drukker L. , Bar J. , Berbing‐Goldstein D. , Geron Y. , Mozer Glassberg Y. , Hadar E. , Charach R. , Bardin R.
Published: January 2025

Objective

Portosystemic shunts in growth‐restricted fetuses are more common than previously thought. We aimed to describe fetuses with growth restriction and transient oligohydramnios in which a congenital intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (CIPSS) was noted during follow‐up.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of all fetuses diagnosed with growth restriction and transient oligohydramnios during a 5‐year period in a large tertiary referral center. Our routine evaluation of growth‐restricted fetuses includes monitoring of estimated fetal weight, assessment of biophysical profile, Doppler imaging, thorough examination of the umbilical–portal system and evaluation of cardiac function using fetal tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (f‐TAPSE). We compared these parameters before and after the resolution of the oligohydramnios using descriptive statistics and the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test for paired non‐parametric variables. During the surveillance of fetuses with transient oligohydramnios, we noted the appearance of a CIPSS and followed up such cases after birth.

Results

A total of 2144 women with a singleton pregnancy with suspected fetal growth restriction were referred to our center between January 2018 and December 2022. In 12 fetuses, oligohydramnios was evident upon initial assessment, and a CIPSS was diagnosed with normalization of amniotic fluid level. The median gestational age at diagnosis of growth restriction and oligohydramnios was 25 (range, 21–30) weeks. The estimated fetal weight was at the 1st percentile in 10/12 fetuses. The median amniotic fluid index was 5 (range, 2–5) cm at the initial appointment and improved significantly to 13 (range, 11–20) cm following the shunt diagnosis (P = 0.002). Among fetuses with f‐TAPSE data available, the f‐TAPSE increased significantly from 4.0 (range, 3.0–5.0) mm before the diagnosis of CIPSS to 8.0 (range, 5.0–9.4) mm following the diagnosis (P = 0.043). The median gestational age at delivery was 36.3 (range, 30.8–38.4) weeks. In nine (75%) fetuses, the diagnosed shunt was left portal to left hepatic vein. Neonatal follow‐up revealed spontaneous shunt resolution within 30 months in all newborns. One newborn required embolization owing to suspected shunt, however, no shunt was detected during the procedure.

Conclusions

The development of CIPSS in growth‐restricted fetuses with oligohydramnios appears to improve hemodynamic status as evidenced by normalization of amniotic fluid index and increase in f‐TAPSE. Evaluation of the liver portal system in fetuses with growth restriction offers an understanding of the shunt salvage phenomenon. © 2025 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Exact stream function solutions for two‐dimensional incompressible couple stress fluid flow
Authors: Sikander Fahad , Khan Muhammad Riaz , Alqahtani Aisha M. , Alsemiry Reima Daher , Al‐sinan Bushra R. , Alotaibi Fawziah M. , Alroobaea Roobaea
Published: January 2025

In this work, the separation of variables approach is employed to investigate and assess analytical stream function solutions for two‐dimensional incompressible couple stress fluid flow. The suggested method involves transforming the governing partial differential equations (PDEs) of fluid flow into ordinary differential equations (ODEs) by assuming that the stream function solution may be written as an addition of two functions, each based on a single variable. Without imposing any particular boundary requirements on the intended model, this study allows for a wide investigation of flow behaviours. This work explores the effects of several parameters, such as density, pressure coefficient of viscosity and especially the couple stress parameter, on velocity profiles. The derived solutions, expressed as stream functions, are applicable to several two‐dimensional flow conditions involving couple stress fluids. By providing crucial insights into the behaviour of incompressible couple stress fluids, these results have practical consequences for biomedical modelling, industrial fluid processes and lubrication systems, among other uses.
Engaging Citizens in Dialogue on Technoscience
Authors: Macnaghten Phil
Published: January 2025

Against the background of skepticism in the legitimacy of citizen engagement processes on technological and industrial risk issues, this article engages with the methodological and conceptual challenges of engaging citizens from the bottom-up. A public engagement methodology is presented aimed at anticipating the kinds of issues and problem framings that science, technology and industry bring into being. Drawing on two parallel deliberative methods and informed by two empirical social science research projects, design criteria are explicated on context, framing, moderation, sampling, analysis and interpretation. A feature of the methodology lies in the assembly of emergent collectives and identities that are constituted to negotiate endogenously public meanings, concerns and priorities. The potential of such processes is to reconfigure dominant policy narratives and to move the conversation upstream before pathologies of closure and lock-in set in.
Broadening the Scope of Industrial Risk Assessment and Management
Authors: Rebotier Julien
Published: January 2025

This short chapter describes risk governance in Esmeraldas, Ecuador. It highlights the social, political and economic complexity that underlies current governance practices, and why it is so difficult to break away from the established order. This case illustrates the importance of decompartmentalizing risk analysis and risk management. When it comes to risk, and in this case industrial risk, other factors always come into the equation. In Esmeraldas, everything outside the industrial facilities is somehow directly or indirectly involved in the risk situations that arise there. This case argues for greater openness and integration in industrial risk analysis and management, which are usually handled internally, within the very structure of the organizations in question. The hypothesis is that what is gained in terms of lasting and significant impact (by working on structural and fundamental mechanisms) can make up for what is lost in terms of simplicity (in taking an industry-focused approach).
Einleitung
Authors: Sehmer Julian
Published: January 2025

Mittlerweile liegen vermehrt auch in der Sozialen Arbeit Befunde vor, die darauf hinweisen, dass primär nicht wissenschaftlich gewonnenes und über das Studium angeeignetes theoretisches wie methodisches Wissen für sozialpädagogisches Handeln als bedeutsam markiert wird. Wie für die Verwendungsforschung insgesamt zeigt sich so auch in sozialpädagogischen Feldern, dass es kaum möglich zu sein scheint – zumindest nicht realisiert wird – sozialpädagogisches Handeln in den Handlungsfeldern vorwiegend anhand dieses systematisch gewonnenen Wissens zu begründen und es so in praktisches Handeln zu transformieren. Gegenüber den empirischen wie theoretischen wissenschaftlich-disziplinären Wissensbeständen markieren Fachkräfte insbesondere biographisch gewonnenes und lebensweltlich grundiertes Wissen als bedeutsam für ihr Handeln.
Reflexion – Einordnung – Kritik
Authors: Sehmer Julian
Published: January 2025

Im Anschluss an die empirischen Analysen (Kapitel 9) und daraus gewonnenen Erkenntnisse sowie darüber erfolgten Konturierungen, der im Feld (re)produzierten normativen Ordnungen (Kapitel 10) lassen sich, wenn auch sicherlich unvollständig und selektiv, Schlaglichter für eine weitere theoretische Kontextualisierung werfen. Dazu soll zunächst noch einmal grundlegender und in Ergänzung der empirischen Befunde in Kapitel 10 auf die Bedeutung sozialer Normen für sozialpädagogische Praxis eingegangen und diskutiert werden, unter welchen Voraussetzungen die Kritik normativer Bezüge der Fachkräfte nicht nur sinnvoll, sondern für die Weiterentwicklung professioneller wie auch disziplinärer Überlegungen angeraten ist (Abschnitt 11.1). Aus dieser Diskussion sollen erste Ableitungen für das disziplinäre Verständnis sozialpädagogischer Praktiken und darüber vermittelt sozialpädagogischer Professionalität gezogen werden (Abschnitt 11.2), bevor anhand von vier Reflexionsangeboten eine weitergehende kritische und differenzierte Thematisierung der spezifischen Praxis der (Re)Produktion sozialer Normen unternommen und dabei erste Überlegungen für weitere Untersuchungen und Impulse für die Irritation problematischer normativer Adressierungen in Kapitel 12 skizziert werden.
Reflexive Limitierungsanalysen
Authors: Sehmer Julian
Published: January 2025

Der Beginn der vorliegenden Arbeit ist von der Frage geprägt, wieso Thematisierungen der Kinderschutzpraxis von der beständigen Wiederholung bekannter Defizitdiagnosen geprägt sind, während bestimmte andere Aspekte, die insbesondere von Fachkräften als bedeutsam für die Praxis markiert werden (etwa die Bedeutung sozialer Normen), nicht systematisch Eingang in Professionsstudien und Beschreibungen der Praxis finden. Die Überlegungen sind von der These getragen, dass die Auslassungen in Engführungen respektive Limitierungen (bestehend aus Limitationen und insbesondere Präformationen) begründet sein könnten, die an strukturelle Logiken und Aufmerksamkeitsfoki sozialpädagogischer Kinderschutzforschung anschließen und daher auch forschungsmethodologisch nicht trivial sind.
Rekonstruktion
Authors: Sehmer Julian
Published: January 2025

Das Kapitel „Rekonstruktion“ bildet den empirischen Kern der zweiten Teilstudie. Vorgestellt werden die forschungsmethodischen und -methodologischen Grundlagen der empirischen Studie (Ethnographie, Grounded Theory und Sequenzanalyse) sowie die zentralen Fallanalysen aus der untersuchten Kinderschutzpraxis. Die empirische Rekonstruktion verfolgt, wie die gesamte Arbeit, zwei Zielsetzungen. Sie dient zum einen der empirischen Aufklärung sozialpädagogischer Subjekt- und Adressierungspraktiken – also jener Praktiken, über die Subjektformierungen anhand sozialer Normen performativ (re)produziert werden. Hierzu werden Praktiken im Kinderschutz in Verantwortung des Allgemeinen Sozialen Dienstes rekonstruiert und anhand spezifischer Rahmungen innerhalb der Logik der untersuchten Praxis kontextualisiert. Rekonstruiert wird so anhand der untersuchten Kinderschutzpraxis, welche Bedeutung soziale Normen im Kinderschutz haben, wie konkrete soziale Normen und normative Ordnungen in Dokumenten, Organisationsabläufen, internen Besprechungen, Briefen und Hausbesuchen als gültig erklärt und wie darüber Fälle in spezifischer Weise konstruiert werden. Zum anderen wird dabei zugleich der erarbeitete theoretische Ansatz – die Heuristik aus dem vorangegangenen Kapitel – empirisch angereichert und so zu einem gegenstandsverankerten theoretischen Konzept von Subjekt- und Adressierungspraktiken in sozialpädagogischen Praxen weiterentwickelt.
Serotonin receptor 5-HT7 modulates inflammatory-associated functions of macrophages
Authors: Bahr Frauke S. , Müller Franziska E. , Kasten Martina , Benen Nils , Sieve Irina , Scherr Michaela , Falk Christine S. , Hilfiker-Kleiner Denise , Ricke-Hoch Melanie , Ponimaskin Evgeni
Published: January 2025

The hormone and neurotransmitter serotonin regulates numerous physiological functions within the central nervous system and in the periphery upon binding to specific receptors. In the periphery, the serotonin receptor 7 (5-HT7R) is expressed on different immune cells including monocytes and macrophages. To investigate the impact of 5-HT7R-mediated signaling on macrophage properties, we used human THP-1 cells and differentiated them into pro-inflammatory M1- and anti-inflammatory M2-like macrophages. Pharmacological 5-HT7R activation with the specific agonist LP-211 especially modulates morphology of M1-like macrophages by increasing the number of rounded cells. Furthermore, 5-HT7R stimulation results in significantly reduced phagocytic and migratory ability of M1-like macrophages. Noteworthy, LP-211 treatment leads to changes in secretory properties of all macrophage types with the highest effects obtained for M0- and M2c-like macrophages. Finally, the importance of 5-HT7R for regulation of phagocytosis was confirmed in human primary CD14+ cells. These results indicate that 5-HT7R activation selectively impairs basic functions of macrophages and might thus be a new access point for the modulation of macrophage responses in the future treatment of inflammatory diseases.
The value of early root development traits in breeding programs for biomass yield in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.)
Authors: Malinowska M. , Kristensen P. S. , Nielsen B. , Fè D. , Ruud A. K. , Lenk I. , Greve M. , Asp T.
Published: January 2025

Key message

Early root traits, particularly total root length, are heritable and show positive genetic correlations with biomass yield in perennial ryegrass; incorporating them into breeding programs can enhance genetic gain.

Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) is an important forage grass widely used in pastures and lawns, valued for its high nutritive value and environmental benefits. Despite its importance, genetic improvements in biomass yield have been slow, mainly due to its outbreeding nature and the challenges of improving multiple traits simultaneously. This study aims to assess the potential advantages of including early root traits in the perennial ryegrass breeding process. Root traits, including total root length (TRL) and root angle (RA) were phenotyped in a greenhouse using rhizoboxes, and genetic correlations with field yield were estimated across three European locations over two years. Bivariate models estimated significant genetic correlations of 0.40 (SE = 0.14) between TRL and field yield, and a weak but positive correlation to RA of 0.15 (SE = 0.14). Heritability estimates were 0.36 for TRL, 0.39 for RA, and 0.31 for field yield across locations. Incorporating root trait data into selection criteria can improve the efficiency of breeding programs, potentially increasing genetic gain by approximately 10%. This results highlight the potential of early root traits to refine selection criteria in perennial ryegrass breeding programs, contributing to higher yield and efficiency.
MRI features that predict progression of residual disease after ablation of extra-abdominal desmoid fibromatosis
Authors: Düx Daniel M. , Chodakiewitz Yosef , Bitton Rachelle , Sewell Sharmila , Sheth Vipul R. , Ghanouni Pejman , Brunsing Ryan L.
Published: January 2025

Objective

To identify MRI features of desmoid tumors (DTs) that predict the growth of residual disease following ablation.

Methods

Patients who underwent MRI-guided ablation for DTs between February 2013 and April 2021 were included in this single-center IRB-approved retrospective study. MRI scans assessed three suspicious tissue features: intermediate T2 signal [+iT2], nodular appearance [+NOD], and contrast enhancement [+ENH]. Percent-monthly change in diameter (PMCD) of suspicious foci determined growth (PMCD > 1%), unchanged (PMCD between −1% and +1%), or regression (PMCD < −1%). Statistical tests compared mean PMCD between groups and evaluated sensitivity and specificity.

Results

Thirty-three patients (32 years ± 13.3; 22 females) with 34 DTs underwent 47 MRI-guided ablations, with a median follow-up of 269 days (IQR 147). Of 93 suspicious foci, 62 (67%) grew (PMCD: +5.6% IQR: 5.8), 13 (14%) remained unchanged (PMCD: −0.1% IQR: 0.6), and 18 (19%) regressed (PMCD: −3.9% IQR: 4.2). Features [+iT2], [+ENH], and [+NOD] were associated with PMCDs of +5.2% IQR: 6.0, +3.4% IQR: 6.0, and +3.4% IQR: 6.5, respectively, compared to −1.5% IQR: 4.7 (p < 0.0001), −0.5% IQR: 0.8 (p = 0.003), and +0.4% IQR: 7.5 (p = 0.0056) for their respective negative counterparts. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for distinguishing growth were [+iT2]: 0.95, 0.71, 0.87, [+ENH]: 1.00, 0.32, 0.77, and [+NOD]: 0.84, 0.42, 0.70. Combining [+iT2 + NOD + ENH] yielded PMCD +5.9% IQR: 6.2 and the best performance for distinguishing growth (sensitivity 0.81, specificity 0.94, accuracy 0.85).

Discussion

MRI features reliably predict the growth of residual or recurrent DTs post-ablation, with [+iT2] being the most accurate. Adding nodular enhancement to [+iT2] improved specificity without sacrificing accuracy.

Key Points

Question

Post-ablation imaging of desmoids is challenging due to tumor heterogeneity and treatment-related inflammation. This study evaluates MRI features for assessing future tumor growth.

Findings

Foci of intermediate T2 signal post-ablation predicted desmoid growth with high sensitivity (0.95), while T2 signal, nodularity, and enhancement combined offer high specificity (0.94).

Clinical relevance

Intermediate T2 signal predicts desmoid tumor growth post-ablation with high sensitivity and accuracy but moderate specificity. Combining nodularity and enhancement improves specificity and predictive value, helping clinicians in managing desmoid tumor patients post-ablation.
Walsh’s Conformal Map onto Lemniscatic Domains for Several Intervals
Authors: Schiefermayr Klaus , Sète Olivier
Published: January 2025

We consider Walsh’s conformal map from the complement of a compact set

$$E = \cup _{j=1}^\ell E_j$$

E
=

∪

j
=
1

ℓ

E
j

with

$$\ell $$

ℓ

components onto a lemniscatic domain

$$\widehat{\mathbb {C}} \setminus L$$

C
^

\
L

, where L has the form

$$L = \{ w \in \mathbb {C}: \prod _{j=1}^\ell |w - a_j|^{m_j} \le {{\,\textrm{cap}\,}}(E) \}$$

L
=
{
w
∈
C
:

∏

j
=
1

ℓ

|
w
-

a
j

|

m
j

≤

cap

(
E
)

}

. We prove that the exponents

$$m_j$$

m
j

appearing in L satisfy

$$m_j = \mu _E(E_j)$$

m
j

=

μ
E

(

E
j

)

, where

$$\mu _E$$

μ
E

is the equilibrium measure of E. When E is the union of

$$\ell $$

ℓ

real intervals, we derive a fast algorithm for computing the centers

$$a_1, \ldots , a_\ell $$

a
1

,
…
,

a
ℓ

. For

$$\ell = 2$$

ℓ
=
2

, the formulas for

$$m_1, m_2$$

m
1

,

m
2

and

$$a_1, a_2$$

a
1

,

a
2

are explicit. Moreover, we obtain the conformal map numerically. Our approach relies on the real and complex Green’s functions of

$$\widehat{\mathbb {C}} \setminus E$$

C
^

\
E

and

$$\widehat{\mathbb {C}} \setminus L$$

C
^

\
L

.
Establishing epilepsy surgery in Georgia—a multinational project for exchange, education, and cooperation
Authors: Schneider Ulf C. , Gzirishvili Nino , Kasradze Sofia , Tsikarishvili Vladimer , Maghalashvili Edisher , Bäuerle Peter , Dugladze Tamar , Gloveli Tengis , Holtkamp Martin
Published: January 2025

In patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, surgical resection of the seizure focus may represent the best treatment option. In Georgia, a structured epilepsy surgery program was lacking until 2017, when a German-Georgian project was initiated to establish necessary facilities, define diagnostic and treatment standards, and educate local healthcare providers. After a scientific symposium in Tbilisi in 2017, six surgical intervention visits have taken place. Georgian epileptologists and a neuropsychologist visited the Berlin-Brandenburg Epilepsy Center to observe presurgical evaluation procedures. Surgical indications are made by the Georgian team and discussed with German epileptologists either in Tbilisi or via online conferences. Scientific and educational efforts have been launched to address drug-resistant epilepsy topics more broadly. Since 2018, 13 patients with temporal lobe epilepsy and hippocampal sclerosis have undergone resective epilepsy surgery. In September 2023, seven patients with 12+ months follow-up were examined. Five patients became completely seizure-free (ILAE 1), one had auras (ILAE 2), and one had disabling seizures (ILAE 4). Quality of life improved substantially, and antiseizure medication was reduced in many cases. Most patients reported better memory function and returned to work. All except one patient rated their surgery decision as “good”. Supporting complex medical procedures in regions in need can be rewarding but must meet specialized standards. The seizure outcomes in Georgia compare favorably with existing literature, showing that careful education and teamwork can achieve excellent results despite technical limitations. The teams have become close collaborators, and efforts continue to provide high-quality epilepsy surgery for the Georgian population.
Exploring the phytoremediation potential of plant species in soils impacted by gold mining in Northern Colombia
Authors: Córdoba-Tovar Leonomir , Marrugo-Madrid Siday , Castro Libia Pérez , Tapia-Contreras Eunice Ester , Marrugo-Negrete José , Díez Sergi
Published: January 2025

Contamination of soils with toxic metals poses significant threats to human health and ecosystems. Plant-based remediation strategies can play a vital role in mitigating these risks, and the use of plants as a remediation strategy can help reduce these risks. In this study, we investigate the remediation potential of native plants in accumulating and translocating metal(loid)s at a Colombian site impacted by gold mining. The remediation capacity is evaluated using the translocation factor (TF) from roots to shoots and the bioconcentration factor (BCF) from soil to roots. Metal(loid) concentrations in the soil followed the order: Fe > As > Hg > Cd > Pb > Zn > Mn > Cu. In plant tissues, Hg showed higher accumulation in leaves (3.5 mg/kg) compared to roots (2.8 mg/kg). Pb (17.7 mg/kg), As (3.8 mg/kg), Fe (2.5 mg/kg) and Cd (1.2 mg/kg) concentracions were also higher in roots. Metal concentrations in the stems, were generally below 1.0 mg/kg, except for Pb (15.0 mg/kg) and Hg (1.0 mg/kg). The highest BCF values for Hg were observed in Spondias mombin L. (18.7), Cecropia peltata L. (8.3) and Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Walp (4.4). On the other hand, Senna alata (L.) Roxb., Psidium guajava L. and Morinda citrifolia L. exhibited notable BFC values for As with 44.7, 6.3 and 5.9, respectively. Musa x paradisiaca L. had the highest BCF for Cd (1.8). M. citrifolia (4.3) and Annona muricata L. (3.2) exhibited the highest TF for Hg, while Tabebuia rosea (Bertol.) Bertero ex A.DC. (4.9) and Paspalum fasciculatum Willd. ex (3.1) demonstrated elevated TF values for Pb. In conclusion, plants such as P. fasciculatum, A. muricata, M. citrifolia, G. sepium and T. rosea exhibit great potential for application in phytoremediation strategies in tropical regions impacted by gold mining activities.