bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Renal Morphologic Lesions Reminiscent of Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Raparia Kirtee , Usman Irtaza , Kanwar Yashpal S.
Published: March 2013

Context.—Nodular, intercapillary glomerulosclerotic lesions resembling Kimmelstiel-Wilson nodules commonly observed in diabetic nephropathy can also be seen in patients without any clinical history or evidence of diabetes.

Objectives.—To discuss the pathobiology of lesions reminiscent of diabetes nephropathy, including light-chain deposition disease, amyloidosis, immunotactoid nephropathy, the membranoproliferative form of glomerulonephritis, and idiopathic nodular glomerulosclerosis, and how to differentiate them from diabetic nephropathy.

Data Sources.—Published literature and authors' personal experience.

Conclusions.—The well-formed, intercapillary, nodular mesangial lesions, along with thickened glomerular basement membranes and tubular basement membranes, and hyaline arteriolosclerosis are virtually pathognomic of diabetic nephropathy. However, the pathologist must exclude lesions reminiscent of diabetic nephropathy by performing special stains on histologic sections, immunofluorescence, and electron microscopic studies.
Chlorate, perchlorate, and bromate in onsite‐generated hypochlorite systems
Authors: Stanford Benjamin D. , Pisarenko Aleksey N. , Dryer Deborah J. , Zeigler‐Holady Janie C. , Gamage Sujanie , Quiñones Oscar , Vanderford Brett J. , Dickenson Eric R.V.
Published: February 2013

This study evaluated the occurrence and temporal variability of chlorate, perchlorate, and bromate in 26 low‐strength onsite‐generated (OSG) hypochlorite systems and three high‐strength systems. None of the samples from the systems tested would have contributed more than 1 μg/L perchlorate to the finished water, even at a 10‐mg/L chlorine dose; similarly, none of the samples exceeded the NSF International specific product allowable concentration for bromate of 0.5 μg/mg free chlorine. Of the samples collected, however, 10 of the 29 unique OSG systems would have exceeded the US Environmental Protection Agency's 210‐μg/L health reference level for chlorate at a dose of only 5 mg/L chlorine, and 21 of the 29 would have exceeded 210 μg/L chlorate at the 10‐mg/L chlorine maximum use level. No apparent correlation was found between chlorate production and OSG brand, age, or capacity nor was any correlation observed between chlorate production and pH, transition metals, chloride, conductivity, or temperature.
Water and hydraulic fracturing
Authors: Carpenter Adam T.
Published: February 2013

This article provides an overview of the AWWA white paper ‐ Water and Hydraulic Fracturing ‐ that was requested by AWWA's Water Utility Council in response to increasing oil and natural gas development and the difficulty many utilities have experienced in seeking balanced and authoritative information on this issue.
The power of smart water networks
Authors: Walsby Colin
Published: February 2013

Smart technologies can be leveraged to help address the challenges currently faced by water utilities.
Merger Mania: A Look Back and a Look Forward
Authors: Maxwell Steve
Published: February 2013

The North American water industry has been experiencing a frenzy of external investment, mergers, consolidation, and acquisition activity for almost two decades now. Continuous ownership changes and nonstop wheeling and dealing seem to be the norm in this industry, and sometimes it's downright hard to remember who owns whom. People in the industry have gotten used to having a new owner or a new boss every other year. Everybody wants to get into the water industry.
Kidney Transplantation in the United States: Economic Burden and Recent Trends Analysis
Authors: Janjua Halima S. , Hains David S. , Mahan John D.
Published: March 2013

Objective

As kidney transplant is the preferred mode of management of advanced kidney disease and economic trends for kidney transplant procedures are not well known, data were analyzed to assess these trends.

Data Source

Annual data for 1998 to 2008 from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality were used to analyze characteristics of patients discharged from hospitals in the United States with kidney transplant as the primary procedure.

Data Synthesis/Results

The population more than 65 years old had the most significant increase in hospitalizations for kidney transplant procedures (P < .01). The mean length of stay decreased by 2.8 days over the period studied ( P = .02). Mean hospital charge increased despite a decrease in length of stay resulting in a 225% increase in charge per day of hospitalization, from $6907 in 1998 to $22484 in 2008. The national aggregate hospital charges for kidney transplant procedures rose from $0.9 billion in 1998 to $3.1 billion in 2008. Kidney transplant was overall ranked sixth by mean cost per hospitalization and ranked seventh by mean charge per hospitalization among the Clinical Classification Software's Services and Procedures in this database in 2008.

Conclusion

Despite shorter hospital stays, the economic burden of kidney transplants increased from 1998 to 2008.
Completeness and Satisfaction with the Education and Information Received by Patients Immediately after Kidney Transplant: A Mixed-Models Study
Authors: Haspeslagh Annelies , De Bondt Kathleen , Kuypers Dirk , Naesens Maarten , Breunig Carine , Dobbels Fabienne
Published: March 2013

Context

Self-management is important in ensuring good clinical results in kidney transplant recipients. It was unclear whether the current education program at a single kidney transplant center sufficiently prepares recent transplant recipients for the many complex self-management tasks required.

Objective

To evaluate the completeness of and the satisfaction with the current inpatient kidney transplant education program and to determine recipients' needs for information in the first months after discharge.

Methods

We used a concurrent mixed-methods design, including 31 kidney transplant recipients who were assessed via a semistructured interview (qualitative part) and a questionnaire specifically designed for this study, consisting of 30 Likert-type and open-ended questions (quantitative part).

Results

Kidney transplant patients reported having received extensive information about medication use after transplant surgery (antirejection medication, 93.5%). Information about healthy lifestyle (physical activity and rehabilitation, 54.8%), return to work (54.8%), and emotional coping (25.8%) was considered suboptimal, although most patients expressed a need for such information. Patients indicated a need for more concrete and practical information, not only during their hospital stay, but also in the long term after transplant.

Conclusions

This is the first mixed-models approach showing that our education program immediately after transplant focuses on the transfer of factual knowledge, which seems to insufficiently train patients in developing self-management skills. Updates of our program are warranted to overcome the gaps in the information provided, to provide more practical tips, and to repeat education in the long-term after the transplant surgery, tailored to the patients' needs.
Assessing Health Literacy in Renal Failure and Kidney Transplant Patients
Authors: Escobedo Wendy , Weismuller Penny
Published: March 2013

Context

A report released in 2004 by the Institute of Medicine estimated that as many as 90 million Americans do not have the necessary skills required to manage complex treatment regimens or navigate through current health care systems successfully.

Objectives

To identify the level of health literacy in patients seen at a suburban transplant center by using the Newest Vital Sign tool to assess health literacy.

Design and Setting

This descriptive study used survey methods. The convenience sample included 44 adult patients, both English and Spanish speaking, who attended a routine clinic visit at a suburban transplant center.

Methods

The Newest Vital Sign tool was administered during routine outpatient medical visits. Demographic information collected included age, sex, highest level of education, and whether or not the participant was on dialysis or received a kidney transplant. Descriptive statistics were completed for each answer on the tool. Chi-square analyses were done to determine whether demographic factors or the presence of dialysis affected health literacy in this sample. A 1-way analysis of variance between-subjects test was run to compare the effect of primary language and educational level on scores.

Results

Of the 44 participants, 18 (41%) had scores indicating a possible likelihood to a high likelihood of limited health literacy. Twenty-nine percent of the English-speaking participants and 89% of the Spanish-speaking participants scored in this range. An association was also found between performance on the survey and level of education. However, assessment of educational level alone is not predictive of health literacy; 8 participants (18%) had a high school or college education yet scored as having limited health literacy.
Monitoring Patients with Continuous-Flow Ventricular Assist Devices Outside of the Intensive Care Unit: Novel Challenges to Bedside Nursing
Authors: O'Shea Genevieve , Teuteberg Jeffrey J. , Severyn Donald A.
Published: March 2013

Ventricular assist devices provide therapeutic options for patients with severe heart failure who have exhausted available medical therapies. With restoration of organ perfusion with ventricular assist devices, the heart failure resolves and quality of life and functional status improve. The current generation of continuous-flow devices present novel challenges to the clinical assessment of patients by substantially reducing or nearly eliminating any palpable pulse. Patients therefore generally have inadequate arterial pulsatility for most noninvasive monitoring devices such as pulse oximeters or automated blood pressure cuffs to work accurately. This article describes the function of continuous-flow devices and how this function affects common monitoring options, as well as how to clinically assess recipients of continuous-flow devices to promptly identify those whose condition may be deteriorating or who may be receiving inadequate perfusion.
Telephone Requests for Donation: Concerns Expressed by Families and the Impact of the Donor Registry
Authors: Verble Margaret , Darcy Kimberly , Penta Jeffrey G. , Worth Judy
Published: March 2013

Context

The request process for eye and tissue donation is different from the process that families of organ donors experience, but the research into eye/tissue-only decision making has been sparse.

Objective

To determine the concerns of families approached over the phone for eye/tissue donations and to study the impact of the donor registry on those decisions.

Design, Setting and Participants

Written instrument filled out by family services coordinators while speaking with families about donation via phone in the San Diego, California, area during 2011.

Main Outcome Measures

Responses marked on a 21-item instrument, contextual notes, donor registrations, and decisions made.

Results

With a 60% refusal rate, the most common reasons reported for declining donation are that the potential donor said during life he/she did not want to donate (26%) or that the family, not knowing the potential donor's wishes, opted not to donate (13%). Other specific reasons for not donating were as follows: wanting the body buried whole (8%), concerns about age and prior health (7%), and incompatibility with religion or culture (7%). Consenting families had different concerns: worries about delays (36%), the potential donors' age and health (25%), how the body might look for viewing (14%), the amount of paperwork (10%), for-profit status of beneficiaries (9%), international distribution (8%), and family disunity (8%). Registry-related refusals weighted against donations of tissues from registered donors amounted to a deficit of 92 potential donations. When donations lost to faulty assumptions based on public education are added, the deficit increases to 122 lost donations.
The Present State of Unpopular Music
Authors: Beckwith John
Published: March 2013

When asked, "what kind of music do you write?" the late composer Harry Somers always replied "unpopular music." Whatever it is called, the category has undergone marked changes recently. SOCAN's 1992 transference of control from its "classical" wing to its commercial sector was, for the Canadian musical scene, a historic indicator of change.

The death of modernism has become a critical cliché. Recent studies declare the end of "classical" music cultivation in the U.S.A. Composers are enjoined to conform to the vocabulary of U.S. pop. A simplified and meditative popular approach is espoused by some, notably (in Canada) Christos Hatzis.

Despite signs of decline, a minority consumership for new "unpopular" works of diverse kinds remains strong. For a marginalized Canadian, local communication is genuine, and small is beautiful.
Crossing the Rubicon: Debussy and the Eternal Present of the Past
Authors: Marion Gregory
Published: March 2013

This paper proposes that Mikhail Bakhtin's heteroglossia—the process of coming to know one's own language in the language of others—is evident in two of Debussy's compositions fromChildren's Corner,most directly in "Golliwogg's Cake-Walk" and more subtly in "Serenade for the Doll." In particular, "Serenade" collapses a number of historical horizons—some of these Wagnerian—as Debussy finds his own compositional path. Debussy's approach reflects the obsessionLa belle Époquehad with the past, and moreover with its need to keep the past alive while fashioning a future through the blending of multiple voices.
On dual‐purpose buildings built by the Incorporated Church Building Society (Part 2): From the early to middle 20th century
Authors: Ebara Sumiko
Published: February 2025

Most of the dual‐purpose buildings built by the Incorporated Church Building Society in the 19th century were mission buildings. In the 20th century, many consecrated churches were constructed as dual‐purpose buildings. Installing a stage for secular use became common. However, reserving at least one‐third of the total floor to be used exclusively for worship was recommended. In addition, several floor plans emerged that allowed the worship floor to be extended but not vice versa. A wider range of floor plan variations was found that explicitly identified worship as the primary use.
Combinatorial Optimization and Large‐Scale Integration of Organic, Low‐Energy, and Fully‐Printed Flexible Ribbon Photosensors
Authors: Bairaktaris Georgios , Hemmi Yudai , Kobayashi Ryota , Hommura Yuki , Bestelink Eva , Matsui Hiroyuki , Sporea Radu A.
Published: February 2025

The development and optimization of flexible electronics has allowed technology to be better integrated in applications and environments where the physically rigid nature of electronics is previously a limiting factor. Printing techniques contribute to lowering the fabrication costs and making manufacturing‐on‐demand viable. The use of flexible electronics in the user interface domain has been previously explored with solution‐processed optical photodetectors created and the feasibility of using flexible sensors demonstrated in augmented paper applications. In this work, low‐cost photodetectors are developed using scalable printing techniques, their electrical performance is analyzed, and their stability over time is studied both in air and in vacuum, the structure is optimized through a combinatorial optimization experiment, and a scalable integration method is demonstrated for creating larger, addressable arrays of detectors. This is a demonstration of how printing methods allow for easy, cost‐effective, and low‐energy manufacturing of uniform and stable photosensors.
The role of tele‐ultrasound for real‐time remote guidance for femoral nerve blocks in the emergency department
Authors: Mand Simanjit K. , Koehler Jessica , Baez Jessica R. , Minges Patrick G. , Stolz Lori A.
Published: February 2025

The use of point‐of‐care ultrasound (POCUS) is integral to the practice of emergency medicine, particularly for procedural guidance. While simulated repetitions can aid in educating physicians in rare or difficult procedures, they cannot replace the need for real‐time supervision and guidance especially when a learner is performing a procedure on a patient for the first time. However, procedural experts may not be immediately available in many clinical environments. We present a framework for a tele‐ultrasound protocol for use with femoral nerve blocks in which expert proceduralists can be readily available to assist with ultrasound‐guided procedures with ease and accessibility.
Factors associated with performance on the emergency medicine qualifying examination
Authors: Santen Sally A. , Calderon Yvette , Reisdorff Earl , Johnston Mary M. , Joldersma Kevin B. , Corbin Theodore , Kraus Chadd K. , Boatright Dowin
Published: February 2025

Background

Board certification standards exceed the baseline requirements for state licensure, assuring the public that specialists demonstrate additional clinical skills, knowledge, and professional behavior to provide safe and high‐quality specialty care. The objective of this study was to determine what physician factors (e.g., gender, age, race/ethnicity, medical school training, and other factors) were associated with the American Board of Emergency Medicine qualifying examination (QE) performance and pass rates.

Methods

This was a national retrospective, observational, cross‐sectional study exploring factors associated with the QE. Subjects were physicians who graduated from accredited emergency medicine (EM) categorical residency programs who took the QE for the first time in 2017, 2018, or 2019. A series of multilevel models was used to examine if physician characteristics were related to score and passing the QE. Relative risks were calculated.

Results

There were 6174 EM graduates, 2118 of whom were women and 588 who were underrepresented in medicine (URiM) physicians. Controlling for other variables, in‐training examination (ITE) scores and medical doctor (MD) degrees were positively related to mean QE scores, whereas age, 3‐year programs, URiM, and male gender were negatively related to mean QE scores. The QE pass rate was 94%, 95% for non‐URiM and 86% for URiM. Results of the full model indicated ITE score, age, URiM, gender, MD degree, and residency program format were significantly related to performance on the QE. In the final model, passing the QE was positively related to ITE scores and negatively related to age and URiM. After other variables were controlled for, the adjusted risk ratio for URiM was 0.94.

Conclusions

Several factors were associated with decreased pass rates on the ABEM QE including ITE scores, older age, and URiM, although the risk ratios were small.
Multiscale numerical simulation of the evolution of SiO2 nanoparticles in high‐temperature rapid reaction processes neglecting sintering
Authors: Ju Jie , Luo Lingli , Wu Yingjie , Cheng Qiling , Jiang Hao , Hu Yanjie , Li Chunzhong
Published: February 2025

Nanoparticle formation in high‐temperature rapid reactions involves multiple phases—chemical reactions, nucleation, growth and aggregation—that interact across various temporal and spatial scales to shape particle size distribution and morphology. This study presents a numerical simulation method combining density functional theory (DFT) with computational fluid dynamics –population balance model (CFD–PBM). This method investigates the dynamics of nano‐SiO2 particles produced from SiCl4 in H2/O2 flame. Temperature distributions at varying flame heights and the granular distributions of primary and aggregated particles were analyzed. The model, incorporating the anisotropy and fractal dimensions of aggregates, accurately predicted the average diameters of nanoparticles, with accuracies between 72.17% and 88.84% under the specified process conditions. These findings affirm the method's potential and theoretical significance for synthesizing nanomaterials in high‐temperature flames.
The Decolonial Turn in Forensic Anthropology
Authors: Go Matthew C.
Published: February 2025

Forensic anthropology has matured into a formidable and fully fledged discipline that includes specialty graduate programs, diversified employment opportunities, an expanding scope, and improved regulation. As part of this maturity, and in step with other branches of science and the humanities, forensic anthropology has also experienced an upswing in discourse on decolonization and decoloniality. From its inception and throughout its history, anthropology has been a colonial venture that observes humans under a Western gaze. As a critique of the universality and superiority of Western systems of knowledge, the decolonial turn constitutes alternative ways of thinking and doing and provides space for these epistemes to circulate and thrive. In this synthesis, decolonization efforts within forensic anthropology are organized into five “C's” of appraisal: categories, casework, curricula, competence, and collections. Namely, these efforts feature the debates around sex, ancestry, and structural vulnerability estimation (categories); the expansion of humanitarian action and community involvement and the challenges to positivism, neutrality, and objectivity (casework); the assessment of how we educate, train, and value expertise (curricula and competence); and the interrogation of how we extract knowledge from the dead (collections). From the undercurrents of these five, a sixth C, care, is unveiled. Given the academic and practical value of forensic anthropology, especially vis‐à‐vis its consequences for colonized peoples, these discourses become imperative for the continued relevance of a colonialist field in a postcolonial world.
Manipulating σ‐Hole Interactions in Halogenated Additives for High‐Performance Organic Solar Cells with 19.8% Efficiency
Authors: Xiong Wenzhao , Cui Yongjie , Zhang Ziyue , Zhu Shenbo , Wang Zhibo , Chai Zhaohan , Hu Huawei , Chen Yiwang
Published: February 2025

The incorporation of volatile solid additives has emerged as an effective strategy for enhancing the performance of organic solar cells (OSCs). However, the influence of the electronic structure of these additives on morphological evolution remains insufficiently understood. Herein, 1,4‐Dibromobenzene (DBB) and 1,4‐Difluoro‐2,5‐dibromobenzene (DFBB) are introduced as volatile additives into OSCs. Theoretical calculations indicate that DFBB has a higher electrostatic potential extremum and stronger σ‐holes interaction compared to DBB, enabling more robust intermolecular interactions with acceptors. The synergistic halogen interactions between DFBB and the active layer matrix balances the differences in crystallinity between the donor and acceptor during the film formation process, promotes the formation of dense molecular packing and ordered orientation, optimizes the vertical composition distribution, and promotes the formation of domain sizes close to the exciton diffusion distance. Consequently, the PM6:L8‐BO‐based device treated with DFBB achieves an efficiency of 19.2% with a fill factor (FF) of 80.8%, which is superior to the control and DBB. Further validation across various systems, including PM6:Y6, PM6:BTP‐eC9, and D18:L8‐BO, highlights similar efficiency enhancements, with the D18:L8‐BO system achieving an outstanding PCE of 19.8%. This work demonstrates that the modulation of σ‐hole interactions in volatile additives can effectively optimize multi‐scale morphology for high‐performance OSCs.
Metabolism‐inspired chemical reaction networks for chemically driven dissipative oligoesterification
Authors: Lim Yeonsoo , Park Gyunam , An Hojin , Han Jonghwa , Bae Joonhyun , Kim Ji-Hyun , Lee Yan , Kang Kyungtae , Sung Jaeyoung , Kwon Sunbum
Published: February 2025

Metabolism is a complex network of chemical reactions in which transient biomolecules are continuously produced and degraded. Mimicking this dynamic process in synthetic systems poses a considerable challenge, as it requires designs that enable the exchange of energy and matter among transient molecules. In this study, we explored a chemically driven oligoesterification process operating within a highly intricate reaction network and constructed a dynamic library of transient oligoesters. Our kinetic analysis uncovered an intriguing phenomenon: oligoesters undergo parasitic exchanges, consuming one another to sustain the system's dynamics before reaching thermodynamic equilibrium. This discovery opens new opportunities for designing synthetic systems that replicate the complexity and self‐sustaining behavior of metabolic processes.
A Selective Chromogenic and Fluorogenic Film Kit for Determination of Cyanide in Water and Soil Samples
Authors: Reinick Ana Paula , Gutierrez Leandro Gabriel , Cravero Facundo , Vaillard Santiago Eduardo , Ferretti Cristián Alejandro
Published: February 2025

A single, quick, and effective film kit for the quantification of cyanide ions in water and soil samples was developed. The film kit consists of a polymeric membrane of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose that contains matrix dispersed SBA‐15 particles impregnated with the molecular sensor. The molecular sensor is highly selective for the chromogenic and fluorometric detection of CN−, whose recognition mechanism is based on the nucleophilic addition to the dicyanovinyl group linked to an anthracenyl moiety. The analytical evaluation was carried out for quantification of CN− with the film kit and with the free sensor using UV–vis spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy. The detection limit for the film kit by fluorescence spectroscopy was 0.6 μM CN−, which is lower than the WHO guideline for cyanide in drinking water. This method was successfully validated, and the application in real water and soil samples gave excellent results, suggesting that the film kit is versatile for determining CN− in these media.
Preparation and Properties of Toughened PLA/PBAT Blends Based on EVA and Multi‐Functional Epoxy Chain Extender
Authors: Chen Rong‐yuan , Zhang Fu‐peng , Jin Bi‐hui , Han Lin , Zhang Zhong‐hou , Lin Bao‐de , Pan Fan , Fang Shao‐ming
Published: February 2025

The effects of ethylene‐vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) and multi‐component epoxy chain expander (ADR) on the performance of PLA/PBAT blend were investigated by preparing PLA/PBAT/EVA blends and PLA/PBAT/EVA/ADR blends through melt blending method. The mechanical properties, morphology, thermal behavior, and rheological properties were studied. The addition of EVA had a slight improvement on the impact strength of PLA, while the tensile strength had a decrease and elongation at break had significant increase. The microstructure of PLA/PBAT/EVA also showed a sea‐island morphology, the EVA had a small impact on the rheological property of PLA/PBAT blend. When introduced ADR in the PLA/PBAT/EVA blend, the morphology showed that the interface interaction of the blends was been significantly improved. As a result, the rheological property, including the complex viscosity, storage modulus and loss modulus increased remarkably compared with PLA. The impact strength of PLA/PBAT/EVA/ADR blends had a significant improvement, the highest impact strength reaches 51.99 kJ/m2, which is 22.3 times higher than that of PLA. The elongation at break of the blend maintains in the range of 400%–500% with tensile strength 43.5 MPa. Furthermore, the PLA/PBAT/EVA/ADR blends also showed an improved of heat resistance and thermostability compared with PLA.
Mechanically Robust Poly (Metaphenylene Isophthalamide) Fibers Enhanced From the Recycling of Heterocyclic Para‐Aramid Fibers via Deprotonation and Blending Strategies
Authors: Zhong Guofeng , Li Na , Yu Junrong , Wang Yan , Hu Zuming
Published: February 2025

Poly (metaphenylene isophthalamide) (PMIA) fiber has excellent heat resistance and flame‐retardant ability, but its mechanical properties are poor due to its own structure. Therefore, it is of great significance to improve the mechanical properties of fibers to expand their application range. Meanwhile, a large amount of waste aramid fibers generated during the production process are mishandled, resulting in the waste of valuable resources as well as serious environmental pollution. In this study, heterocyclic para‐aramid fibers were treated by deprotonation to obtain heterocyclic para‐aramid nanofibers, which were combined with PMIA fibers as a reinforcing phase. The composite fibers presented superior mechanical properties through wet spinning and stretching phases. The results showed that when the addition of HANF was 0.4%, the tensile strength and elongation at break of HANF/PMIA composite fibers were increased by 86.28% and 48.48% respectively, compared with PMIA fiber. Compared to most of the current studies on nano‐filler reinforced fiber, this work has the advantages of low addition of nano‐filler and significant strengthening effect. It provides a feasible and cost‐effective approach for the recycling of heterocyclic aramid fiber.
Effects of Habitat Structure and Environmental Factors on Fish Fauna in Temperate River Estuaries
Authors: Itsukushima Rei , Kano Yuichi
Published: February 2025

Riverine estuaries provide several ecosystem services to humankind. Notably, river estuaries are important habitats for both saltwater and freshwater organisms. However, the environment is experiencing degradation due to both direct and indirect anthropogenic impacts across various spatial scales (e.g., dredging, river channelization, land use change and dam construction). This study aims to reveal the relationship between the river estuarine fish fauna and the environmental factors including anthropogenic impacts as the basic knowledge necessary for the conservation and restoration. The Bōsō Peninsula (Japan) was selected as the study area. We identified the environmental factors that affected the fish species diversity and determined the factors that affected the habitat structure in the river, while focusing on anthropogenic impacts and topographical conditions. The fish species that occur in river estuaries are strongly influenced by habitat‐scale factors, such as flow velocity and water depth, along with watershed‐scale factors (such as wave exposure and direct fetch). In addition, the width–depth ratio, which indicates the degree of river channelization, was an important factor that controlled the habitat structure of the fish in the estuary. The results suggest the need for developing restoration plans based on the predictions of the potential physical environment, while considering the predictions for the occurrence of different fish species in the target area. Although this study is limited to the Bōsō Peninsula, our study can be used as a framework for improving future conservation and restoration plans for river estuaries in not just Japan but also other countries.
Stable Isotope Analysis of Oysters as a Tool for Environmental Monitoring in a Marine Extractive Reserve
Authors: Cortez Pedro Sant' Anna , Ferreira Nícollas Menezes , Cardoso Narcilo , Felizardo João Paulo de Sá , Muniz Marcelo Costa , Monteiro Julio Cesar , Farias Cássia de Oliveira , Lopes Giselle Pinto de Faria , Anjos Roberto Meigikos dos , Coutinho Ricardo , Oliveira Louisi Souza de
Published: February 2025

The stable isotopes δ13C and δ15N are widely recognized and utilized as biomarkers for analysing trophic links, paleoenvironmental reconstruction, biogeography and nutrient sources. However, it is essential to further develop their applications, as their use in marine environmental monitoring is not as prominent. 13C and 15N have distinct signatures in organic compounds, which can be utilized to identify potential carbon and nitrogen sources. Marine bivalves are often employed in environmental studies as efficient bioindicators because sessile filter feeders tend to bioaccumulate pollutants. The present study analysed δ13C and δ15N in seston and oysters inhabiting two areas with different environmental conditions in a marine extractive reserve. The isotopic values were compared for two trophic levels and three oyster tissues, resulting in a broad view of local dynamics. Seston samples from Forno Beach (FB) exhibited depleted δ13C values, possibly reflecting a terrigenous carbon contribution in this area. Considering oyster tissues, δ13C and δ15N values in the hepatopancreas were similar to seston, possibly due to oysters' role as filter feeders, supporting the use of digestive tissues for assessing short‐term changes of environmental conditions. Moreover, isotope values for oyster gills and muscles suggest long‐term homogeneous conditions for Anjos Beach (AB) and FB, with a predominance of marine carbon and nitrogen sources. Our results underline the relevance of analysing bivalve tissues separately because they display different turnover rates and depict variable time frames of environmental conditions. This article provides valuable information on the variables that must be considered when applying stable isotope analysis in coastal environmental monitoring, highlights knowledge gaps and recommends best practices for future work in this area.
Intake of Trans‐Fat Diet With Prenatal Bisphenol A Exposure Induce Global DNA Methylation in Rats Offspring
Authors: Abulehia Hala , Mohd Nor Noor Shafina , Sheikh Abdul Kadir Siti Hamimah
Published: February 2025

Background

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a ubiquitous industrial compound found in an enormous variety of consumer goods such as plastics, epoxy resins, and thermal paper. Despite its widespread usage, the effects of BPA on the risk and development of metabolic syndrome are not fully understood. Prenatal exposure to BPA has been shown to disrupt the development of offspring's metabolically active tissues and increase their susceptibility to the adverse consequences of a trans‐fat diet (TFD).

Methods

In this experiment, pregnant rats (n = 18) were randomly separated into three groups. These groups were treated from pregnancy day (PD) 2 to PD 21. Subsequently, the male offspring of these rats were provided either a normal‐diet (ND) or a TFD from 3rd postnatal week (PNW) to 14th PNW. Then, protein expression of PPAR‐γ and global DNA methylation were assessed in the adult rat offspring that were exposed to in utero BPA and subjected to postnatal TFD intake.

Results

The study findings have shown that there was no association between prenatal exposure to BPA and/or TFD consumption and PPAR‐γ protein expression within all the study groups in the liver tissue. On the other hand, changes at the molecular level, as reflected by the global DNA hypermethylation induced by prenatal BPA and postnatal TFD intake in adult male SD rat offspring (PNW 14).

Conclusions

This study underscores the potential impact of prenatal BPA exposure and postnatal TFD intake on epigenetic regulation, as evidenced by global DNA hypermethylation, despite no observable changes in PPAR‐γ protein expression. These findings suggest that early‐life environmental exposures may predispose individuals to metabolic disruptions, including diabetes and obesity, in adulthood or future generations.
The Impact of Climate Change on the Income of Wine Producers in the Bordeaux Region
Authors: Enjolras Geoffroy , Viviani Jean‐Laurent
Published: February 2025

In the Bordeaux region, climate change has a very significant impact on wine production, with an increase in vineyard area, but a decrease in yield and income. We use a Ricardian approach to assess the magnitude of these changes. We combine very detailed individual, structural and financial data at the farm level with weather data to measure the impact of climate change on vineyards. Econometric models highlight the important role of high temperatures and rainfall in reducing yields during the growing season. Farmers respond to these phenomena through a combination of strategies: increasing vineyard area, prioritising operational expenditure over long‐term investment strategies and using adaptive risk management techniques such as irrigation and crop insurance. These results suggest that wine producers are effectively adapting to climate change and its adverse effects on yield and income volatility. Moreover, these strategies are differentiated according to the value and quality of the production.
Optimizing Peripheral Nerve Block Placement in Hip Surgery: A Cadaveric Study Mapping the Posterior Cutaneous Innervation
Authors: Gurney Ziki , Wei Kenneth Saw Kai , Boote Leia , Stolady Daniel Gareth , Fox Benjamin , Norrish Alan R.
Published: February 2025

Optimizing analgesia after hip surgery enables more rapid recovery. However, peripheral nerve blocks (PNBs) often fail to provide adequate pain relief in the posterolateral hip as they typically target the lateral cutaneous nerve of the thigh (LCNT). This study aimed to map the nerves innervating the posterolateral hip through analysis of anatomy textbooks (n = 5) and cadaveric dissections (n = 13). The subcostal (SCN), iliohypogastric (IHN), and ilioinguinal (IIN) nerves were identified as key contributors to innervating the posterolateral hip. The optimal site for ultrasound‐guided PNBs to target these three nerves was identified at the “75/25” landmark: 75% horizontally along the 12th rib and 25% vertically down to the iliac crest. Ultrasound‐guided dye injections in cadavers (n = 6) showed that while the “75/25” landmark effectively stained the SCN (6/6) and IHN (4/6), it inconsistently stained the IIN (2/6). A second injection in the posterolateral hip stained branches of the IHN (4/6) and IIN (4/6) but not the SCN (1/6), suggesting the IHN and IIN are the dominant nerves in the posterolateral hip. These findings recommend a more distal injection at the “100/75” landmark to consistently block the IHN and IIN, thereby optimizing postoperative analgesia after hip surgery.
Exploring Therapeutic Change in Indian Clients Experiencing Emotional Abuse: A Social Justice Approach to Counselling
Authors: Cheguvera Natania , Arur Aditi Ashok
Published: February 2025

Background

This study examined the lived experiences of emotional abuse (EA) in Indian parent‐adult child relationships, emphasising the intersection of systemic influences in maintaining EA. Employing a social justice framework, the research explored pathways to foster ‘change’ at both individual and societal levels to address EA.

Methods

Data were collected through semi‐structured interviews with ten participants undergoing therapy, and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.

Results

Four master themes emerged: ‘State of Lack’, ‘Lack of Relatability to Gender and Culture Norms’, ‘Therapy as a Catalyst for Regaining Sense of Self and Empowerment’, and ‘Cultural Shifts, Therapeutic Integration and Redefining Norms to Address Emotional Abuse’.

Conclusion

The findings emphasise the contribution of gender and cultural norms in the reinforcement of EA, while highlighting therapy's potential in fostering individual healing while advocating for societal transformation. Our study adds valuable literature to the fields of counselling, social justice research, cultural psychology, social psychology, and feminist psychology, and provides a basis for future research.
Multisite Head and Neck Pediatric Posttransplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder: A Case Report
Authors: Gao Lily , Hoke Austin , Jackson Jarrett , Petrauskas Laura , Mason Emily F. , Sarma Asha , Friedman Debra , Bearl David , Dulek Daniel , Wootten Christopher , Park Jason
Published: February 2025

Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) can mimic infectious processes in the head and neck. A high index of suspicion for PTLD must be maintained in pediatric transplant patients, and minimal response to antibiotics/corticosteroids should prompt timely biopsy of suspicious tissue to expedite the diagnosis and treatment of PTLD.
Ovarian Dysgerminoma Associated With Pregnancy Presenting as Hemoperitoneum: An Obstetric Case Report
Authors: Gbary‐Lagaud Eléonore , Loba José , Kouakou‐Kouraogo Ramata , Houphouet‐Mwandji Carine , Adjoby Roland
Published: February 2025

Ovarian dysgerminomas are malignant tumors that are infrequently associated with pregnancy. These tumors are typically detected in cases of abdominal pain or during routine imaging such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging. However, we report a case of ovarian dysgerminoma in an ongoing pregnancy, discovered as a result of hemoperitoneum. A 33‐year‐old patient at 23 weeks of gestation presented with hemorrhagic shock and hemoperitoneum, requiring emergency surgery. During the operation, a large tumor measuring 24 × 29 cm was found in the left ovary, which was completely invaded by the mass but showed no adhesions to adjacent organs. The condition was accompanied by abundant ascites (4.5 L) mixed with blood, caused by bleeding from an ovarian vessel on the surface of the tumor. Histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of dysgerminoma. Haemoperitoneum is a rare but severe complication that can lead to discovering ovarian dysgerminoma. Owing to the low malignancy of this tumor, adnexectomy is an effective emergency treatment, offering favorable maternal and fetal outcomes in early‐stage cases. However, larger case series are required to assess the prognosis of pregnancy associated with dysgerminoma better.
Triazole‐Derived Ruthenium(II) Complexes as Novel Candidates for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Royo Beatriz , Lenis-Rojas Oscar A , Roma Catarina , Carvalho Beatriz , Andrade Vasco , Friães Sofia , Cabezas-Sain Pablo , Fernández Jhonathan Angel Araujo , Vila Sabela Fernandez , Arana Alvaro J. , Sanchez Laura , Baptista Pedro V. , Gomes Clara S. B. , Fernandes Alexandra R.
Published: February 2025

The first examples of Ru(II) h6‐arene (benzene and p‐cymene) complexes containing a bidentate triazolylidene‐triazolide ligand have been prepared and fully characterized. Their antiproliferative effect has been investigated against tumour cells A2780 (ovarian carcinoma), HCT116 (colorectal carcinoma), and HCT116dox (colorectal carcinoma resistant to doxorubicin), and in human dermal fibroblasts. The Ru complex bearing the p‐cymene arene group exhibited a stronger antiproliferative effect across all tested cell lines, while the benzene‐containing complex displayed higher selectivity toward tumor cells. Both complexes induced apoptosis, likely through ROS production (in the benzene complex), and inhibited tumorigenic processes, including cell migration and angiogenesis. In zebrafish models, they showed strong selectivity for cancer cells with minimal toxicity to healthy cells, effectively reducing the proliferation of HCT116 colorectal cancer cells. This study provides the first in vivo evidence of the anticancer potential of Ru triazolylidenes in zebrafish models.
A mm‐Wave Power VCO and Frequency Doubler Based on Class‐C Architecture Using 130 nm CMOS Technology
Authors: Mansour Marwa , Mansour Islam
Published: February 2025

This manuscript introduces a power voltage‐controlled oscillator (PVCO) with a frequency doubler (FD), utilizing a complementary PMOS‐NMOS architecture based on Class‐C operation for millimeter‐wave and fifth‐generation (5G) systems. One output terminal of the VCO core is connected to a power stage operating at the fundamental frequency () in the 21.2–23.2 GHz frequency band. The other output terminal is linked to a FD and a power stage working at the second harmonic frequency (), covering the 42–46.5 GHz frequency range. All inductors are designed on‐chip using HFSS simulation tools, achieving a high‐quality factor, large self‐resonance frequency (SRF), and small die area. To enhance the frequency sensitivity of the PVCO and FD‐PVCO, every band is split into three sub‐bands by manipulating only one‐pin switching voltage. The PVCO operates in the 21.24–23.2 GHz range, achieving a figure of merit (FoM) equal to −194.5 dBc/Hz, a phase noise (PN) equal to −108 dBc/Hz, and a maximum output power () equal to 5.74 dBm. Meanwhile, the FD‐PVCO oscillates in the 42.48–46.4 GHz range, achieving a FoM of −200 dBc/Hz, a PN of −108 dBc/Hz, and an extreme . The proposed design dissipates a DC‐power equal to 2.4 mW and occupies an active area of 0.032 mm2, whereas the overall chip size, including the pads, FD, and power stages, is 0.37 mm2.
All‐Solid‐State Rechargeable Air Batteries with Naphthoquinone‐Based Negative Electrodes: Improved Performance and Cyclability
Authors: Miyatake Kenji , Wada Suguru , Guo Lin , Xian Fang , Liu Fanghua , Mahmoud Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed , Yadav Vikrant , Wong Chun Yik
Published: February 2025

All‐solid‐state rechargeable air batteries are designed and fabricated using 1,4‐naphthoquinone as a negative electrode, proton‐conductive polymer membrane as a solid electrolyte, and platinum‐based oxygen diffusion as a positive electrode as an emerging energy device. 1,4‐Naphthoquinone molecules exhibit reversible redox reactions peaked at 0.28 and 0.52 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode with the polymer electrolyte similar to that in an acid aqueous solution. The all‐solid‐state rechargeable air battery cell shows an open circuit voltage of 0.83 V, a nominal voltage of 0.3–0.4 V, a discharge capacity of 83.6 mAh g−1, and an initial Coulombic efficiency of 86.8%. The Coulombic efficiency after 15 charge–discharge cycles improves from 57.3% to 69.1% by replacing carbon black with graphite carbon as a support for the platinum catalyst in the positive electrode. Furthermore, replacing the commercial Nafion electrolyte membrane with the synthesized (in‐house) polyphenylene‐based ionomer (sulfonated polyphenylene‐quinquephenylene) electrolyte membrane improves the cycle durability of the resulting all‐solid‐state rechargeable air battery with high Coulombic efficiency retention (>98%) after 135 cycles owing to the lower oxygen permeability of the latter membrane. Overall, the present all‐solid‐state rechargeable air battery using 1,4‐naphthoquinone outperforms our previous all‐solid‐state rechargeable air battery using dihydroxybenzoquinene as a redox‐active molecule.
Assessing Individual Running Demands in Position Games: A Comparison Between Official Matches and Different Task Sizes in Young Professional Soccer Players
Authors: Asian‐Clemente Jose A. , Beltran‐Garrido Jose Vicente , Requena Bernardo
Published: February 2025

The objectives of this study were to compare external loads between matches and position games based on player roles and to evaluate the load disparities between matches and different position games, individually considering each position. Twenty‐five players (age: 21.9 ± 1.9 years; height: 177.9 ± 5.2 cm; weight: 75.5 ± 4.8 kg) were evaluated during 37 official matches and 18 position games classified according to their pitch sizes: small, medium, and large (50.8 ± 6.6 m2, 80.5 ± 4.6 m2, and 115.9 ± 25.2 m2 relative area per player, respectively). Players were categorized as: central defenders (CD), fullbacks (FB), defensive midfielders (CM), offensive midfielders (OM), wide midfielders (WM), and forwards (F). Using GPS, various metrics were recorded: distance covered (DC), DC > 21 km·h−1, peak speed, maximum accelerations and decelerations, and lower and higher than 3 m·s−2 (Acc<3; Acc>3; Dec<3; and Dec>3, respectively). Variables were normalized per minute (except peak speed, maximum accelerations, and decelerations). In all positions, matches consistently exhibited higher DC > 21 km·h−1 (p < 0.01), peak speed (p < 0.01), ACC<3 (p ≤ 0.01), DEC<3 (p < 0.01), and maximum accelerations and decelerations (p < 0.01). Small and large formats showed the same disparities across all positions (p < 0.05), whereas in medium position games, this trend was observed exclusively among FB and F (p < 0.05). Position games displayed greater ACC>3 and DEC>3 than matches for certain player positions, but these depended on the size of the drill (p < 0.05). Position games present different external loads than matches, depending on the players' positions and the size of these tasks.