bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exposure to per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances in residential settled dust and risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Metayer Catherine , Morimoto Libby M. , Vieira Veronica M. , Godri Pollitt Krystal J. , Bartell Scott M. , Wong Luann , Young Thomas M.
Published: February 2025

Per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous. Young children are commonly exposed to these chemicals via ingestion of settled dust. Several PFAS have been associated with cancers in adults, yet little is known about the risk in children. We investigated whether PFAS concentrations in residential dust were associated with childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Vacuum bags were collected in homes of 178 children diagnosed with ALL and 204 healthy controls (age 0–7 years) residing in California (2001–2007). Dust samples were sieved and analyzed for 19 PFAS using targeted liquid chromatography mass spectrometry analysis. The effects of individual PFAS and PFAS mixtures were estimated for eight PFAS with at least 50% above the limit of quantification (LOQ) using logistic regression, G‐computation, and generalized additive modeling (GAM). In the model mutually adjusting for eight PFAS, a statistically significant association was seen only for N‐ethyl perfluorooctane sulfonamido acetic acid (EtFOSAA) (ORcontinuous = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.05–1.86 and , 95% CI = 1.16–5.71). Using G‐computation, the eight PFAS mixture was positively associated with childhood ALL (OR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.15–2.24), with positive weights for EtFOSAA, perfluoro‐n‐hexanoic acid (PFHxA), perfluoro‐1‐decanesulfonate (PFDS), and perfluoro‐1‐octanesulfonate (PFOS), and negative weights for perfluoro‐1‐hexanesulfonate (PFHxS) and bis(1H,1H,2H,2H‐perfluorooctyl)phosphate (6:2 diPAP). Using GAM, the OR for the mixture reached a maximum of 2.24, at the highest value of log10 EtFOSAA and lowest value of log10 PFHxS. Exposure to a mixture of PFAS in settled dust was associated with an overall elevated risk of childhood ALL, with EtFOSAA and PFHxS being the main contributors to the positive and negative weights, respectively.
Managers' Risk Preferences and Firm Investment: The Moderating Role of Early‐Life War Exposure and Firm Size
Authors: Kim Huong Trang , Nguyen Quang
Published: February 2025

We conducted a lab‐in‐the‐field experiment with 623 top managers from textile and garment firms in Vietnam to investigate the nexus of top managers' risk preferences and firm investment. We find that firms led by managers with higher levels of loss aversion tend to have lower investments. The heterogeneity in managers' loss aversion also affects different investment levels of small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) vis‐à‐vis large firms. Interestingly, our findings reveal that managers' loss aversion has a strong link to investment behaviours of firms led by war‐exposed managers, who born and grew up during the American war in Vietnam. However, this pattern does not hold for firms led by their counterparts. This result shows that personal early‐life war exposure may influence managers' investment decisions during their adulthood.
Supporting engineering students' representational competencies in individual and collaborative learning settings
Authors: Rho Jihyun , Rau Martina A. , Van Veen Barry
Published: February 2025

Background

Visual representations are pervasive in electrical engineering instruction in various instructional settings. Further, electrical engineering instruction often requires students to extend simple visual representations to learn about more complex visualization in subsequent instruction. Yet, students often struggle to understand visualizations. An open question is whether supporting students' understanding of visual representations enhances their subsequent learning. We investigate this question in both individual and collaborative learning settings.

Purpose

We investigated the impact of support for students' understanding of simple visual representations on students' learning of subsequently presented complex visual representations. Further, we investigated whether students' level of mental rotation skills moderates the impact of such instructional support.

Method

Two experiments tested the impact of instructional support for visual representations in an individual or a collaborative learning setting. Students were randomly assigned to receive different versions of instructional support, or none.

Results

Study 1 was conducted in an individual learning setting. While students with high mental rotation skills benefited from the instructional support, students with low mental rotation skills did not benefit. Study 2 was conducted in a collaborative learning setting. Here, all students benefited equally from the support.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that instructional support for simple visual representations can enhance students' subsequent learning with complex visual representations. Further, our findings suggest that a collaborative learning setting may be particularly beneficial to students with low mental rotation skills. This study contributes to an understanding of instructional environments that can improve learning with visual representations in engineering education.
What Weber Got Right About Brahmins—Testing His Theories About South Asian Caste Hierarchies
Authors: Pal Satanik
Published: February 2025

The following article is an assessment of Max Weber's depiction of Brahmins and ascetics in South Asia. Using contemporary historical analyses, the article has attempted to demonstrate the validity of Weber's analyses in his seminal treatise on South Asian society, “The Religion of India: The Sociology of Hinduism and Buddhism” that he had originally published in German in 1916. Upon examining the accuracy of Weber's descriptions regarding the domination of Brahmins in South Asian society in contrast to Dumont's assertions in his seminal work “Homo Hierarchicus” published in 1966, we find Weber's portrayal to be significantly more accurate. These findings indicate that caste groups in South Asia can be deemed comparable to status groups in Western societies, by utilizing a Weberian methodology rather than a Dumontian one. The correlation of power and status by the former have significant implications for sociological theories related to caste/status in South Asia and beyond.
Negative Humor: Impact on Mental and Physical Health of Employees
Authors: Mumtaz Sana , Aqif Tanzeela
Published: February 2025

Although a large body of literature has focused on the positive prospects of workplace socialization for employees, inadequate understanding exists about the role of negative humor and how it leads to socio‐psychological change experiences in employees. To develop an understanding of the above, a direct linkage of workplace humor with the physical health of employees was developed using the social identity perspective. Moreover, the intervening role of surface acting, negative emotions, and loneliness were incorporated in the model for understanding how mental change experiences translate to health issues in employees. Data were collected from 162 managers working at managerial level positions and structural equational modeling was tested for computing results. The findings suggested an indirect linkage between negative humor and physical health via the intervening role of surface acting, negative emotions, and loneliness. These findings add novel to the literature by suggesting how informal socialization and negative interactions impact the internal processes and physical health of employees with time. Based on the findings, theoretical and practical implications are offered toward the end of the article.
Diagrammatic Schemes for Nonlinear Optical Interactions
Authors: Vergari F. , Mazza F. , Hosseinnia A. , Marrocco M.
Published: February 2025

Nonlinear optical interactions are usually understood diagrammatically to sift only those contributions to the dielectric susceptibility that matter most to the signal being measured. Here, we review the main techniques of diagrammatic perturbation theory (i.e., double‐sided Feynman diagrams, Liouville pathways, and Albrecht notation) that make use of the semiclassical approximation. A brief mention of other recent diagrammatic proposals is also made. The limitations of such approaches are discussed in view of a fully quantum‐mechanical treatment of optical interactions. It is then suggested that the limitations of the conventional approaches can be overcome by a field‐type modification of the Albrecht notation that combines the simplicity of the energy‐level representation with the wealth of information provided by more elaborated diagrams (namely, double‐sided Feynman diagrams and Liouville pathways). Rules to replace the Albrecht notation with the matter field representation are given, and instructive examples are illustrated for Raman spectroscopy.
Effect of high concentration of NaCl and KCl on myosin from large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) under ultrasound
Authors: Mao Jun‐Long , Fu Jing‐Jing , Zhang Min , Yuan Yan‐Wei , Chen Yue‐Wen
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND

Partially replacing NaCl with KCl under ultrasound can improve muscle quality and reduce oxidative degeneration of myofibrillar proteins in semi‐dried large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea). Myosin, the most important protein in myofibrillar protein, plays an important role in muscle quality. Hence, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of replacing NaCl with KCl on the physicochemical properties of myosin derived from large yellow croaker under ultrasound. Furthermore, the application potential of ultrasound to low sodium salt products was evaluated.

RESULTS

The results showed that ultrasound treatment reduced the aggregation and particle size of myosin. By contrast, at high salt concentrations, myosin oxidation was inhibited and protein aggregation increased. This led to an increase in particle size and a decrease in stability and surface hydrophobicity of myosin. Interestingly, KCl increased myosin solubility and promoted protein unfolding, the excess of which exposed some active sites, leading to oxidative destruction of the proteins. In the present study, the chromophore and surface hydrophobic groups of myosin were exposed as a result of the KCl‐mediated unfolding of the α‐helices of myosin after the partial replacement of NaCl with KCl. This improved the structural stability of myosin and reduced its oxidative damage.

CONCLUSION

The findings of the present study show that the presence of NaCl and KCl in the system was more conducive to protecting the key role of myosin in the muscle tissue compared with NaCl alone. Additionally, the study provides insights into the mechanism of K+ and Na+ action on myosin under ultrasound, along with a theoretical basis for the application of ultrasound in low sodium salt products. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.
Oropharyngeal Stenosis After Intracapsular Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy With Literature Review
Authors: Tschopp Samuel , von Werdt Moritz , Hool Sara‐Lynn , Giger Roland , Jaquet Yves , Gunser Sandra
Published: February 2025

This case report presents the first documented instance of oropharyngeal stenosis following intracapsular tonsillectomy with adenoidectomy in a 4‐year‐old child, emphasizing the challenges in diagnosis and revision surgery. Laryngoscope, 2025
Self‐Reported Motor and Nonmotor Symptoms, Prodromal Parkinson's Disease Probability, and Incident Parkinson's Disease in US Farmers
Authors: Song Shengfang , Luo Zhehui , Plassman Brenda L. , Huang Xuemei , Yuan Yaqun , Shrestha Srishti , Parks Christine G. , Hofmann Jonathan N. , Beane Freeman Laura E. , Sandler Dale P. , Chen Honglei
Published: February 2025

Background

Few studies have assessed motor and nonmotor symptoms and the prodromal probability of Parkinson's disease (PD) among farming populations.

Objective

The aim was to assess self‐reported nonmotor and motor symptoms and the prodromal PD probability in relation to incident PD among US farmers.

Methods

The study included 16,059 farmers (aged 65.6 ± 10.8 years) from the Agricultural Health Study, with a median of 6.2 years of follow‐up. We assessed associations using multivariable logistic regression and presented odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

At baseline, the prevalence of individual symptoms ranged from 2.0% for arm/leg tremor to 21.1% for excessive daytime sleepiness. We identified 127 incident PD patients during follow‐up. Except for depression, all symptoms were significantly associated with future PD diagnosis, with OR (95% CI) ranging from 1.6 (1.1–2.2) for excessive daytime sleepiness to 3.9 (2.3–6.8) for arm/leg tremor. The prodromal PD probability, calculated based on limited available self‐reported prodromal and PD risk markers, was low. Using the Movement Disorder Society's prodromal PD criteria, the median (interquartile range) at baseline was 4.4% (7.2%) for incident PD patients and 2.3% (3.4%) for participants free of PD. Further, it exhibited low sensitivity and positive predictive value in identifying incident PD patients in this farming population.

Conclusions

Self‐reported prodromal PD symptoms were relatively common in US farmers. They were associated with incident PD diagnosis but had limited values in predicting disease risk. © 2025 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
Inpatient leader builds continuum through new strategic partnership
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: February 2025

A newly announced strategic alliance will allow one of the most recognizable names in facility‐based mental health care to offer patients an enhanced continuum of care. Rogers Behavioral Health and leading workforce solutions company Lyra Health released details of their strategic collaboration earlier this month.
Peers, paraprofessionals could resolve MH workforce shortage
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: February 2025

Although the demand for behavioral health services is high, leaving many people without access to psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers, the challenges are further exacerbated by an uneven workforce distribution across the U.S. and a paucity of mental health service professionals who accept insurance or offer services in community‐based organizations, according to a new article in JAMA Psychiatry.
Infinitely Many Solutions for Singular p(x)$$ p(x) $$‐Laplacian Equation Without the Ambrosetti–Rabinowitz (AR) Condition
Authors: Choudhuri D. , Saoudi K.
Published: February 2025

We establish the existence of infinitely many nonnegative solutions to the following nonlocal elliptic partial differential equation with singularity:
where is a smooth bounded domain with . The parameters in the equation are as follows: is a positive constant, is a fixed parameter, is a continuous function, for all , and is the fractional ‐Laplacian operator with a variable exponent. The nonlinearity is a Carathéodory function satisfying and certain growth conditions. Furthermore, we establish a uniform estimate for the solution(s) using the Moser iteration technique.
Localized Wave and Other Special Wave Solutions to the (3 + 1)‐dimensional Kudryashov–Sinelshchikov Equation
Authors: Wang Kang‐Jia , Li Shuai , Wang Guo‐Dong , Xu Peng , Shi Feng , Liu Xiao‐Lian
Published: February 2025

This paper aims to explore some different localized wave solutions to the (3 + 1)‐dimensional Kudryashov–Sinelshchikov equation (KSe) for the liquid with gas bubbles. First, the traveling wave transformation is employed to reduce the dimension of the (3 + 1)‐dimensional KSe. Then the Hirota bilinear method is adopted to develop the rogue wave solutions via introducing the different polynomial functions. By optimizing the parameters, the bright and dark rogue waves solutions of the first‐order and second‐order are extracted. In addition, the three‐wave method is employed to seek the generalized breathers wave, W‐shape (double well or breather wave), bright and dark solitary wave solutions. Besides, the other special wave solutions like the compacton and singular wave solutions are also reported. Meanwhile, the dynamic attributes of some solutions are unfolded by Maple. To the best of the authors' knowledge, the findings of this research are all new and have not explored in other literature.
On a Generalized Superellipse: From Models to Applications
Authors: Kovacic Ivana
Published: February 2025

This study is concerned with a power‐form functional equation and its various forms in Cartesian and polar coordinates. An overview of the related contributions is presented and illustrated in terms of the shapes that they can yield, thereby establishing cross‐disciplinary phenomenological links by demonstrating the application of identical mathematical models across diverse fields within nonlinear science, marking a novel approach in this context. Finally, an analytical solution of this equation is elaborated both with respect to its form as a functional equation and as a Hamiltonian function. The original solutions in terms of trigonometric or generalized trigonometric functions are presented as well.
RPA(D) and HRPA(D): Calculating NMR Spin–Spin Coupling Constants in Free Amino Acid Residues
Authors: Møller Christoffer H. S. , Sauer Stephan P. A.
Published: February 2025

In the pursuit of computational methods which boast both low computational cost and a high degree of accuracy, the SOPPA‐derived methods RPA(D) and HRPA(D) are showing great promise. This study aims to further the benchmarking of these two methods in comparison with both the original SOPPA and the CCSD method by calculating NMR spin–spin coupling constants in the backbone structure of free amino acid residues. Based on a small basis set study, the relative performance of the methods was not found to be heavily dependent on the size of the basis set. While HRPA(D) was found to reproduce the SOPPA results to a consistently high degree of accuracy, RPA(D) reproduced the CCSD results for the one‐bond coupling constants more accurately than both HRPA(D) and SOPPA.
Study on the Cohesive Characteristic of Nano‐SiO2 Bioinspired Grafting Basalt Fiber and Asphalt
Authors: Yang Chengcheng , Liu Li , Liu Zhaohui , Zhang Longke
Published: February 2025

To enhance the effective cohesion between basalt fiber (BF) and asphalt, an optimal preparation process of nano‐SiO2 bioinspired grafting BF was proposed using a chemical grafting method based on the bioinspired idea of mussel‐plaque. The mechanism of nano‐SiO2 bioinspired grafted BF was analyzed through micro‐morphology, functional group changes, and elemental composition tests. The cohesive characteristics of nano‐SiO2 bioinspired grafting BF with asphalt were investigated using direct tension tests and surface energy theory. The results showed that after BF soaking in 3 mol/L HCl solution (BFHCl), nano‐SiO2 grafting BF (SiO2‐BFHCl) has good wettability with asphalt. Alkali metal ions on the surface of BFHCl were ion exchanged with H+ in the HCl solution, forming new Si‐OH bonds and grafting more SiO2. Compared with the original BF reinforced asphalt, the maximum tensile force and ductility of nano‐SiO2 grafting BF reinforced asphalt both increased, and the wetting angle with asphalt droplets was SiO2‐BFHCl > SiO2‐BFNaOH > SiO2‐BF > original BF. Based on the surface energy theory, the cohesion functions of SiO2‐BF, SiO2‐BFNaOH, and SiO2‐BFHCl with asphalt were improved by 2.8%, 7.4%, and 11.6%, respectively, compared to that of the original BF.
Efficacy of enhanced efficiency nitrogen fertilizer on ammonia volatilization in varied soil moisture conditions
Authors: Uschold Sarah A.
Published: February 2025

Enhanced efficiency nitrogen fertilizers (EENFs) are modified forms of nitrogen fertilizer used to reduce nitrogen loss such as ammonia and nitrous oxide. While these EENFs aim to combat nitrogen loss, environmental impacts, such as moisture, may still influence nitrogen loss through ammonia volatilization. This study aims to further understand the influence of varied soil moisture conditions on the efficacy of urea‐based EENFs. An incubation system with a random block design of four replicates was utilized to evaluate both urea and urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) EENFs applied at three moisture content levels. These levels were assigned and treated at 2/3×, 1×, and 2× field capacity. Urea + EENF resulted in greater ammonia loss than UAN + EENF at 1× and 2× field capacity, indicating a possible difference in efficacy between the two EENFs. Additionally, both EENF forms of urea and UAN had the greatest percent loss of applied N at 2× field capacity, revealing the inefficient use of EENFs on soils with high moisture content.
Barriers and Facilitators to Comprehensive Pediatric Sickle Cell Care: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Schlenz Alyssa M. , Vestal Elisabeth , Abrams Christina M. , Kanter Julie , Phillips Shannon
Published: February 2025

Background

Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) require comprehensive care to prevent and treat serious and life‐threatening complications and to access disease‐specific treatment approaches that can improve outcomes. This study characterized barriers and facilitators to care for SCD in the context of the Conceptual Framework of Access to Care Model.

Methods

This qualitative descriptive study was conducted using semi‐structured interviews with 27 patient/caregivers focused on sickle cell anemia (SCA; a subtype of SCD). Data were analyzed using directed content analysis with the model above as the initial coding framework.

Results

Themes were identified among healthcare system and patient/community‐level factors. Healthcare system facilitators predominated themes, with a focus on the extent to which the healthcare services provided were a good match for the family and available and accommodating to patient and family needs. Additional facilitators at the patient/community level focused on whether patients and families could perceive and seek out, reach and pay for, and engage with healthcare. Barriers reflected the opposite experiences, with negative or challenging healthcare experiences and adverse social determinants of health interfering with access to care.

Conclusions

Barriers and facilitators were mapped to the Conceptual Framework of Access to Care Model, with facilitators playing a more substantial role than barriers in access to comprehensive care among children with SCA and their caregivers. A focus on optimizing facilitators at both the healthcare system and patient/family level may have a considerable impact on improving access to and engagement in care.
Horner syndrome in a pediatric patient
Authors: Tandon Devansh , Azzopardi Matthew , Fenn Dominic , Parmar Mira , Jain Saurabh
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Horner syndrome (HS) is a rare neurological disorder arising from disruption of the oculosympathetic pathway. Pediatric HS is uncommon and may be congenital, but underlying sinister causes need to be excluded.

Case presentation

An 18‐week‐old boy presented with right peri‐orbital swelling, initially thought to be pre‐septal cellulitis. Further ophthalmic review revealed a right‐sided HS. Imaging identified a probable cervical neuroblastoma, leading to an urgent referral to oncology.

Conclusion

Early recognition of pediatric HS is crucial as it may signal underlying malignancies like neuroblastoma. Atypical presentations with sequential or intermittent symptoms make diagnosis challenging. Comprehensive imaging and multidisciplinary care ensure timely diagnosis and management.
Using Win Odds to Improve Commit‐to‐Phase‐3 Decision‐Making in Oncology
Authors: Hartley Benjamin F. , Drury Thomas , Di Pace Brian , Zhou Helen , Chen Tai‐Tsang , Perevozskaya Inna
Published: February 2025

Making good decisions about whether to commit‐to‐phase 3 clinical trials is challenging. This is especially true in oncology because the relationships between the registration endpoint, overall survival, and endpoints such as progression‐free survival and confirmed objective response are often poorly understood. We present a framework for decision‐making based on a three‐endpoint win odds. We discuss properties of the win odds and suggest that it can be interpreted, for decision‐making, as the reciprocal of an average hazard ratio for overall survival. We confirm the performance of the decision‐making method using simulation studies and a clinical trial case study. As part of this work, we describe the simulation of correlated patient‐level oncology endpoints using a multi‐state model of disease. This model can provide clinically realistic data for testing the performance of analysis methods. We conclude that the win odds can improve commit‐to‐phase‐3 decision‐making compared with other methods.
ZIF‐67 Electrocatalyst Modified With MnO2 Nanourchins for Hydrogen Generation from Alkaline Media
Authors: Muhammed Akhila , Retnakaran Sugandhi Aswathy , Sasidharan Nair Sumi Vijayakumari , Sreenivas Rijith
Published: February 2025

Nonprecious, earth abundant, and highly competent electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reactions have recently piqued researcher's interest. Herein, we synthesized a transition metal oxide‐based ZIF embedded with GO (ZIF‐67–MnO2–GO) by hydrothermal process and facile drop casting technique was adopted. This work illustrates the performance of ZIF‐67–MnO2–GO through least Tafel slope (27 mV dec−1) toward hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). We meticulously evaluated the hydrogen evolution potential of ZIF‐67–MnO2–GO‐coated Cu substrate for water splitting reactions via high exchange current density, j (0.45 mA cm−2) and low Rct (381.1 Ω) values. Remarkably, the electrode exhibits improved activity (η10 = 119 mV) and consistent durability for hydrogen evolution path that follows Tafel mechanism. Within the electrode ZIF‐67–MnO2–GO, MnO2 exhibit a pivotal role for facilitating hydrogen adsorption and recombination of hydrogen atoms on the catalyst surface. These outcomes underscore the HER potential of the developed catalyst, which can be facilely fabricated through electrode deposition, offering a robust, cost effective, and durable catalyst alternative for HER catalyst.
Surveillance of Barrett's Esophagus Patients in an Expert Center is Associated With Low Disease‐Specific Mortality
Authors: Honing Judith , Tan W. Keith , Lu Victor Yan Zhe , Gourgiotis Vlasios , Gianfrancesco Isaac M. , Schumacher Alina A. , Vishwanathan Shriya , Cheah Calvin , Modolell Ines , Sujendran Vijay , Fitzgerald Rebecca C. , di Pietro Massimiliano
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Specialist guidelines recommend endoscopic surveillance for Barrett's esophagus to reduce mortality related to esophageal adenocarcinoma, but the setting for optimal Barrett's esophagus monitoring is unclear. We assessed progression rate and disease‐specific mortality in a large cohort of patients followed up at a single Barrett's esophagus expert center.

Methods

For this prospective longitudinal single center cohort study, we recruited patients with a previous diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus between 2004 and 2022. Endoscopists were trained in Barrett's esophagus surveillance standards and image‐enhanced techniques, and biopsies were reviewed by expert pathologists. Exclusion criteria were a single surveillance endoscopy, high‐grade dysplasia, or esophageal adenocarcinoma at or within 12 months from index endoscopy and patients with < 12 months follow‐up. The primary outcome was the neoplastic progression rate of Barrett's esophagus with intestinal metaplasia to high‐grade dysplasia/esophageal adenocarcinoma. Secondary outcomes included cancer stage and disease‐specific mortality, risk factors for progression and progression rate in patients with Barrett's esophagus with only gastric metaplasia or irregular z‐line and intestinal metaplasia (IZL‐IM).

Results

A total of 1932 patients were recruited, of which 969 were included in the primary analysis with a median follow‐up of 5.8 years. Of these, 109 developed high‐grade dysplasia or esophageal adenocarcinoma with a progression rate of 1.63%/year. Overall, 48 patients received an esophageal adenocarcinoma diagnosis, of which 89,5% (43/48) had stage 1%, and 0.3% patients (3/969) had disease‐specific mortality. Multivariate analysis showed that age, alcohol consumption, esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus length, hiatus hernia length, low‐grade dysplasia and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio were risk factors for progression. The rate of progression in patients with Barrett's esophagus—gastric metaplasia or IZL‐IM was 0.06%/year.

Conclusions

Endoscopic surveillance in an expert Barrett's esophagus center leads to a high neoplastic progression rate, and a low rate of disease‐specific mortality. Further research to correlate disease‐specific mortality and cancer stage with dysplasia detection rate is warranted to develop diagnostic quality indicators specific for Barrett's esophagus.
Comparison of Nonlinear Models for Describing the Growth Curve of Pekin Ducks
Authors: Ghavi Hossein‐Zadeh Navid
Published: February 2025

Background

Ducks are used to produce a significant amount of meat in some regions of the world. The enhancement of duck production systems necessitates the development of parameterized mathematical models that accurately depict duck growth, encompassing the assessment of various management and nutritional strategies.

Objective

This research aimed to elucidate the growth trajectory of Danish and French Pekin ducks by applying nonlinear modelling techniques.

Methods

A total of 10 nonlinear mathematical functions (Brody, negative exponential, logistic, Gompertz, Von Bertalanffy, Richards, Schumacher, Morgan, Lomolino and Weibull) were employed in this study. The performance of the models was systematically evaluated, and the behaviour of the models was scrutinized throughout the process of fitting nonlinear regression curves. The overall goodness‐of‐fit for each model to a variety of data profiles was determined through the application of the adjusted coefficient of determination, root mean square error, Akaike's information criterion and Bayesian information criterion.

Results

The adjusted coefficient of determination values associated with each model exhibit generally elevated levels, signifying that the models demonstrate a strong overall compatibility with the data. According to the established goodness‐of‐fit criteria, the Gompertz model emerged as the most suitable mathematical function for accurately representing the growth trajectory of Danish and French Pekin ducks. In contrast, the Brody model exhibited the least favourable fit to the growth patterns of Danish and French Pekin ducks. Analysing the first derivative of the Gompertz model, the absolute growth rates for Danish and French Pekin ducks as a function of time indicated a progressive increase in these rates with advancing age, peaking at 23 and 24 days of age, respectively, before subsequently declining.

Conclusion

An analysis of the various growth models employed in this research revealed that nonlinear functions have the ability to fit Pekin duck body weight records.
Earthquake Source Parameters Determination Using Analog Seismic Records
Authors: Ou Qi , Kulikova Galina , Krüger Frank
Published: February 2025

Continuous seismic recording is fundamental in shaping our understanding of earthquake kinematics, dynamics, and hazards. However, most modern computational analysis methods can only be applied to digital records which only became available in the late 1970s. The decades since represent far less time than the typical recurrence intervals between large earthquakes on most faults, thus drastically undersampling the seismic cycle. On the other hand, analog data have been recorded on paper for over a century, but they were conventionally used to determine event timing, origin, and magnitude only, leaving the focal mechanism and kinematic aspects of many historical earthquakes unknown or uncertain. Therefore, the vast collection of analog seismograms remains an under-explored treasure. Revisiting these legacy data is an endeavor which requires great effort but reaps great rewards. Yet, most scholars who might be interested in studying past events are unaware of the existence of these records or find the process of acquiring and digitising historical seismograms prohibitive. Due to the lack of usage, many archives lack necessary support such that the vast amount of legacy data could soon be lost without intervention. To promote the preservation and analysis of this precious dataset, this chapter gives a state-of-the-art overview of methods of earthquake source parameter determination using analog seismic records, with the aim to help interested readers embark on projects making use of historical seismology.
“Intra-operative assessment of leg length discrepancy with anterior approach total hip replacement: a comparison between standard table, position table with and without intra-operative radiographs”
Authors: Viglietta Edoardo , Fenucci Simone , Iorio Raffaele , Parisien Ariane , Grammatopoulos George , Kim Paul Roy , Beaulè Paul Edgar
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Post-operative LLD is a major concern after THA. The anterior approach on a standard table allows surgeons for a direct control of the leg length. Intra-operative radiography (IR) helps in assessment of hip biomechanics and anatomic parameters. The aim of this study is to evaluate the LLD after THA through anterior approach with or without a position table and with or without the use of intra-operative radiographs. The hypothesis is that leg length may be better control when IR and a standard table are used.

Methods

This is a single-centre retrospective comparative cohort study of three matched groups of 80 patients receiving anterior approach THA with three different techniques (Group A: positioning table with IR; Group B: standard table with IR; Group C: standard table without IR). Pre-operative and post-operative LLD was calculated. Age, sex, BMI, acetabular cup and femoral stem size, operative time, and blood loss were recorded.

Results

In Group A, 15 patients (19%) had a LLD greater than 5 mm, and two patients (2,5%) had a LLD greater than 10 mm. In Group B, 20 patients (25%) had a LLD greater than 5 mm, and two patients (2,5%) had a LLD greater than 10 mm. In Group C, 16 patients (20%) had a LLD greater than 5 mm, and three patients (3,7%) had a LLD greater than 10 mm. No statistically significant differences were found for LLD > 5 mm, for LLD > 10 mm, nor for the mean LLD between the three groups (p  > 0.05). Mean operative time was statistically longer in Group B (p  < 0.05).

Conclusion

Neither the use of a standard/positioning table neither the use of IR seemed to be superior in restoring leg length after anterior approach THA. Together with the contradictory results in literature, findings of the current study indicate that no technique is clearly superior to one other and surgeons’ experience may play the most relevant role.
A first glimpse into circulating ghrelin patterns of thin-billed prion chicks (Pachyptila belcheri)
Authors: Slezacek Julia , Fusani Leonida , Kaiya Hiroyuki , Quillfeldt Petra
Published: February 2025

The peptide hormone ghrelin, also known as “hunger hormone”, is primarily secreted by the stomach and plays a key role in the regulation of vertebrate appetite and energy balance. While the hunger hormone and its functions have been extensively researched in mammalian species, its physiological roles have received less attention in birds and knowledge on the ghrelin system is especially poor in wild avian species. In contrast to mammals, ghrelin acts as an anorexigenic signal in birds and suppresses food intake. In this study, we focussed on the altricial chicks of thin-billed prions (Pachyptila belcheri) which are subjected to irregular, up to 8 day-long fasts, while waiting for their parents to return from feeding trips. We show that thin-billed prion chicks, which received a meal in the night prior to sampling, had higher circulating ghrelin levels than fasting conspecifics. Ghrelin levels did not correlate with chick body condition, meal size, or the length of a fast. Our study adds to past literature supporting an anorexigenic effect of avian ghrelin and is among the first to describe ghrelin profiles in seabirds, thereby significantly contributing to the scarce literature on ghrelin in wild avian species.
Response to electroconvulsive therapy is associated with a more diverse oral microbiome– a prospective longitudinal cohort pilot study
Authors: Ammer-Herrmenau Christoph , Hamm Jacob , Neesse Albrecht , Günther Kilian , Besse Matthias , Zilles-Wegner David
Published: February 2025

Recently it has been shown that psychiatric disorders are associated with changes in the host microbiome. Little is known about the association of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and microbiome alterations. In our pilot-study, 15 patients with severe or treatment resistant depression were prospectively recruited and oral swabs were collected pre- and post-ECT. Compared to a control group, ECT did not lead to a significant microbial shift in longitudinal samples (p = 0.65). However, alpha diversity measurements significantly differed between responders and non-responders before ECT (observed species p = 0.014, Shannon p = 0.03) and after ECT (observed species p = 0.015, Shannon p = 0.13).
The acute effects of continuous and intermittent whole-body passive heating on cardiovascular disease risk indicators in healthy and young males and females
Authors: Su Yunuo , Martinkova Adela , O’Donnell Emma , Bailey Stephen J. , Leicht Christof A.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Heat therapy is recognised to promote cardiovascular health, and whilst most recent heat therapy investigations have focussed on continuous heat exposure, traditional sauna use often includes recovery periods. This study compared the acute effects of continuous versus intermittent whole-body heating on cardiovascular function markers in males and females.

Methods

Twenty healthy participants (25 ± 3 years; 10 males, 10 females) were exposed to 2 passive heating regimens: continuous heating (CH) for 60 min and intermittent heating (IH) comprised of 3 × 20-min blocks interspersed by 15-min cooling breaks. Skin perfusion, blood pressure (BP), plasma nitrite, interleukins, body temperature, and thermal perceptual responses were assessed.

Results

Greater increases in rectal temperature (Trec) (CH: 1.2 ± 0.1 °C; IH: 0.5 ± 0.1 °C), skin perfusion, systolic blood pressure (SBP), heart rate (HR), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and plasma nitrite were found in CH compared to IH (p ≤ 0.01), but the thermal perceptual response was more unfavourable during CH (p < 0.01). Females had higher skin perfusion and plasma nitrite concentrations (p ≤ 0.04), but lower brachial and central BP than males in both conditions (p ≤ 0.01). Furthermore, females reached a higher Trec and more unfavourable thermal perception in CH (p ≤ 0.02).

Conclusion

More pronounced cardiovascular responses were associated with higher Trec and discomfort. Females exhibited higher skin perfusion and plasma nitrite concentrations than males and reported less favourable thermal perception in CH, but not in IH.
What is a cycling race simulation anyway: a review on protocols to assess durability in cycling
Authors: Peeters W. M. , Barrett M. , Podlogar T.
Published: February 2025

Physiological resilience or durability is now recognised as a determinant of endurance performance such as road cycling. Reliable, ecologically valid and standardised performance tests in laboratory-based cycling protocols have to be established to investigate mechanisms underpinning, and interventions improving durability. This review aims to provide an overview of available race simulation protocols in the literature and examines its rigour around themes that influence durability including (i) exercise intensity anchoring and (ii) carbohydrate intake whilst also (iii) inspecting reliability and justification of the developed protocols. Using a systematic search approach, 48 articles were identified that met our criteria as a cycling race simulation. Most protocols presented limitations to be recommended as exercise test to investigate durability, such as not appropriately addressing the influence of exercise intensity domains by anchoring exercise intensity as % peak power or %

$$\dot{\text{V}}$$

V
˙

O2max. Ten articles provided reliability data, but only one articles under the appropriate conditions. Most studies sufficiently controlled nutrition during trials but not in the days leading to the trials or just before the trials. Thus, there is a paucity in protocols that combine justification and reliability with optimal nutritional support and mimic the true demands of a road-cycling race. This review lists an overview of protocols that researchers could use with caution to select a protocol for future experiments, but encourages further development of improved protocols, including utilisation of virtual software applications.
Insights into chestnut (Castanea spp.) graft incompatibility through the monitoring of chemical and physiological parameters
Authors: Gamba Giovanni , Donno Dario , Akyüz Burak , Cuenca Valera Beatriz , Beccaro Gabriele Loris
Published: February 2025

Main conclusion

Incompatible chestnut grafts exhibited a notably reduced stomatal conductance, mirroring the trend observed for leaf chlorophyll content. Woody tissues at the graft interface of these combinations showed a significantly higher total phenolic content, especially in the internal layers.

In recent years, significant efforts have been made to study the mechanisms of graft incompatibility in horticultural species, though research on minor species like chestnut remains limited. This study investigated the physiological and chemical dynamics in various chestnut grafts, aiming to develop a method for the early detection of graft incompatibility. The total phenolic content (TPC) and specific phenolic markers were analyzed at two phenological stages, callusing (CAL) and end of the vegetative cycle (EVC), using spectrophotometric and chromatographic techniques. These analyses were performed on three sections comprising the graft. Stomatal conductance (Gsw) and leaf chlorophyll content were assessed during the growing season as support tools, being non-destructive useful indicators of plant water status. Significant differences in the physiological traits among compatible and incompatible grafting combinations were evident and remained stable throughout the season. Compatible combinations consistently displayed greater leaf chlorophyll content and higher stomatal conductance, highlighting their superior physiological performance. TPC increased significantly from the CAL to EVC stage across all experimental grafting combinations and in all three analyzed sections. Greater phenol accumulation was observed at the graft union of incompatible combinations, particularly in the inner woody tissues. The phytochemical fingerprint revealed castalagin as the dominant compound, with significant increases in benzoic acids, catechins, and tannins during the growing season. However, the role of gallic acid and catechin as markers of graft incompatibility remains uncertain. The multidisciplinary approach provided valuable insights into the issue of graft incompatibility.

Graphical abstract
Five-year outcomes of a randomized controlled trial evaluating a non-adjustable ring in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
Authors: Okkema Sietske , Boerboom Abel , den Hengst Willem , Aarts Edo , Berends Frits , Hazebroek Eric
Published: February 2025

Background

Several retrospective studies suggest that adding a non-adjustable silicone ring to a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) results in more weight loss and prevents weight regain in the long term. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a banded Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (B-RYGB) on weight loss outcomes in a randomized controlled trial (RCT).

Methods

In this single center RCT, 130 patients were divided into two groups: a standard Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (S-RYGB) or a B-RYGB using a Minimizer® ring. Subsequently, weight loss, morbidity, reduction of obesity-associated medical conditions, quality of life (QoL), and complication rates were measured during a follow-up period of five years. A two-sided p < 0.05 (with 95% confidence interval) indicated statistical significance.

Results

After five years, mean percentage total body weight loss (%TBWL) was 30.5% in the S-RYGB versus 31.8% in the B-RYGB group (p > 0.05). The follow-up percentage was 81%. Overall, no significant differences in complication rates, resolution of obesity-associated medical conditions, and QoL were found between the two groups. In the B-RYGB group, 8 (12%) silicone rings were removed due to symptoms of dysphagia.

Conclusion

B-RYGB is a safe procedure showing similar comorbidity when compared to a S-RYGB. However, B-RYGB led to a higher rate of postoperative dysphagia which poses a risk of ring removal over time. The results from this RCT do not support the hypothesis that implantation of a non-adjustable silicone ring improves long-term weight loss outcomes.

Graphical abstract
Diagnostic accuracy and cut-off values of serum leucine-rich alpha-2 glycoprotein for Crohn’s disease activity in the small bowel
Authors: Okita Muneyori , Takenaka Kento , Hirai Fumihito , Ashizuka Shinya , Iijima Hideki , Bamba Shigeki , Fujii Toshimitsu , Watanabe Kenji , Shimodaira Yosuke , Shiga Hisashi , Hiraoka Sakiko , Inokuchi Toshihiro , Yamamura Takeshi , Emoto Ryo , Matsui Shigeyuki
Published: February 2025

Background

Small bowel (SB) lesions in Crohn’s disease (CD) are often asymptomatic despite being highly active. Fecal calprotectin (FC) is the most widely used biomarker of CD activity, but its drawbacks include a large intra-individual sample variability and the burden of collecting stool samples. Meanwhile, serum leucine-rich alpha-2 glycoprotein (LRG) has recently attracted attention as a biomarker that can address the limitations of FC. This study determined the diagnostic accuracy of LRG and its cut-off values for diagnosing CD activity in SB.

Methods

This was a retrospective, multi-center study of CD patients undergoing retrograde balloon-assisted endoscopy. For ileal- and ileocolonic-type patients with a colon SES-CD score of 0, we estimated the receiver operating characteristic curve of LRG and determined the cut-off value to achieve a target sensitivity level of 80%.

Results

Among 285 patients with SB lesions, LRG had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.72 (95% CI 0.67–0.78) with a sensitivity of 80.2% and specificity of 47.2% for a cut-off value of 10.5 when diagnosing endoscopic remission (modified SES-CD ≤ 3), while it had an AUC of 0.72 (95% CI 0.65–0.78) with a sensitivity of 81.2% and specificity of 46.2% for a cut-off value of 10.1 when diagnosing complete ulcer healing (modified SES-CD ≤ 1).

Conclusion

LRG was effective for diagnosing CD activity in SB, specifically with cut-off values of 10.5 and 10.1 for endoscopic remission and complete ulcer healing, respectively. A future prospective validation study will assess its clinical utility.

Graphical abstract
A note on Weyl’s equidistribution theorem
Authors: Yifrach Yuval
Published: February 2025

H. Weyl proved in Weyl (Eins Math Ann 77(3):313–352, 1916) that integer evaluations of polynomials are equidistributed mod 1 whenever at least one of the non-free coefficients (namely a coefficient of a monomial of degree at least 1) is irrational. We use Weyl’s result to prove a higher dimensional analogue of this fact. Namely, we prove that evaluations of polynomials on lattice points are equidistributed mod 1 whenever at least one of the non-free coefficients is irrational. This result improves the main result of Arhipov et al. (Mat Zametki 25(1):3–14, 157, 1979). We prove this analogue as a corollary of a theorem that guarantees equidistribution of grid evaluations mod 1 for all functions which satisfy some restraints on their derivatives. Another corollary we prove is that for

$$p\in (1,\infty )$$

p
∈
(
1
,
∞
)

the

$$\ell ^p$$

ℓ
p

norms of integer vectors are equidistributed mod 1.