bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effectiveness of Digital Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Toward Enriching Income Generation: The Moderating Role of Entrepreneurial Intention
Authors: Adam Sabrinah , Mohd Fuzi Nursyazwani , Ramdan Mohamad Rohieszan , Ismail Albert Feisal Muhd Feisal
Published: January 2025

This study attempts to examine the functionality of the digital entrepreneurship ecosystem for low-income household Bottom 40 (B40) students toward enriching income generation and entrepreneurial intention as the moderating role in the relationship. This research applied the quantitative method using an online questionnaire. A total of 500 data were gathered from 5 Universities in Malaysia, followed by Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) analysis to examine the hypotheses suggested in the research. The results implied that the effectiveness of the digital entrepreneurship ecosystem has a positive effect on the enrichment of income generation among B40 students in a higher education institution. It was also shown from the moderating effect analysis that entrepreneurial intention has an important function as a moderator to strengthen the relationship. The research may assist B40 students in a higher education institution for income generation through digital entrepreneurship.
Factors Influencing Hospitalization Expenses Among Patients with Lung Cancer in China
Authors: Xu Tingting , Jiang Nan , Chen He , Feng Jun , Feng Qiming , Qin Xianjing , Zhao Jinmin , Gao Hongda
Published: January 2025

Lung cancer poses a serious threat to human health. The direct medical expense and indirect social economic burden caused by high morbidity and poor prognosis rate of malignant tumor are higher than other diseases around the world, especially in some developing countries such as China. Guangxi is one of the less developed provinces in China and it is more essential to control the pressure on medical costs. We intend to explore influential factors of hospitalization expense for lung cancer and provide policy recommendations for the control of hospitalization expense. This study was divided into two aspects: internal and external analysis. Degree of structure variation (DSV) was used to explore internal factors. Generalized linear model (GLM) was used to explore external factor. Based on International Classification Diseases, 2,335 lung cancer patients were selected as studying objects. The total hospitalization expense in 2012 was the lowest, and then in increased from 2012 to 2015 year by year. Western medicine expense occupy the highest proportion in total hospitalization expense. Through the analysis of internal influencing factors, the medicine expense and examination expense have large contribution of structure variation from 2012 to 2016 based on DSV. For external factor, OR of occupation, medical insurance type, hospitalization frequency, and length of stay are statistically significant in GLM equation. The hospitalization expense is increasing and the effect of cost control is not significant. The study found that medicine expense and examination expense play an important role in controlling the total hospitalization expense. Therefore we can control the overall hospitalization expense increase by controlling these two expense items. Occupation, medical insurance type, hospitalization frequency, and length of stay have influence on hospitalization expense for lung cancer patients. Therefore we can also develop different cost control measures for different types of patients.
The Effects of Conceptual Knowledge Goal Intervention on the Development of Poor Readers’ Reading Comprehension
Authors: Luo Guozhong , Li Wen , Gong Bingqing , Wu Yukun
Published: January 2025

Conceptual knowledge goal (CKG) is a typical component of outcome-based learning. However, the contribution of CKG to poor readers’ reading comprehension development remains unclear. Following the suggestion of the Simple View of Reading theory for the poor reader category, the current study recruited 90 poor decoders (PD), 76 poor comprehenders (PC), and 100 general poor readers (GPR) to be randomly divided into CKG and control conditions. After a 12-week intervention, readers who received the CKG condition performed significantly better in character reading and receptive vocabulary than control condition readers, regardless of the reader category. Only PDs who received CKG performed significantly better in listening comprehension than those in the control condition. The results indicate that CKG is an effective approach for educators to enhance the reading comprehension abilities of poor readers in primary schools.
Supine Traction vs Fulcrum Bending Radiographs in Preoperative Imaging of Scoliosis Patients Treated With Magnetically Controlled Growing Rods (MCGR) – which Technique is Better to Predict Surgical Correction of the Main Curve?
Authors: Hemmer Stefan , Trefzer Raphael , Renkawitz Tobias , Pepke Wojciech
Published: January 2025

Study Design

Retrospective Cohort Study.

Objectives

Flexibility radiographs such as traction or bending radiographs are essential in preoperative imaging to assess for curve flexibility and to estimate the amount of operative correction in order to determine the type and length of instrumentation in growth-accompanying scoliosis treatment. Both traction and bending radiographs are controversially discussed in the literature. The predictability of flexibility radiographs of postoperative main curve correction specifically in patients treated with magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGR) has not yet been studied.

Methods

Juvenile patients with idiopathic or neuromuscular scoliosis that were surgically treated with a primary MCGR implant with pedicle screw fixation between 2018-2022 were retrospectively registered. Patients that underwent prior spine surgery, with supine lying-down radiograph and patients with missing traction or bending radiographs available were excluded. Image analysis was conducted using Surgimap® software. For statistical analysis, t test and ANOVA analysis were used to compare the means between groups with a significance level set at P < 0.05.

Results

A total of 50 patients, 34 diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis (IS) and 16 diagnosed with neuromuscular scoliosis (NMS), were included. Globally, main curve Cobb angles were significantly higher in supine traction compared to fulcrum bending images (44.8° vs 39.6°; P < 0.001) and in the IS subgroup (42.4° vs 37.3°; P < 0.001). Compared to postoperative images, significant differences of supine traction but not fulcrum bending radiographs were detected in total ( P < 0.001; P = 0.20) as well as IS ( P < 0.001; P = 0.32) and NMS ( P < 0.001; P = 0.44) subgroups. Fulcrum bending images displayed significantly higher flexibility rates (FR) and flexibility index (FI) compared to traction images in total (FR: 42.9 vs 35.2, P < 0.001; FI: 1.08 vs 1.58, P = 0.024) and the IS subgroup (FR: 44.2 vs 35.8, P < 0.001; FI: 1.19 vs 1.43, P = 0.033).

Conclusions

Fulcrum bending radiographs showed better flexibility and prediction of operative main curve correction compared to supine traction radiographs in total and IS subgroup. Fulcrum bending might be more precise for predicting the postoperative main curve correction potential of primary MCGR surgery in IS patients.
Deliberate Practice Through the Gamification of Entrepreneurship Education
Authors: Lynch Matthew , Kubberød Elin , Sanne Nils , Finrud Josendal Amalie Henriette
Published: January 2025

In entrepreneurship education literature it is generally taken for granted that students learn from real world experiences. Yet doing entrepreneurship is no guarantee that learning will occur. Deliberate practice and ensuring that students engage in intense, prolonged and difficult effort is part of moving students from being novices to being sufficiently prepared to engage in venture creation. This raises the questions of how to structure courses to ensure that deliberate practice is a natural outcome of the course. Gamification supports one method that can be used. This article explores students’ reflections on how gamification tools impacted their experiences of learning how to develop an emerging opportunity. The findings suggest that gamification works well in motivating students to engage in deliberate practice. Gamification is not perfect though and raises a number of challenges for educators to consider in designing their courses to achieve the intended outcomes.
How Has the COVID-19 Pandemic Impacted Addiction Services? A Study of the Different Periods of the Pandemic and Patient Treatment Follow-up Over 1 Year
Authors: Narváez-Camargo Marta , Mancheño-Velasco Cinta , Díaz-Batanero Carmen , Fernández-Calderón Fermín , Lozano Oscar M.
Published: January 2025

Background:

Various studies have provided evidence of the impact of COVID-19 and the measures adopted by governments on drug use and its treatment. After 4 years, a more precise assessment of the evolution of patients and addiction treatment services can be made. The objective of this study is to compare different periods during the COVID-19 pandemic to identify changes in patient profiles and the care activity of addiction treatment centres.

Methods:

A retrospective observational study was conducted using data from March 14, 2019 to June 22, 2022, from addiction centres of Andalusia (Spain). Information related to the treatment of each patient was collected during 1 year after the initiation of treatment (until June 22, 2023). Electronic health records of 29 740 outpatients were analysed and divided into 4 periods (pre-pandemic, lockdown, return to normal and post-lockdown).

Results:

Differences were found across the analysed periods. Admissions declined during the lockdown period but subsequently increased, without reaching pre-pandemic levels. Admission to treatment due to opioid dependence increased during the lockdown. In contrast, the percentage of patients with dual pathology decreased. An increase in the dropout rate of patients from treatment was observed compared to the pre-pandemic period.

Conclusions:

The results revealed a similar patient profile across the different analysed periods. The most notable changes are observed in healthcare activity, which appears to have decreased. Therefore, a greater investment is likely required for the reformulation of addiction centres and increased funding to provide adequate assistance to these patients.
Can voluntary adult education reduce unemployment? Causal evidence from East Germany after reunification
Authors: Rupieper Li Kathrin Kaja , Thomsen Stephan L.
Published: January 2025

After the German reunification in 1990, East Germany transitioned from a centrally planned economic system to a market economy. To tackle surging unemployment, upskilling through adult education was deemed essential at the time. Besides substantial mandatory training programs provided by active labor market policies, Volkshochschulen (VHS) were the most important providers of voluntary adult education. Based on newly digitized data, we estimate how VHS courses affected unemployment in a county-level analysis of East Germany between 1991 and 2002. Our identification strategy employs the decentralized expansion of courses, which led to substantial, quasi-random variation in their regional supply. We do not find any significant effects of VHS courses on subsequent unemployment. Lacking labor demand and low market dynamics may have restricted the realization of education effects. Regional disparities support this notion: In counties bordering West Germany, courses reduced unemployment. Our results hint towards multiple mechanisms at play, as both work-related and recreational courses were found to be effective in border counties.
Not seeing the trees for the forest. The impact of neighbours on graph-based configurations in histopathology
Authors: Fourkioti Olga , De Vries Matt , Naidoo Reed , Bakal Chris
Published: January 2025

Background

Deep learning (DL) has set new standards in cancer diagnosis, significantly enhancing the accuracy of automated classification of whole slide images (WSIs) derived from biopsied tissue samples. To enable DL models to process these large images, WSIs are typically divided into thousands of smaller tiles, each containing 10–50 cells. Multiple Instance Learning (MIL) is a commonly used approach, where WSIs are treated as bags comprising numerous tiles (instances) and only bag-level labels are provided during training. The model learns from these broad labels to extract more detailed, instance-level insights. However, biopsied sections often exhibit high intra- and inter-phenotypic heterogeneity, presenting a significant challenge for classification. To address this, many graph-based methods have been proposed, where each WSI is represented as a graph with tiles as nodes and edges defined by specific spatial relationships.

Results

In this study, we investigate how different graph configurations, varying in connectivity and neighborhood structure, affect the performance of MIL models. We developed a novel pipeline, K-MIL, to evaluate the impact of contextual information on cell classification performance. By incorporating neighboring tiles into the analysis, we examined whether contextual information improves or impairs the network’s ability to identify patterns and features critical for accurate classification. Our experiments were conducted on two datasets: COLON cancer and UCSB datasets.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that while incorporating more spatial context information generally improves model accuracy at both the bag and tile levels, the improvement at the tile level is not linear. In some instances, increasing spatial context leads to misclassification, suggesting that more context is not always beneficial. This finding highlights the need for careful consideration when incorporating spatial context information in digital pathology classification tasks.
Prevalence and contributors to anaemia among children aged 6 to 59 months in Kyangwali Refugee settlement, Western Uganda: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Nakimera Christine , Bwajojo Philip Bright , Kaweesa William , Nampiima Joan , Chebet Faith , Namuwawu Sharifah , Bwemage Martin , Nuwabasa Moses , Ndagire Regina , Lugaajju Allan , Tumwebaze Joel , Lwanira Catherine Nassozi
Published: January 2025

Background

Anaemia is a major cause of morbidity among children under five years in Uganda. However, its magnitude among refugee populations is marginally documented. In this study, the prevalence and contributors to anaemia among children 6 to 59 months in Kyangwali refugee settlement in Western Uganda was determined.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study that was carried out among 415 mother- child dyads at Kwangwali refugee settlement. Anaemia was determined by measuring haemoglobin concentration using the HaemoCue method, while nutritional status was examined using standard World Health Organisation (WHO) nutritional indices. Data abstraction forms, pretested questionnaires and face to face interviews were used to collect patient data. Associations between the independent variables and anaemia were examined using modified Poisson regression with robust standard errors. In all statistical tests, a P- value of < 0.05 was considered as significant.

Results

The proportion of children with anaemia was 49.2% (95% CI: 44.4–53.9). Anaemia was 1.4 times (95% CI = 1.13–1.82; p = 0.003) more prevalent among wasted children than the normal children. The prevalence of anaemia was also higher among underweight children than those with normal weight (aPR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.11–1.70; p = 0.004). Additionally, the prevalence of anaemia was higher among children of birth order of 6 or above (aPR = 2.00, 95% CI = 1.22–3.29; p = 0.006), while anaemia prevalence was lower among children whose mothers’ had attained secondary level of education (aPR = 0.19, CI = 0.04–0.98; p = 0.048) and those who fed on fish (aPR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.57–0.99; p = 0.039) and meals prepared with oils and fats (aPR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.51–0.97; p = 0.029). There was no significant relationship between anaemia occurrence and the household dietary diversity score.

Conclusions

About half of the study children were found to be anaemic. The most significant contributors to anaemia in the study population were malnutrition, maternal education, feeding practices and birth order. The study findings suggest need of screening of children for anaemia at all nutritional clinics, promotion of education, addressing barriers to sustainable food supply and accessibility of nutrient-dense foods, treating anaemia in children alongside other micronutrient deficiencies and addressing the nutritional needs of multiparous mothers in refugee communities.
Optimal outpatient training for resident physicians’ general medicine in-training examination score: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Miyagami Taiju , Nishizaki Yuji , Shimizu Taro , Yamamoto Yu , Shikino Kiyoshi , Kataoka Koshi , Nojima Masanori , Deshpande Gautam , Naito Toshio , Tokuda Yasuharu
Published: January 2025

Background

Outpatient training for resident physicians has been attracting attention in recent years. However, to our knowledge, there have only been a few surveys on outpatient training, particularly in Japan. This study evaluates outpatient care among Japanese resident physicians by determining how the volume of outpatient encounters and length of outpatient training correlate with residents’ clinical competence.

Methods

This study utilised the results of the General Medicine In-Training Examination (GM-ITE; resident clinical competency assessment) for 2,554 post-graduate year 2 (PGY 2) resident physicians in Japan, as well as a self-reported questionnaire regarding their educational training environments conducted after the examination. We investigated whether GM-ITE scores correlated with daily outpatient volume and duration of outpatient training.

Results

Regarding outpatient volume, having 1–5 new patient encounters per day was significantly associated with higher GM-ITE scores by multilevel analysis [0 patients: average score 43.7, 1–5 patients: adjusted estimated coefficient (aEC) 1.99, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.44 to 3.55, P = 0.01]. Regarding the duration of outpatient training, residents trained for one month had the highest GM-ITE scores (one month: average score 46.9; two months: aEC -1.44, 95% CI -2.29 to -0.60, P < 0.001; three months: aEC -1.44, 95% CI -2.22 to -0.65, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Minimal daily new outpatient visits and one month of outpatient training effectively correlated with residents’ basic clinical competence.

Trial registration

This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Japan Institute for Advancement of Medical Education Program (JAMEP; No. 22–30) and retrospectively registered.
Developing a decision support tool to predict delayed discharge from hospitals using machine learning
Authors: Pahlevani Mahsa , Rajabi Enayat , Taghavi Majid , VanBerkel Peter
Published: January 2025

Background

The growing demand for healthcare services challenges patient flow management in health systems. Alternative Level of Care (ALC) patients who no longer need acute care yet face discharge barriers contribute to prolonged stays and hospital overcrowding. Predicting these patients at admission allows for better resource planning, reducing bottlenecks, and improving flow. This study addresses three objectives: identifying likely ALC patients, key predictive features, and preparing guidelines for early ALC identification at admission.

Methods

Data from Nova Scotia Health (2015-2022) covering patient demographics, diagnoses, and clinical information was extracted. Data preparation involved managing outliers, feature engineering, handling missing values, transforming categorical variables, and standardizing. Data imbalance was addressed using class weights, random oversampling, and the Synthetic Minority Over-Sampling Technique (SMOTE). Three ML classifiers, Random Forest (RF), Artificial Neural Network (ANN), and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGB), were tested to classify patients as ALC or not. Also, to ensure accurate ALC prediction at admission, only features available at that time were used in a separate model iteration.

Results

Model performance was assessed using recall, F1-Score, and AUC metrics. The XGB model with SMOTE achieved the highest performance, with a recall of 0.95 and an AUC of 0.97, excelling in identifying ALC patients. The next best models were XGB with random oversampling and ANN with class weights. When limited to admission-only features, the XGB with SMOTE still performed well, achieving a recall of 0.91 and an AUC of 0.94, demonstrating its effectiveness in early ALC prediction. Additionally, the analysis identified diagnosis 1, patient age, and entry code as the top three predictors of ALC status.

Conclusions

The results demonstrate the potential of ML models to predict ALC status at admission. The findings support real-time decision-making to improve patient flow and reduce hospital overcrowding. The ALC guideline groups patients first by diagnosis, then by age, and finally by entry code, categorizing prediction outcomes into three probability ranges: below 30%, 30-70%, and above 70%. This framework assesses whether ALC status can be accurately predicted at admission or during the patient’s stay before discharge.
Nasal food challenge with hen's egg white allergen
Authors: Krzych-Fałta Edyta , Namysłowski Andrzej , Białek Sławomir , Czerwińska Monika E. , Furmańczyk Konrad , Tylewicz Aleksandra , Sybilski Adam , Samoliński Bolesław , Wojas Oksana
Published: January 2025

Background

Nasal allergen provocation tests are an important part of the diagnostics of allergic diseases triggered by environmental factors. Recently, increased attention has been paid to the potential use of this method in the diagnosis of food allergy. The objective of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of the nasal allergen provocation test in a group of subjects allergic to hen's egg white allergens.

Methods

The material consisted of a group of 57 subjects (32 subjects with hen's egg white allergy and 25 healthy controls). The method consisted in a nasal allergen provocation test carried out with the use of hen's egg white allergen and assessed using the visual analog scale and optical rhinometry as well as by determination of sIgE and tryptase levels in nasal lavage fluid.

Results

Subjective nasal symptoms and objective evaluations following the application of 100 µg of hen's egg white allergen revealed a moderately positive nasal mucosal response in optical rhinometry tests (ΔE = 0.34 OD).

Conclusions

Nasal food challenge with hen's egg white allergen is a good diagnostic alternative in the group of food allergy patients. Due to the insufficient number of studies carried out so far, further attempts at standardization of the method are required.
Comparison of the efficacy and safety of Landiolol and Esmolol in critically ill patients: a propensity score-matched study
Authors: Si Xiang , Yuan Hao , Shi Rui , Song Wenliang , Guo Jiayan , Jiang Jinlong , Yang Tao , Ma Xiaoxun , Wang Huiming , Chen Minying , Wu Jianfeng , Guan Xiangdong , Monnet Xavier
Published: January 2025

Background

Excessive tachycardia is associated with impaired hemodynamics and worse outcome in critically ill patients. Previous studies suggested beneficial effect of β-blockers administration in ICU patients, including those with septic shock. However, comparisons in ICU settings are lacking. Our study aims to compare Landiolol and Esmolol regarding heart rate control and hemodynamic variables in general ICU patients.

Methods

This retrospective, observational study was conducted in a 56-bed ICU at a university hospital. A propensity score matching (PSM) was employed to balance baseline differences. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to compare heart rate between two drugs. The primary outcome was heart rate control, while secondary outcomes included hemodynamic response, hospital length of stay (HLOS) and ICU length of stay (ICULOS).

Results

From June 2016 to December 2022, 438 patients were included after PSM, (292 in the Esmolol group and 146 the in Landiolol group). Baseline heart rate was similar between groups (Landiolol:120.0 [110.2, 131.0] bpm vs. Esmolol:120.0 [111.0, 129.0] bpm, p = 0.925). During 72 h. of β-blocker infusion, Landiolol reduced heart rate by 4.7 (1.3, 8.1) bpm, more than Esmolol (p = 0.007), while preserving a comparable proportion of patients able to stabilize vasopressor doses within the first 24 h. (82.9 vs. 80.8%, respectively, p = 0.596). Norepinephrine doses and lactate levels were similar between groups over 72 h., while the Landiolol group exhibited notably higher minimal ScvO2 levels (72% [63%, 78%] vs 68% [55%, 73%], respectively, p = 0.006) and a lower maximal PCO2 gap compared to the Esmolol group (7.0 [6.0, 9.0] vs. 8.0 [6.0, 10.0] mmHg, respectively, p = 0.040). Patients in the Landiolol group were observed to experience shorter HLOS than patients in the Esmolol group (26.5 [13.0, 42.0] vs 30.0 [17.0, 47.2] days, respectively, p = 0.044) and ICULOS (4.9 [2.8, 10.0] vs.6.7 [3.4, 13.1] days, respectively, p = 0.011).

Conclusion

Landiolol provides superior heart rate control in critically ill patients with tachycardia compared to Esmolol, without increasing vasopressor requirements during the first 24 h. Findings from ScvO2 levels and PCO2 gap suggest that Landiolol may exert less impact on cardiac output than Esmolol. Further studies, incorporating comprehensive hemodynamic monitoring, are warranted to clarify the clinical implications of heart rate control with β-blockers in ICU patients with tachycardia.
Evaluating the effects of continuous veno-venous hemodiafiltration on O2 and CO2 removal and energy expenditure measurement using indirect calorimetry
Authors: Wasyluk Weronika , Fiut Robert , Czop Marcin , Zwolak Agnieszka , Dąbrowski Wojciech , Malbrain Manu L N G , Jonckheer Joop
Published: January 2025

Background

Continuous veno-venous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF) is used in critically ill patients, but its impact on O₂ and CO₂ removal, as well as the accuracy of resting energy expenditure (REE) measurement using indirect calorimetry (IC) remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the effects of CVVHDF on O₂ and CO₂ removal and the accuracy of REE measurement using IC in patients undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy.

Design

Prospective, observational, single-center study.

Methodology

Patients with sepsis undergoing CVVHDF had CO₂ flow (QCO₂) and O₂ flow (QO₂) measured at multiple sampling points before and after the filter. REE was calculated using the Weir equation based on V̇CO₂ and V̇O₂ measured by IC, using true V̇CO₂ accounting for the CRRT balance, and estimated using the Harris-Benedict equation. The respiratory quotient (RQ), the ratio of V̇CO₂ to V̇O₂, was evaluated by comparing measured and true values.

Results

The mean QCO₂ levels measured upstream of the filter were 76.26 ± 17.33 ml/min and significantly decreased to 62.12 ± 13.64 ml/min downstream of the filter (p < 0.0001). The mean QO₂ levels remained relatively unchanged. The mean true REE was 1774.28 ± 438.20 kcal/day, significantly different from both the measured REE of 1758.59 ± 434.06 kcal/day (p = 0.0029) and the estimated REE of 1619.36 ± 295.46 kcal/day (p = 0.0475). The mean measured RQ value was 0.693 ± 0.118, while the mean true RQ value was 0.731 ± 0.121, with a significant difference (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

CVVHDF may significantly alter QCO₂ levels without affecting QO₂, influencing the REE and RQ results measured by IC. However, the impact on REE is not clinically significant, and the REE value obtained via IC is closer to the true REE than that estimated using the Harris-Benedict equation. Further studies are recommended to confirm these findings.

Graphical Abstract
Seasonal coastal residency and large-scale migration of two grey mullet species in temperate European waters
Authors: Edwards Jena E. , Buijse Anthonie D. , Winter Hendrik V. , Bijleveld Allert I.
Published: January 2025

Grey mullets (family Mugilidae) are widespread across coastal, brackish, and freshwater habitats, and have supported fisheries for millennia. Despite their global distribution and commercial value, little is known about their movement ecology and its role in the co-existence of sympatric mullet species. Gaps in knowledge about migratory behaviour, seasonal occurrence, and movement scales have also impeded effective management, highlighting the need for further research. This study aimed to identify key habitats and timing of grey mullet presence across the Dutch Wadden Sea, North Sea, and freshwater areas, and to explore potential behavioral differences between two grey mullet species: thicklip mullet (Chelon labrosus) and thinlip mullet (Chelon ramada). Using acoustic telemetry, we tracked 86 tagged grey mullet over three years (thicklip mullet, N = 74; thinlip mullet, N = 12), combining data from 100 local acoustic receivers and the European Tracking Network. Both species were detected in the Wadden Sea from April to November, however, thinlip mullet arrived in the Wadden Sea earlier than thicklip mullet (median date = May 16 vs. June 7). Individual residency in the Wadden Sea lasted a median 97 days for thicklip mullet and 94 days for thinlip mullet. Thinlip mullet were also detected by more receivers and over a larger area than thicklip mullet, indicating differences in movement behaviour. Both species showed an affinity for receivers near major harbours, with thinlip mullet more often detected near fresh water outflows. Seasonal migrations between coastal and offshore waters were also observed, with one thinlip mullet returning to freshwater across consecutive years. North Sea detections spanned ten months, with a gap during the presumed spawning period (Jan–Feb). Our data suggest that thinlip mullet show a preference for deeper gullies while thicklip mullet may spend more time in shallow areas and flooded tidal flats. These findings highlight the importance of the Wadden Sea as a seasonal foraging ground and provide insights into the migratory patterns of grey mullets.
Personalising glioblastoma medicine: explant organoid applications, challenges and future perspectives
Authors: Skarne Niclas , D’Souza Rochelle C. J. , Palethorpe Helen M. , Bradbrook Kylah A. , Gomez Guillermo A. , Day Bryan W.
Published: January 2025

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly aggressive adult brain cancer, characterised by poor prognosis and a dismal five-year survival rate. Despite significant knowledge gains in tumour biology, meaningful advances in patient survival remain elusive. The field of neuro-oncology faces many disease obstacles, one being the paucity of faithful models to advance preclinical research and guide personalised medicine approaches. Recent technological developments have permitted the maintenance, expansion and cryopreservation of GBM explant organoid (GBO) tissue. GBOs represent a translational leap forward and are currently the state-of-the-art in 3D in vitro culture system, retaining brain cancer heterogeneity, and transiently maintaining the immune infiltrate and tumour microenvironment (TME). Here, we provide a review of existing brain cancer organoid technologies, in vivo xenograft approaches, evaluate in-detail the key advantages and limitations of this rapidly emerging technology, and consider solutions to overcome these difficulties. GBOs currently hold significant promise, with the potential to emerge as the key translational tool to synergise and enhance next-generation omics efforts and guide personalised medicine approaches for brain cancer patients into the future.
Forecasting geothermal temperature in western Yemen with Bayesian-optimized machine learning regression models
Authors: Al-Fakih Abdulrahman , Al-khudafi Abbas , Koeshidayatullah Ardiansyah , Kaka SanLinn , Al-Gathe Abdelrigeeb
Published: January 2025

Geothermal energy is a sustainable resource for power generation, particularly in Yemen. Efficient utilization necessitates accurate forecasting of subsurface temperatures, which is challenging with conventional methods. This research leverages machine learning (ML) to optimize geothermal temperature forecasting in Yemen’s western region. The data set, collected from 108 geothermal wells, was divided into two sets: set 1 with 1402 data points and set 2 with 995 data points. Feature engineering prepared the data for model training. We evaluated a suite of machine learning regression models, from simple linear regression (SLR) to multi-layer perceptron (MLP). Hyperparameter tuning using Bayesian optimization (BO) was selected as the optimization process to boost model accuracy and performance. The MLP model outperformed others, achieving high

$$\text {R}^{2}$$

R
2

values and low error values across all metrics after BO. Specifically, MLP achieved

$$\text {R}^{2}$$

R
2

of 0.999, with MAE of 0.218, RMSE of 0.285, RAE of 4.071%, and RRSE of 4.011%. BO significantly upgraded the Gaussian process model, achieving an

$$\text {R}^{2}$$

R
2

of 0.996, a minimum MAE of 0.283, RMSE of 0.575, RAE of 5.453%, and RRSE of 8.717%. The models demonstrated robust generalization capabilities with high

$$\text {R}^{2}$$

R
2

values and low error metrics (MAE and RMSE) across all sets. This study highlights the potential of enhanced ML techniques and the novel BO in optimizing geothermal energy resource exploitation, contributing significantly to renewable energy research and development.
An investigation into the impact of diapir structures on formation pressure systems: a case study of the Yinggehai Basin, China
Authors: Jintao An , Jun Li , Huang Honglin , Zhang Hui , Yang Hongwei , Zhang Geng , Chen Sainan
Published: January 2025

Under the influence of diapir structure, the formation pressure system is complicated. The characteristics of high temperature and high pressure are obvious, the prediction is difficult, and complex accidents such as well kick and leakage are frequent, which seriously restrict the efficient development of oil and gas resources. Therefore, taking Yinggehai Basin in China as an example, combined with the evolution characteristics of diapir structure, the influence of diapir structure on abnormal high-pressure, wellhole collapse and fracture is analyzed. Three pressure calculation methods are selected, and the distribution rules of pressures and safety density window are analyzed, too. The results show that the diapir structure and its associated fault not only constitute the fluid transport system, but also make the deep overpressure transfer upward and accumulate into high pressure in the shallow formation, and the development of the associated fault destroy the integrity of the formation rock and reduce the strength of the rock. The upwelling of hot fluid changes the local geothermal conditions, reduces the hydrocarbon generation threshold of shallow source rocks, promotes the evolution of clay minerals, causes hydrothermal expansion, and enhances the shallow high pressure. In high-temperature environment, the cooling effect of drilling fluid will produce heating stress, change the stress distribution around the wellhole, and increase the risk of wellbore instability. Additionally, under the influence of diapir structures, the pore pressure in deep formations increases, while the fracture pressure decreases, resulting in a significantly narrowed safe density window. The safety density window width generally presents a half-spindle shape, and with the increase of depth, the window width increases first and then decreases.
A hybrid framework for assessing Pakistani commercial bank performance using multi-criteria decision-making
Authors: Işık Özcan , Shabir Mohsin , Demir Gülay , Puska Adis , Pamucar Dragan
Published: January 2025

Overall bank performance in a particular year or period is important to all banking industry stakeholders, as it indicates their success or failure relative to predetermined targets. Due to conflicting criteria and uncertainties, assessing bank performance is a complicated decision-making problem. The current paper proposes the Fuzzy Level Based Weight Assessment (F-LBWA), the Fuzzy Logarithm Methodology of Additive Weights (F-LMAW), and the Measurement Alternatives and Ranking according to the Compromise Solution (MARCOS) combination as a practical and robust decision-making tool to cope with many complex ambiguities. In the first phase, the suggested hybrid Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) approach estimates the weight coefficients of the performance criteria with the aid of a combined version of the F-LBWA and F-LMAW methods. In the second phase, the MARCOS method determines the ranking performance of the decision alternatives. The introduced model is tested and validated on a case study assessing publicly traded bank performance in Pakistan. The findings obtained from the sensitivity analysis revealed that the presented F-LBWA-F-LMAW-MARCOS approach produces consistent solutions and is a reliable and effective procedure in rational decision-making.
Process-induced toxicants in food: an overview on structures, formation pathways, sensory properties, safety and health implications
Authors: Mirza Alizadeh Adel , Mohammadi Mansoureh , Hashempour-baltork Fataneh , Hosseini Hedayat , Shahidi Fereidoon
Published: January 2025

With the rapid advances in ready-to-eat food products and the progress of food processing industries, concerns about food security and investigating food safety as well as sensory quality have intensified. Many food safety concerns are attributed to the toxic components, which can be produced during food processing as process-induced toxicants (PITs). The thermal processing of food (e.g., baking, cooking, grilling, roasting, and toasting) may lead to the formation of some highly hazardous PITs for humans and animals. These include acrolein, acrylamide, benzene, ethyl carbamate, chlorinated compounds, heterocyclic organic compounds (HOCs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs), biogenic amines (BAs), N-nitrosamines, Maillard reaction products (MRPs), and several newly identified toxicants such as 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol. The occurrence of these contaminants is often accompanied by distinguishing odor, taste, and color. The severity of the sensory attributes can vary depending on the compound concentration. Knowledge about the biochemical and chemical mechanisms of PITs generation is necessary for expanding feasible approaches to limit and control their amounts in food products. This contribution introduces the most significant PITs, highlighting their formation mechanisms, impact on sensory characteristics of foods, analytical methods to detection, risk assessments, and food safety/adverse health effects of ultra-processed foods.

Graphical Abstract
Is routine preoperative head ultrasound screening before congenital cardiac surgery mandatory?
Authors: Farooq Shawana , Hassan Hanan Rashid Abu , AlSassi Omai Mohammed , Alfawzan Tarek , Eltayeb Abdullah , Mohamed Seifeldin , Rafique Suffura , Ali Ghaida Mohammed , Alanezi Tarek Jamal , Alharbi Ali Hussain , Tabarki Brahim , Al Wadai Abdullah
Published: January 2025

Background

The practice of routine preoperative head ultrasound (HUS) screening for infants and neonates undergoing surgery for congenital heart disease has been widely adopted; however, its usefulness is still unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of preoperative HUS abnormalities in neonates and infants with congenital heart disease, its association with postoperative neurological outcomes, and its sensitivity and specificity in detecting preoperative abnormalities. This retrospective cohort study was conducted between 2015 and 2022 at a tertiary referral center. The study included 596 children who were scheduled for cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease and who had preoperative HUS.

Results

The prevalence of preoperative HUS abnormalities was 23% (n = 137). There were no differences in the baseline characteristics between patients with normal and abnormal HUS. The most common abnormality reported by HUS was intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) (n = 65, 47.45%). Surgery was done in 417 (78.53%) with no IVH vs. 50 (76.92%) with IVH (P = 0.766). Mortality was statistically not significantly higher in patients with abnormal HUS (14% vs. 8%; P = 0.092). Twenty-seven patients developed new postoperative neurological complications (5.78%), with no difference between the groups (5.7% vs. 6.1%, P = 0.893). Preoperative neurological abnormalities (OR: 1.24 (95% CI: 1.08–1.41); P = 0.002) and intrauterine growth retardation (OR: 5.37 (95% CI: 1.61–17.88), P = 0.006) were significantly associated with new postoperative neurological events. The sensitivity of HUS compared with that of MRI was 51%, and the specificity was 83%.

Conclusions

The HUS showed a high percentage of abnormal findings in children with congenital heart disease; however, these findings were not necessarily correlated with the outcome. The study findings do not support the routine use of HUS for neonates and infants undergoing surgery for congenital heart disease. Abnormal HUS findings did not significantly impact surgical rates or postoperative outcomes.
An Interesting Case of Vitamin D-Mediated Severe Hypercalcemia in a Patient With Renal Mass
Authors: L Aravind , Viswanath S Arun , G Ninoo George , Jeyasekharan Ranjit , David Deepak , Ovett Jerin J
Published: January 2025

Hypercalcemia of malignancy (HCM) is the most common cause of hypercalcemia in hospitalized patients. The pathogenesis of HCM is often multifactorial. One of the rare causes of HCM is extra-renal production of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (or calcitriol), which is often seen in patients with lymphoproliferative malignancies. Here we report an interesting case of a 77-year-old female with severe hypercalcemia and renal mass. Initially, she was presumed to have humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy. However, her renal mass turned out to be diffuse large B cell lymphoma upon removal. Her severe hypercalcemia was attributed to a combination of ectopic calcitriol production from the tumor and probable iatrogenic vitamin D intoxication. This case highlights the need to consider multiple concurrent etiologies in patients with severe hypercalcemia.
Discrepancies Between Sex Prediction and Fetal Sex After Prenatal Noninvasive Cell-Free DNA Screening
Authors: Witchel Selma F , Rajkovic Aleksandar , Yatsenko Svetlana A
Published: January 2025

In the last 10 years the field of prenatal diagnosis has been significantly reshaped followed by the implementation of noninvasive prenatal cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing methodologies in clinical practice. Based on a superior performance and higher sensitivity and specificity than the former practice of biochemical markers screening, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics recommend noninvasive prenatal cfDNA screening for trisomy 21, 18, 13, and sex chromosome aneuploidy to all pregnant people. While cfDNA screening is helpful in risk assessment for the most common autosomal trisomies, cfDNA also provides information about fetal sex chromosomes. Prediction of fetal sex is highly desired by the parents and also useful to healthcare providers for management of pregnancies that are at-risk for X-linked conditions. In fact, utilization of cfDNA screening has resulted in a significant number of referrals to evaluate discordant results for cfDNA sex prediction and appearance of fetal genitalia by prenatal ultrasound scan or at birth raising concerns about the fetus/infant atypical sex development known as a difference in sex development (DSD). In this mini-review, we outline principles and limitations of cfDNA technology, summarize recent findings related to cfDNA test performance in prediction of sex chromosome abnormalities and DSD conditions, define the technical and biological causes of discrepant results, provide recommendations to consolidate efforts by prenatal and clinical management teams in challenging situations, and discuss ethical considerations associated with fetal sex prediction and prenatal DSD diagnosis.
Realistic challenges and path options for the high-quality development of smart stadiums in China
Authors: Chu Shaoquan
Published: January 2025

The high-quality development of smart stadiums has become a key concern for the industry and academia. This study uses literature, fieldwork methods and logical analysis to sort out the reality of the development of intelligent stadiums in China and make corresponding recommendations. The study finds that the problems of high-quality construction of smart stadiums in China include: information technology treats the masses as a tame object and a test object for the safety valve, there is a paradox between algorithmic "de-deviation" and "personalised" sports services, and there is a lack of product standards and construction standards for smart stadium facilities. The following recommendations were made: strengthen the functional construction of venues to promote the "penetration" of sports lifestyle awareness; strengthen the low-carbon construction of venues to improve sustainable development; and implement the new concept of "two developments" to promote the high-quality development of venues.
An Overview of Complications and Treatment Strategies in Periocular Dermal Fillers: A Literature Review
Authors: Ciesielska Aleksandra , Sieradzka Aleksandra , Szerej Krzysztof , Kot Alicja , Wojtczak Marta , Myśliwiec Natalia , Różycki Adrian , Pniak Michał , Miklis Paweł , Mawlichanów Maciej
Published: January 2025

Introduction:  The dermal filler market is a continuously expanding billion-dollar industry with the number of performed injections growing concurrently with the amount of post-injection complications. Most adverse events are mild and resolve spontaneously. Ischemic complications due to accidental intra-arterial filler injection may lead to skin necrosis and even irreversible vision loss.
Aim of the study: This review aims to critically evaluate the use of dermal fillers in the periocular area, possible post-injection complications and treatment options for adverse events, providing further guidance for aesthetic medicine doctors.
Methods: Databases such as PubMed, Medline and Research Gate were searched for articles published over the last 20 years.
Results: Dermal fillers in the periocular area are often chosen over surgical procedures due to their efficacy and outstanding safety profiles. The reversing agent hyaluronidase causes hyaluronic acid fillers to be the primary choice for periocular filler injections. Post-injection complications after permanent fillers may require surgical excision.
Conclusions: The periocular region is exceptionally demanding, requiring excellent anatomical awareness and proper administration techniques for uneventful procedures. Individually adjusted treatment plans and proper product selection is crucial. Doctors must follow preventative guidelines to minimize the complication risk, including aspirating before injecting the product, performing injections in the mid or deep dermal plane and administering small volumes with slow injections. Imaging techniques are significantly beneficial for minimizing the risk of the most severe ischemic complications.
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) association in serological studies
Authors: Czyż Witold , Chuncia-Ileczko Marta , Wójcikiewicz Michalina , Arczewski Filip , Dziedzic Karol , Kulbacka Julia , Wojszczyk Maciej , Zys Damian , Pasek Piotr , Ryniecka Julia
Published: January 2025

Over the past 50 years, a substantial body of research revealed an association between  Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and various aspects of EBV infection, with multiple autoimmune diseases. Growing evidence points to EBV as a potential co-factor in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and several mechanisms have been proposed to explain this relationship, however there is as yet no conclusive proof of causality. This literature review constitutes an introduction into the subject and attempts to outline the findings on the EBV-SLE connection, focusing mostly on the evidence provided by serological studies.