bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diversity of aquatic insects at the abandoned marble mining site in Leang Leang Village, Maros Regency, South Sulawesi, Indonesia
Authors: Sadapotto Andi , Amada Hardiansyah Yusty , Budiaman
Published: February 2025

The abandoned marble mining site in Leang Leang Village, Maros Regency, has been neglected since 2019. The area has since been filled with rainwater, forming a water body utilized by the surrounding community as a water reserve during the dry season. Marble mining generates waste in the form of marble dust that can pollute water bodies. Aquatic insects are organisms that can be used to determine water pollution levels. This research aims to assess the diversity of aquatic insects and evaluate water quality based on aquatic insect families as bioindicators. Aquatic insect samples collected were identified and analyzed. Diversity, richness, and water quality observations were conducted using the Shannon-Wiener index (H’) and Hilsenhoff Family Biotic Index (HFBI) methods. The aquatic insect diversity index at the abandoned marble mining site in Leang Leang recorded a value of 1.03 (moderate category). The richness index scored 0.52, categorizing it as low. Based on the HFBI classification, water quality at the abandoned marble mining site in Leang Leang falls under the very poor category.
Natural resource management through digital transformation supporting forestry innovation 4.0 in North Sumatra
Authors: Eriza Faisal , Nasution Nabila Fahira , Thamrin Muhammad Husni
Published: February 2025

This research investigates the impact of digital transformation on natural resource management, focusing on forestry innovation 4.0 in North Sumatra Province, Indonesia. Despite challenges such as limited public awareness and technological infrastructure, the Indonesian government has emphasized digitalization through initiatives like Presidential Regulation 82 of 2023, promoting digital transformation across services, including natural resource management. The study employs a literature review approach, analyzing peer-reviewed journals, government reports, and policy documents to explore integrating digital technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), IoT, and AI in forestry management. Findings highlight how digitalization enhances operational efficiency, transparency, and environmental sustainability by enabling real-time monitoring, data-driven decision-making, and community engagement. Case studies from North Sumatra Province illustrate the implementation of digital applications like SIPUHH, SIMPONI, SIMBA and SILK, which optimize forest management and public service delivery. Key challenges identified include improved data accuracy, workforce training in technology, and enhanced cross-sector coordination. Recommendations include infrastructure development, capacity building, and fostering public awareness to maximize the benefits of digital transformation. Ultimately, this research provides insights for policymakers and stakeholders to strengthen digitalization strategies, supporting forestry innovation 4.0 and sustainable natural resource management in North Sumatra Province and beyond.
Koi varieties identification based zero parameter simple linear iterative clustering and support vector machine
Authors: Setiawan Alexander , Sapphira Amadea , Setyati Endang
Published: February 2025

There’s currently 120 types of koi fish that has been bred around the world. The types of koi fish depend on the colour patterns and shapes they have. There’s alot of patterns that has similarity between one type with another. For example, sanke and showa koi fish will look similar from a non-expert’s point of view, because both type has same colour pattern, which is red, black and white. In actuality, sanke koi is dominantly red and white with slight black accent, while showa’s dominant colour is red and black, with white accent. In this research, Zero Parameter Simple Linear Iterative Clustering (SLICO) method and Simple Linear Iterative Clustering (SLIC) will be tested and used to process the image segmentation process to eliminate the background of the image. Colour Local Binary Pattern method is used to get the textures on images through the RGB, HSV, and grayscale colour space. Support Vector Machine is used to identify types of koi fish. To test the SVM, two kind of kernel is used, which is linear kernel and Radial Basis Function (RBF) kernel. The results of this study are the program able to recognize types of koi from images. The test results show an accuracy of 36% in grayscale colour space, 50% in RGB colour space, and 48% in HSV colour space.
Diffractive elements with multi-ring spectra
Authors: Rasouli Saifollah , Hebri Davud , Narimani Seyed Mohammad Hasan , Ponomarenko Sergey A
Published: February 2025

We introduce pure amplitude almost periodic structures (APSs) with multi-ring spatial spectra, characterized by four degrees of freedom in the spectral domain: the number of rings, the number of impulses on each ring, the radius of each ring, and the angular positions of the impulses within a ring. A comprehensive mathematical framework is developed to describe the diffraction of arbitrary optical beams by such structures. This framework is theoretically validated and experimentally verified through the analysis of diffraction patterns produced under Gaussian beam illumination. The method is systematically tested on various APS configurations, including structures with one, two, three, and four rings, as well as different impulse arrangements within these rings, demonstrating its robustness and adaptability. Notably, each APS achieves a high diffraction efficiency, transferring approximately

1

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2
N
+
1
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(
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of the transmitted beam power to each impulse, where 2N represents the total number of impulses excluding the zero-diffraction order. This efficiency is significantly superior to that of conventional spatial light modulators. Additionally, a detailed comparison between theoretical predictions and experimental measurements of power ratios for the diffraction orders confirms the accuracy and reliability of our approach. The versatility of APS makes them highly suitable for a range of applications, including optical communications, optical tweezing, multi-particle trapping, screening, micro-manipulation, and microscopy. For example, APS-enhanced Gaussian lattice beams can improve imaging speed in fluorescence microscopy. Furthermore, their ability to enable three-dimensional optical multiple trapping and beam splitting positions APS as a powerful tool for advancing laser and optical research.
Erosion behaviour of micro and nanostructured Cr3C2NiCrBSi coating on IN718 alloy via HVOF processing
Authors: Shankar R , Balasubramanian K R , Sabanayagam S , Rajadurai R
Published: February 2025

Surface degradation of materials due to solid particles (Erosion) in high-temperature environments is a major contributor to wear in applications such as power plants, petrochemical plants, and aeroplane engines. This degradation can result in decreased efficiency, higher maintenance costs, and potential equipment failure. The erosion rate is influenced by a number of variables, including the characteristics of the target material and particle shape, velocity, and angle of impingement. Surface coating, especially HVOF spraying, improves erosion resistance leading to increase the material durability, reducing wear and extending equipment life. The high-temperature erosion behaviour of microstructured and nanostructured HVOF-sprayed Inconel 718 superalloy materials is investigated in an air jet erosion tester. Following the tests, the eroded samples are examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and x-ray diffraction (XRD) to analyze the effects of erosion. The results indicate that uncoated samples experience higher erosion rates at all impact angles compared to both coated samples. Erosion rates for both microstructured and nanostructured coated samples are higher at a 30° impact angle compared to a 90° angle, indicating a ductile behaviour in response to impact. The lower porosity of the nanostructured coating is believed to enhance its ability to protect the substrate from erodent particles. The Cr3C2NiCrBSi nanostructured coating provides better erosion resistance and effectively protects the surface of the Inconel 718 superalloy.
The influence of defect thickness on defect characterization using pulsed thermography: a numerical study on stainless steel material
Authors: Sharath D , Menaka M , Venkatraman B
Published: February 2025

The combined effect of defect thickness and lateral size on defect characterization in AISI 316 L Stainless Steel material using Pulsed Thermography method is studied numerically. As the defect volume (thickness and lateral width) decreases for the same depth, the magnitude of change in surface temperature decreases, deteriorating the defect visibility. The change in the surface temperature can be related to the apparent reduction in the Reflection Coefficient, R, of the material and defect interface. The finite difference analysis is used to simulate the Pulsed Thermography experiment on steel material. A least-square-based optimization technique is used to estimate the R as a function of defect depth and lateral size to establish a relationship between them. The contrast derivative and log 2nd derivative methods are used for depth quantification. To carry out the defect visibility study, a noise matrix was generated using noise data obtained from an actual IR camera and superimposed on the numerical results to create a dataset that closely resembles actual experimental data. The study concluded that the defect thickness has the least effect on defect visibility and depth quantification if the thickness of the defect is greater than 500 μm for Stainless Steel. This work provides useful insight into the impact of defect volume on the precise measurement of defect depth and its visibility.
dCG—differentiable connected geometries for AI-compatible multi-domain optimization and inverse design
Authors: Luce Alexander , Grünbaum Daniel , Marquardt Florian
Published: February 2025

In the domain of geometry and topology optimization, discovering geometries that optimally satisfy specific problem criteria is a complex challenge in both engineering and scientific research. In this work, we propose a new approach for the creation of multidomain connected geometries that are designed to work with automatic differentiation. We introduce the concept of differentiable connected geometries, discussing its theoretical aspects and illustrating its application through simple toy examples and a more sophisticated photonic optimization task. Since these geometries are built upon the principles of automatic differentiation, they are compatible with existing deep learning frameworks, a feature we demonstrate via the application examples. This methodology provides a systematic way to approach geometric design and optimization in computational fields involving dependent geometries, potentially improving the efficiency and effectiveness of optimization tasks in scientific and engineering applications.
They Do It with Mirrors?
Authors: Clifford Emily
Published: February 2025

This chapter probes the relationship between objects in a material world and concepts in a mental one by studying some Attic pots. It focuses on drinking cups and oil flasks, and the portal that these offer onto visualizations of death in the symposium and beside the grave. The two parts are bound together by several themes. One is a fixation on revelation and concealment of the dead: what is and is not visible? The second is the way in which engaging with the pot and its images generates reflection on death more generally, as an experience that will, at some point, belong to the viewer. The third theme comprises the epistemological meditations that are provoked by a pot’s form.
Deaths Old and New
Authors: Clifford Emily
Published: February 2025

Conversation Two pulls in some comparative material to avoid an overly stark picture of what may or may not be distinctive about the material focused on in the book. It takes a brief look at two Archaic deaths, one verbal, one visual: the death of Hector in Iliad 22.361–3 and the Mykonos pithos, a seventh-century bce storage pot decorated in relief with scenes drawn from the fall of Troy. After considering the similarities and the differences between the encounters offered by each medium, it argues that the picture offered in this book is a culturally specific one: the particularity of the explorations of death that are proposed lie partly in the medium-specific way in which they generate reflection and partly in the degree of epistemological emphasis.
The Extraordinary Death of Sophocles’ Oedipus at Colonus
Authors: Clifford Emily
Published: February 2025

This chapter examines the ways in which dying and death are made mentally present and visible in Greek tragedy. It focuses on Sophocles’ Oedipus at Colonus, opening with a scene in which there is a gear change in expectation when death becomes imminent and a splitting of perspectives as the dying man diverges from the living in knowledge and trajectory. It then discusses the Messenger’s speech, in which an ecphrastic set-up brings ideas of distance to the fore. Finally, it delves into some attributes of Oedipus’ death that put pressure on its potentially exemplary force. To what extent might an audience derive general ideas about what death is and is like from this play?
CpGFuse: a holistic approach for accurate identification of methylation states of DNA CpG sites
Authors: Park Sehi , To Chong Kil , Tayara Hilal
Published: February 2025

Anomalous DNA methylation has wide-ranging implications, spanning from neurological disorders to cancer and cardiovascular complications. Current methods for single-cell DNA methylation analysis face limitations in coverage, leading to information loss and hampering our understanding of disease associations. The primary goal of this study is the imputation of CpG site methylation states in a given cell by leveraging the CpG states of other cells of the same type. To address this, we introduce CpGFuse, a novel methodology that combines information from diverse genomic features. Leveraging two benchmark datasets, we employed a careful preprocessing approach and conducted a comprehensive ablation study to assess the individual and collective contributions of DNA sequence, intercellular, and intracellular features. Our proposed model, CpGFuse, employs a convolutional neural network with an attention mechanism, surpassing existing models across HCCs and HepG2 datasets. The results highlight the effectiveness of our approach in enhancing accuracy and providing a robust tool for CpG site prediction in genomics. CpGFuse’s success underscores the importance of integrating multiple genomic features for accurate identification of methylation states of CpG site.
Construction of unsymmetrical open-cage silsesquioxanes
Authors: Yonezawa Honoka , Okamoto Keigo , Naka Kensuke , Imoto Hiroaki
Published: February 2025

The introduction of chirality into siloxanes is crucial for applications in chiral separation, recognition, and reaction environments. Cage silsesquioxanes, with their distinct 3D structures, offer great potential in this field. Here, we utilized corner-opened polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane to construct unsymmetrical structures with cage-centered chirality. The three silanol groups of commercially available corner-opened polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes were functionalized through a stepwise process. Efficient synthesis was achieved by selecting chlorosilanes with appropriate steric hindrance.
Sepsis after Trauma—Evolving Paradigms in Stress Biology and Host Response Failure
Authors: Dickmann Petra , Claus Ralf A , Bauer Michael
Published: February 2025

Severe trauma is often complicated by subsequent infection and organ dysfunction, with sepsis being a major mortality risk factor. Factors such as barrier destruction, wound contamination, invasive procedures, injury severity, and shock were traditionally considered primary predisposing elements for post-trauma sepsis. However, recent advances in stress biology have revealed a more nuanced understanding of the body's response to trauma. Organisms have evolved adaptive responses to various noxious stimuli that follow a biphasic pattern: Low to moderate stress levels can increase resilience, while overwhelming insults, both acute and chronic, overstrain the body’s coping mechanisms and are known as allostatic overload, hallmarked by maladaptive responses. An illustrative example of this concept is the body's response to iron ion exposure following trauma, transfusion, or haemolysis. Iron ions, at low levels, induce adaptive Nrf2-dependent responses, such as haem oxygenase gene expression. However, high concentrations or prolonged exposure can lead to cellular damage and organ failure, e.g. through the production of highly reactive free radicals. This biphasic pattern highlights the complex interplay between protective and harmful responses in post-trauma physiology. Whereas tools such as the SOFA score allow to measure severity of organ dysfunction, no metrics for quantifying the intensity of "stress" over time are available. As cumulative stress is a crucial outcome-associated factor in trauma care, the development of adequate indicators could significantly enhance our understanding and management of post-trauma complications, arising from secondary surgical interventions, transfusion management or metabolic derangements. This evolving perspective on stress biology in the severely injured host underscores the need for a more comprehensive approach to patient assessment and treatment in critical care settings, to identify and to decrease stress load with the aim to prevent life-threatening complications, such as sepsis, and ultimately improve outcomes.
Design and magnetic properties of molecular cuprate spin ladders
Authors: Manabe Jun , Nishihara Sadafumi
Published: February 2025

Spin ladders are quasi-one-dimensional magnetic structures that occupy an intermediate position between the two-dimensional spin lattices of cuprate superconductors and one-dimensional chain. Spin ladders with an even number of legs are of particular interest due to their potential to exhibit superconductivity upon hole doping. Molecular cuprate spin ladders, wherein Cu2+ ions (S = 1/2) are linked by ligands, feature spatially isolated ladder structures. This review highlights research on molecular cuprate spin ladders, focusing on the coordination structures of copper complexes.
Obesity, Sarcopenia, Sarcopenic Obesity, and Hypertension: Mediating Role of Inflammation and Insulin Resistance
Authors: Zou Yuanlin , Ye Hua , Xu Ziqing , Yang Qian , Zhu Jicun , Li Tiandong , Cheng Yifan , Zhu Yongjian , Zhang Junxi , Bo Yacong , Wang Peng
Published: February 2025

Background

This study aimed to assess the association between obesity, sarcopenia, and sarcopenic obesity with hypertension and to explore the potential mediation of inflammation indicators and insulin resistance.

Methods

Data from the UK Biobank, a large-scale prospective cohort, were utilized. Obesity was defined using percentage of fat mass, whereas sarcopenia was defined as low muscle mass and low muscle strength. The primary outcome assessed was new-onset hypertension within a 5-year follow-up period. The association analysis was examined using a Cox regression model.

Results

A total of 183 091 participants were enrolled in this study. During 5 years of follow-up, 3 812 (2.08%) developed hypertension. In the fully adjusted model, compared to men without these conditions, those with obesity, sarcopenia, and sarcopenic obesity had 2.32 times (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 2.12–2.55), 3.10 times (95% CI, 2.35–4.08), and 3.66 times (95% CI, 2.98–4.50) higher risks of developing hypertension, respectively. Women with obesity, sarcopenia, and sarcopenic obesity had 2.27 times (95% CI, 2.03–2.54), 2.93 times (95% CI, 1.95–4.39), and 4.04 times (95% CI, 3.32–4.91) higher risks of hypertension, respectively. Significant mediating effects of C-reactive protein, neutrophils, white blood cells, triglyceride-glucose index, and triglyceride-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio were found, with mediations ranging from 6% to 13% for men and 2% to 21% for women in the association between sarcopenic obesity and hypertension.

Conclusions

Obesity, sarcopenia, and sarcopenic obesity significantly increased the risk of hypertension. Inflammation and insulin resistance appeared to mediate the association between sarcopenic obesity and hypertension.
Long and Accurate: How HiFi Sequencing is Transforming Genomics
Authors: Wang Bo , Jia Peng , Gao Shenghan , Zhao Huanhuan , Zheng Gaoyang , Xu Linfeng , Ye Kai
Published: February 2025

Recent developments in PacBio high-fidelity (HiFi) sequencing technologies have transformed genomic research, with circular consensus sequencing now achieving 99.9% accuracy for long (up to 25 kb) single-molecule reads. This method circumvents biases intrinsic to amplification-based approaches, enabling thorough analysis of complex genomic regions [including tandem repeats, segmental duplications, ribosomal DNA (rDNA) arrays, and centromeres] as well as direct detection of base modifications, furnishing both sequence and epigenetic data concurrently. This has streamlined a number of tasks including genome assembly, variant detection, and full-length transcript analysis. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the applications and challenges of HiFi sequencing across various fields, including genomics, transcriptomics, and epigenetics. By delineating the evolving landscape of HiFi sequencing in multi-omics research, we highlight its potential to deepen our understanding of genetic mechanisms and to advance precision medicine.
Identifying supermassive black hole recoil in elliptical galaxies
Authors: Rawlings Alexander , Keitaanranta Atte , Mattero Max , Soininen Sonja , Wright Ruby J , Kallioinen Noa , Liao Shihong , Rantala Antti , Johansson Peter H , Naab Thorsten , Irodotou Dimitrios
Published: February 2025

We study stellar core growth in simulations of merging massive ($M_\star \gt 10^{11}\, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }$) elliptical galaxies by a supermassive black hole (SMBH) displaced by gravitational wave induced recoil velocity. With controlled, dense sampling of the SMBH recoil velocity, we find the core radius originally formed by SMBH binary scouring can grow by a factor of 2–3 when the recoil velocity exceeds $\sim 50$ per cent of the central escape velocity, and the mass deficit grows by up to a factor of $\sim 4$. Using Bayesian inference we predict the distribution of stellar core sizes formed through this process to peak at $\sim 1\, \mathrm{kpc}$. An orbital decomposition of stellar particles within the core reveals that radial orbits dominate over tube orbits when the recoil velocity exceeds the velocity dispersion of the core, whereas tube orbits dominate for the lowest recoil kicks. A change in orbital structure is reflected in the anisotropy parameter, with a central tangential bias present only for recoil velocities less than the local stellar velocity dispersion. Emulating current integral field unit observations of the stellar line-of-sight velocity distribution, we uncover a distinct signature in the Gauss–Hermite symmetric deviation coefficient $h_4$ that uniquely constrains the core size due to binary scouring. This signature is insensitive to the later evolution of the stellar mass distribution due to SMBH recoil. Our results provide a novel method to estimate the SMBH recoil magnitude from observations of local elliptical galaxies, and implies these galaxies primarily experienced recoil velocities less than the stellar velocity dispersion of the core.
Is Seeing Cigarettes in the Retail Environment Associated With Impulse Purchases? Findings From Surveys in Disadvantaged and Non-disadvantaged Neighborhoods in the Netherlands
Authors: Poole Nikita L , van den Brand Floor A , Willemsen Marc C , Nagelhout Gera E
Published: February 2025

Background

The retail environment plays an important role in impulse purchase behavior. This study aims to examine the extent to which different sources of exposure to tobacco in the Dutch retail environment are associated with impulse purchases of tobacco. We investigate whether this association differs based on neighborhood disadvantage, demographic and smoking characteristics.

Aims and Methods

We employed a cross-sectional online survey design among 1223 Dutch adults who smoke from a probability-based panel database, with half residing in a disadvantaged neighborhood. We conducted multiple logistic regression analyses for impulse purchases with six sources of reported tobacco exposure in the retail environment. We tested for interactions with neighborhood disadvantage, demographic and smoking characteristics.

Results

Five sources of exposure were associated with impulse purchases: seeing cigarette packages at the counter or checkout, tobacco advertisements, people smoking by the shop entrance, a friend buying cigarettes and a family member buying cigarettes. We found one significant interaction in the relationship between exposure and impulse purchases by previous quit attempts. Individuals who have attempted or intend to quit, younger respondents, and frequent tobacco purchasers were more likely to be exposed to tobacco and make impulse purchases. Living in a disadvantaged neighborhood was associated with greater exposure to tobacco in the retail environment.

Conclusions

Several sources of exposure to tobacco in the retail environment, most notably seeing cigarettes at the checkout and family buying cigarettes, are associated with impulse tobacco purchases. These findings provide support for limiting the sale of tobacco to specialist shops to prevent impulse purchases.

Implications

This study shows that even with a point-of-sale display ban, several other types of exposure to tobacco in the retail environment may trigger adults who smoke to make an impulse purchase. We provide further evidence that certain groups are at an increased risk of being exposed to tobacco and making impulse purchases. This study provides support for limiting the sale of tobacco to specialist shops. These findings are directly relevant not only for the Netherlands, but for other nations considering their next steps for tobacco control.
CAPI-detect: machine learning in capillaroscopy reveals new variables influencing diagnosis
Authors: Lledó-Ibáñez Gema M , Sáez Comet Luis , Freire Dapena Mayka , Mesa Navas Miguel , Martín Cascón Miguel , Guillén del Castillo Alfredo , Simeon Carmen Pilar , Martinez Robles Elena , Todolí Parra José , Varela Diana Cristina , Maldonado Génesis , Marín Adela , Pérez Abad Laura , Aramburu Jimena , Vela Laura , Ramos Ibáñez Eduardo , del Carmelo Gracia Tello Borja
Published: February 2025

Objectives

Nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) is the gold standard for diagnosing systemic sclerosis (SSc) and differentiating primary from secondary Raynaud's phenomenon. The CAPI-Score algorithm, designed for simplicity, classifies capillaroscopy scleroderma patterns (CSPs) using a limited number of capillary variables. This study aims to develop a more advanced machine learning (ML) model to improve CSP identification by integrating a broader range of statistical variables while minimising examiner-related bias.

Methods

A total of 1,780 capillaroscopies were randomly and blindly analysed by 3–4 trained observers. Consensus was defined as agreement among all but one observer (partial consensus) or unanimous agreement (full consensus). Capillaroscopies with at least partial consensus were used to train ML-based classification models using CatBoost software, incorporating 24 capillary architecture-related variables extracted via automated NVC analysis. Validation sets were employed to assess model performance.

Results

Of the 1,490 capillaroscopies classified with consensus, 515 achieved full consensus. The model, evaluated on partial and full consensus datasets, achieved 0.912, 0.812, and 0.746 accuracy for distinguishing SSc from non-SSc, among SSc patterns, and between normal and non-specific patterns, respectively. When evaluated on full consensus only, accuracy improved to 0.910, 0.925, and 0.933. CAPI-Detect outperformed CAPI-Score, revealing novel capillary variables critical to ML-based classification.

Conclusions

CAPI-Detect, an ML-based model, provides an unbiased, quantitative analysis of capillary structure, shape, size, and density, significantly improving capillaroscopic pattern identification.
Evaluation of a Suicide Prevention Education Program for School Nurses With Emphasis on Willingness to Intervene
Authors: Salt Elizabeth , Cerel Julie , Walmsley Lee Anne , Marfell Julie , Stone Eva , Ballard James , Wiggins Amanda T. , Rayens Mary Kay
Published: February 2025

Evidence-based suicide prevention training for school nurses is needed. This study was conducted to evaluate training to improve the willingness of school nurses to intervene in suicide prevention (n = 47) using the Willingness to Intervene Against Suicide Questionnaire. A significant increase was noted in two subscales between baseline and completion of intervention activities two months later: Perceived Behavioral Control (interpersonal self-efficacy, p < .001; intervention self-efficacy, p = .009; seek outside help, p < .001) and Intention (need for action, p = .004; express concern, p < .001; encourage/seek outside help, p = .002; take action, p < .001).
Conservative Management of Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection of the Left Main Coronary Artery: A Case Report
Authors: Zhang Ming , Chen Jibin , Lu Xiuyan , Wang Bin , Xia Wei
Published: February 2025

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection is a non-atherosclerotic cause of acute coronary syndrome, particularly among young women. A 46-year-old female without a family history of cardiac disease and traditional atherosclerotic risk factors presented to hospital with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Diagnostic coronary angiography revealed moderate stenosis of the left main coronary artery and the left anterior descending artery with blood flow thrombolysis in myocardial infarction grade 3. The left circumflex artery was observed hypoplastic without significant stenosis. Intravascular ultrasound revealed an extensive intramural hematoma from the middle of the left anterior descending branch to the left main trunk and a compressed lumen with intact intima. The patient underwent conservative treatment and remained asymptomatic 11 months after discharge. Repeat coronary computed tomography angiography showed haematoma absorption with stenosis relief. Spontaneous coronary artery dissection of the left main coronary artery is relatively rare. Its management is based on the patient’s clinical condition and lesion characteristics.
Chinese Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Heart Failure 2024
Authors:   Chinese Society of Cardiology, Chinese Medical Association; Chinese College of Cardiovascular Physician; Chinese Heart Failure Association of Chinese Medical Doctor Association; Editorial Board of Chinese Journal of Cardiology
Published: February 2025

In the past 6 years, significant breakthroughs have been achieved in the treatment of heart failure (HF), especially in drug therapy. The classification of chronic HF and the treatment methods for HF and its complications are also constantly being updated. In order to apply these results to the diagnosis and treatment of patients with HF in China and further improve the level of diagnosis and treatment of HF in China, the HF Group of Chinese Society of Cardiology, Chinese Medical Association, Chinese College of Cardiovascular Physician, Chinese HF Association of Chinese Medical Doctor Association, and Editorial Board of Chinese Journal of Cardiology have organized an expert group and update the consensus and evidence-based treatment methods in the field of HF based on the latest clinical research findings at home and abroad, combined with the national conditions and clinical practice in China, and referring to the latest foreign HF guidelines while maintaining the basic framework of the 2018 Chinese Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment of HF.
Factors Influencing eHealth Literacy Related to Parenting Among Asian Immigrant Mothers in South Korea
Authors: Son Hyunmi , Sohn Young-Sil , Jeon Jung-Hee
Published: February 2025

Immigrants face barriers to accessing healthcare owing to language and cultural differences. Considering the eHealth literacy of immigrant mother is important, particularly as many rely on online resources for information on childcare. This observational cross-sectional study aimed to identify the factors influencing eHealth literacy among immigrant mothers with young children in South Korea. We hypothesized that factors influencing eHealth literacy include perceived ease of seeking, credibility, positive experiences, and subjective norms for online health information, as conceptualized by the Technology Acceptance Model, including cultural adaptation. The analysis results revealed that perceived ease of seeking (β = .45), positive experiences (β = .14), and subjective norms (β = .15) significantly affected eHealth literacy. Additionally, integrated cultural adaptation (β = .23) and the child's medical history (β = .11) significantly influenced eHealth literacy. To enhance eHealth literacy related to parenting for immigrant mothers, educating them on search strategies for online health information and fostering positive user experiences are crucial. Furthermore, these interventions should adopt a family-focused approach, with integrated cultural adaptation proving more beneficial for effective settlement support of immigrant mothers.
Continuous Quality Improvement in Social Needs Screening: Evaluation of an Intervention in Bariatric Specialty Care
Authors: Chang Claire , Cooley Samantha , Iott Bradley , Greene Jordan , Muthukuda Dilhara , Tipirneni Renuka
Published: February 2025

Introduction:

With growing recognition of the influence that social risks, such as food insecurity and housing instability, have on individual and population health, social risk screening and social care interventions have proliferated across the health system. Social needs intervention research on screening and referral in specialty care is limited, despite evidence that social needs influence access to and outcomes of surgical and specialty care.

Methods:

This study is a qualitative, formative evaluation of a quality improvement-oriented social needs screening and referral pilot program implemented in a bariatric surgery practice and aims to share lessons related to the structure and process components of a quality improvement (QI) framework.

Results:

Semistructured interviews revealed variation in patient eligibility for resources and highlighted the need for enhanced staff capacity and data system integration. In addition, process-related themes including patient hesitation toward referrals, variability in screening pathways, and uncertainty surrounding communication practices emerged in qualitative analyses.

Conclusions:

Implementation of social needs screening and referral programs in specialty care setting is feasible but requires unique structure and process-related considerations. Incorporating QI infrastructure into these programs allows for continuous evaluation of program processes and can be used to evaluate the impact of these programs on health outcomes.
Using Broken Windows Theory to Examine Flow Disruptions in Surgical Care: A Multispecialty Comparison
Authors: Khan Asfandyar , Shappell Scott A. , Boquet Albert J.
Published: February 2025

Introduction:

Minimally invasive innovations enhance procedural technology. However, healthcare quality demands addressing mental and physical workloads. This study analyzes flow disruptions uncovering specialty-specific patterns and systemic weaknesses, to enhance quality, processes, and patient safety.

Methods:

Twenty-five cardiovascular, 40 orthopedic, 65 trauma care, and 30 neurosurgical cases were examined. The data were categorized using human factor taxonomy, and descriptive statistics were applied.

Results:

Comparing the four specialties using RIPCORD TWA taxonomy, cardiovascular and trauma care were translated into one disruption every 2.2 minutes, followed by neurosurgery with one disruption every 2.7 minutes and orthopedics with one disruption every 3.7 minutes. Interruptions were the highest percentage for cardiovascular and orthopedics, with 54% and 46% of flow disruptions. Trauma care was heavily affected by communication flow disruption with 33%. Layout and coordination issues accumulate 26% of flow disruptions in neurosurgery.

Conclusions:

Cardiovascular, orthopedics, trauma care, and neurosurgery each feature distinct workflows, risks, and teamwork dynamics, demanding tailored process improvements. By analyzing flow disruptions and systemic weaknesses, this study highlights patterns unique to each specialty, advocating for tailored interventions to enhance communication, coordination, layout optimization, and equipment usability for improved surgical safety and quality.
Breast Milk Macronutrient Content and Its Effects on Infant Anthropometric Measurements in the First 6 Months
Authors: Çınar Nursan , Kaya Özge , Tecik Seda , Bülbül Hilal , Kabul Faruk , Menekşe Dilek , Bektaş Murat
Published: February 2025

Purpose:

The aim of the study is to determine the effect of the macronutrient content of breast milk on the anthropometric measurements of infants in the first 6 months.

Background:

Breast milk contains essential macro- and micronutrients needed in the early stages of an infant’s development. Current literature highlights the importance of understanding how breast milk’s macronutrient content influences infant growth.

Methods:

The study protocol has been published in PROSPERO (CRD42023425550). This study adheres to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) guideline. Studies published between January 1, 2016, and June 2, 2023, were reviewed across 6 databases. The Joanna Briggs Institute Cohort Studies checklist was used to assess methodological quality. Effect sizes were calculated using both fixed-effects and random-effects models.

Results:

Six studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The meta-analysis indicated a significant relationship between lactose content in breast milk and infant weight gain, length growth, and head circumference, as well as between fat-lipid content and infant weight gain within the first 6 months (P < .05). No significant relationship was found between protein or carbohydrate content of milk and anthropometric measurements of infants in the first 6 months (P > .05).

Conclusion and Implications:

The findings suggest that macronutrient concentrations in breast milk are important determinants of infant growth. Further research with high level of evidence and standard methodological protocols is recommended to elucidate the relationships between breast milk content and infant growth.
Roving histological imaging for navigation-confirmed glioma negative margin by handheld endomicroscopy: a parallel controlled study
Authors: Zhang Xin , Xiao Xing , Zhuang Qiyuan , Ming Chen B.S , Lyu Jing , Chen Liang , Zhao Fan , Wang Xingfu , Zou Xiang
Published: February 2025

Introduction:

Roving histopathological imaging in the navigation-confirmed tumor negative margin has not been achieved during neurosurgery procedures. This study aims to explore the diagnostic values of a novel intraoperative handheld endomicroscopy DiveScope (DS) for ex vivo glioma diagnosis and in vivo roving scan in navigation-confirmed glioma negative margin and to evaluate its safety.

Materials and Methods:

This prospective pilot study was conducted at [university/hospital name] from October 2021 to October 2023, and enrolled patients scheduled for glioma resection surgery. The diagnostic values of DS scanning were compared with the frozen section (FS). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used as the gold standard for evaluation. The medical device adverse events (MDAE) were recorded for safety analysis.

Results:

The previous 24 patients with 73 intraoperative isolated samples were included in the DS ex vivo assessments for glioma diagnosis, and the subsequent 40 patients with 52 samples were included in the DS in vivo assessments for navigation-confirmed tumor negative margin. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of DS scanning were 100.0%, 81.6%, and 90.4% for ex vivo assessment by a pathologist, 100.0%, 76.3%, and 87.7% for ex vivo assessment by a neurosurgeon, and 100.0%, 85.0%, and 94.2% for in vivo assessment, respectively. DS in vivo roving scan showed a significantly improved area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC) compared to FS in assessing the navigation-confirmed tumor negative margin (AUC: 0.925 vs. 0.725, P = 0.003). There were no MDAEs. Time consuming for DS scanning for each sample was 75.77 ± 45.03 s and for each patient was 121.63 ± 94.04 s.

Conclusion:

DiveScope could provide safe, time-effective, and accurate roving histological imaging for navigation-confirmed glioma negative margin during surgery, which may guide the glioma resection process to achieve maximal safe resection and promote prognosis.
Two patients with protein S deficiency and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis: nonsense mutations of the PROS1 gene may account for these deficiencies
Authors: Hou Lingling , Chen Xiaoli , Xie Haixiao , Zhang Ke , Jin Yanhui , Wang Minshan , Yang Lihong , Xu Fei
Published: February 2025

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a rare and atypical thrombotic condition, particularly prevalent among young adults, with a complex cause. In July and October 2023, two patients were diagnosed with hereditary protein S deficiency (PSD) presenting with CVST at the Department of Neurology, the first affiliated hospital of Wenzhou Medical University. This study analysed the phenotypes and gene mutations in two hereditary PSD pedigrees to investigate the link between hereditary PSD and CVST. A total of 11 individuals from these two pedigrees were involved. We measured protein S activity (PS:A) and total protein S antigen (TPS:Ag), and free protein S antigen (FPS:Ag) for all participants, screened them for mutations in the protein S1 (PROS1) gene. Both probands with CVST were diagnosed at a young to middle age. The concurrent reductions in PS:A, TPS:Ag, and FPS:Ag levels observed in the probands and their family members (A-I2, A-II1, A-II2, A-II3, A-III1, A-III2, B-I2) indicate type I PSD. Gene analysis unveiled two heterozygous nonsense mutations, c.1687C>T (p. Gln563∗) and c.1680T>A (p. Tyr560∗), in exon 14 of the PROS1 gene for pedigrees A and B, respectively. The reduced protein S levels in the probands and their relatives, along with CVST in both probands, are all linked to nonsense mutations p. Gln563∗ and p. Tyr560∗ in the PROS1 gene.
Community acquired pneumonia due to antibiotic resistant-Streptococcus pneumoniae: diagnosis, management and prevention
Authors: Lui Grace C.Y. , Lai Christopher K.C.
Published: February 2025

Purpose of review

A resurgence of pneumococcal pneumonia has been observed after a marked reduction in the early COVID-19 pandemic. Penicillin-nonsusceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae is regarded as a WHO priority pathogen.

Recent findings

Overall antibiotic resistance rates in S. pneumoniae have increased due to increase in antibiotic consumption and changes in serotype distribution, partly driven by the rollout of pneumococcal vaccination. Isolates from pneumococcal pneumonia have higher resistance rates than those from invasive pneumococcal disease. New antibiotics have been approved for treatment of community-acquired pneumonia, and are active against multidrug-resistant S. pneumoniae. Pneumococcal vaccines in both children and adults are effective in reducing the burden of pneumococcal pneumonia in adults, though some circulating vaccine and nonvaccine serotypes are driving antibiotic resistance.

Continual surveillance of serotype and resistance patterns of S. pneumoniae causing pneumonia in adult populations is important after the introduction of new pneumococcal vaccines. Novel pneumococcal vaccine platforms are needed to overcome the threats of serotype replacement and antibiotic resistance.
The dual journey: pregnancy, parenthood, and gastroenterology training
Authors: Pisani Anthea , Oliveira Raquel , Sciberras Martina , Roseira Joana , Ciacci Carolina
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Gastroenterology training usually coincides with childbearing years and pregnancy and parenthood during training can impact trainees’ work–life–family balance.

Aim

The aim was to assess the challenges that gastroenterology trainees in Europe encounter during pregnancy and parenthood.

Methodology

A questionnaire was distributed electronically, targeting doctors who were pregnant or had a pregnant partner during their gastroenterology training in the last 10 years.

Results

The study included 82 women and 22 nonpregnant partners. Fear of being perceived negatively was prevalent (n = 59, 72.0%) as well as concern that the pregnancy would negatively impact on training (n = 54, 65.9%). Participants reported several hazards that were not addressed during pregnancy, namely exposure to non-scavenged anesthetic gases (34.1%) and exposure to blood-borne illnesses (28.0%). Formal training programs’ maternity leave policies were reported by only 34.1% (n = 28) of women and 45.5% (n = 10) of men. Satisfaction with the duration of parental leave was 85.1% (n = 63) for women and 50% (n = 11) for men. Women reported greater difficulty coping with early parenthood during gastroenterology training than men (women: n = 14, 18.4% vs. men: n = 10, 45.5%; P = 0.014) while worrying that having children would impair their career progress (women: n = 40, 52.6% vs. men: n = 8, 36.4%; P = 0.015).

Conclusion

This European study has demonstrated perceptions of negative stigma related to childbearing, concerns of unaddressed health hazards, dissatisfaction with parental leave policies and a desire for more discussion on a healthy work–family–life balance.
Two-Part Mixed-Effects Location Scale Models for Health Diary Data
Authors: Blozis Shelley A. , Botan Hayat
Published: February 2025

Background

The analysis of health diary data has long relied on inferential statistical methods focusing on sample means and ad hoc methods to calculate each individual’s variation in health outcomes.

Objectives

In this paper, an advanced statistical model is applied to daily diary self-reported health outcomes to simultaneously study an individual’s likeliness to report an outcome, daily mean intensity level, and variability in daily measures.

Methods

Using observational, secondary data from 782 adults, we analyzed self-report daily fatigue symptoms, distinguishing between whether an individual reported fatigue and its severity when reported. Self-reported depressed affect and participant characteristics were used as predictors of daily fatigue symptoms.

Results

A higher likeliness to report fatigue correlated with higher mean fatigue severity and greater stability in severity ratings. Higher mean severity correlated with greater stability in severity ratings. Females and those with high depressed affect were more likely to report fatigue. Females and those with high depressed affect reported greater mean severity.

Discussion

The model applied to daily measures allowed for the simultaneous study of an individual’s likeliness to report a symptom, daily mean symptom severity, and variability in severity across days. An individual’s daily variation in symptom severity was represented as a model parameter that did not contain measurement error that is present in ad hoc methods.