bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High‐Performance Silicon Anodes Enabled by Multifunctional Ultrafine Silica Nanoparticle‐Embedded Carbon Coatings for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Sun Zhefei , Yin Quanzhi , Zhou Shenghui , Chen Haoyu , Wen Sifan , Yang Huiping , Wu Xiaoyu , Pan Jianhai , Han Jiajia , Yang Hui , Zhuang Zilong , Feng Shijie , Zhang Li , Peng Dong‐Liang , Zhang Qiaobao
Published: February 2025

Silicon (Si) holds immense promise as viable anode for next‐generation high‐energy‐density Li‐ion batteries (LIBs). However, its poor ionic/electronic conductivity and significant volumetric changes during cycling lead to rapidly deteriorated LIB performance. Here, a novel multifunctional coating featuring ultrafine SiO2 nanoparticles (<7 nm) embedded carbon on Si nanoparticles (termed Si@uSiO2‐C) to resolve these challenges is proposed. This unique uSiO2‐C coating provides high‐efficient electron and ion transport pathways, while also improves interfacial stability and mitigates volume changes during cycling, thereby enhancing the conductivity and structural integrity of Si@uSiO2‐C, as corroborated by extensive experimental and computational studies. In addition, the abundant interfaces in uSiO2‐C coating facilitate Li+ transport and the evenly distributed ultrafine SiO2 nanoparticles impart high electrochemical reactivity and mechanical robustness. Consequently, the Si@uSiO2‐C anode achieves a high reversible capacity of 2093 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1, with a high initial Coulombic efficiency of 88.3%, superior rate capability and durability (1000 cycles, 928 mAh g−1 at 1.0 A g−1, 75% capacity retention). Full cells paired with commercial LiFePO4 cathodes demonstrate high cyclability, maintaining 80% capacity retention over 500 cycles at 4 C. This work highlights the vital role of multifunctional coating in promoting the electrochemical performance of Si‐based anodes for high‐performance LIBs.
Connected pilgrims: A case study of the Motawif booking system on X
Authors: Caidi Nadia , Abul‐Fottouh Deena , Wu Jie , Goel Argane
Published: February 2025

Hajj is the spiritual and religious journey of a lifetime for many Muslims around the world. In June 2022, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah decided to introduce a new travel booking system that mandated pilgrims from Europe, America, Australia, and New Zealand to reserve directly their pilgrimage travels, thus bypassing the local Hajj travel operators. Additionally, Motawif was deployed just a few weeks before the 2022 Hajj. This announcement triggered a wave of panic among would‐be pilgrims and resulted in an intense social media conversation. This article examines the conversation that took place on Twitter (now X) for the period following the launch of Motawif and up until the completion of the 2022 Hajj. Using computational social science methods, we undertook several analyses of the Twitterspace to understand the perceptions of the would‐be pilgrims with the Motawif system. The study illuminates how forms of community organizing in online spaces (and associated information practices and discursive strategies) have contributed to reconstituting the Hajj pilgrim's identity and agency in ways rarely seen before among this community. Our findings also point to various strategies and information practices of opposition that enable connective action through solidarity and recognition of shared grievances.
Do We Need to Perform Control Angiography in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention After Tirofiban Infusion?
Authors: Güven Gülden , Çetin İlyas , Kılıç Şevval , Acaroğlu Şeyma , Aslanger Kartal Emre , Sonsöz Mehmet Rasih
Published: February 2025

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of control imaging after intravenous (IV) tirofiban infusion on the clinical outcome of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods

Patients who underwent PCI between June 2020 and October 2023 at our tertiary referral hospital and received tirofiban infusion were analyzed. Primary composite endpoint was the combination of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident, or unplanned revascularization during follow‐up.

Results

A total of 217 patients (22.6% female, mean age: 58 ± 13 years) with ACS who received IV tirofiban therapy after PCI were compared in three groups: Patients without additional procedure (n = 131), patients undergoing control coronary angiography after index PCI (n = 43), and patients undergoing additional PCI after index PCI (n = 43). The most common reason for clinical intervention was STEMI (65.9%). After approximately 1 year of follow‐up, primary composite endpoint of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident, or unplanned revascularization was similar in all groups (30 [22.9%] vs. 15 [35%] vs. 12 [28%], p = 0.290).

Conclusion

Repeat coronary angiography and additional PCI after tirofiban infusion in patients undergoing index PCI were associated with similar cardiovascular outcomes at 1‐year follow‐up compared with no repeat coronary angiography.
Assessing Enamel Thickness to Estimate Interproximal Reduction: A CBCT‐Based Study
Authors: González‐García Enrique , Balut‐Chahin Nasib , Rojo‐Arce Claudia Daniela , Corona María Eugenia Jiménez , Cruz‐Hervert Luis Pablo , Retrouvey Jean Marc
Published: February 2025

Objectives

The aims of this study were to (1) estimate the mesial and distal proximal enamel thickness available (PETa), (2) estimate the proximal enamel thickness remaining (PETr) on the basis of planned IPR, and (3) assess PETr‐associated risks with varying IPR amounts.

Materials and Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted using CBCT scans. PETa was estimated using on‐demand software. Mesial and distal PET were measured at the middle third of the crown. The means and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the PETa and PETr data are reported. Differences between the mesial and distal PETa values were compared.

Results

A total of 1615 teeth were analyzed via CBCT. The mean PETa values ranged from 0.96 to 1.29 mm (mesial) and from 0.98 to 1.25 mm (distal). Differences between mesial and distal PETa were statistically significant, averaging 0.10 mm proximally (p < 0.050). In particular, these differences were observed in cuspids, including tooth 13 (1.18 ± 0.24 vs. 1.25 ± 0.28; p = 0.021), tooth 23 (1.25 ± 0.26 vs. 1.15 ± 0.28; p < 0.001), tooth 33 (1.22 ± 0.26 vs. 1.10 ± 0.23; p < 0.001), and tooth 43 (1.29 ± 0.24 vs. 1.13 ± 0.20; p < 0.001). The mean PETr values for single‐site IPRs < 0.4 mm were 0.58 mm (mesial) and 0.57 mm (distal). Exceeding a single‐site IPR of 0.20 mm significantly increased the proportion of interproximal sites classified as moderate or high risk, particularly in teeth with thinner enamel (< 0.7 mm).

Conclusions

PETa and PETr are critical for determining safe and individualized IPR. CBCT‐based PETa evaluations are strongly recommended when single‐site IPRs exceeding 0.20 mm are planned to increase precision and reduce the risk of excessive enamel reduction.
Nature‐Inspired Meta‐Heuristic Algorithms for Resource Allocation in the Internet of Things
Authors: Amirghafouri Fatemeh , Neghabi Ali Akbar , Shakeri Hassan , Sola Yasser Elmi
Published: February 2025

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a paradigm‐shifting concept that helps realize an acquisition, processing, and analytical global network, digitizing tangible entities to enhance efficiency and safety in various smart cities, healthcare, and Industry 4.0 domains. However, whereas IoT scales, with several heterogeneous devices and diverse, varied capabilities with service demands, cloud resource management in IoT usually faces the challenge of intricate complexity in efficiently allocating resources despite the demand for varied quality of service (QoS). Hence, this paper systematically reviews nature‐inspired metaheuristic algorithm applications in IoT resource allocation for solving NP‐hard problems. We summarize recent advances in metaheuristic methods, including comparisons against traditional methods. We also discuss practical feasibility and scaling issues in real‐world IoT scenarios. Further, we have highlighted a few gaps in the current literature and provided recommendations on specific topics for future research, thereby indicating how to develop scalable, efficient resource allocation solutions to meet IoT's ever‐evolving demands.
Predictive value of electrographic neonatal seizures for later epilepsy: A call for a broader perspective
Authors: Fusco Lucia
Published: February 2025

This is a letter to the editor commenting on a recently published study on electrographic seizures as predictors of epilepsy in neonates with encephalopathy. The letter highlights potential overemphasis on electrographic neonatal seizures, underscores the importance of severely abnormal EEG backgrounds and advanced neuroimaging, and suggests incorporating genetic analyses for a more comprehensive understanding.
Traffic tolerance of the 2007 NTEP Bermudagrass Trial
Authors: Segars Chrissie A. , Moss Justin Quetone , Martin Dennis L. , Wu Yanqi
Published: February 2025

Turfgrass injury from foot traffic is one of the most challenging problems athletic field managers face regarding the playing surface. The purpose of this research was to identify experimental as well as commercially available bermudagrasses (Cynodon spp.) with improved traffic tolerance for use on athletic fields. A Cady‐type traffic simulator (CTS) was constructed from a walk‐behind core aerator to provide traffic injury to bermudagrasses. In 2012 and 2013, the CTS was run over each grass plot once per week from May through October to simulate one football game traffic per week. In 2013, an additional CTS treatment was added to include a two‐game‐per‐week application. Turfgrass quality and traffic tolerance were assessed using a 1–9 visual ratings scale and also visual live percent cover and digital image analysis for percent living cover on a two‐ to three‐per‐week basis immediately prior to the next traffic event. Traffic tolerance was highly variable among cultivars in both 2012 and 2013; however, top‐performing varieties were Riviera, Northbridge, Latitude 36, and SWI 1057, and poor‐performing cultivars were Midlawn and NuMex‐Sahara. These findings should prove useful in directing athletic field managers toward selecting a bermudagrass cultivar best suited for their field needs and expectations, and this may allow for more efficient use of resources required to maintain a high‐quality and safe athletic field facility.
Nonsynthetic herbicides for turfgrass: Assessing frequency of consumer information and regional performance for annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.) control
Authors: Askew Shawn D. , Gonçalves Clebson G. , Romero Juan R. , De Castro Edicarlos B. , McCurdy James D. , McKeithen Chase , Unruh J. Bryan , Tang Kaiyuan , Kaminski John E.
Published: February 2025

Annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.) poses significant challenges in managed turfgrass systems due to its adaptability and resilience. This study explores publicly available information on and performance of several organic or nonsynthetic herbicides for annual bluegrass control in turfgrass to address this issue. Through a keyword frequency analysis using Google and Google Scholar, the prevalence of organic weed control treatments was examined, revealing a significant association between search engines, key phrases, and weed management types and general dominance of synthetic herbicides despite phrases specifically targeted at organic options. Field assessments were conducted at 20 site years across four US states to evaluate the efficacy of 14 nonsynthetic herbicides for annual bluegrass control while considering turfgrass safety. Results indicate that nonsynthetic herbicides fail to provide long‐lasting control of annual bluegrass when applied once and injure turfgrass. The study highlights the challenges in achieving long‐term control of annual bluegrass, especially with nonsynthetic herbicides, which have limited effectiveness against established weeds. Cost and environmental considerations further complicate the adoption of organic or nonsynthetic weed management programs, despite their perceived environmental benefits. Overall, the research underscores the need for continued exploration of integrated weed management strategies, including targeted application methods, to address the complexities of annual bluegrass control in turfgrass systems.
Short‐ and long‐term casting dynamics of the anecic earthworm Aporrectodea longa in golf course turfgrass following sand topdressing
Authors: McGraw B. A. , Kline D. E.
Published: February 2025

The use of sand topdressing has been hypothesized to reduce earthworm casting activity in turfgrass, but these assumptions are primarily based on anecdotal evidence and lack robust empirical support. In temperate regions of North America, many golf courses have adopted the practice of topdressing large turf areas, such as fairways, with sand to mitigate casting. This practice is relatively costly, and there is limited empirical evidence to substantiate its effectiveness. To address this gap, a 3‐year field study was conducted on Agrostis stolonifera research fairways grown on a clay loam to evaluate the impact of two annual topdressing rates on the casting activity of the anecic earthworm species, Aporrectodea longa Ude. Topdressing was applied four times annually across the season at two different volumes. Weekly cast counts from the experimental plots showed little to no impact on short‐term dynamics and no statistical differences between the two topdressing rates and the untreated control plots throughout the duration of the study. Furthermore, the moderate (1.25 cm annually) and heavy topdressing (2.5 cm) rate increased casting by 13%–31% and 25%–31% in 2018 and 2019, respectively. Rates were quadrupled in 2020, and yet casting in moderate‐topdressing (19%) and heavy‐topdressing (25%) treatments exceeded those in controls. Given the lack of efficacy observed in this study and the associated costs, the practice of topdressing as a strategy to control earthworm casts warrants further scrutiny and reconsideration in turf management programs.
The effect of Si and Nb doping on physical properties of ZnO powder with high photocatalytic performances on the degradation of organic pollutants
Authors: Essalah G. , Carru J. C. , Guermazi H. , Leroy G. , Duponchel B. , Guermazi S.
Published: February 2025

The dopant elements of ZnO matrix play a crucial role in enhancing the performance of desired properties. Hence, in this article we introduce a comparative study between 1% Si and 1% Nb‐doped ZnO properties. The structural investigation proves the successful preparation of Si and Nb‐ doped ZnO. In addition, the impedance spectra of Nb‐doped ZnO are well adjusted using an equivalent circuit formed by serial contributions of two parallel resistance R and constant phase element (CPE). Thus, we demonstrate that the capacitive behavior is due to improved grain boundary effect. While ZnO:Si impedance spectra are modeled by a circuit formed by a parallel connection of a resistance R and a capacitance C. In addition, ZnO:Nb exhibits thermally activated DC conductivity, while ZnO:Si conductivity is quasi‐independent of temperature. With Si doping, dielectric properties shift to those of an insulator. Moreover, the obtained results prove Nb‐doping can be a promising route to make ZnO a good candidate for applications as thermistor with a Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC). In addition, Si, Nb doped ZnO show excellent photocatalytic performances in methylene blue degradation, that reached 97% under solar light illumination for 105 min. This makes them promising candidates for wastewater purification.
Environmental Factors Increasing the Risk of Poor Posture in Dental Hygiene Students
Authors: Willie Trisha M. , Fang Yiyang , Baker Nancy A. , Kapellusch Jay M. , Roll Shawn C.
Published: February 2025

Purpose/Objectives

This study examined the relationship between environmental factors (e.g., working position, patient position, and scaling instruments) and poor posture in dental hygiene students.

Methods

A longitudinal cohort study was conducted from 2017 to 2019 to observe dental hygiene students' clinical rotation performance at two undergraduate universities. Samples of video observations (n = 1487) of dental hygiene students performing scaling activities during oral care sessions were evaluated using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA). Descriptive analysis and exploratory prediction modeling were performed to assess clinical environmental factors that predicted higher risks of developing WMSDs.

Results

RULA scores (mean = 4.8, median = 5, range = 2–7) indicate dental hygiene students are at high risk of developing upper extremity MSDs. The type of scaling instrument, clock positioning relative to the patient, and sitting versus standing had statistically significant associations (p < 0.001) with the RULA outcome. In univariate analyses, clock positions 7 and 8 were the worst, having an increased risk of poor RULA outcomes (scores 5–7) by nearly nine times over working in clock position 12 (odds ratio [OR] 9.11, 95% CI 5.48–15.60). Multivariate predictive modeling indicated that the riskiest combination of factors is using a manual scaling instrument (OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.28–2.18), standing (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.03–1.96), and working clock positions 7 and 8 (OR 8.4, 95% CI 5.02–14.50).

Conclusions

There is a need to consider the combined contribution of multiple environmental factors on working positions to optimize ergonomic training during dental hygiene and protect emerging dental health professionals from the negative health impacts of prolonged awkward postures.
Development of green solubilizer based on acidic sophorolipid
Authors: Lin Bochuan , Wang Jing , Zha Jiansheng , Chang Kuan
Published: February 2025

Solubilization of oil‐soluble substances in aqueous solution is essential in daily chemistry. Commonly used synthetic solubilizers are environmentally harmful and have limited applications. In this study, sophorolipid, a biosurfactant, was purified through an efficient, simple, and solubilization‐compatible method, yielding an aqueous acidic sophorolipid (acid‐SL) with high purity of 96 wt%. The bola structure of acid‐SL conferred reversible pH‐responsive micelle behavior and therefore a distinctive solubilization effect on polar small molecules under neutral pH environment. Based on this, the synergistic solubilization effect of acid‐SL in combination with rhamnolipid (RL) was confirmed, with the optimal compound ratio being acid‐SL/RL = 0.95:0.05. The compound system significantly improved the solubilization ability under acidic conditions and had superior solubilization capacity for oil‐soluble substances such as essential oils, fragrances, and preservatives compared to commonly used solubilizers like Polysorbate 20 and Polyoxyethylene 40.
Preparation of Cross‐Linked Sponge With Piezoelectric Properties Based on Low Density Polyethylene/Poly(Ethylene‐ Co‐ Vinyl Acetate) and Barium Titanate: Relationship Between Mechanical Properties, and Cell Structure With Piezoelectric Coefficients
Authors: Khosroshahi Fateme Hashemi , Kordi Fateme , Tohidian Mahdi
Published: February 2025

In this study, cross‐linked foams were developed using a blend of ethylene‐vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), and low‐density polyethylene (LDPE), incorporated with barium titanate (BaTiO3), to explore their piezoelectric characteristics, as well as the various effective parameters, such as foam density, morphology and crystallization. In this regard, LDPE/EVA blends containing BaTiO3 were prepared through the melt mixing method. In these mixtures, maleic anhydride‐grafted LDPE (LDPE‐g‐MAH) was used as the compatibilizer, followed by forming cross‐linked foams using dicumyl peroxide through the compression molding method. As observed, an increase in EVA content caused a higher rate of crosslinking, decreased cell size, as well as an increase in the gel content. The addition of BaTiO3 to EVA‐dominant composites, due to improved interaction with vinyl acetate groups acting as nucleating agents, resulted in cells smaller than 100 μm in diameter and increased the modulus to 0.63 MPa. EVA‐dominant samples, in comparison to those LDPE dominant, exhibited less hysteresis, higher cell strength, and a faster response rate, leading to enhanced sensor performance and accuracy. The inclusion of the compatibilizer contributed to a higher modulus and finer cell size, attributed to the effective dispersion of BaTiO3 particles within the matrix. Furthermore, the synergistic impact of the cellular structure and BaTiO3 on piezoelectric properties yielded the highest piezoelectric coefficient (0.8 pC/N) in the LDPE‐dominant sample (LDPE/EVA: 70/30 w/w%) containing 20 wt.% BaTiO3, owing to its higher output voltage and lower modulus compared to the other samples.
2D Highly Crystalline and Porous Covalent Heptazine Frameworks for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Yin Guan‐Lin , Ma Xue‐Qing , Zhu Yi‐Zhou , Yang Xin‐Yu , Yan Mao , Zheng Jian‐Yu
Published: February 2025

In recent decades, polymeric graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) has garnered significant attention as a class of metal‐free semiconductor photocatalysts. However, inherent limitations such as inadequate visible light absorption, low specific surface area, moderate charge transfer efficiency, and poor crystallinity restrict its application. To address the constraints, three novel donor‐acceptor type covalent heptazine frameworks (CHFs) are constructed through a bottom‐up approach by intergrating heptazine and triazine, which are the fundamental active moieties of g‐C3N4, with diverse donor spacers. Compared to g‐C3N4, noteworthy enhancements in photocatalytic activity and hydrogen evolution efficiency are attributed to the increased specific surface areas, broadened visible‐light absorption, and accelerated photogenerated charge transfer within the CHFs. Notably, high crystallinity shows a profound influence on the photocatalytic efficiency of the synthesized CHFs. Among the CHFs, highly crystalline CHF‐3 stands out to present the highest hydrogen evolution rate of 15284 µmol g−1 h−1 under visible‐light irradiation (420–780 nm) with ascorbic acid as the hole sacrificial agent. This remarkable achievement represents a 144‐fold improvement over g‐C3N4 and a noteworthy sevenfold enhancement compared to the low‐crystalline CHF‐3. These results not only offer valuable insights for the design of efficient heptazine‐based CHF photocatalysts but also contribute toward the advancement of heptazine‐based functional materials.
Negative Eigenvalue Estimates for the 1D Schrödinger Operator with Measure-Potential
Authors: Fulsche Robert , Nursultanov Medet , Rozenblum Grigori
Published: February 2025

We investigate the negative part of the spectrum of the operator

$$-\partial ^2 - \mu $$

-

∂
2

-
μ

on

$$L^2(\mathbb {R})$$

L
2

(
R
)

, where a locally finite Radon measure

$$\mu \ge 0$$

μ
≥
0

serves as a potential. We obtain estimates for the eigenvalue counting function, for individual eigenvalues and estimates of the Lieb–Thirring type. A crucial tool for our estimates is Otelbaev’s function, a certain average of the measure-potential

$$\mu $$

μ

, which is used both in the proofs and the formulation of most of the results.
Self-reported psychological distress in childhood and mental health-related hospital attendance among young adults: a 12-year data linkage cohort study from England
Authors: Baranyi Gergő , Harron Katie , Rajah Nasir , Fitzsimons Emla
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Investigating the relationship between self-reported mental health and secondary care utilisation can provide evidence on the link between population-level common mental conditions and clinical care; however, cohort studies with linked administrative data are rare. We explored the link between self-reported mental health in adolescence and mental health-related hospital attendance in young adulthood.

Methods

Data from a nationally representative English cohort (Next Steps) were linked to NHS Hospital Episode Statistics. GHQ-12 assessed psychological distress in Next Steps at age 15; participants were followed up until their first mental health-related hospital presentations and outpatient treatments or were censored at the end of the study (age 27). Cox proportionate hazard models with survey weights estimated associations.

Results

Out of 4058 young people, 19% reported high levels of distress at age 15. During the 12-year follow-up, 5.3%, 2.9% and 2.7% of the participants had at least one mental disorder, drug/alcohol misuse and self-harm presentation, respectively, and 4.2% had a mental health treatment in NHS hospitals. Higher GHQ-12 scores were associated with mental disorder presentations (HR = 1.10, 95% CI:1.04–1.16), and mental health treatments (HR = 1.14, 95% CI:1.08–1.20). Associations for hospital treatments were weaker for young people living in deprived areas, or if their main parent had lower education.

Conclusion

Adolescent psychological distress is associated with subsequent hospital attendance in young adulthood, but there might be treatment gaps in service utilisation among more disadvantaged individuals. Detecting youth with mental health difficulties may facilitate early intervention, improve life-course outcomes, and ultimately reduce secondary healthcare use.
Asymptotic nonvanishing of syzygies of algebraic varieties
Authors: Park Jinhyung
Published: February 2025

We establish precise nonvanishing results for asymptotic syzygies of smooth projective varieties. This refines Ein–Lazarsfeld’s asymptotic nonvanishing theorem. Combining with the author’s previous asymptotic vanishing result, we completely determine the asymptotic shapes of the minimal free resolutions of the graded section modules of a line bundle on a smooth projective variety as the positivity of the embedding line bundle grows.
Involvement of the GABAergic and the serotonergic systems in the anxiolytic effects expressed by the nitric oxide (NO) donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) in the male rat
Authors: Parlantza Maria Anastasia , Pitsikas Nikolaos
Published: February 2025

Rationale

Anxiety is a chronic severe psychiatric disorder. In a series of studies, the implication of the gaseous molecule nitric oxide (NO) in anxiety has been evidenced. Further, the outcome of preclinical research suggests that different NO donors, including sodium nitroprusside (SNP), have expressed an anxiolytic profile revealed in animal models of anxiety. Regardless of this, it is not yet clarified the mechanism(s) of action by which SNP induces its beneficial effects on anxiety. In this context, it has been hypothesized that these effects might be attributed to a potential interaction of this NO donor with the GABA type A and the 5-HT1A serotonergic receptors.

Objectives

The current study was designed to investigate this issue in the male rat.

Methods

To this end, the light/dark box and the open field tests were utilized.

Results

SNP (1 mg/kg, i.p.) applied acutely induced an anti-anxiety-like effect evidenced either in the light/dark box or in the open field test. Either the GABAA receptor antagonist flumazenil (10 mg/kg, i.p.) or the 5-HT1A serotonin receptor agonist 8-OH-DPAT (0.25 mg/kg, i.p.) suppressed the above reported anxiolytic effects of SNP.

Conclusions

The results here reported propose a functional interaction between SNP with the GABAergic and the serotonergic systems on anxiety and thus, might offer a plausible explanation for SNP’s anxiolytic effects.
Displacement techniques in bounded cohomology
Authors: Campagnolo Caterina , Fournier-Facio Francesco , Lodha Yash , Moraschini Marco
Published: February 2025

Several algebraic criteria, reflecting displacement properties of transformation groups, have been used in the past years to prove vanishing of bounded cohomology and stable commutator length. Recently, the authors introduced the property of commuting cyclic conjugates, a new displacement technique that is widely applicable and provides vanishing of the bounded cohomology in all positive degrees and all dual separable coefficients. In this note we consider the most recent along with the by now classical displacement techniques and we study implications among them as well as counterexamples.
Radiological and clinical signatures to differentiate hepatocellular carcinoma from hepatoblastoma in children older than 5 years of age: a feasibility study
Authors: Ozer Gozde , Ozcan H. Nursun , Ardicli Burak , Kutluk Tezer , Oguz Berna , Haliloglu Mithat
Published: February 2025

Background

Hepatoblastoma and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are the most common primary malignant liver tumors in children. Although some characteristic imaging findings have been described in both hepatoblastoma and HCC, it is difficult to distinguish between these two tumors over the 5 years of age.

Objective

To investigate clinical and radiological findings that may help differentiate hepatoblastoma and HCC over 5 years of age.

Materials and methods

From 2007 to 2022, 19 consecutive patients older than 5 years old diagnosed with primary liver malignancy were yielded from our radiology archive retrospectively. Imaging features, age, sex, treatment, and follow-up data were recorded.

Results

A total of 19 patients (16 boys; median age 7.5, min-max 5-17), ten HCCs and nine hepatoblastomas, were included. Serum alpha-fetoprotein (sAFP) values were significantly higher in hepatoblastoma patients (n=9), compared to the HCC (n=10) (P=0.002). Tumor size and PRETEXT stages were higher in hepatoblastoma patients; however, there was no statistical difference (P=0.06). Initial MRI was available for six patients with hepatoblastoma and seven patients with HCC, and there was no difference regarding ADCmin values.

Conclusion

In the differential diagnosis of primary malignant liver tumor in a child older than 5 years of age, higher sAFP level may support the diagnosis of hepatoblastoma rather than HCC.

Graphical Abstract
Perturbations of the endometrial immune microenvironment in endometriosis and adenomyosis: their impact on reproduction and pregnancy
Authors: Shi Jialu , Xu Qianhan , Yu Shuyi , Zhang Tao
Published: February 2025

The impact of endometriosis and adenomyosis on reproduction and pregnancy is significant, with both conditions linked to increased rates of infertility, poor ovarian function in women with endometriosis, and elevated pregnancy complications in those with adenomyosis. However, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unclear. Both conditions share a similar pathophysiological process characterized by the growth of ectopic endometrium, which may originate from the eutopic endometrium. Notably, surgical removal of ectopic lesions does not appear to significantly improve reproductive and pregnancy outcomes, further underscoring the importance of eutopic endometrium in these adverse effects. Emerging evidence indicates substantial differences in endometrial NK cells, macrophages, and T cells, leading to inflammatory responses in women with endometriosis and adenomyosis. These alterations may contribute not only to disease progression but also to defective endometrial receptivity, insufficient angiogenesis remodeling, impaired maternal-fetal immune tolerance, and poor placentation, thereby influencing embryo implantation and pregnancy maintenance. This provides an immunological perspective to explain the higher rates of infertility and pregnancy complications observed in affected women. Therefore, we systematically review the alterations in endometrial immune cells in women with endometriosis and adenomyosis compared to healthy controls, exploring the potential impacts of these changes on reproduction and pregnancy. This review aims to lay the groundwork for future studies on the immunopathogenesis associated with endometriosis and adenomyosis-related reproductive failure and pregnancy complications, shedding lights on the development of immunotherapeutic strategies to mitigate these adverse impacts in affected women.
Quantitative perfusion by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging reveals compromised myocardial perfusion in patients with angina with non-obstructive coronary artery disease
Authors: Vink Caitlin E. M. , Borodzicz-Jazdzyk Sonia , de Jong Elize A. M. , Woudstra Janneke , van de Hoef Tim P. , Chamuleau Steven A. J. , Eringa Etto C. , Götte Marco J. W. , Appelman Yolande
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Stress perfusion cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) effectively detects myocardial ischemia. In angina with non-obstructive coronary arteries (ANOCA), visually assessed first-pass perfusion often appears normal. Automated quantitative perfusion (QP) might benefit ANOCA diagnosis, offering absolute quantification of myocardial blood flow (MBF) and myocardial perfusion reserve (MPR).

Aim

We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of QP in detecting ANOCA.

Methods

This study compared fully automated QP CMR in ANOCA patients with age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Participants underwent adenosine stress perfusion CMR, including visual assessment and quantification of MBF and MPR. ANOCA patients underwent coronary function testing to identify vasospasm and/or coronary microvascular dysfunction.

Results

Twenty-four ANOCA patients (83% women, 57 ± 9 years) and 25 healthy controls (80% women, 56 ± 7 years) were included. Visual perfusion assessment did not differ between groups (p = 0.54). Additionally, no differences in resting MBF were observed. However, ANOCA patients had significantly lower global MBF during stress (2.43 ± 0.72 vs 2.99 ± 0.65 ml/g/min, p < 0.01) and a significantly lower global MPR (2.24 ± 0.79 vs 2.68 ± 0.64, p = 0.04) compared to healthy controls. MPR was significantly reduced in the RCA territory in ANOCA patients (2.16 ± 0.71 vs 2.69 ± 0.69, p = 0.01), with no significant differences in other coronary territories. MPR did not significantly differ between ANOCA endotypes.

Conclusions

ANOCA patients display reduced global MPR, suggesting compromised perfusion. Variation in MPR across coronary territories highlights the importance of assessing perfusion in all teritories. These findings are promising and support the use of QP for non-invasive detection of vasomotor dysfunction in ANOCA patients.

Pre-registered clinical trial number

The pre-registered clinical trial number is NL-OMON23861.

Graphical Abstract
Colorectal surgeons’ perspectives on the efficacy of intraoperative bowel perfusion technology with a focus on indocyanine green fluorescence angiography
Authors: Singaravelu Ashokkumar , Entee Philip D. Mc , Boland Patrick A. , Moynihan Alice , McCarrick Cathleen , Vahrmeijer Alexander L. , Arezzo Alberto , Boni Luigi , Hompes Roel , Cahill Ronan A.
Published: February 2025

Background

Level one evidence supports indocyanine green fluorescence angiography (ICGFA) use reducing anastomotic leak rates in colorectal surgery. We surveyed surgeons exploring perceptions and factors affecting its use in daily practice and adoption as routine standard of care.

Methods

Validated electronic survey distributed via the Irish Association of Coloproctology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, European Society of Surgical Oncology, European Association for Endoscopic Surgery, Milan Colorectal Congress and social media.

Results

200 colorectal surgeons (143 consultants) responded. 147 (73.5%) surgeons already use ICGFA, with 90 (61.2%) using it routinely and 69 (46.9%) having a concomitant research interest. Strong clinical evidence base (83.5%) and protocol standardisation (78%) were overall rated most important for bowel perfusion technology with a majority of surgeons rating lack of standardisation and inter-user variability as challenges (similar between consultants and non-consultants). Lack of training and staff, reliability concerns and data security were perceived as significant barriers by selective users compared to non-users, and cost and operating time were perceived as significant barriers by selective users compared to routine users. Most surgeons (41.5%) ideated a number needed to treat (NNT) between 20 and 40 acceptable to advocate routine ICGFA use with 28% requiring a NNT < 20. Most surgeons (38.5%) indicate a per case cost savings of €250–500 supports routine use with 17% advocating it > €750.

Conclusions

With now a strong evidence base regarding clinical benefit, the survey respondents articulate remaining challenges for ICGFA as standard of care. Levels of expected benefit are largely in keeping with its reported performance.
Robotic versus laparoscopic heller myotomy for esophageal achalasia: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Aiolfi Alberto , Damiani Riccardo , Manara Michele , Cammarata Francesco , Bonitta Gianluca , Biondi Antonio , Bona Davide , Bonavina Luigi
Published: February 2025

Background

The surgical treatment for esophageal achalasia has evolved over the years, with laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) and partial fundoplication becoming widely used worldwide. More recently, an increased interest in the robotic Heller myotomy (RHM) has arisen.

Purpose

Compare short-term and functional outcomes of RHM vs. LHM.

Methods

Systematic review and meta-analysis. PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov were queried. Primary outcome was esophageal perforation (EP). Risk ratio (RR), standardized mean difference (SMD), and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were effect size and relative inference measures. PROSPERO Registration Number: CRD42024512644.

Results

Fourteen observational studies (12962 patients) were included. Of those, 2503 (19.3%) underwent RHM. The patient age ranged from 34 to 66 years and 51.7% were males. EP occurred in 259 patients (1.99%). The cumulative incidence of EP was 1.67% for RHM and 2.07% for LHM. Compared to LHM, RHM was associated with a reduced risk of EP (RR: 0.31; 95% CI 0.16–0.59). No differences were found in term of dysphagia requiring reoperation or additional endoscopic procedures (RR: 0.47; 95% CI 0.20–1.09) and postoperative Eckardt score (SMD: -0.42; 95% CI -0.94, 0.11). Blood loss, conversion to open, operative time, and hospital length of stay were comparable.

Conclusions

RHM may be associated with a reduced risk of EP compared to LHM. However, because of selection bias, diverse surgeon expertise, variations in surgical technique, and prior endoscopic procedures these findings should not be viewed as conclusive while the superiority of one approach over the other remains to be established.
High relevance of invasive fungal disease in chronic liver transplant failure: a comprehensive cross-sectional study
Authors: Puzalkova Aleksandra V. , Hofmann Katharina , Pfeffer Tilman , Klein Isabel M. , Mehrabi Arianeb , Merle Uta , Stenzinger Albrecht , Penzel Roland , Flechtenmacher Christa , Schirmacher Peter
Published: February 2025

Invasive fungal infection (IFI) is a severe complication in organ transplant patients and a major diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. The aim of this comprehensive retrospective study was the characterization of IFI in context of chronic liver transplant failure regarding prevalence, morphological changes, and inducing fungal species. All explanted liver transplants due to chronic transplant failure from Heidelberg University Hospital were extensively reexamined for the presence of mycotic infection. Special stains were performed to uncover severity and associated conditions of IFI and fungal species were identified on the molecular level. Light-microscopic examination revealed fungal infection in 41 (27.5%) of 149 explanted livers with chronic transplant failure, with 68% representing newly specified cases compared to primary reports. We could show an increase of the proportion of mycotic infections during the investigated time period (1991–2021) as well as a shorter transplant survival when compared to the non-affected organs. Typically, large bile ducts were affected, accompanied by acute inflammation with frequent abscess and bile concrement formation. In 35 of 41 cases, the identification of the fungal species was achieved, revealing Candida albicans as prominent species (74.3%). In three autopsy livers of patients that died after liver transplantation of septic multiorgan failure, Candida spp. could be identified. Our data show the underestimated prevalence and high diagnostic and clinical relevance of mycotic infection in chronic liver transplant failure. Adapting diagnostic procedures, molecular pathological analyses, and therapeutic strategies is relevant to identify and prevent chronic transplant organ failure caused by IFIs.
Minimally invasive approach to peritonitis from left colonic perforation: a retrospective multicenter observational study
Authors: Ceresoli Marco , Ferro Carola Anna Paolina , La Greca Antonio , Cioffi Stefano Piero Bernardo , Biloslavo Alan , Podda Mauro , Coccolini Federico ,   the Study Collaborative Group, Massante Lorena , Palmisano Dario , Braga Marco , Cozza Valerio , Fico Valeria , Tropeano Giuseppe , Altieri Gaia , Damiani Riccardo , Altomare Michele , Virdis Francesco , Cimbanassi Stefania , Germani Paola , Gioia Adriana , Ciriotto Davide , Murzi Valentina , Pilia Tiziana , Dessì Alessia , Pisanu Adolfo , Facchin Rossella , Zocco Giuseppe , Cremonini Camilla , Tartaglia Dario
Published: February 2025

Background

Laparoscopic procedures have nowadays become the gold standard in multiple abdominal diseases, but in the emergency setting, especially in major surgery, laparoscopy still represents an obstacle for most surgeons. This multicentric study aims to define the surgical approach for emergency resective surgery in left colonic perforation peritonitis, determine the factors influencing the choice between MIS and open surgery, and identify factors associated with laparotomic conversion.

Methods

Retrospective data from 516 patients treated for left colonic perforation between January 2019 and December 2023 across six Italian centers was collected. Variables analyzed included patient demographics, disease and surgical characteristics, post-operative complications, and long-term outcomes. Univariate and multivariate regression models were performed to identify factors associated with surgical choice and likelihood of conversion.

Results

Only 24.5% of patients underwent laparoscopic approach, with a conversion rate of 52.8%. MIS was associated to lower CCI and MPI and less severe septic status at arrival. MIS was mostly performed by colorectal surgeons, compared to acute care surgeons. The post-operative outcome, considering LOS, ICU admission, post-operative complications and mortality rate, was better in the MIS group. The multivariate regression model revealed that CCI, MPI, and night-time surgery were negatively associated with MIS while colorectal surgeons had a positive association. Laparotomic conversion more commonly occurred in older patients with a higher MPI and CCI and more severe septic status; these patients had a worse post-operative outcome. MPI was the only factor with statistical significance in the univariate analysis, associated with conversion.

Conclusion

Although MIS is associated with better post-operative outcomes, it is underutilized in the emergency setting. Patients requiring laparotomic conversion had higher morbidity and mortality compared to those who underwent successful laparoscopy. Limiting factors for MIS include logistic factors, patient severity, and surgical skills, therefore careful patient selection and surgical training is crucial.
Rock Failure Characteristics Evaluated Under True Triaxial Loading from Micro-mechanical Viewpoint
Authors: Poorsolhjouy Payam , Mews Kim Sarah , Misra Anil
Published: February 2025

Geomaterials are widely known to exhibit loading-path-dependent mechanical behavior. The path dependence becomes more evident in triaxial loading conditions where the three principal stresses can have different histories, thereby creating a rich combination of complicated loading regimes. True triaxial loading which allows for independently varying the principal stresses, therefore, is the ideal experiment to investigate this behavior. In this work, we have used the Granular Micromechanics Approach (GMA) to derive the macroscopic behavior of rock-like granular materials by studying the behavior of inter-granular contacts in all directions. The work is motivated by the recent true triaxial experiments on sandstones showing the effect of Lode angle and mean stress on the stress state at failure. In this paper, we have analyzed the experimental loading condition as well as an additional loading scenario in which both the Lode angle and the mean stress are kept constant. Our micro-mechanical analysis shows that these two loading paths result in different failure envelopes. Accordingly, a priori assumptions of the failure criteria that are based upon stress states, and only weakly on loading paths, are shown to lead to misleading results. The GMA can be used as a theoretical-numerical predictive alternative to experimental measurements for evaluating the load-path dependency of failure. Further, GMA is shown to be able to asses failure stress state as well as the failure mode based on localization analysis.
Meteorin-like levels of oral fluids in periodontal health and diseases: a comparative cross-sectional study
Authors: Saglam Ebru , Toraman Ayse , Savran Levent , Saglam Mehmet , Koseoglu Serhat
Published: February 2025

Objectives

Cytokines are critical role in the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases. Meteorin-like (Metrnl), a protein released in the oral mucosa, is a novel cytokine associated with various inflammatory diseases. This study aimed to evaluate levels of salivary and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), interleukin − 1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin − 10 (IL-10), and Metrnl in periodontal disease.

Materials and methods

It was formed three groups of 20 individuals each: the healthy, gingivitis, and periodontitis (Stage III, Grades A and B) groups. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method measured IL-1β, IL-10, and Metrnl levels in salivary and GCF samples. Clinical periodontal measurement including probing pocket depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI) and percentage of bleeding on probing (%BOP); and biochemical parameters were evaluated using statistical analysis.

Results

Salivary concentrations and GCF total amount of IL-1β were significantly higher in the periodontal disease groups (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference among the groups in either salivary concentrations or GCF total amount of IL-10 (p > 0.05). Salivary Metrnl concentrations were significantly lower in the periodontitis group (p = 0.002). Salivary Metrnl concentrations had significant negative correlations with %BOP, PD, and CAL (p < 0.05). GCF total amount of Metrnl had significant negative correlations with GCF total amount of IL-1β (p = 0.03). The receiver operating characteristics curve showed: area under the curve (AUC) = 0.731 for salivary Metrnl concentrations to discriminate periodontitis from periodontal health and gingivitis.

Conclusion

Based on the findings of this study, Metrnl, as an immunoregulatory cytokine, may have an important relationship with periodontitis. Additional studies are needed to fully elucidate the functional effect of Metrnl in periodontal disease.

Clinical relevance

Background In knock-out experimental studies, it has been reported that Metrnl acts as an inflammation-related immunoregulatory cytokine. The findings relating it to inflammatory diseases support the idea that Metrnl may play a role in the pathogenesis of a variety of inflammatory diseases.

Added value of this study

Although Metrnl is a protein abundantly secreted in the oral mucosa, to the authors’ knowledge there has been no study evaluating it in gingivitis and periodontitis, inflammatory diseases. In this study, the levels of Metrnl in oral fluids, such as GCF and saliva, were examined in the presence of different periodontal diseases.

Clinical implications

Metrnl can be useful in distinguishing periodontal destruction from periodontal health.