bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Elevated Temperatures on Growth and Yield of Mustard Cultivars at Varied Crop Geometry
Authors: Mohaniya Lakhan Singh , Sharma Janmejay , Sharma Amita
Published: September 2023

A field experiment was conducted in sandy clay loam soil of Agriculture College, RVSKVV, Gwalior during rabi season 2021-22. The experiment was conducted in a two way factor anova comprising of five elevated/ambient temperature viz., ambient in OTC, ambient+1oC, ambient+1.5oC, ambient+2oC, Open field (control) and two mustard cultivars at varied crop geometry i.e., RVM2 (45x10cm & 25x20cm) and Giriraj (45x10cm & 25x20cm). The experiment was replicated three times. Results revealed that significantly higher plant height (cm), no. of leaves per plant, root length (cm), no. of branches, no. of siliqua per plant, no. of seed per siliqua, length of siliqua (cm), 1000 seed weight (g), total biomass (q/ha), seed yield (q/ha) and harvest index (%) was obtained at ambient +1oC which were significantly superior over rest of the ambient temperature and open field control conditions. Maximum number of plant height (cm), no. of branches, no. of siliqua per plant, no. of seed per siliqua, length of siliqua (cm), 1000 seed weight (g), total biomass (q/ha) and seed yield (q/ha) was recorded with Giriraj (45x10 cm) mustard cultivar except no. of leaves per plant, root length (cm) and harvest index (%), respectively.
Management Strategies for Charcoal Rot of Sesame: A Review
Authors: Vashisht Preeti , Yadav N. K. , Kumar Rahul , Jangra Parul , Indora Jyoti
Published: September 2023

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) commonly known as til is one of the important oilseed crop having good nutritional, biomedical and religious value. It is also called as “Queen of oilseeds” and among the oilseed crops , sesame ranks first for its higher oil content with a dietary energy of 6335kcal/kg in seeds. The crop is attacked by several pathogens causing serious diseases and act as major damaging factor to sesame crop cultivated in the whole world with severe losses of 7million tones yearly. The important diseases of sesame include charcoal rot (Macrophomina phaseolina, Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum), Phytophthora blight (Phytophthora parasitica) and phyllody (phytoplasma). Charcoal rot is caused by Macrophomina phaseolina has been a major threat to the successful cultivation of sesame in Haryana which causes about 5-100% loss. The pathogen being facultative in nature survives as microsclerotia in soil and infested plant debris that serve as the primary source of inoculum and have been found to persist within the soil up to three years.The pathogen not only persists in soil as saprophyte associated with other soil microorganisms but also transmitted through seed. Hence, it requires different management approaches to overcome this menace. So, keeping in view the present scenario ecofriendly management must be done by the use of botanicals and bio agents.
Assessment of Body Fat in Children with Neuropathy using Deuterium Oxide Dilution
Authors: Ramos-Silva Valmin , Bila Wendell Costa , Cabral Hebert Wilson Santos , Borges Francislene Pereira , Schimit Alice Quadros , Silva Janine Pereira da
Published: September 2023

Purpose: Evaluate nutritional status by anthropometry and body fat by isotopic dilution with deuterium oxide in children with chronic neuropathies.

Method: Study of a series of cases of children hospitalized with a diagnosis of severe chronic neuropathy due to cerebral asphyxia, cerebral palsy and spinal muscular atrophy. Weight, height, age, and gender data were obtained and analysed according to the recommendations of the World Health Organization (2006, 2007) and anthropometric indices were obtained using the Anthro and AnthroPlus software. To analyze body fat, 4mL of saliva was collected at baseline and three hours after the administration of a dose of deuterium oxide (0.5g/kg/weight). The samples were analysed using the SHIMATZU FTIR IRAfinit-1 ® equipment and IRsolution software. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Hospital Infantil Nossa Senhora da Glória (CAAE 18593013.7.0000.5069).

Results: eight mixed race patients included, half male, mean age 36.25±32.39 months, height 85.75±19.95 cm, weight 17.60±9.50 kg, BMI-for-age 17.35±4.40 kg/m2, body fat 5.89±5.04 kg and body fat percentage 35.76±16.10 %. Half of the patients were malnourished, and of these, some had a fat percentage higher than expected. The height was adequate in 5/8. Conclusion: Low weight is common among patients with spastic paralysis, while in those with type I progressive spinal muscular atrophy type I, there is a predominance of obesity. Height/length is preserved in most patients, regardless of the type of neuropathy. A body fat percentage of over 30% was found, even among those who were underweight.
Exploring the Landscape of Decentralized Autonomous Organizations: A Comprehensive Review of Blockchain Initiatives
Authors: Olaniyi Oluwaseun Oladeji , Olabanji Samuel Oladiipo , Okunleye Olalekan Jamiu
Published: September 2023

The present study aims to investigate the DAO initiative and scrutinize the diverse methodologies researchers employ for data collection in this area, highlighting any unresolved problems or limitations and suggesting approaches to enhance blockchain technology for future investigations.  A remarkable blockchain initiative is the decentralized autonomous organization (DAO), a decentralized blockchain technology system that lets people self-govern through self-executing rules. The methodology is a qualitative analysis that uses contractual and business aspects to create a legally binding smart contract for DAO collaborations; thus, SPESC and Symboleo are smart-contract languages (SCL) that can involve IT and non-IT individuals in contract development. Blockchain technology has created Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) that perform autonomously through smart contracts within their ecosystem without the necessity for centralized control or third-party intervention.
Photothermal Coordination Polymer with Temperature‐Induced Molecular Deformation for Efficient Interfacial Evaporation and Catalysis
Authors: Shi Kaili , Sheng Kai , Hou Jingwei , Tian Miaomiao , Zhang Yatao , Van der Bruggen Bart , Zhu Junyong
Published: February 2025

Solar‐powered interfacial evaporation presents a sustainable approach for water purification, but the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs like phenol) poses significant challenges to its efficacy. Herein, an innovative catalytic evaporator constructed from Balsa wood functionalized with coordination polymers (cobalt‐1,5‐diamino‐4,8‐dihydroxyanthraquinone, Co‐DDA) is introduced. This multifunctional Co‐DDA exhibits both conductive and catalytic characteristics, facilitating photothermal evaporation and photothermal catalysis within an integrated platform. The resultant evaporator achieves an impressive evaporation rate of 3.23 kg m−2 h−1 and an energy efficiency of 89.0% under one‐sun irradiation. Notably, the local heat‐induced molecular deformation of the Co‐DDA polymer facilitates the reduction in the energy barrier of persulfate adsorption, as supported by experimental and simulation data. This effect promotes persulfate activation to generate more reactive oxygen species, resulting in a remarkable 97.0% degradation for 50 mg L−1 phenol. Furthermore, the Co‐DDA‐Balsa evaporator demonstrates exceptional long‐term salt resistance and high antimicrobial activity, ensuring efficient, stable, and eco‐friendly solar‐driven water purification. This work sheds light on the development of multifunctional and sustainable catalytic evaporators for highly efficient VOC removal during interfacial evaporation.
Efficient “Core–Shell” Carbon‐Based Solar Evaporator with Honeycomb Structure for Large‐Scale Solar‐Driven Water Purification and Energy Harvesting
Authors: Qi Shuo , Jia Tao , Zhang Yingyuan , Zhao Yijun , Xing Yiteng , Zhang Man , Wang Fei , Chen Chunxia , Wong Wai‐Yeung
Published: February 2025

Solar‐driven interfacial water evaporation holds a broad application prospect in the domain of seawater desalination. However, traditional interfacial desalination technology is facing the challenge of large‐scale preparation and desalting performance. Herein, based on the easy processing and low cost advantages of carbon‐based solar‐thermal materials, the study proposes a novel strategy to use the surfactant Pluronic F127 to encapsulate the carbon black to form a size‐stable “core–shell” nanomicelle. Then, the solar‐thermal evaporator cross‐linked by nanomicelle and polyvinyl alcohol is constructed with a surface patterned design inspired by the honeycomb structures, which proved that the evaporator has excellent salt resistance by the Marangoni effect. Furthermore, it can be used to generate electricity and realize the integration of outdoor evaporating water and electricity generation. The solar evaporator can reach an evaporation rate of 2.19 kg m−2 h−1 under one sunlight irradiation. The area of large‐scale surface patterning can reach 132 cm2 (22 cm × 6 cm) and the output voltage under natural light is up to 561 mV. Significantly, the evaporator can maintain persistent water evaporation without surface salt accumulation during the outdoor evaporation of seawater for 10 days. This work provides a valuable perspective for the industrialization of high‐performance solar evaporators.
Enzymatically Crafted Bacterial Cellulose Nanoparticles Functionalized With Antimicrobial Peptides: Toward Sustainable Antimicrobial Formulations
Authors: Schibeci Martina , Gaglione Rosa , Russo Noemi , Velotta Raffaele , Della Ventura Bartolomeo , Arciello Angela
Published: February 2025

Although natural antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are endowed with excellent antimicrobial properties, only a few of them have been successfully translated to the market so far. This is mainly due to their short half‐life, to their high susceptibility to protease degradation, and to the lack of appropriate strategies for their efficient targeted delivery. Hence, the development of an effective system to deliver AMPs to the site of infection is urgent. The system here selected is represented by bacterial cellulose nanoparticles (BCNPs). Nanocellulose has recently emerged as one of the most promising “green” materials, attracting great attention due to its unique features, including biodegradability, sustainability, biocompatibility, and special physicochemical properties. To produce BCNPs, Komagataeibacter xylinus has been selected as host producing strain. Once obtained BC macrofibers, the production of BCNPs was set up by enzymatic hydrolysis using a commercial mixture of cellulases from Trichoderma reesei to develop a sustainable green biotechnological process. The storage stability of produced BCNPs has been also evaluated. Obtained BCNPs have been functionalized through non‐covalent bindings with an antimicrobial peptide previously identified in human apolipoprotein B and found to be endowed with strong antimicrobial properties in in vitro analyses and with good biocompatibility profiles when analyzed on human skin cells. This opens interesting perspectives to the applicability of the developed system in several biotechnological fields.
Living Away From Specialized Pollinators: The Pollination System of Cieba Pentandra in the Yucatan Peninsula
Authors: Dzul‐Cauich Henry , Stoner Kathryn E. , Ibarra‐Cerdeña Carlos N. , Munguía‐Rosas Miguel A.
Published: February 2025

Plant‐pollinator systems can exist along the gradient from extreme specialization to extreme generalization. Theoretical work predicts that high pollinator reliability may lead to specialized pollination systems, while pollinator unpredictability may promote generalized pollination systems. However, empirical tests of these predictions are constrained by the availability of accurate field observations, particularly in some groups of plants, such as trees pollinated by nocturnal animals. Plant species that face variable pollinator availability within their distributional range represent an ideal study system to address the effect of pollination predictability on the specialization level of pollination systems. This is the case of Ceiba pentandra, a tropical tree with chiropterophilic flowers. Most previous studies have described the pollination system of this tree species as mainly or exclusively bat‐pollinated. Here we studied the pollination system of C. pentandra in the Yucatan Peninsula, a region where no species of specialized nectarivorous bats occur. We assessed quantity (visitation rate) and quality pollination components (pollen deposition, fruit/seed set) for diurnal and nocturnal visitors in two different locations and years. We expected to find a generalized pollination system due to the absence of specialized pollinators. As predicted, we found five functional groups of nocturnal and diurnal pollinators. Diurnal and nocturnal pollinators contributed to a similar extent to quantity (visitation rate) and quality pollination components (fruit & seed set). However, the contribution of diurnal and nocturnal pollinators also varied either spatially or temporally. We conclude that the pollination system of C. pentandra in the Yucatan Peninsula is highly generalized and that temporal and/or spatial unpredictability in the effectiveness of its pollinators may explain this finding.
A facile automated multiple‐well platform of immunized tumor organoid cultures in ECM‐mimicked hydrogels for chem‐immunotherapy evaluation
Authors: Tang Ruizhi , Liu Xi‐Qiu
Published: February 2025

Breast cancer often develops drug resistance during chemotherapy, and immunotherapeutic agents always exhibit ineffectiveness when used as a single treatment; thus, it is necessary to develop a chemo‐immunotherapy strategy in clinics. However, there is still a challenge to evaluate the chemo‐immunotherapy efficacy by conventional 2D cell culture and animal models. In this study, we developed a facile automated multiple‐well platform for fabricating tumor associated macrophages (TAMs)‐immunized breast cancer organoids in alginate hydrogels. An automated robotic microinjection system was used for building alginate hydrogels in situ and seeding mixed cell suspensions of breast cancer cells and TAMs into hydrogels to form organoids. The induced drug resistance to epirubicin was observed in breast cancer organoids with TAMs, but it could be inhibited by targeted immunotherapy PLX3397. The synergistic effects were also evaluated in several co‐administration strategies of PLX3397 in combination with epirubicin. The RNA‐seq and quantitative polymerase chain reaction were further used to examine gene transcription levels in the co‐administration and find out three genes (IL6, CD37, and GLS2) with significant differences, which were involved in the tumor necrosis factor signaling, PI3K‐Akt signaling and epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance pathway. The results demonstrated that the automated multiple‐well platform showed the potential to replace the conventional bulk culture method in evaluating the therapeutic effects of chem‐immunotherapy.
Effects of Polyphenols and Ascorbic Acid in Honey From Diverse Floral Origins on Liver Alcohol Metabolism
Authors: Sun Zhiwei , Liu Lanhua , Li Xingjiang , Zhang Jinjing , Zhou Hao , Mu Dongdong , Wang Yousheng , Wu Xuefeng
Published: February 2025

Honey is known to promote alcohol metabolism effectively. However, the effects of its individual chemical components system on alcohol metabolism and their mechanisms of action have not yet been fully elucidated. We constructed polyphenols and ascorbic acid systems (PAAS) of six different floral kinds of honey by exogenous substances, to investigate their effects on alcohol metabolism in the liver. PAAS consists of 22 kinds of polyphenols (including arbutin and caffeic acid) and ascorbic acid. The results demonstrated that PAAS improved the activity of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and the expression of adh1, but had no significant effect on acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) and expression of adh2, which caused a decrease in blood ethanol concentration but no difference in acetaldehyde concentration. Correlation analysis illustrated that arbutin and trans‐4‐hydroxycinnamic acid in PAAS were important potential substances for promoting alcohol metabolism. In addition, PAAS could also reduce the deleterious effects of alcohol by modulating unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis, purine metabolism, and other metabolic pathways in the liver. These findings revealed the mechanisms by which PAAS promoted hepatic alcohol metabolism as well as protected the liver and provided a theoretical basis for exploring the mechanisms in honey synergistically promote alcohol metabolism.
Modeling a Location and Routing Problem for Mobile Lockers in Last‐Mile Delivery With Horizontal Collaboration
Authors: Korkmaz Simay Göksu , Soysal Mehmet , Sel Çağrı , Dündar Hasan
Published: February 2025

Due to the growth of e‐commerce, promising last‐mile delivery options have emerged to manage the rise in delivery frequency and small‐volume deliveries. These delivery methods include mobile parcel lockers that are placed by electric vehicles, which enables customers to receive their packages at any time. This study presents a decision support model for enterprises that utilize mobile parcel lockers in last‐mile delivery with pick‐up and delivery under horizontal collaboration. The model aims to allocate parcel lockers and route the vehicles with the minimum cost, which encompasses the expenses associated with transportation and placement of the lockers, transportation of customer cargo, vehicle utilization, and payment of drivers. We propose an integer linear programming model for the location routing problem. We present an ILP‐based decomposition heuristic and an iterative approach to larger‐sized practical instances. A numerical analysis is conducted to see the cost and benefit of bilateral and trilateral collaborations in an illustrative case. According to the results, the total cost is reduced by up to 4.52% for companies in the trilateral collaboration scenario with single warehouses, and by up to 7.32% in the trilateral collaboration scenario with multiple warehouses. We examine the large problem sizes of up to 100 nodes to see the performance of the heuristic approaches compared to the model solutions. The two‐stage heuristic achieves the optimal solutions for all instances with a node size 50 in a shorter solution time. The iterative approach allows us to deal with the problem complexity of instances with 75 and 100 nodes and yields 0.88% close solutions to the model on average.
A Bright Organic Fluorophore for Accurate Measurement of the Relative Quantum Yield in the NIR‐II Window
Authors: Shen Hanchen , Zhu Xinyan , Zhang Jianyu , Xu Changhuo , Lam Jacky W. Y. , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: February 2025

Organic dyes with photoluminescence in the second near‐infrared window (NIR‐II, 1000–1700 nm) are promising for bioimaging and optoelectronic devices. Photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) is a direct measure of their performance. Integrating sphere technology is effective in determining the absolute PLQY. However, the low PLQY values of most NIR‐II organic fluorophores lead to significant measurement errors. Therefore, the most common method for PLQY determination is a relative approach using a photoluminescence spectrometer and a standard reference like IR‐26. Although the relative method enables precise calculation of the PLQY ratio between the sample and the reference, the specific PLQY value of IR‐26 is not clearly defined and is reported to range from 0.05% to 0.50%. Such a deviation can cause significant errors in relative PLQY measurements. In this study, it is reported that a bright organic fluorophore called TPE‐BBT exhibits a high PLQY of 3.94% in THF, which can be accurately measured using a commercially available integrating sphere. Using TPE‐BBT as a standard, the PLQY values of IR‐26 in 1,2‐dichloroethane and IR‐1061 in dichloromethane are accurately determined to be 0.0284% and 0.182%, respectively. It is hoped that using this reliable standard will unify the evaluation criteria for NIR‐II organic fluorophores.
Empowering Citizen Science Through Stakeholder Engagement
Authors: Correia Vitor , Romão José , Tyrologou Pavlos
Published: February 2025

The chapter examines how citizen science projects, particularly in geohazard monitoring, can be strengthened through systematic stakeholder engagement. Using the AGEO project as a case study, with five established Citizen Observatories across Europe, it details how stakeholders were identified, classified, and engaged across political, economic, knowledge and socio-cultural systems. The paper identifies five crucial factors for successful engagement: relevance, accessibility, trust, recognition/incentives, and sustainability. It concludes that citizen science, supported by technological advances and proper stakeholder engagement, can make significant contributions to disaster preparedness and risk reduction, particularly in the context of climate change, by fostering collaboration between experts and communities.
Addressing Teacher Shortages in Poland: Analysis, Educational Planning, and Policy Recommendations
Authors: Madalińska-Michalak Joanna
Published: February 2025

This chapter addresses the pressing issue of teacher shortages in Poland, highlighting its significance in the context of global education systems. Despite teachers being widely acknowledged as crucial to student success, Poland has not officially recognized the impending teacher shortage, setting it apart from other European nations. Utilizing data from Regional Educational Authorities, responsible for education within specific provinces (voivodeships) in Poland, this study examines national and provincial teacher shortage statistics and explores the reasons behind teacher attrition. The analysis exposes regional disparities in teacher shortages, calling for a localized approach to remedy the situation. Policymakers are encouraged to consider regional workforce policies, teacher salaries, educational management strategies, and the effectiveness of pedagogical resources in voivodeships. Proposed solutions include increasing minimum teacher salaries, implementing a nationwide teacher scholarship program, and establishing regional scholarships to attract and retain teaching talent. These strategies aim to incentivize prospective teachers and ensure a steady supply of qualified educators across regions. By tailoring interventions to the unique needs of each area and empowering regional educational authorities, this chapter provides a comprehensive roadmap to address teacher shortages, ultimately safeguarding educational quality and the future of Polish students.
Professionalization and Teaching-Out-Of-Field: How Lateral Entrants’ Resources Occur in Moments of Crisis—Mixed Data Results
Authors: Beck Teresa
Published: February 2025

Since several years there has been a major shortage of teachers in Germany which proved state-specific special measures for the recruitment of teachers. One of these was the deploy of lateral entrants (Seiteneinsteiger:innen). The research project ‘SeLe an Grundschulen’ (= lateral entry into the teaching profession in primary schools) focuses on the professionalization process of teachers who entered the profession through the lateral entrant. Based on data from a standardized questionnaire (n = 114) and narrative-biographical interviews (n = 15), the chapter gives an insight of who the lateral entrants are, how they experience their biographical transition into the teaching profession and how they speak about their teaching experiences as a lateral entrant in the beginning of becoming a teacher. The focus is on the different elements of the professionalization process of out-of-field-teaching teachers, while reconstructing different facets and highlight of their alternative biographical transition into the teaching profession. The article presents two different data results, quantitative as well as qualitative results. The quantitative data corpus initially serves as a descriptive basis for specifying the target group. The main part is based on the data from the interviews, which are reconstructed using the documentary method and provide an insight into the collective orientations of lateral entrants. This article highlights an excerpt of three reconstructed types. Excerpts on the dimension of career entry and first comparative orientations are presented.
The Teacher Shortage in England: Policy Initiatives, Initial Teacher Training and the Early Career Teacher
Authors: Bryan Hazel , Price Jayne
Published: February 2025

In this chapter we interrogate the multi-faceted and inter-related nature of the teacher supply shortage in England. The chapter firstly sets out the issues that have long hindered teacher recruitment and retention, including Government initiatives designed to counter these phenomena. In this we analyse the problem of shortage in some regions across England, in some subjects and in some age phases (Ovenden-Hope & Passy, 2019), as well as considering issues in relation to Black and minority ethnic teacher shortage, male teacher shortage, working conditions and pay. Secondly, we present and critique the most current Government initiatives designed to address these issues, namely the Teacher Recruitment and Retention Strategy (2019a) including the Early Career Framework (ECF) (DfE, 2019b).
Teacher Shortages in the United States: 1990–2021
Authors: Ingersoll Richard M.
Published: February 2025

The objective of this study is to provide an overall national portrait of trends in elementary and secondary teacher shortages in the U.S. from 1990 to 2021. The primary source of data for this study is the nationally representative National Teacher Principal Survey and its predecessor the Schools and Staffing Survey, conducted by the US Department of Education. The analyses document that there has been an increase in students and teachers over the past three decades and that a significant number of schools have faced serious difficulties filling their teaching positions. The data also show that the factors behind these staffing problems are complex. There are multiple sources of new teachers. Contrary to conventional theory, only a small part of the new teacher supply is from the pipeline of new graduates from teacher education and preparation programs; far more newly hired teachers come from the reserve pool of former teachers. Combining these multiple sources of new teachers, the data shows that the new supply has more than kept pace with student enrollment and teacher retirement increases, even in the highest shortage fields of math and science. However, when preretirement teacher attrition is factored in, there is a much tighter balance between supply and demand, especially for math and science. Moreover, the data document that teacher turnover varies greatly between different kinds of schools, is especially high in high-poverty schools, and is closely tied to the organizational characteristics and working conditions of schools.
From supernovae to neutron stars: a systematic approach to axion production at finite density
Authors: Springmann Konstantin , Stadlbauer Michael , Stelzl Stefan , Weiler Andreas
Published: February 2025

Abstract

We present a systematic study of QCD axion production in environments with finite baryon density and temperature, implying significant changes to axion phenomenology. Within heavy baryon chiral perturbation theory, we derive the effective Lagrangian describing axion interactions with nucleons and mesons up to next-to-leading-order in the chiral expansion. We focus on corrections to the axion-nucleon couplings from higher orders and finite density. These couplings are modified by up to an order of magnitude near nuclear saturation density, significantly impacting axion production in supernovae and neutron stars. Density-dependent corrections enhance the axion luminosity in supernovae by an order of magnitude, strengthening current best bounds by a factor of three. We stress the importance of including all axion production channels up to a given chiral order for a consistent luminosity calculation and classify the missing contributions up to the third chiral order. The modified axion-nucleon couplings also affect neutron star cooling rates via axion emission. A re-evaluation of existing neutron star cooling bounds, constrained to regions where perturbative control is reliable, weakens these bounds by a factor of four. Lastly, our results have implications for terrestrial axion searches that rely on precise knowledge of axion-nucleon couplings. "Image missing"
On the computable cross norm in tensor networks and holography
Authors: Milekhin Alexey , Rath Pratik , Weng Wayne
Published: February 2025

Abstract

The computable cross norm or realignment (CCNR) was recently discussed in ref. [1] as a measure of multipartite entanglement in a condensed matter context. In this short note, we point out that it is closely related to the (2, n)-Rényi reflected entropy, which has been studied in the context of AdS/CFT. We discuss the calculation of the CCNR in random tensor networks as well as holographic CFTs. The holographic dual involves a backreacted entanglement wedge cross section in a geometry sourced by Rényi-2 cosmic branes. We perform explicit calculations for two intervals in a hyperbolic random tensor network as well the vacuum state of a 2D holographic CFT, and analyze the occurence of a connected-to-disconnected phase transition. The example illustrates the validity of the proposal for analytic continuation in holography for arbitrary values of Rényi parameter n. We comment on a symmetry-resolved generalization of this quantity.
Breeding behaviour, visual communication and male combat of Philothamnus occidentalis and Philothamnus natalensis
Authors: Kyle Kirsty J. , Downs Colleen T.
Published: February 2025

Western Natal green snakes (Philothamnus occidentalis) are a relatively common and widely distributed snake across the eastern half of South Africa. Little is known about their reproduction other than information that has been gleaned from others in the genus. We document several separate cases of communal breeding, as well as both aggressive and reproductive visual communication, all of which are new information for this species. This study also documents a breeding event for the eastern Natal green snake (Philothamnus natalensis), which shows different behaviours supporting the recent species split.
Special needs of refugees with substance use disorders from conflict-affected countries: a comparison with German-born individuals
Authors: López-Atanes Mayte , Rosenkranz Moritz , Erkoreka Leire , Recio-Barbero Maria , Bari Melav , Hiller Philipp , Penka Simone , Lindert Jutta , Martens Marcus , Schäfer Ingo
Published: February 2025

Background

Refugees seem to be at enhanced risk for substance use disorders. At the same time, they have less access to services and their health needs remain poorly understood. This study aims to evaluate the specific needs of refugees as compared to German-born individuals seeking help for substance use disorders.

Methods

We conducted an observational case–control study using all treatment episodes in outpatient addiction facilities in three German federal states during the year 2020. A total of 719 refugee clients were matched to 713 German-born individuals using propensity score matching. We compared potential needs related to features of substance use as well as different psychosocial areas.

Results

The final sample of refugees was composed of n = 384 (26.8%) cases from Afghanistan, n = 214 (14.9%) from Syria and n = 121 (8.4%) from Iraq. Clients consulted mostly due to cannabis use (44.8%) or opioid use (20.1%). Intravenous use of drugs and needle sharing was significantly lower in refugees (p < 0.05). A higher proportion of refugees than Germans lived in provisional housing, were unemployed or in charge of minor children (p < 0.05). Mental and physical comorbidities were significantly higher in refugees (p < 0.05). They were also more likely to have been victims of violence and less likely to present violent behaviors.

Conclusion

Refugees with substance use disorders differ regarding a spectrum of psychosocial issues from German-born individuals. This highlights the need to link addiction treatment with other parts of the health care and psychosocial support systems to provide adequate care for this group.
Simultaneous node-based shape and thickness optimization of thin-walled structures using the explicit Vertex Morphing method
Authors: Schmölz David , Devresse Bastian , Geiser Armin , Bletzinger Kai-Uwe
Published: February 2025

Node-based shape optimization has been successfully and consistently formulated via shape and sensitivity filtering methods. This work studies the union of the Vertex Morphing method, a shape parameterization technique that uses an explicit shape filtering approach, and shell thickness optimization. On this occasion, thickness variables are explicitly filtered similarly to the shape, but their filter is computed on the initial geometry configuration throughout the optimization. The problem is formulated such that both design variable types are optimized concurrently. Gradient-based algorithms are employed to solve the optimization problem, which have proven well suited for the Vertex Morphing method. Due to the different dimensionalities of the shape and thickness variables, a design variable scaling method between the two types is proposed, improving the convergence behavior without the necessity of second-order information. Academic examples and the application of a structure with industrial significance illustrate the method’s success.
An examination of the quality of kidney stone information on YouTube and TikTok
Authors: Augustyn Zuzanna , Richards Helen L , McGrath Alice , Swanton Yvonne , Hennessey Derek B
Published: February 2025

Social media is increasingly consulted by patients for health-related information. The quality of this information is unknown and unregulated. This study aimed to investigate the quality of kidney stones information on two popular video platforms, YouTube and TikTok, and examine factors related to its quality. A search using keywords of “kidney stones” alongside “information, prevention, treatment” was used across YouTube and TikTok. The top 50 videos on each platform were rated by 4 independent reviewers on: general information, epidemiology, symptoms/presentation, treatment, and prevention. The American Urological Association’s kidney stone curriculum was utilised as the benchmark for quality. The total number of views across the 100 videos was over 46 million. Overall, 91% of videos were educational in terms of genre. Misinformation was present in 34% of TikTok and 2% of YouTube videos. YouTube received significantly higher quality ratings across all parameters bar prevention (z’s>-4.79 p’s < 0.001); however, less than 50% of YouTube videos were rated as good quality. There was no association between quality and the number of likes or views across platforms (p’s > 0.3). The quality of information presented across platforms was very variable with over half of videos considered poor quality. Given the high usage of social media as a source of health information it is important that healthcare providers and the general public are aware of the limits of information available on both platforms and continued efforts are made to develop high quality videos suitable for patient consumption.
Exploring correlations between gut mycobiome and lymphocytes in melanoma patients undergoing anti-PD-1 therapy
Authors: Szóstak Natalia , Budnik Michał , Tomela Katarzyna , Handschuh Luiza , Samelak-Czajka Anna , Pietrzak Bernadeta , Schmidt Marcin , Kaczmarek Mariusz , Galus Łukasz , Mackiewicz Jacek , Mackiewicz Andrzej , Kozlowski Piotr , Philips Anna
Published: February 2025

Research has shown that the microbiome can influence how the immune system responds to melanoma cells, affecting the course of the disease and the outcome of the therapy. Here, we used the metagenomic approach and flow cytometry analyses of blood cells to discover correlations between gut fungi of metastatic melanoma patients enrolled in anti-PD-1 therapy and lymphocytes in their blood.

We analyzed the patterns of associations before the first administration of anti-PD-1 therapy (BT, n = 61) and in the third month of the therapy (T3, n = 37), allowing us to track changes during treatment. To understand the possible impact of gut fungi on the efficacy of anti-PD-1 therapy, we analyzed the associations in clinical beneficiaries (CB, n = 37) and non-beneficiaries (NB, n = 24), as well as responders (R, n = 28) and non-responders (NR, n = 33).

Patients with LDH < 338 units/L, overall survival (OS) > 12, CB, as well as R, had lower levels of Shannon diversity (p = 0.02, p = 0.05, p = 0.05, and p = 0.03, respectively). We found that the correlation pattern between intestinal fungi and lymphocytes was specific to the type of response, positive or negative. When comparing CB and NB groups, correlations with opposite directions were detected for C. albicans, suggesting a response-specific immune reaction. For CB, M. restricta exhibited a set of correlations with different types of lymphocytes, with prevalent positive correlations, suggesting a robust immune response in the CB group. This result extends our former research, where M. restricta and C. albicans were associated with an increased risk of melanoma progression and a poorer response to anti-PD-1 treatment.
CDX2 and SATB2 loss are associated with myeloid cell infiltration and poor survival in colorectal cancer
Authors: Sirniö Päivi , Elomaa Hanna , Tuomisto Anne , Äijälä Ville K. , Karjalainen Henna , Kastinen Meeri , Tapiainen Vilja V. , Sirkiä Onni , Ahtiainen Maarit , Helminen Olli , Wirta Erkki-Ville , Rintala Jukka , Meriläinen Sanna , Saarnio Juha , Rautio Tero , Seppälä Toni T. , Böhm Jan , Mecklin Jukka-Pekka , Mäkinen Markus J. , Väyrynen Juha P.
Published: February 2025

Background

Caudal-type homeobox 2 (CDX2) and special AT-rich sequence-binding protein 2 (SATB2) are transcription factors playing important roles in intestinal homeostasis and participating in the regulation of intestinal inflammation. In colorectal cancer (CRC), reduced expression levels of CDX2 and SATB2 have been associated with poor differentiation and worse survival. However, their prognostic significance still needs further clarification, and the associations between CDX2 and SATB2 and immune cell infiltration into the CRC microenvironment are largely unknown.

Methods

We analyzed CDX2 and SATB2 expression in two large cohorts of stages I–IV CRC patients (N = 2302) and analyzed their associations with clinicopathologic parameters, the density of local immune cells (determined with three multiplex immunohistochemistry panels and conventional immunohistochemistry), and survival.

Results

In mismatch repair-proficient tumors, reduced CDX2 and SATB2 expression were associated with higher densities of immature monocytic cells, macrophages, and M2-like macrophages. Low expression of CDX2 was associated with shorter cancer-specific survival independent of conventional prognostic parameters in both cohorts. In the larger cohort, adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for negative (vs. high) CDX2 expression was 3.62 (95% CI 2.08–6.31, p
trend < 0.0001), and adjusted HR for negative (vs. high) SATB2 level was 1.61 (95% CI 0.97–2.67, p
trend = 0.002).

Conclusion

This study indicates that reduced CDX2 and SATB2 expression levels are associated with myeloid cell infiltration in the CRC microenvironment and represent markers for poor outcome. These findings highlight the potential of CDX2 and SATB2 as biomarkers for classifying CRC patients and support their role in regulating the tumor microenvironment.
Determinants of good or excellent work ability in a branch of the dutch military
Authors: Stegerhoek Pablo M. , van der Zande Jesse , IJzerman Herman , Verhagen Evert A. L. M. , Motazedi Ehsan , Bolling Caroline , Kuijer P. Paul F. M.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The Royal Netherlands Marechaussee, a branch of the Dutch Military, is characterised by a diverse range of mentally and physically demanding occupational tasks. The employability of the personnel depends on the balance between occupational demands and personal resources, which can be measured through the work ability score. Therefore, this study investigates personal and work-related determinants of work ability in a branch of the Dutch Military.

Methods

We gathered cross-sectional data through a survey distributed among all operational Royal Netherlands Marechaussee personnel (n: 7,658). We used binomial logistic regression analysis to estimate the relationship between determinants in four domains (i.e., personal, workload, work characteristics, and work experience) and the dichotomised work ability scores (poor to moderate vs. good to excellent).

Results

The survey had a 20% response rate with 1538 respondents. Our study included a slightly higher percentage of reservists and civilians than the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee’s workforce. Forty per cent of participants rated their work ability as poor or moderate. Good or excellent work ability was related to older age (> 50 years compared to < 29 years), lower physical workload, no shift work, less fatigue, more autonomy, task clarity, and social support.

Conclusions

We found that 40% of survey respondents rated their work ability as low or moderate. In the future, factors like shift work, autonomy, task clarity, and social support may be used to improve work ability in this population.
Effect of Elevation Training Mask on Swallowing Function in Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Nachalon Yuval , Shpunt Dina , Zait Anat , Oestreicher-Kedem Yael , Hayat Liav , Ashkenazi Yarden , Nativ-Zeltzer Nogah , Belafsky Peter C. , Maayan Eshed Gadi , Gurevich Tanya , Manor Yael
Published: February 2025

To evaluate the impact of the elevation training mask (ETM) on swallowing safety and swallowing efficiency in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PWP) when used as a respiratory muscle strengthening tool. Study Design. Prospective cohort study. Setting. Tertiary university-affiliated medical center. Thirteen PWP underwent Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing and spirometry assessments both before and after a 4-week ETM use, which included incrementally increasing resistance each week. Measurements taken included EAT-10, swallowing disturbances questionnaire (SDQ), Penetration Aspiration Score (PAS), Yale Pharyngeal Residue Severity Rating Scale, and Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF). Disease severity was assessed using the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). Eleven out of 13 male participants (median age 70 years, UPDRS 33, disease duration 8.5 years) completed the 4-week protocol (84.6% completion rate). Vallecular residue significantly decreased for solids (median from 3.0 [IQR: 2.0–3.0] to 2.0 [IQR: 1.0–2.0], p = 0.028) and semi-solids (from 3.0 [IQR: 2.0–4.0] to 2.0 [IQR: 1.0–3.0], p = 0.025), with a non-significant improvement for liquids (from 2.0 [IQR: 2.0–2.0] to 2.0 [IQR: 1.0–2.0], p = 0.19). Patient-reported outcomes (EAT-10, SDQ, VHI-10, RSI) and PEF showed non-significant trends toward improvement. A 4-week use of ETM, serving as a form of respiratory muscle strengthening, demonstrated specific improvements in vallecular residue for semi-solid and solid consistencies in PWP with dysphagia. While other swallowing and respiratory measures showed positive trends, these changes did not reach statistical significance. Further research with a larger cohort is needed to evaluate ETM’s role in swallowing rehabilitation.
Comparison of early versus late rescue stenting after failed thrombectomy for intracranial atherosclerosis-related large vessel occlusion
Authors: Lee In-Hyoung , Ha Sung-Kon , Lim Dong-Jun , Choi Jong-Il
Published: February 2025

Background

The optimal timing for rescue stenting (RS) following failed thrombectomy in patients with underlying intracranial atherosclerosis (ICAS)-related large vessel occlusion (LVO) remains unknown. We aimed to determine this by comparing the angiographic and clinical outcomes of early and late RS.

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled patients with acute ischemic stroke who underwent stent-retriever thrombectomy for ICAS-related LVO. Per-pass analysis was performed to assess recanalization rates after each retrieval in all patients. Patients were classified into early and late groups based on the number of stent retrievals before RS (early: 1 or 2 attempts; late: ≥ 3 attempts). Angiographic and clinical outcomes were compared between these two groups.

Results

Among 126 patients with ICAS-related LVO, 257 retrievals were evaluated. Successful and complete recanalization rates were highest on the first attempt and significantly decreased between the second and third passes. Overall, 56 patients underwent RS, of which 27 and 29 were classified into the early and late RS groups, respectively. The early RS group had shorter procedure times (45 min vs. 70 min, p < 0.001) and higher rates of favorable outcomes (85.2% vs. 55.2%, p = 0.014) than the late RS group. Intact stent patency rates were also higher in the early RS group than in the late RS group (88.0% vs. 65.4%, p = 0.059). Multivariate analysis identified early RS (OR, 7.187; 95% CI, 1.385–37.306; p = 0.019) and stent patency (OR, 7.291; 95% CI, 1.288–41.277; p = 0.025) as significant factors influencing favorable outcomes.

Conclusion

RS should be performed at an early stage after failed thrombectomy for ICAS-related LVO.
Inactivation of Staphylococcus aureus by antimicrobial photodynamic therapy using 1,9-Dimethyl-Methylene Blue: in vitro and in vivo studies
Authors: de Brito Júnior Anildo Alves , Crugeira Pedro Jorge Louro , Barbosa Andressa Vollono , Costa Wellington Luis Reis , Cangussu Maria Cristina Teixeira , de Oliveira Susana Carla Pires Sampaio , de Mello Amanda Inês Vieira , Pinheiro Antônio Luiz Barbosa , Azevedo Juliana Monteiro
Published: February 2025

The efficiency of antibiotics in terms of their bacterial inhibition is well known. However, studies show that its overuse, underuse, and misuse induce antimicrobial resistance, promoting the need to work with alternative methods. In this sense, antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is a promising selective method demonstrating excellent response. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial action promoted in Staphylococcus aureus using 1,9 dimethyl methylene blue dye (DMMB) combined with red LED (λ 630 ± 20 nm, CW, 125 mW, 12 J/ cm², 192 s) in planktonic culture and rats skin wounds contaminated with staphylococcal bacteria. The experimental in vitro and in vivo groups were Control, LED, DMMB, and LED + DMMB; after aPDT, the triplicate samples for each dilution were incubated for 24 h, and the number of bacteria was determined by counting the colony-forming units, and the logarithm (CFU/mL log). Based on in vitro data obtained, the LED + DMMB group, when compared to the Control, showed a reduction in microbial load of 99.943% (p < 0.0001), with decimal reduction (RD = 3). Whereas in vivo results, the same comparing groups demonstrated a reduction in microbial load, reaching 99.994% (RD = 4). In this research, the aPDT was a unique treatment, and it is possible to repeat it to obtain higher microbial reduction, providing an alternative therapeutic that can be clinically validated to combat infections caused by S. aureus.