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Jumping of coalescing condensate droplets from superhydrophobic surfaces is an interesting phenomenon which yields marked heat transfer enhancement over the more explored gravity-driven droplet removal mode in surface condensation, a phase change process of central interest to applications ranging from energy to water harvesting. However, when condensate microdroplets coalesce, they can also spontaneously propel themselves omnidirectionally on the surface independent of gravity and grow by feeding from droplets they sweep along the way. Here we observe and explain the physics behind this phenomenon of roaming of coalescing condensate microdroplets on solely nanostructured superhydrophobic surfaces, where the microdroplets are orders of magnitude larger than the underlaying surface nanotexture. We quantify and show that it is the inherent asymmetries in droplet adhesion during condensation, arising from the stochastic nature of nucleation within the nanostructures, that generates the tangential momentum driving the roaming motion. Subsequent dewetting during this conversion initiates a vivid roaming and successive coalescence process, preventing condensate flooding of the surface, and enhancing surface renewal. Finally, we show that the more efficient conversion process of roaming from excess surface energy to kinetic energy results in significantly improved heat transfer efficiency over condensate droplet jumping, the mechanism currently understood as maximum., Competing Interests: Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2025. The Author(s).)

Background and Hypothesis: Efficient arteriovenous access (VA) surveillance is vital for early identification of dysfunctional access, allowing timely intervention to prevent thrombosis. This study compares the efficacy of adding remote software surveillance to standard clinical care across our units., Methods: We conducted a 12-month prospective study on maintenance hemodialysis (HD) patients using Vasc-Alert software technology to assist clinical decision-making in 2 satellite HD units (Group 1) and standard care in the remaining 3 HD units (Group 2) . Patients with Vasc-alert derived high Access Risk Score (ARS) (≥7) underwent clinical assessment and were referred for fistulogram based on relevant Kidney Disease Outcome Quality Initiative (KDOQI) criteria. Data on referrals for fistulogram, subsequent VA events, access abandonment, and complication-free days- extended (CFD-extended) were collected.. VA survival analysis of post-intervention primary patency rate at 3 and 6 months was conducted., Results: There were 23 (28.1%) preemptive correction of stenosis and 6 (7.3%) thrombosis episodes in Group 1, compared to 40 (19.5%)and 21 (10.2%) in Group 2 (p value 0.155, 0.587),respectively). Amongst the thrombotic episodes, 83% of cases in Group 1 had been detected during surveillance and referred for diagnostic fistulogram +/- angioplasty but developed thrombosis whilst awaiting elective intervention compared to 19% in Group 2 (P value = 0.004). Median time from fistulogram request to thrombosed VA was 26 days (IQR 21-42 days).Group 1 exhibited better post-intervention primary patency rates and longer CFD compared to Group 2 (p value < 0.001, 0.002, respectively)., Conclusion: Incorporating Vasc-Alert technology into VA clinical surveillance pathway was associated with improved early detection of high-risk VA, higher primary patency rates, and longer CFD-extended compared to standard of care. Improving elective interventional radiology (IR) capacity for timely intervention (< 3 weeks from referral) is crucial to materialise the benefits of enhanced surveillance in preventing acute thrombosis., (The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Background: Depression and anxiety are commonly experienced by people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study aimed to evaluate person- and service-level factors associated with depression and anxiety symptoms. We sought to also understand utilisation of mental health treatments and preferences for future psychological support., Methods: An online survey recruited participants from six UK kidney services with varying levels of psychosocial provision. The survey was also advertised on social media. Participants completed screening questionnaires for depression and anxiety, alongside questions about mental health history, self-efficacy, treatment and support. The study included adults (18 years or older) living with CKD (stages 3b and above) or those receiving any form of Kidney Replacement Therapy (KRT), including individuals with a functioning kidney transplant. Eligible participants had to complete study measures and be proficient in reading and writing in either English or Welsh, as the survey was administered in these languages. This survey was developed with our Patient and Public Involvement group and was administered from January 2023 until 31st January, 2024 using Qualtrics and RedCap., Results: Four hundred fifty-eight people completed the survey. Moderate-severe symptoms of depression and anxiety were 37.7% and 26.5%, respectively. Over 50% reported a history of diagnosed depression. In addition to depression, sleep problems and fatigue were identified as future support needs, with over a third indicating a preference for in-centre provision. In case-mix adjusted analysis, there was no variability in depression and anxiety symptoms across centres. Centre location and size were unrelated to symptoms. Age, female gender, current mental health treatments, self-efficacy and perceptions regarding opportunity for support, were associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety. In sub-analysis, there was a negative association between psychosocial staffing levels and depression symptoms., Conclusion: Patient-related factors and behavioural characteristics were related to variation of these symptoms. There was little evidence of symptom variability across centres, although in a small sub-analysis, psychosocial provision showed a weak negative correlation with depression symptoms. Our findings highlight preferences of future needs which could be helpful for designing future research and service provision., Competing Interests: Declarations. Conflict of interest: None. Ethical approval: Ethical approval was granted from the UK Health Research Authority and a local university committee. Informed consent to participate: All participants provided informed consent., (© 2025. The Author(s).)