bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relation between athletic club affiliation from school age and future serum free testosterone levels in Japan: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Kato Yuki , Shigehara Kazuyoshi , Nakagawa Tomomi , Kawaguchi Shohei , Izumi Kouji , Kadono Yoshifumi , Mizokami Atsushi
Published: August 2023

Background and Aims

Testosterone deficiency is often related to geriatric syndrome including erectile dysfunction, osteo‐porosis, depression, cognitive impairment, cardiovascular diseases and frailty. Despite the existence of many studies on short‐term exercise and serum testosterone levels, few research have focused on exercise habits from young age and testosterone values in middle‐aged male. In this study, we investigated whether belonging to an athletic club from school age could predict serum‐free testosterone (FT) levels.

Methods

The subjects were 1609 middle‐aged male outpatients aged 40 years or older (median: 61 years, interquartile range: 54–69) who visited our hospital. Participants had their FT values measured in the morning hours during the period from December 2007 to June 2009. A questionnaire survey on exercise habits was conducted at the same time as the measurements. The exercise habit questionnaire was created based on whether the patients belonged to an athletic club in (a) elementary school, (b) junior high school, (c) high school, (d) college, (e) adult life, and (f) at the time of the test.

Results

There was only one positive response to the questionnaire among 456 patients (28% of total), followed by zero for 358 patients (22% of total). The number of patients with low‐testosterone levels (FT < 8.5 pg/mL) according to the Japanese diagnostic criteria for late‐onset of hypogonadism was 839 (52.1%). In multivariate analysis, it was shown that with low‐testosterone levels (FT < 8.5 pg/mL), age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.065, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.052–1.079; p < 0.001), hypertension (OR: 3.489, 95% CI: 2.728–4.462; p < 0.001), type‐2 diabetes (OR: 3.035, 95% CI: 2.296–4.01; p < 0.001), and dyslipidemia (OR: 2.039, 95% CI: 1.558–2.668; p < 0.001) were risk factors, and more than two positive responses to the questionnaire (OR: 0.886, 95% CI: 0.802–0.980; p = 0.018) were also a significant independent factor.

Conclusion

A sports club membership during school years may affect future testosterone levels.
Seasons, stress, salience, and support for cooperative groundwater management
Authors: Suter Jordan , Guilfoos Todd , Schoengold Karina
Published: August 2023

Cooperative management of shared groundwater resources in the High Plains region of the United States is critical to support sustainable agricultural‐based economies. This research uses a repeat‐sample survey of agricultural producers in the states of Colorado and Nebraska to analyze how seasonal changes and variation in stress and salience influence support for groundwater management. We find that support for groundwater management tends to be lower in the fall, when agricultural producers are engaged in harvest activities. The results also reveal that changes in the salience of commodity prices and water availability can drive changes in support for groundwater management.
Water/organic liquid interface properties with amine, carboxyl, thiol, and methyl terminal groups as seen from MD simulations
Authors: Capar M. Ilk , Cetin A. , Zakharov A. V.
Published: August 2023

Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to study structural and dynamic properties of polar butanamine/water/butanamine, pentanoic acid/water/pentanoic acid, butanethiol/water/butanethiol, and nonpolar pentane/water/pentane systems. The mass density profiles along the interface normal to the organic liquid/water system, the difference in the local structure of HO molecules in bulk and in the vicinity of interface, as well as the diffusion behavior of water molecules at the interface with above‐mentioned organic liquids have been investigated. Our MD simulation has shown that the diffusion of water molecules across the water/organic liquid interface is influenced by the hydrogen bonds between water molecules and the terminal groups of organic liquids. It was found that the loss of the hydrogen bonds in the nonpolar organic liquid leads to a decrease in the value of the normal component of the diffusion coefficient , while the tangential diffusion coefficients, both and , increase.
Superior mesenteric artery Doppler parameters in the evaluation of fetal hyperechogenic bowel
Authors: Akkuş Fatih , Doğru Şükran
Published: August 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and clinical effects of superior mesenteric artery (SMA) Doppler indices such as the systole diastole ratio (S/D), Pulsatility (PI), and resistance index (RI) in the diagnosis of hyperechogenic bowel.

Methods

A total of 133 pregnant women, including 66 with hyperechogenic bowel and 67 controls, were enrolled in the study. All participants were evaluated in the second trimester by an experienced obstetrician. Doppler measurements were performed, including superior mesenteric artery peak systolic velocity, S/D ratio, PI, and RI. Statistical analysis was conducted to compare the Doppler parameters between the hyperechogenic bowel and control groups.

Results

No significant differences were found between the hyperechogenic bowel and control groups in terms of age, body mass index, gestational week, and fetal measurements. While SMA peak systolic velocity (PSV) showed no significant difference between the groups (p = 0.074), the S/D ratio (4.01 ± 0.59 vs. 3.27 ± 0.57, p = 0.0001), PI (1.51 ± 0.15 vs. 1.29 ± 0.06, p = 0.0001), RI (0.76 ± 0.05 vs. 0.67 ± 0.04, p = 0.0001) were significantly higher in the hyperechogenic bowel group compared to the control group. Screening tests based on Doppler parameters also demonstrated significant differences. The S/D ratio, PI, and RI exhibited good to excellent diagnostic accuracy, as indicated by the area under the curve values. Pregnant women with a high RI value of 0.72 were 101 times more likely to be diagnosed with HB. The odds ratio (OR) for diagnosing HB is 101.66 (CI 95%, 31.04–332.97).

Conclusion

Doppler indices, specifically the S/D ratio, PI, and RI, showed strong predictive ability and diagnostic accuracy in identifying cases of hyperechogenic bowel. These findings suggest that Doppler ultrasound can serve as a valuable tool for evaluating hyperechogenic bowel and may provide important clinical implications. Further diagnostic tests are warranted to determine the underlying cause of hyperechogenic bowel in individual cases.
Predictors of turnover amongst volunteers: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Forner Vivien W. , Holtrop Djurre , Boezeman Edwin J. , Slemp Gavin R. , Kotek Magdalena , Kragt Darja , Askovic Mina , Johnson Anya
Published: August 2023

Volunteers represent a global workforce equivalent to 61 million full‐time workers. A significant decline in volunteering has highlighted the urgency to better understand and address turnover amongst volunteers. To address this, we conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of turnover amongst volunteers. We also examined whether staying or leaving has different predictors. The meta‐analysis integrated and synthesized 117 studies, encompassing 1104 effect sizes across 55 335 volunteer workers, to identify and quantify relationships between turnover and the broad range of variables that have been examined in the volunteer work domain. Amongst the strongest predictors of volunteer turnover were attitudinal variables, in particular, job satisfaction (ρ = −.58), affective commitment (ρ = −.58), engagement (ρ = −.54) and organizational commitment (ρ = −.54). Contextual variables that showed the largest effects included communication (ρ = .62), organizational support (ρ = −.61) and the quality of the relationship between volunteers and their leader (leader‐member exchange, ρ = −.55). We synthesize our findings into an integrative framework delineating the predictors of volunteer turnover. In doing so, we extend turnover research to consider non‐remunerated work contexts and provide a basis for developing turnover theory that is responsive to the unique experience of volunteers.
Does receiving knowledge catalyze creativity? A dyadic‐level contingency model of knowledge type and psychological closeness on knowledge elaboration
Authors: Ling Chu‐Ding , He Wei , Gong Yaping , Liu Wu , Cho Vincent
Published: August 2023

Does receiving knowledge necessarily catalyze the recipient's creativity? Drawing upon the literature on knowledge management, we propose a dyadic‐level contingency model in which the type of received knowledge (i.e., explicit vs. tacit) from the partner and the recipient's psychological closeness to the partner jointly determine the recipient's knowledge elaboration and consequent creativity as catalyzed by the partner's knowledge (i.e., catalytic creativity). Results based on three samples from various settings show that receiving tacit knowledge from a partner leads a recipient to elaborate the received knowledge, and this relationship is stronger when the recipient's psychological closeness to the partner is higher. This dyadic‐level knowledge elaboration in turn boosts the recipient's catalytic creativity. In contrast, receiving explicit knowledge from a partner generally has a much weaker effect on the recipient's elaboration of the knowledge, regardless of whether the recipient's psychological closeness to the partner is high or low. We extend research on dyadic‐level creativity by illustrating (a) the differential effects of explicit versus tacit knowledge receiving and (b) the recipient's knowledge elaboration as a mechanism and dyadic psychological closeness as a boundary condition for such differential effects.
Thriving in the face of youth unemployment: The role of personal and social resources
Authors: Atay Bünyamin , Güneri Oya Yerin
Published: August 2023

Extensive research indicated that unemployment has detrimental impacts upon psychological well‐being of young individuals. Nevertheless, psychological well‐being of unemployed college graduates remained unexamined in the existing literature. The current study sought to investigate the direct and indirect roles of self, social, and work resources on the mental health of unemployed college graduates (N = 291). The results of path analysis pointed out that only self‐esteem, employment hope, and family social support were directly linked with psychological well‐being. Additionally, there were indirect paths from work–role centrality, self‐efficacy, self‐esteem, and job search motivation to psychological well‐being via employment hope.
Plant Nutrition in the Roman empire
Authors: Tietz Werner , von Minckwitz Marie‐Christine
Published: August 2023

This article presents various techniques for plant nutrition in the ancient world, namely ancient Rome. It discusses the attempts of Roman farmers to ameliorate their soil by ways of spreading manure, green manuring, and applying mineral fertilizers and other materials thought of as improving the soil. The relevant information is taken mainly from Roman literary texts that pose their own difficulties to the reader being, above all, highly stylized products of art rather than practical handbooks. Such information can nevertheless be contrasted with recent observations on the effectiveness of these methods. It is shown that ancient knowledge contributed considerably to developing a remarkably successful—if somewhat flawed with respect to scientific details—strategy of improving annual yields and thus supporting the Roman urban culture and demographic stability, with a general level of nutrition reached in Europe and North America only after World War II.
Temperature Profile Measurement From Radiofrequency Nasal Airway Reshaping Device
Authors: Abello Eric H. , Nguyen Theodore V. , Dilley Katelyn K. , Hong Donggyoon , Kim Justin S. , Nair Pranav S. , Bitner Benjamin F. , Jia Wangcun , Wong Brian J. F.
Published: August 2023

Objective

Nasal airway obstruction (NAO) is caused by various disorders including nasal valve collapse (NVC). A bipolar radiofrequency (RF) device (VivAer®, Aerin Medical, Sunnyvale, CA) has been used to treat NAO through RF heat generation to the upper lateral cartilage (ULC). The purpose of this study is to measure temperature elevations in nasal tissue, using infrared (IR) radiometry to map the spatial and temporal evolution of temperature.

Study Design

Experimental and computational.

Methods

Composite porcine nasal septum was harvested and sectioned (1 mm and 2 mm). The device was used to heat the cartilage in composite porcine septum. An IR camera (FLIR® ExaminIR, Teledyne, Wilsonville, OR) was used to image temperature on the back surface of the specimen. These data were incorporated into a heat transfer finite element model that also calculated tissue damage using Arrhenius rate process.

Results

IR temperature imaging showed peak back surface temperatures of 49.57°C and 42.21°C in 1 and 2 mm thick septums respectively. Temperature maps were generated demonstrating the temporal and spatial evolution of temperature. A finite element model generated temperature profiles with respect to time and depth. Rate process models using Arrhenius coefficients showed 30% chondrocyte death at 1 mm depth after 18 s of RF treatment.

Conclusion

The use of this device creates a thermal profile that may result in thermal injury to cartilage. Computational modeling suggests chondrocyte death extending as deep as 1.4 mm below the treatment surface. Further studies should be performed to improve dosimetry and optimize the heating process to reduce potential injury. Laryngoscope, 134:1063–1070, 2024
Early Postoperative Complications in Microtia Reconstruction: An Analysis of the NSQIP‐P Database
Authors: Sharma Rahul K. , DeSisto Nicole G. , Ortiz Alexandra S. , Landeen Kelly C. , Yang Shiayin F. , Stephan Scott J. , Patel Priyesh N.
Published: August 2023

Objectives

Microtia and anotia repair require techniques that consider both aesthetics and function. The outcomes of different reconstructive frameworks such as costal cartilage or a porous polyethylene implant have not been evaluated on a national scale. We aim to understand differences in outcomes/complication rates and operative times between different reconstructive frameworks used in microtia/anotia reconstruction.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Pediatric database between 2012–2019. Patients with ICD‐9/10 codes for microtia/anotia were isolated. Reconstruction methods were identified using CPT codes for rib graft, ear cartilage graft, and alloplastic implants (biocompatible implants, porous polyethylene, etc). Outcomes included operative‐time, wound complications, and unplanned re‐operations within 30 days of surgery. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to control for confounders.

Results

We included 593 patients for analysis. Reconstruction with rib grafts (N = 506, 85%) was the most common. In 58 patients (9.8%), an implant was used for the auricular framework, whereas in 47 (7.9%) ear cartilage grafts were used. The overall wound complication rate was 3.4%. On univariate analysis, alloplastic implants exhibited a higher rate of wound complications (8.6% vs. 2.8%, p = 0.037) and longer operative times (350 min vs. 235 min, p < 0.001). After controlling for demographics and comorbidities, implants conferred an independently increased risk of wound complications (OR 3.52, 1.10–9.54, p = 0.020).

Conclusion

Although the use of alloplastic implants (e.g., porous polyethylene) may confer an increased risk of early complications, the long‐term clinical implications of these findings are unclear relative to aesthetic benefits. Multi‐institutional studies are needed to validate these findings using patient‐specific and surgeon‐specific data.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 134:1214–1219, 2024
Integrated Microring Spectrometer with In‐Hardware Compressed Sensing to Break the Resolution‐Bandwidth Limit for General Continuous Spectrum Analysis
Authors: Sun Chunlei , Chen Zequn , Ye Yuting , Weng Yang , Lei Kunhao , Ma Hui , Wei Maoliang , Zhong Chuyu , Lin Hongtao , Li Lan
Published: August 2023

Microspectrometers have numerous applications in mobile optical sensing due to their dramatic advantages of compact size, light weight, and low power consumption. Reconstructive spectrometers, based on computational algorithms, have garnered considerable interest as they exhibit superior resolution or spectral bandwidth. However, existing reconstructive spectrometer designs face challenges in spectral applicability, algorithm robustness, and the resolution‐bandwidth limit. Here, a reconstructive spectrometer that utilizes a microring resonator (MRR) is proposed to achieve compressed sensing in hardware by decomposing an arbitrary continuous spectrum into a series of simple comb spectra. Owing to the presparse operation of the MRR, one needs to construct the comb spectra with a known line shape, only leaving the amplitude to be solved. Consequent random gratings measure the comb spectra, which are reconstructed with high robustness. Thanks to the independent engineering of spectral resolution and bandwidth, the approach breaks the traditional resolution‐bandwidth limit. A narrowband signal of a dual peak at 0.2 nm and a broadband spectrum with a large spectral bandwidth of 60 nm and 300 spectral channels using only eight physical channels is retrieved, achieving an ultrahigh reconstructive compression ratio of 37.5. This work opens up the possibility of on‐site spectral spectroscopy applications for the lab‐on‐a‐chip system.
Psychometric testing of the British‐English Perceived Workplace Support Scale, Work Accommodations, Benefits, Policies and Practices Scale, and Work Transitions Index in four rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions
Authors: Hammond Alison , Tennant Alan , Ching Angela , Parker Jennifer , Prior Yeliz , Gignac Monique A. M. , Verstappen Suzanne M. M. , O’Brien Rachel
Published: August 2023

Objective

The aims were to validate linguistically British‐English versions of the Perceived Workplace Support Scale (PWSS), Work Accommodations, Benefits, Policies and Practices Scale (WABPPS), and Work Transitions Index (WTI) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), osteoarthritis (OA) and fibromyalgia (FM).

Methods

The three scales were adapted into British‐English and reviewed by an expert panel prior to cognitive debriefing interviews. Participants completed postal questionnaires. Construct validity for the PWSS was assessed using Rasch analysis. Concurrent validity included testing between the three scales and work, job strain and work‐life balance scales. Two weeks later, participants were mailed a second questionnaire to measure test‐retest reliability.

Results

The questionnaire was completed by 831 employed participants: 68% women, 53.50 (SD 8.9) years of age, with condition duration 7.70 (SD 8.00) years. The PWSS satisfied Rasch model requirements. Concurrent validity was mostly as hypothesised, that is, weak to moderate negative correlations for the PWSS (rs = 0.07 to −0.61), and weak to moderate positive correlations for the WABPPS and WTI (rs = 0.20–0.52). Some correlations were stronger, mostly in axSpA. Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) for all three scales was consistent with group use in all conditions. Test‐retest reliability was generally excellent, with intraclass coefficients (2,1) of 0.80–0.93 for the three scales in the four conditions.

Discussion

Reliable, valid versions of the British‐English PWSS, WABPPS, and WTI are now available for use in research, organisational level studies and vocational rehabilitation.
Improving electronic reporting rates in the U.S. recreational fishery for Atlantic Bluefin Tuna
Authors: Goldsmith William M. , Scheld Andrew M. , McGuire Christopher , Lobue Carl
Published: August 2023

Objective

In recent years, electronic self-reporting has emerged as a potentially powerful tool for timely collection of catch and effort data from recreational fisheries. Such approaches are particularly critical given that recreational fisheries contribute significantly to fishing mortality for popular marine fish species in North America and elsewhere. However, many self-reporting programs are voluntary and struggle with angler recruitment and retention, while those that are mandatory have demonstrated mixed success with angler compliance. In this study, we surveyed Massachusetts anglers in the recreational fishery for Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Thunnus thynnus; anglers in this fishery are required to report all landings and dead discards, but compliance has historically been poor.

Methods

The survey assessed respondents' Bluefin Tuna fishing experience and behavior, opinions about self-reporting, and views on the effectiveness of various strategies to increase self-reporting rates. Because we had access to past reporting history, we were able to compare responses between those who had previously reported Bluefin Tuna and those who had not.

Result

We achieved a response rate of 21.9%, and by comparing survey responses with past reporting history, we estimated a reporting compliance rate of only about 42%. Surprisingly, responses to survey questions generally did not differ markedly between reporters and nonreporters, although we did find evidence that those who complied with the self-reporting requirement had less faith in the Bluefin Tuna fishery's management process. Among the top strategies identified by respondents to increase reporting compliance were (1) providing incentives; (2) providing behavioral “nudges,” such as reminders; (3) better educating anglers on the benefits of self-reporting; (4) increasing the user-friendliness of the reporting technology; and (5) the reframing of norms through leveraging leaders in the fishery.

Conclusion

Our findings can help to inform self-reporting and other citizen science approaches to maximize the quantity and quality of recreational data collected, in turn informing the sustainable management of this sector.
A resolved CFD–DEM investigation into the onset of suffusion: effect of confining pressure and stress anisotropy
Authors: Chen Tianhao , Hu Zheng , Yang Zhongxuan , Zhang Yida
Published: August 2023

The susceptibility of a granular soil to suffusion is strongly dependent on its grain size distribution (GSD) and the mechanical and hydraulic conditions it is subjected to. This study investigates the onset of suffusion considering the effect of confining pressure and stress anisotropy using a fully resolved computational fluid dynamics and discrete element method (CFD–DEM). Three benchmarks, including the sedimentations of single and two adjacent spheres and the classic one‐dimensional (1D) consolidation are performed to demonstrate the capability of this method for high‐fidelity particle‐fluid simulations. A modified hydraulic criterion for the onset of suffusion considering stress anisotropy is presented. The microstructural changes of soil specimens before and during global suffusion are inspected, with emphasis on the evolutions of particle kinetic energy and displacements, force chain networks, and stress anisotropy. We found that the critical hydraulic gradient is negatively correlated with the confining pressure and the degree of stress anisotropy. Fine particles in the soil matrix are locally detached at small hydraulic gradients before the apparent global suffusion, as manifested by the variation of particle kinetic energy and coordination numbers. The roles of different contact types on force transmission and stress anisotropy in eroded specimens are also examined.
Synthesis and properties study of alkali soluble resin fortified polyacrylate latex
Authors: Qin Tiantian , Liu Guojun , Zhang Jisheng , Zhao Lei , Meng Fancheng
Published: August 2023

Latex films with high heat resistance tend to have higher Tg and the emulsion minimum film formation temperature (MFFT) is higher. Higher MFFT latexes do not produce continuous coherent films at low temperatures during application. Consequently, in order to solve the paradoxical problem of obtaining latex films with high Tg at low emulsion MFFT, a series of alkali soluble resin (ASR) stabilized latexes were synthesized in this study using a semi‐continuous pre‐emulsification polymerization process. The microstructure of latex particles, polymerization stability, composition and properties of latex films were characterized and tested by ATR‐FTIR, TEM, ZETA potential analyzer, DSC, orthomorphic metallographic microscope, and gloss tester. The results show that the addition of ASR reduces the content of coagulum during polymerization and significantly increases the number of latex particles. The high Tg ASR also induces the formation of a microphase separation structure with a dual glass transition in the latex film, which improves heat resistance. Additionally, hydroplasticized ASR reduces emulsion MFFT, improves latex film flatness, and enhances its glossiness. The introduction of ASR acts as a dual role of synergy with conventional ionic surfactants during synthesis to increase the stability of composite latexes and with polyacrylate (PA) in application to enhance its properties.
Data Base similarity (DBsimilarity) of natural products to aid compound identification on MS and NMR pipelines, similarity networking, and more
Authors: Borges Ricardo M. , de Assis Ferreira Gabriela , Campos Mariana Martins , Teixeira Andrew Magno , das Neves Costa Fernanda , Chagas Fernanda Oliveira
Published: August 2023

Introduction

We developed Data Base similarity (DBsimilarity), a user‐friendly tool designed to organize structure databases into similarity networks, with the goal of facilitating the visualization of information primarily for natural product chemists who may not have coding experience.

Method

DBsimilarity, written in Jupyter Notebooks, converts Structure Data File (SDF) files into Comma‐Separated Values (CSV) files, adds chemoinformatics data, constructs an MZMine custom database file and an NMRfilter candidate list of compounds for rapid dereplication of MS and 2D NMR data, calculates similarities between compounds, and constructs CSV files formatted into similarity networks for Cytoscape.

Results

The Lotus database was used as a source for Ginkgo biloba compounds, and DBsimilarity was used to create similarity networks including NPClassifier classification to indicate biosynthesis pathways. Subsequently, a database of validated antibiotics from natural products was combined with the G. biloba compounds to identify promising compounds. The presence of 11 compounds in both datasets points to possible antibiotic properties of G. biloba, and 122 compounds similar to these known antibiotics were highlighted. Next, DBsimilarity was used to filter the NPAtlas database (selecting only those with MIBiG reference) to identify potential antibacterial compounds using the ChEMBL database as a reference. It was possible to promptly identify five compounds found in both databases and 167 others worthy of further investigation.

Conclusion

Chemical and biological properties are determined by molecular structures. DBsimilarity enables the creation of interactive similarity networks using Cytoscape. It is also in line with a recent review that highlights poor biological plausibility and unrealistic chromatographic behaviors as significant sources of errors in compound identification.
Examining layer‐by‐layer assembly of polyelectrolyte‐drug interactions using Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation
Authors: Yilmaz‐Aykut Dilara , Deligöz Hüseyin
Published: August 2023

The incorporation of drug molecules into layer‐by‐layer (LbL) assemblies attracts great interest in biomedical applications. This work describes the preparation and characterization of LbL multilayers including drugs, namely ibuprofen (IBF‐Na) and Diclofenac sodium salt (DCF‐Na) as anionic molecules. The main aim is to enhance the drug loading capacity within the LbL assembly. The effects of drug‐LbL multilayered films obtained from poly(diallyl dimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC)/IBF‐Na and PDADMAC/DCF‐Na interactions on multilayer growth and loading of model molecules are examined using UV‐Visible and Quartz‐Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation (QCM‐D). The wet mass of PDADMAC/IBF‐Na is found to be 67.2 ng/cm2, while PDADMAC/DCF‐Na film exhibits 201.6 ng/cm2 mass adsorption. Furthermore, the multilayer stabilities are assessed against neutral, acidic, and basic solutions. The results demonstrate that the LbL films have robustness, without any signs of multilayer degradation. By the way, the incorporation of IBF‐Na into the feed solution leads to the formation of a rigid structure, whereas the inclusion of DCF‐Na results in a comparatively flexible structure. The use of a higher molecular weight and more polar drug in the feed causes a noticeable rise in surface hydrophilicity and surface roughness. PDADMAC/IBF‐Na and PDADMAC/DCF‐Na display average contact angles of 46 ± 1.3° and 76 ± 2° while they have roughness values of 5.9 and 8.0 nm, respectively. LbL multilayers fabricated from a polycation and anionic drug can be considered as a promising material platform for controlled drug loading due to their tunable physicochemical and morphological properties as well as surface wettability.
Empowered through our diversity: How to bring in a new age of plant science collaboration
Authors: Neuenkamp Lena , McGale Erica
Published: August 2023

Societal Impact Statement

Climate‐change and land‐use intensification are degrading ecosystems globally, impeding their services to humans (e.g., food security and human health). The United Nations 13th and 15th Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) call for action to protect and restore ecosystems. Only transdisciplinary research can unravel the multitudes of interacting ecosystem parts that could help accomplish these SDGs. However, a major challenge will be overcoming material, social and other types of barriers that prevent collaborations. This study explores some of these challenges and seeks the views of the community through a survey to help develop a new age of plant science collaboration.

In this opinion article, we explore the problem of missed opportunities for collaboration in fields related to plant science. Lack of awareness of the scientific output, which can be gained from transdisciplinary collaborations, as well as the opportunities they can provide for early‐career scientists, may contribute to this. Here, we name communication barriers as particularly inhibitory to the formation of collaborations and propose possible solutions to overcome these barriers. Eventual action towards these solutions needs to be based on the opinions of the community. We thus intend this article to initiate a dialogue among researchers across the many disciplines of plant science about the feasibility of these proposed solutions. The questionnaire included with this article, intended for the broad plant research community, we believe could help us gain the necessary information to proceed in addressing communication barriers to transdisciplinary science collaborations. We provide a theoretical framework, examples and timely topics as discussion points to inspire participants of the questionnaire to contribute their voice to shaping a new age of plant science collaboration.
Capnometry after an inspiratory breath hold, PLATCO2, as a surrogate for PaCO2 ${P}_{{\mathrm{aCO}}_{2}}$ in mild to moderate pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome: A feasibility study
Authors: Cruces Pablo , Moreno Diego , Reveco Sonia , Améstica Marjorie , Araneda Patricio , Ramirez Yenny , Vásquez‐Hoyos Pablo , Díaz Franco
Published: August 2023

Objective

Accurate and reliable noninvasive methods to estimate gas exchange are necessary to guide clinical decisions to avoid frequent blood samples in children with pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome (PARDS). We aimed to investigate the correlation and agreement between end‐tidal measured immediately after a 3‐s inspiratory‐hold (PLATCO2) by capnometry and measured by arterial blood gases (ABG) in PARDS.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Seven‐bed Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Hospital El Carmen de Maipú, Chile.

Patients

Thirteen mechanically ventilated patients aged ≤15 years old undergoing neuromuscular blockade as part of management for PARDS.

Interventions

None.

Measurements and Main Results

All patients were in volume‐controlled ventilation mode. The regular end‐tidal (without the inspiratory hold) was registered immediately after the ABG sample. An inspiratory‐hold of 3 s was performed for lung mechanics measurements, recording in the breath following the inspiratory‐hold. (PLATCO2). End‐tidal alveolar dead space fraction (AVDSf) was calculated as and its surrogate (S)AVDSf as . Measurements of were considered the gold standard. We performed concordance correlation coefficient (ρc), Spearman's correlation (rho), and Bland–Altmann's analysis (mean difference ± SD [limits of agreement, LoA]). Eleven patients were included, with a median (interquartile range) age of 5 (2–11) months. Tidal volume was 5.8 (5.7–6.3) mL/kg, PEEP 8 (6–8), driving pressure 10 (8–11), and plateau pressure 17 (17–19) cm H2O. Forty‐one paired measurements were analyzed. was higher than (52 mmHg [48–54] vs. 42 mmHg [38–45], p < 0.01), and there were no significant differences with PLATCO2 (50 mmHg [46–55], p > 0.99). The concordance correlation coefficient and Spearman's correlation between and PLATCO2 were robust (ρc = 0.80 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.67–0.90]; and rho = 0.80, p < 0.001.), and for were weak and strong (ρc = 0.27 [95% CI: 0.15–0.38]; and rho = 0.63, p < 0.01). The bias between PLATCO2 and was −0.4 ± 3.5 mmHg (LoA −7.2 to 6.4), and between and was −8.5 ± 4.1 mmHg (LoA −16.6 to −0.5). The correlation between AVDSf and (S)AVDSf was moderate (rho = 0.55, p < 0.01), and the mean difference was −0.5 ± 5.6% (LoA −11.5 to 10.5).

Conclusion

This pilot study showed the feasibility of measuring end‐tidal CO2 after a 3‐s end‐inspiratory breath hole in pediatric patients undergoing controlled ventilation for ARDS. Encouraging preliminary results warrant further study of this technique.
Cystic fibrosis year in review 2022
Authors: Kim Jeeyeon , Lyman Benjamin , Savant Adrienne P.
Published: August 2023

Remarkable medical advancements have been made for people with cystic fibrosis (CF) in recent years, with an abundance of research continuing to be conducted worldwide. With concern for limitations in access to highly effective CFTR modulators, as well as the recent Coronavirus Disease‐19 pandemic, there has been a consistent effort to understand and improve CF screening, disease burden, diagnosis, and management. Our aim in this review is to present articles from 2022 with an emphasis on clinically relevant studies. We hope this will serve as a broad overview of the research published in the past year.
Odds of COVID‐19‐associated asthma exacerbations in children higher during Omicron wave
Authors: Gaietto Kristina , Bergum Nicholas , Rosser Franziska , Snyder Oliver , Acevedo‐Torres Natalia , DiCicco Leigh Anne , Butler Gabriella , Rauenswinter Sherry , Iagnemma Jennifer , Wolfson David , Han Yueh‐Ying , Kazmerski Traci M. , Forno Erick
Published: August 2023

Background

We aimed to determine the association of COVID‐19 variant wave with asthma exacerbations in children with asthma.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cross‐sectional study of children in the Western Pennsylvania COVID‐19 Registry (WPACR). We extracted data for all children in the WPACR with asthma and compared their acute clinical presentation and outcomes during the Pre‐Delta (7/1/20–6/30/21), Delta (8/1/21–12/14/21), and Omicron (12/15/21–8/30/22) waves. We conducted multivariable logistic regression analyses of SARS‐CoV‐2‐associated asthma exacerbations, adjusting for characteristics that have been associated with COVID‐19 outcomes in prior studies.

Results

Among 573 children with asthma in the WPACR during the study period, the proportion of children with COVID‐19 who had an asthma exacerbation was higher during the Omicron wave than during the prior two variant waves (40.2% vs. 22.6% vs. 26.2%, p = 0.002; unadjusted OR = 2.12 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.39–3.22], p < 0.001). In our multivariable regression models, the odds of an asthma exacerbation were 2.8 times higher during the Omicron wave than during prior waves (adjusted OR = 2.80 [95% CI = 1.70–4.61]). Results were similar after additionally adjusting for asthma severity but were no longer significant after additionally adjusting for poor asthma control.

Conclusion

The proportion of children with asthma experiencing an asthma exacerbation during SARS‐CoV‐2 infection was higher during Omicron than prior variant waves, adding to the body of evidence that COVID‐19‐associated respiratory symptoms vary by variant. These findings provide additional support for vaccination and prevention.
SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in children with cystic fibrosis: A cross‐sectional multicenter study in Spain. New waves, new knowledge
Authors: Mondejar‐Lopez Pedro , Moreno‐Galarraga Laura , de Manuel‐Gomez Cristina , Blitz‐Castro Enrique , Bravo‐Lopez Maynor , Gartner Silvia , Perez‐Ruiz Estela , Caro‐Aguilera Pilar , Sanz‐Santiago Veronica , Lopez‐Neyra Alejandro , Luna‐Paredes Carmen , Garcia‐Gonzalez Miguel , Costa‐Colomer Jordi , Cols‐Roig Maria , Delgado‐Pecellin Isabel , Castillo‐Corullon Silvia , Ruiz de Valbuena‐Maiz Marta , Garcia‐Marcos Patricia W. , Aguilar‐Fernandez Antonio J. , Martin‐De Vicente Carlos , Barajas‐Sanchez Mª Verisima , Mesa‐Medina Orlando , Bover‐Bauza Catalina , Figuerola‐Mulet Joan , Garcia‐Aviles Belen , Rodriguez‐Saez Mª Jesus , Garcia‐Magan Carlos , Juarez‐Marruecos Patricia , Gutierrez‐Martinez Jose Ramon , Cortell‐Aznar Isidoro , Gomez‐Pastrana David , Velasco‐Gonzalez M. Valle , Barrio M. Isabel , Sanchez‐Solis Manuel , Asensio de la Cruz Oscar , Pastor‐Vivero Maria Dolores
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The association between viral infections and pulmonary exacerbations in children with cystic fibrosis (cwCF) is well established. However, the question of whether cwCF are at a higher risk of COVID‐19 or its adverse consequences remains controversial.

Methods

We conducted an observational, multicenter, cross‐sectional study of cwCF infected by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) between March 2020 and June 2022, (first to sixth COVID‐19 pandemic waves) in Spain. The study aimed to describe patients' basal characteristics, SARS‐CoV‐2 clinical manifestations and outcomes, and whether there were differences across the pandemic waves.

Results

During study time, 351 SARS‐CoV2 infections were reported among 341 cwCF. Median age was 8.5 years (range 0–17) and 51% were female. Cases were unevenly distributed across the pandemic, with most cases (82%) clustered between November 2021 and June 2022 (sixth wave, also known as Omicron Wave due to the higher prevalence of this strain in that period in Spain). Most cwCF were asymptomatic (24.8%) or presented with mild Covid‐19 symptoms (72.9%). Among symptomatic, most prevalent symptoms were fever (62%) and increased cough (53%). Infection occurring along the sixth wave was the only independent risk factor for being symptomatic. Just eight cwCF needed hospital admission. No multisystem inflammatory syndrome, persisting symptoms, long‐term sequelae, or deaths were reported.

Conclusions

Spanish current data indicate that cwCF do not experience higher risks of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection nor worse health outcomes or sequelae. Changes in patients' basal characteristics, clinical courses, and outcomes were detected across waves. While the pandemic continues, a worldwide monitoring of COVID‐19 in pediatric CF patients is needed.
Multiweek tropical cyclone prediction for the Southern Hemisphere in ACCESS‐S2: Maintaining operational skill and continuity of service
Authors: Camp J. , Gregory P. , Marshall A. G. , Greenslade J. , Wheeler M. C.
Published: August 2023

The skill of subseasonal (multiweek) forecasts of tropical cyclone (TC) occurrence over the Southern Hemisphere is examined in the Australian Bureau of Meteorology's (BoM) multiweek to seasonal prediction system, ACCESS‐S2. Relative to its predecessor, ACCESS‐S1, ACCESS‐S2 shows improved biases in spatial TC frequency in the South Pacific and Southwest Indian Ocean. However, there is no improvement to the known negative bias in TC frequency off the coast of NW Australia. The ability of ACCESS‐S2 to provide probabilistic forecasts of TC occurrence for the Southern Hemisphere on multiweek timescales is examined using reliability measures and Brier skill scores. For the period November–February 1990–2012, both ACCESS‐S1 and ACCESS‐S2 show positive skill relative to climatology for calibrated forecasts out to week 5. However, the skill of ACCESS‐S2 is slightly reduced compared to ACCESS‐S1 at all lead times, which may be due to the fewer number of ensemble members available. For the full ACCESS‐S2 hindcast period, November–April 1981–2018, ACCESS‐S2 again shows positive skill of calibrated forecasts over climatology out to week 5. For weeks 1–2, skill is reduced compared to the shorter 1990–2012 period; whereas it is marginally improved for longer lead times (weeks 3–5). Use of lagged ensembles, an alternative linear regression calibration, as well as removing weaker model TCs were examined to potentially improve the skill of ACCESS‐S2 forecasts; however, none of these methods were able to significantly increase skill at all lead times. Continued use of the original calibration method is therefore recommended in order to retain skill and continuity of service of the BoM operational and public multiweek TC forecasts.
Ab initio prediction of optoelectronic and thermoelectric behavior of Eu‐doped Zn2SnO4 using GGA + U functional: A study for optoelectronic devices
Authors: Aamer Muhammad , Azam Sikander , Javed Muhammad Usman , Neffati R. , Amami Mongi , Khan W.
Published: August 2023

To understand the electronic structure and optical properties of Zn2SnO4 and Eu‐doped compounds, we utilized the full potential linearized augmented plane wave method with the generalized gradient approximation (GGA). To analyze the electronic, optical, and thermoelectric properties of Eu‐doped Zn2SnO4, we implemented the GGA‐PBE + U method within density functional theory. We obtained the density of states (total and partial DOS) and optical constants (absorption coefficient, refractive index, reflectivity, and optical conductivity). Our findings revealed that the near‐Fermi valence bands (VB) of the band structure are primarily due to the O and Eu atoms. The electronic properties, including the band structure and TDOS/PDOS, particularly the hybridization among Eu s and f along with Zn s and d states, demonstrated that the pristine material's VB and conduction bands are located at the G point, indicating a direct band gap. However, the Eu‐doped material exhibits intermetallic behavior. We used the electronic structures to analyze the dielectric (real and imaginary parts) function and related properties, such as absorption coefficient, reflectivity, energy loss function, and refractive index. Consequently, in the low‐energy zone, the refractive index and the dielectric constant increased. With the presence of impurity bands, the width of the band gap decreased significantly, and the absorption spectrum shifted toward the red region, indicating a robust response in the infrared band, with high utilization efficiency. Moreover, the Zn2SnO4‐doped samples showed the best improvement in optical properties in the low‐energy region.
Unprecedented Benzyne‐Insertion Protocol Towards Catalyst‐Free Synthesis of Chromen‐4‐ones and Benzothiophen‐3‐ones
Authors: Rai Ankita , Singh Puneet K. , Patel Devkumari , Khuntey Bhushashi , Singh Manorama , Rai Vijai K.
Published: August 2023

Unprecedented catalyst‐free synthesis of chromen‐4‐ones and bezothiophen‐3‐ones via insertion of in situ prepared benzyne intermediate into masked enal and masked mercapto acid is reported herein. The envisaged methodology does not need any catalyst and involves cycloaddition of benzyne, formed in situ, with 2,2,6‐trimethyl‐1,3‐dioxin‐4‐one and 2‐methyl‐2‐phenyl‐1,3‐oxathiolan‐5‐one to afford the target chromen‐4‐ones (75–89 %) and benzothiophen‐3‐ones (69–86 %) respectively.
Polymer‐supported Quaternary Phosphonium Ionic Liquid Catalysts for Efficient Fixation of CO2 into Cyclic Carbonates
Authors: Li Yongzhen , Yao Xiaoqian , Liu Yi , Li Ming , Su Qian , Liu Ying , Li Yunong , Yang Zifeng
Published: August 2023

The chemical conversion of CO2 into cyclic carbonate is an effective method for the resource utilization of CO2 and the production of cyclic carbonates. Herein, a series of polymer‐supported quaternary phosphonium ionic liquid catalysts with high grafting amount have been systematically designed and synthesized, and all catalysts could promote efficient fixation of CO2 into cyclic carbonate. According to the results of the experiment and simulation, it was found that the high catalytic activity was ascribed to the weak interaction energy of the anion and cation of the catalyst. Among them, PS−TPP−Cl, with lower interaction energy of 72.2 KJ/mol, showed better performance. Yet even after being recycled five times, its conversion of propylene oxide with little loss was still above 95 %. Furthermore, a possible cycloaddition mechanism for the synergetic effect of cation‐anion coordination has been proposed. This work will shed new light on the development of novel heterogeneous catalysts with promising properties for industrial applications.
Magnetically isolable Pd(0) nanoparticles supported on surface functionalized Fe3O4 for hydrogen generation via ammonia borane hydrolysis
Authors: Tercan Melek
Published: August 2023

Pd(0) nanoparticles supported on surface functionalized magnetite (Fe3O4/SiO2‐NH2/HB@Pd) were prepared as catalyst for hydrolysis of ammonia borane (AB). The obtained magnetic nanocomposite material was seperated from the reaction media through a permanent magnet and characterized by FT‐IR, XRD, SEM‐EDX, TEM, ICP‐OES and XPS techniques. 100 mg Fe3O4/SiO2−NH2/HB@Pd nanocomposite with Pd metal content of 6.00±0.14 catalyzed the hydrolysis of 10 mM AB at 25 °C with 100 % yield. The presented work includes the effect of catalyst amount and temperature on the rate of the hydrolysis reaction of AB. As a result of the kinetic studies, the activation energy (Ea) for the Fe3O4/SiO2−NH2/HB@Pd catalyzed AB hydrolysis reaction was calculated as 34±1 kJ.mol−1, and the TOF value was calculated as 133 mol H2.(mol Pd(0).h)−1. The designed heterogenous magnetic nanocomposite catalyst demonstrated significant catalytic activity for AB hydrolysis reaction at 25 °C.
A Review on Recent Advances in Peptide‐based Fluorescence Probes and their Potential Applications
Authors: Wang Bo , Wang Linlin , Chen Chuanheng , Zhang Yilin , Gao Junyi , Lu Kaixin , Yan Chenyu , Nan Guoning , Li Yi
Published: August 2023

With the development and maturity of classical solid‐state synthesis techniques, peptide synthesis has become more convenient. With the continuous progress of research in the field of life sciences, more and more peptides have been elucidated in terms of their structure and biological functions. Due to the excellent biocompatibility, specificity, selectivity, and low cytotoxicity, peptide‐based fluorescent probes have been widely explored and applied in chemical, biological, medical and other fields. This review summarized the characteristics of peptide‐based fluorescence probes in terms of long fluorescence lifetime, high stability, large Stokes shift, high fluorescence quantum yield, high selectivity and sensitivity. Several types of peptide‐based fluorescence probes, such as peptide basic fluorescence, embedded fluorescence molecules, coupled fluorescence groups, and self‐assembled fluorescence, were also described. Finally, we summarized the applications of peptide‐based fluorescent probes in biological imaging, disease detection, ion detection, and biomolecule detection. This review may provide a guarantee and inspiration for further development of the peptide‐based fluorescent probes in the field of biological applications.