bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual Ligand Strategy for Efficient and Stable Ag–In–Ga–S Aqueous Quantum Dots
Authors: Yang Shuai , Yan Danni , Zhu Hong , Wei Naiwei , Dong Yuhui , Zou Yousheng , Zeng Haibo
Published: August 2024

In recent years, Ag−In−Ga−S (AIGS) quaternary quantum dots (QDs) have garnered significant attention as a novel class of environmentally friendly and non‐toxic QDs. However, the hydrothermal synthesis method for aqueous QDs has been plagued by issues such as inconsistent size, subpar crystallinity, and low photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY). Herein, we developed a dual ligand strategy based on the hard and soft acids and bases (HSAB) theory to synthesize aqueous AIGS QDs with an impressive PLQY of up to 64.3 %, currently the highest value among hydrothermal‐synthesized uncoated I–III–VI QDs. The QDs exhibit better crystallinity, narrow size distribution (3.07±0.31 nm), and remarkable stability. The mechanism underlying this dual ligand strategy was further elucidated, shedding light on the distinct influences of different ligands on the growth of QDs. The high PLQY contributes to the further application of aqueous AIGS QDs in luminescent displays and the field of biology. Meanwhile, this ligand strategy has broad reference significance for efficient preparation of other water‐soluble QDs.
Exposure Matching‐Based Pediatric Dose Selection for Drugs with Renal Excretion – Lessons Learned from Pediatric Development of Direct Oral Anticoagulants
Authors: Zou Peng , Leil Tarek A.
Published: August 2024

The pediatric clinical development programs of the direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) edoxaban, rivaroxaban, and dabigatran have recently been completed, with apixaban close to the finish line. One common pharmacokinetic (PK) characteristic of these four DOACs is that renal excretion contributes 27% or more in their elimination, resulting in age‐dependent drug clearance in both pediatric and adult subjects. Several lessons have been learned from adult exposure matching and pediatric dose selection for DOACs. The main goal of this tutorial is to provide an informed perspective on pediatric dose selection for renally excreted drugs, using these four DOACs as case examples. This tutorial is organized into seven steps: (1) consideration of age‐related differences in disease and response to treatment; (2) consideration of age‐related differences in drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion; (3) selection of the reference adult population and exposure for pediatric exposure matching; (4) prediction of pediatric clearance and pediatric dose selection based on data from young adults; (5) conduct and design of efficient pediatric PK and pharmacodynamic (PD) studies that inform dose selection; (6) assessment of exposure matching and dose adjustment using population PK simulation; (7) evaluation of the need for dose adjustment in pediatric sub‐populations.
Examining the impact of green human resource management on green innovative work behavior: A multilevel analysis
Authors: Huang Yi‐Chun , Gong Tian‐Jyun , Shih Li‐Ting
Published: August 2024

The significance of green human resource management (GHRM) practices in promoting employees' environmentally friendly behaviors and enhancing environmental performance is well‐documented in current research. However, the impact of GHRM practices at the organizational level on the eco‐conscious behaviors of individual employees remains unexplored. Moreover, scholarly attention to employees' green innovative work behavior (GIWB) has been limited. This study explores the novel concept of GIWB from a strategic human capital (SHC) perspective. Drawing on signaling theory, this study proposes that GHRM practices act as signals emphasizing the importance of environmental sustainability, which may influence GIWB at the individual level. This research aims to assess the effect of various GHRM practices on GIWB and to explore how unit‐level GHRM practices moderate the relationship between an employee's creative personality (CP) and their GIWB, using social exchange theory (SET) as the guiding framework. Data were collected from 163 HR managers and plant supervisors and 815 employees within Taiwan's environmental protection sector and then analyzed using hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) techniques. The findings reveal that specific GHRM practices significantly enhance employees' GIWB. Furthermore, it demonstrates that aggregated GHRM practices moderate the relationship between CP and GIWB. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of how signals from organizational GHRM practices can foster GIWB among individual employees.
A Feasible Strategy for High‐Performance Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries: Introducing Conducting Polymer
Authors: Zhao Yi , Wei Mengzhen , Zhang Huanrong , Zhang Huimin , Zhu Yucheng , Ma Hui , Xue Mianqi
Published: August 2024

Aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) offer great potential for large‐scale energy storage because of their high safety, low cost and acceptable energy density. However, the cycle life of AZIBs is inevitably affected by parasitic reactions and dendritic growth caused by multiple factors such as electrode, electrolyte and separator, which pose significant obstacles to the practical application of AZIBs. To address these challenges, conducting polymer (CP) based materials have gained widespread attention in the realm of rechargeable batteries due to the adjustable band gap, controllable morphology, and excellent flexibility of CPs. In particular, CPs exhibit remarkable conductivity, low dimensionality, and doping characteristics, making them highly promising for integration into the AZIB system. In this review, the problems associated with the cathode, anode, electrolyte, and separator of AZIBs are discussed, and the application of CPs for their modification is summarized. The review provides a comprehensive analysis of the action mechanisms involved in the CP modification process and offers valuable insights for the design and development of CPs that can be effectively utilized in AZIBs. Additionally, the review presents a promising outlook of this research field, aiming to further advance the application of low‐cost and high‐performance CPs and their composites in AZIBs.
Battery integrated three‐port transformer‐less high step‐down converter
Authors: Murugan Kavitha , Pedapati Praneeth Kumar , Hemachander Allamsetty
Published: August 2024

This paper proposes a transformer‐less high step‐down converter (TLHSC) with battery integration. The converter functions as a versatile three‐port converter, with an integration of battery, and offers a wide range of step‐down conversions. This work presents the operational modes along with the steady‐state analysis, design, and modeling of the controller for the TLHSC converter. The controller validates for the diverse load variations. The proposed converter for 500 W is validated on a laboratory test bed with a voltage conversion from 270 to 28 V for a 25 kHz switching frequency. The proposed TLHC demonstrates the remarkable capabilities of a three‐port converter with a high step‐down voltage ratio and reduced semiconductor stress compared to the existing converters. Various performance attributes like loss and efficiency determinations, switch stress analysis, and sensitivity have been investigated and reported. An empirical results presented and the comparative analysis presented for the proposed circuit with the recent converters in the literature entrust the superiority of the proposed converter, offering advantages such as high step‐down capability, minimal components, lower stress, reduced losses, and a simple circuit design for achieving a wide range of step‐down conversions.
Distributions of trace elements with Long‐term grazing exclusion in a semi‐arid grassland of Inner Mongolia
Authors: Hu Juan , Zhou Daowei
Published: August 2024

Trace elements are the essential mineral nutrients in grassland, however, we still know little about the distributions of trace elements in grassland with long‐term grazing exclusion. The contents, stocks, and proportions of iron (Fe), aluminum (Al), manganese (Mn), and boron (B) in green plant‐litter‐root‐soil were evaluated by enclosing for 18, and 39 years inside the fence (F18 and F39) and grazing outside the fence (F0) in Inner Mongolia grassland. The results showed that F18 and F39 decreased the stocks of Fe, Al, and Mn in green plant and root compared to F0 (p < .05), while increased the stocks of them in litter (p < .05). The stock of Fe, Al, and Mn in green plant at F39 was 28.6%, 13.9%, and 39.2% higher than that at F18. The stocks of four trace elements in first layer litter at F39 were increased by 12.7%–52.2% compared to F18, whereas the stocks of them in third layer litter were decreased by 32.2%–42.5%. The F18 obviously increased the stocks of Fe and Mn in soil, especially B (p < .05). While the stocks of these trace elements in soil at F39 were 9.1%–28.0% lower than that at F18, especially B (p < .05). In conclusion, the trace elements were mainly shifted from green plant and root to soil and third layer litter with 18‐year grazing exclusion. Compared to 18‐year grazing exclusion, the trace elements were shifted from third layer litter and soil to root with 39‐year grazing exclusion.
Parasites and the ecology of fear: Nonconsumptive effects of ectoparasites on larvae reduce growth in simulated Drosophila populations
Authors: Horn Collin J. , Luong Lien T. , Visscher Darcy R.
Published: August 2024

Predators negatively affect prey outside of direct attack, and these nonconsumptive effects (NCEs) may cause over half the impacts of predators on prey populations. This “ecology of fear” framework has been extended to host–parasite interactions. The NCEs of parasites are thought to be small relative to those of predators. However, recent research shows ectoparasites exert NCEs on multiple life stages of Drosophila. In this study, we apply recent data to a matrix‐based model of fly populations experiencing infection/consumption and NCEs from an ectoparasitic mite. We found the NCEs of parasites on larvae, which are not actively parasitized, decreased the size of simulated host populations. By contrast, the NCEs on adult flies increased population size through compensatory egg production. The negative NCEs on larvae outweighed the positive effects on adults to reduce population size. This study suggests that parasitic NCEs can suppress host populations independent of infection.
Polymeric Manganese(II) Acetate Derivatives: Syntheses, Crystal Structures and Magnetic Properties
Authors: Li Dong‐Yang , Zhang Xiao‐Nan , Chen Wei‐Peng , Zhai Yuan‐Qi , Zheng Yan‐Zhen
Published: August 2024

Three novel polymeric Mn(II) acetate derivatives, identified as {[Mn2.5(OH)(CH3COO)4] ⋅ 0.5CH3OH ⋅ 0.5CH3CN}n (1), {[Mn3(CH3CO O)6] ⋅ 0.5CH3CN}n (2) and {Mn1.5K(CH3COO)4}n (3), have been successfully prepared by systematically adjusting the ratio of reactants and using the 2‐mercapto‐5‐methyl‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole (Hmmt) as the template agent. These three complexes can be regarded as the different crystalline forms of Mn(CH3COO)2 under different reaction conditions. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analyses revealed that 1 and 2 feature the unique three‐dimensional (3D) framework. For 3, it displays a 2D structure, which is further assembled to form a 3D extended network via the weak hydrogen bond interactions. Magnetic studies confirmed that 1 and 2 show antiferromagnetic interactions, and 1 displays a long‐range ordering phase below the critical temperature (Tc) of 7.8 K. In addition, magnetisation data collected for 1–2 yield low magnetic entropy changes, which can be attributed to the strong antiferromagnetic interactions among the Mn(II) centres.
Switching the Stereopreference of TeSADH: Enabling Anti‐Prelog Asymmetric Reduction of Aryl‐Ring‐Containing Ketones
Authors: Sardauna Auwal Eshi , Abdulrasheed Muhammad , Takahashi Masateru , Takahashi Etsuko , Hamdan Samir M. , Musa Musa M.
Published: August 2024

The biocatalytic asymmetric reduction of prochiral ketones offers a promising approach for producing optically active secondary alcohols. Alcohol dehydrogenases (ADHs) are enzymes that facilitate the reversible conversion of prochiral ketones into their corresponding optically active secondary alcohols, and thus are pivotal for this process. Most ADHs adhere to Prelog's rule in determining the stereopreference for the asymmetric reduction of prochiral ketones. This study focuses on the ΔP84/A85G mutation of TeSADH, demonstrating its capability to reduce aryl‐ring‐containing ketones to their corresponding alcohols in anti‐Prelog mode with high stereoselectivities. The study also highlights the crucial role of P84 in switching the stereopreference of TeSADH in the asymmetric reduction of aryl‐ring‐containing ketones. Furthermore, this mutant exhibits a broad substrate scope, including substrates accepted by the previously reported W110 mutants of TeSADH with opposite stereopreference. The ability to create mutants of the same enzyme with opposite stereopreferences presents intriguing opportunities for fascinating transformations, such as bienzymatic racemization, which can be utilized in dynamic kinetic resolution, and stereoinversion using two enantiocomplementary mutants of the same enzyme.
Seismic vulnerability assessment of electrical substation system based on the hybrid fragility functions and Bayesian network
Authors: Fu Xing , Guo Dai‐En‐Rui , Li Gang , Li Hong‐Nan , Zhu Deng‐Jie
Published: August 2024

Substations function as neural hubs within power systems and play pivotal roles in the aggregation, transformation, and distribution of electrical energy. Previous experiences indicate that substation systems are highly susceptible to damage under earthquakes, resulting in a subsequent decrease in power supply functionality. To mitigate the risk of earthquake‐induced damage, a novel approach based on Bayesian theory is proposed to assess the seismic vulnerability of complex engineering systems. The proposed method initially obtains the prior distribution of seismic fragility parameters for electrical equipment through numerical simulations of coupled finite element models. Subsequently, seismic damage survey data and Bayesian updating rules are applied to update the prior probability, obtaining a hybrid fragility function for electrical equipment. The Bayesian network was constructed using logical relations among internal electrical components in the substation, aiming to quantify the seismic vulnerability of the system across different functionality indicators. Finally, the causal inference technique was employed to quantify the importance of various components and equipment. A realistic case study on a typical 220/110/35 kV substation system was performed using the proposed method. The results demonstrate that the method improves the confidence level of the equipment fragility curves, reduces the computational workload of the system vulnerability analysis, and provides a theoretical basis for improving substation performance and formulating post‐disaster maintenance plans.
A multi‐site and hypothesis‐driven approach to identify controls on the bedload transport regime of an anthropised gravel‐bed river
Authors: Bulteau Théo , Vázquez‐Tarrío Daniel , Batalla Ramon J. , Piégay Hervé
Published: August 2024

Understanding the effects of human disturbance on the bedload transport regime of anthropised rivers is a topic of growing importance, as such information is of interest for adequate river diagnosis, correct implementation of restoration measures and appropriate design of post‐action monitoring programs. However, such assessments are complex, especially in sites where multiple factors simultaneously influence the bedload transport regime, so that it is difficult to establish simple causal relationships between human disturbances and changes in the sediment transport regime, notably on bedload. To overcome this, there is a need for rigorous hypothesis‐driven approaches to assess the isolated effects of each driver. With this in mind, we have characterised the dynamics of bedload transport in the Upper Garonne (Central Pyrenees, Spain‐France), a river impacted by sediment retention, flow diversion and mining that influence its morphological conditions and transport regime. We assessed the effects of (1) surface grain size distribution, (2) river morphology, (3) sediment supply and (4) flow diversion on the bedload transport regime. Four sites with different degrees of river anthropisation were selected. After defining hypotheses on the most likely bedload transport conditions for each site, we proposed a set of discriminating criteria to test these hypotheses, based on temporal within‐site and spatial between‐site comparisons of coarse particle tracking measurements over four years. The results of this research showed that the hydrosedimentary regime of the Garonne is controlled by a complex combination of drivers such as valley physiography, which exerts a first‐order control on differences in reach‐scale bedforms and bedload dynamics; and human disturbances which contribute to a reduction in sediment supply through changes in land cover and hydropower dams, or to changes in hydrology (i.e., flow competence) due to water diversion and abstraction.
Novel formulations ameliorate osteoarthritis in rats by inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress
Authors: Erten Fusun , Ozdemir Oguzhan , Tokmak Muhammed , Durmus Ali Said , Ozercan Ibrahim Hanifi , Morde Abhijeet , Padigaru Muralidhara , Sahin Kazim
Published: August 2024

The study tested new oral plant‐based formulations (F) on rats with monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)‐induced osteoarthritis, measuring inflammation, antioxidant levels, paw size, stride, and analyzing knee joint images. Fifty‐six female Sprague Dawley rats were allocated into 8 groups: (1) Control, (2) MIA (OA induced with MIA), (3) MIA + F1 [curcuminoids+gingerols+acetyl‐11‐keto‐β boswellic acid (AKBA)], (4) MIA + F2 (curcuminoids+Withania glycosides+AKBA), (5) MIA + F3 (curcuminoids+total withanolides+AKBA), (6) MIA + F4 (curcuminoids, AKBA), (7) MIA + UCII (type II collagen), and (8) MIA + GCHON (Glucosamine Chondroitin). Treatments F1 to F4 reduced right joint diameter and improved stride length and paw area in OA rats. Despite improvements with treatments F1 to F4, there was no significant difference between these groups (p > .05). In OA animals, F1 to F4 treatments decreased MDA levels and increased antioxidant enzymes activities (p < .001). This was done by reducing levels of inflammatory markers and enzymes like IL‐1β, IL‐6, MMP‐8, TNF‐α, CRP, COMP, and LOX‐5, while increasing the anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐10. In conclusion, these plant‐based treatments significantly reduced osteoarthritis severity, slowed disease progression by reducing inflammation, and protected joints from damage, showing a protective effect in rats with induced osteoarthritis, likely due to their anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Comprehensive review of experimental studies, numerical modeling, leakage risk assessment, monitoring, and control in geological storage of carbon dioxide: Implications for effective CO2 deployment strategies
Authors: Sori Abobakr , Moghaddas Jafarsadegh , Abedpour Hasan
Published: August 2024

The geological storage of carbon dioxide (CO2) represents a promising strategy for mitigating climate change by securely sequestering CO2 emissions. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of research and development in the field of geological carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestration. We systematically examined a wide range of recent literature, focusing on advancements in numerical simulations, experimental studies, risk assessments, and monitoring techniques related to CO2 sequestration. Literature was selected based on relevance, recency, and contribution to the understanding of key challenges and solutions in CO2 storage, with sources spanning peer‐reviewed journals, conference proceedings, and significant technical reports. Our review highlights several key themes: the integration of machine learning and advanced numerical models in predicting CO2 behavior in subsurface formations; innovative experimental approaches to understanding the physicochemical interactions between CO2, brine, and geological substrates; and the development of robust risk assessment frameworks to address potential leakage and induced seismicity. We also explore recent advancements in monitoring technologies, emphasizing their critical role in ensuring the long‐term integrity and effectiveness of CO2 storage sites. Overall, this review synthesizes the latest findings and identifies gaps in current knowledge, providing a roadmap for future research directions. Our aim is to enhance the understanding of CO2 sequestration processes, support the development of safer and more efficient storage methods, and contribute to the global effort in mitigating climate change through effective carbon management strategies. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Late Mesoproterozoic passive continental margin in the northwestern Yangtze Block, South China: Insights from the Huodiya Group in the Hannan‐Micangshan Massif
Authors: Hui Bo , Dong Yunpeng , Sun Shengsi , Zhang Feifei , Zhu Xin , Tavakoli Neda , Li Yongcheng , Zang Rutao
Published: August 2024

Whether the Yangtze Block was involved in the global late Mesoproterozoic orogeny remains contentious. The Mesoproterozoic Huodiya Group exposed in the Hannan‐Micangshan Massif on the northwestern margin of the Yangtze Block could provide sufficient evidence to further clarify the regional tectonic affinity. However, quantitative insights into the depositional age, provenance and basin tectonic setting of the Huodiya Group still lack comprehensively constraining. This study presents a combined analysis of zircon U–Pb dating for meta‐sedimentary rocks of the Shangliang Formation of the upper Huodiya Group and intruded gabbroic dykes. Intergraded dating results constrain the late Mesoproterozoic maximum depositional age at ca. 1050 Ma. Ca. 900 Ma formation age for the intruded gabbroic dyke, plus the minimum formation age of the overlying Xixiang Group at ca. 950 Ma, further suggests its deposition should be prior to ca. 950–900 Ma. Concordant detrital zircon ages define pronounced age clusters of ca. 2229–1741 and 2950–2388 Ma and few age populations of ca. 3232–3082 and 1069–1033 Ma, consistent with the tectonothermal events in proximal domains at the northwestern and northern Yangtze Block. Detrital zircon age distribution patterns and cumulative curves, coupled with the stable carbonate platform and shallow‐marine facies sedimentation, suggest a passive continental margin setting for the Huodiya Group on the Yangtze Block margin at the late Mesoproterozoic. Comparative insights into the contemporaneous passive continental margin from north to southwest argue against the existence of a late Mesoproterozoic orogeny along the exterior periphery of the Yangtze Block.
Soluble TGF‐β decoy receptor TGFBR3 exacerbates Alzheimer's disease pathology by modifying microglial function
Authors: Zhou Lijun , Wang Nan , Feng Wenzheng , Liu Xin , Wu Qiong , Chen Jiangxia , Jiao Xinming , Ning Xinyue , Qi Zhentong , Xu Zihua , Jiang Xiaowen , Zhao Qingchun
Published: August 2024

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a major cause of progressive dementia characterized by memory loss and progressive neurocognitive dysfunction. However, the molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. To elucidate the molecular mechanism contributing to AD, an integrated analytical workflow was deployed to identify pivotal regulatory target within the RNA‐sequencing (RNA‐seq) data of the temporal cortex from AD patients. Soluble transforming growth factor beta receptor 3 (sTGFBR3) was identified as a critical target in AD, which was abnormally elevated in AD patients and AD mouse models. We then demonstrated that sTGFBR3 deficiency restored spatial learning and memory deficits in amyloid precursor protein (APP)/PS1 and streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced neuronal impairment mice after its expression was disrupted by a lentiviral (LV) vector expressing shRNA. Mechanistically, sTGFBR3 deficiency augments TGF‐β signaling and suppressing the NF‐κB pathway, thereby reduced the number of disease‐associated microglia (DAMs), inhibited proinflammatory activity and increased the phagocytic activity of DAMs. Moreover, sTGFBR3 deficiency significantly mitigated acute neuroinflammation provoked by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and alleviated neuronal dysfunction induced by STZ. Collectively, these results position sTGFBR3 as a promising candidate for therapeutic intervention in AD.
Abortion beyond a medical issue; women's perception on the current Ethiopian abortion law among reproductive‐aged women by 2023, a community‐based cross‐sectional study
Authors: Erega Besfat Berihun , Molla Addisu , Dejen Hiwot , Ferede Wassie Yazie
Published: August 2024

Background

A nationwide study on the contribution of abortion to maternal mortality in Ethiopia was 6%−9%. To bring Ethiopia's legal system into compliance with the country's new constitution, a new criminal code was created in 2005. In the new penal code, after 2005, abortion was permitted under broad circumstances; in the case of rape, incest, or fetal impairment; if pregnancy continuation or birth would endanger the health or life of the woman or fetus; if the woman has physical or mental disabilities; and if the woman is a minor who is physically or mentally unprepared for childbirth.

Objectives

To determine the status of women's perception toward the current Ethiopian abortion law among reproductive‐aged women.

Method

A community‐based study was conducted from June 10 to October 30, 2023. Chi‐square test and multivariable logistic regression methods were employed using SPSS 23. The strength of associations and the significance level was examined using p‐value and odds ratio at 95% CI, respectively.

Result

The prevalence of women's positive perception toward Ethiopian abortion law among reproductive‐aged women is 21.18%. The age group of between 18 and 24, educational status of being unable to read and write, living solely, history of unplanned pregnancy, and age of marriage under 18 were associated with women's perception to the current abortion law of Ethiopia.

Conclusion

The finding of this study is unexpectedly low, which needs exhaustive intervention.
Impact of an Outpatient Word Catheter Program for Bartholin cysts and abscesses: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Worrall Amy P. , Alaya Fátimah , Fullston Enya , Geary Michael P. , Salameh Fadi
Published: August 2024

Objective

To assess the impact of an Outpatient Word Catheter Program (OWCP) on outcomes in women presenting with Bartholin cysts or abscesses (BC/BAs). .

Methods

This retrospective cohort study reviewed 408 women presenting with BC/BAs to our tertiary unit from 2017‐2022. Analysis of medical records, with subgroup analysis of pregnant patients, and comparative analysis between pre‐ and post‐intervention groups, was completed. Financial impact analysis using national activity‐based funding pricing guidance to estimate cost was conducted.

Results

Pre‐intervention, 65% (n = 34) of procedures were completed in theater, but after the introduction of OWCP, 61% (n = 213) of cases were treated in the day ward (χ2 = 67.43, P <0.001). Similarly, inpatient admissions reduced; 94.2% (n = 49) pre‐intervention versus 26% (n = 92) post‐intervention (χ2 = 92.25, P <0.001). The mean all patient admission duration decreased from 1.52 ± 0.89 days to 0.69 ± 0.59 days (P <0.001). The mean cost for those women attending in the pre‐OWCP period was €4798, versus €2704 in the women who attended post‐OWCP introduction (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

After OWCP introduction, there were significant decreases in inpatient admissions, surgical procedures in theater, general anesthetic exposure, and duration of admission. Financial impact analysis revealed a significant cost reduction of ~€2100 per patient. Outpatient or day‐care Word catheter programs are feasible, affordable and acceptable services to provide to women presenting with BC/BAs.
The role of the gut microbiome in modulating immunotherapy efficacy in colorectal cancer
Authors: Zuo Siyuan , Huang Yong , Zou Junwei
Published: August 2024

This systematic literature review and meta‐analysis provide an overview of the critical role of gut microbiota in modulating the efficacy of immunotherapy for colorectal cancer. Gut microbes influence host immune responses through multiple mechanisms including modulation of immune cell activity, metabolite action, and immune tolerance. The ability of specific gut microbes to improve the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors has been linked to their ability to improve gut barrier function, modulate immune cell activity, and produce key immunomodulatory metabolites such as short‐chain fatty acids. In addition, the composition and diversity of the gut microbiota are strongly associated with the efficacy of immunotherapies, demonstrating the potential to improve therapeutic response by modifying the gut microbiota. This paper also discusses the prospect of manipulating the gut microbiota through strategies such as fecal microbial transplantation, probiotic supplementation, and dietary modifications to optimize the efficacy of immunotherapy.
Non‐chemical stresses do not strongly induce male offspring in Daphnia magna ascertained using the short‐term juvenile hormone activity screening assay
Authors: Watanabe Haruna , Abe Ryoko , Tatarazako Norihisa , Yamamoto Hiroshi
Published: August 2024

Juvenile hormone (JH), together with ecdysone, regulates molting, metamorphosis, growth, and reproduction in arthropods. The effects of its analogs used as insecticides on nontarget species are of concern. Since JH and JH analogs (JHAs) induce male offspring in daphnids, which generally reproduce by parthenogenesis, short‐term JH activity screening assay (JHASA) using the male offspring ratio as an endpoint has been developed as a detection method for JHA. However, the production of male offspring is also induced by environmental stresses such as temperature, short‐day length, overcrowding, and food limitation. Thus, it is vital to prevent non‐chemical stresses from inducing male offspring during the test to detect chemicals with potential JH activity accurately. Therefore, we investigated the effects of temperature (low and high), hardness, high density with low feeding, and day length on male production utilizing JHASA. Male offspring were not strongly induced by any stresses in JHASA, although the male ratios of 4–12% were observed in the preculture under high density (≥70 daphnid/L) and constant darkness. The Clone A strain was relatively more sensitive to high density and day length compared with the strain from National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES). The selection of strains that rarely produce males under non‐chemical stresses and finding the culturing conditions for each strain appropriate for not‐inducing male offspring are recommended to control and prevent male offspring induction during JHASA.
Physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic model of in vitro porcine ear skin permeation for drug delivery research
Authors: Krumpholz Laura , Polak Sebastian , Wiśniowska Barbara
Published: August 2024

In silico techniques, such as physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling (PBKP), are recently gaining importance. Computational methods in drug discovery and development and the generic drugs industry enhance research effectiveness by saving time and money and avoiding ethical issues. One key advantage is the ability to conduct toxicology studies without risking harm to living beings. This study aimed to repurpose the multi‐phase multi‐layer mechanistic dermal absorption (MPML MechDermA) PBPK model for simulation permeation through porcine ear skin under in vitro conditions. The work was divided into four steps: (1) the development of a pig ear skin model based on a previously collected dataset; (2) testing the model's ability to discriminate permeation between pig ear, human abdomen, and human back skin; (3) development of a caffeine permeation model; and (4) testing the caffeine model's performance against in vitro generated data sourced from the scientific literature. Data from 31 manuscripts were used for the development of the pig skin model. Based on these data, values specific to pig skin were found for 22 parameters of the MPML MechDermA model. The model was able to discriminate permeation between pig and human skin. A caffeine model was developed and used to simulate seven experiments identified in the literature. The model's performance was assessed by comparing simulated to observed results. Based on a visual check, all simulations were considered acceptable, whereas three out of seven experiments met the twofold difference criterion. The variability of the experimental data was considered the biggest challenge for reliable model assessment.
Effect of photobiomodulation in an experimental in vitro model of asthma‐Copd overlap
Authors: Guerra Marina Bertoni , Santana Kelly Gomes , Momolli Marcos , Labat Rodrigo , Chavantes Maria Cristina , Zammuner Stella Regina , Júnior José Antonio Silva , da Palma Renata Kelly , Aimbire Flavio , de Oliveira Ana Paula Ligeiro
Published: August 2024

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of photobiomodulation (PBM) with laser on the inflammatory process in an experimental in vitro model of ACO. The groups were: (1) human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS‐2B); (2) BEAS‐2B cells treated with dexamethasone; (3) BEAS‐2B cells irradiated with laser; (4) BEAS‐2B cells stimulated with cigarette smoke extract (CSE) + House Dust Mite (HDM); (5) BEAS‐2B cells stimulated with CSE + HDM and treated with dexamethasone; (6) BEAS‐2B cells incubated with CSE + HDM and irradiated with laser. After 24 h, cytokines were quantified. There was a reduction in TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐13, IL‐17, IL‐21, IL‐23, and an increase in IL‐10 and IFN‐γ in cells from the laser‐irradiated ACO group compared to only ACO group. With these results, we can suggest that photobiomodulation acts in the modulation of inflammation observed in ACO, and may be a treatment option.
Extended benchmark set for lattice parameters of inorganic solids
Authors: Lima Elodie Fernandes , Bredow Thomas
Published: August 2024

The development of novel methods in solid‐state quantum chemistry necessitates reliable reference data sets for their assessment. The most fundamental solid‐state property of interest is the crystal structure, quantified by the lattice parameters. In the last decade, several studies were conducted to assess theoretical approaches based on the agreement of calculated lattice parameters with respect to experiment as a measure. However, most of these studies used a limited number of reference systems with high symmetry. The present work offers a more comprehensive reference benchmark denoted as Sol337LC, which consists of 337 inorganic compounds with 553 symmetry‐inequivalent lattice parameters, representing every element of the periodic table for atomic numbers between 1 and 86, except noble gases, the radioactive elements and lanthanoids. The reference values were taken from earlier benchmarks and from measurements at very low temperature or extrapolation to 0 K. The experimental low‐temperature lattice parameters were then corrected for zero‐point energy effects via the quasi‐harmonic approximation for direct comparison with quantum‐chemical optimized structures. A selection of standard density functional approximations was assessed for their deviations from the experimental reference data. The calculations were performed with the crystal orbital program CRYSTAL23, applying optimized atom‐centered basis sets of triple‐zeta plus polarization quality. The SCAN functional family and the global hybrid functional PW1PW, augmented with the D3 dispersion correction, were found to provide closest agreement with the Sol337LC reference data.
Anxiety during transition from primary to secondary schools in neurodivergent children
Authors: Sideropoulos Vassilis , Palikara Olympia , Burchell Elizabeth , Ashworth Maria , Van Herwegen Jo
Published: August 2024

Transition from primary to secondary school is an educational milestone that coincides with other key developmental changes associated with the onset of adolescence. Although previous studies have examined the impact of school transition on autistic students, no studies thus far have examined whether the impacts experienced are similar across different neurodivergent populations. In this paper, we examined how the transition to secondary school affects anxiety experienced by autistic children, children with Down syndrome (DS) and Williams syndrome (WS). Sixty‐one parents completed an online survey at two time‐points, answering questions about their neurodivergent child's anxiety, adjustment, well‐being, skills, and experiences of the transition to secondary school. The children themselves completed a short interview, which included completing a set of standardised measures with a researcher. Both neurodivergent children and parents expressed concerns about bullying and adjustment to new environments during transition from primary to secondary school. Although wide variability was found in our sample, no significant differences were revealed in the overall levels of parent‐reported anxiety pre‐ and post‐transition. However, different factors predicted anxiety during pre‐ and post‐school transition. The impact of these findings for theory and practice are discussed.
Functional near‐infrared spectroscopy and language development: An integrative review
Authors: Januário Gabriela Cintra , Bertachini Ana Lívia Libardi , Escarce Andrezza Gonzalez , de Resende Luciana Macedo , de Miranda Débora Marques
Published: August 2024

Functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) stands poised to revolutionize our understanding of auditory detection, speech perception, and language development in infants. In this study, we conducted a meticulous integrative review across Medline, Scopus, and LILACS databases, targeting investigations utilizing fNIRS to explore language‐related features and cortical activation during auditory stimuli in typical infants. We included studies that used the NIRS technique to study language and cortical activation in response to auditory stimuli in typical infants between 0 and 3 years old. We used the ROBINS‐I tool to assess the quality and the risk of bias in the studies. Our analysis, encompassing 66 manuscripts, is presented in standardized tables for streamlined data extraction. We meticulously correlated findings with children's developmental stages, delineating crucial insights into brain development and its intricate interplay with language outcomes. Although most studies have a high risk for overall bias, especially due to the high loss of data in NIRS studies, the low risk in the other domains is predominant and homogeneous among the studies. Highlighted are the unique advantages of fNIRS for pediatric studies, underscored by its innate suitability for use in children. This review accentuates fNIRS' capacity to elucidate the neural correlates of language processing and the sequential steps of language acquisition. From birth, infants exhibit abilities that lay the foundation for language development. The progression from diffuse to specific neural activation patterns is extremely influenced by exposure to languages, social interaction, and prosodic features and, reflects the maturation of brain networks involved in language processing. In conclusion, fNIRS emerges as an indispensable functional imaging modality, providing insights into the temporal dynamics of language acquisition and associated developmental milestones. This synthesis presents the pivotal role of fNIRS in advancing our comprehension of early language development and paves the way for future research endeavors in this domain.
Assessment of blood viral load in asymptomatic and symptomatic cases of congenital cytomegalovirus infection
Authors: Güneş Ömer , Gülhan Belgin , Üçkardeş Fatih , Güney Ahmet Yasin , Coşkun Zehra Nihan , Özen Seval , Kanık‐Yüksek Saliha , Özkaya‐Parlakay Aslınur
Published: August 2024

This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate the baseline and follow‐up viral loads and viral clearance times in cases followed for asymptomatic and symptomatic congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection between August 2010 and August 2022. Among 93 cases, they had asymptomatic (n: 55) and symptomatic (n: 38). The median baseline blood viral load detected in the symptomatic cCMV (ScCMV) infection (13 054 IU/mL) was significantly higher than that of asymptomatic cCMV (AcCMV) infection (4636 IU/mL) (p < 0.013). There was no difference in median viral clearance times (75 and 90 days, respectively) in baseline viremic cases in the ScCMV and AcCMV infection groups. There were no differences in median baseline blood viral load (6930 IU/mL and 14 268 IU/mL, respectively) and median viral clearance times (75 and 85 days, respectively) between the 6‐week and 6‐month antiviral treatment group. No correlation was found between baseline blood viral load, clinical severity, and the number of systems involved. However, in initial viremic cases, the viral load threshold for a symptomatic case was 8856 IU/mL, with 85.7% sensitivity and 54.5% specificity.
Activation of neurotoxic A1‐reactive astrocytes by SFTS virus infection accelerates fatal brain damage in IFNAR1‐/‐ mice
Authors: Kim Seon‐Hee , Choi Ha Nyeoung , Jo Min Gi , Lee Bina , Kim Young Jin , Seong Hyemin , Song Chieun , Yoo Han Sol , Lee Jeong Hyun , Seong Daseul , Park Hyun‐Jin , Roh In‐Soon , Yang Jinsung , Lee Min Young , Kim Hye Jung , Park Sang Won , Kim Mingyo , Kim Seong Jae , Kim Minkyeong , Kim Hyun‐Jeong , Hong Kyung‐Wook , Yun Seung Pil
Published: August 2024

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) has a high mortality rate compared to other infectious diseases. SFTS is particularly associated with a high risk of mortality in immunocompromised individuals, while most patients who die of SFTS exhibit symptoms of severe encephalitis before death. However, the region of brain damage and mechanisms by which the SFTS virus (SFTSV) causes encephalitis remains unknown. Here, we revealed that SFTSV infects the brainstem and spinal cord, which are regions of the brain associated with respiratory function, and motor nerves in IFNAR1‐/‐ mice. Further, we show that A1‐reactive astrocytes are activated, causing nerve cell death, in infected mice. Primary astrocytes of SFTSV‐infected IFNAR1‐/‐ mice also induced neuronal cell death through the activation of A1‐reactive astrocytes. Herein, we showed that SFTSV induces fatal neuroinflammation in the brain regions important for respiratory function and motor nerve, which may underlie mortality in SFTS patients. This study provides new insights for the treatment of SFTS, for which there is currently no therapeutic approach.
Functionalization of Filter Media for Improved Crystalline Silica Analysis Using Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Elahifard Mohammadreza , Wang Xiaoliang , Chow Judith C. , Watson John G.
Published: August 2024

Respirable crystalline silica (RCS) poses significant health risks in workplaces, including underground coal mines, metal and nonmetal mining, construction sites, fire suppression, and oil and gas industries. Raman spectroscopy offers a promising avenue for direct analysis of RCS on sample filters with minimal pretreatment. However, the presence of organic compounds (OC) in the samples can generate fluorescence signals that interfere with RCS measurements, potentially saturating the detector even at short integration times, particularly when using portable Raman instruments. This study explores a novel approach to address these challenges by functionalizing filters with a hydroxyapatite/silver bromide/titanium dioxide (HAT) photocatalyst, facilitating the oxidation and removal of OC using the Raman excitation laser. Photocatalytic degradation experiments conducted on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) filters preloaded with HAT and anatase titanium dioxide (TiO2) particles demonstrated that HAT significantly enhances the degradation of OC, such as oxalic acid, under visible light irradiation compared to TiO2. Additionally, fluorescence interferences were reduced for coal dust samples analyzed on functionalized silver filters using a portable Raman instrument. The efficacy of HAT in OC photocatalytic degradation on silver filters was further confirmed using a benchtop micro‐Raman system. Filter functionalization had minimal impact on filtration efficiencies and pressure drops, indicating the feasibility of this approach for improving RCS analysis while maintaining filter performance.
A re‐analysis of about 60,000 sparse data meta‐analyses suggests that using an adequate method for pooling matters
Authors: Schulz Maxi , Kramer Malte , Kuss Oliver , Mathes Tim
Published: August 2024

In sparse data meta‐analyses (with few trials or zero events), conventional methods may distort results. Although better‐performing one‐stage methods have become available in recent years, their implementation remains limited in practice. This study examines the impact of using conventional methods compared to one‐stage models by re‐analysing meta‐analyses from the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews in scenarios with zero event trials and few trials. For each scenario, we computed one‐stage methods (Generalised linear mixed model [GLMM], Beta‐binomial model [BBM], Bayesian binomial‐normal hierarchical model using a weakly informative prior [BNHM‐WIP]) and compared them with conventional methods (Peto‐Odds‐ratio [PETO], DerSimonian‐Laird method [DL] for zero event trials; DL, Paule‐Mandel [PM], Restricted maximum likelihood [REML] method for few trials). While all methods showed similar treatment effect estimates, substantial variability in statistical precision emerged. Conventional methods generally resulted in smaller confidence intervals (CIs) compared to one‐stage models in the zero event situation. In the few trials scenario, the CI lengths were widest for the BBM on average and significance often changed compared to the PM and REML, despite the relatively wide CIs of the latter. In agreement with simulations and guidelines for meta‐analyses with zero event trials, our results suggest that one‐stage models are preferable. The best model can be either selected based on the data situation or, using a method that can be used in various situations. In the few trial situation, using BBM and additionally PM or REML for sensitivity analyses appears reasonable when conservative results are desired. Overall, our results encourage careful method selection.
A cold‐adapted and robust alkaline lipase from Marinobacter nanhaiticus boosts laundry detergent performance
Authors: Cai Qinzhou , Zhang Huifang , Zhao Bingshan , Ren Lei , Wang Yonghua , Wang Fanghua
Published: August 2024

Cold‐adapted, alkali‐stable lipases with surfactant tolerance are highly sought after in the detergent industry. In this study, we recombinantly expressed and characterized a novel lipase from Marinobacter nanhaiticus (MNL). The purified MNL exhibited high stability within a temperature range of 10–30°C and pH values of 8–10, demonstrating optimal activity at 20°C and pH 8. MNL has a preference for substrates with medium chains with the best activity being 3768.6 U/mg using p‐nitrophenyl decanoate as a substrate. Remarkably, MNL showed enhanced enzymatic activity in the presence of ionic surfactants and displayed notable resilience when exposed to proteases. Washing performance analysis further revealed MNL's high proficiency in removing oil‐based stains from fabrics. Collectively, these results suggest that MNL holds significant promise as a valuable component in laundry detergent formulations.