bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morfología de los medios y empresas de comunicación del Ecuador
Authors: Coronel-Salas Gabriela , Catalina Mier-Sanmartín Catalina , Barrazueta-Molina Patricio , Ortiz León Carlos , González Rentería Verónica , Yaguache Quichimbo Jenny , Paladines Galarza Fanny , Valarezo-González Karina Paola , Banegas Diana , Samaniego Santiago
Published: December 2012

La escasez de información en relación a la situación de las empresas de comunicación de Ecuador, motivó al Departamento de Ciencias de la Comunicación de la Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja (UTPL) a desarrollar un mapeo de medios,  comunicación, productoras, agencias de publicidad y relaciones públicas del país. La necesidad de disponer de un sitio de consulta y de referencia, respecto a temas de comunicación, es aún latente en Ecuador. Si bien existen algunos aportes, tanto por parte de organismos estatales como de privados, para construir repositorios físicos o virtuales, éstos se han limitado a presentar información básica de contacto y muchas veces desactualizada. Con una muestra de más de 1000 medios se accede a conocer su forma y fondo, en si, su morfología distribuida en organización legal y societaria, situación geográfica, contenidos, alcance, y servicios prestados. La misma, es una aproximación a la realidad informativa que vive el país y que forma parte de la macro investigación denominada “Mapa de la comunicación de Ecuador”.
Incidence of Malaria among Mosquito Collectors Conducting Human Landing Catches in Western Kenya
Authors: Gimnig John E. , Walker Edward D. , Otieno Peter , Kosgei Jackline , Olang George , Ombok Maurice , Williamson John , Marwanga Doris , Abong'o Daisy , Desai Meghna , Kariuki Simon , Hamel Mary J. , Lobo Neil F. , Vulule John , Bayoh M. Nabie
Published: December 2012

The human landing catch (HLC) has long been the gold standard for estimating malaria transmission by mosquitoes, but has come under scrutiny because of ethical concerns of exposing collectors to infectious bites. We estimated the incidence of Plasmodium falciparum malaria infection in a cohort of 152 persons conducting HLCs and compared it with that of 147 non-collectors in western Kenya. Participants were presumptively cleared of malaria with Coartem™ (artemether-lumefantrine) and tested for malaria every 2 weeks for 12 weeks. The HLC collections were conducted four nights per week for six weeks. Collectors were provided chemoprophylaxis with Malarone™ (atovaquone-proguanil) during the six weeks of HLC activities and one week after HLC activities were completed. The incidence of malaria was 96.6% lower in collectors than in non-collectors (hazard ratio = 0.034, P < 0.0001). Therefore, with proper prophylaxis, concern about increased risk of malaria among collectors should not be an impediment to conducting HLC studies.
Characterization of Oligo(Ethylene Glycol) and Oligoglycerol Functionalized Poly(Ether Imide) by Angle-Dependent X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy
Authors: von Ruesten-Lange Maik , Luetzow Karola , Neffe Axel T. , Lendlein Andreas
Published: December 2012

Purpose

Previous investigations have shown that poly(ether imide) (PEI) membranes can be functionalized with aminated macromolecules. In this study we explored whether the characterization of PEI functionalized with oligo(ethylene glycol) (OEG) or linear, side chain methylated oligoglycerols (OGMe), by angle-dependent X-ray induced photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) can be used to prove the functionalization, give insight into the reaction mechanism and reveal the spatial distribution of the grafts.

Methods

PEI membranes were functionalized under alkaline conditions using an aqueous solution with 2 wt% of α-amino-ω-methoxy oligo(ethylene glycol) (Mn = 1,320 g·mol−1) or linear, side chain methylated monoamine oligoglycerols (Mn = 1,120, 1,800 or 2,270 g·mol−1), respectively. The functionalized membranes were investigated using XPS measurements at different detector angles to enable comparison between the signals related to the bulk and surface volume and were compared with untreated and alkaline-treated PEI membranes.

Results

While at a perpendicular detector angle the bulk signals of the PEI were prominent, at larger surface volume-related detector angles, the signals for OGMe and OEG were determinable.

Conclusion

The surface functionalization of PEI with OEG and OGMe could be verified by the angle-dependent XPS. The observations proved the functionalization at the PEI surface, as the polyethers were detected at angles providing signals of the surface volume. Furthermore, the chemical functions determined verified a covalent binding via the nucleophilic addition of the amine functionalized OGMe and OEG to the PEI imide function.
Religion, Spirituality, and Health: The Research and Clinical Implications
Authors: Koenig Harold G.
Published: December 2012

This paper provides a concise but comprehensive review of research on religion/spirituality (R/S) and both mental health and physical health. It is based on a systematic review of original data-based quantitative research published in peer-reviewed journals between 1872 and 2010, including a few seminal articles published since 2010. First, I provide a brief historical background to set the stage. Then I review research on R/S and mental health, examining relationships with both positive and negative mental health outcomes, where positive outcomes include well-being, happiness, hope, optimism, and gratefulness, and negative outcomes involve depression, suicide, anxiety, psychosis, substance abuse, delinquency/crime, marital instability, and personality traits (positive and negative). I then explain how and why R/S might influence mental health. Next, I review research on R/S and health behaviors such as physical activity, cigarette smoking, diet, and sexual practices, followed by a review of relationships between R/S and heart disease, hypertension, cerebrovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease and dementia, immune functions, endocrine functions, cancer, overall mortality, physical disability, pain, and somatic symptoms. I then present a theoretical model explaining how R/S might influence physical health. Finally, I discuss what health professionals should do in light of these research findings and make recommendations in this regard.
Assessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Contamination of Breeding Pools Utilized by the Puerto Rican Crested Toad, Peltophryne lemur
Authors: Gjeltema Jenessa , Stoskopf Michael , Shea Damian , De Voe Ryan
Published: December 2012

Habitat preservation and management may play an important role in the conservation of the Puerto Rican crested toad, Peltophryne lemur, due to this species’ small geographic range and declining native wild population. Bioavailable water concentrations of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) contaminants within breeding pools at 3 sites were established using Passive Sampling Devices (PSDs) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). A more diverse population of PAH analytes were found in higher concentrations at the breeding site that allowed direct vehicular access, but calculated risk quotients indicated low risk to toad reproduction associated with the current PAH analyte levels.
Some Results Involving the Splitting Operation on Binary Matroids
Authors: Pirouz Naiyer , Shikare Maruti Mukinda
Published: December 2012

We obtain some results concerning the planarity and graphicness of the splitting matroids. Further, we explore the effect of splitting operation on the sum of two matroids.
Effects of Hybrid Polypropylene-Steel Fiber Addition on Some Hardened Properties of Lightweight Concrete with Pumice Breccia Aggregate
Authors: Widodo Slamet , Satyarno Iman , Tudjono Sri
Published: December 2012

Lightweight concrete application in construction field is growing rapidly in these recent years due to its advantages over ordinary concrete. In this paper, pumice breccia which can be found abundantly in Indonesia is proposed to be utilized as the coarse aggregate. In spite of its benefits, lightweight concrete exhibits more brittle characteristics and lower tensile strength compared with normal concrete. On the other hand, fiber addition into concrete has become widely used to improve its tensile properties. Furthermore, the utilization of hybrid fiber in a suitable combination may potentially improve the mechanical properties of concrete. This paper experimentally examines the effects of hybrid polypropylene-steel fiber addition on some hardened properties of pumice breccia aggregate lightweight concrete. Five groups of test specimens with fixed volume fraction of polypropylene fiber combined with different amounts of steel fiber were added in concrete to investigate the density, compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, splitting tensile strength, and the modulus of rupture of the concrete mixtures. Test results indicate that hybrid fiber addition leads to significant improvement to the compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, splitting tensile strength, and the modulus of rupture of the pumice breccia lightweight aggregate concrete and meet the specification for structural purposes.
Inhibitory Mechanism of Carbon Steel Corrosion in Sea Water by an Aqueous Extract of Henna Leaves
Authors: Johnsirani V. , Sathiyabama J. , Rajendran Susai , Prabha A. Suriya
Published: December 2012

The inhibition efficiency (IE) of an aqueous extract of henna leaves in controlling corrosion of carbon steel in seawater has been evaluated by weight-loss method. The weight loss study reveals that the formulation consisting of 8 mL of henna extract (HE) and 25 ppm of Zn2+has 94% inhibition efficiency in controlling corrosion of carbon steel in sea water. Polarization study reveals that HE and Zn2+system functions as mixed type inhibitor. AC impedance spectra reveal that protective film is formed on the metal surface. The nature of the metal surface has been analysed by FTIR spectra, SEM, and AFM analysis.
Unintended Pregnancies, Restrictive Abortion Laws, and Abortion Demand
Authors: Medoff Marshall H.
Published: December 2012

This study examines the effect restrictive state abortion laws have on the pregnancy resolution decisions of women with unintended pregnancies. The empirical results find that the abortion ratio and the abortion rate of unintended pregnancies are more sensitive to increases in the abortion price than previous estimates that analyzed total pregnancies (unintended and intended). A Medicaid funding restriction has very little effect on a state's abortion rate of unintended pregnancies, but causes a larger decrease in the number of abortions of unintended pregnancies than previous estimates. A parental involvement law is associated with a significant reduction in a state's abortion ratio and the abortion rate of unintended pregnancies, which suggests that the law may have a behavioral modification effect. Neither a mandatory counseling law nor a two-visit law has a significant effect on a state's abortion ratio and the abortion rate of unintended pregnancies.
Assessment of Pseudoaffinity Chromatography Using Textile Dyes for Isolation of Buffalo Pituitary Luteinizing Hormone
Authors: Arora Taruna , Patel Pankaj , Muralidhar K.
Published: December 2012

Extensive investigation has been carried out to elucidate the mechanisms involved in pseudoligand affinity chromatography using textile dyes, and, empirically, it has been attributed to the chemical and steric structures of dye and protein. Possibly, a variety of interactions especially ionic and/or hydrophobic influence with a varying share in the binding and differ from protein to protein and from dye to dye. In this study, we have attempted to understand the effect of various biophysical parameters like the nature of the eluant, pH, and ionic strength on the binding of crude luteinizing hormone (LH) with various triazine-based dyes and thus predict their nature. Based on the elution patterns, cibacron and reactive brown suggested a dual electrostatic and hydrophobic nature. Reactive blue and reactive yellow reflected a major electrostatic/ionic nature with yellow offering 50-fold purification in a single step, while reactive red and reactive green had a predominant hydrophobic nature. Appreciably, reactive red was binding LH very tightly unlike other dyes, and addition of the arginine in the elution buffer substantially weakened the protein-dye interactions. pH was observed to be a principal factor assisting the protein-dye binding as well as hydrophobicity of the dye and the proteins.
Enzymatic Carbon Dioxide Capture
Authors: Pierre Alain C.
Published: December 2012

In the past decade, the capture of anthropic carbonic dioxide and its storage or transformation have emerged as major tasks to achieve, in order to control the increasing atmospheric temperature of our planet. One possibility rests on the use of carbonic anhydrase enzymes, which have been long known to accelerate the hydration of neutral aqueous CO2molecules to ionic bicarbonate species. In this paper, the principle underlying the use of these enzymes is summarized. Their main characteristics, including their structure and catalysis kinetics, are presented. A special section is next devoted to the main types of CO2capture reactors under development, to possibly use these enzymes industrially. Finally, the possible application of carbonic anhydrases to directly store the captured CO2as inert solid carbonates deserves a review presented in a final section.
Investigation of Tenascin Expression in Endometriosis
Authors: Ozkan Zehra Sema , Cilgin Hasan , Atilgan Remzi , Simsek Mehmet , Cobanoglu Bengu , Ilhan Necip , Sapmaz Ekrem
Published: December 2012

Objective. To evaluate the serum and tissue levels and local expression pattern of tenascin, a high molecular weight extracellular matrix protein, in eutopic and ectopic endometrium from patients with and without endometriosis and to compare the proliferative and secretory phase differences. Materials and Methods. Thirty women with endometriosis and fifteen women without endometriosis undergoing surgery for benign indications were included in the study. Serum and tissue levels and proliferative and secretory phase expression patterns of tenascin in the ectopic and eutopic endometrium were analyzed with immunohistochemistry and immunoassays. The results were compared with Mann-Whitney U test. P values <0.05 were considered as statistically significant. Results. Tenascin expression was detected in both of eutopic and ectopic endometrium of women with and without endometriosis. In immunohistochemical staining, intense staining of tenascin was observed in glandular cells of eutopic and ectopic endometrial tissue samples of both groups during secretory phase (P<0.01). Eutopic and ectopic tissue levels of tenascin were higher than serum tenascin levels only secretory phase (P=0.02). There was no significant difference between groups for tissue and serum levels of tenascin during cycle phases.
Conclusion. Tenascin expression showed cyclic change on eutopic and ectopic endometrium.
Effect of Addition of Fine SiC Particles on the Dry Sliding Wear Behaviour of Extruded 2014 Al-Alloy
Authors: Dasgupta Rupa , Jha A. K. , Das S.
Published: December 2012

Composites of 2014 alloy made by dispersing 10 vol.% of fine (20–50 µm) SiC particles using vortex method ensuring uniform distribution of SiC particles in the matrix have shown uniform distribution of SiC particles. Mechanical properties of the composites have also registered an improvement over the alloy. In an attempt to further improve the properties, the composites were subjected to hot extrusion of cylindrical rods along with the alloys under similar experimental conditions. A temperature range of 300–350°C and an extrusion ratio of 10 : 1 were maintained during the process. The extruded samples were compared for their mechanical properties, and improvement was noted. The mechanism of material failure from fractographic studies showed difference in behaviour between the alloy and composite. Dry sliding wear studies carried out on extruded specimens exhibited improved wear behaviour in composites over alloys as measured by volume loss and wear rate. Wear mechanism was studied from the worn surface and correlated with the wear performance. It was observed that the presence of SiC particles reduces the tendency of delamination and thus material removal from the wear surface.
Focalization and Embedded Speech in Andromache’s Iliadic Laments
Authors: Muich Rebecca
Published: December 2012

Andromache’s laments in the Iliad use tertiary focalization and embedded speech as a means of engaging with masculine experiences within the feminine lament tradition. The focalized masculine experiences draw the audience’s attention away from the masculinity described by the main narrative of the Iliad, which promotes an aggressive pursuit of kleos even to death and refocuses attention on a nonmartial masculinity centered on the oikos. Andromache’s laments do not merely criticize Hector’s choice to sacrifice his oikos in his pursuit of kleos, but also argue that a warrior is valuable to his community not only as protector, but also as engaged participant in social structures that support the community as a whole.
Protagoras’s Talking Head: Corporeality, Rationality, and Self-Refutation in Theaetetus 171c-d
Authors: Giannopoulou Zina
Published: December 2012

In this paper I argue that Socrates’s evocation of Protagoras’s ghost in Theaetetus foregrounds and assaults the sophist’s humanity in its physical and mental manifestations: his ghostliness renders him unfit to evaluate a doctrine that makes human beings the measure of all things, while his haste to return to the Underworld prevents him from partaking in dialectic and exhibiting his rationality. I also show the contextual relevance of the episode by suggesting that the passage is the last act of a three-act parody of Protagoras’s humanity, which aims to refute the man-as-measure doctrine. The first act is the so-called Protagoras’s Apology (165e8-168c1), the second act is the self-refutation argument (170a6-171c7), and the third act is the sophist’s ghostly appearance (171c10-d3).
Conspiracy Rhetoric in Cicero’sVerrines
Authors: Spencer Walter E.
Published: December 2012

This article offers an examination of the language of conspiracy in Cicero’s Verrines. Cicero chooses to fashion a recognizable portrait of Roman conspiracy that represents Verres and his societas as a group of like-minded coconspirators, though they have committed no act that suggests political revolution. Cicero’s diction, imagery, and themes parallel the rhetorical strategies often found in conspiracy narratives and echo especially the orator’s own portrait of Catiline.
Tracing Furrows in the Satiric Dust: Echoes of Horace’sEpistlesin Juvenal 1
Authors: Larmour David H. J.
Published: December 2012

Juvenal’s Satire 1 can be read as a journey across Rome in the course of which the satirist undertakes a reformulation of Lucilian libertas into Horatian introspection. This journey is accompanied by contrasting moments of high and low self-positioning on the part of the speaker. Examining the opening (1-21) and closing (155-71) lines, especially the Tigillinus passage and the image of the satirist’s charred corpse tracing a furrow through the sand of the arena (157), leads us to possible sources of inspiration in Horace’sEpistles, especially 1.1.1-9, 1.19.35-49, and 2.2.95-108. Juvenal’s Satire 7 picks up some of these themes, but by then the danger is primarily to the satirist’s financial rather than his physical security.
Mudanças recentes na Política Nacional de Atenção Básica: uma análise crítica
Authors: Fontenelle Leonardo Ferreira
Published: December 2012

A nova Política Nacional de Atenção Básica (PNAB) mantém a essência do documento anterior, ao mesmo tempo que incorpora as inovaçõesdos últimos 5 anos, como a recente flexibilização da carga horária semanal do médico de família e comunidade. O Ministério da Saúdetambém criou uma série de incentivos para o trabalho em municípios com dificuldade de atração ou retenção de médicos, mas ainda nãointerferiu na precariedade dos vínculos de trabalho. O Programa de Melhoria do Acesso e da Qualidade da Atenção Básica (PMAQ-AB)pode melhorar a discussão sobre o modelo de atenção primária à saúde no País, mas tem problemas técnicos e uma parte importantede seus instrumentos ainda são desconhecidos. A efetiva promoção do acesso e da qualidade passa pela imposição do limite teórico de4 mil pessoas por equipe, e pela seleção e/ou premiação de especialistas em medicina de família e comunidade.
Criação e Evolução da Diretoria de Graduação da SBMFC
Authors: Demarzo Marcelo Marcos Piva , Anderson Maria Inez Padula , Trindade Thiago Gomes
Published: December 2012

Em 2005, a Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina de Família e Comunidade (SBMFC) aprovou a criação de uma Diretoria de Graduação, que oficialmente iniciou suas atividades na gestão 2006-2008. Este artigo tem o objetivo de descrever o contexto de criação da Diretoria de Graduação da SBMFC e sua evolução até o presente momento.
Complement Activation: An Emerging Player in the Pathogenesis of Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Carter Angela M.
Published: December 2012

A wealth of evidence indicates a fundamental role for inflammation in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease (CVD), contributing to the development and progression of atherosclerotic lesion formation, plaque rupture, and thrombosis. An increasing body of evidence supports a functional role for complement activation in the pathogenesis of CVD through pleiotropic effects on endothelial and haematopoietic cell function and haemostasis. Prospective and case control studies have reported strong relationships between several complement components and cardiovascular outcomes, andin vitrostudies and animal models support a functional effect. Complement activation, in particular, generation of C5a and C5b-9, influences many processes involved in the development and progression of atherosclerosis, including promotion of endothelial cell activation, leukocyte infiltration into the extracellular matrix, stimulation of cytokine release from vascular smooth muscle cells, and promotion of plaque rupture. Complement activation also influences thrombosis, involving components of the mannose-binding lectin pathway, and C5b-9 in particular, through activation of platelets, promotion of fibrin formation, and impairment of fibrinolysis. The participation of the complement system in inflammation and thrombosis is consistent with the physiological role of the complement system as a rapid effector system conferring protection following vessel injury. However, in the context of CVD, these same processes contribute to development of atherosclerosis, plaque rupture, and thrombosis.
AluMobile Elements: From Junk DNA to Genomic Gems
Authors: Dridi Sami
Published: December 2012

Alus, the short interspersed repeated sequences (SINEs), are retrotransposons that litter the human genomes and have long been considered junk DNA. However, recent findings that these mobile elements are transcribed, both as distinct RNA polymerase III transcripts and as a part of RNA polymerase II transcripts, suggest biological functions and refute the notion thatAlusare biologically unimportant. Indeed,AluRNAs have been shown to control mRNA processing at several levels, to have complex regulatory functions such as transcriptional repression and modulating alternative splicing and to cause a host of human genetic diseases.AluRNAs embedded in Pol II transcripts can promote evolution and proteome diversity, which further indicates that these mobile retroelements are in fact genomic gems rather than genomic junks.
A Patient With Proteinuria, Myalgias, and Decreased Pigmentation of Facial Skin
Authors: Wu Shan , Han Bo , Xiong Xishan
Published: July 2024

A patient had bilateral leg edema, insomnia, myalgias, paresthesias in the fingertips, lighter pigmentation of the facial skin compared with other areas of the body, proteinuria, and an elevated creatinine level. What is the diagnosis and what would you do next?
Why Evidence Generation Should Matter to Payers and How They Can Help
Authors: Abbasi Ali B. , Curtis Lesley H. , Fleisher Lee A. , Califf Robert M.
Published: July 2024

Importance

The US leads the world in bringing new medical products to market, but the ability to generate evidence to inform clinical practice in postmarket settings needs improvement. Although a diverse group of stakeholders is working to improve postmarket evidence generation, the role of private payers has been underappreciated.

Observations

Payers are crucial allies in improving evidence generation because better data would better inform coverage decisions, their policies and practices influence the conduct of care and research, and their claims data are a source of real-world evidence used in medical product evaluation. In addition, payers have a stake in improving evidence generation because the kinds of evidence needed to inform health care and coverage decisions are often not available when a product enters the market and may not be generated without their involvement. Here, we describe several key steps payers could take to improve evidence generation, including participating in efforts to reduce administrative and financial barriers to the conduct of clinical trials, directly incentivizing evidence generation on high-priority questions by funding potential cost-saving trials, increasing engagement with the medical products industry on evidentiary needs for coverage decisions, and improving usability of claims data by reducing data lags and routinely recording unique device identifiers. Broad payer engagement with US Food and Drug Administration recommendations regarding evidence generation will ensure that the opportunities to participate in clinical research are extended to all communities and that evidence needed to inform care is generated in trials and surveillance systems that reflect the clinical reality across the US.

Conclusions and Relevance

Increasing payer involvement in evidence generation can benefit all participants in the medical innovation ecosystem. The importance of payers in these efforts will continue to grow in response to imperatives to increase integration of care and research, engage a diverse set of communities in clinical research, and move toward alternative payment models.
Routine Electrocardiogram Screening and Cardiovascular Disease Events in Adults
Authors: Yagi Ryuichiro , Mori Yuichiro , Goto Shinichi , Iwami Taku , Inoue Kosuke
Published: July 2024

Importance

The resting electrocardiogram (ECG) is commonly performed for cardiovascular disease (CVD) screening purposes in Japan. However, evidence is limited regarding the prognostic significance of ECG in clinical practice settings.

Objective

To investigate the association between ECG abnormalities and CVD outcomes in a working-age population.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This nationwide cohort study included individuals aged 35 to 65 years from the Japan Health Insurance Association database, which covers approximately 40% (30 million) of the working-age population in Japan. Data from April 1, 2015, to March 31, 2022, were included, and analysis was conducted from October 1, 2022, to April 11, 2024.

Exposures

Baseline ECG status (normal, 1 minor abnormality, ≥2 minor abnormalities, or major abnormality).

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was a composite of overall death and CVD hospital admission due to myocardial infarction, stroke, or heart failure. The secondary outcome was developing a new major ECG abnormality over the years of screening.

Results

Of 3 698 429 individuals enrolled in the nationwide annual health check program (mean [SD] age, 47.1 [8.5] years; 66.6% male), 623 073 (16.8%) had 1 minor ECG abnormality, 144 535 (3.9%) had 2 or more minor ECG abnormalities, and 56 921 (1.5%) had a major ECG abnormality. During a median follow-up of 5.5 (IQR, 3.4-5.7) years, baseline ECG abnormality was independently associated with an increased incidence of the composite end points of overall death and CVD admission compared with normal ECG (incidence rates per 10 000 person-years: 92.7 [95% CI, 92.2-93.2] for normal ECG, 128.5 [95% CI, 127.2-129.9] for 1 minor ECG abnormality, 159.7 [95% CI, 156.6-162.9] for ≥2 minor ECG abnormalities, and 266.3 [95% CI, 259.9-272.3] for a major ECG abnormality; adjusted hazard ratios: 1.19 [95% CI, 1.18-1.20] for 1 minor ECG abnormality, 1.37 [95% CI, 1.34-1.39] for ≥2 minor ECG abnormalities, and 1.96 [95% CI, 1.92-2.02] for a major ECG abnormality). Furthermore, the presence and number of minor ECG abnormalities were associated with an increased incidence of developing new major ECG abnormalities (incidence rates per 10 000 person-years: 85.1 [95% CI, 84.5-85.5] for normal ECG, 217.2 [95% CI, 215.5-219.0] for 1 minor ECG abnormality, and 306.4 [95% CI, 302.1-310.7] for ≥2 minor ECG abnormalities; and adjusted hazard ratios: 2.52 [95% CI, 2.49-2.55] for 1 minor ECG abnormality and 3.61 [95% CI, 3.55-3.67] for ≥2 minor ECG abnormalities). Associations were noted regardless of baseline CVD risk.

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this study suggest that the potential role of routine ECG screening for early prevention of CVD events, along with the optimal follow-up strategy, should be examined in future studies.
Prescription Medication Use Among Older Adults in the US
Authors: Innes Gabriel K. , Ogden Cynthia L. , Crentsil Victor , Concato John , Fakhouri Tala H.
Published: July 2024

This survey study describes changes in the use of prescription medications in individuals aged 65 years or older from 1999 through March 2020.
Cataract Development Among Pediatric Patients With Uveitis
Authors: Hsu Alan Y. , Kuo Hou-Ting , Lin Chun-Ju , Hsia Ning-Yi , Kuo Shu-Chun , Wei Chang-Ching , Lai Chun-Ting , Chen Huan-Sheng , Wang Yu-Hsun , Wei James Cheng-Chung , Tsai Yi-Yu
Published: July 2024

Importance

The long-term estimated risk of development of cataracts among pediatric patients with uveitis is not clear.

Objective

To describe factors associated with the development of cataracts among pediatric patients with uveitis.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study used the international TriNetX database to enroll pediatric patients with and without uveitis from January 1, 2002, to December 31, 2022. The nonuveitis cohort consisted of randomly selected control patients matched by age, sex, race and ethnicity, and specific comorbidities.

Exposure

Diagnosis of uveitis, identified using diagnostic codes.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was the risk of developing cataracts among the uveitis group compared with the nonuveitis comparison group, with hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs reported.

Results

A total of 22 687 pediatric patients with uveitis (mean [SD] age, 10.3 [5.6] years; 54.2% male) and 22 687 comparators without uveitis (mean [SD] age, 10.3 [5.6] years; 54.5% male) were enrolled in the study. The risk of cataracts was increased among pediatric patients with uveitis up to a follow-up duration of 20 years (HR, 17.17; 95%CI, 12.90-22.80) from the index date. Subgroup analyses revealed an elevated cataract risk across age groups: 0 to 6 years (HR, 19.09; 95% CI, 10.10-36.00), 7 to 12 years (HR, 27.16; 95% CI, 15.59-47.20), and 13 to 18 years (HR, 13.39; 95% CI, 8.84-20.30); both female sex (HR, 13.76; 95% CI, 9.60-19.71) and male sex (HR, 11.97; 95% CI, 8.47-16.91); and Asian (HR, 13.80; 95% CI, 3.28-58.07), Black or African American (HR, 10.41; 95% CI, 5.60-19.36), and White (HR, 15.82; 95% CI, 11.05-22.60) race. Furthermore, increased cataract risks were also observed among those with and without a history of immunosuppressive agents (with: HR, 26.52 [95% CI, 16.75-41.90]; without: HR, 17.69 [95% CI: 11.39-27.40]), a history of steroid eye drop use (with: HR, 29.51 [95% CI, 14.56-59.70]; without: HR, 16.49 [95% CI, 11.92-22.70]), and a history of intraocular procedures (with: HR, 11.07 [95%CI, 4.42-27.71]; without: HR, 14.49 [95% CI, 10.11-20.70]).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of pediatric patients with uveitis, an elevated risk of cataracts following a uveitis diagnosis was found compared with pediatric patients without uveitis. The findings suggest that pediatric patients with uveitis should be monitored for cataract development.
Prediction-Augmented Shared Decision-Making and Lung Cancer Screening Uptake
Authors: Caverly Tanner J. , Wiener Renda S. , Kumbier Kyle , Lowery Julie , Fagerlin Angela
Published: July 2024

Importance

Addressing poor uptake of low-dose computed tomography lung cancer screening (LCS) is critical, especially for those having the most to gain—high-benefit persons with high lung cancer risk and life expectancy more than 10 years.

Objective

To assess the association between LCS uptake and implementing a prediction-augmented shared decision-making (SDM) tool, which enables clinicians to identify persons predicted to be at high benefit and encourage LCS more strongly for these persons.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Quality improvement interrupted time series study at 6 Veterans Affairs sites that used a standard set of clinical reminders to prompt primary care clinicians and screening coordinators to engage in SDM for LCS-eligible persons. Participants were persons without a history of LCS who met LCS eligibility criteria at the time (aged 55-80 years, smoked ≥30 pack-years, and current smoking or quit <15 years ago) and were not documented to be an inappropriate candidate for LCS by a clinician during October 2017 through September 2019. Data were analyzed from September to November 2023.

Exposure

Decision support tool augmented by a prediction model that helps clinicians personalize SDM for LCS, tailoring the strength of screening encouragement according to predicted benefit.

Main outcome and measure

LCS uptake.

Results

In a cohort of 9904 individuals, the median (IQR) age was 64 (57-69) years; 9277 (94%) were male, 1537 (16%) were Black, 8159 (82%) were White, 5153 (52%) were predicted to be at intermediate (preference-sensitive) benefit and 4751 (48%) at high benefit, and 1084 (11%) received screening during the study period. Following implementation of the tool, higher rates of LCS uptake were observed overall along with an increase in benefit-based LCS uptake (higher screening uptake among persons anticipated to be at high benefit compared with those at intermediate benefit; primary analysis). Mean (SD) predicted probability of getting screened for a high-benefit person was 24.8% (15.5%) vs 15.8% (11.8%) for a person at intermediate benefit (mean absolute difference 9.0 percentage points; 95% CI, 1.6%-16.5%).

Conclusions and Relevance

Implementing a robust approach to personalized LCS, which integrates SDM, and a decision support tool augmented by a prediction model, are associated with improved uptake of LCS and may be particularly important for those most likely to benefit. These findings are timely given the ongoing poor rates of LCS uptake.
Excess US Deaths Attributable to High All-Cause Mortality Rates Among Youths Aged 0 to 19 Years
Authors: Woolf Steven H. , Chapman Derek A.
Published: July 2024

This cross-sectional study compares US mortality rates among youths aged 0 to 19 years with rates in 16 high-income countries, calculates excess deaths from 1999 to 2019, and examines temporal trends through 2021.
Chasing Paradoxical Shadows
Authors: Chard Nat
Published: July 2024

Shadows bring a sense of animated vitality to any building, and their representations on drawings add a sense of depth and believability to that which is being illustrated. Nat Chard, Professor of Experimental Architecture at University College London (UCL), has a longstanding interest in movement, optics, photography and the intangible spaces in between them. His Institute of Paradoxical Shadows cleaves the shadow from its material datum, leaving it hanging, a suspended spectral entity, encountered through a séance‐like trance of cognitive confusion.
A Low‐Permeability and Flexible Polymer Tube for Long‐Life Fiber Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Jiang Haibo , Gong Xiaocheng , Wang Jiaqi , Yang Zhe , Li Chuanfa , Long Yao , Lu Chenhao , Sun Shiqi , Zhang Kun , Chang Yingfan , Li Pengzhou , Cheng Xiangran , Peng Huisheng , Wang Bingjie
Published: July 2024

Fiber lithium‐ion batteries (FLIBs) hold great promise for powering wearable electronics. However, their practical application is hindered by limited cycle and calendar life, primarily due to the loss of active Li caused by water vapor permeation through the encapsulation layer. To address this challenge, a low‐permeability and high‐flexibility tetrafluoroethylene hexafluoropropylene copolymer (FEP) tube is presented to continuously encapsulate FLIBs by melting extrusion method. Owing to the inherent hydrophobicity of fluorine resins and appropriate crystallinity of the polymer matrix, FEP tubes exhibited significantly low vapor permeability, with a water vapor transmittance rate (WVTR) of 0.3 mg·day−1·pkg−1, 15 times lower than that of the nylon 12 tubes (4.6 mg·day−1·pkg−1). Leveraging the low permeability and elastic modulus of FEP tubes, FLIBs demonstrate a capacity retention of 80.05% after 180 cycles and exceptional flexibility with a capacity retention of 98.32% after 10 000 bending cycles, showcasing superior performance compared to the conventional polymer tubes (for example, the capacity of PP‐FLIBs declined by 20.68% after 30 cycles). This work presents a general and efficient strategy for continuously encapsulating FLIBs, effectively extending their cycle and calendar lifetime of FLIBs, thereby enhancing their practical viability for wearable electronic applications.
Dual‐Responsive Shape‐Transformable Charge‐Reversible Nanoparticles Combined with Chemo‐Photodynamic‐Immunotherapy for the Treatment of Breast Cancer and Lung Metastasis
Authors: Jia Wenfeng , Gong Bokai , Chen Jiantao , Yan Jia , Shi Yulong , Wang Hao , Qin Meng , Gao Huile
Published: July 2024

Herein, a dual‐responsive shape‐transforming charge‐reversal integrated nanomedicine system (DHP@BPP) is developed for the co‐delivery of the photosensitizer pyro pheophorbide‐α (Ppa), anti‐programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD‐L1) peptide (dPPA), and tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs)‐regulating drug berberrubine (BBR). Hydrophobic Ppa and hydrophilic BBR are linked by matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) responsive peptide (PMGMRKLVFF) to form BPP. BPP can self‐assemble into spherical nanoparticles with positive charge, which undergo shape transformation to nanofibers upon cleavage by MMP‐2 at tumor sites. The dPPA is conjugated with hexa‐histidine and polyethylene glycol to form DHP, which is then electrostatically adsorbed onto the surface of BPP to form DHP@BPP with negative surface charge. The DHP not only enhances the tumor‐targeting but also induces DHP disassociation and charge reversal of DHP@BPP due to protonation of histidine at the tumor site, thereby increasing tumor penetration while maintaining long blood circulation. Most importantly, through the combination of chemo‐photodynamic‐immunotherapy, it can repolarize TAMs from M2‐type to M1‐type while reducing PD‐L1 expression to reshape the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, thereby synergistically enhancing the effect of immunogenic cell death. In conclusion, this study offered a simple but effective idea for the treatment of immunosuppressive cancers through the combination of shape transformation and charge reversal, integrating chemo‐photodynamic‐immunotherapy.
Atomic Layer Deposition of Molybdenum Carbide Thin Films
Authors: Kärkkäinen Paloma Ruiz , Popov Georgi , Hatanpää Timo , Kemppinen Antti , Kohopää Katja , Bagheri Mohammad , Komsa Hannu‐Pekka , Heikkilä Mikko , Mizohata Kenichiro , Chundak Mykhailo , Deminskyi Petro , Vihervaara Anton , Ribeiro Mário , Hätinen Joel , Govenius Joonas , Putkonen Matti , Ritala Mikko
Published: July 2024

The development of deposition processes for metal carbide thin films is rapidly advancing, driven by their potential for applications including catalysis, batteries, and semiconductor devices. Within this landscape, atomic layer deposition (ALD) offers exceptional conformality, uniformity, and thickness control on spatially complex structures. This paper presents a comprehensive study on the thermal ALD of MoCx with MoCl5 and 1,4‐bis(trimethylgermyl)‐1,4‐dihydropyrazine [(Me3Ge)2DHP] as precursors, focusing on the functional properties and characterization of the films. The depositions are conducted at 200–300 °C and very smooth films with RMS Rq ≈0.3–0.6 nm on Si, TiN, and HfO2 substrates are obtained. The process has a high growth rate of 1.5 Å cycle−1 and the films appear to be continuous already after 5 cycles. The films are conductive even at thicknesses below 5 nm, and films above 18 nm exhibit superconductivity up to 4.4 K. In lieu of suitable references, Raman modes for molybdenum carbides and nitrides are calculated and X‐ray diffraction and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy are used for phase analysis.
Substrate Induced van der Waals Force Effects on the Stability of Violet Phosphorus
Authors: Singh Sarabpreet , Ghafariasl Mahdi , Ko Hsin‐Yu , Gamage Sampath , DiStasio Robert A. , Snure Michael , Abate Yohannes
Published: July 2024

Since the first isolation of graphene, the importance of van der Waals (vdW) interactions has become increasingly recognized in the burgeoning field of layered materials. In this work, infrared nanoimaging techniques and theoretical modeling are used to unravel the critical role played by interfacial vdW interactions in governing the stability of violet phosphorus (VP)—a recently rediscovered wide bandgap p‐type semiconductor—when exfoliated on different substrates. It is demonstrated that vdW interactions with the underlying substrate can have a profound influence on the stability of exfoliated VP flakes and investigate how these interactions are affected by flake thickness, substrate properties (e.g., substrate hydrophilicity, surface roughness), and the exfoliation process. These findings highlight the key role played by interfacial vdW interactions in governing the stability and physical properties of layered materials, and can be used to guide substrate selection in the preparation and study of this important class of materials.
Green Tea Carbon Dots‐Based Electrically Active Hydrogel Dressing for Promoting Wound Healing
Authors: Hu Kang , Huang Zhuo , Tang Qinying , Chen Danyang , Chen Lianxu , Chen Lu , Jiang Guohua , Huang Qianfei , Chai Langjie , Chen Hang , Guo Liang , Li Bin
Published: July 2024

Currently, searching for safer and more effective approaches to promote skin wound healing and tissue regeneration is a significant research focus in the field of public health. Eliminating excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) and using electrically active dressings to accelerate wound healing has gained significant attention. Herein, green tea‐based carbon dots (GCDs) are synthesized from leaves of green tea and proven to possess strong antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti‐inflammatory properties. Then, GCDs, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)‐poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) are successfully constructed into a multifunctional conductive PVA‐PEDOT:PSS/GCDs hydrogel (PPPCD) using a repeated freeze‐thaw method for promoting skin wound healing. Highly electrical conductivity is imparted by introducing PEDOT:PSS, while antioxidant and antibacterial properties are conferred by GCDs. In vitro assays demonstrated the excellent biocompatibility of the hydrogel, as well as its ability to scavenge excessive ROS and promote cell migration. Furthermore, the hydrogel not only accelerates wound healing by promoting blood vessel formation and epidermal regeneration but also alleviating excessive inflammation in vivo. Overall, the developed hydrogel dressing demonstrates promising prospects for skin wound healing and offers a new perspective for tissue engineering.
Unraveling the Pathogenesis of Post‐Stroke Depression in a Hemorrhagic Mouse Model through Frontal Lobe Circuitry and JAK‐STAT Signaling
Authors: Wu Yingqing , Deng Jia , Ma Jinsong , Chen Yujie , Hu Ning , Hao Shilei , Wang Bochu
Published: July 2024

Post‐stroke depression is a common complication that imposes significant burdens and challenges on patients. The occurrence of depression is often associated with frontal lobe hemorrhage, however, current understanding of the underlying mechanisms remains limited. Here, the pathogenic mechanisms associated with the circuitry connectivity, electrophysiological alterations, and molecular characteristics are investigated related to the frontal lobe in adult male mice following unilateral injection of blood in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). It is demonstrated that depression is a specific neurological complication in the unilateral hematoma model of the mPFC, and the ventral tegmental area (VTA) shows a higher percentage of connectivity disruption compared to the lateral habenula (LHb) and striatum (STR). Additionally, long‐range projections originating from the frontal lobe demonstrate higher damage percentages within the connections between each region and the mPFC. mPFC neurons reveal reduced neuronal excitability and altered synaptic communication. Furthermore, transcriptomic analysis identifies the involvement of the Janus Kinase‐Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (JAK‐STAT) signaling pathway, and targeting the JAK‐STAT pathway significantly alleviates the severity of depressive symptoms. These findings improve the understanding of post‐hemorrhagic depression and may guide the development of efficient treatments.
Dynamic Schwarz Meta‐Foams: Customizable Solutions for Environmental Noise Reduction
Authors: Saatchi Daniel , Oh Saewoong , Yoo Hyunjoon , Kim Ji‐Seok , Lee Myung‐Joon , Khan Mannan , Wicklein Bernd , Mahato Manmatha , Oh Il‐Kwon
Published: July 2024

In an era marked by increasing environmental challenges affecting human well‐being, traditional acoustic materials struggle to effectively handle the diverse and multi‐frequency nature of harmful environmental noises. This has spurred a demand for innovative acoustic metamaterial solutions by utilizing sustainable design strategies. This research introduces tunable Schwarz metamaterial capable of transforming into a soft meta‐foam to solve the complex problems of varying environmental noises. This study primarily focuses on adjusting single to multiple sound‐blocking bandgaps mechanism using a multi‐layered approach, incorporating the Schwarz P‐type triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) and its elective soft foam counterpart, known as tunable Schwarz meta‐foams (TSMF‐x). The tunable design parameters of the unit cell, multi‐layered TPMS, and soft programmable TSMF‐lichen version are comprehensively explored including a fire‐safety test. The results demonstrate these enhanced flame retardant meta‐foam families have the potential to be used for mid‐to‐high‐frequency environmental noises in industrial equipment and smart homes for sustainable architecture and environmental health applications.