bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduction in Neonatal Mortality in Chile Between 1990 and 2000
Authors: Gonzalez Rogelio , Merialdi Mario , Lincetto Ornella , Lauer Jeremy , Becerra Carlos , Castro René , García Pedro , Saugstad Ola D. , Villar José
Published: April 2006

OBJECTIVE. Our objective with this article was to describe the declining trend in neonatal mortality in Chile between 1990 and 2000 and examine potential causal factors.

METHODS. Descriptive analysis of data that were provided by the Chilean Ministry of Health on all ∼2900000 births occurred in Chile between 1990 and 2000. Total neonatal mortality rates (<28 days), and birth weight–specific and gestational age–specific mortality rates from 1990 to 2000 were analyzed by year. Public health interventions that were implemented during the 1990s were reviewed to assess their potential influence on the observed trends in neonatal mortality.

RESULTS. The neonatal mortality rate between 1990 and 2000 decreased from 8.3 to 5.7 per 1000 live births. This decline was not associated with decreases in the proportion of low birth weight and preterm infants but rather with declines in birth weight–specific and gestational age–specific mortality rates. Examination of the trends in birth weight–specific and gestational age–specific mortality rates showed that a marked proportional decrease in mortality rates was achieved among infants who weighed <1500 g and were delivered before 32 weeks. It is plausible, both biologically and temporally, that the observed trends in the reduction in birth weight–specific and gestational age–specific mortality rates are associated with the introduction of specific sector-wide interventions that aim to improve newborn care in very preterm and low birth weight infants.

CONCLUSIONS. Important reductions in newborn mortality in developing countries are possible with the implementation of effective neonatal care interventions.
Singlet Oxygen in Plants—Its Significance and Possible Detection with Double (Fluorescent and Spin) Indicator Reagents
Authors: Hideg Éva , Kálai Tamás , Kós Péter B. , Asada Kozi , Hideg Kálmán
Published: April 2006

Direct detection of reactive oxygen species (ROS), especially singlet oxygen, in plants under stress conditions is of special importance, not only to identify primary events of oxidative damage, but also in studies exploring the potential role of ROS as signal molecules. Due to short life‐times and diffusion distances of ROS, these tasks require highly reactive and selective indicator reagents, localized at the presumed site of production. In the present study, we compared four double sensors: ROS indicator reagents in which partial fluorescence quenching of a dansyl moiety occurs as a result of nitroxide radical formation from a sterically hindered amine constituent. Our experiments support the idea that shorter donor‐acceptor distances within these molecules result in higher reactivity to ROS. The presence of a diethylaminoethyl side chain resulted in better selectivity to singlet oxygen: reagents lacking such substituent had an additional reactivity to superoxide anions, probably as a result of the formation of zwitterionic structures. Fluorescence localization studies of the indicator reagents in tobacco leaves and in Chlamydomonas cells show promising perspectives of their applications to plant stress studies.
Citric acid as a set retarder for calcium aluminate phosphate cements
Authors: Sugama T.
Published: April 2006

Citric acid added as set retarder significantly contributed to enhancing the setting temperature and to extending the thickening time of a calcium aluminate phosphate (CaP) geothermal cement slurry consisting of calcium aluminate cement (CAC) as the base reactant and sodium polyphosphate (NaP) solution as the acid reactant. The set-retarding activity of citric acid was due to the uptake of Ca2+ ions from the CAC by carboxylic acid groups within the citric acid. This uptake led to the precipitation of a Ca-complexed carboxylate compound as a setretarding barrier layer on the CAC grains' surfaces. However, this barrier layer was vulnerable to disintegration by the attack of free Ca2+ ions from CAC, and also to degradation at elevated temperature, thereby promoting the generation of exothermic energy from acid—base reactions between the CAC and NaP after the barrier was broken. The exothermic reaction energy that was promoted in this way minimised the loss in strength of the citric-acid-retarded cement. The phase composition assembled in both retarded and non-retarded cements after autoclaving at 180°C encompassed three reaction products, hydroxyapatite (HOAp), hydrogrossular and boehmite, which are responsible for strengthening the autoclaved cement. The first two reaction products were susceptible to reactions with sulphuric acid and sodium sulphate to form crystalline bassanite scale as the corrosion product. The boehmite phase possessed a great resistance to acid and sulphate. Although the bassanite scales clinging to the surfaces of the cement were the major factor governing the loss in weight, they served to protect the cement from further acid and sulphate corrosion until their spallation eventually occurred. Nevertheless, the repetitive processes of HOAp and hydorgrossular → bassanite → spallation played an important role in extending the useful lifetime of CaP cement in a low pH environment at 180°C.
Highly Fluorinated Interphase Enables the Exceptional Stability of Monolithic Al Foil Anode for Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Tan Ran , Zhang Juzheng , Liu Kexin , Zhu Xiaolong , Gao Ruimin , Zhang Qian , Wang Yuting , Ai Xinping , Qian Jiangfeng
Published: February 2024

Directly using aluminum (Al) foil as anode material offers a streamlined manufacturing process by eliminating the need for conductive additives, binders, and casting procedures. Nonetheless, monolithic Al foil anodes often suffer from mechanical failure and poor cyclability, posing challenges for practical adoption. In this study, a high‐concentration ether‐based electrolyte is employed to boost the durability of the Al foil anode. In contrast to traditional low‐concentration electrolytes, the use of 5 m lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide in 1,2‐dimethoxyethane promotes the priority decomposition of anions, leading to the creation of a fluoride‐rich solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer with exceptional structural modulus and high ion conductivity. These outcomes, coupled with Al's superior compatibility in the chosen electrolyte, enable a record‐breaking cycle life of up to 400 cycles for Li//Al half‐cells, when operated at a high areal capacity of 1 mAh cm−2. In full‐cell configurations, an outstanding capacity retention is also observed, with 96.9% after 150 cycles even under practical conditions involving a 40 µm thin Al foil and a 7.4 mg cm−2 LiFePO4 cathode. These results not only mark the pioneering use of high‐concentration ether‐based electrolyte systems in Al foil anodes but also showcase the high potential for developing low‐cost and high‐energy Al foil‐based LIBs.
Surface Nanodroplet‐Confined Engineering of Gold (I) ‐Thiolate Nanostructures
Authors: Yu Haitao , Li Miaosi , Dyett Brendan P. , Dong Dashen , Conn Charlotte E. , Drummond Calum J. , Bao Lei
Published: February 2024

Gold(I)‐thiolate complexes have served as primary building blocks for diverse Au nanostructure synthesis strategies. A delicate approach to characterize and control Au(I)‐thiolate motif formation and assembly on the surface is needed as it can potentially solve challenges associated with utilizing gold nanomaterials in many applications. Here, the controllable generation of flower‐shaped surface gold nanostructures (FSGNs) is demonstrated by manipulating the formation‐assembly process of Au(I)‐dodecanethiolate motifs within nanoscale surface droplets. The morphology and structure of the resulting Au nanostructures are governed by internal convection flows and interfacial energy, modulated by the nanodroplet composition and substrate wettability. The obtained FSGNs are proven to act as versatile scaffolds for the selective generation of Au spiky nanostars. These FSGNs can also be utilized to functionalize nanodroplet‐based reactors, boosting the fluorescent intensity of Nile red (NR) fluorophores and decomposing NR via catalytic reaction. Remarkably, with FSGN functionalized droplets smaller than a radius of 500 nm, the decomposition rate of NR can reach ≈0.01 s−1. These results highlight a miniaturized, controllable, and automated method for the in situ production of 3D gold nanostructures on substrates, offering prospects for fast surface nanostructure fabrication and efficient environmental pollutant treatment.
On the chemical composition of the evolved very bright metal‐poor star HD 1936
Authors: Çalışkan Şeyma , Alazzawi Jannat Mushreq Kamil , Nasolo Yahya
Published: February 2024

We present chemical abundances of the very bright metal‐poor star HD 1936 based on high‐resolution and high SNR spectra from AUKR. We obtain the abundances of 29 atomic species with atomic numbers between 3 and 63. In this context, the derived lithium abundance of 1.01 is consistent with the thin Li plateau observed in lower red giant branch stars. The star is a carbon‐normal with a ratio of −0.31, just like other low‐luminosity red giants on the thin Li plateau. We find the ratios of [Eu/Fe] = 0.43 and [Ba/Eu] = −0.64, indicating very little s‐process contamination. These ratios allow us to classify the star as a moderately r‐process‐enhanced (r‐I) metal‐poor star for the first time. It is worth mentioning that the star has a metallicity of −1.74, a [Cu/Fe] of −0.74, a [Zn/Fe] of 0.04, and a [Mg/C] of 0.69. The results suggest that it may be a second‐generation star formed in a multi‐enriched environment, rather than being a descendant of very massive first‐generation stars. A last point worth mentioning is the possibility that HD 1936 may host a sub‐stellar component with a mass of . Although our study does not confirm or deny this, we briefly discuss the possibility of the star hosting a planet.
Impact of the Potential Dependent Surface Adlayer Composition on the ORR Activity and H2O2 Formation on Ru(0001) in Acid Electrolytes
Authors: Engstfeld Albert K. , Beckord Stephan , Fuchs Stefan , Behm R. Jürgen
Published: February 2024

Stimulated by the increasing interest in ion adsorption effects on electrocatalytic reactions and by recent more detailed reports on the potential dependent adlayer structures formed on Ru(0001) in pure HClO4 and H2SO4 electrolytes, we revisited the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) on structurally well‐defined Ru(0001) single crystal surfaces prepared under ultrahigh vacuum conditions. We demonstrate that the complex, potential‐dependent activity both for the ORR and for H2O2 formation is closely related to potential‐dependent changes in the composition and structure of the adlayer. Our results demonstrate the enormous effects adsorbed species can have on the ORR reaction characteristics, either by surface blocking, e. g., by (co‐)adsorbed bisulfate species, or by participation in the reaction, e. g., by *H transfer from adsorbed H or OH to O2. The comparison with results obtained on polycrystalline Ru, which differ significantly from Ru(0001) data, furthermore underlines the importance of using structurally well‐defined surfaces as a reference system for future theoretical studies.
Vibrational Optical Activity of Amyloid Fibrils
Authors: Majka Zuzanna , Kwiecień Karolina , Kaczor Agnieszka
Published: February 2024

Amyloid fibrils are supramolecular systems showing distinct chirality at different levels of their complex multilayered architectures. Due to the regular long‐range chiral organization, amyloid fibrils exhibit the most intense Vibrational Optical Activity (VOA) signal observed up to now, making VOA techniques: Vibrational Circular Dichroism (VCD) and Raman Optical Activity (ROA) very promising tools to explore their structures, handedness and intricate polymorphism. This concept article reviews up‐to‐date experimental studies on VOA applications to investigate amyloid fibrils highlighting its future potential in analyzing of these unique supramolecular systems, in particular in the context of biomedicine and nanotechnology.
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma complicated with varices successfully treated by endoscopic injection sclerotherapy and argon plasma coagulation: A case report
Authors: Watanabe Sayuri , Hikichi Takuto , Yanagita Takumi , Nakamura Jun , Hashimoto Minami , Kato Tsunetaka , Kobashi Ryoichiro , Waragai Yuichi , Kobayakawa Masao , Ohira Hiromasa
Published: February 2024

Treatment guidelines for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) with concomitant esophageal varices (EVs), which increase the risk of bleeding, are unavailable. A 66‐year‐old man with a history of total gastrectomy was admitted to the hospital owing to hematemesis. Emergency upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed variceal bleeding near the anastomosis between the esophagus and jejunum, and endoscopic clipping stopped the bleeding. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy following hemostasis revealed four EVs and a two‐thirds ESCC circumference. The ESCC depth was suspected to be up to the mucosa. The patient underwent intravariceal endoscopic injection sclerotherapy (EIS) for EVs, followed by paravariceal EIS. However, after these treatments, blood flow in the EVs just below the ESCC remained, and endoscopic resection of the ESCC was judged to be difficult to perform. Therefore, we prioritized EV treatment and performed a second EIS on the ESCC, followed by argon plasma coagulation (APC). APC was expected to not only solidify the EVs but also eliminate the ESCC existing in the mucosa. Finally, EVs and ESCC were treated by EIS and APC. EIS followed by APC may be useful for treating concurrent EVs and intramucosal ESCC in patients with liver cirrhosis when embolization of the EVs is ineffective.
Evaluating top‐down, bottom‐up, and environmental drivers of pelagic food web dynamics along an estuarine gradient
Authors: Rogers Tanya L. , Bashevkin Samuel M. , Burdi Christina E. , Colombano Denise D. , Dudley Peter N. , Mahardja Brian , Mitchell Lara , Perry Sarah , Saffarinia Parsa
Published: February 2024

Identification of the key biotic and abiotic drivers within food webs is important for understanding species abundance changes in ecosystems, particularly across ecotones where there may be strong variation in interaction strengths. Using structural equation models (SEMs) and four decades of integrated data from the San Francisco Estuary, we investigated the relative effects of top‐down, bottom‐up, and environmental drivers on multiple trophic levels of the pelagic food web along an estuarine salinity gradient and at both annual and monthly temporal resolutions. We found that interactions varied across the estuarine gradient and that the detectability of different interactions depended on timescale. For example, for zooplankton and estuarine fishes, bottom‐up effects appeared to be stronger in the freshwater upstream regions, while top‐down effects were stronger in the brackish downstream regions. Some relationships (e.g., bottom‐up effects of phytoplankton on zooplankton) were seen primarily at annual timescales, whereas others (e.g., temperature effects) were only observed at monthly timescales. We also found that the net effect of environmental drivers was similar to or greater than bottom‐up and top‐down effects for all food web components. These findings can help identify which trophic levels or environmental factors could be targeted by management actions to have the greatest impact on estuarine forage fishes and the spatial and temporal scale at which responses might be observed. More broadly, this study highlights how environmental gradients can structure community interactions and how long‐term data sets can be leveraged to generate insights across multiple scales.
Stoichiometric Ti3C2Tx Coating for Inhibiting Dendrite Growth in Anode‐Free Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Zeng Xiangrong , Mahato Manmatha , Oh Woong , Yoo Hyunjoon , Nguyen Van Hiep , Oh Saewoong , Valurouthu Geetha , Jeong Soon‐Ki , Ahn Chi Won , Gogotsi Yury , Oh Il‐Kwon
Published: February 2024

Lithium metal batteries (LMBs) and anode‐free LMBs (AFLMBs) present a solution to the need for batteries with a significantly superior theoretical energy density. However, their adoption is hindered by low Coulombic efficiency (CE) and rapid capacity fading, primarily due to the formation of unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer and Li dendrite growth as a result of uneven Li plating. Here, we report on the use of a stoichiometric Ti3C2Tx (S‐Ti3C2Tx) MXene coating on the copper current collector to enhance the cyclic stability of an anode‐free lithium metal battery. The S‐Ti3C2Tx coating provides abundant nucleation sites, thereby lowering the overpotential for Li nucleation, and promoting uniform Li plating. Additionally, the fluorine (−F) termination of S‐Ti3C2Tx participates in the SEI formation, producing a LiF‐rich SEI layer, vital for stabilizing the SEI and improving cycle life. Batteries equipped with S‐Ti3C2Tx@Cu current collectors displayed reduced Li consumption during stable SEI formation, resulting in a significant decrease in capacity loss. AFLMBs with S‐Ti3C2Tx@Cu current collectors achieved a high initial capacity density of 4.2 mAh cm−2, 70.9% capacity retention after 50 cycles, and an average CE of 98.19% in 100 cycles. This innovative application of MXenes in the energy field offers a promising strategy to enhance the performance of AFLMBs and could potentially accelerate their commercial adoption.
Immobilization of Bi2WO6 on Polymer Membranes for Photocatalytic Removal of Micropollutants from Water – A Stable and Visible Light Active Alternative
Authors: Fischer Kristina , Abdul Latif Amira , Griebel Jan , Prager Andrea , Shayestehpour Omid , Zahn Stefan , Schulze Agnes
Published: February 2024

In this work, bismuth tungstate Bi2WO6 is immobilized on polymer membranes to photocatalytically remove micropollutants from water as an alternative to titanium dioxide TiO2. A synthesis method for Bi2WO6 preparation and its immobilization on a polymer membrane is developed. Bi2WO6 is characterized using X‐ray diffraction and UV–vis reflectance spectroscopy, while the membrane undergoes analysis through scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and degradation experiments. The density of states calculations for TiO2 and Bi2WO6, along with PVDF reactions with potential reactive species, are investigated by density functional theory. The generation of hydroxyl radicals OH• is investigated via the reaction of coumarin to umbelliferone via fluorescence probe detection and electron paramagnetic resonance. Increasing reactant concentration enhances Bi2WO6 crystallinity. Under UV light at pH 7 and 11, the Bi2WO6 membrane completely degrades propranolol in 3 and 1 h, respectively, remaining stable and reusable for over 10 cycles (30 h). Active under visible light with a bandgap of 2.91 eV, the Bi2WO6 membrane demonstrates superior stability compared to a TiO2 membrane during a 7‐day exposure to UV light as Bi2WO6 does not generate OH• radicals. The Bi2WO6 membrane is an alternative for water pollutant degradation due to its visible light activity and long‐term stability.
Blood pressure immediately after return of spontaneous circulation is associated with increased survival on admission following out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest
Authors: Kim Seung Wook , Kim Hee Eun , Jo You Hwan , Kim Yu Jin , Park Seung Min , Kim Yong Won , Lee Dong Keon , Jang Dong‐Hyun
Published: February 2024

Background

In patients with out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), low blood pressure after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) can be a sign of hemodynamic instability. We aimed to investigate whether systolic blood pressure (SBP) measured immediately after ROSC is associated with survival on admission.

Methods

Patients with ROSC after OHCA between 2015 and 2018 were included. The primary outcome was survival on admission. Included patients were divided into three groups based on the SBP measured at the time of ROSC: group 1 (SBP ≤90 mmHg), group 2 (SBP 90–120 mmHg), and group 3 (SBP >120 mmHg). Multivariable logistic regression was used to investigate the relationship between the groups by SBP and outcomes.

Results

In the final analysis, 519 patients were included. In the restrictive cubic spline curve, the probability of achieving survival on admission increased gradually from low SBP to approximately 120–130 mmHg, then plateaued at a higher SBP. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, group 1 was independently associated with decreased survival on admission compared to group 2. There was no significant difference between groups 2 and 3.

Conclusions

Low blood pressure (SBP ≤90 mmHg) at the time of ROSC was independently associated with a lower likelihood of survival on admission in patients with non‐traumatic OHCA. However, high blood pressure (SBP >120 mmHg) was not associated with a higher likelihood of survival. These suggest that low blood pressure measured in the prehospital phase can serve as an indicator predicting the poor short‐term prognosis of patients.
High‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein is a predictor of all‐cause mortality in a rural Japanese population
Authors: Kawamoto Ryuichi , Kikuchi Asuka , Niomiya Daisuke , Kumagi Teru
Published: February 2024

Background

High‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP) is a sensitive marker of inflammation. This study aimed to determine whether increased hsCRP levels are associated with all‐cause mortality rate.

Methods

We examined data for participants from the 2002 Nomura Cohort Study who attended follow‐ups for 20 years (follow‐up rate: 93.3%). Of these, 793 were male (aged 61 ± 14 years) and 1040 were female (aged 63 ± 11 years). The Japanese Basic Resident Registry provided data on adjusted relative hazards for all‐cause mortality. The data were subjected to a Cox regression analysis using a time variable of age and confounding risk factors.

Results

The median (interquartile range) follow‐up period was 6548 days (6094–7452 days). The follow‐up confirmed that there were 632 (34.8%) deaths, of which 319 were male (40.2% of all males) and 313 were female (30.6% of all females). Multivariable‐adjusted hazard ratio (1.27; 95% confidence interval, 1.01–1.59) in the highest hsCRP category was also significantly higher compared with reference. A higher hsCRP was associated with a greater risk of all‐cause mortality in male participants aged ≥65 years, a BMI < 25 kg/m2, and no history of CVD or diabetes, and this association was particularly significant among participants with both of the latter two risk factors (p = 0.004 and 0.022 for interaction, respectively).

Conclusions

Our results indicate a significant association between hsCRP levels and all‐cause mortality in a rural Japanese population. Specifically, hsCRP appears to be a crucial biomarker for predicting long‐term survival, particularly among older persons.
Climatological analysis of urban heat island effects in Swiss cities
Authors: Canton Jacopo , Dipankar Anurag
Published: February 2024

This work presents a high‐resolution spatiotemporal analysis of the urban heat island (UHI) effect in Swiss cities during the last 6 years. The entire alpine country is simulated at once using the COSMO model at 1.1 km resolution, validated against a dense national measurement network. Additionally, the bulk parametrisation TERRA URB is used to model the dynamical and thermal effects of urban areas. The resulting data allows us to perform the first comprehensive analysis over the entire Switzerland, with a focus on the UHI effect with intra‐urban and across cities comparisons, and to report on the current state of urban warming. Despite the medium‐small size of the cities, the UHI is of considerable magnitude especially when considering peak values in ideal weather conditions. The present results confirm previous analyses performed for individual cities, and shed new light on the country‐wide picture by highlighting features such as the marked seasonality of the UHI intensity as well as the influence of local climate and topographical features on the urban climate. A thorough discussion is also presented highlighting the absence of simple relationships between UHI intensity and bulk city parameters and weather patterns.
A novel frameshift mutation in SOX10 gene induced Waardenburg syndrome type II
Authors: Ma Xiuli , Zhao Liping , Li Li , Li Xia , Ding Chaohong , Ma Jing
Published: February 2024

Objective

To explore the molecular etiology of Waardenburg syndrome type II (WS2) in a family from Yunnan province, China.

Methods

A total of 406 genes related to hereditary hearing loss were sequenced using next‐generation sequencing. DNA samples were isolated from the peripheral blood DNA of probands. Those pathogenic mutations detected by next‐generation sequencing in probands and their parents were validated by Sanger sequencing. The conservatism of variation sites in genes was also analyzed. The protein expression was detected by flow cytometry.

Results

A heterozygous mutation c.178delG (p.D60fs*49) in the SOX10 gene was identified in the proband, which is a frameshift mutation and may cause protein loss of function and considered to be a pathogenic mutation. This was determined to be a de novo mutation because her family were demonstrated to be wild‐type and symptom free. SOX10, FGFR3, SOX2, and PAX3 protein levels were reduced as determined by flow cytometry.

Conclusion

A novel frameshift mutation in SOX10 gene was identified in this study, which may be the cause of WS2 in proband. In addition, FGFR3, SOX2, and PAX3 might also participate in promoting the progression of WS2.
Do you have a tree friend?—Human–tree relationships in Finland
Authors: Vainio Kaisa , Korrensalo Aino , Takala Tuomo , Räsänen Aleksi , Lummaa Karoliina , Tuittila Eeva‐Stiina
Published: February 2024

Trees are natural objects that carry practical, cultural and spiritual meanings to humans. Trees are an elemental part of human daily life, both in urban and rural environments, and even in locations where forests are distant. Conflicts related to tree removal in the close environments of humans indicate that individual trees may have special significance. Despite that, we have little knowledge of the ways these relationships are formed and the meanings they carry.

To examine how the properties of trees and humans influence the type of relationships that are formed between them, we conducted a large‐scale survey (n = 1758). We used cluster analysis to identify typical groups of trees and human–tree relationships and conducted cross‐tabulation to correlate human and tree types in the relationships. In studying the human–tree relationship, we applied the framework of natureculture to address how the lives of humans and trees are bound together in interspecies relationships.

Our results show that the strongest influence on tree–human relationships originates from human lifestyles and nature connections. Consequently, we identified three main types of human–tree relationships: (1)Admiring relationshipstowards large, old and charismatic trees, primarily grounded in sensory and emotional experiences, are common among urban nature‐loving people. (2)Nurturing relationshipsthat occur with young trees in people's own gardens, which is most typical for rural outdoorspeople owning houses. (3)Nostalgic relationshipsare associated with trees with symbolic value in the memories of people who no longer have a material connection to an important environment.

Our study revealed that the affection of humans for trees in their close environment strongly varied in emotional intensity and practical actions related to trees. We provide new knowledge of the correlations between human and tree characteristics in forming their interspecies relationship and how this relationship affects human emotional well‐being. Based on our findings, we suggest that understanding human–nature interdependence helps to sustain and create emotionally supportive multispecies environments through green design and management.

Read the freePlain Language Summaryfor this article on the Journal blog.
Risk of fall or fracture with concomitant use of prescription opioids and other medications in osteoarthritis patients
Authors: Khan Nazleen F. , Bykov Katsiaryna , Katz Jeffrey N. , Glynn Robert J. , Vine Seanna M. , Kim Seoyoung C.
Published: February 2024

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) patients taking prescription opioids for pain are at increased risk of fall or fracture, and the concomitant use of interacting drugs may further increase the risk of these events.

Aims

To identify prescription opioid‐related medication combinations associated with fall or fracture.

Materials & Methods

We conducted a case‐crossover‐based screening of two administrative claims databases spanning 2003 through 2021. OA patients were aged 40 years or older with at least 365 days of continuous enrollment and 90 days of continuous prescription opioid use before their first eligible fall or fracture event. The primary analysis quantified the odds ratio (OR) between fall and non‐opioid medications dispensed in the 90 days before the fall date after adjustment for prescription opioid dosage and confounding using a case‐time‐control design. A secondary analogous analysis evaluated medications associated with fracture. The false discovery rate (FDR) was used to account for multiple testing.

Results

We identified 41 693 OA patients who experienced a fall and 24 891 OA patients who experienced a fracture after at least 90 days of continuous opioid therapy. Top non‐opioid medications by ascending p‐value with OR > 1 for fall were meloxicam (OR 1.22, FDR = 0.08), metoprolol (OR 1.06, FDR >0.99), and celecoxib (OR 1.13, FDR > 0.99). Top non‐opioid medications for fracture were losartan (OR 1.20, FDR = 0.80), alprazolam (OR 1.14, FDR > 0.99), and duloxetine (OR 1.12, FDR = 0.97).

Conclusion

Clinicians may seek to monitor patients who are co‐prescribed drugs that act on the central nervous system, especially in individuals with OA.
“I couldn't connect the wires in my brain.” Young adult cancer survivors' experience with cognitive functioning
Authors: Tometich Danielle B. , Welniak Taylor , Gudenkauf Lisa , Maconi Melinda L. , Fulton Hayden J. , Martinez Tyson Dinorah , Zambrano Kellie , Hasan Syed , Rodriguez Yvelise , Bryant Crystal , Li Xiaoyin , Reed Damon R. , Oswald Laura B. , Galligan Andrew , Small Brent J. , Jim Heather S. L.
Published: February 2024

Objective

There is a dearth of literature describing young adult (YA) cancer survivors' experiences with cancer‐related cognitive impairment (CRCI). We aimed to elucidate CRCI among YA cancer survivors and identify potentially modifiable risk factors.

Methods

We conducted individual qualitative interviews with YA cancer survivors aged 18–30 years at study enrollment and used applied thematic analysis to identify themes across three topics (i.e., affected cognitive abilities, risk and protective factors influencing the impact of CRCI, and strategies for coping with CRCI).

Results

YA cancer survivors (N = 20) were, on average, 23 years old at diagnosis and 26 years old when interviewed. Diverse cancer types and treatments were represented; most participants (85%) had completed cancer treatment. Participants described experiences across three qualitative topics: (1) affected cognitive abilities (i.e., concentration and attention, prospective memory, and long‐term memory), (2) Risk factors (i.e., fatigue, sleep problems, mood, stress/distractions, and social isolation) and protective factors (i.e., social support), and (3) coping strategies, including practical strategies that helped build self‐efficacy (e.g., writing things down, reducing distractions), beneficial emotion‐focused coping strategies (e.g., focus on health, faith/religion), strategies with mixed effects (i.e., apps/games, medications/supplements, and yoga), and “powering through” strategies that exacerbated stress.

Conclusions

YA cancer survivors experience enduring cognitive difficulties after treatment. Specific concerns highlight the importance of attention and executive functioning impairments, long‐term memory recall, and sensitivity to distractions. Future work is needed to improve assessment and treatment of CRCI among YA cancer survivors.
Analysis of Altered Layers Formed during Substrate Exfoliation of AlGaN Crystals Grown on Periodic AlN Nanopillars Using the Heated‐Pressurized Water Method
Authors: Matsubara Eri , Yamada Ryoya , Kondo Ryosuke , Nishibayashi Toma , Imoto Yoshinori , Iwayama Sho , Takeuchi Tetsuya , Kamiyama Satoshi , Maruyama Takahiro , Miyake Hideto , Kobayashi Shintaro , Yamamoto Taiji , Iwaya Motoaki
Published: February 2024

This study examines the altered layers formed during the exfoliation of AlN and AlGaN using heated‐pressurized water. Utilizing X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD), the study reveals the formation of an alteration layer on the –c‐surface of AlN and AlGaN. XPS analysis indicates a diminished N 1s peak, suggesting oxidation or hydroxylation of the –c‐plane. XRD findings demonstrate that these altered layers are polycrystalline, featuring various plane orientations, and include crystals akin to AlOOH, as confirmed by database comparisons.
Long COVID‐19 gastrointestinal related disorders and traditional Chinese medicine: A network target‐based approach
Authors: Mattioli Laura Beatrice , Frosini Maria , Corazza Ivan , Fiorino Sirio , Zippi Maddalena , Micucci Matteo , Budriesi Roberta
Published: February 2024

The significant number of individuals impacted by the pandemic makes prolonged symptoms after COVID‐19 a matter of considerable concern. These are numerous and affect multiple organ systems. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), prolonged gastrointestinal issues are a crucial part of post‐COVID‐19 syndrome. The resulting disruption of homeostasis underscores the need for a therapeutic approach based on compounds that can simultaneously affect more than one target/node. The present review aimed to check for nutraceuticals possessing multiple molecular mechanisms helpful in relieving Long COVID‐19‐specific gastrointestinal symptoms. Specific plants used in Keywords Chinese Medicine (TCM) expected to be included in the WHO Global Medical Compendium were selected based on the following criteria: (1) they are widely used in the Western world as natural remedies and complementary medicine adjuvants; (2) their import and trade are regulated by specific laws that ensure quality and safety (3) have the potential to be beneficial in alleviating intestinal issues associated with Long COVID‐19. Searches were performed in PubMed, Elsevier, Google Scholar, Scopus, Science Direct, and ResearchGate up to 2023. Cinnamomum cassia, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Magnolia officinalis, Poria cocos, Salvia miltiorrhiza, Scutellaria baicalensis, and Zingiber officinalis were identified as the most promising for their potential impact on inflammation and oxidative stress. Based on the molecular mechanisms of the phytocomplexes and isolated compounds of the considered plants, their clinical use may lead to benefits in gastrointestinal diseases associated with Long COVID‐19, thanks to a multiorgan and multitarget approach.
A near‐optimal CUSUM‐t$t$ chart
Authors: Haq Abdul , Khoo Michael B. C.
Published: February 2024

A robust tool for monitoring the process mean in the presence of abrupt changes or estimation errors in the process standard deviation is the cumulative sum (CUSUM)‐ chart. However, optimizing the existing CUSUM‐ chart to minimize the out‐of‐control average run‐length value often involves intricate Markov chain techniques. This complexity prompted the development of a near‐optimal CUSUM‐ chart, presented in this paper, which simplifies the determination of the chart's reference parameter. The reference parameter calculation is based on a predefined shift size in the mean, allowing for swift detection. Meanwhile, the chart's decision interval can be derived through Monte Carlo simulations. Interestingly, both the newly devised near‐optimal CUSUM‐ chart and the established CUSUM‐ chart yield similar out‐of‐control average run‐length values for identical shift sizes and sample sizes. Consequently, the former can serve as a practical alternative to the latter, considering its ease of optimization and implementation.
The early‐stage impacts of shock events on adult sleep: Lessons from the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Yuan Dianqi , Hu Xiyuan , Zeng Yuyu , Tang Huameng , Guo Chao
Published: February 2024

The present study aims to estimate the early‐stage association of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic with sleep duration, 4 months after the initial outbreak, at a national level. Using the China Family Panel Studies in 2018 and its follow‐up in 2020, 16,563 adult participants were analyzed in our study. The first wave transmissibility of the COVID‐19 pandemic in mainland China was used as a quasi‐natural experiment. The difference in difference method was employed to compare variations across participants interviewed before or after the pandemic and between groups from provinces with different COVID‐19 severity. The study observed a decline in workday sleep duration among adults, regardless of their employment status. Specifically, working adults experienced a significant decrease in sleep duration on work days (−1.54, 95% confidence interval −2.16 to −0.92), alongside an increase on work‐free days (2.41, 1.56–3.24), leading to a wider sleep discrepancy in sleep patterns (3.95, 3.31–4.59). Noteworthy, working‐age adults (−2.00, −2.79 to −1.22) and males (−3.31, −4.31 to −2.30) exhibited greater sleep decreases on work days, whereas females exhibited a more pronounced disparity in sleep patterns (6.18, 4.73–7.63) between work and work‐free days. The pandemic is significantly associated with prolonged changes in adults' sleep duration, including sleep decreases on work days and catch‐up sleep on work‐free days for working adults. To prepare for future global emergencies, the government may need to promote resilience to mitigate the pandemic's adverse impacts on the working population. Guaranteeing adequate sleep among working adults and reducing sleep debt should be prioritized in such efforts.
Highly private large‐sample tests for contingency tables
Authors: Jung Sungkyu , Woo Kwak Seung
Published: February 2024

Differential privacy is a foundational concept for safeguarding sensitive individual information when releasing data or statistical analysis results. In this study, we concentrate on the protection of privacy in the context of goodness‐of‐fit (GOF) and independence tests, utilizing perturbed contingency tables that adhere to Gaussian differential privacy within the high‐privacy regime, where the degrees of privacy protection increase as the sample size increases. We introduce private test procedures for GOF, independence of two variables and the equality of proportions in paired samples, similar to McNemar's test. For each of these hypothesis testing situations, we propose private test statistics based on the statistics and establish their asymptotic null distributions. We numerically confirm that Type I error rates of the proposed private test procedures are well controlled and have adequate power for larger sample sizes and effect sizes. The proposal is demonstrated in private inferences based on the American Time Use Survey data.
Insoluble fibre and enzyme supplementation in mash or pellets diets on growth performance, apparent ileal digestibility and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens fed barley containing diets
Authors: Pourazadi Zeinab , Salari Somayyeh , Tabandeh Mohammad Reza , Abdollahi Mohammad Reza
Published: February 2024

Background

Enzyme supplementation and the inclusion of fibre in the barley‐based diets have been some of the alternatives proposed to improve productivity in the absence of growth promoters.

Objective

This study was performed to investigate the effect of adding sunflower hulls (SFH), a multi‐enzyme carbohydrate, and feed forms (mash and pellet) on performance and some physiological parameters in broiler chickens fed barley containing diets.

Methods

Treatments were two feed forms (mash vs. pelleted), and four diets consisted of a barley‐based diet (control, CTL) or test diets which contained either SFH at 30 g/kg, enzyme (ENZ; 0.2 g/kg) or combination of SFH and enzyme (SFH + ENZ).

Results

The results showed that average daily feed intake and average daily gain were significantly increased in chickens that were fed ENZ (p < 0.05). The highest digestibility of ether extract (EE) was observed in the treatment containing SFH and SFH + ENZ (p < 0.05). The highest population of Lactobacillus spp. was observed in the treatment containing SFH (p < 0.05). The villus height and villus height to crypt depth ratios of duodenum and jejunum were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in broilers fed pellet diets compared to the mash.

Conclusion

It can be concluded that pellet diets reduce digesta viscosity and harmful microorganisms (Escherichia coli), increase growth performance, and improve intestinal morphology in barley‐based diets. Moreover, SFH and ENZ had favourable effects on EE digestibility and caecal microbial population of broilers fed with barley containing diets.
Ärztlichen Nachwuchs in der Pädiatrie sichern – aber wie?
Authors: Moridani Mehrak Yoosefi , Bendig Marie-Sophie , Arsenova Radina , Junghanns Florence , Friedrich Sebastian
Published: February 2024

Hintergrund

In den nächsten 2 Jahren werden über 25 % aller Kinderärzt:innen in Deutschland in den Ruhestand gehen. Gleichzeitig ist das pädiatrische Versorgungssystem in den Jahren 2021–2023 stark unter Druck geraten, einschließlich der darin beschäftigten Personen. Vor diesem Hintergrund haben sich unabhängig voneinander die Initiative der Berliner Kinderkliniken und die Junge Pädiatrie Baden-Württemberg gegründet.

Ziel der Arbeit (Fragestellung)

Beide Gruppierungen befragten die Kolleg:innen in Weiterbildung, welche Probleme und Verbesserungsmöglichkeiten sie in ihrer Arbeit sehen. Wie kann der ärztliche Nachwuchs gesichert und eine hochwertige Versorgung von Kindern und Jugendlichen gewährleistet werden?

Material und Methoden

Im Zeitraum vom Mai 2022 bis zum Mai 2023 wurden 5 Umfragen zu Arbeitsbedingungen und Weiterbildung in der Pädiatrie in Berlin, Baden-Württemberg und teils bundesweit durchgeführt.

Ergebnisse

Eine gute Einarbeitung, Vereinbarkeit von Familie und Beruf sowie eine feste Weiterbildungsplanung werden als wichtig angesehen. Gleichzeitig ist die Unzufriedenheit mit der aktuellen Situation in diesen Bereichen hoch. Das Thema Forschung spielt für die eigene Arbeit meist eine nachgeordnete Rolle. In der ambulanten Versorgung wünschen sich viele Kolleg:innen das Arbeiten in Gemeinschaftspraxen und mit effizienteren Strukturen.

Diskussion

Die Kinder- und Jugendmedizin in Deutschland muss sich weiterentwickeln, um Nachwuchskräfte in ausreichender Zahl auszubilden. Im Wettbewerb um Arbeitskräfte werden die Aspekte Einarbeitung, Familie und Beruf, Personaldecke und gute Weiterbildung entscheidend sein. Für die ambulante und stationäre Versorgung wird die Entwicklung gemeinschaftlicher Arbeitsmodelle (Jobsharing, Gemeinschaftspraxis) immer wichtiger.
Kurze Geschichte der Katheterablation mit DC-Schocks
Authors: Klein Helmut U. , Trappe Hans-Joachim , Frank Günter
Published: February 2024

Ein erster Bericht über eine DC-Katheterablation bei 5 Patienten zur Unterbrechung einer schnellen AV-Überleitung bei Vorhofflimmern und anschließender Pacemaker-Implantation erschien 1982 von Scheinmann et al. (San Francisco, CA, USA). In Deutschland berichteten 1984 Seipel, Breithardt und Borggrefe (Düsseldorf) und 1985 Manz und Lüderitz (Bonn) über erste Erfahrungen mit der DC-Katheterablation. Ein erstes internationales DC-Ablationsregister, an dem auch vier deutsche Zentren beteiligt waren, berichtete 1984 über 127 Patienten aus 24 Zentren. Ein kompletter AV-Block wurde bei 71 % der Patienten erreicht. Die Hannover Gruppe (Trappe, Klein und Huang) berichtete 1992 über Ergebnisse der DC-Katheterablation der AV-Leitung zwischen 1983 und 1990 bei 100 Patienten (86 % Vorhofflimmern, 14 % AV-Reentry Tachykardien). Eine erste erfolgreiche DC-Katheterablation bei einem WPW-Syndrom berichtete Morady (San Francisco, CA) 1985. Borggrefe et al. haben 1987 erstmals über einen Wechsel von der DC-Katheterablation auf ein HF-Katheterverfahren bei einem WPW-Syndrom berichtet. Erste DC-Katheterablationen bei Kammertachykardien beschreibt Hartzler (Kansas City, MO, USA) 1983 bei 3 Patienten. Borggrefe et al. berichten 1989 über 24 Patienten, bei denen eine DC-Katheterablation wegen Kammertachykardien durchgeführt wurde; 17 Patienten hatten nach 14 Monaten keine VT-Rezidive. Die Hannover Gruppe (Trappe, Klein) berichtete 1994 über die Langzeitergebnisse der DC-Katheterablation bei Kammertachykardien nach 5 Jahren bei 51 Patienten. Die VT-Rezidivrate (57 %) und auch die Gesamtmortalität (16 %) waren hoch. Einen Vergleich von DC-Ablation mit der HF-Ablation bei Kammertachykardien berichtete Gonska (Göttingen) 1994. Die Erfolgsraten nach 2 Jahren waren nicht wesentlich unterschiedlich.
Impact assessment of construction waste policy intensity on environmental efficiency based on system generalized method of moments
Authors: Wu Zezhou , Gao Minghao , Xie Peiying , Li Heng , Jiang Mingyang
Published: February 2024

With the acceleration of urbanization in recent years, China has witnessed large-scale construction across its provinces, generating massive amounts of construction waste that pose challenges to environmental protection and sustainable development. This study evaluated the impact of construction waste policy intensity on its environmental efficiency. Firstly, the content analysis method was used to analyze the construction waste policy text quantitatively. Second, this study constructed a slack-based measure (SBM) model based on data envelopment analysis (DEA), considering resource input and construction waste output to measure environmental efficiency. Finally, we built and tested an econometric model of how policies affect environmental efficiency using the system generalized method of moments (SYS-GMM). The findings indicate a non-linear U-shaped link between policy intensity and environmental efficiency. Among all five control variables, population density, urbanization level, and technological innovation enhance environmental efficiency, while economic development and highway density will lower it. This study advances the research on construction waste policies and offers some insights for the construction industry to pursue sustainable development.