bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effective Small Organic Molecule as a Defect Passivator for Highly Efficient Quasi‐2D Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Li Ying , Li Fuqiang , Yu Zhongkai , Tamilavan Vellaiappillai , Oh Chang‐Mok , Jeong Woo Hyeon , Shen Xinyu , Lee Seongbeom , Du Xiangrui , Yang Eunhye , Ahn Yoomi , Hwang In‐Wook , Lee Bo Ram , Park Sung Heum
Published: January 2024

The use of a small organic molecular passivator is proven to be a successful strategy for producing higher‐performing quasi‐2D perovskite light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs). The small organic molecule can passivate defects on the grain surround and surface of perovskite crystal structures, preventing nonradiative recombination and charge trapping. In this study, a new small organic additive called 2, 8‐dibromodibenzofuran (diBDF) is reported and examines its effectiveness as a passivating agent in high‐performance green quasi‐2D PeLEDs. The oxygen atom in diBDF, acting as a Lewis base, forms coordination bonds with uncoordinated Pb2+, so enhancing the performance of the device. In addition, the inclusion of diBDF in the quasi‐2D perovskite results in a decrease in the abundance of low‐n phases, hence facilitating efficient carrier mobility. Consequently, PeLED devices with high efficiency are successfully produced, exhibiting an external quantum efficiency of 19.9% at the emission wavelength of 517 nm and a peak current efficiency of 65.0 cd A‐1.
Recent Advances in Pristine Iron Triad Metal–Organic Framework Cathodes for Alkali Metal‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Chao , Yuan Yuquan , Yue Min , Hu Qiwei , Ren Xianpei , Pan Baocai , Zhang Cheng , Wang Kuaibing , Zhang Qichun
Published: January 2024

Pristine iron triad metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), i.e., Fe‐MOFs, Co‐MOFs, Ni‐MOFs, and heterometallic iron triad MOFs, are utilized as versatile and promising cathodes for alkali metal‐ion batteries, owing to their distinctive structure characteristics, including modifiable and designable composition, multi‐electron redox‐active sites, exceptional porosity, and stable construction facilitating rapid ion diffusion. Notably, pristine iron triad MOFs cathodes have recently achieved significant milestones in electrochemical energy storage due to their exceptional electrochemical properties. Here, the recent advances in pristine iron triad MOFs cathodes for alkali metal‐ion batteries are summarized. The redox reaction mechanisms and essential strategies to boost the electrochemical behaviors in associated electrochemical energy storage devices are also explored. Furthermore, insights into the future prospects related to pristine iron triad MOFs cathodes for lithium‐ion, sodium‐ion, and potassium‐ion batteries are also delivered.
Mitigating Defect States of All‐Inorganic CsPbI2Br Perovskite via Multifunctional 2‐Amino‐5‐Nitrothiazole Additive for an Efficient Air‐Processed Outdoor/Indoor Photovoltaics
Authors: Bahadur Jitendra , Cho SungWon , Pandey Padmini , Yoon Saemon , Lee Dong‐Gun , Ryu Jun , Song Jun Tae , Lim Jongchul , Kang Dong‐Won
Published: January 2024

All‐inorganic CsPbI2Br mixed halide perovskites show promise as wide‐bandgap photoabsorbers in photovoltaics. However, the rapid crystal growth observed in solution‐processed CsPbI2Br often leads to morphologies plagued by pinholes and defects, which limit device performance. This study introduces 2‐Amino‐5‐nitrothiazole (ANT), an innovative precursor additive, to enhance film quality. ANT's selective interactions with the perovskite precursor moderate the crystal growth, resulting in a dense, flawless CsPbI2Br film characterized by superior crystallinity and coverage. Furthermore, the NH2 group in ANT coordinates with Pb octahedra, effectively mitigating charge defects through NHI/Br bonds. Simultaneously, SCN sites interact with uncoordinated Pb2+ ions, reducing defect states and nonradiative recombination. This innovation achieves an impressive device efficiency of 17.13% with a fill factor (FF) of 83.41%, surpassing the control's efficiency of 15.21% (FF of 80.45%). Notably, the champion device maintains an efficiency of 29.47% under indoor light‐emitting diode lighting at 1000 lux. Additionally, the optimized perovskite solar cell demonstrates remarkable stability, retaining ≈90% of its efficiency for over 720 h at 85 °C in air, even without encapsulation.
Small bowel anastomosis in emergency surgery
Authors: Skovsen Anders Peter , Korgaard Jensen Thomas , Gögenur Ismail , Tolstrup Mai‐Britt
Published: January 2024

Background

Emergency laparotomy is associated with a high morbidity and mortality rate. The decision on whether to perform an anastomosis or an enterostomy in emergency small bowel resection is guided by surgeon preference alone, and not evidence based. We examined the risks involved in small bowel resection and anastomosis in emergency surgery.

Methods

A retrospective study from 2016 to 2019 in a university hospital in Denmark, including all emergency laparotomies, where small‐bowel resections, ileocecal resections, right hemicolectomies and extended right hemicolectomies where performed. Demographics, operative data, anastomosis or enterostomy, as well as postoperative complications were recorded. Primary outcome was the rate of bowel anastomosis. Secondary outcomes were the anastomotic leak rate, mortality and complication rates.

Results

During the 3.5‐year period, 370 patients underwent emergency bowel resection. Of these 313 (84.6%) received an anastomosis and 57 (15.4%) an enterostomy. The 30‐day mortality rate was 12.7% (10.2% in patients with anastomosis and 26.3% in patients with enterostomy). The overall anastomotic leak rate was 1.6%, for small‐bowel to colon 3.0% and for small‐bowel to small‐bowel 0.6%.

Conclusion

A primary anastomosis is performed in more than eight out of 10 patients in emergency small bowel resections and is associated with a very low rate of anastomotic leak.
Transhiatal bilateral cervical approach for mediastinoscopy‐assisted esophagectomy: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Jiang Yue‐quan , Xing Hua‐jie , Teng Fei , Huang Yu , Yao Jian‐kai , Wang Zhi‐Qiang
Published: January 2024

Background

The McKeown minimally invasive esophagectomy (McMIE) procedure has various limitations, including surgical contraindications and a high rate of postoperative pulmonary complications. A novel mediastinoscopic esophagectomy procedure was described in this study by using esophageal invagination and a transhiatal and bilateral cervical approach (EITHBC).

Methods

According to the mode of operation, a total of 259 patients were divided into two groups, among which 106 underwent EITHBC and 153 underwent McMIE. The number of lymph nodes dissected, intraoperative outcomes, and postoperative outcomes were compared between the two groups of patients.

Results

The results revealed that the average number of resected lymph node in the EITHBC group was significantly higher in the recL106 and TbL106 stations (recL106: 1.75 vs. 1.51, p = 0.016, TbL106: 1.53 vs. 1.19, p = 0.016) and significantly lower in the 107 stations (1. 74 vs. 2. 07, p < 0.001) than in the McMIE group. The intraoperative blood loss in the EITHBC group was significantly lower than that in the McMIE group (63.30 vs. 80.45 mL, p < 0.001). The incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications in the EITHBC group was lower than that in the McMIE group (14.15% vs. 27.45%, p = 0.008). The incidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis in the EITHBC group was significantly higher than that in the McMIE group (26.41% vs. 10.46%, p = 0.003).

Conclusion

Compared with the McMIE procedure, the EITHBC procedure has advantages in terms of removing the upper mediastinal lymph nodes and reducing postoperative pulmonary complications.
Sediment yield assessment and suggesting mitigation measures—A case study of Deme watershed, Omo‐Gibe Basin, Ethiopia
Authors: Mekuria Eyasu Tafese , Derib Sisay Demeku , Melesse Eyosias Agalu
Published: January 2024

Soil erosion is a big challenge of natural resource development in Ethiopia due to the high expansion of agricultural activity and poor land‐use management. Deme watershed is one of the watersheds found in the Omo‐Gibe Basin, Ethiopia with soil erosion problems. It covers 1284.4 km2. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) integrated with ArcGIS was used to assess the sediment yield of the Deme watershed and develop mitigation measures for soil erosion. The purpose of this study was to assess the sediment yield and provide mitigation measures for the Deme watershed. Ground Control Point (GCP) data collection and field observation were conducted for land‐use land cover classification. The performance of the model was evaluated by coefficient of determination (R2), Nash Sutcliffe simulation efficiency (NSE), and percent bias (PBIAS). SWAT adequately reproduced the observed daily flows and sediment loads temporal evolution with R2 and NSE ≥ .7 and PBIAS < 15% both for the calibration and validation periods. The sediment‐rating curve measured an annual average suspended sediment yield of 12.79 tons per hectare per year, whereas the SWAT model predicted an annual average sediment yield of 14.35 tons per hectare per year. The spatial distribution map of sediment showed that 9 out of 17 sub‐watersheds generate a higher amount of sediment yield (15.1–45 tons/h/year) and are found to be erosion‐prone areas. For proper management of watershed terracing, filter strips, contouring, and reforestation scenarios were developed. Each scenario reduces the sediment yield by 74.29%, 58.34%, 47.78%, and 69.76%, respectively. The proper combination of these scenarios resulted in a 90% reduction in sediment yield. Policymakers and land‐use planners of different organization will benefit from this research by implementing soil and water conservation mechanisms and practices that strengthen and mitigate the natural systems of Deme watershed.
Phenomenological profile of scotogenic fermionic dark matter
Authors: Karan Anirban , Sadhukhan Soumya , Valle José W. F.
Published: January 2024

Abstract

We consider the possibility that neutrino masses arise from the exchange of dark matter states. We examine in detail the phenomenology of fermionic dark matter in the singlet-triplet scotogenic model. We explore the case of singlet-like fermionic dark matter, taking into account all coannihilation effects relevant for determining its relic abundance, such as fermion-fermion and scalar-fermion coannihilation. Although this in principle allows for dark matter below 60 GeV, the latter is in conflict with charged lepton flavour violation (cLFV) and/or collider physics constraints. We examine the prospects for direct dark matter detection in upcoming experiments up to 10 TeV. Fermion-scalar coannihilation is needed to obtain viable fermionic dark matter in the 60-100 GeV mass range. Fermion-fermion and fermion-scalar coannihilation play complementary roles in different parameter regions above 100 GeV.
Broken (super) conformal Ward identities at finite temperature
Authors: Marchetto Enrico , Miscioscia Alessio , Pomoni Elli
Published: January 2024

Abstract

When a (super) conformal field theory is placed on a non-trivial manifold, the (super) conformal symmetry is broken. However, it is still possible to derive broken Ward identities for these broken symmetries, which provide additional constraints on the theory. We derive and apply the broken Ward identities associated with the (super) conformal group on the thermal manifold $$ {\mathcal{M}}_{\beta }={S}_{\beta}^1\times {\mathbb{R}}^{d-1} $$

M
β

=

S
β
1

×

ℝ

d
−
1

and $$ \mathcal{M}={T}^2\times {\mathbb{R}}^{d-2} $$
M
=

T
2

×

ℝ

d
−
2

. The novel constraints not only systematically reproduce known results, including an implicit formulation of the generalized Cardy formula, but also elegantly relate the thermal energy spectrum with the conformal spectrum.
Die Auswirkungen von Primärdatenqualität und -interoperabilität auf Analysen von Real-World-Daten
Authors: Weber Stefanie
Published: January 2024

Real-World-Daten rücken im Rahmen der Digitalisierung immer mehr in den Fokus der Versorgungsforschung. Die zeitnahe Verfügbarkeit von großen Datenmengen lässt hoffen, dass Forschungsfragen ohne zusätzliche Datenerhebung schnell beantwortet und ein direkter Nutzen für die Versorgung von Menschen erreicht werden kann. Gerade in akuten Versorgungslagen, wie Hitzewellen oder einer Pandemie, kann dies entscheidend sein. Doch hängen die Real-World-Daten ganz maßgeblich von der Qualität und Intention der Datenerhebung ab. Sie werden auch durch Festlegungen auf semantische und syntaktische Standards beeinflusst, die für Primärdaten getroffen werden – oft mit heterogenen Zielsetzungen. Im Rahmen der verschiedenen Initiativen auf nationaler wie auf internationaler Ebene sollten deshalb ein holistischer Blick auf Datenerhebung und Auswertung und ein regelhafter Rückkopplungsmechanismus zwischen Datenauswertung und Festlegungen für die Erhebung angestrebt werden. Durch eine Einbeziehung von Anforderungen an die sekundäre Datenauswertung in die Festlegungsprozesse für die Datenerhebung kann die Aussagekraft der Daten für die Forschung langfristig erhöht werden.

In diesem Diskussionsbeitrag werden zunächst die Aktivitäten zur standardisierten Datenerfassung im Rahmen der Digitalisierungsinitiativen und die entsprechenden europäischen Ansätze dargestellt. Anhand der Auswirkungen dieser Aktivitäten auf Möglichkeiten und Schwierigkeiten der Datenzusammenführung für Analysen von Real-World-Daten wird schließlich im Beitrag für einen anhaltenden Diskurs zwischen den verschiedenen Bereichen geworben.
Current models in bacterial hemicellulase-encoding gene regulation
Authors: Novak Jessica K. , Gardner Jeffrey G.
Published: January 2024

The discovery and characterization of bacterial carbohydrate-active enzymes is a fundamental component of biotechnology innovation, particularly for renewable fuels and chemicals; however, these studies have increasingly transitioned to exploring the complex regulation required for recalcitrant polysaccharide utilization. This pivot is largely due to the current need to engineer and optimize enzymes for maximal degradation in industrial or biomedical applications. Given the structural simplicity of a single cellulose polymer, and the relatively few enzyme classes required for complete bioconversion, the regulation of cellulases in bacteria has been thoroughly discussed in the literature. However, the diversity of hemicelluloses found in plant biomass and the multitude of carbohydrate-active enzymes required for their deconstruction has resulted in a less comprehensive understanding of bacterial hemicellulase-encoding gene regulation. Here we review the mechanisms of this process and common themes found in the transcriptomic response during plant biomass utilization. By comparing regulatory systems from both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, as well as drawing parallels to cellulase regulation, our goals are to highlight the shared and distinct features of bacterial hemicellulase-encoding gene regulation and provide a set of guiding questions to improve our understanding of bacterial lignocellulose utilization.

Key points

• Canonical regulatory mechanisms for bacterial hemicellulase-encoding gene expression include hybrid two-component systems (HTCS), extracytoplasmic function (ECF)-σ/anti-σ systems, and carbon catabolite repression (CCR).

• Current transcriptomic approaches are increasingly being used to identify hemicellulase-encoding gene regulatory patterns coupled with computational predictions for transcriptional regulators.

• Future work should emphasize genetic approaches to improve systems biology tools available for model bacterial systems and emerging microbes with biotechnology potential. Specifically, optimization of Gram-positive systems will require integration of degradative and fermentative capabilities, while optimization of Gram-negative systems will require bolstering the potency of lignocellulolytic capabilities.
Inhibition of proteinase-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) decreased the malignant progression of lung cancer cells and increased the sensitivity to chemotherapy
Authors: Huo Hongjie , Feng Yu , Tang Qiong
Published: January 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to study the effect of protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) on the proliferation, invasion, and clone formation of lung cancer cells. It also aimed to evaluate the inhibitory effect of melittin on PAR2 and the anti-lung cancer effect of melittin combined with gefitinib.

Methods

The correlation between the co-expression of PAR2 and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers was analyzed. PAR2 in A549 and NCI-H1299 cells was knocked down using siRNA. MTT assay, Transwell assay, and colony formation assay were used to detect the effects of PAR2 on cell proliferation, invasion, and clone formation. The anti-cancer effect of PAR2 knockdown on gefitinib treatment was analyzed. The synergistic effect of melittin on gefitinib treatment by inhibiting PAR2 and the underlying molecular mechanism were further analyzed and tested.

Results

The expression of PAR2 was upregulated in lung cancer, which was associated with the poor prognosis of lung cancer. PAR2 knockdown inhibited the stemness and EMT of lung cancer cells. It also inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and colony formation of A549 and NCI-H1299 cells. Moreover, PAR2 knockdown increased the chemotherapeutic sensitivity of gefitinib in lung cancer. Melittin inhibited PAR2 and the malignant progression of lung cancer cells. Melittin increased the chemotherapeutic sensitivity of gefitinib in lung cancer by inhibiting PAR2.

Conclusion

PAR2 may promote the proliferation, invasion, and colony formation of lung cancer cells by promoting EMT. Patients with a high expression of PAR2 have a poor prognosis. Inhibition of PAR2 increased the chemotherapeutic sensitivity of gefitinib. PAR2 may be a potential therapeutic target and diagnostic marker for lung cancer.
Extramedullary versus intramedullary fixation of unstable trochanteric femoral fractures (AO type 31-A2): a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zeelenberg Miliaan L. , Plaisier A. Cornelis , Nugteren Leendert H. T. , Loggers Sverre A. I. , Joosse Pieter , Verhofstad Michiel H. J. , Den Hartog Dennis , Van Lieshout Esther M. M. ,   STABLE-HIP Study Group, Gosens Taco , Hegeman Johannes H. , Polinder Suzanne , Poolman Rudolf W. , Willems Hanna C. , Zuurmond Rutger G.
Published: January 2024

Objective

The aim of this systematic review was to compare extramedullary fixation and intramedullary fixation for AO type 31-A2 trochanteric fractures in the elderly, with regard to functional outcomes, complications, surgical outcomes, and costs.

Methods

Embase, Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Google Scholar were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies. Effect estimates were pooled across studies using random effects models. Results are presented as weighted risk ratio (RR) or weighted mean difference (MD) with corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI).

Results

Fourteen RCTs (2039 patients) and 13 observational studies (22,123 patients) were included. Statistically superior results in favor of intramedullary fixation were found for Harris Hip Score (MD 4.09, 95% CI 0.91–7.26, p = 0.04), Parker mobility score (MD − 0.67 95% CI − 1.2 to − 0.17, p = 0.009), lower extremity measure (MD − 4.07 95% CI − 7.4 to − 0.8, p = 0.02), time to full weight bearing (MD 1.14 weeks CI 0.92–1.35, p < 0.001), superficial infection (RR 2.06, 95% CI 1.18–3.58, p = 0.01), nonunion (RR 3.67, 95% CI 1.03–13.10, p = 0.05), fixation failure (RR 2.26, 95% CI 1.16–4.44, p = 0.02), leg shortening (MD 2.23 mm, 95% CI 0.81–3.65, p = 0.002), time to radiological bone healing (MD 2.19 months, 95% CI 0.56–3.83, p = 0.009), surgery duration (MD 11.63 min, 95% CI 2.63–20.62, p = 0.01), operative blood loss (MD 134.5 mL, 95% CI 51–218, p = 0.002), and tip-apex distance > 25 mm (RR 1.73, 95% CI 1.10–2.74, p = 0.02). No comparable cost/costs-effectiveness data were available.

Conclusion

Current literature shows that several functional outcomes, complications, and surgical outcomes were statistically in favor of intramedullary fixation when compared with extramedullary fixation of AO/OTA 31-A2 fractures. However, as several of the differences found appear not to be clinically relevant and for many outcomes data remains sparse or heterogeneous, complete superiority of IM fixation for AO type 31-A2 fractures remains to be confirmed in a detailed cost-effectiveness analysis.
Impact of nutrition counseling on nutrition status in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing radio- or radiochemotherapy: a systematic review
Authors: Zeidler Jenny , Kutschan Sabine , Dörfler Jennifer , Büntzel Jens , Huebner Jutta
Published: January 2024

Purpose

In this systematic review, we included randomized controlled trials from 2004 to 2021 to determine the effect of individual dietary counseling for patients with head and neck cancer, specifically, nutritional outcome, morbidity, and quality of life (QOL), during and after chemo- and chemoradiotherapy.

Methods

In October 2023, a systematic search was conducted searching five electronic databases (Embase, Cochrane, PsychInfo, CINAHL, and Medline) to find studies concerning the use and effectiveness of intensive nutritional care on head and neck cancer patients.

Results

From all 2565 search results, 6 studies with 685 head and neck cancer patients were included in this systematic review. The patients were treated with radiotherapy or radiochemotherapy. The therapy concepts include intensive nutritional support from a dietician. Outcomes were nutritional status, body composition, quality of life, and adverse effect. All studies had low quality, high risk of bias, and reported heterogeneous results: some studies reported significant improved nutrition status, body composition and quality of life, while other studies did not find any changes concerning these endpoints.

Conclusion

Due to the very heterogeneous results and methodical limitations of the included studies, a clear statement regarding the effectiveness of intensive nutritional therapy of head and neck cancer patients is not possible. Further well-planned studies are needed.
Real-time facial emotion recognition model based on kernel autoencoder and convolutional neural network for autism children
Authors: Talaat Fatma M. , Ali Zainab H. , Mostafa Reham R. , El-Rashidy Nora
Published: January 2024

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by abnormalities in the brain, leading to difficulties in social interaction and communication, as well as learning and attention. Early diagnosis of ASD is challenging as it mainly relies on detecting abnormalities in brain function, which may not be evident in the early stages of the disorder. Facial expression analysis has shown promise as an alternative and efficient solution for early diagnosis of ASD, as children with ASD often exhibit distinctive patterns that differentiate them from typically developing children. Assistive technology has emerged as a crucial tool in improving the quality of life for individuals with ASD. In this study, we developed a real-time emotion identification system to detect the emotions of autistic children in case of pain or anger. The emotion recognition system consists of three stages: face identification, facial feature extraction, and feature categorization. The proposed system can detect six facial emotions: anger, fear, joy, natural, sadness, and surprise. To achieve high-performance accuracy in classifying the input image efficiently, we proposed a deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) architecture for facial expression recognition. An autoencoder was used for feature extraction and feature selection, and a pre-trained model (ResNet, MobileNet, and Xception) was applied due to the size of the dataset. The Xception model achieved the highest performance, with an accuracy of 0.9523%, sensitivity of 0.932, specificity of 0.9421, and AUC of 0.9134%. The proposed emotion detection framework leverages fog and IoT technologies to reduce latency for real-time detection with fast response and location awareness. Using fog computing is particularly useful when dealing with big data. Our study demonstrates the potential of using facial expression analysis and deep learning algorithms for real-time emotion recognition in autistic children, providing medical experts and families with a valuable tool for improving the quality of life for individuals with ASD.
Does intervertebral disc degeneration in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis correlate with patient-reported pain scores? A review of 968 cases
Authors: Boylan Conor , Thimmaiah Ravindra , McKay George , Gardner Adrian , Newton Ede Matthew , Mehta Jwalant , Spilsbury Jonathan , Marks David , Jones Morgan
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Report the rate and severity of degenerative disc disease (DDD) in non-surgical adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients and correlate these findings with patient-reported symptomatology scores. Additionally, to quantify the rate of concurrent pathological radiological findings in this group.

Methods

This was a retrospective chart review study at a single tertiary centre. AIS patients aged 10–16 who had received a whole spine MRI between September 2007 and January 2019 and who had not received surgical intervention to their spine were included. MRI scan reports were screened to extract those who had evidence of DDD. These were then reviewed by a blinded second reviewer who graded every disc using the Pfirrmann grading system. SRS-22 scores were extracted for patients when available.

Results

In total, 968 participants were included in the study. Of these, 93 (9.6%) had evidence of DDD, which was Pfirrmann grade ≥ 3 in 28 (2.9%). The most commonly affected level was L5/S1 (59.1% of DDD cases).

A total of 55 patients (5.7%) had evidence of syringomyelia, 41 (3.4%) had evidence of spondylolisthesis (all L5/S1), 14 (1.4%) had bilateral L5 pars defects, and 5 (0.5%) had facet joint degeneration. Spondylolisthesis and bilateral pars defects were more common in patients with DDD identified on MRI scan (p < 0.001 and p = 0.04, respectively).

Function (p = 0.048) and pain (p = 0.046) scores were worse in patients with DDD.

Conclusion

We present a baseline for the rate and severity of DDD in the non-operative AIS cohort. This should assist in decision-making and counselling of patients prior to surgery.

Level of evidence

III.
Linking Resource Quality and Biodiversity to Benthic Ecosystem Functions Across a Land-to-Sea Gradient
Authors: Mäkelin Saara , Lewandowska Aleksandra M. , Rodil Iván F. , Karlson Agnes M. L. , Humborg Christoph , Villnäs Anna
Published: January 2024

Benthic macrofauna modifies carbon and nutrient retention and recycling processes in coastal habitats. However, the contribution of benthic consumers to carbon and nutrient storage and recycling shows variation over spatial scales, as the benthic community composition changes in response to differences in environmental conditions. By sampling both shallow sandy and deep muddy sediments across a land-to-sea gradient in the northern Baltic Sea, we explored if benthic community composition, stoichiometry and process rates change in response to alterations in environmental conditions and food sources. Our results show that benthic faunal biomass, C, N, and P stocks, respiration rate and secondary production increase across the land-to-sea gradient in response to higher resource quality towards the open sea. The seston δ13C indicated terrestrial runoff and δ15N sewage input at the innermost study sites, whereas more fresh marine organic matter towards the open sea boosted benthic faunal carbon storage, respiration rate, and secondary production, that is, the generation of consumer biomass, which are essential processes for carbon turnover in this coastal ecosystem. Also, biological factors such as increasing species richness and decreasing biomass dominance of the clam Macoma balthica were significant in predicting benthic faunal C, N, and P stocks and process rates, especially at sandy sites. Interestingly, despite the variation in food sources, the benthic faunal C:N:P ratios remained stable across the gradient. Our results prove that human activities in the coastal area can influence the important links between biodiversity, structure, and process rates of benthic communities by modifying the balance of available resources, therefore hampering the functioning of coastal ecosystems.
HPV positivity status in males is related to the acquisition of HPV infection in females in heterosexual couples
Authors: Huang Yuxuan , Kang Yafang , Li Ye , Cai Liangzhi , Wu Qibin , Liu Dabin , Mao Xiaodan , Huang Leyi , Osafo Kelvin Stefan , Zhang Yan , Xu Shuxia , Dong Binhua , Sun Pengming
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Few studies have focused on the impact of human papillomavirus (HPV) positivity in male partners on female HPV infection and cervical lesions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of the HPV infection status of husbands on wives’ cervical HPV infection and lesions.

Methods

We surveyed 251 monogamous couples who attended the outpatient department of Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital from 2013 to 2021. HPV type analysis was performed on exfoliated cells of the females’ cervix and males’ urethra by the PCR-reverse dot blot method. We analyzed the prevalence and consistency of HPV types in 251 couples. Subsequently, the risk of HPV infection in females with HPV-positive male partners was analyzed. SPSS version 26 (IBM, Chicago, USA) was used for statistical analysis.

Results

In 251 couples, the most commonly detected high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) genotypes were 52, 51, 16, and 58 for males and 16, 52, 18, and 58 for females. Wives with HPV-positive husbands had higher infection rates for most HR-HPV genotypes. HR-HPV positivity in husbands was a risk factor for the development of cervical lesions in wives (OR = 2.250, P = 0.014). Both single-type (OR = 2.085, P = 0.040) and multiple-type (OR = 2.751, P = 0.036) infection in husbands will contributed to an increased risk of non-HR-HPV infection and cervical lesions in wives.

Conclusion

Husbands’ HPV positivity increases the burden of non-HR-HPV infection and increases the risk of cervical lesions developing in wives. It is hoped to provide a reference value for cervical cancer prevention in females and HPV vaccination in males.
Correlated change in habitual and situational reading motivation
Authors: Retelsdorf Jan , Cruz Neri Nadine , Möller Jens , Köller Olaf , Nagy Gabriel
Published: January 2024

We aim to examine similarities and differences in the developmental patterns of habitual (HRM) and situational reading motivation (SRM). We investigated the correlated change of SRM and two aspects of HRM: habitual reading enjoyment and habitual reading for interest. The sample comprised N = 1508 students with four waves of data collections spaced approximately every 18 months. Applying multivariate curve-of-factors models, first we found a decline in all three aspects of reading motivation from T1 to T3, and a stable trajectory from T3 to T4. Second, all three aspects of reading motivation correlated strongly regarding time-specific aspects, as well as level and trend factors. Third, the two HRM aspects showed higher correlations than did any aspect of HRM with SRM. Implications of the correlated declines of HRM and SRM, and for future research on reading motivation in general, are discussed.
A Narrative Review of the Dichotomy Between the Social Views of Non-Monogamy and the Experiences of Consensual Non-Monogamous People
Authors: Rodrigues David L.
Published: January 2024

Monogamy is deeply rooted in most Western societies, shaping how people construe and behave in romantic relationships. These normative views facilitate the emergence of negative perceptions and evaluations when people choose not to adhere to mononormativity. Even though people in consensual non-monogamous (CNM) relationships are targets of stigmatization, research shows a dichotomy between these negative views and the relational experiences of CNM people. Indeed, people in CNM and monogamous relationships have comparable relationship functioning and quality and struggle with similar relationship problems. One of the differences is that CNM relationships afford people to explore their sexuality and fulfill their needs with multiple partners, without agreed-upon extradyadic behavior being perceived as infidelity or having deleterious consequences to relationship maintenance. These positive experiences notwithstanding, CNM people are continuously pressured by mononormativity and stigmatization, increasing the risk of internalized CNM negativity and worse personal and relational outcomes. One possible way to counteract CNM stigmatization and improve the lives of CNM people is by changing discourses surrounding non-monogamy and improving acceptance, not only in professional settings but also in the general population. Another strategy is to understand how the relationship beliefs and scripts of younger generations can help promote more inclusive and diverse societies.
A regularization–correction approach for adapting subdivision schemes to the presence of discontinuities
Authors: Amat Sergio , Levin David , Ruiz-Álvarez Juan , Yáñez Dionisio F.
Published: January 2024

Linear approximation methods suffer from Gibbs oscillations when approximating functions with jumps. Essentially non oscillatory subcell-resolution (ENO-SR) is a local technique avoiding oscillations and with a full order of accuracy, but a loss of regularity of the approximant appears. The goal of this paper is to introduce a new approach having both properties of full accuracy and regularity. In order to obtain it, we propose a three-stage algorithm: first, the data is smoothed by subtracting an appropriate non-smooth data sequence; then a chosen high order linear approximation operator is applied to the smoothed data and finally, an approximation with the proper jump or corner (jump in the first order derivative) discontinuity structure is reinstated by correcting the smooth approximation with the non-smooth element used in the first stage. This new procedure can be applied as subdivision scheme to design curves and surfaces both in point-value and in cell-average contexts. Using the proposed algorithm, we are able to construct approximations with high precision, with high piecewise regularity, and without smearing nor oscillations in the presence of discontinuities. These are desired properties in real applications as computer aided design or car design, among others.
Acetone compression improves lymph node yield and metastasis detection in colorectal cancer
Authors: Schnoz Christina , Schmid Katrin , Ortega Sanchez Guacimara , Schacher-Kaufmann Sabina , Adamina Michel , Peros Georgios , Erdin Dieter , Bode Peter Karl
Published: January 2024

Lymph node status is one of the most important prognostic factors in colorectal cancer, and accurate pathological nodal staging and detection of lymph node metastases is crucial for determination of post-operative management. Current guidelines, including the TNM staging system and European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) guidelines, recommend examination of at least 12 lymph nodes. However, identification of an adequate number of lymph nodes can be challenging, especially in the setting of neoadjuvant treatment, which may reduce nodal size. In this study, we investigated 384 colorectal cancer resections that were processed at our department of pathology between January 2012 and December 2022, in which the number of detected lymph nodes was less than 12 subsequent to conventional preparation of mesocolic fat tissue. By means of acetone compression, lymph node harvest increased significantly (p < 0.0001), and the intended number of ≥ 12 lymph nodes was achieved in 98% of resection specimens. The number of nodal positive cases increased significantly from n = 95 (24.7%) before versus n = 131 (34.1%) after acetone compression due to additionally identified lymph node metastases (p < 0.001). In 36 patients (9.4%) initially considered as nodal negative, acetone compression led to a staging adjustment to a nodal positive category and thereby drove a recommendation to offer post-operative therapy. In conclusion, acetone compression is a reliable and useful method implementable in routine surgical pathology for the retrieval of lymph nodes in colorectal cancer specimen, allowing for an adequate lymph node sampling and an increase in nodal staging reliability.
A Missing Piece of the Puzzle? Exploring Whether Science Capital and STEM Identity are Associated with STEM Study at University
Authors: Godec Spela , Archer Louise , Moote Julie , Watson Emma , DeWitt Jennifer , Henderson Morag , Francis Becky
Published: January 2024

Internationally, there are concerns that more needs to be done to address the inequalities in participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects at the degree level. In response, research focused on better understanding what influences young people’s STEM participation has focused on a range of factors. This paper contributes to the existing research with an analysis of how “science capital” and “STEM identity” relate to STEM participation. We draw on data from 3310 young people aged 21–22 who had undertaken an undergraduate degree, 523 of whom studied a STEM subject. We found that science capital and STEM identity were statistically significantly related to studying a STEM degree (with science capital being weakly and STEM identity strongly associated with STEM study at university). Adopting a Bourdieusian lens, we discuss what our findings mean for higher education and what more could be done to support students, especially those who are currently under-represented in STEM, such as through better recognising and developing their science capital and supporting their sense of belonging in STEM.
Properties of a highly compensated high-purity germanium
Authors: Palleti Pradeep Chandra , Seyidov Palvan , Gybin Alexander , Pietsch Mike , Juda Uta , Fiedler Andreas , Irmscher Klaus , Sumathi R. Radhakrishnan
Published: January 2024

The electrical and optical properties of a compensated high-purity germanium (HPGe) single crystal was investigated using various characterization techniques. Aluminium, boron, and phosphorus were the major residual shallow-level impurities identified by photothermal ionization spectroscopy (PTIS). Hall effect measurements performed at low temperatures (77 K) along the growth length reveal that the crystal is p-type at the top and bottom, while n-type in the middle part with a net carrier concentration in the range of 1010–1011 cm−3. The obtained very high resistivity (2.3 ⨯ 108 Ω·cm) at 91 K in the temperature-dependent Hall measurements (TDH) at the bottom part of the crystal indicates a high level of compensation (84%) of charge carriers by deep-level impurities or defects with an activation energy near 0.195 eV. The highest hole mobility$$({\mu _p} = ~46700\,{\rm{c}}{{\rm{m}}^2}\,/{\rm{V}}\cdot{\rm{s}})$$

(

μ
p

=

46700

c

m

2

/
V
·
s
)

  at 77 K was obtained at the top part, which is moderately compensated. The carrier lifetimes of the grown HPGe crystals were measured using microwave-detected photoconductivity (MDP) at room temperature. The average carrier lifetime decreases from the top to bottom part of the crystal from 130 to 60 µs, which is less than that of the usually observed values in HPGe crystals due to a strong compensation.
A Hybrid Pragmatic and Factorial Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial for an Anti-racist, Multilevel Intervention to Improve Mental Health Equity in High Schools
Authors: Mulawa Marta I. , Docherty Sharron L. , Bailey Donald E. , Gonzalez-Guarda Rosa M. , Lipkus Isaac M. , Randolph Schenita D. , Yang Qing , Pan Wei
Published: January 2024

Systemic racism is pervasive in US society and disproportionately limits opportunities for education, work, and health for historically marginalized and minoritized racial and ethnic groups, making it an urgent issue of social justice. Because systemic racism is a social determinant of health prevalent across multiple social and institutional structures, it requires multilevel intervention approaches using effective designs and analytic methods to measure and evaluate outcomes. Racism is a fundamental cause of poor health outcomes, including mental health outcomes; thus, mental health services and programs that address racism and discrimination are key to promoting positive mental health of racial and ethnic minority youth. While multilevel interventions are well-suited for improving outcomes like youth mental health disparities, their evaluation poses unique methodological challenges, requiring specialized design and analytic approaches. There has been limited methodological guidance provided to researchers on how to test multilevel interventions using approaches that balance methodological rigor, practicality, and acceptability across stakeholder groups, especially within communities most affected by systemic racism. This paper addresses this gap by providing an example of how to rigorously evaluate a hypothetical, theoretically based, multilevel intervention promoting mental health equity in three US school systems using an anti-racist approach intervening at the macro- (i.e., school system), meso- (i.e., school), and micro- (i.e., family and student) levels to improve mental health in adolescents. We describe the design, sample size considerations, and analytic methods to comprehensively evaluate its effectiveness while exploring the extent to which the components interact synergistically to improve outcomes. The methodological approach proposed can be adapted to other multilevel interventions that include strategies addressing macro-, meso-, and micro-levels of influence.
Species richness patterns and community structure of land snail communities along an urban-rural gradient in river floodplains
Authors: Čiliak Marek , Čejka Tomáš , Tej Branislav , Oboňa Jozef , Manko Peter
Published: January 2024

Urbanisation is widely considered as having a large impact on most native species. However, the species response to urbanisation varies among taxonomic groups, and its generalisation might lead to contradictory or incorrect management decisions in urban planning. Land snails, as an understudied group in this sense, are good subjects to study the impact of urbanisation due to their low dispersal capabilities and mobility. The study aimed to determine how land snail diversity patterns and community structure are influenced by urbanisation through an urban-to-rural gradient. A total of 59 terrestrial gastropod species and more than 4600 individuals were recorded at 24 alluvial sites distributed along an urban-to-rural gradient in three Slovak cities (Bratislava, Zvolen and Prešov). Most species belonged to euryecious, hygrophilous and forest specialist ecological groups; seven species were non-native to Slovakia. The results clearly highlight the negative effect of densely built areas on land snail community structure, since the proportion of indigenous and specialist species decreased progressively towards urban sites. The highest mean number of species was found in suburban zones and the lowest in urban zones, suggesting that most species favour intermediate levels of urbanisation. Some species (e.g. Arion vulgaris) were evenly distributed along the urbanisation gradient, supporting the importance of river floodplains as bio-corridors for the dispersal of gastropods.
Life cycle assessment of hemp-based milk alternative production in Lower Saxony, Germany, based on a material flow analysis of a pilot scale
Authors: Ferdouse Jannatul , Silva Beatriz Q. , Baune Marie-Christin , Terjung Nino , Smetana Sergiy
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Recently, demand for plant-based milk products (PBMP) has increased for multiple reasons, such as the rapid population growth expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, health concerns such as lactose intolerance, nutritional aspects, ethical reasons, and environmental concerns. This leads to increased demand for food and competition for natural resources. Hemp-based milk is an emerging dairy alternative, and stakeholders in the supply chain are becoming increasingly interested in learning about the environmental effects of its production. This article aims for a comparative life cycle assessment of hemp-based and bovine milk with fat and protein correction to account for the differences in macronutrient content.

Methods

The cradle-to-factory gate LCA relied on experimental cultivation and milk production in Lower Saxony, Germany. Inventory was based on primary data from fields and the pilot plant of DIL e. V. and on literature and ecoinvent database to develop a life cycle assessment (LCA) model. The LCA was performed using Simapro 9.3 software and IMPACT 2002+ impact assessment method. The life cycle stages include cultivation, harvesting, and milk production. The study compared hemp-based milk to bovine milk based on 1 kg fat and protein-corrected milk (FPCM) as a functional unit (FU). Co-products are taken into consideration using mass-economic allocation.

Results

The results showed that hemp cultivation accounted for the highest impact (99%) in the production chain of hemp milk production. The GWP of 1 kg of FPCM hemp-based milk is 0.42 kg CO2 eq. The energy consumption for 1 kg of FPCM hemp-based milk is 4.73 MJ (12.26% lower than bovine milk). The other main factors impacting hemp-based milk production were terrestrial ecotoxicity (6.444E2 kg TEG soil) and aquatic ecotoxicity (2.458E2 kg TEG water). Hemp fiber was the co-product with 40% of the allocated impacts. The results are sensitive to the changes in fat-protein contents, functional unit, and system boundaries. The results demonstrated that the impacts of hemp milk production were within the range indicated for other PBMP production and 51.7% lower than bovine milk production in terms of GWP. This range primarily stems from field emissions, fertilizer application, and machinery usage during cultivation and harvest.

Conclusion

The results of the comparisons of bovine milk and hemp-based milk were dependable on the FU. The hemp-based milk has the potential to be a more sustainable alternative to bovine milk due to considerably lower impacts in impact categories—land occupation (99% lower than bovine milk), global warming (52% lower than bovine milk), and ionizing radiation (23% lower than bovine milk). It is primarily due to less use of agricultural machinery, less land requirement, and lower NH3 emissions than bovine milk in various stages of milk production.