bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Local tetragonal distortion of Pt alloy catalysts for enhanced oxygen reduction reaction efficiency
Authors: Li Xiaoke , Duan Xiao , Hua Kang , Wu Yongkang , Rui Zhiyan , Ding Rui , Li Aidong , Ouyang Chen , Li Jia , Li Ting , Liu Jianguo
Published: February 2024

Platinum‐based alloy nanoparticles are the most attractive catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction at present, but an in‐depth understanding of the relationship between their short‐range structural information and catalytic performance is still lacking. Herein, we present a synthetic strategy that uses transition‐metal oxide‐assisted thermal diffusion. PtCo/C catalysts with localized tetragonal distortion were obtained by controlling the thermal diffusion process of transition‐metal elements. This localized structural distortion induced a significant strain effect on the nanoparticle surface, which further shortened the length of the Pt–Pt bond, improved the electronic state of the Pt surface, and enhanced the performance of the catalyst. PtCo/C catalysts with special short‐range structures achieved excellent mass activity (2.27 A mgPt−1) and specific activity (3.34 A cm−2). In addition, the localized tetragonal distortion‐induced surface compression of the Pt skin improved the stability of the catalyst. The mass activity decreased by only 13% after 30,000 cycles. Enhanced catalyst activity and excellent durability have also been demonstrated in the proton exchange membrane fuel cell configuration. This study provides valuable insights into the development of advanced Pt‐based nanocatalysts and paves the way for reducing noble‐metal loading and increasing the catalytic activity and catalyst stability.
Multiple‐dimensioned defect engineering for graphite felt electrode of vanadium redox flow battery
Authors: Jiang Yingqiao , Wang Yinhui , Cheng Gang , Li Yuehua , Dai Lei , Zhu Jing , Meng Wei , Xi Jingyu , Wang Ling , He Zhangxing
Published: February 2024

The scarcity of wettability, insufficient active sites, and low surface area of graphite felt (GF) have long been suppressing the performance of vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs). Herein, an ultra‐homogeneous multiple‐dimensioned defect, including nano‐scale etching and atomic‐scale N, O co‐doping, was used to modify GF by the molten salt system. NH4Cl and KClO3 were added simultaneously to the system to obtain porous N/O co‐doped electrode (GF/ON), where KClO3 was used to ultra‐homogeneously etch, and O‐functionalize electrode, and NH4Cl was used as N dopant, respectively. GF/ON presents better electrochemical catalysis for VO2+/VO2+ and V3+/V2+ reactions than only O‐functionalized electrodes (GF/O) and GF. The enhanced electrochemical properties are attributed to an increase in active sites, surface area, and wettability, as well as the synergistic effect of N and O, which is also supported by the density functional theory calculations. Further, the cell using GF/ON shows higher discharge capacity, energy efficiency, and stability for cycling performance than the pristine cell at 140 mA cm−2 for 200 cycles. Moreover, the energy efficiency of the modified cell is increased by 9.7% from 55.2% for the pristine cell at 260 mA cm−2. Such an ultra‐homogeneous etching with N and O co‐doping through “boiling” molten salt medium provides an effective and practical application potential way to prepare superior electrodes for VRFB.
Selectivity in Adduct Formation of a Bidentate Boron Lewis Acid
Authors: Beckmann J. Louis , Neumann Beate , Stammler Hans‐Georg , Mitzel Norbert W.
Published: February 2024

A bidentate boron Lewis acid based on 1,8‐diethynylanthracene has been studied in detail with respect to its adduct formation with diamines and diphosphanes of different linker lengths between the donor functions. A clear correlation between the linker length of the bifunctional base and the formation of 1 : 1 adducts, 1 : 2 adducts or oligomers was found. The adducts were characterized in solution by NMR titration experiments and structurally by X‐ray diffraction. In addition, adduct formation and competition experiments of the host system with ZR3 (Z=N, P; R=H, Me) demonstrated the generally higher stability of alkylphosphane adducts compared to alkylamine adducts with boron functions. The results provide a general insight into the adduct formation of bidentate Lewis acids with guests of different sizes as well as the differences in stability between borane‐amine and borane‐phosphane adducts.
Anion‐π+ AIEgens for Fluorescence Imaging and Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Liu Lingxiu , Gong Jianye , Jiang Guoyu , Wang Jianguo
Published: February 2024

Fluorescence imaging‐guided photodynamic therapy (PDT) has attracted extensive attention due to its potential of real‐time monitoring the lesion locations and visualizing the treatment process with high sensitivity and resolution. Aggregation‐induced emission luminogens (AIEgens) show enhanced fluorescence and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation after cellular uptake, giving them significant advantages in bioimaging and PDT applications. However, most AIEgens are unfavorable for the application in organisms due to their severe hydrophobicity. Anion‐π+ type AIEgens carry intrinsic charges that can effectively alleviate their hydrophobicity and improve their binding capability to cells, which is expected to enhance the bioimaging quality and PDT performance. This concept summarizes the applications of anion‐π+ type AIEgens in fluorescence imaging, fluorescence imaging‐guided photodynamic anticancer and antimicrobial therapy in recent years, hoping to provide some new ideas for the construction of robust photosensitizers. Finally, the current problems and future challenges of anion‐π+ AIEgens are discussed.
Hydrogen‐Bonded Complex of the Parent Phosphinidene
Authors: Jiang Junjie , Fang Wei , Lu Bo , Li Weixing , Yu Qi , Zeng Xiaoqing
Published: February 2024

The diatomic molecule PH is very reactive, and it serves as the parent compound for phosphinidenes featuring a monovalent phosphorus atom. Herein, we report the characterization and reactivity of a rare hydrogen‐bonded complex of PH. Specifically, the molecular complex between PH and HCl has been generated by photolysis of chlorophosphine (H2PCl) at 254 nm in a solid Ar‐matrix at 10 K. The IR spectrum of the complex HP⋅⋅⋅HCl and quantum chemical calculations at the UCCSD(T)‐F12a/haTZ level consistently prove that the phosphorus atom acts as a hydrogen bond acceptor with a binding energy (D0) of −0.6 kcal mol−1. In line with the observed absorption at 341 nm for the binary complex, the triplet phosphinidene PH undergoes prototype H−Cl bond insertion by reformation of H2PCl upon photoexcitation at 365 nm. However, this hydrogen‐bonded complex is unstable in the presence of N2 and HCl, as both molecules prefers stronger interactions with HCl than PH in the observed complexes HP⋅⋅⋅HCl⋅⋅⋅N2 and HP⋅⋅⋅2HCl.
Chiroptical properties of membrane glycerophospholipids and their chiral backbones
Authors: Bocková Jana , Garcia Adrien D. , Jones Nykola C. , Hoffmann Søren V. , Meinert Cornelia
Published: February 2024

Glycerophospholipid membranes are one of the key cellular components. Still, their species‐dependent composition and homochirality remain an elusive subject. In the context of the astrophysical circularly polarized light scenario likely involved in the generation of a chiral bias in meteoritic amino and sugar acids in space, and consequently in the origin of life's homochirality on Earth, this study reports the first measurements of circular dichroism and anisotropy spectra of a selection of glycerophospholipids, their chiral backbones and their analogs. The rather low asymmetry in the interaction of UV/VUV circularly polarized light with sn‐glycerol‐1/3‐phosphate indicates that chiral photons would have been unlikely to directly induce symmetry breaking to membrane lipids. In contrast, the anisotropy spectra of d‐3‐phosphoglyceric acid and d‐glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate unveil up to 20 and 100 times higher maximum anisotropy factor values, respectively. This first experimental report, targeted on investigating the origins of phospholipid symmetry breaking, opens up new avenues of research to explore alternative mechanisms leading to membrane lipid homochirality, while providing important clues for the search for chiral biosignatures of extant and/or extinct life in space, in particular for the ExoMars 2028 mission.
PROTOCOL: Effects of social prescribing for older adults: An evidence and gap map
Authors: Ghogomu Elizabeth Tanjong , Welch Vivian , Yaqubi Mojde , Dewidar Omar , Barbeau Victoria I. , Biswas Srija , Card Kiffer , Hsiung Sonia , Muhl Caitlin , Nelson Michelle , Salzwedel Douglas M. , Saragosa Marianne , Yu Cindy , Mulligan Kate , Hébert Paul
Published: February 2024

Objectives

This is the protocol for an evidence and gap map. The objectives are as follows: The aim of this evidence and gap map is to map the available evidence on the effectiveness of social prescribing interventions addressing a non‐medical, health‐related social need for older adults in any setting.

Specific objectives are as follows:

To identify existing evidence from primary studies and systematic reviews on the effects of community‐based interventions that address non‐medical, health‐related social needs of older adults to improve their health and wellbeing.

To identify research evidence gaps for new high‐quality primary studies and systematic reviews.

To highlight evidence of health equity considerations from included primary studies and systematic reviews.
Detection of circulating tumor DNA with ultradeep sequencing of plasma cell‐free DNA for monitoring minimal residual disease and early detection of recurrence in early‐stage lung cancer
Authors: Tan Aaron C. , Lai Gillianne G. Y. , Saw Stephanie P. L. , Chua Kevin L. M. , Takano Angela , Ong Boon‐Hean , Koh Tina P. T. , Jain Amit , Tan Wan Ling , Ng Quan Sing , Kanesvaran Ravindran , Rajasekaran Tanujaa , Kalashnikova Ekaterina , Renner Derrick , Sudhaman Sumedha , Malhotra Meenakshi , Sethi Himanshu , Liu Minetta C. , Aleshin Alexey , Lim Wan‐Teck , Tan Eng‐Huat , Skanderup Anders J. , Ang Mei‐Kim , Tan Daniel S. W.
Published: February 2024

Background

In early‐stage non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), recurrence is frequently observed. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has emerged as a noninvasive tool to risk stratify patients for recurrence after curative intent therapy. This study aimed to risk stratify patients with early‐stage NSCLC via a personalized, tumor‐informed multiplex polymerase chain reaction (mPCR) next‐generation sequencing assay.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included patients with stage I–III NSCLC. Recruited patients received standard‐of‐care management (surgical resection with or without adjuvant chemotherapy, followed by surveillance). Whole‐exome sequencing of NSCLC resected tissue and matched germline DNA was used to design patient‐specific mPCR assays (Signatera, Natera, Inc) to track up to 16 single‐nucleotide variants in plasma samples.

Results

The overall cohort with analyzed plasma samples consisted of 57 patients. Stage distribution was 68% for stage I and 16% each for stages II and III. Presurgery (i.e., at baseline), ctDNA was detected in 15 of 57 patients (26%). ctDNA detection presurgery was significantly associated with shorter recurrence‐free survival (RFS; hazard ratio [HR], 3.54; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00–12.62; p = .009). In the postsurgery setting, ctDNA was detected in seven patients, of whom 100% experienced radiological recurrence. ctDNA positivity preceded radiological findings by a median lead time of 2.8 months (range, 0–12.9 months). Longitudinally, ctDNA detection at any time point was associated with shorter RFS (HR, 16.1; 95% CI, 1.63–158.9; p < .0001).

Conclusions

ctDNA detection before surgical resection was strongly associated with a high risk of relapse in early‐stage NSCLC in a large unique Asian cohort. Prospective studies are needed to assess the clinical utility of ctDNA status in this setting.
High KRT17 expression in tumour budding indicates immunologically ‘hot’ tumour budding and predicts good survival in patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Liang Wenfeng , Jie Haiqing , Xie Hao , Zhou Yebohao , Li Wenxin , Huang Liang , Liang Zhenxing , Liu Huashan , Zheng Xiaobin , Zeng Ziwei , Kang Liang
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Emerging evidence has demonstrated that tumour budding (TB) is negatively associated with T‐lymphocyte infiltration in CRC. Despite extensive research, the molecular characteristics of immunologically ‘hot’ TB remain poorly understood.

Methods

We quantified the number of TB by haematoxylin–eosin (H&E) sections and the densities of CD3+ and CD8+ T‐lymphocytes by immunohistochemistry in a CRC cohort of 351 cases who underwent curative resection. We analysed the differential expression and T‐lymphocyte infiltration score of 37 human epithelial keratins in CRC using RNA sequencing from the TCGA dataset. In 278 TB‐positive cases, KRT17 expression was evaluated in tumour centre (TC) and TB with a staining score. Patient demographic, clinicopathological features and survival rates were analysed.

Results

In a CRC cohort of 351 cases, low‐grade TB was associated with high CD3+ and CD8+ T‐cell densities in the invasive margin (IM) but not in the TC. Of 37 human epithelial keratins, only KRT17 expression in TB had an apparent association with TB‐grade and T‐lymphocyte infiltration. In 278 TB‐positive cases, high KRT17 expression in TB (KRT17TB) was negatively associated with low‐grade TB and positively associated with high CD3+ and CD8+ T‐cell densities in IM. High KRT17TB predicted early tumour grade, absence of lymph node metastasis and absence of tumour deposits. Additionally, patients with high KRT17TB had good overall survival and disease‐free survival. Notably, low KRT17TB can specifically identify those patients with a poor prognosis among colorectal cancer patients with low TB and high T‐lymphocyte infiltration.

Conclusions

KRT17 can be employed as a new indicator for distinguishing different immunological TBs.
Segmentation, feature extraction and classification of leukocytes leveraging neural networks, a comparative study
Authors: Fang Tingxuan , Huang Xukun , Chen Xiao , Chen Deyong , Wang Junbo , Chen Jian
Published: February 2024

The gold standard of leukocyte differentiation is a manual examination of blood smears, which is not only time and labor intensive but also susceptible to human error. As to automatic classification, there is still no comparative study of cell segmentation, feature extraction, and cell classification, where a variety of machine and deep learning models are compared with home‐developed approaches. In this study, both traditional machine learning of K‐means clustering versus deep learning of U‐Net, U‐Net + ResNet18, and U‐Net + ResNet34 were used for cell segmentation, producing segmentation accuracies of 94.36% versus 99.17% for the dataset of CellaVision and 93.20% versus 98.75% for the dataset of BCCD, confirming that deep learning produces higher performance than traditional machine learning in leukocyte classification. In addition, a series of deep‐learning approaches, including AlexNet, VGG16, and ResNet18, was adopted to conduct feature extraction and cell classification of leukocytes, producing classification accuracies of 91.31%, 97.83%, and 100% of CellaVision as well as 81.18%, 91.64% and 97.82% of BCCD, confirming the capability of the increased deepness of neural networks in leukocyte classification. As to the demonstrations, this study further conducted cell‐type classification of ALL‐IDB2 and PCB‐HBC datasets, producing high accuracies of 100% and 98.49% among all literature, validating the deep learning model used in this study.
Investigation on lysosomal accumulation by a quantitative analysis of 2D phase‐maps in digital holography microscopy
Authors: Giugliano Giusy , Schiavo Michela , Pirone Daniele , Běhal Jaromír , Bianco Vittorio , Montefusco Sandro , Memmolo Pasquale , Miccio Lisa , Ferraro Pietro , Medina Diego L.
Published: February 2024

Lysosomes are the terminal end of catabolic pathways in the cell, as well as signaling centers performing important functions such as the recycling of macromolecules, organelles, and nutrient adaptation. The importance of lysosomes in human health is supported by the fact that the deficiency of most lysosomal genes causes monogenic diseases called as a group Lysosomal Storage Diseases (LSDs). A common phenotypic hallmark of LSDs is the expansion of the lysosomal compartment that can be detected by using conventional imaging methods based on immunofluorescence protocols or overexpression of tagged lysosomal proteins. These methods require the alteration of the cellular architecture (i.e., due to fixation methods), can alter the behavior of cells (i.e., by the overexpression of proteins), and require sample preparation and the accurate selection of compatible fluorescent markers in relation to the type of analysis, therefore limiting the possibility of characterizing cellular status with simplicity. Therefore, a quantitative and label‐free methodology, such as Quantitative Phase Imaging through Digital Holographic (QPI‐DH), for the microscopic imaging of lysosomes in health and disease conditions may represent an important advance to study and effectively diagnose the presence of lysosomal storage in human disease. Here we proof the effectiveness of the QPI‐DH method in accomplishing the detection of the lysosomal compartment using mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) derived from a Mucopolysaccharidosis type III‐A (MSP‐IIIA) mouse model, and comparing them with wild‐type (WT) MEFs. We found that it is possible to identify label‐free biomarkers able to supply a first pre‐screening of the two populations, thus showing that QPI‐DH can be a suitable candidate to surpass fluorescent drawbacks in the detection of lysosomes dysfunction. An appropriate numerical procedure was developed for detecting and evaluate such cellular substructures from in vitro cells cultures. Results reported in this study are encouraging about the further development of the proposed QPI‐DH approach for such type of investigations about LSDs.
The secondary transfer effects of contact in facilitating peace in a frozen conflict: The case of Turkish immigrants in Cyprus
Authors: Ünver‐Aba Halime , Çakal Hüseyin
Published: February 2024

The present research focuses on the secondary transfer effect of contact, a relatively less researched dimension of intergroup contact, on reconciliation in the context of one of the most intractable and longest surviving interethnic conflicts in Europe, the Cyprus conflict. Currently, Cyprus is home to three groups with differential social, economic and political statuses: (1) disadvantaged low‐status Turkish immigrants, (2) simultaneously advantaged (relative to Turkish immigrants) and disadvantaged (relative to Greek Cypriots) Turkish Cypriots and (3) historically advantaged high‐status Greek Cypriots. Across two studies (Study 1 N = 270 and Study 2 N = 501), we test whether and how Turkish immigrants’ contact with Turkish Cypriots shapes Turkish immigrants' support for reconciliation and willingness to live with Greek Cypriots via attitude generalisation. We also investigate whether Turkish immigrants’ perceived ingroup reputation qualifies this process. Controlling for the effects of direct contact with Greek Cypriots, our results show that both quantity and quality of contact with proximal Turkish Cypriots were indirectly associated with greater support for reconciliation with them and more willingness to live with Greek Cypriots via positive attitudes towards the primary (Turkish Cypriots) and positive attitudes towards the secondary (Greek Cypriots), sequentially. Moreover, we found that the perceived higher ingroup reputation across the island positively moderated the indirect effects of primary group contact on support for reconciliation and willingness to live with Greek Cypriots. That is, more contact with the primary outgroup was positively linked to greater support for reconciliation with the distal secondary outgroup Greek Cypriots when perceptions of ingroup reputation were higher.
Damage assessment of unreinforced masonry buildings incorporating damage accumulation
Authors: Inarritu Pablo García de Quevedo , Kohrangi Mohsen , Bazzurro Paolo
Published: February 2024

Recent earthquakes have shown susceptibility of unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings to damage accumulation in seismic sequences or long duration ground motions. Current structural modelling approaches commonly disregard the damage accumulation in URM buildings or they are unable to accurately capture this phenomenon unless sophisticated FEM models are employed. Such models are not feasible in risk‐based applications given the required large number of dynamic analyses needed to develop robust fragility and vulnerability curves. On the other hand, the common displacement‐based engineering demand parameters (EDP), such as inter‐story drift ratio, fail to capture the impact of damage accumulation in simpler, more manageable models. An alternative is to use advanced damage indices that are capable of monitoring the monotonic accumulation of damages. This study proposes a displacement‐ and energy‐based damage index that uses, as the basis, the Park and Ang damage index, modified and calibrated through experimental data of individual URM elements. Our calibration procedure maps the physical observed damage states to the hysteretic response of the elements. Consequently, damage on the individual elements is aggregated to define a global damage state at building level. Validation is carried out based on an equivalent frame model of a building tested on a shake table. Additionally, the model is subjected to multiple ground motions of seismic sequences and to long‐duration ground motions to evaluate the performance of the proposed damage index. In comparison with displacement‐based damage measures, the proposed damage index shows a superior ability to capture cumulative damage, even when simplified models are employed.
Gas desorption law of coal particles and calculation method of gas loss during fixed‐point closed sampling
Authors: Wen Zhihui , Wu Xinliang , Wei Jianping , Wang Yanping , Ren Jiangang , Jia Ran
Published: February 2024

With the application of new technologies for coal mine gas control, it has been increasingly urgent to apply the fixed‐point closed sampling (FPCS) technology for accurate measurement of coal seam gas content. In this study, gas desorption during FPCS was analyzed. In addition, gas desorption experiments and COMSOL simulations were conducted on coal particles. Furthermore, the gas desorption law during FPCS was compared with that under atmospheric pressure. The results show that Sun's formula can effectively characterize the gas desorption law during FPCS, and the i value remains unchanged when the gas desorption curve is fitted with Sun's formula. On this basis, a specific method for calculating gas loss during FPCS by using Sun's formula was proposed. The research findings are expected to provide a theoretical basis for accurate measurement of coal seam gas content by means of FPCS.
Wind turbine fault detection and isolation robust against data imbalance using KNN
Authors: Fazli Ali , Poshtan Javad
Published: February 2024

Due to the difficulties of system modeling, nonlinearity effects, uncertainties, and the availability of Wind Turbines (WTs) SCADA system data, data‐driven Fault Detection and Isolation (FDI) methods for WTs have received increasing attention. In this paper, using the wind turbine SCADA data, an effective FDI scheme is proposed using the K‐Nearest Neighbors (KNN) classifier. The operational data set is labeled by the status and warning data sets, and the labeled operational data set, after eliminating invalid data, feature selection, and standardization, is used for training and validation of the FDI model. Data imbalance, which is common in real data sets, does not affect the performance of the proposed method, hence there is no need for data balancing methods in this algorithm and the performance is not deteriorated by occurring false alarms. Therefore, the proposed method has provided impressive performance in FDI compared with previous research on this data set. Also, many of the fault classes addressed in this paper were not considered in previous works on this data set.
Unveiling challenges in Mendelian randomization for gene–environment interaction
Authors: Gorfine Malka , Qu Conghui , Peters Ulrike , Hsu Li
Published: February 2024

Gene–environment (GxE) interactions play a crucial role in understanding the complex etiology of various traits, but assessing them using observational data can be challenging due to unmeasured confounders for lifestyle and environmental risk factors. Mendelian randomization (MR) has emerged as a valuable method for assessing causal relationships based on observational data. This approach utilizes genetic variants as instrumental variables (IVs) with the aim of providing a valid statistical test and estimation of causal effects in the presence of unmeasured confounders. MR has gained substantial popularity in recent years largely due to the success of genome‐wide association studies. Many methods have been developed for MR; however, limited work has been done on evaluating GxE interaction. In this paper, we focus on two primary IV approaches: the two‐stage predictor substitution and the two‐stage residual inclusion, and extend them to accommodate GxE interaction under both the linear and logistic regression models for continuous and binary outcomes, respectively. Comprehensive simulation study and analytical derivations reveal that resolving the linear regression model is relatively straightforward. In contrast, the logistic regression model presents a considerably more intricate challenge, which demands additional effort.
Insights into a collective impact partnership to promote consumption of healthy drinks in North East Melbourne: A qualitative case study
Authors: Mithen J. , Archibald D. , Begnell P. , Thomson D. , Vally H.
Published: February 2024

Issue Addressed

To explore insights and perspectives of a collective impact (CI) partnership taking on a new project that aimed to reduce sugary drink consumption and promote water as the drink of choice across North East Melbourne.

Methods

A qualitative case study was undertaken. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with key stakeholders in the partnership. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Fourteen organisations participated in the North East Healthy Drinks Alliance. The data demonstrated that investing in developing a common agenda supported the establishment of a CI approach. The backbone organisation was found to have played a crucial role in coordinating the activities of the Alliance. This coordination was found to be particularly important in terms of ensuring that organisations were able to work on mutually reinforcing activities at their own pace. Program planning and reporting was managed through open continuous communication by the backbone organisation. The data collected pertains to the activities of the Alliance in its first 2 years, prior to the development of a shared measurement strategy, thus no data was collected on this aspect of the collective impact framework. Although some participants were found to have limited knowledge of CI, this did not seem to hinder their participation in the Alliance.

Conclusion

Selecting a relevant and accessible focus area and investing in developing a common agenda supported the establishment of a CI approach.

So What?

The CI framework offers a valuable tool for undertaking cross‐sectoral, local partnerships for health.
Potentially inappropriate medication prescribing based on 2019 Beers criteria and the impact of pharmacist intervention in elderly patients with kidney diseases: A report from Iran
Authors: Nader Babaei Yasaman , Niazkhani Zahra , Makhdoomi Khadijeh , Esmaeili Ayda
Published: February 2024

Background and Aims

A potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) is a pharmaceutical agent that poses a greater risk of harm than potential benefit to elderly patients. This study aimed to detect PIMs and their risk factors in hospitalized elderly patients with kidney disease.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study assessed medication orders of elderly patients (≥65 years old) with kidney diseases admitted to the hospital. In the first 6 months, we retrospectively evaluated all medications to identify PIMs according to the 2019 Beers criteria. In the second phase, a clinical pharmacist prospectively evaluated all medications and suggested modifications as needed. Data were analyzed to determine risk factors for prescribing PIMs.

Results

Based on our evaluation of 258 patients, we observed that the utilization of PIMs was prevalent among the study population. Of the total patients evaluated, 273 instances of PIM use were identified, with only 23.3% of patients not having any PIMs. Notably, proton pump inhibitors and benzodiazepines were the most frequently prescribed PIMs. The risk of experiencing a PIM was significantly amplified by a higher degree of polypharmacy, with odds approximately 2.68 times higher (p < 0.01). Several factors were found to be associated with an increased likelihood of having a PIM, including being male, undergoing hemodialysis, having chronic kidney disease or other comorbidities, and having an extended hospital stay. The second phase of study, in terms of addressing these issues, physicians adhered to 67.5% of the 120 recommendations made by pharmacists regarding the discontinuation of PIM usage.

Conclusion

High prevalence of PIMs was detected in our study population. Preventing medication‐associated harms in the elderly can reduce the financial burden imposed on healthcare systems. Therefore, routine evaluation of medications with clinical pharmacists and/or implementation of computerized medication decision support systems is recommended to prevent PIMs use.
Impact of the pandemic on surgical oncology in Piedmont, Italy: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Lo Moro Giuseppina , Ragusa Paolo , Previti Christian , Comandone Alessandro , Airoldi Mario , Aglietta Massimo , Siliquini Roberta
Published: February 2024

Background and Methods

This retrospective observational study analyzes how the COVID‐19 pandemic affected surgical oncology healthcare in a large sample from Piedmont, Northern Italy. Patients admitted for regular hospitalization were included (n = 99 651). Data from 2020 were compared to the averages from 2016 to 2019, stratified by tumor site, year, month, and admission method, using interrupted time series analysis post‐March 2020.

Results

In 2020, oncological surgeries decreased by 12.3% (n = 17 923) compared to the 2016–2019 average (n = 20 432), notably dropping post‐March (incidence rate ratio = 0.858;p < 0.001). The greatest reduction was observed for breast (−19.2%), colon (−18.2%), bladder (−17.5%), kidney (−14.2%), and prostate (−14%) surgeries. There was a huge reduction in nonemergency admissions (−13.6%), especially for colon (−23.8%), breast (−19.4%), and bladder (−18.7%). The proportion of hospitalizations with emergency access increased (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The COVID‐19 pandemic led to a significant decrease in cancer surgeries in Piedmont in 2020, with an increase in the proportion of admissions through emergency access.

Discussion

The research provides valuable insights for comparing data with other regions and evaluating the effectiveness of efforts to recover lost surgical procedures. These findings can be useful to policymakers in developing coordinated measures and more efficient access strategies to healthcare services in any future emergency situations.
Contemporary report of surgical outcomes after single‐stage total pancreatectomy: A 10‐year experience
Authors: Zohar Nitzan , Kowal Luke , Moskal David , Ponzini Francesca , Sun George , Lamm Ryan J. , Williamson John , Nevler Avinoam , Lavu Harish , Maley Warren R. , Yeo Charles J. , Bowne Wilbur B.
Published: February 2024

Background

Surgeons rarely perform elective total pancreatectomy (TP). Our study seeks to report surgical outcomes in a contemporary series of single‐stage (SS) TP patients.

Methods

Between the years 2013 to 2023 we conducted a retrospective review of 60 consecutive patients who underwent SSTP. Demographics, pathology, treatment‐related variables, and survival were recorded and analyzed.

Results

SSTP consisted of 3% (60/1859) of elective pancreas resections conducted. Patient median age was 68 years. Ninety percent of these patients (n = 54) underwent SSTP for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Conversion from a planned partial pancreatectomy to TP occurred intraoperatively in 31 (52%) patients. Fifty‐nine patients (98%) underwent an R0 resection. Median length of hospital stay was 6 days. The majority of morbidities were minor, with 27% patients (n = 16) developing severe complications (Clavien‐Dindo ≥3). Thirty and ninety‐day mortality rates were 1.67% (one patient) and 5% (three patients), respectively. Median survival for the entire cohort was 24.4 months; 22.7 months for PDAC patients, with 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year survival of 68%, 43%, and 16%, respectively. No mortality occurred in non‐PDAC patients (n = 6).

Conclusion

Elective single‐stage total pancreatectomy can be a safe and appropriate treatment option. SSTP should be in the armamentarium of surgeons performing pancreatic resection.
Gamification in the Metaverse: Affordance, perceived value, flow state, and engagement
Authors: Cha Seong‐Soo , Kim Choo Yeon , Tang Ying
Published: February 2024

This study aims to empirically validate a theoretical model for the engagement of the performance Metaverse platform with other rapidly developing Metaverse platforms around the world. It innovatively examines the relationship between gamification affordance, perceived value, and flow state in the context of the Metaverse concert platform and the relationship that improves engagement in the tourism and entertainment industries. The proposed model incorporates five stages: gamification, affordance, perceived value, flow state, and engagement. A total of 671 usable questionnaires were obtained, and the results were analysed using confirmatory factor analysis, discriminant validity analysis, and path analysis. Social gain and enjoyment have a positive effect on the personal flow state and are influenced by identity affordance, competition affordance, and self‐expression affordance. Furthermore, the flow state increases engagement. However, the relationship between perceived value (effectiveness, social gain, and enjoyment) and flow state differ according to gender.
Factors influencing population growth in a bobcat population
Authors: Lehman Chadwick P. , Morrison Erin E. , Neiles Brady Y. , Rota Christopher T.
Published: February 2024

Bobcats (Lynx rufus) are the most broadly distributed native felid in North America and have substantial ecological and economic importance. Despite this importance, little is known about factors influencing population dynamics of this cryptic carnivore. Given recent apparent declines in abundance, we investigated population growth rate (λ) for a bobcat population in the Black Hills, South Dakota, USA, 2016–2022. We constructed and evaluated a females‐only matrix population model. Our estimate of asymptotic λ, derived from estimates of vital rates obtained over 6 years, was 0.85 (95% CI = 0.72, 1.02), which indicates that the vital rates in 2016–2022 were inadequate to sustain the population. Elasticity and sensitivity values were highest for changes in adult survival probability followed by, in order, changes in kitten and juvenile survival and adult reproductive contribution. Life‐stage simulation analysis also supported that adult survival was most important; however, the juvenile survival (91 day–1 year) component of a bobcat's first year of life was also important and a stronger influence on population growth than the kitten survival (first 90 days) component. For the combination of survival and reproductive rates we estimated positive population growth required either annual adult survival >0.85 or 275‐day juvenile survival >0.35, regardless of other vital rates. When assuming a baseline harvest rate of 23.5%, reducing the harvest rate to 9% led to a positive mean growth rate and a >0.50 probability of a growing population. Monitoring juvenile‐to‐adult harvest ratios can provide an indicator of age structure in the population, and we recommend restricting harvest when that ratio falls below 10%, particularly when managers lack research information on population growth.
Knowledge as a capability to make decisions: Experiences with a virtual support context
Authors: Kivijärvi Hannu
Published: February 2024

Human decision making is an act or process that is based on explicit or tacit knowledge, and can be supported in a limitless number of ways. Knowledge is a broad and delicate concept, rich in nuance, a concept that has been interpreted, understood, and categorized in different ways. Even if it may be true that “all knowing is personal knowing,” all knowledge is not inevitably personal knowledge. Organizations have a common capability to act (i.e., knowledge capacity or intellectual capital), the lack of which would inevitably prevent organizational action and would lead to unpredictability, disorder and chaos. Hence, the conversion of personal knowledge to organizational usage has become an important and justified stream of research. However, there are serious conceptual barriers to deriving organizational knowledge directly from personal knowledge. Although the term “conversion” is partly misleading, it is used here in the absence of a better alternative to describe a type of knowledge generation process in which one kind of knowledge is used to create another kind of knowledge. In this paper, we define knowledge as the individual or organizational capability to make decisions. We show that the ability to make decisions is determined not only by the personal dimension but also by the social and material dimensions; knowledge is a triangular model that combines these three worlds. In order to explore and manage the resource of knowledge more effectively in organizational contexts, the key question involves how to support and stimulate the deployment of personal knowledge for common usage in organizational decision making. The contributions of this paper are firstly the provision of a theoretical basis for a virtual support context, and secondly a description of an experience with a concrete virtual context that supports and stimulates the conversion of personal knowledge into strategic, organizational decisions. The support system developed here provides a set of virtual conditions that can be used to exercise organizational skills and capabilities for effective decision making.
Effect of stand age on soil microbial metabolic limitation and enzyme activities in Robinia pseudoacacia L. plantations in the loess hilly‐gully region, China
Authors: Zhao Min , Sun Yarong , Liu Shaohua , Li Yichun , Chen Yunming
Published: February 2024

Soil heterotrophic microorganisms play crucial roles in soil biogeochemical cycles by secreting extracellular enzymes, but their metabolism is often limited by resource availability. Identifying major resources that limit soil microbial metabolism could help to create reasonable management practices for the maintenance of ecosystem function. Robinia pseudoacacia plantations perform crucial functions in reconstituting the ecological integrity of disturbed ecosystems; however, soil microbial metabolic limitations in R. pseudoacacia plantations remain poorly understood. Herein, R. pseudoacacia plantations of four age classes (10, 22, 37, and 47 years old) were sampled in the loess hilly‐gully region of northern Shaanxi Province in China. This study analyzed the effects of stand age on soil extracellular enzyme activities and soil microbial metabolic limitation. It also determined the main factor driving soil microbial metabolic limitation and extracellular enzyme activities. The results of ecoenzymatic stoichiometry showed that nitrogen (N) limited soil microbial metabolism in R. pseudoacacia plantations. Soil microbial metabolism at 10 and 22 years old were more carbon (C)‐ and N‐limited than that at 37 and 47 years old. Except for N‐ and phosphorus (P)‐acquiring enzyme activities at 10–20 cm, soil C‐, N‐, and P‐acquiring enzyme activities (in 0–10 and 10–20 cm of soil) at 10 and 22 years old were significantly higher than those at 37 and 47 years old. The enzymatic ratio of C:N:phosphorus(P) acquisition in all R. pseudoacacia plantations, regardless of stand age and soil depth, deviated from 1:1:1. Soil nutrients explained most of the variation (90.80%) in soil extracellular enzyme activities based on variation‐partitioning analysis. The partial least squares path model showed that soil nutrients had the highest total negative effect on microbial C limitation and microbial N/P limitation. Our results confirmed that microbial metabolic limitation was induced by soil resource deficits. The findings provide another visual that increases our understanding of soil microbial metabolic limitation in R. pseudoacacia plantations.
Isotope effects of O2 consumption in a deep lake as means for understanding partitioning of O2 demand among microorganisms, particles, and sediment
Authors: Musan Israela , Gildor Hezi , Gonsiorczyk Thomas , Grossart Hans‐Peter , Luz Boaz
Published: February 2024

The isotopic ratio 18O/16O of dissolved O2 in aquatic systems is affected by the preferential biological uptake of 16O (ε). Studies over the past six decades reveal that during incubation experiments, the isotopic effect of microorganism respiration (εorganism) varies in the range of −18‰ to −22‰. In contrast, natural variations in the deep‐ocean O2 concentration and δ18O levels show a considerably weaker effect (~ −10‰). The differences between these observations have been explained to result from either O2 uptake by sediments or organic particles that, due to diffusion‐limited respiration, are expected to weakly fractionate oxygen isotopes, by mixing processes or by weak fractionation at low temperatures. To gain better insight, we studied oxygen demand and δ18O in the deep, cold hypolimnion of Lake Stechlin between 2018 and 2021 as well as in various laboratory incubations. Our incubation results demonstrate an εorganism of about −24‰. Simple model calculations demonstrate a sediment O2 demand isotope effect (εSOD) of about −8.4‰, and a variated water‐column O2 demand isotope effect (εWOD) which is lower than εorganism, ranging from −13.9‰ in 2019 to −23‰ in 2021. Accompanying experiments indicate that the lower magnitude of εWOD may be related to respiration at organic particles lending to a weaker fractionation effect. Thus, variations in εWOD may reflect a changing partitioning of hypolimnion oxygen uptake between suspended particles and their containing microorganisms. Based on own incubation experiments with Daphnia carcasses, we discuss how possible changes of particle rigidity might influence εWOD.
The small nucleolar RNA SNORA51 enhances breast cancer stem cell‐like properties via the RPL3/NPM1/c‐MYC pathway
Authors: Li Shan , Jin Zining , Song Xinyue , Ma Jinfei , Peng Ziqi , Yu Hao , Song Jian , Zhang Yiqi , Sun Xiaoyu , He Miao , Yu Xinmiao , Jin Feng , Zheng Ang
Published: February 2024

Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) are key players in carcinogenesis and development. Small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) seem to have a crucial influence on regulating stem cell‐like properties in various cancers, but the underlying mechanism in breast cancer has not been determined. In this study, we first found that the expression of SNORA51 might be strongly and positively related to BCSCs‐like properties. SNORA51 expression was assessed in breast cancer tissues (n = 158 patients) by in situ hybridization. Colony formation, cell counting kit‐8, and sphere formation assays were used to detect cell proliferation and self‐renewal, respectively. Wound healing and transwell assays were used to detect cell migration. Coimmunoprecipitation and molecular docking were used to determine the underlying mechanism through which SNORA51 regulates BCSCs‐like properties. High SNORA51 expression was associated with a worse prognosis, overall survival, and disease‐free survival, in 158 breast cancer patients and was also closely related to lymph node status, ER status, the Ki‐67 index, histological grade, and TNM stage. Further analysis proved that SNORA51 could enhance and maintain stem cell‐like properties, including cell proliferation, self‐renewal, and migration, in breast cancer. Moreover, high SNORA51 expression could reduce nucleolar RPL3 expression, induce changes in the expression of NPM1 in the nucleolus and nucleoplasm, and ultimately increase c‐MYC expression. Taken together, our findings demonstrated that SNORA51 could enhance BCSCs‐like properties via the RPL3/NPM1/c‐MYC pathway both in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, SNORA51 might be a significant biomarker and potential therapeutic target and might even provide a new viewpoint on the regulatory mechanism of snoRNAs in breast cancer or other malignant tumors.
Emerging roles of nerve‐bone axis in modulating skeletal system
Authors: Li Jingya , Zhang Zhuoyuan , Tang Jinru , Hou Zeyu , Li Longjiang , Li Bo
Published: February 2024

Over the past decades, emerging evidence in the literature has demonstrated that the innervation of bone is a crucial modulator for skeletal physiology and pathophysiology. The nerve‐bone axis sparked extensive preclinical and clinical investigations aimed at elucidating the contribution of nerve‐bone crosstalks to skeleton metabolism, homeostasis, and injury repair through the perspective of skeletal neurobiology. To date, peripheral nerves have been widely reported to mediate bone growth and development and fracture healing via the secretion of neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, axon guidance factors, and neurotrophins. Relevant studies have further identified several critical neural pathways that stimulate profound alterations in bone cell biology, revealing a complex interplay between the skeleton and nerve systems. In addition, inspired by nerve‐bone crosstalk, novel drug delivery systems and bioactive materials have been developed to emulate and facilitate the process of natural bone repair through neuromodulation, eventually boosting osteogenesis for ideal skeletal tissue regeneration. Overall, this work aims to review the novel research findings that contribute to deepening the current understanding of the nerve‐bone axis, bringing forth some schemas that can be translated into the clinical scenario to highlight the critical roles of neuromodulation in the skeletal system.
An improved gain and directivity design of an antipodal Vivaldi antenna for ultra‐wideband detection
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Li Yongcheng , Liu Jianwei , Fan Yucheng , Hou Kangming , Xu Huaqiang
Published: February 2024

A novel antipodal Vivaldi antenna (AVA) is proposed to achieve improved gain and directivity. To enhance the bandwidth of the antenna, a series of equal‐sized slots are etched onto the patch surface. Additionally, a dielectric lens with a fan‐shaped structure is integrated along the patch openings to boost gain. The length of the lens which will affect the radiation characteristics of the antenna in the end‐fire direction will be discussed. Furthermore, three arrays of directors are added to enhance the directivity. The fabricated antenna is then measured using a vector network analyzer in a microwave chamber to assess its performance. The results indicate that the antenna's minimum operating frequency is reduced by 0.5 GHz after etching the slots. Besides, the average gain is improved by 1 dBi after installing the fan‐shaped expansion structure. By introducing the directors, the sidelobe levels decrease and the 3 dB Half‐Power Beamwidth becomes sharper. Finally, an ultra‐wideband (UWB) detection experiment is designed to analyze the detection capability of the fabricated antennas. The results demonstrate that the antenna is well‐suited for UWB applications.