bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human dignity and researcher conduct in emergency care research with incapacitated adults
Authors: Stein C
Published: September 2023

Emergency care research sometimes involves incapacitated adults as research participants. The ethical principle of respect for autonomy may not necessarily apply to an incapacitated person unable to act in an autonomous manner, although it can be argued that researchers still have a duty of respect towards such people because they have moral status despite being incapacitated. Sharing some common ground with theories of moral status based on ‘humanness’ and the ability for rational thought is the notion of human dignity, which features in arguments regarding researcher conduct with incapacitated patients. However, human dignity premised upon the unique ability of humans for rational thought and moral self-regulation is contingent upon these capabilities – a limitation that possibly makes dignity a less useful framework for research conduct in emergency care research. In this article, I will discuss the different conceptions of human dignity – as equality, status and virtue – and then draw on more recent literature that explains human dignity as a social constraint and as a factor influencing the conduct of healthcare professionals and researchers. I will address questions of whether dignity as a principle ought to apply only to those who have the ability to think rationally, or to all humans regardless of their condition or mental status. I will argue that, in relation to offering protection to research participants in emergency conditions, it is immaterial which view is taken.
Changes in the empathy levels of a group of undergraduate medical students: A longitudinal study
Authors: Archer E , Turner R
Published: September 2023

Background. The concept of empathy in students has gained significant attention in medical education. Whether implementing formal educational interventions to promote long-term and effective empathy levels leads to sustained increased empathy levels in students, is however less clear.
Objectives. The study aimed to evaluate the trajectory of medical students’ self-perceived empathy levels during their 6-year MB ChB degree.
Methods. A longitudinal, prospective study was conducted over 4 years. A cohort of 292 medical students was invited to participate. Participants completed the Jefferson Scale of Empathy for Students (JSE-S) at three intervals during their studies. The students attended two workshops related to empathic patient interactions during this time. The JSE-S mean score by age and gender was compared, making use of a linear regression model.
Results. A total of 119 students completed the study. Students’ total empathy levels were similar during the first and the last measuring point (110), but there was a significant rise in the intermediate measuring point (113.3). When the male and female cohorts’ scores were interpreted separately, both genders demonstrated a similar pattern to the total score, although females’ JSE-S scores were higher than the males.
Conclusion. The results of the study confirm that educational interventions can increase students’ self-perceived empathy levels; however, we suggest that students require reinforcement and multiple opportunities to practise and observe empathic communication with patients to sustain high levels of empathy. Follow-up sessions to specifically target the promotion of empathy should be implemented; otherwise the long-term effect of educational interventions might be limited.
Using the right to enjoy the benefits of scientific progress to address the needs of adolescent mothers living with HIV
Authors: Brotherton M
Published: September 2023

Various human rights issues arise from the intersection of adolescent motherhood and HIV. While health rights may be the most obvious means by which to address such issues through policy development and legislative means, the right to health is not the only human right that may provide recourse or relief in this regard. This article considers an unexplored avenue of approaching such issues through reliance on the right to enjoy the benefits of scientific progress. The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights provides for the ‘right to science’ in article 15(1)(b) and more recently, as elaborated on in General Comment no. 25 of 2020. This article considers how this right can be relied upon to address issues pertaining to adolescent motherhood and HIV. Precedent from a Venezuelan Supreme Court decision is considered, as well as the normative content of the right to enjoy the benefits of scientific progress. This may be another legal means by which to hold states accountable for the health of young mothers and their children, especially as new practices, medicines and treatments emerge regarding HIV.
SLOBODA KRETANJA U ODLUKAMA EVROPSKOG SUDA ZA LJUDSKA PRAVA I USTAVNOG SUDA BOSNE I HERCEGOVINE
Authors: SIMOVIĆ Miodrag N. , SIMOVIĆ Milena
Published: September 2023

Sloboda kretanja, pravo kretanja ili pravo na putovanje je kon- cept ljudskih prava koji obuhvata pravo građana da putuju od mjesta do mјesta unutar teritorije države, kao i da napuste državu i vrate se nazad. Pravo podra- zumijeva ne samo posjetu mjestima, već i promjenu mjesta boravka ili posla. Tak- vo pravo obezbjeđuju ustavi mnogih država i dokumenti koji odražavaju norme međunarodnog prava. Sloboda kretanja je proklamovana i u članu 13 Univerzalne deklaracije o pravima čovjeka, kao i u članu 12 Međunarodnog pakta o građanskim i političkim pravima. Tim međunarodnim dokumentima o ljudskim pravima sva- kome ko se legalno nalazi na teritoriji jedne države, zajemčeno je pravo slobode kretanja i izbora mjesta stanovanja u granicama te države. Svako ima pravo da na- pusti svaku zemlju, uključujući i svoju vlastitu, i niko ga ne može samovoljno lišiti prava da se vrati, odnosno uđe u svoju zemlju. S tim u vezi je i pravo na azil koje je zajemčeno svakome kao zaštita od proganjanja, ali je isključeno onda kada se radi o slučaju gonjenja zbog krivičnog djela nepolitičke prirode ili postupaka i radnji protivnih ciljevima i načelima Ujedinjenih nacija (član 14 Univerzalne deklaraci- je). Autori postavljaju pitanje da li su u svjetlu nužnosti zaštite demokratskog por- etka, neograničena ovlaštenja izvršne vlasti (de iure ili de facto) u vezi slobode kretanja – jedna od glavnih opasnosti demokratskom poretku, te da kao takva predstavljaju obilježje apsolutističkih i diktatorskih sistema? Ova pitanja autori razmatraju kroz relevantnu praksu Evropskog suda za ljudska prava i Ustavnog suda Bosne i Hercegovine. Zaključuju da savremeni konstitucionalizam osigurava nadmoć zakonodavstva. S druge strane, sigurnost države i njenog stanovništva su vitalni javni i privatni interesi koji zaslužuju zaštitu i koji mogu dovesti do privre- menog odstupanja od određenih ljudskih prava. Stoga su bitna ograničenja trajan- ja, okolnosti i obim takvih ovlaštenja.
SLOBODA IZRAŽAVANJA, PRAVO NA PRIVATNOST I PRETPOSTAVKA NEVINOSTI – URAVNOTEŽIVANJE SUKOBLJENIH PRAVA
Authors: STIPANOVIĆ Ivana , JURKOVIĆ Cvija
Published: September 2023

Sloboda izražavanja jedno je od aktualnih pitanja savremenog društva zbog značaja za napredak i razvoj društva, ograničenja kojima je podložna, te nužnosti uspostavljanja ravnoteže sa drugim pravima i slobodama. Zadatak je sredstava informisanja saopštiti informacije od javnog interesa, na koje javnost ima i pravo, djelujući u dobroj vjeri kako bi pružili tačne informacije. Ostvarivanje pomenutih prava i dužnosti u praksi može dovesti do sukoba s pravom na privat- nost osobe i naročito u kaznenim postupcima zaštitom pretpostavke nevinosti, što postavlja pitanje odnosa između ovih prava i načina uspostavljanja međusobne ravnoteže. Autori u radu prikazuju odnos ovih prava analizom sudske prakse i njome postavljenih kriterijuma za uravnoteživanje sukobljenih prava. Obrađuju se i propisi kojima je ova materija regulisana u domaćem pravnom sistemu i na nivou Evropske unije, te neka rješenja u uporednom pravu. Cilj je, uz prikazivanje načina uravnoteživanja pomenutih prava, odgovoriti na pitanje postoji li način na koji je moguće prevenirati ili ublažiti njihov eventualni sukob, te u skladu sa zaključcima ove analize i pregleda postojećih rješenja, ponuditi prijedloge za unapređenje pravnog okvira odnosno stanja u području poštovanja predmetnih prava u Bosni i Hercegovini.
PRAVO NA SLOBODU KRETANJA U KONTEKSTU PRISILNIH MIGRACIJA I PRAVA NA AZIL U BOSNI I HERCEGOVINI I REPUBLICI SRBIJI SA OSVRTOM NA PRINCIP NON-REFOULEMENT
Authors: STOJANOVIĆ Bojan , STOJANOVIĆ Zoran T.
Published: September 2023

U radu su analizirani normativni okvir i praksa u pogledu prava na azil i slobode kretanja tražilaca azila i izbjeglica u Bosni i Hercegovini i Repub- lici Srbiji. Obje zemlje su u skorijoj prošlosti bile ujedno i države porijekla, tran- zita i prijema izbjeglica. Zajedničko za obje države je i ratna prošlost i susretanje sa stotinama hiljada izbjeglica i interno raseljenih lica od perioda raspada bivše Jugoslavije. U novim migratornim talasima, koji su mješovitog karaktera – izbjeg-ličko-migrantskog, na vlastima obje države je velika odgovornost za prijem, zbrin- javanje i regulisanje statusa velikog broja tražilaca azila i izbjeglica koji se nala- ze na njihovim teritorijama i pod njihovom nadležnošću. U vezi sa tim, a pogledu pristupa teritoriji države prijema, te smiještanju izbjeglica i omogućavanju da se služe putnim ispravama, ogleda se veza između prava na slobodu kretanja i prava na azil. Takođe, od velikog značaja je i poštovanje principa zabrane vraćanja (engl. non-refoulement) koji štiti tražioce azila i izbjeglice od protivpravnog vraćanja koje bi za posljedicu imalo ugrožavanje njihove bezbjednosti i života. Pandemija virusa korona dodatno je zakomplikovala stanje na terenu i otežala tražiocima azi- la i izbjeglicama uživanje ljudskih prava, pa i prava na slobodu kretanja i prava na azil, te prava koja iz njega deriviraju i sa kojima su povezana.
VLADAVINA PRAVA I INTEGRACIONI PROCES BOSNE I HERCEGOVINE
Authors: TODOROVIĆ Brankica
Published: September 2023

Ispunjavanje obaveza Bosne i Hercegovine (BIH) u procesu pristupanja Evropskoj Uniji (EU) vezano je za vladavinu prava, garantovanje če- tiri osnovne slobode, i ispunjavanje drugih međunarodnih obaveza. Napredak u oblasti vladavine prava je ključan za ostvarivanje boljih uslova života i rada svakog pojedinca, kao i za napredak zemlje u pristupnom procesu. Ciljevi istraživanja u radu su: Analiza napretka u oblasti prava na slobodu mišl- jenja i izražavanja, slobodu mirnog okupljanja i udruživanja, i slobodu kretanja radnika, na osnovu preporuka Evropske Komisije; komparativna analiza napretka u ostvarivanju vladavine prava u okviru paketa proširenja između Republike Srbi- je i BIH i definisanje ključnih faktora za dalji napredak vladavine prava u BIH. Istraživanje je zasnovano na analizi dostupnih i relevantnih dokumenata EU vezanih za ispunjavanje obaveza BIH u integracionom procesu. Radom se ukazuje na potrebu jačanja institucionalnog okvira u ostvarivanju vladavine prava i u pro- cesu evropskih integracija, odnosno jačanje kapaciteta i institucija za sprovođenje pravnih tekovina EU.
THE CHARACTERIZATION OF SILYMARIN AND SILIBININ LIPOSOMES
Authors: Jovanović Aleksandra A. , Dinić Svetlana , Uskoković Aleksandra , Arambašić Jovanović Jelena , Grdović Nevena , Vidaković Melita , Mihailović Mirjana
Published: September 2023

The aim of the present study was the characterization of silymarin and silibinin liposomes via determination of encapsulation efficiency, particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, mobility, and conductivity, as well as storage stability during 28 days at 4ºC and stability after UV irradiation. Encapsulation efficiencies of silymarin and silibinin were 92.05±1.41% and 87.86±2.06%, respectively. Particle size and PDI of the liposomes with silymarin were changed from 3541.3±62.5 nm to 2677.0±44.2 nm and from 0.346±0.044 to 0.228±0.036, respectively, during the 28-day stability study; particle size and PDI of the liposomes with silibinin were changed from 2074.7±19.4 nm to 2704.0±35.0 nm and from 0.328±0.030 to 0.456±0.026, respectively. The Zeta potential of the silymarin-loaded liposomes and silibinin-loaded liposomes was changed from -27.0±0.7 mV to -26.4±0.4 mV and from -29.4±0.6 mV to -29.0±0.4 mV, respectively. Mobility and conductivity of the liposomes with silymarin were changed from -2.120±0.057 μmcm/Vs to - 2.067±0.028 μmcm/Vs and from 0.017±0.005 mS/cm to 0.009±0.004 mS/cm, respectively. Mobility and conductivity of the liposomal particles with silibinin were changed from -2.307±0.053 μmcm/Vs to -2.110±0.033 μmcm/Vs and from 0.018±0.003 mS/cm to 0.060±0.001 mS/cm, respectively. UV irradiation did not affect particle size and PDI of all liposomes, but it caused a decrease in zeta potential: -23.9±0.8 mV for silymarin and -24.5±0.7 mV for silibinin, in mobility: - 1.874±0.064 μmcm/Vs for silymarin and -1.920±0.057 μmcm/Vs for silibinin, and in conductivity: 0.014±0.001 mS/cm for silymarin and 0.007±0.003 mS/cm for silibinin. Overall, the obtained results qualify liposomes to be used as silymarin and silibinin carriers for application in functional foods and pharmaceutical products.
Decorative and applied art: the play of a creative person
Authors: Zelenkina Alena Sergeevna
Published: September 2023

The article is devoted to the analysis of the concept of the game and its presence in creative activity. The gameplay is presented as an important part of human life. The presence of both elements in a person's work shapes him as a "creative" and "creating" entity. The introduced characteristics are analyzed from the point of view of the historical context, where the concepts of a creative person and a person playing are equated to each other. Their similarity is established on the basis of the description of the signs of the game revealed at the beginning of the XX century. Game and art are considered abstractly from a specific cultural background, as functions that organize a person and preserve an abstract character. The features of the game highlighted in the article are given as evidence that plastic art stores it at its core as well as musical art. Their division within the cult and myth has led to the question of whether there is a game in art. The solution to this question lies in the field of the role of the participant in the game. Analysis from the point of view of the roles of the "creator" and "observer" allows us to uncover misconceptions about applied art and its game function.The findings showed that the position of the "observer" does not always allow you to see a complete picture of the process of plastic creativity. Due to the secrecy of most of the activity in the inner world of the artist, the observer cannot see the mechanical work of the gameplay. On this basis, he concludes about the insufficiency of plastic art. Analysis from the position of a creative person, on the contrary, indicates the full compliance of applied arts with the gameplay. On this basis, it is indicated that the game is not only an abstract concept that characterizes a person's life, but also the main component of any creative process.
Recent advances in estimating protein structure model accuracy
Authors: Liu Dong , Cui Xin-Yue , Wang Hao-Dong , Zhang Gui-Jun ,   School of Information Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
Published: September 2023

The quality assessment of protein models is a key technology in protein structure prediction and has become a prominent research focus in the field of structural bioinformatics since advent of CASP7. Model quality assessment method not only guides the refinement of protein structure model but also plays a crucial role in selecting the best model from multiple candidate conformations, offering significant value in biological research and practical applications. This study begins with reviewing the critical assessment of protein structure prediction (CASP) and continuous automated model evaluation (CAMEO), and model evaluation metrics for monomeric and complex proteins. It primarily summarizes the development of model quality assessment methods in the last five years, including consensus methods (multi-model methods), single-model methods, and quasi-single-model methods, and also introduces the evaluation methods for protein complex models in CASP15. Given the remarkable progress of deep learning in protein prediction, the article focuses on the in-depth application of deep learning in single-model methods, including data set generation, protein feature extraction, and network architecture construction. Additionally, it presents the recent efforts of our research group in the field of model quality assessment. Finally, the article analyzes the limitations and challenges of current protein model quality assessment technology, and also looks forward to future development trends.
Spatial transformation of multi-omics data unlocks novel insights into cancer biology
Authors: Sokač Mateo , Kjær Asbjørn , Dyrskjøt Lars , Haibe-Kains Benjamin , JWL Aerts Hugo , Birkbak Nicolai J
Published: September 2023

The application of next-generation sequencing (NGS) has transformed cancer research. As costs have decreased, NGS has increasingly been applied to generate multiple layers of molecular data from the same samples, covering genomics, transcriptomics, and methylomics. Integrating these types of multi-omics data in a combined analysis is now becoming a common issue with no obvious solution, often handled on an ad hoc basis, with multi-omics data arriving in a tabular format and analyzed using computationally intensive statistical methods. These methods particularly ignore the spatial orientation of the genome and often apply stringent p-value corrections that likely result in the loss of true positive associations. Here, we present GENIUS (GEnome traNsformatIon and spatial representation of mUltiomicS data), a framework for integrating multi-omics data using deep learning models developed for advanced image analysis. The GENIUS framework is able to transform multi-omics data into images with genes displayed as spatially connected pixels and successfully extract relevant information with respect to the desired output. We demonstrate the utility of GENIUS by applying the framework to multi-omics datasets from the Cancer Genome Atlas. Our results are focused on predicting the development of metastatic cancer from primary tumors, and demonstrate how through model inference, we are able to extract the genes which are driving the model prediction and are likely associated with metastatic disease progression. We anticipate our framework to be a starting point and strong proof of concept for multi-omics data transformation and analysis without the need for statistical correction.
Dynamic landscape of the intracellular termini of acid-sensing ion channel 1a
Authors: Cullinan Megan M , Klipp Robert C , Camenisch Abigail , Bankston John R
Published: September 2023

Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are trimeric proton-gated sodium channels. Recent work has shown that these channels play a role in necroptosis following prolonged acidic exposure like occurs in stroke. The C-terminus of ASIC1a is thought to mediate necroptotic cell death through interaction with receptor interacting serine threonine kinase 1 (RIPK1). This interaction is hypothesized to be inhibited at rest via an interaction between the C- and N-termini which blocks the RIPK1 binding site. Here, we use two transition metal ion FRET methods to investigate the conformational dynamics of the termini at neutral and acidic pH. We do not find evidence that the termini are close enough to be bound while the channel is at rest and find that the termini may modestly move closer together during acidification. At rest, the N-terminus adopts a conformation parallel to the membrane about 10 Å away. The distal end of the C-terminus may also spend time close to the membrane at rest. After acidification, the proximal portion of the N-terminus moves marginally closer to the membrane whereas the distal portion of the C-terminus swings away from the membrane. Together these data suggest that a new hypothesis for RIPK1 binding during stroke is needed.
PESQUISA DE EGRESSOS E CONCLUINTES DE UM CURSO DE GRADUAÇÃO EM ADMINISTRAÇÃO
Authors: Tractenberg Leonel Estevão Finkelsteinas , Kurtz Renata Georgia Motta , Gouveia Tânia Maria de Oliveira Almeida
Published: September 2023

Problema: A pesquisa de egressos traz contribuições para a avaliação de cursos e instituições educacionais, auxiliando no planejamento, na gestão e na melhoria da qualidade dos mesmos. Objetivo: Traçar o perfil dos egressos e concluintes do curso de Administração de uma universidade pública brasileira, que obteve nota cinco (nota máxima) na edição de 2016 do Exame Nacional de Desempenho de Estudantes (Enade) confrontando-o com três documentos que delineiam o perfil do administrador, a saber: (a) Projeto Didático-Pedagógico do próprio curso; (b) Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais do Curso de Graduação em Administração, do Ministério da Educação (BRASIL, 2005) e (c) pesquisa “Perfil, Formação, Atuação e Oportunidades de Trabalho do Administrador”, conduzida pelo Conselho Federal de Administração (CFA, 2015). Método: Survey online junto a 130 egressos e concluintes do curso. Conclusões: Os respondentes se mostraram satisfeitos com o curso. Entretanto, os resultados indicam que, além de atualização curricular, de ementas, da formação continuada dos docentes e da melhoria de infraestrutura, a Faculdade deve aproximar o curso da realidade do trabalho e incorporar o empreendedorismo e o desenvolvimento de competências humanas dos administradores, que contribuem para o autoconhecimento e autogestão de carreira destes profissionais.
A questão penal e a gestão da vulnebalidade social na perspectiva da militarização das escolas
Authors: Lopes Laio , De Oliveira Selma Suely Baçal
Published: September 2023

Esse artigo discute os apelos das questões penais na sociedade voltados às áreas de vulnerabilidade social. Com a ascensão de agendas neoconservadoras em governos populistas, o papel do Estado na lógica neoliberal empreende formas de tratamento de problemas sociais com estratégias que conciliam as políticas públicas a reboque dos ditames do mercado. As pautas reacionárias se acomodaram no pleito das eleições presidenciáveis de 2018 proporcionando a vitória do presidente Jair Messias Bolsonaro (2018-2022). No âmbito educacional, o processo de militarização das escolas foi promovido como uma gestão pedagógica exitosa a ser compartilhada na educação básica a nível nacional. Voltada a um público classificado pelo programa em vulnerabilidade social, a política do Programa de Escolas Cívico-Militares (PECIM) será analisada na concepção territorial da criminalização da pobreza, promoção de direitos humanos e sociais.
Change to Mixed-Lipid Emulsion From Soybean Oil–Based Lipid Emulsion in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Haines Krista L. , Ohnuma Tetsu , Hornik Chi Dang , Grisel Braylee , Leraas Harold , Trujillo Charles N. , Krishnamoorthy Vijay , Raghunathan Karthik , Wischmeyer Paul E.
Published: September 2023

Importance

Critically ill pediatric patients often require parenteral nutrition (PN) in the intensive care unit (ICU). Literature suggests mixed lipid emulsions (LE) with soybean oil reduction strategies may improve outcomes.

Objective

To examine the association of a hospital-wide switch to a mixed-lipid formula (4-OLE) with pediatric outcomes.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Retrospective cohort study at a large US academic referral center. Pediatric patients aged 1 month to 17 years requiring parenteral nutrition from May 2016 to September 2019 were included. Data were analyzed from October 2020 to February 2023.

Exposure

In 2017, Duke University Health System fully converted to a soybean oil/MCT/olive/fish oil lipid (4-OLE) from pure soybean oil–based LE in pediatric patients. Pediatric patients before the change (Intralipid [IL] group) were compared with patients after (4-OLE group).

Main Outcomes and Measures

Clinical outcomes were compared between treatment periods via multivariable regression models. The primary outcome was hospital length of stay (LOS). Fourteen secondary outcomes included hospital mortality of any cause, 30-day or 90-day readmission, pneumonia, urinary tract infections (UTIs), total caloric delivery, and liver function tests (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and total bilirubin).

Results

A total of 684 children dependent on PN were identified (342 were critically ill), with 30% (206 children) in the preswitch (IL) period and 70% (478 children) in the postswitch (4-OLE) period; 123 were male (59.7%). In comparing IL vs 4-OLE, there was a significant difference in median (IQR) age (4.0 [1.2-13.0] vs 3.0 [0.8-9.0] years, respectively; P = .04), without difference in body mass index or baseline comorbidities except for significant differences in cancer diagnosis (26 patients in the IL group [12.6%] vs 29 patients in the 4-OLE group [6.1%]; P = .004) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (24 patients in the IL group [11.7%] vs 30 patients in the 4-OLE group [6.3%]; P = .02). In the all children cohort, 4-OLE was associated with shorter hospital LOS (IRR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.05-0.78), and reduced UTI risk (OR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.18-0.64). In the ICU cohort, 4-OLE was associated with shorter hospital LOS (IRR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.78-0.83), and reduced UTI risk (OR, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.11-0.51). Other secondary outcomes were not significant.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this observational study of clinical outcomes among children dependent on PN, a switch to 4-OLE in a large academic hospital was associated with a significant decrease in hospital LOS in ICU and non-ICU patients. These findings suggest switching to a soy–LE sparing strategy using 4-OLE is feasible, safe, and associated with improved clinical outcomes in pediatric PN patients.
National Trends in Preterm Infant Mortality in the United States by Race and Socioeconomic Status, 1995-2020
Authors: Venkatesan Tim , Rees Philippa , Gardiner Julian , Battersby Cheryl , Purkayastha Mitana , Gale Chris , Sutcliffe Alastair G.
Published: September 2023

Importance

Inequalities in preterm infant mortality exist between population subgroups within the United States.

Objective

To characterize trends in preterm infant mortality by maternal race and socioeconomic status to assess how inequalities in preterm mortality rates have changed over time.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This was a retrospective longitudinal descriptive study using the US National Center for Health Statistics birth infant/death data set for 12 256 303 preterm infant births over 26 years, between 1995 and 2020. Data were analyzed from December 2022 to March 2023.

Exposures

Maternal characteristics including race, smoking status, educational attainment, antenatal care, and insurance status were used as reported on an infant’s US birth certificate.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Preterm infant mortality rate was calculated for each year from 1995 to 2020 for all subgroups, with a trend regression coefficient calculated to describe the rate of change in preterm mortality.

Results

The average US preterm infant mortality rate (IMR) decreased from 33.71 (95% CI, 33.71 to 34.04) per 1000 preterm births per year between 1995-1997, to 23.32 (95% CI, 23.05 to 23.58) between 2018-2020. Black non-Hispanic infants were more likely to die following preterm births than White non-Hispanic infants (IMR, 31.09; 95% CI, 30.44 to 31.74, vs 21.81; 95% CI, 21.43 to 22.18, in 2018-2020); however, once born, extremely prematurely Black and Hispanic infants had a narrow survival advantage (IMR rate ratio, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.84 to 0.91, in 2018-2020). The rate of decrease in preterm IMR was higher in Black infants (−0.015) than in White (−0.013) and Hispanic infants (−0.010); however, the relative risk of preterm IMR among Black infants compared with White infants remained the same between 1995-1997 vs 2018-2020 (relative risk, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.38 to 1.44, vs 1.43; 95% CI, 1.39 to 1.46). The rate of decrease in preterm IMR was higher in nonsmokers compared with smokers (−0.015 vs −0.010, respectively), in those with high levels of education compared with those with intermediate or low (−0.016 vs – 0.010 or −0.011, respectively), and in those who had received adequate antenatal care compared with those who did not (−0.014 vs −0.012 for intermediate and −0.013 for inadequate antenatal care). Over time, the relative risk of preterm mortality widened within each of these subgroups.

Conclusions and Relevance

This study found that between 1995 and 2020, US preterm infant mortality improved among all categories of prematurity. Inequalities in preterm infant mortality based on maternal race and ethnicity have remained constant while socioeconomic disparities have widened over time.
Microbial‐Enabled Photosynthetic Oxygenation for Disease Treatment
Authors: Yang Zhenyu , Li Ping , Feng Wei , Chen Yu
Published: September 2023

Oxygen as one of the most critical substances in living organisms has attracted ever‐increasing attention in disease treatment, which is important in regulating metabolic activities. However, the hypoxia arising from disease is a prevalent problem, leading to observably reduced therapeutic effectiveness in photodynamic therapy, radiotherapy, sonodynamic therapy, etc. Therefore, the reversion of hypoxia becomes the basis for enhancing the disease treatment. Thanks to the development of nanotechnology, various nanomaterials with oxygen‐production capacity are explored to recover the function of oxygen in tissue, but there are still some limitations. The photosynthetic microorganisms (PSMs) are extensively applied for improving hypoxia in diseases due to their highly efficient photocatalytic oxygen production efficacy and desirable biocompatibility. In this review, the up‐to‐date research progress on therapeutic modalities of microbial‐based photosynthetic oxygenation (e.g., cancer treatment, wound healing, and tissue engineering) are summarized and highlighted. In addition, the key issue of biocompatibility/biosafety of microbial‐based treatment that is fundamental to apply in vivo is further emphasized and clarified. Finally, the present critical issues are discussed and the future evolution of microbial‐based treatment based on photosynthetic oxygenation is predicted, promoting further development and clinical applications.
Skyrmion‐Bubble Bundles in an X‐Type Sr2Co2Fe28O46 Hexaferrite above Room Temperature
Authors: Tang Jin , Wu Yaodong , Jiang Jialiang , Kong Lingyao , Wang Shouguo , Tian Mingliang , Du Haifeng
Published: September 2023

Magnetic skyrmions are spin swirls that possess topological nontriviality and are considered particle‐like entities. They are distinguished by an integer topological charge Q. The presence of skyrmion bundles provides an opportunity to explore the range of values for Q, which is crucial for the advancement of topological spintronic devices with multi‐Q properties. In this study, a new material candidate, Sr2Co2Fe28O46 hexaferrite of the X‐type, which hosts small dipolar skyrmions at room temperature and above is presented. By exploiting reversed magnetic fields from metastable skyrmion bubbles at zero fields, skyrmion‐bubble bundles with different interior skyrmion/bubble numbers, topological charges, and morphologies at room temperature are incorporated. These experimental findings are consistently supported by micromagnetic simulations. These results highlight the versatility of topological spin textures in centrosymmetric uniaxial magnets, thereby paving the way for the development of room‐temperature topological spintronic devices with multi‐Q characteristics.
Amine‐Functionalized Carbon Dots as PEDOT:PSS Dopants for Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Li Xin , Wang Wei , Zhong Wentao , Tang Yirong , Wang Xinyuan , Li Huan , Yang Tingbin , Liang Yongye
Published: September 2023

The hole transport layer (HTL) is an important component in organic solar cells (OSCs). As a commonly used HTL, poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene‐sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) in OSCs generally exhibits relatively low conductivity, hindering device performance improvement. Herein, amine‐functionalized carbon dots (CDs‐N) are introduced as dopants of PEDOT:PSS, which can effectively enhance the HTL conductivity while maintaining a similar work function. The PEDOT:PSS+CDs‐N devices exhibit higher power conversion efficiencies due to the improved charge extraction ability. It is found that the larger conjugated backbones of CDs‐N and the amine functional groups interacting with PSS are keys for such optimization. This work illustrates the potential of CDs for the applications on interface layers in OSCs.
In Situ XPS Proved Efficient Charge Transfer of S‐Scheme Heterjunction Based on Graphdiyne (g‐CnH2n‐2) Nanosheets Coupling with Semi‐Crystalline NiCo2S4 for Efficient Photocatalytic H2 Evolution
Authors: Fan Yu , Hao Xuqiang , Shao Yifan , Jin Zhiliang
Published: September 2023

The excessive utilization of fossil fuels has resulted in an energy crisis. The implementation of a heterojunction for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution represents a promising solution to the current energy predicament. In this work, a 0D/2D S‐scheme graphdiyne/NiCo2S4 (GDY/NiCo2S4) heterojunction is constructed by semi‐crystalline NiCo2S4 nanoparticles (NPs) immobilized on the surface of GDY nanosheets through hydrothermal method. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) demonstrated the thickness of GDY nanosheets is 2.8 nm. The unique 2D laminar structure and porous structure of GDY ensures a tight bond with NiCo2S4 NPs. The maximum rate of photocatalytic hydrogen production is 6682.6 µmol h−1 g−1 over 15% GDY/NiCo2S4, which is much higher than GDY and NiCo2S4. The outstanding photocatalytic hydrogen production performance can be attributed to the S‐scheme GDY/NiCo2S4 heterostructure. The fluorescence results demonstrated that the incorporation of GDY significantly enhanced the efficiency of photoelectron‐hole transfer and prolonged the electron lifetime. The S‐scheme photogenerated charge transfer mechanism is verified through in situ irradiated X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The present study introduces innovative concepts for the design of an S‐scheme heterojunction based on graphdiyne, aiming to enhance photocatalytic hydrogen production.
Realization Method of Stable Continuous Steering Jumping for a Bioinspired Jerboa Robot
Authors: Zhang Ziqiang , Wang Zhi , Li Jun , Ning Meng , Yang Jun , Zhou Zhenyong , Li Xiaohui , Liu Weihui
Published: September 2023

The continuous jumping of bioinspired robots in 3D spaces can greatly improve its motion flexibility, which is one of the highlights of research on jumping robots. However, most existing jumping robots can only move in a plane, and achieving stable continuous steering jumping is difficult. In this study, a realization method of stable continuous steering jumping for a bioinspired jerboa robot is proposed. On the basis of the jumping mechanism of the jerboa, the robot mechanism model is established, and the factors affecting motion feasibility and performance are analyzed in detail. Then, mathematical models of the stability indices of the robot jumping on uneven ground with redundant driving are established. Based on the proposed improved bee colony algorithm, the motion parameters and driving parameters can be determined. Simulation results show that the robot can realize stable continuous steering jumping in different terrains along the expected trajectory, thus proving the feasibility of the method proposed in this study. This study provides a theoretical reference for the high‐speed flexible motion of legged robots in 3D spaces.
Sputtering of Molybdenum as a Promising Back Electrode Candidate for Superstrate Structured Sb2S3 Solar Cells
Authors: Li Hu , Yang Guo‐Qin , Hu Xiao‐Yang , Hu Yi‐Hua , Zeng Rui‐Bo , Cai Jin‐Rui , Yao Li‐Quan , Lin Li‐Mei , Cai Li‐Ping , Chen Guilin
Published: September 2023

Sb2S3 is rapidly developed as light absorber material for solar cells due to its excellent photoelectric properties. However, the use of the organic hole transport layer of Spiro‐OMeTAD and gold (Au) in Sb2S3 solar cells imposes serious problems in stability and cost. In this work, low‐cost molybdenum (Mo) prepared by magnetron sputtering is demonstrated to serve as a back electrode in superstrate structured Sb2S3 solar cells for the first time. And a multifunctional layer of Se is inserted between Sb2S3/Mo interface by evaporation, which plays vital roles as: i) soft loading of high‐energy Mo particles with the help of cottonlike‐Se layer; ii) formation of surficial Sb2Se3 on Sb2S3 layer, and then reducing hole transportation barrier. To further alleviate the roll‐over effect, a pre‐selenide Mo target and consequentially form a MoSe2 is skillfully sputtered, which is expected to manipulate the band alignment and render an enhanced holes extraction. Impressively, the device with an optimized Mo electrode achieves an efficiency of 5.1%, which is one of the highest values among non‐noble metal electrode based Sb2S3 solar cells. This work sheds light on the potential development of low‐cost metal electrodes for superstrate Sb2S3 devices by carefully designing the back contact interface.
Tilted Magnetic Anisotropy with In‐Plane Broken Symmetry in Ru‐Substituted Manganite Films
Authors: Das Brajagopal , Wysocki Lena , Schöpf Jörg , Yang Lin , Capua Amir , van Loosdrecht Paul H.M. , Kornblum Lior
Published: September 2023

Controlling the magnetic anisotropy of materials is important in a variety of applications including magnetic memories, spintronic sensors, and skyrmion‐based devices. Ru‐substituted La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 (Ru‐LSMO) is an emerging material, showing tilted magnetic anisotropy (TMA) and possible nontrivial magnetic topologies. Here anisotropic in‐plane magnetization is reported in moderately compressed Ru‐LSMO films, coexisting with TMA. This combination is attractive for technological applications, such as spin‐orbit torque (SOT) based devices and other spintronic applications. A microstructural analysis of films of this material is presented, and Ru single ion anisotropy and strain‐induced structural mechanisms are found to be responsible for both the in‐plane anisotropy and the TMA. The manifestation of these properties in a correlated oxide with Curie temperature near room temperature highlights an attractive platform for technological realization of SOT and other spintronic devices. Illustrating the mechanisms behind these properties provides the necessary engineering space for harnessing these phenomena for practical devices.
Pollution and fatal traffic accidents in California counties
Authors: Braun Mark , Villas‐Boas Sofia B.
Published: September 2023

We estimate pollution's causal effect on fatal traffic accidents using instrumental variables. Using variation in fine particulate matter of 2.5 micrometers in diameter or less (PM2.5) because of air temperature inversions and eastward wind, we find that of PM2.5 positively affects fatal traffic accidents. Fatalities increase on average by 1.3% when PM2.5 increases by 1 g/m3. This increase corresponds to 67 more yearly fatalities in California on average. The positive effects we estimate are consistent with mechanisms such as cognitive function due to pollution inhalation. Heterogeneity analysis finds that this mechanism is worsened for non‐rural and for lower‐income counties while it is mitigated by driver risk aversion during poor air quality days.
Herbicide and additive impacts on Bradyrhizobium japonicum growth in solution
Authors: Amajioyi Joy , Nleya Thandiwe , Subramanian Senthil , Clay Sharon A.
Published: September 2023

Plant biostimulants include beneficial fungi and bacteria, and are often applied to foliage to improve crop growth, yield, and/or crop quality. Crop improvements due to biostimulant addition may be modest; therefore, solo applications may not be economical or climate smart. However, biostimulants combined with other postemergence treatments, such as herbicides, may provide an alternative application method, if mixtures do not harm the living organism(s). The growth of Bradyrhizobium japonicum, as a biostimulant surrogate, was assessed in solutions of glyphosate [N‐(phosphonomethyl)glycine] and dicamba (3,6‐dichloro‐2‐methoxybenzoic acid), with and without common spray additives (ammonium sulfate [AMS] and nonionic surfactant) in laboratory studies over 72 h. Solution turbidity, using optical density as a surrogate of bacterial growth, was measured at 600 nm at 24, 48, and 72 h after inoculation, and colony forming units (CFUs) per milliliter were estimated. Growth was not detected in either the glyphosate or AMS solutions, most likely due to the low pH and high electrical conductivity of the solutions, respectively. When herbicides were mixed with a nonionic surfactant, CFUs per milliliter were about 25% greater than the positive control. These data suggest that mixing bacteria with postemergence herbicide + surfactants/additives combinations can hinder or maintain growth when preparing for agrochemical applications. Biostimulant type and the agrichemical combination(s) should be evaluated prior to tank mixing to determine if detrimental interactions occur. After application, an evaluation of the effectiveness of the biostimulant to the crop and efficacy of the agrichemical to the target organism should be conducted.
Unveiling size‐fluorescence correlation of organic nanoparticles and its use in nanoparticle size determination
Authors: Guo Wu‐Jie , Ma Shixiang , Wang Hui , Qiao Lu , Chen Lei , Hong Chenyu , Liu Bin , Zheng Xiaoyan , Peng Hui‐Qing
Published: September 2023

Quantitatively establishing the correlation between nanoparticle size and fluorescence is essential for understanding the behavior and functionality of fluorescent nanoparticles (FNPs). However, such exploration focusing on organic FNPs has not been achieved to date. Herein, we employ the use of supramolecular polymeric FNPs prepared from tetraphenylethylene‐based bis‐ureidopyrimidinone monomers (bis‐UPys) to relate the size to the fluorescence of organic nanoparticles. At an equal concentration of bis‐UPys, a logarithmic relationship between them is built with a correlation coefficient higher than 0.96. Theoretical calculations indicate that variations in fluorescence intensity among FNPs of different sizes are attributed to the distinct molecular packing environments at the surface and within the interior of the nanoparticles. This leads to different nonradiative decay rates of the embedded and exposed bis‐UPys and thereby changes the overall fluorescence quantum yield of nanoparticles due to their different specific surface areas. The established fluorescence intensity‐size correlation possesses fine universality and reliability, and it is successfully utilized to estimate the sizes of other nanoparticles, including those in highly diluted dispersions of FNPs. This work paves a new way for the simple and real‐time determination of nanoparticle sizes and offers an attractive paradigm to optimize nanoparticle functionalities by the size effect.
Night and day: Contributions of diurnal and nocturnal visitors to pollen dispersal, paternity diversity, and fruit set in an early‐blooming shrub, Daphne jezoensis
Authors: Shibata Akari , Kudo Gaku
Published: September 2023

Premise

Under uncertain pollinator visit conditions, plants often exhibit long flowering periods and generalized pollination systems. Flowering of the gynodioecious shrub Daphne jezoensis occurs in early spring in cool temperate forests. Pollination by nocturnal moths is expected, given the species’ tubular‐shaped flowers with sweet fragrance and nectar. However, the effectiveness of nocturnal moths under cool conditions is unknown. We evaluated the relative importance of diurnal and nocturnal visitors as pollinators in early spring.

Methods

We investigated flowering duration, flower visitors, and floral scents in a natural population. We experimentally exposed flowers to visitors only during daytime or nighttime using bagging treatments and evaluated the contributions of diurnal and nocturnal insects to fruit set, pollen dispersal distance, and paternity diversity using 16 microsatellite markers.

Results

Female flowers lasted ~3 wk, which was ~8 d longer than the flowering period of hermaphrodites. Various insects, including Coleoptera, Diptera, Hymenoptera, and Lepidoptera, visited the flowers during both daytime and nighttime. Flowers emitted volatiles, such as lilac aldehyde isomers and β‐ocimene, which are known to attract moths. Fruit‐set rate in the night‐open treatment was similar to or higher than that in the day‐open treatment. However, pollen dispersal distance in the night‐open treatment was shorter than that in the day‐open treatment. Paternity diversity was similar in day‐open and night‐open treatments.

Conclusions

Early‐blooming plants ensure pollen receipt and dispersal by having a long flowering period and using both diurnal and nocturnal flower visitors, suggesting the importance of a generalized pollination system under uncertain pollinator visit conditions.
Bendamustine lymphodepletion is a well‐tolerated alternative to fludarabine and cyclophosphamide lymphodepletion for axicabtagene ciloleucel therapy for aggressive B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Ong Shin Yeu , Pak Stacy , Mei Matthew , Wang Yan , Popplewell Leslie , Baird John H. , Herrera Alex F. , Shouse Geoffrey , Nikolaenko Liana , Zain Jasmine , Godfrey James , Htut Myo , Aribi Ahmed , Spielberger Ricardo , Mansour Joshua , Forman Stephen J. , Palmer Joycelynne , Budde Lihua E.
Published: September 2023

Fludarabine/cyclophosphamide (Flu/Cy) is established for lymphodepletion (LD) prior to standard‐of‐care CAR T‐cell therapy for lymphoma. There is ongoing need to test alternative LD regimens to preserve efficacy, improve safety, and address challenges including the recent national fludarabine shortage. We retrospectively evaluated outcomes among patients with relapsed/refractory aggressive B‐cell lymphoma who received bendamustine (n = 27) or Flu/Cy (n = 42) LD before axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi‐cel) at our institution. The median change in absolute lymphocyte count from pre‐LD to time of axi‐cel infusion was −0.6×109/L in bendamustine cohort and −0.7×109/L in Flu/Cy cohort. The best overall response/complete response rates were 77.8% (95% CI: 57.7%–91.4%)/48.1% (95% CI: 28.7%–68.1%) among bendamustine cohort and 81.0% (95% CI: 65.9%–91.4%)/50.0% (95% CI: 34.2%–65.8%) among Flu/Cy cohort. Six‐month progression‐free survival were 43.8% (95% CI: 24.7%–61.3%) and 55.6% (95% CI: 39.0%–69.3%) in bendamustine and Flu/Cy cohorts, while 6‐month overall survival were 81.5% (95% CI: 61.1%–91.8%) and 90.4% (95% CI: 76.4%–96.3%), respectively. Relative to Flu/Cy‐treated patients, bendamustine‐treated patients did not show an increase in hazards associated with experiencing progression/relapse/death (aHR:1.4 [95% CI: 0.7–2.8]; p = .32) or death (aHR:1.6 [95% CI: 0.5–5.6]; p = .46), after adjusting for baseline number of prior therapies and refractory disease. Any grade/grade ≥3 CRS were observed in 89%/3.7% and 86%/4.8% among bendamustine and Flu/Cy cohorts, while any grade ICANS/grade ≥3 ICANS were observed in 30%/19% and 55%/31% respectively. While more Flu/Cy‐treated patients experienced grade ≥3 neutropenia compared with bendamustine‐treated patients (100% vs. 68%), grade ≥3 infectious complications were comparable (24% vs. 19% respectively). More patients received bendamustine LD and axi‐cel as outpatient than Flu/Cy cohort, without increased toxicities and with shorter median inpatient stays. In conclusion, we observed comparable efficacy and lower any grade ICANS among patients receiving bendamustine relative to Flu/Cy LD, followed by axi‐cel.