bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multifunctional Heterostructured Fe3O4‐FeTe@MCM Electrocatalyst Enabling High‐Performance Practical Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries Via Built‐in Electric Field
Authors: Gao Yi‐bo , Liu Guo‐qiang , Geng Hai‐tao , He Xin , Na Xiang‐ming , Liu Fu‐shuang , Li Bao , Wang Bao
Published: March 2024

The development of capable of simultaneously modulating the sluggish electrochemical kinetics, shuttle effect, and lithium dendrite growth is a promising strategy for the commercialization of lithium‐sulfur batteries. Consequently, an elaborate preparation method is employed to create a host material consisting of multi‐channel carbon microspheres (MCM) containing highly dispersed heterostructure Fe3O4‐FeTe nanoparticles. The Fe3O4‐FeTe@MCM exhibits a spontaneous built‐in electric field (BIEF) and possesses both lithophilic and sulfophilic sites, rendering it an appropriate host material for both positive and negative electrodes. Experimental and theoretical results reveal that the existence of spontaneous BIEF leads to interfacial charge redistribution, resulting in moderate polysulfide adsorption which facilitates the transfer of polysulfides and diffusion of electrons at heterogeneous interfaces. Furthermore, the reduced conversion energy barriers enhanced the catalytic activity of Fe3O4‐FeTe@MCM for expediting the bidirectional sulfur conversion. Moreover, regulated Li deposition behavior is realized because of its high conductivity and remarkable lithiophilicity. Consequently, the battery exhibited long‐term stability for 500 cycles with 0.06% capacity decay per cycle at 5 C, and a large areal capacity of 7.3 mAh cm−2 (sulfur loading: 9.73 mg cm−2) at 0.1 C. This study provides a novel strategy for the rational fabrication of heterostructure hosts for practical Li‐S batteries.
Reticular Heterojunction for Organic Photoelectrochemical Transistor Detection of Neuron‐Specific Enolase
Authors: Hou Lu , Gao Yuan , Kong Fen‐Ying , Wang Ze‐Chen , Lin Lang , Han De‐Man , Chen Feng‐Zao
Published: March 2024

Reticular heterojunctions on the basis of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have sparked considerable interest in recent research endeavors, which nevertheless have seldom been studied in optoelectronic biosensing. In this work, its utilization for organic photoelectrochemical transistor (OPECT) detection of the important cancer biomarker of neuron‐specific enolase (NSE) is reported. A MOF@COF@CdS quantum dots (QDs) heterojunction is rationally designed to serve as the photogating module against the polymeric channel. Linking with a sandwich complexing event, target‐dependent alternation of the photogate is achieved, leading to the changed photoelectric conversion efficiency as indicated by the amplified OPECT signals. The proposed assay demonstrates good analytical performance in detecting NSE, featuring a linear detection range from 0.1 pg mL−1 to 100 ng mL−1, with a detection limit of 0.033 pg mL−1.
Arming Amorphous NiMoO4 on Nickel Phosphide Enables Highly Stable Alkaline Seawater Oxidation
Authors: Guo Xiankun , He Xun , Liu Xuwei , Sun Shengjun , Sun Hang , Dong Kai , Li Tengyue , Yao Yongchao , Xie Ting , Zheng Dongdong , Luo Yongsong , Chen Jie , Liu Qian , Li Luming , Chu Wei , Jiang Zhenju , Sun Xuping , Tang Bo
Published: March 2024

Seawater electrolysis holds tremendous promise for the generation of green hydrogen (H2). However, the system of seawater‐to‐H2 faces significant hurdles, primarily due to the corrosive effects of chlorine compounds, which can cause severe anodic deterioration. Here, a nickel phosphide nanosheet array with amorphous NiMoO4 layer on Ni foam (Ni2P@NiMoO4/NF) is reported as a highly efficient and stable electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline seawater. Such Ni2P@NiMoO4/NF requires overpotentials of just 343 and 370 mV to achieve industrial‐level current densities of 500 and 1000 mA cm−2, respectively, surpassing that of Ni2P/NF (470 and 555 mV). Furthermore, it maintains consistent electrolysis for over 500 h, a significant improvement compared to that of Ni2P/NF (120 h) and Ni(OH)2/NF (65 h). Electrochemical in situ Raman spectroscopy, stability testing, and chloride extraction analysis reveal that is situ formed MoO42−/PO43− from Ni2P@NiMoO4 during the OER test to the electrode surface, thus effectively repelling Cl− and hindering the formation of harmful ClO−.
Nature‐Inspired Molecular‐Crowding Enabling Wide‐Humidity Range Applicable, Anti‐Freezing, and Robust Zwitterionic Hydrogels for On‐Skin Electronics
Authors: Gong Min , Wang Xiaobo , Wu Zhen , Yue Liancong , Chen Qiuji , Li Hejian , Lin Xiang , Zhang Liang , Wang Dongrui
Published: March 2024

Hydrogels are currently in the limelight for applications in soft electronics but they suffer from the tendency to lose water or freeze when exposed to dry environments or low temperatures. Molecular crowding is a prevalent occurrence in living cells, in which molecular crowding agents modify the hydrogen bonding structure, causing a significant reduction in water activity. Here, a wide‐humidity range applicable, anti‐freezing, and robust hydrogel is developed through the incorporation of natural amino acid proline (Pro) and conductive MXene into polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel networks. Theoretical calculations reveal that Pro can transform “free water” into “locked water” via the molecular‐crowding effect, thereby suppressing water evaporation and ice forming. Accordingly, the prepared hydrogel exhibits high water retention capability, with 77% and 55% being preserved after exposure to 20 °C, 28% relative humidity (RH) and 35 °C, 90% RH for 12 h. Meanwhile, Pro lowers the freezing temperature of the hydrogel to 34 °C and enhances its stretchability and strength. Finally, the PVA/Pro/MXene hydrogels are assembled as multifunctional on‐skin strain sensors and conductive electrodes to monitor human motions and detect tiny electrophysiological signals. Collectively, this work provides a molecular crowding strategy that will motivate researchers to develop more advanced hydrogels for versatile applications.
A Targeted and Responsive Nanoprodrug Delivery System for Synergistic Glioma Chemotherapy
Authors: Zhuo Weiling , Wang Wanyu , Zhou Wenjie , Duan Zhongxin , He Shi , Zhang Xifeng , Yi Linbin , Zhang Rui , Guo Anjie , Gou Xinyu , Chen Junli , Huang Ning , Sun Xiaodong , Qian Zhiyong , Wang Xiang , Gao Xiang
Published: March 2024

Doxorubicin (DOX) is widely used as a chemotherapeutic agent for both hematologic and solid tumors and is a reasonable candidate for glioma treatment. However, its effectiveness is hindered by significant toxicity and drug resistance. Moreover, the presence of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) brings a crucial challenge to glioma therapy. In response, a GSH‐responsive and actively targeted nanoprodrug delivery system (cRGD/PSDOX‐Cur@NPs) are developed. In this system, a disulfide bond‐bridged DOX prodrug (PEG‐SS‐DOX) is designed to release specifically in the high glutathione (GSH) tumor environment, markedly reducing the cardiotoxicity associated with DOX. To further address DOX resistance, curcumin, serving as a P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) inhibitor, effectively increased cellular DOX concentration. Consequently, cRGD/PSDOX‐Cur@NPs exhibited synergistic anti‐tumor effects in vitro. Furthermore, in vivo experiments validated the superior BBB penetration and brain‐targeting abilities of cRGD/PSDOX‐Cur@NPs, showcasing the remarkable potential for treating both subcutaneous and orthotopic gliomas. This research underscores that this nanoprodrug delivery system presents a novel approach to inhibiting glioma while addressing resistance and systemic toxicity.
A Dual‐Mode Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Efficiently Harvesting Droplet Energy
Authors: Liu Di , Yang Peiyuan , Gao Yikui , Liu Nian , Ye Cuiying , Zhou Linglin , Zhang Jiayue , Guo Ziting , Wang Jie , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: March 2024

Triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is a promising solution to harvest the low‐frequency, low‐actuation‐force, and high‐entropy droplet energy. Conventional attempts mainly focus on maximizing electrostatic energy harvest on the liquid‐solid surface, but enormous kinetic energy of droplet hitting the substrate is directly dissipated, limiting the output performance. Here, a dual‐mode TENG (DM‐TENG) is proposed to efficiently harvest both electrostatic energy at liquid‐solid surface from a droplet TENG (D‐TENG) and elastic potential energy of the vibrated cantilever from a contact‐separation TENG (CS‐TENG). Triggered by small droplets, the flexible cantilever beam, rather than conventional stiff ones, can easily vibrate multiple times with large amplitude, enabling frequency multiplication of CS‐TENG and producing amplified output charges. Combining with the top electrode design to sufficiently utilize charges at liquid‐solid interface, a record‐high output charge of 158 nC is realized by single droplet. The energy conversion efficiency of DM‐TENG is 2.66‐fold of D‐TENG. An array system with the specially designed power management circuit is also demonstrated for building self‐powered system, offering promising applications for efficiently harvesting raindrop energy.
Quantifying Titanium Exposure in Lung Tissues: A Novel Laser‐Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy Elemental Imaging‐Based Analytical Framework for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Gardette Vincent , Sancey Lucie , Leprince Marine , Gaté Laurent , Cosnier Frederic , Seidel Carole , Valentino Sarah , Pelascini Frederic , Coll Jean‐Luc , Péoc'h Michel , Scolan Virginie , Paysant François , Bonneterre Vincent , Dujardin Christophe , Busser Benoit , Motto‐Ros Vincent
Published: March 2024

Occupational and environmental exposures, particularly those related to urban and suburban atmospheres, are increasingly linked to a range of pulmonary diseases. While diagnostic methods for these diseases are well established, analytical tools for assessing elemental contamination in lung tissue remain underutilized. This study introduces a novel framework based on laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) for the in situ quantification of elemental titanium (Ti) in lung tissues from both animal models and human specimens. Rigorous validation is conducted using animal models exposed to TiO2 P25 nanoparticles and a comparative analysis with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The novel quantitative metric demonstrates robust correlation with elemental concentrations, expanding LIBS utility to volumetric organ analysis. This validated methodology is subsequently applied to human lung specimens preserved in paraffin. The research holds significant promise as a diagnostic tool for assessing exposure levels to environmental or occupational hazards, thereby offering valuable contributions to the fields of toxicology and respiratory medicine.
Advancements in solvent microextraction: Recent developments and diverse applications in the modern era
Authors: Rani Priyanka , Nanda Bibhu Prasad , Narang Raj Kumar , Bhatia Rohit
Published: March 2024

Solvent microextraction (SME) is designed to selectively isolate desired analytes while minimizing the presence of interfering substances in the extracted sample. There are different approaches from which single‐drop microextraction (SDME) can be amalgamated with various analytical methods to enhance its functionalities and improve the analysis of extracted compounds like gas chromatography, and liquid chromatography amplify sensitivity, selectivity, and the capacity to detect trace amounts of analytes in complex matrices. The review focuses on the intricacies of solid‐phase microextraction and elucidates its operational principles. Additionally, it explores various types of SDMEs, detailing their respective benefits, drawbacks, and potential applications in the future. A typical explanation of the construction and working of hollow fiber‐liquid phase microextraction as well as its types has been discussed. The applications of SMEs in the medical and biomedical fields from food analysis to environmental analysis like analysis and purification of water, organic pollutants, drug analysis, and screening of new drugs have been discussed and also illustrated in tabular form. The pros and cons of both analytical techniques are given in a tabular manner as well a broad comparison between different types of advanced SME techniques provides a new direction for environmental monitoring, food safety, and refining of impurities from water samples. The review provides a comprehensive overview of the current progress, recent obstacles, and future possibilities of SMEs in an appropriate manner. Despite numerous promising advancements, the utilization of SMEs remains a challenging field.
Assessment of bond behavior in fly ash cenosphere concrete using plain and deformed rebars
Authors: M Kowsalya , S Sindhu Nachiar , S Anandh
Published: March 2024

Replacement of industrial byproducts as the main components of concrete has gained the attention toward the environment in reducing the raw material consumption. Fly ash (FA) cenosphere is one such industrial product used in the concrete as a partial or full replacement of fine aggregate, which can be able to use for non‐structural applications. Whereas for structural applications, reinforcement in the concrete and their bond behavior is an essential factor that influences its structural behavior. Hence, this study explores the bond behavior of plain and deformed rebar, 10 and 12 mm, respectively, in concrete containing 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% FA cenosphere as fine aggregate. A pull‐out test is performed to study the bond behavior experimentally and the results show that the bond strength decreases with increase in the diameter of the rebar irrespective of concrete's compressive strength. The deformed rebar showed a better performance than the plain rebar with an average bond stress of nearly 60%. Finite element analysis has been performed using ANSYS‐ 2022R2 to validate the experimental results with simulated results in which the error percentage is in line with good results.
Military History and Military Theory
Authors: Eriksson Fredrik
Published: March 2024

The purpose of this article is to discuss the relationship between military history and military theory through a chronological analysis. Military history in some form has always been used to formulate military theory i.e. generalizations of historical experience to guide action in the present and in the future. History is however hard to interpret, and has served different purposes over time. In the ancient world history linked to morality, and historiography contained practicle advice for generals. The scientfic revolution saw the birth of scientific laws for warfare, inspired by natural sciences i.e. codifying historical experience. The Napoleonic era saw the birth of modern warfare and the development of modern military theory. Jomini synthezised the Enlightenment with experiences of the Napoleonic wars into scientific principles of war. From a Romantic historical tradition came Clausewitz, a historicist general focused on understanding the nature of war. For Clausewitz history was about understanding, and could not be used for scientific principles. In the same era came Marxism – a materialist, deterministic theory of history, influencing for example Russian and Chinese military thinking as well as theories of guerilla war. Using military history to create military theory still revolves around the dialectic, will history repeat itself or not? If it does, then it can be used for formulating theory. If it doesn´t, history can be used for understanding the past and as a guide. Every new generation of the military have reinvented and reinterpreted history. Most of the doctrines and theories of warfare today rests on a mixture of concepts from both Clausewitz and from Jomini – and in every case military history is the very foundation of both. The dialectic relationship between military history and military theory seems to be as old as the phenonema of war itself.
Introduction
Authors: Nathan Linda F. , Mendonca Jonathan F. , Rojas Ayala Gustavo
Published: March 2024

We lay out the argument for why we need more democratic schools globally. We introduce the questions for the entire book and the framework we have developed which has four corresponding pillars. These are as follows:

Democratic education emphasizes the open flow of ideas and choices, regardless of their popularity.

Democratic education is a high-quality equitable education and is accessible to and inclusive of all people.

Democratic education contributes to the “common good” through active engagement, consensus, and compromise.

Democratic schools organize students, parents, social institutions, and the larger community collaboratively to achieve its goals and to solve theirs and society’s most urgent challenges.
Starting with Self, Sharing Academic Success, Co-creating the World
Authors: Okuda Manami
Published: March 2024

Accepting our whole selves, sharing academic successes, and co-creating values are the three essential components in building a democratic education and supporting young people to thrive in Japan.
Nurturing Lifelong Learning Through Creative Projects
Authors: Kwok Mo
Published: March 2024

Democratic learning in Hong Kong is decentralized and student-centric with active participation from the public and private sectors, making high-quality education accessible to every student regardless of race and class.
From Being a Student in a Democratic School to Founding One
Authors: Chardin Mirko
Published: March 2024

A Democratic Learning Environment is one that has been universally designed for and with those who have membership within it. A Democratic Learning Environment ensures that the authentic voices of both student and adult learners (staff, faculty and community) are at its center.
Self-authorship and Co-authorship: Democratic Education in Sitka, Alaska
Authors: Greenwald Grace
Published: March 2024

The value proposition of democratic schooling in Alaska is to reimagine the ways that a college education can be relevant, responsive, and worth investment for Alaskan students.
Weaving Regenerative Education: A Reflection from the Pacific Coast of Mexico
Authors: Arguedas Ariel , Fugate Colleen , Vázquez Patricia
Published: March 2024

Democratic education is understood as an opportunity and a bridge to make visible those communities that have been living under scarcity and marginalization for decades.
The Story of Artist Proof Studio and the Building of a Democratic Art School in South Africa
Authors: Berman Kim
Published: March 2024

Artist Proof Studio (APS) as a democratic learning environment enables an Ubuntu space of teaching and learning printmaking through interconnectedness (Ubuntu is an African philosophy meaning I am through you). Printmaking is regarded as a democratic art medium due to its accessibility, collaboration, and affordability in its ability to generate multiples. APS through the promotion of printmaking supports livelihoods for students and graduates and promotes agency and expression for active citizenship.
Raising Glocal Citizens for the Future
Authors: Khaing Maw Maw
Published: March 2024

To bring a quality bilingual system of education embedded with global and local values in Myanmar to raise glocal citizens.
Schooling in Egypt: Reimagined
Authors: Arafa Malak
Published: March 2024

The Community School embodies the hope that we have for Egypt’s future. It is an educational institution focused on social courage, community embeddedness, reflection and collaboration.
The EU in a Multidimensional Regime: The Regulation of Climate Neutrality
Authors: Diz Jamile Bergamaschine Mata , de Oliveira Márcio Luís
Published: March 2024

This work assesses the potential effectiveness and impact of the European Green Deal (EGD) and the consequent European Climate Law in the local, regional, national, intra-community, and international relations of the European Union (EU) in terms of climate change and its effects in the medium term. The article is developed under the dogmatic decision theoretical framework of the EGD. The general objective of the chapter is to discuss the innovations and effectiveness of the premises of the EGD as the EU’s guiding policy in achieving environmentally sustainable development, especially in the field of climate change and its effects. As specific objectives, the chapter aims to analyze (i) the European initiatives on climate change and the paradigm of the highest-level protection and (ii) the European Climate Law and the enforcement of climate change policies.
Fostering the Dynamics of the Bi-regional Summit EU-CELAC for Spurring the Cooperation in Climate Change
Authors: Ghymers Christian
Published: March 2024

This chapter discusses the climate change challenges common to both the European Union (EU) and the Latin American and Caribbean (CELAC) regions, and advances recommendations and a concrete method applicable to the bi-regional level. Bi-regional cooperation would spur – thanks to the virtue of the «competitive cooperation» dynamics of direct contacts among national experts at both regional and bi-regional levels – the implementation of the principles able to reach a net-zero emission regime. In the current context of weakened multilateralism, the proposed method could be extended to other regions for working out technical consensus independently of geopolitical conflicts.
Trisomy 21-driven metabolite alterations are linked to cellular injuries in Down syndrome
Authors: Liu Juli , Chen Shaoxian , Huang Guiping , Wen Pengju , Zhou Xianwu , Wu Yueheng
Published: March 2024

Down syndrome (DS) arises from a genetic anomaly characterized by an extra copy of chromosome 21 (exCh21). Despite high incidence of congenital diseases among DS patients, direct impacts of exCh21 remain elusive. Here, we established a robust DS model harnessing human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) from mosaic DS patient. These hiPSC lines encompassed both those with standard karyotype and those carrying an extra copy of exCh21, allowing to generate isogenic cell lines with a consistent genetic background. We unraveled that exCh21 inflicted disruption upon the cellular transcriptome, ushering in alterations in metabolic processes and triggering DNA damage. The impact of exCh21 was also manifested in profound modifications in chromatin accessibility patterns. Moreover, we identified two signature metabolites, 5-oxo-ETE and Calcitriol, whose biosynthesis is affected by exCh21. Notably, supplementation with 5-oxo-ETE promoted DNA damage, in stark contrast to the protective effect elicited by Calcitriol against such damage. We also found that exCh21 disrupted cardiogenesis, and that this impairment could be mitigated through supplementation with Calcitriol. Specifically, the deleterious effects of 5-oxo-ETE unfolded in the form of DNA damage induction and the repression of cardiogenesis. On the other hand, Calcitriol emerged as a potent activator of its nuclear receptor VDR, fostering amplified binding to chromatin and subsequent facilitation of gene transcription. Our findings provide a comprehensive understanding of exCh21’s metabolic implications within the context of Down syndrome, offering potential avenues for therapeutic interventions for Down syndrome treatment.
Carbon nanotubes enhancement of tribological and nanomechanical properties of PVDF-BN nanocomposites
Authors: Uyor Uwa O. , Popoola Abimbola P. I. , Popoola Olawale M.
Published: March 2024

There have been continuous efforts to further promote various properties of polymeric materials to meet various industrial demands, especially in the area of thermal, electrical, mechanical and wear properties. This study developed polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)-boron nitride (BN) nanocomposites and significantly enhanced their wear and nanomechanical properties by incorporating very low content of carbon nanotubes (CNT). The nanocomposites were developed via simple technique of solution mixing and hot compression. Scanning electron microscope showed that the nanocomposites achieved uniform microstructure with no significant agglomeration of the nanoparticles in the PVDF matrix. The wear rate of PVDF-10wt%BN-0.1wt%CNT was reduced from 5.68 × 10–4 and 5 × 10–3 mm3/Nm for pure PVDF to 1.6 × 10–6 and 8 × 10–6 mm3/Nm at applied loads of 10 N and 20 N, respectively. Also, an increase in hardness and elastic modulus of 225% and 219% for PVDF-10wt%BN-0.1wt%CNT was obtained relative to the pure PVDF at 100-mN applied load. While the nanocomposite showed about 75% and 103% increments compared to PVDF-10wt%BN at 100 mN. This study revealed that the addition of small amount of CNT could further improve the wear and mechanical properties of PVDF-BN as well as any other polymer-ceramic binary systems various advanced engineering applications.
Development of the self-management scale for urolithiasis patients with indwelling double-J tube
Authors: Hu Ziqi , Huang Aoli , He Ruiyao , Wei Fangxin , Wang Yu
Published: March 2024

Purpose

To develop a specific self-management scale applicable to patients with indwelling double-J tube in urolithiasis, and to test its reliability and validity.

Methods

The construction and validation of our scale involved three stages. First, an initial version of the questionnaire was formed through literature analysis, group discussions, semi-structured interviews, and the Delphi method. Second, a pre-survey was conducted with 20 urolithiasis patients with indwelling double-J stent placement to test their understanding of the initial questionnaire items and its acceptability. Finally, a formal survey of 234 patients with indwelling double-J tube for urolithiasis was conducted, and the scale was tested for reliability and validity.

Results

After the three stages, a specific self-management scale for urolithiasis patients with indwelling double-J tube was developed, consisting of 30 items across five dimensions with a cumulative contribution rate of 52.541%. The content validity index for item level ranged from 0.8 to 1, and the content validity index for the questionnaire level was 0.93. The correlation between each item and its dimension was > 0.4. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the overall questionnaire was 0.910, and the Cronbach’s alpha coefficients for each dimension ranged from 0.672 to 0.865. The split-half reliability of the overall questionnaire was 0.864, and the split-half reliabilities for each dimension ranged from 0.659 to 0.827. The test–retest reliability of the overall questionnaire was 0.840, and the test–retest reliabilities for each dimension ranged from 0.674 to 0.818.

Conclusion

The specific self-management scale for urolithiasis patients with indwelling double-J tube has good reliability and validity, and it is a reliable and effective tool for evaluating and assessing the self-management level of patients with indwelling double-J tube in urolithiasis.
Transplant nephrectomy: indication, surgical approach and complications—experiences from a single transplantation center
Authors: Mang Josef , Haag Josephine , Liefeldt Lutz , Budde Klemens , Peters Robert , Hofbauer Sebastian L. , Schulz Matthias , Weinberger Sarah , Dagnæs-Hansen Julia , Maxeiner Andreas , Ralla Bernhard , Friedersdorff Frank
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Management of a failed kidney allograft, and the question whether it should be removed is a challenging task for clinicians. The reported risks for transplant nephrectomy (TN) vary, and there is no clear recommendation on indications or surgical approach that should be used. This study gives an overview of indications, compares surgical techniques, and identifies risk factors for higher morbidity.

Methods

Retrospective analysis was conducted on all transplant nephrectomies performed between 2005 and 2020 at Charité Hospital Berlin, Department of Urology. Patient demographics, laboratory parameters, graft survival data, indication for TN, and surgical complications were extracted from medical reports.

Results

A total of 195 TN were performed, with graft intolerance syndrome being the most common indication in 52 patients (26.7%), acute rejection in 36 (18.5%), acute infection in 30 (15.4%), and other reasons to stop immunosuppression in 26 patients (13.3%). Rare indications were vascular complications in 16 (8.2%) and malignancies in the allograft in six (3.1%) cases. Extracapsular surgical approach was significantly more often used in cases of vascular complications and earlier allograft removal, but there was no difference in complication rates between extra- and intracapsular approach. Acute infection was identified as an independent risk factor for a complication grade IIIb or higher according to Clavien–Dindo classification, with a HR of 12.3 (CI 2.2–67.7; p = 0.004).

Conclusion

Transplant nephrectomy should only be performed when there is a good indication, and non-elective surgery should be avoided, when possible, as it increases morbidity.
Outcomes of one-stage feminizing genitoplasty in children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia and severe virilization
Authors: Abosena Wael , Almetaher Hisham AlMohamady , El Attar Ashraf Ahmed , Nofal Ahmed Hassan , Elhalaby Essam Abdelaziz
Published: March 2024

Purpose

To present our surgical experience and outcomes in congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) patients with severe virilization using a combined technique of total urogenital mobilization (TUM) and a modified pull-through vaginoplasty to perform a safe and effective one-stage feminizing genital reconstruction for these children.

Methods

Fourteen CAH patients with severe virilization, defined by a Prader IV and V rating of the external genitalia, underwent TUM followed by a limited vaginal pull-through procedure from June 2016 to December 2020. Postoperative anatomical and cosmetic outcomes, and urinary continence, were evaluated.

Results

Out of the 14 cases in this study, 8 were classified as prader IV and 6 as Prader V. The median age at surgery was 11 months (range 6–36 months), and the mean urethral length was 1.4 cm (range 1.2–1.8 cm). The median follow-up period was 4 years. Our cosmetic outcomes were good in 11 (78.5%), satisfactory in 2, and poor in one case. All patients achieved age-appropriate toilet training without urinary incontinence.

Conclusion

Adopting our surgical approach of TUM with modified pull-through vaginoplasty has simplified feminizing surgical reconstruction in CAH cases with severe genital atypia and a very high vaginal confluence with short urethral length, yielding adequate introitus with good anatomical and cosmetic appearance and adequate urinary continence outcomes.
Comparing code-free and bespoke deep learning approaches in ophthalmology
Authors: Wong Carolyn Yu Tung , O’Byrne Ciara , Taribagil Priyal , Liu Timing , Antaki Fares , Keane Pearse Andrew
Published: March 2024

Aim

Code-free deep learning (CFDL) allows clinicians without coding expertise to build high-quality artificial intelligence (AI) models without writing code. In this review, we comprehensively review the advantages that CFDL offers over bespoke expert-designed deep learning (DL). As exemplars, we use the following tasks: (1) diabetic retinopathy screening, (2) retinal multi-disease classification, (3) surgical video classification, (4) oculomics and (5) resource management.

Methods

We performed a search for studies reporting CFDL applications in ophthalmology in MEDLINE (through PubMed) from inception to June 25, 2023, using the keywords ‘autoML’ AND ‘ophthalmology’. After identifying 5 CFDL studies looking at our target tasks, we performed a subsequent search to find corresponding bespoke DL studies focused on the same tasks. Only English-written articles with full text available were included. Reviews, editorials, protocols and case reports or case series were excluded. We identified ten relevant studies for this review.

Results

Overall, studies were optimistic towards CFDL’s advantages over bespoke DL in the five ophthalmological tasks. However, much of such discussions were identified to be mono-dimensional and had wide applicability gaps. High-quality assessment of better CFDL applicability over bespoke DL warrants a context-specific, weighted assessment of clinician intent, patient acceptance and cost-effectiveness. We conclude that CFDL and bespoke DL are unique in their own assets and are irreplaceable with each other. Their benefits are differentially valued on a case-to-case basis. Future studies are warranted to perform a multidimensional analysis of both techniques and to improve limitations of suboptimal dataset quality, poor applicability implications and non-regulated study designs.

Conclusion

For clinicians without DL expertise and easy access to AI experts, CFDL allows the prototyping of novel clinical AI systems. CFDL models concert with bespoke models, depending on the task at hand. A multidimensional, weighted evaluation of the factors involved in the implementation of those models for a designated task is warranted.
Hypoxia matters: comparison of external and internal training load markers during an 8-week resistance training program in normoxia, normobaric hypoxia and hypobaric hypoxia
Authors: Rodríguez-Zamora Lara , Benavente Cristina , Petrer Irene , Padial Paulino , Timón Rafa , Arguelles Javier , Feriche Belén
Published: March 2024

Purpose

To compare external and internal training load markers during resistance training (RT) in normoxia (N), intermittent hypobaric hypoxia (HH), and intermittent normobaric hypoxia (NH).

Methods

Thirty-three volunteers were assigned an 8-week RT program in either N (690 m, n = 10), HH (2320 m, n = 10), or NH (inspired fraction of oxygen = 15.9%; ~ 2320 m, n = 13). The RT program (3x/week) consisted of six exercises, with three sets of six to 12 repetitions at ~ 70% of one repetition maximum (1RM) with the first session of each week used for analysis. 1RM in back squat and bench press was used to evaluate muscle strength before and after the program. External load was assessed by the volume load relative to body mass (RVL, kg·kg−1). Internal load was assessed by the ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and heart rate (HR).

Results

Smaller relative improvements were found for the back squat in the N group (11.5 ± 8.8%) when compared to the NH group (22.2 ± 8.2%, P = 0.01) and the HH group (22 ± 8.1%, P = 0.02). All groups showed similar RVL, HR responses and RPE across the program (P˃0.05). However, reduced HR recovery values, calculated as the difference between the highest HR value (HRpeak) and the resting heart rate after a two min rest, were seen in the N and NH groups across the program (P$$<$$
<
0.05).

Conclusion

It seems that 8 weeks of intermittent RT in hypoxic environments could maximize time-efficiency when aiming to improve strength levels in back squat without evoking higher levels of physiological stress. Performing RT at hypobaric hypoxia may improve the cardiorespiratory response, which in turn could speed recovery.
Autonomic cardiac function in children and adolescents with long COVID: a case-controlled study
Authors: Delogu A. B. , Aliberti C. , Birritella L. , De Rosa G. , De Rose C. , Morello R. , Cambise N. , Marino A. G. , Belmusto A. , Tinti L. , Di Renzo A. , Lanza G. A. , Buonsenso D.
Published: March 2024

Although the mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of long COVID condition are still debated, there is growing evidence that autonomic dysfunction may play a role in the long-term complications or persisting symptoms observed in a significant proportion of patients after SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, studies focused on autonomic dysfunction have primarily been conducted in adults, while autonomic function has not yet been investigated in pediatric subjects. In this study, for the first time, we assessed whether pediatric patients with long COVID present abnormalities in autonomic cardiac function. Fifty-six long COVID pediatric patients (mean age 10.3 ± 3.8 y) and 27 age-, sex-, and body surface area-matched healthy controls (mean age 10.4 ± 4.5y) underwent a standard 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG) and 24-h ECG Holter monitoring. Autonomic cardiac function was assessed by time-domain and frequency-domain heart rate variability parameters. A comprehensive echocardiographic study was also obtained by two-dimensional echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging. Data analysis showed that pediatric patients with long COVID had significant changes in HRV variables compared to healthy controls: significantly lower r-MSSD (root mean square of successive RR interval differences, 47.4 ± 16.9 versus 60.4 ± 29.1, p = 0.02), significant higher values VLF (very low frequency, 2077.8 ± 1023.3 versus 494.3 ± 1015.5 ms, p = 0.000), LF (low frequency, 1340.3 ± 635.6 versus 354.6 ± 816.8 ms, p = 0.000), and HF (high frequency, 895.7 ± 575.8 versus 278.9 ± 616.7 ms, p = 0.000). No significant differences were observed between the two groups both in systolic and diastolic parameters by echocardiography.

  Conclusion: These findings suggest that pediatric patients with long COVID have an imbalance of cardiac autonomic function toward a relative predominance of parasympathetic tone, as already reported in adult patients with long COVID. Further studies are needed to clarify the clinical significance of this autonomic dysfunction and demonstrate its role as a pathophysiological mechanism of long COVID, paving the way for effective therapeutic and preventive strategies.

What is Known:• Long Covid in children has been described globally, but studies have mostly focused on collecting the temporal evolution of persisting symptoms.

What is New:• Cardiac autonomic imbalance toward a relative predominance of parasympathetic tone is a mechanism underlying Long Covid in children, as also described in adults.
Fossil gas lock-in risks: analysis of Algeria’s electricity sector and implications for a renewable energy transition
Authors: Boukhatem Imane , Oei Pao-Yu
Published: March 2024

Algeria's electricity sector is dependent on fossil gas. Domestic gas demand is growing, and gas-fired power plants are projected to make up 84% of total installed capacity by 2028. This brings the country into a Sustainability Nexus dilemma: on the one hand, Algeria is committed to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental impacts of the gas sector, whereas on the other hand, the energy and export revenue derived from gas would need to be substituted in order to ensure social and economic development in the country. Socioeconomic tradeoffs and alternatives must therefore be understood and managed in a way that ensures continued political and public support for the country's energy transition and fossil fuel exit. This paper aims to (a) identify fossil gas lock-in factors and (b) explore the opportunities to overcome these obstacles in order to facilitate a transition into renewable energy. Using a deductive approach, we draw on theoretical assumptions regarding carbon lock-in theory and the 2020 framework of Trencher et al. to study (1) technological and infrastructural conditions, (2) actors and agency, (3) formal and informal institutions, knowledge and competences, and (4) exogenous context. Between November 2021 and March 2022, a total of 23 semi-structured interviews were conducted in Algeria with stakeholders from the government, power and industry organizations, civil society organizations, and scientific institutions. The interview transcripts were then thematically analyzed to get a picture of recurrent themes and patterns. Our analysis identified several factors contributing to the fossil gas lock-in in Algeria's electricity system: economic dependence on oil and fossil gas; the significant influence of oil and gas actors, and the governmental support for fossil gas; gas and electricity subsidies, which lock out all other energy alternatives; and an overall lack of attention to climate change in energy policy formulation and in political and societal debate, despite the major capacity expansion plans prompted by heatwaves. The paper ends with a brief discussion of how Algeria's gas lock-in may worsen due to the war in Ukraine.
Evaluation of Damage Stress Thresholds and Mechanical Properties of Granite: New Insights from Digital Image Correlation and GB-FDEM
Authors: Aboayanah Kareem Ramzy , Abdelaziz Aly , Haile Bezawit Fekadu , Zhao Qi , Grasselli Giovanni
Published: March 2024

We employed a novel combination of digital image correlation (DIC) and grain-based hybrid finite–discrete element method (GB-FDEM) to improve the comprehension of the relationships between microstructural features and the mechanical properties of granitic rocks. DIC and numerical results showed that macrocracks initiated and propagated along grain boundaries among different minerals driven by the high stiffness contrast between the compliant biotite and the stiffer feldspar/quartz grains. Surface deformation analyses revealed that tensile-dominated macrocracks open at monotonically increased rates before the crack damage threshold, and the opening accelerated afterwards with the increased shear component. The onset of the acceleration of the opening rate of macrocracks can be used to infer the crack damage threshold. Both strain and acoustic emission were used to infer damage stress thresholds in the synthetic numerical samples. Numerical results showed that the damage stress thresholds and uniaxial compressive strength decrease with increasing grain size following log-linear relations. Coarse-grained samples tend to fail by axial splitting, while fine-grained samples fail by shear zone formation. Biotite and quartz contents significantly affect mechanical properties, while quartz to feldspar ratio is positively related to the mechanical properties. Our study demonstrates the capacities of DIC and GB-FDEM in inferring damage conditions in granitic rocks and clarifies the microstructural control of the macroscopic mechanical behaviors. Our results also provide a comprehensive understanding of the systematics of strain localization, crack development, and acoustic emission during the rock progressive failure process.
Augmented reality headsets for surgical guidance: the impact of holographic model positions on user localisation accuracy
Authors: Pérez-Pachón Laura , Sharma Parivrudh , Brech Helena , Gregory Jenny , Lowe Terry , Poyade Matthieu , Gröning Flora
Published: March 2024

Novel augmented reality headsets such as HoloLens can be used to overlay patient-specific virtual models of resection margins on the patient’s skin, providing surgeons with information not normally available in the operating room. For this to be useful, surgeons wearing the headset must be able to localise virtual models accurately. We measured the error with which users localise virtual models at different positions and distances from their eyes. Healthy volunteers aged 20–59 years (n = 54) performed 81 exercises involving the localisation of a virtual hexagon’s vertices overlaid on a monitor surface. Nine predefined positions and three distances between the virtual hexagon and the users’ eyes (65, 85 and 105 cm) were set. We found that, some model positions and the shortest distance (65 cm) led to larger localisation errors than other positions and larger distances (85 and 105 cm). Positional errors of more than 5 mm and 1–5 mm margin errors were found in 29.8% and over 40% of cases, respectively. Strong outliers were also found (e.g. margin shrinkage of up to 17.4 mm in 4.3% of cases). The measured errors may result in poor outcomes of surgeries: e.g. incomplete tumour excision or inaccurate flap design, which can potentially lead to tumour recurrence and flap failure, respectively. Reducing localisation errors associated with arm reach distances between the virtual models and users’ eyes is necessary for augmented reality headsets to be suitable for surgical purposes. In addition, training surgeons on the use of these headsets may help to minimise localisation errors.
Osteoblastic differentiation and changes in the redox state in pulp stem cells by laser treatment
Authors: Escobar Lina M. , Grajales Marggie , Bendahan Zita , Jaimes Sully , Baldión Paula
Published: March 2024

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on cell proliferation, mitochondrial membrane potential changes (∆Ψm), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and osteoblast differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs). These cells were irradiated with 660- and 940-nm lasers for 5 s, 50 s, and 180 s. Cell proliferation was assessed using the resazurin assay, cell differentiation by RUNX2 and BMP2 expression, and the presence of calcification nodules using alizarin-red S staining. ROS was determined by the dichlorofluorescein-diacetate technique and changes in ∆Ψm by the tetramethylrhodamine-ester assay. Data were analyzed by a Student’s t-test and Mann–Whitney U test. The 940-nm wavelength for 5 and 50 s increased proliferation at 4 days postirradiation. After 8 days, a significant decrease in proliferation was observed in all groups. Calcification nodules were evident in all groups, with a greater staining intensity in cells treated with a 940-nm laser for 50 s, an effect that correlated with increased RUNX2 and BMP2 expression. ROS production and Δψm increased independently of irradiation time. In conclusion, photobiomodulation (PBM) with LLLT induced morphological changes and reduced cell proliferation rate, which was associated with osteoblastic differentiation and increased ROS and Δψm, independent of wavelength and time.
On convergence of iterative thresholding algorithms to approximate sparse solution for composite nonconvex optimization
Authors: Hu Yaohua , Hu Xinlin , Yang Xiaoqi
Published: March 2024

This paper aims to find an approximate true sparse solution of an underdetermined linear system. For this purpose, we propose two types of iterative thresholding algorithms with the continuation technique and the truncation technique respectively. We introduce a notion of limited shrinkage thresholding operator and apply it, together with the restricted isometry property, to show that the proposed algorithms converge to an approximate true sparse solution within a tolerance relevant to the noise level and the limited shrinkage magnitude. Applying the obtained results to nonconvex regularization problems with SCAD, MCP and $$\ell _p$$

ℓ
p

penalty ($$0\le p \le 1$$

0
≤
p
≤
1

) and utilizing the recovery bound theory, we establish the convergence of their proximal gradient algorithms to an approximate global solution of nonconvex regularization problems. The established results include the existing convergence theory for $$\ell _1$$

ℓ
1

or $$\ell _0$$

ℓ
0

regularization problems for finding a true sparse solution as special cases. Preliminary numerical results show that our proposed algorithms can find approximate true sparse solutions that are much better than stationary solutions that are found by using the standard proximal gradient algorithm.
International comparative study of motivation: a commentary
Authors: Eccles Jacquelynne S.
Published: March 2024

In this commentary, I focus on an international, collaborative, longitudinal study of the development of elementary school students’ math motivation and performance across six countries: Norway, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Portugal, and Serbia. The investigators designed motivational questionnaires to assess student motivational beliefs defined quite broadly, teacher and student questionnaires to assess teacher beliefs and practices, and family questionnaires to assess parents’ beliefs and practices as well as perceptions of their children and then tested to reliability and validity of these measures across all six countries so that they could investigate both development within countries and generalizability across countries. I focus my comparative comments on the following themes that cut across the various studies: the gender, national and SES differences, the impact of teacher beliefs and practices, the impact of parents, and the testing hypotheses derived from various social cognitive motivational systems.