bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Primary care payment models and avoidable hospitalizations in Ontario, Canada: A multivalued treatment effects analysis
Authors: Somé Nibene Habib , Devlin Rose Anne , Mehta Nirav , Sarma Sisira
Published: June 2024

Improving access to primary care physicians' services may help reduce hospitalizations due to Ambulatory Care Sensitive Conditions (ACSCs). Ontario, Canada's most populous province, introduced blended payment models for primary care physicians in the early‐ to mid‐2000s to increase access to primary care, preventive care, and better chronic disease management. We study the impact of payment models on avoidable hospitalizations due to two incentivized ACSCs (diabetes and congestive heart failure) and two non‐incentivized ACSCs (angina and asthma). The data for our study came from health administrative data on practicing primary care physicians in Ontario between 2006 and 2015. We employ a two‐stage estimation strategy on a balanced panel of 3710 primary care physicians (1158 blended‐fee‐for‐service (FFS), 1388 blended‐capitation models, and 1164 interprofessional team‐based practices). First, we account for the differences in physician practices using a generalized propensity score based on a multinomial logit regression model, corresponding to three primary care payment models. Second, we use fractional regression models to estimate the average treatment effects on the treated outcome (i.e., avoidable hospitalizations). The capitation‐based model sometimes increases avoidable hospitalizations due to angina (by 7 per 100,000 patients) and congestive heart failure (40 per 100,000) relative to the blended‐FFS‐based model. Switching capitation physicians into interprofessional teams mitigates this effect, reducing avoidable hospitalizations from congestive heart failure by 30 per 100,000 patients and suggesting better access to primary care and chronic disease management in team‐based practices.
Five‐year outcomes of fractionated stereotactic body radiotherapy for oligometastatic prostate cancer from the TRANSFORM phase II trial
Authors: See Andrew W. , Conway Paul , Frydenberg Mark , Haxhimolla Hodo , Costello Anthony J. , Moon Daniel , Ruljancich Paul , Grummet Jeremy , Pranavan Ganes , Peters Justin , Smyth Lloyd M. L. , Gwini Stella M. , McKenzie Dean P. , Bowden Patrick
Published: June 2024

Metastasis‐directed therapy (MDT) for oligometastatic prostate cancer (PCa), including stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), has shown promise but is still considered investigational. This is the 5‐year analysis of the TRANSFORM trial, the largest prospective cohort of men with oligometastatic PCa treated with SBRT‐based MDT. The primary endpoint was 5‐year treatment escalation‐free survival (TE‐FS), defined as freedom from any new cancer therapy other than further SBRT. In total, 199 men received SBRT; 76.4% were hormone‐naïve at baseline. The rate of 5‐year TE‐FS was 21.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 15.7%–28.7%) overall and 25.4% (95% CI: 18.1%–33.9%) in the hormone‐naïve subgroup. The subgroups with International Society of Urological Pathology Grade Groups 4–5 disease (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.05–2.01, p = .026), a higher baseline prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) (HR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.03–1.09, p < .001) and those who received prior androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) (HR = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.40–3.26, p < .001), were at greater risk of treatment escalation. Outcomes for participants with four or five initial lesions were comparable to those with one to three lesions. At last follow‐up, 18.9% (95% CI: 13.2%–25.7%) of participants were free from treatment escalation (median follow‐up of 67.9 months) and two participants had an undetectable PSA level. No treatment‐related grade three or higher adverse events were reported. The findings of this study demonstrate that SBRT‐based MDT is an effective option for delaying systemic treatment escalation in the context of oligometastatic PCa. Future randomised trials comparing SBRT‐based MDT to standard‐of‐care ADT‐based approaches are required to evaluate the impact of delaying ADT on survival.
Sex‐specific effects of maternal blood pressure on newborn telomere length: A prospective study
Authors: Sheng Yonghong , Liang Si , Wu Siqian , Shao Yantao , Qiu Xiaoqiang , Liu Shun , Huang Dongping , Pan Dongxiang , Wang Lijun , Juan Jennifer Tan Hui , Zeng Xiaoyun
Published: June 2024

Objective

To investigate the relationship between maternal blood pressure (BP) and neonatal cord blood telomere length (TL) during pregnancy, and to clarify the sensitive period.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study with 621 mother‐newborn pairs from the Guangxi Zhuang Birth Cohort (GZBC) in China. Multiple informant models, restricted cubic spline regression (RCS) models, and quantile regression models were conducted to analyze the correlation between maternal BP and neonatal TL.

Results

Maternal diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was inversely related to neonatal cord blood TL in the second trimester (P = 0.015) and the third trimester (P = 0.011). There was a male‐specific relationship between maternal BP and neonatal TL. A 1 mmHg increment in maternal systolic blood pressure (SBP) and DBP during the second trimester was related with 0.42% (95% CI: −0.80%, −0.04%) and 0.61% (95% CI: −1.13%, −0.09%) shorter TL in male newborns, respectively. Per unit increase of maternal DBP during the third trimester was related with 0.54% (95% CI: −1.03%, −0.05%) shorter TL in male newborns. Pregnant women with hypertensive disease of pregnancy (HDP) had male offspring with shorter TL (P = 0.003). However, no significant relationships were found in female newborns (P = 0.570).

Conclusion

Maternal BP during pregnancy is inversely correlated with male neonatal TL and the second and third trimesters are sensitive windows.
A machine learning model to predict spontaneous vaginal delivery failure for term nulliparous women: An observational study
Authors: Xu Jing , Liu Zifeng , Lu Yaxin , Zheng Zhijuan , Zhang Xinling
Published: June 2024

Objective

This study aims to construct and evaluate a model to predict spontaneous vaginal delivery (SVD) failure in term nulliparous women based on machine learning algorithms.

Methods

In this retrospective observational study, data on nulliparous women without contraindications for vaginal delivery with a singleton pregnancy ≥37 weeks and before the onset of labor from September 2020 to September 2021 were divided into a training set and a temporal validation set. Transperineal ultrasound was performed to collect angle of progression, head–perineum distance, subpubic arch angle, and their levator hiatal dimensions. The cervical length was measured via transvaginal ultrasound. The delivery methods were later recorded. Through LASSO regression analysis, indicators that can affect SVD failure were selected. Seven common machine learning algorithms were selected for model training, and the optimal algorithm was selected based on the area under the curve (AUC) to evaluate the effectiveness of the validation model.

Results

Four indicators related to SVD failure were identified through LASSO regression screening: angle of progression, cervical length, subpubic arch angle, and estimated fetal weight. The Gaussian NB algorithm was found to yield the highest AUC (0.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.65–0.98) during model training, and hence it was chosen for verification with the temporal validation set, in which an AUC of 0.79 (95% CI 0.64–0.95) was obtained with accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity rates of 80.9%, 72.7%, and 75.0%, respectively.

Conclusion

The Gaussian NB model showed good predictive effect, proving its potential as a clinical reference for predicting SVD failure of term nulliparous women before actual delivery.
A canonical correlation analysis of self‐compassion, life balance, and burnout in counselors
Authors: Silva Sarah V. , Dean Christian J. , Balkin Richard S.
Published: June 2024

This quantitative study explored the relationship between counselor burnout (Counselor Burnout Inventory, CBI), life balance (Life Balance Inventory, LBI), and self‐compassion (Self‐Compassion Scale, SCS) among 331 fully licensed and provisionally licensed counselors throughout the United States with at least 2 years of experience in various clinical settings and providing direct clinical services. Results of two canonical correlation analyses (CCAs) explored the relationship between (a) the subscales of the LBI and the CBI and (b) the subscales of the SCS and the CBI. Both CCAs indicated a statistically significant relationship demonstrating that: (a) increased life balance was associated with lower burnout and (b) increased self‐compassion was associated with lower burnout. Counselors experiencing burnout may turn to increasing their life balance or increasing self‐compassion practices to increase their quality of life.
Previously endured distress reduces the quality of the compassion extended toward sufferers of workplace distress
Authors: Livne‐Tarandach Reut , Jazaieri Hooria , Rabelo Verónica Caridad
Published: June 2024

In difficult times, how can we alleviate employees' distress? Lay beliefs suggest that high‐quality compassionate responses come from those who have “been there” before. According to hot–cold empathy gap theory, however, firsthand experience with another's distress may activate distorted memories of past distress, leading people to underestimate the severity and difficulty of another's current distress. Grounded in a relational perspective of compassion, we examine how sufferers experience the quality of actions taken to alleviate their distress (i.e., compassion action quality; CAQ), along with the responders' perceptions of their own responses (i.e., self‐efficacy). Across three studies, we find that sufferers experience lower CAQ from responders who have (vs. have not) previously endured a similar distress. We examine three mechanisms that explain the negative effect of previously endured distress on CAQ, based on responders' self‐focus, validation of sufferer's distress, and self‐efficacy. We also examine the boundary conditions of this effect and find that it is distress specific. Specifically, this effect does not hold when responders who previously endured distress respond to sufferers who are currently enduring a different type of distress. These findings advance organizational research on compassion and inform efforts to improve people's capacity to alleviate distress at work.
Donor human milk treated by high‐pressure processing improves the body growth of growth‐restricted mice pups
Authors: Dubernat Laure , Lefevre Augustin , Marousez Lucie , Tran Léa C. , Van Hul Matthias , de Lamballerie Marie , Cani Patrice D. , Gottrand Frédéric , Ley Delphine , Lesage Jean
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Pasteurized human donor milk (DM) is frequently used for feeding preterm newborns and extrauterine growth‐restricted (EUGR) infants. Most human milk banks performed a pasteurization of DM using the standard method of Holder pasteurization (HoP) which consists of heating milk at 62.5°C for 30 min. High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) processing was proposed to be an innovative nonthermal method to pasteurize DM. However, the effect of different modes of DM pasteurization on body growth, intestinal maturation, and microbiota has never been investigated in vivo during the lactation.

Objectives

We aimed to study these effects in postnatally growth‐restricted (PNGR) mice pups daily supplemented with HoP‐DM or HHP‐DM.

Methods

PNGR was induced by increasing the number of pups per litter (15 pups/mother) at postnatal Day 4 (PND4). From PND8 to PND20, mice pups were supplemented with HoP‐DM or HHP‐DM. At PND21, the intestinal permeability was measured in vivo, the intestinal mucosal histology, gut microbiota, and short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) level were analyzed.

Results

HHP‐DM pups displayed a significantly higher body weight gain than HoP‐DM pups during lactation. At PND21, these two types of human milk supplementations did not differentially alter intestinal morphology and permeability, the gene‐expression level of several mucosal intestinal markers, gut microbiota, and the caecal SCFAs level.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that HHP could be an attractive alternative to HoP and that HHP‐DM may ensure a better body growth of preterm and/or EUGR infants.
Enhancing micro‐enterprises performance: The role of the regional environment
Authors: Amato Stefano , Candio Paolo
Published: June 2024

This paper investigates the impact of the regional environment on firm performance, focusing on a sample of 97,838 manufacturing firms in Italy. Utilizing multilevel modeling, the study reveals several key findings. First, the regional context explains approximately 10% of the variability in firm performance. Second, micro‐enterprises demonstrate lower performance levels compared to larger counterparts. Third, a more competitive regional environment is associated with higher firm performance across all sizes of firms. Importantly, micro‐enterprises tend to benefit relatively more in competitive regions, leading to a narrowing performance gap with larger firms. These findings underscore the importance of policy initiatives aimed at enhancing regional competitiveness, particularly in supporting micro‐enterprises to address their inherent weaknesses and improve overall performance.
pH‐Responsive Degradable Electro‐Spun Nanofibers Crosslinked via Boronic Ester Chemistry for Smart Wound Dressings
Authors: Casillas‐Popova Sofia Nieves , Lokuge Nishadi Dilkushi , Andrade‐Gagnon Brandon , Chowdhury Farhan Rahman , Skinner Cameron D. , Findlay Brandon L. , Oh Jung Kwon
Published: June 2024

Recent advances in the treatment of chronic wounds have focused on the development of effective strategies for cutting‐edge wound dressings based on nanostructured materials, particularly biocompatible poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)‐based electro‐spun (e‐spun) nanofibers. However, PVA nanofibers need to be chemically crosslinked to ensure their dimensional stability in aqueous environment and their capability to encapsulate bioactive molecules. Herein, a robust approach for the fabrication of pH‐degradable e‐spun PVA nanofibers crosslinked with dynamic boronic ester (BE) linkages through a coupling reaction of PVA hydroxyl groups with the boronic acid groups of a phenyl diboronic acid crosslinker is reported. This comprehensive analysis reveals the importance of the mole ratio of boronic acid to hydroxyl group for the fabrication of well‐defined BE‐crosslinked fibrous mats with not only dimensional stability but also the ability to retain uniform fibrous form in aqueous solutions. These nanofibers degrade in both acidic and basic conditions that mimic wound environments, leading to controlled/enhanced release of encapsulated antimicrobial drug molecules. More importantly, drug‐loaded BE‐crosslinked fibers show excellent antimicrobial activities against both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria, suggesting that this approach of exploring dynamic BE chemistry is amenable to the development of smart wound dressings with controlled/enhanced drug release.
How to successfully apply industrial symbiosis
Authors: Hatsor Limor , Jelnov Artyom
Published: June 2024

The premise of industrial symbiosis (IS) is that advancing a circular economy that reuses byproducts as inputs in production is valuable for the environment. We challenge this premise in a simple model. Ceteris paribus, IS is an environmentally friendly approach; however, implementing IS may introduce increased pollution into the market equilibrium. The reason for this is that producers' incentives for recycling can be triggered by the income gained from selling recycled waste in the secondary market and thereby may not align with environmental protection. That is, producers may boost production (and subsequent pollution) to sell byproducts without internalizing the pollution emitted in the primary industry or the recycling process. We compare the market solution to the social optimum and identify a key technology parameter (the share of reused byproducts) that may have mutual benefits for firms, consumers, and the environment.
Signs of front‐line healthcare professionals' information anxiety during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Grounded theory study in a Wuhan hospital
Authors: Lu Quan , Tao Liang , Peng Xueying , Chen Jing
Published: June 2024

Aim

Being front‐line healthcare professionals is associated with possible severe information anxiety during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Investigating signs of information anxiety is the first and key step of its targeted medical intervention. This study aims to explore the signs of front‐line healthcare professionals' information anxiety during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Design

This study is qualitative research. Grounded theory was used to classify information anxiety signs of front‐line healthcare professionals.

Methods

Twenty‐four front‐line healthcare professionals from a general hospital with over 5000 beds in Wuhan were recruited to participate in semi‐structured interviews. According to the frequency and frequency variation of signs appearing in interviews, the trends of signs during the virus encounter, lockdown, flattening and second wave were compared. Based on the interviews, those signs that were conceptually related to each other were extracted to construct a conceptual model.

Results

Psychological signs (emotion, worry, doubt, caution, hope), physical signs (insomnia, inattention, memory loss, appetite decreased) and behavioural signs (panic buying of goods, be at a loss, pay attention to relevant information, change habits) could be generalized from 13 subcategories of information anxiety signs. Psychological signs were the most in every period of the pandemic. Furthermore, psychological signs decreased significantly during lockdown, while behavioural and physical signs increased. Finally, severe psychological and behavioural signs were associated with physical signs.
Using the behavior change wheel to design a novel home‐based exercise program for adults living with overweight and obesity: Comprehensive reporting of intervention development
Authors: Power Sofie , Broom David , Duncan Michael , Biddle Stuart , Rowley Nikita
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Physical activity and exercise are movement behaviors that support the lifestyle management of overweight and obesity. However, home‐based exercise programs are commonly generic, and inconsistently undertake a holistic approach to program design.

Methods

This work applied the Behavior Change Wheel, supplemented with previously conducted interviews, to the development of a home‐based exercise program, specifically for people living with overweight and obesity. This provided an understanding of the target behavior and identified a behavioral diagnosis. These findings were mapped onto the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation‐Behavior model and Theoretical Domains Framework, identifying changes needed and corresponding intervention functions.

Results

Suitable Behavior Change Techniques were identified, alongside Capability Opportunity Motivation‐Behavior components needed to facilitate an increase in exercise behaviors, and five key intervention functions. This housed the delivery of 24 Behavior Change Techniques, including goal setting, feedback, monitoring and repetition.

Conclusion

Applying the Behavior Change Wheel has enabled detailed development of a home‐based exercise program for adults living with overweight and obesity.
Hoch und weit hinaus
Authors: Mathelitsch Leopold , Thaller Sigrid
Published: June 2024

Stabhochspringen zählt zu den technisch anspruchsvollsten Sportarten der Leichtathletik. Hier kommt es darauf an, dass die Eigenschaften des Stabs, seine Länge und Elastizität, sehr genau auf den Athleten abgestimmt sind. Zudem ist eine möglichst große Geschwindigkeit beim Absprung maßgeblich. Dies und die schwierige Balance beim Anlauf und der Überquerung der Latte stellen hohe Anforderungen an die Athleten. Beim weniger bekannten Stabweitsprung hingegen spielen die Eigenschaften des Stabs keine wesentliche Rolle. Hier kommt es nicht auf die schnellste, sondern auf eine wohldosierte Anlaufgeschwindigkeit an. Außerdem ist Klettern während des Sprungs erlaubt, weshalb eine optimale Kletter‐ und schließlich Absprungtechnik zum weitesten Sprung führen.
Playing pin‐the‐tail‐on‐the‐protein in extracellular vesicle (EV) proteomics
Authors: Turner Natalie P.
Published: June 2024

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are anucleate particles enclosed by a lipid bilayer that are released from cells via exocytosis or direct budding from the plasma membrane. They contain an array of important molecular cargo such as proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids, and can transfer these cargoes to recipient cells as a means of intercellular communication. One of the overarching paradigms in the field of EV research is that EV cargo should reflect the biological state of the cell of origin. The true relationship or extent of this correlation is confounded by many factors, including the numerous ways one can isolate or enrich EVs, overlap in the biophysical properties of different classes of EVs, and analytical limitations. This presents a challenge to research aimed at detecting low‐abundant EV‐encapsulated nucleic acids or proteins in biofluids for biomarker research and underpins technical obstacles in the confident assessment of the proteomic landscape of EVs that may be affected by sample‐type specific or disease‐associated proteoforms. Improving our understanding of EV biogenesis, cargo loading, and developments in top‐down proteomics may guide us towards advanced approaches for selective EV and molecular cargo enrichment, which could aid EV diagnostics and therapeutics research.
Evolution history and the importance of genomic diversity facing climate change. The case of Agave marmorata Roezl., a microendemic agave used for mezcal production
Authors: Ruiz‐Mondragón Karen Y. , Klimova Anastasia , Valiente‐Banuet Alfonso , Lira Rafael , Eguiarte Luis E.
Published: June 2024

Social Impact Statement

For hundreds of years, Agave marmorata plants have been used in the production of alcoholic beverages in Mexico. This species is very important in small‐scale rural economies because it is a large plant, yielding five liters of mezcal. However, the production of these beverages takes place when it reaches its reproductive stage, which takes up to 35 years. Due to its slow maturation and high demand, it is considered an endangered species. Therefore, as a conservation strategy, this study proposes the creation of nurseries, genetic breeding programs, and demographic monitoring of wild populations to counteract the extraction of wild plants and, the conservation of the genetic diversity.

Agave marmorata Roezl., is an endemic species distributed in the states of Oaxaca and Puebla, Mexico, and locally is widely used to produce mezcal.

We assessed the genomic diversity and differentiation using the RADseq method and 29,101 high‐quality single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in wild plants and grown under three different management types (cultivated, plants used as live fences, and young plants growing in nurseries). We examined the demographic history and used species distribution modeling to understand the future of A. marmorata under scenarios of climate change.

We found high levels of genomic diversity (HS = 0.229) and moderate levels of inbreeding (FIS = 0.106 and Fhat3 = 0.190). The cultivated samples harbored less genetic diversity than the wild plants. Furthermore, we estimated low differentiation between cultivated and wild localities (FST = 0.037). In the wild samples, we identified two main genetic groups, one in the East and another in the West of its distribution area. This genetic structure possibly derived from a population contraction during the Pleistocene (~216,879.75 BP) and the formation of two refugia in small areas with climatic stability. Furthermore, the demographic reconstruction indicated that A. marmorata went through a recent population expansion event, with a large current Ne (Ne = 8,009). The future climate change models indicated contrasting possible changes in its distribution range, from an increase to the reduction of its suitable habitat, differences related to model parametrization, and future levels of CO2 production.

We propose conservation measures for the different management types of the species while also considering the biotic and abiotic interactions of Agave marmorata.
Target‐based discovery of antagonists of the tick (Rhipicephalus microplus) kinin receptor identifies small molecules that inhibit midgut contractions
Authors: Henriques‐Santos Bianca Monteiro , Baker Dwight , Zhou Nian , Snavely Thomas , Sacchettini James C. , Pietrantonio Patricia V.
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

A GPCR (G protein‐coupled receptor) target‐based approach was applied to identify antagonists of the arthropod‐specific tick kinin receptor. These small molecules were expected to reproduce the detrimental phenotypic effects that had been observed in Rhipicephalus microplus females when the kinin receptor was silenced by RNA interference. Rhipicephalus microplus, the southern cattle tick, cattle fever tick, or Asian blue tick, is the vector of pathogenic microorganisms causing the deadly bovine babesiosis and anaplasmosis. The widespread resistance to acaricides in tick populations worldwide emphasizes that exploring novel targets for effective tick control is imperative.

RESULTS

Fifty‐three structural analogs of previously identified tick kinin antagonists were screened in a ‘dual‐addition’ calcium fluorescence assay using a CHO‐K1 cell line expressing the tick kinin receptor. Seven molecules were validated as non‐cytotoxic antagonists, four of which were partial (SACC‐0428764, SACC‐0428780, SACC‐0428800, and SACC‐0428803), and three were full antagonists (SACC‐0428799, SACC‐0428801, and SACC‐0428815). Four of these antagonists (SACC‐0428764, SACC‐0428780, SACC‐0428799, and SACC‐0428815) also inhibited the tick midgut contractions induced by the myotropic kinin agonist analog 1728, verifying their antagonistic bioactivity. The small molecules were tested on recombinant human neurokinin (NK) receptors, the one most similar to the invertebrate kinin receptors. Most molecules were inhibitors of the NK1 receptor, except SACC‐0412066, a previously identified tick kinin receptor antagonist, which inhibited the NK1 receptor only at the highest concentration tested (25 μm). None of the molecules inhibited the NK3 human receptor.

CONCLUSION

Molecules identified through this approach could be useful probes for studying the tick kinin signaling system and midgut physiology. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Hepatic OATP1B zonal distribution: Implications for rifampicin‐mediated drug–drug interactions explored within a PBPK framework
Authors: Hartauer Mattie , Murphy William A. , Brouwer Kim L. R. , Southall Roz , Neuhoff Sibylle
Published: June 2024

OATP1B facilitates the uptake of xenobiotics into hepatocytes and is a prominent target for drug–drug interactions (DDIs). Reduced systemic exposure of OATP1B substrates has been reported following multiple‐dose rifampicin; one explanation for this observation is OATP1B induction. Non‐uniform hepatic distribution of OATP1B may impact local rifampicin tissue concentrations and rifampicin‐mediated protein induction, which may affect the accuracy of transporter‐ and/or metabolizing enzyme‐mediated DDI predictions. We incorporated quantitative zonal OATP1B distribution data from immunofluorescence imaging into a PBPK modeling framework to explore rifampicin interactions with OATP1B and CYP substrates. PBPK models were developed for rifampicin, two OATP1B substrates, pravastatin and repaglinide (also metabolized by CYP2C8/CYP3A4), and the CYP3A probe, midazolam. Simulated hepatic uptake of pravastatin and repaglinide increased from the periportal to the pericentral region (approximately 2.1‐fold), consistent with OATP1B distribution data. Simulated rifampicin unbound intracellular concentrations increased in the pericentral region (1.64‐fold) compared to simulations with uniformly distributed OATP1B. The absolute average fold error of the rifampicin PBPK model for predicting substrate maximal concentration (Cmax) and area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC) ratios was 1.41 and 1.54, respectively (nine studies). In conclusion, hepatic OATP1B distribution has a considerable impact on simulated zonal substrate uptake clearance values and simulated intracellular perpetrator concentrations, which regulate transporter and metabolic DDIs. Additionally, accounting for rifampicin‐mediated OATP1B induction in parallel with inhibition improved model predictions. This study provides novel insight into the effect of hepatic OATP1B distribution on site‐specific DDI predictions and the impact of accounting for zonal transporter distributions within PBPK models.
Enhancing Oxygen Evolution Performance of Cobalt–Vanadium Nanocomposites by Ion Leaching
Authors: Wang Bingyu , Li Ang , Zhang Xiaowen
Published: June 2024

Co‐based catalysts have been widely used in oxygen evolution reaction (OER) because of their low price and excellent catalytic performance. Herein, strategies of ion leaching and surface reconstruction to form more catalytic active sites are proposed, and accordingly improving the intrinsic activity of OER catalyst. First, the Co‐metal–organic frameworks (MOFs)/Ni precursors are synthesized on Ni foam by hydrothermal method. Then, the second hydrothermal reaction is carried out in sodium metavanadate solution, and a highly active V‐doped Co‐MOFs/Ni OER catalyst with particle coating is obtained. The results show that V‐doped Co‐MOFs/Ni in 1 m KOH solution shows excellent performance, that is, low overpotential of 253 mV at 10 mA cm−2, Tafel slope of 56 mV dec−1, small charge transfer impedance, large electrochemically active area of 1.71 mF cm−2, and good stability. Inductively coupled plasma‐atomic emission spectrometry measurements confirm that the V ions play a dominant role in leaching, while the Co ions negligibly contribute to the leaching. This work paves an alternative approach for advancing the synthesis of high‐efficiency nonprecious OER catalysts by such a facile green method.
Plant spatial configurations and their influences on phenological traits of cereal and legume crops under maize‐based intercropping systems
Authors: Kinyua Michael W. , Mucheru‐Muna Monicah W. , Bolo Peter , Kihara Job
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Intercropping systems have a great potential for crop diversification thus increasing smallholder systems' resilience to climate change while improving soil health. However, optimal benefits associated with intercropping systems are rarely realised because of the interspecific competition for growth resources among the intercropped species.

Methodology

Six trials were established in the high and low rainfall agroecological zones of Babati district in Tanzania to assess how promising cropping systems with different plant spatial configurations would influence the phenological development of intercropped maize, bean and pigeonpea. Cropping systems under study included a sole maize system rotated with a pigeonpea‐bean intercrop dubbed Doubled‐up legume (DUL), maize‐pigeonpea system both with and without de‐topping, an innovation comprising double maize rows alternated with pigeonpea and beans (Mbili‐Mbili), maize‐pigeonpea system with two maize seeds sown within a 50 cm intra‐row space, a vertical‐architecture Meru H513‐pigeonpea system and a farmer practice.

Results

Branch formation was significantly higher in DUL than in maize‐based systems (p ≤ 0.05). Seasonal weather had upto 30% influence on pigeonpea flowering, with DUL having highest (p ≤ 0.05) flower production. The rate of pigeonpea branch and flower production in Mbili‐Mbili was stable across seasons relative to other maize‐pigeonpea systems. Doubled‐up legume and farmer practice had pigeonpea litter yield of between 1 and 2 t ha−1which was at least 0.5 t ha−1higher than in maize‐based systems (p ≤ 0.05). During the period preceding early maize reproductive stages, Mbili‐Mbili increased light interception by 30% and 63% compared to maize‐based systems and DUL, respectively. Maize toppings had higher (94%) P content than stover biomass that remained until harvest.

Conclusion

Overall, maize‐legume systems had higher intercropping efficacy than sole maize system, both in interception use efficiency, soil mulch cover, among other soil health benefits. Mbili‐Mbili and DUL also had increased phenological benefits on intercropped legumes however, the latter was prone to seasonal weather variability.
Recent Advances in Poly‐Heptazine Imide and Based Materials for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Rana Sahil , Kumar Amit , Sharma Gaurav , Dhiman Pooja , Wang Tongtong
Published: June 2024

This review presents an overview of recent developments and advancements in the field of photocatalytic hydrogen evolution using poly(heptazine imide) (PHI) and based materials. Photocatalytic hydrogen evolution (PHE) has received great amount of attention because of its potential as a clean and sustainable energy source and PHI based materials have emerged as promising candidates for this purpose due to their distinct structural properties, improved light absorption, charge separation and reduced recombination. This review discusses the essential concepts of PHE and the potential of poly(heptazine imide) materials and their derivatives as photocatalysts and also the limitations of these materials in photocatalytic activity. It addresses the synthetic routes and strategies adopted to enhance the photocatalytic activity of these materials including surface modifications, band engineering, doping, loading co‐catalysts and composites & heterojunction construction. Furthermore, the recent works in photocatalytic H2 evolution using PHI and based materials have been summarized and discussed. Additionally, we examined the challenges and future outlooks in this field, emphasizing the need for scalable and cost‐effective production methods.
Multimaterial Printing of Serpentine Microarchitectures with Synergistic Mechanical/Piezoelectric Stimulation for Enhanced Cardiac‐Specific Functional Regeneration
Authors: Han Kang , Mao Mao , Fu Liyan , Zhang Yabo , Kang Yuming , Li Dichen , He Jiankang
Published: June 2024

Recreating the natural heart's mechanical and electrical environment is crucial for engineering functional cardiac tissue and repairing infarcted myocardium in vivo. In this study, multimaterial‐printed serpentine microarchitectures are presented with synergistic mechanical/piezoelectric stimulation, incorporating polycaprolactone (PCL) microfibers for mechanical support, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) microfibers for piezoelectric stimulation, and magnetic PCL/Fe3O4 for controlled deformation via an external magnet. Rat cardiomyocytes in piezoelectric constructs, subjected to dynamic mechanical stimulation, exhibit advanced maturation, featuring superior sarcomeric structures, improved calcium transients, and upregulated maturation genes compared to non‐piezoelectric constructs. Furthermore, these engineered piezoelectric cardiac constructs demonstrate significant structural and functional repair of infarcted myocardium, as evidenced by enhanced ejection and shortening fraction, reduced fibrosis and inflammation, and increased angiogenesis. The findings underscore the therapeutic potential of piezoelectric cardiac constructs for myocardial infarction therapy.
Coordination Structure Modulation in Group‐VIB Metal Doped Ag3PO4 Augments Active Site Density for Electrocatalytic Conversion of N2 to NH3
Authors: Biswas Ashmita , Sharma Mamta Devi , Kapse Samadhan , Samui Surajit , Thapa Ranjit , Gupta Santosh , Sudarshan Kathi , Dey Ramendra Sundar
Published: June 2024

Doping is considered a promising material engineering strategy in electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR), provided the role of the active site is rightly identified. This work concerns the doping of group VIB metal in Ag3PO4 to enhance the active site density, accompanied by d‐p orbital mixing at the active site/N2 interface. Doping induces compressive strain in the Ag3PO4 lattice and inherently accompanies vacancy generation, the latter is quantified with positron annihilation lifetime studies (PALS). This eventually alters the metal d‐electronic states relative to Fermi level and manipulate the active sites for NRR resulting into side‐on N2 adsorption at the interface. The charge density deployment reveals Mo as the most efficient dopant, attaining a minimum NRR overpotential, as confirmed by the detailed kinetic study with the rotating ring disk electrode (RRDE) technique. In fact, the Pt ring of RRDE fails to detect N2H4, which is formed as a stable intermediate on the electrode surface, as identified from in‐situ attenuated total reflectance‐infrared (ATR‐IR) spectroscopy. This advocates the complete conversion of N2 to NH3 on Mo/Ag3PO4‐10 and the so‐formed oxygen vacancies formed during doping act as proton scavengers suppressing hydrogen evolution reaction resulting into a Faradaic efficiency of 54.8% for NRR.
TiO2 Films with Macroscopic Chiral Nematic‐Like Structure Stabilized by Copper Promoting Light‐Harvesting Capability for Hydrogen Generation
Authors: Wang Cong , Mouchet Sébastien R. , Deparis Olivier , Li Jingwei , Paineau Erwan , Dragoe Diana , Remita Hynd , Ghazzal Mohamed Nawfal
Published: June 2024

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) have inspired the synthesis of various advanced nanomaterials, opening opportunities for different applications. However, a simple and robust approach for transferring the long‐range chiral nematic nanostructures into TiO2 photocatalyst is still fancy. Herein, a successful fabrication of freestanding TiO2 films maintaining their macroscopic chiral nematic structures after removing the CNCs biotemplate is reported. It is demonstrated that including copper acetate in the sol avoids the epitaxial growth of the lamellar‐like structure of TiO2 and stabilizes the chiral nematic structure instead. The experimental results and optical simulation demonstrate an enhancement at the blue and red edges of the Fabry‐Pérot reflectance peak located in the visible range. This enhancement arises from the light scattering effect induced by the formation of the chiral nematic structure. The nanostructured films showed 5.3 times higher performance in the photocatalytic hydrogen generation, compared to lamellar TiO2, and benefited from the presence of copper species for charge carriers’ separation. This work is therefore anticipated to provide a simple approach for the design of chiral nematic photocatalysts and also offers insights into the electron transfer mechanisms on TiO2/CuxO with variable oxidation states for photocatalytic hydrogen generation.
Revealing the Synergistic Effect of Cation and Anion Vacancies on Enhanced Fenton‐Like Reaction: The Electron Density Modulation of O 2p−Co 3d Bands
Authors: Fang Zhimo , Zhou Zhou , Zeng Zepeng , Xia Yuan‐gu , Liu Ji , Hu Bin , Li Kai , Li Ji‐hong , Lu Qiang
Published: June 2024

Defect engineering is considered as a flexible and effective mean to improve the performance of Fenton‐like reactions. Herein, a simple method is employed to synthesize Co3O4 catalysts with Co‐O vacancy pairs (VP) for peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation. Multi‐scaled characterization, experimental, and simulation results jointly revealed that the cation vacancies‐VCo contributed to enhanced conductivity and anion vacancies‐VO provided a new active center for the 1O2 generation. Co3O4‐VP can optimize the O 2p and Co 3d bands with the strong assistance of synergistic double vacancies to reduce the reaction energy barrier of the “PMS → Co(IV) = O → 1O2” pathway, ultimately triggering the stable transition of mechanism. Co3O4‐VP catalysts with radical‐nonradical collaborative mechanism achieve the synchronous improvement of activity and stability, and have good environmental robustness to favor water decontamination applications. This result highlights the possibility of utilizing anion and cation vacancy engineering strategies to rational design Co3O4‐based materials widely used in catalytic reactions.
Minimization of Energy Level Mismatch of PCBM and Surface Passivation for Highly Stable Sn‐Based Perovskite Solar Cells by Doping n‐Type Polymer
Authors: Kayesh Md. Emrul , Karim Md. Abdul , He Yulu , Shirai Yasuhiro , Yanagida Masatoshi , Islam Ashraful
Published: June 2024

Developing high‐performance and stable Sn‐based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is difficult due to the inherent tendency of Sn2+ oxidation and, the huge energy mismatch between perovskite and Phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM), a frequently employed electron transport layer (ETL). This study demonstrates that perovskite surface defects can be passivated and PCBM's electrical properties improved by doping n‐type polymer N2200 into PCBM. The doping of PCBM with N2200 results in enhanced band alignment and improved electrical properties of PCBM. The presence of electron‐donating atoms such as S, and O in N2200, effectively coordinates with free Sn2+ to prevent further oxidation. The doping of PCBM with N2200 offers a reduced conduction band offset (from 0.38 to 0.21 eV) at the interface between the ETL and perovskite. As a result, the N2200 doped PCBM‐based PSCs show an enhanced open circuit voltage of 0.79 V with impressive power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 12.98% (certified PCE 11.95%). Significantly, the N2200 doped PCBM‐based PSCs exhibited exceptional stability and retained above 90% of their initial PCE when subjected to continuous illumination at maximum power point tracking for 1000 h under one sun.
An Organic–Inorganic Hydrogel with Exceptional Mechanical Properties via Anion‐Induced Synergistic Toughening for Accelerating Osteogenic Differentiation
Authors: Luo Hongmei , Mu Qifeng , Zhu Ruijie , Li Min , Shen Huanwei , Lu Honglang , Hu Longyu , Tian Jiajun , Cui Wei , Ran Rong
Published: June 2024

Mineralized bio‐tissues achieve exceptional mechanical properties through the assembly of rigid inorganic minerals and soft organic matrices, providing abundant inspiration for synthetic materials. Hydrogels, serving as an ideal candidate to mimic the organic matrix in bio‐tissues, can be strengthened by the direct introduction of minerals. However, this enhancement often comes at the expense of toughness due to interfacial mismatch. This study reveals that extreme toughening of hydrogels can be realized through simultaneous in situ mineralization and salting‐out, without the need for special chemical modification or additional reinforcements. The key to this strategy lies in harnessing the kosmotropic and precipitation behavior of specific anions as they penetrate a hydrogel system containing both anion‐sensitive polymers and multivalent cations. The resulting mineralized hydrogels demonstrate significant improvements in fracture stress, fracture energy, and fatigue threshold due to a multiscale energy dissipation mechanism, with optimal values reaching 12 MPa, 49 kJ m−2, and 2.98 kJ m−2. This simple strategy also proves to be generalizable to other anions, resulting in tough hydrogels with osteoconductivity for promoting in vitro mineralization of human adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells. This work introduces a universal route to toughen hydrogels without compromising other parameters, holding promise for biological applications demanding integrated mechanical properties.
A service‐oriented approach to clinical trial recruitment for dementia and brain health: Methods and case examples of MyAlliance for Brain Health
Authors: Vidoni Eric D. , Swinford Emma , Barton Kelli , Perales‐Puchalt Jaime , Niedens C. Michelle , Lewandowski Tina , Schwasinger‐Schmidt Tiffany , Peltzer Jill , Wurth JoEllen , Berkley‐Patton Jannette , Townley Ryan A. , Moore W. Todd , Shaw Ashley R. , Key Mickeal N. , Andrade Erica , Robinson Melissa , Sprague Susan , Bondurant Aiden , Brook Debra , Freund Jennifer , Burns Jeffrey M.
Published: June 2024

INTRODUCTION

Recruitment of sufficient and diverse participants into clinical research for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias remains a formidable challenge. The primary goal of this manuscript is to provide an overview of an approach to diversifying research recruitment and to provide case examples of several methods for achieving greater diversity in clinical research enrollment.

METHODS

The University of Kansas Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (KU ADRC) developed MyAlliance for Brain Health (MyAlliance), a service‐oriented recruitment model. MyAlliance comprises a Primary Care Provider Network, a Patient and Family Network, and a Community Organization Network, each delivering tailored value to relevant parties while facilitating research referrals.

RESULTS

We review three methods for encouraging increased diversity in clinical research participation. Initial outcomes reveal an increase in underrepresented participants from 17% to 27% in a research registry. Enrollments into studies supported by the research registry experienced a 51% increase in proportion of participants from underrepresented communities.

DISCUSSION

MyAlliance shifts power, resources, and knowledge to community advocates, promoting brain health awareness and research participation, and demands substantial financial investment and administrative commitment. MyAlliance offers valuable lessons for building sustainable, community‐centered research recruitment infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of localized engagement and cultural understanding.

Highlights

MyAlliance led to a significant increase in the representation of underrepresented racial and ethnic groups and individuals from rural areas.

The service‐oriented approach facilitated long‐term community engagement and trust‐building, extending partnerships between an academic medical center and community organizations.

While effective, MyAlliance required substantial financial investment, with costs including infrastructure development, staff support, partner organization compensation, and promotional activities, underscoring the resource‐intensive nature of inclusive research recruitment efforts.