bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Platelet Parameters in Patients With Pulmonary Hydatid Cyst
Authors: Küçükbayrak Abdulkadir
Published: May 2010

Background: Echinococcosis is a near-cosmopolitan zoonosis caused by adult or larval stages of tapeworms (cestodes) into the genus Echinococcus (family Taeniidae). It was demonstrated that platelets were capable of killing parasites independent from leukocytes. Purpose: The aim of our study was to examine mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet mass (PM) and platelet count (PC), which are practical indicators of platelet activity in preoperative and postoperative periods of the patients with hydatid cyst. Methods: In this retrospective study we evaluated 72 patients admitted to clinic of chest surgery with a diagnosis of pulmonary hydatid cyst in our hospital between January, 2006, and October, 2008. The MPV, PC, and PM were evaluated by complete blood count. PM was calculated by multiplying MPV and PLT.Results: Preoperative MPV values (mean: 8.07, std. dev.: 0.83) of the patients was found to be significantly higher than postoperative MPV values (mean: 7.78, std. dev.: 0.87) (p= 0,002). Preoperative PM values (median: 2456.75, min-max: 1013.70-5046.60) was found to be higher when compared to postoperative PM values (median: 2280.80, min-max: 134.20-4042.60) (p= 0,039). PC values were not significantly different between two periods (Preoperative PC mean values: 320.48, std. dev.: 98.42 and postoperative PC mean values: 307.29, std. dev.: 96.45, p= 0.286).Conclusion: In this study, we demonstrated that there were no statistical difference in PC for both periods but, in preoperative period MPV and PM were found statistical higher than postoperative period. We suggest that MPV and PM may be considered as inflammatory markers for hydatid cyst. MPV and PM can be used for following of patients with hydatid cyst.
The Magnitude of Tissue Cooling During Cryotherapy With Varied Types of Compression
Authors: Tomchuk David , Rubley Mack D. , Holcomb William R. , Guadagnoli Mark , Tarno Jason M.
Published: May 2010

Context:

Certified athletic trainers can choose different types of external compression (none, Flex-i-Wrap, and elastic wrap) when applying an ice bag to the body. However, which type facilitates the greatest magnitude of tissue cooling is unclear.

Objective:

To compare the effects of 2 common types of external compression on the magnitude of surface and intramuscular cooling during an ice-bag treatment.

Design:

Randomized controlled trial.

Setting:

University research laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants:

Fourteen college students (10 women, 4 men; age  =  22.4 ± 1.8 years, height  =  169.1 ± 8.2 cm, mass  =  73.3 ± 18.5 kg, skinfold  =  13.14 ± 1.61 mm) with previous cryotherapy experience and a posterior lower leg skinfold equal to or less than 15 mm.

Intervention(s):

On 3 different days separated by 24 to 48 hours, an ice bag was applied to the posterior lower leg surface of each participant for 30 minutes with no compression, with elastic wrap, or with Flex-i-Wrap.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Posterior lower leg surface and intramuscular (2 cm) temperatures were recorded for 95 minutes.

Results:

At 15 minutes, the elastic wrap produced greater surface temperature reduction than no compression (P  =  .03); this difference remained throughout the protocol (P range, .03 to .04). At 30 minutes, surface temperatures were 14.95°C, 11.55°C, and 9.49°C when an ice bag was applied with no external compression, Flex-i-Wrap, and elastic wrap, respectively. Surface temperatures between Flex-i-Wrap and elastic wrap and between Flex-i-Wrap and no compression were never different. At 10 minutes, Flex-i-Wrap (P  =  .006) and elastic wrap (P < .001) produced greater intramuscular temperature reduction than no compression produced; these differences remained throughout the protocol. At 10 minutes, no compression, Flex-i-Wrap, and elastic wrap decreased intramuscular temperature by 1.34°C, 2.46°C, and 2.73°C, respectively. At 25 minutes, elastic wrap (8.03°C) produced greater temperature reduction than Flex-i-Wrap (6.65°C) (P  =  .03) or no compression (4.63°C) (P < .001 ). These differences remained throughout ice application and until 50 minutes after ice-bag removal.

Conclusions:

During an ice-bag application, external compression with elastic wrap was more effective than Flex-i-Wrap at reducing intramuscular tissue temperature. Elastic wraps should be used for acute injury care.
Soccer Injuries in Female Youth Players: Comparison of Injury Surveillance by Certified Athletic Trainers and Internet
Authors: Schiff Melissa A. , Mack Christopher D. , Polissar Nayak L. , Levy Marni R. , Dow Sara P. , O'Kane John W.
Published: May 2010

Context:

Few authors have evaluated sports injury-surveillance systems that use parental, Internet-based surveys for data collection.

Objective:

To determine whether certified athletic trainers (ATs) and parental, Internet-based surveys provided comparable data for identifying soccer injuries.

Design:

Prospective feasibility cohort study.

Setting:

A soccer association in Seattle, Washington.

Patients or Other Participants:

Eighty female youth soccer players, ages 12 to 14 years.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

We compared the data provided by ATs attending 1 soccer practice per week with a weekly soccer-parent, Internet-based system. We measured athlete-exposure hours (AEHs) for each player. We compared injury rates reported by ATs only, Internet-based surveys only, and both systems combined. We evaluated the 2 surveillance systems for agreement on injured body region and laterality of injury using the κ statistic.

Results:

For ATs only, Internet-based surveys only, and both systems combined, we found acute injury rates of 3.0 per 1000 AEHs, 3.9 per 1000 AEHs, and 4.7 per 1000 AEHs and overuse injury rates of 1.0 per 1000 AEHs, 2.9 per 1000 AEHs, and 2.9 per 1000 AEHs, respectively. Players sustained 27 acute injuries (44% ankle, 11% knee, 11% hip) reported by at least 1 of the 2 systems, with 63% reported by ATs and 85% by Internet-based survey. Players sustained 17 overuse injuries (35% knee, 29% lower leg) reported by either system, with 35% reported by ATs and 100% by Internet-based survey. Among players for whom we had both ATs' and Internet-based survey injury data, body region injured and laterality had very good agreement (κ  =  0.73 to 1.0).

Conclusions:

The injury rate based on the weekly parental, Internet-based survey was similar to the rate based on the ATs' reporting and had comparable classifications of injured body region and laterality of injury.
Electrocardiogram Testing During Athletic Preparticipation Physical Examinations
Authors: O'Connor Daniel P. , Knoblauch Mark A.
Published: May 2010

Context:

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a relatively rare yet unfortunate risk of athletic participation. To reduce the incidence of SCD, electrocardiogram (ECG) use during athletic preparticipation examinations (PPEs) has been proposed to detect underlying cardiac abnormalities.

Objective:

To estimate the effectiveness of ECG use during athletic PPEs.

Design:

Epidemiologic modeling.

Populations:

Public high school athletes.

Data Collection and Analysis:

Estimates of ECG sensitivity (70%) and specificity (84%) were drawn from the literature, as was the estimate of overall prevalence of cardiac conditions relevant to SCD (0.3%). Participation rate by sex was determined from National Federation of State High School Associations data. Participation by ethnicity was assumed to be proportionate to the public high school attendance rates for grades 9 through 12 (18.4% African American). Population-specific ECG effectiveness (positive predictive value), estimated total costs, cost per year of life saved, and cost to identify 1 additional case were computed. Total annual PPE screening costs reflected a cardiologist's office visit, including echocardiogram for those athletes with a positive ECG screen.

Results:

The model predicted that 16% of all athletes would be expected to have a positive ECG, but only 1.3% of athletes with a positive ECG would have a cardiac abnormality capable of causing SCD, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, structural defects, and various conduction abnormalities. Total annual cost estimates for ECG screening and follow-up exceeded $126 million. Average cost per year of life saved across groups was $2693, and the cost to identify 1 additional case averaged $100 827. Compared with females, males had both lower cost per year of life saved and lower cost to identify 1 true case. Similarly, black males exhibited lower costs than white males. Across groups, false-positive ECG screening exams accounted for 98.8% of follow-up costs.

Conclusions:

Large-scale, mass ECG testing would be a costly method to identify athletes with cardiac abnormalities. Targeting high-risk populations can increase the effectiveness of the ECG for athletic PPE screening.
Formal and Informal Continuing Education Activities and Athletic Training Professional Practice
Authors: Armstrong Kirk J. , Weidner Thomas G.
Published: May 2010

Context:

Continuing education (CE) is intended to promote professional growth and, ultimately, to enhance professional practice.

Objective:

To determine certified athletic trainers' participation in formal (ie, approved for CE credit) and informal (ie, not approved for CE credit) CE activities and the perceived effect these activities have on professional practice with regard to improving knowledge, clinical skills and abilities, attitudes toward patient care, and patient care itself.

Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Setting:

Athletic training practice settings.

Patients or Other Participants:

Of a geographic, stratified random sample of 1000 athletic trainers, 427 (42.7%) completed the survey.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

The Survey of Formal and Informal Athletic Training Continuing Education Activities was developed and administered electronically. The survey consisted of demographic characteristics and Likert-scale items regarding CE participation and perceived effect of CE on professional practice. Internal consistency of survey items was determined using the Cronbach α (α  =  0.945). Descriptive statistics were computed for all items. An analysis of variance and dependent t tests were calculated to determine differences among respondents' demographic characteristics and their participation in, and perceived effect of, CE activities. The α level was set at .05.

Results:

Respondents completed more informal CE activities than formal CE activities. Participation in informal CE activities included reading athletic training journals (75.4%), whereas formal CE activities included attending a Board of Certification–approved workshop, seminar, or professional conference not conducted by the National Athletic Trainers' Association or affiliates or committees (75.6%). Informal CE activities were perceived to improve clinical skills or abilities and attitudes toward patient care. Formal CE activities were perceived to enhance knowledge.

Conclusions:

More respondents completed informal CE activities than formal CE activities. Both formal and informal CE activities were perceived to enhance athletic training professional practice. Informal CE activities should be explored and considered for CE credit.
Cryotherapy and Joint Position Sense in Healthy Participants: A Systematic Review
Authors: Costello Joseph T. , Donnelly Alan E.
Published: May 2010

Objective:

To (1) search the English-language literature for original research addressing the effect of cryotherapy on joint position sense (JPS) and (2) make recommendations regarding how soon healthy athletes can safely return to participation after cryotherapy.

Data Sources:

We performed an exhaustive search for original research using the AMED, CINAHL, MEDLINE, and SportDiscus databases from 1973 to 2009 to gather information on cryotherapy and JPS. Key words used were cryotherapy and proprioception, cryotherapy and joint position sense, cryotherapy, and proprioception.

Study Selection:

The inclusion criteria were (1) the literature was written in English, (2) participants were human, (3) an outcome measure included JPS, (4) participants were healthy, and (5) participants were tested immediately after a cryotherapy application to a joint.

Data Extraction:

The means and SDs of the JPS outcome measures were extracted and used to estimate the effect size (Cohen d) and associated 95% confidence intervals for comparisons of JPS before and after a cryotherapy treatment. The numbers, ages, and sexes of participants in all 7 selected studies were also extracted.

Data Synthesis:

The JPS was assessed in 3 joints: ankle (n  =  2), knee (n  =  3), and shoulder (n  =  2). The average effect size for the 7 included studies was modest, with effect sizes ranging from −0.08 to 1.17, with a positive number representing an increase in JPS error. The average methodologic score of the included studies was 5.4/10 (range, 5–6) on the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale.

Conclusions:

Limited and equivocal evidence is available to address the effect of cryotherapy on proprioception in the form of JPS. Until further evidence is provided, clinicians should be cautious when returning individuals to tasks requiring components of proprioceptive input immediately after a cryotherapy treatment.
Prejudice as moral action in Christian ethical decision-making
Authors: Myburgh Stephanus J.
Published: May 2010

Given the many approaches regarding the use of the Bible, the ethical work in biblical interpretation and the work of being concerned with an ethical issue affecting the Christian as a moral agent cannot be separated from one another. This article deals with that affinity between the approach of the interpreter as moral agent, using the Bible in his or her ethical decision-making and aspects that constitute fundamental starting points for him or her in this ethical decision-making, with regard to the liberation of prejudices as that which makes understanding for moral action possible. It is maintained in the article that prejudices that are conformable to the ways in which responsibility should qualify Christian ethics in general make for responsible use of the Bible in Christian ethical decision-making. Prejudices (pre-understanding) that are grounded in an ethics of responsibility allow for the interpreter to adhere to the truth claim of a text, which can only be had from hermeneutical work that promotes prejudices in an intentional and critical way as the link between past text and current interpreter.�--- Abstract translated into Sipedi ---Khuet�o ya dikakanyo t�a mosekaseki e le tiro ya maitshwaro mo go t�eeng diphetho ka maitshwaro a malebaSenaganwaGe re �edit�e ditsela t�a go fapana t�a ka fao Bibele e �omi�wago ka gona, mo�omo wa maitshwaro a maleba tlhathollong le tshekakong ya Bibele le mo�omo wa go tshwenyega ka taba ya maitshwaro a maleba ao a huet�ago Mokriste bjalo ka moemedi wa maitshwaro di ka se aroganywe. Pampiri ye e tlo swaragana le tswalano magareng ga mosekaseki bjalo ka moemedi wa maitshwaro, a diri�a Bibele mo go t�eeng diphetho t�a maitshwaro a maleba le mafapa ao a bopago motheo wa mathomo fao go t�ewago diphetho t�a maitshwaro a maleba, mabapi le tokologo ya maitshwaro a botse e le seo se kgonagat�ago kwe�i�o ya tiro ya maitshwaro. Mo pampiring ye re t�ea gore maitshwaro a botse ao a sepedi�anago tsela le ka fao maitshwaro a botse a Mokriste a hlathwago ka maikarabelo a gagwe ka gona ka kakaret�o, a dira gore Bibele e �omi�we ka maikarabelo mo go t�eweng ga diphetho ka maitshwro a botse. Dikakanyo t�a mosekaseki(kwe�i�o ya motheo) t�eo di theilwego godimo ga maitshwaro a botse a maikarabelo di dumelela mosekaseki go itshwarelela ka there�o ye e akanywago ya temana, t�eo di t�wago go modiro wa tshekatsheko woo o hlohlelet�ago maitshwaro a maleba ka tsela ya maikemi�et�o le go hlotla e le tswalano magareng ga digwalo t�efetilego le mosekaseki wa ga bjale.--- End of translation ---
Intermittent torsion of accessory hepatic lobe: An unusual cause of recurrent right upper quadrant pain
Authors: Jambhekar Kedar , Pandey Tarun , Kaushik Chhavi , Shah Hemendra R
Published: May 2010

An accessory lobe of the liver is a rare congenital anomaly that can undergo torsion and present as an acute surgical emergency. It is rarely diagnosed preoperatively. We report the preoperative utility of CT scan and MRI in the diagnosis and surgical planning of a case of intermittent accessory hepatic lobe torsion.
Case report: Congenital absence of the dens
Authors: Bajaj Manish , Jangid Hemant , Vats AK , Meena ML
Published: May 2010

A 36-year-old man presented with headache and right upper and lower limb weakness for 10 days. MRI revealed absence of the odontoid process of the C2 vertebral body, with resultant atlantoaxial dislocation along with myelomalacic changes involving the cervicomedullary junction.
Hygroscopicity and chemical composition of Antarctic sub-micrometre aerosol particles and observations of new particle formation
Authors: Asmi E. , Frey A. , Virkkula A. , Ehn M. , Manninen H. E. , Timonen H. , Tolonen-Kivimäki O. , Aurela M. , Hillamo R. , Kulmala M.
Published: May 2010

Abstract. The Antarctic near-coastal sub-micrometre aerosol particle features in summer were characterised based on measured data on aerosol hygroscopicity, size distributions, volatility and chemical ion and organic carbon mass concentrations. Hysplit model was used to calculate the history of the air masses to predict the particle origin. Additional measurements of meteorological parameters were utilised. The hygroscopic properties of particles mostly resembled those of marine aerosols. The measurements took place at 130 km from the Southern Ocean, which was the most significant factor affecting the particle properties. This is explained by the lack of additional sources on the continent of Antarctica. The Southern Ocean was thus a likely source of the particles and nucleating and condensing vapours. The particles were very hygroscopic (HGF 1.75 at 90 nm) and very volatile. Most of the sub-100 nm particle volume volatilised below 100 °C. Based on chemical data, particle hygroscopic and volatile properties were explained by a large fraction of non-neutralised sulphuric acid together with organic material. The hygroscopic growth factors assessed from chemical data were similar to measured. Hygroscopicity was higher in dry continental air masses compared with the moist marine air masses. This was explained by the aging of the marine organic species and lower methanesulphonic acid volume fraction together with the changes in the inorganic aerosol chemistry as the aerosol had travelled long time over the continental Antarctica. Special focus was directed in detailed examination of the observed new particle formation events. Indications of the preference of negative over positive ions in nucleation could be detected. However, in a detailed case study, the neutral particles dominated the particle formation process. Freshly nucleated particles had the smallest hygroscopic growth factors, which increased subsequent to particle aging.
Improved agreement of AIRS tropospheric carbon monoxide products with other EOS sensors using optimal estimation retrievals
Authors: Warner J. X. , Wei Z. , Strow L. L. , Barnet C. D. , Sparling L. C. , Diskin G. , Sachse G.
Published: May 2010

Abstract. We present in this paper an alternative retrieval algorithm for the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) tropospheric Carbon Monoxide (CO) products using the Optimal Estimation (OE) technique, which is different from AIRS operational algorithm. The primary objective for this study was to compare AIRS CO, as well as the other retrieval properties such as the Averaging Kernels (AKs), the Degrees of Freedom for Signal (DOFS), and the error covariance matrix, against the Tropospheric Emission Spectrometer (TES) and the Measurement of Pollution in the Troposphere (MOPITT) CO, which were also derived using OE technique. We also demonstrate that AIRS OE CO results are much more realistic than AIRS V5 operational CO, especially in the lower troposphere and in the Southern Hemisphere (SH). These products are validated with in situ profiles obtained by the Differential Absorption Carbon Monoxide Measurements (DACOM), which took place as part of NASA's Intercontinental Chemical Transport Experiment (INTEX-B) field mission that was conducted over the northern Pacific in Spring 2006. To demonstrate the differences existing in the current operational products we first show a detailed direct comparison between AIRS V5 and TES operational V3 CO for the global datasets from December 2005 to July 2008. We then present global CO comparisons between AIRS OE, TES V3, and MOPITT V4 at selected levels as well as for the total column amounts.
Numerically exact computation of the optical properties of light absorbing carbon aggregates for wavelength of 200 nm – 12.2 μm
Authors: Kahnert M.
Published: May 2010

Abstract. The optical properties of externally mixed light absorbing carbon (LAC) aggregates are computed over the spectral range from 200 nm – 12.2 μm by use of the numerically exact superposition T-matrix method. The spectral computations are tailored to the 14-band radiation model employed in the Integrated Forecasting System operated at the European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecast. The size- and wavelength dependence of the optical properties obtained with the fractal aggregate model differs significantly from corresponding results based on the homogeneous sphere approximation, which is still commonly employed in climate models. The computational results are integrated into the chemical transport model MATCH (Multiple-scale Atmospheric Transport and CHemistry modelling system) to compute 3-D fields of size-averaged aerosol optical properties. Computational results obtained with MATCH are coupled to a radiative transfer model to compute the shortwave radiative impact of LAC. It is found that the fractal aggregate model gives a shortwave forcing estimate that is twice as high as that obtained with the homogeneous sphere approximation. Thus previous estimates based on the homogeneous sphere model may have substantially underestimated the shortwave radiative impact of freshly emitted LAC.
Estimation of ECHAM5 climate model closure parameters with adaptive MCMC
Authors: Järvinen H. , Räisänen P. , Laine M. , Tamminen J. , Ilin A. , Oja E. , Solonen A. , Haario H.
Published: May 2010

Abstract. Climate models contain closure parameters to which the model climate is sensitive. These parameters appear in physical parameterization schemes where some unresolved variables are expressed by predefined parameters rather than being explicitly modeled. Currently, best expert knowledge is used to define the optimal closure parameter values, based on observations, process studies, large eddy simulations, etc. Here, parameter estimation, based on the adaptive Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method, is applied for estimation of joint posterior probability density of a small number (n=4) of closure parameters appearing in the ECHAM5 climate model. The parameters considered are related to clouds and precipitation and they are sampled by an adaptive random walk process of the MCMC. The parameter probability densities are estimated simultaneously for all parameters, subject to an objective function. Five alternative formulations of the objective function are tested, all related to the net radiative flux at the top of the atmosphere. Conclusions of the closure parameter estimation tests with a low-resolution ECHAM5 climate model indicate that (i) adaptive MCMC is a viable option for parameter estimation in large-scale computational models, and (ii) choice of the objective function is crucial for the identifiability of the parameter distributions.
Fluxes and concentrations of volatile organic compounds from a South-East Asian tropical rainforest
Authors: Langford B. , Misztal P. K. , Nemitz E. , Davison B. , Helfter C. , Pugh T. A. M. , MacKenzie A. R. , Lim S. F. , Hewitt C. N.
Published: May 2010

Abstract. As part of the OP3 field study of rainforest atmospheric chemistry, above-canopy fluxes of isoprene, monoterpenes and oxygenated volatile organic compounds were made by virtual disjunct eddy covariance from a South-East Asian tropical rainforest in Malaysia. Approximately 500 hours of flux data were collected over 48 days in April–May and June–July 2008. Isoprene was the dominant non-methane hydrocarbon emitted from the forest, accounting for 80% (as carbon) of the measured emission of reactive carbon fluxes. Total monoterpene emissions accounted for 18% of the measured reactive carbon flux. Monoterpenes were not emitted at night, and during the day their flux rate was dependent on both light and temperature. The oxygenated compounds, including methanol, acetone and acetaldehyde, contributed less than 2% of the total measured reactive carbon flux. The sum of the VOC fluxes measured represents a 0.4% loss of daytime assimilated carbon by the canopy, but atmospheric chemistry box modelling suggests that most (90%) of this reactive carbon is returned back to the canopy by wet and dry deposition following chemical transformation. The emission rates of isoprene and monoterpenes, normalised to 30 °C and 1000 μmol m−2 s−1 PAR, were 1.6 mg m−2 h−1 and 0.46 mg m−2 h−1 respectively, which was 4 and 1.7 times lower respectively than the default value for tropical forests in the widely-used MEGAN model of biogenic VOC emissions. This highlights the need for more direct canopy-scale flux measurements of VOCs from the world's tropical forests.
BVOC fluxes above mountain grassland
Authors: Bamberger I. , Hörtnagl L. , Schnitzhofer R. , Graus M. , Ruuskanen T. M. , Müller M. , Dunkl J. , Wohlfahrt G. , Hansel A.
Published: May 2010

Abstract. Grasslands comprise natural tropical savannah over managed temperate fields to tundra and cover one quarter of the Earth's land surface. Plant growth, maintenance and decay result in volatile organic compound (VOCs) emissions to the atmosphere. Furthermore, biogenic VOCs (BVOCs) are emitted as a consequence of various environmental stresses including cutting and drying during harvesting. Fluxes of BVOCs were measured with a proton-transfer-reaction-mass-spectrometer (PTR-MS) over temperate mountain grassland in Stubai Valley (Tyrol, Austria) over one growing season (2008). VOC fluxes were calculated from the disjunct PTR-MS data using the virtual disjunct eddy covariance method and the gap filling method. Methanol fluxes obtained with the two independent flux calculation methods were highly correlated (y = 0.95×−0.12, R2 = 0.92). Methanol showed strong daytime emissions throughout the growing season – with maximal values of 9.7 nmol m−2 s−1, methanol fluxes from the growing grassland were considerably higher at the beginning of the growing season in June compared to those measured during October (2.5 nmol m−2 s−1). Methanol was the only component that exhibited consistent fluxes during the entire growing periods of the grass. The cutting and drying of the grass increased the emissions of methanol to up to 78.4 nmol m−2 s−1. In addition, emissions of acetaldehyde (up to 11.0 nmol m−2 s−1), and hexenal (leaf aldehyde, up to 8.6 nmol m−2 s−1) were detected during/after harvesting.
Laboratory measurements of nitric oxide release from forest soil with a thick organic layer under different understory types
Authors: Bargsten A. , Falge E. , Pritsch K. , Huwe B. , Meixner F. X.
Published: May 2010

Abstract. Nitric oxide (NO) plays an important role in the photochemistry of the troposphere. NO from soil contributes up to 40% to the global budget of atmospheric NO. Soil NO emissions are primarily caused by biological activity (nitrification and denitrification), that occurs in the uppermost centimeter of the soil, a soil region often characterized by high contents of organic material. Most studies of NO emission potentials to date have investigated mineral soil layers. In our study we sampled soil organic matter under different understories (moss, grass, spruce and blueberries) in a humid mountainous Norway spruce forest plantation in the Fichtelgebirge (Germany). We performed laboratory incubation and flushing experiments using a customized chamber technique to determine the response of net potential NO flux to physical and chemical soil conditions (water content and temperature, bulk density, particle density, pH, C/N ratio, organic C, soil ammonium, soil nitrate). Net potential NO fluxes (in terms of mass of N) from soil samples taken under different understories ranged from 1.7–9.8 ng m−2 s−1 (soil sampled under grass and moss cover), 55.4–59.3 ng m−2 s−1 (soil sampled under spruce cover), and 43.7–114.6 ng m−2 s−1 (soil sampled under blueberry cover) at optimum water content and a soil temperature of 10 °C. The water content for optimum net potential NO flux ranged between 0.76 and 0.8 gravimetric soil moisture for moss covered soils, between 1.0 and 1.1 for grass covered soils, 1.1 and 1.2 for spruce covered soils, and 1.3 and 1.9 for blueberry covered soils. Effects of soil physical and chemical characteristics on net potential NO flux were statistically significant (0.01 probability level) only for NH4+. Therefore, as an alternative explanation for the differences in soil biogenic NO emission we consider more biological factors like understory vegetation type, amount of roots, and degree of mycorrhization; they have the potential to explain the observed differences of net potential NO fluxes.
Olpasiran, Oxidized Phospholipids, and Systemic Inflammatory Biomarkers
Authors: Rosenson Robert S. , López J. Antonio G. , Gaudet Daniel , Baum Seth J. , Stout Elmer , Lepor Norman E. , Park Jeong-Gun , Murphy Sabina A. , Knusel Beat , Wang Jingying , Wilmanski Tomaz , Wang Huei , Wu You , Kassahun Helina , Sabatine Marc S. , O’Donoghue Michelle L. ,   OCEAN(a)-DOSE Trial Investigators
Published: February 2025

Importance

Lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]) is thought to be the major carrier of oxidized phospholipids (OxPL). OxPL are believed to be a potent driver of inflammation and atherosclerosis. Olpasiran, a small interfering RNA, blocks Lp(a) production by inducing degradation of apolipoprotein(a) messenger RNA. Olpasiran’s effects on OxPL and systemic markers of inflammation are not well described.

Objective

To assess the effects of olpasiran on OxPL, high-sensitivity interleukin 6 (hs-IL-6), and hs-C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in the OCEAN(a)-DOSE randomized clinical trial.

Design, Setting, and Participants

OCEAN(a)-DOSE was an international, multicenter, placebo-controlled, phase 2, dose-finding randomized clinical trial conducted between July 2020 and November 2022. A total of 281 patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and Lp(a) levels greater than 150 nmol/L were included.

Intervention

Participants were randomized to receive 1 of 4 active subcutaneous doses of olpasiran vs placebo: (1) 10 mg, administered every 12 weeks (Q12W); (2) 75 mg, Q12W; (3) 225 mg, Q12W; or (4) 225 mg, administered every 24 weeks (Q24W). OxPL on apolipoprotein B (OxPL-apoB), hs-CRP, and hs-IL-6 were assessed at baseline, week 36, and week 48 in 272 patients.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was placebo-adjusted change in OxPL-apoB from baseline to week 36.

Results

Among 272 participants, median (IQR) age was 62 years (56-69), and 86 participants (31.6%) were female. Baseline median (IQR) Lp(a) concentration was 260.3 nmol/L (198.1-352.4) and median (IQR) OxPL-apoB concentration was 26.5 nmol/L (19.7-33.9). The placebo-adjusted mean percentage change in OxPL-apoB from baseline to week 36 was −51.6% (95% CI, −64.9% to −38.2%) for the 10-mg Q12W dose, −89.7% (95% CI, −103.0% to −76.4%) for the 75-mg Q12W dose, −92.3% (95% CI, −105.6% to −78.9%) for the 225-mg Q12W dose, and −93.7% (95% CI, −107.1% to −80.3%) for the Q24W dose (P < .001 for all). These effects were maintained to week 48 (−50.8%, −100.2%, −104.7%, and −85.8%, respectively; P < .001 for all). There was a strong correlation between percentage reduction in Lp(a) and OxPL-apoB for patients treated with olpasiran (r = 0.79; P < .001). Olpasiran did not significantly impact hs-CRP or hs-IL-6 compared with placebo to weeks 36 or 48 (P > .05).

Conclusion and Relevance

In the OCEAN(a)-DOSE multicenter randomized clinical trial, olpasiran led to a significant and sustained reduction in OxPL-apoB but no significant effects on hs-CRP or hs-IL-6.
Actinic Keratosis Incidence in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients
Authors: Navsaria Lucy J. , Liao Kaiping , Veerabagu Surya , Hinkston Candice L. , Wehner Mackenzie R.
Published: February 2025

This cohort study examines the incidence of actinic keratoses, which are possible precursors to skin cancer, especially squamous cell carcinoma, after solid organ transplant.
Experiences of Telehealth Reimbursement Policies in Federally Qualified Health Centers
Authors: Porteny Thalia , Brophy Sorcha A. , Burroughs Emily
Published: February 2025

Importance

The impact of Medicaid telehealth reimbursement policies on staffing and patient-centered care in the safety net are largely unknown but critical to successful and equitable access to telehealth.

Objective

To identify and characterize federally qualified health center (FQHC) staff and leadership’s perceptions of the benefits and drawbacks of Medicaid telehealth reimbursement policies.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This qualitative study used semistructured interviews conducted from April 2022 to January 2024 with snowballed sampled participants consisting of FQHC leadership, clinicians, and administrative staff in 6 FQHCs representing the 5 boroughs in New York, New York.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Participants described telehealth experiences, including factors impending or contributing to staff turnover, patient satisfaction, and financial sustainability within FQHCs. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data.

Results

Of 56 interviews, 26 participants (46.4%) were part of the leadership team, 18 (32.1%) were clinical staff, 8 (14.3%) were program support staff, 7 (12.5%) were enabling services staff, 3 (5.4%) were site directors, and 3 (5.4%) were another staff category. Three overarching themes characterized staff and leadership understanding of the impact of Medicaid telehealth reimbursement policies on FQHCs: (1) Medicaid telehealth policy design was perceived to exacerbate a workforce shortage, particularly among mental health care practitioners; (2) patients ranged in preferences and ability to access telehealth while FQHCs struggled to attain resources for telehealth; and (3) FQHC leadership envisioned a productive hybrid model where telehealth complements on-site care. FQHC staff and leadership reported opportunities to improve compliance, no-shows, and workflows through telehealth, but improvements in funding policy, such as payment parity and more grants that can be used to address telehealth infrastructure (eg, Internet access, equipment, and literacy), are urgently needed.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this qualitative study, staff at FQHCs perceived the current telehealth Medicaid reimbursement policies in New York State as a factor that exacerbated inequities to accessing care, particularly for mental health needs. These findings indicate that although telehealth brings new opportunities to advance patient-centered care, there are serious challenges on the path toward equitable care because telehealth is not yet integrated into payment in a sustainable way.
Quantifying Social Vulnerability and Its Impact on Health Care Delivery, Payment, and Performance
Authors: McElroy Lisa M. , Thirukumaran Caroline P. , Velopulos Catherine G.
Published: February 2025

This Viewpoint advocates for the inclusion of social determinants of health and health-related social needs data into the electronic health record as a measure for improving provision of equitable surgical care.
Structural and mechanistic basis for the regulation of the chloroplast signal recognition particle by (p)ppGpp
Authors: Zegarra Victor , Weiland Paul , Plitzko Pauline Anka , Thiery Julia , Czech Laura , Willmund Felix , Bedrunka Patricia , Bange Gert
Published: February 2025

The alarmones (p)ppGpp play a critical role in chloroplasts by acting as signalling molecules that regulate gene expression, protein synthesis and chloroplast (cp) development, particularly in response to stress and nutrient availability. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are still poorly understood. Here, we show that (p)ppGpp binds to the GTPase‐containing NG domains of the chloroplast signal recognition particle (SRP) and its receptor, preventing their GTP‐dependent association through a competitive mechanism. The structure of (cp)FtsY bound to ppGpp reveals that the alarmone employs the same binding mode as its GDP counterpart and hinders chloroplast SRP:FtsY complex formation via its pyrophosphate moiety. Consequently, (p)ppGpp also inhibits the mutual stimulation of the two GTPases present in the (cp)SRP54:FtsY complex. Taken together, our findings provide the first description of how the alarmones (p)ppGpp may regulate the SRP‐dependent protein trafficking pathway in plants.
All‐In‐One Carbon Foam Evaporators for Efficient Co‐Generation of Freshwater and Electricity
Authors: Hu Guixin , Liu Huajian , Liu Kuankuan , Wang Huiyue , Wen Xueying , Liu Lijie , She Yan , Feng Lingling , Niu Ran , Gong Jiang
Published: February 2025

Combining interfacial solar steam evaporation with power generation to produce freshwater and electricity is an effective approach to alleviating freshwater scarcity and energy crises. However, constructing low‐cost, efficient integrated evaporator‐generator devices remains challenging, and the synergistic mechanism underlying evaporation‐power co‐generation is not yet well understood. Herein, low‐cost carbon foam‐based bifunctional evaporators that effectively achieve freshwater and electricity co‐generation are designed. Carbon foam is obtained from waste polyester using a ball‐milling‐assisted carbonization strategy. The bifunctional evaporator demonstrates excellent water transport, outstanding sunlight absorption, and low evaporation enthalpy. It achieves an ultra‐high evaporation rate of 3.03 kg m−2 h−1 with a conversion efficiency of 99.4%. Additionally, it exhibits continuous high voltage (0.33 V) and current output (14.4 µA), surpassing the performance of state‐of‐the‐art carbon materials‐based evaporators/generators. The outcome of molecular dynamics simulations demonstrates that the stronger interaction of surface functional groups in carbon foam with Na+ than Cl− results in the formation of flow potential, when exposed to sunlight, further insights into the synergistic mechanism of power generation. This study expands a new path for sustainable electricity and freshwater co‐production by collecting natural energy using single, low‐cost, carbon foam‐based functional evaporator devices.
Temperature‐Time‐Dependent Dynamic Pattern From Multi‐Inks Printing Based on Chiral Helix Superstructure
Authors: Bie Zhiying , Yang Wenjie , Chen Yujie , Zheng Chenglin , Ikeda Tomiki , Wang Jingxia , Jiang Lei
Published: February 2025

Blue phase liquid crystal (BPLC) dynamic patterns have attracted wide attention for promising applications in optical information manipulation and visualization sensing, owing to unique 3D chiral helix superstructure and adjustable bright/abundant colors in response to extra fields. Inkjet printing has become an efficient approach for achieving programmable BPLC patterns. However, it remains a challenge to achieve independent “on/off” control of regional colors using the same ink due to unrevealed temperature‐time‐dependent color change behavior determined by different inks. Herein, a comprehensive understanding of the reflective bandgap shift law versus temperature/time is established by investigating the diffusion kinetics of multiple inks (5CB, 6CB, 8CB) in hydrophobically modified blue‐phase polymer templates. The three inks induce a redshift followed by a blueshift in color/reflectance wavelengths, but triggering times differ significantly at the same temperature, which is attributed to the inks' phase transition characteristics, fluid properties, and interaction with the BPLC polymer network. Dynamic multi‐color patterns with selective region triggering are successfully fabricated based on the time‐temperature controlled multi‐ink printing technique for displaying time‐series information and multi‐level encryption (including “growing apple tree” and “nested QR codes”). This study provides important insights into the design and fabrication of advanced optical devices with programmable colors and patterns.
Engineering Structural Anisotropy for Visualizing and Controlling Nanomagnetic Interactions with High‐Frequency Electromagnetic Wave
Authors: Liu Jiajun , Du Yiqian , Li Bangxin , Zhou Xiaodi , Yuan Mingyue , Lv Xiaowei , Wang Jian , Cui Jiacheng , Lv Hualiang , Che Renchao
Published: February 2025

Structural anisotropy in micro‐ and nanoscale magnetic materials is critical for their magnetic response to high‐frequency electromagnetic (EM) fields. However, controlling and visualizing these magnetic properties at the nanoscale remains a significant challenge. In this study, it proposes a strategy for the directional regulation of anisotropy in iron‐based magnetic materials. By manipulating particle structures, preferential orientation designs are achieved, resulting in spherical, spindle‐shaped, symmetrical hexagonal cone‐shaped, and disc‐shaped morphologies. Utilizing off‐axis electron holography and micromagnetic simulations, it observes that the material's response to high‐frequency EM waves intensifies with increasing structural anisotropy. This enhanced anisotropy directly influences high‐frequency magnetic permeability, enabling effective modulation of EM waves. Building on these insights, spindle‐shaped magnetic structures are developed with strong uniaxial anisotropy, achieving enhanced microwave absorption and surpassing the Snoek limit. These structures exhibit an initial permeability of up to 2.03, a 35% improvement over isotropic structures. They cover the 4.58–7.88 GHz range, providing absorption across more than 50% of the wireless communication band with a thin coating of just 3.0 mm, outperforming existing absorbers. Notably, the absorption bands predominantly lie within civilian frequency ranges (2–8 GHz), offering electromagnetic pollution protection for 5G and future 6G communication technologies.
Sono‐Piezo‐Photosynthesis of Ethylene and Acetylene from Bioethanol under Ambient Conditions
Authors: Jiang Yue , Zhang Jiajun , Ma Hongyang , Zhou Shujie , Lin Hsun‐Yen , Mofarah Sajjad S. , Lockrey Mark , Lu Teng , Ren Hangjuan , Zheng Xiaoran , Gunawan Maichael , Huang Suchen , Huang Yu‐Chun , Zhuo Fenglin , Ji Dali , Hart Judy N. , Liu Yun , Wu Jyh Ming , Ashokkumar Muthupandian , Wang Danyang , Koshy Pramod , Sorrell Charles C.
Published: February 2025

The catalytic conversion of bioethanol to ethylene (C2H4) and acetylene (C2H2) offers a transformative approach to sustainable production of two industrial cornerstones for organic compound and polymer syntheses, thereby offering significant economic and environmental advantages. In contrast, current methods for the synthesis of these C2 hydrocarbons rely on energy‐ and carbon‐intensive processes that require high temperatures and pressures. The present work addresses these limitations with a novel, low‐energy, bioethanol‐conversion strategy operating at room temperature and ambient pressure using sono‐piezo‐photocatalysts. A novel heterostructure of graphene oxide fragments (GO) and sodium bismuth titanate (NBT) within a core‐shell microstructure achieved outstanding C2H4 and C2H2 production rates of 134.1 and 55.5 µmol/g/h, respectively. The conversion mechanism is driven by (1) bubble collapse during ultrasound irradiation, generating localized high temperatures (≈4000 K) and pressures (≈100 MPa), and (2) piezo‐photocatalytic tuning of GO/NBT by enhanced charge separation and transfer. DFT simulations revealed detailed sono‐piezo‐photocatalytic conversion pathways, showing significant reductions in energy barriers for C2H4 (22.0 kcal mol−1) and C2H2 (48.0 kcal mol−1) formation. These findings emphasize the critical role of the catalyst in cleaving both C─H and C─O bonds effectively, leading to the desired product formation.
Extracellular Vesicle‐Based Antitumor Nanomedicines
Authors: Li Mingfeng , Liu Yanfei , Liu Fei , Chen Qiwen , Xu Lishang , Cheng Zhongyu , Tan Yifu , Liu Zhenbao
Published: February 2025

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as promising bioactive carriers for delivering therapeutic agents, including nucleic acids, proteins, and small‐molecule drugs, owing to their excellent physicochemical stability and biocompatibility. However, comprehensive reviews on the various types of EV‐based nanomedicines for cancer therapy remain scarce. This review explores the potential of EVs as antitumor nanomedicines. Methods for EV extraction, drug loading, and engineering modifications are systematically examined, and the strengths and limitations of these technical approaches are critically assessed. Additionally, key strategies for developing EV‐based antitumor therapies are highlighted. Finally, the opportunities and challenges associated with advancing EVs toward clinical translation are discussed. With the integration of multiple disciplines, robust EV‐based therapeutic platforms are expected to be manufactured to provide more personalized and effective solutions for oncology patients.
Tissue‐Adhesive and Antibacterial Hydrogel Promotes MDR Bacteria‐Infected Diabetic Wound Healing via Disrupting Bacterial Biofilm, Scavenging ROS and Promoting Angiogenesis
Authors: Gao Yang , Chen Xinxin , Zou Zheng , Qi Desheng , Geng Yujia , Wang Zhen , Zhang Zhen , He Chaoliang , Yu Jiaao
Published: February 2025

Effective treatment of diabetic wounds remains challenging because of multidrug‐resistant (MDR) bacterial infections, excessive oxidative stress, and impaired angiogenesis. In this study, a tissue‐adhesive and antibacterial hydrogel incorporating MXene and deferoxamine (DFO)‐loaded microspheres is developed for the treatment of MDR bacteria‐infected diabetic wounds. The hydrogel is built based on covalent crosslinking between ε‐poly(L‐lysine) and o‐phthalaldehyde‐terminated four‐arm poly(ethylene glycol). The hydrogel exhibited excellent mechanical properties, tissue adhesion strength, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. Under near‐infrared (NIR) irradiation, the MXene converted light into heat and elevated the local temperature rapidly, enabling the rapid disintegration of MDR bacterial biofilms. Simultaneously, the hydrogel exerted inherent antibacterial activity, persistently killing planktonic bacteria, and effectively controlling wound infections. The encapsulated DFO is then released from the hydrogel in a sustained and controlled manner, and promoted angiogenesis during diabetic wound healing. Additionally, MXenes can scavenge excessive reactive oxygen species and alleviate wound inflammation. In the methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus‐infected diabetic wound model in mice, the composite hydrogel along with NIR irradiation efficiently reduced the infectious bacteria, and accelerated the wound healing by promoting angiogenesis and alleviating inflammation. This composite hydrogel has great clinical potential for the treatment of diabetic wounds, particularly in challenging healing environments involving motion and infection.