bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A latent class analysis of resilience and its association with patient-reported symptoms in patients with esophageal cancer after esophagectomy
Authors: Li Yanran , Zhang Zonghao , Ma Xuanxuan , Zhang Xue , Li Shuwen
Published: October 2023

Purpose

To identify the latent classes of resilience in patients with esophageal cancer after esophagectomy and develop a deeper understanding of the association between these classes and patient-reported symptoms.

Background

China accounts for more than half of the global burden of esophageal cancer, and patients with esophageal cancer experience numerous symptoms that affect their quality of life and prognosis. Given that resilience is a key element that alleviates the progression of symptoms, it may represent a potential means of to enhancing cancer patients’ physical and psychological well-being.

Methods

The study was implemented in the thoracic surgery departments of three tertiary hospitals in eastern China. The participants were patients who were still hospitalized after esophagectomy. Data were gathered by self-report questionnaires, and a latent class analysis was utilized to identify different categories of resilience among the patients.

Results

A total of 226 patients were recruited. The three classes of resilience identified included high strength and striving (53.5%), medium resilience but weak self-recovery (35.9%), and minimal tenacity and external support (10.6%). Patients with low income (OR = 12.540, p = 0.004) were more likely to be in the minimal tenacity and external support class. Patients without comorbidities (OR = 2.413, p = 0.013) and aged 66–70 years (OR = 4.272, p < 0.001) were more likely to be in the high strength and striving class. The patient-reported symptoms and symptom-related interference of patients after esophagectomy varied considerably among the three categories of resilience.

Conclusion

Accurate interventions should be devised and executed according to the features of each type of resilience in patients after esophagectomy to maximize intervention efficacy. These findings highlight the important role of precision nursing.
Risk factors associated with postoperative delirium in elderly patients undergoing hip surgery
Authors: Liu Xiao-Hong , Zhang Qing-Fu , Liu Ying , Lu Qing-Wang , Wu Jian-Hua , Gao Xiao-Hua , Chen Zhi-Yuan
Published: October 2023

Objective

We retrospectively analyzed the occurrence of postoperative delirium following hip surgery and the associated risk factors. The aim was to establish a clinical foundation for preventing postoperative delirium after hip surgery.

Methods

We retrospectively selected elderly patients who had hip surgery at our hospital between January 2022 and August 2022. We included patients who experienced delirium in the observation group and those who did not encounter delirium in the control group. We then proceeded to compare various indicators among these two groups of patients.

Results

We analyzed a total of 97 cases of hip surgery, and among them, 32 cases experienced postoperative delirium, resulting in an incidence rate of 32.9%. Various factors were found to be linked to the development of postoperative delirium, including age, height, gender (male), preoperative erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), postoperative ESR, preoperative lactate levels, pain scores on the first day after surgery, type of surgical procedure, and the occurrence of delirium in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU delirium). Additionally, it was observed that 75% of patients who had PACU delirium also experienced postoperative delirium.

Conclusion

Postoperative delirium in patients who have hip surgery had an incidence rate of 32.9%. This phenomenon is linked to various factors that pose a risk, such as the patient age, height, gender, preoperative ESR levels, postoperative ESR levels, preoperative lactate levels, pain scores on the day following surgery, and the specific surgical procedure performed. The likelihood of experiencing delirium increases by 12% for every additional 10 years in patient age. Additionally, the occurrence of delirium in the PACU is a strong indicator of the likelihood of experiencing postoperative delirium.
The mediating role of physical activity and health status between a health-supportive environment and well-being: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Liao Yi , Cheng Xiaoyu , Li Zhuangzhuang , Li Yanyan
Published: October 2023

Objective

Based on the social-ecological systems theory and social support theory, this study aims to explore the relationship between a health-supportive environment and well-being among residents. It further examined the mediating role of physical activity and health status in the pathway between a health-supportive environment and well-being.

Methods

The study utilized data from 2,717 samples of the China General Social Survey (2021) and conducted multiple regression analysis and mediation analysis using statistical software Stata 16.0 and SPSS PROCESS 3.3.

Results

(1) A health-supportive environment had a significant impact on residents’ well-being (t = 8.476, p < 0.001). (2) Among the three dimensions of natural environment, built environment, and neighborhood social environment, the influence of neighborhood social relationship environment had the strongest influence on residents’ well-being (t = 8.443, p < 0.001). (3) Physical activity and health status played a mediating role in the relationship between a health-supportive environment and residents’ well-being. The mediating effect was as follows: health-supportive environment → physical activity → well-being with a mediation effect of 0.020; health-supportive environment → health status → well-being with a mediation effect of 0.029; health-supportive environment → physical activity → health status → well-being with a mediation effect of 0.008.

Conclusion

A health-supportive environment not only directly influences residents’ well-being but also indirectly affects it through physical activity and health status. It is essential to focus on improving both the natural and built environment as well as the neighborhood social relationship environment in enhancing residents’ well-being. Physical activity serves as an important means to improve residents’ health level and promote their well-being.
Utilizing PRISM and RE-AIM to implement and evaluate the Rural Telementoring Training Center (RTTC) for health care workforce development in rural communities
Authors: Melhado Trisha V. , Schneegans Suyen , Rochat Andrea , Kawasaki Keito , Finley Erin P. , Wheeler Denna , Allison Waridibo E.
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Amid rural health worker shortages and hospital closures, it is imperative to build and maintain the local workforce. Telementoring (TM) or technology-enabled mentoring, is a tool for improving health care quality and access by increasing workforce capacity and support. The national Rural Telementoring Training Center (RTTC) was developed to compile and disseminate TM best practices by delivering free training, tools, and technical assistance to support the implementation, sustainability, and evaluation of new and current TM programs for rural health workers. This paper details how the Practical, Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model (PRISM) was used to understand the context that shaped implementation as well as how Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) was concurrently applied to frame outcomes.

Methods

The RTTC has three implementation strategies: outreach, training and technical assistance (TTA), and a Quality Measure Toolkit. Ongoing periodic reflections with the RTTC team, informed by PRISM, were collected, as were RE-AIM outcomes. Central to this design was the continuous review of incoming data in team meetings to inform programmatic changes by identifying challenges and applying modifications to strategies in real time.

Results

Major implementation changes discussed during reflections included providing timely and relevant messaging through various platforms, streamlining and customizing a TTA approach, and offering different options for accessing the Toolkit. The outreach strategy resulted in high Reach across the US, with over 300 organizations contacted. The effectiveness of the RTTC was demonstrated by counts of people engaging with outreach (ex. over 8,300 impressions on LinkedIn), the website (over 6,400 views), and e-bursts (33% open rate). Moreover, there were 32 TTA requests and 70 people accessing the Toolkit. Adoption was demonstrated by 27 people participating in TTA and 14 individuals utilizing the Toolkit.

Discussion

The integration of PRISM and RE-AIM frameworks promoted a holistic implementation and evaluation plan. Using PRISM, the RTTC team was able to reflect on the implementation strategies through the lens of contextual factors and make rapid programmatic changes within team meetings. That process resulted in outcomes framed by RE-AIM. The integration of two frameworks in tandem provided an adaptive and comprehensive approach to implementing a large-scale, national program.
Deep learning based recognition of shape-coded microparticles
Authors: Sahin Mehmet Akif , van den Eijnden Leander , Bhiri Cyrine , Destgeer Ghulam
Published: October 2023

Encoded particles have been used for multiplexed diagnostics, drugs testing, and anti-counterfeiting applications. Recently, shape-coded hydrogel particles with amphiphilic properties have enabled an amplified duplexed bioassay. However, a limitation to read multiple particle shape-codes in an automated manner and within a reasonable time prevents a widespread adaptation of such potent diagnostic platforms. In this work, we applied established deep learning based multi-class segmentation models, such as U-Net, Attention U-Net, and UNet3+, to detect five or more particle shape-codes within a single image in an automated fashion within seconds. We demonstrated that the tested models provided prosaic results, when implemented on an imbalanced and limited raw dataset, with the best intersection over union (IoU) scores of 0.76 and 0.46 for six- and eleven-class segmentation, respectively. We introduced augmentation by translocation (ABT) technique to enhance the performances of the tested models significantly, where the best IoU scores for the six and eleven classes increased to 0.92 and 0.74, respectively. These initial findings to detect multiple shapes of the particles in an automated manner underscore the potential of shape-coded particles to be used in multiplexed bioassays. The code is available at: github.com/destgeerlab/shape-coded-particles.
A School of Local Fish on the School Lunch Menu
Authors: Pascual-Fernández Jose J. , Ramón-Bruquetas Jaime , de la Cruz-Modino Raquel
Published: October 2023

School cafeterias in the Canary Islands use mainly seafood that is imported from far-away industrial fishing operations, even though there are several nearby fishing fleets. The nearby fleets fish for tuna the traditional way, catching them one by one off of mostly small-scale fishing boats, with the hook and line technique. These boats are eco-friendly, but they tend to export their tuna—several thousand tons each year—to mainland Spain or other countries. So, in 2018, we started a project to supply local tuna and other fish steaks to about a dozen Canary Islands school cafeterias, in an attempt to reduce fish exports and imports. This is good for the environment because it decreases the amount of fuel used to move food from place to place. We hope our work will not only help school kids to eat healthier, but also improve the eating habits and health of the entire local population.
Application of omics technology in the storage and transportation of agricultural products
Authors: Bai Lu , Zhang Zixuan , Peng XIn , Gao Zhiwei , Zhao Yan , Liang Kehong
Published: October 2023

Agricultural products may deteriorate due to various reasons during storage and transportation, resulting in serious losses. However, the mechanism of deterioration is complex, and many mechanisms are currently unclear. In recent years, the rapid development of omics technologies, such as genomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics, has led to breakthroughs in exploring the mechanism of product quality changes during the storage and transportation of agricultural products, and also help to understand molecular mechanisms. By using omics technology to gain a deeper understanding of the changes in agricultural products during storage and transportation, more efficient, environmentally friendly, and resource saving storage and transportation methods can be developed, providing a research foundation for the sustainability of China’s agricultural food system. In addition, research on omics technology has provided theoretical support for screening more suitable storage methods and transportation conditions. This review presents the potential application omics technologies in agricultural product storage and transportation. The application examples of omics technology in the storage and transportation process of agricultural products were discussed. Finally, the prospects indicate that omics technology has unlimited potential.
Women’s Sexual Empowerment and Its Relationship to Contraceptive Use in Bangladesh: Findings From a Recent National Survey
Authors: Khatun Nishi , Howlader Sihab , Rahman Md. Mosfequr
Published: October 2023

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the relationship between women’s sexual empowerment and contraceptive use among married Bangladeshi women from a nationally representative sample.

Methods: Secondary data analysis was conducted using the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) 2017–18. The investigation covered a total of 14,515 married, non-pregnant women who were residing with their spouses. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was fitted to assess the relationship between the variables of interest.

Results: A unit increase in the sexual empowerment scale increases the odds of contraceptive use by 13%. While increasing age, being Muslim, having a spouse who is older by more than 10 years, and living in rural areas are associated with lower odds of using contraceptives than their respective counterparts, secondary or higher levels of education, having more living children, exposure to TV or radio, and employment are associated with higher odds of using contraceptives.

Conclusion: The study’s findings point to the need for addressing women’s perceptions of their right to sexual and reproductive health and equity in order to further efforts to achieve universal access to reproductive health services.
BioControl Agents in Europe: Substitution Plant Protection Active Substances or a New Paradigm?
Authors: Marchand Patrice A.
Published: October 2023

Biocontrol agent (BCA) plant protection active substances composed from microorganisms, semiochemicals and substances from natural origins are increasing in Europe, since their entry into force of Regulation (EC) 1107/2009, in number and as a percentage of total active substances. As they are included in the scope of plant protection products (PPPs), this raises the question as to whether they are only substitute active substances, more socially acceptable, sustainable and environmentally preferable, or really another way of managing bioaggressors, pests and diseases. As we have conducted a survey of all active substances listed in all Parts of Regulation EU 540/2011 and compared chemical to BCA active substances, described their evolution and characteristics since 2011 and predicted the global perspective in the future years for both chemical, which are in decline, and BCA AS separately, these works raised the question of whether these BCA AS are a substitution, as is often the case for users, for the previous chemical AS, or whether they are fundamentally different new substances, which clearly obey a new vision of crop protection. This study therefore encompasses all active substances approved at any time in Europe since 2011 for both categories, whether still approved or not. At the end of this assessment, the following conclusion can be drawn: BCA AS are mainly fundamentally different substances from chemical AS, in all the compartments studied. A comparison between BCAs and chemical active substances allowed under (EC) 1107/2009 PPP Regulation is described together with a characterisation of BCA AS listed in EC 540/2011 PPP Regulation. Finally, the specific distinction of BCA vs. chemical active substance profile is analysed. This work allows us to conclude on the evolution of crop protection and the means that must be implemented to face current and new threats.
Twice-Split Phosphorus Application Alleviates Low Temperature Stress by Improving Root Physiology and Phosphorus Accumulation, Translocation, and Partitioning in Wheat
Authors: Xu Hui , Hassan Muhammad Ahmad , Li Jincai
Published: October 2023

In the context of global warming, low temperature (LT) disasters in major crops are also becoming more common. LT stress in the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain, the central wheat region in China, caused a massive reduction in wheat yields. A step towards ensuring wheat yield stability and food security, this study investigated the effects of optimizing phosphorus application on the root physiology, dry matter phosphorus accumulation, translocation, and partitioning of wheat under LT stress, using the representative cultivar Yannong 19 as the test material. The treatments included conventional phosphorus application (R1) and twice-split phosphorus application (R2), followed by −4 °C LT treatment and normal temperature (NT) treatment during the anther interval stage. Analysis of the root physiology (enzymatic activities and acid phosphatase, contents of malondialdehyde, soluble sugar, and soluble protein), phosphorus and dry matter accumulation, translocation, partitioning, and agronomic and yield-related components was carried during this research study. The results showed that the wheat root activity was significantly reduced and the antioxidant enzyme activities were increased to mitigate the damage of LT stress. Moreover, LT treatments damaged root function. The root activity and antioxidant properties were significantly lower than those of the NT treatment at the flowering stage. The dry matter and phosphorus accumulations were reduced by 30.6~33.6% and 15.1~21.3% at the flowering and maturity stages, resulting in final yield losses of 10.3~13.0%. In contrast, root activity increased by 16.1~27.2% in the twice-split phosphorus application treatments, and the root antioxidant characteristics were higher. As a result, dry matter and phosphorus accumulation increased after twice-split phosphorus application and their translocation to the grains was more; the final yield increased by 5.5~7.3%. Overall, the twice-split phosphorus application enhanced the physiological function of the root system and promoted the accumulation of nutrients and their transport to the grain, and alleviated the yield loss of wheat caused by LT stress.
Design and Manufacture of Bone Cements Based on Calcium Sulfate Hemihydrate and Mg, Sr-Doped Bioactive Glass
Authors: Moazeni Nazanin , Hesaraki Saeed , Behnamghader Aliasghar , Esmaeilzadeh Javad , Orive Gorka , Dolatshahi-Pirouz Alireza , Borhan Shokoufeh
Published: October 2023

In the present study, a novel composite bone cement based on calcium sulfate hemihydrate (CSH) and Mg, Sr-containing bioactive glass (BG) as solid phase, and solution of chitosan as liquid phase were developed. The phase composition, morphology, setting time, injectability, viscosity, and cellular responses of the composites with various contents of BG (0, 10, 20, and 30 wt.%) were investigated. The pure calcium sulfate cement was set at approximately 180 min, whereas the setting time was drastically decreased to 6 min by replacing 30 wt.% glass powder for CSH in the cement solid phase. BG changed the microscopic morphology of the set cement and decreased the size and compaction of the precipitated gypsum phase. Replacing the CSH phase with BG increased injection force of the produced cement; however, all the cements were injected at a nearly constant force, lower than 20 N. The viscosity measurements in oscillatory mode determined the shear-thinning behavior of the pastes. Although the viscosity of the pastes increased with increasing BG content, it was influenced by the frequency extent. Pure calcium sulfate cement exhibited some transient cytotoxicity on human-derived bone mesenchymal stem cells and it was compensated by introducing BG phase. Moreover, BG improved the cell proliferation and mineralization of extracellular matrix as shown by calcein measurements. The results indicate the injectable composite cement comprising 70 wt.% CSH and 30 wt.% Mg, Sr-doped BG has better setting, mechanical and cellular behaviors and hence, is a potential candidate for bone repair, however more animal and human clinical evaluations are essential.
The Associations between Obsessive Compulsive Personality Traits, Self-Efficacy, and Exercise Addiction
Authors: Tang Catherine So Kum , Gan Kai Qi , Lui Wai Kin
Published: October 2023

Exercise addiction refers to maladaptive exercise patterns involving compulsivity and addiction-like behaviors. Exercise addiction has been found to relate to negative physical and mental health outcomes such as heart abnormalities, physical injuries, and interpersonal conflicts. Based on the social cognitive theory, this study investigated the extent to which the interplay of obsessive compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) traits and self-efficacy beliefs would influence the development and maintenance of exercise addiction. A total of 1228 college students in the United States responded to an online survey. Based on cut-off scores of the Revised Exercise Addiction Inventory, the prevalence estimates of exercise addiction were 4.0% for males and 1.8% for females. Results showed that males are more prone to exercise addiction than females. Also, OCPD traits and self-efficacy significantly predicted exercise addiction after controlling for age and sex. Self-efficacy acted as a moderator in influencing the relationship between OCPD traits and exercise addiction, especially for females. At high levels of self-efficacy, more OCPD traits were significantly associated with a higher risk of exercise addiction. However, at low levels of self-efficacy, there was no association between OCPD traits and exercise addiction. The findings suggest that public education and intervention for exercise addiction should attend to the interplay between personality factors and sex.
The Spatial Analysis and Enhancement of Social Housing in Seoul
Authors: Chung Sang-Hyun , Kim Jun Ha
Published: October 2023

Seoul is the first city in South Korea to provide affordable social housing, beginning in 2015. Despite the importance of studying its space, configuration, and functionality, which impact the residents’ quality of life, research on social housing in Seoul is sparse. The purpose of this study is twofold: (1) to analyze the spatial layout and utilization of social housing and (2) to compare it to the layout and utilization of public rental housing provided by Seoul Housing & Communities Corporation (SH). A total of 120 units from 30 social housing projects open to the public in Seoul were selected. This study found that social housing in Seoul primarily consists of compact housing units targeting young adults and newlywed couples, with a high proportion of diverse spatial configurations. In South Korea, while the SH specialized floor plan is commonly used as a standardized prototype in contemporary apartments, the floor plans for social housing exhibit a broader range of shapes and spatial configurations. Distinct criteria are employed for space separation in designing social housing. Separating bedrooms or kitchens may be the priority depending on the specific housing unit, resulting in multiple layouts. The results suggest that ongoing research could contribute to exploring improved approaches for region-specific social housing design and enhancing residential environments.
Protein Lactylation Modification and Proteomics Features in Cirrhosis Patients after UC-MSC Treatment
Authors: Xie Ye , Li Ying , Yao Jia , Song Xiaojing , Wang Haiping , Zhang Jianjun , Li Xun
Published: October 2023

Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (UC-MSC) therapy improves liver function in liver cirrhosis patients. This study aimed to elucidate the therapeutic mechanism underlying cell therapy by analyzing changes in the modification and expression of proteins 1 month post-treatment with UC-MSCs. This prospective study included 11 cirrhosis patients who received MSC injection. The laboratory indexes before and after treatment were collected to evaluate the clinical treatment effect of UC-MSCs, and the protein expression and lactylation modification in the liver were comprehensively revealed. Meanwhile, weighted gene co-expression network analysis was used to analyze the co-expression protein modules and their relationship with clinical features. The patients with liver cirrhosis showed an improvement trend after receiving UC-MSC treatment; specifically, the liver protein synthesis function was significantly improved and the coagulation function was also significantly improved. Proteomics combined with lactic acid proteomics revealed 160 lysine lactylation (Kla) sites of 119 proteins. Functional analysis showed that the lactylation-modified proteins were enriched in the pathway of glucose and other substances’ metabolism, and many key enzymes of glycolysis and gluconeogenesis were lactated. UC-MSC therapy has a certain clinical effect in the treatment of liver cirrhosis and may act by regulating material metabolism, because the lactylation protein points to energy metabolism.
Best Practices in the Use of Sodium–Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors in Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease for Primary Care
Authors: Shubrook Jay H. , Neumiller Joshua J. , Alicic Radica Z. , Manley Tom , Tuttle Katherine R.
Published: October 2023

Diabetes is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD), with nearly half of all cases of kidney failure requiring kidney replacement therapy. While attention is often focused on the profound effects kidney failure has on the quality of life, the principal cause of complications and death among patients with diabetes and CKD is cardiovascular disease (CVD). These risks are often underappreciated by both healthcare professionals and patients. Sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors were originally developed and approved as glucose-lowering agents for treating type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, agents within the SGLT-2 inhibitor class have since demonstrated robust benefits for CKD, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), and heart failure (HF) outcomes. Specifically, dedicated kidney disease and HF outcome trials have shown markedly reduced rates of kidney failure, CVD and HF events, and death among people (with and without diabetes) with CKD. SGLT-2 inhibitors will be used by primary care clinicians, nephrologists, and cardiologists across a range of cardiovascular and kidney conditions and diabetes. Knowledge and awareness of the benefits and key safety considerations, and risk mitigation strategies for these medications is imperative for clinicians to optimize the use of these life-saving therapies.
Operation of a Hybrid Energy Storage System Based on a Cascaded Multi-Output Multilevel Converter with a Carrier-Based Modulation Scheme
Authors: Figueroa Fidel , Lizana Fuentes Ricardo , Goetz Stefan M. , Rivera Sebastian
Published: October 2023

Hybrid Energy Storage Systems (HESSs) have gathered considerable interest due to their potential to achieve high energy and power density by integrating different storage technologies, such as batteries and capacitors, to name a few. Among the various topologies explored for HESSs, the multi-output multilevel converter stands out as a promising option, offering decoupled operation of the AC ports while maintaining an internal balance among the diverse storage units. In this paper, the operation and restrictions of a HESS based on a multi-output multilevel converter with a carrier-based modulation scheme are presented. The study provides compelling evidence of the correct operation of the proposed modulation scheme and highlights its advantages, including simplicity and stability.
Digital Financial Inclusion and Remittances: An Empirical Study on Bangladeshi Migrant Households
Authors: Abdul Mannan Kazi , Farhana Khandaker Mursheda
Published: October 2023

Globally, large numbers of adults remain unbanked, and most of them live in rural areas of the Third World. The recent outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has shown us how inequalities in accessing financial services continue to affect us. However, digital financial inclusion has emerged as an effective tool used to tackle socioeconomic ills and drive economic development. In fact, due to these modern technological developments, the number of studies in this area is very limited, especially in the context of developing economies. This study examines the impacts of migrant remittances on digital financial inclusion within households in Bangladesh by using the Migration and Remittance Household Survey. To meet the research objectives of this study, a household survey was conducted and 2165 households interviewed in 2022–2023 in Bangladesh. The survey data collected was tested using univariate and multivariate estimations. This study finds that the coefficient of remittance has positive relationships with the probability of e-bank accounts and the use of mobile banking for a household’s financial transactions. However, the use of ATM cards by households for financial transactions has not been significantly affected. The article concludes that remittance flows may enhance access to and use of means of digital financial inclusion by reducing some of the barriers and costs in Bangladesh, which could greatly contribute to the country’s economic growth by creating and increasing a strong fund for investment. The findings of this study can help in taking various steps to facilitate the most powerful financial sector of Bangladesh, namely, remittance management.
Systematic Pan-Cancer Analysis Reveals X-C Motif Chemokine Receptor 1 as a Prognostic and Immunological Biomarker
Authors: Cui Likun , Zhu Liye , Chen Jie , Li Chunzhen , Yu Yizhi , Xu Sheng
Published: October 2023

Chemokines and their receptors play an important role in immune monitoring and immune defense during tumor growth and metastasis. However, their prognostic roles in pan-cancer have not been elucidated. In this work, we screened all chemokine receptors in pan-cancer and discovered X-C Motif Chemokine Receptor 1 (XCR1) as a reliable immunological and prognostic biomarker in pan-cancer using bioinformation. The TCGA database served as the foundation for the primary research database analysis in this work. XCR1 was downregulated in tumors. Patients with reduced XCR1 showed worse prognoses and a concomitant decrease in immune cell infiltration (DCs and CD8+ T cells). According to a gene enrichment study, XCR1 enhanced immune system performance by promoting T-cell infiltration through the C-X-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 9 (CXCL9)- C-X-C Motif Chemokine Receptor 3 (CXCR3) axis. In addition, XCR1 is mainly expressed in infiltrated DCs and some malignant cells in tumor tissues. Our data revealed the important role of XCR1 in remodeling the tumor microenvironment and predicting the survival prognosis, which could also be used as a sensitive biomarker for tumor immunotherapy.
Enhancement of Hydration Activity and Microstructure Analysis of γ-C2S
Authors: Yan Ziyue , Jiang Yaqing , Yin Kangting , Wang Limeng , Pan Tinghong
Published: October 2023

This paper investigated the combined effect of chemical activators and nano-SiO2 on the hydration reaction and the microstructure of γ-C2S. The hydration reaction of γ-C2S slurry activated with chemical activators (NaHCO3, NaOH, K2CO3, and KOH at 1 mol/L) was enhanced by 1% nano-SiO2. The hydrate reaction rate was determined by isothermal calorimetry, and the hydrated samples were characterized by XRD, TGA/DTG, SEM-EDS, and 29Si MAS/NMR. The results revealed a substantial enhancement in the hydration activity of γ-C2S due to the presence of the alkaline activator. Furthermore, nano-SiO2 did not alter the composition of γ-C2S hydration products, instead providing nucleation sites for the growth of hydration products. Incorporating nano-SiO2 promoted the formation of C-(R)-S-H gel with a low calcium-to-silica ratio and increased its polymerization levels, resulting in more favorable structures. Among all the activators used in this study, potassium salts had a better activation effect than sodium salts. After 28 days of curing, the degree of hydration reaction in the KC+Si group was 48% and about 37% for the NHC+Si group. Whereas, the KH+Si and NH+Si groups only reached approximately 20% after the same hydration duration.
Rational Design of Photocontrolled Rectifier Switches in Single-Molecule Junctions Based on Diarylethene
Authors: Wu Ziye , Cui Peng , Deng Mingsen
Published: October 2023

The construction of multifunctional, single-molecule nanocircuits to achieve the miniaturization of active electronic devices is a challenging goal in molecular electronics. In this paper, we present an effective strategy for enhancing the multifunctionality and switching performance of diarylethene-based molecular devices, which exhibit photoswitchable rectification properties. Through a molecular engineering design, we systematically investigate a series of electron donor/acceptor-substituted diarylethene molecules to modulate the electronic properties and investigate the transport behaviors of the molecular junctions using the non-equilibrium Green’s function combined with the density functional theory. Our results demonstrate that the asymmetric configuration, substituted by both the donor and acceptor on the diarylethene molecule, exhibits the highest switching ratio and rectification ratio. Importantly, this rectification function can be switched on/off through the photoisomerization of the diarylethene unit. These modulations in the transport properties of these molecular junctions with different substituents were obtained with molecule-projected self-consistent Hamiltonian and bias-dependent transmission spectra. Furthermore, the current–voltage characteristics of these molecular junctions can be explained by the molecular energy level structure, showing the significance of energy level regulation. These findings have practical implications for constructing high-performance, multifunctional molecular-integrated circuits.
Effects of Alkaline Hydrogen Peroxide and Cellulase Modifications on the Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Forsythia suspensa Dietary Fiber
Authors: Yan Kejing , Liu Jiale , Yan Wensheng , Wang Qing , Huo Yanxiong , Feng Saisai , Zhang Liangliang , Hu Qingping , Xu Jianguo
Published: October 2023

Besides active substances, Forsythia suspensa is rich in dietary fiber (DF), but it is often wasted or discarded and not put to good use. In order to improve the function of Forsythia DF, it was modified using alkaline hydrogen peroxide (AHP) and cellulase (EM). Compared to the control DF (ODF), the DF modified using AHP (AHDF) and EM (EMDF) had a looser microstructure, lower crystallinity, and higher oil holding capacity (OHC) and cation exchange capacity (CEC). The AHP treatment significantly increased the water holding capacity (WHC) and water swelling ability (WSA) of the DF, while the EM treatment achieved just the opposite. Moreover, the functional properties of AHDF and EMDF, including their cholesterol adsorption capacity (CAC), nitrite ion adsorption capacity (NAC), glucose adsorption capacity (GAC), glucose dialysis retardation index (GDRI), α-amylase inhibitory activity, and DPPH radical scavenging activity, were far better than those of ODF. Together, the results revealed that AHP and EM modifications could effectively improve or enhance the physicochemical and functional properties of Forsythia suspensa DF.
Antimony in Polyethylene Terephthalate-Bottled Beverages: The Migration Puzzle
Authors: Carneado Sergio , López-Sánchez José Fermín , Sahuquillo Ángeles
Published: October 2023

A novel strategy to assess the main variables that potentially affect the migration of antimony from PET bottles to beverages, including mineral waters and juices, is herein proposed. In a preliminary step, an LC-ICP-MS method previously used for water analysis was optimized to correct identify Sb species present in the studied matrices using HRMS. Subsequently, the influence of temperature and storage time up to 30 days on Sb migration from PET bottles into peach and pineapple juices of the same brand was studied. Storing PET bottled drinks at elevated temperatures (i.e., in a hot car or in summer) can cause antimony migration to exceed the limits allowed in the EU or USA. Because the behavior observed differed from the results reported for Sb migration in mineral waters, a second approach was proposed: three mineral water and two juice samples were kept in different PET containers and stored at an elevated temperature (up to 60 °C) to understand the role of the PET type and matrix simultaneously. This study demonstrated that both matrix characteristics and type of PET bottle greatly influence antimony leaching, highlighting the need to consider these variables together when conducting migration experiments. The obtained results can be helpful for developing future legislation concerning migration of pollutants from packing to food commodities.
Molecules Editorial: Greetings from the Editor-in-Chief
Authors: Schmidt Thomas J.
Published: October 2023

Dear readers, authors, reviewers, editors, coworkers and staff of Molecules, [...]
3D-Printed Filters for Efficient Heavy Metal Removal from Water Using PLA@CS/HAP Composites
Authors: Wang Yisu , Wang Yan , Qiu Shuai , Wang Chongyang , Zhang Hong , Guo Jing , Wang Shengfa , Ma Huixia
Published: October 2023

Chitosan/Hydroxyapatite composites, enriched with relatively active -NH2 and -OH groups, have emerged as promising adsorbents for heavy metal removal. In this study, we harnessed the potential of CS/HAP composites by developing monolithic PLA@CS/HAP filters utilizing 3D printing and freeze-drying techniques. These filters possess both macroscopic and microscopic porous structures, endowing them with exceptional capabilities for removing heavy metals from water. The adsorption properties of CS/HAP composites were explored by varying the dosage, duration, and initial concentrations of copper ions. The maximum adsorption capacity for Cu2+ was determined to be approximately 119+/−1 mg/g at the natural pH and 298 K. Notably, the monolithic PLA@CS/HAP filters demonstrated remarkable efficiency in the removal of copper ions, with 90% of copper ions effectively removed within a mere 2-h period in a cyclic adsorption experiment. Furthermore, the PLA@CS/HAP filters exhibited a robust dynamic Cu2+ removal capacity (80.8% or even better in less than 35 min) in a dynamic adsorption experiment. Importantly, all materials employed in this study were environmentally friendly. In summary, the PLA@CS/HAP filter offers advantages such as ease of preparation, eco-friendliness, versatility, and broad applicability in diverse wastewater treatment scenarios, thereby presenting a significant potential for practical implementation.
Effect of Induction Heating on Surface Properties of Hot-Pressed Ceramics Based on Nanopowders Si3N4 and TiN
Authors: Sartinska Lina L.
Published: October 2023

The effect of induction heating on the surface properties of hot-pressed ceramics based on plasma chemical nanopowders Si3N4 and TiN (additives: Al2O3, AlN, and Y2O3) has been studied. The research demonstrates the formation of a modified layer on the surface of the hot-pressed material. The study examines the porosity, hardness, fracture toughness, brittleness, distribution of elements, and wear of hot-pressed ceramics on the surface before and after additional grinding. Removal of the surface porous layer results in increased density and hardness, leading to a higher number of acoustic emission signals during scratching with a Vickers indenter. A different response to scratching indicates a transgranular or intergranular fracture of the structure. The presence of porosity and carbon contamination on the surface layer of materials negatively impacts the properties of TiN-reinforced ceramics based on Si3N4-Al2O3-AlN (SIALON). However, the addition of Y2O3 effectively prevents carbon penetration and reduces the effect of grinding. Additionally, the dark-colored tone observed on the outer volume of the samples suggests a non-thermal microwave effect of the induction furnace.
The Personal and the Planetary: Buddhism, Climate Change, and Anthropocene Time
Authors: Verchery Lina
Published: October 2023

Dipesh Chakrabarty describes the problem of climate change as in part one of temporal incommensurability. For most of human history, we have enjoyed the primacy of anthropocentric “world-historical” time. But as climate change becomes an increasingly dominant preoccupation in our daily lives, we experience a rupture in everyday world-historical time and the incursion of a new timescale: the inconceivably vast and impersonal scale of “planetary-geologic” time. The incommensurability between the personal scale of human time and the vast planetary scale of climate change has produced an affective crisis, confronting us with the very limits of our imaginative capacity. In this essay, I argue that although the specifics of climate change may be new, human imaginative engagement with deep time is not. Animated by the conviction that Buddhist literature and thought contain robust theoretical and conceptual ideas that can enrich philosophical and ethical thinking, I bring select Buddhist concepts to bear on the problem of temporal incommensurability. Rather than suggest any general “Buddhist” way of thinking about time, I argue that Buddhist sources can offer new conceptual points of entry into the problem of temporal incommensurability itself, specifically addressing how we might differently conceptualize the relationship between the personal and the planetary in order to address the affective crisis identified by Chakrabarty.
Sex Differences in Autonomic Blood Pressure Regulation: Sex Chromosome Complement and Hormonal Involvement
Authors: Caeiro Ximena E. , Silva Gabriela V. , Godino Andrea
Published: October 2023

Although several lines of evidence from different studies highlight sex differences in cardiovascular diseases, to date, most studies have been focused on males, with the idea that males and females are similar, differing only in the magnitude of the response. However, the principles learned in male models cannot and should not be extrapolated to women and, therefore, it is important to study in greater detail not only the differences between the sexes but also the physiological intertwining of the underlying genetic and hormonal mechanisms of sexual dimorphism. This review explores the sex disparities in the autonomic nervous system regulation of blood pressure (particularly baroreceptor function), with special emphasis on sex hormones and sex chromosome complement factors involved in sexually dimorphic autonomic blood pressure regulation. A more detailed understanding of the sources of physiological disparities between the sexes may also help in understanding the differences between the sexes in rates of cardiovascular disease and may also aid in designing future improvements for sex-tailored therapeutic treatments.
Complicating ‘Suburbanization’ and Spatial Assimilation: The Complex Residential Patterns of Southeast Asian Americans in the Minneapolis-St. Paul Metropolitan Area from 1990 to 2010
Authors: Xiong Yang Sao , Pfeifer Mark E.
Published: October 2023

Although spatial assimilation has often been defined as the process whereby a group attains residential propinquity with majority members of a host society, we argue that for certain immigrant groups, substantial suburbanization does not necessarily lead to racial integration. Our analysis using data from the U.S. Census Bureau reveals that between 1990 and 2010, Southeast Asian former refugees in the Minneapolis-St. Paul Metropolitan Statistical Area experienced substantial suburbanization, which is expected given their improved socioeconomic status. However, Southeast Asians’ suburbanization has not led to residential propinquity with non-Hispanic Whites. Despite a small decline in Southeast Asians’ overall segregation at the metropolitan area level during the previous two decades, their segregation levels, as measured by the dissimilarity index, remained unchanged or increased in the central city and the suburbs. Furthermore, our findings reveal different ethnic concentration and segregation patterns among four Southeast Asian subgroups, complicating the meaning of ‘suburbanization’ as simply a process in which people move from the inner city to its less urban outskirts. The finding that substantial suburbanization coexists with high levels of segregation and ethnic concentration raises questions about the assumptions of both the spatial assimilation and place stratification models of immigrant residential processes and outcomes.
LAMA HEMODIALISIS DENGAN TINGKAT KECEMASAN PASIEN PENYAKIT GINJAL KRONIS YANG MENJALANI HEMODIALISIS
Authors: Wahyuni Tresna Dea , Agustiyowati Tri Hapsari Retno , Rohyadi Yosep
Published: October 2023

Prevalensi penyakit ginjal kronis (PGK) dan hemodialisis terus meningkat dari tahun ke tahun. Terdapat 697,5 juta pasien PGK di dunia tahun 2017 dan 1,5 juta diantaranya menjalani hemodialisis. Pasien dengan PGK sering menggunakan hemodialisis sebagai terapinya. Terapi ini merupakan terapi jangka panjang yang antara lain terjadi perubahan psikologis berupa gangguan kecemasan. Kecemasan yang dirasakan pasien merupakan reaksi dari perasaan takut yang disebabkan oleh keadaan yang tidak terduga. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui hubungan lama hemodialisis dengan tingkat kecemasan pada pasien PGK yang menjalani hemodialisis di RSUD Al-Ihsan Provinsi Jawa Barat. Penelitian ini memakai model deskriptif korelasional dengan pendekatan cross-sectional. Pengambilan sampel dilakukan dengan teknik purposive sampling dan sampel berjumlah 61 responden. Kuesioner demografi dan Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (ZSAS) digunakan sebagai instrumen. Uji statistik Spearman rho digunakan untuk analisis data. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan terdapat hubungan antara lama menjalani hemodialisis dengan tingkat kecemasan pada pasien PGK yang menjalani hemodialisis di RSUD Al-Ihsan Provinsi Jawa Barat, dengan p-value 0,001 (α= 0,05), korelasi kuat dan arah negatif (-0,714). Sebagian besar tingkat kecemasan yang dialami cemas ringan dan sedang dengan tingkat kecemasan yang paling tinggi pada pasien dengan lama <12 bulan. Berdasarkan hasil ini, diharapkan bisa berkontribusi pada peningkatan pelayanan perawatan melalui pemberian asuhan keperawatan secara holistik, khususnya bagi pasien yang menjalani pengobatan hemodialisis < 12 bulan.