bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Desafíos de la terapia génica en la sostenibilidad financiera de los sistemas de salud: una revisión exploratoria de la literatura
Authors:   , Ossandón Sulantay Hugo Eduardo
Published: January 2025

Introducción: Los nuevos medicamentos basados en terapia génica ofrecen la posibilidad de curar enfermedades que hasta hace poco se consideraban intratables. Sin embargo, su evidencia sobre la efectividad a largo plazo y los altos precios han dificultado el acceso de los pacientes a estas nuevas tecnologías. Esta incertidumbre de datos es un desafío clave para los marcos de reembolso y cobertura actuales. Ante esto, se hace necesario analizar los principales modelos implementados o recomendados para la cobertura de estos tratamientos en la actualidad. Métodos: Se realizó un scoping review con el fin de revisar la evidencia publicada durante los años 2016 al 2022. Los principales conceptos de búsqueda fueron cobertura o reembolso de terapia génica por los sistemas de salud. Los artículos elegibles fueron aquellos que describieron o propusieron un modelo de financiamiento utilizado para dar cobertura en los diversos sistemas alrededor del mundo. Resultados: De los 131 trabajos identificados, se incluyeron 9 publicaciones en esta revisión. Seis artículos propusieron, dentro de sus recomendaciones, utilizar los modelos de pago basados en resultados. Otros trabajos propusieron la implementación de modelos de pago basados en la suscripción, también conocidos como tipos “Netflix” y la utilización de la herramienta financiera de amortización. Conclusión: Cada modelo propuesto o aplicado en la actualidad tiene diferentes características y posibles limitaciones para su implementación. Los autores sugieren avanzar hacia la aplicación de modelos basados en resultados, ya que abordan de mejor manera la incertidumbre clínica de los medicamentos de terapia génica. Finalmente es necesario seguir publicando de las experiencias de la utilización de estos modelos, con el fin de tener evidencia de utilización de estas.
Intervenciones en infancia preescolar para prevención de la obesidad en Latinoamérica: una revisión integrativa
Authors:   , Otero Venegas Constanza Belén
Published: January 2025

La obesidad infantil es uno de los mayores problemas de salud pública a nivel mundial, siendo América Latina una de las regiones con mayor prevalencia. Entre los factores que explican el sobrepeso y obesidad infantil destacan el ambiente y la familia. Existe abundante evidencia sobre prevención de S-OB, pero los estudios en población latina son escasos. Los objetivos fueron identificar intervenciones realizadas para la prevención de la obesidad en la etapa preescolar en países latinoamericanos; y reconocer barreras para la implementación de intervenciones en países latinoamericanos. Métodos: revisión integrativa con artículos publicados entre 2019 y 2022, la población estudiada fueron niños entre 2 y 5 años, y/o sus padres o tutores; nacidos y residentes en países latinoamericanos. Las intervenciones se enfocaron en prevención de la obesidad. Resultados: las intervenciones multicomponentes tienen resultados favorables para disminuir el IMC en población sana y con sobrepeso, además de lograr modificar patrones de alimentación y actividad física. Los padres subestiman el peso de sus hijos, pero logran modificar la percepción luego de un programa de educación. América Latina se encuentran en deuda respecto a la implementación de políticas que favorecen el control de un ambiente obesogénico. Conclusiones: se requiere mayor investigación en población sana. Se necesitan nuevas líneas de acción para mejorar la prevención de S-OB en la región. Las estrategias que se desarrollen a futuro deben enfocarse en las familias, escuelas y entorno, para generar cambios en la población y mejorar la relación con los alimentos y conductas sedentarias.
Barreiras à robotização no Polo Industrial de Manaus: uma análise exploratória utilizando Metodologia DEMATEL
Authors: Costa Julianny Oliveira da , Rodriguez Carlos Manoel Taboada
Published: January 2025

A robotização industrial apresenta-se como um desafio estratégico para o Polo Industrial de Manaus (PIM), especialmente no setor de componentes eletrônicos. Este estudo investigou as principais barreiras à implementação de robôs no abastecimento de linhas de produção por meio de uma revisão sistemática da literatura, complementada pela validação com especialistas. Posteriormente, a metodologia DEMATEL foi aplicada para estabelecer as inter-relações entre essas barreiras, contribuindo para a compreensão dos fatores que dificultam a adoção da robotização nesse contexto. Foram identificados e analisados obstáculos econômicos, técnicos, organizacionais e de recursos humanos que impactam a modernização industrial. A pesquisa envolveu especialistas do setor industrial e acadêmico, utilizando questionários estruturados para validação e priorização das barreiras. Os resultados revelaram inter-relações entre os fatores limitantes, destacando barreiras críticas à robotização no PIM. Entre os aspectos mais influentes, os Aspectos Tecnológicos emergem como os principais desafios, refletindo obstáculos relacionados à infraestrutura, compatibilidade de sistemas e capacitação técnica. Em seguida, os Aspectos de Flexibilidade e Adaptabilidade ressaltam a necessidade de promover uma cultura organizacional ágil e processos capazes de acompanhar as transformações tecnológicas. Os Aspectos Financeiros e Econômicos também se mostram decisivos, com questões sobre viabilidade financeira, investimentos iniciais e retorno sobre o capital empregado demandando atenção estratégica. Conclui-se que a superação dessas barreiras exige uma abordagem integrada que contemple investimentos direcionados, capacitação tecnológica e o fortalecimento de uma cultura organizacional adaptável. O estudo contribui para identificação dos obstáculos à robotização no Polo Industrial de Manaus.
Exploring Faculty Mobility Amid Regional Economic Disparities: A Qualitative Analysis of Teacher Outflow from Guangxi's Private Universities
Authors: Chen Guanzheng , Wang Yanhua
Published: January 2025

Faculty mobility presents significant challenges for private universities in less developed regions, particularly in Guangxi, China. This study investigates the factors driving faculty members’ decisions to leave or stay, alongside the perspectives of administrators on retention efforts. Using a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with faculty members and administrators to uncover the economic, institutional, and personal factors influencing mobility decisions. The findings reveal that inadequate salaries, inconsistent management practices, limited professional development opportunities, delayed salary payments, and challenges in student management are key drivers of faculty outflow. These difficulties are further exacerbated by broader regional disparities, such as Guangxi’s weaker economic development and insufficient institutional resources, which undermine the competitiveness of private universities. Despite these structural disadvantages, some faculty members choose to stay due to personal and family commitments, restricted career alternatives, or a belief in the potential for institutional improvement. The study also highlights specific advantages of working in Guangxi, such as the accessibility of research funding, streamlined professional title evaluations, and the appeal of the region’s natural beauty and relaxed lifestyle, which can contribute to faculty retention. By applying Push-Pull Theory and Person-Environment Fit Theory as analytical frameworks, this study sheds light on the complex interplay of factors influencing faculty mobility and retention in less developed regions, offering a deeper understanding of these dynamics. Practical recommendations include addressing core institutional weaknesses, such as improving salaries and management practices, while capitalizing on regional strengths to attract and retain talent. The study concludes with implications for future research, calling for comparative and longitudinal studies to further examine faculty mobility and retention strategies in disadvantaged regions, contributing to the global discourse on equity and sustainable development in higher education.
Elemental Analysis and Proximate Composition of Guiera senegalensis Leaves from West Kordofan, Sudan
Authors: Elmalik Ahmed Abed , Ahmed Fath Elrahman , A. Abed Elsalam
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the proximate composition and elemental contents of Guiera senegalensis leaves collected from West Kordofan, Sudan, and the leaf powder was prepared and analyzed using inductivity-coupled plasma \ Optical Emission Spectrometry to determine the concentration of elements and proximate composition were assessed according to the AOAC method. The Proximate analysis revealed moisture (4.142%), protein (12.250%), fat (4.248%), carbohydrate (51.496%), crude fiber (23.440%), and ash (4.424%). Five types of carbohydrate were evaluated such as Fructose, Glucose, Sucrose, Maltose and Lactose values obtained were 2.2687%, 2.49%, 2.5942%,0.0% and 1.3624% respectively. Elemental analysis using ICP-OES identified significant concentrations of Fe (860 ppm), K (840 ppm), Ca (810 ppm), and Mn (700 ppm), as well as traces of other elements. These findings underscore the nutritional and pharmacological potential of G. senegalensis, supporting its use in traditional medicine and as a natural ingredient in food and pharmaceutical applications.
Phytochemical Study and In vitro Antibacterial Activities of Extracts from Three Ivorian Medicinal Plants Traditionally Used to Treat Inflammatory Dermatoses in the Mé Area, South-East of Ivory Coast
Authors: Germain KOUASSI Kouassi , Armelle AKA ANY-GRAH Adjoua Sandrine , Ange KONAN Gbê Kouakou N’dri , Edwige ODOH Alida , Noël ZIRIHI Guédé
Published: January 2025

Background : Many of the pharmaceutical drugs used to treat Bacterial dermatoses, are becoming less and less effective in the face of bacterial multi-resistance. The search for remedies based on medicinal plants is a necessity in the discovery of new antibiotics effective in the treatment of dermatoses, above all inflammatory dermatoses become very common.
Objective : To evaluate the antibacterial power of aqueous and ethanolics extracts of three medicinal plants used in traditional medicine by the Akyé people to treat inflammatory dermatoses.
Methods : Plant organs were harvested in the Mé area, dried to a constant weight and then ground to a fine powder.  Extraction was then carried out using osmosed water and ethanol 96° The phytochemical screening of the extracts was carried out by colouring reactions. The aqueous and ethanolic plant extracts were tested In vitro against Staphyloccocus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Results : The phytochemistry screening revealed the presence of sterols and polyterpenes, polyphenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, quinones and saponosides. Antibacterial tests showed that the hydroethanol extracts were the most active, with Minimal Inhibitory Concentrations ranging from (0.048 to 06.25 mg/ml) and Minimal Bacterial Concentrations from (1.56 to 06.25 mg/ml). Of the two bacterial strains studied, Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most sensitive to all the extracts. The antibacterial potentials thus highlighted by the values of the ratio between Minimal Bacterial Concentrations and Minimal Inhibitory Concentrations obtained indicated that all the extracts showed a high bactericidal activity (100%) on Pseudomonas aeruginosa compared with Staphylococus aureus.
Conclusion : The results provide a solid database for future pharmaceutical research and the development of dermatological treatments derived from natural sources. In addition, this work highlights the importance of traditional medicinal knowledge in modern healthcare and supports efforts to develop effective topical forms of dermatoses based on active plant extracts through galenic formulations.
Evaluation of the Contamination of Four Metal Trace Elements (ETM) of Tilapia Fish (Oreochromis niloticus) from Two Types of Fish Ponds in an Aquaculture Production Center in Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Fréjus EHUI Edi Jean , Claude YA Kouame , Clément KOUASSI Kouassi
Published: January 2025

Trace Metal Element (ETMs) pollution in fish farming is becoming a concern due to difficult production conditions. This study investigated the level of contamination by four trace metals: lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd). ETM research focused on Oreochromis niloticus from two types of fish ponds in the Haut-Sassandra region of Côte d'Ivoire.  The health risk associated with tilapia consumption in this major production area was assessed. The concentration of Trace Metal Elements in fish was measured using a Perkin Elmer argon plasma emission spectrometer, Optima 3000 DV model. The physicochemical parameters of pond water were taken in situ with a multi-parameter. The physicochemical characteristics show that the Haut-Sassandra region is an area favorable to fish farming activity with a neutral pH, an average temperature of 30°C and a conductivity less than 300. As for ETMs, Low concentrations ranging from 0 to 0.040 mg/kg for tilapia, from 0 to 3.0147 mg/kg for sediments and from 0 to 0.3262 mg/kg for ponds water were observed in the matrices studied. Mercury and arsenic were found to be absent in Tilapia. The statistical analyzes carried out showed that the average concentrations of these ETMs are lower than the standards recommended by FAO and European Union. However, bioconcentration factors between 2 and 6 indicate that chemical pollutants in pond water and sediments have a negative impact on Oreochromis niloticus production, As for dam ponds / retentions basins, values less than 1 were obtained. This study reveals that the consumption of Tilapia from fish ponds in the Haut-Sassandra region could presents a low risk. The work has also shown that tilapia from bypass ponds / diversion basin are the most vulnerable to the ETMs studied.
A Comparative Study of Neural Network and Wavelet Decomposition Models for Price Forecasting of Tomato
Authors: Sunidhi  , Nidhi
Published: January 2025

Tomato price forecasting in Bihar marketplaces is the subject of a study. The study compares and contrasts many time series models. Three models are compared: WT-TDNN (Wavelet Transform with TDNN), TDNN (Time-Delay Neural Network), and ARIMA. This study evaluates the efficacy of advanced and traditional time series models for forecasting tomato prices in Bihar markets, with a focus on ARIMA, Time Delay Neural Networks (TDNN), and Wavelet-TDNN (WT-TDNN). ARIMA models were optimized using the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC), identifying (0, 1, 2) and (1, 1, 1) as optimal configurations, and validated through Wald's test. TDNN models with 2:4s:1l and 1:6s:1l architectures exhibited robust performance based on RMSE, MAE, and MAPE metrics.
The WT-TDNN model, which integrates wavelet decomposition with TDNN, demonstrated superior predictive accuracy over both ARIMA and standard TDNN models. By employing the Haar filter for series decomposition into orthogonal components and applying TDNN to each component, WT-TDNN effectively captured the complex, non-linear dynamics of agricultural price series.
This innovative approach enhances the precision of price forecasting, offering significant implications for agricultural economics and machine learning applications. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, farmers, and market analysts, enabling improved decision-making and fostering resilience in the agricultural sector. The study highlights WT-TDNN as a transformative tool for addressing the challenges of agricultural price prediction.
Data Governance for Emerging Technologies: A Conceptual Framework for Managing Blockchain, IoT, and AI
Authors: Leghemo Iveren M. , Azubuike Chima , Segun-Falade Osinachi Deborah , Odionu Chinekwu Somtochukwu
Published: January 2025

As emerging technologies such as Blockchain, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) continue to reshape industries, the need for robust data governance frameworks has become increasingly critical. These technologies introduce unique challenges, including data privacy concerns, security vulnerabilities, and the complexity of managing vast, decentralized data sets. This paper proposes a conceptual framework for data governance tailored to the specific requirements of Blockchain, IoT, and AI technologies. The framework emphasizes a holistic approach, integrating key governance principles such as transparency, accountability, and compliance with regulatory standards. It also highlights the importance of fostering collaboration between stakeholders, including technologists, legal experts, and policymakers, to create a cohesive governance structure that can adapt to the rapid evolution of these technologies. The proposed framework addresses three core areas: data integrity and quality, security and privacy, and ethical considerations. For Blockchain, the focus is on ensuring the immutability and transparency of records while safeguarding against potential misuse of decentralized data. In the context of IoT, the framework prioritizes the management of data from diverse sources, ensuring interoperability and protecting sensitive information from unauthorized access. For AI, the emphasis is on developing ethical guidelines for data usage, preventing bias in algorithmic decision-making, and maintaining transparency in AI-driven processes. The framework also advocates for the integration of advanced data analytics and machine learning techniques to enhance data governance capabilities, enabling real-time monitoring and predictive insights. Additionally, it underscores the need for continuous training and education for all stakeholders to keep pace with the dynamic nature of emerging technologies. By adopting this comprehensive data governance framework, organizations can mitigate risks, ensure compliance, and harness the full potential of Blockchain, IoT, and AI while maintaining public trust.
A Review Of Precision And Innovative Farming For Nigerian Farmers
Authors: E. M Onyeji, , K. E Amadi, , J. O Ugah,
Published: January 2025

This study successfully developed a logistic regression model (LRM), a machine learning algorithm to assess
farmers’ perceptions of precision agriculture (PA) based on key factors such as gender, educational level, farming
experience, household size, farm income, access to credit, farm size, and awareness of precision farming. Python
programming language was the primary language, utilizing libraries such as numpy, scikit-learn, matplotlib, and
seaborn for data processing, model building, and visualization. The dataset comprised 350 samples and was split
into training (70%) and testing (30%) sets. The model achieved an accuracy of 81.9%, with a recall of 97.7%, F1
score of 0.899, and precision of 83.3%, demonstrating its effectiveness in identifying positive perceptions of PA.
The confusion matrix showed a true positive rate of 84 and a false positive rate of 17, suggesting a need for model
improvement in handling false positives. The ROC curve showed an AUC of 0.58 indicating that the model has
no discriminatory ability. Overall, the findings suggest that the highlighted factors influence farmers’ perceptions of PA. Python proved highly efficient for implementing this machine learning-based study
US Postgraduate Trainee Racial, Ethnic, and Gender Representation and Faculty Compensation By Specialty
Authors: Mensah Michael O. , Owda Dalia , Ghanney Simons Efe C. , Holaday Louisa W. , Bonner Sidra N. , Mangurian Christina , Ross Joseph S.
Published: August 2023

This study compares postgraduate trainee racial, ethnic, and gender representation and faculty compensation for 21 clinical specialties using 2015-2022 data.
Systematic Identification of Copositivity Groups in Standard Series Patch Testing Through Hierarchical Clustering
Authors: Yang Yul W. , Yiannias James A. , Voss Molly M. , Hall Matthew R. , Youssef Molly J. , Davis Mark D. P. , Voelker Dayne H. , Klanderman Molly C. , Mangold Aaron R.
Published: August 2023

Importance

Patients are frequently copositive for multiple allergens simultaneously, either due to chemical similarity or simultaneous sensitization. A better understanding of copositivity groups would help guide contact avoidance.

Objective

To use patient data to systematically determine copositivity groups in the Mayo Clinic Standard Series.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this retrospective cross-sectional analysis, the Mayo Clinic patch test database was queried for pairwise copositivity rates in the 80 allergen Mayo Clinic Standard Series between 2012 and 2021. Data were collected from 3 tertiary care sites of the Mayo Clinic Contact Dermatitis Group and a total of 5943 patients were included, comprising all patients undergoing patch testing to the Mayo Clinic Standard Series allergens.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Copositivity rates between every 2 allergens in the 80-allergen Mayo Clinic Standard Series were estimated. After background correction, copositivity rates were analyzed using unsupervised hierarchical clustering to systematically identify copositivity groups in an unbiased manner.

Results

Overall, 394 921 total patches were applied to 5943 patients (4164 [70.1%] women, 1776 [29.9%] men, with a mean [SD] age of 52.3 [18.8] years ), comprising 9545 positive reactions. After background correction based on overall positivity rates, hierarchical clustering revealed distinct copositivity groups. Many were supported by prior literature, including formaldehyde releasers, cobalt-nickel-potassium dichromate, acrylates, 3-dimethylaminopropylamine-amidoamine-oleamidopropyl dimethylamine, alkyl glucosides, budesonide-hydrocortisone-17-butyrate, certain fragrances, compositae-sesquiterpene lactone mix, mercapto mix-mercaptobenzothiazole, carba mix-thiuram mix, and disperse orange-p-phenylenediamine. However, novel associations were also found, including glutaraldehyde-sorbitan sesquioleate, benzalkonium chloride-neomycin-bacitracin, bronopol-methylchloroisothiazolinone-methylisothiazolinone, and benzoic acid-iodopropynyl butylcarbamate.

Conclusions and Relevance

This retrospective cross-sectional analysis found that copositivity rates varied between allergens; allergens with extremely high positivity rates demonstrated nonspecific copositivity to multiple other allergens. Background correction based on positivity rates followed by hierarchical clustering confirmed prior known copositivity groups, contaminants and/or excipients leading to copositivity, and novel associations to guide contact avoidance.
Fluctuations in Serum Creatinine Levels During Hospitalization and Long-Term End-Stage Kidney Disease and Mortality
Authors: Efros Orly , Beckerman Pazit , Basson Ayelet A. , Cohen Roy , Klang Eyal , Frenkel Nir Yael , Soffer Shelly , Barda Noam , Grossman Ehud
Published: August 2023

Importance

Acute kidney injury is associated with poor outcomes, but the clinical implication of reversible serum creatinine level fluctuations during hospitalization not necessarily defined as acute kidney injury is poorly understood.

Objective

To investigate the long-term outcomes of patients without previously diagnosed kidney disease who present with decreased kidney function and are subsequently discharged with apparently normal kidney function.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A retrospective cohort study was conducted of patients hospitalized in a large tertiary hospital in Israel between September 1, 2007, and July 31, 2022. The study included patients admitted to an internal medicine ward. Patients had not undergone dialysis during the index hospitalization, had at least 3 creatinine tests performed during hospitalization, and had a discharge estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) exceeding 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Patients with preexisting chronic kidney disease were excluded.

Exposure

Glomerular filtration rate was estimated from serum creatinine values using the updated 2022 Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration formula, and eGFR greater than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 was regarded as normal. Exposure was defined based on the association between the first and last values determined during hospitalization.

Main Outcomes and Measures

All-cause mortality in the year following the index hospitalization and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) in the 10 years following the index hospitalization.

Results

A total of 40 558 patients were included. Median age was 69 (IQR, 56-80) years, with 18 004 women (44%) and 22 554 men (56%). A total of 34 332 patients (85%) were admitted with a normal eGFR and 6226 (15%) with decreased eGFR. Patients with decreased eGFR on presentation had an 18% increased mortality in the year following hospitalization (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR], 1.18; 95% CI, 1.11-1.24) and a 267% increased risk of ESKD in the 10 years following hospitalization (AHR, 3.67; 95% CI, 2.43-5.54), despite having been discharged with apparently normal kidney function. The highest risk was noted in patients who presented to the hospital with an eGFR of 0 to 45 mL/min/1.73 m2.

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this cohort study suggest that patients who present with decreased kidney function and are discharged without clinically evident residual kidney disease may be at increased long-term risk for ESKD and mortality.
External Validation of a Machine Learning Model to Predict 6-Month Mortality for Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors
Authors: Chalkidis George , McPherson Jordan P. , Beck Anna , Newman Michael G. , Guo Jia-Wen , Sloss Elizabeth A. , Staes Catherine J.
Published: August 2023

This prognostic study performed external validation of a machine learning model to predict 6-month mortality among patients with advanced solid tumors.
Hospitalization, Critical Illness, and Mortality Outcomes of COVID‐19 in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Mehrotra‐Varma Jai , Kumthekar Anand , Henry Sonya , Fleysher Roman , Hou Wei , Duong Tim Q.
Published: August 2023

Objective

To investigate the clinical outcomes of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with COVID‐19.

Methods

This retrospective study consisted of 361 patients with RA+ and 45,954 patients with RA− (March 2020 to August 2022) who tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 by polymerase‐chain‐reaction in the Montefiore Health System, which serves a large low‐income, minority‐predominant population in the Bronx and was an epicenter of the initial pandemic and subsequent surges. Primary outcomes were hospitalization, critical illness, and all‐cause mortality associated with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Comparisons were made with and without adjustment for covariates, as well as with 1083 matched controls of patients with RA− and COVID‐19.

Results

Patients with RA+ and COVID‐19 were older (62.2 ± 23.5 vs. 45.5 ± 26.3; P < 0.001), were more likely females (83.1% vs. 55.8%; P < 0.001), were Black (35.5% vs. 30.3%; P < 0.05), and had higher rates of comorbidities (P < 0.05), hospitalization (52.4% vs. 32.5%; P < 0.005), critical illness (10.5% vs. 6.9%; P < 0.05), and mortality (11.1% vs. 6.2%; P < 0.01) compared with patients with RA− and COVID‐19. Patients with RA+ with COVID‐19 had higher odds of critical illness (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.46, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09‐1.93; P = 0.008) but no differences in hospitalization (aOR = 1.18 [95% CI: 0.93‐1.49]; P = 0.16) and mortality (aOR = 1.34 [95% CI: 0.92‐1.89]; P = 0.10) after adjusting for covariates. Odds ratio analysis identified age, hospitalization status, female sex, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and Black race to be significant risk factors for COVID‐19‐related mortality. Pre‐COVID‐19 steroid and biologic therapy to treat RA were not significantly associated with worse outcomes (P > 0.05). Outcomes were not different between patients with RA+ and propensity‐matched RA− controls (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that risk factors for adverse COVID‐19 outcomes were not attributed to RA per se but rather age and preexisting medical conditions of patients with RA.
Mechanical Characterization of Collagen Hydrogels by Quasistatic Uniaxial Tensile Experiments
Authors: Kim JiEung , Lee Sangmin , Gu Chang-Yeon , Kim Taek-Soo , Kong Hyunjoon , Jang Dongchan
Published: August 2023

Collagen serves as an essential structural material in the human body. Despite the complex mechanical conditions surrounding the collagen hydrogels, previous studies mostly focus on analyzing the mechanical behavior under dynamically varying compressive or shear loads, but the tensile properties at the quasistatic time scale are relatively less studied. This work aims to investigate the quasistatic tensile behavior of reconstituted collagen hydrogels under uniaxial tensile stresses. The evolution of the collagen fiber network structures with straining is visually observed using the confocal microscope equipped with the tensile strain actuator. While the unfolding of the initially undulated fibers accommodates the early‐stage strains, the deformation mechanism continuously changes to the stretching of fibers through the network alignment to the tensile direction. This transition commences with the buckling of a fiber lying transverse to the loading direction, which otherwise locks the rotation of adjacent fibers.
Identifying and Exploring Synthetic Antiferromagnetic Skyrmions
Authors: Zhao Yuelei , Yang Sheng , Wu Kai , Li Shuang , Gao Yang , Hao Hongyuan , Zhang Xichao , Wang Shouguo , Liu Qingfang , Zhang Senfu , Chu Zhiqin , Åkerman Johan , Zhou Yan
Published: August 2023

Synthetic antiferromagnetic (SAF) skyrmions are emerging as novel information carriers due to their high mobility and lack of a skyrmion Hall effect. However, distinguishing SAF skyrmions from their ferromagnetic counterparts using imaging techniques like magneto‐optical microscopy remains challenging. While the suppressed intrinsic skyrmion Hall effect (SkHE) has been commonly used to identify SAF skyrmions, it is important to note that other factors such as defect pinning and dipolar interaction can also lead to a suppressed SkHE. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a universal identification method that can reliably differentiate SAF skyrmions from ferromagnetic ones. In this study, the generation of a SAF skyrmion within a standard SAF stack is demonstrated and its motion with almost no SkHE is investigated. Furthermore, a universal identification method is proposed wherein the application of an out‐of‐plane field allows the SAF skyrmion to be decoupled into two domains, which can either expand or contract with the application of an electric current. By expediting the development of a reliable means of identifying SAF skyrmions, these findings will accelerate the realization of practical applications based on these unique information carriers.
Multi‐Material 3D Microprinting of Magnetically Deformable Biocompatible Structures
Authors: Pétrot Roxane , Devillers Thibaut , Stéphan Olivier , Cugat Orphée , Tomba Caterina
Published: August 2023

Two‐photon polymerization (2PP) allows precise 3D printing at the micrometer scale, and by associating it with magnetic materials, the creation of remotely actuatable micro‐structures. Such structures attract a growing interest for biomedical applications, thanks to their size and to the biocompatibility of some photoresist materials. Gelatin methacryloyl (Gel‐MA) is one such material, and can be used to create physiological scaffolds for cell culture. Here, the physico‐chemical properties of two resins are exploited, the first being a silica‐based hybrid polymer, the OrmoComp, and the second a Gel‐MA‐based hydrogel. A 2PP manufacturing protocol is defined and designed to print both materials in succession as a single structure, which is then linked to a neodymium‐iron‐boron (NdFeB) magnetic bead for actuation. By this combination, a magnetically deformable 3D culture substrate is created to study cells in an environment that mimics soft, curved, and dynamic properties of tissues in vivo. The structure is actuated via an external magnetic field and bends back and forth along its longest axis. Lastly, preliminary cell culture trials are conducted showing the proliferation of cells on the structures.
Indicator Sensor Development and Fuel Cell Degradation Imaging
Authors: Woo Sahng Hyuck , Lee Nak Jun , Yook Seung Ho , Kim Hee Soo , Choi Jieun , Kim Jae‐Hun , Lee So Young , Jang Jong Hyun , Yoo Sung Jong , Yoon Young‐Gi , Han Jonghee , Kim Hyoung‐Juhn
Published: August 2023

Although extensive research has been conducted, understanding the exact phenomena occurring during the operation of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) remains difficult. This research attempted to identify new reasons for the reduced performance of PEFC using an imaging technique. To begin with, H+ and OH− indicator sensors, which display red, blue, and green values (RGB) using digital microscopes, are developed and attached to each electrode of a membrane electrode assembly to enable quantitative analysis of ion generation. The proposed reaction in the fuel cell can be confirmed, and various reactions occurring in the electrode can be examined using this approach. In particular, H+ is generated at the anode and cathode of the anion exchange membrane fuel cell, which is found to be a major cause of performance deterioration.
In Situ Formation of Coordinated Polymer via Organic–Inorganic Hybridization Engineering Boosting High‐Efficiency Potassium Storage
Authors: Liu Hang , Cheng Mengyuan , Tian Zhuocheng , Cui Lianmeng , Wu Di , Wang Dongxue , Zhou Liang , Xia Jianlong
Published: August 2023

Organic redox‐active molecules with merits of structure diversity and tunable properties are emerging as promising cathodes for the practical usage of potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs). However, the inferior cycle stability and sluggish charge‐carrier mobility are two main drawbacks hindering the practical application of organic cathode materials. Herein, highly conductive inorganic CuS is combined with small molecule‐based redox species (perylene‐3,4,9,10‐tetracarboxylic dianhydride, PTCDA) to form a novel organic–inorganic hybrid cathode (PTCDA/CuS) for PIBs, which could undergo electrochemical‐induced in situ self‐transformation of a sulfur‐linked and Cu2+‐coordinated PTCDA polymer (labeled as Cu@PTCDA‐SP). Benefiting from improved redox sites from activated carbonyl groups, high stability afforded by the sulfur‐bridging, isotropic amorphous nature, and 3D cross‐linked nanosheet morphologies, the resulting Cu@PTCDA‐SP cathode exhibits a high‐rate capacity involving trielectron enolization (vs 2‐electron transformation in PTCDA monomers) and long‐term cycle life (over 2800 cycles at 5 A g−1). This organic–inorganic hybridized cathode is very promising for PIBs. Additionally, the self‐transformation strategy provides new insight into the discovery of more electrochemically induced interaction between organic–inorganic hybrids toward high‐performance secondary batteries.
Modulation of Radical Intermediates in Rechargeable Organic Batteries
Authors: Gu Shuai , Chen Jingjing , Hussain Iftikhar , Wang Zhiqiang , Chen Xi , Ahmad Muhammad , Feng Shien‐Ping , Lu Zhouguang , Zhang Kaili
Published: August 2023

Organic materials have been considered as promising electrodes for next‐generation rechargeable batteries in view of their sustainability, structural flexibility, and potential recyclability. The radical intermediates generated during the redox process of organic electrodes have profound effect on the reversible capacity, operation voltage, rate performance, and cycling stability. However, the radicals are highly reactive and have very short lifetime during the redox of organic materials. Great efforts have been devoted to capturing and investigating the radical intermediates in organic electrodes. Herein, this review summarizes the importance, history, structures, and working principles of organic radicals in rechargeable batteries. More importantly, challenges and strategies to track and regulate the radicals in organic batteries are highlighted. Finally, further perspectives of organic radicals are proposed for the development of next‐generation high‐performance rechargeable organic batteries.
Recent Advances in the Multifunctional Microneedles: From Design to Cancer Preventing, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Authors: Jiang Yechun , Feng Chengcheng , Wang Wanni , Qian Haisheng , Xu Lingling
Published: August 2023

Microneedles (MNs) have been widely applied in transdermal drug delivery owing to their minimal invasiveness, safety, stability, and ease of administration, which is a promising tool to transport large molecules such as DNA, proteins, and other drugs into the skin. In recent years, many researchers employ it to treat various diseases including cancer because MNs ensure the targeted release of the loaded drugs at a predetermined place and time. More importantly, MNs have been used for tumor prevention or accurate diagnosis at the early stages of the tumor by combining vaccines or sensor. In addition, they can greatly improve the antitumor effect when loaded with various therapeutic agents to achieve combination therapy. In this review, the latest progress of MNs used for application in cancer treatment is highlighted, especially in the design of multifunctional MNs for cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Ultimately, the challenges encountered by MNs in the cancer field are analyzed, as well as prospects for future directions are discussed.
Precise and Rapid Replication of Complex‐Shaped Fused Silica Optics
Authors: Du Xiaotong , Xu Ya , Liu Hua , Li Zhoulong , Zhu Li‐Min , Zhu Zhiwei
Published: August 2023

The high hardness, brittleness, and thermal resistance of fused silica glasses extremely challenge the mass production of complex‐shaped fused silica optics. This paper reports a new process chain for rapidly replicating complex‐shaped fused silica optics from complex molds at ambient temperature. The process chain mainly consists of the ultraprecision diamond turning of the complex‐shaped molds, the rapid shape replication through the silica precursor photopolymerization, and the transparent complex‐shaped optics derivation from the debinding and sintering. The directional shrinkages and surface texture evolutions in the process are comprehensively characterized for the replicated fused silica optics. After the shrinkage compensation, transparent fused silica optics with the spherical, microlens array, and hierarchical freeform surfaces are precisely replicated, exhibiting micrometric form accuracy, nanometric surface roughness, and high imaging quality. The proposed process chain provides a revolutionary approach for the mass production of precise complex‐shaped fused silica optics with fundamentally improved production efficiency and complex shape formation capability.
Advanced Metallized Nanofibers for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Sang Wei , Zhang Ruiping , Shi Xiangyang , Dai Yunlu
Published: August 2023

Nanofibers are long, wire‐like materials with nanoscale diameters and specific length diameter ratios. Nanofibers have porous reticular networks with remarkably high specific surface areas and significant interconnectivity between pores, allowing for the chemical modification and loading of drugs. Metallized nanofibers are novel materials that enhance the performance of attributes of conventional nanofibers by combining metals with nanofibers through electrostatic spinning doping, chemical modification, and loading approaches. Due to their unique physical and chemical properties, metallized nanofibers are diverse, rapidly developed materials in the fields of physical chemistry, materials science, and battery preparation. To date, with improvement in advanced preparation techniques and biocompatibility levels for materials, metallized nanofiber applications are gradually expanding into the biomedical field due to their excellent thermal and electrical conductivities and unique metal properties. In this review, the applications of metallized nanofibers in biomedicine are summarized. It is suggested to prepare metallized multifunctional nanofibers for tissue engineering, drug delivery, tumor treatment, wound healing, and biosensing applications by taking safety and stability as the main material selection guidelines. Finally, the development of nanofibers for biomedical applications is summarized and discussed.
Development of webcam‐collected and artificial‐intelligence‐derived social and cognitive performance measures for neurodevelopmental genetic syndromes
Authors: Frazier Thomas W. , Busch Robyn M. , Klaas Patricia , Lachlan Katherine , Jeste Shafali , Kolevzon Alexander , Loth Eva , Harris Jacqueline , Speer Leslie , Pepper Tom , Anthony Kristin , Graglia J. Michael , Delagrammatikas Christal G. , Bedrosian‐Sermone Sandra , Smith‐Hicks Constance , Huba Katie , Longyear Robert , Green‐Snyder LeeAnne , Shic Frederick , Sahin Mustafa , Eng Charis , Hardan Antonio Y. , Uljarević Mirko
Published: August 2023

This study focused on the development and initial psychometric evaluation of a set of online, webcam‐collected, and artificial intelligence‐derived patient performance measures for neurodevelopmental genetic syndromes (NDGS). Initial testing and qualitative input was used to develop four stimulus paradigms capturing social and cognitive processes, including social attention, receptive vocabulary, processing speed, and single‐word reading. The paradigms were administered to a sample of 375 participants, including 163 with NDGS, 56 with idiopathic neurodevelopmental disability (NDD), and 156 neurotypical controls. Twelve measures were created from the four stimulus paradigms. Valid completion rates varied from 87 to 100% across measures, with lower but adequate completion rates in participants with intellectual disability. Adequate to excellent internal consistency reliability (α = 0.67 to 0.95) was observed across measures. Test–retest reproducibility at 1‐month follow‐up and stability at 4‐month follow‐up was fair to good (r = 0.40–0.73) for 8 of the 12 measures. All gaze‐based measures showed evidence of convergent and discriminant validity with parent‐report measures of other cognitive and behavioral constructs. Comparisons across NDGS groups revealed distinct patterns of social and cognitive functioning, including people with PTEN mutations showing a less impaired overall pattern and people with SYNGAP1 mutations showing more attentional, processing speed, and social processing difficulties relative to people with NFIX mutations. Webcam‐collected performance measures appear to be a reliable and potentially useful method for objective characterization and monitoring of social and cognitive processes in NDGS and idiopathic NDD. Additional validation work, including more detailed convergent and discriminant validity analyses and examination of sensitivity to change, is needed to replicate and extend these observations.
Key Strategies for Enhancing H2 Production in Transition Metal Oxide Based Photocatalysts
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Z. , Raziq Fazal , Zhang Huabin , Gascon Jorge
Published: August 2023

Transition metal oxides (TMOs) were one of the first photocatalysts used to produce hydrogen from water using solar energy. Despite the emergence of many other genres of photocatalysts over the years, TMO photocatalysts remain dominant due to their easy synthesis and unique physicochemical properties. Various strategies have been developed to enhance the photocatalytic activity of TMOs, but the solar‐to‐hydrogen (STH) conversion efficiency of TMO photocatalysts is still very low (<2 %), which is far below the targeted STH of 10 % for commercial viability. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of several widely used strategies, including oxygen defects control, doping, establishing interfacial junctions, and phase‐facet‐morphology engineering, that have been adopted to improve TMO photocatalysts. By critically evaluating these strategies and providing a roadmap for future research directions, this article serves as a valuable resource for researchers, students, and professionals seeking to develop efficient energy materials for green energy solutions.
Influence of gamma irradiation on acrylate‐based shape memory polymers in the presence of various crosslinkers
Authors: Lotfy Salah , Basfar Ahmed A.
Published: August 2023

This study investigates the impact of gamma irradiation on acrylate‐based shape memory polymers (SMPs) when combined with various crosslinkers. The SMPs were synthesized using butyl acrylate (nBuA) and isobornyl acrylate (IBoA) with different crosslinkers, including polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA), bisphenol A ethoxylated diacrylate (BPAEDA), and trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA). The photo‐initiation process utilized 2,2 dimethoxy‐2‐phenylacetophenone (DMPA), followed by gamma radiation crosslinking at absorbed doses ranging from 5 to 300 kGy. The degree of gelation depended on the copolymer composition and irradiation dose, with poly(IBoA‐nBuA)‐BPAEDA exhibiting the highest gelation degree (99%) and poly(IBoA‐nBuA)‐TMPTA showing the lowest (86%). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis confirmed the copolymer structure, while thermal stability was assessed using thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. Dynamic mechanical analysis analysis of the copolymers revealed significant variations in mechanical properties based on the type of crosslinker, radiation dose, and copolymer composition. Furthermore, the shape memory behavior of the copolymers was examined, demonstrating temperature‐dependent storage and loss moduli for crosslinked poly(IBoA‐nBuA) copolymers at a radiation dose of 150 kGy. In summary, the findings highlight that gamma irradiation crosslinking and the choice of crosslinkers have a substantial impact on the properties of acrylate‐based SMPs.
Transcriptome analysis of immune‐related genes of Asian corn borer (Ostrinia furnacalis [Guenée]) after oral bacterial infection
Authors: Qiao Peitong , Mei Xianghan , Li Ruixiang , Xu Yuanyuan , Qiu Zhiyong , Xia Dingguo , Zhao Qiaoling , Shen Dongxu
Published: August 2023

The Asian corn borer (Ostrinia furnacalis) is an important agricultural pest causing serious damage to economic crops, such as corn and sorghum. The gut is the first line of defense against pathogens that enter through the mouth. Staphylococcus aureus was used to infect the O. furnacalis midgut to understand the midgut immune mechanism against exogenous pathogens to provide new ideas and methods for the prevention and control of O. furnacalis. A sequencing platform was used for genome assembly and gene expression. The unigene sequences were annotated and functionally classified by Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes. Significant differences were found in the induced expression profiles before and after infection. Some differentially expressed genes have important relations with lipid metabolism and immune mechanism, suggesting that they play an important role in the innate immune response of O. furnacalis. Furthermore, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction assay was used to identify the key genes involved in the signaling pathway, and the expression patterns of these key genes were confirmed. The results could help study the innate immune system of lepidopteran insects and provide theoretical support for the control of related pests and the protection of beneficial insects.