bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi‐analytical characterisation of Art Déco dinanderie: Single‐point and map analysis of Jean Dunand's metal artworks
Authors: Passaretti Arianna , Cuvillier Luana , Künzi Claude‐Alain , Brambilla Laura , Joseph Edith
Published: July 2024

Jean Dunand (1877–1942) was a European artist internationally appreciated at his time for his innovative Art Déco housewares made of hammer‐beaten copper‐based alloys, known as dinanderie. Still uncertain was the nature of the constituting materials; therefore, for the first time, three objects, namely, a bowl, a trinket bowl and a vase, were the target of a multi‐modal work of characterisation. Mobile or benchtop X‐ray fluorescence, Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopies were used to adapt the analyses to the shape and size of the artefacts. Elemental analysis verified that the vase consisted of brass Cu70Zn30, whereas the bowl and the trinket bowl were made of nickel silver Cu70Zn19Ni11. The black finishing present on all the artefacts was related to tenorite by Raman spectroscopy, ascribing the patina to an intentional artist's willing and not to spontaneous tarnishing processes. Metal soaps of copper and zinc were documented as degradation products by FTIR spectroscopy. The drawings adorning the vase and the trinket bowl were identified as silver‐based, contrary to what was hypothesised by conservators (i.e., tin‐based) due to conventional Dunand's inlaying technique. Besides single‐point analysis, Raman mapping was performed in‐situ, applying for the first time a Virsa™ Raman Analyser (Renishaw) in the field of cultural heritage. The fibre‐optic‐coupled instrument allowed to comply constantly with the artefacts' geometry thanks to the modular probe and the motorised focus‐tracking stand. The synergic combination of elemental and vibrational analyses resulted successful, providing new and unique information on artist's technique in view of possible restoration interventions.
Chemical transesterification of coconut and corn oils using different metal hydroxides as catalysts to determine the chemical and physiochemical changes to the oils
Authors: Ginsburg Shoshana Rivka , Katz Talia , Jiménez‐Flores Rafael
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

The transesterification of butteroil has been shown to alter its lipid chemistry and thus alter the crystallization of the fat. The reaction kinetics and resulting crystallization of the butteroil differ depending on the nature of the catalyst used. Modeling the reaction with vegetable oils is a simpler method for the analysis of resulting products to understand the chemical and physiochemical changes that occur based on catalyst selection. The objective of this work is to perform a chemical transesterification of coconut and corn oil using monovalent and divalent catalysts to investigate the chemical and crystal changes that occur.

RESULTS

Coconut and corn oil were subjected to chemical transesterification using both Ca(OH)2 and KOH as catalysts. In both the coconut and corn oil samples, transesterification caused monoglycerides (MAGs) and diacylglycerides (DAGs) to form from the most abundant fatty acid found in each sample. Coconut oil's melting temperature, solid fat content (SFC), and storage modulus decreased as a result of the transesterification, and crystals began to form in the corn oil causing melting thermograms to be evident, higher SFC, and a more viscous oil as a result. Using Ca(OH)2 as a catalyst resulted in more MAG formation, and a higher SFC and melting temperature than when KOH was used as a catalyst.

CONCLUSION

The results demonstrate that the chemical changes that result from transesterification of plant‐based oils change the crystallization behavior of the oils and can therefore be used for different applications in the food industry. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Relationship Between Cochlear Lateral Wall Changes and Endolymphatic Hydrops in Otitis Media
Authors: Keskin Yilmaz Nevra , Shimura Tomotaka , Koerig Schuster Artur , Cureoglu Sebahattin , Monsanto Rafael da costa
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Despite otitis media and various disease processes being associated with endolymphatic hydrops (EH), an exact explanation of the pathophysiology has yet to be reported. This study aimed to investigate the changes in the cochlear lateral wall structures and their potential correlation with the presence and severity of cochlear EH in acute and chronic otitis media cases. The investigations were conducted in both chinchilla animal model and human temporal bone specimens.

Methods

We studied a total of 15 chinchilla and 25 human temporal bones from our collection, which were categorized into acute otitis media, chronic otitis media (COM), and control groups. Through quantitative analysis, we measured the area of cochlear lateral wall structures and observed the presence and the degree of EH using light microscopy.

Results

No significant changes were determined in the area of the spiral ligament (p > 0.05) across the species. However, a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the mean area of the stria vascularis in the basal turn was identified in COM groups compared to controls of both species. Chinchilla model additionally exhibited pathology extending to the lower mid turn. A negative correlation was found between the mean strial area and the severity of EH in both the animal model and human samples.

Conclusions

COM associated with significant changes in the stria vascularis that may lead to significant increase in the degree of EH. The presented animal model exhibited parallel findings with human samples, suggesting its viability as a valuable model for future studies.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 134:5103–5108, 2024
Thermally Enhanced Self‐Trapped Exciton Emission Based on Thermochromic Ag+ doping 0D Zinc‐Based Halides
Authors: Wang Meng , Chen Xu , Li Gaoqiang , Zhang Fei , Ji Xinzhen , Ma Zhuangzhuang , Pan Gencai , Jia Mochen , Liu Ying , Tian Yongtao , Li Xinjian , Xu Wen , Shan Chongxin , Shi Zhifeng
Published: July 2024

Thermochromic materials, known for their unique ability to change optical properties with temperature, have broad applications, including in thermochromic light‐emitting diodes (LEDs). However, the scarcity of efficient and stable thermochromic phosphors limits their development. In this study, the development of a novel thermochromic phosphor based on zero‐dimensional (0D) inorganic metal halides is reported. The 0D Cs2ZnBr4:Ag+ phosphors show thermally enhanced self‐trapped exciton (STE) emission across a wide temperature range from 120 to 300 K with the emitted wavelength changing correspondingly. Temperature‐dependent photoluminescence (PL), time‐resolved PL, and density functional theory calculations confirm that the thermally enhanced STE emission originates from the passivated defect/traps in Cs2ZnBr4 and the thermally assisted energy transfer from the host to STEs formed by [AgBr4]3– tetrahedron with matrix phonons complementing the energy mismatch. Furthermore, the reversible thermochromic LEDs based on Cs2ZnBr4:Ag+ phosphors are successfully prepared. Overall, these findings provide a future design of high‐efficiency thermally enhanced luminescent materials and pave a new way for developing thermochromic materials for functional LED illumination.
Treatment response in patients with clinical and supportive laboratory features of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy without demyelinative findings on nerve conduction studies: A retrospective study
Authors: Curry Patrick , Herrmann David N. , Stanton Michael , Mongiovi Phillip , Akmyradov Chary , Logigian Eric
Published: July 2024

Introduction/Aims

Not all patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) have evidence of demyelination on nerve conduction studies (NCS). Patients with “supportive” evidence of CIDP on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound (US), or nerve biopsy but not on NCS, often receive immunomodulating therapy. We evaluated the treatment response of patients with clinical and supportive features of CIDP lacking NCS evidence of demyelination.

Methods

Retrospective chart review was conducted on 232 patients who met CIDP clinical criteria and were treated with disease‐modifying therapy. Patients included did not have NCS criteria of demyelination, but did have supportive CSF, MRI, or US findings consistent with CIDP. A positive treatment response was defined as at least a one‐point improvement in the modified Rankin scale (mRS), or a four‐point increase in the Medical Research Council sum score (MRCSS).

Results

Twenty patients met criteria: 17 of the 18 (94%) patients with CSF protein >45 mg/dL, 6 of the 14 (43%) with MRI lumbosacral root or plexus enhancement, and 4 of the 6 (67%) with enlarged proximal nerves on US. Eighteen patients received intravenous immunoglobulin, 10 corticosteroids, one plasma exchange, and six other immunomodulatory therapies. Twelve patients had a positive treatment response on the MRCSS or mRS. The presence of MRI lumbosacral root or plexus enhancement was associated with a positive treatment response.

Discussion

A trial of immunomodulating treatment should be considered for patients with clinical features of CIDP in the absence of NCS evidence of demyelination, particularly when there is MRI lumbosacral root or plexus enhancement.
Direct oral anticoagulant use in hospitalized pediatric patients: Insights from nationwide data
Authors: Buxton Brandon , Elliott Katharina , Schwalm Carla
Published: July 2024

Background

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have had significant impact on the management of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in adults, but these agents were not approved for use in pediatric patients until 2021. Our objective was to analyze the characteristics of pediatric patients treated with DOACs prior to and following U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for children and evaluate their impact on hospital outcomes.

Procedure

We utilized the Epic Cosmos dataset (Cosmos), a de‐identified dataset of over 220 million patients, to identify patients aged 1–18 years admitted with a first‐occurrence diagnosis of VTE between January 1, 2017 and June 30, 2023. Patients were grouped by anticoagulation received (unfractionated heparin, low molecular weight heparin, and/or DOACs).

Results

Among 5138 eligible patients, 18.1% received DOACs as all or part of their anticoagulation treatment, while 81.9% received heparin therapies alone. Patients treated with DOACs were older than patients treated with heparin monotherapy at 17.4 and 13.0 years, respectively. Non‐DOAC patients were more likely to have chronic conditions and were less likely to have pulmonary embolism. Patients treated with DOACs demonstrated shorter overall length of stay and duration of intensive care unit (ICU) admission.

Conclusions

DOACs remain infrequently utilized in pediatric patients, especially in those under 13 years old. Initiation on heparin therapy and transition to DOACs remains common, with 80.6% of DOAC patients receiving heparin during their hospitalization. While DOAC monotherapy is not currently endorsed as first‐line therapy for DVT or PE in children, it is being used clinically. Further research is needed to clarify the impact of DOAC use on patient adherence, VTE recurrence, and healthcare cost.
Hygrothermal effects on the durability of resin‐infused thermoplastic E‐glass fiber‐reinforced composites in marine environment
Authors: Hussnain S. M. , Shah S. Z. H. , Megat‐Yusoff P. S. M. , Choudhry R. S. , Hussain M. Z.
Published: July 2024

This paper presents a comparative assessment of hygrothermal effects on the mechanical and thermomechanical properties of resin‐infused thermoplastic E‐glass fiber‐reinforced composites (FRC) in the marine environment. The thermoplastic FRCs were immersed in seawater at two different aging temperatures, that is, 35 and 70°C. The quasi‐static tests were conducted on unaged and aged FRCs, followed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to determine the effect of the marine environment on the mechanical properties and damage progression. The specimens immersed at 70°C showed a significant drop of 46.7%, 39.7%, 22.6%, and 16% in mechanical properties (tensile, compression, flexural, and ILSS) mainly due to plasticization, matrix cracking, and fiber/matrix debonding. The specimens immersed at 35°C showed a reduction in tensile, compressive, and flexural strength of 10%, 14.7% and 1.9% respectively, with no significant effect on ILSS. In addition, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) reveals that prolonged aging induces an increase in glass transition temperature due to polymerization reactions. This work is intended to reveal the effect of extreme marine environment on the resin‐infused thermoplastic FRC and to provide a useful reference for their potential structural applications in the marine industry.

Highlights

Influence of aging conditions on the long‐term performance of FRCs.

Hygrothermal aging leads to an increase in the glass transition temperature.

The marine environment degrades mechanical properties of FRCs by up to 50%.

Matrix cracking and fiber‐matrix debonding evolved as dominant failure modes.
Solar cell efficiency tables (Version 64)
Authors: Green Martin A. , Dunlop Ewan D. , Yoshita Masahiro , Kopidakis Nikos , Bothe Karsten , Siefer Gerald , Hinken David , Rauer Michael , Hohl‐Ebinger Jochen , Hao Xiaojing
Published: July 2024

Consolidated tables showing an extensive listing of the highest independently confirmed efficiencies for solar cells and modules are presented. Guidelines for inclusion of results into these tables are outlined, and new entries since January 2024 are reviewed.
Engineering the future of Physalis grisea: A focus on agricultural challenges, model species status, and applied improvements
Authors: Dale Savanah Marie , Tomaszewski Elise , Lippman Zachary , Van Eck Joyce
Published: July 2024

Societal Impact Statement

Groundcherry (Physalis grisea) is a plant species grown for its flavorful fruit. The fruit drops from the plant, hence the common name groundcherry. This makes harvest cumbersome and puts the fruit at risk for carrying soil‐borne pathogens, therefore making them unsellable. Furthermore, insects often damage the plants, reducing yield. Advances in gene editing offer promise for addressing these issues and aiding home gardeners and farmers. Improvement will expand access to this nutritious fruit, rich in potassium, vitamin C, and antioxidants. Additionally, studies of its biology could serve as a model for improving other fruiting plants, particularly underutilized species.

P. grisea is an underutilized, semidomesticated fruit crop with rising agronomic value. Several resources have been developed for its use in fundamental biological research, including a plant transformation system and a high‐quality reference genome. Already, P. grisea has been used as a model to investigate biological phenomena including inflated calyx syndrome and gene compensation. P. grisea has also been used to demonstrate the potential of fast‐tracking domestication trait improvement through approaches such as CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. This work has led to the Physalis Improvement Project, which relies on reverse genetics to understand the mechanisms that underlie fruit abscission and plant–herbivore interactions to guide approaches for improvement of undesirable characteristics. CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing has been used to target P. grisea genes that are suspected to act in fruit abscission, particularly orthologs of those that are reported in tomato abscission zone development. A similar approach is being taken to target P. grisea genes involved in the withanolide biosynthetic pathway to determine the impact of withanolides on plant–herbivore interactions. Results from these research projects will lead to a greater understanding of important biological processes and will also generate knowledge needed to develop cultivars with reduced fruit drop and increased resistance to insect herbivory.
A Biochemical and Biophysical Analysis of the Interaction of nsp9 with nsp12 from SARS‐CoV‐2—Implications for Future Drug Discovery Efforts
Authors: Baker David L. , Wang Bing , Wilkinson‐White Lorna E. , El‐Kamand Serene , Allport Thomas A. , Ataide Sandro F. , Kwan Ann H. , Artsimovitch Irina , Cubeddu Liza , Gamsjaeger Roland
Published: July 2024

The ongoing global pandemic of the coronavirus 2019 (COVID‐19) disease is caused by the virus SARS‐CoV‐2, with very few highly effective antiviral treatments currently available. The machinery responsible for the replication and transcription of viral RNA during infection is made up of several important proteins. Two of these are nsp12, the catalytic subunit of the viral polymerase, and nsp9, a cofactor of nsp12 involved in the capping and priming of viral RNA. While several recent studies have determined the structural details of the interaction of nsp9 with nsp12 in the context of RNA capping, very few biochemical or biophysical details are currently available. In this study, we have used a combination of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) experiments, size exclusion chromatography (SEC) experiments, and biochemical assays to identify specific nsp9 residues that are critical for nsp12 binding as well as RNAylation, both of which are essential for the RNA capping process. Our data indicate that nsp9 dimerization is unlikely to play a significant functional role in the virus. We confirm that a set of recently discovered antiviral peptides inhibit nsp9–nsp12 interaction by specifically binding to nsp9; however, we find that these peptides do not impact RNAylation. In summary, our results have important implications for future drug discovery efforts to combat SARS‐CoV‐2 and any newly emerging coronaviruses.
A Bayesian non‐stationary heteroskedastic time series model for multivariate critical care data
Authors: Omar Zayd , Stephens David A. , Schmidt Alexandra M. , Buckeridge David L.
Published: July 2024

We propose a multivariate GARCH model for non‐stationary health time series by modifying the observation‐level variance of the standard state space model. The proposed model provides an intuitive and novel way of dealing with heteroskedastic data using the conditional nature of state‐space models. We follow the Bayesian paradigm to perform the inference procedure. In particular, we use Markov chain Monte Carlo methods to obtain samples from the resultant posterior distribution. We use the forward filtering backward sampling algorithm to efficiently obtain samples from the posterior distribution of the latent state. The proposed model also handles missing data in a fully Bayesian fashion. We validate our model on synthetic data and analyze a data set obtained from an intensive care unit in a Montreal hospital and the MIMIC dataset. We further show that our proposed models offer better performance, in terms of WAIC than standard state space models. The proposed model provides a new way to model multivariate heteroskedastic non‐stationary time series data. Model comparison can then be easily performed using the WAIC.
Ultrathin Ionic Diodes with Electrostatically Heterogeneous Hybrid Interfaces of Nanoporous SiO2 Nanofilms and Polymer Layer‐by‐Layer Multilayers
Authors: Ishizaki‐Betchaku Yuya , Kumakura Narumi , Yamamoto Shunsuke , Nagano Shusaku , Mitsuishi Masaya
Published: July 2024

Nanofluidic ionic diodes have attracted much attention due to their unique functions as unidirectional ion transportation ability and promising applications from molecular sensing, and energy harvesting to emerging neuromorphic devices. However, it remains a challenge to fabricate diode‐like nanofluidic systems with ultrathin film thickness <100 nm. Herein the formation of ultrathin ionic diodes from hybrid nanoassemblies of nanoporous (NP) SiO2 nanofilms and polyelectrolyte layer‐by‐layer (LbL) multilayers is described. Ultrathin ionic diodes are prepared by integrating polyelectrolyte multilayers onto photo‐oxidized NP SiO2 nanofilms obtained from silsesquioxane‐containing block copolymer thin films as a template. The obtained ultrathin ionic diodes exhibit ion current rectification (ICR) properties with high ICR factor = ≈20 under low ionic strength and asymmetric pH conditions. It is concluded that this ICR behavior arises from effective ion accumulation and depletion at the interface of NP SiO2 nanofilms and LbL multilayers attributed to high ion selectivity by combining the experimental data and theoretical calculations using finite element methods. These results demonstrate that the hybrid nano assemblies of NP SiO2 nanofilms and polyelectrolyte LbL multilayers have potential applications for (bio)sensing materials and integrated ionic circuits for seamless connection of human‐machine interfaces.
Emergent Antiferroelectric Ordering and the Coupling of Liquid Crystalline and Polar Order
Authors: Hobbs Jordan , Gibb Calum J. , Mandle Richard J.
Published: July 2024

Polar liquid crystals possess 3D orientational order coupled with unidirectional electric polarity, yielding fluid ferroelectrics. Such polar phases are generated by rod‐like molecules with large electric dipole moments. 2,5‐Disubstituted 1,3‐dioxane is commonly employed as a polar motif in said systems, and herein it is shown to suffer from thermal instability as a consequence of equatorial‐trans to axial‐trans isomerism at elevated temperatures. Isosteric building blocks are utilized as potential replacements for the 1,3‐dioxane unit, and in doing so new examples of fluid ferroelectric systems are obtained. For binary mixtures of certain composition, the emergence of a new fluid antiferroelectric phase, a finding not observed for either of the parent molecules, is observed. This study also reveals a critical tipping point for the emergence of polar order in otherwise apolar systems. These results hint at the possibility for uncovering new highly ordered polar liquid‐crystalline phases and delineate distinct transition mechanisms in orientational and polar ordering.
Thermophoresis‐Induced Polymer‐Driven Destabilization of Gold Nanoparticles for Optically Directed Assembly at Interfaces
Authors: Amaya Ana Jiménez , Goldmann Claire , Hill Eric H.
Published: July 2024

The limitations of conventional template‐based methods for the deposition of nanoparticle assemblies into defined patterns on solid substrates call for the development of techniques that do not require templates or lithographic masks. The use of optically‐induced thermal gradients to drive the migration of colloids toward or away from a laser spot, known as opto‐thermophoresis, has shown promise for the low‐power trapping and optical manipulation of a variety of colloidal species. However, the printing of colloids using this technique has so far not been established. Herein, a method for the optically directed printing of noble metal nanoparticles, specifically gold nanospheres is reported. The thermophoresis of the polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone and gold nanospheres toward a laser spot led to the deposition of nanoparticle aggregates, capable of serving as surface‐enhanced Raman scattering substrates. The influence of heating laser power and the concentrations of polymer, salt, and surfactant on the nanoparticle deposition rate and structure of the printed pattern are studied, showing that a variety of conditions can permit printing, suggesting facile generalization to different nanoparticle compositions, sizes, and shapes. These findings will greatly benefit future efforts for directed nanoparticle assembly, and drive applications in sensing, photothermal heating, and relevant applications in biomedicine and devices.
Parametric analysis of nonstructural component acceleration response spectra considering interaction between structures and nonstructural components
Authors: Zhang Guowei , Song Jincheng , Qin Chang'an , Sun Guoliang , Zhuang Peng
Published: July 2024

The nonstructural component–structure interaction (NSI) is a critical aspect in addressing the seismic design of structures and nonstructural components. However, the NSI is not considered in generating acceleration spectrum, which is the most commonly used tool for seismic design. To study the pattern of the NSI affecting acceleration response spectra of nonstructural components and floors, the acceleration response spectra of a benchmark steel frame structure with different parameters were calculated using a numerical method after the accuracy of the numerical method was verified by carrying out shaking table tests. These parameters are the damping ratio of the nonstructural component, the weight ratio of the nonstructural components to the floor, and the frequency ratio and height ratio of the nonstructural component to the structure. The influence of each parameter on acceleration response spectra was derived by comparing different spectra. The trend of acceleration response spectra of the nonstructural component with different combinations of parameters was compared to determine whether each parameter is relatively independent. This parametric analysis can be applied to calculating acceleration response spectra of the nonstructural component while considering the NSI.
Emotional Landscape of Translingualism: Multilingual International Students Navigating Shame Through Translingual Digital Stories
Authors: Jiang Jialei
Published: July 2024

Extending the current scholarly discussion on anti‐racist translingualism, this article explores how two multilingual international students navigate and resist the feelings of shame through translingual digital storytelling. Based on a narrative analysis, the study delves into the multilingual international students' racialized experience as they grapple with linguistic racism and internalized Whiteness. The findings from the narrative analysis suggest the students' evolving and ongoing relationships with shame. The researcher argues that translingual digital stories allow the students to draw upon a myriad of linguistic repertoires and semiotic resources, which are essential for navigating shameful feelings and addressing linguistic racism. The researcher concludes this article by offering suggestions and recommendations for cultivating an anti‐racist pedagogy within multilingual education.
Water Quality Assessment in an Area Degraded by Urban Solid Waste in Southern Brazil
Authors: Teixeira Daniel Reis , Borges Malu Siqueira , Vargas Luciano Kayser , da Silva Fernanda Rabaioli , Beneduzi Anelise
Published: July 2024

In most Brazilian municipalities, urban solid waste (USW) is disposed of in open dumps, with numerous sites now being closed, monitored, and rehabilitated. One location, the “old dump” area in the Portão municipality (southern Brazil), previously served as an irregular repository for USW and industrial solid waste (ISW). Its use continued until 1993 when it was closed for a natural remediation process. For this reason, this study aimed to assess groundwater quality in the Portão “old dump,” employing physicochemical, microbiological, and toxicity quality indicators. The study's scope was extended to encompass the Portão Stream as well. Notably, the second collection campaign revealed elevated dissolved aluminum (Al3+), iron (Fe2+), and nitrate levels in all groundwater samples (from PZi wells, i = 1–6), with the PZ3 monitoring well experiencing the most pronounced impact. Further quality indicators, such as total phosphorus, thermotolerant coliforms, BOD5, as well as Al3+ and copper (Cu2+) levels in the second water collection campaign from Portão Stream, were classified as Class 4, suggesting that the water is suitable only for navigation and aesthetic purposes. Conductivity analysis identified Portão Stream as another impacted area. Moreover, during the second collection campaign, the study uncovered an escalation in micronuclei (MN) frequency and chromosomal alterations in PZ5. Downstream water samples from Portão Stream exhibited similarly heightened MN levels. This study's investigation into water quality is a concrete example of the implications of improper USW management. These findings underscore the pressing need for effective waste management strategies to mitigate environmental degradation and protect public health.
Potential prognostic indicators in dogs with advanced heart failure secondary to myxomatous mitral valve disease
Authors: Li Chuan‐Chuan , Chan I‐Ping , Chang Chao‐Chin , Hsueh Tung , Yang Chung‐Chun , Lin Shiun‐Long
Published: July 2024

Background

Advanced heart failure (AHF) secondary to myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) in dogs has unclear predictive variables and survival time.

Methods

This retrospective study included 38 dogs with AHF and 38 with stable congestive heart failure (CHF), both due to MMVD. Predictive variables for AHF were analysed, and survival times were calculated using logistic regression and the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

Left atrium to aortic root ratio, normalised left ventricular dimension at the end‐diastole and end‐systole, isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT) and early transmitral inflow velocity to IVRT ratio were associated with AHF progression. The median survival times were significantly longer in the stable group than in the AHF group. After AHF diagnosis, the median survival times for all‐cause and cardiogenic mortality were 194 and 354 days, respectively.

Limitations

This was a single‐centre retrospective observational study. The study population was small, with breed bias (overrepresentation of Maltese dogs). Additionally, the treatment plans depended on clinical experience.

Conclusions

AHF in dogs with CHF secondary to MMVD is linked to left heart chamber enlargement and increased left ventricular dimensions, significantly reducing survival time to around six months post‐diagnosis. Early recognition and appropriate management may improve outcomes, highlighting the importance of advanced treatment strategies.
Supply‐side climate policy: A new frontier in climate governance
Authors: Newell Peter , Daley Freddie
Published: July 2024

From the margins of climate governance, supply‐side policies that seek to restrict the production of climate‐heating fossil fuels and keep sizeable quantities of remaining reserves in the ground are gaining greater prominence. From national‐level production bans and phase‐out policies to divestment campaigns and the creation of “climate clubs,” such as the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance (BOGA), an increasing number of such policies are being adopted by national and state governments, cities and financial actors around the world. This marked shift in climate governance reflects a growing recognition that the temperature goals of the Paris Agreement cannot be achieved without enhanced efforts to leave large swathes of remaining fossil fuel reserves in the ground and actively phase‐out existing fossil fuels infrastructures. Unsurprisingly, there has been increasing scholarly attention to different dimensions of supply‐side policy: from identifying the nature and scale of the “production gap” (between planned fossil fuel production and that which is compatible with climate goals), to initial attempts to map and explain the adoption of supply‐side policies across different regions and sectors, as well as forward‐looking analysis of possible pathways to multilateral supply‐side agreements. This article surveys this academic and policy landscape to review what we currently know about supply‐side policies: how, when, why and by whom they are adopted, how significant they are, and the ways in which national and regional measures might be supported multilaterally.

This article is categorized under:

Policy and Governance > Multilevel and Transnational Climate Change Governance

Climate, Nature, and Ethics > Climate Change and Global Justice
Remimazolam has similar anesthetic effect and superior safety compared to propofol in elderly patients: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Dong Liyun , Sun Tianze , Yang Jiecheng , Zhou Yue , Liu Xinyan , Liu Zhijie , Lv Hangyu , Ma Zhen , Chen Yongxue
Published: July 2024

Background

The superiority between remimazolam and propofol for anesthesia is controversial in elderly patients (≥60 years). This meta‐analysis aimed to systematically compare anesthetic effect and safety profile between remimazolam and propofol in elderly patients under any surgery.

Methods

Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and PubMed were searched until December 25, 2023 for relevant randomized controlled trials.

Results

Ten studies with 806 patients receiving remimazolam (experimental group) and 813 patients receiving propofol (control group) were included. Time to loss of consciousness [standard mean difference (SMD) (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.347 (−0.362, 3.055), p = 0.122] and recovery time [SMD (95% CI): −0.022 (−0.300, 0.257), p = 0.879] were similar between experimental and control groups. Mean arterial pressure at baseline minus 1 min after induction [SMD (95% CI): −1.800 (−3.250, −0.349), p = 0.015], heart rate at baseline minus 1 min after induction [SMD (95% CI): −1.041 (−1.537, −0.545), p < 0.001], incidences of hypoxemia [relative risk (RR) (95% CI): 0.247 (0.138, 0.444), p < 0.001], respiratory depression [RR (95% CI): 0.458 (0.300, 0.700), p < 0.001], bradycardia [RR (95% CI): 0.409 (0.176, 0.954), p = 0.043], hypotension [RR (95% CI): 0.415 (0.241, 0.714), p = 0.007], and injection pain [RR (95% CI): 0.172 (0.113, 0.263), p < 0.001] were lower in the experimental group compared to the control group. Postoperative nausea and vomiting was not different between groups [RR (95% CI): 1.194 (0.829, 1.718), p = 0.341]. Moreover, this meta‐analysis displayed a low risk of bias, minimal publication bias, and good robustness.

Conclusion

Remimazolam shows comparative anesthetic effect and better safety profile than propofol in elderly patients under any surgery.
Challenges of enzyme therapy: Why two players are better than one
Authors: Cuoghi Sabrina , Caraffi Riccardo , Anderlini Alessandro , Baraldi Cecilia , Enzo Elena , Vandelli Maria Angela , Tosi Giovanni , Ruozi Barbara , Duskey Jason Thomas , Ottonelli Ilaria
Published: July 2024

Enzyme‐based therapy has garnered significant attention for its current applications in various diseases. Despite the notable advantages associated with the use of enzymes as therapeutic agents, that could have high selectivity, affinity, and specificity for the target, their application faces challenges linked to physico‐chemical and pharmacological properties. These limitations can be addressed through the encapsulation of enzymes in nanoplatforms as a comprehensive solution to mitigate their degradation, loss of activity, off‐target accumulation, and immunogenicity, thus enhancing bioavailability, therapeutic efficacy, and circulation time, thereby reducing the number of administrations, and ameliorating patient compliance. The exploration of novel nanomedicine‐based enzyme therapeutics for the treatment of challenging diseases stands as a paramount goal in the contemporary scientific landscape, but even then it is often not enough. Combining an enzyme with another therapeutic (e.g., a small molecule, another enzyme or protein, a monoclonal antibody, or a nucleic acid) within a single nanocarrier provides innovative multidrug‐integrated therapy and ensures that both the actives arrive at the target site and exert their therapeutic effect, leading to synergistic action and superior therapeutic efficacy. Moreover, this strategic approach could be extended to gene therapy, a field that nowadays has gained increasing attention, as enzymes acting at genomic level and nucleic acids may be combined for synergistic therapy. This multicomponent therapeutic approach opens opportunities for promising future developments.

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Neurological Disease

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies
Optical Biometry
Authors: Nenning Magdalena , Hirnschall Nino , Findl Oliver
Published: July 2024

The development of optical biometry has improved very significantly the accuracy and precision of the measurement of the axial length (AL) which is one of the essential variables for the calculation of the intraocular lens (IOL) power. In this chapter, the technologies of the different interferometric setups are described in detail: from PCI to OLCR, finally arriving at the present day used swept-source OCT. The accurate measurement of anterior chamber length and lens thickness with these methods has given way to the development of modern IOL power calculation formulas. Optical biometry provides the surgeon with a B-scan of the eye allowing the identification of anatomical boundaries even in the case of very dense cataracts. The OCT technology has also been applied in the intraoperative measurement of the IOL position.
Corneal Topography and Tomography
Authors: Aramberri Jaime
Published: July 2024

Corneal topography measures the shape and optical properties of the cornea with different technologies that have evolved through the years: from Placido reflection topographers to elevation Scheimpflug and OCT tomographers. In this chapter, the difference among these instruments is analyzed exposing the features of each method as well as the precision and agreement of the measurements. Definitions and metrics used for shape, curvature, elevation, optical power, and aberrometry are discussed. These instruments provide the surgeon with software-oriented to intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation taking advantage of the anterior and posterior corneal measurements. Corneal analysis also plays an important role in the selection of the most adequate IOL optical design.
The A-Scan Biometer
Authors: Shammas Maya C. , Shammas H. John
Published: July 2024

The use of optical biometry is limited when measuring eyes with a mature cataract. A-scan biometry is needed in these cases. The A-scan biometer measures the axial length using ultrasound. The transducer is located at the tip of the probe where electric pulses are transformed into sound waves. The transducer emits the ultrasound beam. Ultrasound consists of high-frequency sound waves over 20,000 cycles/s, which is the highest frequency audible to the human ear. The ultrasound beam is formed of ultrasound waves that display different characteristics depending on the ultrasound frequency, wavelength, velocity, and direction. The different characteristics of the commonly used ultrasound biometers are presented.

The A-scan biometer with its transducer produces ultrasound impulses. These impulses propagate within the eye and are reflected, creating an A-scan pattern. The A-scan identifies the anterior and posterior surfaces of the cornea, the anterior and posterior surfaces of the lens, and the anterior surface of the retina.
Argos Verion Image-Guided System
Authors: Babu Raiju J. , Voegtle Jessica
Published: July 2024

The Argos Biometer with Image Guidance by Alcon is an integrated biometer that provides image guidance to the surgeons, after that all measurements are taken. The image guidance is provided by having hardware (Verion Digital Marker) to provide overlays in the operating room and at the Alcon LenSx Laser. The Verion Reference Unit receives the biometry information from the Argos Biometer; it is an integrated keratometer with image guidance capability at Alcon LenSx system and operating room. The Digital Marker presents advantages in correcting pre-existing astigmatism. It provides patient eye confirmation with automated consistency check of reference image from VERION Reference Unit; incision guide; capsulorhexis guide with online overlay of planned capsulorhexis position and radius on the microscope live image; centration and toric alignment guide and a finalization check with a combined overlay of the centration and toric alignment information on the microscope live image for a final IOL position check; and documentation with storage of reference and measurement data, surgery, and surgery image data.
The NIDEK Cataract Suite: The OPD-Scan III Multifunction Diagnostic Device and the AL-Scan Optical Biometer
Authors: Tyson Farrell C. , Pieger Stefan , Bains Harkaran S.
Published: July 2024

The OPD-Scan III is a multiple-instrument device combining corneal topography, wavefront aberrometry, autorefraction, keratometry, pupillometry, and pupillography. The measurement of topography and whole eye wavefront allows separation of corneal and internal aberrations for rapid assessment of the refractive and optical effects of the cornea, physiologic lens, or an intraocular lens. The Daya Cataract Summary, the Cataract Summary, the Optical Quality summary, the Internal OPD, toric summary, and retroillumination maps are described.

The AL-Scan optical biometry is an optical biometer based on partial coherence interferometry. It also features Scheimflug imaging, which is used to measure corneal thickness and anterior chamber depth.
CSO MS-39: Principles and Applications
Authors: Vestri Gabriele , Versaci Francesco , Savini Giacomo
Published: July 2024

MS-39 combines a Placido disc corneal topographer and an anterior segment spectral domain optical coherence tomographer (SD-OCT). The Placido disc is used for the topography of the anterior corneal surface, and the SD-OCT system is used for the topography and tomography of the anterior segment. The broadband source is an infrared superluminescent diode emitting a radiation centered around 850 nm, which provides an axial resolution of 3.5 μm and a transversal resolution of 35 μm. Different scanning patterns are available, and the instrument can acquire sections of the anterior segment, corneal topographies and tomographies, lens biometries, and pupillographies. The IOL module is based on corneal topography and anterior segment tomography and calculates the intraocular lens power by ray tracing. This is one of the easiest and most accurate methods to achieve the correct power of the lens in eyes that underwent previous corneal refractive surgery.
Gaussian Optics
Authors: Colliac Jean-Philippe
Published: July 2024

The paraxial or Gaussian approximation in geometric optics simplifies the calculation of the optical properties of the human eye. In this chapter the analytical equations that allow the calculation of the cardinal elements of an optical system are explained in detail. Determining the focal length, the principal planes and the nodal points of the eye will permit calculating the position and magnification of the image. The matrix method is an alternative way to perform paraxial ray tracing and also calculate the Gaussian cardinal elements of an optical system. These foundations lead to the modeling of a schematic eye that can be used to study the optics of a pseudophakic eye and the calculation of the intraocular lens power.
Outcomes Review of Intraocular Lens Power Calculation Formulas
Authors: Fam Han Bor
Published: July 2024

This chapter analizes the published outcomes of intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation formulas. A modified version of the formula performance index (PI) proposed by Prof. Haigis is presented. This index ranks formulas accuracy based on several parameters, including the standard deviation (SD) of the prediction error, the median absolute error (MedAE) , the relationship between the prediction error (PE) and axial length (AL) and the percentage of eyes with a prediction error within ±1.00 D. Modifications include the mean absolute error, (MAE) the percentage of eyes with a prediction error within ±0.50 D, and the relationship between the prediction error and keratometry (K). A further version of the PI, specifically designed for subgroup analysis, is also presented.

The data of 17 studies (including eyes with any AL) are presented, and formulas are compared by means of the PI. A similar analysis is presented separately for short, medium, and long eyes, as well as for eyes with flat and steep corneas, shallow and deep anterior chambers (ACD) and for eyes with a target refraction other than emmetropia.
Barrett Formulas: Strategies to Improve IOL Power Prediction
Authors: Barrett Graham D.
Published: July 2024

The Barrett Universal II Formula has become a popular and well-documented formula as regards its accuracy compared to third-generation formulas. The author lays out the history of IOL power calculation, the groundwork and framework for the development of his formula, as well as his related formulas to deal with special problem eyes. There is a description of his method to predict the final lens position. There is the Barrett toric calculator for toric calculations and the Barrett True K Formula for post-corneal surgery eyes. There is a careful analysis of the issue of optical biometer use of a group refractive index for axial length measurement versus the use of individual indices for each segment of the eye measured. There is a full discussion of the new Barrett True AL formula which deals with this issue. There is a full analysis of this formula compared to the Haigis, Hoffer Q, Holladay 1, and SRK/T formulas. There is also a discussion of the causes that lead to IOL power errors.
The Castrop IOL Formula
Authors: Hoffmann Peter , Langenbucher Achim
Published: July 2024

The Castrop IOL formula is a theoretical Gaussian vergence formula that calculates the IOL power and refraction. The cornea is modeled as a thick lens where the posterior radii of curvature can be measured or assumed according to published normal values. The axial length is transformed in order to equal a segmental measurement. The IOL position is calculated with a multivariable regression formula using several anterior segment biometric variables. Two or three offset values (C, R, and H) can be used to correct systematic errors with a sequential or simultaneous optimization process. Performance on case series is better than classical formulas and compares favorably with modern ones.
The Haigis Formula
Authors: Haigis Wolfgang , Hoffer Kenneth J.
Published: July 2024

The Haigis formula, like other optical formulas, is based on thin lens optics. However, while all other formulas use only one constant (like the ACD constant, the A-constant, or the surgeon factor) for a given IOL, the Haigis formula uses three (a0, a1, and a2). In addition, apart from the axial length, the anterior chamber depth is taken to serve as a predictor for the postoperative IOL position. By this approach, it is possible to represent an IOL by a curve (optical ACD vs axial length) rather than a number. The power of the formula evolves after optimization with individualization of constants insofar as it allows a mean zero prediction error for the postoperative refraction irrespective of axial length. Although a classical optimization on the basis of one constant is possible, Haigis recommends optimization of the three constants, a0, a1, and a2, derived from a statistical analysis of postoperative results. Thus, for every intraocular lens, an individual curve is defined for optimum prediction of the postoperative IOL position allowing a mean zero prediction error for all axial lengths.
Kane Formula
Authors: Kane Jack X
Published: July 2024

The Kane formula is an optical theoretical formula for IOL power calculation that optimizes its performance by means of regression and artificial intelligence components. Variables used in the formula are axial length, keratometry, anterior chamber depth, lens thickness (optional), central corneal thickness (optional), and patient biological sex. A summary is given on the available publications showing the Kane formula to be one of the best among the newer IOL power calculation formulas. The Kane keratoconus formula is designed for keratoconic eyes adjusting the IOL power based on the correct anterior/posterior corneal ratio in these eyes. The Kane toric formula calculates the toric IOL power using theoretical optics, regression, and artificial intelligence.