bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coordinated Immobilization and Rapid Conversion of Polysulfide Enabled by a Hollow Metal Oxide/Sulfide/Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Heterostructure for Long‐Cycle‐Life Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Liu Hui , Yang Xuejing , Jin Bo , Cui Mengyang , Li Yiyang , Li Qicheng , Li Lei , Sheng Qidong , Lang Xingyou , Jin Enmei , Jeong Sangmun , Jiang Qing
Published: April 2023

Lithium‐sulfur batteries (LSBs) are recognized as the prospective candidate in next‐generation energy storage devices due to their gratifying theoretical energy density. Nonetheless, they still face the challenges of the practical application including low utilization of sulfur and poor cycling life derived from shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs). Herein, a hollow polyhedron with heterogeneous CoO/Co9S8/nitrogen‐doped carbon (CoO/Co9S8/NC) is obtained through employing zeolitic imidazolate framework as precursor. The heterogeneous CoO/Co9S8/NC balances the redox kinetics of Co9S8 with chemical adsorption of CoO toward LiPSs, effectively inhibiting the shuttle of LiPSs. The mechanisms are verified by both experiment and density functional theory calculation. Meanwhile, the hollow structure acts as a sulfur storage chamber, which mitigates the volumetric expansion of sulfur and maximizes the utilization of sulfur. Benefiting from the above advantages, lithium‐sulfur battery with S‐CoO/Co9S8/NC achieves a high initial discharge capacity (1470 mAh g−1 ) at 0.1 C and long cycle life (ultralow capacity attenuation of 0.033% per cycle after 1000 cycles at 1 C). Even under high sulfur loading of 3.0 mg cm−2 , lithium‐sulfur battery still shows the satisfactory electrochemical performance. This work may provide an idea to elevate the electrochemical performance of LSBs by constructing a hollow metal oxide/sulfide/nitrogen‐doped carbon heterogeneous structure.
Realizing the Accurate Measurements of Thermal Conductivity over a Wide Range by Scanning Thermal Microscopy Combined with Quantitative Prediction of Thermal Contact Resistance
Authors: Zhang Qingqing , Zhu Wei , Zhou Jie , Deng Yuan
Published: April 2023

Quantitative thermal performance measurements and thermal management at the micro‐/nano scale are becoming increasingly important as the size of electronic components shrinks. Scanning thermal microscopy (SThM) is an emerging method with high spatial resolution that accurately reflects changes in local thermal signals based on a thermally sensitive probe. However, because of the unclear thermal resistance at the probe‐sample interface, quantitative characterization of thermal conductivity for different kinds of materials still remains limited. In this paper, the heat transfer process considering the thermal contact resistance between the probe and sample surface is analyzed using finite element simulation and thermal resistance network model. On this basis, a mathematical empirical function is developed applicable to a variety of material systems, which depicts the relationship between the thermal conductivity of the sample and the probe temperature. The proposed model is verified by measuring ten materials with a wide thermal conductivity range, and then further validated by two materials with unknown thermal conductivity. In conclusion, this work provides the prospect of achieving quantitative characterization of thermal conductivity over a wide range and further enables the mapping of local thermal conductivity to microstructures or phases of materials.
A π‐Conjugated Van der Waals Heterostructure Between Single‐Atom Ni‐Anchored Salphen‐Based Covalent Organic Framework and Polymeric Carbon Nitride for High‐Efficiency Interfacial Charge Separation
Authors: Zhu Liang , Liang Zhifu , Li Hao , Xu Qiunian , Jiang Daochuan , Du Haiwei , Zhu Chuhong , Li Huiquan , Lu Zhou , Yuan Yupeng
Published: April 2023

Semiconductor‐based heterostructures have exhibited great promise as a photocatalyst to convert solar energy into sustainable chemical fuels, however, their solar‐to‐fuel efficiency is largely restricted by insufficient interfacial charge separation and limited catalytically active sites. Here the integration of high‐efficiency interfacial charge separation and sufficient single‐atom metal active sites in a 2D van der Waals (vdW) heterostructure between ultrathin polymeric carbon nitride (p‐CN) and Ni‐containing Salphen‐based covalent organic framework (Ni‐COF) nanosheets is illustrated. The results reveal a NiN2O2chemical bonding in NiCOF nanosheets, leading to a highly separated single‐atom Ni sites, which will function as the catalytically active sites to boost solar fuel production, as confirmed by X‐ray absorption spectra and density functional theory calculations. Using ultrafast femtosecond transient adsorption (fs‐TA) spectra, it shows that the vdWp‐CN/Ni‐COF heterostructure exhibits a faster decay lifetime of the exciton annihilation (τ = 18.3 ps) compared to that of neatp‐CN (32.6 ps), illustrating an efficiently accelerated electron transfer across the vdW heterointerface fromp‐CN to Ni‐COF, which thus allows more active electrons available to participate in the subsequent reduction reactions. The photocatalytic results offer a chemical fuel generation rate of 2.29 mmol g−1h−1for H2and 6.2 µmol g−1h−1for CO, ≈127 and three times higher than that of neatp‐CN, respectively. This work provides new insights into the construction of a π‐conjugated vdW heterostructure on promoting interfacial charge separation for high‐efficiency photocatalysis.
Nanozyme‐Based Supramolecular Self‐Assembly As an Artificial Host Defense System For Treatment of Bacterial Infections
Authors: Yi Jiadai , Deng Qingqing , Liu Zhenqi , Wang Huan , Liu Xuemeng , Ren Jinsong , Qu Xiaogang
Published: April 2023

The proper functioning of host defense system (HDS) is the key to combating bacterial infection in biological organisms. However, the delicate HDS may be dysfunctional or dysregulated, resulting in persistent infection, tissue damage, or delayed wound healing. Herein, a powerful artificial “host defense system” (aHDS) is designed and constructed for treatment of bacterial infections. First, the aHDS can quickly trap the bacteria by electrostatic interactions. Next, the system can be stimulated to produce large amounts of cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) and exert strong antibacterial effects, which can further regulate the immune microenvironment, leading to macrophage polarization from M0 to pro‐inflammatory phenotype (M1) for synergistic bacteria killing. At the later stages, the system can exhibit excellent antioxidant enzyme‐like activities to reprogram the M1 macrophage to anti‐inflammatory phenotype (M2) for accelerating wound healing. This powerful aHDS can effectively combat the bacteria and avoid excessive inflammatory responses for the treatment of bacteria‐infected wounds.
Diastereoisomer separation of silybin A and silybin B by semi‐preparative liquid chromatography using Box–Behnken design
Authors: Liu Hong , Shen Ruoyao , Du ZhenXia , Yuan QiPeng
Published: April 2023

The effects of the flow rate, the injection volume, and the mobile phase ratio on the retention time and the resolution of separation of silybin were examined using Box–Behnken design on a symmetry prep C18 column. The optimum values of the operating parameters were 8 ml/min for the flow rate, 3 ml for the injection volume, and 40:60 for the mobile phase ratio. Under the optimal conditions, the retention time of silybin B was 59.552 min and the resolution of silybin A and silybin B was 1.0696, where the purities of the obtained silybin A and silybin B were both over 99% by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography. The preparative‐liquid chromatography simulation was applied with COMSOL. The optimization results of the response surface are consistent with the experiment and the simulation results. The structures of the compounds were identified by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry and ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐ time of flight mass spectrometry.
A Novel Acetylated Lotus Seed Starch: Preparation, Structural, and Physicochemical Properties
Authors: Lin Yongjie , Lin Yan , Wang Zhiyun , Wang Yanbo , Zhang Yi , Zheng Baodong , Zeng Hongliang
Published: April 2023

The objectives of this study are to investigate the structural and physicochemical properties of a novel acetylated lotus seed starch (LSA). LSA is successfully prepared using an aqueous phase method. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) proves that a carbonyl C=O vibration at 1737 cm−1 are due to the introduced acetyl groups. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) indicates that the acetylation treatment does not change the crystal structure, but reduces the relative crystallinity of starch. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) shows that the surface of LSA with 12% of acetic anhydride (LS‐12A) becomes the roughest. Moreover, compared with lotus seed starch (LS), the particle size, transparency, swelling power, and solubility of LSA are increased to 18.01 ± 0.66 µm, 15.30% ± 0.30%, 9.59 ± 1.78 g g−1, and 6.06% ± 0.99% at 55 °C with the additional content of acetic anhydride. However, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) shows that the melting enthalpy of LSA decreases compared with LS. This work provides some theoretical basis for the study and development of acetylated starch.
Effects of bigheaded carp on larval Freshwater Drum diets
Authors: Tillotson Nathan A. , Weber Michael J. , Pierce Clay L.
Published: April 2023

Objective

We investigated foraging success, diet composition, and the abundances of various prey taxa in the diets of larval Freshwater Drum Aplodinotus grunniens across a gradient of bigheaded carp (Bighead Carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis and Silver Carp H. molitrix) relative abundance and in relation to zooplankton density, temperature, discharge, and larval fish densities in the upper Mississippi River (UMR).

Methods

We sampled fish larvae and zooplankton every 10 days (May–August 2017 and 2018) from UMR Pools 14, 16, and 18–20; collected environmental data from nearby gauging stations; and assessed bigheaded carp relative abundance.

Result

Crustacean zooplankton abundance was positively related to larval foraging success. Copepods were the dominant prey, but larvae also consumed large proportions of rotifer eggs and benthic insect larvae. Bigheaded carp presence and catch per unit effort were positively associated with increased larval consumption of atypical prey (rotifer eggs and aquatic insect larvae) and cyclopoid copepods. Cladocerans were the rarest prey consumed by larvae in pools where bigheaded carp were present, but they were more frequently consumed in pools where bigheaded carp were absent. In addition to bigheaded carp abundance, river discharge was negatively associated with larval consumption of cladocerans, aquatic insect larvae, and rotifers; water temperature was negatively associated with the consumption of copepods and cladocerans; and rotifer abundance was positively associated with their consumption.

Conclusion

We suggest that bigheaded carp alter larval fish diets to prey that may be less energetically beneficial, which can have implications for larval growth and survival.
Adaptive Ion‐Gel: Stimuli‐Responsive, and Self‐Healing Ion Gels
Authors: Tamate Ryota , Ueki Takeshi
Published: April 2023

Ion gels are an emerging class of polymer gels in which a three‐dimensional polymer network swells with an ionic liquid. Ion gels have drawn considerable attention in various fields such as energy and biotechnology owing to their excellent properties including nonvolatility, nonflammability, high ionic conductivity, and high thermal and electrochemical stability. Since the first report on ion gels (published ∼30 years ago), diverse functional ion gels exhibiting impressive physicochemical properties have been reported. In this review, recent developments in functional ion gels that can modulate their physical properties in response to environmental conditions are outlined. Stimuli‐responsive ion gels that can adaptively undergo phase transitions in response to thermal and light stimuli are initially discussed, followed by an evaluation of diverse self‐healing ion gels that can spontaneously mend mechanical damage through judiciously designed ion‐gel networks.
Performance evaluation and conservation of waste solid plastics into alternative fuel for a pollution‐free environment
Authors: Venkatesh Rathinavelu , Manivannan Subramanian , Karthikeyan Natarajan , Kubendiran Murugan , Kannan Chidambaram Ramesh , Naveen Subbaiyan
Published: April 2023

The handling of waste plastics is a big challenge and various recycling routes are imposed to prevent the environmental ecosystem. Waste plastics are one of the major pollutants in the living environment and have characteristics such as non‐dehydration and toxicity. The wastages are occupying natural lands and water source areas, decreasing the soil behavior, reducing the minerals, and affecting the environmental ecosystem. In this situation, waste plastics are effectively handled with a suitable recycling process that helps to minimize toxicity. According to the present research, waste plastics are handled by separate arrangements and treated with the pyrolysis technique to obtain useful alternative fuel oil for automotive fuel applications. The synthesized pyrolysis (waste plastic oil fuel) oil fuel is tested by single stage four‐stroke diesel engines and its performance is compared with standard diesel fuel. The test results show that the brake thermal efficiency is improved by 28.85%. A higher 37% yield was obtained during this decomposition process above the 550°C temperature of 1 kg of waste plastics, formed as gas and condensed via cooling water, maintaining an ambient temperature. Moreover, the DI gas emission analyzer is used to evaluate the exhaust gas emission result found less than 1% of the CO and HC formation.
Antiphospholipid syndrome, thrombosis and multidisciplinary management
Authors: Kaul Arvind , Jawad Ali , Hughes Graham
Published: April 2023

Management of antiphospholipid syndrome is unusual for an autoimmune disease in that the mainstay of treatment is not immunosuppression. Here the authors describe some of the thrombotic events that characterise the disease. They also look at diagnosis (again a challenge because there are no diagnostic criteria) and the need for multidisciplinary care.
Metabolic‐associated fatty liver disease is associated with acute pancreatitis with more severe course: Post hoc analysis of a prospectively collected international registry
Authors: Váncsa Szilárd , Sipos Zoltán , Váradi Alex , Nagy Rita , Ocskay Klementina , Juhász Félix Márk , Márta Katalin , Teutsch Brigitta , Mikó Alexandra , Hegyi Péter Jenő , Vincze Áron , Izbéki Ferenc , Czakó László , Papp Mária , Hamvas József , Varga Márta , Török Imola , Mickevicius Artautas , Erőss Bálint , Párniczky Andrea , Szentesi Andrea , Pár Gabriella , Hegyi Péter ,   the Hungarian Pancreatic Study Group
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a proven risk factor for acute pancreatitis (AP). However, NAFLD has recently been redefined as metabolic‐associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). In this post hoc analysis, we quantified the effect of MAFLD on the outcomes of AP.

Methods

We identified our patients from the multicentric, prospective International Acute Pancreatitis Registry of the Hungarian Pancreatic Study Group. Next, we compared AP patients with and without MAFLD and the individual components of MAFLD regarding in‐hospital mortality and AP severity based on the revised Atlanta classification. Lastly, we calculated odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

MAFLD had a high prevalence in AP, 39% (801/2053). MAFLD increased the odds of moderate‐to‐severe AP (OR = 1.43, CI: 1.09–1.89). However, the odds of in‐hospital mortality (OR = 0.89, CI: 0.42–1.89) and severe AP (OR = 1.70, CI: 0.97–3.01) were not higher in the MAFLD group. Out of the three diagnostic criteria of MAFLD, the highest odds of severe AP was in the group based on metabolic risk abnormalities (OR = 2.68, CI: 1.39–5.09). In addition, the presence of one, two, and three diagnostic criteria dose‐dependently increased the odds of moderate‐to‐severe AP (OR = 1.23, CI: 0.88–1.70, OR = 1.38, CI: 0.93–2.04, and OR = 3.04, CI: 1.63–5.70, respectively) and severe AP (OR = 1.13, CI: 0.54–2.27, OR = 2.08, CI: 0.97–4.35, and OR = 4.76, CI: 1.50–15.4, respectively). Furthermore, in patients with alcohol abuse and aged ≥60 years, the effect of MAFLD became insignificant.

Conclusions

MAFLD is associated with AP severity, which varies based on the components of its diagnostic criteria. Furthermore, MAFLD shows a dose‐dependent effect on the outcomes of AP.
Concentration of mineral and heavy metals in raw mare (horse) milk consumed in Yazd, Iran: A risk assessment study
Authors: Alipour Azar , Akrami Mohajeri Fateme , Javdan Gholamali , Pourramezani Fatemeh , Fallahzadeh Hossein , Khalili Sadrabad Elham
Published: April 2023

Background

In recent years, the mare's milk has been introduced as a rich source of nutrients with hypoallergic characteristics which is widely used for Iranian infants.

Objectives

The present study aimed to investigate the heavy metal concentration of mare's milk and its consumption risk assessment.

Methods

About 88 mare's milk was collected from Yazd, the centre of Iran, during the summer of 2020. The raw mare's milk was digested and analysed for mineral and heavy metal content (As, Ca, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, P, Pb and Zn) by ICP‐OES. To estimate the health hazard for consumers the Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Hazard Quotient (HQ) and Hazard Index (HI) of heavy metals were determined.

Results

The Ca ranged from 260.52 to 201.43 mg/L, which was the highest mineral in mare's milk followed by P and Mg. By increasing the age, P and Ca content was increased. The obtained ranges of Cu, Co, Fe, Mn and Zn were 72.12–75.11, 1.12–9.3, 180.69–230.21, 31.24–47.13 and 1060–1200 μg/L, respectively. The Cd and Arsenic content of mares' 8–11 years of age had higher concentrations. The highest Pb content was reported in mares 4–7 years old (10 μg/L). Although, Pb, Cd and As content of the mare's milk was evaluated lower than the permissible limit. Also, the HQ value was As > Cd > Pb > Zn > Ni > Cu for infants, toddlers and adults. The HI of mare's milk was 0.16, 0.15 and 0.022 for infants, toddlers and adults, respectively.

Conclusions

Mare's milk could be an effective nutrition source for infants and children suffering from milk protein allergies.
Association of precalving serum NEFA concentrations with postpartum diseases and reproductive performance in multiparous Holstein cows: Cut‐off values
Authors: Kia Samuel , Mohri Mehrdad , Seifi Hesam A
Published: April 2023

Background

High concentrations of NEFA relative to a defined reference or ‘cut‐point’ values before calving can predict the risk of specific or collective periparturient disease events.

Objectives

A field‐based cohort study was conducted to evaluate the value and critical points of serum nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) at the precalving time to predict the occurrence of postpartum diseases and reproductive performance in dairy cows.

Methods

Blood samples were taken from 521 high‐yielding dairy cows at 1 week (±3 days) before calving and NEFA levels were measured. Health and reproduction information of each cow includes dystocia, retained placenta, milk fever, metritis, mastitis, pregnancy in the first insemination and pregnancy in the first two inseminations, and culling in the first 60 days of lactation and milk production.

Results

Our results show that there are significant relationships between precalving NEFA with the probability of pregnancy at the first and the first two inseminations after calving. The cows that had NEFA concentrations less than 0.5 mmol/L at the last week of pregnancy were 3.51 and 3.15 times more likely to be pregnant at first insemination and the first two inseminations, respectively. Also, our results showed that there are significant relationships between precalving NEFA concentration and the likelihood of dystocia and milk fever. The probability of dystocia and milk fever occurrence were 2.56 and 1.91 times greater in those cows that had NEFA concentrations more than 0.3 mmol/L, respectively.

Conclusions

The present results indicated that Increasing NEFA during the prepartum period could adversely affect the reproductive efficiency of dairy cows.
Cutaneous nerve sheath tumours, non‐infectious polycystic kidney disease, renal granulomas, nephrocalcinosis and crystals: Incidental pathological findings in pond‐living goldfish (Carassius auratus, Linnaeus)
Authors: Mandrioli Luciana , Parmeggiani Albamaria , Casalini Antonio , Errani Francesca , Ciulli Sara
Published: April 2023

In an adult male goldfish (Carassius auratus, Linnaeus), an unusual combination of diseases was detected. The owner noted a bilateral, asymmetrical distention of the abdomen, multiple cutaneous masses and an altered swimming behaviour over the course of time; diagnostic work‐up was not requested and euthanasia elected. Grossly, the cutaneous masses were whitish, discrete, extremely friable. Histologically, the dermis was multifocally expanded by moderately cellular, unencapsulated neoplastic tissue, composed of dermal spindle cells. The celomic cavity opening revealed a gelatinous multicystic mass, corresponding to the kidney, which replicated several cysts compressing the residual parenchyma. Histologically, sparse, late‐stage granulomas, basophilic intratubular deposits and crystals were also detected. No mycobacterial DNA was detected in tissue with granulomas. No parasites were detected in the histological sections examined. Diagnoses of cutaneous nerve sheath tumours, polycystic kidney disease, renal late‐stage granulomas, nephrocalcinosis and crystals were formulated. The authors had proposed to recapitulate each single condition.
Graft Versus Tumour Effect
Authors: NíChonghaile Mairéad
Published: April 2023

The treatment of relapsed disease remains challenging, and it is well accepted that concept of allogeneic HSCT relies upon both the conditioning or preparative regimen used for the recipient and the graft versus malignancy (GvM) or leukaemia (GvL) effect provided by the donor T cells and NK cells. Strategies which involve harnessing this effect are crucial to success and need to be exploited and refined to improve outcome. Further research is required to identify new strategies and therapies to improve the outlook for patients who relapse post-HSCT.

The nursing challenges following relapse are immense; the psychological support required is complex and largely falls to the nurse to coordinate and deliver regardless of the selected treatment approach.
HSCT: How Does It Work?
Authors: Galgano Letizia , Hutt Daphna , Mekelenkamp Hilda
Published: April 2023

The HSCT (haematopoietic stem cell transplant) is a particular treatment for many haematological and non-haematological diseases. Broadly, there are three different categories of transplantation, autologous, allogeneic and syngeneic, which can be applied to most disease scenarios. Haematopoietic stem cells can be derived from the bone marrow, peripheral blood and umbilical cord blood. HSCT treatment can be divided into separate phases that start with the harvest of the stem cells and passing through the conditioning, aplasia and engraftment until the recovery of the haematopoietic functions. HSCT is indicated in many diseases, and these indications depend on numerous factors such as the disease type, stage and response to previous treatment. This chapter includes transplant in primary immunodeficiency in children, haemoglobinopathies as well as inherited bone marrow failure and inborn errors of metabolism.
Donor Selection
Authors: NíChonghaile Mairéad
Published: April 2023

Allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) is the treatment of choice for a variety of malignant and non-malignant disorders. The aim of HSCT is to replace the patient’s haematopoiesis with that taken from a donor, and a prerequisite is the identification of a suitable donor. It is an intense and demanding process and puts considerable strain on both recipients and donors. The choice of donor has an impact on the transplantation process from scheduling to outcome. There are several common donor issues whether the donor is related or unrelated including eligibility, confidentiality, informed consent and right to refuse consent.
Transplantation Through the Generations
Authors: Castagna Alberto , Mekelenkamp Hilda , Mcmonagle Lisa , Kenyon Michelle , Eeltink Corien , Liptrott Sarah Jayne
Published: April 2023

Whilst the basic principles of HSCT remain the same, regardless of the age of the patient, there are a number of important additional considerations relating to transplantation of our younger and older patients and those of adolescent age. The principles outlined in this chapter serve as a valuable reminder supporting age-appropriate patient-centred care delivery. This chapter initially focuses on transplanting the child and its physiological and psycho-social aspects. Subsequently, the nursing challenges in the AYA population will be addressed. This chapter ends with considerations for treatment and care for the older adult.
Digitalisierung im Krankenhaus
Authors: Blase Nikola , Diehl Anke , Wasem Jürgen
Published: April 2023

Die Digitalisierung in deutschen Krankenhäusern offeriert viel Potential für Verbesserungen. Doch wo stehen wir auf dem Weg zum Krankenhaus 4.0 und welche internationalen Digitalisierungsstrategien sind in den Blick zu nehmen? Wo sind Rationalisierungseffekte beim Personaleinsatz denkbar und wie lassen sich Digitalisierungsmaßnahmen bewerten? Der Beitrag beleuchtet Effekte auf das Krankenhauspersonal im Zuge der digitalen Transformation und wirft ein Schlaglicht auf die Möglichkeiten mit Blick auf die Verbesserung des Personaleinsatzes und eine Entlastung der Mitarbeitenden. Zudem zeigt er aktuell bestehende Hindernisse und Hürden sowie die resultierenden Herausforderungen mit Fokus auf das Krankenhauspersonal auf.
Das Pflegebudget der Krankenhäuser im dritten Jahr der Umsetzung: Analysen und Entwicklungen
Authors: Hentschker Corinna , Goerdt Gideon , Scheller-Kreinsen David
Published: April 2023

Seit dem Jahr 2020 erfolgt die Krankenhausvergütung auf Basis von Fallpauschalen und einer Pflegepersonalkostenvergütung nach dem Selbstkostendeckungsprinzip. Der Beitrag analysiert die Daten der vereinbarten Pflegebudgets der Jahre 2020 und 2021 sowie die verfügbaren amtlichen Statistiken zur Pflegepersonalentwicklung in den Kliniken. Das vereinbarte Pflegebudget in der vorliegenden Strichprobe des Jahres 2021 steigt im Vergleich zum Vorjahr um 7 % und weist damit weiterhin Steigerungsraten auf, die deutlich oberhalb der allgemeinen Ausgabenentwicklung im Krankenhaus beziehungsweise oberhalb der Einnahmeentwicklung der GKV liegen. Der Personaleinsatz der Kliniken entwickelt sich unterschiedlich. Der Anteil des Personals mit mindestens dreijähriger pflegerischer Berufsausbildung liegt nahezu unverändert bei 88 %. Allerdings zeigen sich Verschiebungen zwischen den einzelnen Berufsgruppen. Beispielsweise stieg die Anzahl der Altenpfleger in den Kliniken deutlich. Gesetzgeberisch wurden im Jahr 2022 erneut viele Anpassungen vorgenommen. Zentrale Punkte sind eine Neuausgliederung und die Wiedereingliederung von Personal ohne formale pflegerische Qualifikation („Sonstige Berufe“) in die Fallpauschalen mit dem Ziel, Doppelfinanzierung zu vermeiden. Beide Maßnahmen sollen für die Jahre ab 2025 Anwendung finden. Des Weiteren wurden Fristen für die Budgetverhandlungen eingeführt.
Die Personalsituation im Krankenhaus im internationalen Vergleich
Authors: Köppen Julia , Busse Reinhard
Published: April 2023

Deutschland verfügt im internationalen Vergleich über eine hohe Anzahl an Ärztinnen/Ärzten und Pflegefachpersonen, wie man Berichten und Ergebnissen aus Datenbanken der EU, der OECD und der WHO entnehmen kann. Werden die Zahlen auf Krankenhausebene betrachtet, bewegt sich Deutschland im Mittelfeld. Unter Hinzunahme von stationären Fallzahlen rangiert Deutschland im unteren Bereich. Befragungsdaten von Pflegefachpersonen aus zwölf Ländern vor über zehn Jahren haben bereits gezeigt, dass Pflegende in skandinavischen Ländern, den Niederlanden und der Schweiz deutlich weniger Patientinnen und Patienten versorgen müssen als Pflegende in Deutschland. Dieselbe Studie (RN4CAST) hat auch die Bewertung der Arbeitsumgebung erhoben und die Ergebnisse sind ebenfalls in den zuvor genannten Ländern besser. Doch nicht nur die Arbeitsumgebung unterscheidet sich international, sondern auch die Aufgabenteilung in Krankenhäusern, laut Ergebnissen der MUNROS-Studie.
Die Arbeitsmarktsituation in Krankenhäusern
Authors: Fuchs Michaela , Weyh Antje
Published: April 2023

Der demographische Wandel beeinflusst den Arbeitsmarkt in Krankenhäusern in besonderem Maße. Einerseits steigt die Nachfrage nach Gesundheitsdienstleistungen und damit nach Personal, andererseits sinkt das Angebot an potenziellen Arbeitskräften. Dieser Beitrag enthält eine Analyse der Arbeitsmarktsituation in Krankenhäusern auf Basis administrativer Daten der Bundesagentur für Arbeit für den Zeitraum von 2013 bis 2021. Die personelle Struktur hängt eng mit der Berufsstruktur zusammen und ist geprägt von einem sehr hohen Anteil an Frauen und Teilzeitbeschäftigten. In den beschäftigungsstärksten Berufen offenbaren sich teils deutliche Arbeitskräfteengpässe, an denen auch das überdurchschnittlich hohe Lohnwachstum in den letzten Jahren nichts geändert hat. Individuelle Verlaufsanalysen zeigen, dass die Beschäftigten in den zentralen Berufen zwar häufig erwerbstätig bleiben, aber nicht zwangsläufig in ihrem ursprünglichen Beruf oder in Krankenhäusern. Die Ergebnisse unterstreichen die Notwendigkeit für die Krankenhäuser, sich als attraktive Arbeitgebende mit guten Arbeitsbedingungen zu positionieren, um Strategien für die Suche nach Arbeitskräften erfolgreich umsetzen zu können.
Existence of Running Solutions in a Relativistic Tricomi’s Equation Using Perturbation Theory
Authors: Daniel Cortés Z. , Alexander Gutierrez G.
Published: April 2023

We use perturbation methods to establish the existence of a second kind periodic solution (running solution) of a nonlinear Tricomi’s equation type under relativistic effects. First, we estimate conditions for the existence of either an equilibrium point or a second-kind periodic solution through the average method, where we assumed the nonlinear part as a positive perturbation. Then, we use the Melnikov function to estimate conditions for the existence of running solutions, considering the persistence of the homoclinic orbits associated with the conservative equation.
Laboratory Tests and Field Surveys to Explore the Optimum Frequency for GPR Surveys in Detecting Qanats
Authors: Hojat Azadeh , Ranjbar Hojjatollah , Karimi-Nasab Saeed , Zanzi Luigi
Published: April 2023

In this paper, we discuss the results of laboratory tests and field surveys using ground penetrating radar (GPR) method to detect qanats at the main campus of Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman (SBUK), Iran. The main purpose of laboratory experiments was to explore the optimum frequency of GPR surveys to detect qanats for the subsoil in the study site. We performed a variety of laboratory tests with a 3 GHz antenna to detect qanats (simulated using dielectric empty targets) hosted by sand with volumetric water content (VWC) values in the range 1.5–8%. The depth to each target was progressively increased until either approaching the edges of the sandbox or modelling a qanat depth for which GPR data could not detect the target anymore. The scaling factors were calculated for each test to estimate the maximum depth of detecting qanats as a function of the scaled GPR frequency. The results showed that in areas where the subsoil is dominated by sand, medium-frequency GPR antennas can penetrate to depths of a few tens of meters, but the penetration depth considerably decreases when the soil moisture and/or clay content of the medium increase. Based on the results of laboratory simulations, qanats are detectable at a maximum normalized depth of about 15–17 times of the wavelengths in very dry sands with VWC less than 5% while the detectable range rapidly drops down to less than 3 or 4 times of the wavelengths in more humid sands with VWC of about 8%. We also discuss the results of a few field GPR surveys that were measured using antennas with the 50 MHz and the 250 MHz frequencies in the northwestern part of the study area. The processed GPR images could detect a qanat in the position compatible with the results of previous remote sensing studies performed in the area. The depth to the detected qanat is 13.5 m, which is a little bit beyond the maximum limit predicted by the laboratory tests.
Pre-hospital tranexamic acid administration in patients with a severe hemorrhage: an evaluation after the implementation of tranexamic acid administration in the Dutch pre-hospital protocol
Authors: Gulickx Max , Lokerman Robin D. , Waalwijk Job F. , Dercksen Bert , van Wessem Karlijn J. P. , Tuinema Rinske M. , Leenen Luke P. H. , van Heijl Mark
Published: April 2023

Purpose

To evaluate the pre-hospital administration of tranexamic acid in ambulance-treated trauma patients with a severe hemorrhage after the implementation of tranexamic acid administration in the Dutch pre-hospital protocol.

Methods

All patients with a severe hemorrhage who were treated and conveyed by EMS professionals between January 2015, and December 2017, to any trauma-receiving emergency department in the eight participating trauma regions in the Netherlands, were included. A severe hemorrhage was defined as extracranial injury with > 20% body volume blood loss, an extremity amputation above the wrist or ankle, or a grade ≥ 4 visceral organ injury. The main outcome was to determine the proportion of patients with a severe hemorrhage who received pre-hospital treatment with tranexamic acid. A Generalized Linear Model (GLM) was performed to investigate the relationship between pre-hospital tranexamic acid treatment and 24 h mortality.

Results

A total of 477 patients had a severe hemorrhage, of whom 124 patients (26.0%) received tranexamic acid before arriving at the hospital. More than half (58.4%) of the untreated patients were suspected of a severe hemorrhage by EMS professionals. Patients treated with tranexamic acid had a significantly lower risk on 24 h mortality than untreated patients (OR 0.43 [95% CI 0.19–0.97]).

Conclusion

Approximately a quarter of the patients with a severe hemorrhage received tranexamic acid before arriving at the hospital, while a severe hemorrhage was suspected in more than half of the non-treated patients. Severely hemorrhaging patients treated with tranexamic acid before arrival at the hospital had a lower risk to die within 24 h after injury.
Validation of the short forms of the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory and the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire in Estonian
Authors: Mikeltadze Iveta , Täär Katrin , Kadastik Ülle , Soplepmann Pille , Rull Kristiina
Published: April 2023

Introduction and hypothesis

Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20) and the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ-7) are reliable instruments for evaluating the quality of life in women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP). They have been translated and validated in many languages. The study was aimed at validating the Estonian translations of the PFDI-20 and PFIQ-7 tools.

Methods

The questionnaires were translated into Estonian using a multistep translation method. A total of 132 women were enrolled: patients with diagnosed POP (n=57) were allocated to test–retest reliability analyses, and those with no POP signs (n=88) completed the questionnaire only once. The total scores of questionnaires and their subscales of both patient and reference groups were compared. Item response rate, floor and ceiling effects, corrected item–total correlations, internal consistency, and convergent and discriminant validity were analyzed. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Human Research of the University Clinic of Tartu, Estonia, and informed consent was obtained from each participant.

Results

The translated questionnaires demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach's α values 0.77–0.93). The item response rate was 99%. Intra-class correlations (ICC) were strong for PFDI-20 and PFIQ-7 and their subscales ranged from 0.86 to 0.96. Construct validity of the tools demonstrated by manyfold higher scores among patients with POP compared with women without POP (p<0.0001).

Conclusions

The Estonian versions of the PFDI-20 and PFIQ-7 tools are reliable and valid instruments for assessing the quality of life in women with POP.
The Ax–Schanuel conjecture for variations of mixed Hodge structures
Authors: Gao Ziyang , Klingler Bruno
Published: April 2023

We prove in this paper, the Ax–Schanuel conjecture for all admissible variations of mixed Hodge structures.
The History and Evolution of the West African College of Surgeons/Jos University Teaching Hospital Trauma Management Course
Authors: Sule Augustine Z. , Alayande Barnabas T. , Ojo Emmanuel O. , Taiwo Femi O. , Riviello Robert R. , Chirdan Lohfa B. , Ezeome Emmanuel R. , Mshelbwala Philip M. , Ugwu Benjamin T. , Yawe King‐David T.
Published: April 2023

Background

Inadequate trauma care training opportunities exist in Low‐ and Middle‐Income Countries. Jos University Teaching Hospital and the West African College of Surgeons (WACS) have synergized, over the past 15 years, to introduce a yearly, certified, multidisciplinary Trauma Management Course. We explore the history and evolution of this course.

Methods

A desk review of course secretariat documents, registration records, schedules, pre‐ and post‐course test records, post‐course surveys, and account books complemented by organizer interviews was carried out to elaborate the evolution of the Trauma Management Course.

Results

The course was started as a local Continuing Medical Education program in 2005 in response to recurring cycles of violence and numerous mass casualty situations. Collaborations with WACS followed, with inclusion of the course in the College's yearly calendar from 2010. Multidisciplinary faculty teach participants the concepts of trauma care through didactic lectures, group sessions, and hands‐on simulation within a one‐week period. From inception, there has been a 100% growth in lecture content (from 15 to 30 lectures) and in multidisciplinary attendance (from 23 to 133 attendees). Trainees showed statistically significant knowledge gain yearly, with a mean difference ranging from 10.1 to 16.1% over the past 5 years. Future collaborations seek to expand the course and position it as a catalyst for regional emergency medical services and trauma registries.

Conclusions

Multidisciplinary trauma management training is important for expanding holistic trauma capacity within the West African sub‐region. The course serves as an example for Low‐ and Middle‐Income contexts. Similar contextualized programs should be considered to strengthen trauma workforce development.
Hierarchical registration method for surface quality inspection of long products
Authors: delaCalle F. J. , García D. F. , Usamentiaga R. , Nuño P. , Magadán L.
Published: April 2023

Manufacturing industry often uses 3D scanning technologies to inspect their products. Some of these techniques produce a point cloud that represent a section of the manufactured product. The clouds must be aligned to the model of the product in order to check its quality. Current registration methods are usually affected by dimensional problems or volumetric anomalies. This paper proposes a new method for the registration process aligning the cloud to the model in several steps. The first step is the state-of-the-art method. The second step uses the information acquired in the first one to perform a fine registration in order to not being affected by dimensional defects or little miss alignments in the previous step providing a huge improvement in the measurement of surface defects. In this paper, several techniques are proposed in order to provide a set of tools that the final users can tune to fit their needs. The whole procedure of registration can be run in real-time conditions using the sampling and caching strategies proposed. The methods proposed are tested over more than 10,000 profiles of a rail proving they successfully align the cloud and the model providing better results in the measurement of surface defects.
Progressive supranuclear palsy’s economical burden: the use and costs of healthcare resources in a large health provider in Israel
Authors: Barer Yael , Cohen Raanan , Grabarnik-John Meital , Ye Xiaolan , Zamudio Jorge , Gurevich Tanya , Chodick Gabriel
Published: April 2023

Background

Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a rare and fatal neurodegenerative movement disorder with no disease modifying therapy currently available. Data on the costs associated with PSP are scarce. This study aims to assess the direct medical expenditure of patients with PSP (PwPSP) throughout disease course.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study is based on the data of a large state-mandated health provider in Israel. We identified PwPSP who were initially diagnosed between 2000 and 2017. Each PwPSP was randomly matched to three health-plan members without PSP by birth-year, sex, and socioeconomic status. Healthcare resources’ utilization and related costs were assessed.

Results

We identified 88 eligible PwPSP and 264 people in the reference group; mean age at diagnosis was 72.6 years (SD = 8.4) and 53.4% were female. The annual direct costs of PwPSP have risen over time, reaching US$ 21,637 in the fifth year and US$ 36,693 in the tenth year of follow-up vs US$ 8910 in the year prior diagnosis. Compared to people without PSP, PwPSP had substantially higher medical expenditure during the years prior- and post-index date.

Conclusion

The present study demonstrates higher economic burden, which increases with time, in PwPSP as compared to those without.
PIK3CA mutation testing as a valuable molecular surrogate for lipomatosis of the median nerve: clinicopathological and molecular analysis of six cases
Authors: Osterloh Justus , Agaimy Abbas , Fried Frederick , Stoehr Robert , Janka Rolf , Arkudas Andreas , Horch Raymund E.
Published: April 2023

Lipomatosis of peripheral nerves (LPN, also known as fibrolipomatous or lipofibromatous hamartoma of peripheral nerves) is a very rare, benign, intraneural, tumorous lesion that predominantly involves the median nerve but may rarely affect any peripheral nerve. Recently, PIK3CA mutations have been reported in macrodactyly, a rare condition related to LPN, and in other localized lipomatous overgrowth syndromes. In this retrospective study, we report 6 cases of FPN involving the median nerve (4 of them identified among 570 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome who underwent surgical decompression at our center from 2012 to 2022 and two seen in consultation by one of the authors). All cases were diagnosed via biopsy or resection supplemented by MRI. Patients were 4 males and 2 females aged 23 to 60 years (mean 38 years). One patient with bilateral lesions had in addition extensive angiomatosis of the paravertebral region. Histological examination showed an abnormal amount of mature fatty tissue containing disordered fibrous bands, entrapping normal-looking nerve fibers with prominent perineurial and endoneurial fibrosis. Genetic analysis using snapshot assay constructed to detect hotspots mutations in PIK3CA revealed similar PIK3CA mutations (p.H1047R; c.3140A>G) in 5/6 cases (83.3%). Our study represents a further contribution to the literature on LPN and highlights the diagnostic value of PIK3CA mutation testing as surrogate tool in equivocal cases and in those lesions without associated macrodactyly, especially as the biopsy findings of this lesion are essentially nonspecific.
Claudin-10 is a new candidate prognostic marker in metastatic high-grade serous carcinoma
Authors: Davidson Ben , Doutel Delfim , Holth Arild , Nymoen Dag Andre
Published: April 2023

The objective of this study was to analyze the expression and prognostic role of the tight junction protein claudin-10 in high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC). Claudin-10 protein expression by immunohistochemistry was analyzed in 588 HGSC (414 effusions, 174 surgical specimens). Expression in mesotheliomas (n = 97; 47 effusions, 50 surgical specimens) was studied for comparative purposes. CLDN10 mRNA expression by quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) was analyzed in 40 HGSC effusions. Claudin-10 protein expression was found in 360/588 (61%) HGSC vs. 19/97 (20%) mesotheliomas (p < 0.001), and was higher in HGSC surgical specimens compared to effusions (p < 0.001). qRT-PCR confirmed the presence of CLDN10 mRNA in HGSC effusions. High (> 25%) claudin-10 expression in HGSC effusions was significantly associated with shorter overall survival (OS; p = 0.036) and progression-free survival (PFS; p = 0.045) in univariate analysis, and was an independent prognosticator of OS in multivariate analysis (p = 0.045). In conclusion, claudin-10 protein expression is higher in HGSC compared to mesothelioma, although the diagnostic power of this marker appear to be lesser than other claudin family members. Claudin-10 expression in HGSC effusions is marker of more aggressive disease.
$$\ell $$-convex Legendre curves and geometric inequalities
Authors: Li Mingyan , Wang Guofang
Published: April 2023

In this paper we consider $$\ell $$
ℓ
-convex Legendre curves, which are natural generalizations of strictly convex curves. We generalize various optimal geometric inequalities, isoperimetric inequality, Bonnesen’s inequality and Green–Osher inequality, for strictly convex curves to ones for $$\ell $$
ℓ
-convex Legendre curves. Moreover we generalize the inverse curvature curve flow for this class of Legendre curves and prove that it always converges to a compact soliton after rescaling. Unlike in the class of regular curves, there are infinitely many compact solitons, which include circles and astroids.
„Expositions(E)-Probleme“ des nichttraumatologischen Schockraummanagements
Authors: Kumle Bernhard , Michael Mark , Kümpers Philipp , Hirschfeld-Warneken Andreas , Pin Martin , Hammer Niels , Bernhard Michael
Published: April 2023

Das ABCDE-Schema (Atemwege, Beatmung, Kreislauf, neurologische Defizite, Exposition/Umwelt) ist integraler Bestandteil der Schockraumversorgung nichttraumatologischer Patienten. Während respiratorische und zirkulatorische Probleme sowie Vigilanzminderung und neurologische Notfallbilder den Großteil des Erkrankungsspektrums bei kritisch kranken Patienten ausmachen, sind sog. E‑Probleme mit 0,4–0,9 % eher selten. In diesem Übersichtsartikel soll das E‑Problem genauer besprochen und auf typische Vertreter der E‑Probleme, wie Hypo‑/Hyperthermie, Intoxikationen, Liegetrauma, starke Schmerzen und Agitationszustände, vertiefend eingegangen werden.
Mechanobiology of the relocation of proteins in advecting cells: in vitro experiments, multi-physics modeling, and simulations
Authors: Serpelloni M. , Arricca M. , Ravelli C. , Grillo E. , Mitola S. , Salvadori A.
Published: April 2023

Cell motility—a cellular behavior of paramount relevance in embryonic development, immunological response, metastasis, or angiogenesis—demands a mechanical deformation of the cell membrane and influences the surface motion of molecules and their biochemical interactions. In this work, we develop a fully coupled multi-physics model able to capture and predict the protein flow on endothelial advecting plasma membranes. The model has been validated against co-designed in vitro experiments. The complete picture of the receptor dynamics has been understood, and limiting factors have been identified together with the laws that regulate receptor polarization. This computational approach might be insightful in the prediction of endothelial cell behavior in different tumoral environments, circumventing the time-consuming and expensive empirical characterization of each tumor.