bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the Influence of Amorphous/Crystalline Interfaces on the Stability of IrO2 for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction in Acidic Electrolyte
Authors: Nga Ngo (Sarah Ngo) Thi Hong , Love Jonathan , O'Mullane Anthony P.
Published: October 2023

A major challenge with water splitting technology is to develop highly active and stable electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). IrO2 – based electrocatalysts are one of the most active electrocatalysts for proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysers, due to their excellent activity for the OER in acidic conditions. However, IrO2 often suffers from dissolution during electrolysis due to phase transitions into more soluble forms. Herein, a range of electrodeposited IrO2 films annealed to different temperatures of up to 500°C are prepared to understand the influence that crystalline/amorphous interfaces have on performance during accelerated degradation tests in concentrated acidic solutions. This study showed that an IrO2 film annealed at 300 °C exhibited the highest catalytic activity with a low overpotential of 150 mV at 10 mA cm−2, the smallest Tafel slope of 51 mV dec−1, with a less progressive decay in activity over a period of 8 h of accelerated degradation testing. This contrasts with both fully amorphous or more crystalline IrO2 films that decayed much more rapidly within 1 h of testing indicating the role that amorphous/crystalline regions have on OER performance.
Geopolymer Based Electrodes as New Class of Material for Electrochemical CO2 Reduction
Authors: Schuster Jürgen , Ukrainczyk Neven , Koenders Eddie , Stöckl Markus
Published: October 2023

Invited for this issue's Front Cover are the groups of Eddie Koenders and Markus Stöckl. The cover feature illustrates a chimney made of Sn‐modified geopolymer‐bricks. Functionalized geopolymers can be applied as hybrid material for construction and as an electrode for CO2 electrolysis to formate. The cover was designed by one of the authors Jürgen Schuster and the designer Verena Stöckl. Read the full text of the Research Article at 10.1002/celc.202300122.
Nitrogen Heterocycle Synthesis through Hydride Abstraction of Acyclic Carbamates and Related Species: Scope, Mechanism, Stereoselectivity, and Product Conformation Studies
Authors: Miller Jenna L. , Damodaran Krishnan , Floreancig Paul E.
Published: October 2023

Acyliminium ions and related species are potent electrophiles that can be quite valuable in the synthesis of nitrogen‐containing molecules. This manuscript describes a protocol to form these intermediates through hydride abstractions of easily accessible allylic carbamates, amides, and sulfonamides that avoids the reversibility that is possible in classical condensation‐based routes. These intermediates are used in the preparation of a range of nitrogen‐containing heterocycles, and in many cases high levels of stereocontrol are observed. Specifically areas of investigation include the impact of chemical structure on oxidation efficiency, the geometry of the intermediate iminium ions, the impact of a substrate stereocenter on stereocontrol, and an examination of transition state geometry.
Site Selectivity of Peptoids as Azobenzene Scaffold for Molecular Solar Thermal Energy Storage
Authors: Tassignon Benjamin , Wang Zhihang , Galanti Agostino , De Winter Julien , Samorì Paolo , Cornil Jérôme , Moth‐Poulsen Kasper , Gerbaux Pascal
Published: October 2023

Storing solar energy is a key challenge in modern science. MOlecular Solar Thermal (MOST) systems, in particular those based on azobenzene switches, have received great interest in the last decades. The energy storage properties of azobenzene (t1/2<4 days; ΔH~270 kJ/kg) must be improved for future applications. Herein, we introduce peptoids as programmable supramolecular scaffolds to improve the energy storage properties of azobenzene‐based MOST systems. We demonstrate with 3‐unit peptoids bearing a single azobenzene chromophore that dynamics of the MOST systems can be tuned depending on the anchoring position of the photochromic unit on the macromolecular backbone. We measured a remarkable increase of the half‐life of the metastable form up to 14 days at 20 °C for a specific anchoring site, significantly higher than the isolated azobenzene moiety, thus opening new perspectives for MOST development. We also highlight that liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry does not only enable to monitor the different stereoisomers during the photoisomerization process as traditionally done, but also allows to determine the thermal back‐isomerization kinetics.
Association of red blood cell distribution width and hemoglobin‐to‐RDW ratio with contrast‐associated acute kidney injury in patients undergoing coronary angiography: A retrospective study
Authors: Zhu Lijie , Chen Zhezhe , Jiang Hangpan , Wang Peng , Hu Tianli , Gao Menghan , Hu Xiaolong , Lin Maoning , Liu Xianglan , Zhang Wenbin
Published: October 2023

Background

Inflammation contributes to poor prognosis in cardiovascular diseases. A novel biomarker for systemic inflammation that has garnered attention is the red blood cell distribution width (RDW). This study is designed to explore potential associations between RDW and hemoglobin‐to‐RDW ratio (HRR) with contrast‐associated acute kidney injury (CA‐AKI).

Methods

This study retrospectively analyzed 4054 patients undergoing coronary angiography (CAG). Linear regression models were employed to assess the relationships between RDW or HRR and the elevation of serum creatinine (Scr). The associations between RDW or HRR and CA‐AKI were explored using restricted cubic spline and log‐binomial regression analyses taking into account specific cutoff values and quintiles. Exploratory analyses were also conducted to further investigate these associations.

Results

Among enrolled patients, the average age was 66.9 years and 34.3% were female. Notably, patients who developed CA‐AKI tended to have higher RDW and lower HRR. Multivariable linear regression models demonstrated that RDW exhibited a positive association with Scr elevation (β = 2.496, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.784–3.208), while HRR displayed a negative association (β = −3.559, 95% CI = −4.243 to −2.875). Multivariable log‐binomial regression models confirmed that both high RDW (RDW ≥ 13.8%) and low HRR (HRR < 8.9) were significantly associated with a higher risk of CA‐AKI (RDW [≥13.8% vs. <13.8%]: relative risk [RR] = 1.540, 95% CI = 1.345–1.762; HRR [<8.9 vs. ≥8.9]: RR = 1.822, 95% CI = 1.584–2.096). Exploratory analysis determined that such associations still existed regardless of age, gender, estimated glomerular filtration rate, or anemia.

Conclusions

Elevated preoperative RDW and decreased HRR were significantly associated with CA‐AKI in patients undergoing CAG.
Sex‐related association of modifiable risk factors with hypertension: A national cross‐sectional study of NHANES 2007–2018
Authors: Niu Jingya , Xu Demin , Huang Yujie , You Jianhong , Zhang Jie , Li Jianan , Su Dan , Lin Sanru , Suo Lixia , Ma Jianying , Wu Shujing
Published: October 2023

Objective

Sex difference is commonly observed in hypertension. We aimed to assess sex differences in the associations of modifiable lifestyle and metabolic risk factors with risk of hypertension.

Design

National cross‐sectional population study.

Setting

Data from the 2007 to 2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Participants

7087 adults aged ≥30 years without a prior history of hypertension.

Primary and Secondary Outcome Measures

Odds ratios and population attributable fraction (PAF) of hypertension associated with 10 modifiable risk factors: five lifestyle risk factors (current smoking, excess alcohol intake, poor diet, physical inactivity, and unhealthy sleep), and five metabolic risk factors (obesity, diabetes, dyslipidaemia, hyperuricemia, and chronic kidney disease) in women versus men.

Results

Compared with women, men had 84% increased risk of prevalence of hypertension. The sex difference in risk for hypertension is more evident in those aged <60 years (p for interaction <.001). For those aged <60 years the combination of lifestyle risk factors accounted for a PAF of 27.2% in men and 48.8% in women, and the combination of metabolic risk factors accounted for a PAF similarly in men (37.4%) and women (38.2%). For those aged ≥60 years, the PAF of lifestyle risk factors was similar between men and women and the metabolic risk factors accounted for a greater proportion in women (33.0% vs. 14.5% in men).

Conclusions

Sex differences may exist in the relation and attribution of lifestyle and metabolic risk factors to hypertension, which may have implications for implementing sex‐specific strategies to prevent hypertension.
Impact of landuse systems on soil organic carbon and its projection in northwestern India
Authors: Shrama Manju , Setia Raj , Rishi Madhuri , Singh Bhupinder Pal , Pateriya Brijendra
Published: October 2023

The evaluation of the impact of landuse on soil organic carbon (SOC) is required to understand the long‐term productivity and possible sustainability of a landuse system. The effect of landuse on SOC was studied in the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district of Punjab (India). Surface (0–15 cm) and subsurface (15–30 cm) soil samples were collected under different land uses (cropland, forest, scrubland, and plantation) using stratified random sampling. Soil samples were analyzed for soil texture, bulk density, pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, Olsen P (available P), NH4OAc–extractable K (available K), and CaCl2 extractable S (available S) using standard methods. Ordinary kriging was used to study the distribution of soil properties in different land uses. Soil organic carbon under future climate was simulated using Rothamsted carbon (RothC) model with current landuse and management practices. Organic carbon in surface and subsurface soils was in the order: Forest > scrubland > plantation > cropland. The content of organic carbon, available P, K, and S decreased with increasing soil depth. The simulated SOC content in cropland soils under future climate may reduce, and in soils under forest, plantation and scrubland may increase by the year 2100. These results suggest that the landuse system is one of the major factors affecting SOC stocks. The study of organic carbon in different landuses could help the famers and policy makers to take measures for increasing SOC stocks to mitigate the climate change and also for sustainable agriculture.
Three‐dimensional architecture of the subepithelial corpuscular nerve ending in the rat epiglottis reconstructed by array tomography with scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Yamamoto Yoshio , Sasaki Kuniaki , Komuro Misaki , Yokoyama Takuya , Abdali Sayed Sharif , Nakamuta Nobuaki
Published: October 2023

In the rat laryngeal mucosa, subepithelial corpuscular nerve endings, called laminar nerve endings, are distributed in the epiglottis and arytenoid region and are activated by the pressure changes of the laryngeal cavity. They are also suggested to play a role in efferent regulation because of secretory vesicles in the axoplasm. In the present study, the laminar nerve endings in the rat laryngeal mucosa were analyzed by 3D reconstruction from serial ultrathin sections in addition to immunohistochemistry for synapsin 1. In the light microscopy, synapsin 1‐immunoreactive flattened or bulbous terminal parts of the laminar endings were also immunoreactive with VGLUT1, and were surrounded by S100‐ or S100B‐immunoreactive Schwann cells and vimentin‐immunoreactive fibroblasts. In the electron microscopy, 3D reconstruction views showed that laminar endings were composed of flattened terminal parts sized 2–5 μm in longitudinal length, overlapping in three to five multiple layers. The terminal parts of the endings were incompletely wrapped by flat cytoplasmic processes of the Schwann cells. In addition, the fibroblast network surrounded the complex of nerve endings and the Schwann cells. Several terminal parts entered through the basement membrane into the epithelial layer and attached to the basal epithelial cells, suggesting that interaction between epithelial cells and laminar nerve endings plays an important role in sensing the pressure changes in the laryngeal cavity. Secretory vesicles were unevenly distributed throughout the terminal part of the laminar nerve endings. The secretory vesicles were frequently observed in the peripheral limb of the terminal parts. It suggests that the laminar nerve endings in the larynx may release glutamate to maintain continuous discharge during the stretching of the laryngeal mucosa.
Transport channel engineering between MXene interlayers for Zn‐ion hybrid microsupercapacitor with enhanced energy output and cycle stability
Authors: Cao Zhiqian , Hu Guangyao , Feng Weixing , Ru Jie , Li Yujin
Published: October 2023

Two‐dimensional (2D) transition metal carbonitrides/nitrides (MXene) materials have proven to be promising alternatives as novel capacitor‐type electrodes for aqueous Zn‐ion hybrid microsupercapacitors (ZHMSCs). However, during self‐assembly processes, serious restacking between 2D MXene nanosheets induced by strong van der Waals forces makes ion transport channels narrow within the compact MXene film electrodes, which would result in poor energy output of ZHMSCs. Herein, interlayer transport channel engineering is designed by intercalating bacterial cellulose (BC) between MXene interlayers to develop MXene/BC electrodes with fast ion transport channels in contrast to pure MXene electrodes. Benefiting from fast anion intercalation/deintercalation on MXene/BC capacitor‐type cathode and reversible Zn stripping/plating on Zn foil anode, the fabricated ZHMSCs exhibit wide working potential windows (1.36 V), high areal capacitance (404 mF cm−2), and landmark areal energy density (94 µWh cm−2 at 1 mA cm−2). The areal capacitance and energy density of the developed ZHMSCs are much higher than those of the ZHMSCs based on pure MXene capacitor‐type cathode (239 mF cm−2/57 µWh cm−2 at 1 mA cm−2). Besides, the developed ZHMSCs can perform more than 10,000 cycles, showing outstanding capacity retention. In general, our work provides a novel strategy to break through the performance bottlenecks afflicting MXene‐based ZHMSCs.
Conformal covariance of connection probabilities and fields in 2D critical percolation
Authors: Camia Federico
Published: October 2023

Fitting percolation into the conformal field theory framework requires showing that connection probabilities have a conformally invariant scaling limit. For critical site percolation on the triangular lattice, we prove that the probability that n vertices belong to the same open cluster has a well‐defined scaling limit for every . Moreover, the limiting functions transform covariantly under Möbius transformations of the plane as well as under local conformal maps, that is, they behave like correlation functions of primary operators in conformal field theory. In particular, they are invariant under translations, rotations and inversions, and for any . This implies that and , for some constants C2 and C3.

We also define a site‐diluted spin model whose n‐point correlation functions Cn can be expressed in terms of percolation connection probabilities and, as a consequence, have a well‐defined scaling limit with the same properties as the functions . In particular, . We prove that the magnetization field associated with this spin model has a well‐defined scaling limit in an appropriate space of distributions. The limiting field transforms covariantly under Möbius transformations with exponent (scaling dimension) 5/48. A heuristic analysis of the four‐point function of the magnetization field suggests the presence of an additional conformal field of scaling dimension 5/4, which counts the number of percolation four‐arm events and can be identified with the so‐called “four‐leg operator” of conformal field theory.
Impact of Porous Silica Nanosphere Architectures on the Catalytic Performance of Supported Sulphonic Acid Sites for Fructose Dehydration to 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural
Authors: Price Cameron‐Alexander H. , Torres‐Lopez Antonio , Evans Robert , Hondow Nicole S. , Isaacs Mark A. , Jamal Aina Syahida , Parlett Christopher M. A.
Published: October 2023

5‐hydroxymethylfurfural represents a key chemical in the drive towards a sustainable circular economy within the chemical industry. The final step in 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural production is the acid catalysed dehydration of fructose, for which supported organoacids are excellent potential catalyst candidates. Here we report a range of solid acid catalysis based on sulphonic acid grafted onto different porous silica nanosphere architectures, as confirmed by TEM, N2 porosimetry, XPS and ATR‐IR. All four catalysts display enhanced active site normalised activity and productivity, relative to alternative silica supported equivalent systems in the literature, with in‐pore diffusion of both substrate and product key to both performance and humin formation pathway. An increase in‐pore diffusion coefficient of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural within wormlike and stellate structures results in optimal productivity. In contrast, poor diffusion within a raspberry‐like morphology decreases rates of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural production and increases its consumption within humin formation.
Neutralizing Antibody Levels as a Correlate of Protection Against SARS‐CoV‐2 Infection: A Modeling Analysis
Authors: Lingas Guillaume , Planas Delphine , Péré Hélène , Porrot Françoise , Guivel‐Benhassine Florence , Staropoli Isabelle , Duffy Darragh , Chapuis Nicolas , Gobeaux Camille , Veyer David , Delaugerre Constance , Le Goff Jérôme , Getten Prunelle , Hadjadj Jérôme , Bellino Adèle , Parfait Béatrice , Treluyer Jean‐Marc , Schwartz Olivier , Guedj Jérémie , Kernéis Solen , Terrier Benjamin
Published: October 2023

Although anti‐severe acute respiratory syndrome‐coronavirus 2 antibody kinetics have been described in large populations of vaccinated individuals, we still poorly understand how they evolve during a natural infection and how this impacts viral clearance. For that purpose, we analyzed the kinetics of both viral load and neutralizing antibody levels in a prospective cohort of individuals during acute infection with alpha variant. Using a mathematical model, we show that the progressive increase in neutralizing antibodies leads to a shortening of the half‐life of both infected cells and infectious viral particles. We estimated that the neutralizing activity reached 90% of its maximal level within 11 days after symptom onset and could reduce the half‐life of both infected cells and circulating virus by a 6‐fold factor, thus playing a key role to achieve rapid viral clearance. Using this model, we conducted a simulation study to predict in a more general context the protection conferred by pre‐existing neutralization titers, due to either vaccination or prior infection. We predicted that a neutralizing activity, as measured by 50% effective dose > 103, could reduce by 46% the risk of having viral load detectable by standard polymerase chain reaction assays and by 98% the risk of having viral load above the threshold of infectiousness. Our model shows that neutralizing activity could be used to define correlates of protection against infection and transmission.
Implementation of scheduling in hybrid power domain non‐orthogonal multiple access system considering adaptive modulation and coding schemes selection
Authors: Kryukov Yakov V. , Pokamestov Dmitriy A. , Rogozhnikov Eugeniy V.
Published: October 2023

Communication systems that simultaneously combine orthogonal (OMA) and nonorthogonal multiple access (NOMA) are currently under research. Such systems are called hybrid and have more flexibility in user multiplexing, which allows for increased system capacity. One of the main focus areas of research in such systems is radio resource scheduling. The existing research works on scheduling approaches are based on the Shannon's formula, which can be used to obtain the limit capacity by ideal modulation and coding schemes (MCS). However, it is more correct to consider scheduling based on the real capacity. To get it, one should consider the performance of real MCSs with finite code length; however, they are very rarely taken into account in NOMA research. The reason is that one of the basic unresolved problems in NOMA is MCS selection for users. To solve it, we have presented a table of joint pairwise MCS combinations with their adaptive selection for NOMA. In this work, we propose a radio resource scheduling approach for the OMA/NOMA system based on real MCSs that uses our own method of joint MCS selection for two NOMA users. By performing the simulation of the proposed scheduling approach, we have obtained both total and user capacity in the OMA/NOMA system, as well as the distribution of traffic among users, demonstrating the execution of the scheduling strategies.
Challenges and opportunities for conceptualizing intuitive eating in autistic people
Authors: Longhurst Phaedra , Burnette C. Blair
Published: October 2023

Although intuitive eating (IE) has become an increasingly adopted intervention target, current conceptualisations of IE have yet to pivot away from (neuro)normative physiology and phenomenology. Autistic individuals commonly report disordered eating behaviours and/or poorer well‐being but appear to benefit from adaptive interventions using an affirmative approach. This article uses autism as a case example to summarise challenges related to IE's prevailing conceptualisation, before proposing how future research and current practice can be extended to the autistic population. Scholars are encouraged to evaluate the full 10‐principal IE framework while utilising a participatory‐led approach. We argue that research using a mixed methods design is urgently needed to comprehensively explore the (re)conceptualisation of IE in autistic people. While IE shows promise for producing positive outcomes in the autistic population, we discuss the potential challenges for research and practice due to its current emphasis on accurate interoception, emotional awareness and processing, and executive functioning. This suggests the need for research and practice to integrate autistic needs and experiences into future developments with an affirmative approach. Public Significance: IE is an effective intervention for reducing disordered eating behaviours. Autistic individuals commonly present disordered eating behaviours and have unique nutritional needs which often require intervention. However, there is limited understanding of IE among the autistic population. Research‐informed definitions involving autistic perspectives will support translating the IE framework to this underrepresented population.
Loss function for ambiguous boundaries for deep neural network (DNN) for image segmentation
Authors: Hakumura Yuma , Ito Taiyo , Matsui Shiori , Akiba Yuya , Aoki Kimiya , Nakashima Yuki , Hirao Kiyoshi , Fukushima Manabu
Published: October 2023

This study deals with the task of segmentation of SEM images of fine ceramics sintered bodies by using deep neural network (DNN). In particular, we focus on misclassification caused by the blurriness of grain boundaries(boundaries between particles). Therefore, we utilize the frequency distribution of brightness gradient of grain boundaries and give higher weights to pixels with lower gradient values. Experiments confirmed that the model trained with proposed loss function gave the best prediction results.
Dynamic assessment of restored ecosystem health based on pressure‐state‐response subsystem‐system model in a karst trough valley
Authors: Qiong Xiao , Yongjun Jiang , Yina Qiao , Zhantu Chen
Published: October 2023

Limited soil and water resources in a sloping karst trough valley have negatively affected the local population and ecosystem health. A deeper understanding of karst ecosystem health and its driving mechanism are important for ecosystem management and restoration. In recent decades, the karst trough valley has been exposed to multiple threats from various natural and anthropogenic factors. Assessment of which is essential to understand the state of the karst ecosystem and to develop a suitable, scientifically proven management strategy. Based on the pressure‐state‐response‐subsystem‐system (PSR‐SS) model, the restored ecosystem health of karst trough valley was assessed from 2000 to 2015 at the grid scale. The principal component analysis (PCA) method was adopted to explore the factors driving ecosystem health change. It is found that from the years of 2000 to 2015, there was an improvement in ecosystem health in karst trough valley ecosystem. Land use analysis maps indicate a slight decrease in woodland and grassland and increase in cropland and urban buildup, and the Land coverage increased from 84.87% to 87.64%. The area of karst rock desertification decreased by 75.3 km2 from 2000 to 2015. The AEH indices of 0.27 (2000), 0.45 (2005), 0.46 (2010) and 0.68 (2015), which indicate moderate warning, pre‐warning, early warning and generally healthy, respectively. The 17 selected driving factors were grouped into two broad categories by PCA, one is national policy, and the other one is natural condition and local activities. National policy was to be found the most important influence on ecosystem health. Our findings emphasize the key role of government in ecosystem health change, which would give directions to the sustainable development of karst trough valley areas.
Can honey bees be used to detect rare plants? Taking an eDNA approach to find the last plants in a weed eradication program
Authors: Batchelor Kathryn L. , Bell Karen L. , Campos Mariana , Webber Bruce L.
Published: October 2023

The detection of rare taxa, crucial to conservation and biosecurity, presents many challenges that emerging technologies have the potential to address or avoid. Analysis of environmental DNA (eDNA) is a promising tool for the detection of rare species, especially when applied in a way that exploits natural processes to accumulate biological material (natural aggregation). This study investigated the potential of using honey bees as aggregators of pollen eDNA to detect Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. monilifera (boneseed), an introduced species targeted for eradication in Western Australia. We developed a species‐specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based assay that detected boneseed pollen at levels as low as 70 grains per million in a constructed pollen mixture. The assay was successfully used on wild‐caught bees from large boneseed populations, confirming they collect boneseed pollen. However, our results did not detect boneseed DNA in honey bee pollen collected from hive pollen traps near isolated boneseed plants. We hypothesize that a combination of low abundance of boneseed individuals, vast alternative flower resources at the time of boneseed flowering, and honey bee behavior and ecology may have led to lack of detection. We propose ways in which future work using honey bees to detect rare species can be improved. We also outline how other eDNA substrates (e.g., air and water samples) could be used with the PCR assay we have developed. More broadly, our work highlights the potential of eDNA techniques to detect rare species in biosecurity and conservation contexts and contributes to the development of pollinator‐based detection.
Safety of continuing mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist treatment in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and severe kidney disease: Data from Swedish Heart Failure Registry
Authors: Guidetti Federica , Lund Lars H. , Benson Lina , Hage Camilla , Musella Francesca , Stolfo Davide , Mol Peter G.M. , Flammer Andreas J. , Ruschitzka Frank , Dahlstrom Ulf , Rosano Giuseppe M.C. , Braun Oscar Ö. , Savarese Gianluigi
Published: October 2023

Aims

Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) improve outcomes in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) but remain underused and are often discontinued especially in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) due to concerns on renal safety. Therefore, in a real‐world HFrEF population we investigated the safety of MRA use, in terms of risk of renal events, any mortality and any hospitalization, across the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) spectrum including severe CKD.

Methods and results

We analysed patients with HFrEF (ejection fraction <40%), not on dialysis, from the Swedish Heart Failure Registry. We performed multivariable logistic regression models to investigate patient characteristics independently associated with MRA use, and univariable and multivariable Cox regression models to assess the associations between MRA use and outcomes. Of 33 942 patients, 17 489 (51%) received MRA, 32%, 45%, 54%, 54% with eGFR <30, 30–44, 45–59 or ≥60 ml/min/1.73 m2, respectively. An eGFR ≥60 ml/min/1.73 m2 and patient characteristics linked with more severe HF were independently associated with more likely MRA use. In multivariable analyses, MRA use was consistently not associated with a higher risk of renal events (i.e. composite of dialysis/renal death/hospitalization for renal failure or hyperkalaemia) (hazard ratio [HR] 1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.98–1.10), all‐cause death (HR 1.02, 95% CI 0.97–1.08) as well as of all‐cause hospitalization (HR 0.99, 95% CI 0.95–1.02) across the eGFR spectrum including also severe CKD.

Conclusions

The use of MRAs in patients with HFrEF decreased with worse renal function; however their safety profile was demonstrated to be consistent across the entire eGFR spectrum.
Low Valent N‐Coordinated Cations and Dications of Heavier Group 14 Elements: Lewis Acids or Bases?
Authors: Jambor Roman , Novák Miroslav
Published: October 2023

Low‐valent N‐coordinated cations and dications of heavier group 14 elements are of great interest in recent years. Their unique electronic structure gives them an ambiphilic character, as they contain both a lone electron pair and an empty p‐orbital on the central metal atom. Thanks to their nucleophilic character, these compounds can act as ligands in transition metal chemistry, and conversely, their electrophilic character allows them to interact with a wide range of organic substrates and thus replace catalysts based on transition metal complexes in many chemical transformations. The aim of this article is to summarize the synthesis of N‐coordinated ionic compounds of heavier group 14 elements with their subsequent reactivity towards various nucleophiles and electrophiles.
Development of a new method of improving the oxidase‐based biosensors′ analytical characteristics by adding catalase as an auxiliary enzyme
Authors: Berketa Kseniia , Mruga Daryna , Dzyadevych Sergei , Soldatkin Oleksandr
Published: October 2023

This research investigated the possibility of using the method of adding an additional enzyme to a monoenzyme oxidase‐based biosensor to improve the biosensor's analytical characteristics. Namely, the catalase (CAT) was used to better saturate the biomembrane with oxygen for the best glucose oxidase (GOx) performance. For this purpose, two different biosensors were created – based on one enzyme (GOx) and two (GOx and CAT). To create a bioselective membrane, the method of covalent binding in vapors of glutaraldehyde was used. The method of coimmobilization of catalase (CAT) and glucose oxidase (GOx) enzymes, as well as the concentration of enzymes in the mixture, was chosen in the work. The stability of the biosensor functioning, i. e. the repeatability during measurements and the reproducibility of the biosensors’ preparation, were investigated. Analytical characteristics of the proposed biosensor were studied in comparison with a monoenzyme biosensor based on glucose oxidase only. It was shown that the addition of catalase as an auxiliary enzyme significantly improves the analytical characteristics of the biosensor, in particular, the sensitivity, the repeatability of the measurement results, and the limits of the linear and dynamic ranges of operation. The developed method can be successfully used to optimize conductometric enzyme biosensors based on oxidases.
Multiplying the impact of conservation funding using spatial exchange rates
Authors: Armsworth Paul R , Dilkina Bistra , Fargione Joe , Fisher Maria , Fovargue Rachel , Harris Jamal , Jackson Heather B , Le Bouille Diane , Nolte Christoph , Richards Casey
Published: October 2023

Given declines in biodiversity and ecosystem services, funding to support conservation must be invested effectively. However, funds for conservation often come with geographic restrictions on where they can be spent. We introduce a method to demonstrate to supporters of conservation how much more could be achieved if they were to allow greater flexibility over conservation funding. Specifically, we calculated conservation exchange rates that summarized gains in conservation outcomes available if funding originating in one location could be invested elsewhere. We illustrate our approach by considering nongovernmental organization funding and major federal programs within the US and a range of conservation objectives focused on biodiversity and ecosystem services. We show that large improvements in biodiversity and ecosystem service provision are available if geographic constraints on conservation funding were loosened. Finally, we demonstrate how conservation exchange rates can be used to spotlight promising opportunities for relaxing geographic funding restrictions.
Riverine nitrogen source and yield in urban systems
Authors: Chung Angela H , Elliott Emily M , Bain Daniel J , Thomas Brian F , River Mark , Nim Carl J , Darden Julie A
Published: October 2023

Although human reshaping of the nitrogen (N) cycle is well established, contributions of individual N sources to riverine and coastal eutrophication are less certain. Urban N fluxes are potentially substantial, particularly from sewer overflows. Results from four longitudinal surveys in rivers in and around the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, were used to characterize N chemistry and isotopic composition and were compared with LOADEST‐model‐derived total N (TN) flux budgets from three urban areas along the Ohio River (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Cincinnati, Ohio; and Louisville, Kentucky). Triple nitrate isotopes reveal that riverine nitrate in the Pittsburgh region is dominated by wastewater inputs despite high atmospheric deposition rates. Our budget estimates demonstrate that the magnitude of urban N yields is comparable to yields reported for agricultural watersheds and that these high urban N yields cannot consist of permitted, point‐source discharges alone. Our results reveal that nonpoint sources in urban systems represent an important but overlooked source of TN to overall riverine budgets.
Cognitive status and its risk factors in patients with hypertension and diabetes in a low‐income rural area of China: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Guo Yuyan , Liang Ruifeng , Ren Jingjuan , Cheng Liting , Wang Mengqin , Chai Huilin , Cheng Xiaoyu , Yang Yaowen , Sun Yajuan , Li Jiantao , Zhao Shuhong , Hou Wenjing , Zhang Jianhua , Liu Feng , Wang Rong , Niu Qiao , Yu Hongmei , Yang Shoulin , Bai Jianying , Zhang Hongmei , Qin Xiaojiang , Xia Na
Published: October 2023

Objectives

The proportion of older people with dementia in China is gradually increasing with the increase in the aging population over recent years. Hypertension and diabetes are common non‐communicable diseases among rural populations in China. However, it remains unclear whether these conditions affect the occurrence and development of cognitive impairment as there is limited research on cognitive status and its risk factors among residents of rural areas.

Methods

A multi‐stage stratified cluster random sampling method was used to select 5400 participants from rural permanent residents. A self‐designed structured questionnaire was used to investigate demographic data of the participants. Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Function Assessment Scale (MoCA). The results were analyzed using chi‐square test, ANOVA and multiple linear regression analysis.

Results

A total of 5028 participants returned the survey, giving a response rate of 93.1%. Higher education (odds ratio (OR) = 3.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.87–3.54, p < 0.001), higher income (OR = 1.61, 95% CI 1.16–2.07, p < 0.001), and dietary control (OR = 0.66, 95%CI 0.34–0.98, p < 0.001) were protective factors. A visual representation of the relationship between annual income and MoCA score showed an inverted U‐curve, the group with an annual income of 6000–7999 RMB had a maximum OR of 1.93 (95%CI 0.12–2.74, p < 0.001). While difficulty in maintaining sleep were risk factors for cognitive impairment (OR = −2.28, 95% CI–4.18–0.39, p = 0.018).

Conclusions

Participants with middle incomes had better cognitive status than those with the highest incomes. Higher education, proper diet control and good sleep are beneficial to the cognitive status of residents in rural areas.
Financial burden of seeking diabetes mellitus care in India: Evidence from a Nationally Representative Sample Survey
Authors: Nanda Mehak , Sharma Rajesh
Published: October 2023

Background

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major public health concern in India, and entails a severe burden in terms of disability, death, and economic cost. This study examined the out‐of‐pocket health expenditure (OOPE) and financial burden associated with DM care in India.

Methods

The study used data from the latest round of the National Sample Survey on health, which covered 555,115 individuals from 113,823 households in India. In the present study, data of 1216 individuals who sought inpatient treatment and 6527 individuals who sought outpatient care for DM were analysed.

Results

In India, 10.04 per 1000 persons reported having DM during the last 15 days before the survey date, varying from 6.94/1000 in rural areas to 17.45/1000 in urban areas. Nearly 38% of Indian households with diabetic members experienced catastrophic health expenditure (at the 10% threshold) and approximately 10% of DM‐affected households were pushed below the poverty line because of OOPE, irrespective of the type of care sought. 48.5% of households used distressed sources to finance the inpatient costs of DM. Medicines constituted one of the largest proportion of total health expenditure, regardless of the type of care sought or type of healthcare facility visited. The average monthly OOPE was over 4.5‐fold and 2.5‐fold higher for households who sought inpatient and outpatient care, respectively, from private health facilities, compared with those treated at public facilities. Notably, the financial burden was more severe for households residing in rural areas, those in lower economic quintiles, those belonging to marginalised social groups, and those using private health facilities.

Conclusion

The burden of DM and its associated financial ramifications necessitate policy measures, such as prioritising health promotion and disease prevention strategies, strengthening public healthcare facilities, improved regulation of private healthcare providers, and bringing outpatient services under the purview of health insurance, to manage the diabetes epidemic and mitigate its financial impact.
A qualitative analysis of self‐reported suicide gatekeeper competencies and behaviour within the Australian construction industry
Authors: King Kylie E. , Liddle Sarah K. , Nicholas Angela
Published: October 2023

Issue Addressed

Construction workers in Australia have suicide rates 84% higher than other workers, with even higher rates for younger and less‐skilled workers. Gatekeeper training (GKT) is a suicide prevention strategy that aims to improve knowledge, attitudes and self‐efficacy to identify and assist individuals at risk of suicide. However, the impact of GKT on long‐term behaviour and suicide prevention is unclear in the construction industry.

Methods

Researchers conducted 22 semi‐structured interviews with trained Bluehats, who provide support to their colleagues in the construction industry experiencing mental health difficulties and suicidal distress.

Results

Participants reported high levels of motivation and capability due to lived experience of mental health problems or suicide, training, satisfaction from helping others and feeling valued in their work environment.

Conclusions

The study highlighted the importance of physical and social opportunities for participants to support their colleagues. The findings reinforced the need to integrate GKT within comprehensive industry suicide prevention programs that provide a range of interventions for workers and ongoing support to trainees to translate their skills into behaviour. Future GKT should include behaviour change approaches to identify and target contextual and individual‐level factors influencing behaviour.

So What?

Understanding the potential and limitations of GKT within the construction industry offers invaluable insights for health promotion. Integrating GKT with holistic prevention programs could lead to more impactful strategies, potentially reducing the high suicide rates and fostering a healthier work environment in the construction sector.
Comparison of experimental and calculated thermal transmittance for timber‐framed outer wall constructions
Authors: Gendelis Stanislavs
Published: October 2023

The importance of accurately determining the thermal transmittance factor for the outer walls of timber‐framed buildings is the driving force behind this research. This calculation is necessary for heating and cooling load determination, as well as energy consumption assessment. This research aims to conduct an analytical comparison, through both experimental and calculated means, of thermal conductivity coefficients of materials employed in the construction of buildings and structures. The methodological approach adopted in this research is grounded on an experimental analysis of the thermal transmittance of the outer wall materials in timber‐framed buildings. Thermal conductivity measurements with a Hot Plate apparatus by ISO 8302 and thermal conductivity calculations using mathematical software were the primary experimental methods deployed during the research. The results of this study demonstrate differences between experimental and calculated thermal transmittance values for timber‐framed outer walls. Moisture inconsistent distribution throughout the material is the reason behind these discrepancies, calling for particular humidity corrections in the calculations, varying across different materials. While working with simplified calculations of timber‐framed outer wall structures, monitoring the uneven heat flow in I‐beam joints is paramount and should be coupled with humidity‐related material changes. This study's practical implications are that the results can be implemented when calculating the energy consumption of building structures and the heating‐cooling load they entail.
Long‐term benefits and harms of early colorectal cancer screening in German individuals with familial cancer risk
Authors: Sroczynski Gaby , Hallsson Lára R. , Mühlberger Nikolai , Jahn Beate , Rehms Raphael , Hoffmann Sabine , Crispin Alexander , Lindoerfer Doris , Mansmann Ulrich , Siebert Uwe
Published: October 2023

Individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer (CRC) may benefit from early screening with colonoscopy or immunologic fecal occult blood testing (iFOBT). We systematically evaluated the benefit‐harm trade‐offs of various screening strategies differing by screening test (colonoscopy or iFOBT), interval (iFOBT: annual/biennial; colonoscopy: 10‐yearly) and age at start (30, 35, 40, 45, 50 and 55 years) and end of screening (65, 70 and 75 years) offered to individuals identified with familial CRC risk in Germany. A Markov‐state‐transition model was developed and used to estimate health benefits (CRC‐related deaths avoided, life‐years gained [LYG]), potential harms (eg, associated with additional colonoscopies) and incremental harm‐benefit ratios (IHBR) for each strategy. Both benefits and harms increased with earlier start and shorter intervals of screening. When screening started before age 50, 32‐36 CRC‐related deaths per 1000 persons were avoided with colonoscopy and 29‐34 with iFOBT screening, compared to 29‐31 (colonoscopy) and 28‐30 (iFOBT) CRC‐related deaths per 1000 persons when starting age 50 or older, respectively. For iFOBT screening, the IHBRs expressed as additional colonoscopies per LYG were one (biennial, age 45‐65 vs no screening), four (biennial, age 35‐65), six (biennial, age 30‐70) and 34 (annual, age 30‐54; biennial, age 55‐75). Corresponding IHBRs for 10‐yearly colonoscopy were four (age 55‐65), 10 (age 45‐65), 15 (age 35‐65) and 29 (age 30‐70). Offering screening with colonoscopy or iFOBT to individuals with familial CRC risk before age 50 is expected to be beneficial. Depending on the accepted IHBR threshold, 10‐yearly colonoscopy or alternatively biennial iFOBT from age 30 to 70 should be recommended for this target group.
Three‐dimensional model for improvement of endometriosis care (3D‐E)
Authors: Lukac Stefan , Hancke Katharina , Janni Wolfgang , Pfister Kerstin , Schäffler Henning , Schmid Marinus , Ebner Florian , Kloss Tabea , Dayan Davut
Published: October 2023

Objective

Endometriosis affects approximately 10% of women of reproductive age and leads to significant morbidity and financial burden. Consequently, countries such as France and Germany are formulating strategies to combat endometriosis. In this study, we propose the implementation of our three‐dimensional model (3D‐E) to raise awareness about endometriosis and enhance timely diagnosis, treatment, and long‐term care for affected patients.

Methods

Based on the adapted Six Sigma Principle and the modified recommendation of Sales et al. for implementing evidence‐based findings into a clinical routine, we first conducted a comprehensive investigation to identify risk factors leading to diagnostic delay of endometriosis. After identifying improvable factors, the applicable options were selected due to defined criteria such as integrability in the clinical routine, cost‐effectiveness, and evidence‐based‐principle. Finally, solutions feasible for health care providers were integrated and the 3D‐E model was established.

Results

Some of the main risk factors contributing to diagnostic delays are symptoms acceptance and misinterpreted symptoms, especially if presenting to nongynecologists in cases of extragenital endometriosis with atypical presentation. Therefore, we tried to sensitize colleagues (first dimension) with a review paper in Germany's largest medical journal and started an elective for medical students (second dimension) at our university. In order to involve additional health care professionals in endometriosis care (third dimension), we are preparing the concept of the EndoNurse.

Conclusion

The 3D‐E model is a relatively low‐cost, comprehensive, and worldwide adaptable approach for facilitating knowledge transfer, sensitizing health care providers, and improving endometriosis diagnostics and therapy for patients with endometriosis who are in the center of the model.