bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk factors for 5-year complications after midurethral sling surgery for stress urinary incontinence: a retrospective cohort study from Taiwan
Authors: Chou Tai-Fu , Hsia Ying-Fang , Hwang Tseh-Lee , Lin Wu-Chou , Chen Daniel Tzu-Li , Huang Chien-Fong , Kuo Chin-Chi , Chen Huey-Yi , Chiang Hsiu-Yin
Published: December 2023

Midurethral sling surgery is the current gold standard worldwide for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) surgery, with over 90% of surgeons worldwide using the midurethral sling for SUI between 2008 and 2018. However, concerns surround mesh-related adverse events associated with the midurethral sling. The decision to use the midurethral sling for surgical treatment has become a challenging one for clinicians, surgeons and patients. We sought to determine the factors for 5-year complications after midurethral sling surgery, to improve the clinical decision-making process. Records were reviewed from a total of 1961 female patients who underwent their first midurethral sling surgery for SUI between 2003 and 2018 at a single teaching hospital in Taiwan. A multivariable Cox proportional hazard model calculated the hazard ratios of risk factors for surgical complications, after adjusting for confounders. Surgical complications (i.e., secondary surgery and urinary retention) occurred in 93 (4.7%) patients within 5 years following the index operations. These patients were more likely to be older, to have a history of menopausal syndrome within 1 year prior to the index operation, a medication history of oral antidiabetic drug use, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), slower average flow rate, and longer voiding time compared with patients without surgical complications. In the multivariate analysis, HRT (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.787; 95% confidence interval, 1.011–3.158, p = 0.04) was significantly associated with surgical complications at 5 years, after adjusting for age, gender, diabetes, menopause syndrome, average flow rate, and sling type. Our findings suggest that a medication history of HRT may be a risk factor associated with surgical complications, especially urinary retention, at 5 years in women undergoing midurethral sling surgery for SUI.
Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) represses the glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) mRNA expression and may be a potential therapeutic agent in psoriasis: a case–control and experimental study
Authors: Mohany Khalid M. , Elkady Sherouk , Youssef Eman M. Kamal , Sayed Noorhan M. , Idriss Naglaa Kamal
Published: December 2023

We investigated the whole blood GLUT1 mRNA expression and serum pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), fetuin-A, and pentraxin-3 (PTX3) levels in psoriatic patients and tested their correlations with the severity of psoriasis using the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) score. Also, we tested the GLUT1 mRNA expression after an in vitro treatment of human skin fibroblast (HSF) cell lines with PEDF. The case–control part of the study recruited 74 participants (44 psoriatic patients and 30 healthy volunteers). Whole blood GLUT1 mRNA fold changes were estimated by RT-PCR, and serum PEDF, IL-6, fetuin-A, and PTX3 levels were measured by ELISA kits. In the experimental part, the HSF cell lines were treated with different concentrations of PEDF for different times to test its effect on the GLUT1 mRNA expression. The whole blood GLUT 1 expression significantly increased in psoriatic patients and correlated positively with serum IL-6, fetuin-A, PTX3 levels and with the severity of psoriasis while negatively with serum PEDF levels. The PEDF-treated HSF cell lines showed a time- and dose-dependent decline in the GLUT 1 mRNA expression. The whole blood GLUT 1 mRNA is a non-invasive biomarker that is associated with the severity of psoriasis. PEDF represses GLUT 1 expression and may be a potential therapeutic agent in psoriasis.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04242082.
Arsenic exposure to mouse visceral leishmaniasis model through their drinking water linked to the disease exacerbation via modulation in host protective immunity: a preclinical study
Authors: Ahmed Ghufran , Jamal Fauzia , Tiwari Ritesh K. , Singh Veer , Rai Sachchida Nand , Chaturvedi Sanjay K. , Pandey Krishna , Singh Santosh K. , Kumar Ashish , Narayan Shyam , Vamanu Emanuel
Published: December 2023

A large body of evidence has shown a direct link between arsenic exposure and drug resistance to Leishmania parasites against antimonial preparations in visceral leishmaniasis (VL) hyper-endemic regions, especially in India and its sub-continent. However, the implicated roles of arsenic on the VL host, pathophysiological changes, and immune function have not yet been clarified, particularly at the reported concentration of arsenic in the VL hyper-endemic area of Bihar, India. Herein, we exposed the mouse VL model to arsenic (0.5 mg/L to 2 mg/L) through their drinking water and analyzed its effect on T cells proliferation, Th1/Th2-mediators, MAPK signaling cascade, and parasite load in preclinical models. Coherently, the parasite count in Giemsa stained spleen imprint has been investigated and found significant positive associations with levels of arsenic exposure. The liver and kidney function tests (AST, ALT, ALP, BUN, Creatinine, Urea, etc.) are apparent to hepatonephric toxicity in arsenic exposed VL mice compared to unexposed. This observation appears to be consistent with the up-regulated expression of immune regulatory Th2 mediators (IL-4, IL-10, TGF-β) and down-regulated expression of Th1 mediators (IL-12, IFN-γ, TNF-α) with a suppressed leishmanicidal function of macrophage (ROS, NO, iNOS). We also established that arsenic exposure modulated the host ERK-1/2 and p38 MAPK signaling cascade, limited T lymphocyte proliferation, and a lower IgG2a/IgG1 ratio to favor the Leishmania parasite survival inside the host. This study suggests that the contorted Th1-subtype and exacerbated Th2-subtype immune responses are involved in the increased susceptibility and pathogenesis of Leishmania parasite among subjects/individuals regularly exposed to arsenic.
Visceral obesity determined in routine preoperative CT scans predicts risk of postoperative burst abdomen
Authors: Mehdorn Matthias , Schnarkowski Benedikt , Moulla Yusef , Pape Johanna , Denecke Timm , Gockel Ines , Kassahun Woubet Tefera , Meyer Hans-Jonas
Published: December 2023

Burst abdomen (BA) remains a severe postoperative complication after abdominal surgery. Obesity is a known risk factor for postoperative complications but objective parameters such as body mass index fail to predict BA after abdominal surgery. In recent literature, CT-derived body composition assessment could predict obesity-related diseases and surgical site infections. We report data from the institutional wound register, comparing patients with BA to a subgroup of patients without BA. The CT images were evaluated for intraabdominal and subcutaneous fat tissues. Univariate and multivariate risk factor analysis was performed in order to evaluate CT-derived obesity parameters as risk factor for BA. 92 patients with BA were compared to 32 controls. Patients with BA had significantly more visceral obesity (VO; p < 0.001) but less subcutaneous obesity (SCO) on CT scans. VO and SCO both were positively correlated with BMI (r = 0.452 and 0.572) but VO and SCO were inversely correlated (r = −0.189). Multivariate analysis revealed VO as significant risk factor for postoperative BA (OR 1.257; 95% CI 1.084–1.459; p = 0.003). Our analysis of patients with postoperative BA revealed VO as major risk factor for postoperative BA. Thus, preoperative CT scans gives valuable information on possible risk stratification.
Understanding subduction infancy to mature subduction in Southwest Japan via the self-consistent formation of a weak slab interface
Authors: Lee Changyeol , Kim YoungHee
Published: December 2023

The weak slab interface controls long-term subduction dynamics. A weak hydrous layer at the slab interface promotes mechanical decoupling between the forearc mantle and the subducting slab and converts a hot forearc mantle to a cold mantle. Often referred to as a cold nose, the cold forearc mantle, plays a key role in the transition from subduction infancy to mature subduction. This study was the first to numerically demonstrate the self-consistent formation of a weak hydrous layer with permeability anisotropy based on the Southwest Japan subduction zone case, where transition-related geological features were present. Our models showed that mechanical decoupling by spontaneous downdip growth of the weak hydrous layer created a cold nose by converting a hot forearc mantle to a cold mantle. The emergence of a cold nose explained the migration of the forearc-to-arc volcanic front, expressed as the formation of mid-Miocene forearc high-magnesium andesite and Quaternary arc adakite. Furthermore, the weak hydrous layer providing a pathway for free-water transport toward the mantle wedge tip elucidates slab/mantle-derived geochemical components in deep groundwater as well as large S-wave delay times and non-volcanic seismic tremors in the forearc.
Comparative genomics and proteomics analysis of phages infecting multi-drug resistant Escherichia coli O177 isolated from cattle faeces
Authors: Montso Peter Kotsoana , Kropinski Andrew M. , Mokoena Fortunate , Pierneef Rian Ewald , Mlambo Victor , Ateba Collins Njie
Published: December 2023

The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) pathogens has become a major global health concern. To address this challenge, innovative strategies such as bacteriophage therapy must be optimised. Genomic characterisation is a crucial step in identifying suitable phage candidates for combating AMR pathogens. The aim of this study was to characterise seven phages that infect the Escherichia coli O177 strain using a whole genome sequencing. The analysis of genome sequences revealed that these phages had linear dsDNA, with genome sizes spanning from 136, 483 to 166,791 bp and GC content varying from 35.39 to 43.63%. Taxonomically, the phages were classified under three different subfamilies (Stephanstirmvirinae, Tevenvirinae, and Vequintavirinae) and three genera (Phapecoctavirus, Tequatrovirus, and Vequintavirus) within the class Caudoviricetes. In silico PhageAI analysis predicted that all the phages were virulent, with confidence levels between 96.07 and 97.26%. The phage genomes contained between 66 and 82 ORFs, which encode hypothetical and putative functional proteins. In addition, the phage genomes contained core genes associated with molecular processes such as DNA replication, transcription modulation, nucleotide metabolism, phage structure (capsid and tail), and lysis. None of the genomes carried genes associated with undesirable traits such as integrase, antimicrobial resistance, virulence, and toxins. The study revealed high genome and proteome homology among E. coli O177 phages and other known Escherichia phages. The results suggest that the seven phages are new members of the genera Phapecoctavirus, Tequatrovirus, and Vequintavirus under the subfamilies Stephanstirmvirinae, Tevenvirinae, and Vequintavirinae, respectively.
Applying artificial neural network in predicting sepsis mortality in the emergency department based on clinical features and complete blood count parameters
Authors: Wong Beata Pui Kwan , Lam Rex Pui Kin , Ip Carrie Yuen Ting , Chan Ho Ching , Zhao Lingyun , Lau Michael Chun Kai , Tsang Tat Chi , Tsui Matthew Sik Hon , Rainer Timothy Hudson
Published: December 2023

A complete blood count (CBC) is routinely ordered for emergency department (ED) patients with infections. Certain parameters, such as the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), might have prognostic value. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of the presenting CBC parameters combined with clinical variables in predicting 30-day mortality in adult ED patients with infections using an artificial neural network (ANN). We conducted a retrospective study of ED patients with infections between 17 December 2021 and 16 February 2022. Clinical variables and CBC parameters were collected from patient records, with NLR, monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) calculated. We determined the discriminatory performance using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) and performed a 70/30 random data split and supervised ANN machine learning. We analyzed 558 patients, of whom 144 (25.8%) had sepsis and 60 (10.8%) died at 30 days. The AUROCs of NLR, MLR, PLR, and their sum were 0.644 (95% CI 0.573–0.716), 0.555 (95% CI 0.482–0.628), 0.606 (95% CI 0.529–0.682), and 0.610 (95% CI 0.534–0.686), respectively. The ANN model based on twelve variables including clinical variables, hemoglobin, red cell distribution width, NLR, and PLR achieved an AUROC of 0.811 in the testing dataset.
Mycorrhizal C/N ratio determines plant-derived carbon and nitrogen allocation to symbiosis
Authors: Pena Rodica , Bluhm Sarah L. , Ammerschubert Silke , Agüi-Gonzalez Paola , Rizzoli Silvio O. , Scheu Stefan , Polle Andrea
Published: December 2023

Carbon allocation of trees to ectomycorrhizas is thought to shape forest nutrient cycling, but the sink activities of different fungal taxa for host resources are unknown. Here, we investigate fungal taxon-specific differences in naturally composed ectomycorrhizal (EM) communities for plant-derived carbon and nitrogen. After aboveground dual labeling of young beech with 15N and 13C, ectomycorrhizas formed with different fungal taxa exhibit strong differences in label enrichment. Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) imaging of nitrogen in cross sections of ectomycorrhizas demonstrates plant-derived 15N in both root and fungal structures. Isotope enrichment in ectomycorrhizas correlates with that in the corresponding ectomycorrhiza-attached lateral root, supporting fungal taxon-specific N and C fluxes in ectomycorrhizas. The enrichments with 13C and 15N in the symbiosis decrease with increasing C/N ratio of ectomycorrhizas, converging to zero at high C/N. The relative abundances of EM fungal species on roots are positively correlated with 13C enrichment, demonstrating higher fitness of stronger than of less C-demanding symbioses. Overall, our results support that differences among the C/N ratios in ectomycorrhizas formed with different fungal species regulate the supply of the symbioses with host-derived carbon and provide insights on functional traits of ectomycorrhizas, which are important for major ecosystem processes.
Migration and aggregation of Pt atoms on metal oxide-supported ceria nanodomes control reverse water gas shift reaction activity
Authors: Wang Haodong , Shimogawa Ryuichi , Zhang Lihua , Ma Lu , Ehrlich Steven N. , Marinkovic Nebojsa , Li Yuanyuan , Frenkel Anatoly I.
Published: December 2023

Single-atom catalysts (SACs) are particularly sensitive to external conditions, complicating the identification of catalytically active species and active sites under in situ or operando conditions. We developed a methodology for tracing the structural evolution of SACs to nanoparticles, identifying the active species and their link to the catalytic activity for the reverse water gas shift (RWGS) reaction. The new method is illustrated by studying structure-activity relationships in two materials containing Pt SACs on ceria nanodomes, supported on either ceria or titania. These materials exhibited distinctly different activities for CO production. Multimodal operando characterization attributed the enhanced activity of the titania-supported catalysts at temperatures below 320 ˚C to the formation of unique Pt sites at the ceria-titania interface capable of forming Pt nanoparticles, the active species for the RWGS reaction. Migration of Pt nanoparticles to titania support was found to be responsible for the deactivation of titania-supported catalysts at elevated temperatures. Tracking the migration of Pt atoms provides a new opportunity to investigate the activation and deactivation of Pt SACs for the RWGS reaction.
Thermal-activated escape of the bistable magnetic states in 2D Fe3GeTe2 near the critical point
Authors: Wang Chen , Kong Xi , Mao Xiaoyu , Chen Chen , Yu Pei , Wang Ya , Shi Fazhan , Du Jiangfeng , Gong Ming , Zeng Hualing
Published: December 2023

Great effort has been made recently to investigate the phase transitions in two-dimensional (2D) magnets while leaving subtle quantification unsolved. Here, we demonstrate the thermal-activated escape in 2D Fe3GeTe2 ferromagnets near the critical point with a quantum magnetometry based on nitrogen-vacancy centers. We observe random switching between the two spin states with auto-correlation time described by the Arrhenius law, where a change of temperature by 0.8 K induces a change of lifetime by three orders of magnitude. Moreover, a large energy difference between the two spin states about 51.3 meV is achieved by a weak out-of-plane magnetic field of 1 G, yielding occupation probability described by Boltzmann’s law. Using these data, we identify all the parameters in the Ginzburg-Landau model. This work provides quantitative description of the phase transition in 2D magnets, which paves the way for investigating the critical fluctuation and even non-equilibrium phase transitions in these 2D materials.
Automation and labour market inequalities: a comparison between cities and non-cities
Authors: Capello Roberta , Lenzi Camilla
Published: December 2023

This paper reassesses the displacement effects of automation technologies from an urban perspective by highlighting heterogeneous effects in urban vs non-urban settings. Specifically, the paper argues that automation technologies in the form of robotisation do displace jobs and shrink the labour force, whatever the territorial context considered. However, this displacement effect particularly hits low-skilled workers in non-urban settings which suffer from the substitution pressure of robots and may exit the labour market. In urban contexts, instead, the low-skilled workers displacement effect is offset by reinstatement effects and, more relevantly, a reorientation of occupations towards more skilled, better paid ones, i.e., élite occupations, raising concerns about a widening of i inequalities in cities vs non-cities. The paper proves these statements in an analysis of the adoption of robot technologies in Italian cities in the period 2009–2019.
Biosynthesized tumor acidity and MMP dual-responsive plant toxin gelonin for robust cancer therapy
Authors: Ding Guo-Bin , Cao Huiyan , Zhu Chenchen , Chen Fangyuan , Ye Jiaqi , Li Bin-Chun , Yang Peng , Stauber Roland H. , Qiao Mingqiang , Li Zhuoyu
Published: December 2023

A tumor acidity and MMP dual-responsive plant toxin, gelonin (TPpG), was biosynthesized and it displayed excellent antitumor efficacy.
Tailoring cellulose paper via electroless CuSnB deposition for selective electrochemical detection of dopamine
Authors: Kafle Alankar , Gupta Divyani , Mehta Daisy , Nagaiah Tharamani C.
Published: December 2023

A novel, biodegradable substrate based, and cost-effective flexible electrochemical sensor was developed for the selective and sensitive detection of dopamine, which can be utilised as a disposable electrode for point-of-care diagnostic applications.
Negative diffusion of excitons in quasi-two-dimensional systems
Authors: Kurilovich Aleksandr A. , Mantsevich Vladimir N. , Chechkin Aleksei V. , Palyulin Vladimir V.
Published: December 2023

We show how two different mobile-immobile type models explain the observation of negative diffusion of excitons reported in experimental studies in quasi-two-dimensional semiconductor systems.
Janus layers and electronic structure of 1T-(TiSeS)2
Authors: Lou Yue , Lou Ping
Published: December 2023

We discovered the ordered phase of the 1T-TiSeS solid solution, namely 1T-(TiSeS)2. 1T-(TiSeS)2 is composed of stacked S–Ti–Se Janus layer materials.
New insights into the structure of the Ag(111)-p(4 × 4)-O phase: high-resolution STM and DFT study
Authors: Andryushechkin B. V. , Pavlova T. V. , Shevlyuga V. M.
Published: December 2023

The atomic structure of the Ag(111)-p(4 × 4)-O phase was reexamined with scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and density functional theory.
Peroxidase activity of a Cu–Fe bimetallic hydrogel and applications for colorimetric detection of ascorbic acid
Authors: Wang Xiao-Juan , Long Yan , Wei Chuan-Wan , Gao Shu-Qin , Lin Ying-Wu
Published: December 2023

A Cu–Fe bimetallic hydrogel (2-QF-CuFe-G) with excellent peroxidase-like activity was constructed through a simple method.
Band inversion and switchable magnetic properties of two-dimensional RuClF/WSe2 van der Waals heterostructures
Authors: Liu Ziyu , Zhou Baozeng , Wang Xiaocha , Mi Wenbo
Published: December 2023

Two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures have potential applications in new low-dimensional spintronic devices owing to their unique electronic properties and magnetic anisotropy energies (MAEs).
ExpFlow: a graphical user interface for automated reproducible electrochemistry
Authors: Duke Rebekah , Mahmoudi Siamak , Kaur Aman Preet , Bhat Vinayak , Dingle Ian C. , Stumme Nathan C. , Shaw Scott K. , Eaton David , Vego Asmund , Risko Chad
Published: December 2023

ExpFlow, a software that allows the systematic encoding of laboratory workflows through a graphical user interface, facilitates the translation of human-developed laboratory procedures to robotic experimentation.
Size dependent effectiveness of engineering and administrative control strategies for both short- and long-range airborne transmission control
Authors: Lyu Xiaowei , Luo Zhiwen , Shao Li
Published: December 2023

Using a size-dependent transmission model linking short- and long-range airborne transmission, we re-estimate the effectiveness of control strategies in mitigating airborne transmission, while concurrently underscoring the need to consider droplet size in airborne transmission dynamics.
Quantitative structure–activity relationships for the reaction kinetics of trace organic contaminants with one-electron oxidants
Authors: Liang Xi , Lei Yu , Yang Xin
Published: December 2023

Quantitative structure–activity relationships (QSARs) can be effective ways to understand the reactivity between trace organic contaminants (TrOCs) and radicals involved in advanced oxidation processes (AOPs).
The reciprocity principle in mulch film deterioration and microplastic generation
Authors: Bai Runhao , Li Zhen , Liu Qin , Liu Qi , Cui Jixiao , He Wenqing
Published: December 2023

Based on the reciprocity principle, this study evaluated the release and accumulation kinetics of microplastics from films, by developing an empirical model that linked the degradation performance of films under light with their molecular structure.
Unveiling the origin of the efficient photocatalytic degradation of nitazoxanide over bismuth (oxy)iodide crystalline phases
Authors: Hojamberdiev Mirabbos , Vargas Ronald , Madriz Lorean , Yubuta Kunio , Kadirova Zukhra C. , Shaislamov Ulugbek , Sannegowda Lokesh Koodlur , Jędruchniewicz Katarzyna , Typek Rafał , Teshima Katsuya , Czech Bożena
Published: December 2023

The effect of the phase transition from bismuth iodide to bismuth oxyiodides on the photodegradation efficiency of nitazoxanide is explored.
Polyethylene glycol as a robust, biocompatible encapsulant for two-stage treatment of food and beverage wastewater
Authors: Gutenberger Gretchen M. , Holgate Olivia M. , Arnold William A. , Guest Jeremy S. , Novak Paige J.
Published: December 2023

Polyethylene glycol beads encapsulating anaerobic microbes developed for on-site food and beverage wastewater treatment.
Cu-Catalyzed, electron-relayed three-component synthesis of 2-alkenylbenzothiazoles with cathodic ammonia evolution
Authors: Hu Chengxian , Wang Dan , Wang Lu , Fu Ying , Du Zhengyin
Published: December 2023

A CuI-catalyzed, one-pot, three-component reaction of benzaldehydes, 2-aminobenzothiol and malononitrile is described, wherein CuI plays an electron relay. The method features simplified operation, highly atom economy, and mild reaction conditions.
Single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry with nanosecond time resolution
Authors: Schardt Annika , Schmitt Johannes , Engelhard Carsten
Published: December 2023

We present a new data acquisition unit with nanosecond time resolution (nanoDAQ) for single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (spICP-MS), which is able to detect gold nanoparticles below 10 nm with a single quadrupole ICP-MS.
Synthesis of N-methylol polyamide 4: characterization, properties, and biodegradability
Authors: Kawasaki Norioki , Yamano Naoko , Nakayama Atsuyoshi
Published: December 2023

Polyamide 4, which has excellent physical properties and biodegradability, was methylolated using paraformaldehyde. By adjusting the degree of methylolation, it was possible to control the melting point, tensile strength, and biodegradability.
Chemically amplified molecular resins for shrinkage-controlled direct nanoimprint lithography of functional oxides: an application towards dark-light dual-mode antibacterial surfaces
Authors: Nagarjuna Ravikiran , Thakur Anindita , Balapure Aniket , Saifullah Mohammad S. M. , Ray Dutta Jayati , Ganesan Ramakrishnan
Published: December 2023

The imprinting studies using epoxy/oxetane-based bifunctional monomers of Ti, Zr and Nb showed a reduced feature size shrinkage as low as ∼50%. The TiO2/AgBr nanocomposites displayed high antibacterial efficacy under dark-light dual-mode conditions.
Adsorption of immunomodulatory proteins over silica nanoparticles and the in vitro effect
Authors: Giorgi Exequiel David , Genovés Sofía , Díaz María Eugenia , Municoy Sofía , Desimone Martin Federico , De Marzi Mauricio César
Published: December 2023

Silica NPs (SiNPs) used as a platform to deliver molecules have huge potential for biomedical applications.
Profound influence of surface trap states on the utilization of charge carriers in CdS photoanodes
Authors: Alagöz Elif Öykü , Jahangiri Hadi , Kaya Sarp
Published: December 2023

In CdS photoanodes, the decoration of surface sulfur vacancies by CTAB passivates the electron trapping process, resulting in improved photoelectrochemical water oxidation performance.
Nitrogen-vacancy center magnetic imaging of Fe3O4 nanoparticles inside the gastrointestinal tract of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Mathes Niklas , Comas Maria , Bleul Regina , Everaert Katrijn , Hermle Tobias , Wiekhorst Frank , Knittel Peter , Sperling Ralph A. , Vidal Xavier
Published: December 2023

Widefield magnetometry based on nitrogen-vacancy centers enables high spatial resolution imaging of magnetic field distributions without a need for spatial scanning.
An electron-accepting half-sandwich iridium(iii) complex for the treatment of hypoxic tumors via synergetic chemo- and phototherapy
Authors: Yang Yuliang , Gao Ya , Zhao Jian , Gou Shaohua
Published: December 2023

Here is a red light-responsive half-sandwich iridium(iii) complex designed for treating hypoxic tumors through a synergistic effect involving apoptosis and ferroptosis.
Photocatalytic decarboxylative phosphorylation of N-aryl glycines
Authors: Wen Jiangwei , Sun Xue , Yan Kelu , Yan Tingtao , Liu Zhen , Li Yang , Yang Jianjing
Published: December 2023

A straightforward and practical strategy for decarboxylphosphatization of N-aryl glycines to access α-amino phosphine oxides, enabled by visible-light photoredox catalysis in the absence of metal, and base, has been described.
Enhanced near infrared-to-visible upconversion in the CaTiO3:Yb3+/Er3+ phosphor via the host lattice modification using co-doping of Mg2+ ions
Authors: Tripathi Neeti , Kamada Kenji , Nakamura Hitomi , Akai Tomoko
Published: December 2023

The modification of CaTiO3:Yb3+/Er3+ host-lattice by the co-doping of Mg2+ ions resulted in a much brighter near-infrared (NIR)-to-visible upconversion under 980 nm excitation at an excitation intensity of ∼1 W cm−2.
Ternary heterogeneous Z-scheme photocatalyst TiO2/CuInS2/OCN incorporated with carbon quantum dots (CQDs) for enhanced photocatalytic degradation efficiency of reactive yellow 145 dye in water
Authors: Nguyen Manh B. , Lan Pham Thi , Anh Nguyen Tuan , Tung Nguyen Ngoc , Guan Shaoliang , Ting Valeska P. , Nguyen T.-Thanh-Bao , Doan Huan V. , Tung Mai Thanh , Lam Tran Dai
Published: December 2023

A direct Z-scheme photocatalyst TiO2/CuInS2/OCN/CQD with a ternary bond was successfully synthesized. CQDs increased the electron transfer rate in TiO2/CuInS2/OCN/CQD photocatalysts. TiO2/CuInS2/OCN/CQD could degrade 98.2% RY145 within 60 min.
Fine-tuning GPT-3 for machine learning electronic and functional properties of organic molecules
Authors: Xie Zikai , Evangelopoulos Xenophon , Omar Ömer H. , Troisi Alessandro , Cooper Andrew I. , Chen Linjiang
Published: December 2023

Fine-tuned GPT-3 shows robust performance for the prediction of electronic and functional properties for organic molecules, with resilience to information loss and noise.
Cucurbituril-based supramolecular host–guest complexes: single-crystal structures and dual-state fluorescence enhancement
Authors: Wang Hui , Liu Hui , Wang Mingsen , Hou Jiaheng , Li Yongjun , Wang Yuancheng , Zhao Yingjie
Published: December 2023

Two supramolecular complexes were prepared using cucurbiturils [CBs] as mediators and a four-armed p-xylene derivative (M1) as a guest molecule.
Low-cost transition metal–nitrogen–carbon electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction: operating conditions from aqueous electrolytes to fuel cells
Authors: Cui Li-Ting , Wang Yu-Cheng , Zhou Zhi-You , Lin Wen-Feng , Sun Shi-Gang
Published: December 2023

The rational design of M–N–C oxygen reduction catalysts for fuel cells.
Study of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell and metal hydride system based on double spiral structure coupling
Authors: Wang Xiao , Wang Jin-Xin , Zhang Hao , Li Shi-Yu , Cheng Yong-Pan
Published: December 2023

The coupling system of a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) and Metal Hydride (MH) canister was investigated, employing a double spiral structure to redirect waste heat from the PEMFC to the MH.
Enhancing ionic conductivity and suppressing Li dendrite formation in lithium batteries using a vinylene-linked covalent organic framework solid polymer electrolyte
Authors: Yang Jin , Lin Chenxiao , Wang Yonglei , Xu Yaolin , Pham Duong Tung , Meng Xiangqi , Tran Khanh Van , Cao Sijia , Kardjilov Nikolay , Hilger André , Epping Jan Dirk , Manke Ingo , Thomas Arne , Lu Yan
Published: December 2023

A novel solid polymer electrolyte based on chemically stable vinylene-linked covalent organic framework was developed, demonstrating enhanced Li+ conductivity and improved battery performance.
Unravelling the need for balancing band convergence and resonant level in Sn1−x−yInxMnyTe for high thermoelectric performance
Authors: Misra Shantanu , Wiendlocha Bartlomiej , El Oualid Soufiane , Dauscher Anne , Lenoir Bertrand , Candolfi Christophe
Published: December 2023

We show how the balance between resonant level and band convergence induced by In and Mn, respectivley, in Sn1−δTe can be advantageously tailored to achieve high thermoelectric performance.
Boosting the electrochemical performance and moisture stability of O3-type NaNi1/3Fe1/3Mn1/3O2 cathodes using novel Na2MoO4 coatings prepared via a polyvinylpyrrolidone-anchored complex coating process
Authors: Kim Minjun , Choi Minsu , Choi Wonchang
Published: December 2023

The Na2MoO4-coated NaNi1/3Fe1/3Mn1/3O2 is used for Na-ion battery cathodes. The uniform coating layer is successfully formed using a polyvinylpyrrolidone-anchored complex coating process.
Physicochemical, electrochemical, and biological characterization of field assisted gold nanocluster-coated barium titanate nanoparticles for biomedical applications
Authors: Sood Ankur , Singhmar Ritu , Sahoo Sumanta , Lee Dahae , Kim Chul Min , Kumar Anuj , Han Sung Soo
Published: December 2023

Fluorescence-based bioimaging is an imperative approach with high clinical relevance in healthcare applications and biomedical research.
Thermochromic and conductive hydrogels with tunable temperature sensitivity for dual sensing of temperature and human motion
Authors: Lei Dongmei , Xiao Yunchao , Xi Man , Jiang Yang , Li Yi
Published: December 2023

Skin-like body sensors have important applications in soft-bodied intelligent robots, electronic skins, and medical health monitoring.
Designing CMOS compatible efficient ohmic contacts to WSi2N4via surface-engineered Mo2B monolayer electrodes
Authors: Cao Liemao , Deng Xiaohui , Tang Zhen-kun , Tan Rui , Ang Yee Sin
Published: December 2023

n-Type ohmic contact with zero tunneling barriers in the vertical direction of the transistor and quasi-ohmic contact with ultra-low SBH in the lateral direction can be obtained by surface engineering.
Color-tunable light-emitting fibers for pattern displaying textiles
Authors: Liu Peiyu , Xiang Yang , Liu Yue , Peng Sunny Shulei , Zhu Zhengfeng , Shi Xiang , Wu Jingxia , Chen Peining
Published: December 2023

Color-tunable light-emitting fibers are prepared by designing double-stacked emitting layers with different dielectric constants through a solution deposition process. They could be woven into flexible textiles for colorful pattern displaying.
Substitution Errors and the Role of Markedness in Bilingual Phonological Acquisition
Authors: Sieg Sabrina R. , Fabiano Leah , Barlow Jessica
Published: December 2023

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to (a) provide evidence for a theoretical model of between-language interaction in bilingual phonological production through the examination of substitution error patterns and to (b) provide developmental data on bilingual children with and without speech sound impairments for use in clinical assessment and diagnosis. Through the lens of markedness, or relative featural complexity, patterns of between-language interaction were observed to provide a foundation for clinical decision making in phonological assessment.

Method:

Seventy children, ages 3;11–6;7 (years; months), participated in this study: 63 typically developing bilingual Spanish-English–speaking children (x¯ = 5;2) and seven bilingual Spanish-English–speaking children with speech sound impairments (x¯ = 4;6). Substitution errors in single-word speech samples were analyzed in relation to their language-specific markedness values in terms of both targets avoided and substitutes produced. Both quantitative and descriptive analyses of substitution errors were performed.

Results:

Bilingual children, regardless of impairment status, abided by the phonological rules of their languages in English and Spanish productions. Findings indicated both typically developing children and children with speech sound impairments preferred the use of unmarked sounds that are shared across languages over the use of marked, language-specific sounds.

Conclusions:

Through the examination of substitution errors, evidence of between-language interaction and recognition of relative complexity emerged. These results have implications for clinical assessment and diagnosis of speech sound impairments in bilingual children.

Supplemental Material and Presentation Video:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.24640200
Computationally efficient sensitivity analysis for building ecodesign with many-level categorical input factors
Authors: Pannier Marie-Lise , Schalbart Patrick , Peuportier Bruno
Published: December 2023

Dynamic building energy simulation and life cycle assessment (LCA) are useful ecodesign tools to mitigate the energy and environmental impacts of buildings. Various uncertain factors can affect the building energy and environmental modelling, including continuous and categorical factors (i.e., discrete factors without logical ranking). Sensitivity analysis (SA) is applied to identify the most influential factors on which additional research efforts are needed to increase the robustness of results. The Sobol method (Sobol) is the reference SA method, but it requires a significant amount of computation. Less time-consuming methods, such as an adaptation of the Morris screening (Morris), have shown a good ability to quantify the influence of factors, but their performance has not been investigated for categorical factors having many (more than two) levels. Two strategies (2LA-Morris and MA-Morris) based on the adaptation of Morris are proposed to handle many-level factors. Their performance is compared to that of Sobol based on four criteria: computation time, factor's relative influence, factor's ranking, and ability to detect interactions. For the LCA of a house including 24 uncertain factors, MA-Morris was able to quantify the influence of factors in the same way as Sobol, while reducing the computation time by a factor of 12.
When Worlds Collide
Authors: Holzhauer Peter
Published: December 2023

Wir leben in einer schnelllebigen Zeit. Eine redundante Bemerkung, und das gleich am
Anfang des Editorials? Aber das Tempo und der zu beobachtende Umgang
miteinander/gegeneinander im Alltag und im Berufsleben verändern
sich ständig. Viele vermissen Konstanz und Ruhe und so etwas wie
Achtsamkeit. Es gibt Teile der Gesellschaft, die haben ihre sozialen,
intellektuellen und emotionalen Fähigkeiten an TikTok, YouTube und andere
soziale Medien abgegeben. Neue Berufe wie Influencer/in entstehen. Das
scheinen die neuen Traumberufe zu sein. The Lure of Easy Money, 1984 (Glenn
Frey †)
Plastizität nach Schlaganfall: ein Schlüssel zu
Verbesserungen in der Neurorehabilitation
Authors: Branscheidt Meret , Luft Andreas , Menig Alexandra , Jurkic Zorica
Published: December 2023

Obwohl die akute Behandlung von Schlaganfällen in den letzten Jahren
erhebliche Fortschritte verzeichnet hat, leidet die Mehrheit der Patienten nach
einem Schlaganfall weiterhin unter Langzeitbeeinträchtigungen,
beispielsweise in den Bereichen Motorik und Sprache [1]. Aktuelle
neurorehabilitative Interventionen können nachweislich die
Erholungsergebnisse nach Schlaganfall verbessern, leider sind die
Effektgrößen dieser Maßnahmen jedoch oft nur gering [2].
Somit besteht ein dringender Bedarf für neue Behandlungsansätze,
um die Rehabilitationsergebnisse für Patienten zu verbessern.
Homöopathisches Schmerzmanagement bei Pferden
Authors: Milleder Beatrice
Published: December 2023

Schmerzzustände sind beim Pferd mannigfaltig und haben völlig
unterschiedliche Ursachen, was es gerade für die Klassische
Homöopathie schwierig macht, generelle Tipps zu geben. Dennoch soll hier
versucht werden, einen kleinen Leitfaden für (fast) alle Lebenslagen zu
geben.
Clinical Characteristics of Children with Combined Pituitary Hormone
Deficiency and the Effects of Growth Hormone Treatment
Authors: Besci Özge , Sevim Reyhan Deveci , Acinikli Kübra Yüksek , Demir Korcan , Çatlı Gönül , Özhan Bayram , Ünüvar Tolga , Anık Ahmet , Abacı Ayhan , Altıncık Ayça
Published: December 2023

Aim We aimed to describe the clinical characteristics of patients with
congenital combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD) and evaluate the
first-year growth responses of individuals with CPHD and isolated growth hormone
deficiency (IGHD) in order to establish the influence of other hormone
deficiencies on growth response.

Patients and Methods This retrospective study was conducted in four
tertiary care centers in Turkey. The records of patients diagnosed with CPHD
(n=39) and severe IGHD (n=50) were collected. Cases with
acquired lesions or chronic diseases were not included in the study. Data are
presented as median (interquartile range).

Results Among 39 patients (13 females; 33%) with a diagnosis of
CPHD, the majority of patients (64%) presented initially with combined
deficits at baseline examination, whereas isolated deficiencies (36%)
were less prevalent. Among all patients with GH deficiency, TSH, ACTH,
FSH/LH, and ADH deficiencies were present in 94%, 74%,
44%, and 9% of patients, respectively. Patients with CPHD were
diagnosed at a younger age (4.9 (8.4) vs. 11.6 (4.1), p<0.001,
respectively) and had lower peak GH concentrations (0.4 (1.8) vs. 3.7 (2.9),
p<0.001, respectively) than patients with IGHD. Patients with IGHD and
CPHD had similar first-year growth responses (Δheight SD score of 0.55
(0.63) vs. 0.76 (0.71), respectively, p=0.45).

Conclusions We established the nature and timing of numerous hormonal
deficits emerging over time. We also identified that the existence of CPHD did
not hinder growth response.
Öffentliches Sprechen über persönliche Abtreibungserfahrungen: Zwischen Empowerment und Disempowerment
Authors: Döring Nicola , Schumann-Doermer Claudia
Published: December 2023

Mädchen und Frauen, die ungewollt schwanger werden und eine Abtreibung durchführen lassen, sind von Stereotypisierung und Stigmatisierung betroffen: Typischerweise schreibt man ihnen Leichtsinn und Verantwortungslosigkeit zu (sonst hätten sie sich ja nicht „in diese Lage gebracht“) sowie Kaltherzigkeit und Egoismus (sonst würden sie ja nicht „einfach ungeborenes Leben töten“). Um diesem Abtreibungsstigma entgegenzuwirken, die realen Lebenslagen der Betroffenen sichtbar zu machen und reproduktive Selbstbestimmung zu fördern, setzt sich die Pro-Choice-Bewegung schon lange für das öffentliche Sprechen über persönliche Abtreibungserfahrungen ein. Der vorliegende Beitrag beschreibt, wo und wie authentische Abtreibungsgeschichten in alten und neuen Medien geteilt werden und inwiefern dies mit Empowerment im Sinne von sozialer Unterstützung und politischem Aktivismus für reproduktive Rechte verbunden ist. Dabei wird auch verdeutlicht, dass es gleichzeitig zu Disempowerment kommt: Denn zum einen erhalten Frauen, die von selbstbestimmten Abtreibungen erzählen, regelmäßig Hassnachrichten. Zum anderen werden von der Anti-Abtreibungsbewegung gezielt Erfahrungsberichte verbreitet, die beweisen sollen, dass Abtreibungen in der Regel traumatisierend wirken und von den Frauen am Ende selbst bereut werden, weshalb man sie besser verbieten sollte. Aktuell scheinen im deutschsprachigen Raum die Stimmen zu überwiegen, die beim öffentlichen Sprechen über Abtreibungserfahrungen für reproduktive Autonomie eintreten. Schlussfolgerungen für die Forschung sowie für die Praxis der Sexual- und Medienpädagogik werden abgeleitet.
Systematic Strategy for the Development of Glycosyltransferase Inhibitors: Diversity-Oriented Synthesis of FUT8 Inhibitors
Authors: Manabe Yoshiyuki , Fukase Koichi , Hizume Koki , Takakura Yohei , Takamatsu Shinji , Miyoshi Eiji , Kamada Yoshihiro , Hurtado-Guerrero Ramón
Published: December 2023

Glycans control various biological processes, depending on their structures. Particularly, core fucose, formed by α1,6-fucosyltransferase (FUT8), has a substantial influence on multiple biological processes. In this study, we investigated the development of FUT8 inhibitors with structural elements encompassing both the glycosyl donor (GDP-fucose) and acceptor (N-glycan) of FUT8. To efficiently optimize the structure of FUT8 inhibitors, we employed a strategy involving fragmentation of the target structure, followed by a structure optimization using a diversity-oriented synthesis approach. This study proposes an efficient strategy to accelerate the structural optimization of middle molecules.
Massive Chylous Ascites in a 9-Year-Old Girl with Malrotation—A Case Report
Authors: Winberg Hans , Gerwins Pär , Hagelsteen Kristine
Published: December 2023

Malrotation leading to massive chylous ascites is rare. A 9-year-old girl was investigated for slowly increasing abdominal distension under a year. She had no vomiting, weight loss, or pain, but was bothered in social situations. Medical investigations, including ultrasound and computed tomography scans, revealed massive ascites. Laparocentesis yielded milk-colored fluid, confirmed as lymph through laboratory analysis. A complete blood count, liver function and hematologic parameters, chyle cytology, bacterial cultures, and polymerase chain reaction for tuberculosis were all within normal limits.

She was referred to a tertiary center for vascular anomalies. A dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance lymphangiography showed normal lymphatic anatomy without leakage or flow obstruction. A whole-body magnetic resonance imaging revealed a central mesenteric rotation.

She was referred to a tertiary center for pediatric surgery, where a laparoscopic Ladd's procedure was performed using a new 5 mm pediatric sealing device, along with an appendectomy using a 5 mm stapler. To derotate the bowel, fenestrations were created in compartments containing a substantial amount of chyle and ascites, resulting in the drainage of 2.4 L of fluid. She was discharged the day after surgery and has been in good health for 1 year. We present a video illustrating the Ladd's procedure steps in this patient.
Skull Base Repair following Resection of Vestibular Schwannoma: A Systematic Review (Part 1: The Retrosigmoid Approach)
Authors: Starup-Hansen Joachim , Williams Simon C. , Valetopoulou Alexandra , Khan Danyal Z. , Horsfall Hugo Layard , Moudgil-Joshi Jigishaa , Burton Oliver , Kanona Hala , Saeed Shakeel R. , Muirhead William , Marcus Hani J. , Grover Patrick
Published: December 2023

Objective Despite advances in skull-base reconstruction techniques, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks remain a common complication following retrosigmoid (RS) vestibular schwannoma (VS) surgery. We aimed to review and classify the available strategies used to prevent CSF leaks following RS VS surgery.

Methods A systematic review, including studies of adults undergoing RS VS surgery since 2000, was conducted. Repair protocols were synthesized into a narrative summary, and a taxonomic classification of techniques and materials was produced. Additionally, the advantages, disadvantages, and associated CSF leak rates of different repair protocols were described.

Results All 42 studies were case series, of which 34 were retrospective, and eight were prospective. Repair strategies included heterogeneous combinations of autografts, xenografts, and synthetic materials. A repair taxonomy was produced considering seven distinct stages to CSF leak prevention, including intraoperative approaches to the dura, internal auditory canal (IAC), air cells, RS bony defect, extracranial soft tissue, postoperative dressings, and CSF diversion. Notably, there was significant heterogeneity among institutions, particularly in the dural and IAC stages. The median postoperative incidence of CSF leaks was 6.3% (IQR: 1.3–8.44%).

Conclusions The intraoperative strategies used to prevent CSF leaks during RS VS surgery vary between and within institutions. As a result of this heterogeneity and inconsistent reporting of CSF leak predictive factors, a meaningful comparative analysis of repair protocols was not feasible. Instead, we propose the development of a prospective multicenter observational evaluation designed to accurately capture a comprehensive dataset of potential CSF risk factors, including all stages of the operative repair protocol.
The Nevus Lipomatosus Superficialis of Face: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Yang Jae-Won , Park Mi-Ok
Published: December 2023

Nevus lipomatosus superficialis (NLS) is a hamartoma of adipose tissue, rarely reported in the past 100 years. We treated one case, and we conducted a systematic review of the literature. A 41-year-old man presented with a cutaneous multinodular lesion in the posterior region near the right auricle. The lesion was excised and examined histopathologically. To review the literature, we searched PubMed with the keyword “NLS.” The search was limited to articles written in English and whose full text was available. We analyzed the following data: year of report, nation of corresponding author, sex of patient, age at onset, duration of disease, location of lesion, type of lesion, associated symptoms, pathological findings, and treatment. Of 158 relevant articles in PubMed, 112 fulfilled our inclusion criteria; these referred to a total of 149 cases (cases with insufficient clinical information were excluded). In rare cases, the diagnosis of NLS was confirmed when the lesion coexisted with sebaceous trichofolliculoma and Demodex infestation. Clinical awareness for NLS has increased recently. NLS is an indolent and asymptomatic benign neoplasm that may exhibit malignant behavior in terms of huge lesion size and specific anatomical location. Early detection and curative treatment should be promoted.