bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic review of the uptake and outcomes from returning secondary findings to adult participants in research genomic testing
Authors: Mitchell Lucas A. , Jivani Karishma , Young Mary‐Anne , Jacobs Chris , Willis Amanda M.
Published: January 2024

The increasing use of genomic sequencing in research means secondary findings (SF) is more frequently detected and becoming a more pressing issue for researchers. This is reflected by the recent publication of multiple guidelines on this issue, calling for researchers to have a plan for managing SF prior to commencing their research. A deeper understanding of participants' experiences and outcomes from receiving SF is needed to ensure that the return of SF is conducted ethically and with adequate support. This review focuses on the uptake and outcomes of receiving actionable SF for research participants. This review included studies from January 2010 to January 2023. Databases searched included Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, and Scopus. Of the 3903 studies identified, 29 were included in the analysis. The uptake of SF ranged between 20% and 97%, and outcomes were categorized into psychological, clinical, lifestyle and behavioral, and family outcomes. The results indicate there is minimal psychological impact from receiving SF. Almost all participants greatly valued receiving SF. These findings highlight considerations for researchers when returning results, including the importance of involving genetic health professionals in consenting, results return process, and ensuring continuity of care by engaging healthcare providers.
Chromatographic–mass spectrometric analysis of peptidic analytes (2–10 kDa) in doping control urine samples
Authors: Thomas Andreas , Walpurgis Katja , Thevis Mario
Published: January 2024

Peptides with a molecular mass between 2 and 10 kDa that are prohibited in elite sports usually require dedicated sample preparation and mass spectrometric detection that commonly cannot be combined with other (lower molecular mass) substances. In most instances, the physicochemical differences are too significant to allow for a generic analytical procedure. A simplification of established and comparably complex analytical approaches is therefore desirable and has been accomplished in the context of this study. With urine samples representing still the most frequently collected doping control specimens, efficient extraction of peptidic analytes from this matrix was a major goal of this method, as demonstrated for the included compounds such as insulins (human, lispro, aspart, glulisine, tresiba, glargine metabolite, bovine insulin, porcine insulin), growth hormone‐releasing hormones (sermorelin, CJC‐1295, tesamorelin) incl. their respective metabolites, insulin‐like‐growth factors (long‐R3‐IGF‐I, R3‐IGF‐I, des1–3‐IGF‐I), synacthen, gonadorelin and mechano growth factors (human MGF, MGF‐Goldspink). Sample preparation and detection are controlled by five internal standards, covering all five included peptide drug categories. Nearly all requirements of the recent technical documents from the World Anti‐Doping Agency (WADA) considering their minimum required performance levels (MRPL) are fulfilled, and the method was validated for its utilisation as initial testing procedure in doping controls. Finally, the approach was applied to authentic post‐administration study urine samples (for insulins and gonadorelin) in order to provide proof of principle.
High prevalence of high‐risk HPV genotypes in individuals attending an infectious diseases clinic from 2018 to 2022 in Milan, Italy
Authors: Rizzo Alberto , Moschese Davide , Salari Federica , Giacomelli Andrea , Morelli Loriana , Cossu Maria Vittoria , Fusetti Chiara , Petri Francesco , Casalini Giacomo , Poloni Andrea , Lazzarin Samuel , Gori Andrea , Antinori Spinello , Gismondo Maria Rita , Lombardi Alessandra , Rizzardini Giuliano
Published: January 2024

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection, linked to several types of lesions. HPV, specifically HPV 16, accounts for most of anal cancer cases. In this study, we evaluated the proportion of samples tested positive for HPV and characterized genotypes distribution in anal specimens collected from individuals at risk of anal HPV infection attending from 2018 to 2022 a large Infectious Diseases Department in Italy. The presence of HPV DNA was investigated through a commercial kit detecting 12 HR‐HPV, 8 probable/possible HR‐HPV, and 8 LR‐HPV genotypes. Among 1514 samples, 84% (1266/1514) resulted positive for any type of HPV. The prevalence of high‐risk HPV types remained high during all the years of the study period, from 2018 to 2022, ranging from 65% to 73%. Most of HR‐HPV, LR‐HPV and HPV 16 positive samples were collected from men >45 years. HPV 16 was also the most frequent type in men and women. We did not observe significant variations between years in detection of HR‐HPV, instead of LR‐HPV, that significantly decreased. In conclusion, the high prevalence of oncogenic HPV genotypes underlines the necessity of clear anal HPV screening guidelines and, along with frequent HR‐HPV coinfections, reinforces the urge to intensify the anti‐HPV vaccination campaign.
Artificial intelligence in employee recruitment
Authors: Balcioğlu Yavuz Selim , Artar Melike
Published: January 2024

The primary goal of this research is to investigate candidate attitudes toward artificial intelligence (AI)‐supported chatbots as an alternative to traditional recruitment interviews, aiming to understand the potential impact of AI‐assisted processes on the employee selection landscape. To systematically evaluate various factors and their relative importance in shaping candidate preferences, this study employed the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) as a decision‐making tool. The AHP approach facilitated the analysis of findings based on the sum of rankings assigned by evaluators to determine the relative significance of different factors. Additionally, a pairwise comparison questionnaire was utilized to assess the application of AI interview methodology within the research framework. This ensured a comprehensive understanding of its potential advantages and drawbacks. By comparing candidates' interview experiences across four main categories—performance anxiety, environmental compliance, self‐trust, and comfort level—the study results reveal that AI‐assisted interviews offer a more advantageous experience for candidates. This suggests that AI technology can play a significant role in enhancing the recruitment process. The research highlights ease of use and suitability for job interviews as critical factors influencing companies' adoption of AI interview technology. Furthermore, it sheds light on the aspects that organizations need to consider when evaluating and implementing AI‐driven solutions in their recruitment strategies.
Impact of immigration and discrimination on vocational wellness for immigrant mental health professionals
Authors: DeDiego Amanda C. , Farrell Isabel C. , Basma Dareen , Maurya Rakesh K.
Published: January 2024

The current study examined how personal and career factors impact professional quality of life for mental health professionals who are immigrants in the United States (n = 108). Professional quality of life was measured with constructs of compassion satisfaction, compassion fatigue, and burnout. Researchers explored which personal and career factors best predicted compassion satisfaction and compassion fatigue related to work environments in mental health using correlational analysis. Demands of immigration and frequent experiences of discrimination significantly predicted high compassion fatigue and low compassion satisfaction. Findings and implications explore career wellness and longevity for mental health professionals who are immigrants.
No‐till reduced subsoil organic carbon due to decreased microbial necromass in micro‐aggregates
Authors: Yu Yalin , Xu Yinan , Zhang Xintan , Li Yanling , Virk Ahmad Latif , Li Feng‐Min , Yang Haishui , Liu Shiping , Kan Zheng‐Rong
Published: January 2024

Microbial necromass is a crucial contributor to the formation of soil aggregates and serves as a key source of stable soil organic carbon (SOC). However, how tillage practices regulate microbial necromass accumulation within aggregate fractions at different soil depths remains unclear. Thus, a 20‐year field experiment was carried out to identify how microbial necromass carbon (MC) is distributed in aggregates and its contribution to SOC under no‐till (NT) and plow tillage (PT) in a rice‐wheat rotation system. The results showed that NT significantly increased bacterial and fungal necromass carbon (C) concentrations in both macro‐ and micro‐aggregates (>0.25 and <0.25 mm), and enhanced the contribution of MC to SOC compared with PT at 0–5 cm topsoil depth. However, NT decreased SOC concentration in micro‐aggregates by 12.4% mainly attributed to lower bacterial and fungal necromass C in micro‐aggregates by 21.6% and 27.6% compared with PT at 5–15 cm subsoil depth. There was no significant difference for SOC mineralization per unit SOC concentration between NT and PT, which can be attributed to the equilibrium between microbial necromass C and labile C (e.g., dissolved organic C). Random forest and partial least squares path model demonstrated that soil total nitrogen, available NH4+, and NO3− positively regulated β‐glucosidase activity, and thus affected MC and SOC concentration. NT decreased soil nitrogen concentration and β‐glucosidase activity in micro‐aggregates, and thus lowered MC formation at 5–15 cm depth. Our findings highlights that NT reduced subsoil organic carbon due to decreased microbial necromass in micro‐aggregates.
Cancer‐associated fibroblasts promote stemness maintenance and gemcitabine resistance via HIF‐1α/miR‐21 axis under hypoxic conditions in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Deng Keping , Zou Fang , Xu Jin , Xu Dayong , Luo Zhen
Published: January 2024

Gemcitabine (GEM) resistance affects chemotherapy efficacy of pancreatic cancer (PC). Cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) possess the ability of regulating chemoresistance. This study probed the mechanism of hypoxia‐treated CAFs regulating cell stemness and GEM resistance in PC. Miapaca‐2/SW1990 were co‐cultured with PC‐derived CAFs under normoxic/hypoxic conditions. Cell viability/self‐renewal ability was determined by MTT/sphere formation assays, respectively. Protein levels of CD44, CD133, Oct4, and Sox2 were determined by western blot. GEM tumoricidal assay was performed. PC cell GEM resistance was evaluated by MTT assay. CAFs were cultured at normoxia/hypoxia. HIF‐1α and miR‐21 expression levels were assessed by RT‐qPCR and western blot, with their binding sites and binding relationship predicted and verified. CAF‐extracellular vesicles (EVs) were incubated with Miapaca‐2 cells. The RAS/AKT/ERK pathway activation was detected by western blot. PC xenograft models were established and treated with hypoxic CAF‐EVs and GEM. CAFs and PC cell co‐culture increased cell stemness maintenance, GEM resistance, cell viability, stem cell sphere number, and protein levels of CD44, CD133, Oct4, and Sox2, and weakened GEM tumoricidal ability to PC cells, with the effects further enhanced by hypoxia. Hypoxia induced HIF‐1α and miR‐21 overexpression in CAFs. Hypoxia promoted CAFs to secrete high‐level miR‐21 EVs via the HIF‐1α/miR‐21 axis, and activated the miR‐21/RAS/AKT/ERK pathway. CAF‐EVs promoted GEM resistance in PC via the miR‐21/RAS/ATK/ERK pathway in vivo. Hypoxia promoted CAFs to secrete high‐level miR‐21 EVs through the HIF‐1α/miR‐21 axis, and activated the miR‐21/RAS/AKT/ERK pathway via EVs to trigger stemness maintenance and GEM resistance in PC.
Nicotinamide mononucleotide induces autophagy and ferroptosis via AMPK/mTOR pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Sun Zhanbo , Liu Lixian , Liang Hongyuan , Zhang Lingyun
Published: January 2024

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignancy worldwide. Herein, we investigated the role of nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) in HCC progression. HCC cells were treated with NMN (125, 250, and 500 μM), and then nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) and NADH levels in HCC cells were measured to calculate NAD+/NADH ratio. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy and ferroptosis were determined. AMPK was knocked down to confirm the involvement of AMPK/mTOR signaling. Furthermore, tumor‐inhibitory effect of NMN was investigated in xenograft models. Exposure to NMN dose‐dependently increased NAD+ level and NAD+/NADH ratio in HCC cells. After NMN treatment, cell proliferation was inhibited, whereas apoptosis was enhanced in both cell lines. Additionally, NMN dose‐dependently enhanced autophagy/ferroptosis and activated AMPK/mTOR pathway in HCC cells. AMPK knockdown partially rescued the effects of NMN in vitro. Furthermore, NMN treatment restrained tumor growth in nude mice, activated autophagy/ferroptosis, and promoted apoptosis and necrosis in tumor tissues. The results indicate that NMN inhibits HCC progression by inducing autophagy and ferroptosis via AMPK/mTOR signaling. NMN may serve as a promising agent for HCC treatment.
Novel two‐tiered screening approach identifies synergistic combinations of natural compounds for prostate cancer prevention and treatment
Authors: Friedman Chelsea A. , Saha Achinto , Lavender Hackman G. , Lu Xiyuan , Lodi Alessia , Tiziani Stefano , DiGiovanni John
Published: January 2024

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common cancer type among American men and it is estimated that in 2023, 34,700 men will die from PCa. Since it can take a considerable amount of time for the disease to progress to clinically evident cancer, there is ample opportunity for effective chemopreventive strategies to be applied for the successful management of PCa progression. In the current study, we have developed a two‐tiered metabolomics‐based screen to identify synergistic combinations of phytochemicals for PCa chemoprevention. This involves an initial screen for ATP depletion in PCa cells followed by a targeted screen for blocking glutamine uptake in the same cells. One of the phytochemical combinations (enoxolone [ENO] + silibinin [SIL]), identified via this screen, was examined for effects on PCa cell survival, oncogenic signaling and tumor growth in vivo. This combination was found to synergistically reduce cell survival, colony formation and cell cycle progression of PCa cell lines to a greater extent than either agent alone. The combination of ENO and SIL also synergistically reduced tumor growth when administered ad libitum through the diet in a HMVP2 allograft PCa tumor model. Treatment with the combination also significantly reduced STAT3 and mTORC1 signaling pathways in mouse and human PCa cells while significantly reducing levels of critical cell cycle regulatory proteins, contributing to the synergistic inhibition of tumor growth observed. Collectively, the current results demonstrate a novel approach to identifying synergistic combinations of phytochemicals for chemoprevention of PCa and possibly other cancers.
Improved emptying performance with a new micro‐hole zone catheter in adult male intermittent catheter users: A comparative multi‐center randomized controlled cross‐over study
Authors: Thiruchelvam Nikesh , Landauro Malene Hornbak , Biardeau Xavier , Rovsing Cecilie , Hahn Markus , Nascimento Omar Feix do , Gardner Sharryn , Amarenco Gérard , Bagi Per
Published: January 2024

Aims

To confirm the improved performance of the micro‐hole zone catheter (MHZC) compared to a conventional eyelet catheter (CEC) in male users of clean intermittent catheterizations (CICs).

Methods

Male self‐catheterizing subjects, who used hydrophilic sleeved soft/flexible CIC as the only bladder emptying method, were enrolled into a multi‐center, randomized, cross‐over study performed across six European sites. Subjects tested the MHZC, featuring a drainage zone with 120 micro‐holes and a CEC with two eyelets. The study consisted of four study visits (V0–V3), during which endpoints related to catheter performance (urinary flow‐stops, bladder emptying, and intra‐catheter pressure) were measured and two 4‐week test periods at home (T1 and T2) where dipstick hematuria and user perception between catheters were evaluated.

Results

Seventy‐three male subjects with non‐neurogenic and neurogenic bladder dysfunction (3:2) were enrolled. On average, catheterizations with the MHZC led to close to mean zero flow‐stops compared to ≥1 flow‐stops with the CEC, during both HCP‐ and self‐led catheterizations (both p < 0.001). Residual urine at first flow‐stop was significantly reduced for the MHZC compared to CEC (p = 0.001 and p = 0.004, for HCP‐ and self‐led catheterizations, respectively). This was substantiated by a significantly smaller pressure peak at first flow‐stop, a proxy for minimized mucosal suction (both HCP‐ and self‐led catheterizations, p < 0.001). After home‐use catheterizations, dipstick hematuria was comparable between catheters, whereas catheterizations were associated with significantly improved perception in favor of MHZC regarding bladder emptying, less blocking sensation, and improved hygienic catheterization compared to the CEC.

Conclusion

This study confirmed the evidence of improved bladder emptying with the MHZC compared to a CEC without the need to reposition the catheter. The MHZC therefore offers an enhanced benefit for the dependent CIC user securing complete bladder emptying in an uninterrupted free flow and reducing the need to reposition the catheter during emptying.
Physical restraints in nursing homes: A qualitative study with multiple stakeholders
Authors: Minguell Cristina , Gassó Aina M. , Martin‐Fumadó Carles , Gómez‐Durán Esperanza L. , Arimany‐Manso Josep
Published: January 2024

Aim

This study aims to understand the perceptions regarding physical restraints of the elder‐care professional's stakeholders.

Design

A qualitative methodology was employed.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with a convenient sample of 19 participants, which included nursing homes' managers, nurses and physicians; law, ethics, quality or patient rights' protection experts in care and public servers with responsibilities in the field. The data were collected, recorded and verbatim transcribed. A thematic analysis approach was used to analyse the data.

Results

Three main themes emerged: the use of restraints, organizational issues and regulation. Although professionals involved in nursing care agree that improvements have been made, they highlight the negative impact of restraints and the need for a change in culture about their use. Yet, they have concerns about the ‘zero restraints’ feasibility, with divergent views on the need for a stronger regulatory framework.
Pre‐transplant glomerular hyperfiltration is not a risk factor for increased renal morbidity and mortality in pediatric stem cell transplant patients
Authors: Sarkar Neil , Myers Kasiani C. , Lane Adam , Davies Stella M. , Benoit Stefanie W.
Published: January 2024

Low glomerular filtration rate (GFR) prior to stem cell transplant (SCT) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The implications of abnormally high GFRs, or glomerular hyperfiltration, prior to SCT are unknown. Twenty‐two of 74 consecutive pediatric SCT patients over 2 years old at a single center were hyperfiltrating prior to SCT, median nuclear medicine GFR 154 mL/min/1.73 m2 [interquartile range: 146–170]. There was no association between hyperfiltration and any transplant demographics, nor between hyperfiltration and acute kidney injury (p = .8), renal replacement therapy (p = .63), 1‐year event‐free survival (p = 1), or abnormal creatinine‐based estimated GFR at a median follow‐up of 4.7 years (p = .73).
Computational investigation of the interaction mechanisms of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE)/polyurethane and low‐density polyethylene (LDPE)/hexane systems as absorbents for oil spill remediation: A DFT study
Authors: Odera Raphael Stone , Ezika Anthony Chidi , Adekoya Gbolahan Joseph , Sadiku Emmanuel Rotimi , Okpechi Victor Ugochukwu , Oyeoka Henry Chukwuka
Published: January 2024

The escalating frequency of oil spill incidents and industrial wastewater discharges necessitates the development of effective remediation strategies. In this study, we conduct a comprehensive computational investigation using density functional theory (DFT) to elucidate the interaction mechanisms within polyethylene (PE) combined with polyurethane (PU) and hexane. The study focuses on adsorption energies, intermolecular interactions, miscibility, and electronic properties, providing a molecular‐level understanding crucial for designing advanced absorbent materials. The investigation reveals that the low‐density polyethylene/polyurethane (LDPE/PU) system exhibits significantly higher adsorption energies (−12.87 kcal/mol) compared to PE/hexane (−7.66 kcal/mol), indicating a robust binding affinity. This discrepancy underscores the superior performance of PE/PU as an absorbent material. The enthalpy results, with ∆H values of −55.75 kcal/mol for PE/hexane‐n‐hexadecane and −66.11 kcal/mol for PE/PU‐n‐hexadecane complexes at 298.15 K, support exothermic adsorption. The more exothermic ∆H for PE/PU indicates stronger interactions during oil absorption than PE/hexane. Additionally, Gibbs free energy change (∆G) values affirm a more favorable process for PE/PU, exhibiting a lower ∆G (−42.54 kcal/mol) compared to PE/hexane (−34.79 kcal/mol). Non‐covalent interaction (NCI) studies confirm the importance of van der Waals forces in both systems, validating their role in the adsorption process. Miscibility studies indicate limited interactions, with PE/PU showing positive enthalpy of mixing. Electronic study demonstrates PE/PU's higher energy gap of 9.19 eV, correlating with superior performance. This research contributes to the fundamental understanding of oil absorption processes and informs the design and optimization of environmentally sustainable and efficient oil‐absorbing materials for remediation applications.

Highlights

DFT explores polymeric systems, PE/PU and PE/hexane, for oil absorbent.

PE/PU excels with −12.87 kcal/mol adsorption energy, surpassing PE/hexane (−7.66 kcal/mol).

NCI validates van der Waals forces in both systems, crucial for effective adsorption.

Miscibility studies reveal limited interactions.

PE/PU's superior 9.19 eV energy gap signifies enhanced absorbent performance.

PE/PU excels as an oil‐absorbent material, underlining its overall superiority.
Guided versus non‐guided digital psychological interventions for cancer patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of engagement and efficacy
Authors: Akdemir Aleyna , Smith Allan “Ben” , Wu Verena Shuwen , Rincones Orlando , Russell Hayley , Lyhne Johanne Dam , Kemp Emma , David Michael , Bamgboje‐Ayodele Adeola
Published: January 2024

Objective

To evaluate engagement with and efficacy of guided versus non‐guided digital interventions targeting psychological symptoms of cancer via a systematic review of current evidence.

Methods

PubMed, Scopus, PsychINFO, MEDLINE, and CINAHL databases were searched. Eligible publications were randomised controlled trials of guided or non‐guided digital psychological interventions used in cancer settings reporting intervention efficacy and/or engagement. Study methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias (RoB) tool. Random effects meta‐analyses were performed on outcomes with sufficient data, with sub‐group analyses of intervention type and follow‐up period.

Results

Forty‐three studies were included. Studies varied by level of guidance, type of technology used, duration, and outcomes assessed. Most studies had a high overall RoB. Meta‐analysis indicated that guided interventions significantly reduced distress, anxiety, and fatigue, while non‐guided did not. For depression and quality of life, both guided and non‐guided interventions produced significant improvements. Guided interventions reported higher levels of intervention engagement than non‐guided.

Conclusions

Guided digital psychological interventions were likely to be more effective than non‐guided ones for cancer patients, particularly in reducing distress, anxiety, and fatigue. Whilst both types were found to improve depression and life quality, guided interventions were associated with higher patient engagement. These findings suggest digital interventions could supplement traditional cancer care, warranting further research concerning long‐term effects and cost‐efficiency.
A systematic review of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder in people living with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Power Hilary A. , Shivak Shelby M. , Kim Jinsoo , Wright Kristi D.
Published: January 2024

There is a lack of research that has focused on attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF). Given ADHD is associated with executive functioning impairments, exploring ADHD in the context of living with cystic fibrosis (CF) is of great importance. The purpose of the current systematic review was to examine ADHD in pwCF across the lifespan in terms of its prevalence, its impact on various health outcomes, and treatments for managing ADHD. This systematic review followed the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses. Articles reporting studies of any design that focused on ADHD in pwCF were included. Studies were excluded if they did not meet this criterion and if they were written in languages other than English. PsycINFO, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL databases were searched. Search items were based on three concepts: (1) terms related to CF, (2) terms related to ADHD, and (3) terms related to age. Ten studies were included in this systematic review. Reported prevalence rates of ADHD in pwCF ranged from 5.26% to 21.9%. The reported relationships between ADHD and CF and other health outcomes is inconsistent. In terms of treatment considerations, pharmacological interventions and behavioural strategies for managing ADHD in the context of living with CF have been reported as being successful. Additional research is needed to further explore ADHD in the CF population and health variables that may be associated with CF prognosis.
Dynamic airway computed tomography and flexible bronchoscopy for diagnosis of tracheomalacia in children: A comparison study
Authors: Corcoran Aoife , Foran Ann , Phinizy Pelton , Biko David M. , Piccione Joseph C. , Rapp Jordan B.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Tracheomalacia (TM) is an important cause of respiratory morbidity. Dynamic flexible bronchoscopy is considered the gold standard for diagnosis. Dynamic airway computed tomography (DACT) is a low radiation, noninvasive diagnostic tool utilizing images obtained continuously over several respiratory cycles. We aimed to assess the accuracy of DACT in TM diagnosis.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent both DACT and flexible bronchoscopy within 6 months. Airway anterior–posterior (AP) diameter was measured on multiplanar reconstructions CT in both the inspiratory and expiratory phases. Using still images from the bronchoscopy videos, the AP diameter of the trachea was measured at points of maximal and minimal diameter during tidal breathing. Degree of TM on both DACT and flexible bronchoscopy were graded using a scaling system of 50%–74%, 75%–89%, and 90%–100% as described by the European Respiratory Society.

Results

Twenty‐four patients met inclusion criteria with an average time of 19.5 days between CT and bronchoscopy. The specificity and sensitivity of DACT for the overall diagnosis of TM was 100% and 68%, respectively, with a positive predictive value of 100% and a negative predictive value of 62%. There was a strong positive correlation between DACT and flexible bronchoscopy in the measurement of tracheal AP diameter changes (ρ = 0.773, R2 0.597, p = 0.00001). Mean effective radiation dose for DACT was 0.1 mSv.

Conclusion

Ultralow dose DACT has excellent specificity and positive predictive value for both detection of TM and categorizing severity of tracheal collapse but is not sufficiently sensitive to rule it out.
Emodin alleviates CRS4‐induced mitochondrial damage via activation of the PGC1α signaling
Authors: Dong Xin , Wen Ruijia , Xiong Yuanyuan , Jia Xiaotong , Zhang Xiwen , Li Xin , Zhang Liangyou , Li Zhibin , Zhang Shu , Yu Yanna , Li Qiang , Wu Xingbo , Tu Haitao , Chen Zixin , Xian Shaoxiang , Wang Lingjun , Wang Chao , Jia Lianqun , Wang Junyan , Chen Gangyi
Published: January 2024

Cardiorenal syndrome type 4 (CRS4), a progressive deterioration of cardiac function secondary to chronic kidney disease (CKD), is a leading cause of death in patients with CKD. In this study, we aimed to investigate the cardioprotective effect of emodin on CRS4. C57BL/6 mice with 5/6 nephrectomy and HL‐1 cells stimulated with 5% CKD mouse serum were used for in vivo and in vitro experiments. To assess the cardioprotective potential of emodin, we employed a comprehensive array of methodologies, including echocardiography, tissue staining, immunofluorescence staining, biochemical detection, flow cytometry, real‐time quantitative PCR, and western blot analysis. Our results showed that emodin exerted protective effects on the function and structure of the residual kidney. Emodin also reduced pathologic changes in the cardiac morphology and function of these mice. These effects may have been related to emodin‐mediated suppression of reactive oxygen species production, reduction of mitochondrial oxidative damage, and increase of oxidative metabolism via restoration of PGC1α expression and that of its target genes. In contrast, inhibition of PGC1α expression significantly reversed emodin‐mediated cardioprotection in vivo. In conclusion, emodin protects the heart from 5/6 nephrectomy–induced mitochondrial damage via activation of the PGC1α signaling. The findings obtained in our study can be used to develop effective therapeutic strategies for patients with CRS4.
Discussing trust and resilience: The need for a healthy dose of distrust
Authors: Scharte Benjamin
Published: January 2024

How are trust and reslience related? There is a lack of conceptual discussions. This paper analyzes trust and resilience with respect to the system of critical infrastructures and engineers working on critical infrastructure resilience. The results are three findings based on the assumption that resilience and trust are mechanisms to cope with complexity and uncertainty inherent to modern societies and critical infrastructures. First, they are no functional alternatives. Trust is an everyday process where favorable expectations help to act “as if” uncertainty was successfully resolved. Resilience helps to cope in “what if” cases when disaster strikes. Second, resembling the risk perception paradox, too much trust in critical infrastructures might lead to complacency, decreasing individual coping capacities and subsequently resilience. People need a healthy dose of distrust—distrust being a functional alternative to trust and not its opposite—to be aware that a disruption might happen and prepare for it. Third, notwithstanding the difficulties of uncertainty communication, engineers need to communicate limits to knowledge resulting from complexity transparently. This might decrease trust in specific solutions, but could sustain overall system trust, because it helps to adjust favorable expectations.
Stabilization of age‐structured chemostat hyperbolic PDE with actuator dynamics
Authors: Haacker Paul‐Erik , Karafyllis Iasson , Krstić Miroslav , Diagne Mamadou
Published: January 2024

For population systems modeled by age‐structured hyperbolic partial differential equations (PDEs), we redesign the existing feedback laws, designed under the assumption that the dilution input is directly actuated, to the more realistic case where dilution is governed by actuation dynamics (modeled simply by an integrator). In addition to the standard constraint that the population density must remain positive, the dilution dynamics introduce constraints of not only positivity of dilution, but possibly of given positive lower and upper bounds on dilution. We present several designs, of varying complexity, and with various measurement requirements, which not only ensure global asymptotic (and local exponential) stabilization of a desired positive population density profile from all positive initial conditions, but do so without violating the constraints on the dilution state. To develop the results, we exploit the relation between first‐order hyperbolic PDEs and an equivalent representation in which a scalar input‐driven mode is decoupled from input‐free infinite‐dimensional internal dynamics represented by an integral delay system.
A Facile One‐Pot Approach for Synthesis of Graphene‐CdS Nanocomposites and Implementation towards Visible Light Driven Photocatalytic Degradation of Chlorpyrifos (One‐Pot Synthesis of G‐CdS for the degradation of CPY)**
Authors: Patel Jinal , Gaur Rama , Shahabuddin Syed , Tyagi Inderjeet
Published: January 2024

Since India is one of the most populated countries in the world, there is a constant increase in the demand for food supply. To cater to the increased demand, the farmers use agrochemicals for crop protection and to enhance crop yield. Prolonged use of these agrochemicals, contaminates the groundwater, soil, and air, causing damage to our ecosystem and having adverse effects on human health. The present study reports the one‐pot synthesis of graphene‐CdS (GC) nanocomposites by a facile thermal decomposition approach. Thermal decomposition is an easy and cost‐effective technique. It's a facile and more efficient method than other methods. The synthesized graphene‐CdS nanocomposites were characterized using XRD, FT‐IR spectroscopy, Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy, RAMAN spectroscopy, and FE‐SEM analysis. The potential of GC nanocomposites has been explored as an efficient photocatalyst for the degradation of chlorpyrifos (CPY) in an aqueous solution. It was observed that the nanocomposites exhibit 89 % degradation efficiency in 90 minutes compared to the pristine CdS and Graphene. A detailed investigation of the degradation pathway and scavenger studies were also conducted. The Graphene‐CdS hold scope and potential to be explored as an effective photocatalyst for the mineralization of agrochemicals.
Greener and Highly Efficient Synthesis, In Silico ADMET and Molecular Docking Studies of Potent Antimicrobial Thiophene Clubbed Pyrazole‐1,2,3‐Triazole Hybrids
Authors: Sherashiya Meet J. , Kanjariya Dilip C. , Naliapara Yogesh T. , Jauhari Smita
Published: January 2024

To achieve environmentally benign synthesis and develop pharmacologically active compounds, a library of novel thiophene‐clubbed pyrazole‐1,2,3‐triazole hybrids was designed and successfully synthesized using L‐ascorbic acid as a green acid catalyst and ethanol as a green solvent. The reaction was carried out using microwave and ultrasonic irradiation methods to achieve a highly efficient reaction route. All title compounds were characterized and evaluated for their potential in vitro antimicrobial activity using Ciprofloxacin and Nystatin as standard drugs, in which compounds with chloro and naphthyl substitutions exhibited excellent antibacterial activity at concentrations of 25 μg/mL and compounds with methyl and methoxy substitutions exhibited excellent antifungal activity at concentrations of 100 μg/mL. Additionally, the molecular docking study showed that all compounds examined had excellent binding energies ranging from −9.3 to −10.3 kcal/mol, and naphthyl substitution displayed the highest binding energy (−10.3 kcal/mol) on the target protein of E. coli DNA gyrase subunit B. Furthermore, the final moieties were evaluated for in silico ADMET prediction to examine their drug‐likeness profile and toxic effects. The present study revealed that this structural information will be helpful in future antimicrobial drug design and development.
Infiltrated 2D/3D Heterojunction with Tunable Electric Field Landscape for Robust Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells with over 24% Efficiency
Authors: Tang Chen , Liu Yuan , Zheng Yiting , Sun Anxin , Liang Jianghu , Wu Xueyun , Tian Congcong , Li Zihao , Chen Jinling , Cai Jingyu , Wu Xiling , Chen Chun‐Chao
Published: January 2024

In inverted perovskite solar cells, conventional planar 2D/3D perovskite heterojunctions typically exhibit a type‐II band alignment, where the electric field tends to drive the electron motion in the opposite direction to the direction of electron transfer. Here, a 2D/3D gradient heterojunction is developed by allowing the 2D perovskite to infiltrate the 3D perovskite surface along the grain boundaries using the interaction between the organic cation of the 2D perovskite and the pseudohalogen thiocyanate ion (SCN−), which has the ability to diffuse downward. The infiltrated 2D perovskite not only fills the gaps of grain boundaries with improved structural stability, but it also reconstructs the original landscape of the electric field toward the n‐doped surface to enable more rapid electron transfer and weaken the adverse type‐II band alignment effect. Since 2D perovskite seals the GBs, the nonvolatile SCN− can accumulate at the top and bottom dual interfaces, releasing residual stress and significantly inhibiting nonradiative recombination. The device exhibits an excellent efficiency of 24.76% (certified 24.29%) and long‐term stability that is >90% of the original PCE value after 800 h of heating at 85 °C or in high humidity (≈65%).
Chiral CuxCoyS‐CuzS Nanoflowers with Bioinspired Enantioselective Catalytic Performances
Authors: Si Qingrui , Wang Fang , Ding Qi , Yang Weimin , Lin Hengwei , Xu Chuanlai , Li Si
Published: January 2024

Nanomaterials with biomimetic catalytic abilities have attracted significant attention. However, the stereoselectivity of natural enzymes determined by their unique configurations is difficult to imitate. In this work, a kind of chiral CuxCoyS‐CuzS nanoflowers (L/D‐Pen‐NFs) is developed, using porous CuxCoyS nanoparticles (NPs) as stamens, CuzS sheets as petals, and chiral penicillamine as surface stabilizers. Compared to the natural laccase enzyme, L/D‐Pen‐NFs exhibit significant advantages in catalytic efficiency, stability against harsh environments, recyclability, and convenience in construction. Most importantly, they display high enantioselectivity toward chiral neurotransmitters, which is proved by L‐ and D‐Pen‐NFs’ different catalytic efficiencies toward chiral enantiomers. L‐Pen‐NFs are more efficient in catalyzing the oxidation of L‐epinephrine and L‐dopamine compared with D‐Pen‐NFs. However, their catalytic efficiency in oxidizing L‐norepinephrine and L‐DOPA is lower than that of D‐Pen‐NFs. The reason for the difference in catalytic efficiency is the distinct binding affinities between CuxCoyS‐CuzS nano‐enantiomers and chiral molecules. This work can spur the development of chiral nanostructures with biomimetic functions.
Toward Highly Efficient Low‐Carbon Footprint Solar Cells: Impact of High‐Temperature Processing on Epitaxially Grown p‐Type Silicon Wafers
Authors: Rittmann Clara , Messmer Pascal , Niewelt Tim , Supik Ella Susann , Heinz Friedemann D. , Richter Armin , Mouafi Yves Patrick Botchak , Sanz Sarah , Terheiden Barbara , Weiss Charlotte , Drießen Marion , Schindler Florian , Janz Stefan , Schubert Martin Christian
Published: January 2024

Conventional silicon (Si) wafers are produced by energy‐intensive ingot crystallization which is responsible for a major share of a solar cell's carbon footprint. This work explores Si epitaxially grown silicon wafers (EpiWafers) that are produced by direct epitaxial deposition of trichlorosilane on a reusable substrate. This approach requires less energy and material and hence offers a potential for reduced cost and carbon footprint. Solar cells made from EpiWafers usually suffer from efficiency losses due to recombination at structural crystal defects associated with epitaxial growth. The nature of these defects is investigated and defects at the EpiWafer's back surface are critical. Most of these defects are highly recombination‐active, pairwise‐connected misfit dislocations in the <110> direction. They originate from a lattice mismatch between the highly doped substrate and the less‐doped epitaxially grown layer. In this contribution, the detrimental impact of these defects can be mitigated using typical manufacturing processes of high‐efficiency solar cells, such as KOH etching, gettering, and oxidation. Local minority charge carrier lifetimes as high as 2.2 ms after industrially feasible processes are reported. Simulations using efficiency‐limiting bulk recombination analysis implies that the material would allow conversion efficiencies of up to 25.6% considering tunnel oxide‐passivated contact acting as rear emitter solar cell design.
Color Change Analysis of Raw Chicken Breast over Different Timestamps Using CNNs
Authors: Zou Min , Kageyama Yoichi , Yuan Aihong
Published: January 2024

In this study, the potential of a novel method based on an artificial neural network was investigated to analyze the color change of raw chicken breasts during refrigeration. As edible meat for people, chicken breasts have high nutrients and low‐fat content. Therefore, people consume it as a safe and high‐value food in their daily diet. The investigation of chicken breast freshness is proposed as a significant issue in the meat industry because raw meat spills rapidly. The color change of raw chicken breasts over time reflects subtle biochemical changes, as well as changes in freshness. However, owing to the impact of the photographic equipment and illumination, a significant color discrepancy exists between the captured image and the intrinsic color. It is difficult to separate chicken breast color changes from color discrepancies when comparing images captured at different timestamps. Thus, we propose a color change analysis method for raw chicken breast that uses color correction to suppress the influence of color discrepancy and uses CNN to extract discriminant features for timestamp classification analysis. The experimental results indicate that the proposed method improves all three CNN models by achieving higher accuracy, and the best model was improved from to , demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed method. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
English as a lingua franca, world Englishes, and the preparation of language teachers: An awareness‐raising experience in an English teacher education program in Colombia
Authors: Macías Diego Fernando , Mosquera‐Pérez Jhon Eduardo
Published: January 2024

This study builds on previous research (Galloway & Rose, 2018) that underlines the necessity of raising awareness of distinct kinds of English among prospective English instructors in expanding circle nations. The participants were exposed to these themes through a series of student‐led presentations that used English as a lingua franca and World Englishes as a theoretical foundation. The data were gathered through student reports, individual reflections, and semi‐structured interviews and were evaluated thematically. The findings demonstrated a development of new perspectives and understandings, a sense of contribution of the theme of World Englishes to teacher professional development, and the participants' positioning as equally skilled users of English. Thus, the study discusses the possibilities and challenges of gradually incorporating English as a lingua franca and World Englishes in the preparation of prospective English teachers.
Sustainable paddy residues management through mushroom cultivation in India
Authors: Samantaray Dibyajyoti , Singh N. B.
Published: January 2024

Farmers' open‐field burning of paddy straw and the indoor burning of paddy residues as domestic fuels are significant environmental concerns since they emit dangerous pollutants. The worldwide burning of paddy residues totals 90 million tons (MT). Around 24 MT emanated from India, accounting for approximately 27% of the world's paddy straw burning. Burning residues emit smog particles, polyaromatic amines, nitrous oxides, sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide, methane, seriously degrading the air quality and risking human health. The combustion of dry paddy straw emits massive volumes of methane and nitrous oxide, 65 and 1.6 kilotons, respectively. This study analyzes the consequences of burning paddy residue outdoors and indoors by reviewing the relevant literature and data. Open‐field burning causes air pollution, damages soil health, and harms human health. Indoor burning of paddy residues as domestic fuels harms women's and children's health in rural areas. To mitigate the adverse effects of this practice, we magnified our research using the various literature and recent statistics to link with mushroom cultivation as an alternative to paddy residue burning. Recently, India produced almost 240,000 tons of mushrooms; Odisha, Maharashtra, and Bihar are the three leading states for mushroom production. The cultivation of mushrooms is considered advantageous for both health and the environment. This study has concentrated on mushrooms' economic potential, medicinal value, and health benefits.
Degradation mechanisms of Indian banks promissory notes written in iron‐gall inks and its conservation
Authors: Singh Sarvesh , Singh Manager Rajdeo
Published: January 2024

The objective of this study is to investigate the deterioration of 18th‐century Indian Bank's Promissory Notes written using iron‐gall ink. The research employs non‐destructive techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy to analyze the elemental composition and structural characteristics of both the iron‐gall ink and the paper support. The analytical findings indicate that the acid hydrolysis of the iron‐gall ink complex has led to corrosion and weakening of the document. The reactivity of Fe3+ ions, indirectly assessed through XRD analysis by measuring the crystalline index (Crl) of the paper, indicates a loss of strength in the cellulose fibers. The combination of FTIR and XRD data also reveals the utilization of gypsum as a filler in the paper, likely intended to enhance its gloss and opacity. SEM photomicrographs further illustrate the presence of iron crystals on the paper surface, a result of the non‐uniform distribution of the ink and oxidation of ferrous ions also supported by surface mapping of iron. The paper's composition is identified as cellulose I, a common variety found in nature. These findings collectively provide insights into the degradation processes affecting both the iron‐gall ink and the paper support. The innovative calcium phytate treatment was applied for document conservation.
Study of the Effects Created by the Sunlight Passing Through the Rose Windows of Mallorca Cathedral
Authors: Samper Albert , Moreno-García David , Herrera Blas
Published: January 2024

This paper shows the light effects and geometric alignments created by the sunlight passing through the stained glasses of the eastern rose window in Mallorca Cathedral and projecting on the inner side of the cathedral's main façade and on the cathedral's floor. As well as providing more accurate information about these already known light effects, this paper makes use of laser scanning techniques and astronomical and geographical concepts in order to graphically display other novel effects which occur in coincidence with certain religious festivities throughout the year.