bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drug resistance, serotypes, and phylogenetic groups among uropathogenic Escherichia coli including O25-ST131 in Mexico City
Authors: Molina-López José , Aparicio-Ozores Gerardo , Ribas-Aparicio Rosa María , Gavilanes-Parra Sandra , Chávez-Berrocal María Elena , Hernández-Castro Rigoberto , Manjarrez-Hernández Hipólito Ángel
Published: December 2011

Introduction: The increasing prevalence of uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) strains resistant to multiple antibiotics complicates the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs). This study aimed to analyze the antimicrobial resistance, serotypes, and phylogenetic groups among strains of E. coli isolated from outpatients with UTIs in Mexico City. Methodology: A total of 119 E. coli isolates were recovered from urine samples from outpatients with clinical diagnosis of uncomplicated UTIs from 2004 to 2007. The serotype was assessed by agglutination in microtiter plates; susceptibility to antimicrobials was determined by the disk diffusion method. Clone O25-ST131 and phylogenetic groups of E. coli strains were tested by methods based on PCR multiplex. Results: The predominant serotype was O25:H4 (21.2%). Resistance to antibiotics was ampicillin (83.7%); piperacillin (53.8%); the fluoroquinolone group (55.5-60.6%), and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) (56.4%). Additionally, 36 (30.2%) isolates were multidrug-resistant and 13 of these 36 strains were identified as E. coli O25-ST131 clone by an allele-specific PCR-based assay. Phylogenetic analysis showed that 15 of 17 isolates with serotype O25:H4 belonged to group B2. Conclusions: This is the first report that establishes the presence in Mexico of the O25-ST131 clonal group of E. coli, which has been associated with multidrug-resistance and with high virulence potential. The spread of this clone in Mexico should be monitored closely. We found a correlation between serotype O25:H4 and multidrug resistance in UPEC strains. Our results indicate that the use of ampicillin, fluoroquinolones, and TMP/SMX should be reviewed when selecting empirical therapy for UTIs.
Seroprevalence of rubella and immunogenicity following rubella vaccination in adolescent girls in India
Authors: Sharma Hitt J , Padbidri Vasant S , Kapre Subhash V , Jadhav Suresh S , Dhere Rajeev M , Parekh Sameer S , Dudhane Ashok D , Shewale Sunil D , Namjoshi Gajanan S
Published: December 2011

Introduction: Serologic surveys conducted in different countries indicate that rubella is a worldwide infection. Several such sero surveys conducted in India have also confirmed that 6-47% of women are susceptible to rubella infection. The current study was conducted on 1,329 female adolescents in 12 districts of Maharashtra, India, to assess their serological status in terms of rubella exposure. Methodology: After enrollment, a pre-vaccination blood sample was collected from the participants followed by rubella vaccination (R-vac). Adverse events were monitored for the next 6-8 weeks, at which time a post-vaccination sample was collected. Results: Pre-vaccination rubella immunity was higher in the urban (80.2%) population compared to the rural (73.1%) population. Following R-vac vaccination, out of 1,159 participants who completed the study, all (100%) in the urban and 99.5% of participants in the rural area developed antibodies against rubella. Conclusion: Substantial numbers of women reach childbearing age without immunity against rubella and thus are at a risk of passing the infection to their fetuses, who can then develop subsequent congenital defects leading to congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). An immunization policy recommending vaccination with rubella or rubella containing vaccine is highly desirable to prevent rubella and CRS.
Labiates (Lamiaceae) from Equatorial Guinea
Authors: Morales R.
Published: December 2011

The identification of 223 collections of the Lamiaceae family, from Bioko island, Rio Muni (Equatorial Guinea mainland) and Annobon, corresponding to 14 genera and 28 species, is presented. A key of genera and, in each genus, a key of species are included. The basionym and type material, a brief description, the known chromosomic numbers, the distribution area and some known popular uses from each species, also included are photographs of sheets and distribution maps. Some biogeographical aspects about the generic and specific distribution in the studied area are discussed. Calaminta pseudosimensis (Brenan) R. Morales, comb. nov. is proposed.
The development of iron British piers in the XIX century. The discovery of new materials
Authors: González-García de Velasco C. , González-Vílchez M.
Published: December 2011

In this article, the authors study the decadence of wood piers along XIX century, mainly because of problems inherent to the attacks of invertebrates. Soon, the wood structures will be substituted by iron ones, appearing two extraordinary materials, cast iron and wrought iron.

Cast iron was a material with a great compression resistance, but weak for traction and flexion. It was not welding, but its resistance to the corrosion was notable, because of it, was very used at piles of British sea piers. On the contrary, wrought iron offered high conditions for traction and flexion, so it appeared like a very useful material to make girders and joists, but suffering the problem of a lack of resistance to corrosion. The combination of both materials supposed a great success in the construction of bridges and piers, since 1850.
New absorbent acoustic materials from plastic bottle remnants
Authors: Del Rey R. , Alba J. , Ramis J. , Sanchís V. J.
Published: December 2011

In the building acoustics field usually fibrous materials are used as sound absorbing materials. Nowadays polyester fiber is one of the most used but the pure chip of polyester has a problem. Polyester is obtained of petroleum and its price was increasing last years. This paper, presents an alternative polyester wool which obtained by PET treatment (recycle of plastic bottle’s). Absorption coefficient values at normal incidence measured in reverberation chamber were compared (new wool obtained by PET method and materials obtained from pure chip of polyester).Furthermore, this paper propound a empiric model that describe the acoustic performance of this new wool. The results have been good. The pure fiber has been replaced by recycle fiber in its manufacture process.
Polyacrylamide molecular formulation effects on erosion control of disturbed soil on steep rocky slopes
Authors: Yang Li-xia , Li Shao-cai , Sun Hai-long , Ye Fei-fei , Liu Wei , Luo Shuang
Published: December 2011

Yang, L.-x., Li, S.-c., Sun, H.-l., Ye, F.-f., Liu, W. and Luo, S. 2011. Polyacrylamide molecular formulation effects on erosion control of disturbed soil on steep rocky slopes. Can. J. Soil Sci. 91: 917–924. Soil erosion caused by increasing runoff and soil disturbances is a severe problem on steep rocky slopes. One possible soil erosion control measure is the application of polyacrylamide (PAM). Little is known about PAM application in the ecological recovery field, especially for steep rocky slopes. Our objective was to examine the ability of a range of anionic PAMs to control soil erosion on steep rocky slopes. Nine types of anionic PAMs were studied, which consisted of three molecular weights (MW) and three charge densities (CD) in a factorial design. The study was conducted using laboratory soil trays exposed to simulated rainfall. Three soils of different textures were treated with PAM using hydro-seeding technology with soil trays at a 60° slope. This work demonstrates that PAMs are effective at improving infiltration, thereby decreasing soil erosion. The PAMs that performed best for erosion control were the 14 Mg mol−1MW and 30% CD for the loamy sand, the 10 Mg mol−1MW and 20% CD for the silty loam, and the 6 Mg mol−1MW and 30% CD for the silty clay. These results could assist ecologists in developing PAM application strategies to promote slope recovery.
Soil nitrogen mineralization and enzymatic activities in fire and fire surrogate treatments in California
Authors: Miesel J. R. , Boerner R. E. J. , Skinner C. N.
Published: December 2011

Miesel, J. R., Boerner, R. E. J. and Skinner, C. N. 2011. Soil nitrogen mineralization and enzymatic activities in fire and fire surrogate treatments in California. Can. J. Soil Sci. 91: 935–946. Forest thinning and prescribed fire are management strategies used to reduce hazardous fuel loads and catastrophic wildfires in western mixed-conifer forests. We evaluated effects of thinning (Thin) and prescribed fire (Burn), alone and in combination (Thin+Burn), on N transformations and microbial enzyme activities relative to an untreated control (Control) at 1 and 3 yr following treatment in northern California. N mineralization and net nitrification were reduced by Thin and by Burn in year 1, and N mineralization was increased by Thin+Burn in year 3, relative to the Control. In general, all experimental treatments reduced soil enzyme activity. To identify overall treatment effects on the below-ground ecosystem, we combined these data with soil physicochemical data from this site to perform non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMS) ordination. NMS ordination showed that Burn and Thin+Burn produced the greatest overall effects on soil, and that overall differences in soil characteristics among treatments diminish over time. These results provide an important benchmark for monitoring ecosystem effects of large-scale wildfire hazard reduction strategies over the long term.
Soil compaction under varying rest periods and levels of mechanical disturbance in a rotational grazing system
Authors: Halde C. , Hammermeister A. M. , L. Mclean N. , Webb K. T. , Martin R. C.
Published: December 2011

Halde, C., Hammermeister, A. M., McLean, N. L., Webb, K. T. and Martin, R. C. 2011. Soil compaction under varying rest periods and levels of mechanical disturbance in a rotational grazing system. Can. J. Soil Sci. 91: 957–964. In Atlantic Canada, data are limited regarding the effect of grazing systems on soil compaction. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of intensive and extensive rotational pasture management treatments on soil bulk density, soil penetration resistance, forage productivity and litter accumulation. The study was conducted on a fine sandy loam pasture in Truro, Nova Scotia. Each of the eight paddocks was divided into three rotational pasture management treatments: intensive, semi-intensive and extensive. Mowing and clipping were more frequent in the intensive than in the semi-intensive treatment. In the extensive treatment, by virtue of grazing in alternate rotations, the rest period was doubled than that of the intensive and semi-intensive treatments. Both soil bulk density (0–5 cm) and penetration resistance (0–25.5 cm) were significantly higher in the intensive treatment than in the extensive treatment, for all seasons. Over winter, bulk density decreased significantly by 6.8 and 3.8% at 0–5 and 5–10 cm, respectively. A decrease ranging between 40.5 and 4.0% was observed for soil penetration resistance over winter, at 0–1.5 cm and 24.0–25.5 cm, respectively. The intensive and semi-intensive treatments produced significantly more available forage for grazers annually than the extensive treatment. Forage yields in late May to early June were negatively correlated with spring bulk density.
Accumulation and redistribution of residual chloride, nitrate, and soil test phosphorus in soil profiles amended with fresh and composted cattle manure containing straw or wood-chip bedding
Authors: Miller J. J. , Beasley B. W. , Drury C. F. , Zebarth B. J.
Published: December 2011

Miller, J. J., Beasley, B. W., Drury, C. F. and Zebarth, B. J. 2011. Accumulation and redistribution of residual chloride, nitrate, and soil test phosphorus in soil profiles amended with fresh and composted cattle manure containing straw or wood-chip bedding. Can. J. Soil Sci. 91: 969–984. Limited research has compared the effect of fresh versus composted beef (Bos taurus) cattle feedlot manure containing straw or wood chips on accumulation and redistribution of residual chloride (Cl), NO3-N, and soil test P (STP) in soil profiles of the Great Plains region of North America. Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) was grown (1999–2007) on an irrigated clay loam soil in southern Alberta where organic amendments and fertilizer were annually applied for 9 yr from 1998 to 2006. The field experiment was a factorial arrangement of two manure types (fresh versus composted feedlot manure), two bedding materials (straw versus wood-chips), and three application rates (13, 39, 77 Mg ha−1dry wt). There was also one inorganic (IN) fertilizer treatment and an unamended control. The soil profile (0–1.5 m) was sampled in the fall of 1999 to 2002, 2004, 2006, and 2007 and analyzed for residual soil NO3-N, Cl, and STP. Manure type had a significant (P≤0.05) effect on the accumulation of these chemicals, but there was an interaction with application rate (NO3-N), or with bedding and year (STP). The maximum accumulation of Cl after 9 yr was at the 0.6 to 0.9 m depth, but mean values at this depth were similar for the four organic amendments. The maximum accumulation of NO3-N after 9 yr (2007) was at the 0.3 to 0.6 m depth, and mean values at this depth were significantly greater by four- to sixfold for FM and CM with straw than wood-chips, which suggested greater N immobilization in soils with wood. Redistribution of Cl and NO3-N downward into the soil profile suggested a potential for leaching of these chemicals below the root zone. In contrast, soil test P did not accumulate below the 0.3 m depth, suggesting little potential for leaching. However, accumulation of soil test P at this depth was generally greater for the amendment treatments compared with inorganic fertilizer and was likely related to greater P applied in the amendments.
Column-integrated aerosol microphysical properties from AERONET Sun photometer over southwestern Spain
Authors: Prats N. , Cachorro V. E. , Berjón A. , Toledano C. , De Frutos A. M.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. The aim of the present work is to carry out a detailed analysis of columnar microphysical properties obtained from Cimel sun-photometer measurements in the Southwest of Spain within the frame of the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) – Iberian Network for aerosol measurements (RIMA). AERONET level 2 inversion products are analysed, in particular the particle size distribution together with their associated microphysical parameters for both fine and coarse modes: volume concentration, effective radius and the fine mode volume fraction. This work complements previous works based on aerosol optical depth (AOD) and the Ångström exponent (AE) for a global characterization of atmospheric aerosol in this area of southwestern Spain. The analysed dataset spans between February 2000 and October 2008. Time series and statistical analysis has been carried out for these parameters in order to assess their typical values and seasonality together with their relationships with the AOD and AE. Mean values of volume particle concentration are 0.06±0.07 μm3 μm−2 for total, 0.019±0.015 μm3 μm−2 for fine and 0.04±0.06 μm3 μm−2 for coarse mode; mean effective radii are 0.40±0.19 μm for total, 0.14±0.02 μm for fine and 1.96±0.41 μm for coarse mode. The most relevant features are the clear bimodality of the volume particle size distribution, with a slight dominance of the coarse mode in the overall climatology given the prevailing atmospheric conditions at the site (coastal marine). There is a clear prevalence of the coarse mode in summer months plus September and March, in coincidence with the occurrence of desert dust intrusions and highest AOD values. During desert dust outbreaks, the particle size distribution is practically monomodal with strong prevalence of the coarse mode which also shows a shift of the modal radius toward lower values. The size particle predominance defines the characteristic of the site and it has been analysed under two different parameters: the Ångström exponent and the fine mode volume fraction Vf/Vt. We investigated the relationship between them and also their relationship with the effective radius of the size distribution.
Exploring the vertical profile of atmospheric organic aerosol: comparing 17 aircraft field campaigns with a global model
Authors: Heald C. L. , Coe H. , Jimenez J. L. , Weber R. J. , Bahreini R. , Middlebrook A. M. , Russell L. M. , Jolleys M. , Fu T.-M. , Allan J. D. , Bower K. N. , Capes G. , Crosier J. , Morgan W. T. , Robinson N. H. , Williams P. I. , Cubison M. J. , DeCarlo P. F. , Dunlea E. J.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. The global organic aerosol (OA) budget is highly uncertain and past studies suggest that models substantially underestimate observed concentrations. Few of these studies have examined the vertical distribution of OA. Furthermore, many model-measurement comparisons have been performed with different models for single field campaigns. We synthesize organic aerosol measurements from 17 aircraft campaigns from 2001–2009 and use these observations to consistently evaluate a GEOS-Chem model simulation. Remote, polluted and fire-influenced conditions are all represented in this extensive dataset. Mean observed OA concentrations range from 0.2–8.2 μg sm−3 and make up 15 to 70% of non-refractory aerosol. The standard GEOS-Chem simulation reproduces the observed vertical profile, although observations are underestimated in 13 of the 17 field campaigns (the median observed to simulated ratio ranges from 0.4 to 4.2), with the largest model bias in anthropogenic regions. However, the model is best able to capture the observed variability in these anthropogenically-influenced regions (R2=0.18−0.57), but has little skill in remote or fire-influenced regions. The model bias increases as a function of relative humidity for 11 of the campaigns, possibly indicative of missing aqueous phase SOA production. However, model simulations of aqueous phase SOA suggest a pronounced signature in the mid-troposphere (2–6 km) which is not supported in the observations examined here. Spracklen et al. (2011) suggest adding ~100 Tg yr−1 source of anthropogenically-controlled SOA to close the measurement-model gap, which we add as anthropogenic SOA. This eliminates the model underestimate near source, but leads to overestimates aloft in a few regions and in remote regions, suggesting either additional sinks of OA or higher volatility aerosol at colder temperatures. Sensitivity simulations indicate that fragmentation of organics upon either heterogeneous or gas-phase oxidation could be an important (missing) sink of OA in models, reducing the global SOA burden by 15% and 47% respectively. The best agreement with observations is obtained when the simulated anthropogenically-controlled SOA is increased to ~100 Tg yr−1 accompanied by either a gas-phase fragmentation process or a reduction in the temperature dependence of the organic aerosol partitioning (by decreasing the enthalpy of vaporization from 42 kJ mol−1 to 25 kJ mol−1). These results illustrate that models may require both additional sources and additional sinks to capture the observed concentrations of organic aerosol.
Ground-based retrieval of continental and marine warm cloud microphysics
Authors: Martucci G. , O'Dowd C. D.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. A technique for retrieving warm cloud microphysics using synergistic ground based remote sensing instruments is presented. The SYRSOC (SYnergistic Remote Sensing Of Cloud) technique utilises a Ka-band Doppler cloud RADAR, a LIDAR (or ceilometer) and a multichannel microwave radiometer. SYRSOC retrieves the main microphysical parameters such as cloud droplet number concentration (CDNC), droplets effective radius (reff), cloud liquid water content (LWC), and the departure from adiabatic conditions within the cloud. Two retrievals are presented for continental and marine stratocumulus advected over the Mace Head Atmospheric Research Station. Whilst the continental case exhibited high CDCN (N = 382 cm−3; 10th-to-90th percentile [9.4–842.4] cm−3) and small mean effective radius (reff = 4.3; 10th-to-90th percentile [2.9–6.5] μm), the marine case showed low CDNC and large mean effective radius (N = 25 cm−3, 10th-to-90th percentile [1.5–69] cm−3; reff = 28.4 μm, 10th-to-90th percentile [11.2–42.7] μm) as expected since continental air at this location is typically more polluted than marine air. The mean LWC was comparable for the two cases (continental: 0.19 g m−3; marine: 0.16 g m−3) but the 10th–90th percentile range was wider in marine air (continental: 0.11–0.22 g m−3; marine: 0.01–0.38 g m−3). The calculated algorithm uncertainty for the continental and marine case for each variable was, respectively, σN = 161.58 cm−3 and 12.2 cm−3, σreff = 0.86 μm and 5.6 μm, σLWC = 0.03 g m−3 and 0.04 g m−3. The retrieved CDNC are compared to the cloud condensation nuclei concentrations and the best agreement is achieved for a supersaturation of 0.1% in the continental case and between 0.1%–0.75% for the marine stratocumulus. The retrieved reff at the top of the clouds are compared to the MODIS satellite reff: 7 μm (MODIS) vs. 6.2 μm (SYRSOC) and 16.3 μm (MODIS) vs. 17 μm (SYRSOC) for continental and marine cases, respectively. The combined analysis of the CDNC and the reff, for the marine case shows that the drizzle modifies the droplet size distribution and reff especially if compared to reffMOD. The study of the cloud subadiabaticity and the LWC shows the general sub-adiabatic character of both clouds with more pronounced departure from adiabatic conditions in the continental case than in the marine.
Experimental mineralization of crustacean eggs leads to surprising tissue conservation: new implications for the fossilization of Precambrian-Cambrian embryos
Authors: Hippler D. , Hu N. , Steiner M. , Scholtz G. , Franz G.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. Phosphatized globular microfossils from the Ediacaran and Lower Cambrian of South China represent an impressive record of early animal evolution and development, however their affinity based on putative embryonic metazoan, bacterial and inorganic features is strongly debated. Understanding key processes and conditions that cause exceptional egg and embryo preservation and fossilization are therefore crucial for a reliable interpretation of their phylogenetic position. Taphonomic experiments on eggs of the marbled crayfish indicate a close link between early mineralization and rapid anaerobic decay of the endochorional envelope, producing different preservational stages of degradation resembling the various decay stages observed in the fossil record. Stabilization of the spherical morphology was achieved by pre-heating of the eggs. Complete surface mineralization occurred under reduced conditions within one to two weeks, with fine-grained brushite (CaHPO4·2H2O) over calcite as the dominating mineral phase. Although the endochorional envelope was not preserved, experiments resulted in exceptional preservation of the embryonic tissue at the cellular level. Thus our findings suggest that the mechanisms of decay, preservation of surface structures, and mineral replacement in the experiment and during fossilization of Cambrian embryos were likely operating at a similar rationale.
The magnitudes and timescales of global mean surface temperature feedbacks in climate models
Authors: Jarvis A.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. Because of the fundamental role feedbacks play in determining the response of surface temperature to perturbations in radiative forcing, it is important we understand the dynamic characteristics of these feedbacks. Rather than attribute the aggregate surface temperature feedback to particular physical processes, this paper adopts a linear systems approach to investigate the partitioning with respect to the timescale of the feedbacks regulating global mean surface temperature in climate models. The analysis reveals that there is a dominant net negative feedback realised on an annual timescale and that this is partially attenuated by a spectrum of positive feedbacks with characteristic timescales in the range 10 to 1000 yr. This attenuation was composed of two discrete phases which are attributed to the equilibration of "diffusive – mixed layer" and "circulatory – deep ocean" ocean heat uptake. The diffusive equilibration was associated with time constants on the decadal timescale and accounted for approximately 75 to 80 percent of the overall ocean heat feedback, whilst the circulatory equilibration operated on a centennial timescale and accounted for the remaining 20 to 25 percent of the response. This suggests that the dynamics of the transient ocean heat uptake feedback first discussed by Baker and Roe (2009) tends to be dominated by loss of diffusive heat uptake in climate models, rather than circulatory deep ocean heat equilibration.
Transport of warm upper circumpolar deep water onto the Western Antarctic Peninsula Continental Shelf
Authors: Martinson D. G.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. Five thermistor-moorings were placed on the continental shelf of the Western Antarctic Peninsula (between 2007 and 2010) in an effort to identify the mechanism(s) responsible for delivering warm Upper Circumpolar Deep Water (UCDW) onto the broad continental shelf from the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) flowing over the adjacent continental slope. Historically, four mechanisms have been suggested (or assumed): (1) eddies shed from the ACC, (2) flow into the cross-shelf-cutting canyons with overflow onto the nominal shelf, (3) general upwelling, and (4) episodic sweeping of ACC meanders over the shelf. The mooring array showed that for the years of deployment, the dominant mechanism is eddies; upwelling may also contribute but to an unknown extent. Mechanisms 2 and 4 played no role, though the canyons have been shown previously to channel UCDW across the shelf into Marguerite Bay.
Recurrent Corneal Erosion following Uneventful IntraLASIK Treated by Phototherapeutic Keratectomy
Authors: Kremer Israel
Published: December 2011

Purpose

To report on phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) in myopic patients who developed spontaneous recurrent corneal erosions (RCE) following IntraLASIK.

Methods

Recurrent corneal erosions developed spontaneously 3-6 months following IntraLASIK in 4 eyes of 4 myopic patients. Diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK) subsequently developed. Initially, all patients underwent mechanical scraping of the loose epithelium. The erosion healed but recurred after 2-4 months. Phototherapeutic keratectomy was performed following scraping of the whole loose flap epithelium. The ablation diameter was 6.5 mm, transition zone was 2.7 mm, and the depth was 12 μm. This program was followed by a refractive laser treatment to correct +0.75 diopter at a zone of 6.0-9.0 mm.

Results

Recurrent corneal erosions healed completely following PTK within 8-10 days and DLK disappeared gradually within 9-12 days. Steroid drops were continued for 6-10 weeks according to degree of stromal haze. Final refraction revealed no significant change. Visual rehabilitation was noted to be slow. No patient lost best-corrected visual acuity. A +1-degree reticular haze was noted in all patients 4.5 years following treatment. The patients remained asymptomatic and corneal erosion did not recur during the follow-up period.

Conclusions

Phototherapeutic keratectomy was found to be an effective treatment for late spontaneous RCE after IntraLASIK and prevented recurrences. A mild stromal haze remained after laser treatment without loss of best-corrected visual acuity.
Effects of the Chernobyl Disaster on Thyroid Cancer Incidence in Turkey after 22 Years
Authors: Acar Hasan , Çakabay Bahri , Bayrak Ferit , Evrenkaya Tülay
Published: December 2011

Background. Separate studies involving people who survived atomic bombs have shown that the risk for cancer remains high after 40 years, compared with the risk in the general population. An elevated risk may also remain in regions of Turkey near the Chernobyl disaster. Patients and Methods. A multidisciplinary study conducted in 2008, 22 years after the Chernobyl disaster, examined the thyroid cancer incidence in Rize, a province of Turkey located on the shore of the middle Black Sea. Approximately 100,000 people were screened, and a fine-needle aspiration biopsy was performed in 89 patients. Results. Based on postoperative histopathological examinations, thyroid cancer was diagnosed in six of the 100,000 people screened. Conclusion. Given a thyroid cancer frequency of approximately 8 in 100,000 in the Turkish population, according to the Turkish Cancer Research Association, the rate in Rize reflects no increase in the thyroid cancer incidence 22 years after the Chernobyl disaster.
Positive Solutions for Second-Order Nonlinear Ordinary Differential Systems with Two Parameters
Authors: Sun Lan , An Yukun , Jiang Min
Published: December 2011

By using fixed-point theorem and under suitable conditions, we investigate the existence and multiplicity positive solutions to the following systems: , where are four positive constants and , , and . We derive two explicit intervals of and , such that the existence and multiplicity of positive solutions for the systems is guaranteed.
Local Anaesthetic Infiltration in Joint Replacement Surgery: What Is Its Role in Enhanced Recovery?
Authors: Starks Ian , Wainwright Tom , Middleton Robert
Published: December 2011

The last 10 years has seen the increased use of enhanced recovery pathways across several surgical specialities. A prerequisite of enhanced recovery is the ability to mobilise patients early. This is dependent upon good postoperative pain control. A number of different techniques have been employed in joint replacement surgery to address this issue. This paper focuses upon the current evidence for local infiltration anaesthesia.
The Washington Metropolitan Pediatric Vision Screening Quality Control Assessment
Authors: Couser Natario L. , Smith-Marshall Janine
Published: December 2011

Objective. To ascertain if parents are familiar with current recommendations on pediatric vision screening and to assess their knowledge of the roles that pediatricians, ophthalmologists and optometrists have in this screening process. Methods. A survey was targeted at parents to determine what the general public understands regarding vision screening. Results. The survey was conducted from January–May 2010. One hundred fifty six persons responded. Over one-third did not know the difference between eye care specialists. Many believed opticians and optometrists receive medical school training. Over forty percent incorrectly identified the recommended visual acuity testing age. A large discrepancy existed regarding who should perform pediatric eye exams. Most agreed a failed screening warranted follow-up, but there was not a uniform opinion as to when to seek care. The majority of respondents understood amblyopia should be treated at least before age ten; although nine percent believed amblyopia could be treated at any age. Discussion. There is a significant lack of understanding of the current screening recommendations, difference between eye care professionals, and the importance of early treatment of amblyopia. Conclusions. Many parents do not understand the potential detrimental consequences of delayed care in the event their child fails a vision screening.
Short-Term and Two-Year Rate of Recurrent Cerebrovascular Events in Patients with Acute Cerebral Ischemia of Undetermined Aetiology, with and without a Patent Foramen Ovale
Authors: Di Legge Silvia , Sallustio Fabrizio , De Marchis Emiliano , Rossi Costanza , Koch Giacomo , Diomedi Marina , Borzi Mauro , Romeo Francesco , Stanzione Paolo
Published: December 2011

Purpose. We investigated stroke recurrence in patients with acute ischemic stroke of undetermined aetiology, with or without a patent foramen ovale (PFO). Methods. Consecutive stroke patients underwent to Transcranial Doppler and Transesophageal Echocardiography for PFO detection. Secondary stroke prevention was based on current guidelines. Results. PFO was detected in 57/129 (44%) patients. The rate of recurrent stroke did not significantly differ between patients with and without a PFO: 0.0% versus 1.4% (1 week), 1.7% versus 2.7% (1 month), and 3.5% versus 4.2% (3 months), respectively. The 2-year rates were 10.4% (5/48) in medically treated PFO and 8.3% (6/72) in PFO-negative patients (), with a relative risk of 1.25. No recurrent events occurred in 9 patients treated with percutaneous closure of PFO. Conclusion. PFO was not associated with increased rate of recurrent stroke. Age-related factors associated with stroke recurrence in cryptogenic stroke should be taken into account when patients older than 55 years are included in PFO studies.
Pediatric Respiratory Syncytial Virus Hospitalizations, 2017-2023
Authors: Fitzpatrick Tiffany , Buchan Sarah A. , Mahant Sanjay , Fu Longdi , Kwong Jeffrey C. , Stukel Therese A. , Guttmann Astrid
Published: June 2024

Importance

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) transmission was disrupted worldwide following the COVID-19 pandemic, and further study is required to better understand these changes.

Objective

To compare observed and expected RSV hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) admission rates and characteristics of admitted children during the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 seasons.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A population-based cohort study of all children aged younger than 5 years in Ontario, Canada, July 1, 2017, through March 31, 2023, was conducted.

Exposures

Individual and neighborhood-level sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were identified from administrative data, including age, palivizumab eligibility, complex medical conditions, rurality, and living in a marginalized neighborhood.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcome was RSV-associated hospitalization. Secondary outcomes included ICU admissions, mechanical ventilation, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and in-hospital death. Poisson generalized estimating equations were used to model weekly age- and sex-specific hospitalization rates and estimate expected rates in the postpandemic era; adjusted rate ratios (RRs) and 95% CIs are reported.

Results

This cohort study included approximately 700 000 children per study year. Compared with prepandemic years (2017-2018, 2018-2019, and 2019-2020), the 2021-2022 RSV season peaked slightly earlier, but overall admission rates were comparable (289.1 vs 281.4-334.6 per 100 000, or approximately 2000 admissions). The 2022-2023 season peaked a month earlier and resulted in more than twice as many hospitalizations (770.0 per 100 000; n = 4977 admissions). The proportion of children admitted to an ICU in 2022-2023 (13.9%) was slightly higher than prepandemic (9.6%-11.4%); however, the population-based rate was triple the prepandemic levels (106.9 vs 27.6-36.6 per 100 000 children in Ontario). With the exception of palivizumab-eligible children, all sociodemographic and health status characteristics were associated with lower-than-expected RSV hospitalization rates in 2021-2022. In contrast, older age of patients was associated with higher-than-expected rates in 2022-2023 (ie, 24-59 months: RR, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.35-2.66).

Conclusions and Relevance

There were notable differences in RSV epidemiologic characteristics in Ontario following the COVID-19 pandemic. It is not yet clear whether and how long atypical RSV epidemics may persist. Clinicians and program planners should consider the potential for ongoing impacts to health care capacity and RSV immunization programs.
Open‐Shelled Covalent–Organic Frameworks Based on Organic Mixed‐Valence Systems with NIR‐II Absorption for Solar‐Heating Activation
Authors: He Mingxu , Hu Yuan , Song Qiuyan , Wang Wenjing , Xu Weiquan , Zhao Jie , Ma Mingjun , Zhao Shuai , Fan Kaijie , Nie Jun , Chang Yincheng
Published: June 2024

A novel kind of open‐shelled covalent–organic framework (TPAPL‐COF‐OX) is fabricated based on organic mixed‐valence (MV) systems, which is used for aromatic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) adsorption and activation without the artificial energy consumption. The triphenylamine nucleus endow TPAPL‐COF with an abundance of nitrogen‐active sites. A mild oxidation process on TPAPL‐COF results in the generation of MV structures (TPAPL‐COF‐OX), enhancing its absorption capacity into the NIR‐II region. The nitrogen‐rich TPAPL‐COF‐OX exhibits exceptional adsorption capabilities for VOCs. Its broad light absorption spanning from UV to NIR‐II regions endow it with remarkable photothermal properties, enabling it to attain activation temperatures under sunlight without artificial energy consumption. It is expected that this study may present a novel strategy for managing VOCs by solar‐heating activation with energy‐efficient advantages.
An Antioxidant, Reusable Laser Printed and Recycled Cork Paper Packaging
Authors: Zhai Wenxiang , Zhong Yijing , Xu Min , Wei Xinli , Cai Liping , Xia Changlei , Wei Yunzhao
Published: June 2024

In the realm of food waste recycling, industrial suberoligneous by‐products like cork and peels, pose a challenge for value‐added conversion, primarily due to their intricate structures. This study introduces an innovative approach by utilizing recycled cork as a prime example of repurposing food waste to create a reusable and durable packaging paper. Notably, the manufacturing process of this cork‐based paper avoids the generation of waste liquids from lignin removal, effectively alleviating concerns related to liquid waste pollution. The resulting packaging paper demonstrates remarkable printability, readability, and erasability while offering reusability. Its performance can be fine‐tuned through pH value adjustments. Moreover, this packaging paper exhibits outstanding antioxidative properties and barrier properties, seamlessly integrating superb UV‐blocking proficiency and heightened visible transparency, rendering it highly appealing for sustainable food packaging applications.
Engineered‐Doping Strategy for Self‐Sufficient Reactive Oxygen Species Blossom to Amplify Ferroptosis/Cuproptosis Sensibilization in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treatment
Authors: Hu Jiahe , Zhu Jiuxin , Wang Kuan , Yan Xiuwei , Xu Lei , Zhang Xiaoling , Ding He , Yang Piaoping , Hu Shaoshan , Xie Rui
Published: June 2024

Ferroptosis and cuproptosis are emerging modes of programmed cell death and have been increasingly used to eliminate tumor cells. However, converting ferroptosis/cuproptosis into effective treatments is challenging because of the inherent antioxidant and plasma membrane repair systems and inefficient copper ion delivery. Herein, an engineered doping method is developed to encapsulate ZnO2 with Cu2+‐doped ZIF‐8 and modify the surface by transferrin (Tf). In the resulting ZnO2@Cu/ZIF‐8‐Tf nanosystem, Tf specifically binds to transferrin receptors for targeting and aggregation. In the tumor microenvironment, Cu2+/Fe3+ is released from the nanosystem and reacted with glutathione (GSH) to produce Cu+/Fe2+. Excessive accumulation of Cu+ interfered with the tricarboxylic acid cycle and induced coproptosis. Furthermore, the additional Fe2+ caused iron overload and enhanced ferroptosis. ZnO2 supplied hydrogen peroxide to mediate the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Moreover, the depletion of GSH deactivated glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and inhibited the system Xc−‐GSH‐GPX4 pathway, and the amplified ROS triggered lipid peroxidation and reprogrammed lipid metabolism, causing malfunctioning of both antioxidant and membrane repair systems. In summary, the ferroptosis/cuproptosis pathways are activated at multiple levels in the ZnO2@Cu/ZIF‐8‐Tf nanosystem, which ensures its outstanding antitumor effect.
Liquid Crystal Network Soft Actuator with Large Deformations Driven by High‐Frequency and Low‐Voltage Electric Field
Authors: Gao Dongning , Zhao Ke , You Yuxin , Wan Tingting , Yang Tinghong , Zhang Guizhi , Lin Xiaolong , Ye Huapeng , Zhang Zhen , Zhou Guofu , Yuan Dong
Published: June 2024

In this paper, electrically responsive liquid crystal network (LCN) based soft actuators are presented that can achieve large deformations under an alternating current (AC) electric field. These LCN actuators are prepared by photopolymerization of liquid crystal acrylate monomers with polar end groups, which form polar side chains in the networks. Actuation is initiated by applying a high‐frequency and low‐voltage electric field. When this AC field is applied, the LC mesogens, especially the polar side chains, can oscillate, decreasing the molecular order, and creating free volume in the LCNs, which further results in anisotropic deformation. The formed shapes range from bending to bulging, depending on the programmed molecular alignment. The actuation proceeds fast within 5 s both for activation and for the relaxation to the initial state upon switching the power on and off. This LCN soft actuator exhibits fast response, low power consumption, and high precision, making it a promising candidate for applications in soft robotics, microfluidics, and biomimetic muscles.
Construction and Properties of Strong Near‐IR Absorption Photosensitizers
Authors: Cheng Fei , Qiang Taotao , James Tony D.
Published: June 2024

The design of near‐infrared photosensitizers with high photodynamic and photothermal synergistic therapeutic properties is of great significance for tumor therapy. In this study, An‐cyclic‐BDP with excellent near‐infrared absorption (ε = 1.94 × 105 m−1 cm−1 at 804 nm) is prepared using a dual strategy of twisted π‐conjugated system induction (T‐π‐CSI) and spin‐orbit charge transfer (SOCT). Theoretical calculations, steady‐state and transient absorption spectra are used to investigate the intrinsic regulatory mechanisms between molecular structure and intersystem crossing (ISC) capacity. The results indicate that the application of the T‐π‐CSI and SOCT approach can be superimposed to increase ISC capacity and the triplet lifetime of An‐cyclic‐BDP (τ = 2961 ps). Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) results confirm that An‐cyclic‐BDP has the ability to generate hydroxyl radical (·OH) and singlet oxygen (1O2). Furthermore, the calculated 1O2 yield of An‐cyclic‐BDP is found to be 13%. The experimental results of the photothermal conversion indicates that An‐cyclic‐BDP exhibits a photothermal conversion efficiency of up to 48%. In vitro cell experiments demonstrate that An‐cyclic‐BDP‐NPs, constructed by encapsulating An‐cyclic‐BDP with DSPE‐mPEG2000, exhibit excellent biocompatibility and tumor cell‐killing ability. Therefore, the strong near‐IR absorption photosensitizer prepared in this study exhibits significant potential for application in the area of photodynamic and photothermal synergistic therapy.
Dipolar Microenvironment Engineering Enabled by Electron Beam Irradiation for Boosting Catalytic Performance
Authors: Chen Zhiyan , Hao Shuai , Li Haozhe , Dong Xiaohan , Chen Xihao , Yuan Jushigang , Sidorenko Alexander , Huang Jiang , Gu Yanlong
Published: June 2024

Creating a diverse dipolar microenvironment around the active site is of great significance for the targeted induction of intermediate behaviors to achieve complicated chemical transformations. Herein, an efficient and general strategy is reported to construct hypercross‐linked polymers (HCPs) equipped with tunable dipolar microenvironments by knitting arene monomers together with dipolar functional groups into porous network skeletons. Benefiting from the electron beam irradiation modification technique, the catalytic sites are anchored in an efficient way in the vicinity of the microenvironment, which effectively facilitates the processing of the reactants delivered to the catalytic sites. By varying the composition of the microenvironment scaffold structure, the contact and interaction behavior with the reaction participants can be tuned, thereby affecting the catalytic activity and selectivity. As a result, the framework catalysts produced in this way exhibit excellent catalytic performance in the synthesis of glycinate esters and indole derivatives. This manipulation is reminiscent of enzymatic catalysis, which adjusts the internal polarity environment and controls the output of products by altering the scaffold structure.
High‐Performance Co‐Solvent Engineering Electrolyte for Obtaining a High‐Voltage and Low‐Cost K+ Battery Operating from −25 to 50 °C
Authors: Shi Junjie , Zhang Long , Niu Ke , Wang Mengjie , Chen Qingrong , Wen Li , Ma Yanan , Su Jun , Li Zhihua , Yue Yang , Gao Yihua
Published: June 2024

High‐safety potassium‐ion batteries (HPIBs) are highly intriguing owing to their green energy, low cost, high voltage, noncombustible, and simple assembly. However, most high‐voltage HPIBs use water‐in‐salt electrolytes (WISE), which lead to several problems, such as a high viscosity, which significantly reduces the performance and increases the cost of HPIBs, thus impeding their development. Unfortunately, studies regarding HPIB electrolytes remain limited, further limiting the development of HPIBs. Herein, a co‐solvent engineering electrolyte (4.0 m KOTf in a mixture of propylene carbonate (PC) and H2O with a volume ratio of 5.0:1.0) featuring low‐cost (1/4 of WISE) and high‐performance (45.43 mS cm−1) characteristics is proposed, which not only achieves a wide electrochemical stability window by reducing the activity of H2O, but also adjusts the solvation structure of K+. Consequently, the HPIBs assembled via co‐solvent engineering electrolyte demonstrated a high energy density of 88.05 Wh kg−1, and sufficiently operated at rates of 0.50–10.0 A g−1 over a wide temperature range (−25–50 °C). This study provides a promising means for developing high‐voltage HPIBs.
Further defining the molecular spectrum and long‐term follow‐up of 17 patients with Dyggve–Melchior–Clausen and Smith–McCort dysplasia type 2
Authors: Akalın Akçahan , Ayaz Ercan , Soğukpınar Merve , Avcı‐Durmuşalioğlu Enise , Ürel‐Demir Gizem , Yıldız Adalet Elçin , Atik Tahir , Elcioglu Nursel H. , Eda Utine Gulen , Şimşek‐Kiper Pelin Özlem
Published: June 2024

Dyggve–Melchior–Clausen dysplasia (DMC) and Smith–McCort dysplasia (SMC types 1 and 2) are rare spondylo‐epi‐metaphyseal dysplasias with identical radiological and clinical findings. DMC and SMC type 1 are allelic disorders caused by homozygous or compound heterozygous variants in DYM, while biallelic causative variants in RAB33B lead to SMC type 2. The terminology “skeletal golgipathies” has been recently used to describe these conditions, highlighting the pivotal role of these two genes in the organization and intracellular trafficking of the Golgi apparatus. In this study, we investigated 17 affected individuals (8 males, 9 females) from 10 unrelated consanguineous families, 10 diagnosed with DMC and seven with SMC type 2. The mean age at diagnosis was 9.61 ± 9.72 years, ranging from 20 months to 34 years, and the average height at diagnosis was 92.85 ± 15.50 cm. All patients exhibited variable degrees of short trunk with a barrel chest, protruding abdomen, hyperlordosis, and decreased joint mobility. A total of nine different biallelic variants were identified, with six being located in the DYM gene and the remaining three detected in RAB33B. Notably, five variants were classified as novel, four in the DYM gene and one in the RAB33B gene. This study aims to comprehensively assess clinical, radiological, and molecular findings along with the long‐term follow‐up findings in 17 patients with DMC and SMC type 2. Our results suggest that clinical symptoms of the disorder typically appear from infancy to early childhood. The central notches of the vertebral bodies were identified as early as 20 months and tended to become rectangular, particularly around 15 years of age. Pseudoepiphysis was observed in five patients; we believe this finding should be taken into consideration when evaluating hand radiographs in clinical assessments. Furthermore, our research contributes to an enhanced understanding of clinical and molecular aspects in these rare “skeletal golgipathies,” expanding the mutational spectrum and offering insights into long‐term disease outcomes.