bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of autologous blood as part of the perfusate for cardiopulmonary bypass: a priming technique
Authors: Myers G J , Legare J F , Sullivan J A , Leadon R B , Johnstone R , Swyer W , Squires C , Power C , Hirsch G M
Published: July 2002

In an attempt to replace the oncotic and protein coating capabilities of serum albumin in the perfusate, we established a priming protocol that used autologous blood as part of the perfusate solution. Prior to March 1, 1999, our standard priming protocol was 1650 ml of crystalloid with 250 ml of 5% serum albumin and 5000 units of heparin. After removing albumin from our prime, our standard protocol was altered to include 40 ml of the patient’s autologous blood in 1800 ml of crystalloid and 10000 units of heparin. To determine the intraoperative effects of using albumin/crystalloid primes (Group A), autologous blood/crystalloid primes (Group B) and crystalloid primes (Group C), a total of 178 patients were sequentially evaluated. Intraoperative parameters evaluated were total protein (TP), colloid osmotic pressure (COP), platelets (Plts) and fluid requirements during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). During an overlapping 12-month period of time, 1092 consecutive cardiac surgical cases using CPB (584 albumin prime; 508 autologous blood prime) were evaluated for clinical outcomes in terms of mortality and length of hospitalization. In addition, over a period of 15 months, 1458 patients in both the autologous blood/crystalloid group and the crystalloid only group were evaluated for the incidence of high-pressure excursions (HPE) after going on bypass. Comparative reviews of TP, COP and Plts demonstrated no significant difference 10 min after the start of bypass between Groups A and B. However, in Group C, there was a statistically significant increase in the intraoperative fluid requirements during CPB, compared to both of the other groups. There was no significant difference in the incidence of HPE, with an occurrence of 1.04% in the crystalloid only group and 1.11% in the autologous blood/crystalloid group. Autologous blood perfusates were identical to albumin perfusates in their platelet protection and reduction of fluid shifts during the intraoperative period.
Hydrodynamics of the new Medos aortic cannula
Authors: Gerdes Anja , Hanke Thorsten , Sievers Hans-H
Published: July 2002

Background: Postoperative neurologic complications in cardiac surgery patients are considered to be associated with the design of an aortic cannula and its hydrodynamic profile. To gain knowledge about the hydrodynamics of a new cannula type, based on the integration of a helical stator in its tip, was the aim of the present study.

Methods: Pressure gradients and back pressures of the new Medos aortic cannula were measured and compared with a commonly used single-stream cannula at varying flow rates in a mock circulation. Additionally, flow visualization was performed by ink injection.

Results: Pressure gradients across the Medos cannula were 25.5-31.8% lower at all flow rates measured when compared to the reference cannula. Back pressures of the Medos cannula were 64.1-67.9% lower than reference back pressures.

Conclusions: The Medos cannula provides improved hydrodynamic characteristics, probably reducing the risk of atherosclerotic embolism and cerebral malperfusion by avoidance of high back pressures and sandblasting effect.
Integrated care pathways: outcome from inpatient rehabilitation following nontraumatic spinal cord lesion
Authors: Playford E D , Sachs R , Thompson A J
Published: July 2002

Background: Integrated care pathways (ICPs) map the predicted course of an episode of patient care. They detail the expected interventions during the episode and document departures from the expected pathway (variance). This study describes the use of an ICP to audit the rehabilitation of patients with nontraumatic spinal cord injury admitted between 1997 and 1999.

Methods: The ICPs and outcomes of 85 patients with nontraumatic spinal cord injury admitted to the Neurorehabilitation Unit at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London were analysed. Data extracted included diagnosis, level of the lesion and duration of stay. The numbers and categories of goals and the rates of goal achievement were extracted and the variance patterns analysed.

Results: An average of 28 patients were admitted each year. The level of disability on admission and the duration of stay decreased over the three-year period, while the average patient age increased from 48 to 54 years. None of these changes were statistically significant. On average each patient had three new goals set each week. Ninety per cent of all goals were achieved; this was not dependent on the category of goal. Sixteen patients (19%) accounted for 58% of all nonachieved goals. These patients tended to have acute-onset disability. The number of variances fell from 15 to 7 over the three-year period.

Conclusions: The pathway enables monitoring of the rehabilitation process. As the Unit becomes more experienced there is a trend to shorter, more focused admissions with fewer variances. Specific groups of patients with particular needs can be identified. Future patients benefit from closure of the ‘audit loop’ and the implementation of clinical change based on information obtained from the ICP.
A scale to measure satisfaction of bereaved family receiving inpatient palliative care
Authors: Morita T , Chihara S , Kashiwagi T
Published: July 2002

Although satisfaction is an important outcome of medical care, there are no validated tools to quantify family satisfaction with hospital-based palliative care. In this nationwide postal survey, an instrument to measure informal carer satisfaction with an inpatient palliative care service was validated. A 60-item questionnaire was mailed to 1344 bereaved people who had lost their family members at 50 palliative care units in Japan, and 850 responses were analysed (response rate=64%). The reliability, construct validity, and convergent validity of the scale were examined after the responses were randomly divided into two groups: a training set used in the development phase (n=500) and a testing set used in the validation phase (n=350). The number of scale items was reduced from 50 to 34 through psychometric techniques in the development phase. In the testing sample, the overall Cronbach's coefficient alpha for the final 34-item scale was 0.98. A factor analysis revealed that the scale consisted of seven subcategories: Nursing Care, Facility, Information, Availability, Family Care, Cost, and Symptom Palliation. The total score of the scale was significantly correlated with the degree of global satisfaction of the bereaved (Spearman's r=0.78). In conclusion, this 34-item scale, the Satisfaction Scale for Family Members Receiving Inpatient Palliative Care (Sat-Fam-IPC), has acceptable psychometric properties and would be a useful tool to measure carer satisfaction with an inpatient palliative care service.
Paediatric respite care: a literature review from New Zealand
Authors: Horsburgh M , Trenholme A , Huckle T
Published: July 2002

This paper reviews relevant international and New Zealand literature, policy documents and reports on respite provision for children who are dying and their families. The literature describes why respite care for children is necessary, and evaluates present respite services in accord with recent reports and literature. The service provisions needed for dying children and their families are explored, including suggestions for the improvement of services and future research. The literature reveals that, although respite care for terminally ill children and their families is necessary, service provisions are uncoordinated, not always culturally sensitive and very limited for children and their families. Improvement in paediatric respite services is necessary and research needs to be conducted in this area to facilitate the development of more appropriate respite services for children and their families.
Networks of value, commodities and regions: Reworking divisions of labour in macro-regional economies
Authors: Smith Adrian , Rainnie Al , Dunford Mick , Hardy Jane , Hudson Ray , Sadler David
Published: July 2002

The aim of this paper is to explore a theoretical framework that can assist in under-standing the extent to which the increased integration of macro-regional economies (such as the European and North American) and the global economy is leading to divergence and/or convergence in the pattern of economic activity and the distribution of value-added and wealth. In particular, the paper focuses on the extent to which changing divisions of labour, the production, appropriation and allocation of value, and economic organization underpin these processes of convergence/divergence. We focus on developing an understanding of the changing divisions of labour across space in increasingly integrated macro-regional economies such as Europe and North America, and the (unequal) flows of value between places that underpin mosaics of territorial inequality. We argue that the production and flows of value associated with different forms of economic activities and commodity production and exchange in different localities provides a framework for understanding changing geographical divisions of labour. We also argue that a critical engagement with the range of work associated with analysing ‘commodity chains’ and ‘commodity networks’ provides a way into thinking about the (dis)organization of economic activity and value creation, appropriation and distribution. In particular, we argue that the focus on the commodity, while initially helpful, is misplaced because commodities embody and carry with them relations of value. Consequently, our attention should be focused on the organization of the production, appropriation and realization of value flows and the various forces that structure these processes, such as state governance, labour organization, corporate practices and so on, that are fundamental to understanding the (re)configuration of economic activity in macro-regional economies.
Climatic variability in the northwestern Alps, France, as evidenced by 600 years of terrigenous sedimentation in Lake Le Bourget
Authors: Chapron E. , Desmet M. , De Putter T. , Loutre M. F. , Beck C. , Deconinck J. F.
Published: July 2002

Cores recovered from periglacial Lake Le Bourget deep basin (northwestern Alps) were investigated to examine the influence of the ‘Little Ice Age’ (LIA) on terrigenous lacustrine sedimentation. Growing glaciers in the regional watershed induced catastrophic Rhone river floods and major underflow deposits in the deep basin during the early fifteenth, the sixteenth and the mid-eighteenth centuries. The LIA is characterized by a decrease in deposition from interflows from AD-1550 to 1740 and an increase in deposition from underflows from AD-1550 to 1800. On one hand, spectral analyses of the laminations in interflow deposits reveal 4-5 years cyclicities from AD-1440 to 1550, as well as 7-8 and 13-14 years cyclicities from AD-1740 to 1870; on the other hand, spectral analyses of a clay mineral ratio reflecting underflow deposits highlight 45-50 years cyclicities from AD-1550 to 1800. These pluriannual, decadal and pluridecadal periods are typical of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). A NAO-like period in our data would be a consequence of periodical variations in rainfall and snow accumulation during late autumn and winter over Lake Le Bourget's watershed.
Basic toxicological approach has been effective in two poisoned patients with amitraz ingestion: case reports
Authors: Doganay Z , Aygun D , Altintop L , Guven H , Bildik F
Published: July 2002

Amitraz, a formamidine insecticide and acaricide used in veterinary practice, presents side effects in humans related to its pharmacological activity on alpha 2-adrenergic receptors. There is little information available in the literature about the toxicology of the product in man and the treatment of this poisoning. In this report, the clinical and laboratory features of amitraz poisoning in two patients by a veterinary formulation also containing xylene are presented. The major clinical findings were unconsciousness, drowsiness, respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation, miosis, hypothermia and brady cardia. The laboratory findings were hyperglycemia, hypertransaminasemia and increased urinary output. Supportive management of this poisoning in humans is suggested in only a few articles and there is no specific antidote for the subsequent possible pharmacological effects of amitraz. In our two cases, we performed supportive treatment such as mechanical ventilation, atropine, gastric lavage, active carbon, oxygen and fluid administration. We concluded that the basic approach to the patient with amitraz poisoning, including initial stabilization to correct immediate life-threatening problems, treatment to reduce absorption and measures to improve elimination of the toxin, is effective.
Oxidant signalling in carcinogenesis: a commentary
Authors: Deshpande S S , Irani K
Published: July 2002

It is becoming increasingly evident that reactive oxygen species (ROS) act at different stages of carcinogenesis, and thus play multiple roles in oncogenesis. In addition to being mutagenic and initiating tumors, ROS or carcinogens that result in ROS generation may affect tumor promotion and progression through varied effects on growth promoting, growth inhibitory, or apoptotic signaling pathways.
Maternal and developmental toxicity in mice by aminophenylnorharman, formed from norharman and aniline
Authors: Nagao T , Yoshimura S , Totsuka Y , Wakabayashi K
Published: July 2002

9-(4′-Aminophenyl)-9H-pyrido [3,4-b] indole (aminophenylnorharman, APNH) is a novel mutagenic heterocyclic amine, produced by the reaction of norharman with aniline in the presence of S9 mix. In the present study, the maternal and developmental toxicity of APNH were investigated in ICR mice administered oral doses of 0, 0.625, 1.25, 2.5 or 5 mg/kg/day on gestational days (GD) 6 through 15 or 0, 5, 10, or 20 mg/kg on GD 12. Maternal and foetal parameters were evaluated on day 18 of gestation. Foetuses of dams treated on GD 6–15 were examined for external and skeletal malformations and variations, and foetuses of dams treated on GD 12 were inspected for cleft palate. Maternal death occurred when APNH was administered at 5 mg/kg/day on GD 6 –15. No significant decrease in body weight gain during the administration period was observed at doses of 2.5 mg/kg/day or less when applied on GD 6– 15. Adverse changes in general condition of dams were observed in the groups treated at doses of 2.5 mg/kg/day and above on GD 6 –15, whereas no adverse effects on dams were noted even when APNH was applied at a fairly high dose on GD 12. Intracytoplasmic vacuolation in hepatocytes, necrosis of proximal tubular epithelial cells and desquamation of necrotic epithelial cells in the tubular lumen were observed in dams treated with APNH at 2.5 or 5 mg/kg/day on GD 6 –15. Increased pre-implantation loss was observed at 5 mg/kg/day and post-implantation loss was observed at 2.5 mg/kg/day and above when applied on GD 6–15, or at 20 mg/kg when applied on GD 12. Foetal body weight was decreased by APNH in a dose-dependent manner. The frequency of external malformations (cleft palate) was significantly increased in the group treated with APNH at 2.5 mg/kg/day on GD 6–15 compared to the controls. However, there were no foetuses with cleft palate even when APNH was given at 20 mg/kg on GD 12. No significant increases in skeletally malformed foetuses were found in any APNH-treated group. The frequency of lumbar ribs was increased dose dependently. This study demonstrated the develop-mental toxicity of a mutagenic compound, APNH, in mice at maternally toxic doses, and that cleft palate observed in term foetuses resulted from the adverse effect of APNH on the maternal environment during organogenesis. More detailed studies are warranted to assess the possible risks to pregnant women from exposure to APNH. Human & Experimental Toxicology (2002) 21, 147 – 151.
Mitigation of free radical toxicity in hyperoxaluric condition by a novel derivative eicosapentaenoate-lipoate
Authors: Lenin M , Latha LM , Nagaraj M , Varalakshmi P
Published: July 2002

Lipoic acid (LA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) have been shown to ameliorate the changes associated with hyperoxaluria. This prompted us to study the effect of EPA-LA, a new derivative, in experimental urolithiatic condition. Foreign body implantation method followed by supple-mentation of ammonium oxalate was adopted to induce stone formation in the bladder. Significant depletion in the antioxidant status was observed in the kidney and bladder of stone-forming animals, associated with increased lipid peroxidation. The present observations provide supporting evidence to the hypothesis that free radicals might be involved in causing toxicity in hyperoxaluric condition. The three drugs, namely LA, EPA and EPA-LA had reversed the above changes, but the effect was more pronounced in EPA-LA-treated stone formers. These features highlight the beneficial effect of EPA-LA wherein the potency of two drugs has been combined. The practical outcome of these findings is that the cellular antioxidant defence can be increased by the supplementation of lipoate and its derivative EPA-LA. Human & Experimental Toxicology (2002) 21, 153–158.
Between Professional Duty and Ethical Confusion: midwives and selective termination of pregnancy
Authors: Cignacco Eva
Published: July 2002

This qualitative study describes midwives’ experiences in relation to termination of pregnancy for fetal abnormalities, and their corresponding professional and ethical position. Thirteen midwives working in a university clinic were interviewed about their problems in this respect. The information gathered was evaluated by using qualitative content analysis. The study focused on the emotional experience of the midwives, their professional position, and ethical conflict.

In this situation, midwives are faced with a conflict between the woman’s right to self-determination on one hand and the right to life of the child on the other. This conflict causes a high level of emotional stress and, subsequently, professional identity problems. Although questions concerning the child’s right to life are generally suppressed, the ethical principle of the woman’s right to self-determination is rationalized. Although this process of rationalization seems to present a false ethical decision, it enables midwives to continue with their daily professional duties. As far as orientating midwives to the value of these women’s right to self-determination is concerned, it must be assumed that they have made an ethical decision to which they have given insufficient thought. This problem is exacerbated by the fact that midwives are largely excluded from the decision-making process of the parents in question. They cannot therefore help in this process in a valuable and responsible way by providing clear information and proposing objective criteria. In relation to the tasks they are expected to fulfil, these midwives revealed that they were in a state of professional confusion.
The measured and predicted performance of passive solar light pipe systems
Authors: Carter DJ
Published: July 2002

Passive hollow tubes consist of a light pipe transport section with, at the upper end, some device for capturing natural light and, at the lower end, a means of distribution of light within the interior. The wider use of the systems is currently limited by the lack of quantitative design methods other than those based on empirical data. This paper presents results of laboratory and field measurement of luminous flux output and luminous intensity distribution for various configurations of passive solar light pipes. The results indicate quantitative performance and form the basis of a number of methods of performance prediction for a wide range of passive light pipe system configurations.
Future-histories of Hanford: the material and semiotic production of a landscape
Authors: Mercer Doug
Published: July 2002

Arguably the largest and most expensive land remediation project in world history is under way at the Hanford plutonium production facility in Washington State. This paper examines competing visions for the future Hanford landscape focusing on the narratives told by agriculturists and environmental preservationists. I show that their narratives, what I call ‘future-histories’, rely on historical geographies of the region to make moral as well as material arguments about the future uses of the landscape. The example of Hanford future-histories leads to several conclusions about landscapes. First, that landscapes are both material and symbolic: they require both physical and mental labour. Second, that an ontology of landscapes must take seriously the work of nature, and moreover that people necessarily impute and ascribe meaning to that labour. The essay seeks to promote a relational and solidly materialist ontology of the physical and mental labours necessary for the production of future-historical landscapes.
Temporal Change in Risk of Metachronous Contralateral Renal Cell Carcinoma: Influence of Tumor Characteristics and Demographic Factors
Authors: Rabbani Farhang , Herr Harry W. , Almahmeed Taghreed , Russo Paul
Published: July 2002

PURPOSE: To determine the relative risk (RR) of developing a metachronous contralateral renal tumor after an initial diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), with stratification by renal tumor characteristics, demographic factors, and follow-up duration, in order to develop an improved risk-based surveillance strategy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: The 1973 to 1997 Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database was used to determine the observed and expected number of metachronous contralateral renal tumors developing after an initial diagnosis of RCC.

RESULTS: A total of 43,483 patients had a first diagnosis of RCC. Contralateral RCC developed subsequently in 155 (0.4%) of 40,049 patients with follow-up who had no synchronous diagnosis of RCC, with 10.81 expected cases (RR, 14.3; 95% CI, 12.2 to 16.8). The respective RRs (and 95% CIs) for contralateral RCC for white men and women were 16.0 (11.1 to 22.3) and 13.7 (7.7 to 22.6) at less than 2 years, 8.8 (5.0 to 14.3) and 10.5 (5.0 to 19.3) at 2 to 5 years, 13.5 (8.1 to 21.0) and 5.1 (1.4 to 13.2) at 5 to 10 years, and 13.0 (6.2 to 23.9) and 13.7 (5.0 to 29.9) at ≥ 10 years, respectively. The RRs were significantly higher in black compared with white men for the first 5 years, with the RRs (and 95% CIs) in the former group of 95.3 (58.2 to 146.7) at less than 2 years and 41.9 (16.8 to 86.3) at 2 to 5 years.

CONCLUSION: The incidence of metachronous contralateral RCC is stable on long-term follow-up, suggesting that surveillance of the contralateral kidney should remain rigorous on extended follow-up. Black men are at a significantly higher risk of developing contralateral RCC in the first 5 years of follow-up.
Lessons From the Change Healthcare Ransomware Attack
Authors: Kanter Genevieve P. , Rekowski James R. , Kannarkat Joseph T.
Published: September 2024

This Viewpoint discusses responses to the Change Healthcare cyberattack, concerns about consolidations and acquisitions of health care companies and organizations, and the need to clarify cybersecurity priorities.
Health Care–Related Savings Accounts, Health Care Expenditures, and Tax Expenditures
Authors: Ding Dong , Glied Sherry
Published: September 2024

Importance

Approximately 30% of US families with employer-sponsored health insurance, disproportionately drawn from high-income groups, benefit from flexible spending accounts (FSAs) or health savings accounts (HSAs). The combined association through both out-of-pocket spending and premiums of these tax-favored accounts with health care expenditures and tax expenditures remain uncertain.

Objective

To compare the health care and health-related tax expenditures among families holding FSAs, HSAs, or neither type of account.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study used family-level data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2019, and conducted regression models, controlling for demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, chronic conditions, prior health care expenditures, and marginal tax rates to analyze how holding tax-favored accounts is associated with families’ health care spending and tax expenditures. The sample was restricted to families included in the survey for 2 years, with no members 65 years or older, and with at least 1 policyholder covered (only) by full-year employer-sponsored insurance. Data were analyzed from December 1, 2023, to April 30, 2024.

Exposures

Holding FSAs or HSAs.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Out-of-pocket and insurance-paid health expenditures overall and by service were measured. Health-related tax expenditures were based on tax-excluded insurance premiums and tax-sheltered out-of-pocket expenses.

Results

Of the 17 038 families included in the study sample, 2628 held FSAs (weighted 17%) and 1845 (weighted 13%) held HSAs. In regression-adjusted models, families with FSAs spent a mean of 20% or $2033 (95% CI, $789-$3276) more on health care annually than non–account holding families, largely due to increased insurer-paid expenses. Families with HSAs spent a mean of 44% or $697 (95% CI, $521-$873) more on out-of-pocket expenditures and had insignificantly higher insurance-paid expenditures than families without accounts, resulting in overall expenditures comparable to those of non–account holders. The additional tax expenditures associated with FSAs were a mean of $1306 (95% CI, $536-$2076) annually per family. Both types of funds were associated with significant increases in tax expenditures from additional office-based visits ($445 [95% CI, $244-$645] for FSAs and $174 [95% CI, $11-$336] for HSAs), outpatient visits ($330 [95% CI, $132-$528] for FSAs and $250 [95% CI, $15-$485] for HSAs), dental visits ($180 [95% CI, $126-$233] for FSAs and $165 [95% CI, $104-$226] for HSAs), and vision care ($36 [95% CI, $28-$45] for FSAs and $52 [95% CI, $40-$64] for HSAs).

Conclusions and Relevance

Participation in FSAs is associated with higher health care expenditures and tax expenditures, while HSAs are not associated with reduced expenditures. Tax policy could be better targeted to enhance insurance coverage and health care accessibility.
YAP‐TEAD inhibition is associated with upregulation of an androgen receptor mediated transcription program providing therapeutic escape
Authors: Alva‐Ruiz Roberto , Watkins Ryan D. , Tomlinson Jennifer L. , Yonkus Jennifer A. , Abdelrahman Amro M. , Conboy Caitlin B. , Jessen Erik , Werneburg Nathan W. , Kuipers Hendrien , Sample Jack W. , Gores Gregory J. , Ilyas Sumera I. , Truty Mark J. , Smoot Rory L.
Published: September 2024

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a highly aggressive form of liver cancer and is an increasing cause of cancer‐related death worldwide. Despite its increasing incidence globally and alarming mortality, treatment options for CCA have largely remained unchanged, stressing the importance of developing new effective therapies. YAP activation is common in CCA, and its major transcriptional signaling partners are the TEAD proteins. CA3 is a small‐molecule YAP‐TEAD disrupter discovered utilizing a TEAD reporter assay. Utilizing CCA, gastric cancer cell lines, and patient‐derived xenograft models (PDX), we demonstrate that CA3 is effective in inducing cell death and delaying tumor growth in both FGFR2 fusion and wild‐type models. CA3 was associated with on‐target decreases in YAP‐TEAD target gene expression, TEAD reporter activity, and overall TEAD levels. Hippo pathway signaling was not altered as there was no change in YAP phosphorylation status in the cells exposed to CA3. RNA sequencing of gastric cancer and CCA models demonstrated upregulation of an androgen receptor–mediated transcriptional program following exposure to CA3 in five unique models tested. Consistent with this upstream regulator analysis, CA3 exposure in CCA cells was associated with increased AR protein levels, and combinatorial therapy with CA3 and androgen receptor blockade was associated with increased cancer cell death. CA3 behaves functionally as a YAP‐TEAD disrupter in the models tested and demonstrated therapeutic efficacy. Exposure to CA3 was associated with compensatory androgen receptor signaling and dual inhibition improved the therapeutic effect.
Boosting Uniformity and Efficiency of Large‐Area Inverted Organic Photovoltaics Via ZnO Surface Energy Modulation
Authors: Cui Yongting , Li Haojie , Zeng Shumin , Zhang Kai , Wang Hanlin , Liu Siqi , Ye Long , Guo Rui , Hu Xiaotian , Chen Yiwang
Published: September 2024

Large‐area organic photovoltaic modules have a wide range of applications in a number of fields due to their unique advantages. Inverted organic solar cells exhibit better air stability and are suitable for all‐air printing of large‐area modules. However, the mismatch between the surface energy of ZnO and the active layer leads to coffee rings and stick‐slip effects during the printing process, resulting in uneven deposition of the active layer. Additionally, the mismatch in energy levels between the active layer and ZnO degrades device performance. Hence, a phenol series of alcohol solutions is utilized to improve the wettability and surface energy of ZnO, enabling the formation of large‐area homogeneous active layer films. Hydroxyl groups in the phenol series passivate ZnO surface defects and form hydrogen bonds with small molecules of the acceptor, increasing carrier mobility and improving device performances. Based on the PM6: BTP‐eC9 (o‐XY) system, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) reaches 18.80% for small‐area devices and 15.87% for large‐area modules, higher than the forward structure (15.83%). This study offers an effective approach to mitigating large‐area active layer film uniformity issues, advancing the preparation of large‐area organic photovoltaic modules via all‐air printing.
Simultaneous Light‐Triggered Formation of Polymer Networks and Enhancement of Electrohydrodynamic Instabilities in Liquid Crystals for Versatile Energy‐Saving Smart Windows
Authors: Zhang Huimin , Li Junqin , Zhao Yuzhen , He Zemin , Miao Zongcheng , Shen Wenbo
Published: September 2024

Smart windows have come to the fore in modern buildings and intelligent information equipment drawing upon their dynamic control over light transmission. Liquid crystals tactfully manipulate light transmission depending on their microcosmic molecular orientations, emerging as new favorite functional materials for smart windows. However, most liquid crystal window technologies require continuous electricity for operation in luminous transparency and still perform a trade‐off between film formation performance and dimming functions. As key components of building structures, windows shall be kept transparent for an extended period. For the convenience of large‐scale processing, polymer matrices are indispensable. Given that, reverse‐operation‐mode dimming films, which are transparent to achieve daylighting in their natural or no power‐input states and become opaque to block sunlight through electric input on demand, are highly desired. Here, by introducing a photolabile amine, the synchronous light‐induced formation of polymer networks and enhancement of electrohydrodynamic instabilities in mesogenic materials is successfully executed. Relying on this creative and effective approach, reverse‐operation‐mode polymer network liquid crystal films having simultaneous modulation capability of visible light and near‐infrared light from solar irradiation are skillfully fabricated, promising applications in versatile energy‐saving smart windows.
Integrated OPECT and Smartphone Colorimetry Dual‐Mode Detection of Okadaic Acid Based on Ce‐MOF Modified MXene@SnO2 Z‐Scheme Heterostructure
Authors: Chi Jingtian , Ju Peng , Bi Fan , Jiang Tiantong , Wen Siyu , Cai Yueyuan , Wang Ling , Qiu Meng
Published: September 2024

The organic photoelectrochemical transistor (OPECT) biosensing relies solely on a singular signal readout inherently, which restrains the precision and dependability nestled within pertinent biological measurements. Herein, a high‐precision magnetic assisted OPECT and smartphone colorimetric (SCL) dual‐mode biosensing platform is first established for detecting harmful algal toxin okadaic acid (OA) by biocatalytic reaction. MXene@SnO2‐Ce‐MOF (MXSnO/Ce‐MOF) Z‐scheme heterojunctions with abundant oxygen vacancies are prepared as photoactive materials. Initially, in the presence of OA, the coupling of trigger DNA (tDNA) to magnetic beads (MBs) via anchor DNA (aDNA) is released through the interaction of the target analyte with the aptamer. Subsequently, the carried tDNA triggers HCR between the two hairpin sequences, producing long double helix chains to capture glucose oxidase (GOx). The obtained GOx supernatant catalyzes glucose to produce H2O2, which can oxidize Ce‐MOF, leading to the alteration of electrode color and a significant decrease in the overall photocurrent of MXSnO/Ce‐MOF. Crucially, the novel OPECT‐SCL biosensor exhibits excellent sensitivity and precision, boasting detection thresholds as low as 42.9 pM and 1.2 nM, respectively, and accomplishes the automated detection of OA within real samples. The proposed OPECT‐SCL dual‐signal measurement model constitutes a sensitive, portable, and precise platform for the quantification of marine toxins.
From Simple Probe to Smart Composites: Water‐Soluble Pincer Complex With Multi‐Stimuli‐Responsive Luminescent Behaviors
Authors: Duan Lixin , Zheng Qingshu , Liang Yanlin , Tu Tao
Published: September 2024

Water‐soluble smart materials with multi‐stimuli‐responsiveness and ultra‐long room‐temperature phosphorescence (RTP) have garnered broad attention. Herein, a water‐soluble terpyridine zinc complex (MeO‐Tpy‐Zn‐OAc), featuring a simple donor‐π‐acceptor (D‐π‐A) structure is presented, which responds to a variety of stimuli, including changes in solvents, pH, temperature, and the addition of amino acids. Notably, MeO‐Tpy‐Zn‐OAc functions as a fluorescence probe, capable of visually and selectively discriminating aspartate or histidine among other common amino acids in water. Additionally, when incorporated into polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to form the composite MeO‐Tpy‐Zn‐OAc@PVA, the material exhibits reversible writing, photochromism, and a prolonged RTP with a 14 s afterglow. These unique properties enable the composite to be utilized in potential applications such as secure data encryption and inkless printing.
4D Printing Hybrid Soft Robots Enabled by Shape‐Transformable Liquid Metal Nanoparticles
Authors: Huang Xumin , Zhang Liwen , Hang Jiangyu , Quinn Thomas , Nasar Naufal Kabir Ahamed , Lin Yiliang , Hu Chenyang , Pang Xuan , Chen Xuesi , Davis Thomas P. , Qiao Ruirui
Published: September 2024

In recent years, soft robotics has emerged as a rapidly expanding frontier research field that draws inspiration from the locomotion mechanisms of soft‐bodied creatures in nature to achieve smooth and complex motion for diverse applications. However, the fabrication of soft robots with hybrid structures remains challenging due to limitations in material selection and the complex, multi‐step processes involved in traditional manufacturing methods. Herein, a novel direct one‐step additive manufacturing (3D printing) approach is introduced for the fabrication of hybrid robots composed of soft and rigid components for sophisticated tasks. Inspired by the shape‐transformable liquid metal nanoparticles (LMNPs), a functional material toolkit with tuneable mechanical properties and deformability is developed by integrating differently shaped gallium‐based nanoparticles (GNPs) into the 3D printing polymers. Then the direct printing of assembled or one‐piece hybrid soft‐rigid robots is presented through a single recipe of GNPs‐integrated inks. This fabrication method enables precise control of the mechanical properties and shape memory properties within the hybrid structures of robot body with a customized structure design. Their capabilities are further demonstrated through the design and fabrication of hybrid robots as high‐precision gripper, bioinspired motor, and hand rehabilitation device.
WS2 Moiré Superlattices Supporting Au Nanoclusters and Isolated Ru to Boost Hydrogen Production
Authors: Chen Dechao , Gao Tianyu , Wei Zengxi , Wang Mengjia , Ma Yingfei , Xiao Dongdong , Cao Changsheng , Lee Cheng‐You , Liu Pan , Wang Dengchao , Zhao Shuangliang , Wang Hsiao‐Tsu , Han Lili
Published: September 2024

Maximizing the catalytic activity of single‐atom and nanocluster catalysts through the modulation of the interaction between these components and the corresponding supports is crucial but challenging. Herein, guided by theoretical calculations, a nanoporous bilayer WS2 Moiré superlattices (MSLs) supported Au nanoclusters (NCs) adjacent to Ru single atoms (SAs) (Ru1/Aun‐2LWS2) is developed for alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) for the first time. Theoretical analysis suggests that the induced robust electronic metal–support interaction effect in Ru1/Aun‐2LWS2 is prone to promote the charge redistribution among Ru SAs, Au NCs, and WS2 MSLs support, which is beneficial to reduce the energy barrier for water adsorption and thus promoting the subsequent H2 formation. As feedback, the well‐designed Ru1/Aun‐2LWS2 electrocatalyst exhibits outstanding HER performance with high activity (η10 = 19 mV), low Tafel slope (35 mV dec−1), and excellent long‐term stability. Further, in situ, experimental studies reveal that the reconstruction of Ru SAs/NCs with S vacancies in Ru1/Aun‐2LWS2 structure acts as the main catalytically active center, while high‐valence Au NCs are responsible for activating and stabilizing Ru sites to prevent the dissolution and deactivation of active sites. This work offers guidelines for the rational design of high‐performance atomic‐scale electrocatalysts.
Deep‐Learning‐Assisted Triboelectric Whisker Sensor Array for Real‐Time Motion Sensing of Unmanned Underwater Vehicle
Authors: Liu Bo , Dong Bowen , Jin Hao , Zhu Peng , Mu Zhaoyang , Li Yuanzheng , Liu Jianhua , Meng Zhaochen , Zhou Xinyue , Xu Peng , Xu Minyi
Published: September 2024

Aquatic animals can perceive their surrounding flow fields through highly evolved sensory systems. For instance, a seal whisker array understands the hydrodynamic field that allows seals to forage and navigate in dark environments. In this work, a deep learning‐assisted underwater triboelectric whisker sensor array (TWSA) is designed for the 3D motion estimation and near‐field perception of unmanned underwater vehicles. Each sensor comprises a high aspect ratio elliptical whisker shaft, four sensing units at the root of the elliptical whisker shaft, and a flexible corrugated joint simulating the skin on the cheek surface of aquatic animals. The TWSA effectively identifies flow velocity and direction in the 3D underwater environments and exhibits a rapid response time of 19 ms, a high sensitivity of 0.2V/ms−1, and a signal‐to‐noise ratio of 58 dB. The device also locks onto the frequency of the upstream wake vortex, achieving a minimal detection accuracy of 81.2%. Moreover, when integrated with an unmanned underwater vehicle, the TWSA can estimate 3D trajectories assisted by a trained deep learning model, with a root mean square error of ≈0.02. Thus, the TWSA‐based assisted perception holds immense potential for enhancing unmanned underwater vehicle near‐field perception and navigation capabilities across a wide range of applications.
Plasma‐Generated Luminescent Coatings: Innovations in Thermal Sensitivity and Corrosion Resistance
Authors: Wang Ziyao , Wang Baochen , Yang Xinyao , Li Hui , Mi Ruiyu , Liu Yangai
Published: September 2024

The strategic design of traditional coating materials has long been pivotal in broadening their range of applications. In this work, europium‐doped TiO2 coatings are grown in situ on the surface of titanium substrate using plasma electrolytic oxidation technology. The core reaction took no more than five minutes. Incorporating europium into the coating preserved the inherent corrosion resistance of PEO coatings while imparting anticipated thermal‐sensitive luminescence capabilities. The intrinsic emission of TiO2 and the characteristic emission of Eu3+ (5D0 → 7F2) are employed as the self‐reference for the LIR thermometry. The absolute and relative temperature sensitivity of the coating reached 0.0087 K−1 and 0.739% K−1, respectively. Notably, the coating exhibited a signal discriminability of up to 5100 cm−1 and a temperature uncertainty of only 0.18 K, which is comparable to some TiO2: Eu nanoparticles. The ingenious fusion of corrosion resistance and thermal‐sensitive luminescence of the coating not only makes it a classic protective structure but also facilitates its applicability to diverse scenarios, including optical thermometry in extreme environments.
Supporting companies dealing with asbestos risk: Practical tools for occupational health services, risk prevention specialists, and companies
Authors: Monnerais Isabelle , Loizeau Mireille
Published: September 2024

Although asbestos has been officially banned in France for over two decades, it remains a major public health and occupational health issue. In 2012, French asbestos regulations became considerably more stringent and complex. Consequently, French Public Works and Building Trades Prevention Organisation (OPPBTP) and occupational health services have been working together for several years to support construction professionals. This support involves information, training and advice. This article presents the range of tools developed by OPPBTP and occupational health services to better understand the asbestos risk as it affects construction companies. These tools and this partnership have demonstrated positive results in confronting risk and in the implementation of suitable means of prevention. They serve the best interests of employees, companies and clients, by combining safeguards to employees' health and worksite performance.
Craniotubular Dysplasia Ikegawa Type: Further Delineation of the Phenotype
Authors: van Ommeren Babeth , Hoekstra Maud , van Gassen Koen , van Jaarsveld Richard , van Haaften Gijs , Mathijssen Irene , Dammers Ruben , van Veelen Marie‐Lise , Baars Rolanda , Giltay Jacques C.
Published: September 2024

Craniotubular Dysplasia Ikegawa type is a sclerosing bone disorder recently identified in five patients from four independent Indian families. It is caused by homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations in TMEM53. Deficient TMEM53 leads to overactive BMP signaling which promotes bone formation. Here, we present another three siblings with intronic mutations in TMEM53, identified by exome sequencing, from a Caucasian family. All three siblings displayed skeletal and radiographic features, similar to the earlier described individuals. All our patients had additional features such as cardiac and urogenital anomalies. Our results confirm the phenotype of CTDI. We discuss whether the additional features in our patients are separate from CTDI or reflect a broader spectrum of the syndrome.
A cost utility analysis for the management of acute exacerbations of chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Chu Matthew M. , Garcia Jack T. , Sedaghat Ahmad R. , Scangas George A. , Phillips Katie M.
Published: September 2024

Background

The management of acute exacerbations of chronic rhinosinusitis (AECRS) is understudied and the most cost‐effective management of AECRS has not been previously investigated. The aim of this study is to determine the most cost‐effective strategy for the initial management of AECRS.

Methods

The study design consisted of a decision‐tree economic model comparing three different initial strategies for managing a patient perceived AECRS: observation, upfront rescue medications, or clinic visit with diagnostic nasal endoscopy (DNE). The primary study outcome was the disease burden of a single AECRS, which was determined by the health utility value and the duration of symptoms. Strategies with an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio < $50,000/quality‐adjusted life year (QALY) or equivalently < $137/quality‐adjusted life day (QALD) were considered cost‐effective.

Results

Observation was the most cost‐effective strategy at a willingness to pay of $137 per QALD. One‐way sensitivity analysis demonstrated that observation was more effective than upfront rescue medications when the probability of bacterial infection as the cause of AECRS was <24.0%. Upfront rescue medications wer more cost effective than observation when the probability of bacterial infection exceeded 49.0%. Clinic visit with DNE was the most effective strategy to manage an AECRS, but it was not considered cost‐effective.

Conclusion

Observation is the most cost‐effective strategy for the initial management of AECRS when there is a low likelihood of bacterial infection. When the probability of bacterial etiology of AECRS exceeds 49.0%, upfront rescue medications proved to be the most cost‐effective strategy.
Unraveling the Potential of Mononuclear Zn(II) and Cu(II) Schiff Base Metal Complexes: Microwave‐Aided Synthesis, Theoretical Analysis and Application in Biomimetic Catalysis, CT‐DNA Interaction, and In Vitro Biological Assays
Authors: Paul Sneha , Sanjurani Thangjam , Talukdar Jyotirmoy , Barman Pranjit , Das Ankita , Pandey Piyush
Published: September 2024

Given the widespread and diverse effects of transition metal ions such as copper and zinc in multiple biological processes, this research endeavor addresses herein the microwave‐aided synthesis of two novel tetradentate ONNO (L1) and tridentate NNO (L2) donor Schiff base ligands derived from 4,5‐dimethyl‐1,2‐phenylenediamine and 4‐bromo‐2‐hydroxybenzaldehyde in a 1:2 ratio and from 4,5‐dimethyl‐1,2‐phenylenediamine and 5‐methoxy‐2‐hydroxybenzaldehyde in a 1:1 ratio, with their respective zinc, ZnL1(1) and ZnL2(3), and copper, CuL1(2) and CuL2(4), Schiff base metal complexes, which are comprehensively characterized utilizing physiochemical and analytical techniques, along with geometry optimization using the DFT approach. Spectrophotometric analyses have been used to assess the biomimetic activity in the conversion of 3,5‐DTBC to 3,5‐DTBQ with turnover numbers 53.4 and 78 h−1 in methanol for 2 and 4, whereas the zinc complexes are found to be ineffective. With CT‐DNA, possible modes of interaction with the synthesized complexes have been explored using absorption spectroscopy, where the associated binding constants ranged between 1.541 × 105 and 2.186 × 105 M−1. EtBr‐bound DNA was used in the fluorescence quenching experiments with Stern–Volmer constant (Ksv) values in the range 4.084 × 104 and 3.402 × 104 M−1, showing a stronger association with CT‐DNA. The compounds' ability to inhibit bacterial strains was also examined in vitro, as well as their ability to reduce inflammation, through the protein denaturation method and the DPPH assay for antioxidant activity have been performed. Furthermore, molecular docking simulations have been carried out to obtain a deeper comprehension of the molecular‐level interactions with CT‐DNA and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2).