bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surgical antibiotic prophylaxis use and infection prevalence in non-cosmetic breast surgery procedures at a tertiary hospital in Western Australia—a retrospective study
Authors: Lavers Ainslie , Yip Wai Siong , Sunderland Bruce , Parsons Richard , Mackenzie Sarah , Seet Jason , Czarniak Petra
Published: October 2018

Background

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a common complication following breast surgery procedures, despite being considered a clean surgery. The prevalence of SSIs can be minimised with the appropriate use of antibiotic prophylaxis as outlined in the Australian Therapeutic Guidelines (eTG). The aims of this study were to evaluate adherence to the eTG for antibiotic prophylaxis in breast surgery procedures at a Western Australian teaching hospital following an update of the guidelines in 2014 and examine the impact of prophylactic antibiotics on SSI incidence and length of hospital stay.

Method

A retrospective cross-sectional study which reviewed medical records from a random sample of 250 patients selected from 973 patients who underwent breast surgical procedures between February 2015 and March 2017.

Results

Overall adherence to current eTG occurred in 49.2% (123/250) of operations. Pre-operative and post-operative antibiotics were prescribed in 98.4% (246/250) and 11.2% (28/250) operations respectively. Adherence rates to three specific elements of the eTG (drug prescribed, drug dosage and timing of administration) were 91.6% (229/250), 53.6% (134/250) and 86.4% (216/250) respectively. For the 14.4% (36/250) patients with relevant drug allergies, there was zero adherence to the eTG. Overall recorded SSI prevalence was low at 5.2% (13/250). The mean length of stay in patients (2.3 ± 1.7 days) was not influenced by level of eTG adherence (p = 0.131) or SSIs (p = 0.306).

Conclusion

These data demonstrate a significant improvement in overall adherence to the eTG from 13.3% to 49.2% (p =  < 0.001). The level of detected SSIs in this study was low. Further improvement is necessary with respect to prescribing appropriate antibiotic dosages and for those with allergies.
The effectiveness of Payments for Ecosystem Services at delivering improvements in water quality: lessons for experiments at the landscape scale
Authors: Pynegar Edwin L. , Jones Julia P.G. , Gibbons James M. , Asquith Nigel M.
Published: October 2018

Background

Randomised Control Trials (RCTs) are used in impact evaluation in a range of fields. However, despite calls for their greater use in environmental management, their use to evaluate landscape scale interventions remains rare. Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) incentivise land users to manage land to provide environmental benefits. We present the first RCT evaluation of a PES program aiming to improve water quality.Watersharedis a program which incentivises landowners to avoid deforestation and exclude cattle from riparian forests. Using this unusual landscape-scale experiment we explore the efficacy ofWatersharedat improving water quality, and draw lessons for future RCT evaluations of landscape-scale environmental management interventions.

Methods

One hundred and twenty-nine communities in the Bolivian Andes were randomly allocated to treatment (offeredWatersharedagreements) or control (not offered agreements) following baseline data collection (includingEscherichia colicontamination in most communities) in 2010. We collected end-line data in 2015. Using our end-line data, we explored the extent to which variables associated with the intervention (e.g. cattle exclusion, absence of faeces) predict water quality locally. We then investigated the efficacy of the intervention at improving water quality at the landscape scale using the RCT. This analysis was done in two ways; for the subset of communities for which we have both baseline and end-line data from identical locations we used difference-in-differences (matching on baseline water quality), for all sites we compared control and treatment at end-line controlling for selected predictors of water quality.

Results

The presence of cattle faeces in water adversely affected water quality suggesting excluding cattle has a positive impact on water quality locally. However, both the matched difference-in-differences analysis and the comparison between treatment and control communities at end-line suggestedWatersharedwas not effective at reducingE. colicontamination at the landscape scale. Uptake ofWatersharedagreements was very low and the most important land from a water quality perspective (land around water intakes) was seldom enrolled.

Discussion

Although excluding cattle may have a positive local impact on water quality, higher uptake and better targeting would be required to achieve a significant impact on the quality of water consumed in the communities. Although RCTs potentially have an important role to play in building the evidence base for approaches such as PES, they are far from straightforward to implement. In this case, the randomised trial was not central to concluding thatWatersharedhad not produced a landscape scale impact. We suggest that this RCT provides valuable lessons for future use of randomised experiments to evaluate landscape-scale environmental management interventions.
Non-sutural basicranium-derived cells undergo a unique mineralization pathway via a cartilage intermediatein vitro
Authors: Weiss-Bilka Holly E. , Brill Justin A. , Ravosa Matthew J.
Published: October 2018

The basicranium serves as a key interface in the mammalian skull, interacting with the calvarium, facial skeleton and vertebral column. Despite its critical function, little is known about basicranial bone formation, particularly on a cellular level. The goal of this study was therefore to cultivate a better understanding of basicranial development by isolating and characterizing the osteogenic potential of cells from the neonatal murine cranial base. Osteoblast-like basicranial cells were isolated, seeded in multicellular aggregates (designated micromasses), and cultured in osteogenic medium in the presence or absence of bone morphogenetic protein-6 (BMP6). A minimal osteogenic response was observed in control osteogenic medium, while BMP6 treatment induced a chondrogenic response followed by up-regulation of osteogenic markers and extensive mineralization. This response appears to be distinct from prior analyses of the calvariumandlong bones, as basicranial cells did not mineralize under standard osteogenic conditions, but rather required BMP6 to stimulate mineralization, which occurred via an endochondral-like process. These findings suggest that this site may be unique compared to other cranial elements as well as the limb skeleton, and we propose that the distinct characteristics of these cells may be a function of the distinct properties of the basicranium: endochondral ossification, dual embryology, and complex loading environment.
Epidemiological and genetic characteristics of swine pseudorabies virus in mainland China between 2012 and 2017
Authors: Sun Ying , Liang Wan , Liu Qingyun , Zhao Tingting , Zhu Hechao , Hua Lin , Peng Zhong , Tang Xibiao , Stratton Charles W. , Zhou Danna , Tian Yongxiang , Chen Huanchun , Wu Bin
Published: October 2018

The outbreak of pseudorabies (PR) in many Bartha-K61 vaccinated farms in China in late 2011 has seriously damaged the pig industry of one of the largest producers of pork products in the world. To understand the epidemiological characteristics of the pseudorabies virus (PRV) strains currently prevalent in China, a total of 16,256 samples collected from pig farms suspected of PRV infection in 27 Provinces of China between 2012 and 2017 were evaluated for detection of PRV. Since the extensive use of gE-deleted PRV vaccine in China, the PRV-gE was applied for determining wild-type virus infection by PCR. Of the 16,256 samples detected, approximately 1,345 samples were positive for the detection of PRV-gE, yielding an average positive rate of 8.27%. The positive rates of PRV detection from 2012 to 2017 were 11.92% (153/1284), 12.19% (225/1846), 6.70% (169/2523), 11.10% (269/2424), 5.57% (147/2640), and 6.90% (382/5539), respectively. To understand the genetic characteristics of the PRV strains currently circulating, 25 PRV strains isolated from those PRV-gE positive samples were selected for further investigation. Phylogenetic analysis based on gB, gC, and gE showed that PRV strains prevalent in China had a remarkably distinct evolutionary relationship with PRVs from other countries, which might explain the observation that Bartha-K61 vaccine was unable to provide full protection against emergent strains. Sequence alignments identified many amino acid changes within the gB, gC, and gE proteins of the PRVs circulating in China after the outbreak compared to those from other countries or those prevalent in China before the outbreak; those changes also might affect the protective efficacy of previously used vaccines in China, as well as being associated in part with the increased virulence of the current PRV epidemic strains in China.
Chronological age, biological age, and individual variation in the stress response in the European starling: a follow-up study
Authors: Gott Annie , Andrews Clare , Larriva Hormigos Maria , Spencer Karen , Bateson Melissa , Nettle Daniel
Published: October 2018

The strength of the avian stress response declines with age. A recently published study of European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) found that a marker of biological age predicted the strength of the stress response even in individuals of the same chronological age. Specifically, birds that had experienced greater developmental telomere attrition (DTA) showed a lower peak corticosterone (CORT) response to an acute stressor, and more rapid recovery of CORT levels towards baseline. Here, we performed a follow-up study using the same capture-handling-restraint stressor in a separate cohort of starlings that had been subjected to a developmental manipulation of food availability and begging effort. We measured the CORT response at two different age points (4 and 18 months). Our data suggest a decline in the strength of the CORT response with chronological age: peak CORT was lower at the second age point, and there was relatively more reduction in CORT between 15 and 30 min. Individual consistency between the two age points was low, but there were modest familial effects on baseline and peak CORT. The manipulation of begging effort affected the stress response (specifically, the reduction in CORT between 15 and 30 min) in an age-dependent manner. However, we did not replicate the associations with DTA observed in the earlier study. We meta-analysed the data from the present and the earlier study combined, and found some support for the conclusions of the earlier paper.
Strategic Manufacturer Response to the Medicaid Rebate Cap Removal
Authors: Levy Joseph F. , Socal Mariana P. , Ballreich Jeromie M.
Published: November 2024

This economic evaluation illustrates a manufacturer’s estimated spending and revenues as it discontinued a branded product and introduced a generic replacement in response to a policy change.
Medical Devices Applying for Outpatient Medicare Supplemental Payments
Authors: Moneer Osman , Johnston James L. , Rathi Vinay K. , Ross Joseph S. , Dhruva Sanket S.
Published: November 2024

Importance

Medicare transitional pass-through payments (TPTPs) provide supplemental reimbursement that is intended to facilitate adoption of new devices in the outpatient setting. The US Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have historically evaluated manufacturer applications for TPTPs based on newness, cost, and evidence of substantial clinical improvement, ie, the traditional pathway. In 2020, CMS introduced an alternative pathway to allow US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-designated breakthrough devices to qualify for supplemental reimbursement without demonstrating substantial clinical improvement.

Objective

To characterize CMS TPTP approval rates and the premarket evidence used by FDA to support authorization of new outpatient medical devices considered for CMS TPTP.

Design and Setting

This was a cross-sectional study of TPTP applications for new outpatient medical devices from 2017 to 2023. Using the Federal Register, CMS Outpatient Prospective Payment System final rules for fiscal years 2017 through 2023 were obtained, from which all manufacturer applications for TPTPs were identified. For each application, the CMS TPTP review pathway (traditional/alternative), CMS final decision (award/deny), and FDA authorization pathway were assessed.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Characteristics of devices considered for CMS TPTPs and design, effectiveness end points, and patient demographic characteristics of premarket clinical studies used to support FDA authorization.

Results

CMS approved 17 of 43 (40%) applications for TPTPs, including all 8 (100%) alternative pathway applications for breakthrough devices and 9 of 35 applications (26%) using the traditional pathway. Devices approved for TPTPs were more likely to have been assessed in premarket clinical studies than devices denied TPTPs (12/17 [71%] vs 2/26 [8%]). Among the 14 premarket studies of TPTP-approved devices, 8 (57%) used surrogate markers as primary effectiveness end points and 5 (42%) did not meet all primary end points. The median (IQR) percentage of female, Black, and Hispanic patients among the trials that reported demographic data was 26% (17%-36%), 6% (2%-17%), and 4% (3%-5%), respectively.

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this cross-sectional analysis indicated that CMS more commonly awarded supplemental outpatient payment through TPTPs for devices assessed in premarket clinical studies to support FDA authorization. However, these studies often lacked generalizability to Medicare beneficiaries, used surrogate markers of effectiveness, or did not meet all primary end points. As more breakthrough devices receive FDA authorization and effectively qualify for automatic supplemental payments, strengthening premarket clinical evidence requirements for CMS TPTP approvals would provide better information to guide clinical decision-making and ensure that supplemental reimbursement enhances care for Medicare beneficiaries.
Perspectives on Telemedicine Visits Reported by Patients With Cancer
Authors: Doshi Sahil D. , Charvadeh Yasin Khadem , Seier Kenneth , Bange Erin M. , Daly Bobby , Lipitz-Snyderman Allison , Polubriaginof Fernanda C. G. , Buckley Michael , Kuperman Gilad , Stetson Peter D. , Schrag Deb , Morris Michael J. , Panageas Katherine S.
Published: November 2024

Importance

The COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed rapid adoption of telemedicine visits for cancer care delivery. However, patients’ experiences with telemedicine remain poorly understood.

Objective

To understand patients’ satisfaction with telemedicine visits at a comprehensive cancer center.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This survey study included patients with cancer at a US cancer center between 2020 and 2023. Eligible patients completed surveys in English conducted after their first telemedicine appointment via an online patient portal. Data were analyzed between January and June 2024.

Exposures

Patient surveys about telemedicine experiences, with a specific comparison with an in-person visit. Structured items elicited satisfaction with the specific visit, preferences for future use of telemedicine, and technical ease of use; unstructured free-text responses were also elicited.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Proportion of patients who indicated that telemedicine visits were superior or preferred to in-person visits. Secondary outcomes included multivariable analysis of barriers to telemedicine use and variations in patient experiences by demographic characteristics over the observation period, and free-text analysis of unstructured responses describing the telemedicine experience using the BERTopic algorithm and a language model.

Results

A total of 27 435 telemedicine users completed surveys from May 2020 to October 2023 (median [IQR] age, 65 [55-72] years; 15 072 female [54.9%]; 1771 Asian [6.7%], 1339 Black [5.1%], 22 742 White [85.9%]). Overall, 18 025 of 24 418 patients (73.8%) rated their first telemedicine visit as good as or better than an in-person visit, and 4606 (18.9%) rated it superior to an in-person visit. The proportion of patients rating a telemedicine visit superior to an in-person visit evolved from 17% in 2020 to 20% in 2023. Structured questions revealed a positive view of telemedicine, while free-text analyses highlighted issues with technology.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this survey study of perspectives on telemedicine visits, a large majority of patients at a comprehensive cancer center expressed satisfaction with telemedicine visits in proportions that remained consistent beyond the end of the pandemic. These findings challenge health care systems to integrate telemedicine into routine cancer care and to overcome remaining technical challenges and barriers to ease of use.
Vertical inhibition of p110α/AKT and N‐cadherin enhances treatment efficacy in PIK3CA‐aberrated ovarian cancer cells
Authors: Zhang Shibo , Hong Hei Ip , Mak Victor C. Y. , Zhou Yuan , Lu Yiling , Zhuang Guanglei , Cheung Lydia W. T.
Published: November 2024

Phosphatidylinositol‐4,5‐bisphosphate 3‐kinase catalytic subunit alpha [PIK3CA, encoding PI3Kalpha (also known as p110α)] is one of the most commonly aberrated genes in human cancers. In serous ovarian cancer, PIK3CA amplification is highly frequent but PIK3CA point mutation is rare. However, whether PIK3CA amplification and PIK3CA driver mutations have the same functional impact in the disease is unclear. Here, we report that both PIK3CA amplification and E545K mutation are tumorigenic. While the protein kinase B (AKT) signaling axis was activated in both E545K knock‐in cells and PIK3CA‐overexpressing cells, the mitogen‐activated protein kinase 3/1 (ERK1/2) pathway was induced selectively by E545K mutation but not PIK3CA amplification. Intriguingly, AKT signaling in these PIK3CA‐aberrated cells increased transcriptional coactivator YAP1 (YAP) Ser127 phosphorylation and thereby cytoplasmic YAP levels, which in turn increased cell migration through Ras‐related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (RAC1) activation. In addition to the altered YAP signaling, AKT upregulated N‐cadherin expression, which also contributed to cell migration. Pharmacological inhibition of N‐cadherin reduced cell migratory potential. Importantly, co‐targeting N‐cadherin and p110α/AKT caused additive reduction in cell migration in vitro and metastases formation in vivo. Together, this study reveals the molecular pathways driven by the PIK3CA aberrations and the exploitable vulnerabilities in PIK3CA‐aberrated serous ovarian cancer cells.
A Novel UBM/SIS Composite Biological Scaffold for 2‐Year Abdominal Defect Repairing and Strength Recovery in Canine Model
Authors: Zhong Weidong , Chen Jinshui , Xie Qifeng , Cheng Wenyue , Zhao Meibiao , Sun Yang , Dai Jing , Zhang Jian
Published: November 2024

Biological scaffolds are widely utilized in hernia treatment due to their exceptional pro‐regenerative properties, which mitigate scar formation. However, serious complications occurred, caused by inflammatory response, premature degradation, and mechanical failure. Consequently, improvements of the biological scaffold are necessary to mitigate these risks. In this study, a novel biological scaffold integrating basement membrane‐containing urinary bladder matrix (UBM) and small intestinal submucosa (SIS) is developed, and its safety and effectiveness are assessed in comparison to a commercial SIS (c‐SIS) scaffold. The introduction of UBM as top surface layers significantly promotes cell adhesion, facilitating rapid formation of isolated regeneration zone. Proteomic analysis has demonstrated a more efficient decellularization of the UBM/SIS scaffold, which subsequently mitigates inflammation in murine models, and promotes the polarization of macrophages toward the pro‐healing M2 phenotype in a rat model of abdominal wall muscle defect. Furthermore, a two‐year repair trial is conducted on a full‐thickness abdominal wall muscle defect in canine model and confirmed that the UBM/SIS scaffold exhibits reduced seroma occurrences and enhanced tissue repair performances. Overall, the efficacy of this novel biological scaffold suggests its potential to minimize hernia recurrence in clinical practice and mitigate patient suffering from severe inflammatory responses.
Size and Charge Dual‐Switchable Nanoparticles for Achieving Chemosensitization and Immune Infiltration against Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Song Haolin , Chen Hongyi , Chen Qinjun , Fan Hongrui , Li Chufeng , Wang Yu , Zhang Shilin , Li Xuwen , Su Boyu , Sun Tao , Jiang Chen
Published: November 2024

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), one of the most challenging cancers, is uniquely characterized by a biological barrier composed of multiple components in the extracellular matrix, preventing penetration of chemotherapeutic agents and hindering clinical drug treatment. Collagen I arrangement is critical. In this study, gemcitabine is chosen as the chemotherapeutic agent and dasatinib as the collagen‐I‐disrupting agent. When collagen I arrangement is disrupted, not only the chemotherapeutic drug enters the tumor area better, but the infiltration of CD8+ T cells into the tumor also increases. Therefore, a hypoxia‐responsive linker‐crosslinked polymer, DGD/L@GBI, is designed, which can be simultaneously loaded with two therapeutic agents, gemcitabine and dasatinib. The polymer is encapsulated by nucleic acid aptamers that target the PDAC stromal microenvironment and shield the surface. The aptamer is removed upon arrival at the PDAC hypoxic microenvironment, exposing the positively charged core to achieve charge reversal. Particle size transformation is achieved using linkers that respond to a hypoxic microenvironment. Increased intratumoral penetration is achieved using the dual transformation capabilities of the formulation. Pairing these two agents can result in a powerful efficacy in chemotherapy sensitization and immune infiltration.
A Facile In Situ Etching–coating of Artificial Solid‐Electrolyte Interphase on Zn Metal Anode for Aqueous Batteries
Authors: Fu Wenchao , Zhang Guoli , Qiu Tong , Liu Jie , Sun Xiaoqi
Published: November 2024

Zn metal anode is desired for aqueous batteries due to its high capacity and low redox potential. However, uneven Zn deposition and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) have hindered the electrochemical reversibility and stability. Herein, an artificial solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) composed of metal center incorporated siloxane coupling with fluoride is in situ generated on Zn surface by a facile “etching–coating” process. This SZ‐SEI provides interaction sites with Zn2+, which helps with its desolvation at the interface and enlarges the transference number. Uniform Zn deposition underneath the layer is thus realized. Meanwhile, the SZ‐component hinders the adsorption of hydrogen atom and effectively suppresses HER. Thanks to the above effects, the cycle life of symmtric cells with SZ‐Zn electrodes extends to 2200 and 1400 h at the current densities of 10 and 20 mA cm−2, respectively. The coulombic efficiency of Zn plating/stripping also reaches 99.8% for 3800 cycles. In addition, the SZ‐Zn anode enables better rate capability and cycling stability of full cells.
Mechanically Reinforced Pseudosolid Polyelectrolyte Membranes via Layer‐by‐Layer Assembly for High‐Performing Lithium‐Metal Batteries
Authors: Thapaliya Bishnu P. , Adigun Babafemi , Wang Tao , Ahmed Md Dipu , Meyer Harry M. , Popov Ivan , Dai Sheng
Published: November 2024

Ionogels are emerging as high‐potential pseudosolid electrolytes for lithium‐metal batteries (LMBs), leveraging their intrinsic high ionic conductivity from entrapped ionic liquid (IL) electrolytes. However, their practical application is hindered by poor mechanical strength stemming from the confinement of ILs within a polymer matrix. To address this challenge, the formation of conformal polyion coatings with functional groups is reported to be relevant to LMBs’ application on ionogels, utilizing a layer‐by‐layer (LbL) assembly strategy. This approach significantly enhances the mechanical strength (Young's modulus and tensile strength) and electrochemical performance of ionogels, owing to the tailored interface modifications introduced by functional groups’ specific conformal polyion coatings. The core of this methodology leverages the inherent ionic structure of ionogels to enable facile interface modification through Coulombic interactions between polyanions and polycations. These conformally coated interface functionalized membranes show improved electrochemical performance when integrated with cathode materials such as LiFePO4 (LFP) and LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NMC811) in an LMB configuration, underscoring their potential for robust, high‐conductivity, pseudosolid membranes for LMB applications. These innovative pseudosolid membranes offer improved mechanical and electrochemical properties, leading to higher battery efficiency and safety, making them promising candidates for next‐generation LMB technology.
Multifunctional Triboelectric Metamaterials with Unidirectional Charge Transfer Channels for Linear Mechanical Motion Energy Harvesting
Authors: Chen Haoyu , Shi Jiahao , Yan Lifu , Akbarzadeh Abdolhamid
Published: November 2024

Conventional triboelectric generators (TEGs) have been developed to mainly harvest the energy of linear mechanical motions and convert it usually into oscillating or pulsive, but not sustainable, electrical outputs. In this study, unidirectional charge transfer mechanisms are introduced to develop a triboelectric mechanical metamaterial (TMM) with sustainable electrical outputs. Density functional theory and experimental analyses demonstrate three minimum necessary components of TMMs fabricated by only two triboelectric materials (i.e., copper and PTFE) to generate sustainable electrical outputs. Under a wide range of compression‐tension strain of ±50%, the maximum open‐circuit voltage, short‐circuit current, and volumetric power density are 3860 V, 8 µA, and 365.3 kW m−3, respectively. Different from most conventional cellular solids, the mechanical energy dissipation of the TMMs increases quadratically with the unit cell number. High volumetric electromechanical efficiency is achieved when the unit cell is miniaturized. In addition to energy harvesting and mechanical energy dissipation, TMMs can sense the displacement by counting the number of distinctive peaks in the short‐circuit charge transfer or reaction force versus time curves. The extreme electromechanical functionalities of the TMMs facilitate their applications in intelligent suspension systems, miniaturized green power sources, and self‐sensing energy harvesters.
Energy Transfer for Constructing Circularly Polarized Luminescence Materials: Recent Progress and Future Prospects
Authors: Zhang Run , Zhong Hai , Yang Kai , Pan Kai , Zhao Biao , Deng Jianping
Published: November 2024

Circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) materials hold significant promise in multidisciplinary fields such as circularly polarized organic light‐emitting diodes, biological probes, data storage, and information encryption. However, these cutting‐edge applications also put forward higher requirements for the design of CPL materials, requiring large dissymmetry factor and high emission quality. For this purpose, diverse approaches have been explored to generate and enhance CPL emission. Among them, energy transfer (ET) strategy stands out as it can be readily implemented in a wide range of CPL materials. The present work overviews latest advances in energy transfer for generating and modulating CPL, involving small organic molecules, polymers, metal complexes, liquid crystals, as well as new‐emerging chiral luminescent materials. It is anticipated that the review article will garner increased attention toward energy transfer systems and facilitate the advancement of CPL materials.
Flexible and Sensitive Triboelectric Nanogenerator Strain Sensors Made of Semi‐Embedded Aligned Silver Nanowires
Authors: Ye Yang , Ning Jin , Meng Yuan , Wang Yuxin , Wang Peike , Luo Jingjing , Yin Ao , Ren Zhongqi , Liu Haipeng , Qi Xue , Yu Suzhu , Wei Jun
Published: November 2024

Recently, flexible strain sensors have attracted great attention due to their wide applications in human‐machine interface interaction, healthcare, soft robotics, etc. While many reported flexible strain sensors are stretchable, the stability of sensors under long‐term deformation is still a significant challenge. In this work, a strain sensor has been fabricated by encapsulating semi‐embedded aligned silver nanowires with a PDMS layer, showing a maximum gauge factor of 396.3 at 100% strain and a durability of 3000 cycles stretching. The strain‐sensitive material also remains stable after multiple bending and twisting during the 10000 cycles test. Furthermore, the strain sensor is endowed with a triboelectric nanogeneration function based on the triboelectric nanogeneration effect. The device has a maximum output power density of 9.36 mW m−2, allowing it to realize strain sensing while converting the mechanical energy produced by daily activities into electrical power. As proof of demonstration, attaching the device to the finger joint provides accurate real‐time strain sensing and stable output of triboelectric power.
Engineered Platelets for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Zhang Kai , Li Hongyang , Ma Zhaoyu , Zhong Wenbin , Yu Yongkang , Zhao Yanli
Published: November 2024

While nanomedicine research shows a great progress in the treatment of cancer, it still faces challenges of tumor recurrence and metastasis. Numerous studies have demonstrated intricate crosstalk between platelets and tumor cells. The re‐education of platelets by tumor cells enables these platelets to provide critical assistance for tumor proliferation, recurrence, and metastasis. Engineered platelets have shown promising potential in the treatment of tumors, postoperative tumor recurrence, and tumor metastasis. Different engineering technologies such as surface modification, gene editing, membrane coating, and loading into hydrogels can produce multifunctional and customized engineered platelets. These engineered platelets inherit the key properties of platelets, including long blood circulation, tumor targeting, and thrombus targeting, and can be stimulated to generate derivatized particles. In this review, we elucidate the critical role of platelets in the complex processes of tumorigenesis and tumor progression and summarize the emerging paradigm of engineered platelets in tumor therapy. The purpose of this review is to comprehensively explore the potential value of engineered platelets toward the clinical treatment of cancer, providing a valuable reference for the further development of engineered platelets and their broader applications in the field of cancer therapy.
Experiences of people with disability living in permanent supportive housing in the context of the National Disability Insurance Scheme
Authors: David Christina , Nipperess Sharlene , Wiesel Ilan , Orian Weiss Catherine
Published: November 2024

People with disabilities are more likely to be homeless than the general population and experience additional barriers to accessing housing. Despite this, there is limited research exploring the intersection of homelessness and disability, or the impact of responses such as permanent supportive housing (PSH) from the perspective of people with disabilities. This paper reports on research that explored the experiences of tenants with disabilities in a single site mixed tenancy PSH setting and the extent to which the housing and supports they received addressed psychosocial, welfare and health needs. The research also explored experiences of accessing Australia's National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) as well as other community supports designed to promote inclusion. We found benefits included a sense of stability and ‘home’ whilst challenges related to the limits of congregate housing for this tenant cohort and workforce capacity to manage significant complexity and competing needs. The findings highlight the need for trauma‐informed practices and design, and commitment to workforce development and capacity consistent with tenant needs. We also identified significant challenges and barriers at the interface with the NDIS and other funded services with implications for more assertive in reach education, support and planning to promote community participation.
Development of a framework for blockchain technology‐based net zero strategies in the agriculture supply chain: A TISM and Grey‐DEMATEL approach
Authors: Yadav Nidhi , Luthra Sunil , Garg Dixit , Singh Sanjeet
Published: November 2024

The Agriculture Supply Chain (ASC) faced significant pressure to implement Net‐Zero Strategies (NZSs) from consumer organizations, social and environmental campaigners, agro‐based businesses, and legislators. Blockchain Technology (BCT) has been introduced to tackle the current challenges in the ASC, due to its ability to improve food security, lower waste, and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Therefore, this research is conducted to identify the enablers of BCT implementation for NZSs in the Indian ASC. We use an integrated “TISM‐Grey‐DEMATEL‐Fuzzy MICMAC" approach to stimulate identified enablers. TISM results indicate that Transparency and Traceability are the most important enablers that drive other enablers and are placed at the bottom of the model. Grey‐DEMATEL results indicate that traceability is the most important cause enabler which drives other enablers and is classified into independent enablers based on MICMAC clustering. The interaction between enablers will support the ASC specialist in persuading firms to implement BCT in their supply chains to incorporate NZSs. At the end of this paper, to establish the groundwork for additional research studies, the unique contributions and limitations of this research are highlighted.
Liquid‐Crystallization‐Driven Self‐Assembly toward Uniform Multi‐Morphology Fried‐Egg‐Like Nanostructures
Authors: Xia Longgang , Zhu Hao , Xu Binbin , Duan Chuyu , Huang Xiaoyu , Lin Shaoliang , Feng Chun
Published: November 2024

Liquid‐crystallization‐driven self‐assembly (LCDSA) has recently emerged as an efficient strategy to create uniform one‐dimensional (1‐D), 2‐D and 3‐D nanostructures in a controlled manner. However, the examples of generation of uniform multi‐morphology nanostructures from solution self‐assembly of one single polymer sample are rare. Herein, we report the first example of preparation of multi‐morphology fried‐egg‐like nanostructures consisting of an inner spherical/bowl‐like core of uniform size and platelets protruded from the core by LCDSA of PAMAM‐Azo6 (PAMAM=polyamidoamine, Azo=azobenzene) in methanol. It is disclosed that the different aggregation rates for PAMAM‐Azo6 with varying contents of Azo units spontaneously separated nucleation and growth stages, which led to the formation of inner spherical/bowl‐like cores (“seeds”) firstly, followed by the formation of platelets protruded from the edges of inner core to give “imperfect” fried‐egg‐like nanostructures. Additional annealing of initially formed “imperfect” fried‐egg‐like micelles will promote the rearrangement of Azo units to give thermodynamically‐favored “perfect” fried‐egg‐shaped micelles with a uniform dimension both in the core and whole structure. This work not only provides an efficient strategy to create uniform multi‐morphology fried‐egg‐shaped nanostructures, but also reveals the essential impact of aggregation kinetics of liquid‐crystalline‐coil BCPs in the formation of multi‐morphology nanostructures.
Determinants of socially responsible investment intentions in India: The role of non‐economic goals
Authors: Passi Amarjit Kaur , Mehta Pooja , Jain Esha
Published: November 2024

This research delves into the intricate network of relationships that shape sustainable investment attitude and its ramifications on socially responsible investments (SRI) intention, while also considering the moderating influence of non‐economic investment goals. Employing partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS‐SEM), a survey methodology involving 534 retail investors was implemented, selected through non‐probability snowball sampling. Exploratory factor analysis was utilized to assess the suitability of items within constructs, followed by the application of PLS‐SEM to validate the research model. The findings underscore the significant impact of social consciousness, perceived consumer effectiveness, and environmental consciousness on sustainable investment attitude, consequently influencing SRI intention. Particularly, the pivotal role of non‐economic investment goals as moderators in this complex relationship. These findings carry profound implications for brokers, financial institutions, and businesses, reflecting a growing inclination among investors towards socially responsible enterprises. This research contributes uniquely by elucidating the intricate interplay among various determinants influencing sustainable investment behavioral intentions, particularly when considered alongside non‐economic investment goals. Ultimately, this study enriches the understanding and promotion of sustainable investment practices for the betterment of society.
Design of a Feedforward Decoupled Current Controller and an Optimized Voltage‐Oriented Control for Bi‐Directional Power Flow for V2G Application
Authors: Shahrukh Alam Md. , Singh Mukesh , Agarwal Pramod
Published: November 2024

Bi‐directional power exchange between the lithium‐ion battery and the grid can be achieved using vehicle‐to‐grid (V2G) technology. Bi‐directional battery chargers for V2G applications present opportunities and challenges, as the rapid growth of active components can compromise system reliability. This paper proposes an adaptive control mechanism for a three‐phase bi‐directional battery charging system to address this. The system integrates a bi‐directional active front‐end (AFE) converter (BAC) with an interleaved buck‐boost converter to enable adaptive constant current/constant voltage (CC/CV) mode operation and bi‐directional power flow. A feedforward decoupled current controller and pulse width modulation scheme optimize battery charging, while an optimized voltage‐oriented control (OVOC) model‐based controller ensures stable bi‐directional power exchange between the electric vehicle (EV) and the utility. Experimental results validate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, with findings demonstrating low total harmonic distortion (THD), unity power factor (UPF), and minimal DC voltage ripple. A 12.5 kW prototype further confirms the practical viability of the design, offering a promising solution for enhanced reliability and performance in V2G battery chargers.
New study finds heightened mortality risks for disabled individuals
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: November 2024

A new study by Scott Landes, Associate Professor of Sociology at Syracuse University, has shown that disabled adults in the United States face nearly twice the mortality risk compared to nondisabled adults. Published in the journal Health Affairs (bit.ly/3Ay7qFZ), this research claims to be the first comprehensive study to document the health disparity in mortality rates across various disability categories and demographic groups, filling a knowledge gap on health care issues affecting disabled people. The research comes nearly a year after the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities designated individuals with disabilities as a population with health disparities.
Fast polysulfides conversion and regulated lithium plating enabled by W2N quantum dots for high‐performance lithium sulfur batteries
Authors: He Linfeng , Luo Zhuyu , Liu Ping , Zhu Xin , Fan Wenbo , Yu Qi , Liu Xiaoyan , Li Hexing
Published: November 2024

Lithium sulfur (Li‐S) batteries have been regarded as one of the most promising next‐generation batteries. However, the shuttle effect caused by solubility and sluggish kinetics of polysulfides on the cathode and the uneven deposition of lithium on the anode hindered its practical application seriously. Herein, we designed W2N quantum dots (QW2N) embedded in mesoporous carbon microspheres (MC) as catalyst (QW2N/MC) modified on both sides of the separator. The ultrafine QW2N associated with nitrogen vacancies provide abundant active sites to adsorb the polysulfides and induce the fast in situ conversion, which highly prevent the shuttle effect. Meanwhile, the QW2N/MC layer on the anode side regulated the uniform deposition of lithium due to the good affinity with lithium ions. In long‐term performance evaluations, the Li‐S batteries achieved a reversible discharge capacity of 685.4 mAh g−1 after 600 cycles at 1 C with a decay rate as low as 0.07% per cycle. When the sulfur loading was increased to about 7.44 mg cm−2, it still maintained a high areal capacity of 5.97 mAh cm−2. This study showed a novel strategy to accelerate the polysulfides conversion and regulate uniform lithium deposition simultaneously by introducing QW2N modified separators, showing great potential in constructing high‐performance Li‐S batteries.
The outcomes of electronic personal health records in patients with heart failure or coronary artery disease
Authors: Nochioka Kotaro , Yasuda Satoshi , Shiroto Takashi , Yamamoto Saori , Sato Haruka , Hasebe Yuhi , Godo Shigeo , Nakano Makoto , Shindo Tomohiko , Nishimiya Kensuke , Hao Kiyotaka , Takahashi Jun , Ido Keisuke , Kakuta Yoichi , Shimizu Hiroaki , Shimokawa Hiroaki , Nakayama Masaharu
Published: November 2024

Background

There are limited data on the efficacy of smartphone‐based personal health records (PHRs) in patients with cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to examine the processes, outcomes and challenges associated with the implementation of integrated PHRs in patients with heart failure (HF) or coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods

This prospective single‐group study evaluated the effects of a PHR system with the capability to capture electronic health records and vital signs in patients with HF or CAD. The outcomes measured were the 6 ‐month changes in blood pressure (BP), body weight (BW), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels, lipid profiles and haemoglobin (Hb) A1c levels.

Results

Between June 2021 and March 2022, we enrolled 111 patients (median age: 61 years and 47% women) with CAD and/or HF. Over 6 months, the PHR review count distribution was skewed: median 749 times (lowest 2, highest 5724)/180 days, suggesting both low and excessive PHR users. After 3 days, 23% of the patients discontinued inputting their vital signs and medication status. At 6 months, compared with patients who discontinued, those who continued to input their vital signs (N = 86) showed a significant decrease in their systolic BP and LDL‐C levels but not in the diastolic BP, BW, BNP, HDL‐C, triglyceride or HbA1c levels.

Conclusions

The implementation of smartphone‐based PHRs in daily practice is challenging for patients with HF or CAD. However, we observed positive indications of the benefits of PHR in these patients.

Trial registration number

UMIN000044369
Exercise limitations in amyloid cardiomyopathy assessed by cardiopulmonary exercise testing—A multicentre study
Authors: Willixhofer Robin , Contini Mauro , Emdin Michele , Magrì Damiano , Bonomi Alice , Salvioni Elisabetta , Celeste Fabrizio , Del Torto Alberico , Passino Claudio , Capelle Christophe D.J. , Arzilli Chiara , Fiori Emiliano , Capra Nicolò , Kronberger Christina , Ermolaev Nikita , Kammerlander Andreas , Musumeci Beatrice , Vergaro Giuseppe , Castiglione Vincenzo , Rettl René , Tini Giacomo , Baggiano Andrea , Fabiani Iacopo , Sciomer Susanna , Badr Eslam Roza , Agostoni Piergiuseppe
Published: November 2024

Aims

Amyloid cardiomyopathy is caused by the deposition of light chain (AL) or transthyretin amyloid (ATTR) fibrils, that leads to a restrictive cardiomyopathy, often resulting in heart failure (HF) with preserved or reduced ejection fraction. This study aimed to determine whether cardiac output reduction or ventilation inefficiency plays a predominant role in limiting exercise in patients with amyloid cardiomyopathy.

Methods

We conducted a multicentre prospective study in patients with AL or ATTR cardiomyopathy who underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing across four centres. Patients were compared with a propensity‐score matched HF cohort based on age, gender, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and peak oxygen consumption (VO2).

Results

Data from 267 amyloid patients aged 77 (72, 81) years, 86% male, with a median N‐terminal pro B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) of 2187 (1140, 4383) ng/L, exercise parameters of peak VO2 of 14.1 (11.6;16.9) mL/min/kg, a minute ventilation to carbon dioxide production (VE/VCO2) slope of 37.4 (32.5, 42.6) and a LVEF of 50% (44%, 59%) were analysed. We identified 251 amyloid cardiomyopathy–HF matches. Amyloid patients had a signifnicantly higher VE/VCO2 slope [37.4, inter quartile range (IQR): 32.7, 43.1 vs. 32.1, IQR: 28.7, 37.0, P < 0.0001], NT‐proBNP (2249, IQR: 1187, 4420 vs. 718, IQR: 405, 2161 ng/L, P < 0.001), peak heart rate (121 ± 28 vs. 115 ± 27 beats/min, P = 0.007) and peak ventilation (51, IQR: 42, 62 vs. 43, IQR: 33, 53 L/min, P < 0.0001) with earlier anaerobic threshold (VO2 at AT: 8.9, IQR: 6.8, 10.8 vs. 10.8, IQR: 8.9, 12.7 mL/min/kg, P < 0.0001) compared with HF. Between amyloid patients, AL patients (n = 27) were younger (63, IQR: 58, 70 vs. 78, IQR: 72, 81 years, P < 0.0001), had lower VE/VCO2 slope (35.0, IQR: 30.0, 38.7 vs. 38.0, IQR: 32.8, 43.1, P = 0.019), higher end‐tidal carbon dioxide partial pressure both at AT (35.1 ± 4.8 vs. 31.4 ± 4.7 mmHg, P < 0.001) and peak exercise (32, IQR: 28, 35 vs. 30, IQR: 26, 33 mmHg, P = 0.039) as compared with ATTR (n = 233).

Conclusions

A higher VE/VCO2 slope and an earlier AT, determining functional capacity impairment, was assessed in patients with amyloid cardiomyopathy compared with the matched HF cohort. Additionally, patients with ATTR might display more severe exercise limitations as compared with AL.
Performance evaluation of agrivoltaic system for the synergy among greengram (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) production and solar electric power generation
Authors: Modi Vinit Vijayesh , Patel Sanjay Kumar
Published: November 2024

The concept of agrivoltaic, combining agriculture and solar photovoltaic system, is ideal for populous countries like India as it provides access to eco‐friendly power and crop production from the same land. The main objective of the study was to evaluate the performance of agrivoltaic systems for different geometry of solar photovoltaic strings and their suitability for agricultural practices for the greengram (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) crop under North‐Gujarat agro‐climatic conditions of India. Eight equal‐capacity strings with different geometry were designed to evaluate power generation and crop production beneath the strings. The experiment involved eight strings taken as eight treatments and the traditional system of greengram (V. radiata L. Wilczek) cultivation practices is taken as the ninth treatment. The greengram (V. radiata L. Wilczek) was shown and all other cultural practices was kept same upto grain yields. The results revealed that 10.5 feet height string with continuous solar panel pattern) provided the highest gross income (Rs. 24,364.00) from power generation and greengram (V. radiata L. Wilczek) yield. In terms of net realization, a 6.0‐feet string with continuous solar panel pattern provided the highest net return of Rs. 12,417.00, as the capital cost was less for the system. Treatment‐5, which involved transparent panels, was found to be better for the photosynthesis process of the greengram (V. radiata L. Wilczek) crop, as it provided the highest yield (12.99 kg) under the agrivoltaic system.