bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social values for biodiversity and carbon flow in cities
Authors: Lampinen Jussi , García‐Antúnez Oriol , Jalkanen Joel , Havu Minttu , Stahl Olafsson Anton , Gulsrud Natalie M. , Raymond Christopher M.
Published: September 2024

Urban green areas contribute to climate change mitigation, support biodiversity and host a wide range of social values important for urban residents. Understanding the interplay between social values, biodiversity and carbon flow in urban green areas is vital for socially sustainable urban climate and biodiversity policy, but relationships between the three remain poorly explored.

We assessed spatial and non‐spatial relationships between relational and intrinsic social values, biodiversity and carbon flow, in green areas across Helsinki, Finland, using logistic regression and spatial overlap analyses. To achieve this, we utilized pre‐existing datasets on modelled biodiversity and carbon flow, and a public participation GIS (PPGIS) survey dataset depicting over 16,000 spatially referenced social values for green areas mapped by a sample of 3237 residents of Helsinki.

We found that non‐spatial relationships between social values, biodiversity and carbon flow are value‐specific and diverse in terms of strength, shape and direction. Spatial overlap between priority areas of social values and those of biodiversity and carbon flow was moderate and variable across different urban contexts. This diversity was further nuanced by the result that urban residents of different socio‐economic contexts valued green areas in different ways.

Policy implications. Our findings imply that successfully leveraging urban green areas for simultaneous benefits to climate, biodiversity and social outcomes depends strongly on the surrounding social and ecological urban context. Key to maximizing synergies and balancing trade‐offs between the three are inclusive and participatory planning processes that jointly assess the social and ecological values of green areas.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Effect of molecular and structural architecture of poly(epichlorohydrin‐co‐ethylene oxide‐co‐allyl glycidyl ether) on the properties of its elastomers
Authors: Yalaki Yalçın , Şen Murat
Published: September 2024

Poly(epichlorohydrin‐co‐ethylene oxide‐co‐allyl glycidyl ether) (GECO) elastomers have gained importance in recent years thanks to improved synthesis methods. The effect of curing agents, fillers, and ionizing radiation on the mechanical properties of GECO elastomers has been studied in detail, however, the effect of the molecular and structural architecture of GECO on their elastomers' properties is not well studied. The main aim of this study was to prepare GECO elastomers with a certain recipe and to examine the effects of molecular and structural parameters of these polymers on the cure characteristics, mechanical properties, temperature scanning stress relaxation, and damping properties. The results showed that among the three monomers, the ethylene oxide ratio was the more important parameter affecting the cure characteristics and cure degree of GECO elastomers. It was also observed that the energy absorption and damping properties vary with the ethylene oxide ratio, crosslink density, and long chain branching. The temperature scanning stress relaxation behavior of GECO elastomers was observed to have almost the same relative behavior, regardless of crosslink density and branching. The results suggest that the temperature‐induced relaxation behavior does not change with the type and ratio of the monomers that make up the GECO.
Enhanced abrasion resistance of NR/BR/TBIR composites through the synergistic reinforcement of carbon black and graphene oxide: Structural influence and mechanistic insights
Authors: Yang Jiawei , Wang Feifei , Liang Chaobo , Zhou Shaofeng , Huang Jin , Zhao Guizhe , Liu Yaqing
Published: September 2024

Carbon black (CB) with different structural parameters together with graphene oxide were formed into uniformly dispersed filler network for enhancing the abrasion resistance of natural rubber/cis‐1,4‐polybutadiene rubber/trans‐1,4‐poly(isoprene‐butadiene) rubber blended composites. It showed that the CB structural parameters, such as specific surface area, surface activity and structural degree affected the formation of bound rubber. With the increase of bound rubber content, the homogeneity of filler network structure was improved and the filler‐rubber interaction was enhanced, resulting in a remarkable increase in the mechanical properties, thermal performance and abrasion resistance of the composites. Among the different types of CB, the composites filled with high‐structural‐degree CB of N134 had DIN wear volume as low as 76 mm3 and exhibited 19.5% higher abrasion resistance than N330. Wear surface observations and wear mechanism analyses showed that the increase in abrasion resistance was related to the improvement in tear resistance, hardness and thermal properties of the composites. Multiple linear regression analyses yielded that the structural degree in the structural parameters of CB had a significant correlation effect on the formation of bound rubber, and there was a strong linear relationship between the abrasion resistance of the composites and the content of bound rubber.

Highlights

Trans‐1,4‐poly(isoprene‐butadiene) rubber as compatibilizer for NR/BR blends.

Synergistic enhancement of rubber using carbon black and graphene oxide.

Carbon black with high structural degree promotes the formation of bound rubber.

Described correlation between CB structural parameters and abrasion resistance of rubber.
Predicting the Difficult Neonatal Airway in Fetuses With Micrognathia, Oropharyngeal or Neck Mass Lesions: Two‐Center Experience With Fetal MRI
Authors: Goergen Stacy , Christie James , Jackson Tracy , Smet Maria‐Elisabeth , Robertson Simon , Malhotra Atul , Kroushev Annie , Lovell Mark
Published: September 2024

Objective

Neonatal airway compromise requiring intubation, due to micrognathia or a mass lesion obstructing the fetal airway, remains difficult but important to predict prenatally. We aimed to validate MR predictors of difficult neonatal airway (DNA) in a multicentre retrospective cohort of fetuses with micrognathia and oropharyngeal/neck masses.

Method

The radiology databases of two large Australian maternal–fetal medicine centers were searched for subjects meeting inclusion criteria: Pregnancies of > 18 weeks' gestation evaluated with prenatal ultrasound and MRI between 2007 and 2022 where either fetal micrognathia or a fetal cervical, oral or oropharyngeal mass was identified on prenatal ultrasound and MRI, and details of delivery/postnatal course were available including: nature of delivery, need for the fetal airway to be secured at delivery, degree of difficulty in airway securement, survival > 24 h postnatally. Imaging predictors of a difficult neonatal airway (DNA) were assessed blinded to these neonatal outcomes.

Results

Twenty‐six fetuses met the inclusion criteria. Oropharyngeal and neck mass location with polyhydramnios was 100% sensitive and 82% specific for DNA. JI < 5th centile with polyhydramnios was 83% sensitive and 70% specific. JI < 5th centile with polyhydramnios was associated with DNA in 80% of cases delivered by ex utero intrapartum (EXIT) delivery and none with non‐EXIT delivery mode.

Conclusion

A cervical or oropharyngeal mass with polyhydramnios predicted a difficult neonatal airway. Polyhydramnios with jaw index < 5th centile was less sensitive and less specific for a difficult neonatal airway.
Recycling mixed polymer particles using a spiral tube tribo‐electrostatic separation device
Authors: Zhang Hongshen , Liu Pengfei , Gao Xiang , Zhao Rui
Published: September 2024

At present, research on the electrostatic separation of polymers is primarily concentrated in the WEEE field, with limited studies addressing the electrostatic separation of vehicle polymers. In this study, tribo‐charging separation of PA66/PP (modified)/PE three‐component vehicle polymer mixed particles was investigated using a spiral tube tribo‐charged separation device. Firstly, a force model of particle movement in the spiral tube was established, and the theoretical analysis determined that the critical rotational speed of particle centrifugal movement is 70 rpm. Secondly, the optimal charging parameters were determined by single‐factor experiments and orthogonal experiments, and the effect of the blanking baffle on the particle charging was also investigated. Finally, high‐voltage electrostatic separation simulations and experiments were carried out, achieving separation purities of 92.8% for PA66, 80.7% for PP (modified), and 86.6% for PE, respectively. Results provide both theoretical and experimental reference for one‐pass electrostatic separation of three kinds of plastic particles by spiral tube turbo‐charged separation device.

Highlights

Separation of vehicle polymers is crucial for its high‐value‐added recycling.

A spiral tube tribo‐electrostatic separation device is developed.

The critical rotational speed of particle centrifugal movement is analyzed.

The influence of the blanking baffle on the particle charge is investigated.
The preparation of melt electrospun fiber containing tandospirone for drug sustained release
Authors: Ding Xi , Wang Yuhang , Wang Yiming , Li Xudong , Bubakir Mahmoud M. , Gao Jixing , Li Feifei , Pang Ning , Yang Weimin , Zhao Rongsheng , Li Haoyi
Published: September 2024

Electrospun fibers membrane is considered an efficient drug carrier for transdermal drug delivery due to its breathability and high drug loading percentage, compared with coating film. However, pollution and safety risk caused by the use of organic solvents during the solution electrospinning process limit its industrialization and direct application in the biomedical field. Herein, a fiber membrane containing tandospirone was prepared using the melt electrospinning process and to be used for sustained drug release. The process of fiber preparation is an eco‐friendly and safe process due to the characteristics of solvent‐free. The in vitro drug release results showed that the fiber membranes containing tandospirone had slower initial drug release and higher end drug release compared with coating film containing tandospirone. The sustained‐release property can be attributed to the crystalline structure of fibers and the higher‐end drug release can be attributed to the spatial packing structures in the fiber membrane. The large pores generated by the stack structure of the large fiber in the fiber membrane leads to low gas resistance (10.7 Pa), which is much lower than that of the coating film (511.2 Pa). Overall, this study presents a green and safe preparation method of fiber membrane containing tandospirone, providing an effective and adjunctive treatments for mental disorders.

Highlights

The tandospirone‐loaded fiber patch was prepared using an eco‐friendly method.

Burst release inhibition and higher final release of tandospirone in fibers.

The fiber patch provided excellent breathability compared to coating patch.

Fibers with higher crystallinity showed better controlled release.
Influences of isothermal annealing post‐treatment on mechanical performances in fused deposition modeling manufactured short carbon fibrous PETG and PA composites
Authors: Wang Zhaogui , Zhang Baoyi , Wang Jinze
Published: September 2024

Fused deposition modeling (FDM) based large‐area additive manufacturing has advanced significantly, particularly for producing large parts with high‐performance short fibrous composites. To improve the mechanical performance of these manufactured parts, isothermal annealing is often employed as a post‐treatment for FDM‐produced components. Hence, this study examines the impact of isothermal annealing on the mechanical properties of short carbon fiber‐filled Polyamide 12 (PA12‐CF) and polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG‐CF). Samples are prepared using a customized high‐extrusion‐rate FDM (HFDM) system with varying key printing parameters (layer height and extrusion width). Three‐point bending tests are employed to assess the bending strength, modulus, and fracture deflection of the samples. Results show that annealing treatment significantly enhances the bending performance of PA12‐CF, with strength and modulus increasing by 27.8% and 31.2%, respectively. In contrast, PETG‐CF exhibits relatively minor improvements in bending strength (8.1%) and modulus (2.7%). Optical microscopy reveals that different printing parameters notably influence the alignment of short carbon fibers, affecting the mechanical properties, while the annealing treatment does not alter these parameter‐dependent trends. Finite element simulations further demonstrate that the presence of carbon fibers contributes to a progressive enhancement of the polymer matrix, which impacts mechanical improvement during annealing.

Highlights

High‐extrusion‐rate FDM is used to prepare PA12 and PETG composite samples.

Annealing improves properties more in semi‐crystalline PA12‐CF samples.

Meso‐structural analysis reveals that printing parameters play a crucial role.

Short‐carbon‐fiber boosts strengths of the polymer matrix during annealing.
Efficacy and safety of mirikizumab compared with currently approved biologic drugs for the treatment of ulcerative colitis: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Moćko Paweł , Koperny Magdalena , Śladowska Katarzyna , Holko Przemysław , Kowalska‐Bobko Iwona , Kawalec Paweł
Published: September 2024

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a serious health problem that requires a constant need to identify new effective drugs. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of mirikizumab compared with other biologic drugs approved for the treatment of moderately to severely active UC. This systematic review with frequentist network meta‐analysis (NMA) included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the use of adalimumab, golimumab, infliximab, mirikizumab, vedolizumab, and ustekinumab compared with placebo or with another approved biologic drug. The NMA was conducted using the netmeta R software package. The P score was used to determine the treatment ranking. A total of 14 RCTs were included in the analysis. No significant differences were observed in the incidence of clinical response and remission between mirikizumab and other drugs. Mirikizumab was superior to placebo for clinical response (induction: odds ratio [OR] = 2.38; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.63–3.48; maintenance: OR = 3.31, 95% CI: 1.59–6.89) and remission (induction: OR = 2.09, 95% CI: 1.20–3.63; maintenance: OR = 2.96; 95% CI: 1.62–5.40). The probability plot indicated that infliximab might be the most effective option in terms of both clinical response and remission (P score, 0.8971 and 0.8814, respectively) in induction phase. No significant differences were noted between the studied drugs in any adverse events (AEs), serious AEs (SAEs) and infections for the induction phase, and in any AEs, infections and serious infections for the maintenance phase. The drugs differed in terms of discontinuation due to AEs (induction and maintenance phases) as well as SAEs and serious infections (maintenance phase). Mirikizumab did not differ from other biologics in terms of clinical response and remission for both induction and maintenance phases in patients with UC. Mirikizumab during the induction phases achieved rank 3 for clinical response and rank 5 for clinical remission. Therefore, it represents a valuable treatment option. The lack of significant differences in the risk of AEs and SAEs suggests that mirikizumab has a similar safety profile to the other drugs.
Clinician acceptability of the ReacStep reactive balance training program for fall prevention
Authors: Ho Chrissie , Sharma Shivam , Huang Tiffany , Cheung Daniel , Hicks Cameron , Treacy Daniel , Farlie Melanie K. , Lam Freddy M. H. , Lord Stephen R. , Okubo Yoshiro
Published: September 2024

Aim

To examine if a novel reactive balance training program (ReacStep) designed for clinical settings is acceptable to clinicians prescribing balance and mobility training.

Methods

ReacStep consists of tether‐release reactive step training, volitional trip and slip training, and functional strength training. An open survey comprising 11‐point visual analog scale items (0 = strongly disagree to 10 = strongly agree) based on the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability was sent to clinicians working in balance and mobility training. Items evaluated the acceptability of ReacStep across seven domains (intervention coherence, perceived efficacy, self‐efficacy, ethicality, affective attitude, burden and opportunity cost).

Results

Two hundred and seven clinicians (169 Physiotherapists, 22 Exercise Physiologists, 11 Occupational Therapists and five others) completed the survey. Respondents considered ReacStep to have good overall acceptability, intervention coherence, effectiveness, ethicality and self‐efficacy (mean acceptability scores >7). However, respondent's ratings of ReacStep's affective attitude, burden and opportunity cost were more variable (mean acceptability scores 2–8) due to concerns about client anxiety, the need for a safety harness and staffing and training requirements. Respondents considered that ReacStep would be more effective and safer to conduct in geriatrics clients compared with neurological clients, and that it would be more appropriate for rehabilitation and private practice settings compared to home settings.

Conclusions

ReacStep was generally acceptable from the perspective of clinicians who prescribe balance and mobility training in various clinical settings, and was deemed more effective and safer for older clients without neurological conditions, and beneficial in outpatient rehabilitation and private practice settings.
Reorganized subtotal perfusion blockade of a pulmonary artery without hypertension after successfully lysed massive PE – A case report
Authors: Scheidhauer Hendrik , Moebius‐Winkler Sven , Haertel Franz , Kretzschmar Daniel
Published: September 2024

We present the case of an 18‐year‐old woman with a 5‐day history of thoracic pain and dyspnea following physical exertion, along with swelling of her right calf. Computertomography (CT) angiography confirmed a massive central pulmonary artery embolism (PE) of the left main branch. The patient underwent catheter‐directed thrombolysis. Six months later, CT angiography revealed a postthrombotic subtotal blockage of the left pulmonary artery, resulting in hyperinflation of the right lung and right heart hypertrophy. Right heart catheterization identified a pulmonary artery mean pressure of 9 mmHg, which led to the diagnosis of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary disease (CTED). Pulmonary angiography confirmed the complete occlusion of the left pulmonary artery. The patient was referred to an International Reference Center for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). There, she underwent pulmonary thrombendarterectomy of the affected pulmonary artery without complications. One‐year follow‐up has been postponed due to the recent surgery. The prevalence of CTEPH is reported at 8.4%, while CTED is observed in only 4% of survivors of PE cases. Patients experiencing unexplained dyspnea should be evaluated promptly for these conditions, warranting early diagnostic intervention.
Facile Synthesis of Functionalized TEOS–Acylpyrazolone Hybrid for Removal of Targeted Heavy Metal Ions: An Experimental and DFT Study
Authors: Kachhi Purva , Jadeja Rajendrasinh N.
Published: September 2024

This study broadens the application of 4‐acylpyrazolone, a leading β‐diketone chelating ligand, to include the removal of heavy metal ions in our current work. As organic–inorganic hybrids have gained considerable attention these days due to their widespread applications in the field of Chemistry, we have employed a Schiff base reaction to generate 4‐acetyl‐5‐methyl‐2‐phenyl‐2,4‐dihydro‐pyrazole‐3‐one incorporated polysiloxane material using a cost‐effective one‐pot synthesis. Optimization studies were performed to eliminate Pb(II), Cu(II), and Cr(VI) by varying the beginning metal ion content, the required amount of the adsorbent, pH, required time, and temperature. The considerable opportunity for monolayered chemisorption is illustrated by the observation that adsorption opts for the Langmuir adsorption isotherm, with R2 values of 0.99. It employs an endothermic adsorption mechanism in a study at multiple temperatures and follows a pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model. FMO and MESP investigations of complexes formed through adsorption were successfully carried out through DFT. Material reveals quick recycling up to three alternating rounds with removal efficiencies of 82%, 56%, and 47% for Pb(II), Cu(II), and Cr(VI), respectively. Therefore, it may further be used for extraction of heavy metals from industrial effluents and provides the basis for future scope of this type of organic–inorganic hybrids in water treatment.
Diffusion Coefficients of Coated Plasmonic Nanoparticles in Viscous Environment
Authors: Largillière Isabelle , Sullivan Dali , Meunier Michel
Published: September 2024

The Stokes‐Einstein relationship (SER) is not valid anymore in polymeric solutions for nanoparticles. It is thus important to characterize their diffusion properties to get a finer understanding of their behavior and to better tune their attributes for biomedical applications. The diffusion of gold and silver nanoparticles with citrate, hyaluronic acid, methyl‐polyethylene glycol, and antibody‐polyethylene glycol coatings is studied in hyaluronic‐based viscous solutions. The diffusion coefficient D is estimated from the Brownian motion thanks to a cost‐effective side‐illumination device. It is determined that the nanoparticles (hydrodynamic radius rh: 30–135 nm) diffuse up to 4–5 times faster than expected using the SER with a macroscopic viscosity from 1 to 30 mPa·s. It is shown that the adapted Huggins equation is a good model to describe the diffusion behavior of nanoparticles using an effective viscosity ηeff given by where where E is the polymer correlation length, Rh the polymer hydrodynamic radius and ηs the solvent viscosity. The values of k and a are given and allow to obtain D with an error of 10–20%. The impact of chemical interactions on the model parameter values are also highlighted, especially due to electrostatic interactions between the polymer and the nanoparticles.
Physiology, Pathophysiology and Clinical Relevance of D‐Amino Acids Dynamics: From Neurochemistry to Pharmacotherapy
Authors: Donoso M. Verónica , Catalán‐Salas Vicente , Pulgar‐Sepúlveda Raúl , Eugenín Jaime , Huidobro‐Toro J. Pablo
Published: September 2024

Over three decades ago, two independent groups of investigators identified free D‐aspartic and later D‐serine in specific brain nuclei and endocrine glands. This finding revealed a novel, non‐proteinogenic role of these molecules. Moreover, the finding that aged proteins from the human eye crystallin, teeth, bone, blood vessels or the brain incorporate D‐aspartic acids to specific primary protein sequences fostered the hypothesis that aging might be related to D‐amino acid isomerization of body proteins. The experimental confirmation that schizophrenia and neurodegenerative diseases modify plasma free D‐amino acids or tissue levelsnurtured the opportunity of using D‐amino acids as therapeutic agents for several disease treatments, a strategy that prompted the successful current application of D‐amino acids to human medicine.
Empowering Green Energy Storage Systems with MXene for a Sustainable Future
Authors: Zaed MA , Abdullah Norulsamani , Tan K.H. , Hossain MH , Saidur R.
Published: September 2024

Green energy storage systems play a vital role in enabling a sustainable future by facilitating the efficient integration and utilization of renewable energy sources. The main problems related to two‐dimensional (2D) materials are their difficult synthesis process, high cost, and bulk production, which hamper their performance. In recent years, MXenes have emerged as highly promising materials for enhancing the performance of energy storage devices due to their unique properties, including their high surface area, excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, and exceptional chemical stability. This paper presents a comprehensive scientific approach that explores the potential of MXenes for empowering green energy storage systems. Which indicates the novelty of the article. The paper reviews the latest advances in MXene synthesis techniques. Furthermore, investigates the application of MXenes in various energy storage technologies, such as lithium‐ion batteries, supercapacitors, and emerging energy storage devices. The utilization of MXenes as electrodes in flexible and transparent energy storage devices is also discussed. Moreover, the paper highlights the potential of MXenes in addressing key challenges in energy storage, including enhancing energy storage capacity, improving cycling stability, and promoting fast charging and discharging rates. Additionally, industrial application and cost estimation of MXenes are explored. As the output of the work, we analyzed that HF and modified acid (LiF and HCl) are the established methods for synthesis. Due to high electrical conductivity, MXene materials are showing extraordinary results in energy storage and related applications. Making a composite hydrothermal method is one of the established methods. This scientific paper underscores the significant contributions of MXenes in advancing green energy storage systems, paving the way for a sustainable future driven by renewable energy sources. To facilitate the research, this article includes technical challenges and future recommendations for further research gaps in the topic.
Experiences of marginalized women pursuing doctoral degrees in chemistry: The critical role of recognition
Authors: Jones Tamera , Ahmed Rehnuma , Cieza Elizabeth , Pratt Justin M. , Popova Maia
Published: September 2024

Even though marginalized women are earning more doctoral degrees in chemistry than ever before, the proportion of women who complete chemistry doctorates does not reflect national population trends. Previous research has explored the experiences of marginalized women seeking chemistry doctorate degrees. These studies highlight the issues that marginalized women face but do not explain why they face them or the systemic issues that underpin these experiences. This study captures the firsthand experiences of marginalized domestic and international women (Black, Hispanic/Latina, Asian, Pacific Islander, and Indigenous) pursuing graduate degrees in chemistry. We conducted semi‐structured interviews with 29 participants to understand how their social identities might impact the development of their science identities. Intersectionality and the Science Identity Model informed both the interview guide and the interpretation of our data. Deductive and inductive coding, constant comparative analysis, and thematic analysis were used to examine the interplay between participants' identities and experiences. We found that recognition had a critical impact on women's science identities. Results show that participants received more positive recognition than negative from their academic community. The participants who received mostly positive recognition developed research, teaching, and altruistic science identities. Most of the positive recognition was associated with research accomplishments, which is not surprising since doctoral programs in chemistry focus primarily on research training. Conversely, the participants who received mostly negative forms of recognition developed disrupted science identities. These women described being tokenized, taken advantage of, and having their accomplishments dismissed because of their gender, race, and ethnicity. Additionally, sexist and racist comments surrounding appearance, speech, and demeanor contributed to a diminished sense of being taken seriously and, consequently, feeling less like a scientist.
Plasma and Milk Pharmacokinetics and Estimated Milk Withdrawal Time of Tolfenamic Acid in Lactating Sheep
Authors: Corum Orhan , Uney Kamil , Coskun Devran , Durna Corum Duygu , Cetin Gul , Elmas Muammer
Published: September 2024

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the plasma and milk pharmacokinetics, as well as the withdrawal time (WT) from milk of tolfenamic acid (2 and 4 mg/kg) following intravenous (IV) administration to eight healthy lactating Akkaraman sheep.

Methods

The trial was conducted in two periods in accordance with a crossover pharmacokinetic design. The concentrations of tolfenamic acid in the plasma and milk were determined using high‐pressure liquid chromatography and evaluated using non‐compartmental analysis. The WT of tolfenamic acid in milk was calculated using the WT 1.4 software.

Results

Compared to the 2 mg/kg dose, plasma volume of distribution at steady state (from 0.43 to 0.50 L/kg), terminal elimination half‐life (from 2.41 to 4.14 h) and dose‐normalized area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC0−∞, from 9.46 to 30.11 h µg/mL) increased, whereas total body clearance (from 0.21 to 0.13 L/h/kg) decreased at the 4 mg/kg dose. The peak milk concentration (Cmax) and AUC0−∞ values in milk were 0.26 µg/mL and 0.28 h µg/mL, respectively, for 2 mg/kg, and 0.43 µg/mL and 0.55 h µg/mL, respectively, for 4 mg/kg. Although the dose‐normalized Cmax of milk decreased depending on the dose, no difference was observed in dose‐normalized AUC0−∞. The AUC0−∞ milk/AUC0−∞ plasma ratio was 0.03 for 2 mg/kg and 0.02 for 4 mg/kg. The WT values calculated for milk at dosages of 2 and 4 mg/kg were 3 and 4 h, respectively.

Conclusions

A decrease in plasma elimination and an increase in plasma concentration of tolfenamic acid were observed depending on the dose. Tolfenamic acid lowly passed into sheep's milk at 2 and 4 mg/kg doses. This study may provide valuable information for clinicians’ decision‐making processes.
Perioperative Change of High‐Sensitive Cardiac Troponin I Concentration in Cats According to Three Different Anaesthesia Protocols
Authors: Safak Tarik , Yılmaz‐Koç Oznur , Karakaya‐Bilen Ebru
Published: September 2024

Background

Cardiac troponin I, a particular biomarker, is released into the bloodstream in response to myocardial injury.

Objectives

To evaluate perioperative changes in high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs‐cTnI) concentration during ovariohysterectomy in cats undergoing three different anaesthesia protocols.

Methods

 Twenty‐one female mixed‐breed cats owned by clients aged (2.2 ± 0.7 years) and weight (3.2 ± 0.5 kg) were included in our study. The cats were divided into three groups: propofol–isoflurane (PI) group (n = 7), xylazine–ketamine (XK) group (n = 7) and xylazine–isoflurane (XI) group (n = 7). After pre‐anaesthetic propofol (6 mg/kg IV) was administered to cats in Group PI, a mask was placed, and anaesthesia was maintained with 3.0% isoflurane in oxygen. Cats in Group XK underwent general anesthetization with xylazine hydrochloride (2 mg/kg IM) and, 10 min later, ketamine hydrochloride (10 mg/kg IM). Cats in Group XI were administered xylazine hydrochloride (2 mg/kg IM), and then anaesthesia (3.0% isoflurane and oxygen) was continued with a mask. Blood samples were collected from all cats; preoperatively and postoperatively at 0 and 12 h (Pre‐, Post‐0 h and Post‐12 h, respectively). Serum hs‐cTnI concentrations were measured with the Advia Centaur TnI‐Ultra.

Results

In all 21 cats, hs‐cTnI concentration increased at Post‐0 h and 12 h measurement points compared to Pre‐. In the XK group, hs‐cTnI concentrations exhibited a significant increase at the Post‐0 h (51.30 ng/L) and Post‐12 h (157.70 ng/L) time points compared to Pre‐ (6.70 ng/L) (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The XK group increased the concentration of hs‐cTnI more than other protocols. In the PI group, the increase in hs‐cTnI concentrations at Post‐0 and 12 h increased less than the other two groups (p < 0.05). The PI group was found to induce less myocardial damage.
Associative and self‐limiting immune‐mediated haemolytic anaemia in a dog with bicavitary sepsis
Authors: Mattavelli Clara , Humm Karen
Published: September 2024

A 4‐month‐old, entire, female whippet was initially referred for dyspnoea after gastrotomy surgery for stick removal. Anaemia was not present at that time. Pyothorax and septic peritonitis due to gastric perforation and a diaphragmatic tear were confirmed. Exploratory celiotomy, gastric wall repair and transdiaphragmatic exploratory thoracotomy were performed, and clavulanate‐potentiated amoxicillin therapy was started. The dog recovered well and was discharged 4 days after the procedures. Within 24 hours, the patient was re‐admitted for collapse. Severe anaemia was found, and a diagnosis of immune‐mediated haemolytic anaemia was made. The dog was resuscitated with a packed red blood cell transfusion. Clavulanate‐potentiated amoxicillin was substituted with marbofloxacin. No immunosuppressive therapy was started due to the risks related to the recent gastrointestinal surgery and sepsis and the strong suspicion of an associative form of haemolysis. The anaemia resolved 8 days after the second presentation, and the dog remained stable without any further treatment.
Introduction
Authors: Altaf Anika , Tsikata Dzodzi , Torvikey Gertrude Dzifa , Dekker Marleen
Published: September 2024

Amidst the uncertainty in the early days of the pandemic in 2020, the knowledge platform on inclusive development policies (INCLUDE) initiated the research programme ‘Equity in COVID-19’. The introduction provides a short description on the pandemics’ trajectory in Africa, with a focus on the first wave in 2020, an elaboration of the research focus and approach, as well as a contextual description on the status of development in the country cases at the time the pandemic occurred.
Approximate CFTs and random tensor models
Authors: Belin Alexandre , de Boer Jan , Jafferis Daniel L. , Nayak Pranjal , Sonner Julian
Published: September 2024

Abstract

A key issue in both the field of quantum chaos and quantum gravity is an effective description of chaotic conformal field theories (CFTs), that is CFTs that have a quantum ergodic limit. We develop a framework incorporating the constraints of conformal symmetry and locality, allowing the definition of ensembles of ‘CFT data’. These ensembles take on the same role as the ensembles of random Hamiltonians in more conventional quantum ergodic phases of many-body quantum systems. To describe individual members of the ensembles, we introduce the notion of approximate CFT, defined as a collection of ‘CFT data’ satisfying the usual CFT constraints approximately, i.e. up to small deviations. We show that they generically exist by providing concrete examples. Ensembles of approximate CFTs are very natural in holography, as every member of the ensemble is indistinguishable from a true CFT for low-energy probes that only have access to information from semi-classical gravity. To specify these ensembles, we impose successively higher moments of the CFT constraints. Lastly, we propose a theory of pure gravity in AdS3 as a random matrix/tensor model implementing approximate CFT constraints. This tensor model is the maximum ignorance ensemble compatible with conformal symmetry, crossing invariance, and a primary gap to the black-hole threshold. The resulting theory is a random matrix/tensor model governed by the Virasoro 6j-symbol.
Quasinormal modes and universality of the Penrose limit of black hole photon rings
Authors: Giataganas D. , Kehagias A. , Riotto A.
Published: September 2024

Abstract

We study the physics of photon rings in a wide range of axisymmetric black holes admitting a separable Hamilton-Jacobi equation for the geodesics. Utilizing the Killing-Yano tensor, we derive the Penrose limit of the black holes, which describes the physics near the photon ring. The obtained plane wave geometry is directly linked to the frequency matrix of the massless wave equation, as well as the instabilities and Lyapunov exponents of the null geodesics. Consequently, the Lyapunov exponents and frequencies of the photon geodesics, along with the quasinormal modes, can be all extracted from a Hamiltonian in the Penrose limit plane wave metric. Additionally, we explore potential bounds on the Lyapunov exponent, the orbital and precession frequencies, in connection with the corresponding inverted harmonic oscillators and we discuss the possibility of photon rings serving as effective holographic horizons in a holographic duality framework for astrophysical black holes. Our formalism is applicable to spacetimes encompassing various types of black holes, including stationary ones like Kerr, Kerr-Newman, as well as static black holes such as Schwarzschild, Reissner-Nordström, among others.
Patient- vs organ-based prognostic tools for older patients in critical care units
Authors: Hochleitner Melanie , Pickert Lena , Nolting Nick A. , Affeldt Anna Maria , Becker Ingrid , Benzing Thomas , Kochanek Matthias , Polidori Maria Cristina
Published: September 2024

Background

Anticipating a doubling of older adults in Europe by 2050, healthcare systems face substantial challenges, particularly in critical care units. However, there is still a lack of evidence-based knowledge for treating and assessing mortality risk in older patients. This study compared the predictive accuracy of two assessment tools for long-term outcomes among older patients: the Multidimensional Prognostic Index (MPI) and the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA). As the MPI is based on a more holistic assessment, it may provide a more accurate prediction than the organ-based SOFA.

Objective

Does the MPI provide a more accurate prediction of mortality risk and quality of life for older patients in critical care units than the organ-based SOFA score?

Methods

In a 6-month study, 96 patients aged 65 and older admitted to intensive (ICU) or intermediate care units (IMC) were enrolled to assess 90-day mortality using a comprehensive geriatric assessment-based MPI and the SOFA score. The follow-up (FU) involved telephone assessments 30 and 90 days after admission, focusing on posthospitalization health and quality of life.

Results

Both MPI (p = 0.039) and SOFA score (p = 0.014) successfully predicted mortality among older IMC and ICU patients in logistic regressions. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses demonstrated comparable areas under the curve (AUCs) for MPI (0.618) and SOFA score (0.621), as well as a similar sensitivity and specificity (MPI 61.0% and 52.9%; SOFA score: 68.9% and 45.1%, respectively). The MPI at admission moreover correlated significantly with quality of life (p < 0.001, r = −0.631 at discharge; p = 0.005, r = −0.377 at 30-day FU; p = 0.004, r = −0.409 at 90-day FU) and nursing needs (Mann–Whitney U‑test, p = 0.002 at 30-day FU; p = 0.011 at 90-day FU) at FU, while the SOFA score did not show significant associations with respect to these parameters.

Conclusions

In geriatric critical care, both the MPI and the SOFA score effectively predict mortality risk. While the SOFA score may appear more practical due to its simpler and faster implementation, only the MPI demonstrated significant correlations with quality of life and nursing needs in the FU after 30 and 90 days.
Regional differences, repeated use, and costs of emergency medical services in Germany
Authors: Roessler Martin , Schulte Claudia , Bobeth Christoph , Petrautzki Isabelle , Korthauer Laura , Dahmen Janosch , Wende Danny , Karagiannidis Christian
Published: September 2024

Background

Little is known about regional differences regarding the utilization and costs of emergency medical services (EMS) in Germany. Evidence on characteristics of repeated use of EMS is also scarce.

Objectives

To compare German federal states regarding the utilization and costs of EMS and to analyze characteristics of repeated EMS use.

Materials and methods

We used BARMER health insurance data on more than 1.4 million German EMS cases in 2022. We estimated EMS use rates (per 1000 inhabitants) and median reimbursements and costs by EMS type (ground transport with/without emergency physician (EP); helicopter emergency medical services), hospitalization status, and federal state. We applied Poisson regression to estimate incidence rate ratios (IRRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), capturing relationships between repeated use of EMS and individual characteristics, including care degree and income level.

Results

Ground transport EMS use rates varied between federal states by more than 2.6-fold without EP (Bavaria: 84.6; Berlin: 223.2) and 2.1-fold with EP (Bremen: 19.1; Saxony: 41.3). Median reimbursement of ground transport with EP was 132% higher in Schleswig-Holstein (€ 1530) compared with Berlin (€ 660). Approximately one-third of all persons used EMS more than once and accounted for two-thirds of all EMS cases. Repeated EMS use was strongly related to care degree (IRR of care degree 5: 3084; 95% CI 3.012–3.158) and low income (IRR: 1.174; 95% CI 1.161–1.189).

Conclusions

The substantial regional heterogeneity in terms of utilization and costs of EMS calls for a nationwide, consistent regulation of EMS in Germany. Additionally, (outpatient) primary nursing care of persons with severe health impairments and health literacy should be strengthened.
Extragustatory bitter taste receptors in head and neck health and disease
Authors: Harris Jacob C. , Lee Robert J. , Carey Ryan M.
Published: September 2024

Taste receptors, first described for their gustatory functions within the oral cavity and oropharynx, are now known to be expressed in many organ systems. Even intraoral taste receptors regulate non-sensory pathways, and recent literature has connected bitter taste receptors to various states of health and disease. These extragustatory pathways involve previously unexplored, clinically relevant roles for taste signaling in areas including susceptibility to infection, antibiotic efficacy, and cancer outcomes. Among other physicians, otolaryngologists who manage head and neck diseases should be aware of this growing body of evidence and its relevance to their fields. In this review, we describe the role of extragustatory taste receptors in head and neck health and disease, highlighting recent advances, clinical implications, and directions for future investigation. Additionally, this review will discuss known TAS2R polymorphisms and the associated implications for clinical prognosis.
Stumpfe Gewalt in der forensischen Radiologie
Authors: Zech Wolf-Dieter , Ruder Thomas D.
Published: September 2024

Hintergrund

Darstellung der wesentlichen forensisch-radiologischen Untersuchungsmodalitäten und Befunde bei stumpfer Gewalt bei lebenden und verstorbenen Erwachsenen.

Methoden

Herausarbeitung der wesentlichen Punkte anhand eigener praktischer Erfahrung der Autoren sowie einschlägiger Fachliteratur.

Ergebnisse und Schlussfolgerung

Verletzungsbedingte Folgen stumpfer Gewalt sind in der forensisch-radiologischen Diagnostik häufig zu beobachten, vor allem im Rahmen von Unfällen und Suiziden, seltener bei Tötungsdelikten. Die Methode der Wahl zur radiologischen Darstellung von stumpfer Gewalt bei Verstorbenen ist die native postmortale Computertomographie (PMCT). Grundsätzlich unterscheiden sich Folgen stumpfer Gewalt radiologisch in der PMCT nicht wesentlich vom Lebenden. Die postmortale Magnetresonanztomographie (PMMR) ist im kürzeren postmortalen Intervall sehr gut zur Darstellung von stumpfen Weichteilverletzungen geeignet. Bei Lebenden mit Folgen stumpfer Gewalt erfolgt die Indikation zur Bildgebung primär aus klinisch-diagnostischen Gründen. Häufige Indikationen sind häusliche Gewalt, Gewalt an älteren Personen sowie Auseinandersetzungen im öffentlichen Raum. Die Wahl der radiologischen Untersuchungsmethode ist abhängig von klinischer Anamnese und Symptomatik, wobei die radiologischen Untersuchungen einer forensischen Begutachtung unterzogen werden können.
Whittle index approach to the multi-class queueing systems with convex holding costs and IHR service times
Authors: Aalto Samuli
Published: September 2024

We consider the dynamic scheduling problem in a single-server multi-class queueing system, where the accumulated holding costs of a customer is a convexly increasing function of the time that the customer spends in the system. This problem was already addressed by van Mieghem in his seminal paper (Ann Appl Probab 5:808–833, 1995). He launched the so-called generalized $$c\mu $$

c
μ

rule and proved its asymptotic optimality in the heavy traffic limit. The optimal scheduling problem with convex holding costs have also been studied in many other papers. However, the holding costs in these papers are typically count-convex, i.e., the aggregate holding cost rate related to a class of customers increases convexly as a function of the current number of customers in this class, which is clearly different from the time-convex holding costs introduced in van Mieghem (Ann Appl Probab 5:808–833, 1995) and studied also in the present paper. We utilize the Whittle index approach to develop a novel heuristic policy for the dynamic scheduling problem with time-convex holding costs. Instead of the original open version of the continuous-time scheduling problem, we apply the Whittle index approach to the corresponding discrete-time closed version of the problem. As the main theoretical contribution, we prove that, for IHR service times, the discounted discrete-time problem is indexable and also give an explicit expression for the Whittle index itself. A special challenge in our model is the two-dimensional state space with an infinite number of possible states. By utilizing the discrete-time results, we develop a novel index policy for the original continuous-time problem and demonstrate, by numerical simulations, that this Whittle index policy outperforms the generalized $$c\mu $$

c
μ

rule. Thus, while the generalized $$c\mu $$

c
μ

rule is asymptotically optimal in the heavy traffic limit, it can still be improved in normal traffic conditions.
Combinatorics of linear stability for Hamiltonian systems in arbitrary dimension
Authors: Moreno Agustin , Ruscelli Francesco
Published: September 2024

We address the general problem of studying linear stability and bifurcations of periodic orbits for Hamiltonian systems of arbitrary degrees of freedom. We study the topology of the GIT sequence introduced by the first author and Urs Frauenfelder in [7], in arbitrary dimension. In particular, we note that the combinatorics encoding the linear stability of periodic orbits is governed by a quotient of the associahedron. Our approach gives a topological/combinatorial proof of the classical Krein–Moser theorem, and refines it for the case of symmetric orbits.
hp-FEM for the $$\alpha $$-Mosolov problem: a priori and a posteriori error estimates
Authors: Banz Lothar , Stephan Ernst P.
Published: September 2024

An hp-finite element discretization for the $$\alpha $$
α
-Mosolov problem, a scalar variant of the Bingham flow problem but with the $$\alpha $$
α
-Laplacian operator, is being analyzed. Its weak formulation is either a variational inequality of second kind or equivalently a non-smooth but convex minimization problem. For any $$\alpha \in (1,\infty )$$

α
∈
(
1
,
∞
)

we prove convergence, including guaranteed convergence rates in the mesh size h and polynomial degree p of the FE-solution of the corresponding discrete variational inequality. Moreover, we derive two families of reliable a posteriori error estimators which are applicable to any “approximation” of the exact solution and not only to the FE-solution and can therefore be coupled with an iterative solver. We prove that any quasi-minimizer of those families of a posteriori error estimators satisfies an efficiency estimate. All our results contain known results for the Mosolov problem by setting $$\alpha =2$$

α
=
2

. Numerical results underline our theoretical findings.