bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation of B/ZnO Nanocomposite by Simple Mechanical Combustion Method for Removal of Antibiotics in Aqueous Environments
Authors: Nguyen Thu Huong , Vu Anh-Tuan
Published: December 2022

In this study, the B/ZnO nanocomposite was successfully synthesized by a simple mechanical combustion method. This material was used as a photocatalyst to degrade tetracycline, a representative of the commonly used antibiotics today. The B/ZnO composite became tighter than that of pure ZnO and formed bulk particles. The band gap energy of B/ZnO (3.05 eV) was slightly lower than that of ZnO (3.10 eV), resulting that it being easier to absorb visible light to create electron-hole pairs (h+ and e−). Therefore, the B/ZnO composite had higher photocatalytic activity than pure ZnO. The ratio of boron-doped to ZnO affecting the photocatalysis efficiency was investigated and the optimal boron content was 3 wt%, its degradation efficiency (DE) value for tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) in 90 min and the rate constants were 90% and 0.054 min−1, respectively. The factors affecting the photocatalytic process like initial antibiotic concentration, catalyst content, and pH of the initial antibiotic solution were studied. In addition, the recovery and reuse of B/ZnO after photocatalytic treatment were also studied. Copyright © 2022 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Characterization of Problematic Alcohol Use Among Physicians: A Systematic Review
Authors: Wilson Janet , Tanuseputro Peter , Myran Daniel T. , Dhaliwal Shan , Hussain Junayd , Tang Patrick , Noor Salmi , Roberts Rhiannon L. , Solmi Marco , Sood Manish M.
Published: December 2022

Importance

Problematic alcohol use in physicians poses a serious concern to physicians' health and their ability to provide care. Understanding the extent and characteristics of physicians with problematic alcohol use will help inform interventions.

Objective

To estimate the extent of problematic alcohol use in physicians and how it differs by physician sex, age, medical specialty, and career stage (eg, residency vs practicing physician).

Evidence Review

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) 2020-compliant systematic review, searching Medline, Embase, and PsychInfo from January 2006 to March 2020. Search terms included Medical Subject Headings terms and keywords related to physicians as the population and problematic alcohol use as the primary outcome. The quality of studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. We included articles where problematic alcohol use was measured by a validated tool (ie, Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test [AUDIT], AUDIT Version C [AUDIT-C], or CAGE [Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, and Eye-opener] questionnaire) in practicing physicians (ie, residents, fellows, or staff physicians).

Findings

Thirty-one studies involving 51 680 participants in 17 countries published between January 2006 and March 2020 were included. All study designs were cross-sectional, self-reported surveys. Problematic alcohol use varied widely regardless of measurement method (0 to 34% with AUDIT; 9% to 35% with AUDIT-C; 4% to 22% with CAGE). Reported problematic alcohol use increased over time from 16.3% in 2006 to 2010 to 26.8% in 2017 to 2020. The extent of problematic use by sex was examined in 19 studies, by age in 12 studies, by specialty in 7 studies, and by career stage in 5 studies. Seven of 19 studies (37%) identified that problematic alcohol use was more common in males than females. Based on the wide heterogeneity of methods for included studies, limited conclusions can be made on how problematic alcohol use varies based on physician age, sex, specialty, and career stage.

Conclusions and Relevance

Studies about problematic alcohol use in physicians demonstrate a high degree of heterogeneity in terms of methods of measurement, definitions for problematic alcohol use, and cohorts assessed. Most studies are primarily self-reported, precluding the ability to determine the true prevalence among the profession. Few studies provide relevant comparisons to aid in identifying key risk groups for targeted interventions.
Comparison of Clinical Study Results Reported in medRxiv Preprints vs Peer-reviewed Journal Articles
Authors: Janda Guneet , Khetpal Vishal , Shi Xiaoting , Ross Joseph S. , Wallach Joshua D.
Published: December 2022

Importance

Preprints have been widely adopted to enhance the timely dissemination of research across many scientific fields. Concerns remain that early, public access to preliminary medical research has the potential to propagate misleading or faulty research that has been conducted or interpreted in error.

Objective

To evaluate the concordance among study characteristics, results, and interpretations described in preprints of clinical studies posted to medRxiv that are subsequently published in peer-reviewed journals (preprint-journal article pairs).

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study assessed all preprints describing clinical studies that were initially posted to medRxiv in September 2020 and subsequently published in a peer-reviewed journal as of September 15, 2022.

Main Outcomes and Measures

For preprint-journal article pairs describing clinical trials, observational studies, and meta-analyses that measured health-related outcomes, the sample size, primary end points, corresponding results, and overarching conclusions were abstracted and compared. Sample size and results from primary end points were considered concordant if they had exact numerical equivalence.

Results

Among 1399 preprints first posted on medRxiv in September 2020, a total of 1077 (77.0%) had been published as of September 15, 2022, a median of 6 months (IQR, 3-8 months) after preprint posting. Of the 547 preprint-journal article pairs describing clinical trials, observational studies, or meta-analyses, 293 (53.6%) were related to COVID-19. Of the 535 pairs reporting sample sizes in both sources, 462 (86.4%) were concordant; 43 (58.9%) of the 73 pairs with discordant sample sizes had larger samples in the journal publication. There were 534 pairs (97.6%) with concordant and 13 pairs (2.4%) with discordant primary end points. Of the 535 pairs with numerical results for the primary end points, 434 (81.1%) had concordant primary end point results; 66 of the 101 discordant pairs (65.3%) had effect estimates that were in the same direction and were statistically consistent. Overall, 526 pairs (96.2%) had concordant study interpretations, including 82 of the 101 pairs (81.2%) with discordant primary end point results.

Conclusions and Relevance

Most clinical studies posted as preprints on medRxiv and subsequently published in peer-reviewed journals had concordant study characteristics, results, and final interpretations. With more than three-fourths of preprints published in journals within 24 months, these results may suggest that many preprints report findings that are consistent with the final peer-reviewed publications.
Air Permeable Vibrotactile Actuators for Wearable Wireless Haptics
Authors: Li Zhaoyang , Ma Yuan , Zhang Kaijun , Wan Jun , Zhao Dazhe , Pi Yucong , Chen Gangjin , Zhang Jianfeng , Tang Wei , Lin Liwei , Zhong Junwen
Published: December 2022

Vibrotactile actuators can evoke mechanical stimulations on human skins to induce haptic feedbacks for various human machine interaction applications. However, efforts toward their practical usages encounter several engineering challenges, including wearable comfortability and output abilities. Here, air permeable actuators are developed and embedded in common fabrics for vibrotactile actuation, achieving excellent air permeability of 108 L m−2 s−1, low preload requirement of 10 mN, high output sensitivity of 0.2 mN/V, and good mechanical durability by surviving 11 million testing cycles. As demonstration examples, a wireless haptic feedback glove is shown to distinguish 32 different English characters and symbols with an overall accuracy of 97.8%, and large size actuators (10 × 10 cm2) are also proved for providing haptic feedback for parts of human body. As such, the proposed system opens a new class of wearable vibrotactile actuators for potential applications in wide fields of metaverse, teleoperation, smart textiles, and robotics.
Anomalous Zn2+ Storage Behavior in Dual‐Ion‐In‐Sequence Reconstructed Vanadium Oxides
Authors: Jiang Hanmei , Zhang Yifu , Waqar Moaz , Yang Jin , Liu Yanyan , Sun Jingjing , Feng Ziyi , Sun Jianguo , Pan Zhenghui , Meng Changgong , Wang John
Published: December 2022

Vanadium oxides with fast and stable Zn2+ storage are of great significance to the development of high‐performance aqueous zinc ion batteries (ZIBs), and yet they commonly suffer from structural instability and sluggish diffusion kinetics. Herein, a new “dual‐ion‐in‐sequence” intercalation strategy based on quenching is proposed to address these issues. Interestingly, it is found that the Zn2+ storage mechanism evolves from the common solid‐state ion diffusion kinetic into an intercalation pseudocapacitance as a result of the enlarged interlayer spacing of V2O5. Together with the expanded interlayer spacing arising from the “dual‐ion‐in‐sequence” intercalation, oxygen defects are simultaneously generated at the sub‐surface of the reconstructed Li@MnVO materials. Benefitting from the improved ionic diffusivity, intercalation pseudocapacitance, and fast charge transferability, full cell based on Li@MnVO cathode shows impressive rate capability and excellent cycling stability of 5000 cycles with a high energy density of 253 Wh kg‐1 at 10 A g‐1. More importantly, the capacity can maintain at 125 mAh g‐1 at 4 A g‐1 even under a raised mass loading of 10 mg cm‐2. The proposed “dual‐ion‐in‐sequence” intercalation strategy of manipulating V2O5 structure at atomic scales is a viable pathway for the high‐performance layered metal oxides, not only for ZIBs but also for other energy storage systems.
Soft, Wireless Pressure‐Sensor‐Integrated Smart Bandage for the Management of Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Authors: Heck Ian , Lu Wei , Wang Zizheng , Zhang Xincheng , Adak Tejas , Cu Thong , Crumley Carolyn , Zhang Yi , Wang Xueju Sophie
Published: December 2022

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) have affected millions of people in the U.S. and posed heavy burden to patients and the healthcare system due to their being slow to heal, high recurrence rate, and potential risk of amputation and even premature death. A mainstay of DFU therapy is mechanical offloading to mitigate pressure at the ulcer, which, however, is usually not effective due to patients’ diminished sensation capabilities on the foot and low adherence to offloading recommendations. This work reports a soft, flexible, wireless pressure‐sensor‐integrated smart bandage system for continuously monitoring the pressure on the foot and alerting the users to offload under exceeded pressure. The pressure sensor exhibits high linearity, negligible hysteresis, fast response time, and excellent water‐proof properties relevant for this application. Wireless data transmission onto a smartphone via Bluetooth enables the display and interpretation of the measured pressure with the option of a preset pressure threshold, when exceeded, an alert will be generated for immediate notifications. Trials on healthy subjects demonstrate reliable monitoring performance. The developed smart bandage system represents a significant advance in the prevention and management of DFUs and other pressure injuries as well as compression therapy corrections.
MXenes for Sulfur‐Based Batteries
Authors: Wang Yizhou , Guo Tianchao , Alhajji Eman , Tian Zhengnan , Shi Zixiong , Zhang Yi‐Zhou , Alshareef Husam N.
Published: December 2022

Sulfur‐based batteries are regarded as potent candidates for next‐generation high‐energy and low‐cost energy storage systems. However, sulfur‐based batteries still face substantial obstacles on the cathode side (e.g., low conductivity and sluggish reaction kinetics of sulfur) and the anode side (e.g., dendrite growth), severely hindering their utilization. MXenes (i.e., 2D transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides), as an emerging member of the 2D material family, possess unique electrochemical and electronic properties, which make them attractive materials to enhance the performance of sulfur‐based batteries. In this article, a comprehensive review of the research progress on using MXenes in sulfur‐based batteries is provided. The basics of MXene and sulfur‐based batteries are introduced first, wherein the merits of applying MXenes in sulfur‐based batteries are discussed. Subsequently, the progress in this field is systematically summarized in terms of the roles of MXene in sulfur‐based batteries, including MXene as sulfur host, MXene‐based composite as sulfur host, MXene‐based separator modification, and MXene‐based advanced electrodes. In the end, recommendations for specific future research directions to advance the development of MXenes for sulfur‐based batteries are outlined.
Lithiophilic Wetting Agent Inducing Interfacial Fluorination for Long‐Lifespan Anode‐Free Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Pyo Seonmi , Ryu Seokgyu , Gong Yong Jun , Cho Jinil , Yun Heejun , Kim Heebae , Lee Jeewon , Min Byeongyun , Choi Youngkyu , Yoo Jeeyoung , Kim Youn Sang
Published: December 2022

Anode‐free Li metal batteries (AFLMBs) are highly advantageous due to their high energy density, low cost, and simple fabrication. However, severe challenges, such as uncontrolled dendrite formation and low coulombic efficiency, restrict their practical application. Herein, this work introduces a silver nanoparticles incorporated p‐doped conjugated polymer (Ag‐PCP) wetting agent on the copper current collector, which promotes both uniform Li nucleation and rapid formation of a LiF‐rich solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) at the early stage, resulting in interfacial stabilization and high Li utilization efficiency. Moreover, this work verifies the interfacial fluorinated mechanism of the Ag‐PCP to efficiently achieve a favorable SEI chemistry, which serves as an intermediate process for promoting LiF formation. Benefiting from the synergistic effect of Ag–Li alloying and F‐doping chemistry of the Ag‐PCP chains, the deposited Li exhibits a compact column‐like structure with dendrite‐free morphology, and the anode‐free cells display superior cycling stability with long lifespan even under harsh conditions, with the LFP//Ag‐PCP│Cu full cell having a high capacity retention of 72% (Li inventory retention rate, 99.8%) at 1 C‐rate after 200 cycles.
Bradyrhizobium inoculants impact on promiscuous nodulating soybeans cultivars in Ghana's farming systems
Authors: Akley Edwin K. , Rice Charles W. , Ahiabor Benjamin D. K. , Prasad P. V. Vara
Published: December 2022

Soybean is rarely inoculated with commercial Bradyrhizobium inoculants in Ghana's cropping systems. A 2‐year field study was conducted at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research–Savanna Agricultural Research Institute's experimental field at Nyankpala, Ghana to assess how commercial inoculants affect growth, nodulation, nitrogen fixation, and grain yield of promiscuous nodulating soybean cultivars. The experiment was a split‐plot design with the main plot factor as soybean [tropical Glycine max (L.) Merr. crosses (TGX) cultivars]; Jenguma (TGX1448‐2E), Afayak (TGX1834‐5E), and Songda (TGX 1445‐3E). The subplot factor consisted of three commercial Bradyrhizobium japonicum inoculants, namely, Biofix (strain USDA 110), NoduMax (strain USDA 110), and Legumefix (strain 532c) plus uninoculated control. Shoot biomass and nodulation were assessed at vegetative (V8, 8‐leaf stage), full bloom (R2), beginning to pod (R3), full pod (R4), and full seed (R6) stages, respectively, and N fixation and grain yield at maturity. Shoot dry matter increased with growth stage and peaked at the R6 stage with significant effect associated with Biofix and NoduMax. Nodulation on the upper root and the whole root also peaked at the R4 stage, with pronounced effects associated with Biofix and NoduMax. Enhanced grain yields of up to 30% were achieved with Biofix and NoduMax compared to the uninoculated control in both 2016 and 2017. Regarding the cultivars, shoot biomass increased with growth stage and peaked at R6 stage and Afayak yielded greater shoot biomass. On average (2 years), Afayak produced greater grain yields than Jenguma and Songda. In conclusion, Biofix and NoduMax were the most promising commercial inoculants for soybean production in Northern Ghana.
Severe cyclones and sex‐specific birth outcomes in Queensland, Australia: An interrupted time‐series analysis
Authors: Parayiwa Cynthia , Harley David , Richardson Alice , Behie Alison
Published: December 2022

Objectives

A male is less adaptable to biological stressors than a female fetus with consequent higher morbidity and mortality. Adverse birth outcomes increase and male livebirths decrease after environmental disasters, economic crises, and terrorist events. We hypothesized the ratio of male to female livebirths would decrease in areas affected by severe tropical cyclones (TCs) in Queensland, Australia. Additionally, in male livebirths, there would be an increase in preterm and low birthweight births. Lastly, we hypothesized that the pregnancy stage at which exposure occurred would modify the association between TC exposure and observed outcomes.

Methods

Interrupted time series analysis was used to analyze Queensland administrative birth records from July 2007 to June 2018 for significant changes in the sex ratio at birth, measured as the proportion of male livebirths. Adjusted generalized linear models were fitted to births in areas affected by two category five TCs: cyclones Yasi (February 2011) and Marcia (February 2015). To explore male mortality and morbidity risk, additional analysis was conducted on the proportion of male stillborn, low birthweight, and preterm births. The association between estimated pregnancy stage during the TC and the proportion of male births was also analyzed.

Results

Contrary to our hypothesis, increases in the proportion of male livebirths were observed following early‐pregnancy exposure to cyclone Yasi and mid‐pregnancy exposure to Marcia, although the latter was not statistically significant. No significant changes were observed in proportions of male stillborn, low birthweight, and preterm births.

Conclusions

This study found a significant association between severe TCs and sex ratio at birth. The stage of pregnancy at which maternal stressors were experienced modified this association. Among people exposed in early to mid‐pregnancy, the proportion of male births was higher. This may be because of differential loss of females in utero. Studying sex differences in birth outcomes provides insight into in utero vulnerabilities associated with environmental stressors. Climate change is increasing the intensity and frequency of natural disasters. Understanding fetal vulnerability to environmental stressors will provide crucial information supporting early life health interventions that mitigate the immediate and long‐term effects.
Healthcare experiences of patients with Down syndrome who are Black, African American, of African descent, or of mixed race
Authors: Krell Kavita , Pless Albert , Michael Carie , Torres Amy , Chung Jeanhee , Baker Sandra , Blake Jasmine M. , Caughman Kelli , Cullen Sarah , Gallagher Maureen , Hoke‐Chandler Roxanne , Maina Julius , McLuckie Diana , O'Neill Kate , Peña Angeles , Royal Dina , Slape Michelle , Spinazzi Noemi Alice , Torres Carlos G. , Skotko Brian G.
Published: December 2022

Scant research has explored the healthcare experiences of people with Down syndrome (DS) in the United States who are Black, African American, of African descent, or of mixed race. The purpose of this study was to identify and describe the barriers and facilitators that such patients and their caregivers face when accessing healthcare. We gathered data in three ways: focus groups with caregivers, a national survey completed by caregivers, and in‐depth interviews with primary care providers. Many caregivers and primary care physicians felt that patients with DS who are Black, African American, of African descent, or of mixed race receive a lower quality of medical care than their white counterparts with DS. Caregivers mentioned feeling tired of being reminded by the medical community about their race and wanting acknowledgment that raising a child with DS can be hard at times. Many felt that the medical community's conscious and unconscious racial biases do negatively impact the care of their loved ones with DS. Caregivers desired more race concordant medical providers or, when not possible, medical providers who are willing to learn more about DS and build trusted, longitudinal relationships. Primary care providers discussed the need for funded resources and support services to effectively care for their patients with DS.
Karl Grassmann's 1896 paper “critical overview of contemporary theories of the heredity of the psychoses”
Authors: Kendler Kenneth S. , Klee Astrid
Published: December 2022

Four years before the rediscovery of Mendel's work in 1900, Karl Grassmann published a detailed, scholarly review of the heredity of psychosis which we here review. A full translation is in the appendix. We emphasize seven major conclusions from this review. First, while recognizing the key importance of heredity in the etiology of psychosis. Grassmann was critical of many of the highly speculative extant theories. Second, he reviewed most of the major methodologic concerns in the literature from what kinds of heredity to investigate to the problems with the global use of insanity as a diagnostic category. Third, he discussed in detail genetic theories associated with Degeneration theory, maintaining considerable skepticism. Fourth, he recognized nongenetic contribution to familial transmission. Fifth, he reviewed evidence for both homogeneous and heterogeneous transmission of forms of mental illness in families, suggesting that both were important. Sixth, while he noted that mania, melancholia, and cyclothymia commonly replaced each other in families, Verrücktheit (delusional psychoses) rarely co‐segregated in families with these mood disorders. Seventh, Grassmann, like other 19th century writers, saw relatives to be of value only in assessing the level of hereditary predisposition in patients and had limited appreciation of the need for controlled studies.
The drive to disclose
Authors: Carbone Erin , Loewenstein George
Published: December 2022

Disclosure is a pervasive behavior critical to the human experience, and has been the focus of both empirical research and theorizing by social and consumer psychologists. This work has typically characterized disclosure as a deliberate and strategic act, the product of a careful weighing of costs and benefits. In this paper, we argue that, although some disclosure can be deliberate and “rational,” much of it exhibits drive‐like qualities. We review evidence to suggest that, much like other drive states (e.g., hunger), the desire to disclose can be visceral, driven by emotions and physical arousal, and satiated through the act of disclosing. And just as more basic drives evolved to motivate adaptive action but can engender maladaptive behavior (e.g., over‐eating), disclosures can likewise be impulsive and ultimately regrettable. We propose a dual‐process model that encompasses both viscerally driven and deliberate disclosures and that makes sense of the conflicts that often arise between the two.
Branch‐cut cosmology and the Bekenstein Criterion
Authors: de Freitas Pacheco José A. , Zen Vasconcellos César A. , Hess Peter O. , Hadjimichef Dimiter , Bodmann Benno
Published: December 2022

In this contribution, we address the implications of the Bekenstein Criterion in the branch‐cut cosmology. The impossibility of packaging energy and entropy according to the Bekenstein Criterion in a finite size makes the transition phase of the branch‐cut cosmology very peculiar, imposing a topological leap between the contraction and expansion phases of the primordial universe or a transition region similar to a wormhole, with space–time shaping itself topologically in the format of a helix‐format around a branch point. Singularity means that there is no way for space–time to begin smoothly. The branch‐cut cosmology alternatively proposes a non‐temporal beginning at all, a pure space configuration, through a Wick rotation which replaces the imaginary time component by the temperature, the cosmological time.
Evaluation of the Antioxidant and Antifungal Actions of the Optimized Crude Extract and Fractions from the Aerial Parts of Acanthospermum hispidum
Authors: Cintya Felipe dos Santos Ewelyn , Alves Viturino da Silva Wliana , Carla Barbosa Machado Janaína , Rhayanny Assunção Ferreira Magda , Alberto Lira Soares Luiz
Published: December 2022

This study investigated the phytochemical characteristics of the aerial parts of Acanthospermum hispidum, by chromatographic and spectrophotometric methods, and evaluated the antioxidant and antifungal activities of the crude extract and polyphenol‐enriched fractions of the species. The phytochemical prospection showed the presence of polyphenols from the groups of hydroxycinnamic derivatives and flavonoids in the crude extract (CE) and fractions of the aerial parts of A. hispidum. In the chromatographic analysis, it was possible to observe that the fractionation process of the CE with hexane and ethyl acetate was efficient in enriching the fractions in phenolic compounds. This enrichment provided an increase in antioxidant activity by the DPPH and ABTS methods, in which it was observed a higher antioxidant activity for EAF in the DPPH test and higher activity against the ABTS radical by the fractions AqF and RAqF. The extract and fractions were effective against Candida non‐Candida albicans strains, mainly against C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis and C. krusei, acting predominantly fungicidal. The results indicate that the aerial parts of A. hispidum can serve as a basis for the development of new antioxidant and antifungal products. Moreover, the fractionation process can contribute to increasing the biological potential of the species.
Use of acute mental health care by children a focus of recent APA journals
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: December 2022

Children's mental health care was at the heart of the November 2022 issues of two journals from the American Psychiatric Association traditionally focused on adults: American Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Services.
Many mental health problems among youth increased during pandemic
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: December 2022

If you noticed increased problems in your child or teen during COVID‐19, you're not alone. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a study that showed suicide among adolescents, already on the increase before the March 2020 beginning of the pandemic in the United States, was contributed to by the adversity experienced before and during the pandemic.
Incidence and severity of thrombocytopenia associated with use of intravascular microaxial ventricular assist devices for treatment of cardiogenic shock
Authors: Goetz Jenna , O'Brien Michael , Bream‐Rouwenhorst Heather , Toyoda Alexander , Hobbs Ryan , Horwitz Phillip A.
Published: December 2022

Introduction

The use of temporary mechanical circulatory support (MCS) for patients with refractory cardiogenic shock has increased over the past decade. Impella devices (intravascular microaxial ventricular assist devices [VADs]) have become common MCS options but reportedly cause thrombocytopenia. Limited published data regarding the incidence or severity of microaxial VAD‐associated thrombocytopenia exists.

Objectives

The goal of this study was to determine the incidence, timing, and severity of thrombocytopenia in a microaxial VAD population.

Methods

A retrospective multicenter review of electronic medical records identified all patients implanted with microaxial VAD at three US academic teaching hospitals between June 2015 and August 2017. Patients were excluded for short‐term procedural microaxial VAD use during percutaneous coronary intervention.

Results

Sixty‐four patients underwent microaxial VAD insertion (95% for left‐sided support) during the observed time period. Support was in place for a median duration of 5.2 (interquartile range [IQR]: 2.4–10.0) days. Within 7 days postinsertion, 98.5% of patients developed thrombocytopenia (platelet count <150,000/μl) and 81.3% of patients experienced a >50% platelet decrease. Average platelet count nadir was 68,200/μl or 63.9% from baseline occurring on median day 3.8 (IQR: 2.4–5.4). Twenty‐four patients (38.1%) were tested for heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia by the heparin‐dependent antibody (HDA) test. All HDAs were either negative or had serotonin release assay negative confirmation. Postdevice removal, platelet counts returned to baseline or >150,000/μl in 63% of patients by Day 5.

Conclusion

Microaxial VAD‐associated thrombocytopenia is common. Practitioners should consider this when evaluating supported patients for other causes of thrombocytopenia. Platelet counts return to preimplantation levels within days of device removal.
Usefulness of Gly m 4‐specific IgE test in the diagnosis of Rosaceae fruit‐oral allergy syndrome caused by Betulaceae pollen sensitization
Authors: Yoshida Tokiko , Morita Eishin , Chinuki Yuko , Kohno Kunie , Yamasaki Osamu
Published: December 2022

Background

Pollen‐food allergy syndrome (PFAS) is caused by the cross‐reaction of the specific IgE to pollen allergens with similar allergens contained in fruits, vegetable, and nuts. The representative allergen responsible for this cross‐reaction is pathogenesis‐related protein (PR)‐10. Specific IgE test using Gly m 4, soybean PR‐10, is widely used to diagnose soy allergy. We aimed to investigate whether the Gly m 4‐specific IgE test is useful for predicting oral allergy symptoms (OAS) to Rosaceae fruits in PFAS caused by Betulaceae pollen sensitization.

Methods

Forty‐one patients with suspected PFAS were enrolled. Specific IgE levels were measured against alder pollen, apple, peach, pear, and Gly m 4, and correlation between test results and allergic symptoms was assessed to compare the accuracy of these allergen‐specific IgE tests.

Results

Of the 41 patients, 32 were positive for alder pollen‐specific IgE. Of those, 16 showed OAS to at least one of apple, peach, and pear (OAS (+) group), and the rest 16 cases showed no symptoms (OAS (−) group). The Gly m 4‐specific IgE value was significantly higher in the OAS (+) group (p = .014), and the highest in area under the receiver operating characteristics curve. The cut‐off value for detection of the OAS (+) group was 2.65 UA/ml, with a sensitivity of 62.5% and a specificity of 81.3%. Other allergen‐specific IgE values were not significantly different between the two groups.

Conclusions

In the subjects sensitized to Betulaceae pollen allergens, the Gly m 4‐specific IgE test is useful for predicting OAS of Rosaceae fruits.
Chef, ich brauche mehr Geld
Authors: Kuntz Bernhard
Published: December 2022

Aufgrund der hohen Inflation werden zurzeit viele Arbeitnehmer bei ihren Chefs mit der Forderung nach einer Gehaltserhöhung vorstellig ‐ teils sogar mit Konkurrenz‐Angeboten. Wie sollten Arbeitgeber darauf reagieren
Staubfrei Mischen
Authors: Poller Stephan , Schluckebier Karl Hendrik
Published: December 2022

Die kunststoffverarbeitende Industrie setzt das abrasive Weißpigment TiO2, das seit Oktober 2021 mit Inkrafttreten einer neuen EU‐Verordnung als krebserregend eingestuft ist, für unterschiedlichste Produkte ein. Dies können zum Beispiel PVC‐Compounds, Masterbatches oder Pulverlacke sein. Zeppelin bietet hierfür eine sichere und effiziente Mischtechnik an.
Aufs Gewicht geschaut
Authors: Hasselmann Matthias
Published: December 2022

Aufgrund ihrer Robustheit und Genauigkeit ist die gravimetrische Wägetechnik die optimale Methode zur Inhaltsbestimmung von Schüttgütern. Hinzu kommt bei der Dosierung der Vorteil, dass die Fördergeschwindigkeit verändert werden kann, ohne die Messwerte zu beeinflussen. Damit lässt sich die gravimetrische Methode in den unterschiedlichsten Branchen einsetzen, von Anwendungen in der Agrar‐ und Lebensmittelindustrie bis hin zur Chemischen Industrie und der Herstellung von Kosmetika.
Energiemanagement in der modularen Produktion
Authors: Reiche Leif‐Thore
Published: December 2022

Was für monolithische Anlagen schon längst gängige Praxis ist, ist im Rahmen der modularen Produktion bisher ein Novum: Die Integration von Energiemanagementsystemen in das produktionstechnische Umfeld. Ein neuer Ansatz setzt auf die Erweiterung des MTP‐Konzepts.
Das Beste aus beiden Antriebswelten fusioniert
Authors: Väth Maximilian
Published: December 2022

Im Interview mit CITplus erläutert Maximilain Väth, Assitent der Geschäftsleitung von WP‐ARO, worin die Vorteile der Entwicklung der neuen Pumpe sind und worin die Motivation für den Wechsel von Druckluft‐ auf Stromantrieb lag.
Adsorption of single‐ring model naphthenic acid from oil sands tailings pond water using physically activated petroleum coke
Authors: Sarkar Bithun , Fricska Hazel , Gao Qiyang , Tong Shitang , Jia Charles Q.
Published: December 2022

Petroleum coke‐derived activated cokes were prepared and used for the adsorptive removal of a single‐ring naphthenic acid (NA) from synthetic oil sands process affected water (OSPW). CO2 activation produced carbon with a larger mesopore volume fraction (0.67) than steam activation (0.25). Interestingly, prolonging the activation time of CO2 from 6 to 9 h led to a simultaneous increase in specific surface area (276–405 m2/g) and mesopore volume (0.51–0.67). Furthermore, a positive relationship was found between the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic rate constant and the mesoporous volume of the activated coke. This suggests both the importance of pore size on kinetics and the fact that physical activation with a reagent such as CO2 may be better suited than chemical activation due to its ability to create mesopores. Although enlarging the pores and accelerating the adsorption rate, post‐oxidation had detrimental effects on adsorption capacity, resulting in a decrease in equilibrium adsorbed amount from 115 to 34 mg/g, a 70% decrease, when post‐oxidized with O2, due to the negative charge of oxygen‐containing functional groups. On the other hand, the measured adsorption capacity increased by over 60% when activated coke was treated with ammonia, a result of the positively charged nitrogen‐containing surface groups. Finally, in real OSPW, the activated coke had a much lower capacity for total acid‐extractable organics than for the model NA. Therefore, activated petroleum coke may not be the best choice for treating raw tailings pond water and may be better suited for polishing.
Real‐life data from standardized preanalytical coding (SPREC) in tissue biobanking and its dual use for sample characterization and process optimization
Authors: Skoworonska Magdalena , Blank Annika , Centeno Irene , Hammer Caroline , Perren Aurel , Zlobec Inti , Rau Tilman T
Published: December 2022

The standardized preanalytical code (SPREC) aggregates warm ischemia (WIT), cold ischemia (CIT), and fixation times (FIT) in a precise format. Despite its growing importance underpinned by the European in vitro diagnostics regulation or broad preanalytical programs by the National Institutes of Health, little is known about its empirical occurrence in biobanked surgical specimen. In several steps, the Tissue Bank Bern achieved a fully informative SPREC code with insights from 10,555 CIT, 4,740 WIT, and 3,121 FIT values. During process optimization according to LEAN six sigma principles, we identified a dual role of the SPREC code as a sample characteristic and a traceable process parameter. With this preanalytical study, we outlined real‐life data in a variety of organs with specific differences in WIT, CIT, and FIT values. Furthermore, our FIT data indicate the potential to adapt the SPREC fixation toward concrete paraffin‐embedding time points and to extend its categories beyond 72 h due to weekend delays. Additionally, we identified dependencies of preanalytical variables from workload, daytime, and clinics that were actionable with LEAN process management. Thus, streamlined biobanking workflows during the day were significantly resilient to workload peaks, diminishing the turnaround times of native tissue processing (i.e. CIT) from 74.6 to 46.1 min under heavily stressed conditions. In conclusion, there are surgery‐specific preanalytics that are surgico‐pathologically limited even under process optimization, which might affect biomarker transfer from one entity to another. Beyond sample characteristics, SPREC coding is highly beneficial for tissue banks and Institutes of Pathology to track WIT, CIT, and FIT for process optimization and monitoring measurements.
Retrospective study in US commercial sorghum breeding: I. Genetic gain in relation to relative maturity
Authors: Mayor Laura , Demarco Paula , Lira Sara , Fang Yinan , Abadie Tabare , Gambin Brenda L. , Hammer Graeme , Ciampitti Ignacio , Cooper Mark , Messina Carlos
Published: December 2022

Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is an important staple food for human consumption and a source of animal feed in the semiarid regions of the world. Sustained positive rates of crop improvement are necessary to supply food and feed to a growing population. However, land allocated to sorghum and its inclusion in production systems has been in constant decline. Here we report the rate of sorghum genetic gain in a commercial breeding program in the United States and provide evidence that a modest yield improvement is an important factor limiting land allocation to this crop. A 6‐year study that evaluated 50 sorghum genotypes commercialized between the decades of 1960 and 2010 was conducted in 19 environments within the US Sorghum Belt region. Yield varied between 500 and 850 g m−2. Here we show a positive rate of genetic gain of 2.63 g m−2 y−1 on average across three different maturity groups grown in the United States. Rates ranged from 2.1 to 4.3 g m−2 y−1 across maturity groups. This result contrasts with a stagnant rate of crop improvement for many regions of the world, yet the rates are insufficient to reverse the negative trend in planted area. Breeding technologies are proposed to hasten genetic gain in sorghum to reverse the loss of on‐farm agricultural biodiversity.
Actions and approaches for enabling Industry 5.0‐driven sustainable industrial transformation: A strategy roadmap
Authors: Ghobakhloo Morteza , Iranmanesh Mohammad , Morales Manuel E. , Nilashi Mehrbakhsh , Amran Azlan
Published: December 2022

Although Industry 4.0 was believed to promote sustainable development, it has ignored or misunderstood many prevailing sustainability concerns, which led to the emergence of the Industry 5.0 agenda. While the desirable sustainability values of Industry 5.0 are widely acknowledged, the knowledge of how this agenda can deliver sustainable transformation is lacking. The present study addresses this knowledge gap, explaining how Industry 5.0 transformation should be managed to facilitate sustainable development. Therefore, this study strives to model the underlying mechanism for enabling such transformation. The study conducted a content‐centric review of the literature and identified 11 actions and approaches that serve as enablers of Industry 5.0 transformation. The study further conducted the interpretive structural modeling and structured the enablers as an interpretive model explaining steps needed for enabling Industry 5.0. Finally, the study developed the strategy roadmap for enabling Industry 5.0 transformation and sustainable development. Results emphasized stakeholder salience, highlighting the enabling role of stakeholder integration and collaboration in Industry 5.0 transformation. Proactive governmental support is the most driving enabler of Industry 5.0, whereas eco‐innovation and sustainable value network reformation are among the most complex and hard‐to‐develop enablers. Results offer several implications for policymakers and practitioners, explaining the functionality of each approach and strategy necessary for Industry 5.0 transformation. The roadmap determines the sequential relationships among these approaches and strategies and identifies their optimal development sequence for enabling Industry 5.0 transformation synergistically. Results further identify the codependences among the Industry 5.0 transition enablers and highlight their interactions and complementarities.
Development of an Integrated System for Highly Selective Photoenzymatic Synthesis of Formic Acid from CO2
Authors: Xing Xiu , Liu Yan , Lin Ru‐De , Zhang Yang , Wu Zhong‐Liu , Yu Xiao‐Qi , Li Kun , Wang Na
Published: December 2022

Herein, a Zr‐based dual‐ligand MOFs with pre‐installed Rh complex was employed for NADH regeneration in situ and also used for immobilization of formic acid dehydrogenase (FDH) in order to realize a highly efficient CO2 fixation system. Then, based on the detailed investigations into the photochemical and electrochemical properties, it is demonstrated that the introduction of the photosensitive meso‐tetra(4‐carboxyphenyl) porphin (TCPP) ligands increased the catalytic active sites and improved photoelectric properties. Furthermore, the electron mediator Rh complex, anchored on the zirconium‐based dual‐ligand MOFs, enhanced the efficiency of electron transfer efficiency and facilitated the separation of photogenerated electrons and holes. Compared with UiO‐66‐NH2, Rh‐H2TCPP‐UiO‐66‐NH2 exhibits an optimized valence band structure and significantly improved photocatalytic activity for NAD+ reduction, resulting the synthesis of formic acid from CO2 increased from 150 μg mL−1 (UiO‐66‐NH2) to 254 μg mL−1 (Rh‐H2TCPP‐UiO‐66‐NH2). Moreover, the assembled photocatalyst‐enzyme coupled system also allows facile recycling of expensive electron mediator, enzyme, and photocatalyst.
Higher literacy is associated with better white matter integrity and cognition in middle age
Authors: de Resende Elisa de Paula França , Xia Feng , Sidney Stephen , Launer Lenore J. , Schreiner Pamela J. , Erus Guray , Bryan Nick , Yaffe Kristine
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Literacy can be a better measure of quality of education. Its association with brain health in midlife has not been thoroughly investigated.

Methods

We studied, cross‐sectionally, 616 middle‐aged adults (mean age of 55.1 ± 3.6 years, 53% female and 38% Black) from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study. We correlated literacy with cognitive tests, gray matter volumes, and fractional anisotropy (FA) values (indirect measures of white matter integrity) using linear regression.

Results

The higher‐literacy group (n = 499) performed better than the low‐literacy group (n = 117) on all cognitive tests. There was no association between literacy and gray matter volumes. The higher‐literacy group had greater total‐brain FA and higher temporal, parietal, and occipital FA values after multivariable adjustments.

Discussion

Higher literacy is associated with higher white matter integrity as well as with better cognitive performance in middle‐aged adults. These results highlight the importance of focusing on midlife interventions to improve literacy skills.
TB500/TB1000 and SGF1000: A scientific approach for a better understanding of misbranded and adulterated drugs
Authors: Delcourt Vivian , Garcia Patrice , Chabot Benjamin , Barnabé Agnès , Bouscarel Maëlle , Loup Benoit , Popot Marie‐Agnès , Bailly‐Chouriberry Ludovic
Published: December 2022

Nowadays, numerous websites attempt to commercialize over the internet various products, regardless of the lack of approval by the EMA or the FDA either for human or veterinary use. These products are often produced after aborted drug development due to insufficient or deleterious biological effects, synthesized based on natural products, or only based on scientific literature. However, the administration of such products is dangerous, considering the lack of official control over the production of these substances and the absence of approval by health authorities. In this short communication, we provide an extensive analysis of three misbranded and adulterated products sold over the internet named TB500, TB1000, and SGF1000. We confirm that the content of TB500/TB1000 products is not systematically consistent with it's former descriptions, but also that SGF1000 is mainly composed of sheep extracellular matrix (ECM) and blood proteins, and the signal corresponding to the purported growth promoters is excessively diluted.
Counting the Capital's cats: Estimating drivers of abundance of free‐roaming cats with a novel hierarchical model
Authors: Cove Michael V. , Herrmann Valentine , Herrera Daniel J. , Augustine Ben C. , Flockhart D. T. Tyler , McShea William J.
Published: December 2022

Free‐roaming cats are a conservation concern in many areas but identifying their impacts and developing mitigation strategies requires a robust understanding of their distribution and density patterns. Urban and residential areas may be especially relevant in this process because free‐roaming cats are abundant in these anthropogenic landscapes. Here, we estimate the occupancy and density of free‐roaming cats in Washington D.C. and relate these metrics to known landscape and social factors. We conducted an extended camera trap survey of public and private spaces across D.C. and analyzed data collected from 1483 camera deployments from 2018 to 2020. We estimated citywide cat distribution by fitting hierarchical occupancy models and further estimated cat abundance using a novel random thinning spatial capture‐recapture model that allows for the use of photos that can and cannot be identified to individual. Within this model, we utilized individual covariates that provided identity exclusions between photos of unidentifiable cats with inconsistent coat patterns, thus increasing the precision of abundance estimates. This combined model also allowed for unbiased estimation of density when animals cannot be identified to individual at the same rate as for free‐roaming cats whose identifiability depended on their coat characteristics. Cat occupancy and abundance declined with increasing distance from residential areas, an effect that was more pronounced in wealthier neighborhoods. There was noteworthy absence of cats detected in larger public spaces and forests. Realized densities ranged from 0.02 to 1.75 cats/ha in sampled areas, resulting in a district‐wide estimate of ~7296 free‐roaming cats. Ninety percent of cat detections lacked collars and nearly 35% of known individuals were ear‐tipped, indicative of district Trap‐Neuter‐Return (TNR) programs. These results suggest that we mainly sampled and estimated the unowned cat subpopulation, such that indoor/outdoor housecats were not well represented. The precise estimation of cat population densities is difficult due to the varied behavior of subpopulations within free‐roaming cat populations (housecats, stray and feral cats), but our methods provide a first step in establishing citywide baselines to inform data‐driven management plans for free‐roaming cats in urban environments.