bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimizing Garlic (Allium sativum) Yield through Irrigation Scheduling and Nitrogen Management
Authors: Sahu Kishor Kumar , Sharma J. C. , Sanadya Sanjay Kumar
Published: October 2023

Background and Aim: Efficient utilization of natural resources, such as water and nutrients, plays a pivotal role in enhancing crop yield and overall productivity. This research aims to develop an efficient irrigation schedule and nitrogen and irrigation interaction effect to achieve higher productivity along with water use efficiency in garlic.

Place and Duration of Study: To delve into the intricate interaction between water and nitrogen use efficiency in garlic cultivation, a two-year-long experiment was conducted.

Methodology: The experiment consisted of twelve treatment combinations, encompassing four distinct irrigation schedules (I0 as the control, I1 with 4 cm irrigation at an IW/CPE ratio of 0.8, I2 at 1.0, and I3 at 1.2) and three nitrogen levels (N0 as the control, N1 at 75%, and N2 at 100% of the recommended nitrogen dose).

Results: These treatments were replicated thrice using a factorial randomized block design. Notably, the irrigation schedule I3 exhibited a significant increase in nitrogen use efficiency, consequently resulting in higher garlic yields compared to the control irrigation (I0). Given the substantial difference in bulb yield observed in the I3 level (136.0 q/ha) compared to the control, it can be considered an efficient irrigation schedule for garlic cultivation. Among the tested nitrogen levels, N2 emerged as the most favorable, yielding significantly higher garlic production. The treatment combination of I3N2 recorded the highest bulb yield, boasting a remarkable increase of 64.5% over the control.

Conclusion: In summary, this study underscores the effectiveness of the I3N2 treatment combination for achieving robust growth and increased garlic yields while optimizing the utilization of irrigation water and nitrogen resources.
Growth and Yield of Tea (Camellia sinensis) as Influenced by Nano Urea during Pre and Post Pruning Opertation
Authors: Saikia Plabita , Gogoi Aditi Smith
Published: October 2023

The growth and yield parameters of tea on mature plants of TV 23 clone were studied after application of Nano-urea as foliar spray at Experimental Garden for Plantation Crops, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat during the period 2021-22.

Bud breaking number and time attain to tipping height were two growth parameters observed after pruning operation was carried out. Numbers of bud break was counted 30 days, 40 days and 50 days after pruning respectively. After 50 days maximum bud breaking number (106/ plant) was observed in 0.5% Nano-urea applied plot. To attain that height, lesser time was required (51 days) by the same plot. Plucking density, fine leaf count and green leaf yield were three yield parameters observed during first, second and rain flush. Plucking point density was found maximum (50 no/m2) during rain flush where 0.4% Nano-urea applied in 3 sprays. Fine leaf count was found maximum during first flush than it decreasing during second flush and rain flush respectively. The green leaf yield was found high in the plot where 0.4% Nano-urea applied in 3 sprays during rain flush.
A Comprehensive Overview of Plant Pathology Understanding Disease Mechanisms and Control
Authors: Verma Rajesh Chandra , Amulothu D. V. R. T. , Suhas P. D.  , Nain Monika , Kumar Deepak , Saikanth D. R. K. , Pandey Shivam Kumar
Published: October 2023

The realm of plant pathology stands at the crossroads of rising challenges and groundbreaking innovations. This review delves deep into the ever-evolving landscape of threats and strategies in plant diseases, examining the myriad factors influencing this dynamic field. We first dissect the emergence and re-emergence of plant pathogens, attributing their evolution to a combination of ecological disruptions, global trade, and changing environmental conditions. Climate change is then spotlighted, revealing its multifaceted impact on the interplay between plants and pathogens. The cascading effects of rising temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, and frequent extreme weather events reshape the vulnerabilities and resistances in the plant kingdom. Concurrently, the critical role of biosecurity in an interconnected world is elucidated, emphasizing the need for predictive and reactive measures to prevent inadvertent pathogen spread across borders. In juxtaposition to these challenges, the review shines a light on the promise held by technological advancements. The potential of drones equipped with advanced sensors, the analytical prowess of artificial intelligence, and the genetic wizardry of tools like CRISPR offer glimpses into a future where disease detection, management, and control are not just efficient but also sustainable. The prospects of nanotechnology in delivering targeted treatments herald a new era in plant disease management, minimizing collateral environmental impacts. In essence, while the challenges in plant pathology are formidable, spurred by natural processes and human actions, the wheels of innovation offer robust countermeasures. This comprehensive exploration underscores the importance of holistic approaches, integrating traditional knowledge with technological advancements, and fostering global collaborations. It is through these synergies that the health and prosperity of our ecosystems can be ensured in the face of dynamic threats. The narrative thus crafted serves as a clarion call for collective action, ensuring that the balance between plants and pathogens remains harmonious, securing a sustainable future for generations to come.
Properties and Analysis of a Second Order Differential Operator with Normality and Orthogonality
Authors: Evans Mogoi N. , Apima Samuel B.
Published: October 2023

This research paper investigates the normality and eigenvalue problems associated with second-order differential operators. The study explores the properties and applications of these operators in the field of functional analysis. The main results show that the second-order differential operator under consideration is normal, demonstrating its adherence to the fundamental property of normality. The orthogonality of the eigenspaces corresponding to distinct eigenvalues, providing insights into the spectral properties of the operator is also established. Additionally, the relationship between the null spaces of the operator and its higher powers is shown, shedding light on the behavior of the operator under repeated application. The ndings contribute to the understanding of differential operators and their role in various mathematical contexts.
Evaluation of Environmental and Social Impacts of the Extraction Quarry of Raw Materials: Case of the ETOA Clay Quarry, Yaounde 3
Authors: Mbog Séverin Mbog , Bitondo Dieudonne , Duna Linda Lekuna
Published: October 2023

This research work is based on the evaluation of environmental and social impacts of the extraction quarry of raw materials at the Etoa clay quarry in Yaounde III and to propose measures aimed at reducing the different negative impacts.

This work was carried out during the period of June 2015 to February 2016 followed by an appropriate methodology to meet the outlined objectives:(1) using the matrix of Leopold and Martin fecteau for the identification and evaluation of impacts, (2) cartography of study zone using ERDAS and QGIS and (3) questionnaire surveys to acquire water consumption demographics were all part of our study. It consisted of under taking site visits to the clay quarry, take pictures, and make household surveys and direct observations, analysis and interpretation of collected data.

The results show that, extraction of clay from this area has negative impacts of 76.2% with the most significant on the environment being soil degradation, loss of biodiversity and farmland. Globally, most of the negative impacts are irreversible. The positive impacts are of 23.8% and the most important are, construction of acces road to the clay quarry, protection of the entire clay quarry, creation of job opportunities and increase in economic activities. As a measure to mitigate the negative impacts, shrubs will be planted round the site and exploitation will follow an exploitation plan to create acces in to the quarry. At the end of the extraction of clay this area will be transformed in to fish farming and those whose crops will be touched will be compensated.

The different mitigation measures proposed are to reduce or if possible repair all the negative impacts (all the residual negative impacts will all have a minor importance) and this will lead to the acceptance of this project in the area on an environmental point of view and will contribute to the promotion of the sustainable development of Etoa and its environs.
Health Care Staff Turnover and Quality of Care at Nursing Homes
Authors: Shen Karen , McGarry Brian E. , Gandhi Ashvin D.
Published: October 2023

Importance

Turnover in health care staff may disrupt patient care and create operational and organizational challenges, and nursing home staff turnover rates are particularly high. Empirical evidence on the association between turnover and quality of care is limited and has typically relied on low-quality measures of turnover, small and selected samples of facilities, and comparisons across facilities that are highly susceptible to residual confounding.

Objective

To quantify the association between nursing home staff turnover and quality of care using within-facility variation over time in reliable turnover measures available for virtually all US nursing homes.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this cross-sectional study, data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on health inspection citations and quality measures at US nursing homes were combined with turnover measures constructed from daily staffing payroll data for quarter 2 of 2017 (April 1 to June 30) to quarter 4 of 2019 (October 1 to December 31), covering 1.06 billion shifts for 7.48 million employment relationships at 15 869 facilities. A 2-way fixed-effects design was used to estimate the association between staff turnover (direct care nursing staff and administrators) and quality-of-care outcomes based on how the same facility performed differently in times of low and high turnover. Data analysis was performed from September 2022 to August 2023.

Exposures

Facility turnover, defined as the share of hours worked in a period by staff hired within the last 90 days.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Number, type, scope, and severity of health inspection citations, overall health inspection scores, and Nursing Home Compare quality measures.

Results

The study sample included 1.45 million facility-weeks between April 1, 2017, and December 31, 2019, corresponding to 13 826 unique facilities. During an average facility-week, 15.0% of nursing staff and 11.6% of administrators were new hires due to recent turnover. After both administrator turnover and the overall staffing level were controlled for, an additional 10 percentage points in nursing staff turnover in the 2 weeks before a health inspection was associated with an additional 0.241 (95% CI, 0.084-0.399) citations in that inspection, compared with a mean of 5.98 citations. An additional 10 percentage points in nursing staff turnover was associated with a mean decrease of 0.035 (95% CI, 0.023-0.047) SDs in assessment-based quality measures and 0.020 (95% CI, 0.001-0.038) SDs in claims-based quality measures, with the strongest associations found for measures related to patient functioning.

Conclusions and Relevance

Within-facility variation in staff turnover was associated with decreased quality of care. These findings suggest that efforts to monitor and reduce staff turnover may be able to improve patient outcomes.
Autoimmune and Autoinflammatory Connective Tissue Disorders Following COVID-19
Authors: Lim Sung Ha , Ju Hyun Jeong , Han Ju Hee , Lee Ji Hae , Lee Won-Soo , Bae Jung Min , Lee Solam
Published: October 2023

Importance

Multiple cases of autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases after COVID-19 have been reported. However, their incidences and risks have rarely been quantified.

Objective

To investigate the incidences and risks of autoimmune and autoinflammatory connective tissue disorders after COVID-19.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This was a retrospective population-based study conducted between October 8, 2020, and December 31, 2021, that used nationwide data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency COVID-19 National Health Insurance Service cohort and included individuals who received a diagnosis of COVID-19 via polymerase chain reaction testing and a control group with no evidence of COVID-19 identified from National Health Insurance Service of Korea cohort. Data analysis was conducted from September 2022 to August 2023.

Exposures

Receipt of diagnosis of COVID-19.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcomes were the incidence and risk of autoimmune and autoinflammatory connective tissue disorders following COVID-19. A total of 32 covariates, including demographics, socioeconomic statuses, lifestyle factors, and comorbidity profiles, were balanced through inverse probability weighting. The incidences and risks of autoimmune and autoinflammatory connective tissue disorders were compared between the groups using multivariable Cox proportional hazard analyses.

Results

A total of 354 527 individuals with COVID-19 (mean [SD] age, 52.24 [15.55] years; 179 041 women [50.50%]) and 6 134 940 controls (mean [SD] age, 52.05 [15.63] years; 3 074 573 women [50.12%]) were included. The risks of alopecia areata (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.12; 95% CI, 1.05-1.19), alopecia totalis (aHR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.39-2.17), antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody–associated vasculitis (aHR, 2.76; 95% CI, 1.64-4.65), Crohn disease (aHR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.31-2.15), and sarcoidosis (aHR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.00-2.52) were higher in the COVID-19 group. The risks of alopecia totalis, psoriasis, vitiligo, vasculitis, Crohn disease, ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, adult-onset Still disease, Sjögren syndrome, ankylosing spondylitis, and sarcoidosis were associated with the severity of COVID-19.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this retrospective cohort study, COVID-19 was associated with a substantial risk for autoimmune and autoinflammatory connective tissue disorders, indicating that long-term management of patients with COVID-19 should include evaluation for such disorders.
Depressive Symptoms and Mortality Among US Adults
Authors: Zhang Zefeng , Jackson Sandra L. , Gillespie Cathleen , Merritt Robert , Yang Quanhe
Published: October 2023

Importance

Depression is a common mental health disorder in the US. Depressive symptoms have been associated with increased cardiovascular disease incidence and mortality, but studies have largely focused on narrow population subgroups.

Objective

To examine the association between depressive symptoms and mortality in a large, diverse, nationally representative sample of US adults, and to examine how lifestyle factors mediate this association.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This was a prospective cohort study of a nationally representative sample of US adults using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005 to 2018 data linked with the National Death Index through 2019 for adults aged 20 years and older. Data were analyzed between March 1 and May 26, 2023.

Main Outcomes and Measures

All-cause, cardiovascular disease, and ischemic heart disease mortality. Depressive symptoms were defined by Patient Health Questionnaire-9 scores and were categorized as none or minimal, mild, and moderate to severe. Secondarily, we assessed degree of mediation by lifestyle factors.

Results

A total of 23 694 participants were included (unweighted n = 11 862 male [weighted 49.8%]; mean [SE] age, 44.7 [0.24] years). Prevalences of mild and moderate to severe depression were 14.9% and 7.2%, respectively. For all-cause mortality, hazard ratios were 1.35 (95% CI, 1.07-1.72) for mild depressive symptoms vs none and 1.62 (95% CI, 1.24-2.12) for moderate to severe depressive symptoms vs none. The corresponding hazard ratios were 1.49 (95% CI, 1.11-2.00) and 1.79 (95% CI, 1.22-2.62) for cardiovascular disease mortality and 0.96 (95% CI, 0.58-1.60) and 2.21 (95% CI, 1.24-3.91) for ischemic heart disease mortality. The associations were largely consistent across subgroups. Approximately 11.0% to 16.1% of the associations between depression and mortality could be explained by lifestyle factors. Feeling tired or having little energy, poor appetite or overeating, and having little interest in doing things were independently associated with all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality but not with ischemic heart disease mortality.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this prospective cohort study of a nationally representative sample of US adults, there was a graded positive association between depressive symptoms and mortality. Public health efforts to improve awareness and treatment of depression and associated risk factors could support a comprehensive, nationwide strategy to reduce the burden of depression.
Controllable Electron Distribution Reconstruction of Spinel NiCo2O4 Boosting Glycerol Oxidation at Elevated Current Density
Authors: Luo Wenshu , Tian Han , Li Qin , Meng Ge , Chang Ziwei , Chen Chang , Shen Ruxiang , Yu Xu , Zhu Libo , Kong Fantao , Cui Xiangzhi , Shi Jianlin
Published: October 2023

Electrocatalytic glycerol oxidation reaction (GOR) is an effective way to convert biomass byproduct to high value‐added chemicals, which; however, suffers from the low oxidation activity and conversion ratio of the presently available catalysts. Herein, the NiCo2O4/NF bimetallic oxide nanoarray is controllably fabricated by Ni substituting for octahedral Co3+ in Co3O4, which exhibits excellent GOR catalytic activity at elevated current densities (E300 = 1.42 V, E600 = 1.62 V) and overall Faradaic efficiency of 97.5% at 1.42 V (FEformic acid = 89.9% and FEglycolic acid = 7.62%). The high performance is attributed to the structure evolution including the rapid generation of NiIII‐OOH and CoIII‐OOH active species, the optimized intermediates adsorption, and the accelerated electron transfer owing to the Ni introduction, which are evidenced by the operando spectroscopy measurements and density functional theory calculations, respectively. The GOR/hydrogen evolution coupled two‐electrode electrolytic cell voltage is ≈299 mV lower than that of the water splitting at 50 mA cm−2. More importantly, compared to conventional water splitting, this electrolyzer is stable for over 200 h at 1.75 V, reducing energy consumption by 16.9% and obtaining high value‐added products at the anode concurrently.
Tunable Spin‐Polarized States in Graphene on a Ferrimagnetic Oxide Insulator
Authors: Hu Junxiong , Han Yulei , Chi Xiao , Omar Ganesh Ji , Al Ezzi Mohammed Mohammed Esmail , Gou Jian , Yu Xiaojiang , Andrivo Rusydi , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Wee Andrew Thye Shen , Qiao Zhenhua , Ariando A.
Published: October 2023

Spin‐polarized two‐dimensional (2D) materials with large and tunable spin‐splitting energy promise the field of 2D spintronics. While graphene has been a canonical 2D material, its spin properties and tunability are limited. Here, this work demonstrates the emergence of robust spin‐polarization in graphene with large and tunable spin‐splitting energy of up to 132 meV at zero applied magnetic fields. The spin polarization is induced through a magnetic exchange interaction between graphene and the underlying ferrimagnetic oxide insulating layer, Tm3Fe5O12, as confirmed by its X‐ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD). The spin‐splitting energies are directly measured and visualized by the shift in their Landau‐fan diagram mapped by analyzing the measured Shubnikov‐de‐Haas (SdH) oscillations as a function of applied electric fields, showing consistent fit with the first‐principles and machine learning calculations. Further, the observed spin‐splitting energies can be tuned over a broad range between 98 and 166 meV by field cooling. The methods and results are applicable to other 2D (magnetic) materials and heterostructures, and offer great potential for developing next‐generation spin logic and memory devices.
3D Motion Manipulation for Micro‐ and Nanomachines: Progress and Future Directions
Authors: Huang Hai , Yang Shihao , Ying Yulong , Chen Xiangzhong , Puigmartí‐Luis Josep , Zhang Li , Pané Salvador
Published: October 2023

In the past decade, micro‐ and nanomachines (MNMs) have made outstanding achievements in the fields of targeted drug delivery, tumor therapy, microsurgery, biological detection, and environmental monitoring and remediation. Researchers have made significant efforts to accelerate the rapid development of MNMs capable of moving through fluids by means of different energy sources (chemical reactions, ultrasound, light, electricity, magnetism, heat, or their combinations). However, the motion of MNMs is primarily investigated in confined two‐dimensional (2D) horizontal setups. Furthermore, three‐dimensional (3D) motion control remains challenging, especially for vertical movement and control, significantly limiting its potential applications in cargo transportation, environmental remediation, and biotherapy. Hence, an urgent need is to develop MNMs that can overcome self‐gravity and controllably move in 3D spaces. This review delves into the latest progress made in MNMs with 3D motion capabilities under different manipulation approaches, discusses the underlying motion mechanisms, explores potential design concepts inspired by nature for controllable 3D motion in MNMs, and presents the available 3D observation and tracking systems.
Modulation of Phase Transition in Cobalt Selenide with Simultaneous Construction of Heterojunctions for Highly‐Efficient Oxygen Electrocatalysis in Zinc–Air Battery
Authors: Xu Xiaoqin , Wang Xinyu , Huo Sichen , Liu Xiaofeng , Ma Xuena , Liu Mingyang , Zou Jinlong
Published: October 2023

Phase transformation of cobalt selenide (CoSe2) can effectively modulate its intrinsic electrocatalytic activity. However, enhancing electroconductivity and catalytic activity/stability of CoSe2 still remains challenging. Heterostructure engineering may be feasible to optimize interfacial properties to promote the kinetics of oxygen electrocatalysis on a CoSe2‐based catalyst. Herein, a heterostructure consisting of CoSe2 and cobalt nitride (CoN) embedded in a hollow carbon cage is designed via a simultaneous phase/interface engineering strategy. Notably, the phase transition of orthorhombic‐CoSe2 to cubic‐CoSe2 (c‐CoSe2) accompanied by in situ CoN formation is realized to build the c‐CoSe2/CoN heterointerface, which exhibits excellent/highly stable activities for oxygen reduction/evolution reactions (ORR/OER). Notably, heterostructure can modulate the local coordination environment and increase Co‐Se/N bond lengths. Theoretical calculations show that Co‐site (c‐CoSe2) with an electronic state near Fermi energy level is the main active site for ORR/OER.Energetical tailoring of the d‐orbital electronic structure of the Co atom of c‐CoSe2 in heterostructure by in situ CoN incorporation lowers thermodynamic barriers for ORR/OER. Attractively, a zinc‐air battery with a c‐CoSe2‐CoN cathode displays excellent cycling stability (250 h) and charge/discharge voltage loss (0.953/0.96 V). It highlights that heterointerface engineering provides an option for modulating the bifunctional activity of metal selenides with controlled phase transformation.
Current State and Perspectives of Exfoliated Zeolites
Authors: Roth Wieslaw J. , Opanasenko Maksym , Mazur Michal , Gil Barbara , Čejka Jiří , Sasaki Takayoshi
Published: October 2023

Zeolites are highly efficient industrial catalysts and sorbents with microporous framework structures. Approximately 10% of the frameworks, but eventually all in the long run, have produced both 3D crystals and 2D layers. The latter can be intercalated and expanded like all 2D materials but proved difficult to exfoliate directly into suspensions of monolayers in solution as precursors for unique synthetic opportunities. Successful exfoliations have been reported recently and are overviewed in this perspective article. The discussion highlights 3 primary challenges in this field, namely finding suitable 2D zeolite preparations that exfoliate directly in high yield, proving uniform layer thickness in solution and identifying applications to exploit the unique synthetic capabilities and properties of exfoliated zeolite monolayers. Four zeolites have been confirmed to exfoliate directly into monolayers: 3 with known structures—MWW, MFI, and RWR and one unknown, bifer with a unit cell close to ferrierite. The exfoliation into monolayers is confirmed by the combination of 5–6 characterization techniques including AFM, in situ and in‐plane XRD, and microscopies. The promising areas of development are oriented films and membranes, intimately mixed zeolite phases, and hierarchical nanoscale composites with other active species like nanoparticles and clusters that are unfeasible by solid state processes.
Data Storage Using DNA
Authors: Wang Shaopeng , Mao Xiuhai , Wang Fei , Zuo Xiaolei , Fan Chunhai
Published: October 2023

The exponential growth of global data has outpaced the storage capacities of current technologies, necessitating innovative storage strategies. DNA, as a natural medium for preserving genetic information, has emerged as a highly promising candidate for next‐generation storage medium. Storing data in DNA offers several advantages, including ultrahigh physical density and exceptional durability. Facilitated by significant advancements in various technologies, such as DNA synthesis, DNA sequencing, and DNA nanotechnology, remarkable progress has been made in the field of DNA data storage over the past decade. However, several challenges still need to be addressed to realize practical applications of DNA data storage. In this review, the processes and strategies of in vitro DNA data storage are first introduced, highlighting recent advancements. Next, a brief overview of in vivo DNA data storage is provided, with a focus on the various writing strategies developed to date. At last, the challenges encountered in each step of DNA data storage are summarized and promising techniques are discussed that hold great promise in overcoming these obstacles.
NIR Plasmonic Nanozymes: Synergistic Enhancement Mechanism and Multi‐Modal Anti‐Infection Applications of MXene/MOFs
Authors: Zhao Xiaoping , Chen Yang , Niu Ruoxin , Tang Ye , Chen Yanni , Su Huining , Yang Zhiwei , Jing Xunan , Guan Hao , Gao Rui , Meng Lingjie
Published: October 2023

Nanozymes are considered as the promising antimicrobial agents due to the enzyme‐like activity for chemo‐dynamic therapy (CDT). However, it remains a challenge to develop novel nanozyme systems for achieving stimuli‐responsive, and efficient nanozyme catalysis with multimodal synergistic enhancement. In this work, a near‐infrared (NIR) plasmonic‐enhanced nanozyme catalysis and photothermal performance for effective antimicrobial applications are proposed. A Ti3C2 MXene/Fe‐MOFs composite (MXM) with NIR plasmonic‐enhanced CDT combined with photothermal properties is successfully developed by loading metal‐organic framework (MOF) nanozymes onto Ti3C2 MXene. The mechanism of NIR induced localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR)‐enhanced CDT and photothermal therapy (PTT) is well explained through activation energy (Ea), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), fluorescence analysis experiments, and finite element simulation. It reveals that MXene nanosheets exhibit NIR plasmon exciters and generate hot electrons that can transfer to the surface of Fe‐MOFs, promoting the Fenton reaction and enhances CDT. While the photothermal heating of MXene produced by LSPR can also boost the CDT of Fe‐MOFs under NIR irradiation. Both in vitro and in vivo experimental results demonstrate that LSPR‐induced MXM system has outstanding antimicrobial properties, can promote angiogenesis and collagen deposition, leading to the accelerated wound healing.
Rational Design of S‐Scheme Heterojunction toward Efficient Photocatalytic Cellulose Reforming for H2 and Formic Acid in Pure Water
Authors: You Yang , Chen Shangxian , Zhao Jie , Lin Jianfeng , Wen Donglian , Sha Pengzhan , Li Libo , Bu Donglei , Huang Shaoming
Published: October 2023

Photocatalytic cellulose reforming usually requires harsh conditions due to its sluggish kinetics. Here, a hollow structural S‐scheme heterojunction of ZnSe and oxygen vacancy enriched TiO2, namely, h‐ZnSe/Pt@TiO2, is designed and fabricated, with which the photocatalytic reforming of cellulose for H2 and formic acid is realized in pure water. H2 and formic acid productivity of 1858 and 372 µmol g−1 h−1 and a steady H2 evolution for 300 h are achieved with α‐cellulose. Comparable photocatalytic activity can also be achieved using various cellulose sources. It is experimentally proven that the photogenerated charge transfer follows an S‐scheme mechanism, which not only promotes the charge separation but also preserves the higher reductive and oxidative abilities of the ZnSe and TiO2, respectively. Furthermore, the polyhydroxy species produced during cellulose degradation are favored to adsorb on the oxygen vacancy enriched TiO2 surface, which promotes the photocatalytic reforming process and is accounted to the preservation of formic acid as the major solution‐phase product. In addition, sequential reactions of oxidation of aldehydes and elimination of formic acid of the cellulose degradation process are revealed. This work provides a photocatalytic strategy to sustainably produce hydrogen and value‐added chemicals from biomass under the most environmentally benign condition, i.e., pure water.
Adapting a quality of life scale for children and young people with Down syndrome in Chile
Authors: Jofré Urrutia Macarena , Bedregal Paula , Lizama Macarena
Published: October 2023

In Chile, there are no validated instruments for the evaluation of quality of life (QoL) of people with Down syndrome (DS). To analyze construct validity and reliability of the KidsLife‐Down scale in Chile to measure QoL in people with DS aged from 4 to 21 years. Families of boys, girls, and young people with DS between 4 and 21 years were invited to participate. The scale was answered by relatives or caregivers. To assess the internal consistency, reliability tests were performed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. A confirmatory factor analysis was performed. The scale was answered by 531 relatives or caregivers. Cronbach's coefficient was greater than 0.7 in all the items. The confirmatory factor analysis of the scale allowed its validation for clinical use in the Chilean population. “Kids Life Down‐Chile” scale has adequate psychometric properties to be used in clinical practice and to help us improve QoL with better support strategies.
Segmental arterial mediolysis with a ruptured visceral artery on two consecutive days
Authors: Ito Chikao , Koyama Tomohide , Fujimori Daisuke , Takahashi Isao , Kasuya Miyuki , Oe Kyoji , Sakamoto So , Yoshida Ryuhei , Yoshiike Yasutaka , Ito Masaaki , Yamashita Wataru , Watanabe Sho , Isogai Jun
Published: October 2023

Background

We describe a case of segmental arterial mediolysis in which a vessel ruptured on two consecutive days.

Case Presentation

A 69‐year‐old man presented with sudden‐onset abdominal pain. Computed tomography showed a hematoma in the gastric wall. The patient was discharged after the pain was relieved but returned 8 h later with abdominal pain and shock. Repeated computed tomography revealed a massive intra‐abdominal hemorrhage without previous aneurysm formation. Emergency angiography and coil embolization were successfully carried out. Segmental arterial mediolysis was diagnosed after irregular vasodilated lesions were observed in multiple arteries.

Conclusion

This case suggests that accurately predicting the next vessel rupture is difficult. For patients experiencing intra‐abdominal bleeding with segmental arterial mediolysis, we suggest treating only ruptured aneurysms and closely following‐up unruptured aneurysms.
New Frontiers in Organosodium Chemistry as Sustainable Alternatives to Organolithium Reagents
Authors: Anderson David E. , Tortajada Andreu , Hevia Eva
Published: October 2023

With their highly reactive respective C−Na and N−Na bonds, organosodium and sodium amide reagents could be viewed as obvious replacements or even superior reagents to the popular, widely utilised organolithiums. However, they have seen very limited applications in synthesis due mainly to poor solubility in common solvents and their limited stability. That notwithstanding in recent years there has been a surge of interest in bringing these sustainable metal reagents into the forefront of organometallics in synthesis. Showcasing the growth in utilisation of organosodium complexes within several areas of synthetic chemistry, this Minireview discusses promising new methods that have been recently reported with the goal of taming these powerful reagents. Special emphasis is placed on coordination and aggregation effects in these reagents which can impart profound changes in their solubility and reactivity. Differences in observed reactivity between more nucleophilic aryl and alkyl sodium reagents and the less nucleophilic but highly basic sodium amides are discussed along with current mechanistic understanding of their reactivities. Overall, this review aims to inspire growth in this exciting field of research to allow for the integration of organosodium complexes within common important synthetic transformations.
Efficient extraction of Uranium (VI) from aqueous solution by LDH/MOF composites
Authors: Xie Yuming , Huang Guolin , Li Jiangang , Zhang Qin , Fan Lijiao , Liu Wenbin
Published: October 2023

Study on uranium adsorption materials is crucial in addressing uranium pollution and safeguarding water resources. In this paper, a novel Ni/Co‐LDH@ZIF‐67/8‐MOF (LDH/MOF) composite was fabricated by loading ZIF‐67/8‐MOF on the surface of Ni/Co‐LDH with silane coupling group as bonding agent. The LDH/MOF composite was tested by XRD, FT‐IR, SEM, TGA, and XPS methods. The LDH/MOF composite exhibited exceptional uranium (U (VI)) adsorption capacity, with the Langmuir isotherm model estimating a maximum adsorption capacity of 617.33 mg/g, and the adsorption process followed quasi‐second‐order kinetics. Notably, ultrasonic mixing achieved equilibrium in a mere 5 minutes, outperforming traditional oscillation mixing by a considerable margin, offering new possibilities for enhancing uranium removal efficiency. Furthermore, thermodynamic analysis revealed the spontaneous and endothermic nature of U (VI) adsorption onto LDH/MOF. In addition, XPS investigations provided valuable insights into the adsorption mechanisms, primarily involving surface complexation, chelation, and ion exchange. These innovative findings open new avenues for the development of highly selective and efficient uranium separation methods, highlighting the promising potential of LDH/MOF as a highly prospective material for uranium separation in diverse applications, including environmental remediation and nuclear waste management.
Temporal Variability of Atmospheric Radon‐222 Concentration at Gosan Station, Jeju Island, Korea, during 2009–2013
Authors: Song Jung‐Min , Kim Won‐Hyung , Kang Chang‐Hee , Lee Haeyoung , Lee Chulkyu , Chambers S. , Williams A. G.
Published: October 2023

Atmospheric radon‐222 (radon) measurements were made from 2009 to 2013 at the Gosan station of Jeju Island, one of the cleanest regions in Korea, in order to characterize the temporal variability (on diurnal, seasonal, and annual scales) and analyze the influence of changing air mass transport pathways on observed radon concentrations. The mean hourly radon concentration over the whole period was 2441 ± 1037 mBq/m3. The seasonal cycle of radon at the Gosan station was characterized by a fall maximum and summer minimum, consistent with a reduction in nonfrozen terrestrial fetch from fall to summer. In order, the seasonal mean radon concentrations were 2962 mBq/m3 (fall) >2907 mBq/m3 (winter) >2219 mBq/m3 (spring) >1756 mBq/m3 (summer). Based on a 5‐year composite, the maximum mean monthly radon concentration in October (3100 mBq/m3) was more than twice the July minimum (1471 mBq/m3). Diurnal composite radon concentrations for the whole period increased throughout the night to a maximum of 2788 mBq/m3 at around 7 a.m., and then gradually decreased to a minimum of 2050 mBq/m3 at around 3 p.m. The winter diurnal cycle had a small amplitude due to the low variability in atmospheric mixing depth associated with recent air mass fetch over the Yellow Sea. The diurnal cycle in summer, however, exhibited a relatively large amplitude due to changes in atmospheric mixing depth associated with recent fetch over Jeju Island. Back trajectory analysis showed that high radon events were typically associated with long‐term air mass fetch over continental Asia. Specifically, the average radon concentration of air masses originating from China was about 2.4 times higher than that of air masses originating from the North Pacific Ocean.
Is biodiversity disclosure emerging as a key topic on the agenda of institutional investors?
Authors: Ali Rizwan , García‐Sánchez Isabel‐María , Aibar‐Guzmán Beatriz , Rehman Ramiz ur
Published: October 2023

All industries depend on natural capital assets and ecosystem services, either directly, through their supply chains, or through their investments. Companies are therefore challenged to reorient their production systems and turn the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity into an opportunity for sustainable economic development. In this paper, we analyze the interest of institutional investors in these corporate policies through the role they play in the disclosure that companies make about them. For a balanced data panel of 8,320 firm‐year observations from 832 global companies operating in different sectors of activity over the period 2011–2020, the results obtained indicate that institutional investors, especially those with investment a long‐term investment horizon, are interested in biodiversity commitments and exercise their demand for information on these initiatives through their representatives on the board of directors. Furthermore, we show that companies are rewarded for disclosing relevant information on business policies, biodiversity management, and the valuation of ecosystem services in the value chain.
Petroselinum crispum Extract Prevents Scopolamine‐Induced Lens Damage in Rats
Authors: Ertik Onur , Pazarbaşı Seren Ede , Sener Goksel , Sacan Ozlem , Yanardag Refiye
Published: October 2023

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that occurs especially in advanced ages. It reduces the quality of life of both the patient and their relatives. In addition to its primary effects, AD causes metabolic defects and tissues are damaged due to these effects. Oxidative stress damages cells by disrupting antioxidant/oxidant balance in many tissues, especially due to AD. In individuals with AD and the elderly, lens tissue is damaged due to oxidative stress and may cause vision loss. Therefore, it is very important to investigate herbal products that both prevent/cure AD and reduce AD‐related oxidative stress, as they may have fewer side effects. In this study, the protective effects of parsley (Petroselinum crispum) extract on lens tissues of an experimental AD model induced by scopolamine were examined and evaluated through biochemical parameters. The result of biochemical experiments and principal component analysis, was observed that parsley extract had a therapeutic effect by reducing oxidative stress in lens tissues of experimentally induced AD rats. It can be suggested that the phenolic and flavonoid‐rich content of parsley extract may have caused the reduction of oxidative damage in lens tissues and can be used to protect lens tissue against oxidative stress due to AD disease.
Low‐Temperature Upcycling of Polypropylene Waste into H2 Fuel via a Novel Tandem Hydrothermal Process
Authors: Su Hongcai , Xu Dan , Li Tian , Zhu Lingjun , Wang Shurong
Published: October 2023

Plastic waste is a promising and abundant resource for H2 production. However, upcycling plastic waste into H2 fuel via conventional thermochemical routes requires relatively considerable energy input and severe reaction conditions, particularly for polyolefin waste. Here, we report a tandem strategy for the selective upcycling of polypropylene (PP) waste into H2 fuel in a mild and clean manner. PP waste was first oxidized into small‐molecule organic acids using pure O2 as oxidant at 190 °C, followed by the catalytic reforming of oxidation aqueous products over ZnO‐modified Ru/NiAl2O4 catalysts to produce H2 at 300 °C. A high H2 yield of 44.5 mol/kgPP and a H2 mole fraction of 60.5 % were obtained from this tandem process. The entire process operated with almost no solid residue remaining and equipment contamination, ensuring relative stability and cleanliness of the reaction system. This strategy provides a new route for low‐temperature transforming PP and improving the sustainability of plastic waste disposal processes.
Cytodiagnosis of subacute granulomatous thyroiditis (De Quervain's thyroiditis)—A report of four cases
Authors: Agnihotri Mona , Kothari Kanchan , Monteiro Rashmi
Published: October 2023

Subacute granulomatous thyroiditis (SGT)/De Quervain's thyroiditis is a rare self‐limiting inflammatory disease, accounting for 3% of all thyroid disorders. Most commonly seen in middle aged women, it shows a characteristic triad of pain in the anterior cervical region, increased ESR and recent history of viral upper respiratory tract infection. The cytomorphological features are not pathognomonic and can also be seen in Hashimoto's thyroiditis, granulomatous infections, sarcoidosis, and papillary thyroid carcinoma. We report four cases of SGT, diagnosed on fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). Familiarity with cytomorphology of SGT and awareness of the clinical setting is essential for making an accurate diagnosis.
The diversity of animals identified as keystone species
Authors: Shukla Ishana , Gaynor Kaitlyn M. , Worm Boris , Darimont Chris T.
Published: October 2023

Although the keystone species concept was conceived of over 50 years ago, contemporary efforts to synthesize related literature have been limited. Our objective was to create a list of keystone animal species identified in the literature and to examine the variation in the traits of species and the ecosystem influences they elicit. We documented 230 species considered keystones. A clustering analysis classified them into five archetypes based on combinations of their taxonomic class, body size, trophic level, and role (consumers, modifiers, or prey). Although conservation and public perception of keystones primarily focuses on large vertebrate consumers, our analysis reveals that researchers have defined a wide diversity of keystone species, with large variation in associated ecosystem processes. Future research may confront ambiguity in the definition of keystone status, as well as clarify the type, abundance, and quality of data required to assign the term. Identifying keystones with increased rigor would not only enrich the literature but also inform intervention to safeguard threatened keystones and their associated influences on ecosystems.
Outcome prediction by myocardial external efficiency from 11C‐acetate positron emission tomography in cardiac amyloidosis
Authors: Rosengren Sara , Skibsted Clemmensen Tor , Hvitfeldt Poulsen Steen , Tolbod Lars , Harms Hendrik J. , Wikström Gerhard , Kero Tanja , Thyrsted Ladefoged Bertil , Sörensen Jens
Published: October 2023

Aims

This study aimed to study the prognostic value of myocardial oxygen consumption (MVO2) and myocardial external efficiency (MEE) from 11C‐acetate positron emission tomography (PET) in cardiac amyloidosis (CA) patients.

Methods and results

Forty‐eight CA patients, both transthyretin (ATTR) and immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis, and 20 controls were included. All subjects were examined with 11C‐acetate PET and echocardiography. MVO2, forward stroke volume (FSV), and left ventricular mass (LVM) were derived from 11C‐acetate PET and used to calculate MEE. CA patients were followed for survival and the prognostic impact of clinical, echocardiographic, and 11C‐acetate PET parameters was analysed. MVO2 and MEE were reduced in CA compared with controls, but without significant difference between deceased and surviving CA patients. The ratio of 11C‐acetate PET‐derived FSV and LVM was also reduced in CA and significantly lowered in deceased patients compared with survivors. In univariate analysis, New York Heart Association class, N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide, and the 11C‐acetate PET parameters FSV/LVM and MEE were the strongest prognostic factors. Of the 11C‐acetate PET parameters, FSV/LVM was the strongest survival predictor with hazard ratio of 0.56 per 0.1 mL/g (95% confidence interval 0.39–0.81, P = 0.002) and independently prognostic in a multivariate model. MEE significantly separated deceased from surviving CA patients with the cut‐off of 15.7% (P = 0.032). Survival was significantly shorter with FSV/LVM below 0.27 mL/g (P < 0.001), also when separating AL‐ and ATTR‐CA.

Conclusions

Reduced MEE was associated with shorter survival in CA patients, but FSV/LVM was the strongest survival predictor and the only independently prognostic 11C‐acetate PET parameter in multivariate analysis.
Tuneable solvents‐based extraction for the recovery of caffeine from coffee wastewater
Authors: José Luis Plaza‐Dorado , Carlos Suárez‐Rodríguez , Laura Sofía Torres‐Valenzuela
Published: October 2023

Tunable solvents represent a new generation of environmentally friendly solvents with potential applications in the effective extraction of bioactive compounds, including supramolecular solvents (SUPRAS). This study aimed to optimize caffeine extraction from coffee processing wastewater (CWW) using SUPRAS of various compositions. An extreme vertices design was employed to evaluate the SUPRAS composition. The synthesis of SUPRAS involved two amphiphiles (1‐hexanol and decanoic acid) in hydro‐organic solutions of tetrahydrofuran (THF). A statistical modeling approach was used to characterize the process and determine the optimal conditions for potential scale‐up within the coffee processing industry. The results indicated that SUPRAS offer a promising alternative to traditional solvents for extracting caffeine from CWW. The highest experimental extraction rate (~ 62%) was achieved using a 15% 1‐hexanol in a hydro‐organic solution of THF (47% v/v). This mixture corresponded to the optimum predicted by a special cubic statistical model (R2 = 0.9367; Adj‐R2 = 0.8608, and RSME = 3.2795). The percentage of caffeine extracted from CWW is considered acceptable, given the compound's affinity for water and the rapid (1 min) and straightforward approach employed. Moreover, the use of SUPRAS reduced solvent consumption, and the proposed statistical model identified conditions that maximized caffeine extraction while minimizing THF usage. This method can potentially lower process costs and solvent consumption. For large‐scale extraction, centrifugation can be substituted with spontaneous sedimentation. Overall, these findings have significant implications for the valorization of CWW, providing a sustainable and efficient method for the extraction of valuable compounds.