bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INOCULAÇÃO E ADUBAÇÃO MINERAL EM FEIJÃO-CAUPI: EFEITOS NA NODULAÇÃO, CRESCIMENTO E PRODUTIVIDADE
Authors: GUALTER Régia Maria Reis , LEITE Luiz Fernando Carvalho , ARAÚJO Ademir Sérgio Ferreira de , ALCÂNTARA Rosa Maria Cardoso Mota de , COSTA Daniela Batista
Published: January 2015

A nodulação e o crescimento das leguminosas têm influência dos nutrientes contidos no solo, principalmente P, K e Mo. O presente trabalho objetivou avaliar em campo o efeito da inoculação com Bradyrhizobium elkanii e da adubação com P, K e Mo sobre a nodulação, crescimento e produtividade de feijão-caupi (cultivar BRS Guariba). O estudo foi conduzido em uma área experimental, utilizando-se um Neossolo Flúvico, em Teresina, PI. Os tratamentos foram dispostos em um delineamento em blocos casualizados com seis tratamentos e quatro repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram de aplicação ou não de P, K e Mo no solo e de inoculante rizobiano nas sementes. No tratamento com inoculação foi utilizado um inoculante a base de turfa contendo Bradyrhizobium elkanii, estirpe BR 3262. A semeadura foi realizada em parcela experimental de 3,2 m x 5,0 m e procederam-se as coletas dos dados aos 35 e 50 dias após a emergência (DAE) para a determinação do número e massa seca dos nódulos e das massas secas da parte aérea e raiz e acúmulo de N na parte aérea. A produtividade de grãos foi determinada aos 58 DAE. Não se verificou diferença entre os tratamentos para massa seca das raízes, parte aérea e acúmulo de N aos 35 DAE, para massa seca das raízes aos 50 DAE e para a produtividade de grãos. Em solo com adequado conteúdo de P e K a inoculação com Bradyrhizobium elkanii associada à adubação fosfatada, potássica e molíbidica não contribuiu para o aumento do número e massa dos nódulos e nem tampouco da produtividade de grãos de feijão-caupi.
Population perception of surgical approach in minimally invasive surgery
Authors: Inoue Shogo , Kajiwara Mitsuru , Teishima Jun , Matsubara Akio
Published: January 2015

Introduction: The aim of this study was to better understand the impact that public opinion might have on surgical approaches in urologic minimally invasive surgery (MIS).Methods: We collected surveys from 400 participants, including the general population (n = 220) and paramedical staff (n = 180). Participants were anonymous. The survey included 16 questions on the characteristics and preference for the surgical approach if a urologic MIS were performed on them.Results: The responders preferred the transumbilical approach (57.0%) to the subcostal approach (43.0%). In particular, the preference for a transumbilical approach was significantly higher in females (65.1% vs. 49.3%, p = 0.0014). Similarly, when participants were divided into two groups (<50 years and >50 years), the preference for the transumbilical approach was significantly higher in the younger group (60.8% vs. 48.0%, p = 0.0187). Logistic regression analysis revealed that preference for this approach was about 2 times more likely to rise in the females (p = 0.032).Conclusions: Preference for the transumbilical approach was significantly higher young female respondents. This patient subset most values the cosmetic benefits of transumbilical approach in urologic MIS.
Existe-t-il des différences entre les hommes et les femmes en ce qui concerne les problèmes de toxicomanie ?
Authors: Mendrek Adrianna
Published: January 2015

La consommation et la dépendance aux drogues furent longtemps considérées comme un problème typiquement masculin. Néanmoins, bien que l’abus et la dépendance à l’alcool, au cannabis et à la nicotine soient encore plus répandus chez les hommes, les différences de genre en ce qui concerne les stimulants et les opiacés ont largement disparu. Il semblerait également que les motivations pour commencer à consommer, l’escalade vers la dépendance et les taux de cessation diffèrent chez les hommes et les femmes. Les raisons qui expliquent ces différences sont multiples et complexes. Nous allons examiner ici les données des études épidémiologiques et cliniques concernant la consommation de diverses drogues chez des hommes et chez des femmes en contexte des facteurs socioculturels, psychologiques et neurobiologiques.
Les troubles liés à l’utilisation des opioïdes prescrits médicalement
Authors: Brabant Michel , Brissette Suzanne , Lauzon Pierre , Marsan Stéphanie , Ouellet-Plamondon Clairélaine , Pelletier Marie-Chantal
Published: January 2015

Épidémiologie Au cours des 10 à 15 dernières années, le Canada est devenu le deuxième plus grand consommateur d’opioïdes de prescription (OP), principalement pour le traitement de la douleur. Cette augmentation a été plus marquée chez les 55 ans et plus. Même si personne ne conteste le droit des patients à recevoir des traitements adéquats pour la douleur, il n’en demeure pas moins que cette disponibilité accrue a entraîné son lot de problèmes : augmentation des visites à l’urgence et des décès liés aux opioïdes ainsi que du trouble lié à l’utilisation (TLU) des opioïdes, trouble qui est d’ailleurs associé à une prévalence accrue, de l’ordre de 40 %, de divers problèmes psychiatriques, dont les troubles dépressifs majeurs.

Neuroscience De nouvelles connaissances issues des neurosciences nous permettent de mieux comprendre la réaction du cerveau lors de l’exposition à ces substances et le caractère chronique du TLU des opioïdes. Quoique historiquement perçu comme une faiblesse de caractère ou un vice, le TLU des opioïdes est maintenant reconnu comme une condition chronique résultant d’une interaction complexe entre une substance, des facteurs d’environnement et un génotype individuel. Malheureusement, ces évidences scientifiques ne sont pas encore largement appliquées à la clinique et la majorité des médecins n’ont pas les habiletés nécessaires pour diagnostiquer et traiter le TLU des opioïdes.

Guides de pratique clinique Des recommandations et guides de pratique peuvent nous aider à identifier les personnes plus vulnérables à un mésusage, et à mieux encadrer la prescription et la gestion de la médication. Il ne s’agit pas de se désintéresser de ces patients et de les abandonner à leur sort mais plutôt de leur offrir des soins inspirés des meilleures pratiques et appuyés sur des évidences scientifiques de qualité.
La méthamphétamine – un stimulant comme les autres ou un problème plus complexe ?
Authors: Lecomte Tania , Massé Marjolaine
Published: January 2015

La méthamphétamine (MA) fait beaucoup couler d’encre dans les médias, par sa popularité grandissante ainsi que par ses effets psychotropes et néfastes. S’agit-il d’un stimulant comme un autre, ou la méthamphétamine entraîne-t-elle des difficultés spécifiques chez ses utilisateurs ? Cet article se veut une brève revue de la documentation scientifique décrivant les raisons de sa popularité ainsi que les problèmes physiques, dentaires, psychiatriques, cognitifs et judiciaires qui y sont associés. Les profils d’utilisateurs ainsi que les traitements proposés à ce jour seront également présentés. En somme, nous tenterons d’illustrer la complexité des troubles rencontrés chez l’utilisateur de MA, les similitudes avec les utilisateurs de stimulants, ainsi que les limites des traitements actuels pour répondre aux besoins liés à cette complexité.
La définition du juriste et la redéfinition de la dogmatique juridique (à propos du
syncrétisme méthodologique)
Authors: Kouam Siméon Patrice
Published: January 2015

La recherche d’une définition du juriste dans les supports juridiques usuels est
vaine. Par la présente réflexion, l’auteur vise à démontrer que la figure du juriste
contemporain n’est plus celle d’un personnage confiné dans une dogmatique classique au sens
kelsennien, mais de celui qui a conscience de son rôle dans la société. La méthode exposée
par Hans Kelsen dans son ouvrage intitulé Théorie pure du droit, simpliste,
monolithique, linéaire, ne peut plus rendre compte à elle seule de la complexité du droit à
l’heure de la « postmodernité » dictée par les multiples transformations de la régulation
juridique. Le postulat de la neutralité axiologique de la science du droit très souvent
décrié est aujourd’hui complètement dépassé. Partout dans le monde, le droit progresse parce
que les mutations sociales appellent une adaptation constante des règles juridiques aux
aspirations des citoyens. Les finalités de la règle de droit sont ainsi devenues des outils
de mesure incontestables de la qualité du droit. C’est pourquoi le recours au syncrétisme
méthodologique, combinaison de la dogmatique classique et de la dogmatique éthique, se
révèle une sérieuse piste pour celui qui va à la recherche d’une définition du juriste. Dès
lors, le juriste est celui qui, axiologiquement, a conscience qu’en sa qualité de
dogmaticien il doit admettre que l’humanité demeure l’horizon indépassable de son
métier.
L’obligation essentielle dans le contrat
Authors: Deslauriers-Goulet Charlotte
Published: January 2015

Au regard du discours jurisprudentiel et doctrinal, il y a lieu de croire qu’une catégorie de l’obligation contractuelle émerge à l’heure actuelle : l’obligation essentielle. En effet, une littérature abondante, en France plus qu’au Québec, valorise cette notion en tentant de la définir. Il n’en demeure pas moins que, étant donné l’importance tant quantitative que qualitative des éléments qui distinguent les définitions doctrinales proposées, aucune d’elles ne saurait être reçue à titre autonome. Force est par ailleurs d’admettre que les nombreuses incertitudes et critiques de la notion rendent malaisée la tâche de saisir sa réelle signification. Dans l’article qui suit, après avoir présenté certaines définitions doctrinales et les principales incertitudes qui planent autour de la notion, l’auteure tentera de dégager son véritable sens par l’étude des utilités qui lui sont prêtées. Elle constatera alors que l’obligation essentielle a taillé sa place au sein de l’ensemble de plus en plus ample et recherché des restrictions à la liberté contractuelle.
Smartwatch Measures of Outdoor Exposure and Myopia in Children
Authors: Chen Jun , Wang Jingjing , Qi Ziyi , Liu Shang , Zhao Lingyi , Zhang Bo , Dong Kaige , Du Linlin , Yang Jinliuxing , Zou Haidong , He Xiangui , Xu Xun
Published: August 2024

Importance

Time spent outdoors has been proven effective in preventing myopia, but little is known about the association of outdoor exposure patterns with myopia.

Objective

To examine the association of outdoor exposure patterns with myopic shift in children.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This 1-year prospective cohort study from December 2017 to December 2018 was a secondary analysis of a cluster-randomized trial (Shanghai Time Outside to Reduce Myopia [STORM]). STORM was a school-based intervention study, recruiting 16 schools from 8 districts in Shanghai, from October 2016 to December 2018. Children without myopia at baseline who consistently wore a smartwatch for a minimum of 6 hours daily, sustained for at least 90 days, and who had complete information were included. Data analysis was performed from December 2017 to December 2018.

Exposures

The outdoor exposure pattern was defined as the episode of time outdoors and instant sunlight intensity over a continuous period.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Myopic shift was defined as the absolute change in refraction between the initial spherical equivalence and the follow-up spherical equivalence.

Results

This study included 2976 students (mean [SD] age, 7.2 [0.6] years; 1525 girls [51.2%]). The mean (SD) daily time outdoors was 90 (28) minutes, and the mean (SD) sunlight intensity was 2345 (486) lux. Of the 12 outdoor exposure patterns, the major outdoor exposure patterns were time outdoors with at least 15 minutes, accounting for 74.9% of minutes (33 677 584 of 45 016 800 minutes). Only patterns with at least 15 minutes accompanied with no less than 2000 lux were associated with less myopic shift in refraction (for ≥15 minutes and 2000 to 3999 lux, −0.007 diopter [D] [95% CI, −0.011 to −0.002 D]; for ≥15 minutes and ≥4000 lux, −0.006 D [95% CI, −0.010 to −0.002 D]). The isotemporal substitution of patterns with at least 15 minutes and 2000 lux for other outdoor exposure patterns was positively associated with less myopic shift.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this 1-year prospective cohort study of children with smartwatches, continuous outdoor exposure with at least 15 minutes accompanied with no less than 2000 lux sunlight intensity was associated with less myopic shift. These findings suggest that future outdoor interventions should focus not only on the overall time outdoors but also on the effective outdoor exposure patterns, as a means to effectively prevent myopia in children.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Type 2 Diabetes Outcomes in Veterans
Authors: Scherrer Jeffrey F. , Salas Joanne , Wang Wenjin , Freedland Kenneth E. , Lustman Patrick J. , Schnurr Paula P. , Cohen Beth E. , Jaffe Allan S. , Friedman Matthew J.
Published: August 2024

Importance

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom reduction is linked with lower risk of incident type 2 diabetes (T2D), but little is known about the association between PTSD and comorbid T2D outcomes. Whether PTSD is a modifiable risk factor for adverse T2D outcomes is unknown.

Objective

To determine whether patients with PTSD who improved and no longer met diagnostic criteria for PTSD had a lower risk of adverse T2D outcomes compared with patients with persistent PTSD.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study used deidentified data from US Veterans Health Administration (VHA) historical medical records (from October 1, 2011, to September 30, 2022) to create a cohort of patients aged 18 to 80 years with comorbid PTSD and T2D. Data analysis was performed from March 1 to June 1, 2024.

Exposures

Diagnoses of PTSD and T2D.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcomes were insulin initiation, poor glycemic control, any microvascular complication, and all-cause mortality. Improvement of PTSD was defined as no longer meeting PTSD diagnostic criteria, per a PTSD Checklist score of less than 33. Entropy balancing controlled for confounding. Survival and competing risk models estimated the association between meeting PTSD criteria and T2D outcomes. Subgroup analyses examined variation by age, sex, race, PTSD severity, and comorbid depression status.

Results

The study cohort included 10 002 veterans. More than half of patients (65.3%) were aged older than 50 years and most (87.2%) were men. Patients identified as Black (31.6%), White (62.7%), or other race (5.7%). Before controlling for confounding with entropy balancing, patients who no longer met PTSD diagnostic criteria had similar incidence rates for starting insulin (22.4 vs 24.4 per 1000 person-years), poor glycemic control (137.1 vs 133.7 per 1000 person-years), any microvascular complication (108.4 vs 104.8 per 1000 person-years), and all-cause mortality (11.2 vs 11.0 per 1000 person-years) compared with patients with persistent PTSD. After controlling for confounding, no longer meeting PTSD criteria was associated with a lower risk of microvascular complications (hazard ratio [HR], 0.92 [95% CI, 0.85-0.99]). Among veterans aged 18 to 49 years, no longer meeting PTSD criteria was associated with a lower risk of insulin initiation (HR, 0.69 [95% CI, 0.53-0.88]) and all-cause mortality (HR, 0.39 [95% CI, 0.19-0.83]). Among patients without depression, no longer meeting PTSD criteria was associated with a lower risk of insulin initiation (HR, 0.73 [95% CI, 0.55-0.97]).

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this cohort study of patients with comorbid PTSD and T2D suggest that PTSD is a modifiable risk factor associated with a modest reduction in microvascular complications. Further research is needed to determine whether findings are similar in non-VHA health care settings.
A Charge Confinement Strategy for Boosting Interfacial Space Charge Storage in Manganese Ferrites Enabled by Highly Polarized Fluorinated‐Interfacial Layer for High‐Energy‐Density and Ultrafast Rechargeable Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Kang Song Kyu , Kim Minho , Park Gwan Hyeon , Ji Junhyuk , Hong Seochan , Kim Won Bae
Published: August 2024

Transition metal conversion‐based anodes have recently re‐emerged as promising high‐performance energy storage materials by realizing their interfacial extra capacity. However, challenges persist in utilizing and maintaining its high activity particularly under rapidly repeated cycles, due to inherent capacity irreversibility, low conductivity, and unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). Here, a novel charge confinement strategy employing a highly polarized, conductive interfacial layer of fluorinated carbon incorporated into galvanic replacement‐derived manganese ferrites is proposed to significantly boost interfacial space charge storage. A substantially high reversible capacity of 1376 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 is attained by developing the Li‐rich phase through spin‐polarized surface capacitance, coupled with highly polarized interfacial sites offered by the high electronegativity of fluorination. Furthermore, incorporating in situ formed LiF‐rich SEI from electrochemically active C─F bond can promote ionic/electronic transport, robustness, and volume change tolerance. Consequently, an exceptional rate performance of 513 mAh g−1 at 20 A g−1 is achieved with outstanding cyclability, delivering over 1100 mAh g−1 at 2 A g−1 after 300 cycles and further validating its practical application in stable full batteries. These insights demonstrate that rational surface modification to improve interfacial charge storage with stable modulated‐SEI can innovatively advance for high‐energy‐density conversion‐based anodes.
Fourier Surfaces Reaching Full‐Color Diffraction Limits
Authors: Lim Yongjun , Hong Seung Jae , Cho YongDeok , Bang Joona , Lee Seungwoo
Published: August 2024

Optical Fourier surfaces (OFSs), characterized by sinusoidally profiled diffractive optical elements, can outperform traditional binary‐type counterparts by minimizing optical noise through selectively driving diffraction at desired frequencies. While scanning probe lithography (SPL), gray‐scale electron beam lithography (EBL), and holographic inscriptions are effective for fabricating OFSs, achieving full‐color diffractions at fundamental efficiency limits is challenging. Here, an integrated manufacturing process is presented, validated theoretically and experimentally, for fully transparent OFSs reaching the fundamental limit of diffraction efficiency. Leveraging holographic inscriptions and soft nanoimprinting, this approach effectively addresses challenges in conventional OFS manufacturing, enabling scalable production of noise‐free and maximally efficient OFSs with record‐high throughput (1010–1012 µm2 h−1), surpassing SPL and EBL by 1010 times. Toward this end, a wafer‐scale OFSs array is demonstrated consisting of full‐color diffractive gratings, color graphics, and microlenses by the one‐step nanoimprinting, which is readily compatible with rapid prototyping of OFSs even on curved panels, demanding for transformative optical devices such as augmented and virtual reality displays.
A Dye‐Sensitized Sensor for Oxygen Detection under Visible Light
Authors: Wettstein Lionel , Specht Julia , Kesselring Vera , Sieben Leif , Pan Yanlin , Käch Daniel , Baster Dominika , Krumeich Frank , El Kazzi Mario , Bezdek Máté J.
Published: August 2024

Sensors that can accurately assess oxygen (O2) concentrations in real time are crucial for a wide range of applications spanning personal health monitoring, environmental protection, and industrial process development. Here a high‐performance chemiresistive sensor that allows for the rapid detection of O2 at room temperature under visible light illumination is described. Inspired by the operating principles of dye‐sensitized solar cells, the chemiresistor is based on a single‐walled carbon nanotube‐titania hybrid (SWCNT‐TiO2) bearing a molecular Re‐based photosensitizer [(Pbpy)(CO)3ReBr] (Pbpy = 4,4′‐[P(O)(OH)2]2‐2,2′‐bipyridine). The resulting SWCNT‐TiO2‐Re composite undergoes photoinduced charge transfer that is sensitive to ppb levels of O2, thereby yielding a rapid and reversible chemiresistive response. Owing to its unique mode of operation and robust components, the sensor shows a high degree of selectivity for O2 over a range of interferants, humidity tolerance, and multimonth benchtop stability. The approach presented herein demonstrates the translatability of concepts in light harvesting to the development of robust, rapid, and low‐power sensing technologies.
Targeting Decidual CD16+ Immune Cells with Exosome‐Based Glucocorticoid Nanoparticles for Miscarriage
Authors: Wang Linlin , Yin Zhinang , Shen Yanqiong , Feng Gang , Dai Fangfang , Yang Dongyong , Deng Zhimin , Yang Jing , Chen Ruizhi , Yang Leifeng , Chen Xian , Sun Qing , Huang Chunyu , Cheng Yanxiang , Deng Hongbing , Diao Lianghui , Li Longfei , Yin Tailang
Published: August 2024

Immune dysfunction in early pregnancy including overactivation of cytotoxic CD16+ NK cells and proinflammatory M1 macrophages at the maternal–fetal interface interferes with trophoblast invasion, spiral artery remodeling, and decidualization, potentially leading to miscarriage. Immunosuppressants like glucocorticoids (GCs) are used to regulate the immune microenvironment in clinical treatment, but the lack of safe and efficient tissue‐specific drug delivery systems, especially immune cell‐specific vectors, limits their widespread clinical application. Here, a previously uncharacterized delivery system is reported, termed GC‐Exo‐CD16Ab, in which GCs are loaded into purified exosomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells, and subsequently decorated with antibody CD16Ab. GC‐Exo‐CD16Ab is biocompatible and has remarkable delivery efficiency toward CD16+ decidual natural killer (NK) cells and CD16+ macrophages in mice. This innovative approach effectively suppresses the cytotoxicity of decidual NK cells, inhibits M1 macrophage polarization, and regulates the decidual microenvironment, thereby enhancing placental and fetal morphology, and ultimately mitigating miscarriage risk in the abortion‐prone mice. The developed GC‐Exo‐CD16Ab provides a feasible platform for precise and tissue‐specific therapeutic strategies for miscarriage and pregnancy‐related diseases.
The role of deep hybridization in fern speciation: Examples from the Thelypteridaceae
Authors: Tseng Yu‐Hsin , Kuo Li‐Yaung , Borokini Israel , Fawcett Susan
Published: August 2024

Premise

Hybridization is recognized as an important mechanism in fern speciation, with many allopolyploids known among congeners, as well as evidence of ancient genome duplications. Several contemporary instances of deep (intergeneric) hybridization have been noted, invariably resulting in sterile progeny. We chose the christelloid lineage of the family Thelypteridaceae, recognized for its high frequency of both intra‐ and intergeneric hybrids, to investigate recent hybrid speciation between deeply diverged lineages. We also seek to understand the ecological and evolutionary outcomes of resulting lineages across the landscape.

Methods

By phasing captured reads within a phylogenomic data set of GoFlag 408 nuclear loci using HybPhaser, we investigated candidate hybrids to identify parental lineages. We estimated divergence ages by inferring a dated phylogeny using fossil calibrations with treePL. We investigated ecological niche conservatism between one confirmed intergeneric allotetraploid and its diploid progenitors using the centroid, overlap, unfilling, and expansion (COUE) framework.

Results

We provide evidence for at least six instances of intergeneric hybrid speciation within the christelloid clade and estimate up to 45 million years of divergence between progenitors. The niche quantification analysis showed moderate niche overlap between an allopolyploid species and its progenitors, with significant divergence from the niche of one progenitor and conservatism to the other.

Conclusions

The examples provided here highlight the overlooked role that allopolyploidization following intergeneric hybridization may play in fern diversification and range and niche expansions. Applying this approach to other fern taxa may reveal a similar pattern of deep hybridization resulting in highly successful novel lineages.
The Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative Clinical Core
Authors: Aisen Paul S. , Donohue Michael C. , Raman Rema , Rafii Michael S. , Petersen Ronald C. ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: August 2024

The Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) Clinical Core is responsible for coordination of all clinical activities at the ADNI sites, including project management, regulatory oversight, and site management and monitoring, as well as the collection of all clinical data and management of all study data. The Clinical Core is also charged with determining the clinical classifications and criteria for enrollment in evolving AD trials and enabling the ongoing characterization of the cross‐sectional features and longitudinal trajectories of the ADNI cohorts with application of these findings to optimal clinical trial designs. More than 2400 individuals have been enrolled in the cohorts since the inception of ADNI, facilitating refinement of our understanding of the AD trajectory and allowing academic and industry investigators to model therapeutic trials across the disease spectrum from the presymptomatic stage through dementia.

Highlights

Since 2004, the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) Clinical Core has overseen the enrollment of > 2400 participants with mild cognitive impairment, mild Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia, and normal cognition.

The longitudinal dataset has elucidated the full cognitive and clinical trajectory of AD from its presymptomatic stage through the onset of dementia.

The ADNI data have supported the design of most major trials in the field.
Safety and Effectiveness of High‐Intensity Statins Versus Low/Moderate‐Intensity Statins Plus Ezetimibe in Patients With Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease for Reaching LDL‐C Goals: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Soleimani Hamidreza , Mousavi Asma , Shojaei Shayan , Tavakoli Kiarash , Salabat Dorsa , Farahani Rad Farid , Askari Mani K. , Nelson John , Ruzieh Mohammed , Hosseini Kaveh
Published: August 2024

Background

It remains controversial whether adding ezetimibe to low/moderate‐intensity statins has a more beneficial impact on the treatment efficacy and safety of patients with existing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) compared to high‐intensity statin regimens.

Hypothesis

A combination of low/moderate‐intensity statins plus ezetimibe might be more effective and safer than high‐intensity statin monotherapy.

Methods

We searched databases for randomized controlled trials comparing lipid profile alterations, drug‐related adverse events, and MACE components between high‐intensity statin monotherapy and low/moderate‐intensity statin plus ezetimibe combination therapy. Pooled risk ratios (RR), mean differences (MD), and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated using a random‐effects model.

Results

Our comprehensive search resulted in 32 studies comprising 6162 patients treated with monotherapy against 5880 patients on combination therapy. Combination therapy was more effective in reducing low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) levels compared to monotherapy (MD = −6.6, 95% CI: −10.6 to −2.5); however, no significant differences were observed in other lipid parameters. Furthermore, the combination therapy group experienced a lower risk of myalgia (RR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.13–0.57) and discontinuation due to adverse events (RR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.51–0.74). The occurrence of MACE was similar between the two treatment groups.

Conclusions

Adding ezetimibe to low/moderate‐intensity statins resulted in a greater reduction in LDL‐C levels, a lower rate of myalgia, and less drug discontinuation compared to high‐intensity statin monotherapy in patients with existing cardiovascular disease. However, according to our meta‐analysis, the observed reduction in LDL‐C levels in the combination group did not correlate with a reduction in MACE compared to the high‐intensity statin group.
Reactions of Aluminum Oxide Cluster Cations with Ethane: A Mass‐Spectrometric and Vibrational Spectroscopy Study
Authors: Phasuk Apakorn , Metz Ricardo B.
Published: August 2024

The pathways for the reactions of aluminum oxide cluster ions with ethane have been measured. For selected ions (Al2O+, Al3O2+, Al3O4+, Al4O7+) the structure of the collisionally‐stabilized reaction intermediates were explored by measuring the photodissociation vibrational spectra from 2600 cm−1–3100 cm−1. Density functional theory was used to calculate features of the potential energy surfaces for the reactions and the vibrational spectra of intermediates. Generally, more than one isomer contributes to the observed spectrum. The oxygen‐deficient clusters Al2O+ and Al3O2+ have large C−H activation barriers, so only the entrance channel complexes in which intact C2H6 binds to aluminum are observed. This interaction leads to a substantial (~200 cm−1) red shift of the C−H symmetric stretch in ethane, indicating significant weakening of the proximal C−H bonds. In Al3O4+, the complex formed by interactions with three C2H6 is investigated and, in addition to entrance channel complexes, the C−H activation intermediate Al3O4H+(C2H5)(C2H6)2 is observed. For oxygen‐rich Al4O7+, the C2H6 is favored to bind at an aluminum site far from the reactive superoxide group, reducing the reactivity. As expected, oxygen‐rich species and open‐shell cluster ions have smaller barriers for C−H bond activation, except for Al3O4+ which is predicted and observed to be reactive.
Direct Reductive Amination of HMF to 5‐(Aminomethyl)‐2‐furanmethanol Using Supported Iridium‐based Catalysts
Authors: Ruiz Doris , Morales Karen , Mäki‐Arvela Päivi , Chimentão Ricardo J. , Murzin Dmitry Yu.
Published: August 2024

In this work, partial reductive amination of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) with gaseous ammonia over iridium supported on γ‐Al2O3, TiO2, SiO2 and carbon has been studied. The influence of the support and pressure was investigated in the valorization under mild conditions of HMF to 5‐(aminomethyl)‐2‐furanmethanol (AMFM). The catalysts were characterized by TEM, SEM‐EDS, N2 sorption Isotherms, TGA, CO‐Chemisorption, TPR, XRD, NH3‐TPD, ICP‐AES and XPS. The maximum activity and high rates were obtained for all catalytic systems. At 50 minutes of the reaction the Ir/C catalyst achieved 93 % of conversion and exhibited the highest yield and selectivity of 92 % and 99 % respectively, to the desired product 5‐(aminomethyl)‐2‐furanmethanol. The main properties that influence activity and selectivity are related to the amount of iridium on the surface and catalyst acidity. After the third cycle, 63 % and 59 % of selectivity and yield to AMFM respectively at 93 % of conversion were obtained.
Enhancing sustainable fit between corporate social responsibility and innovation: Implications for firm performance
Authors: Ushie Adadu Michael , Jiang Xu , Ali Adnan , Abdul Qadeer
Published: August 2024

Despite several studies on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and innovation on firm performance, the extent to which different CSR practices interacts with distinct innovation types in enhancing firm performance remains underexplored. We draw on contingency theory to examine how internal and external CSR interacts with exploitative and explorative innovation to improve firm performance. We discuss the interaction effects using a panel dataset of 1156 publicly listed Chinese firms that disclosed CSR and innovation information from 2008 to 2019. The results indicate that firms with high‐internal CSR benefit to a greater extent from explorative innovation than from exploitative innovation as a means of enhancing performance. In contrast, firms with high‐external CSR benefit to a greater extent from exploitative innovation than from explorative innovation to improve performance. We contribute to strategy and CSR literature by revealing how firms match specific CSR practices with distinct innovation types to enhance firm performance.
Environmental disclosure as a response to civil liberties and political rights in countries, myth or reality? The moderating role performed by board gender diversity
Authors: Pucheta‐Martínez María Consuelo , Gallego‐Álvarez Isabel
Published: August 2024

The influence of civil liberties and political rights on environmental disclosure, and the moderating effect of board gender diversity on the relationship between civil liberties and political rights and environmental disclosure, have not to date been studied in detail, as evidenced by the previous literature available. Therefore, this study aims to analyse how these institutional factors affect corporate environmental disclosure practices across different countries. The firms in our sample operate in 36 countries, spread across all the continents, and the period covered is 2009–2019. The database used to collect economic, social, environmental and governance data is Thomson Reuters' ASSET4, while the items for measuring civil liberty and political rights scores come from the Freedom House organisation (https://freedomhouse.org). The method used for estimating the model is the generalised method of moments (GMM) proposed by Arellano and Bond. The main findings of the study show that levels of civil liberty and political rights in the countries where the firms operate are positively associated with environmental disclosure. Furthermore, according to our evidence, the presence of female directors on boards plays a positive moderating role in the relationship between the level of civil liberty and environmental disclosure and between political rights and environmental disclosure. Additional robustness analyses corroborate our findings.
The YTH domain‐containing protein family: Emerging players in immunomodulation and tumour immunotherapy targets
Authors: Li Fenghe , Zeng Chong , Liu Jie , Wang Lei , Yuan Xiaorui , Yuan Li , Xia Xiaomeng , Huang Wei
Published: August 2024

Background

The modification of N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) plays a pivotal role in tumor by altering both innate and adaptive immune systems through various pathways, including the regulation of messenger RNA. The YTH domain protein family, acting as “readers” of m6A modifications, affects RNA splicing, stability, and immunogenicity, thereby playing essential roles in immune regulation and antitumor immunity. Despite their significance, the impact of the YTH domain protein family on tumor initiation and progression, as well as their involvement in tumor immune regulation and therapy, remains underexplored and lacks comprehensive review.

Conclusion

This review introduces the molecular characteristics of the YTH domain protein family and their physiological and pathological roles in biological behavior, emphasizing their mechanisms in regulating immune responses and antitumor immunity. Additionally, the review discusses the roles of the YTH domain protein family in immune‐related diseases and tumor resistance, highlighting that abnormal expression or dysfunction of YTH proteins is closely linked to tumor resistance.

Key points

This review provides an in‐depth understanding of the YTH domain protein family in immune regulation and antitumor immunity, suggesting new strategies and directions for immunotherapy of related diseases.

These insights not only deepen our comprehension of m6A modifications and YTH protein functions but also pave the way for future research and clinical applications.
Optimal sensing duration and threshold selection approach in cognitive radio networks with cooperative spectrum sensing
Authors: Vinod Malvika , Sharma Ila , Singh Ghanshyam
Published: August 2024

Perfect detection of unused/underutilized frequency band of the primary user (PU) in the cognitive radio communication systems is an essential component for its efficient utilization by the secondary/cognitive user (CU) without any interference. In the cooperative spectrum sensing scenario, the presence or absence of PU is determined by analyzing the decisions of each CU engaged in the collaboration. In this paper, we have emphasized on the significance of spectrum sensing duration in the optimal threshold selection approach in the cooperative spectrum sensing scenarios for a range of the received PU signal signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) from low to high values. The sensing duration parameter is taken as ts = 2.5 ms in the higher SNR environment, whereas in the lower SNR environment when the optimal threshold condition fails, ts is kept dynamic to satisfy minimum target values of sensing performance parameters. We have computed the spectrum sensing performance parameters and throughput using the same approach and compared the results with those obtained from the constant false‐alarm rate (CFAR), constant detection rate (CDR), and minimized error probability (MEP) threshold selection approaches. The spectrum sensing performance computed by the proposed approach is significantly improved as compared with the other reported approaches. At SNR = −24 dB, global probability of false alarm Qf = 0.002 and global probability of detection Qd = 0.999 are achieved. However, the throughput is relatively less for low SNR values.
Investigating Long‐Term Durability of Nanofillers (TiO2) Embedded Organic Eutectic Phase Change Composites
Authors: Jacob Jeeja , Paul John , Selvaraj Jeyraj , Rahim Nasrudin Abd , Pandey Adarsh Kumar , Ahmad Muhammad Shakeel , Kadirgama Kumaran
Published: August 2024

Phase Change Materials (PCMs) are generally considered as a potential candidate for thermal energy storage (TES) as they possess excellent latent heat. TES system's thermal management potential is greatly hampered due to the degraded thermal conductivity of PCMs. The present study explores the long‐term durability (potential degradation) of eutectic phase change composite loaded with TiO2 nanoparticles. The synthesized nano‐enhanced eutectic phase change composite (NePCC) logged a maximal thermal conductivity of 0.6 W/mK with 0.5% nanofillers. Accelerated thermal cycling was performed on the NePCC with 0.5% TiO2 nanoparticles (M2). The long‐term reliability of the NePCC (M2) was confirmed through a comprehensive morphological and thermophysical analysis after 4000 melt‐freeze cycles. The nano‐enhanced eutectic phase change material showed excellent thermal stability up to 100 °C even after 4000 thermal cycles, indicating its long‐term application prospects. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) results of the thermally cycled sample (M2) proved the chemical stability of the NePCC. A negligible variation was found in latent heat and phase transition temperature values (for M2) after 4000 thermal cycles. Thermophysical characterization of the thermal cycled NePCC (M2) proves the thermal stability of the synthesized NePCC (M2), which is adequate for its usage in medium‐temperature TES systems.
Earthquake‐induced damage assessment of critical medical equipment using experimentally validated rolling and sliding nonlinear models
Authors: Guamán‐Cabrera Jaime , de la Llera Juan Carlos
Published: August 2024

Hospital functionality relies not only on the building's structural robustness but also on the seismic performance of its Nonstructural elements, Systems, and Contents (NSC). The objective of this study is to characterize the earthquake‐induced damage to the medical equipment deployed in the full‐scale, five‐story concrete building tested at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) in 2012 when subjected to Design (DE) and Maximum Considered Earthquake (MCE) levels of demand with Fixed‐to‐the‐Base (FB) support condition. The experimental equipment displacement responses are extracted using the Camera Projection Technique (CPT). Then, sophisticated rolling and sliding models, including instantaneous motion tracking and impact detection are developed to reproduce the equipment behavior obtained from CPT. It was found that CPT was capable of extracting the observed responses and identifying impacts despite the severity of the shaking as long as no significant uplift of the equipment occurred. In addition, both numerical models were capable of reproducing the equipment's displacement trajectories, rotations about the vertical axis (yaw), and impacts as long as no interlocking of the equipment's parts occurred. Moreover, a case study of a partially equipped Emergency Room (ER) was set up to demonstrate that even for low‐intensity motions, the damage to equipment may be significant. Finally, the impact acceleration () is proposed as a proxy indicator of damage to medical equipment; however, more functionality tests accompanied by detailed pre‐ and post‐inspections are needed to define robust damage limit states and performance objectives for medical equipment.
Tolerance of Ambiguity and the Creative Action: To Engage and Endure
Authors: Stoycheva Katya
Published: August 2024

This paper discusses the role of ambiguity tolerance in the self‐regulation of creative action. First, it traces the conceptual and methodological efforts in developing the construct and describes individual differences in tolerance—intolerance of ambiguity. Then, it examines the empirical studies relating ambiguity tolerance to creative thinking skills, creative performance, motivation for creativity, personality, and creative achievements. The reviewed body of evidence suggests that tolerance of ambiguity strengthens creative motivation, associates with originality, meaning construction, and redefinition skills, and fosters occupational creativity. Third, the paper explores the role of ambiguity tolerance in creative self‐regulation. The conceptual analysis proposes that tolerance of ambiguity is a personal resource to meet the demands of creative work at different levels of complexity—completing a project, pursuing continued creative activity, and growing one's creative enterprise. More specifically, ambiguity‐tolerant individuals tend to engage in intrinsically motivated exploration and experimentation, be open to the process, and playfully approach their tasks. They can endure the discomfort of recurrent encounters with ambiguity throughout the creative process. Furthermore, they may cope with novel, uncertain, contradictory, and complex settings and experiences that one faces in their lifetime dedication to creativity. This comprehensive conceptual framework combines various research perspectives and integrates the individual, social, and developmental aspects of creative self‐regulation. Although a tentative theoretical construction, it identifies mechanisms and processes related to ambiguity tolerance, whose empirical examination will further support expanding research on creative self‐regulation.
Study on the Pickering emulsions stabilized by SiO2 nanoparticles for enhanced oil recovery
Authors: Yang Liu , Ge Jijiang , Wu Hao , Guo Hongbin , Shan Jingling , Zhang Guicai
Published: August 2024

In high‐temperature and high‐salt environments, emulsions stabilized by surfactants are susceptible to instability phenomena, such as droplet coalescence, thereby limiting their utility in tertiary oil recovery. The Pickering emulsions, which are stabilized by solid particles, have been proved to exhibit good stability. This study demonstrated that the nonionic surfactant C16E20 can adsorb onto SiO2 nanoparticles with an efficiency exceeding 99%, rendering C16E20 suitable for modulating the wettability of SiO2 nanoparticles. By adjusting the proper surfactant‐to‐nanoparticle ratio, such as 0.1%:1.0%, a hydrophilic–lipophilic equilibrium is obtained, which is beneficial for the preparation of Pickering emulsions. Laser confocal and cryo‐scanning electron microscopy results indicated that SiO2 nanoparticles in Pickering emulsions were dispersed at the oil–water interface, forming a network structure between the emulsion droplets. Further experiments illustrated that the Pickering emulsions showed excellent stability for at least 180 days at 80°C. Conventional emulsions behave as Newtonian fluids at lower oil‐phase ratios, while Pickering emulsions exhibit non‐Newtonian fluid properties, with their viscosity capable of increasing by over 100 times. Additionally, Pickering emulsions were found to exhibit thixotropy, attributed to the reversible formation and destruction of droplet bridging structures. Overall, Pickering emulsions are regarded as potential agents for Enhanced Oil Recovery in oilfield development.
Vocal Fold Medialization Procedures in Previously Radiated Patients: A Survey of Practice Patterns
Authors: Bertoni Dylan , Siddiqui Sana , Han Chihun , Tibbetts Kathleen M. , Spiegel Joseph
Published: August 2024

Background/Objectives

Head and neck radiation therapy (HNRT) has traditionally been considered a contraindication to vocal fold medialization procedures. Although safety has been demonstrated, we hypothesize that actual management varies. This study evaluates practice patterns of otolaryngologists regarding vocal fold medialization in patients after HNRT.

Methods

A 25‐question survey evaluating respondents' management of patients status post HNRT with vocal fold paresis/paralysis was distributed to 357 otolaryngologists. Practice patterns regarding injection laryngoplasty (IL), medialization thyroplasty (MT), and arytenoid adduction (AA) were queried.

Results

Eight‐two clinicians (23%) completed the survey. Ninety‐one percent of respondents were laryngologists, 9% head and neck surgeons, 3% comprehensive otolaryngologists, and 3% “other.” Eleven (15%) had been in practice <5 years, 19 (25%) for 5–10 years, and 46 (61%) for >10 years. No respondents considered HNRT a contraindication to IL, and 11 (14%) reported complications from the procedure. Hyaluronic acid (58, 75%) was most commonly injected. Twenty percent considered HNRT a contraindication to MT, and 37% considered it a contraindication to AA. Gore‐Tex was used most commonly (65%). Twenty‐seven percent reported major complications after MT. All complications occurred in the >10‐year practice group, and this group was more likely to delay surgery after HNRT (p = 0.022). Respondents with complications were more likely to perform MT in HNRT patients (p = 0.0191).

Conclusions

Otolaryngologists generally do not consider HNRT to be a contraindication to IL, but some consider it a contraindication to MT/AA. Previous complications do not appear to deter surgeons from performing MT.

Level of Evidence

N/A (Survey Study) Laryngoscope, 2024
Synthetic Gene Drives in Plants: Development Strategies, Potential Applications, and Ethical Considerations
Authors: Liu Yawen , Jiao Bingke , Qian Wenfeng
Published: August 2024

We are facing significant agricultural and environmental challenges, including herbicide‐resistant weeds that compromise crop yields and invasive plant species that disrupt local ecosystems. Traditional crop breeding methods are increasingly seen as ineffective in the face of these issues. One innovative approach involves the use of gene drives, a technology that enables targeted genetic modifications to transmit at a super Mendelian rate (>50%) and therefore, rapidly propagate through natural populations. In this perspective, we introduce the principles underlying our development of a plant synthetic toxin‐antidote drive, CAIN (CRISPR‐Assisted Inheritance utilising NPG1). We evaluate the potential of gene drives to alter the genetics of weed populations or suppress invasive plant populations. We explore various factors that influence the effectiveness of gene drives, including the emergence of suppressor mutations and life‐history traits such as sexual and asexual reproduction patterns, seed and pollen dispersal methods, and the variability in plant generation times. Additionally, we discuss the biosafety concerns related to gene drive experiments and field releases, strategies to counteract unwanted gene drives, and the ethical implications, particularly considering the risk of the intentional misuse of gene drive technology and the need for robust regulatory and monitoring frameworks.