bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitigating Heavy Ion Irradiation‐Induced Degradation in p‐type SnO Thin‐Film Transistors at Room Temperature
Authors: Al-Mamun Nahid Sultan , Rasel Md Abu Jafar , Wolfe Douglas E. , Haque Aman , Schoell Ryan , Hattar Khalid , Ryu Seung Ho , Kim Seong Keun
Published: July 2023

The study investigates the mitigation of radiation damage on p‐type SnO thin‐film transistors (TFTs) with a fast, room‐temperature annealing process. Atomic layer deposition is utilized to fabricate bottom‐gate TFTs of high‐quality p‐type SnO layers. After 2.8 MeV Au4+ irradiation at a fluence level of 5.2 × 1012 ions cm−2, the output drain current and on/off current ratio (Ion/Ioff) decrease by more than one order of magnitude, field‐effect mobility (μFE) reduces more than four times, and subthreshold swing (SS) increases more than four times along with a negative shift in threshold voltage. The observed degradation is attributed to increased surface roughness and defect density, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high‐resolution micro‐Raman, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with geometric phase analysis (GPA). A technique is demonstrated to recover the device performance at room temperature and in less than a minute, using the electron wind force (EWF) obtained from low‐duty‐cycle high‐density pulsed current. At a pulsed current density of 4.0 × 105 A cm−2, approximately four times increase in Ion/Ioff is observed, 41% increase in μFE, and 20% decrease in the SS of the irradiated TFTs, suggesting effectiveness of the new annealing technique.
Crystal Growth and Physical Properties Evolution in Co‐Doped NiTe2 System
Authors: Wu Wei-Bin , Chen Yuan-Qiao , Gao Li-Xin , Zhang Luo-Zhao , Xiao Qi-Ling , Ge Jun-Yi
Published: July 2023

Transition metal tellurides have been widely studied for their diverse crystal structures and exotic physical properties such as large magnetoresistance, charge density waves, superconductivity, ferromagnetic and topological properties. NiTe2 has recently been found to be a Dirac semimetal, allowing it to achieve exotic properties by pressure and doping. A series of Ni1−xCoxTe2−δ single crystals are synthesized by the standard solid‐state reaction method. The energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction tests confirm Co is successfully doped into the crystal structure. The electrical transport measurements show typical metallic behaviors for all the samples. Magnetization measurements reveal that, in the doping range of x = 0.12–0.62, the samples exhibit a coexistence of antiferromagnetic and paramagnetic phases above the characteristic temperature Tt. By using the combined Curie–Weiss and spin‐wave model, the antiferromagnetic to ferromagnetic transition is found to occur as the temperature drops below Tt. The magnetic transition is attributed to the Te vacancies, which can be explained using the bound magnetic polaritons model. A magnetic phase diagram for Ni1−xCoxTe2−δ system is constructed.
The European (Green?) Deal: a systematic analysis of environmental sustainability
Authors: Hereu‐Morales Joan , Segarra Alba , Valderrama César
Published: July 2023

Transitioning towards a sustainable society is at the core of public planning in the EU through the European Green Deal (EGD). However, is the EGD a master plan for actual sustainable development in the EU? This work aims to answer this question through an analysis of the environmental sustainability within the EGD's plans through the method of critical discourse analysis, and discussing the results with previous efforts for sustainable development in the EU and in the UN. The results of the analysis identify fundamental flaws in the environmental sustainability of the EGD, which seems to repeat mistakes of previous efforts for sustainability planning in the EU. This work concludes that economic growth is the predominant focus in public planning and that the EGD needs a review of various environmental aspects to be considered the master plan for a transition towards a sustainable EU.
Effects of Position of an Electric Field Shield on the Neutralization Characteristics of a Corona Discharge Air Ionizer
Authors: Asada Kohei , Yoshimizu Kengo , Okano Makoto
Published: July 2023

The effect of the position of the electric field shield on the static neutralization characteristics of an AC corona discharge air ionizer was investigated. The shield was placed at a position DES between 50 mm and 450 mm below the ionizer, and the neutralizing current density JW and the electric field EW at the work area were measured. The ratio of JW to EW was calculated since a high neutralizing current density and a low electric field are required for ionizers. The ratio was lower when the shield was located near the emitter or near the worktable. The ratio for the ionizer with the shield located at a distance DES of 250 mm shows maximum value and was 31 times higher than that for the unshielded ionizer. © 2023 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Patient‐reported outcomes and satisfaction after revisions of medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasties for unexplained pain vs aseptic loosening
Authors: Arndt Kristine Bollerup , Schrøder Henrik Morville , Troelsen Anders , Lindberg‐Larsen Martin
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Does patients revised for unexplained pain after mUKA present the same PROM and satisfaction scores 1–3 years after revision as patients revised for aseptic loosening?”.

Methods

104 patients undergoing revision of mUKA's for the indications unexplained pain and aseptic loosening were included in the period January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2020.

from the Danish Knee Arthroplasty Register. 52 patients were revised for unexplained pain and 52 for aseptic loosening. Patient demographics did not differ between the two groups. PROMs [Oxford Knee Score (OKS), EQ‐5D‐5L, Forgotten Joint Score (FJS)] and questions about satisfaction with the surgery were sent to digitally secured mailboxes. Pearson’s Chi‐square test and Wilcoxon Rank Sum test were used to test for statistical differences between groups.

Results

The median OKS 1–3 years after revision was 26 (IQR 22) for unexplained pain vs 34 (IQR 12) for aseptic loosening, p = 0.033. The median EQ‐5D‐5L Index after revision was 0.7 (IQR 0.6) for unexplained vs 0.8 (IQR 0.1) for aseptic loosening, p = 0.014. The median FJS after revision was 48 (IQR 10) for unexplained pain vs 52 (IQR 14) for aseptic loosening, p = 0.1. The mean satisfaction with the surgery on a 0–100 scale (100 = not satisfied; 0 = very satisfied) was 55 (IQR 60) for unexplained pain vs 50 (IQR 67) for aseptic loosening, p = 0.087, and patients revised for unexplained pain were less likely to find their knee problem importantly improved (p = 0.032).

Conclusion

Patients undergoing revision of mUKAs for unexplained pain presented poor postoperative PROM scores, and PROM scores were worse compared to those of patients revised for aseptic loosening. Patients revised for unexplained pain were less likely to find their knee problem importantly improved. This study support the evidence against revisions for unexplained pain.

Level of evidence

Level III.
Bowel wall thickness measured by MRI is useful for early diagnosis of bowel endometriosis
Authors: Zheng Yunxi , Gu Shouxin , Ruan Jingyao , Yi Xiaofang , Xu Congjian
Published: July 2023

Objective

To evaluate MRI features of bowel endometriosis (BE) and verify its clinical significance compared with pathological diagnosis.

Materials and methods

Since 2018, patients clinically diagnosed with deep endometriosis (DE) and planned to undergo surgery were enrolled prospectively. MRI parameters including traction, thickening sign of the rectum, obliteration of the Douglas Pouch, sign of adenomyosis, and pelvic adhesion were extracted. Uni- and multi-variate analyses were performed to explore their association with pathological diagnosis of BE. ROC curve was utilized to ascertain the appropriate cutoff value for predicting the presence and assessing the severity of BE.

Results

A total of 226 patients with DE were recruited, and 154 BE cases were pathologically confirmed. Logistic regression analysis revealed that thickness of the rectal wall, traction sign of the rectum, and obliteration of the Douglas Pouch were independent factors to predict the presence of BE with the OR 1.59 (95% CI: 1.29–1.96), 0.24 (95% CI: 0.09–0.67), and 0.17 (95% CI: 0.07–0.40), respectively (p all < 0.01). A cutoff value of 6.0 mm for the thickness of rectal wall resulted in the highest predictive value of BE (specificity: 90.3%; sensitivity: 78.6%). For patients with measured thickness of the rectal wall over 6.0 mm, 72.1% (93/129) was confirmed BE with lesions infiltrated more than muscular layer.

Conclusion

This prospective study indicates that based on precise definition of visualized features on MRI images, BE could be recognized pre-operatively. DE patients with thickness of rectal wall exceeding 6.0 mm have a greater probability of BE.

Clinical relevance statement

Based on precise definition of visualized features and accurate measurement on MRI images, bowel infiltrating among deep endometriosis patients could be recognized pre-operatively.

Key Points

• Precise definition of measurable MRI parameters made it possible for early detection of bowel endometriosis.

• Thickening sign, traction sign of the rectum, and obliteration of the Douglas Pouch were typical radiological indicators for bowel endometriosis.

• Bowel involvement is more sensitive to be detected among pelvic deep endometriosis patients with the thickness of the rectal wall over 6.0 mm.
Network dysfunction of sadness facial expression processing and morphometry in euthymic bipolar disorder
Authors: Miola Alessandro , Trevisan Nicolò , Salvucci Margherita , Minerva Matteo , Valeggia Silvia , Manara Renzo , Sambataro Fabio
Published: July 2023

Facial emotion recognition (FER), including sadness, is altered in bipolar disorder (BD). However, the relationship between this impairment and the brain structure in BD is relatively unexplored. Furthermore, its association with clinical variables and with the subtypes of BD remains to be clarified. Twenty euthymic patients with BD type I (BD-I), 28 BD type II (BD-II), and 45 healthy controls completed a FER test and a 3D-T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. Gray matter volume (GMV) of the cortico-limbic regions implicated in emotional processing was estimated and their relationship with FER performance was investigated using network analysis. Patients with BD-I had worse total and sadness-related FER performance relative to the other groups. Total FER performance was significantly negatively associated with illness duration and positively associated with global functioning in patients with BD-I. Sadness-related FER performance was also significantly negatively associated with the number of previous manic episodes. Network analysis showed a reduced association of the GMV of the frontal–insular–occipital areas in patients with BD-I, with a greater edge strength between sadness-related FER performance and amygdala GMV relative to controls. Our results suggest that FER performance, particularly for facial sadness, may be distinctively impaired in patients with BD-I. The pattern of reduced interrelationship in the frontal–insular–occipital regions and a stronger positive relationship between facial sadness recognition and the amygdala GMV in BD may reflect altered cortical modulation of limbic structures that ultimately predisposes to emotional dysregulation. Future longitudinal studies investigating the effect of mood state on FER performance in BD are warranted.
Follicular helper T-cell lymphomas: disease spectrum, relationship with clonal hematopoiesis, and mimics. A report of the 2022 EA4HP/SH lymphoma workshop
Authors: Ondrejka Sarah L , Amador Catalina , Climent Fina , Ng Siok-Bian , Soma Lorinda , Zamo Alberto , Dirnhofer Stefan , Quintanilla-Martinez Leticia , Wotherspoon Andrew , Leoncini Lorenzo , de Leval Laurence
Published: July 2023

Follicular helper T-cell lymphomas (TFH lymphomas) were discussed in session V of the lymphoma workshop of the European Association for Haematopathology (EA4HP)/Society for Hematopathology (SH) 2022 meeting in Florence, Italy. The session focused on the morphologic spectrum of TFH lymphoma, including its three subtypes: angioimmunoblastic-type (AITL), follicular-type, and not otherwise specified (NOS). The submitted cases encompassed classic examples of TFH lymphoma and unusual cases such as those with early or indolent presentations, associated B-cell proliferations, or Hodgkin/Reed–Sternberg-like cells. The relationship between TFH lymphoma and clonal hematopoiesis was highlighted by several cases documenting divergent evolution of myeloid neoplasm and AITL from shared clonal mutations. The distinction between TFH lymphoma and peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (PTCL, NOS), was stressed, and many challenging examples were presented. Various cases highlighted the difficulties of differentiating TFH lymphoma from other established types of lymphoma and reactive conditions. Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma expressing TFH markers, particularly when resulting in lymph node involvement, should be distinguished from TFH lymphomas. Additional immunophenotyping and next-generation sequencing studies were performed on various cases in this session, highlighting the importance of these technologies to our current understanding and classification of TFH lymphomas.
Metastasis pattern and prognosis of large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma: a population-based study
Authors: Jiang Tongchao , Sun Haishuang , Li Na , Jiang Tongcui
Published: July 2023

Purpose

As a rare type of tumor, the metastasis pattern of large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) is still unclear. Our aim was to investigate metastatic patterns and develop a predictive model of prognosis in patients with advanced LCNEC.

Methods

Patients of LCNEC diagnosed between 2010–2015 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database were retrospectively included. Chi-square test was used for baseline characteristics analysis. Survival differences were assessed using Kaplan–Meier curves. Independent prognostic factors identified by multivariate Cox proportional risk model were used for the construction of nomogram.

Results

557 eligible patients with metastasis LCNEC (median (IQR), 64 (56 to 72) years; 323 males) were included in this research. Among patients with isolated metastases, brain metastases had the highest incidence (29.4%), and multisite metastases had worse OS (HR: 2.020: 95% CI 1.413–2.888; P < 0.001) and LCSS (HR: 2.144, 95% CI 1.480–3.104; P < 0.001) in all age groups. Independent prognostic indicators including age, race, T stage, N stage, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and metastatic site were used for the construction of nomogram. Concordance index (C-index) and decision-curve analyses (DCAs) showed higher accuracy and net clinical benefit of nomogram compared to the 7th TNM staging system (OS: 0.692 vs 0.555; P < 0.001; LCSS: 0.693 vs 0.555; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

We firstly established a novel comprehensive nomogram to predict the prognosis of metastasis LCNEC. The prognostic model demonstrated excellent accuracy and predictive performance. Chemotherapy and metastasis pattern were the two strongest predictive variables. Close follow-up of patients with LCNEC is necessary to make individualized treatment decisions according to different metastasis patterns.
Heat, heatwaves, and ambulance service use: a systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiological evidence
Authors: Xu Zhiwei , Watzek Jessica T. , Phung Dung , Oberai Mehak , Rutherford Shannon , Bach Aaron J.E.
Published: July 2023

Ambulance data has been reported to be a sensitive indicator of health service use during hot days, but there is no comprehensive summary of the quantitative association between heat and ambulance dispatches. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to retrieve and synthesise evidence published up to 31 August 2022 about the association between heat, prolonged heat (i.e. heatwaves), and the risk of ambulance dispatches. We initially identified 3628 peer-reviewed papers and included 48 papers which satisfied the inclusion criteria. The meta-analyses showed that, for each 5 °C increase in mean temperature, the risk of ambulance dispatches for all causes and for cardiovascular diseases increased by 7% (95% confidence interval (CI): 5%, 10%) and 2% (95% CI: 1%, 3%), respectively, but not for respiratory diseases. The risk of ambulance dispatches increased by 6% (95% CI: 4%, 7%), 7% (95% CI: 5%, 9%), and 18% (95% CI: 12%, 23%) under low-intensity, severe, and extreme heatwaves, respectively. We observed two potential sources of bias in the existing literature: (1) bias in temperature exposure measurement; and (2) bias in the ascertainment of ambulance dispatch causes. This review suggests that heat exposure is associated with an increased risk of ambulance dispatches, and there is a dose-response relationship between heatwave intensity and the risk of ambulance dispatches. For future studies assessing the heat-ambulance association, we recommend that (1) using data on spatially refined gridded temperature that is either very well interpolated or derived from satellite imaging may be an alternative to reduce exposure measurement bias; and (2) linking ambulance data with hospital admission data can be useful to improve health outcome classification.
Ga(III) pyridinecarboxylate complexes: potential analogues of the second generation of therapeutic Ga(III) complexes?
Authors: Rendošová Michaela , Gyepes Róbert , Sovová Simona , Sabolová Danica , Vilková Mária , Olejníková Petra , Kello Martin , Lakatoš Boris , Vargová Zuzana
Published: July 2023

A series of novel Ga(III)—pyridine carboxylates ([Ga(Pic)3]·H2O (GaPic; HPic = picolinic acid), H3O[Ga(Dpic)2]·H2O (GaDpic; H2Dpic = dipicolinic acid), [Ga(Chel)(H2O)(OH)]2·4H2O (GaChel; H2Chel = chelidamic acid) and [Ga(Cldpic)(H2O)(OH)]2 (GaCldpic; H2Cldpic = 4-chlorodipicolinic acid)) have been synthesized by simple one-step procedure. Vibrational spectroscopy (mid-IR), elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis and X-ray diffraction confirmed complexes molecular structure, inter and intramolecular interactions and their influence to spectral and thermal properties. Moreover, complex species speciation was described in Ga(III)-HPic and Ga(III)-H2Dpic systems by potentiometry and 1H NMR spectroscopy and mononuclear complex species were determined; [Ga(Pic)2]+ (logβ021 = 16.23(6)), [Ga(Pic)3] (logβ031 = 20.86(2)), [Ga(Dpic)2]− (logβ021 = 15.42(9)) and [Ga(Dpic)2(OH)]2− (logβ-121 = 11.08(4)). To confirm the complexes stability in 1% DMSO (primary solvent for biological testing), timescale 1H NMR spectra were measured (immediately after dissolution up to 96 h). Antimicrobial activity evaluated by IC50 (0.05 mM) is significant for GaDpic and GaCldpic against difficult to treat and multi-resistant P. aeruginosa. On the other hand, the GaPic complex is most effective against Jurkat, MDA-MB-231 and A2058 cancer cell lines and significantly also decreases the HepG2 cancer cells viability at 75 and 100 μM concentrations in a relatively short time (up to 48 h). In addition, fluorescence measurements have been used to elucidate bovine serum albumin binding activity between ligands, Ga(III) complexes and bovine serum albumin.

Graphical abstract
Health economic evaluation of forced orthodontic extrusion of extensively damaged teeth: up to 6-year results from a clinical study
Authors: Bruhnke Maria , Naumann Michael , Böse Mats Wernfried Heinrich , Beuer Florian , Schwendicke Falk
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Clinical data on retaining extensively damaged teeth using forced orthodontic extrusion followed by restorative rehabilitation are scarce, and economic evaluations are basically absent. A health economic evaluation of this method was performed based on a clinical study.

Materials and methods

In a convenience sample of individuals recruited from routine care, extensively damaged teeth were orthodontically extruded prior to restoration. Patients were followed up for up to 6 years. The health outcome was tooth retention time. Direct medical, non-medical, and indirect initial and follow-up costs were estimated using the private payer’s perspective in German healthcare. Association of initial direct medical treatment costs and cofounding variables was analyzed using generalized linear models. Success and survival were secondary outcomes.

Results

A total of 35 teeth in 30 patients were followed over a mean ± SD of 49 ± 19 months. Five patients (14%) dropped out during that period. Median initial costs were 1941€ (range: 1284–4392€), median costs for follow-up appointments were 215€ (range: 0–5812€), and median total costs were 2284€ (range: 1453 to 7109€). Endodontic re-treatment and placement of a post had a significant impact on total costs. Three teeth had to be extracted and in three patients orthodontic relapse was observed. The survival and success rates were 91% and 83%, respectively.

Conclusions

Within the limitations of this clinical study, total treatment costs for orthodontic extrusion and subsequent restoration of extensively damaged teeth were considerable. Costs were by large generated initially; endodontic and post-endodontic therapies were main drivers. Costs for retreatments due to complications were limited, as only few complications arose.

Clinical relevance

The restoration of extensively damaged teeth after forced orthodontic extrusion comes with considerable initial treatment costs, but low follow-up costs. Overall and over the observational period and within German healthcare, costs are below those for tooth replacement using implant-supported crowns.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: DRK S00026697).
Effects of climate change-induced water temperature changes on the distribution of tidal river fish fauna in the Japanese archipelago
Authors: Itsukushima Rei
Published: July 2023

Intense anthropogenic impacts in tidal rivers can cause habitat loss and ecosystem degradation. In addition, changes in water temperature associated with climate change are significantly impacting the distribution area of fish fauna within tidal rivers. In the present study, we used long-term fish fauna data to determine the relationship between climate change-induced increases in water temperature and changes in the distribution of fish species in tidal rivers in the Japanese archipelago. The distribution ranges of many subtropical and tropical fish species were found to move northward in areas affected by warm currents, suggesting further possible distributional dispersal in future. This study is the first to examine the nationwide distributional changes and future projections of fish fauna in tidal rivers. The results suggest that many subtropical and tropical fishes are expanding their distribution areas in tidal rivers and in coastal and estuarine areas.
Development and validation of a nomogram to predict the risk of renal replacement therapy among acute kidney injury patients in intensive care unit
Authors: Peng Jiang-Chen , Wu Yan , Xing Shun-Peng , Zhu Ming-Li , Gao Yuan , Li Wen
Published: July 2023

Background

There are no universally accepted indications to initiate renal replacement therapy (RRT) among patients with acute kidney injury (AKI). This study aimed to develop a nomogram to predict the risk of RRT among AKI patients in intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, we extracted AKI patients from Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III (MIMIC-III) database. Patients were randomly divided into a training cohort (70%) and a validation cohort (30%). Multivariable logistic regression based on Akaike information criterion was used to establish the nomogram. The discrimination and calibration of the nomogram were evaluated by Harrell’s concordance index (C-index) and Hosmer–Lemeshow (HL) test. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was performed to evaluate clinical application.

Results

A total of 7413 critically ill patients with AKI were finally enrolled. 514 (6.9%) patients received RRT after ICU admission. 5194 (70%) patients were in the training cohort and 2219 (30%) patients were in the validation cohort. Nine variables, namely, age, hemoglobin, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and lactate at AKI detection, comorbidity of congestive heart failure, AKI stage, and vasopressor use were included in the nomogram. The predictive model demonstrated satisfying discrimination and calibration with C-index of 0.938 (95% CI, 0.927–0.949; HL test, P = 0.430) in training set and 0.935 (95% CI, 0.919–0.951; HL test, P = 0.392) in validation set. DCA showed a positive net benefit of our nomogram.

Conclusion

The nomogram developed in this study was highly accurate for RRT prediction with potential application value.
An improved multi-task least squares twin support vector machine
Authors: Moosaei Hossein , Bazikar Fatemeh , Pardalos Panos M.
Published: July 2023

In recent years, multi-task learning (MTL) has become a popular field in machine learning and has a key role in various domains. Sharing knowledge across tasks in MTL can improve the performance of learning algorithms and enhance their generalization capability. A new approach called the multi-task least squares twin support vector machine (MTLS-TSVM) was recently proposed as a least squares variant of the direct multi-task twin support vector machine (DMTSVM). Unlike DMTSVM, which solves two quadratic programming problems, MTLS-TSVM solves two linear systems of equations, resulting in a reduced computational time. In this paper, we propose an enhanced version of MTLS-TSVM called the improved multi-task least squares twin support vector machine (IMTLS-TSVM). IMTLS-TSVM offers a significant advantage over MTLS-TSVM by operating based on the empirical risk minimization principle, which allows for better generalization performance. The model achieves this by including regularization terms in its objective function, which helps control the model’s complexity and prevent overfitting. We demonstrate the effectiveness of IMTLS-TSVM by comparing it to several single-task and multi-task learning algorithms on various real-world data sets. Our results highlight the superior performance of IMTLS-TSVM in addressing multi-task learning problems.
Highly sensitive humidity sensor based on cadmium selenide quantum dots-polymer composites: synthesis, characterization, and effect of UV/ozone treatment
Authors: Jlassi Khouloud , Mallick Shoaib , Mutahir Hafsa , Salauddin Sayma Akhter , Chehimi Mohamed M. , Abdullah Aboubakr M. , Ahmad Zubair , Attia Mohamed F. , Abdellah Mohamed
Published: July 2023

This work describes the rational design of thin film-based cadmium selenide quantum dots (CdSe) mixed with conductive polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), inducing PVDF-CdSe composite for potential resistive humidity-sensing applications. The effect of UV/ozone treatment on surface hydrophilicity and sensing properties was investigated. AFM has been performed to examine the prepared films' texture, distribution over the surface, and size. Overall, the hydrophilicity of the developed films increases with UV radiation exposure time, leading to enhanced water vapor absorption without deforming the film surface. The sensor's sensitivity is improved with increasing UV radiation exposure. The electrical response of the PVDF-CdSe humidity sensors after 30 min of UV/ozone treatment reveals that at higher humidity levels (i.e., > 80% RH), the sensors exhibit an irregular response. However, at 20 min, treatment increases sensitivity and a linear change in impedance response concerning humidity level change compared to other samples. The hysteresis response was divided into two regions: the lower region, between 30 and 60% RH—where the maximum hysteresis loss was calculated to be 3%. While the higher area between 60 and 90% RH, where the maximum estimated hysteresis loss of the PVDF-CdSe sensor is around 14%, the UV/ozone treatment of the PVDF-CdSe nanocomposite film was found to enhance the sensing film's hydrophilicity without deforming the surface of the as-prepared PVDF-CdSe as well as the UV-treated films validates a potential for novel humidity sensors.
A Physiology-Based Mathematical Model to Understand Drug Delivery from Contact Lenses to the Back of the Eye
Authors: Toffoletto Nadia , Saramago Benilde , Serro Ana Paula , Chauhan Anuj
Published: July 2023

Objective

Therapeutic contact lenses, able to store drug and deliver it to the eye surface in a sustained fashion, gained interest as an effective and patient-friendly alternative to eye drops. Recent animal studies also demonstrated the presence of therapeutic drug levels in the back of the eye after wearing drug-loaded contact lenses, thus opening the possibility of treating the posterior segment without need of invasive intraocular injections. The drug pathways from contact lenses to the back of the eye require further investigation.

Methods

A mechanistic mathematical model was developed to evaluate the drug concentration over time in the tears, sclera and choroid, retina, aqueous humor and vitreous humor after the application of a therapeutic contact lens. The main drug transport mechanisms of the eye and the barrier properties of the different tissues were included in the model. Validation was performed by comparison with experimental data in literature.

Results

The model predictions of drug concentration over time reflected the experimental data both in the anterior and posterior segment of the eye. The model can differentiate between contributions to transport from different pathways.

Conclusions

The model constitutes a first step towards the possibility of predicting the ocular drug distribution and the treatment efficacy in the early stage of contact lens development, and it may help reduce both the need for in vivo tests (with ethical and economic advantages) and the gap between the lens design and clinical application. It also allows for an improved understanding of drug transport in the eye.

Graphical abstract
Effect of Spirulina platensis on growth, hematological, biochemical, and immunological parameters of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
Authors: Youssef Ibrahim M. I. , Saleh Elham S. E. , Tawfeek Samar S. , Abdel-Fadeel Asmaa A. A. , Abdel-Razik Abdel-Razik H. , Abdel-Daim Asmaa S. A.
Published: July 2023

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Spirulina platensis in Nile tilapia diets on growth performance, blood hematological and biochemical parameters, immunological status, and intestinal histomorphometry. A total of 228 fish were randomly allocated into four groups with triplicates (19 fish per replicate). The first group was fed the control diet, which contained no Spirulina supplementation. The other three groups were fed diets containing graded levels of powdered Spirulina: 2.5%, 5.0%, and 10.0% in the second, third, and fourth group, respectively. S. platensis was added to the diets partially substituting the fish meal content. The experiment lasted for 8 weeks. The results showed that dietary Spirulina supplementation improved (P < 0.05) the body weight and length, weight gain, specific growth rate, condition factor, and feed conversion efficiency. Moreover, Spirulina increased significantly (P < 0.05) the hemoglobin, PCV, RBCs, and WBCs count. Also, it increased the lymphocytes, eosinophils, IgM level, lysozyme activity, and phagocytic activity in the blood. Additionally, the Spirulina raised (P < 0.05) the serum albumin level but reduced (P < 0.05) the creatinine and urea levels. The addition of Spirulina increased (P < 0.05) the height and width of intestinal villi and the lymphocytes and goblet cells count in the intestine. The obtained results were increased by increasing the inclusion level of Spirulina, especially for body weight and length, weight gain, FCR, phagocytic activity, and intestinal parameters. In conclusion, supplementing S. platensis can improve the growth performance of fish. Moreover, it can stimulate the immunity of fish through increasing the level of immunological blood indicators (IgM, lysozyme, phagocytic activity, lymphocytes, and eosinophils) as well as the local intestinal immunity (lymphocytes and goblet cells). So, it can be recommended to use S. platensis in fish diets not only to improve the growth performance but also to enhance the immune status.
Outcomes in Dutch DPP6 risk haplotype for familial idiopathic ventricular fibrillation: a focused update
Authors: Bergeman Auke T. , Hoeksema Wiert F. , van der Ree Martijn H. , Boersma Lucas V. A. , Yap Sing-Chien , Verheul Lisa M. , Hassink Rutger J. , van der Crabben Saskia N. , Volders Paul G. A. , van der Werf Christian , Wilde Arthur A. M. , Postema Pieter G. ,   European Reference Network for rare, low prevalence and complex diseases of the heart: ERN GUARD-Heart, Volders Paul G. A. , van der Werf Christian , Wilde Arthur A. M. , Postema Pieter G.
Published: July 2023

Background

The genetic risk haplotype DPP6 has been linked to familial idiopathic ventricular fibrillation (IVF), but the associated long-term outcomes are unknown.

Methods

DPP6 risk haplotype-positive family members (DPP6 cases) and their risk haplotype-negative relatives (DPP6 controls) were included. Clinical follow-up data were collected through March 2023. Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) indication was divided in primary or secondary prevention. Cumulative survival and event rates were calculated.

Results

We included 327 DPP6 cases and 315 DPP6 controls. Median follow-up time was 9 years (interquartile range: 4–12). Of the DPP6 cases, 129 (39%) reached the composite endpoint of appropriate ICD shock, sudden cardiac arrest or death, at a median age of 45 years (range: 15–97). Median overall survival was 83 years and 87 years for DPP6 cases and DPP6 controls, respectively (p < 0.001). In DPP6 cases, median overall survival was shorter for males (74 years) than females (85 years) (p < 0.001). Of the DPP6 cases, 97 (30%) died, at a median age of 50 years. With a prophylactic ICD implantation advise based on risk haplotype, sex and age, 137 (42%) of DPP6 cases received an ICD, for primary prevention (n = 109) or secondary prevention (n = 28). In the primary prevention subgroup, 10 patients experienced a total of 34 appropriate ICD shocks, and there were no deaths during follow-up. DPP6 cases with a secondary prevention ICD experienced a total of 231 appropriate ICD shocks.

Conclusion

Patients with the DPP6 risk haplotype, particularly males, are at an increased risk of IVF and sudden cardiac death. Using a risk stratification approach based on risk haplotype, sex and age, a substantial proportion of patients with a primary prevention ICD experienced appropriate ICD shocks, showing the benefit of prophylactic ICD implantation with this strategy.
Changing haemodynamic status of patients referred for transcatheter aortic valve intervention during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Ooms Joris F. , Hokken Thijmen W. , Adrichem Rik , Gunes Dilay , de Ronde-Tillmans Marjo , Kardys Isabella , Goudzwaard Jeannette , Mattace-Raso Francesco , Nuis Rutger-Jan , Daemen Joost , Van Mieghem Nicolas M.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Delays in the diagnosis and referral of aortic stenosis (AS) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may have affected the haemodynamic status of AS patients. We aimed to compare clinical and haemodynamic characteristics of severe AS patients referred for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) or balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) before the pandemic versus two subsequent periods.

Methods

This study compared three 1‑year historical cohorts: a pre-COVID-19 group (PCOV), a 1st-year COVID-19 group (COV-Y1) and a 2nd-year COVID-19 group (COV-Y2). The main parameters were baseline New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP). Demographics, procedural characteristics and 30-day clinical outcomes were assessed. The transition time between heart team decision and TAVI was examined. Pairwise group comparisons were performed (PCOV vs COV-1Y and COV-1Y vs COV-2Y).

Results

A total of 720 patients were included with 266, 249 and 205 patients in the PCOV, COV-Y1 and COV-Y2 groups, respectively. BAV was performed in 28 patients (4%). NYHA class did not differ across the cohorts. Compared to PCOV, LVEF was slightly lower in COV-Y1 (58% (49–60%) vs 57% (45–60%), p = 0.03); no difference was observed when comparing COV-Y1 and COV-Y2. LVEDP was higher in COV-Y1 than in PCOV (20 mm Hg (16–26 mm Hg) vs 17 mm Hg (13–24 mm Hg), p = 0.01). No difference was found when comparing LVEDP between COV-Y1 and COV-Y2. Thirty-day mortality did not differ between groups. Transition time was reduced in the COVID era. Duration of hospital stay declined over the study period.

Conclusions

Patients undergoing TAVI during the COVID-19 pandemic had more advanced AS illustrated by lower LVEF and higher LVEDP, but there were no differences in clinical outcome. The TAVI pathway became more efficient.
Adult 10-year survivors after liver transplantation: a single-institution experience over 40 years
Authors: Lai Quirino , Mennini Gianluca , Ginanni Corradini Stefano , Ferri Flaminia , Fonte Stefano , Pugliese Francesco , Merli Manuela , Rossi Massimo
Published: July 2023

Liver transplantation (LT) represents the best cure for several acute and chronic liver diseases. Several studies reported excellent mid-term survivals after LT. However, lesser evidence has been reported on very long (10- and 20-year) follow-up results. This study aims to analyze the monocentric LT experience of the Sapienza University of Rome to identify the pre-operatively available parameters limiting a 10-year post-transplant survival. A total of 491 patients transplanted between 1982 and 2012 were enrolled. The cohort was split into two groups, namely the Short Surviving Group (< 10 years; n = 228, 46.4%) and the Long Surviving Group (≥ 10 years; n = 263, 53.6%). Several differences were reported between the two groups regarding initial liver function, surgical techniques adopted, and immunosuppression. Four variables emerged as statistically relevant as independent risk factors for not reaching at least 10 years of follow-up: recipient age (OR = 1.02; P = 0.01), donor age (OR = 1.01; P = 0.03), being transplanted during the eighties (OR = 6.46; P < 0.0001) and nineties (OR = 2.63; P < 0.0001), and the UNOS status 1-2A (OR = 2.62; P < 0.0001). LT confirms to be an extraordinary therapy for several severe liver diseases, consenting to reach in half of the transplanted cases even more than 20 years of follow-up. The initial liver function and the donor and recipient ages are relevant in impacting long-term survival after transplantation. A broad commitment from many professional groups, including surgeons, hepatologists, and anesthesiologists, is necessary. The achievement of excellent results in terms of long-term survival is proof of the effectiveness of this multidisciplinary collaboration.
Cross-modal knowledge guided model for abstractive summarization
Authors: Wang Hong , Liu Jin , Duan Mingyang , Gong Peizhu , Wu Zhongdai , Wang Junxiang , Han Bing
Published: July 2023

Abstractive summarization (AS) aims to generate more flexible and informative descriptions than extractive summarization. Nevertheless, it often distorts or fabricates facts in the original article. To address this problem, some existing approaches attempt to evaluate or verify factual consistency, or design models to reduce factual errors. However, most of the efforts either have limited effects or result in lower rouge scores while reducing factual errors. In other words, it is challenging to promote factual consistency while maintaining the informativeness of generated summaries. Inspired by the knowledge graph embedding technique, in this paper, we propose a novel cross-modal knowledge guided model (CKGM) for AS, which embeds a multimodal knowledge graph (MKG) combining image entity-relationship information and textual factual information (FI) into BERT to accomplish cross-modal information interaction and knowledge expansion. The pre-training method obtains rich contextual semantic information, while the knowledge graph supplements the textual information. In addition, an entity memory embedding algorithm is further proposed to improve information fusion efficiency and model training speed. We elaborately conducted ablation experiments and evaluated our model on the Visual Genome, FewRel, MSCOCO, and CNN/DailyMail datasets. Experimental results demonstrate that our model can significantly improve the FI consistency and informativeness of generated summaries.
The effect of family-based therapy on child physical abuse and neglect: a narrative systematic review
Authors: Economidis George , Pilkington Rhiannon , Lynch John , Dobbins Timothy , Shakeshaft Anthony , Powell Madeleine , Eades Anne-Marie , Falster Kathleen
Published: July 2023

Family-based therapy is a common front-line strategy to prevent child maltreatment in high-risk families. This review aimed to systematically assess the evidence of the effect of family-based therapy programs on child maltreatment outcomes. CINAHL, Scopus and PsycINFO were systematically searched to March 25, 2023. Outcome data were extracted for child protection reports and out-of-home care (OOHC) placements from administrative data, and parent- or child-reported maltreatment risk. 12 RCTs and two observational studies of 8,410 screened were included. All 14 studies had high risk of bias. Sample sizes ranged from 43 in an RCT to 3875 families in an observational study. In seven studies with child protection report risk estimates, five studies (3 RCTs, 2 observational) showed results in favor of the intervention (risk differences (RD) of 2.0–41.1 percentage points) and two RCTs in favor of the comparison (RD, 2.0–8.6 percentage points). In the four studies with OOHC risk estimates, three studies (2 RCTs, 1 observational) showed results in favor of the intervention (RD, 0.9–17.4 percentage points) and one observational study showed results in favor of the comparison (RD, 1.5 percentage points). Most studies had ≤ 100 participants, did not estimate main causal effects, and had high risk of bias. Thus, although family-based therapy programs may reduce child maltreatment, the high risk of bias, typically small sample sizes (> 62% of studies had sample sizes < 100), and inconsistent results across studies means it is currently unclear whether family-based therapy interventions achieve better child maltreatment outcomes, compared with usual care services.
Astrobiology and Christian Doctrine
Authors: Davison Andrew
Published: July 2023

In recent decades, powerful telescopes have enabled astrophysicists to uncover startling new worlds and solar systems. An epochal moment came in 1995, when a planet – 51 Pegasi b – was located orbiting a star other than our own sun. Since then, thousands of new planets have followed, and the question of life beyond earth has become one of the principal topics in discussions between science and religion. Attention to this topic has a long history in Christian theology, but has rarely been pursued at any depth. Writing with both passion and precision, Andrew Davison brings his extensive knowledge of Christian thought to bear, drawing particularly on the thought of Thomas Aquinas, as well as his training as a scientist. No book to date better prepares the Christian community for responding to evidence of other life, if it is found. And yet, we do not need to wait for that to have happened before this book shows its worth. In thinking about planets, creatures, and ecosystems beyond our planet, Davison already reinvigorates our theology for the earth.
Poverty Penalties as Human Rights Problems
Authors: Galbraith Jean , AlMarri Latifa , Bhati Lisha , Brooks Rheem , Green Zachary , Hu Margo , Irshaidat Noor
Published: July 2023

Fines and other financial sanctions are frequently imposed by criminal justice systems around the world. Yet they also raise grave concerns about economic discrimination. Unless they are perfectly scaled to defendants’ financial circumstances, they will penalize poor persons far more than rich ones—and poor defendants’ inability to pay can lead to further penalties like imprisonment or additional financial sanctions. These “poverty penalties” have received attention in domestic jurisdictions but are understudied as a global phenomenon. This Article takes up this issue and makes three contributions. First, it demonstrates that poverty penalties are prevalent in criminal justice systems around the world. Second, it shows how poverty penalties came to be overlooked in international human rights law and describes how this is starting to change. Third, the Article makes the normative case for addressing poverty penalties within human rights law and offers suggestions for how this can be achieved.
FINITE SOLVABLE TIDY GROUPS ARE DETERMINED BY HALL SUBGROUPS WITH TWO PRIMES
Authors: BEIKE NICOLAS F. , CARLETON RACHEL , COSTANZO DAVID G. , HEATH COLIN , LEWIS MARK L. , LU KAIWEN , PEARCE JAMIE D.
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we investigate finite solvable tidy groups. We prove that a solvable group with order divisible by at least two primes is tidy if all of its Hall subgroups that are divisible by only two primes are tidy.
Prosperity and Precarity in Imperial Russia's Long Nineteenth Century
Authors: Smith Alison K.
Published: July 2023

This article looks at four families living in and around the small town of Gatchina, not far from St Petersburg, Russia, in the long nineteenth century. Their family histories are recreated from archival files based in tsarist Russia's system of social estates (soslovie), supplemented by city directories, newspapers, and many other sources. Taken together, the four family histories expand our understanding of tsarist Russia's middle classes in two ways. First, they highlight the role that women played in families as economic actors and as agents of their own destiny. Second, they demonstrate the role that social mobility did and did not play in maintaining families across the long nineteenth century. In addition, they demonstrate some of the ways in which the Russian empire's experience of the nineteenth century differed from a standard Eurocentric narrative, in particular in the way that ‘archaic’ and ‘modern’ worlds existed simultaneously.
Recognising and addressing wealth privilege in policymaking through an analysis of epistemic practice and agency
Authors: Kerr Sarah
Published: July 2023

The author makes the case that wealth inequality ramifies in the communicative practices of policymaking in ways which produce specific forms of epistemic injustice. Relative epistemic authority between richer and poorer knowers is established by limiting some speakers to being sources of information, and elevating others to the epistemically more sophisticated role of inquirer. In its systemic form, this differentiation has the effect of re-producing and maintaining ‘tracker prejudices’ (Fricker, 2007) and ‘tracker privileges’ (Medina, 2011) which then ramify in relational and distributive inequality (Fricker, 2016). The article suggests that in a context in which the inclusion of ‘lived experience’ has come to be seen as an intrinsic good in policy discourse (Smith-Merry, 2020), the lived experience we need to amplify isn’t that of the poor, it is that of the rich. Only in centring rich voices in social policymaking can we reveal and challenge the operation of wealth privilege and advance reparatory forms of epistemic practice.1