bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shaken baby syndrome
Authors: Blumenthal I
Published: January 2003

Shaken baby syndrome is the most common cause of death or serious neurological injury resulting from child abuse. It is specific to infancy, when children have unique anatomic features. Subdural and retinal haemorrhages are markers of shaking injury. An American radiologist, John Caffey, coined the name whiplash shaken infant syndrome in 1974. It was, however, a British neurosurgeon, Guthkelch who first described shaking as the cause of subdural haemorrhage in infants. Impact was later thought to play a major part in the causation of brain damage. Recently improved neuropathology and imaging techniques have established the cause of brain injury as hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy. Diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging is the most sensitive and specific method of confirming a shaking injury. Families of children with subdural haemorrhages should be thoroughly investigated by social welfare agencies.
Presentation of a PTHrP-secreting pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour, with hypercalcaemic crisis, pre-eclampsia, and renal failure
Authors: Abraham P , Ralston S H , Hewison M , Fraser W D , Bevan J S
Published: January 2003

Severe hypercalcaemia during pregnancy is rare and most cases are secondary to hyperparathyroidism. This is the first report of a parathyroid hormone related protein (PTHrP) secreting neuroendocrine tumour of the pancreas manifesting with severe hypercalcaemia during pregnancy. Measurement of PTHrP was useful in both the diagnosis and follow up of our patient and should be considered in the diagnostic workup of patients with unexplained hypercalcaemia. A raised PTHrP concentration is a strong indicator of malignancy.
Rectus sheath haematoma: a new set of diagnostic features
Authors: Maharaj D , Ramdass M , Teelucksingh S , Perry A , Naraynsingh V
Published: January 2003

Rectus muscle haematoma is a well documented clinical entity, but its diagnosis remains elusive. A haematoma within the rectus sheath produces a painful, tender swelling that can mimic an intraperitoneal mass with features of an acute abdomen. Two patients with rectus haematomas presenting after bouts of prolonged coughing are reported. In both cases, clinical features and ultrasound findings suggested the presence of intraperitoneal pathology. However, in both cases consistent findings in the history and examination pointed towards the diagnosis of a rectus haematoma. It is proposed that these simple clinical criteria are diagnostic of a rectus sheath haematoma, and can thereby avert an unnecessary laparotomy.
New World leishmaniasis from Spain
Authors: Tomson N , Symonds R P , Moir A A , Kendall C H , Wiselka M J
Published: January 2003

A 69 year old man living in Spain contracted mucocutaneous leishmaniasis involving the nose. The infecting organism was Leishmania infantum, which only rarely causes the New World form of the disease. The source of infection was probably a neighbour’s dog. The patient began treatment with liposomal amphotericin B but died of pneumonia two months later.
Marburg I Polymorphism of Factor VII–Activating Protease
Authors: Willeit Johann , Kiechl Stefan , Weimer Thomas , Mair Artur , Santer Peter , Wiedermann Christian J. , Roemisch Juergen
Published: February 2003

Background—

Atherothrombosis is a main pathomechanism in the evolution of vessel stenosis and is counteracted by endogenous fibrinolysis. Recently, the plasmatic serine protease “factor seven–activating protease” (FSAP) was recognized as a potent activator of prourokinase in vitro. The Marburg I polymorphism of FSAP impairs this potential and may thus facilitate arterial thrombosis.

Methods and Results—

This analysis of the Bruneck Study involved 810 men and women aged 40 to 79 years. The ultrasound-based atherosclerosis progression model (5-year follow-up) permits differentiation between early atherogenesis and the advanced stenotic stages of carotid artery disease. The FSAP Marburg I polymorphism was found in 37 subjects (carriage rate 4.4%). Individuals with this genetic variant showed a prominently reduced in vitro capacity to activate prourokinase. No relation was found to exist between the Marburg I polymorphism and early atherogenesis. In contrast, it emerged as a strong and independent risk predictor of incident/progressive carotid stenosis (multivariate odds ratio [95%CI], 6.6 [1.6 to 27.7]). This finding equally applied to subjects with and without co-segregation of the Marburg II polymorphism. The risk profile of advanced atherogenesis further includes cigarette smoking, high lipoprotein(a), the factor V Leiden mutation, low antithrombin III, high fibrinogen, and diabetes.

Conclusions—

In concert with other genetic and acquired conditions known to interfere with coagulation or fibrinolysis, the Marburg I polymorphism of FSAP, which attenuates its capacity to activate prourokinase, is a significant risk predictor for the evolution and progression of carotid stenosis.
Tumor necrosis factor α induces a caspase-independent death pathway in human neutrophils
Authors: Maianski Nikolai A. , Roos Dirk , Kuijpers Taco W.
Published: February 2003

Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) is a cytokine with multiple roles in the immune system, including the induction and potentiation of cellular functions in neutrophils (PMNs). TNF-α also induces apoptotic signals leading to the activation of several caspases, which are involved in different steps of the process of cell death. Inhibition of caspases usually increases cell survival. Here, we found that inhibition of caspases by the general caspase inhibitor zVAD-fmk did not prevent TNF-α–induced PMN death. After 6 hours of incubation, TNF-α alone caused PMN death with characteristic apoptotic features (typical morphologic changes, DNA laddering, external phosphatidyl serine [PS] exposure in the plasma membrane, Bax clustering and translocation to the mitochondria, and degradation of mitochondria), which coincided with activation of caspase-8 and caspase-3. However, in the presence of TNF-α, PMNs died even when caspases were completely inhibited. This type of cell death lacked nuclear features of apoptosis (ie, no DNA laddering but aberrant hyperlobulated nuclei without typical chromatin condensation) and demonstrated no Bax redistribution, but it did show mitochondria clustering and plasma membrane PS exposure. In contrast, Fas-triggered PMN apoptosis was completely blocked by zVAD-fmk. Experiments with scavengers of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and with inhibitors of mitochondrial respiration, with PMN-derived cytoplasts (which lack mitochondria) and with PMNs from patients with chronic granulomatous disease (which have impaired nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate [NADPH] oxidase) indicated that TNF-α/zVAD-fmk–induced cell death depends on mitochondria-derived ROS. Thus, TNF-α can induce a “classical,” caspase-dependent and a “nonclassical” caspase-independent cell death.
The usefulness of monitoring WT1 gene transcripts for the prediction and management of relapse following allogeneic stem cell transplantation in acute type leukemia
Authors: Ogawa Hiroyasu , Tamaki Hiroya , Ikegame Kazuhiro , Soma Toshihiro , Kawakami Manabu , Tsuboi Akihiro , Kim Eui Ho , Hosen Naoki , Murakami Masaki , Fujioka Tatsuya , Masuda Tomoki , Taniguchi Yuki , Nishida Sumiyuki , Oji Yusuke , Oka Yoshihiro , Sugiyama Haruo
Published: February 2003

In acute-type leukemia, no method for the prediction of relapse following allogeneic stem cell transplantation based on minimal residual disease (MRD) levels is established yet. In the present study, MRD in 72 cases of allogeneic transplantation for acute myeloid leukemia, acute lymphoid leukemia, and chronic myeloid leukemia (accelerated phase or blast crisis) was monitored frequently by quantitating the transcript of WT1 gene, a “panleukemic MRD marker,” using reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction. Based on the negativity of expression of chimeric genes, the background level of WT1 transcripts in bone marrow following allogeneic transplantation was significantly decreased compared with the level in healthy volunteers. The probability of relapse occurring within 40 days significantly increased step-by-step according to the increase in WT1 expression level (100% for 1.0 × 10−2-5.0 × 10−2, 44.4% for 4.0 × 10−3-1.0 × 10−2, 10.2% for 4.0 × 10−4-4.0 × 10−3, and 0.8% for < 4.0 × 10−4) when WT1 level in K562 was defined as 1.0). WT1 levels in patients having relapse increased exponentially with a constant doubling time. The doubling time of theWT1 level in patients for whom the discontinuation of immunosuppressive agents or donor leukocyte infusion was effective was significantly longer than that for patients in whom it was not (P < .05). No patients with a short doubling time of WT1 transcripts (< 13 days) responded to these immunomodulation therapies. These findings strongly suggest that the WT1 assay is very useful for the prediction and management of relapse following allogeneic stem cell transplantation regardless of the presence of chimeric gene markers.
Recombinant factor VIIa enhances deposition of platelets with congenital or acquired αIIbβ3 deficiency to endothelial cell matrix and collagen under conditions of flow via tissue factor–independent thrombin generation
Authors: Lisman Ton , Moschatsis Sultana , Adelmeijer Jelle , Nieuwenhuis H. Karel , De Groot Philip G.
Published: February 2003

A novel approach to treat bleeding episodes in patients with Glanzmann thrombasthenia (GT) and perhaps also in patients receiving αIIbβ3 inhibitors is the administration of recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa). The mechanism of action of rFVIIa in these patients is, however, still unclear. We studied the effect of rFVIIa-mediated thrombin formation on adhesion of αIIbβ3-deficient platelets under flow conditions. Adhesion of αIIbβ3-deficient platelets to the extracellular matrix (ECM) of stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells or to collagen type III was studied using a model system with washed platelets and red cells. When αIIbβ3-deficient platelets were perfused over the surface at arterial shear rate for 5 minutes, a low surface coverage was observed (GT platelets, mean ± SEM, 37.5% ± 5.0%; normal platelets preincubated with an RGD-containing peptide, 7.4% ± 2.1%). When rFVIIa, together with factors X and II, was added to the perfusate, platelet deposition significantly increased (GT platelets, mean ± SEM, 67.0% ± 4.3%; normal platelets preincubated with an RGD-containing peptide, 48.2% ± 2.9%). The same effect was observed when normal platelets were pretreated with the commercially available anti-αIIbβ3 drugs abciximab, eptifibatide, or tirofiban. It was shown that tissue factor–independent thrombin generation (presumably induced by binding of rFVIIa to adhered platelets) was responsible for the increase in platelet deposition. In conclusion, defective adhesion of αIIbβ3-deficient platelets to ECM can be restored by tissue factor–independent rFVIIa-mediated thrombin formation. The enhanced generation of platelet procoagulant surface facilitates fibrin formation, so that lack of platelet aggregate formation might be compensated for.
The evidence base for cognitive—behavioural therapy in depression: delivery in busy clinical settings
Authors: Whitfield Graeme , Williams Chris
Published: January 2003

The evidence base for cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) for depression is discussed with reference to the review documentTreatment Choice in Psychological Therapies and Counselling (Department of Health). This identifies the need to deliver evidence-based psychosocial interventions and identifies CBT as having the strongest research base for effectiveness, but does not cover how to deliver CBT within National Health Service settings. The traditional CBT model of weekly face-to-face appointments is widely offered, yet there is little evidence to support these traditions in the outcome literature. Reducing face-to-face contact by introducing self-help into treatment may be one method of improving access. The SPIRIT course is discussed which teaches how to offer core cognitive–behavioural skills using structured self-help materials.
Personal development plans: making them work, making them count
Authors: Newby David
Published: January 2003

Personal development plans (PDPs) are a central requirement to remaining in good standing for the Continuing Professional Development programme of the Royal College of Psychiatrists. They are also integral to the framework now agreed for consultant appraisal in the National Health Service. This paper sets out the context which makes PDPs increasingly important and discusses the link between appraisal and revalidation, covering ‘360-degree’ techniques such as Ramsey questionnaires (which may ultimately figure in revalidation mechanisms). It then describes the practicalities of generating PDPs, especially in peer group settings. Experience from pilot workshops is used to illustrate how PDPs can be made to work and how learning/developmental objectives can be made meaningful.
Telemedicine and telecare: what can it offer mental health services?
Authors: McLaren Paul
Published: January 2003

With new developments in image generation and transmission, researchers have studied the feasibility of using comunications technology for remote diagnosis and care delivery. The term ‘telepsychiatry’ has been used to describe the application of telemedicine and telecare to mental health. This article reviews the development of telepsychiatry and key research findings. Results suggest that service users are more comfortable with mediated services than are professsonals. Most work has been done in areas of low population density, where accessibility to conventional services is limited by economics and geography. In urban settings, with distributed community services, telepsychiatry can improve communication between primary and secondary sectors and within secondary services.
Use of the Global Assessment of Function scale in learning disability
Authors: Oliver Patricia , Cooray Sherva , Tyrer Peter , Cicchetti Domenic
Published: January 2003

Background

The Global Assessment of Function (GAF) scale is widely used in adult psychiatric practice and research but it has not often been used in learning disability, which is inherently more complex.

Aims

To evaluate the reliability of GAF in the assessment of learning disability.

Method

GAF reliability was tested by simultaneous multiple rating of unselected case vignettes (n=19–25) from health professionals of different disciplines, under controlled conditions. Analysis of reliability was made with the intraclass correlation coefficient (R1) with separate assessments to determine rater bias and individual performance of raters.

Results

The results of three data-sets showed generally poor overall levels of agreement, with R1 levels of 0.35 and 0.28 and somewhat better levels for current GAF scores (R1=0.49). However, a subset of raters was identified that achieved much higher levels (R1=0.54 to 0.74).

Conclusions

The GAF, in its current format, is not reliable enough to be used in the routine assessment of learning disability A subgroup of raters, however, have ratings that are, by current biostatistical criteria, sufficiently reliable.
Treatment of patients with Alzheimer's disease: a national survey following release of the NICE guidance
Authors: Connolly Claire M. , Bullock Roger
Published: January 2003

Aims and Method

The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) has issued guidance regarding the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. A postal survey of old age psychiatrists, geriatricians and neurologists was conducted to establish working practice pre-NICE and investigate expectations about the effect of this guidance.

Results

The overall response rate was 26.3%. Old age psychiatrists prescribe the majority of drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. There was variation in the annual expenditure on such treatment. The main reason for non-prescription was a lack of funding. Over 80% of doctors thought that patients with mild disease should now be targeted for treatment.

Clinical Implications

In order to implement the guidance it will be necessary to address the issue of funding and have clear role allocation between local services.
Crichton-Browne's biological psychiatry
Authors: Walmsley Tom
Published: January 2003

Sir James Crichton-Browne (1840–1938) held a uniquely distinguished position in the British psychiatry of his time. Unburdened by false modesty, he called himself ‘the doyen of British medical psychology’ and, in the narrow sense, he was indeed its most senior practitioner. At the time of his death, he could reflect on almost half a century's service as Lord Chancellor's Visitor and a similar span as a Fellow of the Royal Society.
Sexual assaults in psychiatric in-patient units: the importance of a consistent approach
Authors: Cole Mary
Published: January 2003

Aims and Method

In order to establish whether there is consistency in the management of sexual assault allegations in a psychiatric in-patient unit, and to assess quality of data recording, a manual search of 177 case notes included in an audit project, carried out between October 1997 and May 1999 was carried out. Each recorded allegation was noted on a standard form.

Results

There was little consistency between cases, and data recording was patchy.

Clinical Implications

There is no accurate method of recording or monitoring alleged sexual assault in the trust studied. In spite of a policy document, these cases are dealt with ad hoc.
Administration’s Share of Personnel in Veterans Health Administration and Private Sector Care
Authors: Woolhandler Steffie , Toporek Andrew , Gao Jian , Moran Eileen , Wilper Andrew , Himmelstein David U.
Published: January 2024

Importance

Health care administrative overhead is greater in the US than some other nations but has not been assessed in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).

Objective

To compare administrative staffing patterns in the VHA and private (non-VHA) sectors.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study was conducted using US employment data from 2019, prior to pandemic-related disruptions in health care staffing, and was carried out between January 14 and August 10, 2023. A nationally representative sample of federal and nonfederal personnel in hospitals and ambulatory care settings from the American Community Survey (ACS), all employees reported in VHA personnel records, and personnel in health insurance carriers and brokers tabulated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) were analyzed.

Exposure

VHA vs private sector health care employment, including 397 occupations grouped into 18 categories.

Main Outcome and Measure

The proportion of staff working in administrative occupations.

Results

Among 3 239 553 persons surveyed in the ACS, 122 315 individuals (weighted population, 12 501 185 individuals) were civilians working in hospitals or ambulatory care; of the weighted population, 12 156 988 individuals (mean age, 42.6 years [95% CI, 42.5-42.7 years]; 76.2% [95% CI, 75.9%-76.5%] females) were private sector personnel and 344 197 individuals (mean age, 46.2 years [95% CI, 45.7-46.7 years]; 63.8% [95% CI, 61.8%-65.8%] females) were federal employees. In clinical settings, administrative occupations accounted for 23.4% (95% CI, 23.1%-23.8%) of private sector vs 19.8% (95% CI, 18.1%-21.4%) of VHA personnel. After including 1 000 800 employees at private sector health insurers and brokers and 13 956 VHA Central Office personnel with administrative occupations, administration accounted for 3 851 374 of 13 157 788 private sector employees (29.3%) vs 77 500 of 343 721 VHA employees (22.5%). Physicians represented approximately 7% of personnel in the VHA (7.2% [95% CI, 6.1%-8.2%]) and private sector (6.5% [95% CI, 6.3%-6.7%]), while the VHA deployed more registered nurses (23.7% [95% CI, 21.6%-25.8%] vs 21.2% [95% CI, 20.9%-21.5%]) and social service personnel (6.3% [95% CI, 5.4%-7.1%] vs 4.9% [95% CI, 4.7%-5.0%]) than the private sector.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study, administrative occupations accounted for a smaller share of personnel in the VHA compared with private sector care, a difference possibly attributable to the VHA’s simpler financing system. These findings suggest that if staffing patterns in the private sector mirrored those of the VHA, nearly 900 000 fewer administrative staff might be needed.
Pigmented Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Situ of the Eyelid
Authors: Dimopoulos Antonios D. , Srivastava Pooja , Barmettler Anne
Published: January 2024

This case report describes a diagnosis of pigmented squamous cell carcinoma in situ in a female patient aged 61 years who presented with a pigmented lesion on her medial canthus that had been growing over a 2-year period.
Unilateral Diffuse Pigmentary Retinopathy Associated With Optic Disc Pit
Authors: Luvisi Joseph , Morris Tinea , Say Emil
Published: January 2024

This case report describes a diagnosis of pigmentary retinopathy and optic disc pit in a woman aged 41 years who presented with long-standing decreased vision in the left eye.
A study on merchandising methods for large‐scale commercial facilities
Authors: Kawamura Daisuke , Setoguchi Tsuyoshi
Published: January 2024

This paper aims to analyze the merchandising (MD) of commercial facilities, clarify the basic components and essential functions, and explore the characteristics of the MD that promote “walk‐around behavior.” MD was created by architects in the 1960s to attract people from different areas into commercial facilities and create a lively walk‐around. MD has since been developed and utilized outside the architectural field in commercial consulting. As architects, we reexamine the MD of commercial buildings in Japan and the U.S. based on the components of these buildings at the time. We also define and add new features to further clarify the MD and provide examples of how MD has been used in applications other than commercial facilities. As a result, we will demonstrate that this planning method can be a method to create revitalization of towns other than commercial facilities.
Dielectric and Wavefunction Engineering of Electron Spin Lifetime in Colloidal Nanoplatelet Heterostructures
Authors: Li Yulu , Wang Lifeng , Xiang Dongmei , Zhu Jingyi , Wu Kaifeng
Published: January 2024

Colloidal semiconductor nanoplatelets (NPLs) have emerged as low‐cost and free‐standing alternates of traditional quantum wells. The giant heavy‐ and light‐hole splitting in NPLs allows for efficient optical spin injection. However, the electron spin lifetimes for prototypical CdSe NPLs are within a few picoseconds, likely limited by strong electron‐hole exchange in these quantum‐ and dielectric‐confined materials. Here how this hurdle can be overcome with engineered NPL‐heterostructures is demonstrated. By constructing type‐I CdSe/ZnS core/shell NPLs, dielectric screening inside the core is strongly enhanced, prolonging the electron spin polarization time (τesp) to over 30 ps (or 60 ps electron spin‐flip time). Alternatively, by growing type‐II CdSe/CdTe core/crown NPLs to spatially separate electron and hole wavefunctions, the electron‐hole exchange is strongly suppressed, resulting in τesp as long as 300 ps at room temperature. This study not only exemplifies how the well‐established synthetic chemistry of colloidal heterostructures can aid in spin dynamics control but also establishes the feasibility of room‐temperature coherent spin manipulation in colloidal NPLs.
Photoinduced Triphenylphosphine and Iodide Salt Promoted Reductive Decarboxylative Coupling
Authors: Wang Jia‐Xin , Fu Ming‐Chen , Yan Lu‐Yu , Lu Xi , Fu Yao
Published: January 2024

The transient electron donor–acceptor (EDA) complex has been an emerging area in the photoinduced organic synthesis field, generating radicals without exogenous transition‐metal or organic dye‐based photoredox catalysts. The catalytic platform to form suitable photoactive EDA complexes for photochemical reduction reactions remains underdeveloped. Herein, a general photoinduced reductive alkylation via the EDA complex strategy is described. A simple yet multifunctional system, triphenylphosphine and iodide salt, promotes the photoinduced decarboxylative hydroalkylation, and reductive defluorinative decarboxylative alkylation of trifluoromethyl alkenes, to access trifluoromethyl alkanes and gem‐difluoroalkenes. Moreover, decarboxylative hydroalkylation can be applied to more kinds of electron‐deficient alkenes as a general Giese addition reaction.
Enhanced Photodynamic Therapy Synergizing with Inhibition of Tumor Neutrophil Ferroptosis Boosts Anti‐PD‐1 Therapy of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Zhu Xudong , Zheng Wenxuan , Wang Xingzhou , Li Zhiyan , Shen Xiaofei , Chen Qi , Lu Yanjun , Chen Kai , Ai Shichao , Zhu Yun , Guan Wenxian , Yao Shankun , Liu Song
Published: January 2024

For tumor treatment, the ultimate goal in tumor therapy is to eliminate the primary tumor, manage potential metastases, and trigger an antitumor immune response, resulting in the complete clearance of all malignant cells. Tumor microenvironment (TME) refers to the local biological environment of solid tumors and has increasingly become an attractive target for cancer therapy. Neutrophils within TME of gastric cancer (GC) spontaneously undergo ferroptosis, and this process releases oxidized lipids that limit T cell activity. Enhanced photodynamic therapy (PDT) mediated by di‐iodinated IR780 (Icy7) significantly increases the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Meanwhile, neutrophil ferroptosis can be triggered by increased ROS generation in the TME. In this study, a liposome encapsulating both ferroptosis inhibitor Liproxstatin‐1 and modified photosensitizer Icy7, denoted LLI, significantly inhibits tumor growth of GC. LLI internalizes into MFC cells to generate ROS causing immunogenic cell death (ICD). Simultaneously, liposome‐deliver Liproxstatin‐1 effectively inhibits the ferroptosis of tumor neutrophils. LLI‐based immunogenic PDT and neutrophil‐targeting immunotherapy synergistically boost the anti‐PD‐1 treatment to elicit potent TME and systemic antitumor immune response with abscopal effects. In conclusion, LLI holds great potential for GC immunotherapy.
High Thermoelectric Performance in Solution‐Processed Semicrystalline PEDOT:PSS Films by Strong Acid–Base Treatment: Limitations and Potential
Authors: Park Juhyung , Jang Jae Gyu , Kang Keehoon , Kim Sung Hyun , Kwak Jeonghun
Published: January 2024

Thermoelectric (TE) generation with solution‐processable conducting polymers offers substantial potential in low‐temperature energy harvesting based on high tunability in materials, processes, and form‐factors. However, manipulating the TE and charge transport properties accompanies structural and energetic disorders, restricting the enhancement of thermoelectric power factor (PF). Here, solution‐based strong acid–base treatment techniques are introduced to modulate the doping level of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) thin films with preserving its molecular orientation, enabling to achieve a remarkably high PF of 534.5 µW m−1 K−2. Interestingly, theoretical modeling suggested that further de‐doping can increase the PF beyond the experimental value. However, it is impossible to reach this value experimentally, even without any degradation of PEDOT crystallinity. Uncovering the underlying reason for the limitation, an analysis of the relationship among the microstructure–thermoelectric performance–charge transport property revealed that inter‐domain connectivity via tie‐chains and the resultant percolation for transport are crucial factors in achieving high TE performance, as in charge transport. It is believed that the methods and fundamental understandings in this work would contribute to the exploitation of conducting polymer‐based low‐temperature energy harvesting.
Constructing Charge Bridge Path for High‐Performance Tin Perovskite Photovoltaics
Authors: Hu Fan , Chen Chun‐Hao , Teng Tian‐Yu , Shi Yi‐Ran , Wang Bin , Xue Di , Xia Yu , Chen Jing , Wang Kai‐Li , Huang Li‐Zhen , Yavuz Ilhan , Wang Zhao‐Kui , Liao Liang‐Sheng
Published: January 2024

Tin‐based perovskite solar cells (TPSCs) have attracted significant research interest due to their exceptional optoelectronic properties and environmentally friendly characteristics. However, TPSCs with ideal bandgap suffer from substantial current losses, necessitating the development of innovative interface engineering strategies to enhance device performance. In this study, an unprecedented approach constructing charge transfer path is presented by a simple post‐growth treatment of 3‐Aminomethylbenzo[b]thiophene (3‐AMBTh) on the perovskite film. The selective reaction of 3‐AMBTh with exposed FA+ on the perovskite surface suppresses the formation of iodine vacancy defects, leading to a reduction in trap density. Additionally, the residual aromatic rings on the surface form an effective π–π stacking interaction system with subsequently deposited ICBA, facilitating enhanced charge transfer at the interface. By harnessing the potential of the charge transfer path, the TPSCs exhibit remarkable device efficiency of up to 14.53%, positioning them among the top‐performing TPSCs reported to date.
Life Cycle Assessment of a 5 MW Polymer Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis Plant
Authors: Gerhardt-Mörsdorf Janis , Peterssen Florian , Burfeind Paula , Benecke Mareike , Bensmann Boris , Hanke-Rauschenbach Richard , Minke Christine
Published: January 2024

This study performs a cradle‐to‐grave life cycle assessment of a 5 MW proton exchange membrane water electrolysis plant. The analysis follows a thorough engineering‐based bottom‐up design based on the electrochemical model of the system. Three scenarios are analyzed comprising a state‐of‐the‐art (SoA) plant operated with the German electricity grid‐mix, a SoA plant operated with a completely decarbonized energy system, and a future development plant electrolyzer with reduced energy and material demand, operated in a completely decarbonized energy system. The results display a global warming potential of 34 kg CO2‐eq. kg‐H2−1 and indicate a reduction potential of 89% when the plant is operated in a decarbonized energy system. A further reduction of 9% can be achieved by the technological development of the plant. Due to the reduced impacts of operation in a completely decarbonized energy system, the operation at locations with large offshore wind electricity capacity is recommended. In the construction phase, the stacks, especially the anode catalyst iridium, bipolar plates, and porous transport layers, are identified as dominant sources of the environmental impact. A sensitivity analysis shows that the environmental impact of the construction phase increases with a decreasing amount of operational full load hours of the plant.
CO2‐Berechnungen von Brücken mit Bauwerkslängen bis 40 m
Authors: Görtz Stephan , Pham Thi Kim Dung
Published: January 2024

Im Rahmen eines von der Gesellschaft für Energie und Klimaschutz Schleswig‐Holstein GmbH (EKSH) geförderten Forschungsvorhabens wurden CO2‐Blanzierungen an insgesamt 34 realen und mehreren Hundert generierten Brückenbauwerken durchgeführt. Zielsetzung war es, Erfahrungswerte zu erarbeiten, bei welchen Brückenkonstruktionen wie viel CO2 emittiert wird, und Vorschläge auszuarbeiten, wie sich die CO2‐Emissionen reduzieren lassen.
Inulin alters gut microbiota to alleviate post‐stroke depressive‐like behavior associated with the IGF‐1‐mediated MAPK signaling pathway
Authors: Shao Rong , Tan Xiongchang , Pan Minfu , Huang Jiawen , Huang Liu , Bi Binyu , Huang Xiaohua , Wang Jie , Li Xuebin
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Gut microbiota dysbiosis is a key factor of the pathogenesis of post‐stroke depression (PSD). PSD is associated with increased hippocampal neuronal apoptosis and decreased synaptic connectivity. Inulin can be involved in hippocampal neuron protection through the microbiome–gut–brain axis. However, the neuroprotective effects of inulin in PSD are still to be further investigated.

Methods

By utilizing the GEO public database, we identify differentially expressed genes in the hippocampus following inulin intake. This can help us discover key signaling pathways through functional enrichment analysis. Furthermore, we validate the expression levels of signaling molecules in a rat model of PSD and examine the effects of inulin on behavioral changes and body weight. Additionally, conducting a microbiome analysis to identify significantly different microbial populations and perform correlation analysis.

Results

The intake of inulin significantly up‐regulated mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling pathway in the hippocampus. Inulin changed in the gut microbiota structure, leading to an increase in the abundance of Lactobacillus and Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 in the intestines of PSD rats, while decreasing the abundance of Ruminococcus UCG_005, Prevotella_9, Oscillospiraceae, and Clostridia UCG_014. Furthermore, the inulin diet elevated levels of insulin‐like growth factor 1 in the serum, which showed a positive correlation with the abundance of Lactobacillus. Notably, the consumption of inulin‐enriched diet increased activity levels and preference for sugar water in PSD rats, while also reducing body weight.

Conclusion

These findings highlight the potential therapeutic benefits of inulin in the management of depression and emphasize the importance of maintaining a healthy gut microbiota for PSD.
Highly efficient CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated exon skipping for recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa
Authors: du Rand Alex , Hunt John , Samson Christopher , Loef Evert , Malhi Chloe , Meidinger Sarah , Chen Chun‐Jen Jennifer , Nutsford Ashley , Taylor John , Dunbar Rod , Purvis Diana , Feisst Vaughan , Sheppard Hilary
Published: January 2024

Gene therapy based on the CRISPR/Cas9 system has emerged as a promising strategy for treating the monogenic fragile skin disorder recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB). With this approach problematic wounds could be grafted with gene edited, patient‐specific skin equivalents. Precise gene editing using homology‐directed repair (HDR) is the ultimate goal, however low efficiencies have hindered progress. Reframing strategies based on highly efficient non‐homologous end joining (NHEJ) repair aimed at excising dispensable, mutation‐harboring exons offer a promising alternative approach for restoring the COL7A1 open reading frame. To this end, we employed an exon skipping strategy using dual single guide RNA (sgRNA)/Cas9 ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) targeted at three novel COL7A1 exons (31, 68, and 109) containing pathogenic heterozygous mutations, and achieved exon deletion rates of up to 95%. Deletion of exon 31 in both primary human RDEB keratinocytes and fibroblasts resulted in the restoration of type VII collagen (C7), leading to increased cellular adhesion in vitro and accurate C7 deposition at the dermal‐epidermal junction in a 3D skin model. Taken together, we extend the list of COL7A1 exons amenable to therapeutic deletion. As an incidental finding, we find that long‐read Nanopore sequencing detected large on‐target structural variants comprised of deletions up to >5 kb at a frequency of ~10%. Although this frequency may be acceptable given the high rates of intended editing outcomes, our data demonstrate that standard short‐read sequencing may underestimate the full range of unexpected Cas9‐mediated editing events.
The augmentation of cytotoxic immune cell functionality through physical exertion bolsters the potency of chemotherapy in models of mammary carcinoma
Authors: Qin Bingqing , He Zhongshi , Xie Lixia , Feng Shenglan , Ye Junjie , Gui Jianjun , Sun Xiaodong , Sang Ming
Published: January 2024

Background

Mammary carcinoma, a pervasive and potentially lethal affliction, is conjectured to be profoundly influenced by physical exercise, both in prophylaxis and therapeutic contexts. This study endeavors to explore the repercussions of exercise training on the progression of mammary carcinoma, particularly the mechanisms by which the amalgamation of an exercise regimen and doxorubicin induces tumor cell apoptosis.

Methods

Female BALB/c mice were categorized into four distinct groups: A sedentary group (SED), an exercise group (Ex), a doxorubicin group (Dox, 5 mg/kg), and a combined treatment group (Dox + Ex). The exercise training lasted for 21 days and included aerobic rotarod exercise and resistance training. The impact of exercise training on tumor growth, immune cell proportions, inflammatory factor levels, and cell apoptosis pathway was assessed.

Results

Exercise training significantly curtailed tumor growth in a mouse model of breast cancer. Both the Ex and Dox groups exhibited significant reductions in tumor volume and weight (p < 0.01) in comparison to the SED group, while the Dox + Ex group had a significantly lower tumor volume and weight than the Dox group (p < 0.01). Exercise training also significantly increased the proportion of NK and T cells in various parts of the body and tumor tissue, while decreasing tumor blood vessels density. Exercise training also increased IL‐6 and IL‐15 levels in the blood and altered the expression of apoptosis‐related proteins in tumor tissue, with the combined treatment group showing even more significant changes.

Conclusions

Physical training improves the effectiveness of doxorubicin in treating breast cancer by activating cytotoxic immune cells, releasing tumor suppressor factors, and initiating mt‐apoptosis, all while mitigating the adverse effects of chemotherapy.
Chitosan/alginate scaffold enhanced with Berberis vulgaris extract for osteocyte differentiation of ovine fetal stem cells
Authors: Soltani Leila , Ghaneialvar Hori , Abbasi Naser , Bayat Parvaneh , Nazari Maryam
Published: January 2024

Designing biocompatible polymers using plant derivatives can be extremely useful in tissue engineering, nanomedicine, and many other fields of medicine. In this study, it was first looked into how chitosan/alginate scaffolds were made and characterized in the presence of berberine and barberry fruit extract. Second, the process of proliferation and differentiation of ovine fetal BM‐MSCs (bone marrow‐mesenchymal stem cells) was assessed on these scaffolds after BM‐MSCs were extracted and confirmed by developing into osteocyte and adipose cells. To investigate the differentiation, treatment groups include (1) ovine fetal BM‐MSCs were plated in Dulbecco's modified eagle medium culture medium with high glucose containing 10% fetal bovine serum and antibiotics (negative control), (2) ovine fetal BM‐MSCs were plated in osteogenic differentiation medium (positive control group), (3) positive control group + barberry fruit extract, (4) positive control group + berberine, (5) ovine fetal BM‐MSCs were plated in osteogenic differentiation medium on chitosan/alginate scaffold (hydrogel group), (6) ovine fetal BM‐MSCs were plated in osteogenic differentiation medium on chitosan/alginate/barberry fruit extract scaffold (hydrogel group containing barberry fruit extract), and (7) ovine fetal BM‐MSCs were plated in osteogenic differentiation medium on chitosan/alginate/berberine scaffold (hydrogel group containing berberine). Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) enzyme concentrations, mineralization rate using a calcium kit, and mineralization measurement by alizarin staining quantification were all found after 21 days of culture. In addition, real‐time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to assess the expression of the ALP, COL1A2, and Runx2 genes. Days 5 and 7 had the lowest water absorption by the hydrogel scaffold containing barberry extract, which was significant in comparison to other groups (p < .05). Among the hydrogel scaffolds under study, the one containing barberry extract exhibited the lowest tensile strength, and this difference was statistically significant (p < .05). The chitosan/alginate hydrogel has the highest tensile strength of all of them. In comparison to the control and other treatment groups, the inclusion of berberine in the chitosan/alginate hydrogel significantly increased the expression of the ALP, Runx2, and COL1A2 genes (p < .05). The osteocyte differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells in in vitro settings appears to have been enhanced by the inclusion of berberine in the chitosan/alginate scaffold.
Investigation on a compact wideband omnidirectional circularly polarized antenna in an indoor propagation channel for 2.4 GHz application
Authors: Emadian Seyed Ramin , Ghobadi Changiz
Published: January 2024

In this paper, for the first time, the capability of a compact low‐cost wideband omnidirectional circularly polarized (CP) antenna to suppress multipath fading characteristics in a typical indoor propagation channel for 2.4 GHz applications is investigated. A ray tracing method based on the geometrical optics and uniform theory of diffraction is applied to analyze an indoor propagation channel using the measured radiation patterns of the proposed antenna. The design uses a conventional monopole antenna with a circular ground plane to generate a vertically polarized electric field. Sequentially flag‐shaped stubs are then added to the ground plane to produce horizontally polarized electric field and to improve the impedance bandwidth of the proposed antenna. The antenna is designed for 2.4 GHz WLAN application with 10 dB impedance bandwidth of 25.5% and 3 dB axial ratio (AR) bandwidth of 24.5%. The polarization can be readily changed between the left‐hand circular polarization (LHCP) and right‐hand circular polarization (RHCP) by altering the direction of the coaxial probe (monopole) or varying the orientation of the printed bended stubs. Both the LHCP and RHCP prototypes of the proposed antenna are designed, fabricated, and tested, and the similar results are obtained.
New insights into suspended drops: When soft matter meets acoustic levitation
Authors: Chen Hongyue , Hong Zhenyu , Zang Duyang
Published: January 2024

Acoustic levitation has developed into a popular but elegant tool for the study of drops as well as soft matter due to its exceptional levitation capabilities to a variety of liquid samples. The acoustically levitated drops offer opportunities for the investigation of a wide range of fundamental issues related to liquid drops. In this review, the unique physics/chemical processes involved in acoustically levitated drops are dealt with. We first introduce the dynamics of the acoustically levitated drops, including drop oscillation, coalescence, and the associated capillary phenomena. The bubble formation and stability are also discussed. Depending on the inhibition of solid surfaces and the nonlinear effects of ultrasound, the self‐assembly of colloidal particles at the air–liquid interface as well as granular matter in air is reviewed. In particular, the exploration of biological drops by using acoustic levitation is also highlighted. In the end, the concept of acoustic‐levitation‐fluidics and possible potential topics are proposed.
Supercapacitor using polyvinyl alcohol doped ionic liquid 1‐butyl‐1‐methylpyrrolidinium hexafluorophosphate polymer electrolyte system
Authors: Kanika  , Gairola Yashvi , Tomar Richa , Kumar Sushant , Konwar Subhrajit , Savilov Serguei V. , Yadav Tarun , Yahya M. Z. A. , Singh Pramod K.
Published: January 2024

Polyvinyl alcohol‐based polymeric films with NaI and ionic liquid (1‐Butyl‐1‐methylpyrrolidinium hexafluorophosphate) have been developed by using the solution cast method. The produced polymer electrolyte sheets were evaluated using various methods. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was utilized to measure the conductivity of the polymeric films, and the ionic liquid doped films showed an increase with a maximum at 6 wt% ionic liquid with a value for conductivity of 4.545 × 10−4 S cm−1. The morphological features of the most conductive polymer were further investigated using polarized optical microscopy and x‐ray diffraction. Ionic doping causes an increase in the amorphous nature. Using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, an excellent complexity between PVA, salt NaI, and ionic liquid was assessed. Thermogravimetric analysis was used to inspect the polymer films' thermal stability. The highest conducting sample was used for manufacturing an electric double‐layer capacitor. The behavior of manufactured electric double‐layer capacitor has been evaluated through EIS, CV, and GCD.
Comparison of the AquaCrop and CERES‐Maize models for simulating maize phenology, grain yield, evapotranspiration and water productivity under different irrigation and nitrogen levels
Authors: Amiri Ebrahim , Irmak Suat , Tari Davood Barari
Published: January 2024

The CERES‐Maize and AquaCrop models were evaluated for their performance in simulating maize (Zea mays L.) phenology, evapotranspiration (ETc), grain yield and crop water productivity (CWP). Model input data for calibration, validation and simulations were obtained from field experiments conducted from 2011 to 2014 that imposed three different irrigation levels (full irrigation treatment [FIT], limited irrigation treatment [75% FIT] and rainfed control) and five nitrogen (N) management treatments. Both models performed well in simulating the maize phenological stages, with simulated values being within 1–4 days of measured values for both models. Both models simulated grain yield well during the calibration with a normalized root mean squared error (RMSEn) of 5% (0.6 t ha⁻1) for CERES‐Maize and 8% (0.80 t ha⁻1) for AquaCrop. The model error for ETc varied from −2 to +14% for CERES‐Maize and ranged from −3 to +11% for AquaCrop. High N levels resulted in higher accuracy in predicting ETc. The AquaCrop model performed better than CERES‐Maize in simulating irrigated crop production under different N levels under rainfed conditions. The performance of both models for rainfed systems was poorer than their performance in irrigated systems, indicating that both models need further improvements in simulating rainfed maize production systems.
Off‐farm employment and body mass index among agrarian women in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Tsiboe Francis , Aseete Paul , Di Fang
Published: January 2024

The relationship between employment and women's weight outcomes in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) is less studied. In this study, we use nearest‐neighbor matching to analyze the association between off‐farm employment and women's body mass index (BMI), using data from 364,426 adult women from 36 SSA countries. We find that employment off‐farm is associated with improvement in women's weight status. Off‐farm employment is associated with higher BMI in women (by 1.6%), and lower BMI among obese and overweight women (by 28% and 16%, respectively). These findings provide information that could guide policymakers working at the intersection of women's health and employment.