bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lifecycle evaluation of medical devices: supporting or jeopardizing patient outcomes? A comparative analysis of evaluation models
Authors: Harkin Kathleen R. , Sorensen Jan , Thomas Steve
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Lack of evidence regarding safety and effectiveness at market entry is driving the need to consider adopting a lifecycle approach to evaluating medical devices, but it is unclear what lifecycle evaluation means. This research sought to explore the tacit meanings of “lifecycle” and “lifecycle evaluation” as embodied within evaluation models/frameworks used for medical devices.

Methods

Drawing on qualitative evidence synthesis methods and using an inductive approach, novel methods were developed to identify, appraise, analyze, and synthesize lifecycle evaluation models used for medical devices. Data was extracted (including purpose; audience; characterization; outputs; timing; and type of model) from key texts for coding, categorization, and comparison, exploring embodied meaning across four broad perspectives.

Results

Fifty-two models were included in the synthesis. They demonstrated significant heterogeneity of meaning, form, scope, timing, and purpose. The “lifecycle” may represent a single stage, a series of stages, a cycle of innovation, or a system. “Lifecycle evaluation” focuses on the overarching goal of the stakeholder group, and may use a single or repeated evaluation to inform decision-making regarding the adoption of health technologies (Healthcare), resource allocation (Policymaking), investment in new product development or marketing (Trade and Industry), or market regulation (Regulation). The adoption of a lifecycle approach by regulators has resulted in the deferral of evidence generation to the post-market phase.

Conclusions

Using a “lifecycle evaluation” approach to inform reimbursement decision-making must not be allowed to further jeopardize evidence generation and patient safety by accepting inadequate evidence of safety and effectiveness for reimbursement decisions.
Unraveling the link between childhood maltreatment and depression: Insights from the role of ventral striatum and middle cingulate cortex in hedonic experience and emotion regulation
Authors: Zhou Han-yu , Zhou Lan , Zheng Tong-xuan , Ma Li-ping , Fan Ming-xia , Liu Liang , Zhao Xu-dong , Yan Chao
Published: January 2024

Childhood maltreatment is an established risk factor for psychopathology. However, it remains unclear how childhood traumatic events relate to mental health problems and how the brain is involved. This study examined the serial mediation effect of brain morphological alterations and emotion-/reward-related functions on linking the relationship from maltreatment to depression. We recruited 156 healthy adolescents and young adults and an additional sample of 31 adolescents with major depressive disorder for assessment of childhood maltreatment, depressive symptoms, cognitive reappraisal and anticipatory/consummatory pleasure. Structural MRI data were acquired to identify maltreatment-related cortical and subcortical morphological differences. The mediation models suggested that emotional maltreatment of abuse and neglect, was respectively associated with increased gray matter volume in the ventral striatum and greater thickness in the middle cingulate cortex. These structural alterations were further related to reduced anticipatory pleasure and disrupted cognitive reappraisal, which contributed to more severe depressive symptoms among healthy individuals. The above mediating effects were not replicated in our clinical group partly due to the small sample size. Preventative interventions can target emotional and reward systems to foster resilience and reduce the likelihood of future psychiatric disorders among individuals with a history of maltreatment.
Are remote health clinics primary health care focused? Validation of the Primary Health Care Engagement (PHCE) Scale for the Australian remote primary health care setting
Authors: McCullough Kylie , Doleman Gemma , Dunham Melissa , Whitehead Lisa , Porock Davina
Published: January 2024

Aim:

To test and validate a measure of primary health care (PHC) engagement in the Australian remote health context.

Background:

PHC principles include quality improvement, community participation and orientation of health care, patient-centred continuity of care, accessibility, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Measuring the alignment of services with the principles of PHC provides a method of evaluating the quality of care in community settings.

Methods:

A two-stage design of initial content and face validity evaluation by a panel of experts and then pilot-testing the instrument via survey methods was conducted. Twelve experts from clinical, education, management and research roles within the remote health setting evaluated each item in the original instrument. Panel members evaluated the representativeness and clarity of each item for face and content validity. Qualitative responses were also collected and included suggestions for changes to item wording. The modified tool was pilot-tested with 47 remote area nurses. Internal consistency reliability of the Australian Primary Health Care Engagement scale was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha. Construct validity of the Australian scale was evaluated using exploratory factor analysis and principal component analysis.

Findings:

Modifications to suit the Australian context were made to 8 of the 28 original items. This modified instrument was pilot-tested with 47 complete responses. Overall, the scale showed high internal consistency reliability. The subscale constructs ‘Quality improvement’, ‘Accessibility-availability’ and ‘population orientation’ showed low levels of internal consistency reliability. However, the mean inter-item correlation was 0.31, 0.26 and 0.31, respectively, which are in the recommended range of 0.15 to 0.50 and indicate that the items are correlated and are measuring the same construct. The Australian PHCE scale is recommended as a tool for the evaluation of health services. Further testing on a larger sample may provide clarity over some items which may be open to interpretation.
Biographical continuation: recovery of stroke survivors and their family caregivers in Taiwan
Authors: Liao Zih-Yong , Haycock-Stuart Elaine , Kean Susanne
Published: January 2024

Aim:

To explore the experiences pertaining to long-term care services from the perspectives of dyads of stroke survivors and their family caregivers in indigenous and non-indigenous communities.

Background:

Stroke occurrence is a life-changing event associated with quality of life for stroke survivors and their families, especially those who provide primary support. Indigenous people are more likely to experience a stroke at a younger age and have a higher likelihood of hospitalisation and death due to health disparities. Few studies have investigated family dyads or indigenous populations to understand their experiences of coping with changed body-self and to contextualise their reintegration into communities post-stroke.

Methods:

Ethnographic fieldwork over nine months in 2018–2019 with indigenous, urban-based, and non-indigenous populations, resulting in 48 observations and 24 interviews with 12 dyads in three geo-administrative communities.

Findings:

The post-stroke recovery trajectory is illuminated, delineating the dyads’ life transitions from biographical disruption to biographical continuation. The trajectory is shaped by seven states involving four mindsets and three status passages. The four mindsets are sense of loss and worry, sense of interdependence, sense of independence, and wellbeing state. The status passages identified in this study are acceptance, alteration, and identification. A community-based and family-centred long-term care system, aligning with medical healthcare and community resources, underpinned each dyad’s biographical continuation by: (1) providing rehabilitation that afforded time and space for recovery adaptation; (2) acknowledging the individuality of family caregivers and helping to alleviate their multitasking; and (3) reintegrating stroke survivors into their communities. Key to determining the quality of recovery for the indigenous participants was their reintegration into their native community and regaining of identity. Therefore, integrating post-stroke care into various care contexts and incorporating indigenous-specific needs into policymaking can support dyads in adapting to their communities.
GLOBAL HYPOELLIPTICITY OF SUMS OF SQUARES ON COMPACT MANIFOLDS
Authors: Araújo Gabriel , Ferra Igor A. , Ragognette Luis F.
Published: January 2024

We present necessary and sufficient conditions for an operator of the type sum of squares to be globally hypoelliptic on
$T \times G$
, where T is a compact Riemannian manifold and G is a compact Lie group. These conditions involve the global hypoellipticity of a system of vector fields on G and are weaker than Hörmander’s condition, while generalizing the well known Diophantine conditions on the torus. Examples of operators satisfying these conditions in the general setting are provided.
Palliative care, COVID-19, and the suffering quotient
Authors: Pilkey Jana
Published: January 2024

Objectives

The COVID-19 pandemic presented many challenges for patients with palliative care needs and their care providers. During the early days of the pandemic, visitors were restricted on our palliative care units. These restrictions separated patients from their families and caregivers and led to considerable suffering for patients, families, and health-care providers. Using clinical vignettes that illustrate the suffering caused by visiting restrictions during the pandemic, the introduction of a new concept to help predict when health-care providers might be moved to advocate for their patients is introduced.

Methods

We report 3 cases of patients admitted to a palliative care unit during the COVID-19 pandemic and discuss the visiting restrictions placed on their families. In reviewing the cases, we coined a new concept, the “Suffering Quotient” (SQ), to help understand why clinical staff might be motivated to advocate for an exemption to the visiting restrictions in one situation and not another.

Results

This paper uses 3 cases to illustrate a new concept that we have coined the Suffering Quotient. The Suffering Quotient (SQ) = Perceived Individual (or small group) Suffering/Perceived Population Suffering. This paper also explores factors that influence perceived individual suffering (the numerator) and perceived population suffering (the denominator) from the perspective of the health-care provider.

Significance of results

The SQ provides a means of weighing perceived patient and family suffering against perceived contextual population suffering. It reflects the threshold beyond which health-care providers, or other outside observers, are moved to advocate for the patient and ultimately how far they might be prepared to go. The SQ offers a potential means of predicting observer responses when they are exposed to multiple suffering scenarios, such as those that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Deliberative ecologies: a relational critique of deliberative systems
Authors: Mendonça Ricardo Fabrino , Veloso Lucas Henrique Nigri , Magalhães Bruno Dias , Motta Filipe Mendes
Published: January 2024

This paper advocates a move beyond the systemic approach in the field of Deliberative Democracy. It argues that the notion ofdeliberative ecologycan deliver the necessary conceptual elements that deliberative democrats seek in deliberative systems without some of the problems they either overlook or embrace. To advocate the advantages of an ecological perspective to deliberation, the article focuses on six axes of comparison: (i) performances of actants (instead of functions of arenas and players); (ii) articulations and translations (instead of transmission); (iii) vulnerabilities (instead of pathologies and dysfunctions); (iv) practice (instead of institutionally-oriented design); (v) diverse temporalities (instead of linear temporality) and; (vi) hologram-based analysis (instead of systemic analysis). In a nutshell, the article claims that the ecological approach to deliberation has the advantage of conceptualizing an ever-changing web of relations of interdependency, which connects diverse entities that are either relevant to a public discussion or that hinder its enactment.
Solidarity in question: activation of dormant political dispositions and Latino support for Trump in 2020
Authors: Sommer Udi , Franco Idan
Published: January 2024

Expectations about ethnic solidarity notwithstanding, Latino support for Donald Trump grew between the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections. Despite his anti-immigration positions and policies, the number of votes cast for Trump unexpectedly increased among members of the group most strongly associated with the issue of immigration. Latinos showed considerably more variance in voting behavior than what would be expected given accounts focused mainly on their ethnic solidarity. We propose a counterintuitive explanation for this trend: due to the activation of dormant political dispositions, it is the very anti-immigration attitudes characterizing Trump that account for his ascendence among Latino voters. Latinos voting for Trump did so because of his anti-immigration positions and not despite those positions. Our findings motivate a reevaluation of standard understandings of the role of minorities in American politics writ large and in American elections more specifically. Furthermore, as anti-immigration Latinos reside disproportionately more in certain swing states, we find them to be a pivotal political force in determining election outcomes, though in unexpected ways.
Who looks up to the Leviathan? Ideology, political trust, and support for restrictive state interventions in times of crisis
Authors: Casiraghi Matteo C. M. , Curini Luigi , Maggini Nicola , Nai Alessandro
Published: January 2024

The extent in which voters from different ideological viewpoints support state interventions to curb crises remains an outstanding conundrum, marred by conflicting evidence. In this article, we test two possible ways out from such puzzle. The role of ideology to explain support for state interventions, we argue, could be (i) conditional upon the ideological nature of the crisis itself (e.g., whether the crisis relates to conservation vs. post-materialist values), or (ii) unfolding indirectly, by moderating the role played by political trust. We present evidence from a conjoint experiment fielded in 2022 on a representative sample of 1,000 Italian citizens, in which respondents were asked whether they support specific governmental interventions to curb a crisis, described under different conditions (e.g., type of crisis, severity). Our results show that the type of crisis matters marginally – right-wing respondents were more likely to support state interventions only in the case of terrorism. More fundamentally, political trust affects the probability to support state interventions, but only for right-wing citizens.
How Are Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence and Sexual Violence Portrayed on Social Media?
Authors: Taccini Federica , Mannarini Stefania
Published: January 2024

Abstract: The aim of the present systematic review was to examine the state of social media representation of women with an experience of sexual violence (SV) and/or intimate partner violence (IPV), as social media has become a significant communication platform for developing social representations of public health issues. The review followed the PRISMA guidelines and was pre-registered in PROSPERO. PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed were searched, and seven articles met the inclusion criteria. The review identified two distinct portrayals of women with experiences of violence on social media: a stigmatizing representation of women as victims and a portrayal of women as survivors. Therefore, the review shows that social media has the potential to convey a positive representation of women and to raise public awareness on this social issue. Nonetheless, if not used responsibly, social media can contribute to spreading stigmatizing beliefs toward violence against women. In conclusion, this review provides an up-to-date understanding of the portrayal of women with an experience of violence on social media, highlighting the significant influence that social media has on public perceptions.
Implicit Associations in Computer-Mediated Communication
Authors: Gill Kanvarbir S. , Lippmann Marie
Published: January 2024

Abstract: The inclusion of skin-tone modifiers into the standard emoji set in 2015 marked a shift toward increased skin-tone representation in emoji characters. We investigated whether implicit skin-tone bias, as typically found for human faces, also exists for emojis – a topic that is becoming increasingly relevant in computer-mediated communication (CMC) as more of our communication, education, and social exchange takes place in digital spaces. We systematically adapted Harvard University’s most recent skin-tone IAT (Implicit Associations Test) to assess implicit skin-tone bias for emojis. The reliability of our novel skin-tone IAT was good (internal consistency = .87). Data from a racially and ethnically diverse sample of 248 participants revealed that, on average, participants held more positive implicit associations for light than for dark skin-tone emojis: MDscore = 0.39; SDDscore = 0.42; t(247) = 14.76, p < .001; Cohen’s d = 0.93. Participants’ own skin tone predicted the strength of skin-tone bias, R2 = .02, F(1, 247) = 5.41, p = .02. The darker the skin tone of the participants, the less likely they were to exhibit bias in favor of light skin-tone emojis (β = −.14). These results align with the patterns of skin-tone bias that are typically observed for human faces, and extend those insights to emojis that are frequently used in CMC. The results also provide the first evidence that our novel emoji skin-tone IAT can be a useful tool for assessing emoji skin-tone bias.
An Examination of Water‐Related Melt Processes in Arctic Snow on Tundra and Sea‐Ice
Authors: Pinzner Anika , Sturm Matthew , Delamere Jennifer S. , Mahoney Andrew R.
Published: January 2024

From April through June in 2019 and 2022, we monitored snow melt at three sites near Utqiaġvik, Alaska. Along 200‐m lines we measured snow depth, density, stratigraphy, snow‐covered area, and spectral albedo. Site 1 (ARM) was sloped tundra drained by water tracks. Site 2 (BEO) was flat polygonal tundra. Site 3 (ICE) was on undeformed landfast sea ice. All three sites were within a 6 km radius. Despite similar pre‐melt snow distributions and weather, the melt progression differed markedly between sites. In 2019, by mid‐melt, there was 40% less snow‐covered area at ARM versus ICE, and 34% less snow‐covered area at ARM versus BEO. The 2022 melt started 2 weeks later than in 2019 and was rapid, so smaller differences in snow‐covered areas developed. In both years meltout dates varied by up to 25 days between sites, and more than 20 days within sites, with melt rates at locations only meters apart differing by up to a factor of seven. This melt diachroneity led to highly heterogeneous meltout patterns at all three sites. Our measurements and observations indicate that, in addition to reductions in snow reflective properties and wind‐driven heat advection, the fate of meltwater plays a key role in producing melt diachroneity. We identify seven snow‐water mechanisms that can enhance or inhibit melt rates, all largely controlled by the local topography and the nature of the substrate. These mechanisms are important because the most rapid changes in albedo coincide with the peak of water‐snow melt interactions.
Responses of Ecosystem Productivity to Anthropogenic Ozone and Aerosols at the 2060
Authors: Zhou Xinyi , Yue Xu , Tian Chenguang
Published: January 2024

Terrestrial ecosystems help mitigate global warming by sequestering atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) through plant photosynthesis, the rate of which is affected by surface ozone (O3) and aerosols under simultaneous impacts of climate change and rising CO2. While the changes in anthropogenic emissions perturb atmospheric components, their consequent impacts on ecosystem productivity in the future climate remain unclear. Here, we apply a fully coupled climate‐chemistry‐vegetation model, ModelE2‐YIBs, to explore the effects of O3 and aerosols from anthropogenic emissions on global gross primary productivity (GPP) under different emission scenarios at 2060. At the present day, anthropogenic air pollutants induce a GPP loss of −1.67 Pg[C] (−4%) in boreal summer with the contributions of −2.18 Pg[C] by O3 and +0.52 Pg[C] by aerosols. At 2060, the detrimental effect of air pollutants on GPP is exacerbated to −1.85 Pg[C] under a high emissions scenario but alleviated to −0.59 Pg[C] under a low emission scenario. The mitigated GPP loss in the latter scenario is owing to the effective control of anthropogenic emissions that on average reduces surface O3 concentrations by 8.14 ppbv globally relative to 2010. Although the CO2 fertilization effect is weaker in the low emission scenario, the strong decline in air pollutants brings additional GPP gains compared to the high scenario. Regionally, such GPP amelioration is close to or even overweighs the CO2 fertilization effect in eastern China and United States, suggesting that the deep cut of anthropogenic emissions can effectively promote future ecosystem productivity over the nowadays polluted regions.
A Comprehensive Stress Drop Map From Trench to Depth in the Northern Chilean Subduction Zone
Authors: Folesky J. , Pennington C. N. , Kummerow J. , Hofman L. J.
Published: January 2024

We compute stress drops for earthquakes in Northern Chile recorded between 2007 and 2021. By applying two analysis techniques, (a) the spectral ratio (SR) method and (b) the spectral decomposition (SDC) method, a stress drop map for the subduction zone consisting of 51,510 stress drop values is produced. We build an extended set of empirical Green’s functions (EGF) for the SR method by systematic template matching. Outputs are used to compare with results from the SDC approach, where we apply cell‐wise obtained global EGF's to compensate for the structural heterogeneity of the subduction zone. We find a good consistency of results of the two methods. The increased spatial coverage and quantity of stress drop estimates from the SDC method facilitate a consistent stress drop mapping of the different seismotectonic domains. Albeit only small differences of median stress drop, strike‐perpendicular depth sections clearly reveal systematic variations, with earthquakes at different seismotectonic locations exhibiting distinct values. In particular, interface seismicity is characterized by the lowest observed median value, whereas upper plate earthquakes show noticeably higher stress drop values. Intermediate depth earthquakes show comparatively high average stress drop and a rather strong depth‐dependent increase of median stress drop. Additionally, we observe spatio‐temporal variability of stress drops related to the occurrence of the two megathrust earthquakes in the study region. The presented study is the first coherent large scale 3D stress drop mapping of the Northern Chilean subduction zone. It provides an important component for further detailed analysis of the physics of earthquake ruptures.
Summer and Autumn Insolation as the Pacemaker of Surface Wind and Precipitation Dynamics Over Tropical Indian Ocean During the Holocene: Insights From Paleoproductivity Records and Paleoclimate Simulations
Authors: Zhou Xinquan , Duchamp‐Alphonse Stéphanie , Bassinot Franck , Liu Chuanlian
Published: January 2024

Insolation is the engine of monsoon and Walker circulations over the tropical Indian Ocean. Here, we present Holocene coccolith‐related net primary productivity (NPP) signals from two sediment cores retrieved in the wind‐driven coastal upwelling systems off southern India and southern Sumatra. Upwelling‐induced NPP is enhanced during summer and autumn and is a powerful tool to reconstruct atmospheric features at a seasonal scale. Our records indicate that during summer and autumn, westerly winds off southern India strengthened from the early‐Holocene (EH) to late‐Holocene (LH), while southeasterly winds off southern Sumatra strengthened from the EH to mid‐Holocene (MH) and weakened from the MH to LH. Comparisons with previous paleoclimate records and simulations, allow us to confirm such wind patterns at a regional scale and identify distinct atmospheric features associated to insolation before and after the MH. From the EH to MH, as the insolation in the Northern Hemisphere weakens during summer and strengthens during autumn, the equatorial Indian Ocean is characterized by more vigorous Walker and monsoon circulations in summer and autumn, respectively. From the MH to LH, as the insolation weakens in the Northern Hemisphere during summer and over the equator during autumn, the equatorial Indian Ocean is influenced by a general reinforcement of the Walker circulation during both seasons, a feature that we relate to a modern negative IOD‐like mode. The changes in wind result in increasing precipitation over Indonesia and India from EH to MH and over Indonesia from MH to LH as India is getting dryer.
Deciphering the molecular mechanisms of stem cell dynamics in hair follicle regeneration
Authors: Lee Jung Hyun , Choi Sekyu
Published: January 2024

Hair follicles, which are connected to sebaceous glands in the skin, undergo cyclic periods of regeneration, degeneration, and rest throughout adult life in mammals. The crucial function of hair follicle stem cells is to maintain these hair growth cycles. Another vital aspect is the activity of melanocyte stem cells, which differentiate into melanin-producing melanocytes, contributing to skin and hair pigmentation. Sebaceous gland stem cells also have a pivotal role in maintaining the skin barrier by regenerating mature sebocytes. These stem cells are maintained in a specialized microenvironment or niche and are regulated by internal and external signals, determining their dynamic behaviors in homeostasis and hair follicle regeneration. The activity of these stem cells is tightly controlled by various factors secreted by the niche components around the hair follicles, as well as immune-mediated damage signals, aging, metabolic status, and stress. In this study, we review these diverse stem cell regulatory and related molecular mechanisms of hair regeneration and disease conditions. Molecular insights would provide new perspectives on the disease mechanisms as well as hair and skin disorder treatment.
Josephin domain containing 2 (JOSD2) promotes lung cancer by inhibiting LKB1 (Liver kinase B1) activity
Authors: Yuan Tao , Zeng Chenming , Liu Jiawei , Zhao Chenxi , Ge Fujing , Li Yuekang , Qian Meijia , Du Jiamin , Wang Weihua , Li Yonghao , Liu Yue , Dai Xiaoyang , Zhou Jianya , Chen Xueqin , Ma Shenglin , Zhu Hong , He Qiaojun , Yang Bo
Published: January 2024

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) ranks as one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Despite the prominence and effectiveness of kinase-target therapies in NSCLC treatment, these drugs are suitable for and beneficial to a mere ~30% of NSCLC patients. Consequently, the need for novel strategies addressing NSCLC remains pressing. Deubiquitinases (DUBs), a group of diverse enzymes with well-defined catalytic sites that are frequently overactivated in cancers and associated with tumorigenesis and regarded as promising therapeutic targets. Nevertheless, the mechanisms by which DUBs promote NSCLC remain poorly understood. Through a global analysis of the 97 DUBs’ contribution to NSCLC survival possibilities using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, we found that high expression of Josephin Domain-containing protein 2 (JOSD2) predicted the poor prognosis of patients. Depletion of JOSD2 significantly impeded NSCLC growth in both cell/patient-derived xenografts in vivo. Mechanically, we found that JOSD2 restricts the kinase activity of LKB1, an important tumor suppressor generally inactivated in NSCLC, by removing K6-linked polyubiquitination, an action vital for maintaining the integrity of the LKB1-STRAD-MO25 complex. Notably, we identified the first small-molecule inhibitor of JOSD2, and observed that its pharmacological inhibition significantly arrested NSCLC proliferation in vitro/in vivo. Our findings highlight the vital role of JOSD2 in hindering LKB1 activity, underscoring the therapeutic potential of targeting JOSD2 in NSCLC, especially in those with inactivated LKB1, and presenting its inhibitors as a promising strategy for NSCLC treatment.
Resolving electron and hole transport properties in semiconductor materials by constant light-induced magneto transport
Authors: Musiienko Artem , Yang Fengjiu , Gries Thomas William , Frasca Chiara , Friedrich Dennis , Al-Ashouri Amran , Sağlamkaya Elifnaz , Lang Felix , Kojda Danny , Huang Yi-Teng , Stacchini Valerio , Hoye Robert L. Z. , Ahmadi Mahshid , Kanak Andrii , Abate Antonio
Published: January 2024

The knowledge of minority and majority charge carrier properties enables controlling the performance of solar cells, transistors, detectors, sensors, and LEDs. Here, we developed the constant light induced magneto transport method which resolves electron and hole mobility, lifetime, diffusion coefficient and length, and quasi-Fermi level splitting. We demonstrate the implication of the constant light induced magneto transport for silicon and metal halide perovskite films. We resolve the transport properties of electrons and holes predicting the material’s effectiveness for solar cell application without making the full device. The accessibility of fourteen material parameters paves the way for in-depth exploration of causal mechanisms limiting the efficiency and functionality of material structures. To demonstrate broad applicability, we further characterized twelve materials with drift mobilities spanning from 10–3 to 103 cm2V–1s–1 and lifetimes varying between 10–9 and 10–3 seconds. The universality of our method its potential to advance optoelectronic devices in various technological fields.
One-dimensional single atom arrays on ferroelectric nanosheets for enhanced CO2 photoreduction
Authors: Liu Lizhen , Hu Jingcong , Ma Zhaoyu , Zhu Zijian , He Bin , Chen Fang , Lu Yue , Xu Rong , Zhang Yihe , Ma Tianyi , Sui Manling , Huang Hongwei
Published: January 2024

Single-atom catalysts show excellent catalytic performance because of their coordination environments and electronic configurations. However, controllable regulation of single-atom permutations still faces challenges. Herein, we demonstrate that a polarization electric field regulates single atom permutations and forms periodic one-dimensional Au single-atom arrays on ferroelectric Bi4Ti3O12 nanosheets. The Au single-atom arrays greatly lower the Gibbs free energy for CO2 conversion via Au-O=C=O-Au dual-site adsorption compared to that for Au-O=C=O single-site adsorption on Au isolated single atoms. Additionally, the Au single-atom arrays suppress the depolarization of Bi4Ti3O12, so it maintains a stronger driving force for separation and transfer of photogenerated charges. Thus, Bi4Ti3O12 with Au single-atom arrays exhibit an efficient CO production rate of 34.15 µmol·g−1·h−1, ∼18 times higher than that of pristine Bi4Ti3O12. More importantly, the polarization electric field proves to be a general tactic for the syntheses of one-dimensional Pt, Ag, Fe, Co and Ni single-atom arrays on the Bi4Ti3O12 surface.
Intestinal helminthiasis, anaemia and associated risk factors in a cross-section of the population of Melong, Littorial Region of Cameroon
Authors: Tofel Haman Katamssadan , Abongwa Lem Edith , Ndifor Ruth Fri , Ntonifor Helen Ngum
Published: January 2024

Assessment of risk factors of intestinal helminths and anaemia in various geographical regions is important for the development of appropriate control strategies. This study aimed at determining the risk factors associated with intestinal helminths and anaemia in Melong, Cameroon. A total of 325 participants were recruited in this study between September–December 2021. Faecal samples were examined using the formol-ether sedimentation technique while haemoglobin level was measured using a HemoCue spectrometer. Data on demographic and behavioural factors was collected and used to determine the risk factors using a pretested structured questionnaire and analysed using SPSS. The overall prevalence of intestinal helminths was 24.6% (80/325). Helminths recovered from the study included hookworm (16%; 52/325), Schistosoma mansoni(10.8% 35/325) Ascaris lumbricoides(1.9%; 6/325), andTrichuris trichiura(0.6%; 2/325) with 15 participants having multiple infections (4.6%). The geometric mean egg density was 77epg and ranged from 20 to 560 epg of faeces. Males and age group ≤ 5 years had the highest parasite intensity (248epg). The overall prevalence of anaemia was 33.5% (109/325). Anaemia was significantly (p = 0.001) high at 48.8% (39/80) in those infected with intestinal parasites compared to non-infected individuals. Age group of 31–45 years; [3.42(1.05–11.21)] and > 65 years [6.21(1.75–12.47)], poor knowledge [0.41(0.67–6.07)], no regular deworming [0.70(1.76–21.96)], mud floors toilet [6.18(1.61–23.79)], toilets made of sticks [16.5(4.24–64.31)], and participants who did not have stomach/abdominal pains [0.22(0.07–0.67)] were significant predictors of helminth infections. Age group < 15 years [2.58(1.09–6.11)], geophagia [3.69(1.91–9.33)], hookworm infection [3.26(1.49–7.11)],S. mansoni[1.72 (1.16–3.41)] and those with multiple infections [1.76(1.04–2.88)] were identified as risk factors for anaemia. Risk factors identified in this study can be used to improve the control mechanism put in place by the government.
Association of proton pump inhibitor use with survival and adverse effects outcomes in patients with multiple myeloma: pooled analysis of three clinical trials
Authors: Almansour Sara A. , Alqudah Mohammad A. Y. , Abuhelwa Ziad , Al-Shamsi Humaid O. , Semreen Mohammad H. , Bustanji Yasser , Soare Nelson C. , McKinnon Ross A. , Sorich Michael J. , Hopkins Ashley M. , Abuhelwa Ahmad Y.
Published: January 2024

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly used in cancer patients, but their impact on treatment outcomes in multiple myeloma (MM) patients remains unclear. This study investigated the association of PPI use with survival and adverse effects in MM patients across three randomized-control trials initiating daratumumab, lenalidomide, or bortezomib combination treatments. Cox proportional hazard analysis and logistic regression were employed to assess the associations with treatment outcomes, while adjusting for age, sex, weight, MM international staging system stage, ECOG-performance status, comorbidity count, and presence of gastrointestinal disorders. Pooled data involving 1804 patients revealed that 557 (32%) used PPIs at baseline. PPI use was independently associated with worse overall survival (adjusted HR [95% CI] 1.32 [1.08–1.62], P = 0.007) and grade ≥ 3 adverse events (adjusted OR [95% CI] 1.39 [1.03–1.88], P = 0.030). However, the association with progression-free survival did not reach statistical significance (adjusted HR [95% CI] 1.14 [0.97–1.33], P = 0.112). Findings were consistent across trials and treatment arms. PPI use was identified as a negative prognostic factor in MM patients, potentially enhancing clinical decisions regarding its use. Further research is needed to fully comprehend the impacts and safety of PPI use in MM patients.
Nonzero spontaneous electric polarization in metals: novel predictive methods and applications
Authors: Rahimi Shahrbano , Jalali-Asadabadi S. , Blaha Peter , Jalali-Asadabadi Farhad
Published: January 2024

Ferroelectricity in metals has advanced since the initial discovery of nonmagnetic ferroelectric-like metal LiOsO$$_3$$

3

, anchored in the Anderson and Blount prediction. However, evaluating the spontaneous electric polarization (SEP) of this metal has been hindered by experimental and theoretical obstacles. The experimental challenge arises from difficulties in switching polarization using an external electric field, while the theoretical limitation lies in existing methods applicable only to nonmetals. Zabalo and Stengel (Phys Rev Lett 126:127601, 2021, https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.126.127601) addressed the experimental obstacle by proposing flexoelectricity as an alternative for practical polarization switching in LiOsO$$_3$$

3

, which requires a critical bending radius similar to BaTiO$$_3$$

3

. In this study, we focus on resolving the theoretical obstacle by modifying the Berry phase and Wannier functions approaches within density functional theory plus modern theory of polarization. By employing these modifications, we calculate the SEP of LiOsO$$_3$$

3

, comparable to the polarization of BaTiO$$_3$$

3

. We validate our predictions using various ways. This study confirms the coexistence of ferroelectricity and metallicity in this new class of ferroelectric-like metals. Moreover, by addressing the theoretical limitation and providing new insights into polarization properties, our study complements the experimental flexoelectricity proposal and opens avenues for further exploration and manipulation of polarization characteristics. The developed approaches, incorporating modified Berry phase and Wannier function techniques, offer promising opportunities for studying and designing novel materials, including bio- and nano-ferroelectric-like metals. This study contributes to the advancement of ferroelectricity in metals and provides a foundation for future research in this exciting field.
Comprehensive allostatic load risk index is associated with increased frontal and left parietal white matter hyperintensities in mid-life cognitively healthy adults
Authors: Buller-Peralta Ingrid , Gregory Sarah , Low Audrey , Dounavi Maria-Eleni , Bridgeman Katie , Ntailianis Georgios , Lawlor Brian , Naci Lorina , Koychev Ivan , Malhotra Paresh , O’Brien John T. , Ritchie Craig W. , Muniz-Terrera Graciela
Published: January 2024

To date, there is a considerable heterogeneity of methods to score Allostatic Load (AL). Here we propose a comprehensive algorithm (ALCS) that integrates commonly used approaches to generate AL risk categories and assess associations to brain structure deterioration. In a cohort of cognitively normal mid-life adults (n = 620, age 51.3 ± 5.48 years), we developed a comprehensive composite for AL scoring incorporating gender and age differences, high quartile approach, clinical reference values, and current medications, to then generate AL risk categories. Compared to the empirical approach (ALES), ALCS showed better model fit criteria and a strong association with age and sex. ALSC categories were regressed against brain and white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volumes. Higher AL risk categories were associated with increased total, periventricular, frontal, and left parietal WMH volumes, also showing better fit compared to ALES. When cardiovascular biomarkers were removed from the ALSC algorithm, only left-frontal WMHV remained associated with AL, revealing a strong vascular burden influencing the index. Our results agree with previous evidence and suggest that sustained stress exposure enhances brain deterioration in mid-life adults. Showing better fit than ALES, our comprehensive algorithm can provide a more accurate AL estimation to explore how stress exposure enhances age-related health decline.
Inter-study reproducibility of cardiovascular magnetic resonance-derived hemodynamic force assessments
Authors: Lange Torben , Backhaus Sören J. , Schulz Alexander , Evertz Ruben , Schneider Patrick , Kowallick Johannes T. , Hasenfuß Gerd , Kelle Sebastian , Schuster Andreas
Published: January 2024

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR)-derived hemodynamic force (HDF) analyses have been introduced recently enabling more in-depth cardiac function evaluation. Inter-study reproducibility is important for a widespread clinical use but has not been quantified for this novel CMR post-processing tool yet. Serial CMR imaging was performed in 11 healthy participants in a median interval of 63 days (range 49–87). HDF assessment included left ventricular (LV) longitudinal, systolic peak and impulse, systolic/diastolic transition, diastolic deceleration as well as atrial thrust acceleration forces. Inter-study reproducibility and study sample sizes required to demonstrate 10%, 15% or 20% relative changes of HDF measurements were calculated. In addition, intra- and inter-observer analyses were performed. Intra- and inter-observer reproducibility was excellent for all HDF parameters according to intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values (> 0.80 for all). Inter-study reproducibility of all HDF parameters was excellent (ICC ≥ 0.80 for all) with systolic parameters showing lower coeffients of variation (CoV) than diastolic measurements (CoV 15.2% for systolic impulse vs. CoV 30.9% for atrial thrust). Calculated sample sizes to detect relative changes ranged from n = 12 for the detection of a 20% relative change in systolic impulse to n = 200 for the detection of 10% relative change in atrial thrust. Overall inter-study reproducibility of CMR-derived HDF assessments was sufficient with systolic HDF measurements showing lower inter-study variation than diastolic HDF analyses.
Automatic muscle impedance and nerve analyzer (AMINA) as a novel approach for classifying bioimpedance signals in intraoperative pelvic neuromonitoring
Authors: Schuler Ramona , Langer Andreas , Marquardt Christoph , Kalev Georgi , Meisinger Maximilian , Bandura Julia , Schiedeck Thomas , Goos Matthias , Vette Albert , Konschake Marko
Published: January 2024

Frequent complications arising from low anterior resections include urinary and fecal incontinence, as well as sexual disorders, which are commonly associated with damage to the pelvic autonomic nerves during surgery. To assist the surgeon in preserving pelvic autonomic nerves, a novel approach for intraoperative pelvic neuromonitoring was investigated that is based on impedance measurements of the innervated organs. The objective of this work was to develop an algorithm called AMINA to classify the bioimpedance signals, with the goal of facilitating signal interpretation for the surgeon. Thirty patients included in a clinical investigation underwent nerve-preserving robotic rectal surgery using intraoperative pelvic neuromonitoring. Contraction of the urinary bladder and/or rectum, triggered by direct stimulation of the innervating nerves, resulted in a change in tissue impedance signal, allowing the nerves to be identified and preserved. Impedance signal characteristics in the time domain and the time–frequency domain were calculated and classified to develop the AMINA. Stimulation-induced positive impedance changes were statistically significantly different from negative stimulation responses by the percent amplitude of impedance change Amax in the time domain. Positive impedance changes and artifacts were distinguished by classifying wavelet scales resulting from peak detection in the continuous wavelet transform scalogram, which allowed implementation of a decision tree underlying the AMINA. The sensitivity of the software-based signal evaluation by the AMINA was 96.3%, whereas its specificity was 91.2%. This approach streamlines and automates the interpretation of impedance signals during intraoperative pelvic neuromonitoring.
Screening herbal extracts as biostimulant to increase germination, plant growth and secondary metabolite production in wheatgrass
Authors: Yadav Anjali , Singh Shachi , Yadav Vidushi
Published: January 2024

Recently it has been recognized that herbal plants contain endogenous molecules with biostimulant properties, capable of inducing morphological and biochemical changes in crop plants. Therefore, the present experiment was conducted to screen herbal samples for their plant growth promoting properties. Twenty-five herbal extracts were tested for their biostimulating activity on wheat crop (Triticum aestivum) through seed priming. Morphological parameters chosen for evaluation include: percent seed germination, length and weight of seedling, wheat grass length and biomass. Biochemical parameters include: total phenolic and flavonoid, enzymatic activity of catalase and phenylalanine ammonium lyase and antioxidant activity. Results indicated an increase in the tested parameters by the extracts, however the biostimulant property varied between the selected herbal samples. Some of the samples, such as Phyllanthus emblica, Plumbago zeylanica, Catharanthus roseus and Baccopa monnieri, were highly effective in inducing plant growth promoting parameters. Principal component analysis was performed and herbal samples were grouped into categories based on their activity.
Visual effects on tactile texture perception
Authors: Roberts Roberta D. , Li Min , Allen Harriet A.
Published: January 2024

How does vision affect active touch in judgments of surface roughness? We contrasted direct (combination of visual with tactile sensory information) and indirect (vision alters the processes of active touch) effects of vision on touch. Participants judged which of 2 surfaces was rougher using their index finger to make static contact with gratings of spatial period 1580 and 1620 μm. Simultaneously, they viewed the stimulus under one of five visual conditions: No vision, Filtered vision + touch, Veridical vision + touch (where vision alone yielded roughness discrimination at chance), Congruent vision + touch, Incongruent vision + touch. Results from 32 participants showed roughness discrimination for touch with vision was better than touch alone. The visual benefit for touch was strongest in a filtered (spatially non-informative) vision condition, thus results are interpreted in terms of indirect integration. An indirect effect of vision was further indicated by a finding of visual benefit in some but not all visuo-tactile congruency conditions.
Melatonin enhances captopril mediated cardioprotective effects and improves mitochondrial dynamics in male Wistar rats with chronic heart failure
Authors: El-Sayed Sherein F. , Abdelhamid Amira Mohamed , ZeinElabdeen Shimaa Gamal , El-wafaey Dalia Ibrahim , Moursi Suzan M. M.
Published: January 2024

Mitochondrial dysfunction is a recent emerging research scope that proved to be involved in many cardiovascular diseases culminating in chronic heart failure (CHF), which remains one of the primary causes of morbidity and mortality. This study investigated the added cardio-protective effects of exogenous melatonin administration to conventional captopril therapy in isoproterenol (ISO) exposed rats with CHF. Five groups of Wistar rats were recruited; (I): Control group, (II): (ISO group), (III): (ISO + captopril group), (IV): (ISO + melatonin group) and (V): (ISO + melatonin/captopril group). Cardiac function parameters and some oxidant, inflammatory and fibrotic markers were investigated. Moreover; mRNA expression of mitochondrial mitophagy [parkin & PTEN induced kinase 1 (PINK1)], biogenesis [Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α)], fusion [mitofusin 2 (Mfn2)] and fission [dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP-1)] parameters in rat’s myocardium were evaluated. Rats’ myocardium was histo-pathologically and immunohistochemically evaluated for Beclin1 and Sirt3 expression. The present study revealed that captopril and melatonin ameliorated cardiac injury, oxidative stress biomarkers, and pro-inflammatory cytokines in ISO-exposed rats. These protective effects could be attributed to mitochondrial dynamic proteins control (i.e. enhanced the mRNA expression of parkin, PINK1, PGC-1α and Mfn2, while reduced DRP-1 mRNA expression). Also, Beclin1 and Sirt3 cardiac immunoreactivity were improved. Combined captopril and melatonin therapy showed a better response than either agent alone. Melatonin enhanced myocardial mitochondrial dynamics and Sirt3 expression in CHF rats and may represent a promising upcoming therapy added to conventional heart failure treatment.