bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spirulina and Thymoquinone Protect Against Methotrexate-Induced Hepatic Injury in Rats
Authors: Behairy Alaa , Elkomy Ashraf , Elsayed Faten , Gaballa Mohamed M. S. , Soliman Ahmed , Aboubakr Mohamed
Published: October 2023

Methotrexate is a chemotherapy medication frequently used to treat various forms of cancer. The purpose of this research was to examine if the administration of Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina) and/or thymoquinone could ameliorate the liver injury resulting from methotrexate. The rats were randomly assigned to seven groups, each containing seven rats. The groups included a control group that received only saline, a group that received A. platensis orally at a dose of 500 mg/kg, a group that received thymoquinone orally at a dose of 10 mg/kg, a group that received a single i.p. dose of 20 mg/kg methotrexate, a group that received both A. platensis and methotrexate, a group that received both thymoquinone and methotrexate, and a group that received A. platensis, thymoquinone, and methotrexate. The injection of methotrexate caused an increase in the levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol, triacylglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and a decrease in high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol). The liver tissues also showed an increase in malondialdehyde and a decrease in reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase, along with pathological lesions and increased expression of TNF-α and caspase-3. However, administration of A. platensis and thymoquinone alone or in combination reduced the toxicity and apoptosis induced by methotrexate.

Graphical Abstract
Outcome domains and measurement instruments of patient-relevant improvement of structure and processes as a new set of outcomes for evaluating and approving digital health applications: systematic review
Authors: Scheibe Madlen , Knapp Andreas , Harst Lorenz , Schmitt Jochen
Published: October 2023

Background

In October 2020, digital health applications (DiGAs) became part of standard care in Germany. For approval, DiGA manufacturers must demonstrate medical benefit or patient-relevant improvement of structure and processes (PISP). PISP refers to an innovative outcome core area in terms of proof of benefits and reimbursement decisions. These are subdivided into 9 outcome domains, including for example health literacy, facilitating access to care, and coping with illness-related difficulties in everyday life. Their implementation aims at empowering patients, encouraging shared decision-making, and increasing patient-centeredness in healthcare delivery. Given the novelty of PISP, no standardized set of outcomes and outcome measurement instruments currently exists to operationalize the domains. Learning from previous evaluation studies can help operationalize and standardize PISPs for evaluation studies of digital health applications. Therefore, we investigated the outcomes and outcome measurement instruments, used in controlled trials to assess DiGA-compliant applications, published before the Digital Health Applications Ordinance of April 2020.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of studies published between 01/2015 and 04/2020, via MEDLINE and Embase, complemented by forward/backward searches. Controlled trials assessing interventions adhering to the definition of DiGA were eligible, if they applied a validated outcome measurement instrument, and if results were presented in German or English. Title-abstract screening, full-text screening, data extraction and narrative synthesis were conducted independently by two researchers.

Results

Out of 2,671 references identified, 6 studies collecting a total of 48 outcomes were included. 14 outcomes (29.2%) addressed PISP by using 13 different measurement instruments. The outcomes corresponded to 5 of 9 PISP outcome domains with health literacy being the most common (7/14, 50.0%).

Conclusions

This review provides an overview of the characteristics of PISPs used in previous evaluation studies of DiGA-compliant applications. It shows which outcomes and validated outcome measurement instruments can be used to measure PISP and where knowledge is still lacking. These results serve as a starting point for operationalizing and standardizing PISPs and help to increase the outcome measurement quality of PISPs.
Deployable optics for the Buccaneer Main Mission (BMM)
Authors: Agenbag F. , Alvino P.S. , Bandara D.C. , Bennett H.E. , Hollick M. , James A.M. , Kaduparambil-Jose J. , Lingard D.M. , Lorenzin F. , Lucas B. , McKinnon A. , Nelson J.D. , Peck C.V. , Raddock C. , Raj A. , Stephenson P.C.L. , Strachan A. , Teske T. , Thornton P.
Published: October 2023

Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) is currently preparing for the launch of the Buccaneer Main Mission (BMM) satellite, the successor to the Buccaneer Risk Mitigation Mission (BRMM). BMM hosts a high-frequency (HF) antenna and receiver to contribute to the calibration of the Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN). Verification of the successful deployment and stability of the large HF antenna is critical to the success of the mission. A bespoke deployable optics payload has been developed by DSTG to fulfil the dual purpose of direct verification of the deployed state of the HF antenna and capturing images of the Earth through a rotatable, dual-surfaced mirror and a variable-focus liquid lens. The payload advances research at DSTG in several fields of space engineering, including deployable mechanisms, precision actuation devices, radiation-tolerant electronics, advanced metal polishing and optical metrology. This paper discusses the payload design, material selection, trade-offs considered for the deployable optics payload and preliminary test results.
Implementing a mentoring program for clinical research professionals: A novel professional development initiative for university health research staff
Authors: Samuels Elias , Champagne Ellen , Lyden Angela K. , Harrington Gloria J. , Kadri Reema , Miner Jennifer A. , Shaikh Sana , Ianni Phillip A. , Eakin Brenda , Murphy Susan
Published: October 2023

Clinical and translational research relies on a well-trained workforce, but mentorship programs designed expressly for this workforce are lacking. This paper presents the development of a mentoring program for research staff and identifies key programmatic outcomes. Research staff participating in this program were matched with a senior mentor. Focus groups were conducted to identify key program outcomes. Surveys were administered throughout the program period to assess participants’ experience, gains in skill, and subsequent careers. Analysis of the resultant qualitative and quantitative data are used to characterize the implementation and impact of the program. A total of 47 mentees and 30 mentors participated in program between 2018 and 2023. A comprehensive logic model of short-, intermediate- and long-term outcomes was developed. Participants reported positive valuations of every programmatic outcome assessed including their program experience, learning and research careers. The pool of available mentors also grew as new mentors were successfully recruited for each cohort. This mentorship program developed and implemented by senior research staff successfully provided junior research staff with professional development support, mentorship, and professional development opportunities. Junior and senior health research staff built mentoring relationships that advanced their clinical and translational research careers.
Development and use of a novel tool for assessing and improving researcher embeddedness in learning health systems and applied system improvements
Authors: Shippee Nathan D. , Danan Elisheva R. , Linzer Mark , Parsons Helen M. , Beebe Timothy J. , Enders Felicity T.
Published: October 2023

This paper outlines the development, deployment and use, and testing of a tool for measuring and improving healthcare researcher embeddedness – i.e., being connected to and engaged with key leverage points and stakeholders in a health system. Despite the widely acknowledged importance of embeddedness for learning health systems and late-stage translational research, we were not aware of useful tools for addressing and improving embeddedness in scholar training programs. We developed the MN-LHS Embeddedness Tool covering connections to committees, working groups, leadership, and other points of contact across four domains: patients and caregivers; local practice (e.g., operations and workflows); local institutional research (e.g., research committees and agenda- or initiative-setting groups); and national (strategic connections within professional groups, conferences, etc.). We used qualitative patterns and narrative findings from 11 learning health system training program scholars to explore variation in scholar trajectories and the embeddedness tool’s usefulness in scholar professional development. Tool characteristics showed moderate evidence of construct validity; secondarily, we found significant differences in embeddedness, as a score, from baseline through program completion. The tool has demonstrated simple, practical utility in making embeddedness an explicit (rather than hidden) part of applied and learning health system researcher training, alongside emerging evidence for validity.
Commodification beyond data: regulating the separation of information from noise
Authors: Hoffmann Linus J.
Published: October 2023

Digital technology brought informational saturation to our lives. In cyberspace, private and business users need help to make valuable pieces of information stand out from the noise of excessive information. With search algorithms, recommender systems, and online advertising, digital platforms specialised in providing relief for this problem. Their technologies arrange digitalised information to make it intelligible and relevant for individuals. But the separation of information from noise did not only become a necessity to comfortably navigate the depths of the web, it also became a commodity. There is a demand for it, a supply, a price, and an exchange on markets which is enabled by private law. The examples of general search, recommender systems, and online advertising illustrate that. At the same time, their commodification can become problematic. This paper argues that in the European Union (EU), the separation of information from noise has become a contested commodity according to M. J. Radin’s framework. The Digital Services Act and the Digital Markets Act purposefully limit the influence of the market price mechanism on the design and allocation of the separation technology to protect legal goods like the democratic process, innovation, and privacy.
Evaluation of Economic-Social Performance of Two Socialist Economic Models: Cuba (Central Plan) and China-Vietnam (Socialist Market)
Authors: Mesa-Lago Carmelo
Published: October 2023

This article compares and evaluates performance of two main current socialist economic-social models. One is Cuba’s central plan characterized by state large enterprises predominant over the market and private property, with mild market-oriented structural reforms that are ineffective in generating sustainable socioeconomic development. The other model is the successful Sino-Vietnamese “socialist market,” typified by small, medium, and some large private enterprises and the market, all predominant under a decentralized plan (a guideline rather than a central plan). In this the state regulates the economy and controls the largest enterprises. The article identifies the characteristics of the three countries, addresses potential barriers to comparison, and summarizes a history of the reforms and their five key economic policies in the three countries. It also assesses performance based on a selection of the twenty most relevant and comparable indicators, elaborates a composite average to rank the three countries, and discusses potential methodological issues. The conclusions summarize the results of the comparison, recommend reforms for Cuba based on successful Sino-Vietnamese policies, and outline the research agenda for the future. The article is an important contribution to the fields of comparative economics systems, socioeconomic development, methodology, and Latin American studies.
A NEW RAMPED OXIDATION-14C ANALYSIS FACILITY AT THE NEIF RADIOCARBON LABORATORY, EAST KILBRIDE, UK
Authors: Garnett M H , Pereira R , Taylor C , Murray C , Ascough P L
Published: October 2023

Sample materials such as sediments and soils contain complex mixtures of different carbon-containing compounds. These bulk samples can be split into individual fractions, based on the temperature of thermal decomposition of their components. When coupled with radiocarbon (14C) measurement of the isolated fractions, this approach offers the advantage of directly investigating the residence time, turnover time, source, or age of the different components within a mixed sample, providing important insights to better understand the cycling of carbon in the environment. Several laboratories have previously reported different approaches to separate radiocarbon samples based on temperature in what is a growing area of interest within the research community. Here, we report the design and operation of a new ramped oxidation facility for separation of sample carbon on the basis of thermal resistance at the NEIF Radiocarbon Laboratory in East Kilbride, UK. Our new instrumentation shares some characteristics with the previously-reported systems applying ramped oxidation and/or ramped pyrolysis for radiocarbon measurement, but also has several differences which we describe and discuss. We also present the results of a thorough program of testing of the new system, which demonstrates both the reproducibility of the thermograms generated during sample combustion, and the reliability of the radiocarbon measurements obtained on individual sample fractions. This is achieved through quantification of the radiocarbon background and analysis of multiple standards of known 14C content during standard operation of the instrumentation.
The racialising effects of non-marriage in English Law: A critical postcolonial analysis
Authors: Naqvi Zainab Batul
Published: October 2023

In this article I argue that the judicial concept of non-marriage racialises and orientalises minoritised communities and their marriages. Applying a critical postcolonial lens, I show how the development of non-marriage has been influenced by colonial racialising attitudes towards marriage. This has led to its application in racist and orientalist ways to demean and other minoritised marriage practices. My analysis of the case law exposes three patterns in the judicial discourse in this area. First, that the courts emphasise “English (Christian) marriage” and its supposed hallmarks when deciding if a ceremony is non-existent; second that judgments foreground the technical, formal aspects of the law obscuring the use of personal judicial opinions which are orientalist. Finally, the application of this concept to playacting, sham and forced marriages at the same time as legitimate minoritised marriage practices is demeaning and insulting to the already marginalised communities that practise them.
Gas Giant Simulations of Eddy‐Driven Jets Accompanied by Deep Meridional Circulation
Authors: Duer Keren , Galanti Eli , Kaspi Yohai
Published: October 2023

Jupiter's atmosphere comprises several dynamical regimes: the equatorial eastward flows and surrounding retrograde jets; the midlatitudes, with the eddy‐driven, alternating jet‐streams and meridional circulation cells; and the jet‐free turbulent polar region. Despite intensive research conducted on each of these dynamical regimes over the past decades, they remain only partially understood. Saturn's atmosphere also encompasses similar distinguishable regimes, but observational evidence for midlatitude deep meridional cells is lacking. Models offer a variety of explanations for each of these regions, but only a few are capable of simulating more than one of the regimes at once. This study presents new numerical simulations using a 3D deep anelastic model that can reproduce the equatorial flows as well as the midlatitudinal pattern of the mostly barotropic, alternating eddy‐driven jets and the meridional circulation cells accompanying them. These simulations are consistent with recent Juno mission gravity and microwave data. We find that the vertical eddy momentum fluxes are as important as the meridional eddy momentum fluxes, which drive the midlatitudinal circulation on Earth. In addition, we discuss the parameters controlling the number of midlatitudinal jets/cells, their extent, strength, and location. We identify the strong relationship between meridional circulation and the zonal jets in a deep convection setup, and analyze the mechanism responsible for their generation and maintenance. The analysis presented here provides another step in the ongoing pursuit of understanding the deep atmospheres of gas giants.
Intriguing type-II g-GeC/AlN bilayer heterostructure for photocatalytic water decomposition and hydrogen production
Authors: Ferdous Naim , Islam Md. Sherajul , Alam Md. Shahabul , Zamil Md. Yasir , Biney Jeshurun , Vatani Sareh , Park Jeongwon
Published: October 2023

Adapting two-dimensional (2D) van der Walls bilayer heterostructure is an efficient technique for realizing fascinating properties and playing a key role in solar energy-driven water decomposition schemes. By means of first-principles calculations, this study reveals the intriguing potential of a novel 2D van der Walls hetero-bilayer consisting of GeC and AlN layer in the photocatalytic water splitting method to generate hydrogen. The GeC/AlN heterostructure has an appropriate band gap of 2.05 eV, wherein the band edges are in proper energetic positions to provoke the water redox reaction to generate hydrogen and oxygen. The type-II band alignment of the bilayer facilitates the real-space spontaneous separation of the photogenerated electrons and holes in the different layers, improving the photocatalytic activity significantly. Analysis of the electrostatic potential and the charge density difference unravels the build-up of an inherent electric field at the interface, preventing electron–hole recombination. The ample absorption spectrum of the bilayer from the ultra-violet to the near-infrared region, reaching up to 8.71 × 105/cm, combined with the resiliency to the biaxial strain, points out the excellent photocatalytic performance of the bilayer heterostructure. On top of rendering useful information on the key features of the GeC/AlN hetero-bilayer, the study offers informative details on the experimental design of the van der Walls bilayer heterostructure for solar-to-hydrogen conversion applications.
Neuronal progenitor cells-based metabolomics study reveals dysregulated lipid metabolism and identifies putative biomarkers for CLN6 disease
Authors: Rus Corina-Marcela , Polla Daniel L. , Di Bucchianico Sebastiano , Fischer Steffen , Hartkamp Jörg , Hartmann Guido , Alpagu Yunus , Cozma Claudia , Zimmermann Ralf , Bauer Peter
Published: October 2023

Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis 6 (CLN6) is a rare and fatal autosomal recessive disease primarily affecting the nervous system in children. It is caused by a pathogenic mutation in the CLN6 gene for which no therapy is available. Employing an untargeted metabolomics approach, we analyzed the metabolic changes in CLN6 subjects to see if this system could potentially yield biomarkers for diagnosis and monitoring disease progression. Neuronal-like cells were derived from human fibroblast lines from CLN6-affected subjects (n = 3) and controls (wild type, n = 3). These were used to assess the potential of a neuronal-like cell-based metabolomics approach to identify CLN6 distinctive and specific biomarkers. The most impacted metabolic profile is associated with sphingolipids, glycerophospholipids metabolism, and calcium signaling. Over 2700 spectral features were screened, and fifteen metabolites were identified that differed significantly between both groups, including the sphingolipids C16 GlcCer, C24 GlcCer, C24:1 GlcCer and glycerophospholipids PG 40:6 and PG 40:7. Of note, these fifteen metabolites were downregulated in the CLN6 disease group. This study is the first to analyze the metabolome of neuronal-like cells with a pathogenic mutation in the CLN6 gene and to provide insights into their metabolomic alterations. This could allow for the development of novel biomarkers for monitoring CLN6 disease.
Massage manipulation and progression of osteosarcoma, does it really correlate: a combination of prospective and retrospective cohort study
Authors: Karda I Wayan Arya Mahendra , Wan Ismail Wan Faisham , Kamal Achmad Fauzi
Published: October 2023

In Indonesia, the challenge of osteosarcoma progression is further worsened by patients' dependence on traditional massage therapy, low socio-economy, and educational status. This study aims to analyze the differences in the characteristics, laboratory findings, surgery techniques, degree of histopathological necrosis, and metastasis between osteosarcoma patients with and without prior massage manipulation therapy. This research is an analytical observational study with a prospective and retrospective cohort design. Patients were treated and followed for one year to evaluate the occurrence of metastasis. Prospective data was collected through interviews, and secondary data was collected from the patient's medical record. Of 84 subjects analyzed, 69% had a history of massage. There was an increase in LDH and ALP in patients with massage manipulation (p = 0.026). The median time to metastasis from baseline in the massage group (4 months) was statistically significant compared to the non-manipulation group (12 months) (p < 0.0001). This research found that massage therapy significantly increases LDH and ALP levels, making amputations more likely to be performed and a higher risk of metastasis that lowered the survival rate. The onset of metastasis was three times faster in patients with prior massage therapy. Therefore, we strongly recommend against massage manipulation therapy in osteosarcoma patients.
A laboratory pilot study on voids in flowable bulk-fill composite restorations in bovine Class-II and endodontic access cavities after sonic vibration
Authors: Körner Philipp , Gerber Sandra C. , Gantner Cindy , Hamza Blend , Wegehaupt Florian J. , Attin Thomas , Deari Shengjile
Published: October 2023

This pilot study investigated whether sonic-powered application of a bulk-fill resin-based composite (RBC) in Class-II or endodontic access cavities reduces void formation. The crowns and roots of 60 bovine teeth with Class-II cavities (C) and endodontic access cavities (E) respectively, were assigned to ten groups (C1–C5, E1–E5). Cavities were filled with RBC (SDR flow + , one increment) using different application techniques: no adaptation (C1 + E1), spreading of RBC on the cavity surfaces with a dental explorer tip (C2 + E2), low (C3 + E3) or high frequency (C4 + E4) direct activation by inserting a sonic-powered tip into RBC and high frequency indirect activation with an ultrasonic insertion tip (C5 + E5). The restorations were light-cured and investigated for voids using microtomography. The number of voids and percentage of voids related to the volume were statistically analysed (α < 0.05). While most voids in Class-II restorations were observed in C4 (p ≤ 0.0031), no significant differences were found between the other groups (p > 0.05). The percentage of voids showed no differences in E1-E5 (p > 0.05). C4 showed a significantly higher percentage of voids compared to C2 (p < 0.001). There is no benefit in applying sonic vibration when filling Class-II or endodontic access cavities.
Loss of CDH16 expression is a strong independent predictor for lymph node metastasis in Middle Eastern papillary thyroid cancer
Authors: Siraj Abdul K. , Parvathareddy Sandeep Kumar , Al-Rasheed Maha , Annaiyappanaidu Padmanaban , Siraj Nabil , Lennartz Maximilian , Al-Sobhi Saif S. , Al-Dayel Fouad , Sauter Guido , Al-Kuraya Khawla S.
Published: October 2023

Papillary Thyroid Cancer (PTC) is the most common type of thyroid cancer. The membrane-associated glycoprotein cadherin-16 (CDH16) plays a significant role in the embryonal development of thyroid follicles and cell adhesion. Previous studies have indicated a substantial downregulation of CDH16 in PTC. However, its role in Middle Eastern PTC has not been elucidated. We analyzed a tissue microarray comprising 1606 PTC and 240 normal thyroid tissues using immunohistochemistry to assess CDH16 expression and determine its clinico-pathological associations. We also conducted BRAF and TERT mutations analyses through Sanger sequencing. Disease-free survival (DFS) was assessed using Kaplan–Meier curves. CDH16 immunostaining was seen in 100% of normal thyroid tissues but only in 9.4% of PTC tissues (p < 0.0001). The loss of CDH16 expression was associated with aggressive PTC characteristics including bilaterality, multifocality, extrathyroidal extension, tall cell variant, lymph node metastasis (LNM) and distant metastasis. Additionally a correlation between loss of CDH16 expression and BRAF and TERT mutations was identified. Intriguingly, upon conducting multivariate logistic regression analysis, CDH16 was determined to be an independent predictor for LNM (Odds ratio = 2.46; 95% confidence interval = 1.60–3.79; p < 0.0001). Furthermore, CDH16 loss was associated with a shorter DFS (p = 0.0015). However, when we further subdivided CDH16 negative patients based on the co-existence of TERT and/or BRAF mutations, we found that patients with both CDH16 negative expression and TERT mutation exhibited the shortest DFS (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, our results suggest that CDH16 protein expression could serve as a valuable diagnostic tool for PTC. Furthermore, these findings demonstrate that the loss of CDH16 expression is an independent predictor of LNM and may contribute to the aggressiveness of PTC. Therefore, downregulation of CDH16 in PTC might be a potential target for designing novel therapeutic strategies to treat PTC.
Complete chloroplast genomes of Cerastium alpinum, C. arcticum and C. nigrescens: genome structures, comparative and phylogenetic analysis
Authors: Milarska Sylwia E. , Androsiuk Piotr , Paukszto Łukasz , Jastrzębski Jan P. , Maździarz Mateusz , Larson Keith W. , Giełwanowska Irena
Published: October 2023

The genusCerastiumincludes about 200 species that are mostly found in the temperate climates of the Northern Hemisphere. Here we report the complete chloroplast genomes ofCerastium alpinum,C.arcticumandC.nigrescens. The length of cp genomes ranged from 147,940 to 148,722 bp. Their quadripartite circular structure had the same gene organization and content, containing 79 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and four rRNA genes. Repeat sequences varied from 16 to 23 per species, with palindromic repeats being the most frequent. The number of identified SSRs ranged from 20 to 23 per species and they were mainly composed of mononucleotide repeats containing A/T units. Based on Ka/Ks ratio values, most genes were subjected to purifying selection. The newly sequenced chloroplast genomes were characterized by a high frequency of RNA editing, including both C to U and U to C conversion. The phylogenetic relationships within the genusCerastiumand family Caryophyllaceae were reconstructed based on the sequences of 71 protein-coding genes. The topology of the phylogenetic tree was consistent with the systematic position of the studied species. All representatives of the genusCerastiumwere gathered in a single clade withC. glomeratumsharing the least similarity with the others.
Dementia, stroke, age, use of medical devices and antipsychotic drugs may increase the risk of nosocomial infections among elderly patients hospitalized at Neurology Clinics
Authors: Biscetti Leonardo , Cameriere Valentina , Rossi Tommaso , Potente Eleonora , Sabbatini Deborah , Bollettini Francesco , Castellani Simona , Ferrara Letizia , Galeazzi Roberta , Lattanzio Fabrizia , Di Rosa Mirko , Foresi Elisa , Pelliccioni Giuseppe
Published: October 2023

Healthcare-acquired infections (HCAI) represent a major health problem worldwide. Stroke and dementia are considered risk factors for HCAI. Preliminary data suggest that use of antipsychotic drugs also increase the risk for HCAI. Here, we performed a retrospective study aimed at investigating the major risk and protective factors for HCAI in a cohort of elderly subjects hospitalized at an Italian tertiary Neurology Clinics. We included all patients with age ≥ 65 years hospitalized at Neurology Clinics of National Institute on Ageing, Ancona, Italy from 1st January 2018 to 31st December 2021. For each patient, the following data were collected: age, sex, use of medical devices, comorbidities, use of antipsychotic medications, development of HCAI. We included 1543 patients (41.4% males; median age 85 years [80–89]). According to multivariable analysis, age, stroke, duration of urinary catheter placement (for all p < 0.001) and midline placement (p = 0.035) resulted to be risk factors for HCAI, Diabetes resulted to be a protective factor for pneumonia (p = 0.041), while dementia and nasogastric tube were risks factor for this condition (p = 0.022 and p < 0.001, respectively). Urinary catheter was a risk factor for urinary tract infections (p < 0.001). Duration of placement of vascular catheters and use of antipsychotic drugs resulted to significantly increase the risk for bloodstream infections. Stroke, age and use of medical devices were confirmed to be risk factors for HCAI. Antipsychotic drugs resulted to increase risk for bloodstream infections. Further prospective studies will be needed to confirm these findings.
Selection of chromatographic separation conditions for reliable monitoring of the transformation of AgNPs/Ag(i) species by HPLC-ICP-MS in surface water and green algae cells
Authors: Malejko Julita , Liszewska Weronika , Godlewska-Żyłkiewicz Beata
Published: October 2023

A new HPLC-ICP-MS method has been developed for speciation analysis of AgNPs and dissolved Ag(i) in surface water and algal cells.
Controllability study of copper‐tin‐sulphide (Cu3SnS4) material based on the ratio adjustment of Cu to Sn elements
Authors: Dong Mingrong , Wei Leikai , Zhu Yan
Published: October 2023

The synthesis of pure phase Cu3SnS4 is of great significance for improving its material properties. Here, the control law of Cu and Sn element ratio on the synthesis of pure phase Cu3SnS4 from physical and chemical methods was analyzed through literature research. The results: (1) the adjustment of the Cu‐to‐Sn ratio metal elements as a phase control parameter has the characteristics of flexibility and controllability. (2) When the precursor component is rich in Cu and the chemical potential of the medium and high sulphur is high, the phase will develop to a wider thermodynamically stable region of Cu3SnS4. By adjusting the Cu‐to‐Sn ratio elements, when the release rate of anions and the reaction rate of cations adapt to each other, the thermodynamic reaction conditions can be well satisfied, which is beneficial to the preparation of pure phase Cu3SnS4. (3) The phase control method of Cu and Sn element ratio of template seed crystal can not only realize the reasonable regulation of Cu and Sn element ratio but also control the synthesis of phase more accurately. The results of this paper have certain reference values for the application of new materials synthesized by adjusting the proportion of elements.
Intensity modulation of UV light in gas sensor array to discriminate several analytes at room temperature
Authors: Sadredini Ahmad Reza , Nikfarjam Alireza , Naeimi Pour Mohsen , Nazeri Niloofar
Published: October 2023

In this study, a gas sensor array along with intensity modulation of UV light was utilized to discriminate several gases at room temperature. The sensor array was consisted of two interdigitated microelectrodes and TiO2 nanofibres were electrospun on them and calcined at 540°C for 90 min. One of these sensors was coated by 2‐nm Pt using the DC sputtering method and the other one remained uncoated. In each experiment, the sensor array was located at a distance of 30 mm from a 365‐nm UV LED. For intensity modulation of UV light, a staircase waveform voltage was applied to the UV LED. The voltage was included of three voltage steps and the measured powers at a distance of 30 mm from the UV‐LED were about 450, 560, and 680 µW/cm2, respectively. Analytes including acetone, ethanol, methanol, 2‐propanol, and carbon monoxide (CO) at various concentrations ranging from 50 to 500 ppm were examined. Three‐dimensional Principal Component Analysis mapping was successfully used for the segregation of all examined gases. The examinations revealed that using sensor array along with intensity modulation of UV light is an effective method for discrimination of several analytes at room temperature.
Single-mode waveguides for GRAVITY
Authors: Perrin G. , Jocou L. , Perraut K. , Berger J.-Ph. , Dembet R. , Fédou P. , Lacour S. , Chapron F. , Collin C. , Poulain S. , Cardin V. , Joulain F. , Eisenhauer F. , Haubois X. , Gillessen S. , Haug M. , Hausmann F. , Kervella P. , Léna P. , Lippa M. , Pfuhl O. , Rabien S. , Amorim A. , Brandner W. , Straubmeier C.
Published: October 2023

The second generation Very Large Telescope Interferometer (VLTI) instrument GRAVITY is a two-field infrared interferometer operating in the K band between 1.97 and 2.43 µm with either the four 8 m or the four 1.8 m telescopes of the Very Large Telescope (VLT). Beams collected by the telescopes are corrected with adaptive optics systems and the fringes are stabilized with a fringe-tracking system. A metrology system allows the measurement of internal path lengths in order to achieve high-accuracy astrometry. High sensitivity and high interferometric accuracy are achieved thanks to (i) correction of the turbulent phase, (ii) the use of low-noise detectors, and (iii) the optimization of photometric and coherence throughput. Beam combination and most of the beam transport are performed with single-mode waveguides in vacuum and at low temperature. In this paper, we present the functions and performance achieved with weakly birefringent standard single-mode fiber systems in GRAVITY. Fibered differential delay lines (FDDLs) are used to dynamically compensate for up to 6 mm of delay between the science and reference targets. Fibered polarization rotators allow us to align polarizations in the instrument and make the single-mode beam combiner close to polarization neutral. The single-mode fiber system exhibits very low birefringence (less than 23°), very low attenuation (3.6–7 dB km−1 across the K band), and optimized differential dispersion (less than 2.04 µrad cm2 at zero extension of the FDDLs). As a consequence, the typical fringe contrast losses due to the single-mode fibers are 6% to 10% in the lowest-resolution mode and 5% in the medium- and high-resolution modes of the instrument for a photometric throughput of the fiber chain of the order of 90%. There is no equivalent of this fiber system to route and modally filter beams with delay and polarization control in any other K-band beamcombiner.
Cross phases of temperature-gradient-driven turbulence as a model basis for I-mode particle transport
Authors: Terry P. W. , Newman D. E.
Published: October 2023

As a model for understanding the type of transport behavior characteristic of the tokamak I mode, cross-phase physics for particle-transport is studied analytically for turbulence dominated by either ion-temperature-gradient (ITG) or electron-temperature-gradient (ETG) instability. I mode is a transport-barrier regime of reduced thermal transport but essentially unaffected particle transport. It is assumed that ITG turbulence applies to the baseline L mode, ETG to I mode, and that E × B flow shear is stronger in I mode, lowering all fluxes. In ITG turbulence, particle transport is governed by trapped electrons. Sensitivity to collisions produces the well-known temperature-gradient-driven pinch that offsets density-gradient-driven outward diffusion, weakening particle transport in L mode. In ETG turbulence, nonadiabatic ions are collisionless. Nonzero transport requires an ion spectrum feature whose magnetic-drift resonance supplies the necessary cross phase. If frequencies of order the ion diamagnetic drift frequency dominate the ion part of the spectrum, as would occur with weakly unstable ITG turbulence, all components of the particle transport are outward and can offset flow-shear-induced flux reductions to produce a flux that is similar to the ITG L-mode particle flux. Nonlinear frequencies are potentially relevant and discussed in relation to I mode.
Phenotypic variations in M2 generation by ethyl methanesulfonate mutagenesis in lucerne (Medicago sativa L.)
Authors: Jade S. S. , Gaikwad V. N. , Jadhav S. P. , Takawale P. S. , Bahulikar R. A.
Published: October 2023

Context Mutagenesis is an effective method to create genetic variation in an available accession. Aim This study aimed to generate variability in a genetically distinct genotype of lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) by using a chemical mutagen. Methods Eight different ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) concentrations were used to determine lethal dose for 50% of the population (LD50). Among them, two EMS concentrations were used to treat 20 000 seeds of BAL-08-01 accession. A total of 8301 individual plants from 1225 families in the second generation (M2) were established under field conditions. Phenotypic observations were recorded as per Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability (DUS) testing guidelines. Key results Wide variations were observed for all phenotypic characters. Among these, green fodder yield, plant height and number of tillers varied with a range of 1–372.5 g, 8.1–120.8 cm and 0–77 per plant, respectively. Variations were also recorded for other characters such as leaf shape, flower colour, primary branching, etc. A total of 86.76% of plants showed purple colour flowers. Principal component analysis was performed for fodder characters from each EMS concentration. First, two principal components contributed an overall 97.06% variability. M2 plants outside 95% ellipses show the highest phenotypic variations. Conclusion EMS is effective in inducing mutation in lucerne. Phenotypic mutations were recognised in the M2 generation for the quantitative and qualitative characters and green fodder yield. Implications The resulting high level of variability will serve as source material for the improvement of lucerne for various traits.
The growth habits of tropical legumes affect the nutritive herbage value more than harvesting frequency
Authors: Sales-Silva Tafnes B. , Santos Mércia V. F. dos , Oliveira Osniel F. de , Silva Pedro H. F. da , Souza Evaristo J. O. de , Neto Djalma E. Simões , Silva Neto Abdias J. da , Cunha Márcio V. da
Published: October 2023

Context Harvest regimes may change the nutritive herbage value of tropical legumes depending on growth habit and regrowth capability. Aim This study aimed to compare the nutritive values of butterfly pea herb (Clitoria ternatea L.) to the sub-shrub stylo cv. Campo Grande (Stylosanthes capitata Vog. × Stylosanthes macrocephala M. B. Ferr. & N. S. Costa) and shrub hedge lucerne (Desmanthus pernambucanus (L.) Thellung) harvested at 60 and 90-day regrowth. Methods The trial used a randomised complete block design with a split-plot arrangement and four replicates. Leaves and stems were collected in the rainy seasons of 2019 and 2020 and analysed for chemical-bromatological composition and digestibility. Key results Higher crude protein contents were observed in butterfly pea (233 g/kg) than in stylo leaves (179 g/kg). Elevated proportions of insoluble fractions of carbohydrates (259 g/kg) and proteins (137 g/kg) were found in hedge lucerne leaves, also extremely high levels of condensed tannins (303 g/kg). High levels of dry matter digestibility were found in stylo (788 g/kg) and butterfly pea leaves (774 g/kg). The harvest frequencies changed the nutritive values inconsistently. Conclusions The butterfly pea herb and the sub-shrub stylo cv. Campo Grande can be managed under varied harvest frequencies without changing the nutritional value significantly. Prolonged harvest intervals must be avoided in hedge lucerne management for animal feeding because of its high contents of secondary metabolites. Implications This study restated the already-known nutritional variations among tropical legumes due to different growth habits and revealed a significant presence of condensed tannins in hedge lucerne’s leaves.
Leadless epicardial pacing at the left ventricular apex: an animal study
Authors: Backhoff David , Müller Matthias J , Wilberg Yannic , Eildermann Katja , Paul Thomas , Zenker Dieter , Krause Ulrich
Published: October 2023

Aims

State-of-the-art pacemaker implantation technique in infants and small children consists of pace/sense electrodes attached to the epicardium and a pulse generator in the abdominal wall with a significant rate of dysfunction during growth, mostly attributable to lead failure. In order to overcome lead-related problems, feasibility of epicardial implantation of a leadless pacemaker at the left ventricular apex in a growing animal model was studied.

Methods and results

Ten lambs (median body weight 26.8 kg) underwent epicardial implantation of a Micra transcatheter pacing system (TPS) pacemaker (Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis, USA). Using a subxyphoid access, the Micra was introduced through a short, thick-walled tube to increase tissue contact and to prevent tilting from the epicardial surface. The Micra's proprietary delivery system was firmly pressed against the heart, while the Micra was pushed forward out of the sheath allowing the tines to stick into the left ventricular apical epimyocardium. Pacemakers were programmed to VVI 30/min mode. Pacemaker function and integrity was followed for 4 months after implantation. After implantation, median intrinsic R-wave amplitude was 5 mV [interquartile range (IQR) 2.8–7.5], and median pacing impedance was 2235 Ω (IQR 1725–2500), while the median pacing threshold was 2.13 V (IQR 1.25–2.9) at 0.24 ms. During follow-up, 6/10 animals had a significant increase in pacing threshold with loss of capture at maximum output at 0.24 ms in 2/10 animals. After 4 months, median R-wave amplitude had dropped to 2.25 mV (IQR 1.2–3.6), median pacing impedance had decreased to 595 Ω (IQR 575–645), and median pacing threshold had increased to 3.3 V (IQR 1.8–4.5) at 0.24 ms. Explantation of one device revealed deep penetration of the Micra device into the myocardium.

Conclusion

Short-term results after epicardial implantation of the Micra TPS at the left ventricular apex in lambs were satisfying. During mid-term follow-up, however, pacing thresholds increased, resulting in loss of capture in 2/10 animals. Penetration of one device into the myocardium was of concern. The concept of epicardial leadless pacing seems very attractive, and the current shape of the Micra TPS makes the device unsuitable for epicardial placement in growing organisms.
Investigation of the structure and magnitude of time-varying uncontrolled confounding in simulated cohort data analyzed using g-computation
Authors: Soohoo Melissa , Arah Onyebuchi A
Published: October 2023

Background

When estimating the effect of time-varying exposures on longer-term outcomes, the assumption of conditional exchangeability or no uncontrolled confounding extends beyond baseline confounding to include time-varying confounding. We illustrate the structures and magnitude of uncontrolled time-varying confounding in exposure effect estimates obtained from g-computation when sequential conditional exchangeability is violated.

Methods

We used directed acyclic graphs (DAGs) to depict time-varying uncontrolled confounding. We performed simulations and used g-computation to quantify the effects of each time-varying exposure for each DAG type. Models adjusting all time-varying confounders were considered the true (bias-adjusted) estimate. The exclusion of time-varying uncontrolled confounders represented the biased effect estimate and an unmet ‘no uncontrolled confounding’ assumption. True and biased estimates were compared across DAGs, with different magnitudes of uncontrolled confounding.

Results

Time-varying uncontrolled confounding can present in several scenarios, including relationships into subsequently measured exposure(s), outcome, unmeasured confounder(s) and other measured confounder(s). In simulations, effect estimates obtained from g-computation were more biased in DAGs when the uncontrolled confounders were directly related to the outcome. Complex DAGs that included relationships between uncontrolled confounders and other variables and relationships where exposures caused uncontrolled confounders at the next time point resulted in the most biased effect estimates. In these complex DAGs, excluding uncontrolled confounders affected the multiple effect estimates.

Conclusions

Time-varying uncontrolled confounding has the potential to substantially impact observed effect estimates. Given the importance of longitudinal studies in advising public health, the impact of time-varying uncontrolled confounding warrants more recognition and evaluation using quantitative bias analysis.
Multilevel governance ‘from above’: Analysing Colombia’s system of co-responsibility for responding to internal displacement
Authors: Weihmayer Melissa
Published: October 2023

States bear the responsibility for the protection of people displaced internally by conflict and other causes. Though widely recognized, there is little research on how the state shares that responsibility between different levels of government. Colombia serves as a useful case for examining the evolving coordination between national and local governments. I conduct a thematic analysis of its 2015 Strategy of Co-responsibility regulating emergency humanitarian assistance. I argue that the Strategy represents a delicate compromise between enforcing minimum standards and respecting local autonomy. This means the System largely reaffirms existing vertical power relations, while also creating incentives for horizontal multilevel governance. The article explores the Strategy’s use of the language of ‘co-responsibility’, a technocratic action-planning process, and capacity-building initiatives. I propose frameworks from the literature on the multilevel governance of migration to identify the conditions for coordination between levels to emerge, bridging multilevel governance literature with forced migration literature.