bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decyzja tymczasowa w sprawach konsumenckich – nowy instrument reakcji na praktyki zagrażające zbiorowym interesom konsumentów
Authors:   Wydział Prawa i Administracji Uczelni Łazarskiego, Sieradzka Małgorzata
Published: February 2025

Jednym z celów nowelizacji ustawy o ochronie konkurencji i konsumentów z dnia 5 sierpnia 2015 r.
o zmianie ustawy o ochronie konkurencji i konsumentów oraz niektórych innych ustaw (Dz.U.
z 2015 r., poz. 1634) jest wzmocnienie ochrony konsumentów. Służącym temu instrumentem ma
być decyzja tymczasowa w sprawach konsumenckich wydawana przed zakończeniem postępo-
wania w sprawach praktyk naruszających zbiorowe interesy konsumentów. Niniejszy artykuł ma
na celu przede wszystkim analizę charakteru decyzji tymczasowej wydawanej w postępowaniu
w sprawach praktyk naruszających zbiorowe interesy konsumentów. Biorąc pod uwagę przesłan-
ki wydania decyzji tymczasowej warto zastanowić się, czy stanie się ona instrumentem szybkiej
reakcji na praktyki zagrażające zbiorowym interesom konsumentów.
Ocena dorobku legislacyjnego i orzeczniczego kształtującego defi nicję konsumenta na gruncie art. 22 kodeksu cywilnego
Authors:   Instytut Nauk Prawno-Administracyjnych, Wydział Prawa i Administracji Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego, Chojecka Monika , Nowak Adam M.
Published: February 2025

Artykuł zawiera analizę kodeksowej definicji pojęcia „konsument”. W publikacji przedstawiony jest
rys historyczny obrazujący rozwój przedmiotowej kategorii prawnej oraz omówienie jej elementów
składowych. Artykuł przybliża również orzecznictwo odnoszące się do interpretacji przedstawianej
definicji legalnej.
Przepisy karne stypizowane w ustawie – Prawo energetyczne
Authors: Auguścik Sonia
Published: February 2025

Nowelizacja ustawy – Prawo energetyczne z dnia 11 września 2015 roku implementowała rozporządzenie REMIT do polskiego porządku prawnego. Niniejsze opracowanie poświęcono przepisom karnym skatalogowanym w rozdziale 7a ustawy. Odpowiedzialność karna to swoiste novum w sektorze energetycznym, dlatego warto przyjrzeć się takim zagadnieniom, jak: uzasadnienie wprowadzenia przepisów karnych, katalog czynów zabronionych (charakter sankcji karnych) oraz standardy proceduralne (postępowanie wyjaśniające). Analiza powstała w oparciu o treść przepisów powszechnie obowiązującego prawa z uwzględnieniem poglądów judykatury i doktryny zakorzenionych w nauce o prawie karnym.
Nadużywanie pozycji dominującej przez przedsiębiorstwa ciepłownicze na lokalnych rynkach ciepła
Authors:   Doktorantka w Zakładzie Europejskiego Prawa Gospodarczego WZ UW, Szwedziak-Bork Ilona
Published: February 2025

Celem niniejszego artykułu jest analiza sektora ciepłowniczego pod kątem jednostronnych praktyk antykonkurencyjnych stosowanych przez przedsiębiorstwa działające na lokalnych rynkach ciepła. Brak wprowadzenia zasady unbundlingu w sektorze ciepłowniczym oraz problematyczna kwestia realizacji dostępu strony trzeciej do sieci powoduje, że przedsiębiorstwa ciepłownicze stosunkowo chętnie dopuszczają się nadużywania pozycji dominującej zajmowanej na lokalnym rynku ciepła. Dla przedstawienia jednostronnych praktyk antykonkurencyjnych poza wskazaniem charakterystycznych cech sektora w niniejszym artykule wykorzystano także praktykę decyzyjną Prezesa UOKiK.
In vivo exposure to sodium arsenite produce hepato-nephro alterations, enzymatic inhibition, and neurobehavioral expression in Charles Foster rats
Authors: Shankar Prabhat , Singh Rana Vikram , Kumar Arun , Ali Mohammad , . Abhinav , Tiwari Mini , Ghosh Ashok Kumar
Published: February 2025

Arsenic, a highly hazardous metalloid present ubiquitously in the Earth's crust, poses a significant threat to global groundwater contamination. This study aimed toevaluate the hepato-nephro alterations, enzymatic inhibition, and neurobehavioral flux in Charles Foster rats exposed to arsenic. The rats were divided into control and arsenic-exposed groups, and their hepatic and renal functions were assessed. Enzymatic activity was measured to determine the inhibitory effects of arsenic, and neurobehavioral assessments were conducted to evaluate any behavioural changes. The results revealed significant alterations in hepatic and renal parameters, including biochemical and histopathological changes. Enzymatic inhibition and neurobehavioral abnormalities were observed in the arsenic-exposed rats. These findings provide valuable insights into the toxic effects of arsenic on hepato-nephro function and neurobehavioral outcomes.
Health Examinations of Persons Under Medical Supervision in Sarajevo Canton Before and During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Bursać-Aranđelović Snežana
Published: February 2025

Introduction Data on the prevalence of streptococci, staphylococci, and salmonella in healthy people during the COVID-19 pandemic are lacking, and according to the results of studies related to patients with COVID-19, co-infections with the mentioned bacteria were rare. Since there is not enough data on the prevalence of germinalgia in healthy people at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, that is The aim of this paper was to present the most frequently isolated causative agents in germ carriers in the period before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and method A descriptive study was applied. The data source was the results of microbiological analyzes of nose and throat swabs, as well as examination of the stool of germ carriers, for the period 2018-2022. for Sarajevo Canton. The distribution of the most common isolates is shown. Results In the observed period, a total of 1,985 germ carriers were detected from all persons placed under medical supervision. In 2018 and 2019, a total of 73,838 were examined, and 790 (1.70%) carriers were detected. From 2020 to 2022, 79,276 were examined, and 1,195 (1.51%) were found to be germinal. Of the total number of isolates in germ carriers, the most represented was St. aureus, a total of 1935 (97.48%). In 2018 and 2019, it was isolated in 758 cases (39.48%), and from 2020 to 2022 in 1177 cases (60.82%). St.beta haemoliticus was isolated in 21 cases in 2018 and 2019, and in the same period Salmonella spp. code 11. From 2020-2022. St. beta haemoliticus was isolated in 14, and Salmonella spp. Code 4. Conclusion During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an expected decrease in health examinations performed and a reduced number of detected carriers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, almost twice as many carriers of St. aureus, and the number of carriers of St. beta hemolyticus and Salmonellae spp. The number of germ carriers detected increased in the categories of pupils and students. The reason, the end of lockdown, socializing and inadequate wearing of masks, although according to the recommendations, those categories should also wear masks.
Factors associated with early hospital readmission for acute decompensation of cirrhosis - prospective cohort study
Authors: Zocche Tamara Liana , Maccali Cláudia , Augustinho Fernanda Cristina de , Rateke Elayne Cristina de Morais , Matiollo Camila , Rayes Ariane Borgonovo , Maggi Dariana Carla , Dantas-Corrêa Esther Buzaglo , Schiavon Leonardo de Lucca , Narciso-Schiavon Janaina Luz
Published: February 2025

Introduction: The first months after the hospitalization of cirrhotic patients are considered at high risk for new complications. Knowing the factors associated with early readmission in these individuals may contribute to the development of preventive strategies that avoid the risks and costs related to a new hospitalization. Objective: To investigate the factors associated with the early readmission of hospitalized patients due to acute decompensation of cirrhosis. Methods: Data from the first hospitalization of each patient was considered during the study period and were followed up to the 90th day by telephone contact. A prospective cohort study in Southern Brazil. Results: Between 2011 and 2016, 280 patients were included in the study. The mean age was 55.68±11.21 years, and 71.8% were males with a mean MELD of 15.65±5.64 and 41.4% Child-Pugh C. Early readmission occurred in 91 cases (32.5%). In the logistic regression analysis, CLIF-SOFA variables (odds ratio [OR] 1.137, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.003–1.289, p=0.045) and several complications present in the initial hospitalization (OR 1.503, 95% CI 1.074–2.105, p=0.018) independent of early readmission. Early readmission rates were 16.8% in patients with CLIF-SOFA <8 and less than 2 complications at admission and 49.2% in those with CLIF-SOFA ≥8 and 2 or more complications at the initial hospitalization. Conclusion: Simple parameters such as CLIF-SOFA and the number of complications of cirrhosis present at hospital admission are predictors of early readmission and can be used as tools to individualize the follow-up of cirrhotic patients after hospital discharge.
Quorum quenching of virulence traits expression in human and plant pathogens by Isoxazolone and its molecular docking studies
Authors: Salkar Komal S. , Charya Lakshangy S. , Naik Milind M. , Kadam Hari K. , Chari Vishnu
Published: February 2025

Inhibiting quorum sensing (QS) to hinder extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) production and biofilm formation in pathogenic bacteria was studied as an efficient alternative for controlling the infections caused by multiple drug resistant (MDR) bacteria. In the present study, the isoxazolone derivative (4-(2-hydroxy-5-methoxybenzylidene)- 3-methylisoxazol-5(4H)-one) was tested for its ability to inhibit EPS production and biofilm formation in human as well as plant pathogenic bacteria. The binding affinity of the derivative to the quorum sensing regulatory proteins (AgrA and LasR) was investigated by carrying out molecular docking studies. The derivative was capable of substantially inhibiting EPS production and biofilm formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Erwinia carotovora, and Ralstonia solanacearum at subinhibitory concentrations. Furthermore, molecular docking studies confirmed our results with notable binding affinity −7.5 kcal/mol to transcriptional activator protein LasR and binding affinity −6.8 kcal/mol to AgrA (transcription factor), both controlling expression of virulence factors in P. aeruginosa and S. aureus, respectively. This is a first report that proves that isoxazolone derivatives have quorum quenching potential (QQ) against both human and plant pathogens, which can be applied in medical and agricultural fields.
Unveiling personalized and gamification-based cybersecurity risks within financial institutions
Authors: Shahzadi Amna , Ishaq Kashif , Nawaz Naeem A. , Rosdi Fadhilah , Khan Fawad Ali
Published: February 2025

Gamification has emerged as a transformative e-business strategy, introducing innovative methods to engage customers and drive sales. This article explores the integration of game design principles into business contexts, termed “gamification,” a subject of increasing interest among both scholars and industry professionals. The discussion systematically addresses key themes, like the role of gamification in marketing strategies, enhancing website functionality, and its application within the financial sector, including e-banking, drawing insights from academic and industry perspectives. By conducting a systematic literature review of 48 academic articles published between 2015 and 2024, this study examines the use of personalized, gamification-based strategies to mitigate cyber threats in the financial domain. The review highlights the growing digitization of financial services and the corresponding rise in sophisticated cyber threats, including traditional attacks and advanced persistent threats (APTs). This article critically assesses the evolving landscape of cyber threats specific to the financial industry, identifying trends, challenges, and innovative solutions to strengthen cybersecurity practices. Of particular interest is the application of AI-enhanced gamification strategies to reinforce cybersecurity protocols, particularly in the face of novel threats in gaming platforms. Furthermore, the review evaluates techniques grounded in user behavior, motivation, and readiness to enhance cybersecurity. The article also offers a comprehensive taxonomy of financial services, categorizing cyber threats into game-based (e.g., phishing, malware, APTs) and non-game-based (e.g., social engineering, compliance issues) threats. AI-driven measures for prevention and detection emphasize regular security assessments, user training, and system monitoring with incident response plans. This research provides valuable insights into the intersection of gamification and cybersecurity, offering a forward-looking perspective for both academic researchers and industry professionals.
Effect of intercropping Lolium perenne in Ziziphus jujuba orchards on soil quality in the canopy
Authors: Ma Yao , Cao Bin , Wang Xiaojia , Chen Weijun
Published: February 2025

The cultivation of Lingwu jujube traditionally employs clean tillage, leaving substantial gaps between rows and exposing almost 60% of the orchard to the elements. This method promotes rapid soil moisture evaporation, exacerbates soil erosion, and deteriorates the soil’s physicochemical properties. Consequently, there is a critical need for a more sustainable planting approach that optimally utilizes land resources. A pertinent question is whether varying densities of ryegrass intercropping can improve the uptake of nutrients and water by the jujube tree, the primary species in this ecosystem. In this context, a 2-year field experiment was conducted with three densities of perennial ryegrass intercropped with Lingwu jujube. The experiment assessed the impact on soil’s physical and chemical attributes beneath the jujube canopy, with a focus on correlating soil moisture, enzyme activity, and physical properties. The findings reveal that intercropping at a medium density most effectively enhanced the soil’s physical characteristics. Relative to monoculture, this approach increased the proportion of water-stable aggregates (0.5–0.25 mm) by 4.16%, decreased the soil’s fractal dimension by 0.46%, augmented the field water holding capacity by 14.78%, and significantly boosted soil enzyme activity. Furthermore, high-density ryegrass intercropping elevated the soil’s organic matter content by 36.09% and ameliorated both the pH and cation exchange capacity. Conversely, low-density intercropping raised soil moisture levels by 40.18% in the top 20 cm of the soil. Collectively, these results suggest that an optimal density of ryegrass in intercropping not only bolsters the moisture retention capabilities of soil in Lingwu jujube orchards but also enhances overall soil fertility. Therefore, the adoption of ryegrass and jujube tree intercropping is highly advisable in the ecologically sensitive and resource-constrained arid sandy regions of northern China, offering substantial practical benefits.
A Cross-sectional Study on Molecular Cartography: The Mapping of Down Syndrome with Cytogenetic Tools
Authors: Deepa A , Chandramouleeswari K , Regis M Dougul
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Down Syndrome (DS), or trisomy 21, is the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability among children, with an incidence of 1 in 700 births. This extra copy of chromosome 21 leads to characteristic clinical features known as Down facies, which include microcephaly, hypertelorism, a flat nasal bridge, macroglossia, a fissured tongue, microophthalmia, large ears, and various physical abnormalities like short stature, a short neck, a sandal gap, and a single palmar crease. Additionally, individuals with DS often experience intellectual disabilities, including delayed speech development and slow learning. Although the characteristic phenotypes are available for diagnosing DS, genetic testing is necessary for confirmation.

Aim: To confirm the diagnosis of DS through karyotyping, a cytogenetic analysis.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Pathology (Molecular Pathology Laboratory) at the Institute of Child Health, Madras Medical College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India over a period of eight months from September 2023 to April 2024. The study included 50 patients, all children aged between 10 days and six years, who exhibited clinical features of DS. A peripheral blood sample of 3 mL was collected in a heparinised vacutainer. Karyotyping was performed, and the samples were stained with Giemsa banding using trypsin digestion. Metaphase spreads were examined under a microscope (Olympus) with the assistance of Applied Spectral Imaging (ASI) software, and karyotype descriptions were made according to the International Standard Committee on Human Cytogenetics Nomenclature guidelines. Descriptive analyses were conducted using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 29.0.2. Parameters like age, gender, risk factors (including elderly mothers and children born to consanguineous parents), and common associations (such as cardiovascular abnormalities) were analysed.

Results: Among the 50 children with clinical features of DS, a genotypic correlation was found in 48 children (96%). Among these, pure trisomy 21 was identified in 34 children (70%), Robertsonian translocation in 9 (20%) children, and mosaics in 5 (10%) children. The cardiovascular system was the most commonly affected system, with 38 (80%) children showing abnormalities, and 28 (60%) children were born to elderly primiparous mothers, making this the most frequently observed risk factor.

Conclusion: Despite advancements in non invasive prenatal screening techniques, karyotyping remains a definitive and widely used method for diagnosing DS. Continued research in this field aims to improve early detection and expand the understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying the disorder.
Effects of Pig Slurry and Poultry Droppings Compost on Zucchini Growth in Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Ahou-Nadia KANGA , Jean-Baptiste DJIWONOU Koffi , Rachelle N’GUESSAN Affoué Sylvie , Yasmine KANE Mankouwlé Aminata , Koutoua AYOLIE
Published: February 2025

A study was carried out to assess the impact of different doses of compost on zucchini growth. In Côte d'Ivoire, zucchinis are widely used in gastronomy, as are eggplants. However, their production remains very low, due to the effects of climate change, a shortage of arable land and the increasing degradation of their fertility. To achieve this, composts based on broiler droppings, pig slurry and NPK fertilizer were used. The results showed that the application of 4 kg/m² of pig manure favoured good germination. On the other hand, optimal plant growth was stimulated by the same dose (4 kg/m²) of compost made from broiler droppings. Based on these results, an application of 4 kg/m² of compost is optimal for promoting zucchini growth.
Optimizing Temperature and Light Conditions for In vitro Conservation of Commiphora wightii (Arn.) Bhandari Callus Cultures
Authors: Kratika  , Kant Tarun
Published: February 2025

In vitro conservation technique is one of the potential approaches to safeguard plant biodiversity. To protect the important germplasm, storage of whole plant can be challenging. A study was done to conserve the callus of Commiphora wightii at different temperatures i.e. 4°C, 10°C, 20°C, 30°C and 40°C for a longer period of time as well as the effect of light and dark on callus of Commiphora wightii was observed. The callus was initiated from immature fruits of C. wightii on Gamborg B5 medium supplemented with (0.5mg/l) 2, 4 D, 3% sucrose and 0.8% agar and was sub-cultured on same media at a regular interval of 30-35 days. After two passages vigorous callus growth was obtained and thus these proliferated cultures were further placed on two separate parameters which are different temperatures and dark/light experiment on hormone-free B5 medium. The morphological changes and the fresh weight of the callus cultures were analyzed. The cultures on different temperatures were stored for a period of 90 days without sub-culturing and the data was collected on every 30 days interval. It was found that at 10°C, 100% callus survived for 90 days and turned green, compact depicting the embryogenic nature, whereas at optimum temperature the sub-culturing was required after a period of 45-50 days. When the effect of dark and light was studied, the survival of callus kept in dark was 120 days which was around 60 days longer than the callus stored in light without sub-culturing. The callus stored in dark turned from non-embryogenic (white and friable) to embryogenic (green and compact). The survival percentage reduced after a period of 100-120 days for the cultures stored in dark. Our study suggests the feasibility of germplasm storage for species with recalcitrant seeds and facilitates germplasm shipments for conservation of forest species.
A Decision Aid to Support Tubal Sterilization Decision-Making Among Pregnant Women
Authors: Borrero Sonya , Mosley Elizabeth A. , Wu Michaella , Dehlendorf Christine , Wright Catherine , Abebe Kaleab Z. , Zite Nikki
Published: March 2024

Importance

Tubal sterilization is common, especially among individuals with low income. There is substantial misunderstanding about sterilization among those who have undergone the procedure, suggesting suboptimal decision-making about a method that permanently ends reproductive capacity.

Objective

To test the efficacy of a web-based decision aid for improving tubal sterilization decision quality.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This randomized clinical trial conducted between March 2020 and November 2023 included English- or Spanish-speaking pregnant cisgender women aged 21 to 45 years who had Medicaid insurance and were contemplating tubal sterilization after delivery. Participants were recruited from outpatient obstetric clinics in 3 US cities.

Intervention

Participants were randomized 1:1 to usual care (control arm) or to usual care plus a web-based decision aid (MyDecision/MiDecisión) (intervention arm). The aid includes written, audio, and video information about tubal sterilization procedures; an interactive table comparing contraceptive options; values-clarifying exercises; knowledge checks; and a summary report.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The co–primary outcomes were tubal sterilization knowledge and decisional conflict regarding the contraceptive decision. Knowledge was measured as the percentage of correct responses to 10 true-false items. Decisional conflict was measured using the low-literacy Decision Conflict Scale, with lower scores on a range from 0 to 100 indicating less conflict.

Results

Among the 350 participants, mean (SD) age was 29.7 (5.1) years. Compared with the usual care group, participants randomized to the decision aid had significantly higher tubal sterilization knowledge (mean [SD] proportion of questions answered correctly, 76.5% [16.9%] vs 55.6% [22.6%]; P < .001) and lower decisional conflict scores (mean [SD], 12.7 [16.6] vs 18.7 [20.8] points; P = .002). The greatest knowledge differences between the 2 groups were for items about permanence, with more participants in the intervention arm answering correctly that tubal sterilization is not easily reversible (90.1% vs 39.3%; odds ratio [OR], 14.2 [95% CI, 7.9-25.4]; P < .001) and that the tubes do not spontaneously “come untied” (86.6% vs 33.7%; OR, 13.0 [95% CI, 7.6-22.4]; P < .001).

Conclusions and Relevance

MyDecision/MiDecisión significantly improved tubal sterilization decision-making quality compared with usual care only. This scalable decision aid can be implemented into clinical practice to supplement practitioner counseling. These results are particularly important given the recent increase in demand for permanent contraception after the US Supreme Court decision overturning federal abortion protections.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04097717
Serum S100B Level in the Management of Pediatric Minor Head Trauma
Authors: Bouvier Damien , Cantais Aymeric , Laspougeas Alban , Lorton Fleur , Plenier Yannick , Cottier Maria , Fournier Philippe , Tran Antoine , Moreau Emilie , Durif Julie , Sarret Catherine , Mourgues Charline , Sturtz Franck , Oudart Jean-Baptiste , Raffort Juliette , Gonzalo Philippe , Cristol Jean-Paul , Masson Damien , Pereira Bruno , Sapin Vincent
Published: March 2024

Importance

Minor head trauma (HT) is one of the most common causes of hospitalization in children. A diagnostic test could prevent unnecessary hospitalizations and cranial computed tomographic (CCT) scans.

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of serum S100B values in reducing exposure to CCT scans and in-hospital observation in children with minor HT.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This multicenter, unblinded, prospective, interventional randomized clinical trial used a stepped-wedge cluster design to compare S100B biomonitoring and control groups at 11 centers in France. Participants included children and adolescents 16 years or younger (hereinafter referred to as children) admitted to the emergency department with minor HT. The enrollment period was November 1, 2016, to October 31, 2021, with a follow-up period of 1 month for each patient. Data were analyzed from March 7 to May 29, 2023, based on the modified intention-to-treat and per protocol populations.

Interventions

Children in the control group had CCT scans or were hospitalized according to current recommendations. In the S100B biomonitoring group, blood sampling took place within 3 hours after minor HT, and management depended on serum S100B protein levels. If the S100B level was within the reference range according to age, the children were discharged from the emergency department. Otherwise, children were treated as in the control group.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Proportion of CCT scans performed (absence or presence of CCT scan for each patient) in the 48 hours following minor HT.

Results

A total of 2078 children were included: 926 in the control group and 1152 in the S100B biomonitoring group (1235 [59.4%] boys; median age, 3.2 [IQR, 1.0-8.5] years). Cranial CT scans were performed in 299 children (32.3%) in the control group and 112 (9.7%) in the S100B biomonitoring group. This difference of 23% (95% CI, 19%-26%) was not statistically significant (P = .44) due to an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.32. A statistically significant 50% reduction in hospitalizations (95% CI, 47%-53%) was observed in the S100B biomonitoring group (479 [41.6%] vs 849 [91.7%]; P < .001).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this randomized clinical trial of effectiveness of the serum S100B level in the management of pediatric minor HT, S100B biomonitoring yielded a reduction in the number of CCT scans and in-hospital observation when measured in accordance with the conditions defined by a clinical decision algorithm.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02819778
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Depression and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder After a Mass Shooting
Authors: Abba-Aji Mohammed , Moreland Angela , Abdalla Salma M. , Rancher Caitlin , Galea Sandro , Davies Faraday , Kilpatrick Dean G.
Published: March 2024

This cross-sectional study examines the self-reported mental health outcomes of adults 4 years after witnessing and surviving the shooting at the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival in Las Vegas, Nevada.
County-Level Disparities in Heat-Related Emergencies
Authors: Ramesh Tarun , Wozniak Gregory D. , Yu Hao
Published: March 2024

This cross-sectional study examines the distribution of emergency medical service activation across US countries during the heat wave in July 2023.
Parasitic Diseases
Authors: Miller Austinn C. , Siller Alfredo , Tyring Stephen K.
Published: March 2024

Parasitic disease, commonly referred to as parasitosis, is an infectious process caused by a parasitic organism that thrives at the expense of its host. Human parasites can be classified into three main categories: protozoa, helminths, and ectoparasites (Chapter 34). Protozoans are small single‐celled organisms, such as the amoeba. Helminths on the other hand are larger multicellular organisms with internal organs and include the roundworm. Parasitic infections are well known for causing a significant burden of disease amongst the inhabitants of the tropic and subtropic regions of the globe and can be transmitted in several ways. The commonest methods of spread include contaminated water, soil and blood, or through transmission via infected insects that act as a vector or carrier of the disease. In this chapter we explore the common causes of cutaneous parasitic disease worldwide including their clinical signs, pathophysiology and therapeutic options.
Reactive Inflammatory Erythemas
Authors: Murphy Ruth
Published: March 2024

Annular erythemas may be classified as those due to a specific skin disorder such as psoriasis and tinea corporis or a cutaneous inflammatory reaction to a trigger such as a drug, infection or malignancy. In many cases the trigger for the reactive inflammatory erythemas remains elusive and these cases are then described as idiopathic. This chapter describes the known patterns of reactive inflammatory erythemas, namely erythema multiforme, annular erythema of infancy, necrolytic migratory erythema, erythema annulare centrifugum, erythema chronicum migrans, erythema gyratum repens and erythema marginatum. Overall, these reactive inflammatory erythemas are more common in children than adults but they can occur all ages. When assessing a patient with a reactive erythema, knowledge of local disease prevalence and local use of therapeutics will be useful. By inference, disease associations will be influenced by local population health and socioeconomic factors and will vary with geography and over time. Identifying relevant triggers are important to optimise patient care and prevent avoidable morbidity and mortality.
Acquired Disorders of Epidermal Keratinisation
Authors: Scorer Matthew J. , Johnston Graham A.
Published: March 2024

This chapter gives a brief summary of the wide variety of acquired disorders of epidermal keratinisation.
Sarcoidosis
Authors: Marcoval Joaquim , Mañá Juan
Published: March 2024

Sarcoidosis is an antigen‐mediated disease of unknown aetiology characterised by the presence of non‐caseating epithelioid cell granulomas in multiple organs. It involves mainly the lungs, mediastinal and peripheral lymph nodes, eyes and skin. Less frequent but usually severe manifestations can occur in the liver, spleen, central nervous system, heart, upper respiratory tract and bones. Cutaneous lesions of sarcoidosis may be specific, showing histopathologically sarcoid granulomas, or non‐specific, mainly erythema nodosum. Cutaneous lesions are frequently the presentation of the disease and skin biopsy enables early diagnosis. Moreover, some types of lesions have prognostic significance and may help to predict the outcome of the systemic disease.
Panniculitis
Authors: Requena Luis , Cerroni Lorenzo
Published: March 2024

The panniculitides represent a group of heterogeneous inflammatory diseases that involve the subcutaneous fat. The specific diagnosis of these disorders requires histopathological study because different panniculitides usually show monotonous clinical appearance, namely subcutaneous erythematous nodules on the lower extremities. Histopathological study of panniculitis is also challenging because of an inadequate clinicopathological correlation and the evolutionary nature of the lesions. Often, biopsy specimens are taken from late‐stage lesions, which results in non‐specific histopathological findings. In addition, large‐scalpel incisional biopsies are required. However, with adequate biopsy samples a histopathological differential diagnosis between a mostly septal and a mostly lobular panniculitis is straightforward and with adequate clinicopathological correlation, a specific diagnosis may be rendered in most cases of panniculitis. Mostly septal panniculitides with vasculitis include superficial thrombophlebitis and cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa (cutaneous arteritis). Septal panniculitides with no vasculitis may appear as the consequence of dermal inflammatory processes extending to the subcutaneous fat, such as necrobiosis lipoidica, scleroderma, subcutaneous granuloma annulare, rheumatoid nodule and necrobiotic xanthogranuloma, whereas in other cases the inflammatory process involves primarily the connective tissue septa of the subcutis with no participation of the overlying dermis. The most frequent septal panniculitis is erythema nodosum. In contrast, the most common lobular panniculitis with vasculitis is erythema induratum of Bazin (nodular vasculitis). Mostly lobular panniculitides without vasculitis comprise a large list of disorders, including sclerosing panniculitis (lipodermatosclerosis), subcutaneous fat necrosis of the newborn, panniculitis associated with connective tissue diseases, pancreatic panniculitis,
1
‐antitrypsin deficiency‐associated panniculitis, infective panniculitis and factitious panniculitis. In recent years, several cases of both septal and lobular panniculitis have been described as a consequence of the administration of new drugs, including immune checkpoint inhibitors and
BRAF
inhibitors used as treatment of metastatic melanoma, tyrosine kinase and Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors used for treatment of leukemia and other haematological malignancies and tumour necrosis factor inhibitor drugs.
Dermatological Manifestations of Metal Poisoning
Authors: Nambi Rabindranath
Published: March 2024

Skin manifestations from poisoning by metals and metalloids are varied. The spectrum of metallodermatoses includes anaphylaxis, acute rashes, inflammatory dermatoses, urticarial eruptions, pigmentary changes, pre‐cancers and malignancies.

The toxic effects of metal poisoning are often unrecognised and delayed diagnosis is common. Exposure can be subtle due to dietary intake, medications, health supplements and occupational exposure. The metals and metalloids discussed in this chapter include antimony, arsenic, gold, lead, mercury, selenium, silver, thallium, beryllium, molybdenum and platinum.
Cutaneous Reactions to Cold and Heat
Authors: Bashir Saqib J. , Chew Ai‐Lean
Published: March 2024

Human exposure to cold and warm environments has occurred throughout millennia. Human skin responds physiologically to environmental temperature; however, pathological responses may occur to extremes of temperature in those who have an underlying predisposition. This chapter details the pathophysiological responses to cold and heat, the resultant disease processes and the treatment plans used to manage patients injured by cold or heat.
Irritant Contact Dermatitis
Authors: White Jonathan M. L.
Published: March 2024

Irritant contact dermatitis is a phenomenon where the immune response is not specific to a particular chemical (i.e. an allergy has been excluded). The skin changes vary from subjective stinging without a visible rash, an eczema‐like dermatosis and rarely may include severe chemical burns. Occupational and recreational triggers are commonly seen and often simple avoidance advice can be of therapeutic benefit. Topical treatments and personal protective equipment are the mainstay of treatment of established disease.
Tumours of Skin Appendages
Authors: Calonje Eduardo , Marušić Zlatko
Published: March 2024

The clinical presentation of skin appendage tumours for the most part is not as specific and diverse as the histological features of this extremely heterogeneous tumour group. Differential diagnosis of certain appendageal tumours can be extremely subtle, yet greatly influence final treatment outcome. Occasional association of certain entities with inherited tumour syndrome s can be extremely important in terms of hereditary cancer screening. This chapter aims to provide the most important clinical, histological and genetic features for selected, most important cutaneous appendage tumours.
Kaposi Sarcoma
Authors: Tsai Kenneth Y.
Published: March 2024

Although initially formally described in the 19th century, the diversity of presentation and clinical subsets of Kaposi sarcoma have expanded considerably since then. Now recognised as a virally driven process caused by human herpesvirus 8, co‐infection with HIV or EBV, as well as immunosuppression, are considered important predisposing factors. This has resulted in marked increases in incidence across multiple populations. Accordingly, these clinical subsets require different therapeutic approaches even as molecular profiling highlight largely overlapping features.
Melanoma Surgery
Authors: Smith Noah R. , Cha Kelly B. , Johnson Timothy M. , Durham Alison B.
Published: March 2024

Pigmented lesions suspicious for melanoma on the basis of history or physical examination warrant appropriate biopsy and histopathological diagnosis. Most melanoma is clinically localised to the primary site and requires definitive treatment with wide local excision with an appropriate margin. As the most frequent site of first metastasis is the regional nodal basin, consideration should also be given to sentinel lymph node biopsy in the correct clinical context.
Dermoscopy of Melanoma and Naevi
Authors: Jaimes Natalia , Marghoob Ashfaq A.
Published: March 2024

Dermoscopy is a non‐invasive,
in vivo
imaging technique known to increase the diagnostic accuracy for melanoma and improve the benign‐to‐malignant biopsy ratio by increasing the detection of melanoma while decreasing the number of naevi being biopsied. Melanocytic naevi are the primary lesions in the differential diagnosis of early melanomas. While the clinical morphology of naevi and melanoma often overlap, dermoscopy has improved the ability to discriminate between the two by visualisation of colours and structures that are otherwise not visible to the naked eye. In general, naevi tend to display a symmetrical and organised dermoscopic pattern while melanomas tend to reveal melanoma‐specific structures distributed in an asymmetrical and disorganised manner. The structures found to be associated with melanoma on non‐glabrous skin include atypical network, negative network, streaks, shiny white lines, atypical dots/globules, off‐centred blotch, blue‐white veil, regression structures, atypical vessels and peripheral tan structureless areas. Due to the unique microanatomy of other anatomical sites such as the face and glabrous skin, additional dermoscopic features have been identified that help in the detection of melanoma in these sites. This chapter provides an overview of the dermosocopic structures and patterns associated with naevi and outlines the dermoscopic structures associated with melanoma.
The Skin and Endocrine Disorders
Authors: Paus Ralf , Ramot Yuval
Published: March 2024

Endocrine disorders can exert major effects on the human skin, leading to different signs and symptoms, including skin dryness, hair loss or excessive hair growth, pruritus, pigmentary changes and hyperhidrosis. This chapter reviews these changes and provides a practical approach to patients with suspected underlying endocrinological disorders. The chapter also discusses the latest findings showing that the skin serves as a complex (neuro‐) endocrine organ by itself, and thus possesses important practical implications for future dermatological therapy.
The Skin and Disorders of the Heart
Authors: Molin Sonja , Ruzicka Thomas
Published: March 2024

There are several diseases in which both cardiac and skin involvement may be found. Most of these are part of a syndrome or are systemic disorders affecting other organs as well. This chapter focuses on the skin signs of cardiac diseases, hereditary syndromes involving heart and skin, and cardiac involvement of dermatoses or systemic diseases with cutaneous features.
The Skin and Disorders of the Kidney and Urinary Tract
Authors: Molin Sonja , Ruzicka Thomas
Published: March 2024

The skin and the renal system may be affected by the same disease processes. This chapter on skin and disorders of the kidney and urinary tract concentrates on hereditary syndromes involving both skin and kidney, skin manifestations of renal disorders, cutaneous problems in renal transplant recipients, and skin disorders with renal involvement.
Protein‐Based Controllable Nanoarchitectonics for Desired Applications
Authors: Li Ling , Zhang Yingying , Wu Yage , Wang Zhengge , Cui Wandi , Zhang Chunhong , Wang Jinglin , Liu Yongchun , Yang Peng
Published: March 2024

Controllable protein nanoarchitectonics refers to the process of manipulating and controlling the assembly of proteins at the nanoscale to achieve domain‐limited and accurate spatial arrangement. In nature, many proteins undergo precise self‐assembly with other structural domains to engage in synergistic physiological activities. Protein nanomaterials prepared through protein nanosizing have received considerable attention due to their excellent biocompatibility, low toxicity, modifiability, and versatility. This review focuses on the fundamental strategies used for controllable protein nanoarchitectinics, which include computational design, self‐assembly induction, template introduction, complexation induction, chemical modification, and in vivo assembly. Precise controlling of the nanosizing process has enabled the creation of protein nanostructures with different dimensions, including 0D spherical oligomers, 1D nanowires, nanorings, and nanotubes, as well as 2D nanofilms, and 3D protein nanocages. The unique biological properties of proteins hold promise for diverse applications of these protein nanomaterials, including in biomedicine, the food industry, agriculture, biosensing, environmental protection, biocatalysis, and artificial light harvesting. Protein nanosizing is a powerful tool for developing biomaterials with advanced structures and functions.
Ultrafast Dual‐Band Imaging Using Solution‐Processed Stacked Perovskite Diodes
Authors: Zou Can , Yu Dongfang , Lin Miaoyu , Shen Benben , Peng Yu , Zheng Yichu , Yang Hua Gui , Hou Yu , Yang Shuang
Published: March 2024

Multispectral imaging that captures multiple band information for effective environmental or object identification is of great interest in medical, vision, military, and space applications. Monolithic stacked detectors based on epitaxial electronics have been the principal option for infrared dual‐band imagers. However, the integration of these single‐band units would inevitably lead to performance reduction, high fabrication cost, and low reproducibility yield, which limits the widespread application of such technology. Here, a high‐throughput blade coating process is demonstrated to fabricate monolithic double‐perovskite‐layer photodiodes with preferential crystallographic morphology and high reproductivity. The device delivers electrically switchable dual‐band response with a dark current below 10−9 mA cm−2, a selective spectral response of 300–1100 nm, and bandwidths of 16.5/>20 MHz for two distinct bands. Furthermore, such device configuration can concurrently capture dual‐color spectral information under an AC‐driven mode, enabling the complementary dual‐spectral imaging for bioimaging and environmental monitoring.
Synergistic Engineering of Top Gate Stack for Low Hysteresis 2D MoS2 Transistors
Authors: Sheng Chuming , Wang Xinyu , Dong Xiangqi , Hu Yan , Zhu Yuxuan , Wang Die , Gou Saifei , Sun Qicheng , Zhang Zhejia , Zhang Jinshu , Ao Mingrui , Chen Haojie , Tian Yuchen , Shang Jieya , Song Yufei , He Xinliu , Xu Zihan , Li Lin , Zhou Peng , Bao Wenzhong
Published: March 2024

2D semiconductors have emerged as candidates for next‐generation electronics. However, previously reported 2D transistors which typically employ the gate‐first process to fabricate a back‐gate (BG) configuration while neglecting the thorough impact on the dielectric capping layer, are severely constrained in large‐scale manufacturing and compatibility with complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) technology. In this study, dual‐gate (DG) field‐effect transistors have been realized based on wafer‐scale monolayer MoS2 and the gate‐last processing, which avoids the transfer process and utilizes an optimized top‐gate (TG) dielectric stack, rendering it highly compatible with CMOS technology. Subsequently, the physical mechanism of TG dielectric deposition and the corresponding controllable threshold voltage (VTH) shift is investigated. Then the fabricated TG‐devices with a large on/off ratio up to 1.7 × 109, negligible hysteresis (≈14 mV), and favorable stability. Additionally, encapsulated TG structured photodetectors have been demonstrated which exhibit photo responsivity (R) up to 9.39 × 103 A W−1 and detectivity (D*) ≈2.13 × 1013 Jones. The result paves the way for future CMOS‐compatible integration of 2D semiconductors for complex multifunctional IC applications.
Bidirectionally High‐Thermally Conductive and Environmentally Adaptive Graphene Thick Films Enabled by Seamless Bonding Assembly for Extreme Thermal Management
Authors: Hao Yuanyuan , Ming Xin , Lu Jiahao , Cao Min , Zhang Peijuan , Shi Hang , Li Kaiwen , Gao Yue , Wang Lidan , Fang Wenzhang , Chen Yance , Zhang Lin , Sun Haiyan , Gao Weiwei , Liu Yingjun , Xu Zhen , Gao Chao
Published: March 2024

With the rapid development of high‐power electronics in aerospace, communication, and energy storage systems, the huge heat flux poses an increasing threat to the safety of electronic devices. Compared with thin films of a few micro thicknesses, high‐quality graphene thick film (GTF) exceeding hundreds of microns thickness is a promising candidate to solve thermal management challenges owing to higher heat‐flux. However, traditional GTF usually has lower thermal conductivity and weak mechanical properties attributed to disordered sheet alignment and frail interfacial adhesion. Here, a seamless bonding assembly (SBA) strategy is proposed to attain GTF over record hundreds of microns with robust coalescence interfaces. For the GTF‐SBA with ≈250 µm thickness, the in‐plane and through‐plane thermal conductivities are 925.75 and 7.03 W m−1 K−1, approximately two times and 12 times those of the GTF prepared by traditional adhesive assembly method, respectively. Furthermore, the GTF‐SBA demonstrates remarkable stability even after cycled harsh temperature shocks from 77 to 573 K, ensuring its environmental adaptability for long‐term service in extreme conditions. These findings provide valuable insights into the interfacial design of graphene bulk materials and highlight the potential applications of high‐performance graphene‐based materials for extreme thermal management demands.
Unlocking Quasi‐Monophase Behavior in NASICON Cathode to Drive Fast‐Charging Toward Durable Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhao Xin‐Xin , Wang Xiao‐Tong , Gu Zhen‐Yi , Guo Jin‐Zhi , Cao Jun‐Ming , Liu Yan , Li Jie , Huang Zhi‐Xiong , Zhang Jing‐Ping , Wu Xing‐Long
Published: March 2024

The NASICON cathode, Na3V2(PO4)3, has garnered significant attention due to its robust framework with fast Na+ migration. To expand its application scenarios by diversified electronic reaction, the substitution of vanadium with cost‐effective and abundant redox elements is a special research topic. Nevertheless, in terms of reducing toxicity, increasing Na content and widening voltage range, the V4+/5+ redox couple in Na4FeV(PO4)3 often accompanies asymmetric and irreversible electrochemical reactions that pose a dilemma for capacity and structural stability, especially at high currents. Herein, in this work, Na4FeV1/3Ti2/3(PO4)3 (NFVT) has achieved highly reactive of multiple electron transfer (Ti2+/3+, Fe2+/3+, and V3+/4+/5+) by utilizing the redox reaction with quasi‐monophase behavior, and it can reserve great capacity retention after 3,000 cycles. More competitively, its boosting kinetics makes the fast‐charging characteristic, just requiring only 3.63 min to reach 80% state of charge at 2 C. The rapid ion/electron transport dynamics can achieve the decay of only 0.043% per cycle by unlocking the quasi‐monophase behavior in the framework of NFVT full cells. The present study provides a fresh perspective on designing cathode materials with fast‐charging capabilities for sodium‐ion batteries.