bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent Progress in Modular Electrochemical Synthesis of Hydrogen and High‐Value‐added Chemicals based on Solid Redox Mediator
Authors: Yu Xueping , Feng Biao , Yao Min , Peng Juan , Yang Shubin
Published: March 2024

Electrochemical synthesis of H2 and high‐value‐added chemicals is an efficient and cost‐effective approach that can be powered using renewable electricity. Compared to a conventional electrochemical production system, the modular electrochemical production system (MEPS) based on a solid redox mediator (SRM) can separate the anodic and cathodic reactions in time and space. The MEPS can avoid the use of membranes and formation of useless products, as well as eliminate the mutual dependence of production rates at anode and cathode. The SRM can temporarily store or release electrons and ions to pair with cathodic and anodic reactions, respectively, in MEPS. Designing of SRMs with large charge capacity and good cyclability is of great significance for constructing a high‐performance MEPS. This work summarizes the design principles, recent advances in MEPS based on SRM, and application in redox flow cells. Moreover, structure design strategies as well as in situ characterization techniques and theoretical calculations for SRM is also proposed. It is expected to promote the vigorous development of MEPS based on SRM. Finally, the challenges and perspectives of MEPS based on SRM are discussed.
Dion‐Jacobson Type Lead‐Free Double Perovskite with Ultra‐Narrow Aromatic Interlayer Spacing for Highly Sensitive and Stable X‐ray Detection
Authors: Chen Guirong , Dai Hongliang , Zhu Zeng‐Kui , Wu Jianbo , Yu Panpan , Zeng Ying , Zheng Yingying , Xu Lijun , Luo Junhua
Published: March 2024

The low‐toxic and environmentally friendly 2D lead‐free perovskite has made significant progress in the exploration of “green” X‐ray detectors. However, the gap in detection performance between them and their lead‐based analogues remains a matter of concern that cannot be ignored. To reduce this gap, shortening the interlayer spacing to accelerate the migration and collection of X‐ray carriers is a promising strategy. Herein, a Dion‐Jacobson (DJ) lead‐free double perovskite (4‐AP)2AgBiBr8 (1, 4‐AP = 4‐amidinopyridine) with an ultra‐narrow interlayer spacing of 3.0 Å, is constructed by utilizing π‐conjugated aromatic spacers. Strikingly, the subsequent enhanced carrier transport and increased crystal density lead to X‐ray detectors based on bulk single crystals of 1 with a high sensitivity of 1117.3 µC Gy−1 cm−2, superior to the vast majority of similar double perovskites. In particular, the tight connection of the inorganic layers by the divalent cations enhances structural rigidity and stability, further endowing 1 detector with ultralow dark current drift (3.06 × 10−8 nA cm−1 s−1 V−1, 80 V), excellent multiple cycles switching X‐ray irradiation stability, as well as long‐term environmental stability (maintains over 94% photoresponse after 90 days). This work brings lead‐free double perovskites one step closer to realizing efficient practical green applications.
Lily Polysaccharide Nano‐Selenium Promotes A549 Cells Apoptosis through Cell Cycle Inhibition
Authors: Wei Hailian , Wang Yajun , Hua Cuiping , Zhang Yubao , Guo Zhihong , Qiu Yang , Li Wenmei , Xie Zhongkui
Published: March 2024

This study uses Lilium davidii var. unicolor (Lanzhou lily) polysaccharides extracted from bulbs to prepare nano‐selenium (nano‐Se) polysaccharide (LPS). Here, the study explores the molecular structure characterization, inhibition effects, and mechanisms of action of prepared LPS on A549 lung cancer cells. The LPS structure is characterized using Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV spectroscopy (UV–vis), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), etc. Results show that selenized polysaccharides bonded through electrostatic adsorption, with an average LPS particle size of 243.75 nm and zeta potential of −38.3 mV, which can be stably preserved at 4 °C for more than 3 months. The in vitro antitumor activity experiment shows that the prepared LPS inhibited A549 cell proliferation while affecting cell migration. Cell cycle analysis shows that apoptosis is promoted by blocking the G1 phase, while during the late apoptosis stage cells accounted for 60%. RNA‐Seq data analysis shows that the main mechanisms of action on A549 cells are to inhibit DNA replication initiation genes, block the cell cycle, and regulate the expression of apoptosis‐related genes and proteins in promoting cell apoptosis.
Implementation of sonopartogram: multicenter feasibility study
Authors: Lee N. M. W. , Lau S. L. , Yeung Y. K. , Chiu C. P. H. , Liu F. , Lau Y. Y. , Fidalgo A. M. , Cuerva M. J. , Aquise A. , Nguyen‐Hoang L. , Gil M. M. , Poon L. C.
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Well‐established clinical practice for assessing progress in labor involves routine abdominal palpation and vaginal examination (VE). However, VE is subjective, poorly reproducible and painful for most women. In this study, our aim was to evaluate the feasibility of systematically integrating transabdominal and transperineal ultrasound assessment of fetal position, parasagittal angle of progression (psAOP), head–perineum distance (HPD) and sonographic cervical dilatation (SCD) to monitor the progress of labor in women undergoing induction of labor (IOL). We also aimed to determine if ultrasound can reduce women's pain during such examinations.

Methods

Women were recruited as they presented for IOL in three maternity units. Ultrasound assessments were performed in 100 women between 37 + 0 and 41 + 6 weeks' gestation. A baseline combined transabdominal and transperineal scan was performed, including assessment of fetal biometry, umbilical artery and fetal middle cerebral artery Doppler, amniotic fluid index, fetal spine and occiput positions, psAOP, HPD, SCD and cervical length. Intrapartum scans were performed instead of VE, unless there was a clinical indication to perform a VE, according to protocol. Participants were asked to indicate their level of pain by verbally giving a pain score between 0 and 10 (with 0 representing no pain) during assessment. Repeated measures data were analyzed using mixed‐effect models to identify significant factors that affected the relationship between psAOP, HPD, SCD and mode of delivery.

Results

A total of 100 women were included in the study. Of these, 20% delivered by Cesarean section, 65% vaginally and 15% by instrumental delivery. There were no adverse fetal or maternal outcomes. A total of 223 intrapartum ultrasound scans were performed in 87 participants (13 women delivered before intrapartum ultrasound was performed), with a median of two scans per participant (interquartile range (IQR), 1–3). Of these, 76 women underwent a total of 151 VEs with a median of one VE per participant (IQR, 0–2), with no significant difference between vaginal‐ or Cesarean‐delivery groups. After excluding those with epidural anesthesia during examination, the median pain score for intrapartum scans was 0 (IQR, 0–1) and for VE it was 3 (IQR, 0–6). Cesarean delivery was significantly associated with a slower rate of change in psAOP, HPD and SCD.

Conclusions

Comprehensive transabdominal and transperineal ultrasound assessment can be used to assess progress in labor and can reduce the level of pain experienced during examination. Ultrasound assessment may be able to replace some transabdominal and vaginal examinations during labor. © 2024 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Computational high‐pressure chemistry: Ab initio simulations of atoms, molecules, and extended materials in the gigapascal regime
Authors: Zeller Felix , Hsieh Chieh‐Min , Dononelli Wilke , Neudecker Tim
Published: March 2024

The field of liquid‐phase and solid‐state high‐pressure chemistry has exploded since the advent of the diamond anvil cell, an experimental technique that allows the application of pressures up to several hundred gigapascals. To complement high‐pressure experiments, a large number of computational tools have been developed. These techniques enable the simulation of chemical systems, their sizes ranging from single atoms to infinitely large crystals, under high pressure, and the calculation of the resulting structural, electronic, and spectroscopic changes. At the most fundamental level, computational methods using carefully tailored wall potentials allow the analytical calculation of energies and electronic properties of compressed atoms. Molecules and molecular clusters can be compressed either via mechanochemical approaches or via more sophisticated computational protocols using implicit or explicit solvation approaches, typically in combination with density functional theory, thus allowing the simulation of pressure‐induced chemical reactions. Crystals and other periodic systems can be routinely simulated under pressure as well, both statically and dynamically, to predict the changes of crystallographic data under pressure and high‐pressure crystal structure transitions. In this review, the theoretical foundations of the available computational tools for simulating high‐pressure chemistry are introduced and example applications demonstrating the strengths and weaknesses of each approach are discussed.

This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Computational Materials Science

Electronic Structure Theory > Ab Initio Electronic Structure Methods

Software > Simulation Methods
LncRNA LUESCC promotes esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by targeting the miR-6785-5p/NRSN2 axis
Authors: Xue Song-tao , Cao Shi-qiang , Ding Jian-cheng , Li Wen-juan , Hu Guo-sheng , Zheng Jian-cong , Lin Xiao , Chen Chun , Liu Wen , Zheng Bin
Published: March 2024

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal malignancies with high mortality worldwide. Emerging evidence indicates that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in human cancers, including ESCC. However, the detailed mechanisms of lncRNAs in the regulation of ESCC progression remain incompletely understood. LUESCC was upregulated in ESCC tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues, which was associated with gender, deep invasion, lymph node metastasis, and poor prognosis of ESCC patients. LUESCC was mainly localized in the cytoplasm of ESCC cells. Knockdown of LUESCC inhibited cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion in vitro and suppressed tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistic investigation indicated that LUESCC functions as a ceRNA by sponging miR-6785-5p to enhance NRSN2 expression, which is critical for the malignant behaviors of ESCC. Furthermore, ASO targeting LUESCC substantially suppressed ESCC both in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, these data demonstrate that LUESCC may exerts its oncogenic role by sponging miR-6785-5p to promote NRSN2 expression in ESCC, providing a potential diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for ESCC patients.
Guiding principles on the education and practice of theranostics
Authors: Pascual Thomas N. B. , Paez Diana , Iagaru Andrei , Gnanasegaran Gopi , Lee Sze Ting , Sathekge Mike , Buatti John M. , Giammarile Francesco , Al-Ibraheem Akram , Pardo Manuela Arevalo , Baum Richard P. , De Bari Berardino , Ben-Haim Simona , Blay Jean-Yves , Brink Anita , Estrada-Lobato Enrique , Fanti Stefano , Golubic Anja Tea , Hatazawa Jun , Israel Ora , Kiess Ana , Knoll Peter , Louw Lizette , Mariani Giuliano , Mirzaei Siroos , Orellana Pilar , Prior John O. , Urbain Jean-Luc , Vichare Shrikant , Vinjamuri Sobhan , Virgolini Irene , Scott Andrew M.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The recent development and approval of new diagnostic imaging and therapy approaches in the field of theranostics have revolutionised nuclear medicine practice. To ensure the provision of these new imaging and therapy approaches in a safe and high-quality manner, training of nuclear medicine physicians and qualified specialists is paramount. This is required for trainees who are learning theranostics practice, and for ensuring minimum standards for knowledge and competency in existing practising specialists.

Methods

To address the need for a training curriculum in theranostics that would be utilised at a global level, a Consultancy Meeting was held at the IAEA in May 2023, with participation by experts in radiopharmaceutical therapy and theranostics including representatives of major international organisations relevant to theranostics practice.

Results

Through extensive discussions and review of existing curriculum and guidelines, a harmonised training program for theranostics was developed, which aims to ensure safe and high quality theranostics practice in all countries.

Conclusion

The guiding principles for theranostics training outlined in this paper have immediate relevance for the safe and effective practice of theranostics.
Effect of soil depth on the structure of bacterial composition in the active layer at five geologically distinct sites on James Ross and Vega Islands in Antarctica
Authors: Micenková Lenka , Sedláček Ivo , Hrbáček Filip , Švec Pavel , Nývlt Daniel , Pantůček Roman , Mašlaňová Ivana
Published: March 2024

Microbial communities in the active layer play a crucial role in the biogeochemical cycles of Antarctic pristine ecosystems. Here, 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to investigate bacterial communities in active layer of five different geological sites related to the compositional variation of the geological bedrock, including Neogene volcanic or Cretaceous rocks and or marine sediments areas of distinct elevation. Local variations in the thickness of the active layer (50–80 cm) were observed on the Ulu Peninsula, James Ross Island, and the southwest coast of Vega Island, Antarctica during sampling in 2019. High bacterial diversity was detected in all sampling sites. Significant site effects on bacterial composition with increased Chloroflexota and decreased Flavobacteriaceae were only observed between the highest elevation Johnson Mesa 2 plateau and coastal areas. The overall effect of the depth was reflected by the increased of e.g., Cyanobacteria, Propionibacterium, Staphylococcus in the upper surface and Chloroflexota, Acidobacteriota, Actinomycetota at depths below 30 cm. The huge number of unassigned bacteria indicated a potential source of new bacterial species and their ecological role in this extreme environment. For the first time, we showed that the effect of depth on bacterial composition was more significant than the effect of geological bedrock from these previously unexplored regions.
A Note on the Gyárfás–Sumner Conjecture
Authors: Nguyen Tung , Scott Alex , Seymour Paul
Published: March 2024

The Gyárfás–Sumner conjecture says that for every tree T and every integer $$t\ge 1$$

t
≥
1

, if G is a graph with no clique of size t and with sufficiently large chromatic number, then G contains an induced subgraph isomorphic to T. This remains open, but we prove that under the same hypotheses, G contains a subgraph H isomorphic to T that is “path-induced”; that is, for some distinguished vertex r, every path of H with one end r is an induced path of G.
Eine Ethik des Genusses in der Pflege älterer und hochaltriger Menschen
Authors: Arndt Megan , Teuchert Lisanne
Published: March 2024

Genuss spielt in ethischen Annäherungen an die Pflege bisher noch keine bedeutende Rolle. Dabei zeigen philosophische und theologische Ansätze wie die von Emmanuel Lévinas, Ina Praetorius und Corine Pelluchon die grundlegende Bedeutung von Leiblichkeit, Genährtwerden und Genuss auf. Ebenso werden Momente des sinnlichen Genusses im Pflegealltag sowohl von Pflegekräften als auch von Gepflegten als sinnstiftend erlebt. Momente des Genusses können sich sowohl während der Pflege selbst ereignen als auch in Momenten, die über pflegerische Tätigkeiten im engeren Sinne hinausgehen. Genuss steht dabei in Zusammenhang mit Wohlbefinden, Lebensqualität, Glück und Gesundheit. Auch wenn Genuss der Gesundheit zuträglich sein kann, liegt in Momenten des Genusses selbst ein Zweck, der sich der Funktionalisierung entzieht. Eine Ethik des Genusses, die theoretische Ansätze und die Erfahrungen aus dem Pflegealltag miteinander verbindet, kann die Wahrnehmung von Pflege und die theoretische wie empirische Erforschung von Pflege bereichern. Der vorliegende Beitrag bietet hierzu eine ethische Einordnung des Themas und einen thesenartigen Aufschlag zu einer Ethik des Genusses in der Pflege.
User experience model and design strategies for virtual reality-based cultural heritage exhibition
Authors: Gong Qing , Zou Ning , Yang Wenjing , Zheng Qi , Chen Pengrui
Published: March 2024

A virtual reality (VR) based cultural heritage exhibition (VRCHE) is an important type of VR-based museum exhibition. The user experience (UX) design of VRCHE has encountered opportunities and due to the differences in human–computer interaction between VR-based and conventional interaction interfaces, so proposing the UX model of VRCHE is crucial. Although there are some existing works that study the UX models of VRCHEs, they are not complete enough to describe the UX of VRCHEs or offer any design strategies due to the methodologies and experimental materials that they currently use. This study creates experiments utilizing grounded theory that combine qualitative and quantitative approaches. Then, the study synthesizes three-level coding and quantitative analysis findings from grounded theory, builds a detailed model of the VRCHE UX using theoretical coding, and proposes design strategies.
A systematic review of wearable biosensor usage in immersive virtual reality experiences
Authors: Guillen-Sanz Henar , Checa David , Miguel-Alonso Ines , Bustillo Andres
Published: March 2024

Wearable biosensors are increasingly incorporated in immersive Virtual Reality (iVR) applications. A trend that is attributed to the availability of better quality, less costly, and easier-to-use devices. However, consensus is yet to emerge over the most optimal combinations. In this review, the aim is to clarify the best examples of biosensor usage in combination with iVR applications. The high number of papers in the review (560) were classified into the following seven fields of application: psychology, medicine, sports, education, ergonomics, military, and tourism and marketing. The use of each type of wearable biosensor and Head-Mounted Display was analyzed for each field of application. Then, the development of the iVR application is analyzed according to its goals, user interaction levels, and the possibility of adapting the iVR environment to biosensor feedback. Finally, the evaluation of the iVR experience was studied, considering such issues as sample size, the presence of a control group, and post-assessment routines. A working method through which the most common solutions, the best practices, and the most promising trends in biofeedback-based iVR applications were identified for each field of application. Besides, guidelines oriented towards good practice are proposed for the development of future iVR with biofeedback applications. The results of this review suggest that the use of biosensors within iVR environments need to be standardized in some fields of application, especially when considering the adaptation of the iVR experience to real-time biosignals to improve user performance.
Perioperative chemotherapy with docetaxel plus oxaliplatin and S-1 (DOS) versus oxaliplatin plus S-1 (SOX) for the treatment of locally advanced gastric or gastro-esophageal junction adenocarcinoma (MATCH): an open-label, randomized, phase 2 clinical trial
Authors: Jiang Zhichao , Xie Yibin , Zhang Wen , Du Chunxia , Zhong Yuxin , Zhu Yuelu , Jiang Liming , Dou Lizhou , Shao Kang , Sun Yongkun , Xue Qi , Tian Yantao , Gao Shugeng , Zhao Dongbing , Zhou Aiping
Published: March 2024

Background

It remains unclear whether addition of docetaxel to the combination of a platinum and fluoropyrimidine could provide more clinical benefits than doublet chemotherapies in the perioperative treatment for locally advanced gastric/gastro-esophageal junction (LAG/GEJ) cancer in Asia. In this randomized, phase 2 study, we assessed the efficacy and safety of perioperative docetaxel plus oxaliplatin and S-1 (DOS) versus oxaliplatin plus S-1 (SOX) in LAG/GEJ adenocarcinoma patients.

Methods

Patients with cT3–4 Nany M0 G/GEJ adenocarcinoma were randomized (1:1) to receive 4 cycles of preoperative DOS or SOX followed by D2 gastrectomy and another 4 cycles of postoperative chemotherapy. The primary endpoint was major pathological response (MPR).

Results

From Aug, 2015 to Dec, 2019,154 patients were enrolled and 147 patients included in final analysis, with a median age of 60 (26–73) years. DOS resulted in significantly higher MPR (25.4 vs. 11.8%, P = 0.04). R0 resection rate, the 3-year PFS and 3-year OS rates were 78.9 vs. 61.8% (P = 0.02), 52.3 vs. 35% (HR 0.667, 95% CI: 0.432–1.029, Log rank P = 0.07) and 57.5 vs. 49.2% (HR 0.685, 95% CI: 0.429–1.095, Log rank P = 0.11) in the DOS and SOX groups, respectively. Patients who acquired MPR experienced significantly better survival. DOS had similar tolerance to SOX.

Conclusions

Perioperative DOS improved MPR significantly and tended to produce longer PFS compared to SOX in LAG/GEJ cancer in Asia, and might be considered as a preferred option for perioperative chemotherapy and worth further investigation.
Evaluation of Effectiveness of Self-Supervised Learning in Chest X-Ray Imaging to Reduce Annotated Images
Authors: Imagawa Kuniki , Shiomoto Kohei
Published: March 2024

A significant challenge in machine learning-based medical image analysis is the scarcity of medical images. Obtaining a large number of labeled medical images is difficult because annotating medical images is a time-consuming process that requires specialized knowledge. In addition, inappropriate annotation processes can increase model bias. Self-supervised learning (SSL) is a type of unsupervised learning method that extracts image representations. Thus, SSL can be an effective method to reduce the number of labeled images. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of reducing the number of labeled images in a limited set of unlabeled medical images. The unlabeled chest X-ray (CXR) images were pretrained using the SimCLR framework, and then the representations were fine-tuned as supervised learning for the target task. A total of 2000 task-specific CXR images were used to perform binary classification of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and normal cases. The results demonstrate that the performance of pretraining on task-specific unlabeled CXR images can be maintained when the number of labeled CXR images is reduced by approximately 40%. In addition, the performance was significantly better than that obtained without pretraining. In contrast, a large number of pretrained unlabeled images are required to maintain performance regardless of task specificity among a small number of labeled CXR images. In summary, to reduce the number of labeled images using SimCLR, we must consider both the number of images and the task-specific characteristics of the target images.
Cécile & Oskar Vogt: Leben, Werk und ihr Beitrag zur Epileptologie
Authors: Kasper Burkhard S.
Published: March 2024

Cécile und Oskar Vogt waren Gehirnforscher, die Struktur und Funktion des Zentralnervensystems über Jahrzehnte gemeinsam systematisch studierten. Im Berlin der Jahrhundertwende begannen sie noch vor 1900 ihre umfassenden zyto- und myeloarchitektonischen Studien an humanen Ganzhirnschnitten und mit Stimulationsexperimenten der Hirnrinde verschiedener Species, die sie bis zu ihrem Tod fortsetzen. Unter einfachen Bedingungen in einer Berliner Privatwohnung begannen sie ihre „Neurologische Centralstation“, die 1902 zum Neurologischen Laboratorium der Universität und 1914 zum Kaiser-Wilhelm-Institut (KWI) für Hirnforschung umgewidmet wurde. 1931 erst bezogen sie das neu gebaute KWI in Berlin-Buch, dem ersten Hirnforschungsinstitut seiner Art weltweit. Dies war wesentlich ermöglicht durch Zuwendungen von Krupp und der Rockefeller-Stiftung. In der NS-Zeit aus Berlin und dem Institut gedrängt, führten sie ihre Arbeit an einem neuen Institut im Schwarzwald fort, dessen Nachfolge heute das Cécile & Oskar Vogt Institut für Hirnforschung in Düsseldorf darstellt. In der Gruppe um die Vogts erarbeitete Korbinian Brodmann die berühmte Rindenkarte. Ihre Stimulationserkenntnisse diskutierten sie und glichen diese u. a. mit Otfried Foerster und Wilder Penfield ab. Die Vogts selbst arbeiteten an vielfältigen Themen. Wenngleich sie nicht direkt die Epilepsie studierten, so stellt die Ammonshornsklerose (AHS) eine zentrale Läsion in ihrer Überlegung zu ihrer Beobachtung der selektiven Vulnerabilität bestimmter Rindenregionen dar. Diese formulierten sie in der sog. Pathoklisetheorie, die gerade für Epilepsie und AHS kontrovers diskutiert wurde, sich aber als weitsichtig und i. W. als richtig erwies, wenngleich die Vogts sie mit den Mitteln ihrer Zeit noch nicht verifizieren konnten. Ihre Erkenntnisse wirken bis heute nach und stellen ein Fundament der modernen Epileptologie dar.
A remote sensing assessment of oak forest recovery after postfire restoration
Authors: Lopes L. F. , Dias F. S. , Fernandes P. M. , Acácio V.
Published: March 2024

Mediterranean Europe is experiencing a rise in severe wildfires, resulting in growing socioeconomic and ecological impacts. Postfire restoration has become a crucial approach to mitigate these impacts and promote ecosystem recovery. However, the ecological effects of such interventions are still not well understood. We employed remote sensing techniques to evaluate the impact of postfire emergency stabilization on the recovery of deciduous oak forests in Portugal. Our study encompassed 3013 sampling points located in areas with and without postfire interventions. We chose the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) as an indicator of oak forest recovery over a four-year period following wildfires that took place in 2016 and 2017. We used a Generalized Additive Mixed Model (GAMM) to assess how NDVI changed over time as a function of postfire restoration, fire characteristics, topography, and postfire drought events. We found that postfire restoration had a significant positive effect on NDVI recovery over time, although this effect was small. Severe drought and fire recurrence up to six fires had a negative effect on the recovery of NDVI. Conversely, severe wetness and either low or high burn severities had a positive effect on recovery. Our study emphasizes the importance of monitoring postfire restoration effects on forest recovery to guide restoration planning and improve forest management in burned areas. This becomes even more relevant under increased wildfire severity predicted for the Mediterranean region interacting with other climate-driven disturbances, which will further negatively affect forest recovery.
The effects of land use types on microplastics in river water: A case study on the mainstream of the Wei River, China
Authors: Zhang Le , Li Xi , Li Qi , Xia Xiaoqiang , Zhang Hang
Published: March 2024

Microplastics are widely found in rivers and their sediments, which will cause harm to the water ecological environment. The Wei River is a first-class tributary of the Yellow River, the fifth largest river in the world, and has vulnerable ecological environment and most sediment in the world. However, understanding how anthropogenic activities and environmental factors affect the microplastics distribution in this river is not clear. Based on this, the spatiotemporal distribution of microplastics in the Wei River were investigated. The abundance of microplastics ranged from 1033 to 8333 items/m3 and from 120 to 840 items/kg in the water and in the sediment, respectively. Fibers and fragments were the main shapes of Wei River, microplastics less than 500 μm were the main sizes, and black and white/transparent were the main colors. In Wei River, the abundance of microplastics in urban areas was higher than that in agricultural areas and mountainous areas. Furthermore, the correlation analysis revealed that microplastic abundance in the water was related to anthropogenic activities (population density, per capita GDP and distance) and environmental factors (water temperature, NH3-N, ORP), while in the sediments was correlated with anthropogenic activities (per capita GDP) and environmental factors (water temperature and NH3-N). This study reveals new patterns in microplastic pollution in the Wei River, underscoring the need for targeted environmental strategies. Our findings provide novel insights into the characteristics and distribution of microplastics, significantly adding to the current understanding of riverine microplastic pollution.
Decoding the drivers and effects of deforestation in Peru: a national and regional analysis
Authors: Móstiga Maricel , Armenteras Dolors , Vayreda Jordi , Retana Javier
Published: March 2024

High deforestation rates in tropical forests of South America lead to biodiversity loss, climate change and alterations in nature’s contributions to people. Deforestation drivers vary across scales due to the heterogeneity of environmental and socioeconomic conditions and forest types. Here, we test the effects of deforestation drivers on deforestation rate from 2000 to 2020 at national and regional scales using Peru as a study case. To do that, we selected nine deforestation drivers commonly used in tropical deforestation analyses. We used the forest cover loss dataset of Global Forest Change to calculate deforestation rates. We conducted five path analyses, one for the national scale and the others for the four regions, using the district as a spatial unit. The national path model explained 34% of the total observed variance and showed that temperature, agriculture, transport network, precipitation, rural population and fire had a positive effect on deforestation, while the slope had a negative effect. The regional path models (63% of the total observed variance in the Coast region, 32% in the Andean, 60% in the High Rainforest and 75% in the Low Rainforest) showed that many national drivers remained at the regional scale. However, we found that the strength, relation (positive/negative) and type (direct/indirect) may vary. Therefore, identifying regional differences in deforestation dynamics is crucial for forest conservation planning and for addressing effective policies in tropical countries. However, improving the quality and availability of national data is essential for further advancing our understanding of this complex process.
Characterizing Family Planning Utilization in Adult Women and Adolescents in Pohnpei, Federerated States of Micronesia
Authors: McDonald Katherine , Cash McGinley Haley L. , Abraham Delpihn , Kapiriel Stephanie F. , Lorrin Marcy
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Increasing family planning xutilization in low-income countries to improve health outcomes of women and children is a global priority. The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) has poor maternal child health outcomes; therefore, this study aimed to examine family planning utilization in Pohnpei State, FSM.

Methods

This cross-sectional study sought to characterize family planning utilization in adult women of reproductive age and high school age adolescents in Pohnpei using representative survey data collected in 2019 (N = 570 and N = 1726, respectively). Chi-square tests were used to determine significant factors associated with family planning utilization.

Results

Among adult women of reproductive age (18–49 years old) not trying to get pregnant, 31.6% reported using contraception during last intercourse. Contraceptive use was significantly lower among younger women (18–24 years old) (21.7%, p = 0.021), unmarried women (18.6%, p < 0.001), those without health insurance (28.7%, p = 0.030), those who have never had a pap smear (20.5%, p < 0.001), and those who have never been pregnant (14.5%, p < 0.002). Among adolescents who reported being sexually active, 28.5% reported using any contraception at last intercourse and 22.6% reported using a condom at last intercourse. Condom use among sexually active adolescents was lowest among 12th graders (13.5%, p < 0.001) and girls (16.8%, p = 0.004).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that young, unmarried, never pregnant women face an unmet need for family planning. Additionally, women with lower access to and use of healthcare services have lower use of family planning.
Aloe vera gel confers therapeutic effect by reducing pyroptosis in ethanol-induced gastric ulcer rat model: Role of NLRP3/GSDMD signaling pathway
Authors: Mohamed Amany O. , Abd-Elghaffar Sary Kh. , Mousa Rehab A. , Kamel Amira A.
Published: March 2024

Background

Gastric ulcer (GU) is a common gastrointestinal tract illness. Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and healing characteristics. This research sought to explore the therapeutic impact of Aloe vera gel on ethanol-provoked GU in rats and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms involved.

Methods

An ethanol-induced GU rat model was constructed using forty male Wistar rats distributed at random into four groups: control, ulcer, pantoprazole, and Aloe vera. Gross evaluation of the stomach, ulcer index (UI), inhibition index, and gastric pH estimation were analyzed. Gastric malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) were determined using the spectrophotometric method, and serum gastrin level was measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Gastric nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich repeat, and pyrin domain PYD containing protein 3 (NLRP3) and gasdermin D (GSDMD) mRNA expression levels were estimated by quantitative real-time PCR. Finally, the histopathological examination of the glandular part of stomach tissue was done.

Results

The ulcer group revealed a significant increase in MDA, gastrin, NLRP3, and GSDMD and a decrease in gastric pH and GSH compared to the control group. Gross investigations of the ulcer group revealed a hemorrhagic lesion in the stomach and an increase in UI. Also, histopathological results for this group showed severe epithelial loss, haemorrhage, inflammatory cell infiltration, and blood vessel congestion. However, Aloe vera treatment improved the gross, biochemical, molecular, and histopathological alterations induced by ethanol when compared to the ulcer group.

Conclusions

Aloe vera exerted antiulcer activities through modulation of oxidant/antioxidant status, anti-secretory properties, and mitigation of pyroptosis.
Biaxial Extension of Cruciform Specimens: Embedding Equilibrium Into Design and Constitutive Characterization
Authors: Vitucci G.
Published: March 2024

Background

Main desired features of biaxial tests are: uniformity of stresses and strains; high strain levels in gauge areas; reliable constitutive parameters identification. Despite cruciform specimen suitability to modern tensile devices, standard testing techniques are still debated because of difficulties in matching these demands.

Objective

This work aims at providing rational performance objectives and efficient cruciform specimens shapes in view of constitutive characterization.

Methods

Objective performance is evaluated along particular lines lying on principal directions in equibiaxial tensile tests. A rich specimen profile geometry is purposely optimized via finite elements analysis by varying cost function and material compressibility. Experimental tests, monitored via digital image correlation, are carried out for validation.

Results

New shapes are designed and tested in a biaxial tensile apparatus and show to perform better than existing ones. Elastic parameter identification is efficiently performed by only exploiting full field strain measurements along statically significant lines.

Conclusions

Small gauge areas and small fillet radii cruciform specimens approach the ideal deformation behaviour. For the constitutive parameters identification in planar tensile experiments, it suffices to monitor strains along the gauge lines.
Mitochondrial disorders leading to Alzheimer’s disease—perspectives of diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Pszczołowska Magdalena , Walczak Kamil , Miśków Weronika , Mroziak Magdalena , Chojdak-Łukasiewicz Justyna , Leszek Jerzy
Published: March 2024

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder and the most common cause of dementia globally. The pathogenesis of AD remains still unclear. The three main features of AD are extracellular deposits of amyloid beta (Aβ) plaque, accumulation of abnormal formation hyper-phosphorylated tau protein, and neuronal loss. Mitochondrial impairment plays an important role in the pathogenesis of AD. There are problems with decreased activity of multiple complexes, disturbed mitochondrial fusion, and fission or formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Moreover, mitochondrial transport is impaired in AD. Mouse models in many research show disruptions in anterograde and retrograde transport. Both mitochondrial transportation and network impairment have a huge impact on synapse loss and, as a result, cognitive impairment. One of the very serious problems in AD is also disruption of insulin signaling which impairs mitochondrial Aβ removal.

Discovering precise mechanisms leading to AD enables us to find new treatment possibilities. Recent studies indicate the positive influence of metformin or antioxidants such as MitoQ, SS-31, SkQ, MitoApo, MitoTEMPO, and MitoVitE on mitochondrial functioning and hence prevent cognitive decline. Impairments in mitochondrial fission may be treated with mitochondrial division inhibitor-1 or ceramide.

Graphical Abstract

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How Primary Care Clinicians Process Patient Death: Logistics, Emotions, and Opportunities for Structural Support
Authors: Erickson Jessica Alcalay , O’Brien Bridget C. , Nouri Sarah
Published: March 2024

Background

Navigating the logistics and emotional processing of a patient’s death is an inevitable part of many physicians’ roles. While research has primarily examined how inpatient clinicians cope with patient loss, little work has explored how primary care clinicians (PCCs) handle patient death in the outpatient setting, and what support resources could help PCCs process loss.

Objective

To explore PCCs’ experiences with the logistics and emotional processing of patient deaths and suggestions for supportive resources.

Design

Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews conducted between March and May 2023.

Participants

Recruitment emails were sent to 136 PCCs (physicians and nurse practitioners) at three San Francisco academic primary care clinics. Twelve clinicians participated in the study.

Approach

This study used a template analysis approach. Interview transcripts were analyzed in an iterative fashion to identify themes for how PCCs navigate patient death.

Results

Participants (n=12) described outpatient death notification as inconsistent, delayed, and rife with uncertainty regarding subsequent actions. They felt various emotions, notably sadness and guilt, especially with deaths of young, vulnerable patients or those from preventable illnesses. Participants identified strategies for emotional processing and recommended improvements including clear procedural guidance, peer debriefings, and formal acknowledgements of deceased patients.

Conclusions

Interviewing PCCs about their experiences following a patient death revealed key themes in logistical and emotional processing, and clinic resource recommendations to better support PCCs. Given the distinct characteristics of primary care—such as enduring patient relationships, greater isolation in ambulatory settings compared to inpatient environments, and rising burnout rates—enhancing guidance and support for PCCs is crucial to mitigate administrative burdens and grief after patient loss.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The Effect of Bariatric Surgery After Five Years—A Prospective Multicenter Trial
Authors: Peromaa-Haavisto Pipsa , Luostarinen Markku , Juusela Risto , Tuomilehto Henri , Kössi Jyrki
Published: March 2024

Background

The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is high among the bariatric surgery candidates. Obesity is the most important individual risk factor for OSA. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) on OSA 5 years after the surgery.

Patients and Methods

In this prospective multicenter study, standard overnight cardiorespiratory recording was conducted to 150 patients at baseline prior to bariatric surgery. A total of 111 (73.3%) patients of those had OSA. Cardiorespiratory recordings at 5 years after surgery were available for 70 OSA patients. The changes in anthropometric and demographic measurements including age, weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist and neck circumference were evaluated. Also, a quality of life (QoL) questionnaire 15D administered in a baseline was controlled at 5-year follow-up visit.

Results

At 5-year OSA was cured in 55% of patients, but moderate or severe OSA still persisted in 20% of patients after operation. Mean total AHI decreased from 27.8 events/h to 8.8 events/h (p < 0.001) at 5-year follow-up. A clinically significant difference in QoL was seen in mobility, breathing, sleeping, usual activities, discomfort and symptoms, vitality and sexual activity. The QoL total score improved more in OSA patient at 5-year follow-up.

Conclusions

LRYGB is an effective treatment of OSA in obese patients and the achieved beneficial outcomes are maintained at 5-year follow-up.

Graphical Abstract
Methodological Considerations on the Use of Cohort Designs in Drug-Drug Interaction Studies in Pharmacoepidemiology
Authors: Dimakos Jenny , Douros Antonios
Published: March 2024

Purpose of Review

The evidence regarding the clinical effects of drug-drug interactions (DDIs) is scarce and limited. Pharmacoepidemiologic studies could help fill in this important knowledge gap. Here, we review the pharmacoepidemiology of DDIs with a focus on cohort designs. We also highlight the decision-making process with respect to different aspects of cohort study design, potential biases that may arise during this decision process, and mitigation strategies.

Recent Findings

Considering the pharmacologic mechanism of the DDI of interest as well as of the object drug and the precipitant drug separately at the design stage of cohort studies for DDIs will help minimize major biases such as prevalent user bias and confounding by indication. Confounding by indication could also be mitigated by using control precipitants. Further, the correct assignment of the cohort entry date via the application of a time-varying exposure definition can help minimize immortal time bias and prevalent user bias. Minimization of these biases may also potentially be achieved with recently developed tools such as target trial emulation and the prevalent new-user design; however, more research is needed in the area.

Careful consideration of the underlying pharmacology and the specifics of study design will help minimize major biases in cohort studies that aim to assess the clinical effects of DDIs. Recent methodological developments from other areas of pharmacoepidemiology could further improve the internal validity of DDI studies.
Structural design and adaptive tracking control of automatic welding robot for liquefied natural gas containment system
Authors: Chu Yunze , Ma Kejing , Zhao Liang , Xu Jun , Zhou Wenxin , Wang Xu , Guo Haiping , Zhang Yansong
Published: March 2024

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is commonly transported by LNG carriers and stored in cargo containment systems. The primary barrier of the MARK III cargo containment system is welded to a closed space with corrugated stainless steel plates. To meet the requirements of excellent sealing and thermal insulation for cargo containment, the welding process of the corrugated plate need to be strictly controlled, which poses a challenge to the development of related welding equipment. In this paper, we present a new five-axis automatic welding robot system used for plasma arc welding on corrugated surfaces. The moment transfer scheme of the dual linkage mechanism makes the rotary movement of the robot more accurate and stable which gives the system with simpler control algorithm and better overall force characteristics. To ensure tracking accuracy, a novel sensing method based on a LASER sensor, two contact sensors, and an angle sensor is proposed to implement multiple functions such as tracking the welding arc length, identifying corrugation shapes, and detecting welding gun posture. Based on the devised tracking sensor system and welding robot, a servo-control system with a surface-tracking welding control algorithm is established. The experimental results show that the robot system's welding speed is about 7 times that of hand welding and the welding qualification rate was 99%, significantly improving welding efficiency and quality as a critical equipment technology in the process of corrugated plate welding.
Pulmonary toxicity assessment of polypropylene, polystyrene, and polyethylene microplastic fragments in mice
Authors: Kwabena Danso Isaac , Woo Jong-Hwan , Hoon Baek Seung , Kim Kilsoo , Lee Kyuhong
Published: March 2024

Polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), and polyethylene (PE) plastics are commonly used in household items such as electronic housings, food packaging, bottles, bags, toys, and roofing membranes. The presence of inhalable microplastics in indoor air has become a topic of concern as many people spent extended periods of time indoors during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown restrictions, however, the toxic effects on the respiratory system are not properly understood. We examined the toxicity of PP, PS, and PE microplastic fragments in the pulmonary system of C57BL/6 mice. For 14 days, mice were intratracheally instilled 5 mg/kg PP, PS, and PE daily. The number of inflammatory cells such as macrophages, neutrophils, and eosinophils in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of PS-instilled mice was significantly higher than that in the vehicle control (VC). The levels of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in BALF of PS-instilled mice increased compared to the VC. However, the inflammatory responses in PP- and PE-stimulated mice were not significantly different from those in the VC group. We observed elevated protein levels of toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 in the lung tissue of PP-instilled mice and TLR4 in the lung tissue of PS-instilled mice compared with those to the VC, while TLR1, TLR5, and TLR6 protein levels remained unchanged. Phosphorylation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and IĸB-α increased significantly in PS-instilled mice compared with that in VC. Furthermore, Nucleotide‑binding oligomerization domain‑like receptor family pyrin domain‑containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome components including NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC), and Caspase-1 in the lung tissue of PS-instilled mice increased compared with that in the VC, but not in PP- and PE-instilled mice. These results suggest that PS microplastic fragment stimulation induces pulmonary inflammation due to NF-ĸB and NLRP3 inflammasome activation by the TLR4 pathway.