bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nucleation mode growth rates in Hyytiälä during 2003–2009: variation with particle size, season, data analysis method and ambient conditions
Authors: Yli-Juuti T. , Nieminen T. , Hirsikko A. , Aalto P. P. , Asmi E. , Hõrrak U. , Manninen H. E. , Patokoski J. , Dal Maso M. , Petäjä T. , Rinne J. , Kulmala M. , Riipinen I.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. The condensational growth rate of aerosol particles formed in atmospheric new particle formation events is one of the most important factors influencing the life time of these particles and their ability to become climatically relevant. Diameter growth rates (GR) of nucleation mode particles were studied based on almost 7 yr of data measured during the years 2003–2009 at a boreal forest measurement station SMEAR II in Hyytiälä, Finland. The particle growth rates were estimated using particle size distributions measured with a Differential Mobility Particle Sizer (DMPS), a Balanced Scanning Mobility Analyser (BSMA) and an Air Ion Spectrometer (AIS). Two GR analysis methods were tested. The particle growth rates were also compared to an extensive set of ambient meteorological parameters and trace gas concentrations to investigate the processes/constituents limiting the aerosol growth. The median growth rates of particles in the nucleation mode size ranges with diameters of 1.5–3 nm, 3–7 nm and 7–20 nm were 1.9 nm h−1, 3.8 nm h−1, and 4.3 nm h−1, respectively. The median relative uncertainties in the growth rates due to the size distribution instrumentation in these size ranges were 25 %, 19 %, and 8 %, respectively. For the smallest particles (1.5–3 nm) the AIS data yielded on average higher growth rate values than the BSMA data, and higher growth rates were obtained from positively charged size distributions as compared with negatively charged particles. For particles larger than 3 nm in diameter no such systematic differences were found. For these particles the main uncertainty of the growth rate was related to the analysis method, as the values obtained with the two methods had a median difference of 35 %. The growth rates of 7–20 nm particles showed correlation with monoterpene concentrations and their oxidation rate by ozone. The oxidation rate by OH did not show a connection with GR. Our results indicate that the growth of nucleation mode particles in Hyytiälä is mainly limited by the concentrations and O3-oxidation of organic precursors.
Link between local scale BC emissions and large scale atmospheric solar absorption
Authors: Praveen P. S. , Ahmed T. , Kar A. , Rehman I. H. , Ramanathan V.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. Project Surya has documented indoor and outdoor concentrations of black carbon (BC) from traditional biomass burning cook stoves in a rural village located in the Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP) region of N. India from November 2009- September 2010. In this paper, we systematically document the link between local scale aerosol properties and column averaged regional aerosol optical properties and atmospheric radiative forcing. We report observations from the first phase of Project Surya to estimate the source dependent (biomass and fossil fuels) aerosol optical properties from local to regional scale. Data were collected using surface based observations of BC, organic carbon (OC), aerosol light absorption, scattering coefficient at the Surya village (SVI_1) located in IGP region, and satellite and AERONET observations at the regional scale (IGP). The daily mean BC concentrations at SVI_1 showed the large increase of BC during the dry season (December to February) with values reaching 35 μg m−3. Space based LIDAR data reveal how the biomass smoke is trapped within the first kilometre during the dry season and its extension to above 5 km during the pre-monsoon season. As a result during the dry season, the variance in the daily mean SSA and column aerosol optical properties at the local IGP site correlated (with slopes in the range of 0.85 to 1.06 and R2>0.4) well with the "IGP_AERONET" (mean of six AERONET sites), thus suggesting in-situ observations at few locations can be used to infer spatial mean forcing. The atmospheric forcing due to BC and OC exceeded 20 W m−2 during all months from November to May, leading to the deduction that elimination of cook stove smoke emissions through clean cooking technologies will likely have a major positive impact on health and the regional climate.
Projected change in atmospheric nitrogen deposition to the Baltic Sea towards 2020
Authors: Geels C. , Hansen K. M. , Christensen J. H. , Ambelas Skjøth C. , Ellermann T. , Hedegaard G. B. , Hertel O. , Frohn L. M. , Gross A. , Brandt J.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. The ecological status of the Baltic Sea has for many years been affected by the high input of both waterborne and airborne nutrients. The focus is here on the airborne input of nitrogen (N) and the projected changes in this input, assuming the new National Emission Ceilings directive (NEC-II), currently under negotiation in the EU, is fulfilled towards the year 2020. The Danish Eulerian Hemispheric Model (DEHM) has been used to estimate the development in N deposition based on present day meteorology combined with present day (2007) or future (2020) anthropogenic emissions. By using a so called tagging method in the DEHM model, the contribution from ship traffic and from each of the nine countries with coastlines to the Baltic Sea has been assessed. The annual deposition to the Baltic Sea is estimated to be 203 k tonnes N for the present day scenario (2007) and 165 k tonnes N in the 2020 scenario, giving a projected reduction of 38 k tonnes N in the annual load in 2020. This equals a decline in N deposition of 19 %. The results from 20 model runs using the tagging method show that of the total N deposition in 2007, 52 % came from emissions within the bordering countries. By 2020 this is projected to decrease to 48 %. For some countries the projected decrease in N deposition arising from the implementation of the NEC-II directive will be a considerable part of the reductions agreed on in the provisional reduction targets of the Baltic Sea Action Plan. This underlines the importance of including projections like the current in future updates of the Baltic Sea Action Plan.
Short lived climate forcers from current shipping and petroleum activities in the Arctic
Authors: Ødemark K. , Dalsøren S. B. , Samset B. H. , Berntsen T. K. , Fuglestvedt J. S. , Myhre G.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. Atmospheric concentration changes and the resulting radiative forcing (RF) due to emissions from shipping and petroleum activity in the Arctic have been studied, using three-dimensional chemistry transport (OsloCTM2) and radiative transfer models. The present work focuses on short-lived climate forcers, based on a coherent dataset of present day emissions from petroleum and shipping activities in the Arctic region. We find that the net forcing effect of Arctic shipping emissions of short-lived climate forcers (SLCFs) is negative, while the net effect from Arctic petroleum emissions of SLCFs is positive. The negative RF from Arctic shipping arises mainly from direct aerosol – and first indirect effects of sulphate. Positive RF from Arctic petroleum is mainly due to black carbon in air and deposited on snow and ice. Normalized forcing (RF per change in atmospheric burden) and global warming potentials (GWP) suggest that Arctic conditions (high solar angle, high surface albedo, summer season with midnight sun and polar night during winter) lead to different sensitivity to emissions here compared to lower latitudes.
Increases in the abundance of microbial genes encoding halotolerance and photosynthesis along a sediment salinity gradient
Authors: Jeffries T. C. , Seymour J. R. , Newton K. , Smith R. J. , Seuront L. , Mitchell J. G.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. Biogeochemical cycles are driven by the metabolic activity of microbial communities, yet the environmental parameters that underpin shifts in the functional potential coded within microbial community genomes are still poorly understood. Salinity is one of the primary determinants of microbial community structure and can vary strongly along gradients within a variety of habitats. To test the hypothesis that shifts in salinity will also alter the bulk biogeochemical potential of aquatic microbial assemblages, we generated four metagenomic DNA sequence libraries from sediment samples taken along a continuous, natural salinity gradient in the Coorong lagoon, Australia, and compared them to physical and chemical parameters. A total of 392483 DNA sequences obtained from four sediment samples were generated and used to compare genomic characteristics along the gradient. The most significant shifts along the salinity gradient were in the genetic potential for halotolerance and photosynthesis, which were more highly represented in hypersaline samples. At these sites, halotolerance was achieved by an increase in genes responsible for the acquisition of compatible solutes – organic chemicals which influence the carbon, nitrogen and methane cycles of sediment. Photosynthesis gene increases were coupled to an increase in genes matching Cyanobacteria, which are responsible for mediating CO2 and nitrogen cycles. These salinity driven shifts in gene abundance will influence nutrient cycles along the gradient, controlling the ecology and biogeochemistry of the entire ecosystem.
Paleointensities on 8 ka obsidian from Mayor Island, New Zealand
Authors: Ferk A. , Leonhardt R. , Hess K.-U. , Dingwell D. B.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. The 8 ka B.P. (6050 BCE) pantelleritic obsidian flow on Mayor Island, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, has been investigated using 30 samples from two sites. Due to a very high paramagnetic/ferromagnetic ratio it was not possible to determine the remanence carriers. This is despite the fact that the samples were studied intensively at low, room and high temperatures. We infer that a stable remanence within the samples is carried by single- or close to single-domain particles. Experiments to determine the anisotropy of thermoremanence tensor and the dependency on cooling rate were hampered due to alteration resulting from the repeated heating of the samples to temperatures just below the glass transition. Nonetheless, a well-defined mean paleointensity of 57.0 ± 1.0 μT, based on individual high quality paleointensity determinations, was obtained. This field value compares very well to a paleointensity of 58.1 ± 2.9 μT which Tanaka et al. (2009) obtained for 5500 BCE at a site 100 km distant. Agreement with geomagnetic field models, however, is poor. Thus, gathering more high-quality paleointensity data for the Pacific region and for the Southern Hemisphere in general to better constrain global field models is very important.
Clinical report. Atypical acetabular bone loss in chronic septic total hip arthroplasty loosening
Authors: Tantavisut Saran , Tanavalee Aree , Ngarmukos Srihatach , Yuktanandana Pongsak , Wilairatana Vajara , Wangroongsub Yongsak
Published: July 2011

Background: When a periprosthetic infection is diagnosed, the surgical treatment is usually performed as soon as possible to avoid further bone damage or life threatening complications. There is no report on the radiographic change in patients with untreated infected total hip arthroplasty (THA) for several years.

Objective: Report radiographic change in patients with untreated infected THA.

Method: Two patients presented with chronic septic loosening of cemented acetabular fixation after total hip replacement at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital. Both patients had mild hip pain and had been lost for follow-up until the bone destruction became very severe. Serial radiographs after the surgeries were evaluated. The Paprosky’s acetabular bone loss classification was used to classify the radiographic findings.

Results: Based on the Paprosky’s classification for acetabular bone loss, there were two similar atypical radiographic findings found in both patients. These included pelvic discontinuity from extensive medial acetabular bone loss beyond the Kohler’s line, and minimal superior and inferior acetabular bone loss.

Conclusion: These atypical radiographic findings were rarely observed in septic acetabular loosening patients, as infection usually causes patients to present earlier. Following the septic acetabular loosening of THA, surgical procedure should be performed before massive bone damage was demonstrated.
Prevalence of Subclinical Hypothyroidism among Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Ertugrul Okuyan , Ahmet Uslu , Asim Enhos , Gulcin Hepgul E. , Burak Ayca , Murat Avsar , Sezai Yildiz S. , Biter Halil Ibrahim , Hakan Dinckal M.
Published: July 2011

Introduction. Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is defined as a serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level above the upper limit of normal despite normal levels of serum free thyroxine. There is growing evidence that SCH is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. We tried to investigate prevalence of SCH in acute myocardial infarction patients. Methods and Results. We evaluate free T3, free T4, and TSH levels of 604 patients (age 58.4) retrospectively, who have been admitted to the coronary intensive care unit between years 2004–2009 with the diagnosis of ST elevation (STEMI) or non-ST elevation acute myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Mild subclinical hypothyroidism (TSH 4.5 to 9.9 mU/l) was present in 54 (8.94%) participants and severe subclinical hypothyroidism (TSH 10.0 to 19.9 mU/l) in 11 (1.82%). So 65 patients (10.76%) had TSH levels between 4.5 and 20. Conclusions. In conclusion, 65 patients (10.76%) had TSH levels between 4.5 and 20 in our study, and it is a considerable amount. Large-scale studies are needed to clarify the effects of SCH on myocardial infarction both on etiologic and prognostic grounds.
Therapies to Decrease Severe Respiratory Syncytial Virus Illness
Authors: Scruggs-Wodkowski Elizabeth A. , Malani Preeti N. , Linder Kathleen A.
Published: May 2024

This JAMA Insights discusses the use of monoclonal antibodies or protein-based vaccines to help prevent severe RSV infection in infants, children, and older adults.
Health Is on the Ballot in the Presidential Election
Authors: Gostin Lawrence O. , Wetter Sarah
Published: May 2024

This JAMA Forum discusses the markedly different records and divergent campaign messages of the 2 major party presidential candidates on the issues of health care access, prescription drug prices, reproductive rights, migrant health, gun violence, health and safety agency powers, and pandemic preparedness.
“Change According to the Situation” – Color‐Accommodative Nature‐Skin‐Derived Thermochromic Membrane for Active All‐Season Thermal Management
Authors: Xie Long , Wang Xuechuan , Liang Shuang , Zou Xiaoliang , Sun Siwei , Zhou Yi , Wei Chao , Bai Zhongxue , Yue Ouyang , Liu Xinhua
Published: May 2024

Energy crisis and worsening greenhouse effects cause unprecedented global environmental and economic‐sustainability challenges. The emerging all‐season thermal regulation technology that can provide comfort to humans without consuming external‐energy demonstrates promising prospects. Inspired by the temperature‐accommodative skin of the color‐changing rain‐frog, a biodegradable nature‐skin‐derived thermochromic membrane (PCTM‐H) is nano‐engineered for active all‐season thermal management using the integrative interfacially wet‐casting film‐forming and spraying strategy of nature‐skin to incorporate polyvinyl alcohol and thermochromic microcapsules. Its outstanding thermochromic origins allow it to switch adaptively between cooling and heating modes without additional energy input. PCTM‐H has a light color with high reflectivity in hot summer and a dark‐color that absorbs solar radiation in cold winter, with an overall visible light modulation of ≈53.5%, solar modulation of ≈32.2%, and a remarkable emissivity in mid‐infrared band (≈86.7%). PCTM‐H has exceptional adaptive thermal management capabilities for multitudinous outdoor‐applications. Simulation results show that PCTM‐H has prominent energy‐saving efficiency in cities with different climate zones when utilized as roof‐protection membranes. Additionally, the distinguished mechanical features, weatherability, and bio‐degradability of PCTM‐H substantially increase its potential applications. This study provides a reference for the development of active all‐season thermal management materials and high‐value utilization of nature‐skin, contributing to the goal of carbon‐neutrality.
2D Metal Phosphorous Trichalcogenides (MPCh3) for Sustainable Energy Storage and Conversion: Nanoarchitectonics and Advanced Applications
Authors: Wang Honglei , Cheng Pengfei , Wu Bing , Yan Yong , Schaaf Peter , Sofer Zdenek , Wang Dong
Published: May 2024

2D metal phosphorous trichalcogenides (MPCh3) have attracted considerable attention in sustainable energy storage and conversion due to their distinct physical and chemical characteristics, such as adjustable energy bandgap, significant specific surface area, and abundant active sites. However, research on 2D MPCh3 primarily focuses on electrocatalysis, and understanding its energy conversion and storage mechanisms remains incomplete. This review comprehensively summarizes recent advancements in energy storage and conversion using 2D MPCh3‐based materials of various structures. It begins with a discussion of the distinctive properties and preparation techniques of 2D MPCh3, followed by a focus on the rational design and development of these materials for diverse energy‐related applications, including rechargeable batteries, supercapacitors, electrocatalysis, photocatalysis, and desalination. Finally, it outlines the key challenges and prospects for future research on 2D MPCh3 materials.
Highly Layer‐Oriented PbI2 Films Enabling All‐Air Processed Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zeng Qiang , Xiao Hanrui , Ma Qingman , Huang Rui , Pan Yining , Li Linhong , Liao Xiang , Liu Siliang , Zhang Wenchao , Liu Fangyang
Published: May 2024

The two‐step sequential deposition method exhibits favorable operability for processing perovskite films. Due to the growth of the perovskite films largely depends on the pre‐deposited PbI2 films, the porous and rough PbI2 films are expected to facilitate the penetration of the organic amine salts. However, in air conditions, the porous and rough PbI2 films also facilitate the penetration of the water molecules, thus leading to diminished crystallinity. Despite substantial efforts aimed at inhibiting the decomposition of perovskite films, the performance of air‐processed perovskite solar cells (PSCs) remains unsatisfactory. Herein, the study presents that the PbI2 films with high exposure of layered planes and vanished of non‐layered planes have more effective to resist water erosion and promote the crystallization process of perovskite films. An amphoteric Lewis acid‐base molecule (cephalothin, a type of antibiotic) is added in PbI2 precursor solution to induce this highly layer‐oriented PbI2 film. Consequently, the perovskite films can be processed under humidity condition and yield the champion PSC with an outstanding power conversion efficiency of 24.45%. In addition, the unencapsulated devices maintain 80% of their initial power conversion efficiency after 1000 h storage in air and exhibit high thermal stability after 100 cycles at 25–70 °C.
Preparation of CO2‐based waterborne polyurethane/cellulose nanocrystal composite films and research of their radiative cooling properties
Authors: He Wohua , Huang Xiankai , Wu Fangji , Hong Haoqun
Published: May 2024

Conventional colored radiative cooling (ColPRC) has a single color and limited reflection of visible light bands, which affects its radiative cooling effect, and the introduction of multiple photonic crystal structures can improve its radiative cooling performance. Therefore, in this study, a composite film was established by cross‐linking cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) with CO2‐based waterborne polyurethane (WPU) to obtain multistage structural colors. X‐ray diffraction pattern, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, spectral analysis, and so on were used to examine the structure and properties of the films. The results showed that with the increase of CNC content, the color shifted blue, the crystallinity increased, the flame retardancy increased, but the thermal stability decreased; the addition of WPU assists in resisting moisture; the reflectivity of the multistage structured films is improved in the VIS–NIR range compared with the monochromatic films (an average increase of 5%), which helps to reduce solar irradiation in the visible wavelengths; high emissivity (≈90%) in the atmospheric window, which facilitates deep‐space heat exchange. The maximum temperature difference of the multistage structural color film can reach 6°C under strong solar irradiation. This research can be applied in photovoltaic devices or outdoor thermal management to provide new ways to address human energy efficiency.
An assessment of methods to combine evolutionary history and conservation: A case study in the Brazilian campo rupestre
Authors: Pizzardo Raquel C. , Nic Lughadha Eimear , Rando Juliana Gastaldello , Forest Félix , Nogueira Anselmo , Prochazka Luana S. , Walker Barnaby E. , Vasconcelos Thais
Published: May 2024

Premise

Conservation policies typically focus on biodiversity hotspots. An alternative approach involves analyzing the evolutionary history of lineages in geographic areas along with their threat levels to guide conservation efforts. Mountains exhibit high levels of plant species richness and micro‐endemism, and biogeographic studies commonly point to recent and rapid evolutionary radiations in these areas. Using a nearly endemic clade of legumes, our study evaluates conservation prioritization approaches in the campo rupestre, a Neotropical ecosystem associated with mountaintops that is located between two biodiversity hotspots.

Methods

We compared the EDGE and EDGE2 metrics, which combine the evolutionary distinctiveness and the extinction risk of a species in a single value. These metrics are compared with traditional metrics used to assess conservation priority, such as phylogenetic diversity.

Results

The EDGE values reported are lower than those of other studies using this metric, mostly due to the prevalence of threatened species with short phylogenetic branch lengths (low values of evolutionary distinctiveness). Certain areas of campo rupestre with relatively high phylogenetic diversity and EDGE values do not correspond to areas with high species richness, agreeing with previous studies on biodiversity hotspots.

Discussion

Our study highlights the necessity of conservation of the campo rupestres as well as advantages and disadvantages of using EDGE, EDGE2, and phylogenetic diversity for appropriate selection of conservation areas with rapid evolutionary radiations. The selection of the metrics will depend primarily on the life history of the focus group and the data availability, as well as the conservation approach.
Adaptive predictor‐set linear model: An imputation‐free method for linear regression prediction on data sets with missing values
Authors: Planterose Jiménez Benjamin , Kayser Manfred , Vidaki Athina , Caliebe Amke
Published: May 2024

Linear regression (LR) is vastly used in data analysis for continuous outcomes in biomedicine and epidemiology. Despite its popularity, LR is incompatible with missing data, which frequently occur in health sciences. For parameter estimation, this shortcoming is usually resolved by complete‐case analysis or imputation. Both work‐arounds, however, are inadequate for prediction, since they either fail to predict on incomplete records or ignore missingness‐induced reduction in prediction accuracy and rely on (unrealistic) assumptions about the missing mechanism. Here, we derive adaptive predictor‐set linear model (aps‐lm), capable of making predictions for incomplete data without the need for imputation. It is derived by using a predictor‐selection operation, the Moore–Penrose pseudoinverse, and the reduced QR decomposition. aps‐lm is an LR generalization that inherently handles missing values. It is applied on a reference data set, where complete predictors and outcome are available, and yields a set of privacy‐preserving parameters. In a second stage, these are shared for making predictions of the outcome on external data sets with missing entries for predictors without imputation. Moreover, aps‐lm computes prediction errors that account for the pattern of missing values even under extreme missingness. We benchmark aps‐lm in a simulation study. aps‐lm showed greater prediction accuracy and reduced bias compared to popular imputation strategies under a wide range of scenarios including variation of sample size, goodness of fit, missing value type, and covariance structure. Finally, as a proof‐of‐principle, we apply aps‐lm in the context of epigenetic aging clocks, linear models that predict a person's biological age from epigenetic data with promising clinical applications.
Development and validation of a stability‐indicating method, structural elucidation of new degradation products from misoprostol by LC–MS time‐of‐flight, and an ex vivo study of vaginal permeation
Authors: da Silva José Wellithom Viturino , Duarte Maira Ludna , Ribeiro José Izak , Kishishita Juliana , Souza Asley Thalia Medeiros , Leal Leila Bastos , de Castro Whocely Victor , de Santana David Pereira , Bedor Danilo César Galindo
Published: May 2024

Misoprostol (MSP) is commonly prescribed in obstetrics and gynecology clinical practice for labor induction, cervical ripening, first‐trimester pregnancy termination, and the treatment of postpartum hemorrhage. Furthermore, there is a lack of comprehensive discussion evaluating how different commercially available formulations influence the overall efficacy of MSP, even though reports indicate issues with the quality of these formulations, particularly regarding stability and vaginal absorption processes. This study investigates the stability of MSP under acidic conditions and its in vitro permeation using swine vaginal mucosa. A forced degradation study was conducted using 0.2 M HCl, and a high‐efficiency LC method was developed. Three degradation products were identified and characterized using electrospray ionization–high‐resolution quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight–MS, with respective m/z values of 391.2508, 405.2705, and 387.2259, respectively. These results suggest that the degradation mechanism involves dehydration of the β‐hydroxy ketone moiety, followed by isomerization to its most resonance‐stable form and de‐esterification. Finally, the in vitro permeation study revealed that the esterified form of MSP was unable to permeate the mucosa and required prior degradation for any component to be detected in the receptor fluid.
Ultrasound‐guided core needle biopsy combined with immunohistochemistry and molecular testing improve the diagnostic accuracy of bone metastases from follicular thyroid carcinoma, two case reports and analyses
Authors: Li Zhiyuan , Su Jianbin , Wang Jinjing , Yan Li , Zhang Huiqiang , Li Xinyu , Tai Yanhong , Fang Yi , Yan Tao
Published: May 2024

Key Clinical Message

Ultrasound‐guided core needle biopsy combined with immunohistochemistry and molecular testing could improve the diagnostic accuracy of bone metastases from follicular thyroid carcinoma, help to predict distant metastasis and prognosis.

Metastatic thyroid follicular carcinoma presenting initially with bone lesion is uncommon, its prime symptom is gradual onset, localized pain. Patient with bone metastasis who were diagnosed before thyroidectomy had a higher rate of mortality, clinician should be cautious in eliciting the clinical history and this insidious symptom in middle age group, carry out further examination. We are presenting two case reports of a follicular thyroid carcinoma with bone metastasis, ultrasound‐guided core needle biopsy combined with immunohistochemistry (IHC) were carried out by our clinical team to determine the source and nature of the tumor, relevant literature was reviewed, molecular testing was discussed, we believe core needle biopsy combined with IHC and molecular testing improve the diagnostic accuracy of bone metastases from follicular thyroid carcinoma.
Validity and reliability of the palliative care needs assessment tool in Japanese patients with heart failure
Authors: Tatsuta Daishiro , Sato Takuma , Nagai Toshiyuki , Koya Jiro , Nishino Kotaro , Naito Seiichiro , Mizuguchi Yoshifumi , Temma Taro , Kamiya Kiwamu , Narita Hisashi , Tsuruga Kenkichi , Anzai Toshihisa
Published: May 2024

Aims

Although patients with heart failure (HF) frequently experience considerable symptom burden and require significant care, most HF patients do not receive timely intervention due to the absence of a standardized method for identifying those in need of palliative care. The Needs Assessment Tool: Progressive Disease‐Heart Failure (NAT: PD‐HF) assesses the palliative care needs of patients with HF. However, its validity and reliability have yet to be fully examined. We aimed to assess the validity and reliability of the NAT: PD‐HF in Japanese patients with HF.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled 106 consecutive patients with chronic HF admitted to our university hospital between February 2023 and July 2023. Their caregivers (n = 95) and healthcare providers (n = 17) were also included. The NAT: PD‐HF was translated from English to Japanese using a forward–backward translation procedure and adapted based on Japanese cultural and medical backgrounds by our professional multidisciplinary team. We assessed the internal consistency of the Japanese NAT: PD‐HF version with Cronbach's alpha coefficient and the inter‐rater and test–retest reliabilities with Cohen's kappa coefficient. After using the tool, all participants were asked to complete a questionnaire about the tool to determine its validity.

Results

The proportion of female patients in this study was 47 (44%). The median age was 72 years [interquartile range (IQR) 59–81]. The median time spent assessing the patients' and their caregivers' needs using the Japanese NAT: PD‐HF was 14 min (IQR 12–17). The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.82, and the minimum kappa coefficient was 0.77 for inter‐rater reliability and 0.88 for test–retest reliability. In total, 103 patients (97%) and all caregivers responded that the tool was easy to understand. One hundred (94%) patients and 89 (94%) caregivers felt that the tool would improve the quality of care, and 102 (96%) patients and 91 (96%) caregivers indicated that the discussions using this tool allowed them to confide in all their burdens and care needs. All healthcare providers expressed that this tool is helpful in understanding the burden and care needs of both patients and caregivers comprehensively.

Conclusions

The NAT: PD‐HF is a reliable and valid tool for Japanese patients with HF and their caregivers. This tool was very well accepted by patients, caregivers and healthcare providers to identify burdens and care needs.
A fully developed viscous electrically conducting fluid through infinitely parallel porous plates
Authors: Ramanuja Mani , Muni Sarala G. , Kavitha J. , Akasam Srinivasulu , Gopi Krishna G.
Published: May 2024

The current article deals with the steady behavior of a fully developed viscous electrically conducting and compressible Jeffrey fluid via infinitely parallel porous vertical microchannel in the sight of a transverse magnetic field. The fluid flow problem is modeled using Napier–Stokes and energy conservation equations. To analyze the problem, the leading equations are reformulated into dimensionless forms. These dimensionless transformed equations are described by nonlinear‐coupled ordinary differential equations and are eliminated utilizing the shooting method based on the fourth‐order Runge–Kutta technique through the boundary conditions; this represent slip velocity and temperature‐jump situations on the fluid–fence interface. The model equations are numerically solved with MATLAB's built‐in routine “bvp4c.” The behavior of Jeffrey fluid is described through graphs. The significance of model parameters is scrutinized and discussed in detail through graphs. Various significant impacts are examined in these simulations, such as radiation, magnetic field and viscous dissipation. Furthermore, the essential results of this investigation are the effects illustrated graphically and discussed quantitatively concerning various influencing parameters corresponding to the magnetic parameter, interaction parameter, buoyancy parameter, Darcy parameter, wall ambient temperature ratio, and the fluid‐wall relationship. We noticed that both walls are heated, that is, the velocity decreases with a rising Jeffrey parameter.
Effects of Splenectomy on Natural Killer Cell Levels in β‐Thalassemia Major Patients
Authors: Kurtoğlu Ayşegül Uğur , Uğur Sevcan , Göçer Mesut , Kurtoğlu Erdal
Published: May 2024

Aim

In this study, we investigated how splenectomy affects natural killer (NK) cell levels in patients with β‐thalassemia major (β‐TM).

Materials and Methods

Seventy patients with β‐TM (38 splenectomized and 32 nonsplenectomized) and 25 healthy controls were included in this study. The hemogram parameters, ferritin, T lymphocyte, T‐helper cell, T‐suppressor cell, and NK cell numbers, were measured.

Results

The T lymphocyte (CD3+) level was found to be significantly higher in the patient group (p < 0.05). CD3+/CD4+ T lymphocytes were detected to be significantly higher in the patient group (p < 0.05). Although the CD3+/CD4+ T lymphocyte level was significantly higher in the nonsplenectomy group (p < 0.05), this was not the case in the splenectomy group. When the patient and control groups were compared, no significant difference was detected regarding CD3+/CD8+ T lymphocyte levels. CD3−/CD16+CD56+ NK cell level was found to be significantly lower only in the splenectomy group than in the control group (p < 0.05). We found that there was a significant negative correlation between serum ferritin levels and both total lymphocyte (r = −0.617) and CD3+ lymphocyte (r = −0.718) levels in the control group (p < 0.05). A significant negative correlation was detected between serum ferritin levels and CD3−/CD16+CD56+ NK cell levels in the patient group (r = −0.410) (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Splenectomy reduces NK cell levels in patients with β‐TM. The negative relationship between ferritin levels and NK cells indicates that ferritin levels should be kept under control in patients with β‐TM.
Successful treatment of Sneddon Syndrome with high dose intravenous immunoglobulin
Authors: Reitmajer Markus , Forchhammer Stephan , Silber Toni
Published: May 2024

Sneddon Syndrome is an orphan disease characterized by the clinical presence of livedo racemosa and cerebrovascular ischaemia. Its pathophysiology remains inadequately understood and no validated treatment modality has been established. In this case report of a 37‐year‐old woman, we present high‐dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) as a potential successful treatment option. The diagnosis was confirmed through a deep spindle biopsy, revealing the typical intima proliferation. Furthermore, we found a positive medical history concerning neurological symptoms. The commonly applied high‐dose anticoagulation had previously not resulted in improvement of the ulcers or pain reduction. The initiated therapy with IVIg significantly alleviated the pain after a single cycle and led to the complete healing of the ulcers 12 weeks later. This case of a patient with subsequent long‐term responsiveness to IVIg supports the approach as a promising therapy alternative.
On‐Chip‐Driven Multicolor 3D Meta‐Display
Authors: Li Zhe , Shi Yangyang , Dai Chenjie , Li Zhongyang
Published: May 2024

Integrating metasurfaces on‐chip provides a promising approach to modulating and extracting the in‐plane waves, which bridges the conversion between guided and free‐space waves and suggests tremendous applications, including guided‐wave‐driven holography, photonic integrated lasers, and on‐chip routers. However, despite these efforts, it remains challenging to achieve multicolor 3D holographic projections via on‐chip meta‐optics, along with switchability. Here, the multicolor 3D holography free from zero‐order diffraction and the immersion switchable display enabled by the on‐chip integrated metasurface is proposed and demonstrated. By leveraging the propagation‐accumulated phase of the guided waves and exploiting an optimization algorithm, an on‐chip meta‐hologram driven by guided waves is developed to project both multicolor and multiplane images with independent encoding freedom. Moreover, the switch between two colorful holographic images is also demonstrated via an easily accessible immersion tuning scheme. Such an on‐chip‐driven meta‐hologram exhibits low background noise or crosstalk with high information quality and is also free from sophisticated nanostructure searching or elaborate target‐image predesigning. The proposed on‐chip‐driven metasurface for multicolor 3D holography promises future applications in dynamic display, virtual/augmented reality, and liquid sensing.
Generation of High‐Order Laguerre‐Gaussian Modes from an Optical Vortex Pumped Diamond Raman Laser
Authors: Xuan Chuang , Zhou Yuxia , Yang Xining , Ma Yuanyuan , Rao A. Srinivasa , Omatsu Takashige , Bai Zhenxu , Wan Ying , Wen Jianxiang , Yusufu Taximaiti
Published: May 2024

This work report the generation of high‐order Laguerre–Gaussian (LG) modes from a nanosecond, optical vortex pumped diamond Raman laser. This system is capable of generating first‐Stokes (λ1st = 1240 nm) LG modes with topological charge (ℓ) of up to 26 and second‐Stokes (λ2nd = 1485 nm) LG modes with topological charge of up to 22, when pumped using a first‐order vortex beam. The maximum first‐ and second‐Stokes LG mode energies are measured to be 0.5 and 1 mJ, respectively, when pumping with energy of 19.8 mJ.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Structure–Property Investigations of Benzoxazine Resins with Low Surface Free Energy
Authors: Hu Changwen , Yao Zhenhao , Zhao Wenqian , Zhang Kan
Published: May 2024

Low surface free energy materials have garnered significant attention due to their exceptional properties and extensive applications, which play a pivotal role in diverse fields such as biotechnology, metallurgical processes, and electronic device manufacturing. To investigate the influence of electron effect derived from substituents on the surface properties of benzoxazine resins, three distinct benzoxazine monomers, characterized by different substituent groups, are synthesized. The monomer structures are verified using Fourier transform infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Differential scanning calorimetry tracks the polymerization behavior of benzoxazine resins, while thermogravimetric analysis valuates the thermal stability of the resulting polybenzoxazines. Then the surface properties are systematically investigated through contact angle measurement and surface free energy calculation, facilitating a comprehensive discussion on the impact of different substituents on the surface energy. These findings demonstrate that introducing trifluoromethyl leads to a substantial reduction in the surface energy of uncured resin. On the other hand, there is minimal impact on the surface free energy after undergoing elevated temperature treatments. The current study provides a foundation understanding for further developing polymers with low surface free energy.
Optoelectronic Transistor Based on InSe/MoS2 Heterostructure for Multimodal Nociceptor
Authors: Wang Haobin , Yang Yifei , Yu Niannian , Chen Ziqi , Yuan Junhui , Wang Jiafu
Published: May 2024

The artificial nociceptor is a device that simulates the biological nociception system, which has a wide range of applications in the fields of medicine, rehabilitation, and robotics. Multimodal nociceptors can respond to diverse stimuli, including visual, mechanical, and thermal, and so on, and then convert them into neural signals for processing by the brain. Herein, a back‐gate optoelectronic transistor based on 2D InSe/MoS2 heterostructure is demonstrated. By employing energy band alignment of the heterojunction, the device exhibits high sensitivity (106) and high responsivity (330 AW−1) to harmful UV irradiation, which can be exploited to emulate the key features of nociceptors, including “threshold,” “relaxation,” “no adaptation,” and “sensitization.” Moreover, the device can be operated in a two‐terminal mode, memristive characteristics are obtained through applying source–drain voltages. Then, artificial nociceptive behaviors responding to external electrical pulses have been successfully emulated. Finally, the modulation of nociceptive sensitivity can be achieved through the controlling gate bias, which fully demonstrates the potential of our device for the application of biomimetic multimodal artificial nociceptors in future neuromorphic sensory system.
Biochar influences soil health but not yield in 3‐year processing tomato field trials
Authors: Gelardi Danielle L. , Rath Daniel , Barbour Alexander , Scow Kate M. , Geisseler Daniel , Parikh Sanjai J.
Published: May 2024

Biochar can deliver many agronomic benefits, though effects may be greatest in suboptimal agricultural soils. The objective of this study was to investigate biochar in prime agricultural soils in a Mediterranean climate. In 3‐year irrigated processing tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) field trials, in which three biochars were amended to a sandy and silt loam, biochar did not influence yield. Given the global policy focus on biochar for climate change mitigation and adaptation, however, it is essential to measure more than just agronomic parameters. To this end, a soil health assessment was conducted 2.5 years after biochar amendment. In the fertile silt loam and more nutrient‐limited sandy loam, biochars had a variable but positive effect on pH, electrical conductivity, soil potassium, water stable aggregation, and permanganate oxidizable carbon. There was no effect on soil moisture nor potentially mineralizable nitrogen or carbon. In the silt loam, there was no change in microbial biomass or phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) composition. In the sandy loam, almond shell biochars were associated with a slight increase in total biomass, an increase in the ratio of fungal to bacteria PLFAs, and reductions in multiple PLFA ratios were typically interpreted as indicators of environmental stress. Results of this study demonstrate that biochar may deliver soil health benefits in agricultural soils in a Mediterranean climate. However, increased soil health does not necessarily engender increased agricultural productivity within a 3‐year period. Furthermore, increases in soil health indicators were inconsistent across soil and biochar types, underscoring the need for site‐ and material‐specific investigation.
Subanesthetic S‐ketamine does not acutely alter striatal dopamine transporter binding in healthy Sprague Dawley female rats
Authors: Bærentzen Simone Larsen , Thomsen Jakob Borup , Thomsen Majken Borup , Jakobsen Steen , Simonsen Mette Theilgaard , Wegener Gregers , Brooks David J. , Landau Anne M.
Published: May 2024

Major depressive disorder is one of the most prevalent mental health disorders, posing a global socioeconomic burden. Conventional antidepressant treatments have a slow onset of action, and 30% of patients show no clinically significant treatment response. The recently approved fast‐acting antidepressant S‐ketamine, an N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor antagonist, provides a new approach for treatment‐resistant patients. However, knowledge of S‐ketamine's mechanism of action is still being established. Depressed human subjects have lower striatal dopamine transporter (DAT) availability compared to healthy controls. Rodent studies report increased striatal dopamine concentration in response to acute ketamine administration. In vivo [18F]FE‐PE2I ([18F]‐(E)‐N‐(3‐iodoprop‐2‐enyl)‐2β‐carbofluoroethoxy‐3β‐(4′‐methyl‐phenyl) nortropane) positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of the DAT has not previously been applied to assess the effect of acute subanesthetic S‐ketamine administration on DAT availability. We applied translational in vivo [18F]FE‐PE2I PET imaging of the DAT in healthy female rats to evaluate whether an acute subanesthetic intraperitoneal dose of 15 mg/kg S‐ketamine alters DAT availability. We also performed [3H]GBR‐12935 autoradiography on postmortem brain sections. We found no effect of acute S‐ketamine administration on striatal DAT binding using [18F]FE‐PE2I PET or [3H]GBR‐12935 autoradiography. This negative result does not support the hypothesis that DAT changes are associated with S‐ketamine's rapid antidepressant effects, but additional studies are warranted.
Pharmacological mechanism of action of Lianhua Qingwen in the treatment of COVID‐19 and facial neuritis
Authors: Li Guang‐Jin , Hao Zhi‐Hong , Wang Han‐Jing , Wang Chen , Liu Da‐Wei , Chen Liang , Sun Yan
Published: May 2024

Objective

Coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) can cause not only respiratory symptoms but also facial paralysis. Lianhua Qingwen (LHQW) has been reported to have therapeutic effects on COVID‐19 and facial neuritis (FN). We explored the potential mechanism of LHQW in the treatment of COVID‐19 and FN through a network‐pharmacology approach.

Methods

Active compounds and relevant targets of LHQW were obtained from the databases of Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database, HERB, UniProt Knowledge Base, SwissADME, and Swiss Target Prediction. Disease targets of COVID‐19 and FN were acquired from Gene Cards. Database For Annotation, Visualization And Integrated Discovery and Metascape were used to search the biological functions of intersecting targets. After identifying the core targets and their corresponding ingredients, KEGG Mapper analyzes the localization of core targets in key pathways. AutoDock were employed to conduct molecular docking of the core targets and their corresponding ingredients.

Results

We obtained four core genes: interleukin (IL)‐8, IL‐1B, IL‐6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α. Database searching revealed the anti‐inflammatory and antiviral effects of LHQW may be related to the action of aleo‐emodin, hyperforin, kaempferol, luteolin, and quercetin on these four genes by regulating the pathways of IL‐17 and NOD‐like receptor. The molecular‐docking results of the four core targets and their corresponding active ingredients showed good binding activity between receptors and ligands.

Conclusions

We uncovered the active ingredients, potential targets, and biological pathways of LHQW for COVID‐19 and FN coinfection. Our data provide a theoretical basis for further exploration of the mechanism of action of LHQW in treatment of COVID‐19 and FN.