bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biocompatible hydrogels comprised of collagen, chitosan and polyurethane with potential applications for wound healing and controlled drug release
Authors: Caldera‐Villalobos Martín , Ramos‐Montañez Daniela G , Cabrera‐Munguía Denis A , Becerra‐Rodriguez Juan J , Rodríguez‐Fuentes Nayeli , Claudio‐Rizo Jesús A
Published: November 2023

Chitosan and collagen are two valuable biopolymers for the synthesis and design of biomaterials. In this work, we evaluate the effect of the concentration of chitosan on the physicochemical and biological properties of polyurethane‐crosslinked collagen hydrogels. Chitosan was added with a proportion ranging from 0 to 40 wt%. Depending on the aminoglycoside content, semi‐interpenetrating polymeric networks (semi‐IPNs) or completely IPNs were generated; this is attributed to the occlusion of the chitosan granules in the reticulated fibrillar matrix. The presence of chitosan in these hydrogels provides antibacterial capacity against pathogenic microorganisms such as Escherichia coli, which is corroborated by inhibition halo experiments. Hydrogels with 40 wt% of chitosan only showed improvement in the gelation time and mechanical performance, indicating a dependent relation of these properties with respect to the aminopolysaccharide content. Hydrogels with 10 wt% of chitosan showed the best biomedical performance. They also have the highest reticulation, swelling capability and chemical stability against degradation events such as hydrolysis and proteolysis. Further, they have the best biocompatibility for human monocytes, and they stimulate the secretion of monocyte chemotactic protein‐1 and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha. Also, these hydrogels showed a controlled release of ketorolac at pH 7 and 37 °C. The results of these in vitro biological tests demonstrate the potential application of novel biopolymer‐based hydrogels in chronic wound healing due to their antibacterial capacity and modulation of the biological response of specialized cells in dermal repair treatments, as well as for the design of smart materials for the controlled release of drugs. © 2023 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Number of children in the household influences respiratory morbidities in children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia in the outpatient setting
Authors: Collaco Joseph M. , Tsukahara Katharine R. , Tracy Michael C. , Sheils Catherine A. , Rice Jessica L. , Rhein Lawrence M. , Popova Antonia P. , Nelin Leif , Miller Audrey N. , Manimtim Winston M. , Levin Jonathan C. , Lai Khanh , Kaslow Jacob A. , Hayden Lystra P. , Bansal Manvi , Austin Eric D. , Aoyama Brianna , Akangire Gangaram , Agarwal Amit , Villafranco Natalie , McGrath‐Morrow Sharon A.
Published: November 2023

Background

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a common complication of prematurity, is associated with outpatient morbidities, including respiratory exacerbations. Daycare attendance is associated with increased rates of acute and chronic morbidities in children with BPD. We sought to determine if additional children in the household conferred similar risks for children with BPD.

Methods

The number of children in the household and clinical outcomes were obtained via validated instruments for 933 subjects recruited from 13 BPD specialty clinics in the United States. Clustered logistic regression models were used to test for associations.

Results

The mean gestational age of the study population was 26.5 ± 2.2 weeks and most subjects (69.1%) had severe BPD. The mean number of children in households (including the subject) was 2.1 ± 1.3 children. Each additional child in the household was associated with a 13% increased risk for hospital admission, 13% increased risk for antibiotic use for respiratory illnesses, 10% increased risk for coughing/wheezing/shortness of breath, 14% increased risk for nighttime symptoms, and 18% increased risk for rescue medication use. Additional analyses found that the increased risks were most prominent when there were three or more other children in the household.

Conclusions

We observed that additional children in the household were a risk factor for adverse respiratory outcomes. We speculate that secondary person‐to‐person transmission of respiratory viral infections drives this finding. While this risk factor is not easily modified, measures do exist to mitigate this disease burden. Further studies are needed to define best practices for mitigating this risk associated with household viral transmission.
Airway findings in trisomy 13 and trisomy 18: A 10‐year retrospective review
Authors: Dress Carolyn , Silva Cherie T. , von Allmen Douglas C. , Zak Sara
Published: November 2023

Background and Objectives

Trisomy 18 and trisomy 13 are the most common autosomal trisomies following trisomy 21, with overall incidence rising. Both diagnoses are characterized by multisystem involvement and were previously thought to be incompatible with life. New data suggest that prolonged survival is possible, and thus many families are opting for more aggressive medical interventions. This study aims to describe airway findings in trisomy 18 and trisomy 13, as these have not been comprehensively studied and can impact medical decision‐making. We hypothesize that most children with trisomy 18 and trisomy 13 will have abnormal findings on airway endoscopy.

Methods

This a 10‐year retrospective analysis of children with trisomy 13 or trisomy 18 who underwent endoscopic airway evaluation at a single center between 2011 and 2021. A total of 31 patients were evaluated.

Results

Thirty‐one patients were included and underwent flexible bronchoscopy by a pediatric pulmonologist, often in conjunction with rigid bronchoscopy performed by pediatric otolaryngology. Findings were typically complimentary. All patients had at least one clinically significant finding on evaluation, and most patients had both upper and lower airway, as well as static and dynamic airway findings. The most common airway findings in children with trisomy 13 and 18 include tracheomalacia, bronchomalacia, laryngomalacia, hypopharyngeal collapse, glossoptosis, and bronchial compression.

Conclusion

These findings can have significant implications for clinical care, and thus knowledge of trends has the potential to improve counseling on expected clinical course, presurgical planning, and informed consent before interventions.
Changes in clinical, demographic, and outcome patterns of children hospitalized with non‐SARS‐CoV‐2 viral low respiratory tract infections before and during the COVID pandemic in Rome, Italy
Authors: Buonsenso Danilo , Ferro Valentina , Viozzi Francesca , Morello Rosa , Proli Francesco , Bersani Giulia , Lazzareschi Ilaria , santangelo Rosaria , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Fiori Barbara , Zampino Giuseppe , Valentini Piero
Published: November 2023

Introduction

We performed this study aiming to evaluate changes in epidemiology, clinical presentation and outcomes of children hospitalized for viral lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI).

Methods

We performed a retrospective study of children younger than 18 years of age hospitalized for LRTIs with a positive respiratory viral testing from 2018 to 2022. We compared need of pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), invasive ventilation, and other respiratory support, viral etiologies, clinical presentations, imaging, and laboratory results in the precovid (2018–2019) and covid (2020–2022) period.

Results

A total of 523 were included in the analysis. In the pandemic period, the detection of influenza was 95% less likely to occur (odds ratio [OR]: 0.05; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.02–0.12; p < .001), likewise the detection of adenovirus was 77% less likely to occur (OR: 0.23; 95% CI: 0.10–0.51; p < .001). In the pandemic period, the number of codetections increased from 15.52% in 2018 to 57.25% in 2022, resulting in a significantly increasing trend (p < .001). The odds of transfer to PICU was more than five times greater during the pandemic period (OR: 5.31; 95% CI: 1.78–15.86; p = .003).

Conclusions

We found that the pattern of LRTI in children during COVID‐19 pandemic significantly changed in terms of etiologies and increased severity.
Only kosmotrope anions trigger fibrillization of the recombinant core spidroin eADF4(C16) from Araneus diadematus
Authors: Hovanová Veronika , Hovan Andrej , Humenik Martin , Sedlák Erik
Published: November 2023

Recombinant core spidroin eADF4(C16) has received increasing attention due to its ability to form micro‐ and nano‐structured scaffolds, which are based on nanofibrils with great potential for biomedical and biotechnological applications. Phosphate anions have been demonstrated to trigger the eADF4(C16) self‐assembly into cross‐beta fibrils. In the present work, we systematically addressed the effect of nine sodium anions, namely SO42−, HPO42− (Pi), F−, Cl−, Br−, NO3−, I−, SCN−, and ClO4− from the Hofmeister series on the in vitro self‐assembly kinetics of eADF4(C16). We show that besides the phosphate anions, only kosmotropic anions such as sulfate and fluoride can initiate the eADF4(C16) fibril formation. Global analysis of the self‐assembly kinetics, utilizing the platform AmyloFit, showed the nucleation‐based mechanism with a major role of secondary nucleation, surprisingly independent of the type of the kosmotropic anion. The rate constant of the fibril elongation in mixtures of phosphate anions with other studied anions correlated with their kosmotropic or chaotropic position in the Hofmeister series. Our findings suggest an important role of anion hydration in the eADF4(C16) fibrillization process.
Intrinsic Defect and Deformation on Local Structure Caused by Rare‐Earth Ions in the Na3V2(PO4)2F3 Cathode Material
Authors: Silva Carlos Henrique Prado , de Oliveira Lucena Joéslei Lopes , Rezende Marcos Vinicius dos Santos
Published: November 2023

Na3V2(PO4)2F3 has been attracting a lot of attention as a positive electrode material for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). The deformation of local structure caused by rare‐earth ions and intrinsic defect properties in Na3V2(PO4)2F3 as a positive electrode for SIB have been investigated with atomistic simulation based on the lattice energy minimization. A good reproduction of the Na3V2(PO4)2F3 structure is obtained. It is revealed that Na Frenkel defect, which is formed by sodium interstitial and vacancy pair, is the most favorable type of intrinsic defect. This leads to the formation of stable sodium vacancy required for the Na‐ion diffusion. The results indicate that trivalent rare‐earth dopants at the V3+ site are the most energetically favorable dopants for Na3V2(PO4)2F3, and that the incorporation at the Na and P site could be used as a strategy to increase the sodium vacancy and interstitial, respectively. The deformation in the local structure by the rare‐earth ions doping at the V site is also investigated as helpful in improving the rate performance of SIBs.
Reliability evaluation of a complex system that considers the influence of the fluctuation degree of the performance degradation trajectory
Authors: Feng Cong , Yang Zhaojun , Chen Chuanhai , Liu Zhifeng , Guo Jinyan , Zhou Jie
Published: November 2023

In this paper, a reliability evaluation method based on the hidden Markov model (HMM) considers the influence of degradation trajectory fluctuation. To address the problem in which the performance degradation trajectory modelling of complex systems is limited by sampling time points, this method constructs an approximate degradation trajectory model based on effective discrete data points through a radial basis function to realize the degradation data expansion of small samples. Then, the average degradation rate is defined, and the fluctuation degree of the degradation trajectory is quantitatively evaluated to obtain the evaluation function of the fluctuation degree of the degradation trajectory. In addition, to determine the relationship between the fluctuation degree of the degradation trajectory and the operating state of the system, the method combines HMM with the evaluation function of the fluctuation degree of the degradation trajectory and obtains the transition probability matrix of different operating states of the system affected by the fluctuation degree of the degradation trajectory. On the basis of the probability matrix of the failure state, the reliability change curve of the system is derived. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified via an example of a computer numerical control machine tool.
Robotic versus laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma in obese patients
Authors: Ausania Fabio , Landi Filippo , González‐Abós Carolina , Martinie John B. , Vrochides Dionisios , Walsh Matthew , Hossain Shanaz M. , White Steven , Prabakaran Viswakumar , Melstrom Laleh G. , Fong Yuman , Valle Valentina , Bing Yuntao , Xiu Dianrong , Di Franco Gregorio , de' Angelis Nicola , Laurent Alexis , Giuliani Giuseppe , Pernazza Graziano , Memeo Riccardo , Rios José , Coratti Andrea , Morelli Luca , Giulianotti Pier C.
Published: November 2023

Background

Robotic distal pancreatectomy (RDP) is associated with a lower conversion rate and less blood loss than laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP). LDP has similar oncological outcomes as open surgery in PDAC. The aim of this study was to compare perioperative and oncological outcomes in obese patients with RDP versus LDP for PDAC.

Materials and methods

Retrospectively, all obese patients who underwent RDP or LDP for PDAC between 2012 and 2022 at 12 international expert centres were included.

Results

out of 372, 81 patients were included. All baseline features were comparable between the two groups. RDP was associated with decreased blood loss (495mlLDP vs. 188mlRDP; p = 0.003), lower conversion rate (13.5%RDP vs. 36.4%LDP; p = 0.019) and lower rate of Clavien‐Dindo ≥3 complications (13.5%RDP vs. 36.4%LDP; p = 0.019). Overall and disease‐free survival were comparable.

Conclusions

In obese patients with left‐sided PDAC, the robotic approach was associated with improved intraoperative outcomes and fewer severe complications.
Synthesis and characterization of iron sulfide immobilized on Algerian halloysite clay (HKDD3) with enhanced removal of methylene blue from aqueous medium
Authors: Hayoune Asma , Akkari Hocine , Marelli Marcello , Pappalardo Valeria , Yang Jia , Zubair Muhammad
Published: November 2023

The aim of this study is to functionalize an Algerian halloysite clay (kaolin Djebel Debbagh, HKDD3) with FeS nanoparticles by employing a hydrothermal approach and exploring its ability to remove methylene blue under visible light irradiation. The FeS‐HKDD3 photocatalyst was synthesized successfully and exhibited good crystallinity. Different techniques were used to characterize the produced photocatalyst, including XRD, STEM/EDS, TEM, BET, and UV–vis DRS in order to investigate its structure, morphology, and optical performance. The HKDD3 is a natural halloysite having a tubular shape with a length ranging from 500 nm to several micrometers and a diameter that is estimated from 50 to 100 nm. The iron sulfide nanoparticles are immobilized as cube aggregates on the surface of the halloysite. The visible range displayed a strong absorption of the obtained photocatalyst, with an estimated bandgap of 1.60 eV, according to UV–vis DRS findings. The results exhibited a higher efficiency toward synergic adsorption‐photocatalytic degradation effect for methylene blue dye removal.
Appearance of Structural Color by Constructing Highly Regular Single‐Particle Layers on a Water Surface of Organo‐Modified Magnetite with Different Particle Diameter
Authors: Kikuchi Nanata , Yamagishi Yui , Fujimori Atsuhiro
Published: November 2023

Using triiron tetroxide/magnetite particles with particle diameters of 5 nm and 30 nm, the structural color occurrence behavior due to multi‐particle layer formation was compared. The −OH‐terminated groups on the surface of the outermost layer of magnetite were bound with long‐chain fatty acids to obtain amphiphilic organo‐modified magnetite. Organo‐modified magnetite was spread as a single‐particle layer on the water surface and layered in multiple layers on a solid substrate. Organo‐modified magnetite multilayers layered to a thickness close to the wavelength of visible light exhibited a clear structural color, regardless of the particle size. However, in the case of fine particles with a diameter of 5 nm, the structural color did not appear when the in‐plane packing density was low, and the density of the two‐dimensional plane played an important role. In comparison, in the same production process and particle type, a clearer structural color was expressed with a diameter of 30 nm, and individual differences in physical properties were also confirmed when other nanoparticle types were used.
Electrochemical Biosensor for Ultrasensitive Detection of Microrna‐21 through In Situ Synthesis of Palladium Nanoparticles
Authors: Huang Weibo , Ma Nan , Kong Jinming , Zhang Xueji
Published: November 2023

The detection of trace microRNAs (miRNA) is crucial for early cancer diagnosis. Here, a sensitive biosensor for miRNA directive detection was put forward, which was based on RNA‐templated palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs) signal amplification strategy. Uncharged peptide nucleic acids (PNA) probe was used to capture the target miRNA(T‐RNA) specifically. Subsequently, a large amount of palladium ions absorbed on T‐RNA strands via electrostatic forces, and the palladium nanocluster is rapidly generated based on chemical reduction. Obviously, RNA metallization method enables biosensor to be carried out efficiently at room temperature also simplifies the preparation and detection of the sensor. Under optimal conditions, this method can analyze the concentration of miRNA in the range of 10 fM to 1 nM, and the detection limit is 3.33 fM. At the same time, this method has strong anti‐interference ability in serum samples, which provides a broad prospect for the early screening and diagnosis of cancer.
Rational Construction ZnO@C3N4 Composite with Enhanced Photocorrosion‐Resistance for Simultaneous Removal of RhB‐MO Mixed Pollutants
Authors: Kang Haiyan , Mao Yanli , Huang Zhenzhen , Zhu Xinfeng , Wang Kai , Zhang Xia , Geng Hongchao , Han Changrui , Song Zhongxian
Published: November 2023

A series of ZnO@C3N4 composites with excellent photocorrosion‐resistant and photocatalytic activity were prepared by using one‐pot calcination synthesis for the removal of organic pollutants from wastewater. Compared with ZnO and C3N4, ZnO@C3N4 presented the excellent photocatalytic performance for RhB, MO, DBP and RhB‐MO mixed systems under UV conditions. The degradation rate constants of 70ZnO@30 C3N4 for RhB and DBP were 7.66 and 4.71 times higher than those of ZnO, respectively. For RhB‐MO mixed systems, the rate constant was 4.65 times higher than that of RhB alone. XRD and FTIR analyses indicated a strong phase interaction between two components of ZnO@C3N4 composites. XPS results confirmed the formation of ZnO/C3N4 heterojunction. In addition, the mechanisms underlying the highly efficient catalytic performance of ZnO@C3N4 composites in the degradation of organic pollutants were also analyzed. It can be attributed to the fact that a tight contact at the interface and well‐matched band edge position between ZnO and C3N4 can effectively separate and transfer photoinduced carriers for organic pollutant degradation, rather than react with ZnO itself. This study clearly demonstrates a simple way to fabricate ZnO@C3N4 with photocorrosion‐resistant and to apply them for the removal of multi‐component organic pollutants from wastewater by photocatalysis.
Single Pulse Nanosecond Laser‐Stimulated Targeted Delivery of Anti‐Cancer Drugs from Hybrid Lipid Nanoparticles Containing 5 nm Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Uzel Antoine , Agiotis Leonidas , Baron Amélie , Zhigaltsev Igor V. , Cullis Pieter R. , Hasanzadeh Kafshgari Morteza , Meunier Michel
Published: November 2023

Encapsulating chemotherapeutic drugs like doxorubicin (DOX) inside lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) can overcome their acute, systematic toxicity. However, a precise drug release at the tumor microenvironment for improving the maximum tolerated dose and reducing side effects has yet to be well‐established by implementing a safe stimuli‐responsive strategy. This study proposes an integrated nanoscale perforation to trigger DOX release from hybrid plasmonic multilamellar LNPs composed of 5 nm gold (Au) NPs clustered at the internal lamellae interfaces. To promote site‐specific DOX release, a single pulse irradiation strategy is developed by taking advantage of the resonant interaction between nanosecond pulsed laser radiation (527 nm) and the plasmon mode of the hybrid nanocarriers. This approach enlarges the amount of DOX in the target cells up to 11‐fold compared to conventional DOX‐loaded LNPs, leading to significant cancer cell death. The simulation of the pulsed laser interactions of the hybrid nanocarriers suggests a release mechanism mediated by either explosive vaporization of thin water layers adjacent to AuNP clusters or thermo‐mechanical decomposition of overheated lipid layers. This simulation indicates an intact DOX integrity following irradiation since the temperature distribution is highly localized around AuNP clusters and highlights a controlled light‐triggered drug delivery system.
Starch Foams and Their Additives: A Brief Review
Authors: Figueiró Camila da Silva , Calcagno Carmen Iara Walter , Santana Ruth Marlene Campomanes
Published: November 2023

Short‐life packaging has been contributing to the increased consumption of polymers. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is a material that is widely used in disposable packaging, however, its residue occupies a large volume, is difficult to degrade, and its recycling is expensive. That's why the interest in looking for a material of natural and biodegradable origin that can be an alternative to petrochemical‐based polymers. One possibility would be starch, which is a natural and biodegradable polysaccharide and can be extracted from different sources. However, natural starch does not have good properties for commercial application, requiring chemical modifications and/or the incorporation of additives. This article carried out a compilation of current studies that work on the development of packaging, whether film or foams, based on plasticized starch (TPS), and analyzes the influence of the incorporation of additives or treatments carried out in the starch. The blowing agent decreases foam density, cell size, and increases cell density. Incorporation of glycerol in starch foams increases the gelatinization temperature, decreases viscosity and resistance to expansion. The surfactant decreases the density and moisture absorption of the foam, the nucleating agent acted by increasing the mechanical strength and density of the foam, and decreases the absorption of water.
A team‐centric metric framework for testing and evaluation of human‐machine teams
Authors: Wilkins Jay , Sparrow David A. , Fealing Caitlan A. , Vickers Brian D. , Ferguson Kristina A. , Wojton Heather
Published: November 2023

We propose and present a parallelized metric framework for evaluating human‐machine teams that draws upon current knowledge of human‐systems interfacing and integration but is rooted in team‐centric concepts. Humans and machines working together as a team involves interactions that will only increase in complexity as machines become more intelligent, capable teammates. Assessing such teams will require explicit focus on not just the human‐machine interfacing but the full spectrum of interactions between and among agents. As opposed to focusing on isolated qualities, capabilities, and performance contributions of individual team members, the proposed framework emphasizes the collective team as the fundamental unit of analysis and the interactions of the team as the key evaluation targets, with individual human and machine metrics still vital but secondary. With teammate interaction as the organizing diagnostic concept, the resulting framework arrives at a parallel assessment of the humans and machines, analyzing their individual capabilities less with respect to purely human or machine qualities and more through the prism of contributions to the team as a whole. This treatment reflects the increased machine capabilities and will allow for continued relevance as machines develop to exercise more authority and responsibility. This framework allows for identification of features specific to human‐machine teaming that influence team performance and efficiency, and it provides a basis for operationalizing in specific scenarios. Potential applications of this research include test and evaluation of complex systems that rely on human‐system interaction, including—though not limited to—autonomous vehicles, command and control systems, and pilot control systems.
Sediment organic carbon and heavy metals: A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Basti Sradhanjali , Sahu Chandan , Pati Sharada Shrinivas , Sahu Sanjat Kumar
Published: November 2023

Bibliometric analysis is an important tool for the assessment of research trends on a topic of interest. With the rising demand for research on sediments, the current work is aimed to evaluate the number of publications, major countries involved, and major thrust areas of research using the search keywords “sediment organic carbon” and “sediment heavy metals.” The bibliometric recovery of 1367 publications was done from the Scopus database during the study period of 23 years, that is, from 2000 to 2022 (till August) and the analyses were performed using VOSviewer and Biblioshiny software. The result showed a greater number of publications on sediment organic carbon than the heavy metals. Research articles were the most preferred publication type as compared to book chapters, conference proceedings, review articles, and so on. No particular journal was found to have a significant impact on the topic of research, but Chemosphere and Marine Pollution Bulletin showcased the highest impact on publication with an H‐index score of 36 each. While, China dominated the research on the concerned topic followed by India and the United States, a low level of inter‐country collaboration was however detected in the analysis suggesting a regional influence on sediment‐related topics. “Risk assessment,” “Geo‐accumulation index,” and “Potential ecological risk” were the major focal areas that were associated with the assessment of sediment quality and heavy metal accumulation. It can be concluded that sediment related research has been regionally focused. More inter‐country collaborations can aid in trans‐disciplinary research related to sediments in the future.
Respiratory compromise in French bulldogs presented with intervertebral disc extrusion
Authors: Foster Emma , West Natalie , Butterfield Sarah , Rusbridge Clare , Crawford Abbe
Published: November 2023

Background

French bulldogs hospitalised for the management of intervertebral disc extrusion (IVDE) are frequently affected by respiratory compromise, typically brachycephalic‐associated upper respiratory obstruction and/or aspiration events. We evaluated the occurrence of such respiratory compromise events in French bulldogs presented to two referral hospitals.

Methods

Clinical data for French bulldogs diagnosed with IVDE were retrospectively collated, including severity of neurological deficits, neuroanatomical localisation, diagnosis, details of respiratory compromise, treatment and outcome.

Results

A total of 306 dogs diagnosed with IVDE were included. Sixty dogs (19.6%) experienced respiratory compromise, of which 31 dogs (10.1%) progressed to cyanosis, collapse or respiratory arrest.

Limitations

The study was limited by its retrospective nature. Furthermore, the duration of hospitalisation was not evaluated and the decision for euthanasia was often multifactorial.

Conclusion

One in five French bulldogs presented with IVDE experienced respiratory compromise. The detrimental welfare effects of this warrant further discussion.
From ray to spray: augmenting amplitudes and taming fast oscillations in fully numerical neutrino codes
Authors: Maltoni Michele
Published: November 2023

Abstract

In this note we describe how to complement the neutrino evolution matrix calculated at a given energy and trajectory with additional information which allows to reliably extrapolate it to nearby energies or trajectories without repeating the full computation. Our method works for arbitrary matter density profiles, can be applied to any propagation model described by an Hamiltonian, and exactly guarantees the unitarity of the evolution matrix. As a straightforward application, we show how to enhance the calculation of the theoretical predictions for experimentally measured quantities, so that they remain accurate even in the presence of fast neutrino oscillations. Furthermore, the ability to “move around” a given energy and trajectory opens the door to precise interpolation of the oscillation amplitudes within a grid of tabulated values, with potential benefits for the computation speed of Monte-Carlo codes. We also provide a set of examples to illustrate the most prominent features of our approach.
Averaging over codes and an SU(2) modular bootstrap
Authors: Henriksson Johan , McPeak Brian
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Error-correcting codes are known to define chiral 2d lattice CFTs where all the U(1) symmetries are enhanced to SU(2). In this paper, we extend this construction to a broader class of length-n codes which define full (non-chiral) CFTs with SU(2)n symmetry, where n = c + $$ \overline{c} $$

c
¯

. We show that codes give a natural discrete ensemble of 2d theories in which one can compute averaged observables. The partition functions obtained from averaging over all codes weighted equally is found to be given by the sum over modular images of the vacuum character of the full extended symmetry group, and in this case the number of modular images is finite. This averaged partition function has a large gap, scaling linearly with n, in primaries of the full SU(2)n symmetry group. Using the sum over modular images, we conjecture the form of the genus-2 partition function. This exhibits the connected contributions to disconnected boundaries characteristic of wormhole solutions in a bulk dual.
Ungewöhnlicher Suizid durch Erhängen: doppelte Strangmarke bei eintourigem Strangwerkzeug
Authors: Wöss Claudia , Weber Anja , Rabl Walter
Published: November 2023

In Österreich begingen im Jahr 2020 1072 Personen Suizid. Die häufigste Suizidmethode stellt mit 42 % das Sicherhängen dar. Aufgabe der Gerichtsmedizin ist zu klären, ob die Ermittlungsergebnisse der Polizei mit den Obduktionsergebnissen übereinstimmen, und ob es sich tatsächlich um einen Suizid gehandelt hat. Im vorgestellten Fall zeigte sich bei einem Erhängten trotz eintourigem Strangwerkzeug eine doppelte Strangmarke am Hals. Die infrage kommenden Ursachen hierfür werden diskutiert.
Tips for efficiently maintaining pET expression plasmids
Authors: Khananisho Diana , Cumming Alister J. , Kulakova Daria , Shilling Patrick J. , Daley Daniel O.
Published: November 2023

pET expression plasmids are widely used for producing recombinant proteins in Escherichia coli. Selection and maintenance of cells harboring a pET plasmid are possible using either a Tn3.1-type genetic fragment (which encodes a ß-lactamase and confers resistance to ß-lactam antibiotics) or a Tn903.1-type genetic fragment (which encodes an aminoglycoside-3’-phosphotransferase and confers resistance aminoglycoside antibiotics). Herein we have investigated how efficiently pET plasmids are maintained using these two fragments. The study reveals that pET plasmids are efficiently maintained with both Tn3.1 and Tn903.1 genetic fragments prior to the induction of recombinant protein production, and over short induction times (i.e., 2 h). However, over longer induction times (i.e., 20 h), the efficiency of plasmid maintenance depends on the host strain used, and the type of antibiotic selection cassette used. Based on our collective observations, we have 2 general tips for efficiently maintaining pET plasmids during recombinant production experiments.

Tip #1: Use a strain with lowered levels of the T7 RNA polymerase, such as C41(DE3). pET plasmids will be efficiently maintained over long induction times with both the Tn3.1 and Tn903.1 genetic fragments, regardless of whether antibiotics are present during cultivation.

Tip #2: If a strain with higher levels of T7 RNA polymerase strain is necessary, such as BL21(DE3)), keep induction times short or use a plasmid containing a Tn903.1-type fragment and select with kanamycin.
Implementation einer Sturzsensorik in der Langzeitpflege
Authors: Redlich Marie-Christin , Fischer Florian
Published: November 2023

Hintergrund und Ziel

Digitale Unterstützungssysteme erlangen in der stationären Langzeitversorgung zunehmend Bedeutung. Die Technologien haben einerseits das Potenzial, einen wertvollen Beitrag zur Aufrechterhaltung der Selbstständigkeit im fortgeschrittenen Alter zu leisten. Andererseits können sie die Arbeitsprozesse professionell Pflegender unterstützen. Das Ziel der Studie war es, die Erwartungen an und Erfahrungen mit einer neuen Technologie – am Beispiel einer Sturzsensorik – aus Sicht professionell Pflegender zu erheben.

Methode

Es wurde ein qualitatives Design verwendet, bei dem teilstrukturierte Interviews in 2 langzeitstationären Einrichtungen erfolgten. In einer Einrichtung fanden 3 Einzelinterviews und in der anderen langzeitstationären Pflegeeinrichtung ein Gruppeninterview mit 3 Pflegefachkräften statt. Zusätzlich erfolgte in jeder Einrichtung ein Einzelinterview mit einer Person in Leitungsfunktion. Zwischen der Implementation der Sturzsensoren und den Interviews lag ein Zeitrahmen von einem bis 3 Monaten. Die Daten wurden mittels qualitativer Inhaltsanalyse in MAXQDA ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse und Diskussion

Grundsätzlich konnte durch die Studie aufgezeigt werden, dass eine Übereinstimmung zwischen Erwartungen an und retrospektiven Erfahrungen mit der neuen Technologie bei den professionell Pflegenden bestand. Die Studie ergab folgende fördernde Faktoren der Implementation: die zeitnahe Information über die Sturzgefährdung oder einen erfolgten Sturz, die Aufrechterhaltung der Autonomie und Bewegungsfreiheit der Bewohner:innen sowie die Verbesserung des Sicherheitsgefühls der Pflegefachkräfte und den damit im Zusammenhang stehenden psychischen Entlastungseffekt. Als hemmende Faktoren der Implementation standen erforderliche Voreinstellungen, Fehlalarme sowie der fehlerhafte Umgang mit der Technologie aufgrund von nicht vorhandenem Wissen im Vordergrund.
The correlation of anterior segment structures in primary congenital glaucoma by ultrasound biomicroscopy with disease severity and surgical outcomes
Authors: Xu Qingdan , Zhang Youjia , Wang Li , Chen Xueli , Sun Xinghuai , Chen Yuhong
Published: November 2023

Purpose

To evaluate the anterior segment structures using ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) in primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) and explore their correlation with disease severity and surgical outcomes.

Methods

Clinical information of PCG patients who underwent UBM prior to their first glaucoma surgeries from September 2014 to March 2021 were reviewed. The study included 214 UBM images of 154 PCG eyes and 60 fellow unaffected eyes. Anterior segment characteristics were analyzed. UBM parameters, including the iris thickness (IT) at variant distances from the pupil edge and iris root, anterior chamber depth (ACD), and pupil diameter (PD), were compared between two groups and their relationship with clinical factors and surgical outcomes were analyzed in PCG eyes.

Results

PCG eyes had unclear scleral spur, thin iris, wide anterior chamber angle, deep anterior chamber, rarefied ciliary body, elongated ciliary processes, and abnormal anterior iris insertion. ITs were thinner, ACD was deeper, and PD was larger in PCG eyes than fellow unaffected eyes (all P < 0.001). In PCG eyes, thinner ITs correlated with bilateral involvement and earlier age at presentation, and larger PD correlated with earlier age at presentation (P = 0.030) and higher intraocular pressure (P < 0.001). Thinner IT2 (P = 0.046) and larger PD (P = 0.049) were identified as risk factors for surgical failure.

Conclusion

UBM is a powerful technique to exam anterior segment structures in PCG. The anatomical features are associated with disease severity and surgical outcomes, providing essential clinical insights.
Research on the clinical factors of cardiac iron deposition in children with beta-thalassemia major
Authors: Zhou Yuhang , Cao Yaxuan , Fang Zhenhua , Huang Ken , Yang Mengxin , Pang Guanxiu , Zhao Jie , Liu Yang , Luo Jianming
Published: November 2023

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2* is the gold standard for detecting iron deposition in cardiac tissue, but the technique has limitations and cannot be fully performed in paediatric thalassemia patients. The aim of this study was to analyse clinical data to identify other predictors of cardiac iron deposition. A retrospective analysis was performed on 370 children with β-TM. According to the cardiac MRI results, patients were allocated to a cardiac deposition group and noncardiac deposition group. Multivariate analysis revealed that genotype and corrected QT interval were associated with cardiac iron deposition, indicating that the-β0/β0 genotype conferred greater susceptibility to cardiac iron deposition. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was performed, and the area under the curve (AUC) of genotype was 0.651. The AUC for the corrected QT interval was 0.711, at a cut-off value of 418.5 ms. ROC analysis of the combined genotype and corrected QT interval showed an AUC of 0.762 with 81.3% sensitivity and 64.7% specificity. Compared to patients with the β+/β+ and β0β+ genotypes, β0β0 children with β-TM were more likely to have cardiac iron deposition.

  Conclusion: The genotype and QTc interval can be used to predict cardiac iron deposition in children with β-TM who are unable to undergo MRI T2 testing.
Exploiting carboxymethyl cellulose-starch/alumina nano gel to eliminate Fe(III) from ore leachates of rare earth elements
Authors: Murad G. A. , Dakroury G. A. , Abu Elgoud E. M.
Published: November 2023

The present study describes the development of a novel nano gel of Carboxymethyl Cellulose Starch and Alumina (CMC-St/Al2O3) to purify the leach liquor of rare earth elements (REEs) minerals from Fe(III), which is considered the most contaminating metal in the REE liquor. CMC-St/Al2O3 nano gel was recognized by different analytical techniques such as FT-IR, SEM, TEM, X-ray diffraction, particle size, and thermal analysis. In a batch study, the best conditions for purifying REE from Fe(III) contaminants using CMC-St/Al2O3 nano gel were determined. For an initial concentration of 100 mg L−1, 97.6% of Fe(III) was efficiently adsorbed onto CMC-St/Al2O3 after 15.0 min, pH = 2, and 25 °C. Due to the competition effect, the sorption efficiencies of the binary systems decreased to 68.4%, 72.97%, and 84.71% for the systems Fe(III)/La(III), Fe(III)/Sr(II), and Fe(III)/Cs(I), respectively. 99.9% of Fe(III) is eluted by 0.50 mol L−1 H2SO4. The sorption process was fitted with pseudo-second-order and the Langmuir model based on the error functions: Coefficient of determination (R2), Reduced Chi-square (χ2), The sum of square errors (SSE), and Corrected Akaike Information Criterion (AICc) as well as Residual error plots. The sorption process was spontaneous and exothermic. Finally, a CMC-St/Al2O3 nano gel was used to separate Fe(III) from the monazite liquor minerals and Sela leachate, mineralized from the Rosetta area and Gabal El Sela at Halaib environs, Egypt, with efficiencies of 89.03 and 92.7%, respectively.
Willingness-to-Pay for Energy Efficiency: Evidence from the European Common Market
Authors: Kesselring Anne
Published: November 2023

This paper explores the willingness-to-pay for energy efficiency by exploiting variation across products and countries within the EU market for household appliances. Based on scanner data at product-level, I use the hedonic method to estimate implicit prices for energy efficiency and derive implicit discount rates. The paper argues that the implicit price will be underestimated when energy consumption is not only a determinant of operating cost but also is positively associated with other features of a product. The empirical analysis confirms that estimates of the willingness-to-pay are higher when this effect is accounted for in the estimation. This is especially true of product types for which the heterogeneity of usage intensity is low. The results thus indicate that the energy efficiency gap is smaller than found in earlier studies.
Sorghum genotypes grown in simple rhizotrons display wide variation in root system architecture traits
Authors: Enyew Muluken , Geleta Mulatu , Feyissa Tileye , Hammenhag Cecilia , Tesfaye Kassahun , Seyoum Amare , Carlsson Anders S.
Published: November 2023

Aims

Root system architecture (RSA) plays a crucial role in determining the efficiency of absorbing water in the different soil layers. Studies on the RSA, however, are limited partly because plant roots are found underground and difficult to observe them during plant development. This study aimed to assess the variation in the RSA traits of sorghum landraces at the seedling stage.

Methods

A set of one hundred sixty diverse sorghum genotypes were grown in soil-based rhizotrons and data on nodal root angles (NRA), days to nodal root emergence (DNRE), number of nodal roots (NNR), nodal root length (NRL), fresh root weight (RFW), dry root weight (DRW), root-to-shoot ratio (RSR), fresh shoot weight (FSW), dry shoot weight (DSW), leaf area (LA) were collected.

Results

The analysis of variance revealed the presence of high variation among genotypes for all the studied traits. Repeatability of the RSA traits ranged from 44.8% for RSR to 85.2% for NNR. The wide variation ranging from 16.3° to 53.0° and heritability (63.1%) of the nodal root angles allow the selection of desirable genotypes adapted to drought environments. Several diverse sorghum genotypes with narrow and wide nodal root angles were identified. Genotypes with narrow nodal root angles such as G141, G100, and G63 could be prioritized for use in developing cultivars suitable for dry areas.

Conclusions

This study illustrates the presence of promising sorghum genotypes in terms of RSA traits, which should be utilized for the development of novel cultivars that match cultivation environments differing in water availability.
Adult Mental Health Presentations to Emergency Departments in Victoria, Australia between January 2018 and October 2020: Changes Associated with COVID-19 Pandemic Public Health Restrictions
Authors: Newberry-Dupé Jackson , Chu Wanyu , Craig Simon , Borschmann Rohan , O’Reilly Gerard , Yates Paul , Melvin Glenn , King Kylie , Hiscock Harriet
Published: November 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic and associated public health measures altered patterns of help-seeking for mental health, with increases in emergency department utilisation reported. We examined the association between COVID-19 restrictions and adult emergency department (ED) mental health presentations in Victoria, Australia, through secondary analysis of data from 39 public EDs across the state. Participants were all patients (18+ years) presenting between 1 January 2018 and 31 October 2020 with mental health or intentional self-harm. The main outcome was number of presentations for each mental health condition, by patient age, socioeconomic status (SES), location, and ED triage category. We used a Poisson regression model to compare predicted monthly ED presentations based on trends from 2018, 2019 and 2020 (up to 31 March), with observed presentations during the initial months of the COVID-19 pandemic (1 April to 31 October 2020). There was an average of 4,967 adult mental health presentations per month pre-COVID-19 (1 January–31 March 2020) and 5,054 per month during the COVID-19 period (1 April–31 October 2020). Compared to predicted incidence, eating disorder presentations increased 24.0% in the COVID-19 period, primarily among higher SES females aged 18–24 years. Developmental/behavioural disorder presentations decreased by 19.7% for all age groups. Pandemic restrictions were associated with overall increases in monthly adult ED presentations for mental health, with some disorders increasing and others decreasing. Accessibility of acute mental health services needs to be addressed to meet changing demand and ensure services are responsive to changes in presentations resulting from future public health challenges.
Competition and Stability in the European Union Banking Sector
Authors: Ferreira Cândida
Published: November 2023

This paper empirically tests the two competing hypotheses regarding the relationship between competition and stability: the competition-fragility hypothesis and the competition-stability hypothesis. The banking sector stability is proxied with the estimated Z-score, which provides a measure of overall bank stability. Two different measures are used to represent bank competition: the Herfindahl–Hirschman Index (a specific measure of market concentration) and the Boone indicator (which measures competition from an efficiency perspective). Using data from the Moody’s Analytics BankFocus database and the World Bank Global Financial Development database, the paper applies panel estimations to a relatively large panel, including 784 relevant banks from all 27 European Union countries, between 2006 and 2021. The main findings overall confirm the validity of the competition-fragility hypothesis. Moreover, the results obtained for two specific European Union countries, Germany and France, highlight some specific differences, particularly regarding the effects of bank market concentration and the responses to the crises that affected the European Union banking institutions over the considered period. The findings of this paper reinforce the relevance of the policy maker’s role and indicate, for example, that bank market competition in the European Union is probably already sufficiently high and should not be reinforced, as overall, the increase in bank competition seems detrimental to the stability of European Union banking institutions.
Association of mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate with adverse outcomes in chronic hemodialysis patients
Authors: Wu Chia-Lin , Fang Yu-Wei , Hou Yi-Chou , Lu Kuo-Cheng , Tsai Wen-Hsin , Lu Ping-Hsun , Lee Tzong-Shyuan , Kuo Ko-Lin
Published: November 2023

Phthalate exposure is widespread and has a global impact. Growing evidence shows that mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP) exposure has a negative impact on human health. However, whether MEHP exposure is associated with mortality and other adverse outcomes in hemodialysis patients remains unknown. This study prospectively enrolled 217 patients on maintenance hemodialysis from June 30, 2021, to August 16, 2022. Baseline serum MEHP, di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), and indoxyl sulfate (IS) concentrations were measured. Primary endpoints were all-cause mortality or composite adverse outcomes, including all-cause death plus hospitalization due to cardiovascular disease, heart failure, stroke, infection, or cancer. Serum MEHP concentrations were positively associated with DEHP but not indoxyl sulfate concentrations in hemodialysis patients. Additionally, serum MEHP concentrations were significantly and independently associated with all-cause mortality and composite adverse outcomes (adjusted hazard ratios [HRs], 1.04 and 1.03 per ng/mL, 95% confidence intervals [CIs], 1.01–1.07 and 1.00–1.05; p = 0.016 and 0.015, respectively). We found a cutoff value of MEHP for predicting both endpoints. Patients with serum MEHP concentrations of ≥ 41.8 ng/mL had much higher risks for all-cause mortality and composite adverse outcomes (adjusted HRs, 39.2 and 13; 95% CIs, 2.44–65.7 and 2.74–61.4; p = 0.011 and 0.001, respectively). MEHP exposure is significantly associated with higher risks for all-cause mortality and composite adverse outcomes. Hemodialysis patients with serum MEHP concentrations above 41.8 ng/mL had much poorer prognoses regarding both outcomes.