bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seasonality of zooplankton active flux in subtropical waters
Authors: Hernández‐León Santiago , Sarmiento‐Lezcano Airam , Couret María , Armengol Laia , Medina‐Suárez Ione , Fatira Effrosyni , Tuset Víctor , Limam Abdallahi , Sánchez Díez Antonio , Díaz‐Pérez Javier , Landeira José María
Published: September 2024

The biological carbon pump (BCP) is the mechanism by which the ocean transports organic matter below the mixed layer, exporting or sequestering it for years to millennia. Physical transport of dissolved and particulate organic carbon, the sinking of particles, and the carbon transported by diel and seasonal vertical migrants are the three main mechanisms of the BCP. In the study of active flux, seasonality is almost unknown and changes in ocean productivity during the annual cycle could promote differences in this transport. Here, we show the results of a cruise performed during spring in the Canary Current System, where we studied zooplankton active flux in two transects from the coastal zone off Northwest Africa toward the ocean. We measured biomass and the enzymatic activity of the electron transfer system (ETS) as a proxy for respiration in the water column down to a depth of 900 m. Compared with a previous survey during fall, we found higher values of specific ETS activity in the mesopelagic zone, promoting a higher active flux. Our results showed that the seasonality of active flux is driven not only by differences in biomass but also by differences in respiration rates in the mesopelagic zone, mainly due to differences in zooplankton body size. A review of the zooplankton active flux values around the Canary Islands showed a fourfold increase during spring compared with other seasons. This small window of higher flux should be considered in models of active carbon export in the ocean.
Research on optimization and self‐repair of fiber‐optic sensor network based on a novel elliptical topology structure
Authors: Hu Xingliu , Si Haifei , Zhou Zhihui
Published: September 2024

We designed a novel elliptical topology fiber‐optic sensing network to improve the coverage and reliability of fiber‐optic sensing networks. A sensitive area model detection experiment of fiber Bragg‐grating sensors was conducted, and a fiber‐optic sensing network based on an elliptical topology model was established based on the optimal coverage. To further optimize the network performance, the graph theory's adjacency matrix, coupled with the shortest‐path algorithm, efficiently uncovers and establishes the demodulation pathway for failed sensors in the fiber‐optic sensing network at a higher rate, thereby improving the response speed of self‐repair. Floyd's algorithm demonstrated a significant improvement in repair time compared with the standard practice, specifically reducing the repair time by approximately 88.25%.
Large‐language‐model empowered 3D dose prediction for intensity‐modulated radiotherapy
Authors: Dong Zehao , Chen Yixin , Gay Hiram , Hao Yao , Hugo Geoffrey D. , Samson Pamela , Zhao Tianyu
Published: September 2024

Background

Treatment planning is currently a patient specific, time‐consuming, and resource demanding task in radiotherapy. Dose‐volume histogram (DVH) prediction plays a critical role in automating this process. The geometric relationship between DVHs in radiotherapy plans and organs‐at‐risk (OAR) and planning target volume (PTV) has been well established. This study explores the potential of deep learning models for predicting DVHs using images and subsequent human intervention facilitated by a large‐language model (LLM) to enhance the planning quality.

Method

We propose a pipeline to convert unstructured images to a structured graph consisting of image‐patch nodes and dose nodes. A novel Dose Graph Neural Network (DoseGNN) model is developed for predicting DVHs from the structured graph. The proposed DoseGNN is enhanced with the LLM to encode massive knowledge from prescriptions and interactive instructions from clinicians. In this study, we introduced an online human‐AI collaboration (OHAC) system as a practical implementation of the concept proposed for the automation of intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) planning.

Results

The proposed DoseGNN model was compared to widely employed DL models used in radiotherapy, including Swin Transformer, 3D U‐Net CNN, and vanilla MLP. For PTV, DoseGNN achieved the mean absolute error (MAE) of , , , and between true plans and predicted plans that were 64%, 53%, 64%, 61% of the best baseline model. For the worst case among OARs (left lung, right lung, chest wall, heart, spinal cord), DoseGNN achieved the mean absolute error of , , that were 85%, 91%, 80% of the best baseline model. Moreover, the LLM‐empowered DoseGNN model facilitates seamless adjustment to treatment plans through interaction with clinicians using natural language.

Conclusion

We developed DoseGNN, a novel deep learning model for predicting delivered radiation doses from medical images, enhanced by LLM to allow adjustment through seamless interaction with clinicians. The preliminary results confirm DoseGNN's superior accuracy in DVH prediction relative to typical DL methods, highlighting its potential to facilitate an online clinician‐AI collaboration system for streamlined treatment planning automation.
In vivo cardiac diffusion tensor imaging on an MR system featuring ultrahigh performance gradients with 200 mT/m maximum gradient strength
Authors: Kara Danielle , Liu Yuchi , Chen Shi , Garrett Thomas , Younis Arwa , Sugawara Masafumi , Bolen Michael A. , Bi Xiaoming , Wazni Oussama , Nakagawa Hiroshi , Kwon Deborah , Nguyen Christopher
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Our aim is to assess the potential of an MR system with ultrahigh performance gradients (200 mT/m maximum gradient strength) to address two interrelated challenges in cardiac DTI: low SNR and sensitivity to bulk motion.

Methods

Imaging was performed in 20 healthy volunteers, two patients, and one swine post‐myocardial infarction. The impact of maximum gradient strength was assessed with spin echo cardiac DTI featuring second‐order motion compensation and varying maximum system gradient strengths (40, 80, 200 mT/m). Motion compensation requirements at 200 mT/m were assessed with sequences featuring zeroth‐, first‐, and second‐order motion compensation. SNR, mean diffusivity, fractional anisotropy, helix angle transmurality, and secondary eigenvector angle in the left ventricle were compared.

Results

Increasing maximum system gradient strength from 40 and 80 mT/m to 200 mT/m increased SNR of b = 500 s/mm2 images by 150% and 40% due to reductions in TE. Observed improvements in DTI metrics included reduction in variance in mean diffusivity and helix angle transmurality across healthy volunteers, improved visualization of myocardial borders and delineation of suspected scar. Whereas second‐order motion compensation acquisitions were robust to motion‐induced signal dropout, zeroth‐ and first‐order motion compensation acquisitions suffered from severe signal loss and localized signal voids, respectively.

Conclusion

Ultrahigh performance gradients (200 mT/m) enable high SNR DWIs of the heart and resultant improvements in diffusion tensor metrics. Despite reduced diffusion‐encoding duration, second‐order motion compensation is required to overcome sensitivity to cardiac motion.
Sex differences in the secular change in waist circumference relative to BMI in five countries from 1997 to 2020
Authors: Sánchez‐Romero Luz M. , Sagaceta‐Mejía Janine , Mindell Jennifer S. , Passi‐Solar Álvaro , Bernabé‐Ortiz Antonio , Tolentino‐Mayo Lizbeth , Moody Alison , Scholes Shaun
Published: September 2024

Objective

The objective of this study was to quantify changes over time in waist circumference (WC) relative to BMI by sex in the Americas (United States, Mexico, Chile, and Peru) and England.

Methods

Data from adults aged 25 to 64 years between 1997 and 2020 were analyzed, and US data were stratified by race and ethnicity groups. Sex‐specific BMI and WC means and obesity and abdominal obesity prevalence were compared between the first and last surveys. Using data from all survey years, secular changes across the BMI and WC distributions were estimated, applying quantile regression models. BMI was added as a predictor of WC to estimate secular changes in WC relative to BMI. Interaction terms were included in all models to evaluate differences by sex.

Results

BMI and WC (except for Peru) showed larger secular increases at the upper‐tails of the distributions in both sexes. Increases at the 50th and 75th WC percentiles relative to BMI were more pronounced in women than in men, with larger increases in US non‐Hispanic White individuals and in England. In men, increases in WC independent of BMI were most evident in Mexico.

Conclusions

Disease risk associated with visceral fat is potentially underestimated by national surveillance efforts that quantify only secular changes in BMI.
Orexins mitigate obesity‐associated dysfunctions in mice
Authors: Blais Anne , Denis Isabelle , Andriamihaja Mireille , Gratio Valérie , Champeil‐Potokar Gaelle , Laouirem Samira , Chassac Anais , Couvelard Anne , Paradis Valérie , Voisin Thierry , Davila Anne‐Marie , Couvineau Alain
Published: September 2024

Objective

Obesity is a chronic disease that affects more than 400 million adults with severe comorbidities. The search for new treatments to reduce its negative consequences is necessary. Orexins are hypothalamic neuropeptides involved in various physiological processes related to obesity. The aim of this study was to investigate the consequences of chronic orexin‐A treatment in mouse models.

Methods

Female wild‐type C57BL/6 mice that were obesity‐prone or obesity‐resistant and mice that were deficient for orexin receptors were fed with a high‐fat diet. Glucose tolerance, indirect calorimetry, expression of brain neuropeptides and receptors, microglial activation, and microbiota were determined to evaluate the role of orexins on metabolic flexibility.

Results

Orexin‐A reduces weight gain in obesity‐prone mice. This reduction is associated with a decrease in body fat, food intake, steatosis, and insulin resistance, as well as alterations of intestinal microbiota composition. A decreased expression of orexin receptors and neuropeptides involved in food intake was also observed in the hypothalamus.

Conclusions

Our data support the notion that orexin receptor signaling is involved in different aspects of energy metabolism and can mitigate several dysfunctions associated with obesity, suggesting that orexin receptors can represent new targets for obesity treatment.
Design, Synthesis, Biological Evaluation and Molecular Docking Studies of a New Series of Maleimide Derivatives
Authors: Eyilcim Öznur , Günay Fulya , Ng Yuk Yin , Ulucan Açan Özlem , Turgut Zuhal , Günkara Ömer Tahir
Published: September 2024

A series of novel maleimide derivatives were synthesized, with various heterocyclic compounds serving as side chains in the synthesis process. The structural characteristics of these compounds were elucidated through the application of 1H‐NMR spectroscopy, 13C‐NMR (APT) spectroscopy, and high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). The anti‐cancer potential of these compounds was subsequently assessed in vitro, utilizing two distinct breast cancer cell lines, namely MDA‐MB‐231 and MCF‐7, via MTT assay. Among the 12 newly synthesized compounds, 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, 4 d, 5 a, 5 b, 5 c and 5 d were determined to show the most promising anti‐cancer activity against both breast cancer cell lines. Moreover, the morphological changes induced in the cells following a 24‐hour incubation period with these compounds were observed using light microscopy. Additionally, molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to assess the stability of the bound conformations of the compounds to the target protein GSK‐3β as obtained through molecular docking calculations.
Phytochemical analysis of different Callicarpa species based on integrating metabolomics and chemometrics
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxiao , Zhang Qingrui , Ngina Charity , Lei Peng , Li Xiaoge , Jiang Qibao , Jiang Miaomiao
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Traditionally, Callicarpa species have been utilized their anti‐inflammatory and hemostatic properties. Prominently featured species in the 2020 Edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia were Callicarpa nudiflora (CN), Callicarpa macrophylla (CM), Callicarpa formosana (CF), and Callicarpa kwangtungensis (CK), which were formulated into several medicinal preparations. Extensive applications led to the significant depletion of CN's wild resources. The management of germplasm resources was significantly disordered. Adulteration issues were also prevalent.

Objective

It is imperative that the study aims to identify alternative sources for CN and other pharmacopeial varieties and develop methods to distinguish different Callicarpa species.

Results

Data were acquired using three mass spectrometry modes: Data Dependent Analysis (DDA), Data‐Independent Analysis (DIA), and full mass spectrometry (MS). The DDA mode identified or inferred information on 54 compounds. The Full MS mode identified or inferred 74 compounds, including 20 that were previously unreported in Callicarpa. These compounds were confirmed using standards. The DIA mode did not facilitate identification due to missing precursor ion data. With metabolomics, 19 differential compounds were identified or inferred. Luteolin, chrysoeriol, and quercetin were selected as potential markers, integrating the 10 active compounds from network pharmacology.

Conclusion

Based on the relative abundance of these markers, it was proposed that Callicarpa giraldii Hesse ex Rehd. var. (CGHRV) and CM could serve as alternative resource species to CN, while CGHRV and Callicarpa giraldii Hesse ex Rehd. (CGHR) could substitute the pharmacopeial CM. Callicarpa longissimi (CLG) was suggested as an alternative to CK, while Callicarpa cathayana (CC) and Callicarpa rubella (CRL) could replace CF. Furthermore, the absence of certain compounds in CK presented a novel opportunity for the differentiation of various Callicarpa species.
Development of hydroxyapatite/poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate)/gelatin composite nanofibers to improve bone‐forming cell proliferation and mineral deposition
Authors: Al‐Senani Ghadah M. , Abu Al‐Ola Khulood A. , Al‐Qahtani Salhah D.
Published: September 2024

Calcium phosphate hydroxyapatite (HA) was successfully incorporated into poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate)/gelatin (PHBV/GEL) nanofibers through an electrospinning process in a hexafluoroisopropanol solvent (HFIP). The PHBV/GEL was electrospun and collected using a rotating metallic network to develop highly ordered nonwoven mats. The effects of HA addition on the morphologies of the obtained fibers were investigated using SEM. The average diameter of the fibers ranged around 700–900 nm, depending on the HA content. From a mechanical perspective, the addition of HA nanoparticles showed variations in tensile strength and elastic modulus values. The lowest tensile strength measured for neat PHBV/GEL was 0.37 ± 0.08 MPa with an elastic modulus of 9.45 ± 0.65 MPa, whereas the highest tensile strength reported for 5% HA‐loaded PHBV/GEL mats was 1.1 ± 0.4 MPa with an elastic modulus of 16.9 ± 0.39 MPa. In addition, cell viability, and mineral deposition were also studied using MC3T3‐E1 pre‐osteoblasts. The in vitro experiment results showed that the HA loaded‐PHBV/GEL mats provide optimal conditions for cell growth and osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3‐E1 cells. This study reveals the potential of PHBV/GEL/HA matrices in the development of novel guided bone‐regeneration (GBR) membranes for orthopedic and craniomaxillofacial surgery, by providing favorable structural features for attachment, growth, and differentiation of osteoblast cells.

Highlights

Simple and cheap electrospinning strategy toward network‐like fibrous mats.

Microstructure, mechanical, and biological features were evaluated.

Electrospun PHBV/GEL/HA promoted calcium phosphate deposition by MC3T3‐E1 cells.
Regenerative soil management practices no‐till and sheep grazing induce significant but contrasting short‐term changes in the vineyard soil microbiome
Authors: Bansal Sangeeta , Gonzalez‐Maldonado Noelymar , Yao Erika , Wong Connie T. F. , Adamo Irene , Acin‐Albiac Marta , Garcia‐Jimenez Beatriz , Acedo Alberto , Lazcano Cristina
Published: September 2024

Societal Impact Statement

Winegrape production is an essential cultural heritage and economic engine of many regions of the world. Regenerative management, which is gaining traction with industry and consumers alike, relies on soil biodiversity for agroecosystem function, reducing external inputs and increasing ecosystem resilience to climate change. We evaluated the effects of no‐till and sheep integration on vineyard soil biodiversity and soil ecosystem function. No‐till had stronger effects on microbial diversity, while sheep grazing stimulated microbial functioning. By providing a better understanding of the practices, we provide fundamental information for growers that want to embrace regenerative principles, ultimately contributing to the sustainability and resilience of the winegrape industry.

Regenerative management aims to optimize soil microbial function and diversity for enhanced agroecosystem functionality. Understanding the effects of management practices on soil microorganisms is crucial in the context of growing societal interest in this type of management.

This study evaluated the short‐term effects of two soil conservation practices: sheep grazing and no‐till, on abundance, diversity, activity, and network complexity of prokaryotes and fungi in a vineyard soil. Four treatments were applied for 3 years: (1) grazed and tilled, (2) grazed and non‐tilled, (3) non‐grazed and tilled, and (4) non‐grazed and non‐tilled. We hypothesized that stacking of conservation practices (grazing and no‐till) would increase microbial diversity, function, and network complexity.

Grazing had strong effects on microbial function, increasing the α‐glucosidase, β‐glucosidase, cellulase, phosphatase, and β‐xylosidase enzymatic activity by 82%, 48%, 61%, 39%, and 55%, respectively, compared to non‐grazed soils, while not causing significant changes in soil microbial diversity. Tillage had strong effects on soil prokaryotic and fungal diversity. For prokaryotes, significant interactions in alpha diversity were found between tillage and grazing, and between tillage and sampling location (tractor row and under vine). Fungal Shannon diversity index was higher in the subsoil (15–30 cm) while a significant interaction between depth, location, tillage, and grazing was found for the Chao‐1 index. Microbial network properties were only significantly affected by sampling depth.

This study shows that the lack of disturbance in non‐tilled and non‐grazed soils resulted in a more diverse soil community, while grazing stimulated microbial function, thus showing a decoupling between diversity and function in vineyard soil ecosystems.
Comparative Profiling of Milk Somatic Cells Proteomes Revealed Key Players in Mammary Immune Mechanisms During Mastitis in Tropical Sahiwal (Bos indicus) Cows
Authors: Satheesan Lija , Kittur Priyanka M. , Alhussien Mohanned Naif , Karanwal Seema , A. P. Madhusoodan , Alex Rani , Kamboj Aarti , Dang Ajay Kumar
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Bovine mastitis poses a significant economic burden on the dairy industry worldwide. This pioneering proteomic study conducted a comparative profiling of milk somatic cell (SC) proteins contributing to mammary immune defense during subclinical and clinical mastitis (CM) in Sahiwal (Bos indicus) cows.

Experimental Design

Based on California mastitis test (CMT) scores, milk SC counts, differential leukocyte counts (DLCs), and bacteriological culture results, quarter milk SC samples were categorized into healthy (H), subclinical mastitis (SCM), and CM groups. Comparative proteome profiling of milk SCs was done using a label‐free liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) proteomic approach.

Results

The identified upregulated proteins in mastitis groups such as Vanin 2, Thioredoxin reductase‐like selenoprotein T, Ceramidase, Lymphocyte antigen 75, Misshapen‐like kinase 1 (MINK1), Thrombospondin 1, Macrophage scavenger receptor 1, Leupaxin, and Lipoamide acyltransferase, involved in immune responses. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis revealed immune functions and pathways like antigen processing, complement cascades, extracellular matrix receptor interaction, efferocytosis, leukocyte migration, chemokine, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors (PPARs), and transforming growth factor (TGF)‐beta signaling.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

These findings provide essential information on proteomic profiling in milk SCs and contribute valuable insights into immune‐related proteins regulated during mastitis in dairy cows. Further, validated proteins (Vanin 2, MINK1, and Thrombospondin 1) offer potential inflammatory biomarkers for early mastitis detection in dairy cows.
Transitions across borders: Migration aspirations of young people from Kinmen, Taiwan
Authors: Yang Gina Chin‐Yi , Koo Anita
Published: September 2024

This paper examines the migration aspirations of young people from the remote border area of Kinmen, Taiwan and their migratory trajectories—internal migration to the main island of Taiwan and cross‐border migration to China. Located between Taiwan and China, Kinmen is an offshore island with a long history of migration. Based on multi‐site ethnographic data from 30 young people, this paper explores their migratory trajectories and aspirations concerning the instability of socio‐political context and the growing social and cultural inequalities of today's globalised world, China's rise in particular. It contributes to the population geography literature by using migration aspiration as a critical lens to analyse how young people negotiate their borderland identity through mobility under the changing cross‐strait political economy. The paper emphasises the importance of considering the transformation of regional economy and culture when analysing youth migration experiences. In recognising the socially grounded aspects of migration aspiration, it highlights the fluid and transformative nature of migration to enrich our knowledge of how marginalised youth form subjectivities and negotiate complex identities through migration. The distinctive experiences of peripheral youth shed new light on the conceptualisation of border crossing, place and desires under the sway of globalisation.
Development and Validation of an ICP‐OES Method to Determine Extractable and Leachable Metals in HDPE (Plastic) Pharmaceutical Packaging Material
Authors: Kapadnis Gaurav , Kar Prasenjit , Balakrishnan Kannan , Vyasa Samir , Mahajan Bhavna , Deshpande Kirti , Sajimon Lida , Kapadnis Prajakta
Published: September 2024

The safety and effectiveness of pharmaceutical medicines depend heavily on extractables and leachables. Patients may be adversely affected by contaminants that enter drug products through packing materials. As a result, regulatory organizations like the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have set standards and regulations for evaluating and managing extractables and leachables. Characterizing the packing materials, carrying out extraction experiments and checking the extracted solutions for contaminants are all parts of this research. As part of the process for approving new drugs, regulatory agencies make use of these data. In present work, an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP‐OES) method is developed and validated for quantifying trace elements from a high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) packaging material. The approach delineated in accordance with United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) <661.1> and <661.2> for the comprehensive analysis of 16 metallic elements including aluminium, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, lead, mercury, nickel, titanium, vanadium, zinc, zirconium, barium, manganese, calcium and tin is applicable for evaluating the efficacy of packaging materials. The method detection limits (MDLs) complied as per USP 39‐NF 34 <661.1> along with relative standard deviations (RSDs) obtained were ranging from 0.3% to 3.1% and recoveries of all elements spiked at two different trace levels in HDPE samples were within 97%–110%, providing sensitive, accurate and reproducible methodology.
Locomotion for Insect‐Scale Robots With Bionic Strategies: A Review
Authors: Zou Wenjing , Ma Erqi , Chen Haolin , Lin Feng , Xiao Ziting , Zhang Zezhan , Jiang Jing , Niu Yi , Yu Peifeng , Wang Chao
Published: September 2024

Insect‐scale robots possess the advantageous traits of small size, lightweight, and high flexibility. These features make them suitable for complex, narrow, or higher‐than‐the‐ground environments, allowing these insect‐scale robots to become highly sought‐after research topics. However, the miniaturization of robots has brought challenges to improving their environmental adaptability, such as climbing and obstacle‐crossing abilities. Mainstream strategies inspired by natural creatures to address these challenges can be classified into two types: adhesion for climbing robots and multi‐motion modes for obstacle‐crossing robots. Adhesion is preferred for occasions requiring climbing slopes, walls, or ceilings. In contrast, multi‐motion modes are suitable for occasions with limited obstacle heights or complex terrains to enable miniaturization and cable‐free operation. This paper summarizes the current research on environment‐adaptable insect‐scale robots (EAISRs) with adhesion or multi‐motion modes. Then, the paper discusses the advantages, disadvantages, and application scenarios of EAISRs, including climbing robots with different adhesion strategies and obstacle‐crossing robots with various driving methods in detail. Finally, this paper proposes the future challenges and possible solutions for EAISRs, providing ideas for future interactions between insect‐scale robots and the environment.
Analysing group‐ and metatechnology efficiencies and technology gap of airlines for a sustainable future
Authors: Yu Ming‐Miin , Guo Yongli , See Kok Fong
Published: September 2024

Airline performance evaluation, which involves incorporating sustainable concepts, provides stakeholders and managers with an objective basis for decision‐making. This evaluation considers not only conventional metrics but also environmental impacts, contributing to the advancement of sustainable development goals. This study incorporates a two‐stage network of airline operations, which implies that airlines utilise limited resources to meet their service capacity in the first stage and generate passenger and cargo services alongside carbon emissions in the second stage. The study proposes a union dynamic network data envelopment analysis model, which integrates group technology and meta‐technology into a unified model. This model not only solves the unreasonable technology gap ratio problem but also accounts for the technological heterogeneity (whether or not to participate in a strategic alliance) and the dynamic efficiency of different airlines in the network structure during different operation periods. A sample of 24 global airlines from 2017 to 2019 is used in the study. The empirical results show that the dynamic total meta‐efficiency of the alliance group is significantly greater than that of the nonalliance group over the 3 years. This suggests that joining a strategic alliance has a positive effect on airlines' operational efficiency while reinforcing their commitment to sustainability initiatives.
Preparation of Alkali‐Resistant Lignin Nanospheres Loaded with Silver Nanoparticles and Their Applications Toward Antibiosis and Printing
Authors: Fan Yufei , Ji Hairui , Ji Xingxiang , Tian Zhongjian , Chen Jiachuan
Published: September 2024

Lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) loaded with silver nanoparticles have exhibited significant application potential in antibacterial and catalytic fields. However, the high solubility of LNPs in silver ammonia solution makes it difficult to achieve the reduction of Ag+ and the adsorption of silver nanoparticles. In this study, a protecting agent, terephthalic aldehyde (TA) is used to block lignin condensation and introduce aldehyde groups onto the lignin molecular backbone during lignin extraction. Furthermore, the TA stabilized lignin (TASL) is cross‐linked with bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE) to enhance its alkali resistance performance and subsequently prepared into alkali‐resistance BADGE‐ TASL hybrid LNPs (BADGE‐ TASL hy‐LNPs) by anti‐solvent precipitation and self‐assembly. Because the presence of a large number of aldehyde groups in TASL compensates for the loss of phenolic hydroxyl groups caused by crosslinking reactions, a high loading of silver nanoparticles of 54.00% is obtained after redox reaction and adsorption in silver ammonia solution. When the BADGE‐TASL hy‐LNPs@Ag is used as an antibacterial agent, its inhibition efficiency reached ≈99%. Besides, the BADGE‐TASL hy‐LNPs@Ag can serve as a printing material for the preparation of conductive printing ink. Therefore, this study provides a strategy for lignin functionalization and application in printed electronics and antimicrobial fields.
Tailoring Oxygen Reduction Reaction on M–N–C Catalysts via Axial Coordination Engineering
Authors: Liu Dandan , Wan Xin , Shui Jianglan
Published: September 2024

The development of fuel cells and metal‐air batteries is an important link in realizing a sustainable energy supply and a green environment for the future. Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is the core reaction of such energy conversion devices. M–N–C catalysts exhibit encouraging ORR catalytic activity and are the most promising candidates for replacing Pt/C. The electrocatalytic performance of M–N–C catalysts is intimately related to the specific metal species and the coordination environment of the central metal atom. Axial coordination engineering presents an avenue for the development of highly active ORR catalysts and has seen considerable progress over the past decade. Nevertheless, the accurate control over the coordination environment and electronic structure of M–N–C catalysts at the atomic scale poses a big challenge. Herein, the diverse axial ligands, characterization techniques, and modulation mechanisms for axial coordination engineering are encompassed and discussed. Furthermore, some pressing matters to be solved and challenges that deserve to be explored and investigated in the future for axial coordination engineering are proposed.
Wie viel wiegt das Vakuum?
Authors: Kempf Achim , Jonsson Robert , Pye Jason , Rosa Luigi , Calloni Enrico
Published: September 2024

Das Vakuum ist nicht völlig leer, denn die Heisenbergsche Unschärferelation erzwingt Vakuumfluktuationen. Deren Existenz ist über Messungen der Casimir‐Kraft belegt. Folglich muss auch Energie in den Vakuumfluktuationen stecken, die sich nach E = mc2 in Form von Gravitation bemerkbar machen sollte. Nach der Allgemeinen Relativitätstheorie müsste ihre Gravitation die Expansion des Universums beschleunigen. Allerdings wäre die Gravitationswirkung, die sich theoretisch aus der quantenmechanisch ermittelten Grundzustandsenergie des Vakuums ergibt, um etwa 120 Gröβenordnungen zu groβ. Dieser Widerspruch ist eine der grundlegenden, ungeklärten Fragestellungen der Physik. Auf der Suche nach einer Antwort soll das Archimedes‐Experiment als extrem empfindliche Waage die Energiedichte des Vakuums bestimmen. Das Resultat soll Hinweise auf die Ursache des „Problems der kosmologischen Konstante” liefern.
Karl George Emeléus and Physics in Belfast 1927–66
Authors: McCartney Mark
Published: September 2024

Karl George Emeléus (1901–1989) was educated at Cambridge and after a short period at King’s College, London, he spent the remainder of his career as lecturer (1929–33) and then professor (1933–66) of physics at Queen’s University, Belfast. At Queen’s, he set the direction of experimental research in gas discharge and plasmas for a generation and oversaw the growth of the department. He also acted as a spokesman for physics in Northern Ireland and was involved in public responses to concerns about the use of nuclear weapons and nuclear energy in the late 1940s and 50s. This paper summarises Emeléus’s life and work and sets it in the context of physics at Queen’s University in the mid-twentieth century.
Genetische Diagnostik bei psychischen Erkrankungen im Erwachsenenalter
Authors: Kilarski Laura L. , Claus Isabelle , Binder Elisabeth B. , Degenhardt Franziska , Domschke Katharina , Forstner Andreas J. , Grabe Hans J. , Heilbronner Urs , Müller Daniel , Nöthen Markus M. , Radtke Franziska , Rietschel Marcella , Schulze Thomas G. , Streit Fabian , Tebartz van Elst Ludger , Tüscher Oliver , Deckert Jürgen , Schulte Eva C. ,   das Referat Genetische, Molekulare, Zelluläre Neurowissenschaften der DGPPN
Published: September 2024

Die vorliegende Arbeit bietet Einblicke in die Rolle genetischer Diagnostik bei psychischen Erkrankungen im Erwachsenenalter. Die Bedeutung genetischer Faktoren in der Entstehung psychischer Erkrankungen und seltener genetischer Syndrome bis hin zu häufigen komplex-genetischen Erkrankungen wird beschrieben. Aktuelle wegweisende klinische Merkmale bei der Indikationsstellung stellen u. a. eine Intelligenzminderung sowie Autismusspektrumstörungen und schwere psychische Erkrankungen mit bestimmten Komorbiditäten wie Organfehlbildungen oder Epilepsien dar. Es wird erläutert, wann genetische Diagnostik leitliniengerecht infrage kommt und in welchen Situationen sie auch ohne Empfehlung in den aktuellen Leitlinien in Erwägung gezogen werden sollte. Es folgt ein Überblick über das Prozedere und derzeit gängige diagnostische Methoden. Aktuelle Limitationen und mögliche Entwicklungen im Bereich genetischer Diagnostik in der Psychiatrie werden diskutiert, inklusive der Tatsache, dass für viele psychische Erkrankungen derzeit keine genetische Diagnostik in der Klinik angestrebt werden soll. Zusammenfassend sollten in der Praxis jedoch in spezifischen klinischen Konstellationen genetische Ursachen mehr in Betracht gezogen und genetische Diagnostik und Beratung angeboten werden.
Clinical course and demographic insights into suicide by self-poisoning: patterns of substance use and socio-economic factors
Authors: Geith Stefanie , Lumpe Maja , Schurr Johannes , Schmoll Sabrina , Rabe Christian , Ott Armin , Stich Raphael , Rentrop Michael , Eyer Florian , Zellner Tobias
Published: September 2024

Purpose

To analyze whether sociodemographic characteristics influence the substance choice and preclinical and clinical course of suicidal poisoning.

Methods

This was a retrospective single-center study in patients hospitalized due to suicidal poisoning and who received at least one psychiatric exploration during their inpatient stay. Patients’ sociodemographic, anamnestic, preclinical, and clinical parameters were analyzed with respect to sex and age.

Results

1090 patients were included, 727 (67%) were females, median age was 39 years (min–max: 13–91) with 603 (55%) aged 18–44 years. 595 patients (54.8%) ingested a single substance for self-poisoning, 609 (59.5%) used their own long-term medication. Comparing to males, females preferred antidepressants (n = 223, 30.7%, vs n = 85, 23.4%; p = 0.013) and benzodiazepines (n = 202, 27.8%, vs n = 65, 17.9%; p < 0.001); males more often used cardiovascular drugs (n = 33, 9.1%, vs n = 34, 4.7%; p = 0.005) and carbon monoxide (n = 18, 5.0%, vs n = 2, 0.3%; p < 0.001). Use of Z-drugs (n = 1, 1.7%, to n = 37, 33.3%; p < 0.001) and benzodiazepines (n = 4, 6.9%, to n = 33, 29.7%; p = 0.003) increased with age (< 18 to > 64 years), while use of non-opioid analgesics (n = 23, 39.7%, to n = 20, 18.0%; p < 0.001) decreased. Average dose of substance in patients > 64 years was 12.9 ± 18.4 times higher than recommended maximum daily dose (compared to 8.7 ± 15.2 higher in those aged < 18 years; p < 0.001). Males more often required intensive care (n = 150, 41.3%, vs n = 205 females, 28.2%; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

These results underline the complexity of (para-)suicidal poisonings and identify potential measures for their prevention, such as restricting access and better oversight over the use of certain substances.
Local party committee and labor cost asymmetry
Authors: Cai Yuwen , Hajikhanov Nijat , Kaspereit Thomas , Müßig Anke
Published: September 2024

Chinese state-owned enterprises (SOEs) operate under seemingly incompatible logics of economic and noneconomic objectives and thus within a setting of institutional complexity. This complexity manifests in the coexistence of the modern enterprise system and a firm-level Local Party Committee (LPC). LPCs check proposals from a political standpoint before executives decide on economic feasibility. We provide evidence that SOEs with more LPC participation exhibit greater labor stickiness, and this association is more pronounced after the enactment of the Labor Contract Law in 2008, when LPCs became more focused on noneconomic objectives. Additional analyses reveal that regional differences in market-based institutional quality moderate the association between LPC participation and labor cost asymmetry. Our results are relevant for emerging market investors who attempt to incorporate cost asymmetry into their profitability forecasts and for other stakeholders who strive to understand and anticipate the impact of the complex Chinese institutional setting on cost behavior.
Daily defined dose-costs have a stronger influence on antibacterial drug prescriptions in Germany than bacterial resistance: economic factors are more important than scientific evidence
Authors: Bindel Lilly Josephine , Seifert Roland
Published: September 2024

Previous research from our group revealed a strong association between daily defined dose (DDD)-costs and -prescriptions of antibacterial drugs in Germany (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38842562/; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39042156/). These data indicate that low costs are major driver of high prescription numbers. This study examines the relationship between bacterial resistance and DDD-prescriptions of antibacterial drugs using data from the Arzneiverordnungsreport (AVR) from 2008 to 2022 and the Antibiotic Resistance Surveillance (ARS) statistics provided by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI). We hypothesized that semi-rational or irrational prescribing behavior of antibacterial drugs is evident in Germany, i.e., prescriptions are driven to a greater extents by low DDD-costs than bacterial resistance. A bivariate correlation analysis was performed to test these models. Our data point to irrational prescribing behavior for amoxicillin, cefuroxime axetil, doxycycline, nitrofurantoin, ciprofloxacin, and clarithromycin. For amoxicillin clavulanic acid and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, data point to semi-rational prescribing. For no antibacterial drug, a model pointing to rational drug prescribing was found. In conclusion, our study shows that DDD-costs exert a more significant influence on DDD-prescriptions than bacterial resistance, indicating that economic factors, rather than scientific evidence, primarily drive antibacterial drug prescriptions in outpatient settings in Germany. It will be important to conduct similar studies on the prescription of antibacterial drugs in other countries. It will also be important to study the relation between DDD-costs and -prescriptions for other drug classes and assess the scientific basis for these relations.
Beyond visualizing the bird beak: esophagram, timed barium esophagram and manometry in achalasia and its 3 subtypes
Authors: Duy Lindsay , Clayton Steven , Morimoto Nayeli , Wang Shery , DiSantis David
Published: September 2024

Achalasia is a rare esophageal motility disorder characterized by lack of primary peristalsis and a poorly relaxing lower esophageal sphincter. This disease process can be examined several ways and these evaluations can offer complementary information. There are three manometric subtypes of achalasia, with differing appearances on esophagram. Differentiating them is clinically important, because treatment for the subtypes varies. Timed barium esophagram (TBE) is a simple test to quantitatively evaluate esophageal emptying. TBE can be used to diagnose achalasia and assess treatment response. Considerable variation in the TBE protocol exist in the literature. We propose a standardized approach for TBE to allow for comparison across institutions.
Chemotherapy/Radiotherapy-Induced Dysphagia in Head and Neck Tumors: A Challenge for Otolaryngologists in Low- to Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Gómez Álvaro , García-Chabur María Alejandra , Peñaranda Daniel , Gómez-Mendoza Antonieta , Forero Juan Carlos
Published: September 2024

Head and neck cancer accounts for 2.8% of all cancers and a large proportion of these patients have a locally advanced stage of the disease, for which chemotherapy and radiation therapy are potentially curative treatments. Dysphagia is one of the most common chemoradiotherapy-related side effects in head and neck cancer since it can lead to life-threatening complications. Reports from the current literature suggest better swallowing outcomes with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) compared to three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCT). However, in low-/middle-income countries, multiple healthcare access barriers to 3DCT that may lead to higher rates of chemo/radiotherapy related adverse events. This narrative review provides a comprehensive appraisal of published peer-reviewed data, as well as a description of the clinical practice in an otolaryngology referral center in Colombia, a low-income country.
Volar locking and angular stability plate for treatment of comminuted scaphoid fractures: a case series of 44 cases
Authors: Marzella L. , Filistad S. , Lazzerini A. , Cannella A. , Sassara G. , Caruso L. , De Vitis R.
Published: September 2024

Background

The primary method employed worldwide for the treatment of scaphoid fractures is screw fixation. However, in unstable and comminuted fractures, percutaneous fixation could produce complications due to technical challenges, such as improper axis positioning, inaccurate screw length measurement, intra-articular screw penetration, and impingement. Alternative open approaches for the surgical management of scaphoid fractures have been proposed, and in recent years, a new specific volar locking plate for the treatment of scaphoid fractures has been developed. This study aims to present the outcomes of this technique applied to 44 patients with unstable and comminuted fractures of the scaphoid.

Aims

The purpose of the study is to verify the effectiveness of the volar plate in the treatment of comminuted scaphoid fractures and the necessity for plate removal when consolidation has occurred.

Methods

Between January 2021 and March 2023, a specific volar locking plate for the treatment of scaphoid fractures was used in 44 patients. A retrospective study was conducted involving all patients, consisting of continuous clinical and radiographic assessments, functional evaluations (using QuickDASH and MHQ), and patient satisfaction surveys.

Results

All patients achieved clinical and radiographic recovery. However, the plate can impinge with nearby structures and should be removed once the fracture is consolidated. After plate removal, further improvement in range of motion was observed.

Conclusion

The plate and screws system is a viable and appropriate method of osteosynthesis in the treatment of unstable and comminuted recent fractures occurring in the middle third of the carpal scaphoid.
Validation and convergent validity of the Boston cognitive assessment (BOCA) in an Italian population: a comparative study with the Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) in Alzheimer’s disease spectrum
Authors: Padovani Alessandro , Caratozzolo Salvatore , Galli Alice , Crosani Luca , Zampini Silvio , Cosseddu Maura , Turrone Rosanna , Zancanaro Andrea , Gumina Bianca , Vicini-Chilovi Barbara , Benussi Alberto , Vyshedskiy Andrey , Pilotto Andrea
Published: September 2024

Background

The Boston Cognitive Assessment (BOCA) is a self-administered online test developed for cognitive screening and longitudinal monitoring of brain health in an aging population. The study aimed to validate BOCA in an Italian population and to investigate the convergent validity with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) in healthy ageing population and patients within the Alzheimer Disease spectrum.

Methods

BOCA was administered to 150 participants, including cognitively healthy controls (HC, n = 50), patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI, n = 50), and dementia (DEM, n = 50). The BOCA reliability was assessed using (i) Spearman’s correlation analysis between subscales; (ii) Cronbach’s alpha calculation, and (iii) Principal Component Analysis. Repeated-measures ANOVA was employed to assess the impact of the sequence of test administrations between the groups. BOCA performance between HS, MCI and DEM and within different severity subgroups were compared using Kruskall Wallis test. Furthermore, a comparison was conducted between MCI patients who tested positive for amyloid and those who tested negative, utilizing Mann Whitney’s U-test.

Results

Test scores were significantly different between patients and controls (p < 0.001) suggesting good discriminative ability. The Cronbach’s alpha was 0.82 indicating a good internal consistency of the BOCA subscales and strong-to-moderate Spearman’s correlation coefficients between them. BOCA total and subscores differ across different MoCA severity subgroups and demonstrated strong correlation with MoCA scores (rho = 0.790, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The Italian version of the BOCA test exhibited validity, feasibility, and accurate discrimination closely performing as MoCA.
The role of national heritage in shaping Germany’s public health and data governance
Authors: Schmitt Tugce , Schröder-Bäck Peter
Published: September 2024

Aim

This paper aims to explain how political culture has influenced the scope of prevention measures, disease surveillance, and health data integration strategies in the German health system to date.

Subject and methods

Political culture is a major determinant of national health policies in countries, defining the means and scope of governmental authority for ensuring population health. This paper explains the role of political culture in shaping prevention and health promotion measures in the German health system, based on a public policy theory.

Results

During the post-war period, the structure of the German health system was (re-)designed to focus on curative medicine at the expense of public health. Current prevention and health promotion measures, often characterised as ‘too little, too late’, lead to medical treatments that are ‘too costly, too risky’. Linking data sources in Germany today is much more challenging than in other European countries, with health-relevant data often remaining in isolated silos that could be used for population health.

Conclusion

The analysis suggests that the national heritage shaping the political culture in Germany had a great influence on the limited role of government intervention, the interpretation of public health, and the state’s role in collecting and processing health data of citizens for research and policymaking.
Archaeological Perspectives on the Norwegian-Dutch Timber Trade (1500–1700 CE)
Authors: van Riel Sjoerd
Published: September 2024

During the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, the Dutch Republic heavily relied on imported timber for the construction of its cities, dikes, and ships. This timber originated from the Baltic Sea, the German Rhineland, and the "Little East," but primarily from the coastal areas of southern Norway. This article examines the archaeological remains of the timber trade between the Dutch Republic and Norway, emphasizing the study of material culture recovered from archaeological excavations and dendrochronology to complement historical sources from the era.