bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intravenous Salbutamol for Children With Severe Acute Asthma on a Dutch Pediatric Ward: An Effective and Child‐Friendly Alternative
Authors: Schellekens I. M. , Akhnikh S. , Kruizinga M. D. , Balemans W. A. F. , van Veen M. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundAdministration of intravenous (IV) salbutamol is a widely used intervention for managing severe acute asthma (SAA) in children, although evidence is limited. Traditionally, IV salbutamol is an indication for admission to a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), however, recent Dutch guidelines allow this treatment to be initiated on a medium care pediatric ward. This study evaluated the efficacy of IV salbutamol treatment for children with SAA on two pediatric wards in the Netherlands.MethodsIn this retrospective multicenter cohort study, we included children with SAA who have been treated with IV salbutamol between June 2021 and December 2023. The primary outcome was the number of children successfully treated with IV salbutamol without being transferred to a PICU. Secondary outcomes included severity of side effects and complications.ResultsA total of 103 patients with 112 severe asthma exacerbations were included. Among these children, 46% were successfully treated on the pediatric ward. The remainder were transferred to a PICU, primarily due to exceeding the maximum allowed dose by protocol (1.0–1.5 mcg/kg/min) without an adequate response. Adverse events (e.g. hypokalemia, hyperglycemia, lactic acidosis, and hypotension) were observed in 61% of the children. Three serious adverse events were observed, no children were intubated nor were there any deaths.ConclusionChildren with SAA can be treated effectively with IV salbutamol on a Dutch pediatric ward with medium care facilities, since 46% of the children did not require a transfer to the PICU.
Non‐Invasive Ventilatory Support as a Tool to Improve Exercise Tolerance in Patients With Heart Failure: A Systematic Review With Meta‐Analysis
Authors: da Silva Jessiane Bianca Pinheiro , Santana Maria Carolina Rosário , Martinez Bruno Prata , Duarte Helder Brito 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackground and PurposeHeart failure (HF) is a complex syndrome that impacts persons’ daily activities and adherence to exercise programs. Non‐Invasive ventilation (NIV) reduces respiratory load and improves cardiac function, potentially serving as an important adjunct in its treatment. These effects can be enhanced with a cardiac rehabilitation program, improving dyspnea and functionality. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of NIV during exercise on functional performance outcomes, dyspnea, QL, hemodynamics, and respiratory function.MethodsA systematic review followed by meta‐analysis was conducted. Searches were performed in PubMed, CENTRAL, Embase, LILACS, SciELO, and CINAHL. Eligibility criteria: Randomized clinical trials of patients over 18 years of age with HF, compared to a control group, were included with the objective of improving exercise tolerance. The studies were categorized as short‐term effects of NIV and those implementing an exercise program.ResultsSeven studies were included in the qualitative review and five in the meta‐analysis. Only two studies presented a low risk of bias. The analyzed outcomes were the 6‐min walk test (6MWT), dyspnea, SpO2, heart rate (HR), systolic, and diastolic arterial pressure (SAP and DAP, respectively), maximal inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength (MIP and MEP, respectively), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and quality of life (QL).DiscussionThere was a significant difference in favor of the NIV group compared to the control group in both modalities in relation to the 6MWT, with a mean difference (MD) 41.72 (CI 95% 2.15, 81.29) meters in the exercise program and MD 68.61 (CI 95% 5.69, 131.54) meters in short‐term effect studies. There were also favorable results in the outcomes of dyspnea and FEV1 in the NIV group (p < 0.01). There were no statistically significant differences in the outcomes peripheral oxygen saturation (p = 0.11), systolic (p = 0.76) and diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.93), heart rate (p = 0.19), MIP (p = 0.49), MEP (p = 0.22) and QL (p = 0.13).Trail Registration: PROSPERO CRD42022367746
Enhanced Sensitivity to Tramadol in Diabetic Neuropathic Pain Compared to Nerve Compression Neuropathies: A Population PK/PD Model Analysis
Authors: Chun Dain , Mehta Parsshava , Guzy Serge , Cicali Brian , Lauretti Gabriela R. , Lanchote Vera L. , Vozmediano Valvanera , De Moraes Natalia 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTNeuropathic pain, often associated with diabetic neuropathy or nerve compression injuries, arises from damage or dysfunction in the somatosensory nervous system. Tramadol, frequently prescribed for this pain, has its fraction unbound and that of its active metabolite (M1) significantly altered by diabetes. Yet, dosing adjustments for diabetic neuropathic pain remain underexplored. This study developed a comprehensive population pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) model for tramadol and its major metabolites, focusing on diabetes's impact on PK and PK‐PD relationship to identify optimal dosing regimens. Data from patients with chronic neuropathic pain on oral tramadol were used to develop enantiomer‐specific population models, considering both total and unbound concentrations. Tramadol's PK was best described by a two‐compartment model with Weibull absorption and linear elimination and a one‐compartment model with enterohepatic circulation and first‐pass metabolism for the active M1. Simulations showed higher unbound fractions of the active M1 in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Despite a 67% and 14% reduction in the AUC of total (1R,2R)‐M1 in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, respectively, the AUC of unbound (1R,2R)‐M1 remained consistent. The unbound concentration of the active M1 required to achieve 50% of the maximum pain reduction (IC50) was lower in patients with diabetes, indicating increased sensitivity to the drug. This model‐based approach provides valuable dosing guidance, suggesting once‐daily dosing treatments in patients with diabetes and twice‐daily dosing for patients with neuropathic pain secondary to nerve compression mechanisms.
8 W at 10 GHz in AlGaN/GaN High Electron Mobility Transistors on Silicon Without Any Carbon or Iron Doping
Authors: Shuvro Shonkho , Gowrisankar Aniruddhan , Jayaramaiah Roopa , Venugopalrao Anirudh , Chandrasekar Hareesh , Sen Prosenjit , Muralidharan Rangarajan , Raghavan Srinivasan , Nath Digbijoy Neelim 
Published: February 2025

X‐band power performance in AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) on silicon without intentional carbon (C) or iron (Fe) doping anywhere in the stack is reported. A reverse polarization‐graded AlGaN buffer depletes background charge and provides a superior breakdown, while an optimized AlN nucleation layer reduces substrate radio frequency (RF) losses. HEMTs with 0.22 μm gate length and 4 μm source‐drain spacing demonstrate >80 V 3‐terminal breakdown voltage for 12 × 125 μm gate width. Pulsed load‐pull at 10 GHz shows 8 W saturated power at 2 dB compression under deep class‐AB bias at 35 V with 46% drain efficiency. Further improvements are expected with substrate thinning and improved thermal management.
Generation and Manipulation of One‐Way Steering in Optomagnomechanical System
Authors: Cao Jinke , Wei Mei‐Rong , Guo Qi , Tan Huatang , Li Gang , Zhang Tiancai 
Published: February 2025

AbstractIt is showed how to generate and control the one‐way optomechanical steering in an optomagnomechanical system. In the scheme, the magnetostriction‐induced deformation displacement of a ferrimagnet couples to an optical cavity by radiation‐pressure interaction. The optical cavity resonates with the Stokes sideband of the laser drive field, leading to the optomechanical parametric down‐conversion interaction. The magnon mode resonates with the anti‐Stokes sideband of the microwave drive field, thereby cooling the mechanical motion. By adjusting the detuning between the magnon mode and the microwave drive field, we show the relative steady‐state population numbers of photons and phonons will be changed, therefore, the direction of the optomechanical steering can be controlled. The control of the quantum steering in this scheme does not require the introduction of additional dissipation and damping of the entangled parties, which means the one‐way steering can be generated with low mechanical damping, and has strong robustness against thermal noise. This finding may provide a novel platform to generate and control quantum steering in hybrid quantum system.
Topological Phases and Anomalous Phase Transitions in Topolectrical Circuit
Authors: Hu Kai‐Xin , Zhang Zhi‐Xu , Yan Yu , Liu Shutian , Cui Wen‐Xue , Cao Ji , Zhang Shou , Wang Hong‐Fu 
Published: February 2025

AbstractDistinct topological phases and anomalous phase transitions are investigated in a 2D topolectrical circuit system. The topological phases of the system are characterized by the Chern number and fractional wave polarization, and the phase‐transition lines (PTLs) obtained from the phase diagrams are consistent with those derived from the zero‐energy condition. It is shown that different PTLs emerge gapless points at different high‐symmetry points of the first Brillouin zone. Moreover, gapless points appear simultaneously at two different high‐symmetry points when two PTLs intersect. In topological phases with a nonzero Chern number, the chiral edge states are present when periodic boundary conditions (PBCs) are applied along any one direction. In topological phases with a nonzero fractional wave polarization, there are in‐gap edge states when PBCs are applied along one direction and near‐bulk edge states along another direction. The edge states are present at the anomalous PTLs between two nontrivial phases and are absent at the normal PTLs between the trivial and nontrivial phases. Furthermore, an efficient method is proposed to identify desirable topological edge states based on the impedance of the topolectrical circuit system. The work reveals that the presence of anomalous phase transitions is crucial for understanding the essentials of topological phase transitions.
Underground mining impact on groundwater in Kuye River Basin, China: A coupling model study
Authors: Li Shu , Jing Yi , Zhang Xiangyu , Zhang Fengran , Qi Qingsong , Li Ningbo , Bai Le 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThe Kuye River Basin has experienced a rapid depletion of groundwater due to the increased coal production. In this study, by introducing the empirical equations derived from the three zone theory in the coal mining industry in China as a boundary condition, a calculation model was developed by coupling the soil and water assessment tool and visual modular three‐dimensional finite‐difference ground‐water flow model (SWAT‐VISUAL MODFLOW). The model was applied to several coal mines in the basin to quantify the groundwater impact of underground mining. For illustration purposes, two underground water observation stations and one water level station were selected for groundwater change simulation in 2009, producing the results that agreed well with the observed data. We found that groundwater level was closely related to the height of the fractured water‐conducting zone caused by underground mining, and a higher height led to a lower groundwater level. This finding was further supported by the calculation that underground mining was responsible for 23.20 mm aquifer breakages in 2009. Thus, preventing surface subsidence due to underground mining can help protecting the basin's groundwater.
Design, Synthesis, and Simulation of Functionalized 1,2,3,4‐Tetrahydroisoquinolines to Treat Acute Leukemia Cells
Authors: Ananta  , Shah Chandan , Pal Divya , Althagafi Ismail , Pratap Ramendra , Yadav Dharmendra Kumar , Kumar Sanjay 
Published: February 2025

AbstractTetrahydroisoquinolines (THIQ) are prevalent heterocyclic molecules that are the backbone of several synthetic anticancer compounds and alkaloids showing antitumor activity in melanoma, breast, brain, ovarian, and prostate cancer. We designed and synthesized functionalized THIQ derivatives 7a and 7b and evaluated their anticancer activity using acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell line, HL‐60 cells. We synthesized these compounds in two steps from functionalized 2H‐pyran‐2‐ones. N‐Boc‐protected tetrahydroisoquinolines were synthesized by ring transformation of 6‐aryl‐4‐sec.amino‐2‐oxo‐2H‐pyran‐3‐carbonitriles using N‐Boc‐4‐piperidone in the presence of sodamide in DMSO, then deprotection of the N‐Boc‐protecting group under acidic conditions was carried out to isolate the designed compounds. Compounds 7a and 7b have exhibited the IC50 values of 10 and 40 µM in vitro studies in the HL‐60, respectively. We found that 7a and 7b induced anti‐leukemic/anticancer activity in HL‐60 cells through interaction with CDK2, cytotoxicity, ROS production, and apoptosis, which may be essential for the new anticancer drug design and further evaluation in AML patients. In silico molecular docking study suggests that compound 7a is preferentially more active than other identified compounds with strong binding affinity to major anticancer receptors. The results of the present study may help design lead compounds with improved activity.
Revisiting the Reduction of Vinpocetine
Authors: Borsoi Simone , Pozzi Luca , Fasano Valerio , Citarella Andrea , Macetti Giovanni , Presti Leonardo Lo , Paladino Giuseppe , Ciriello Umberto , Passarella Daniele 
Published: February 2025

AbstractHydrogenation of the semisynthetic vinca alkaloid vinpocetine produces two epimers that have previously been investigated as chiral additives. However, the absence of a full characterization generated some ambiguities in their stereochemical identification. In this study, computational methods, NMR analysis, and X‐ray crystallography were employed to clarify and revise the previously reported assignment. Additionally, various methods for the reduction of the 16,17‐double bond of vinpocetine are explored. A comparative analysis of epimer formation ratios with the corresponding alcohols is presented, supported by a detailed NMR characterization of these previously unexplored alkaloids.
Recent Advances in Twisted and Coiled Artificial Muscles and Their Applications
Authors: Sun Jin , Zhang Shijing , Deng Jie , Li Jing , Wang Dehong , Liu Junkao , Liu Yingxiang 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTTwisted and coiled artificial muscles (TAMs) have been extensively studied in the field of soft robots due to their exceptional properties, including high energy density, large load‐to‐weight ratio, large deformation, low driving voltage, and low hysteresis. The advancements of TAMs hold the potential for enhancing the performance and broadening their functional capabilities of soft robots, thus demonstrating substantial practical value. This review outlines the recent progress in TAMs and their diverse applications in soft robots. First, the commonly used materials to fabricate TAMs, including inorganic fibers, composite fibers, organic fibers, and natural fibers, are discussed along with their characteristics. Then, the actuation strategies are summarized across four aspects: thermal method, solvent method, electrochemical method and other non‐contact methods. Moreover, the configurations of TAMs are classified into single, parallel and braided structures. In addition, various soft robots driven by TAMs are introduced according to their functions, including manipulation, locomotion, smart textile, and sensor. Finally, the research hotspots and development trends of TAMs are evaluated. It is expected that this review article can serve as a valuable reference and source of inspiration for researchers in the field of soft actuators and robots.
Same Class Different Worlds: A Narrative Inquiry of Two Students in an English Medium Instruction Classroom
Authors: Liu Shuwen , Yuan Rui 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThis narrative inquiry explores the experiences of two students in an English Medium Instruction (EMI) course at a Macau University. Through the lens of self‐discrepancy theory and possible selves theory and drawing on data from field observation, interviews, and informal chats, the findings unearthed significantly different experiences of the students who constructed different possible selves with powerful impacts on their course participation and learning. The findings point to an increasing gap between EMI students, which starts from English language proficiency and then permeates other areas in individuals' learning and development. Such differences, as reflected in their linguistic practices, self‐interpretations, and future orientations, function as a source of educational inequity, which seems to increasingly self‐perpetuate the divide in EMI classrooms. The divergent experiences call for urgent attention from EMI researchers and practitioners about the issue of educational equity and inclusiveness in higher education. In particular, language proficiency should be viewed as a dynamic, composite, and sociopolitical concept constantly in negotiation with students' motivation, investment, and vision in EMI contexts.
Farmer perceptions of clinical mastitis incidence, risk factors and epidemiology in meat‐producing sheep flocks in the UK and the Republic of Ireland
Authors: Luque Castro Alberto , Macrae Alastair , Shaw Darren J. , Kelly Rob , Crilly James Patrick , Murdoch Fraser , Sargison Neil 
Published: February 2025

AbstractBackgroundMastitis has a negative effect on sheep health and welfare and causes significant economic losses to farmers. This study aimed to estimate the incidence of clinical mastitis in meat‐producing sheep flocks in the UK and the Republic of Ireland and describe its variation between farming systems, countries and management practices.MethodsAn online questionnaire was distributed to sheep farmers recruited through veterinary practices and industry organisations. The survey was available between September 2022 and April 2023.ResultsA total of 103 responses were collected. Of these, 53.4% were from lowland farmers, 49.5% were from farmers practising indoor lambing and 68% were from farmers with commercial flocks. The mean perceived incidence of clinical mastitis was 3.7 cases per 100 ewes per year (95% confidence interval: 3.0–4.4). Flock size was negatively correlated with the perceived incidence of clinical mastitis; however, country, farming system, flock type and lambing type did not significantly influence the perceived incidence of clinical mastitis. Acute clinical mastitis was more frequently identified in early and late lactation, while chronic clinical mastitis was more frequent at lambing, weaning and postweaning. More medical treatments were used for acute clinical mastitis cases than for chronic clinical mastitis cases.LimitationsThe main limitations of the study were the relatively low number of responses received and the potential selection bias.ConclusionThe perceived incidence of clinical mastitis in meat‐producing sheep flocks in the UK and the Republic of Ireland is 3.7 cases per 100 ewes per year, regardless of farming system, flock type, lambing type and country.
CRISPR in Plants
Authors: Ruppel Nicholas J. , Carter Dawn 
Published: February 2025

What You Will Learn in This Chapter
In this chapter, we describe several strategies for implementing CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing in Arabidopsis thaliana
, a model plant. Most experimental approaches described here will take several weeks of laboratory time (assuming classes meet once per week). For a molecular biology classroom, we describe a simple method for cloning a gene knock-out guide sequence into a plant binary vector plasmid. For genetics or plant biology courses, we describe an approach starting with a plasmid vector containing a guide sequence and Cas9 and have the students engineer transgenic A. thaliana plants. A third strategy would be to have students analyze transgenic seed lines and determine the sequence of the edited region. All these approaches introduce students to TAIR (The Arabidopsis Information Resource), an invaluable resource allowing students to examine gene sequences and expression profiles for suitable genes for knock-out experiments. We also address the challenges and benefits of in planta studies.
Convergences and Divergences in Health: Differences in Premature Mortality Between the Spanish-Born and the Immigrant Population
Authors: Grande Rafael , García-González Juan Manuel 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Premature mortality, defined as deaths occurring before the age of 65, is a widely used indicator of quality of life and of the effectiveness of health policies and programmes and for uncovering social inequalities in health. This chapter examines whether immigrants experience a premature mortality advantage relative to Spanish-born, in line with the healthy immigrant paradox. The analyses use information extracted from the cause of death register (2012–2015) linked to census data from 2011. The sample is a randomly selected 10% of the population residing in Spain according to the 2011 census. Using Cox proportional hazards regression models for men and women, we calculated the risks (hazard ratios) of premature mortality of the Spanish native and immigrant populations, the immigrant population’s risk by region of origin, and the effects of education level and occupation on mortality risk. In addition to all-cause premature mortality, the differences between natives and immigrants were investigated for the main causes: cancers, diseases of the circulatory system and injuries and external causes. The main results show lower all-cause premature mortality among immigrants than Spanish-born and an even greater advantage in cancer mortality.
Effects of the introduction of biosimilars on the costs and prescription frequency of selected biologics in statutory and private health insurance in Germany: differences and similarities
Authors: Oppel Susanne , Renner Bertold , Elsner Sarah , Lippert Annemarie 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Aim
Biologicals are jointly responsible for growing healthcare expenditures due to their innovation, patent protection, and the increasing number of indications they are used for. The aim of the study was to investigate how costs and prescription volumes of several biologicals developed in a collective of insured persons in statutory health insurance (SHI) and private health insurance (PHI) in Germany over a period from 2016 to 2020.

Subject and methods
Primary outpatient prescription data of pharmaceuticals from an SHI and a PHI collective was used focusing on the monoclonal antibodies adalimumab, infliximab, rituximab, and trastuzumab, as well as the differences between their reference drugs and biosimilars.

Results
Total prescription volumes of the anti-rheumatic drugs increased while those of the oncologicals decreased. Prescriptions for reference drugs fell in all cases, particularly after the market launch of the first biosimilars. However, while the decline in prescriptions of adalimumab and infliximab in PHI occurred later and more slowly than in SHI, the trend for rituximab and trastuzumab was almost parallel in both systems. In most cases, costs developed in line with prescriptions. Market competition and statutory control mechanisms had a positive impact on overall costs.

Conclusion
Statutory control mechanisms such as prescription target quotas and reference price groups in SHI are effective for the drugs investigated. Nevertheless, biosimilar rates in SHI and PHI are not as far apart as the generics rate. For more expensive active substances, a switch to the cheaper biosimilars is more likely than for comparatively cheaper drugs.