bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Economic Burden of Healthcare Services on Cancer Survivors in Bangladesh
Authors: Shahjalal Md. , Dahal Padam Kanta , Mosharaf Md. Parvez , Alam Mohammad Morshad , Hawlader Mohammad Delwer Hossain , Mahumud Rashidul Alam 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundCancer is a critical public health issue that imposes a considerable economic burden, especially in low‐resource countries. In Bangladesh, there has been a noticeable lack of research focusing on the economic burden associated with cancer. Aims: This study aimed to examine the economic burden of cancer care and the contributing factors.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study included 623 cancer patients. Data were collected between January and May 2022. The magnitude of the economic burden (no burden to extreme burden) was the outcome variable. A logistic regression model was performed to determine the associated factors of the economic burden of cancer.ResultsOverall, 34% of cancer survivors experienced extreme economic burden due to treatment costs. Patients with prostate (relative risk ratio, RRR = 23.24; 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.97, 273.70), bone (RRR = 5.85; 95% CI: 1.10, 31.04), and liver cancer (RRR = 4.94; 95% CI: 1.29, 18.9) reported significantly higher extreme economic burden compared to patients with other cancers. The economic burden was significantly higher for patients diagnosed with Stage III (RRR = 38.69; 95% CI: 6.17, 242.72) and Stage IV (RRR = 24.74; 95% CI: 3.22, 190.11) compared to Stage 0. Patients from low‐income households suffered from nine times more extreme burden (RRR = 8.85; 95% CI: 4.05, 19.36) compared with those from high‐income households.ConclusionOur study found a disproportionately high economic burden among patients with cancer, across disease sites, stages, and income quintiles. The burden was significantly higher among patients with prostate, bone, and liver cancer, and those diagnosed with advanced stage. The findings underscore the importance of early cancer detection before metastasis which may lead to more efficient treatment, avoid disease progression, lower disease management costs, and better health outcomes. Patients from low‐income households experience an extreme economic burden due to cancer, highlighting the need for affordable healthcare services, financial support, and healthcare subsidies.
Mechanism‐Guided Rational Design of Anode Coatings for Aqueous Zinc Ion Batteries
Authors: Jiang Yizhi , Xiong Danyang , Wan Zheng , Yang Jinrong , He Xiao 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAqueous zinc ion batteries (ZIBs) hold promises as a safer, more cost‐effective, and environmental‐friendly alternative to lithium‐ion batteries, especially for stationary energy storage. Recent advancements in protective anode coatings, which fine‐tune zinc ion solvation structure, have yielded significant improvements in the aqueous ZIB performance, addressing dendrite formation and side reactions, thereby prolonging cycle lifetime. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of these coatings as ions sieves is crucial for further optimization and achieving long‐term stability, which is a key requirement for practical applications. This concept explores recent developments in ZIB anode coatings from the view of molecular mechanisms and points out future research directions.
Synaptic Response of Fluidic Nanopores: The Connection of Potentiation with Hysteresis
Authors: Bisquert Juan , Sánchez‐Mateu Marc , Bou Agustín , Suwen Law Cheryl , Santos Abel 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIontronic fluidic ionic/electronic components are emerging as promising elements for artificial brain‐like computation systems. Nanopore ionic rectifiers can be operated as a synapse element, exhibiting conductance modulation in response to a train of voltage impulses, thus producing programmable resistive states. We propose a model that replicates hysteresis, rectification, and time domain response properties, based on conductance modulation between two conducting modes and a relaxation time of the state variable. We show that the kinetic effects observed in hysteresis loops govern the potentiation phenomena related to conductivity modulation. To illustrate the efficacy of the model, we apply it to replicate rectification, hysteresis and conductance modulation of two different experimental systems: a polymer membrane with conical pores, and a blind‐hole nanoporous anodic alumina membrane with a barrier oxide layer. We show that the time transient analysis of the model develops the observed potentiation and depression phenomena of the synaptic properties.
Green Synthesis of MOF‐Based Materials for Electrochemical Reduction of Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Bagheri Mitra , Lourenço Mirtha A. O. , Dangbegnon Julien K. , Monti Nicolò B. D. , Mafra Luís , Pirri Fabrizio , Zeng Juqin 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPorous ZIF‐8 and ZIF‐67 were synthesized via a green steam‐assisted dry‐gel technique and investigated as potential catalysts for CO2 electroreduction. The synthesis conditions are found to significantly influence the growth of these metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs). Notably, the water content employed during synthesis plays a crucial role in shaping the morphological properties of ZIF‐8. Specifically, a moderate water content results in the formation of uniform ZIF‐8 with a size distribution ranging from 240–440 nm. During CO2 electroreduction, these morphological properties exert substantial effects on the selectivity for CO formation, thereby facilitating the production of syngas with adjustable CO: H2 ratios. This feature holds promise for the widespread adoption of syngas as a clean alternative to fossil fuels, offering potential benefits for electricity generation and liquid fuel production. Despite sharing similar structural properties with ZIF‐8, ZIF‐67 exhibits distinct performance characterized by its limited selectivity for CO2 electroreduction. This discrepancy is attributed to the different metal centers of the two MOFs, resulting in the distinct activation of CO2 and H2O molecules and their further reduction. This finding highlights the critical role of metal centers in MOF‐based materials for electrocatalysis application.
Prospects of Pseudomonas in Microbial Fuel, Bioremediation, and Sustainability
Authors: Song Ying‐Jie , Zhao Ning‐Lin , Dai De‐Rong , Bao Rui 
Published: August 2024

AbstractMicrobial applications in agriculture and industry have gained significant attention due to their potential to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable development. Among these, the genus Pseudomonas stands out as a promising candidate for various biotechnological uses, thanks to its metabolic flexibility, resilience, and adaptability to diverse environments. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state and future prospects of microbial fuel production, bioremediation, and sustainable development, focusing on the pivotal role of Pseudomonas species. We emphasize the importance of microbial fuel as a renewable energy source and discuss recent advancements in enhancing biofuel generation using Pseudomonas strains. Additionally, we explore the critical role of Pseudomonas in bioremediation processes, highlighting its ability to degrade a wide spectrum of pollutants, including hydrocarbons, pesticides, and heavy metals, thereby reducing environmental contamination. Despite significant progress, several challenges remain. These include refining microbial strains for optimal process efficiency and addressing ecological considerations. Nonetheless, the diverse capabilities of Pseudomonas offer promising avenues for innovative solutions to pressing environmental issues, supporting the transition to a more sustainable future.
Macrophage OTUD1‐CARD9 axis drives isoproterenol‐induced inflammatory heart remodelling
Authors: Qian Jinfu , Wang Qinyan , Xu Jiachen , Liang Shiqi , Zheng Qingsong , Guo Xiaocheng , Luo Wu , Huang Weijian , Long Xiaohong , Min Julian , Wang Yi , Wu Gaojun , Liang Guang 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundChronic inflammation contributes to the progression of isoproterenol (ISO)‐induced heart failure (HF). Caspase‐associated recruitment domain (CARD) families are crucial proteins for initiation of inflammation in innate immunity. Nonetheless, the relevance of CARDs in ISO‐driven cardiac remodelling is little explored.MethodsThis study utilized Card9−/− mice and reconstituted C57BL/6 mice with either Card9−/− or Otud1−/− marrow‐derived cells. Mechanistic studies were conducted in primary macrophages, cardiomyocytes, fibroblasts and HEK‐293T cells.ResultsHere, we demonstrated that CARD9 was substantially upregulated in murine hearts infused with ISO. Either whole‐body CARD9 knockout or myeloid‐specific CARD9 deletion inhibited ISO‐driven murine cardiac inflammation, remodelling and dysfunction. CARD9 deficiency in macrophages prevented ISO‐induced inflammation and alleviated remodelling changes in cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts. Mechanistically, we found that ISO enhances the activity of CARD9 by upregulating ovarian tumour deubiquitinase 1 (OTUD1) in macrophages. We further demonstrated that OTUD1 directly binds to the CARD9 and then removes the K33‐linked ubiquitin from CARD9 to promote the assembly of the CARD9‐BCL10‐MALT1 (CBM) complex, without affecting CARD9 stability. The ISO‐activated CBM complex results in NF‐κB activation and macrophage‐based inflammatory gene overproduction, which then enhances cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and fibroblast fibrosis, respectively. Myeloid‐specific OTUD1 deletion also attenuated ISO‐induced murine cardiac inflammation and remodelling.ConclusionsThese results suggested that the OTUD1‐CARD9 axis is a new pro‐inflammatory signal in ISO‐challenged macrophages and targeting this axis has a protective effect against ISO‐induced HF.Key points
Macrophage CARD9 was elevated in heart tissues of mice under chronic ISO administration.
Either whole‐body CARD9 knockout or myeloid‐specific CARD9 deficiency protected mice from ISO‐induced inflammatory heart remodeling.
ISO promoted the assembly of CBM complex and then activated NF‐κB signaling in macrophages through OTUD1‐mediated deubiquitinating modification.
OTUD1 deletion in myeloid cells protected hearts from ISO‐induced injuries in mice.
Performance analysis in multiuser downlink visible light communication MIMO system using SSK and optical orthogonal codes
Authors: Wu Wei‐Chiang , Chen Gan‐Lin 
Published: August 2024

SummaryThis paper considers multiuser downlink transmission and detection in a multiple input‐multiple output (MIMO) visible light communication (VLC) system. We combine two promising techniques: space‐shift keying (SSK) and optical orthogonal codes (OOCs). Multiuser downlink transmission is realized by allowing each activated LED to transmit user‐specific OOC simultaneously. An OOC despreader is implemented at the front end of each user terminal (UT) to extract the desired signal and mitigate multiuser interference (MUI). The second part of UT receiver aims to extract the index of the corresponding active LED based on maximum likelihood (ML) or zero‐forcing (ZF) algorithm. The figure of merit we used to access the performance of the proposed downlink multiuser SSK system is the average symbol error rate (SER). Comprehensive Monte Carlo simulations have been undertaken for different system setup to evaluate SER at UT receiver. It is demonstrated that for a specified SER, the required SNR for ML‐based detection algorithm is 3 dB less than the ZF detector in the MUI‐free scenario. On the other hand, the ZF detector outperforms ML detector in the case with residual MUI and limited channel state information (CSI). Both algorithms are computationally attractive, hence can be put into practice in multiuser VLC MIMO system.
Copper nanoclusters derived from copper phthalocyanine as real active sites for CO2 electroreduction: Exploring size dependency on selectivity ‐ A mini review
Authors: Liu Tengyi , Yabu Hiroshi 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe electrochemical reduction reaction of CO2 (CO2RR) holds promise for converting CO2 into valuable fuels and chemicals, particularly when powered by renewable electricity, thereby aiding in reducing atmospheric CO2 levels and addressing climate change. Copper phthalocyanine and its derivatives (Cu‐Pcs) have attracted significant attention as versatile electrocatalytic materials with high selectivity toward various hydrocarbon products. However, the real active sites of Cu‐Pcs for different products vary, and there is a lack of comprehensive summary. To address this gap, we analyze and summarize previous research, yielding the following insights: Cu‐Pcs undergo reconstruction and demetallization during CO2RR, with Cu(II) converting to Cu(0), forming transient copper nanoclusters (Cu NCs). The selectivity for CO2RR products closely correlates with the size of those derived Cu NCs. Specifically, reversible Cu NCs with ultrasmall sizes (≤2 nm), which revert to Cu‐Pcs after electrolysis, exhibit high selectivity toward CH4. As Cu NCs increase in size, there is a higher CO coverage, promoting CO generation. When Cu NCs exceed a critical threshold size (approximately 15 nm), C‐C coupling can occur, facilitating the formation of multicarbon (C2+) products. Furthermore, the structure of macrocycles, types of functional groups, and properties of carbon substrates influence the size and electron density of Cu NCs, thereby impacting the selectivity of CO2RR products.
Unusual morphologies raise questions about the evolution of branching in kelps (Laminariales)
Authors: Starko Samuel 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBranching stipe morphologies have evolved multiple times across the kelp (Laminariales) lineage, creating morphological forms that drive the complexity of kelp forest habitats. Although branching is likely a complicated developmental process, it has evolved repeatedly through kelp evolution and the processes facilitating the emergence of branched forms from unbranched ancestors remain unclear. Here I report on abnormally branched individuals (n = 9) from five kelp species found in British Columbia, Canada that had atypical bifurcations in their stipes, creating a single dichotomous branch. One of these species generally lacks branching entirely (Laminaria ephemera) while the other four exhibit some branching but typically lack this stipe bifurcation (Alaria marginata, Laminaria setchellii, Nereocystis luetkeana, Pterygophora californica). These unusually branched individuals exhibited replicated morphological subunits distal to the stipe bifurcation, including more blades, pneumatocysts, and sporophylls than is typical. This suggests that unbranched species possess an inherent developmental capacity for modularity with autonomy in the development of individual modules that may have helped to facilitate the widespread emergence of branched morphologies. Given the role of kelp forests in coastal environments, branching may influence habitat characteristics, potentially influencing community dynamics, and is thus a trait of particular evolutionary interest. These findings highlight the need for experiments that manipulate kelp development to better characterise the ontogenetic processes of these globally important taxa.
Peripheral hearing sensitivity is similar between the sexes in a benthic turtle species despite the larger body size of males
Authors: Wang Tongliang , Yang Jinxia , Lei Jinhong , Huang Jingdeng , Shi Haitao , Wang Jichao 
Published: August 2024

AbstractSexually dimorphic hearing sensitivity has evolved in many vertebrate species, and the sex with a larger body size typically shows more sensitive hearing. However, generalizing this association is controversial. Research on sexually dimorphic hearing sensitivity contributes to an understanding of auditory sense functions, adaptations, and evolution among species. Therefore, the hypothesized association between body size and hearing needs further validation, especially in specific animal groups. In this study, we assessed hearing sensitivity by measuring auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) in both sexes of 3‐year‐old Chinese softshell turtles (Pelodiscus sinensis). In this species, male bodies are larger than those of female, and individuals spend most of their lives in the mud at the bottom of freshwater habitats. We found that for both sexes, the hearing sensitivity bandwidth was 0.2–0.9 kHz. Although males were significantly larger than females, no significant differences in ABR thresholds or latencies were found between males and females at the same stimulus frequency. These results indicate that P. sinensis hearing is only sensitive to low‐frequency (typically <0.9 kHz) sound signals and that sexually dimorphic hearing sensitivity is not a trait that has evolved in P. sinensis. Physiological and environmental reasons may account for P. sinensis acoustic communication via low‐frequency sound signals and the lack of sexually dimorphic hearing sensitivity in these benthic turtles. The results of this study refine our understanding of the adaptation and evolution of the vertebrate auditory system.
Characterization of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus stoichiometry of plant leaves in the riparian zone of Dahuofang Reservoir
Authors: Chang Baoliang , Chen Wei , He Xingyuan , Yu Shuai 
Published: August 2024

AbstractCarbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) are essential nutrients that promote plant growth and development and maintain the stability of ecosystem structure and function. Analyzing the C, N, and P characteristics of plant leaves aids in understanding the plant's nutrient status and nutrient limitation. Seasonal water‐level fluctuations in riparian zones lead to various ecological problems, such as reduced biodiversity and decreased ecosystem stability. Therefore, comprehending the stoichiometric characteristics of riparian zone plants and their nutrient response to plant traits is important for a deeper insight into riparian zone forest ecosystems. This study analyzed the C, N, and P contents of the leaves of 44 woody plants in the riparian zone of the Dahuofang Reservoir to investigate the stoichiometric characteristics of C, N, and P of trees in the region. The results showed that the average C content of the leaves in woody plants was 446.9 g kg−1; the average N content was 28.42 g kg−1; and the average P content was 2.26 g kg−1. Compared to global and regional scales, woody plants in the riparian zone of the Dahuofang Reservoir exhibited higher N and P contents but lower N:P ratios. Compared to other riparian zones, woody plant leaves in the riparian zone of Dahuofang Reservoir had relatively high N content and N:P ratios. Variations in plant stoichiometric characteristics across different life forms were minimal, with only tree leaf P content significantly lower than its in shrubs. There was no significant correlation between leaf C, N, and P in woody plants, while specific leaf area showed a negative correlation with leaf C content. Trees in the riparian zone have high leaf N and P content and are primarily N‐limited during the growing season. This study reveals the stoichiometric characteristics of leaves of woody plants in the riparian zone, which can contribute to an in‐depth understanding of leaf stoichiometric patterns and the factors influencing them among plant life types in the riparian zone.
Effects of climate on the phenology of Annona senegalensis Pers. (Annonaceae) and the distribution of associated insects in Burkina Faso
Authors: Dao Zézouma Anselme , Romba Rahim , Jaloux Bruno , Ouedraogo Amadé , Gnankine Olivier 
Published: August 2024

AbstractClimate change and global warming in the Sahelian region cause dramatic drought and advancing of the desert. This phenomenon could affect the plant survival and community composition, but even for surviving plants, it could affect their phenology and the insect community associated with them. In a space‐for‐time approach, we studied the case of Annona senegalensis Pers. (Annonaceae), a common shrub in tropical areas, to determine the impact of climate change on its phenology and the insects associated with its flowers and fruits. We determined the phenology phases of Annona senegalensis during a 1‐year period and assessed the abundance and diversity of insects in the Sudanian and the Sudano‐Sahelian climatic zones of Burkina Faso. Temperature, rainfall and relative humidity were recorded during 12 months in two sites per zone. Leafing of Annona senegalensis lasted 10 months in the Sudanian zone, flowering and fruiting were 3 months long. In the Sudano‐Sahelian zone, leafing lasted 8 months while flowering and fruiting were 3 and 4 months long, respectively. A total of 10,040 insects belonging to 48 species were collected in the two climatic zones. Forty‐six species were found in the Sudanian zone while 25 species were recorded in the Sudano‐Sahelian one. The variations in the plant phenology and the insect community were mainly due to the variation in rainfall across both climatic zones. Our results emphasize that advancing of the desert due to climate change could not only affect the survival of plants but for resistant species it also affect their interactions with insects and the whole insect community associated.
The first emerging records of a dragonfly in the dark zone of subterranean ecosystems: Exuviae and newly emerged adults of Hyrcanian Goldenring, Cordulegaster vanbrinkae in Danial Cave, northern Iran
Authors: Ghelich Khani Pouria , Kiany Mohsen , Qashqaei Ali Turk 
Published: August 2024

AbstractRiverine caves are special habitats that are home to many aquatic and terrestrial species. Some Odonata species and their emerging are recorded at the entrance and in the twilight zones of subterranean habitats around the world. However, the emergence of any Odonata species has not been recorded in the dark zones of caves or other subterranean habitats. We report the first evidence of the emerging of the Hyrcanian Goldenring, Cordulegaster vanbrinkae Lohmann, 1993, as an endemic species of the Hyrcanian biogeographical region, in the dark zone of Danial Cave, in the World Heritage‐listed Hyrcanian Forests, northern Iran. During 2020–2023, three newly emerged and three exuviae of the species were recorded in the entrance zone (25 m) and the dark zone of the cave (200–280 m). The main hypothesis of the study is the entry and exit of adults from the cave entrance. However, we still do not know if the newly emerged will leave the cave or not. We still need more study on the biology and ecology of the species inside and around the cave. Danial Cave, with its high biodiversity, is one of the most important caves in the Middle East, and is urgently in need of conservation as a national natural monument.