bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electrochemical detection of sulfite using gold nanoparticles decorated poly[2-(methacryloyloxy) ethyl] trimethylammonium chloride: kinetic and mechanistic studies
Authors: Awal Abdul , Mia Md Mithu , Ferdaus Fahima , Hossain Md Abdul Kabir , Nayem S M Abu , Shah Syed Shaheen , Shaikh M Nasiruzzaman , Mazumder Mohammad Abu Jafar , Aziz Md Abdul , Ahammad A J Saleh 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Sulfites (SO3
2−) are widely used in various industries as a preservative in beverages, pharmaceutical products, wines, foods, and cosmetics. As a preservative, it prevents foods from spoiling and is also used as a bleaching agent due to its antioxidant, anti-browning, and antibacterial activity. Despite its widespread use, inhalation of SO3
2− can lead to health issues such as headaches, nausea, asthma, dizziness, and reduction of red blood cells. Thus, accurate and efficient detection of sulfite is crucial. The deployment of positively charged poly [2-(methacryloyloxy) ethyl] trimethylammonium chloride (PMTC) decorated with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) offers a novel approach, enhancing sensitivity and specificity in the electrochemical detection of negatively charged sulfite ions (SO3
2−). A sensor for detecting SO3
2− was developed using PMTC decorated with AuNPs on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed to examine the structural morphology of the composite material, and the formation of AuNPs was confirmed through ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. Zeta potential analysis affirmed the positive charge of the PMTC composite, highlighting its effective coordination with the negatively charged SO3
2−. The surface conductivity of the modified GCE was studied using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). Kinetic analyses, focusing on scan rate and pH dependencies, elucidated the SO3
2− oxidation dynamics and the interaction between the positively charged PMTC and negatively charged SO3
2−. Quantitative evaluation was performed using the current–time (I-t) technique, achieving a limit of detection of 0.41 ± 0.003 μM (S/N = 3) within a linear range of 6.66 μM to 1020 μM. The modified electrode demonstrated remarkable stability, repeatability, and resistance to common interferents. Real sample analysis using laboratory tap water with a fixed SO3
2− concentration exhibited excellent recovery. The oxidation of SO3
2− on the AuNPs-PMTC-GCE proceeded via first-order kinetics and followed a stepwise pathway facilitated by the charge interactions.
Structure and optical properties of ZnxCd1-xS and Cu:ZnxCd1-xS templated on DNA molecules
Authors: Aldana Andres , Houlton Andrew , Horrocks Benjamin R 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
One-dimensional ZnxCd1−xS and Cu: Zn
x
Cd1−x
S nanostructures were prepared using DNA as a template to promote growth along the molecular axis. The formation of homogeneously alloyed nanocrystals with cubic zinc blende-type structures was verified using x-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. X-ray photoemission spectra revealed the presence of Cu(I) in the doped Cu: Zn
x
Cd1−x
S nanocrystals. The effectiveness of the DNA template to direct the semiconductor growth in one dimension was demonstrated by AFM and TEM. The nanostructures displayed a granular morphology comprising nanoparticles with an average diameter of 14 nm composed of assemblies of smaller crystallites of 2.0 nm in size. Rope-like assemblies with an average diameter of 48 nm and extending in length to several hundred micrometres were obtained by evaporation-induced self-assembly. UV-Vis absorption and emission spectra indicated that the optical bandgaps (2.89–4.00eV) and photoluminescence peaks (608–819 nm) of the DNA-templated nanocrystals could be precisely controlled by modifying the molar ratios of their Zn/Cd precursors. Doping with Cu(I) gave an increase in photoluminescence intensity and a composition-independent red-shift of 0.23 eV. The preparation of DNA-templated Zn
x
Cd1−x
S and Cu: Zn
x
Cd1−x
S provides a simple, low-temperature route to aqueous dispersions of inorganic materials with controlled optical gap.
Efficacy of COVID-19 Oral antivirals in hospitalised oldest-old with high morbidity burden: a target trial emulation study
Authors: Lai Francisco Tsz Tsun , Wang Boyuan , Wei Cuiling , Chui Celine Sze Ling , Li Xue , Cheung Ching Lung , Wong Ian Chi Kei , Chan Esther Wai Yin , Wan Eric Yuk Fai 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Molnupiravir and nirmatrelvir-ritonavir are orally administered pharmacotherapies for mild to moderate COVID-19. However, the effectiveness of these drugs among very old (≥80 years), hospitalised patients remains unclear, limiting the risk–benefit assessment of these antivirals in this specific group. This study investigates the effectiveness of these antivirals in reducing mortality among this group of hospitalised patients with COVID-19.

Methods
Using a territory-wide public healthcare database in Hong Kong, a target trial emulation study was conducted with data from 13 642 eligible participants for the molnupiravir trial and 9553 for the nirmatrelvir-ritonavir trial. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Immortal time and confounding bias was minimised using cloning-censoring-weighting approach. Mortality odds ratios were estimated by pooled logistic regression after adjusting confounding biases by stabilised inverse probability weights.

Results
Both molnupiravir (HR: 0.895, 95% CI: 0.826–0.970) and nirmatrelvir-ritonavir (HR: 0.804, 95% CI: 0.678–0.955) demonstrated moderate mortality risk reduction among oldest-old hospitalised patients. No significant interaction was observed between oral antiviral treatment and vaccination status. The 28-day risk of mortality was lower in initiators than non-initiators for both molnupiravir (risk difference: −1.09%, 95% CI: −2.29, 0.11) and nirmatrelvir-ritonavir (risk difference: −1.71%, 95% CI: −3.30, −0.16) trials. The effectiveness of these medications was observed regardless of the patients’ prior vaccination status.

Conclusions
Molnupiravir and nirmatrelvir-ritonavir are moderately effective in reducing mortality risk among hospitalised oldest-old patients with COVID-19, regardless of their vaccination status.
Is advanced age still a risk factor for recurrence of C. difficile infection in the era of new treatments?
Authors: Suárez-Carantoña Cecilia , Corbacho-Loarte María Dolores , Del Campo Albendea Laura , Kamel-Rey Sara , Halperin Ana Verónica , Escudero-Sánchez Rosa , Ponce-Alonso Manuel , Moreno Santiago , Cobo Javier 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Advanced age has been widely identified as a risk factor for recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI), but most related studies were performed before the introduction of novel therapies. The aim of this study was to compare CDI characteristics and outcomes in patients over and under 80 years old with CDI and their outcomes in the era of new treatments.

Methods
This was a retrospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with CDI from January 2021 to December 2022 in an academic hospital. We compared recurrence and mortality at 12 weeks after the end of treatment. An extension of the Fine and Grey model adjusted for competing events was used to assess the effect of age on recurrence.

Results
Four hundred seventy-six patients were considered to have CDI (320 in patients &lt;80 years and 156 in ≥80 years). CDI in older patients was more frequently healthcare-associated and was more severe. Although the Charlson index was almost identical between populations, comorbidities clearly differed. New treatments (bezlotoxumab, fidaxomicin and faecal microbiota transplantation) were more frequently used in older patients without statistical significance (41.3% vs. 33.4%, P = .053). There were 69 (14.5%) recurrences, with no differences by age group after adjusting for competing events. Mortality was greater in the oldest (35.3%) than in the youngest (13.1%); P &lt; .001.

Conclusions
No differences in CDI recurrence rates were found between age groups. However, there was a high mortality rate in patients ≥80 years old, which emphasises the urgent need to improve the prevention and treatment of CDI in this group.
Impact of Tranexamic Acid on Bleeding Outcomes and Complication Rates in Facelift: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Alenazi Abdulaziz Saud , Obeid Amani A , Alderaywsh Abdulaziz , Alrabiah Abdulaziz , Alkaoud Osama , Ashoor Mona , Aldosari Badi , Alarfaj Ahmed M 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Rhytidectomy poses a significant risk of bleeding. Several studies have reported the safety profile and efficacy of tranexamic acid (TXA), an antifibrinolytic agent, in minimizing perioperative sequelae, particularly hematoma and bleeding.

Objectives
The aim of this systematic review was to analyze the effect of TXA administration in facelift surgery, its effect with different routes of administration, and to compare different administration routes in reducing intraoperative blood loss, postoperative edema, and ecchymosis in rhytidectomy.

Methods
A systematic literature search was conducted to identify studies that reported on TXA in facelift surgery. The primary outcomes of interest were intraoperative blood loss, time to achieve hemostasis, operation duration, and postoperative hematoma, edema, ecchymosis, drain output, and major and minor complications. Meta-analyses of hematoma, operation duration, drain output, and major and minor complications were performed, and the risk of bias was assessed with ROBINS-I for nonrandomized studies, and Cochrane's RoB 2.0, a tool for randomized controlled trials.

Results
In total, 104 articles were included in the initial screening. Out of 388 participants 170 patients were administered TXA, predominantly female (over 91%), with ages from the late 50s to mid-60s. TXA administration varied, with subcutaneous injection being the most common method. The meta-analysis revealed that the pooled prevalence of minor and major hematoma in TXA recipients was remarkably low, with a significant reduction in the risk of minor hematoma (odds ratio [OR] = 0.18, 95% CI 0.05-0.62, P &lt; .001) and no significant difference in major hematoma risk. Interestingly, TXA significantly reduced postoperative drainage compared to the controls (mean difference = −25.59, 95% CI, −30.4-−20.77, P &lt; .01). Additionally, neither minor nor major complications were significantly different between the TXA recipients and controls. Specifically, the pooled odds for the incidence of major complications were not significantly different (OR = 1.47, 95% CI, 0.23-9.19, P = .68), and similar results were found for minor complications (OR = 0.59, 95% CI, 0.23-1.48, P = .26).

Conclusions
TXA significantly reduces postoperative drain output and minor hematomas in facelift surgery without increasing major complications. It also reduces edema, ecchymosis, and intraoperative blood loss. However, further studies are required to explore the efficacy of TXA with different dosages and administration routes.

Level of Evidence: 3
Hyaluronic Acid Filler VYC-25L for Jawline Restoration Yields High Satisfaction, Improved Jawline Measurements, and Sustained Effectiveness Across Skin Types, Age, and Gender for up to 12 Months
Authors: Burgess Cheryl , Dayan Steven , Bank David , Weinkle Susan , Sartor Marta , Chawla Smita , Keaney Terrence 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
A randomized study previously reported demonstration of the safety and efficacy of hyaluronic acid filler VYC-25L for restoring jawline definition.

Objectives
The aim of this study was to evaluate patient-reported outcomes (PROs), objective changes in jawline profile, and safety and effectiveness measures by Fitzpatrick skin phototype (FST), gender, and age following VYC-25L treatment.

Methods
Adults were randomized to receive VYC-25L (n = 157) or no treatment (control; n = 49) for 6 months. PROs were assessed by FACE-Q Satisfaction with Lower Face and Jawline, FACE-Q Appraisal of Lines: Marionette, and participant satisfaction with treatment questionnaires. Changes in jawline profile linear depth and volume were calculated with 3-dimensional digital image analysis. Responder rates, PROs, and injection site responses (ISRs) were assessed by FST, gender, and age.

Results
At Month 6, &gt;70% of treated participants responded “somewhat/very satisfied” to FACE-Q Satisfaction with Lower Face and Jawline questions, and ≥78% of treated participants responded “satisfied/definitely satisfied” with treatment overall. For participants treated for the marionette lines, the FACE-Q Appraisal of Lines: Marionette questionnaire mean score improved by 32.6 (baseline to Month 6). Mean change in linear depth in the prejowl sulcus in the treatment vs control groups was 4.6 mm vs 2.5 mm, respectively, and for jawline volume was 6.0 mL and -2.6 mL, respectively (baseline to Month 6). Subanalyses showed similar outcomes by FST, gender, and age, except for a numerically higher ISR incidence in females vs males.

Conclusions
Treatment with VYC-25L to improve jawline definition yielded high patient satisfaction, objective improvements in jawline profile, and comparable effectiveness across various demographics.

Level of Evidence: 2
Current and future directions in network biology
Authors: Zitnik Marinka , Li Michelle M , Wells Aydin , Glass Kimberly , Morselli Gysi Deisy , Krishnan Arjun , Murali T M , Radivojac Predrag , Roy Sushmita , Baudot Anaïs , Bozdag Serdar , Chen Danny Z , Cowen Lenore , Devkota Kapil , Gitter Anthony , Gosline Sara J C , Gu Pengfei , Guzzi Pietro H , Huang Heng , Jiang Meng , Kesimoglu Ziynet Nesibe , Koyuturk Mehmet , Ma Jian , Pico Alexander R , Pržulj Nataša , Przytycka Teresa M , Raphael Benjamin J , Ritz Anna , Sharan Roded , Shen Yang , Singh Mona , Slonim Donna K , Tong Hanghang , Yang Xinan Holly , Yoon Byung-Jun , Yu Haiyuan , Milenković Tijana 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Summary
Network biology is an interdisciplinary field bridging computational and biological sciences that has proved pivotal in advancing the understanding of cellular functions and diseases across biological systems and scales. Although the field has been around for two decades, it remains nascent. It has witnessed rapid evolution, accompanied by emerging challenges. These stem from various factors, notably the growing complexity and volume of data together with the increased diversity of data types describing different tiers of biological organization. We discuss prevailing research directions in network biology, focusing on molecular/cellular networks but also on other biological network types such as biomedical knowledge graphs, patient similarity networks, brain networks, and social/contact networks relevant to disease spread. In more detail, we highlight areas of inference and comparison of biological networks, multimodal data integration and heterogeneous networks, higher-order network analysis, machine learning on networks, and network-based personalized medicine. Following the overview of recent breakthroughs across these five areas, we offer a perspective on future directions of network biology. Additionally, we discuss scientific communities, educational initiatives, and the importance of fostering diversity within the field. This article establishes a roadmap for an immediate and long-term vision for network biology.

Availability and implementation
Not applicable.
Prognostic significance of the systemic immune–inflammation index in patients with Steven–Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis
Authors: Han Winn Hui , Tshung En Wong Tobias , Yusof Ruhana Che , Choong Rebecca Kai Jan , Yong Shin Shen , Faheem Nik Aimee Azizah , Kwan Zhenli 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Inflammatory markers such as neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and eosinophil count are known prognostic indicators for the severity of Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS)/toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). This study explores the correlation of systemic immune–inflammation index (SII), platelet–lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and NLR with Severity-of-Illness Score for Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (SCORTEN) and patient outcomes. A retrospective audit of 34 patients with SJS/TEN (25 SJS, 3 SJS/TEN overlap, 6 TEN) was conducted from 2018 to 2022. Mean admission values were SII 1597 (SD 1904), NLR 6.52 (SD 5.99) and PLR 202 (SD 135). Cut-off values for predicting mortality were SII 1238 [area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) 0.82], NLR 8.32 (AUROC 0.80) and PLR 285 (AUROC 0.78). Multiple logistic regression using a backward stepwise method identified SCORTEN as a significant factor associated with mortality (P = 0.03) after adjusting for SII, NLR and PLR. None of the inflammatory markers significantly predicted mortality, although PLR at admission may be a potential risk factor (P = 0.05).
Anuran responses to urbanization: evaluating life history traits of Rhinella arenarum in urban wetlands
Authors: Favio Pollo , Clarisa Bionda , Mariana Baraquet , Manuel Otero , Adolfo Martino , Pablo Grenat 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Wetlands are unique ecological environments capable of harboring high biodiversity. However, urbanization can degrade, eliminate, or transform these habitats. Although amphibians utilize habitats created by humans in urban landscapes, few studies have investigated the influence of the habitat quality on the life history of anurans. We assessed life history traits such as snout-vent length (SVL), body condition, and reproductive investment in the South American common toad Rhinella arenarum, to determine whether urbanization is harmful or beneficial to this species. We sampled wetlands with different levels of urbanization in Río Cuarto city, Córdoba, Argentina. We recorded males with lower SVL in medium urbanized wetlands and those with the highest SVL in both low and high urbanization categories, similar to what was found for body conditions with males with low body conditions inhabiting wetlands with a medium degree of urbanization. In females, lower SVL was recorded in medium urbanization and highest SVL in high and low urbanization. It is observed that females recorded in highly urbanized wetlands have a very low body condition. The reproductive investment parameters were not significantly different, but we observed an association between a greater number of eggs and clutch size with wetlands of low urbanization. These results show a variability of responses of R. arenarum to urbanization, which could be due to phenotypic plasticity in its life history parameters, allowing it to inhabit urban areas. Continuous monitoring of the species in these wetlands is needed to determine if these biological responses are temporary or persistent.
Time-dependent prognostic impact of circumferential resection margin in T3 thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Lv Zhuoheng , Yuan Ligong , He Jie , Gao Shugeng , Xue Qi , Mao Yousheng 
Published: August 2024

Summary
Esophageal cancer presents a clinical challenge due to its high incidence and unfavorable prognosis. The prognostic role of the circumferential resection margin (CRM) remains highly controversial, potentially due to its temporal dynamics coupled with variability in follow-up durations across studies. We aimed to explore the time-dependent prognostic significance of CRM in T3 esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (ESCCs). We systematically reviewed literature from 1990 to 2023 to determine how follow-up duration influences the prognostic role of CRM in esophageal cancer. Concurrently, we performed a retrospective examination of 354 patients who underwent treatment at the National Cancer Center between 2015 and 2018. Integrating a time interaction term in the Cox regression analyses enabled us to not only identify independent risk factors affecting overall survival (OS) but also to specifically scrutinize the potential temporal variations in CRM’s prognostic impact. Our literature review suggested that CRM’s influence on prognosis diminishes with longer follow-up durations for both classifications, namely the Royal College of Pathologists (RCP) (β = −0.003, P &lt; 0.001) and the College of American Pathologists (CAP) (β = −0.007, P &lt; 0.001). Time-dependent multivariate Cox regression analysis emphasized the evolving nature of CRM’s prognostic effect, and the inclusion of the time interaction term enhanced model accuracy. In conclusion, CRM is an independent prognostic factor for T3 thoracic ESCC patients. Its influence appears to decrease over extended follow-up periods, shedding light on the heterogeneity seen in previous studies. With the time interaction term, CRM becomes a more precise post-operative prognostic indicator for esophageal cancer.
Device-measured physical activity and cardiac structure by magnetic resonance
Authors: Yates Thomas , Razieh Cameron , Henson Joe , Rowlands Alex V , Goldney Jonathan , Gulsin Gaurav S , Davies Melanie J , Khunti Kamlesh , Zaccardi Francesco , McCann Gerry P 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background and Aims
Although extreme cardiac adaptions mirroring phenotypes of cardiomyopathy have been observed in endurance athletes, adaptions to high levels of physical activity within the wider population are under-explored. Therefore, in this study, associations between device-measured physical activity and clinically relevant cardiac magnetic resonance volumetric indices were investigated.

Methods
Individuals without known cardiovascular disease or hypertension were included from the UK Biobank. Cardiac magnetic resonance data were collected between 2015 and 2019, and measures of end-diastolic chamber volume, left ventricular (LV) wall thickness, and LV ejection fraction were extracted. Moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA), vigorous-intensity physical activity (VPA), and total physical activity were assessed via wrist-worn accelerometers.

Results
A total of 5977 women (median age and MVPA: 62 years and 46.8 min/day, respectively) and 4134 men (64 years and 49.8 min/day, respectively) were included. Each additional 10 min/day of MVPA was associated with a 0.70 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.62, 0.79] mL/m2 higher indexed LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDVi) in women and a 1.08 (95% CI: 0.95, 1.20) mL/m2 higher LVEDVi in men. However, even within the top decile of MVPA, LVEDVi values remained within the normal ranges [79.1 (95% CI: 78.3, 80.0) mL/m2 in women and 91.4 (95% CI: 90.1, 92.7) mL/m2 in men]. Associations with MVPA were also observed for the right ventricle and the left/right atria, with an inverse association observed for LV ejection fraction. Associations of MVPA with maximum or average LV wall thickness were not clinically meaningful. Results for total physical activity and VPA mirrored those for MVPA.

Conclusions
High levels of device-measured physical activity were associated with cardiac remodelling within normal ranges.