bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detection of ferric ions by nitrogen and sulfur co-doped potato-derived carbon quantum dots as a fluorescent probe
Authors: Mu Miao , Duan Zhenzhen , Fan Shanshan , Zhao Wei , Gao Wenwen , Bai Rui , Li Yanjun , Kang Yuhong 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This paper reports the detection of ferric ions (Fe3+) based on nitrogen and sulfur co-doped carbon quantum dots. These nitrogen and sulfur co-doped carbon quantum dots were synthesized via a hydrothermal route using northern Shaanxi potatoes as carbon sources and ammonium sulfate as nitrogen and sulfur sources. The quantum yields of the carbon quantum dots were found to be 16.96% and 4.23% with and without doping, respectively. The structural details, morphology, and optical properties of carbon quantum dots were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy (UV–vis), and fluorescence spectroscopy. The as-prepared co-doped carbon quantum dots were utilized as a fluorescent probe for detecting Fe3+ ions, where the fluorescence intensity of carbon quantum dots was remarkably quenched in the presence of Fe3+ ions. A good linear relationship for Fe3+ ion detection was obtained from 0 to 500 μmol/L with a detection limit as low as 0.26 μmol/L. Furthermore, the proposed method also provided satisfactory results in the tap water.
Development of poly(safranine-co-phenosafranine)/GNPs/MWCNTs nanocomposites for quartz crystal microbalance sensor detection of arsenic (III) ions
Authors: Al-Sodies Salsabeel , Asiri Abdullah M , Ismail Sameh H , Alamry Khalid A , Hussein Mahmoud A 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Contamination of drinking water by heavy metals is extremely dangerous to human health. The formation of a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor for the rapid and portable detection of harmful heavy metals such as arsenic (As) ions in water samples is detailed in this work. Equimolar ratios of safranine (SF) and phenosafranine (Ph) copolymers (PSF-Ph) were synthesized via a chemical oxidative polymerization approach. The copolymer was modified with multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) at different percentages (1, 3, 5, and 10%) to form nanocomposites of PSF-Ph/MWCNTs/GNPs. Thermal analysis of the nanocomposites revealed that the final polymer decomposition temperature (PDTfinal) values fell between 619 and 630 °C, and the nanocomposite with 10% loading exhibited the highest decomposition temperatures for T10, T30, and T50. The nanohybrid QCM sensor detected As(III) down to parts-per-billion levels based on the change in the oscillation frequency. The sensor was tested on water samples spiked with different concentrations of As(III) (0–20 ppb). A strong linear correlation (R2 ≈ 0.99) between the frequency shift and concentration with a low detection limit (0.1 ppb) validated the quantitative detection capability of the sensor. This QCM platform with an optimal recognition ligand is a promising field-deployable tool for on-site arsenic analysis in water.
Two high-impact extreme precipitation events during the Meiyu season: simulations and their sensitivity to a scale-aware convective parameterization scheme
Authors: Qian QiFeng , Yu ZhenShou , Jia Xiaojing , Wang Dan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
In this study, we investigate the impact of a scale-aware convective parameterization scheme (CPS) on simulating two high-impact extreme precipitation events during the Meiyu season at a 1 km resolution. Compared with explicit resolving simulation, applying scale-aware CPS mostly affects the atmospheric environment before convection is triggered and the regions outside the convective cell (e.g., stratiform regions) by consuming convective available potential energy (CAPE), which further inhibits precipitation. For the 2019 event, since the explicit resolving simulation underestimates precipitation, applying scale-aware CPS further inhibits precipitation and reduces the skill for the heavy rainfall category. In contrast, for the 2020 event, as the explicit resolving simulation overestimates precipitation, using scale-aware CPS inhibits precipitation and improves the skill of the model. When scale-aware CPS is applied, increasing

σ

1

,

which represents the effect of horizontal resolution, the CPS precipitation is reduced and the grid-scale precipitation is increased, but the overall effect inhibits the total precipitation. However, with the increase in

σ

1

,

although the number of stations with heavy rainfall (≥50 mm) is reduced, the average precipitation among these stations is increased. Further analysis of those stations with the largest 24 h precipitation and cross sections over regions with large radar reflectivity shows that increasing

σ

1

reduces the CAPE consumed by CPS and provides a more favorable environment for strong convections and strengthens precipitation. The results of this study may provide useful information for operational model application and may be beneficial to society.
Investigation on mechanical behavior of Al6061- coconut shell ash- granite dust reinforced hybrid metal matrix composites manufactured using stir casting technique
Authors: Mogal Yogesh K , Rane Santosh B , Mahajan Subhash K , Chaudhari Rajendra S 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Owing to the superior qualities, aluminum metal matrix composites (AMMC) have recently been accepted and suggested as a replacement for traditional materials in a variety of sectors, including automotive, agriculture, aerospace, sports, marine, and many more. To satisfy the industrial requirement, it is necessary to develop economical material with higher mechanical properties like strength, hardness, impact resistance etc. To minimise the environmental impact and depletion of natural resources , it is necessary to Reduce, Recycle and Resuse the solid waste created across the world. This work aims to study the mechanical behavior of hybrid composite of Al6061 reinforced with coconut shell ash (CSA) and granite dust solid waste. Hybrid composite specimens were successfully manufactured using stir casting method. The proportion of granite dust was kept constant at 2 wt percent, whereas the percentage of CSA varied, ranging from 0% to 12% with a multiple of 3. Tests for tension, compression, hardness, and impact were performed to examine the mechanical behavior of the created hybrid composites. SEM & EDAX analysis were carried out to study the microstructure and elemental composition of the hybrid composites. Experimental testing shows that, when the percentage of CSA in the hybrid composite increased, its tensile strength, compressive strength, hardness, and impact strength increased maximum upto 23.65%, 10.12%, 60.89% and 17.38% respectively as compared to base alloy. The experimental findings demonstrated that when compared to matrix and other hybrid composites, the Al6061 alloy reinforced with 2% granite dust and 12% CSA hybrid composite had superior mechanical properties.
Hospital-treated infections and subsequent Parkinson’s disease risk: a register-based sibling comparison study
Authors: Vingeliene Snieguole , Hiyoshi Ayako , Lentjes Marleen A H , Brummer Robert J , Fall Katja , Montgomery Scott 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Serious infections may result in greater risk of Parkinson’s disease. However, high-quality cohort studies focusing on a potential causal role of different types and sites of infection are lacking. Gastrointestinal infections are of a particular interest due to growing evidence implicating gut dysbiosis in Parkinson’s disease aetiology. This population-based cohort study used the Swedish Total Population Register to identify individuals born during 1944–77 and resident in Sweden between 1990 and 2018 (N = 3 698 319). Hospital-treated infections at ages 21–30 and 31–40 years were identified from the National Patient Register. Participants were followed to identify Parkinson’s disease diagnoses from age 41 years up to December 31, 2018, when the oldest individual reached 75 years. Cox regression with a sibling comparison design to tackle familial genetic and environmental confounding was used to derive hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals for each infection site, type, or any infections at ages 21–30 and 31–40 years. During a median follow-up of 15.4 years, 8815 unique Parkinson’s disease diagnoses were accrued, with a crude rate of 17.3 (95% confidence interval 17.0, 17.7) per 100 000 person-years. After controlling for shared familial factors, hospital-treated gastrointestinal and respiratory infections between 21 and 30 years of age were associated with a greater risk of Parkinson’s disease [hazard ratios 1.35 (95% confidence interval: 1.05, 1.75) and 1.45 (95% confidence interval: 1.08, 1.95), respectively]; no association was found for any infections at age 31–40 [hazard ratio 1.05 (95% confidence interval: 0.93, 1.19)]. After adjustment, no statistically significant associations were observed for other sites including genitourinary and skin. These findings suggest that hospital-treated infections of the gastrointestinal tract and lungs, both of which may have an influence on the gut microbiome, by age 30 years may be risk factors for Parkinson’s disease.
Recognition of Governments and the Case of the Taliban
Authors: Hasar Seyfullah 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This article examines the implications of the largely unexplored, yet very insightful, practice of a broad and divergent group of States concerning recognition of the Taliban, in order to contribute to the understanding of various aspects of the question of recognition of governments. Disregarding their long-standing policy of not making express statements on recognition of governments, many States put forward certain conditions for the Taliban to meet to gain recognition. Based on the arbitrary and idiosyncratic nature of these conditions, the article shows the difficulty of explaining recognition decisions by generally applicable criteria, and further establishes that the Taliban case constitutes another setback for the emerging doctrine of democratic legitimacy. Illustrating a wide range of possibilities of engagement with an unrecognised government, the article also shows that treatment, or acknowledgement, and recognition of an entity as government are two different phenomena, and demonstrates the possibility for “recognition” to be stripped of any legal or practical meaning in a given case. The article also shows that the claim that, regardless of being recognised, a general de facto government is entitled to exercise the State’s international rights and obligations does not seem well established in international law. Though some States accepted the Taliban as such, part of the international community rather alluded that the Taliban bore certain international obligations as a non-State actor, rather than on behalf of Afghanistan. The article also examines the status of unrecognised de facto governments before domestic laws, and demonstrates, among others, States’ flexibility towards such governments’ right to access State property abroad, despite the contrary national practices in the past.
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strains KABP011, KABP012, and KABP013 modulate bile acids and cholesterol metabolism in humans
Authors: Padro Teresa , Santisteban Victoria , Huedo Pol , Puntes Montserrat , Aguiló Meritxell , Espadaler-Mazo Jordi , Badimon Lina 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Aims
Probiotics with high bile salt hydrolase (BSH) activity have shown to promote cardiovascular health. However, their mechanism(s) of action remain poorly understood. Here, we performed a pilot exploratory study to investigate effects of a 4-week intervention with escalating doses of a BSH-active formula containing Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strains KABP011, KABP012, and KABP013 on bile acid (BA), lipid profile, and lipoprotein function.

Methods and results
Healthy overweight individuals were included in this study. The probiotic intake was associated with a progressive decrease of conjugated BAs in serum, due to the reduction of tauro- and glyco-conjugated forms. Plasma levels of fibroblast growth factor-19 were significantly reduced and correlated with BA changes. The probiotic induced significant changes in serum lipids, with reduction in non-HDL cholesterol (non-HDLc) and LDL cholesterol (LDLc) levels. The largest decrease was evidenced in the subgroup with higher baseline LDLc levels (LDLc &gt; 130 mg/dL). Fasting levels of circulating apolipoprotein(Apo) B100 and ApoB48 were significantly reduced. Importantly, the decrease in non-HDLc levels was associated with a significant reduction in small LDL particles. Functional testing indicated that LDL particles had a significantly lower susceptibility to oxidation, while HDL particles gained antioxidant capacity after the probiotic intake. The microbiota profile in faeces collected at the end of the study was enriched with members of class Desulfovibrio, a taurine-consuming bacteria, likely because of the increase in free taurine in the gut due to the BSH activity of the probiotic.

Conclusion
The intervention with L. plantarum strains induces beneficial effects on BA signature and lipoprotein profile. It reduces ApoB and small LDL levels and LDL susceptibility to oxidation and increases HDL antioxidant capacity. These metabolic profile changes suggest increased protection against atherosclerotic disease.
Management of esophageal anastomotic leaks, a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Murray William , Davey Mathew G , Robb William , Donlon Noel E 
Published: March 2024

Summary
There is currently no consensus as to how to manage esophageal anastomotic leaks. Intervention with endoscopic vacuum-assisted closure (EVAC), stenting, reoperation, and conservative management have all been mooted as potential options. To conduct a systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) to evaluate the optimal management strategy for esophageal anastomotic leaks. A systematic review was performed as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines with extension for NMA. NMA was performed using R packages and Shiny. In total, 12 retrospective studies were included, which included 511 patients. Of the 449 patients for whom data regarding sex was available, 371 (82.6%) were male, 78 (17.4%) were female. The average age of patients was 62.6 years (standard deviation 10.2). The stenting cohort included 245 (47.9%) patients. The EVAC cohort included 123 (24.1%) patients. The conservative cohort included 87 (17.0%) patients. The reoperation cohort included 56 (10.9%) patients. EVAC had a significantly decreased complication rate compared to stenting (odds ratio 0.23 95%, confidence interval [CI] 0.09;0.58). EVAC had a significantly lower mortality rate than stenting (odds ratio 0.43, 95% CI 0.21; 0.87). Reoperation was used in significantly larger leaks than stenting (mean difference 14.66, 95% CI 4.61;24.70). The growing use of EVAC as a first-line intervention in esophageal anastomotic leaks should continue given its proven effectiveness and significant reduction in both complication and mortality rates. Surgical management is often necessary for significantly larger leaks and will likely remain an effective option in uncontained leaks with systemic features.
Pilot study evaluating salivary bile acids as a diagnostic biomarker of laryngopharyngeal reflux
Authors: Krause Amanda J , Greytak Madeline , Kessler Marco , Yadlapati Rena 
Published: March 2024

Summary
Bile acids in refluxate contribute to esophageal and laryngeal symptoms and are quantifiable. The aim of this study was to compare salivary bile acid concentrations across healthy controls and symptomatic patients (esophageal or laryngeal) with or without objective gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This prospective study enrolled adults into three groups: esophageal symptoms (heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain); laryngeal symptoms (cough, throat clearing, sore throat, dysphonia); and controls. Symptomatic patients primarily underwent prolonged wireless reflux monitoring off acid suppression and were categorized as symptomatic no GERD (acid exposure time &lt;4%) or esophageal/laryngeal symptoms with GERD (acid exposure time ≥4%). Controls did not undergo reflux monitoring nor upper endoscopy. Saliva samples were provided for bile acid analysis via ultraperformance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Thirty-five participants were enrolled (mean age 47.4 years [SD 18.9], 16 [46%] male), including 10 controls and 25 symptomatic: 9 no GERD, 5 esophageal symptoms + GERD, and 11 laryngeal symptoms + GERD. Total salivary bile acids were highest in the laryngeal symptoms + GERD group (24.2 nM [SD 24.7]) compared to other groups (controls: 5.8 [6.0], P = 0.03; symptomatic no GERD: 3.1 [4.4]; P &lt; 0.01; esophageal symptoms + GERD: 7.1 [7.1], P = 0.10). Bile acids were elevated in 45% (5/11) of the laryngeal symptoms + GERD group compared to 0% of the other three groups (P &lt; 0.01). Salivary bile acids were higher among patients with laryngeal symptoms and objective GERD versus other groups. Salivary bile acids are a quantifiable biomarker with diagnostic potential for laryngopharyngeal reflux.
Research gap in esophageal achalasia: a narrative review
Authors: Savarino Edoardo Vincenzo , Salvador Renato , Ghisa Matteo , Mari Amir , Forattini Francesca , Costantini Andrea , De Giorgio Roberto , Zaninotto Giovanni 
Published: March 2024

Summary
In recent years, new translational evidence, diagnostic techniques, and innovative therapies have shed new light on esophageal achalasia and revamped the attention on this relatively rare motility disorder. This narrative review aims to highlight the most recent progress and the areas where further research is needed. The four senior authors identified five topics commonly discussed in achalasia management: i.e. pathogenesis, role of functional lumen imaging probe in the diagnostic flow chart of achalasia, how to define the outcome of achalasia treatments, how to manage persistent chest pain after the treatment, and if achalasia patients’ may benefit from a regular follow-up. We searched the bibliographic databases to identify systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized control trials, and original research articles in English up to December 2023. We provide a summary with the most recent findings in each of the five topics and the critical points where to address future research, such as the immune-genetic patterns of achalasia that might explain the transition among the different phenotypes, the need for a validated clinical definition of treatment success, the use of neuromodulators to manage chest pain, and the need for identifying achalasia patients at risk for cancer and who may benefit of long-term follow-up. Although undoubtedly, progress has been made on the definition and management of achalasia, unmet needs remain. Debated aspects range from mechanistic insights, symptoms, objective measure relationships, and accurate clinical responses to therapeutic interventions. Translational research is eagerly awaited to answer these unresolved questions.
Left atrial appendage occlusion for recurrent stroke while on oral anticoagulation: a case series
Authors: Costa Gonçalo , Griné Mafalda , Simões Mariana , Oliveira-Santos Manuel , Paiva Luís , Costa Marco , Gonçalves Lino 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Clinical practice guidelines recommend oral anticoagulation (OAC) for stroke prevention in selected patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, some patients still experience thrombo-embolic events despite adequate anticoagulation. The optimal management of these cases remains uncertain, leading to practice pattern variability. We present a series of three cases illustrating the use of left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) as an adjunctive stroke prevention strategy in AF patients with recurrent thrombo-embolic events despite adequate anticoagulation.

Case summary
Case one describes an 89-year-old female on apixaban who presented with a thrombus and underwent successful mechanical thrombectomy. Left atrial appendage occlusion was performed, and no subsequent thrombo-embolic events were reported. Case 2 involves a 72-year-old female on full-dose apixaban who experienced recurrent strokes despite adequate anticoagulation. Thrombectomy was performed twice, and complications arose during LAAO. The patient was discharged on warfarin + clopidogrel and remained event-free at the six-month follow-up. Case 3 features an 88-year-old female on rivaroxaban who experienced recurrent cerebral ischaemic events and gastrointestinal bleeding. Left atrial appendage occlusion using an Amplatzer Amulet™ device was successful, and the patient remained event-free at the one-year follow-up.

Discussion
This case series emphasizes the complexity of stroke prevention in AF patients and underscores the need for an individualized approach. Incorporating LAAO alongside OAC can provide additional stroke protection for patients with inadequate response to anticoagulation. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this approach. In light of the limited evidence available, these cases contribute to the growing body of knowledge on the potential role of LAAO in secondary stroke prevention in AF patients with recurrent thrombo-embolic events despite appropriate anticoagulation.
Paediatric aortic valve replacement using decellularized allografts: a multicentre update following 143 implantations and five-year mean follow-up
Authors: Horke Alexander , Bobylev Dmitry , Avsar Murat , Cvitkovic Tomislav , Meyns Bart , Rega Filip , Hazekamp Mark , Cesnjevar Robert , Schmiady Martin , Staebler Brigitte , Dewald Oliver , Ciubotaru Anatol , Michel-Behnke Ina , Zimpfer Daniel , Jashari Ramadan , Boethig Dietmar , Cebotari Serghei , Beerbaum Philipp , Tudorache Igor , Sarikouch Samir 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Decellularized aortic homografts (DAH) were introduced in 2008 as a further option for paediatric aortic valve replacement (AVR).

METHODS
Prospective, multicentre follow-up of all paediatric patients receiving DAH for AVR in 8 European centres.

RESULTS
A total of 143 DAH were implanted between February 2008 and February 2023 in 137 children (106 male, 74%) with a median age of 10.8 years (interquartile range 6.6–14.6). Eighty-four (59%) had undergone previous cardiac operations and 24 (17%) had undergone previous AVR. The median implanted DAH diameter was 21 mm (interquartile range 19–23). The median operation duration was 348 min (227–439) with a median cardiopulmonary bypass time of 212 min (171–257) and a median cross-clamp time of 135 min (113–164). After a median follow-up of 5.3 years (3.3–7.2, max. 15.2 years), the primary efficacy end-points peak gradient (median 14 mmHg, 9–28) and regurgitation (median 0.5, interquartile range 0–1, grade 0–3) showed good results but an increase over time. Freedom from death/explantation/endocarditis/bleeding/thromboembolism at 5 years were 97.8 ± 1.2/88.7 ± 3.3/99.1 ± 0.9/100 and 99.2 ± 0.8%, respectively. Freedom from death/explantation/endocarditis/bleeding/thromboembolism at 10 years were 96.3 ± 1.9/67.1 ± 8.0/93.6 ± 3.9/98.6 ± 1.4 and 86.9 ± 11.6%, respectively. In total, 21 DAH were explanted. Seven were replaced by a mechanical AVR, 1 Ross operation was performed and a re-do DAH was implanted in 13 patients with no redo mortality. The calculated expected adverse events were lower for DAH compared to cryopreserved homograft patients (mean age 8.4 years), and in the same range as for Ross patients (9.2 years) and mechanical AVR (13.0 years).

CONCLUSIONS
This large-scale prospective analysis demonstrates excellent mid-term survival using DAH with adverse event rates comparable to paediatric Ross procedures.