bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Routine Fecal Occult Blood Screening and Colorectal Cancer Mortality in Sweden
Authors: Blom Johannes , Saraste Deborah , Törnberg Sven , Jonsson Håkan 
Published: February 2024

ImportancePopulation-based colorectal cancer (CRC) screening programs are implemented worldwide, but there are difficulties evaluating their effectiveness. The magnitude of routine CRC screening effectiveness regarding cancer-specific mortality is unclear.ObjectiveTo evaluate cancer-specific mortality associated with early vs late or no invitation for routine CRC screening using fecal occult blood testing.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis prospective cohort study was performed in the region of Stockholm-Gotland, Sweden, between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2021. All individuals of the target population of screening born from 1938 to 1954 were included. Data were analyzed from December 12, 2022, to June 25, 2023.ExposuresIndividuals were invited early (2008-2012), late (2013-2015), or not at all to screening with biennial guaiac-based fecal occult blood test. The early invitation group was considered the exposure group and the late or no invitation group was considered the control group.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe main outcome was cancer-specific mortality, defined as CRC registered in the Cancer Register with CRC as underlying cause of death in the Cause of Death Register. Excess mortality was calculated as all-cause deaths among the individuals with CRC subtracted from the expected number of deaths had they not had CRC. Poisson regression analysis based on deaths and person-years was used to estimated mortality rate ratio (RR) with 95% CIs, adjusted for follow-up years and attained age.ResultsIn total, 379 448 individuals (193 436 [51.0%] female) were invited for CRC screening, including 203 670 individuals in the exposure group and 175 778 in the control group. The mean screening participation rate was 63.3%, and there was a maximum of 14 years follow-up. There were 834 CRC deaths in 2 190 589 person-years in the exposure group, compared with 889 CRC deaths in 2 249 939 person-years in the control group. Individuals who underwent early CRC screening had reduced adjusted risk of CRC mortality (RR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.78-0.95) and excess mortality (RR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.75-0.93).Conclusions and RelevanceThis prospective cohort study of routine screening with fecal occult blood testing found a 14% decrease in CRC mortality associated with screening. The true association of screening with reduced mortality is expected to be higher due to some coexistence of testing in the control group and CRC deaths diagnosed more than 2 years after screening.
Relative efficiency of hunting methods during an incomplete Sitka black‐tailed deer eradication on Haida Gwaii, Canada
Authors: Irvine Robyn L. , Thorley Joseph L. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Invasive species are reducing global biodiversity. The Llgaay gwii sdiihlda—Restoring Balance project was initiated to halt and reverse biodiversity loss on six islands on Haida Gwaii, Canada through the eradication of invasive Sitka Black‐tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus sitkensis).

Invasive deer were killed using various hunting methods including bait station, boat, aerial and indicator dog hunting as well as a combination of bailing dogs with boat and aerial hunting. Cost was quantified in terms of helicopter hunting hours ($1965 CAD/hr at the time of the study) to facilitate comparisons. Efficiency was quantified as the expected number of deer per helicopter hour.

Hierarchical Bayesian integrated removal models were used to estimate the change in efficiency of the various hunting methods with deer density based on a power function. The models used the number of scent trail detections by dogs at the end of the study to help parameterise the population density.

At densities between 2 and 30 deer/km2, boat hunting was estimated as the most efficient method while at lower densities indicator dog hunting was most efficient.

The eradication was incomplete. The estimated cost to completion using indicator dog hunting for each island was 43 helicopter hours (~$84,000) on Ramsay Island (95% CI = 19–128), 3.9 helicopter hours on Murchison Island (95% CI = 0.56–18) and no additional hours on House (95% CI = 0–1.6) though the selected method would likely have been indicator dogs with combined hunting due to the variable terrain.

Lessons learned: DNA connectivity analysis can be used to determine project durability, pilot studies to confirm method efficiency in local context will increase the chances of success, local knowledge improves efficiency of hunting methods, population and efficiency estimates should be updated throughout operations to allow adaptive management, eradications on ungulates can include pauses to facilitate adaptive management, the level of certainty for determining eradication completion should be determined in advance of operations with explicit trade‐offs identified for managers.
Previewing test items prior to learning and receiving decorative pictures during testing: Impact on listening comprehension for English as a Foreign Language students
Authors: Wang Zhe , Zeng Jiayan , Ardasheva Yuliya , Zhang Ping 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn multimedia learning research, pictures are commonly used to visually represent corresponding written texts, generating substantial research on how to apply multimedia principles to more effectively design instructional materials. However, it is still unclear what types of pictures presented in testing, with or without additional instructional supports, enhance learning from spoken messages. To address this gap, the present experiment recruited 184 university students and employed a 2 (representational vs. decorative pictures) × 2 (cueing vs. no cueing) between‐subjects factorial design. Specifically, this study investigated the effects of adding decorative (aesthetic, interest enhancing), as compared to representational (content depicting) pictures, to test items with or without the opportunity to preview such items (cueing) on learning and learning judgments. The results showed significant main effects of picture type and cueing, as well as a significant interaction effect on listening comprehension. That is, cueing neutralized the negative impact of decorative pictures, but did not improve learning when representational pictures were used. In addition, representational pictures led to significantly higher learning judgments than did decorative pictures. The detrimental effect of decorative pictures and the compensating effect of cueing on decorative pictures in testing were confirmed in the listening comprehension scenario.
Ultra‐Stretchable and Environmentally Resilient Hydrogels Via Sugaring‐Out Strategy for Soft Robotics Sensing
Authors: Ye Yuhang , Wan Zhangmin , Gunawardane P.D.S.H. , Hua Qi , Wang Siheng , Zhu Jiaying , Chiao Mu , Renneckar Scott , Rojas Orlando J. , Jiang Feng 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe adoption of hydrogels in most applications is hampered by their high free water content, which limits their mechanical performance and environmental resilience. Herein, this issue is simultaneously addressed by modulating the state of water and the intermolecular interactions in polyacrylamide (PAM) hydrogels. Specifically, PAM hydrogels are toughened by sugaring‐out using a monosaccharide (glucose, G). Glucose is found to facilitate PAM hydrogen bonding and interchain interactions. Meanwhile, the high hygroscopicity of glucose converts some of the free water to bound state, endowing the hydrogels with remarkable resilience to extreme environmental conditions. The PAM‐G hydrogels are demonstrated as multimodal sensors for soft robotics. Moreover, PAM‐G alcogels produced by solvent exchanging with ethanol are shown as effective opto‐mechanical sensors. Notably, all these properties are obtained by the inclusion of glucose, a green additive showing no negative health and environmental effect.
Solid‐State Hydrogen Storage Origin and Design Principles of Carbon‐Based Light Metal Single‐Atom Materials
Authors: Gao Yong , Li Zhenglong , Wang Pan , Li Chao , Yue Qiuyan , Cui Wen‐Gang , Wang Xiaowei , Yang Yaxiong , Gao Fan , Zhang Mingchang , Gan Jiantuo , Li Chenchen , Liu Yanxia , Wang Xinqiang , Qi Fulai , Miao Jian , Zhang Jing , Han Xiao , Du Wubin , Liu Cuixia , Wan Yiyang , Yang Yu‐Chia , Xia Zhenhai , Pan Hongge 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSolid‐state storage of hydrogen molecules in carbon‐based light metal single‐atom materials is promising to achieve both high hydrogen storage capacity and uptake rate, but there is a lack of fundamental understanding and design principles to guide the rational design of the materials. Here, a theoretical relationship is established between the hydrogen capacity/rate and the structures of the heteroatom‐doped‐graphene‐supported light metal Li single atom materials for high‐efficient solid‐state hydrogen storage, which is verified by combining spectroscopic characterization, H2 adsorption/desorption measurements, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Based on the DFT calculations, a novel descriptor Φ is developed to correlate the inherent properties of dopants with the hydrogen storage properties, and further to screen out the best dual‐doped‐graphene‐supported light metal Li single‐atom hydrogen storage materials. The dual‐doped materials have a much higher hydrogen storage capability than the sole‐doped ones and exceed the best carbon‐based hydrogen storage materials so far.
Apoptotic Vesicles Modulate Endothelial Metabolism and Ameliorate Ischemic Retinopathy via PD1/PDL1 Axis
Authors: Jing Yutong , Zhao Wanmin , Zhou Ziyi , Wang Wenzhe , Niu Yali , He Xiaoning , Chang Tianfang , Guo Changmei , Li Bei , Dou Guorui 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPathological angiogenesis with subsequent disturbed microvascular remodeling is a major cause of irreversible blindness in a number of ischemic retinal diseases. The current anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor therapy can effectively inhibit angiogenesis, but it also brings significant side effects. The emergence of stem cell derived extracellular vesicles provides a new underlining strategy for ischemic retinopathy. Apoptotic vesicles (apoVs) are extracted from stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED). SHED‐apoVs are delivered into the eyeballs of oxygen‐induced retinopathy (a most common model of angiogenic retinal dieseases) mice through intravitreal injection. The retinal neovascularization and nonperfusion area, vascular structure, and density changes are observed during the neovascularization phase (P17) and vascular remodeling phase (P21), and visual function is measured. The expression of extracellular acidification rate and lactic acid testing are used to detect endothelial cells (ECs) glycolytic activity. Furthermore, lentivirus and neutralizing antibody are used to block PD1‐PDL1 axis, investigating the effects of SHED‐apoVs on glycolysis and angiogenic activities. This work shows that SHED‐apoVs are taken up by ECs and modulate the ECs glycolysis, leading to the decrease of abnormal neovessels and vascular remodeling. Furthermore, it is found that, at the molecular level, apoVs‐carried PD1 interacts with PDL1 on hypoxic ECs to regulate the angiogenic activation. SHED‐apoVs inhibit pathological angiogenesis and promote vascular remodeling in ischemic retinopathy partially by modulating ECs glycolysis through PD1/PDL1 axis. This study provides a new potential strategy for the clinical treatment of pathological retinal neovascularization.
Citrate Improves Biomimetic Mineralization Induced by Polyelectrolyte–Cation Complexes Using PAsp‐Ca&Mg Complexes
Authors: Shen Dong‐Ni , Xu Yue‐Dan , He Cheng , Zhou Zi‐Huai , Zhu Hai‐Hua , Shi Ying , Yu Meng‐Fei , Hu Jian , Fu Bai‐Ping 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMagnesium ions are highly enriched in early stage of biological mineralization of hard tissues. Paradoxically, hydroxyapatite (HAp) crystallization is inhibited significantly by high concentration of magnesium ions. The mechanism to regulate magnesium‐doped biomimetic mineralization of collagen fibrils has never been fully elucidated. Herein, it is revealed that citrate can bioinspire the magnesium‐stabilized mineral precursors to generate magnesium‐doped biomimetic mineralization as follows: Citrate can enhance the electronegativity of collagen fibrils by its absorption to fibrils via hydrogen bonds. Afterward, electronegative collagen fibrils can attract highly concentrated electropositive polyaspartic acid‐Ca&Mg (PAsp‐Ca&Mg) complexes followed by phosphate solution via strong electrostatic attraction. Meanwhile, citrate adsorbed in/on fibrils can eliminate mineralization inhibitory effects of magnesium ions by breaking hydration layer surrounding magnesium ions and thus reduce dehydration energy barrier for rapid fulfillment of biomimetic mineralization. The remineralized demineralized dentin with magnesium‐doped HAp possesses antibacterial ability, and the mineralization mediums possess excellent biocompatibility via cytotoxicity and oral mucosa irritation tests. This strategy shall shed light on cationic ions‐doped biomimetic mineralization with antibacterial ability via modifying collagen fibrils and eliminating mineralization inhibitory effects of some cationic ions, as well as can excite attention to the neglected multiple regulations of small biomolecules, such as citrate, during biomineralization process.
A Genetically Engineered “Reinforced Concrete” Scaffold Regulates the N2 Neutrophil Innate Immune Cascade to Repair Bone Defects
Authors: Shi Wenxiao , Feng Yu , Tang Jincheng , Xu Yichang , Wang Wei , Zhang Lichen , Jiang Xinzhao , Ding Zhouye , Xi Kun , Chen Liang , Gu Yong 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe innate immune response is crucial to inflammation, but how neutrophils and macrophages act in bone repair and tissue engineering treatment strategies await clarification. In this study, it is found that N2 neutrophils release stronger “eat me” signals to induce macrophage phagocytosis and polarize into the M2 anti‐inflammatory phenotype. Guided by this biological mechanism, a mesoporous bioactive glass scaffold (MBG) is filled with hyaluronic acid methacryloyl (HAMA) hydrogel loaded with Transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGFβ1) adenovirus (Ad@H), constructing a genetically engineered composite scaffold (Ad@H/M). The scaffold not only has good hydrophilicity and biocompatibility, but also provides mechanical stress support for bone repair. Adenovirus infection quickly induces N2 neutrophils, upregulating NF‐κB and MAPK signaling pathways through Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) to promote the inflammatory response and macrophage phagocytosis. Macrophages perform phagocytosis and polarize towards the M2 phenotype, mediating the inflammatory response by inhibiting the PI3K‐AKT‐NF‐κB pathway, maintaining homeostasis of the osteogenic microenvironment. The role of the Ad@H/M scaffold in regulating early inflammation and promoting long‐term bone regeneration is further validated in vivo. In brief, this study focuses on the cascade of reactions between neutrophils and macrophage subtypes, and reports a composite scaffold that coordinates the innate immune response to promote bone repair.
Synergistic Interaction between Metal Single‐Atoms and Defective WO3−x Nanosheets for Enhanced Sonodynamic Cancer Therapy
Authors: Zhou Zhan , Wang Tao , Hu Tingting , Xu Hao , Cui Lin , Xue Baoli , Zhao Xinshuo , Pan Xiangrong , Yu Shilong , Li Hai , Qin Yong , Zhang Jiankang , Ma Lufang , Liang Ruizheng , Tan Chaoliang 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAlthough metal single‐atom (SA)‐based nanomaterials are explored as sonosensitizers for sonodynamic therapy (SDT), they normally exhibit poor activities and need to combine with other therapeutic strategies. Herein, the deposition of metal SAs on oxygen vacancy (OV)‐rich WO3−x nanosheets to generate a synergistic effect for efficient SDT is reported. Crystalline WO3 and OV‐rich WO3−x nanosheets are first prepared by simple calcination of the WO3·H2O nanosheets under an air and N2 atmosphere, respectively. Pt, Cu, Fe, Co, and Ni metal SAs are then deposited on WO3−x nanosheets to obtain metal SA‐decorated WO3−x nanocomposites (M‐WO3−x). Importantly, the Cu‐WO3−x sonosensitizer exhibits a much higher activity for ultrasound (US)‐induced production of reactive oxygen species than that of the WO3−x and Cu SA‐decorated WO3, which is also higher than other M‐WO3−x nanosheets. Both the experimental and theoretical results suggest that the excellent SDT performance of the Cu‐WO3−x nanosheets should be attributed to the synergistic effect between Cu SAs and WO3−x OVs. Therefore, after polyethylene glycol modification, the Cu‐WO3−x can quickly kill cancer cells in vitro and effectively eradicate tumors in vivo under US irradiation. Transcriptome sequencing analysis and further molecular validation suggest that the Cu‐WO3−x‐mediated SDT‐activated apoptosis and TNF signaling pathways are potential drivers of tumor apoptosis induction.
Synergizing Pyroelectric Catalysis and Enzyme Catalysis: Establishing a Reciprocal and Synergistic Model to Enhance Anti‐Tumor Activity
Authors: Wang Yan , Zhang Rui , Zang Pengyu , Zhao Ruoxi , Wu Linzhi , Zhu Yanlin , Yang Dan , Gai Shili , Yang Piaoping 
Published: February 2024

AbstractNanozyme activity is greatly weakened by the microenvironment and multidrug resistance of tumor cells. Hence, a bi‐catalytic nanoplatform, which promotes the anti‐tumor activity through “charging empowerment” and “mutual complementation” processes involved in enzymatic and pyroelectric catalysis, by loading ultra‐small nanoparticles (USNPs) of pyroelectric ZnSnO3 onto MXene nanozyme (V2CTx nanosheets), is developed. Here, the V2CTx nanosheets exhibit enhanced peroxidase activity by reacting V3+ with H2O2 to generate toxic ·OH, accelerated by the near‐infrared (NIR) light mediated heat effect. The resulting V4+ is then converted to V3+ by oxidizing endogenous glutathione (GSH), realizing an enzyme‐catalyzed cycle. However, the cycle will lose its persistence once GSH is insufficient; nevertheless, the pyroelectric charges generated by ZnSnO3 USNPs continuously support the V4+/V3+ conversion and ensure nanoenzyme durability. Moreover, the hyperthermia arising from the V2CTx nanosheets by NIR irradiation results in an ideal local temperature gradient for the ZnSnO3 USNPs, giving rise to an excellent pyroelectric catalytic effect by promoting band bending. Furthermore, polarized charges increase the tumor cell membrane permeability and facilitate nanodrug accumulation, thereby resolving the multidrug resistance issue. Thus, the combination of pyroelectric and enzyme catalysis together with the photothermal effect solves the dilemma of nanozymes and improves the antitumor efficiency.
Laser Lithography of Monolithically‐Integrated Multi‐Level Microchannels in Silicon
Authors: Tauseef Muhammad Ahsan , Asgari Sabet Rana , Tokel Onur 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe trend toward ever‐increased speeds for microelectronics is challenged by the emergence of heat‐wall, leading to the faltering of Moore's Law. A potential solution may be integrating microfluidic channels into silicon (Si), to deliver controlled amounts of cooling fluid and regulate hot spots. Such meandering microfluidic channels within other transparent materials already played significant roles, including in biomedical and sensor applications; however, analogous channel architectures do not exist in Si. Here, a novel method is proposed to fabricate buried microchannel arrays monolithically integrated into Si, without altering the wafer surface. A two‐step, laser‐assisted subtractive removal method is exploited, enabling fully‐buried multi‐level architectures, with control on the channel port geometry, depth, curvature, and aspect ratio. The selective removal rate is 750 µm per h per channel, and the channel inner‐wall roughness is 230 nm. The method preserves top wafer surface roughness of 2 nm, with significant potential for 3D integrated systems.
Investigating Transducer–Tissue Interface Pressure for Soft Tissue Stress–Strain Behavior and the Effects on Echoic Intensities in Ultrasound Imaging of Periodontium
Authors: La Thanh Giang , Nguyen Kim Cuong T. , Kaipatur Neelambar , Lou Edmond H. M. , Major Paul W. , Le Lawrence H. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractDiagnostic ultrasound (US) is a major imaging modality to visualize soft tissues and blood flow with the advantages of real‐time imaging, high acceptability to patients, and absence of ionizing radiation. US imaging provides important clinical measurements, e.g., thickness of gingiva for treatment planning in orthodontics, periodontics, and implantology; or thickness of subcutaneous adipose for optimizing insulin injection. However, the image quality and measurements of anatomical structures can be inconsistent, i.e., due to varying pressure exerted by an US transducer. Herein, a simple device is developed to real‐time measure the interface pressure applied on tissues by the US transducer. A thin‐film piezo‐resistive sensor with a small footprint is integrated to sense the pressure. A theoretical model, based on hyperelastic material behavior, is verified using the pressure measured by the thin film sensor and the thickness determined on ultrasonograms. The device is also tested on porcine samples in the pressure range of 50–300 kPa for imaging gingiva boundaries, identifying tissue thickness, and probing tissue biomenchanical properties. The device enables the understanding on the optimal range of applied pressure for higher contrast imaging. The information of the on‐tissue pressure and the tissue deformation determined on the US images help to derive the biomechanical stress–strain behavior of the tissues.
Integration of Supercapacitors with Sensors and Energy‐Harvesting Devices: A Review
Authors: Sheng Hongwei , Ma Yuqi , Zhang Haoshuo , Yuan Jiao , Li Fengfeng , Li Wenquan , Xie Erqing , Lan Wei 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe vigorous development of wearable and implantable electronics provides a series of new solutions for human health monitoring and disease diagnosis and treatment. Considering the particularity of the operating environment, this also puts forward higher requirements for energy storage devices (ESDs). Supercapacitors stand out from many ESDs due to their unique advantages, such as high power density, long life, and ease of fabrication. For different application requirements, supercapacitors are developing toward flexibility, multifunction, and integration. This review highlights the recent progress in developing supercapacitor‐integrated systems. Smart supercapacitors with unique properties, their applications, and integrations with various sensors and/or energy‐harvesting devices are discussed and summarized thoroughly. Furthermore, the all‐in‐one device enabled by compatible materials and ingenious structure design is also described. From practical perspectives, the key challenges facing the development of supercapacitor‐integrated systems are presented, and the suggestions for future research directions are given.