bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vibrational Optical Activity of Amyloid Fibrils
Authors: Majka Zuzanna , Kwiecień Karolina , Kaczor Agnieszka 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAmyloid fibrils are supramolecular systems showing distinct chirality at different levels of their complex multilayered architectures. Due to the regular long‐range chiral organization, amyloid fibrils exhibit the most intense Vibrational Optical Activity (VOA) signal observed up to now, making VOA techniques: Vibrational Circular Dichroism (VCD) and Raman Optical Activity (ROA) very promising tools to explore their structures, handedness and intricate polymorphism. This concept article reviews up‐to‐date experimental studies on VOA applications to investigate amyloid fibrils highlighting its future potential in analyzing of these unique supramolecular systems, in particular in the context of biomedicine and nanotechnology.
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma complicated with varices successfully treated by endoscopic injection sclerotherapy and argon plasma coagulation: A case report
Authors: Watanabe Sayuri , Hikichi Takuto , Yanagita Takumi , Nakamura Jun , Hashimoto Minami , Kato Tsunetaka , Kobashi Ryoichiro , Waragai Yuichi , Kobayakawa Masao , Ohira Hiromasa 
Published: February 2024

AbstractTreatment guidelines for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) with concomitant esophageal varices (EVs), which increase the risk of bleeding, are unavailable. A 66‐year‐old man with a history of total gastrectomy was admitted to the hospital owing to hematemesis. Emergency upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed variceal bleeding near the anastomosis between the esophagus and jejunum, and endoscopic clipping stopped the bleeding. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy following hemostasis revealed four EVs and a two‐thirds ESCC circumference. The ESCC depth was suspected to be up to the mucosa. The patient underwent intravariceal endoscopic injection sclerotherapy (EIS) for EVs, followed by paravariceal EIS. However, after these treatments, blood flow in the EVs just below the ESCC remained, and endoscopic resection of the ESCC was judged to be difficult to perform. Therefore, we prioritized EV treatment and performed a second EIS on the ESCC, followed by argon plasma coagulation (APC). APC was expected to not only solidify the EVs but also eliminate the ESCC existing in the mucosa. Finally, EVs and ESCC were treated by EIS and APC. EIS followed by APC may be useful for treating concurrent EVs and intramucosal ESCC in patients with liver cirrhosis when embolization of the EVs is ineffective.
Evaluating top‐down, bottom‐up, and environmental drivers of pelagic food web dynamics along an estuarine gradient
Authors: Rogers Tanya L. , Bashevkin Samuel M. , Burdi Christina E. , Colombano Denise D. , Dudley Peter N. , Mahardja Brian , Mitchell Lara , Perry Sarah , Saffarinia Parsa 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIdentification of the key biotic and abiotic drivers within food webs is important for understanding species abundance changes in ecosystems, particularly across ecotones where there may be strong variation in interaction strengths. Using structural equation models (SEMs) and four decades of integrated data from the San Francisco Estuary, we investigated the relative effects of top‐down, bottom‐up, and environmental drivers on multiple trophic levels of the pelagic food web along an estuarine salinity gradient and at both annual and monthly temporal resolutions. We found that interactions varied across the estuarine gradient and that the detectability of different interactions depended on timescale. For example, for zooplankton and estuarine fishes, bottom‐up effects appeared to be stronger in the freshwater upstream regions, while top‐down effects were stronger in the brackish downstream regions. Some relationships (e.g., bottom‐up effects of phytoplankton on zooplankton) were seen primarily at annual timescales, whereas others (e.g., temperature effects) were only observed at monthly timescales. We also found that the net effect of environmental drivers was similar to or greater than bottom‐up and top‐down effects for all food web components. These findings can help identify which trophic levels or environmental factors could be targeted by management actions to have the greatest impact on estuarine forage fishes and the spatial and temporal scale at which responses might be observed. More broadly, this study highlights how environmental gradients can structure community interactions and how long‐term data sets can be leveraged to generate insights across multiple scales.
Immobilization of Bi2WO6 on Polymer Membranes for Photocatalytic Removal of Micropollutants from Water – A Stable and Visible Light Active Alternative
Authors: Fischer Kristina , Abdul Latif Amira , Griebel Jan , Prager Andrea , Shayestehpour Omid , Zahn Stefan , Schulze Agnes 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn this work, bismuth tungstate Bi2WO6 is immobilized on polymer membranes to photocatalytically remove micropollutants from water as an alternative to titanium dioxide TiO2. A synthesis method for Bi2WO6 preparation and its immobilization on a polymer membrane is developed. Bi2WO6 is characterized using X‐ray diffraction and UV–vis reflectance spectroscopy, while the membrane undergoes analysis through scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and degradation experiments. The density of states calculations for TiO2 and Bi2WO6, along with PVDF reactions with potential reactive species, are investigated by density functional theory. The generation of hydroxyl radicals OH• is investigated via the reaction of coumarin to umbelliferone via fluorescence probe detection and electron paramagnetic resonance. Increasing reactant concentration enhances Bi2WO6 crystallinity. Under UV light at pH 7 and 11, the Bi2WO6 membrane completely degrades propranolol in 3 and 1 h, respectively, remaining stable and reusable for over 10 cycles (30 h). Active under visible light with a bandgap of 2.91 eV, the Bi2WO6 membrane demonstrates superior stability compared to a TiO2 membrane during a 7‐day exposure to UV light as Bi2WO6 does not generate OH• radicals. The Bi2WO6 membrane is an alternative for water pollutant degradation due to its visible light activity and long‐term stability.
Blood pressure immediately after return of spontaneous circulation is associated with increased survival on admission following out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest
Authors: Kim Seung Wook , Kim Hee Eun , Jo You Hwan , Kim Yu Jin , Park Seung Min , Kim Yong Won , Lee Dong Keon , Jang Dong‐Hyun 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundIn patients with out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), low blood pressure after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) can be a sign of hemodynamic instability. We aimed to investigate whether systolic blood pressure (SBP) measured immediately after ROSC is associated with survival on admission.MethodsPatients with ROSC after OHCA between 2015 and 2018 were included. The primary outcome was survival on admission. Included patients were divided into three groups based on the SBP measured at the time of ROSC: group 1 (SBP ≤90 mmHg), group 2 (SBP 90–120 mmHg), and group 3 (SBP >120 mmHg). Multivariable logistic regression was used to investigate the relationship between the groups by SBP and outcomes.ResultsIn the final analysis, 519 patients were included. In the restrictive cubic spline curve, the probability of achieving survival on admission increased gradually from low SBP to approximately 120–130 mmHg, then plateaued at a higher SBP. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, group 1 was independently associated with decreased survival on admission compared to group 2. There was no significant difference between groups 2 and 3.ConclusionsLow blood pressure (SBP ≤90 mmHg) at the time of ROSC was independently associated with a lower likelihood of survival on admission in patients with non‐traumatic OHCA. However, high blood pressure (SBP >120 mmHg) was not associated with a higher likelihood of survival. These suggest that low blood pressure measured in the prehospital phase can serve as an indicator predicting the poor short‐term prognosis of patients.
High‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein is a predictor of all‐cause mortality in a rural Japanese population
Authors: Kawamoto Ryuichi , Kikuchi Asuka , Niomiya Daisuke , Kumagi Teru 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundHigh‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP) is a sensitive marker of inflammation. This study aimed to determine whether increased hsCRP levels are associated with all‐cause mortality rate.MethodsWe examined data for participants from the 2002 Nomura Cohort Study who attended follow‐ups for 20 years (follow‐up rate: 93.3%). Of these, 793 were male (aged 61 ± 14 years) and 1040 were female (aged 63 ± 11 years). The Japanese Basic Resident Registry provided data on adjusted relative hazards for all‐cause mortality. The data were subjected to a Cox regression analysis using a time variable of age and confounding risk factors.ResultsThe median (interquartile range) follow‐up period was 6548 days (6094–7452 days). The follow‐up confirmed that there were 632 (34.8%) deaths, of which 319 were male (40.2% of all males) and 313 were female (30.6% of all females). Multivariable‐adjusted hazard ratio (1.27; 95% confidence interval, 1.01–1.59) in the highest hsCRP category was also significantly higher compared with reference. A higher hsCRP was associated with a greater risk of all‐cause mortality in male participants aged ≥65 years, a BMI < 25 kg/m2, and no history of CVD or diabetes, and this association was particularly significant among participants with both of the latter two risk factors (p = 0.004 and 0.022 for interaction, respectively).ConclusionsOur results indicate a significant association between hsCRP levels and all‐cause mortality in a rural Japanese population. Specifically, hsCRP appears to be a crucial biomarker for predicting long‐term survival, particularly among older persons.
Climatological analysis of urban heat island effects in Swiss cities
Authors: Canton Jacopo , Dipankar Anurag 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis work presents a high‐resolution spatiotemporal analysis of the urban heat island (UHI) effect in Swiss cities during the last 6 years. The entire alpine country is simulated at once using the COSMO model at 1.1 km resolution, validated against a dense national measurement network. Additionally, the bulk parametrisation TERRA URB is used to model the dynamical and thermal effects of urban areas. The resulting data allows us to perform the first comprehensive analysis over the entire Switzerland, with a focus on the UHI effect with intra‐urban and across cities comparisons, and to report on the current state of urban warming. Despite the medium‐small size of the cities, the UHI is of considerable magnitude especially when considering peak values in ideal weather conditions. The present results confirm previous analyses performed for individual cities, and shed new light on the country‐wide picture by highlighting features such as the marked seasonality of the UHI intensity as well as the influence of local climate and topographical features on the urban climate. A thorough discussion is also presented highlighting the absence of simple relationships between UHI intensity and bulk city parameters and weather patterns.
A novel frameshift mutation in SOX10 gene induced Waardenburg syndrome type II
Authors: Ma Xiuli , Zhao Liping , Li Li , Li Xia , Ding Chaohong , Ma Jing 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo explore the molecular etiology of Waardenburg syndrome type II (WS2) in a family from Yunnan province, China.MethodsA total of 406 genes related to hereditary hearing loss were sequenced using next‐generation sequencing. DNA samples were isolated from the peripheral blood DNA of probands. Those pathogenic mutations detected by next‐generation sequencing in probands and their parents were validated by Sanger sequencing. The conservatism of variation sites in genes was also analyzed. The protein expression was detected by flow cytometry.ResultsA heterozygous mutation c.178delG (p.D60fs*49) in the SOX10 gene was identified in the proband, which is a frameshift mutation and may cause protein loss of function and considered to be a pathogenic mutation. This was determined to be a de novo mutation because her family were demonstrated to be wild‐type and symptom free. SOX10, FGFR3, SOX2, and PAX3 protein levels were reduced as determined by flow cytometry.ConclusionA novel frameshift mutation in SOX10 gene was identified in this study, which may be the cause of WS2 in proband. In addition, FGFR3, SOX2, and PAX3 might also participate in promoting the progression of WS2.
Do you have a tree friend?—Human–tree relationships in Finland
Authors: Vainio Kaisa , Korrensalo Aino , Takala Tuomo , Räsänen Aleksi , Lummaa Karoliina , Tuittila Eeva‐Stiina 
Published: February 2024

AbstractTrees are natural objects that carry practical, cultural and spiritual meanings to humans. Trees are an elemental part of human daily life, both in urban and rural environments, and even in locations where forests are distant. Conflicts related to tree removal in the close environments of humans indicate that individual trees may have special significance. Despite that, we have little knowledge of the ways these relationships are formed and the meanings they carry.To examine how the properties of trees and humans influence the type of relationships that are formed between them, we conducted a large‐scale survey (n = 1758). We used cluster analysis to identify typical groups of trees and human–tree relationships and conducted cross‐tabulation to correlate human and tree types in the relationships. In studying the human–tree relationship, we applied the framework of natureculture to address how the lives of humans and trees are bound together in interspecies relationships.Our results show that the strongest influence on tree–human relationships originates from human lifestyles and nature connections. Consequently, we identified three main types of human–tree relationships: (1)Admiring relationshipstowards large, old and charismatic trees, primarily grounded in sensory and emotional experiences, are common among urban nature‐loving people. (2)Nurturing relationshipsthat occur with young trees in people's own gardens, which is most typical for rural outdoorspeople owning houses. (3)Nostalgic relationshipsare associated with trees with symbolic value in the memories of people who no longer have a material connection to an important environment.Our study revealed that the affection of humans for trees in their close environment strongly varied in emotional intensity and practical actions related to trees. We provide new knowledge of the correlations between human and tree characteristics in forming their interspecies relationship and how this relationship affects human emotional well‐being. Based on our findings, we suggest that understanding human–nature interdependence helps to sustain and create emotionally supportive multispecies environments through green design and management.Read the freePlain Language Summaryfor this article on the Journal blog.
Risk of fall or fracture with concomitant use of prescription opioids and other medications in osteoarthritis patients
Authors: Khan Nazleen F. , Bykov Katsiaryna , Katz Jeffrey N. , Glynn Robert J. , Vine Seanna M. , Kim Seoyoung C. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundOsteoarthritis (OA) patients taking prescription opioids for pain are at increased risk of fall or fracture, and the concomitant use of interacting drugs may further increase the risk of these events.AimsTo identify prescription opioid‐related medication combinations associated with fall or fracture.Materials & MethodsWe conducted a case‐crossover‐based screening of two administrative claims databases spanning 2003 through 2021. OA patients were aged 40 years or older with at least 365 days of continuous enrollment and 90 days of continuous prescription opioid use before their first eligible fall or fracture event. The primary analysis quantified the odds ratio (OR) between fall and non‐opioid medications dispensed in the 90 days before the fall date after adjustment for prescription opioid dosage and confounding using a case‐time‐control design. A secondary analogous analysis evaluated medications associated with fracture. The false discovery rate (FDR) was used to account for multiple testing.ResultsWe identified 41 693 OA patients who experienced a fall and 24 891 OA patients who experienced a fracture after at least 90 days of continuous opioid therapy. Top non‐opioid medications by ascending p‐value with OR > 1 for fall were meloxicam (OR 1.22, FDR = 0.08), metoprolol (OR 1.06, FDR >0.99), and celecoxib (OR 1.13, FDR > 0.99). Top non‐opioid medications for fracture were losartan (OR 1.20, FDR = 0.80), alprazolam (OR 1.14, FDR > 0.99), and duloxetine (OR 1.12, FDR = 0.97).ConclusionClinicians may seek to monitor patients who are co‐prescribed drugs that act on the central nervous system, especially in individuals with OA.
“I couldn't connect the wires in my brain.” Young adult cancer survivors' experience with cognitive functioning
Authors: Tometich Danielle B. , Welniak Taylor , Gudenkauf Lisa , Maconi Melinda L. , Fulton Hayden J. , Martinez Tyson Dinorah , Zambrano Kellie , Hasan Syed , Rodriguez Yvelise , Bryant Crystal , Li Xiaoyin , Reed Damon R. , Oswald Laura B. , Galligan Andrew , Small Brent J. , Jim Heather S. L. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectiveThere is a dearth of literature describing young adult (YA) cancer survivors' experiences with cancer‐related cognitive impairment (CRCI). We aimed to elucidate CRCI among YA cancer survivors and identify potentially modifiable risk factors.MethodsWe conducted individual qualitative interviews with YA cancer survivors aged 18–30 years at study enrollment and used applied thematic analysis to identify themes across three topics (i.e., affected cognitive abilities, risk and protective factors influencing the impact of CRCI, and strategies for coping with CRCI).ResultsYA cancer survivors (N = 20) were, on average, 23 years old at diagnosis and 26 years old when interviewed. Diverse cancer types and treatments were represented; most participants (85%) had completed cancer treatment. Participants described experiences across three qualitative topics: (1) affected cognitive abilities (i.e., concentration and attention, prospective memory, and long‐term memory), (2) Risk factors (i.e., fatigue, sleep problems, mood, stress/distractions, and social isolation) and protective factors (i.e., social support), and (3) coping strategies, including practical strategies that helped build self‐efficacy (e.g., writing things down, reducing distractions), beneficial emotion‐focused coping strategies (e.g., focus on health, faith/religion), strategies with mixed effects (i.e., apps/games, medications/supplements, and yoga), and “powering through” strategies that exacerbated stress.ConclusionsYA cancer survivors experience enduring cognitive difficulties after treatment. Specific concerns highlight the importance of attention and executive functioning impairments, long‐term memory recall, and sensitivity to distractions. Future work is needed to improve assessment and treatment of CRCI among YA cancer survivors.
Long COVID‐19 gastrointestinal related disorders and traditional Chinese medicine: A network target‐based approach
Authors: Mattioli Laura Beatrice , Frosini Maria , Corazza Ivan , Fiorino Sirio , Zippi Maddalena , Micucci Matteo , Budriesi Roberta 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe significant number of individuals impacted by the pandemic makes prolonged symptoms after COVID‐19 a matter of considerable concern. These are numerous and affect multiple organ systems. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), prolonged gastrointestinal issues are a crucial part of post‐COVID‐19 syndrome. The resulting disruption of homeostasis underscores the need for a therapeutic approach based on compounds that can simultaneously affect more than one target/node. The present review aimed to check for nutraceuticals possessing multiple molecular mechanisms helpful in relieving Long COVID‐19‐specific gastrointestinal symptoms. Specific plants used in Keywords Chinese Medicine (TCM) expected to be included in the WHO Global Medical Compendium were selected based on the following criteria: (1) they are widely used in the Western world as natural remedies and complementary medicine adjuvants; (2) their import and trade are regulated by specific laws that ensure quality and safety (3) have the potential to be beneficial in alleviating intestinal issues associated with Long COVID‐19. Searches were performed in PubMed, Elsevier, Google Scholar, Scopus, Science Direct, and ResearchGate up to 2023. Cinnamomum cassia, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Magnolia officinalis, Poria cocos, Salvia miltiorrhiza, Scutellaria baicalensis, and Zingiber officinalis were identified as the most promising for their potential impact on inflammation and oxidative stress. Based on the molecular mechanisms of the phytocomplexes and isolated compounds of the considered plants, their clinical use may lead to benefits in gastrointestinal diseases associated with Long COVID‐19, thanks to a multiorgan and multitarget approach.
A near‐optimal CUSUM‐t$t$ chart
Authors: Haq Abdul , Khoo Michael B. C. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractA robust tool for monitoring the process mean in the presence of abrupt changes or estimation errors in the process standard deviation is the cumulative sum (CUSUM)‐ chart. However, optimizing the existing CUSUM‐ chart to minimize the out‐of‐control average run‐length value often involves intricate Markov chain techniques. This complexity prompted the development of a near‐optimal CUSUM‐ chart, presented in this paper, which simplifies the determination of the chart's reference parameter. The reference parameter calculation is based on a predefined shift size in the mean, allowing for swift detection. Meanwhile, the chart's decision interval can be derived through Monte Carlo simulations. Interestingly, both the newly devised near‐optimal CUSUM‐ chart and the established CUSUM‐ chart yield similar out‐of‐control average run‐length values for identical shift sizes and sample sizes. Consequently, the former can serve as a practical alternative to the latter, considering its ease of optimization and implementation.