bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Potential Pathogenicity of Escherichia coli Isolated from the Stools of Healthy Children Suffering from Diarrhea Admitted to Hospitals in Southern Benin
Authors: Dah-Nouvlessounon Durand , Sina Haziz , Yakoubou Annatou , Boya Bawa , Azatassou Scylax , N’tcha Christine , Noumavo Agossou Damien Pacôme , Assouma Funkè F. , Adjanohoun Adolphe , Baba-Moussa Lamine 
Published: December 2023

Aims: Infant mortality linked to infectious diseases remains a major public health concern, especially in the context of antibiotic resistance. This work aimed to study the potential pathogenicity of Escherichia coli strains isolated from the stools of children suffering from diarrhea and healthy from 0 to 15 years old admitted to hospitals in southern Benin.
Methodology: The isolation and characterization of the strains were carried out according to standard microbiology methods. Molecular characterization was carried out by searching for eight virulence factors (Stx1, Stx2, eaeA, bfpB, LT, InVE, IpaH, AggR) and three antibiotic resistance genes (blaTEM, blaSHV, blaCTX -M) by the PCR technique.
Results: This study shows that 47.06% of the children sampled suffered from diarrhea, against 52.94% who were healthy. A total of 9 species of Enterobacteriaceae were identified in different proportions: Escherichia coli (66.66%), Klebsiella ornithinolytica (13.72%), Klebsiella pneumonia (5.88%), Enterobacter aerogenes (3.92%), Escherichia vulneris (1.96%), Salmonella arizonae (1.96%), Salmonella spp (1.96%), Enterobacter sakazakii (1.96%), Serratia fonticola (1.96%). All E. coli showed total resistance to amoxicillin, ceftazidime, and cefotaxime. In addition, they showed variable resistance to norfloxacin (95.33%), trimethoprim (83.33%), and sulfamethoxazole (95.24%). 70.83% of E. coli strains isolated from apparently healthy children carry resistance genes blaTEM (12.5%), blaSHV (25%), and blaCTX-M (33.33%). While 66.67% of strains of E. coli isolated from children with diarrhea carry resistance genes blaTEM (12.5%), blaSHV (37.5%), and blaCTX-M (16.67%). Only EPEC was isolated and only in diarrheal children, with a frequency of 20.83%.
Conclusion: The relatively high prevalence of ECD in this study is remarkable, and it highlights the fact that E. coli is an important agent of infectious diarrhea and could be the leading cause of gastroenteritis in Benin.
Sleep Disturbances and Emotional and Behavioral Difficulties Among Preschool-Aged Children
Authors: Deng Yujiao , Zhang Zichen , Gui Yiding , Li Wen , Rong Tingyu , Jiang Yanrui , Zhu Qi , Zhao Jin , Zhang Yunting , Wang Guanghai , Jiang Fan 
Published: December 2023

ImportanceSleep disturbances and mental health problems are highly comorbid and bidirectionally correlated across childhood. The association between the natural history of sleep disturbances and the transition of mental health problems has not been quantified.ObjectiveTo examine the association between the natural history of sleep disturbances and resolved and incident emotional and behavioral difficulties (EBDs).Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis cohort study used data from the Shanghai Children’s Health, Education and Lifestyle Evaluation–Preschool (SCHEDULE-P), a prospective and population-based longitudinal cohort study of children enrolled in preschools in Shanghai, China, from November 10 to 24, 2016. A total of 20 324 children aged 3 to 4 years were recruited from the junior class of 191 kindergartens, of whom 17 233 (84.8%) participated in the 2-year follow-up. A multilevel regression model was used to evaluate the association between the development of sleep disturbances and the occurrence of resolved and incident EBDs. The data analysis spanned from August 4, 2021, to October 31, 2023.ExposuresSleep disturbances were assessed using the Children’s Sleep Habit Questionnaire; EBDs were assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire.Main Outcomes and MeasuresOccurrence of incident and resolved EBDs at the 2-year follow-up.ResultsThe cohort included 17 182 participants, with a mean (SD) age of 3.73 (0.29) years at enrollment; 52.0% were boys. The prevalence of EBDs at school entry and graduation years was 27.8% and 18.7%, respectively, while the prevalence of sleep disturbances was 41.3% and 31.5%, respectively. Among those with EBDs at the entry year, 35.0% maintained stability in the graduation year, while sleep disturbances were stable in 50.0% of those with sleep disturbances. After controlling for confounding factors, the odds ratio (OR) for resolved EBDs was lower in the incident sleep disturbance (ISD) group (OR, 0.50 [95% CI, 0.41-0.62]; P &amp;lt; .001) and stable sleep disturbance (SSD) group (OR, 0.47 [95% CI, 0.40-0.56]; P &amp;lt; .001) compared with the group with no sleep disturbances. The ORs for incident EBDs among the ISD group (OR, 2.58 [95% CI, 2.22-3.01]; P &amp;lt; .001) and SSD group (OR, 2.29, [95% CI, 1.98-2.64]; P &amp;lt; .001) were higher than among the group with no sleep disturbances.Conclusions and RelevanceIn this prospective cohort study, the natural history of sleep disturbances among preschool-aged children was associated with both resolved and incident EBDs. Routine screening and precise intervention for sleep disturbances may benefit the psychosocial well-being of this population.
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy Before Nephrectomy for Locally Advanced and Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Ghoreifi Alireza , Vaishampayan Ulka , Yin Ming , Psutka Sarah P. , Djaladat Hooman 
Published: December 2023

ImportanceThe therapeutic landscape of advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has rapidly evolved in the past 2 decades, with the advent of cytokines therapy followed by targeted therapies and novel immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). This article aims to review the current evidence and ongoing trials of neoadjuvant or prenephrectomy ICI therapy in patients with locally advanced and metastatic RCC.ObservationsA literature search was performed using the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, ClinicalTrials.gov, and PubMed as well as relevant medical society meetings for English-language studies, articles, and abstracts published before January 31, 2023. Currently, level I evidence supports the use of ICI-based combination therapy as the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic RCC with the potential option of deferred nephrectomy in those who respond to treatment. Nevertheless, limited prospective data are available regarding the role and outcomes of nephrectomy (cytoreductive or consolidative) in conjunction with ICI therapy in both metastatic and locally advanced RCC. Although data from retrospective case series confirmed the feasibility and safety of deferred nephrectomy in this setting, the sequence of nephrectomy and whether it should be considered in patients with metastatic RCC is a common clinical dilemma. However, although neoadjuvant targeted therapy for nonmetastatic RCCs has been associated with some advantages yet not accepted as a standard, current data from a phase 3 randomized clinical trial failed to demonstrate the oncologic benefit of neoadjuvant nivolumab for locally advanced RCC.Conclusion and RelevanceThe findings of this review suggest that ICI-based combination therapy is the standard of care as the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic RCC. However, the role of neoadjuvant ICIs in locally advanced RCC is an active area of investigation. Deferred nephrectomy after ICI-based immunotherapy for metastatic RCC is feasible and safe yet should be performed in high-volume health centers by experienced surgeons. The multidisciplinary and careful approach is critical for treatment decisions.
Lignin‐Derived Ionic Conducting Membranes for Low‐Grade Thermal Energy Harvesting
Authors: Muddasar Muhammad , Nasiri Mohammad Ali , Cantarero Andres , Gómez Clara , Culebras Mario , Collins Maurice N. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractWood‐based ionic conductive membranes have emerged as a new paradigm for low‐grade thermal energy harvesting applications due to their unique andtailorable structures. Herein, a lignin‐derivedionic conducting membrane with hierarchical aligned channels is synthesized viaa double network crosslinking approach. Their excellent thermal stability andsuperior swelling ratio allow their optimization as low‐grade heat recovery technologies. Several vertically aligned nanoscaleconfinements are found in the synthesized membranes, contributing towardenhanced ionic diffusion. Among all the combinations, the membrane comprising69.2 wt.% of lignin and infiltrated with 0.5 m KOH exhibits anexceptional ionic figure of merit (ZTi) of 0.25, relatively higher ionic conductivity(51.5 mS cm‒1), lower thermal conductivity(0.195 W m‒1·K), and a remarkable ionic Seebeck coefficientof 5.71 mV K‒1 under the application of an axialtemperature gradient. A numerical model is also utilized to evaluate theveracity of experimental observations and to gain a better understanding of thefundamental mechanisms involved in attaining such values. These results displaythe potential of lignin‐basedmembranes for future thermal energy harvesting applications and are a new facetin thermoelectric energy conversion which is certain to pave the way forfurther investigations on sustainable ionic conductive membranes.
A Chelating‐Agent‐Passivated Electron Transport Layer for Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells with Enhanced Reproducibility
Authors: Wang Shuihu , Dai Runying , Meng Xiangchuan , Yang Jia , Chen Yiwang 
Published: December 2023

AbstractSubstandard printing quality of electron transport layers (ETLs) always leads to non‐ideal nucleation crystallization and bottom interface contact of the perovskite, followed by the formation of poor‐quality perovskite films with severe heterogeneity, which is the major source of non‐radiative recombination loss and environmental sensitivity of perovskite solar cells (PVSCs). These often result in serious photovoltaic performance loss, significant instability, and negative fabrication reproducibility. Herein, sodium phytate is proposed as a chelating agent for passivating the tin oxide (SnO2) ETLs to enable the stabilization of SnO2 nanoparticles and facilitate the printing of pinhole‐free films, thereby realizing the controlled nucleation crystallization in perovskite precursor. Thus, the printed PVSCs exhibit a champion power conversion efficiency up to 23.77% with negligible hysteresis effect. The unencapsulated devices demonstrate outstanding long‐term stability, which maintains over 80% of their initial efficiency under exposure to atmospheric environment (50% relative humidity) for 1500 hours, and a consistent and centralized distribution of efficiencies across all seasons, indicating their good reproducibility in diverse climatic atmospheres.
Atomically Confined Ru Sites in Octahedral Co3O4 for High‐Efficiency Hydrazine Oxidation
Authors: Zhai Yanjie , Jin Chengkai , Xia Qing , Han Wenkai , Wu Jie , Zhao Xunhua , Zhang Xiao 
Published: December 2023

AbstractHydrazine‐assisted water electrolyzer is a promising energy‐efficient alternative to conventional water electrolyzer, offering an appealing path for sustainable hydrogen (H2) production with reduced energy consumption. However, such electrolyzer is presently impeded by lacking an efficient catalyst to accelerate the kinetics of pivotal half‐reaction, that is, hydrazine oxidation reaction (HzOR). Herein, a ruthenium (Ru) single‐atom on an octahedral cobalt oxide (Co3O4) substrate (Ru‐Co3O4) catalyst, guided by theoretical calculations is developed. Those lattice‐confined Ru sites within octahedral structure of spinel Co3O4 effectively lower the energy barrier required for the formation of N2H2* intermediate and desorption of H* species in HzOR. As a result, the Ru‐Co3O4 catalyst achieves superior HzOR performance with a low potential of −0.024 V versus (vs.)reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) at 100 mA cm−2 and remarkable stability for over 200 h at 200 mA cm−2. Importantly, a modular H2 production achieves an output of 0.48 kWh electricity per m3 H2 by decoupling and pairing the HzOR and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) half‐reaction with a Zinc (Zn) redox reservoir. The work represents a significant advancement in the field, offering substantial flexibility for on‐demand H2 production and energy output.
“Soggy‐Sand” Chemistry for High‐Voltage Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Deng Rongyu , Chen Jieshuangyang , Chu Fulu , Qian Mingzhi , He Zhenjiang , Robertson Alex W. , Maier Joachim , Wu Feixiang 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe narrow electrochemical stability window, deleterious side reactions, and zinc dendrites prevent the use of aqueous zinc‐ion batteries. Here, aqueous “soggy‐sand” electrolytes (synergistic electrolyte‐insulator dispersions) are developed for achieving high‐voltage Zn‐ion batteries. How these electrolytes bring a unique combination of benefits, synergizing the advantages of solid and liquid electrolytes is revealed. The oxide additions adsorb water molecules and trap anions, causing a network of space charge layers with increased Zn2+ transference number and reduced interfacial resistance. They beneficially modify the hydrogen bond network and solvation structures, thereby influencing the mechanical and electrochemical properties, and causing the Mn2+ in the solution to be oxidized. As a result, the best performing Al2O3‐based “soggy‐sand” electrolyte exhibits a long life of 2500 h in Zn||Zn cells. Furthermore, it increases the charging cut‐off voltage for Zn/MnO2 cells to 2 V, achieving higher specific capacities. Even with amass loading of 10 mgMnO2 cm−2, it yields a promising specific capacity of 189 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1 after 500 cycles. The concept of “soggy‐sand” chemistry provides a new approach to design powerful and universal electrolytes for aqueous batteries.
Micromachined Mechanical Resonant Sensors: From Materials, Structural Designs to Applications
Authors: Dinh Toan , Rais‐Zadeh Mina , Nguyen Thanh , Phan Hoang‐Phuong , Song Pingan , Deo Ravinesh , Dao Dzung , Nguyen Nam‐Trung , Bell John 
Published: December 2023

AbstractDriving a micro and nanomechanical structure to resonance and observing its resonant motion in the physical world have led to numerous fundamental discoveries in physics, sciences, chemistry, biology, and engineering, as well as device commercialization. Scaling down mechanical structures from micrometric to nanometric size has enabled the utilization of resonant motions to probe material properties and various dynamical phenomena in quantum coherence and squeezing. Recent advances in material sciences and nanofabrication resulted in successful demonstration of ultra‐high frequency operation (GHz range) and ultra‐high quality factor (10 billion) micromachined mechanical resonators (MMRs). The resonant motion of these structures has been utilized as an indispensable tool to weigh biological and chemical species at resolution of atomic mass unit, sense a force as small as zepto‐newton, and to detect numerous other physical parameters. Here, a systematic view on the resonant sensing transduction is provided, underlying physics, and sensing structures realized with micro/nano‐electromechanical systems (MEMS/NEMS) technologies. It is also describe the roles of nanomaterials and structures, nano‐fabrication and rational designs on the resonance frequency and quality factor of MMRs toward high‐performance sensing. This paper discusses the most recent advances in the development of MMRs for material characterization as well as biological, chemical, and physical sensing. Finally, the paper discusses the challenges and perspectives on design, fabrication, and developments of resonant sensors with high quality factor toward quantum sensing, and ultra‐high sensitivity and resolution for classical sensing applications.
Reprogramming Macrophage Polarization, Depleting ROS by Astaxanthin and Thioketal‐Containing Polymers Delivering Rapamycin for Osteoarthritis Treatment
Authors: Li Huiyun , Yuan Yusong , Zhang Lingpu , Xu Chun , Xu Hailin , Chen Zhiwei 
Published: December 2023

AbstractOsteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic joint disease characterized by synovitis and joint cartilage destruction. The severity of OA is highly associated with the imbalance between M1 and M2 synovial macrophages. In this study, a novel strategy is designed to modulate macrophage polarization by reducing intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and regulating mitochondrial function. A ROS‐responsive polymer is synthesized to self‐assemble with astaxanthin and autophagy activator rapamycin to form nanoparticles (NP@PolyRHAPM). In vitro experiments show that NP@PolyRHAPM significantly reduced intracellular ROS levels. Furthermore, NP@PolyRHAPM restored mitochondrial membrane potential, increased glutathione (GSH) levels, and promoted intracellular autophagy, hence successfully repolarizing M1 macrophages into the M2 phenotype. This repolarization enhanced chondrocyte proliferation and vitality while inhibiting apoptosis. In vivo experiments utilizing an anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT)‐induced OA mouse model revealed the anti‐inflammatory and cartilage‐protective effects of NP@PolyRHAPM, effectively mitigating OA progression. Consequently, the findings suggest that intra‐articular delivery of ROS‐responsive nanocarrier systems holds significant promise as a potential and effective therapeutic strategy for OA treatment.
Study on pyrolysis behavior of agricultural and forestry wastes using thermogravimetric‐Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (TG‐FTIR)
Authors: Liu Na , Li Jishuo , Liu Jia , Xu Kaili , Ren Fengyu , Yao Xiwen 
Published: December 2023

AbstractTo investigate the effective utilization of agricultural and forestry wastes for mitigating the shortage of primary energy and environmental pollution, the pyrolysis behavior of corn straw (CS), wheat straw (WS), and poplar sawdust (PS) was studied using thermogravimetric–Fourier transform infrared (TG‐FTIR) analysis. The activation energies and pyrolysis mechanism functions of different biomass types were calculated. The results showed that the functional group structures of the gaseous products generated from the pyrolysis of different biomass types were similar, mainly including OH, aliphatic CH, CO, aromatic ring skeleton, aromatic CH, and CO groups. These functional group structures mainly existed in oxygen‐containing compounds such as phenols, ketones, aldehydes, acids, esters, alcohols, and ethers. The pyrolysis process of agricultural and forestry wastes exhibited certain differences, with the PS undergoing thermal decomposition more easily, while the thermal decomposition mechanism functions of the two agricultural wastes (CS and WS) were similar. PS had a later initial release time for volatile matter, and the oxygen compounds produced by its pyrolysis were the highest, followed by WS and CS.
Dendrobium officinale polysaccharides—chemical properties and pharmacodynamic effects on the airways in experimental conditions
Authors: Šutovská Martina , Mažerik Jozef , Kocmálová Michaela , Uhliariková Iveta , Matulová Mária , Capek Peter 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe study aimed to analyze the effects of Dendrobium polysaccharides on the cough and airway reactivity and compare them with the effects of clinically used antitussives (codeine phosphate and butamirate citrate) and bronchodilators (salbutamol), using the guinea pig test system. Dendrobium officinale polysaccharides contained proteins (4.0 wt%) and phenolic compounds (1.7 wt%) with a molecular weight of 25,000 g/mol. The sugar analysis revealed a dominance of glucose (93.7 wt%) and a lesser amount of mannose (5.1 wt%) while other sugar quantities were negligible. Methylation analysis indicated the presence of highly branched polysaccharides. Glucose was found mainly as terminal, 1,4‐ and 1,6‐linked. Furthermore, some 1,4‐ and 1,6‐linked glucose units were found branched at O2, O3, and O6/O4. Mannose was terminal and 1,4‐linked. NMR spectra signals indicate the presence of the (1→4)‐linked α‐d‐glucan, (1→4)‐linked β‐d‐glucan branched at position O6, (1→6)‐linked β‐d‐glucan branched at position O3 and (1→4)‐linked glucomannan. Pharmacological studies showed statistically significant antitussive activity of Dendrobium polysaccharides, exceeding the effect of clinically used antitussives, which may be partially associated with confirmed bronchodilation and the ability of polysaccharides to increase the threshold of cough receptor activation. Dendrobium polysaccharides may increase the possibility of symptomatic treatment of cough, especially in asthmatics.
Water Solubilization and Guest Molecule‐Induced Fluorescence Changes of Porous Host Molecules via Complexing with Polysaccharide or Polypeptide
Authors: Umezane Sota , Ono Toshikazu , Kawasaki Riku , Ikeda Atsushi 
Published: December 2023

AbstractTo detect small aromatic molecules in water, we prepared functional host molecules based on water‐soluble N,N’‐bis(2‐aminobenzophenone)‐1,4,5,8‐naphthalenetetracarboxylic diimide (1) and a solubilizing agent using a high‐speed vibration milling apparatus. The fluorescence response of host 1‐solubilizing agent complexes before and after extraction of small aromatic guest molecules was large and the fluorescence maxima were dependent on the small aromatic guest molecules.
Modellbasierte Etagenlogistikplanung für die Ausbauphase im Hochbau – Teil 2: Strukturierte Herleitung am Beispiel des Trockenbaus
Authors: Jaster Isabell , Placzek Gerrit , Schwerdtner Patrick 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn diesem Beitrag erfolgt eine strukturierte Herleitung für eine modellbasierte Etagenlogistikplanung am Beispiel des Trockenbaugewerks. Im vorangegangenen ersten Teil des Beitrags wurde zunächst das Konzept zur modellbasierten Planung der Etagenlogistik entwickelt und vorgestellt. Es gliedert sich in die vier Bestandteile Grundlagen, Flächendimensionierung, Layout und Zeitkopplung. Im zweiten Teil wird das Konzept anhand eines Beispielprojekts und ‐gewerks (Trockenbau) diskutiert. Dabei werden insbesondere die erforderlichen Vorarbeiten und ‐kenntnisse detailliert beleuchtet und bestehende Hürden erläutert. Das entwickelte Konzept bietet viele Möglichkeiten zur teilautomatisierten Planung, erfordert jedoch hinsichtlich anderer Ausbaugewerke und Gebäudelayouts weitere Forschung.
Anwohner‐Informations‐ und Feedbacksystem für Baustellen
Authors: Bender Anna‐Lena , Weissinger Marcel , Jünger Hans Christian 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAngesichts der wachsenden Weltbevölkerung und des zunehmenden Urbanisierungsgrads sind zukünftig viele Hochbaubaustellen in innerstädtischen Gebieten zu erwarten. Durch deren Einflüsse auf die Umgebung werden die Baustellen von der Öffentlichkeit und dem umgebenden Quartier überwiegend als Belastung wahrgenommen. Dies kann die Akzeptanz von Bauvorhaben negativ beeinflussen und interne Baustellenabläufe beeinträchtigen. Um diesen Herausforderungen zu begegnen, wurde im Rahmen einer Forschungsarbeit ein digitales Anwohner‐Informations‐ und Feedbacksystem für Baustellen entwickelt. Die Nutzungsanforderungen und Perspektiven „Bauleitung“, „Projektentwicklung“, „Projektmanagement“, „Baukommunikation“ und „Nachbarschaften“ wurden empirisch untersucht und in ein partizipatives Softwarekonzept überführt. In diesem Aufsatz werden die Herausforderungen und Potenziale untersucht, eine Gestaltungsvariante für ein digitales System präsentiert sowie Handlungsempfehlungen für den erfolgreichen Einsatz von Beteiligungsinstrumenten auf Baustellen ausgesprochen.