bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DC reactive sputtering of ZnON thin films: band gap engineering and associated evolution of microstructures
Authors: J G Anjana , Jose Kiran , Nair Aswathi R , Anand Venu 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Zinc oxynitride (ZnON) has recently emerged as a highly promising band gap-tunable semiconductor material for optoelectronic applications. In this study, a novel DC reactive sputtering protocol was developed to fabricate ZnON films with varying elemental concentrations, by precisely controlling the working pressure. The working pressure was varied from 0.004 mbar to 0.026 mbar.For working pressure greater than 1.6 × 10−3mbar, the mean free path of ions decrease, the sputtering rate decreases and the concentration of nitrogen in the films decreases. The band gap of the film obtained from UV Vis Spectroscopy initially decreases and reaches a minimum of 1.6 eV at a flow rate of 20 sccm of nitrogen, after which it drastically increases. The correlation between the micro structure and band gap was investigated. The initial alloy structure of the film was found to exist when the band gap was between 1.66 eV and 2.15 eV, beyond which, a distorted wurtzite structure began to emerge. At a band gap of 2.7 eV, the spectrum peaks indicated the coexistence of both alloy and wurtzite structures. With an increasing band gap, the wurtzite structure became dominant, completely replacing the alloy structure at 3.25 eV. This study revealed the existence of intermediate structures formed during the tuning of the band gap, which can have important implications for future research aimed at developing heterostructures and 2D superlattices for photonics applications.
Fabrication of graphene from graphite using high-powered ultrasonic vibrators
Authors: Nguyen Yen Hai , Thi Mai Phuong , Nguyen Nghia Phan Trong , Van Tran Hau , Thi Minh Nguyen Hien , Thi Van Nguyen Anh , Nguyen Dung Viet , Doan Phuong Dinh , Phan Minh Ngoc , Bui Thang Hung 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
This paper utilizes an efficient and environmentally friendly method for synthesizing graphene from graphite, namely liquid-phase exfoliation. High-power density ultrasonic vibrators were used to separate graphite layers into graphene in a liquid medium. During layer separation, ultrasonic waves provided mechanical energy to break the Van der Walls bonds and separate graphite layers into graphene. In our study, graphene was synthesized by ultrasonicating graphite in Tween 80 for 1 to 5 h, followed by magnetic stirring and surfactant removal. The FESEM and Raman measurements demonstrated that high-frequency ultrasound waves were effective at breaking the Van der Waals bonding force between adjacent graphite layers. Average flake sizes (lateral) were reduced with increasing ultrasonication time, reaching a minimum value of 317 nm with 5 h of ultrasonic treatment. These results show that liquid-phase exfoliation is a cost-effective method to obtain low-defect few-layer graphene.
A theoretical study of the signal enhancement mechanism of coaxial DP-LIBS
Authors: SONG 宋 Zhen 震 , WANG 王 Junxiao 俊霄 , WANG 王 Gang 钢 , ZHANG 张 Lei 雷 , WANG 王 Shuqing 树青 , ZHANG 张 Wanfei 婉飞 , MA 马 Xiaofei 晓飞 , LIU 刘 Zhenrong 珍荣 , (罗学彬) Xuebin LUO , MA 马 Weiguang 维光 , YE 叶 Zefu 泽甫 , ZHU 朱 Zhujun 竹君 , YIN 尹 Wangbao 王保 , JIA 贾 Suotang 锁堂 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
In the field of dual-pulse laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (DP-LIBS) research, the pursuit of methods for determining pulse intervals and other parameters quickly and conveniently in order to achieve optimal spectral signal enhancement is paramount. To aid researchers in identification of optimal signal enhancement conditions and more accurate interpretation of the underlying signal enhancement mechanisms, theoretical simulations of the spatiotemporal processes of coaxial DP-LIBS-induced plasma have been established in this work. Using a model based on laser ablation and two-dimensional axisymmetric fluid dynamics, plasma evolutions during aluminum–magnesium alloy laser ablation under single-pulse and coaxial dual-pulse excitations have been simulated. The influences of factors, such as delay time, laser fluence, plasma temperature, and particle number density, on the DP-LIBS spectral signals are investigated. Under pulse intervals ranging from 50 to 1500 ns, the time evolutions of spectral line intensity, dual-pulse emission enhancement relative to the single-pulse results, laser irradiance, spatial distribution of plasma temperature and species number density, as well as laser irradiance shielded by plasma have been obtained. The study indicates that the main reason behind the radiation signal enhancement in coaxial DP-LIBS-induced plasma is attributed to the increased species number density and plasma temperature caused by the second laser, and it is inferred that the shielding effect of the plasma mainly occurs in the boundary layer of the stagnation point flow over the target surface. This research provides a theoretical basis for experimental research, parameter optimization, and signal enhancement tracing in DP-LIBS.
Fibroblast growth factor 21 exerts a protective effect on diabetes-induced cognitive decline by remodeling cerebral glucose and neurotransmitter metabolism in mice
Authors: Zhang Xi , Zheng Hong , Ni Zhitao , Shen Yuyin , Wang Die , Li Wenqing , Zhao Liangcai , Li Chen , Gao Hongchang 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) causes damage to the central nervous system, resulting in cognitive impairment. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) exhibits the potential to alleviate neurodegeneration. However, the therapeutic effect of intracerebroventricular (i.c.v) FGF21 infusion on diabetes-induced cognitive decline (DICD) and its potential mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, the impact of FGF21 on DICD was explored, and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics plus 13C NMR spectroscopy in combine with intravenous [1-13C]-glucose infusion were used to investigate the underlying metabolic mechanism. Results revealed that i.c.v FGF21 infusion effectively improved learning and memory performance of DICD mice; neuron loss and apoptosis in hippocampus and cortex were significantly blocked, suggesting a potential neuroprotective role of FGF21 in DICD. Metabolomics results revealed that FGF21 modulated DICD metabolic alterations related to glucose and neurotransmitter metabolism, which are characterized by distinct recovered enrichment of [3-13C]-lactate, [3-13C]-aspartate, [4-13C]-glutamine, [3-13C]-glutamine, [4-13C]-glutamate, and [4-13C]- γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) from [1-13C]-glucose. Moreover, diabetes-induced neuron injury and metabolic dysfunctions might be mediated by PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β signaling pathway inactivation in the hippocampus and cortex, which were activated by i.c.v injection of FGF21. These findings indicate that i.c.v FGF21 infusion exerts its neuroprotective effect on DICD by remodeling cerebral glucose and neurotransmitter metabolism by activating the PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β signaling pathway.
The Place of Law In Political Economy. J.R.Commons’ Legal Foundations of Capitalism at 100: A Retrospective Article
Authors: Frerichs Sabine 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
This article revisits J.R. Commons’ The Legal Foundations of Capitalism (LFC), published 100 years ago, from an interdisciplinary point of view. It explains and contextualizes Commons’ approach, introduces key concepts and core arguments of the book, and links these to contemporary scholarly work and debates. The aim is to make Commons’ ideas more accessible and to demonstrate their continued relevance for discussions on the role of law in political economy.
Evaluating analgesia strategies in patients who have undergone oesophagectomy—a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials
Authors: Ramjit Sinead , Davey Matthew G , Loo Caitlyn , Moran Brendan , Ryan Eanna J , Arumugasamy Mayilone , Robb William B , Donlon Noel E 
Published: January 2024

Summary
Optimal pain control following esophagectomy remains a topic of contention. The aim was to perform a systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) evaluating the analgesia strategies post-esophagectomy. A NMA was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)-NMA guidelines. Statistical analysis was performed using Shiny and R. Fourteen RCTs which included 565 patients and assessed nine analgesia techniques were included. Relative to systemic opioids, thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) significantly reduced static pain scores at 24 hours post-operatively (mean difference (MD): −13.73, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): −27.01–0.45) (n = 424, 12 RCTs). Intrapleural analgesia (IPA) demonstrated the best efficacy for static (MD: −36.2, 95% CI: −61.44–10.96) (n = 569, 15 RCTs) and dynamic (MD: −42.90, 95% CI: −68.42–17.38) (n = 444, 11 RCTs) pain scores at 48 hours. TEA also significantly reduced static (MD: −13.05, 95% CI: −22.74–3.36) and dynamic (MD: −18.08, 95% CI: −31.70–4.40) pain scores at 48 hours post-operatively, as well as reducing opioid consumption at 24 hours (MD: −33.20, 95% CI: −60.57–5.83) and 48 hours (MD: −42.66, 95% CI: −59.45–25.88). Moreover, TEA significantly shortened intensive care unit (ICU) stays (MD: −5.00, 95% CI: −6.82–3.18) and time to extubation (MD: −4.40, 95% CI: −5.91–2.89) while increased post-operative forced vital capacity (MD: 9.89, 95% CI: 0.91–18.87) and forced expiratory volume (MD: 13.87, 95% CI: 0.87–26.87). TEA provides optimal pain control and improved post-operative respiratory function in patients post-esophagectomy, reducing ICU stays, one of the benchmarks of improved post-operative recovery. IPA demonstrates promising results for potential implementation in the future following esophagectomy.
Recombinant Zoster Vaccine [RZV] is Effective in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A US Propensity Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Desai Aakash , Hashash Jana G , Kochhar Gursimran S , Hayney Mary S , Caldera Freddy , Farraye Francis A 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Recombinant zoster vaccine [RZV] reduces the short-term risk of herpes zoster [HZ] in patients with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]. However, there is lack of data regarding the long-term effectiveness in this population.

Methods
A retrospective cohort study was conducted in adults ≥50 years old using TriNetX database between patients with IBD who received two doses of RZV [IBD-RZV cohort] and patients who did not receive RZV [IBD control cohort]. The primary outcome was risk of incident HZ. One-to-one propensity score matching was performed for demographic parameters, comorbid conditions, and IBD medications. Risk was expressed as adjusted odds ratio [aOR] with 95% confidence intervals [CI].

Results
The IBD-RZV cohort [n = 5489; mean age 63.2 ± 9.1 years; 57.2% females] was identified with a mean follow-up of 900.9 days. IBD-RZV cohort had a lower risk of HZ [aOR 0.44, 95% CI 0.32-0.62] compared with IBD control cohort. The risk of HZ was lower in patients aged 50–65 years [aOR 0.41, 95% CI 0.25-0.68] and patients &gt;65 years [aOR 0.64, 95% CI 0.42-0.96]. There was a lower risk of HZ in patients with ulcerative colitis [aOR 0.41, 95% CI 0.27-0.63] and Crohn’s disease [aOR 0.44, 95% CI 0.26-0.74] in the IBD-RZV cohort compared with IBD control cohort.

Conclusion
RZV is associated with a lower long-term risk of HZ in patients ≥50 years old with IBD. Given the widespread availability and safety of RZV, more effective vaccination strategies are needed to improve RZV use in this high-risk population.
Increased Activity of MAPKAPK2 within Mesenchymal Cells as a Target for Inflammation-Associated Fibrosis in Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Chulkina Marina , Rohmer Christina , McAninch Steven , Panganiban Ronaldo P , Villéger Romain , Portolese Austin , Ciocirlan Justin , Yang Wenjing , Cohen Claire , Koltun Walter , Valentine John F , Cong Yingzi , Yochum Gregory , Beswick Ellen J , Pinchuk Irina V 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Mesenchymal stromal cells are suggested to play a critical role in Crohn’s disease [CD]-associated fibrosis. MAPKAPK2 [MK2] has emerged as a potential therapeutic target to reduce inflammation in CD. However, the cell-specific pattern of phospho-MK2 activation and its role in CD-associated fibrosis are unknown. The objectives of this study were to evaluate cell-specific changes in MK2 activity between predominantly inflammatory CD vs CD with fibrotic complications and define the role of stromal cell-specific MK2 activation in CD-associated fibrosis.

Methods
CD tissue, CD tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells known as myo-/fibroblasts [CD-MFs], and fibroblast-specific MK2 conditional knockout [KO] mice were used.

Results
In the inflamed area of predominantly inflammatory CD, high MK2 activity was equally distributed between mesenchymal and haematopoietic cells. By contrast, in CD with fibrotic complications, high MK2 activity was mostly associated with mesenchymal stromal cells. Using ex vivo CD tissue explants and an IL-10KO murine colitis model, we demonstrated that pro-fibrotic responses are significantly reduced by treatment with the MK2 inhibitor PF-3644022. Inhibition of MK2 activity in primary cultures of CD-MFs significantly reduced basal and TGF-β1-induced profibrotic responses. Using fibroblast-specific MK2 knockout mice in chronic dextran saline sulphate colitis, we demonstrated that fibroblast intrinsic MK2 signalling is among the key processes involved in the chronic inflammation-induced profibrotic responses.

Conclusions
Our data suggest that activation of MK2 within fibroblasts contributes to the chronic inflammation-induced fibrosis in CD and that targeting MK2 has potential for the development of novel therapeutic approaches for fibrosis in CD.
Direct mailing of HPV self-sampling kits to women aged 50–65 non-participating in cervical screening in the Czech Republic
Authors: Ngo Ondřej , Chloupková Renata , Cibula David , Sláma Jiří , Mandelová Lucie , Hejduk Karel , Hajdúch Marián , Minka Petr , Koudeláková Vladimíra , Jaworek Hana , Trnková Markéta , Vaněk Peter , Dvořák Vladimír , Dušek Ladislav , Májek Ondřej 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
A population-based cervical cancer screening programme is implemented in the Czech Republic. However, participation is insufficient among women over 50 years. This study aimed to estimate the potential improvement in participation through directly mailed HPV self-sampling kits (HPVssk) compared with standard invitation letters in women aged 50–65 non-participating in screening.

Methods
The study recruited 1564 eligible women (no cervical cancer screening in the last 3 years or more, no previous treatment associated with cervical lesions or cervical cancer). Eight hundred women were mailed with an HPVssk (HPVssk group), and 764 women were sent a standard invitation letter (control group) inviting them to a routine screening (Pap test). The primary outcome was a comparison of the overall participation rate between study groups using a binominal regression model.

Results
The participation rate in the HPVssk group was 13.4% [95% confidence interval (CI) 11.2–15.9%; 7.4% of women returned the HPVssk and 6.0% attended gynaecological examination] and 5.0% (95% CI 3.6–6.8%) in the control group. Using the binominal regression model, the difference between the groups was estimated as 7.6% (95% CI 5.0–10.2%; P &lt; 0.001). In the HPVssk group, 22% of women who returned HPVssk had a positive result and 70% of them underwent a follow-up examination.

Conclusions
Compared with traditional invitation letters, the direct mailing of the HPVssk achieved a significantly higher participation rate, along with a notable HPV positivity rate among HPVssk responders. This approach offers a potentially viable method for engaging women who have not yet attended a cervical screening programme.
Studying the O-GlcNAcome of human placentas using banked tissue samples
Authors: Luna Sarai , Malard Florian , Pereckas Michaela , Aoki Mayumi , Aoki Kazuhiro , Olivier-Van Stichelen Stephanie 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
O-GlcNAcylation is a dynamic modulator of signaling pathways, equal in magnitude to the widely studied phosphorylation. With the rapid development of tools for its detection at the single protein level, the O-GlcNAc modification rapidly emerged as a novel diagnostic and therapeutic target in human diseases. Yet, mapping the human O-GlcNAcome in various tissues is essential for generating relevant biomarkers. In this study, we used human banked tissue as a sample source to identify O-GlcNAcylated protein targets relevant to human diseases. Using human term placentas, we propose (1) a method to clean frozen banked tissue of blood proteins; (2) an optimized protocol for the enrichment of O-GlcNAcylated proteins using immunoaffinity purification; and (3) a bioinformatic workflow to identify the most promising O-GlcNAc targets. As a proof-of-concept, we used 45 mg of banked placental samples from two pregnancies to generate intracellular protein extracts depleted of blood protein. Then, antibody-based O-GlcNAc enrichment on denatured samples yielded over 2000 unique HexNAc PSMs and 900 unique sites using 300 μg of protein lysate. Due to efficient sample cleanup, we also captured 82 HexNAc proteins with high placental expression. Finally, we provide a bioinformatic tool (CytOVS) to sort the HexNAc proteins based on their cellular localization and extract the most promising O-GlcNAc targets to explore further. To conclude, we provide a simple 3-step workflow to generate a manageable list of O-GlcNAc proteins from human tissue and improve our understanding of O-GlcNAcylation’s role in health and diseases.
Sustainable dietary patterns and all-cause mortality among US adults
Authors: Jung Sukyoung , Young Heather A , Simmens Samuel J , Braffett Barbara H , Ogden Cynthia L 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Sustainable dietary patterns that incorporate multiple dimensions may have benefits for both human health and the environment. We examined the association between sustainable dietary patterns assessed by using the Sustainable Diet Index-US (SDI-US) and mortality in US adults.

Methods
This study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007–18 (N = 22 414 aged ≥20 years). The SDI-US (range: 4–20) was composed of four sub-indices representing nutritional, environmental, economic and sociocultural dimensions, and was computed using 24-h dietary recalls, food expenditures and food preparation habits. A higher score indicates a more sustainable dietary pattern. All-cause mortality from baseline until 31 December 2019 was obtained through linkage to the National Death Index. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CIs were estimated using Cox proportional-hazards models, adjusting for covariates.

Results
During 150 386 person-years of follow-up, 2100 total deaths occurred and the median SDI-US was 9.8 in Quintile 1 (Q1) and 16.3 in Quintile 5 (Q5). In a multivariable-adjusted model, the highest SDI-US quintile was associated with a 36% reduction in mortality risk (Q5 vs Q1, HR 0.64, 95% CI 0.49–0.84, P = 0.002) compared with the lowest quintile. When stratified by age (P interaction = 0.002), an inverse association between SDI-US and mortality was observed in younger adults (&lt;65 years, HR 0.41, 95% CI 0.25–0.68, P = 0.001) but not in older adults (≥65 years, HR 0.91, 95% CI 0.71–1.16, P = 0.15).

Conclusions
A higher SDI-US score was associated with lower mortality risk among US adults, particularly in younger adults.
Towards closing socio-economic status disparities in COVID-19 premature mortality: a nationwide and trend analysis in Chile
Authors: Maureira Lea , Urquidi Cinthya , Sepúlveda-Peñaloza Alejandro , Soto-Marchant Mario , Matus Patricia 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Socio-economic status (SES) disparities in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mortality have been reported but complete information and time trends are scarce. In this study, we analysed the years of life lost (YLL) due to COVID-19 premature mortality during the pandemic in Chile and its evolution according to SES and sex compared with a counterfactual scenario [cerebrovascular accidents (stroke)].

Method
We used Chile’s national mortality databases from 2020 to 2022. YLL and age-standardized YLL and mortality rates by sex and by epidemic waves were determined. The 346 communes were stratified into SES groups according to their poverty index quintile. Negative binomial regression models were used to test trends.

Results
In &gt;2 years of the pandemic, the COVID-19 YLL was 975 937, corresponding to 61 174 deaths. The YLL rate per 100 000 inhabitants was 1027 for males and 594 for females. There was a heterogeneous distribution of YLL rates and the regional level. Communes in the most advantaged SES quintile (Q5) had the highest YLL during the first wave compared with those in the lowest SES quintile (Q1) (P &lt; 0.001) but the opposite was true during the second wave. COVID-19 YLL trends declined and differences between Q1 and Q2 vs Q5 converged from the second to the fourth waves (0.33 and 0.15, Ptrend &lt; 0.001 and Ptrend = 0.024). YLL declined but differences persisted in stroke (–0.002, Ptrend = 0.979).

Conclusions
COVID-19 deaths resulted in a higher impact on premature death in Chile, especially in men, with a heterogeneous geographic distribution along the territory. SES and sex disparities in COVID-19 premature mortality had narrowed by the end of the pandemic.
A gauge of coral physiology: re-examining temporal changes in Endozoicomonas abundance correlated with natural coral bleaching
Authors: Chuang Po-Shun , Yu Sheng-Ping , Liu Po-Yu , Hsu Ming-Tsung , Chiou Yu-Jing , Lu Chih-Ying , Tang Sen-Lin 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Bacteria contribute to many physiological functions of coral holobionts, including responses to bleaching. The bacterial genus, Endozoicomonas, dominates the microbial flora of many coral species and its abundance appears to be correlated with coral bleaching. However, evidences for decoupling of bleaching and Endozoicomonas abundance changes have also been reported. In 2020, a severe bleaching event was recorded at reefs in Taiwan, providing a unique opportunity to re-examine bleaching-Endozoicomonas association using multiple stony corals in natural environments. In this study, we monitored tissue color and microbiome changes in three coral species (Montipora sp., Porites sp., and Stylophora pistillata) in Kenting National Park, following the bleaching event. All tagged Montipora sp. and Porites sp. recovered from bleaching within 1 year, while high mortality occurred in S. pistillata. Microbiome analysis found no correlation of Endozoicomonas relative abundance and bleaching severity during the sampling period, but found a stronger correlation when the month in which bleaching occurred was excluded. Moreover, Endozoicomonas abundance increased during recovery months in Montipora sp. and Porites sp., whereas in S. pistillata it was nearly depleted. These results suggest that Endozoicomonas abundance may represent a gauge of coral health and reflect recovery of some corals from stress. Interestingly, even though different Endozoicomonas strains predominated in the three corals, these Endozoicomonas strains were also shared among coral taxa. Meanwhile, several Endozoicomonas strains showed secondary emergence during coral recovery, suggesting possible symbiont switching in Endozoicomonas. These findings indicate that it may be possible to introduce Endozoicomonas to non-native coral hosts as a coral probiotic.