bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of remote audio‐visual system versus standard onsite buddy system to monitor the doffing of personal protective equipment during COVID‐19 pandemic: An observational study
Authors: Lazar Michelle Shirin , Ganesh Venkata , Naik B Naveen , Singh Ajay , Puri G. D. , Kaur Sukhpal 
Published: January 2024

AbstractObjectivesLiterature states a higher self‐contamination rate among healthcare workers (HCWs) while doffing personal protective equipment (PPE). During the Covid‐19 pandemic, onsite trained observers were not always available to monitor PPE compliance. The remote audio‐visual doffing surveillance (RADS) system has the potential to overcome this limitation. We aimed to compare the efficacy of this real‐time RADS system against the onsite buddy system for monitoring the doffing of PPE.MethodsThis prospective, observational study was carried out at our tertiary care centre in northern India. 200 HCWs who cared for Covid‐19 patients in the intensive care units/operation theatres were included. Group A included HCWs who performed doffing with the help of an onsite trained observer and group B included HCWs who performed doffing with the RADS system. An independent observer noted the error at any step using the CDC doffing checklist, in both groups. An online questionnaire to analyse the level of satisfaction post‐doffing was also surveyed.ResultsThe proportion of errors committed during doffing was significantly lower in group B compared to group A with a low relative risk of 0.34 (95% CI 0.22–0.51) (p < 0.001) (Figure 1A,B). In both groups, there was no difference in HCWs feedback regarding the ease of the system and fear of committing an error. Though the perceived quality of monitoring was felt better with onsite buddy, the overall confidence rating of being safe after doffing was better with the RADS system.ConclusionReal‐time RADS system may be more effective than the onsite buddy system for ensuring the safety of HCWs during doffing PPE. HCWs level of satisfaction related to the ease and anxiety with the monitoring systems were comparable. RADS system can reduce reliance on HCW resources and can integrate well into existing healthcare systems.
Gut microbiota reshapes cancer immunotherapy efficacy: Mechanisms and therapeutic strategies
Authors: Xie Jindong , Liu Manqing , Deng Xinpei , Tang Yuhui , Zheng Shaoquan , Ou Xueqi , Tang Hailin , Xie Xiaoming , Wu Minqing , Zou Yutian 
Published: January 2024

AbstractGut microbiota is essential for maintaining local and systemic immune homeostasis in the presence of bacterial challenges. It has been demonstrated that microbiota play contrasting roles in cancer development as well as anticancer immunity. Cancer immunotherapy, a novel anticancer therapy that relies on the stimulation of host immunity, has suffered from a low responding rate and incidence of severe immune‐related adverse events (irAEs). Previous studies have demonstrated that the diversity and composition of gut microbiota were associated with the heterogeneity of therapeutic effects. Therefore, alteration in microbiota taxa can lead to improved clinical outcomes in immunotherapy. In this review, we determine whether microbiota composition or microbiota‐derived metabolites are linked to responses to immunotherapy and irAEs. Moreover, we discuss various approaches to improve immunotherapy efficacy or reduce toxicities by modulating microbiota composition.
Intelligent point of care testing for medicine diagnosis
Authors: Gao Qiya , Li Shuang 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIntelligent point‐of‐care testing (iPOCT) is a rapidly advancing technology that combines molecular detection and bio‐sensing techniques to achieve instant and accurate analysis through advanced sensors and intelligent algorithms. Molecular detection technologies, such as nucleic acid isothermal amplification, biochip and microfluidics, enable rapid analysis of the chemical composition and concentration of samples, thereby determining their presence. Bio‐sensing technology utilizes the recognition properties of biomolecules in conjunction with sensors to detect specific biomolecules or biological processes. iPOCT technology holds broad prospects for application in the field of healthcare and is expected to enhance detection sensitivity, accuracy, and intelligence through further development. In this review, we delineate the developmental journey of iPOCT, followed by a discussion on the principles of molecular detection and bio‐sensing technology, as well as the design of iPOCT devices for health monitoring and disease diagnosis. Furthermore, we showcased illustrative examples of iPOCT applications in disease diagnosis, highlighting the integration of iPOCT technology with wearable devices and smartphones for attaining more precise and personalized diagnostic results.
Targeted antibacterial photodynamic therapy with aggregation‐induced emission photosensitizers
Authors: Wu Biru , Kenry  , Hu Fang 
Published: January 2024

AbstractWith the increasing prevalence of infectious diseases caused by drug‐resistant bacteria, there is an urgent need to develop innovative therapies alternative to antibiotics. Among these alternatives, the aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) photosensitizers (PSs) stand out with their integrated imaging and therapeutic functionalities, allowing for early monitoring and image‐guided ablation of bacteria. AIE fluorescent probes with unique optical properties excel in selective bacterial imaging. Furthermore, AIE‐enabled reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐mediated antibacterial photodynamic therapy can operate on multiple targets to oxidize bacteria. Also, as they are able to specifically target bacteria, AIE PSs can ameliorate the limitations of the small‐scale action of ROS. This review methodically discusses the different strategies that can be employed using AIE PSs for targeting bacteria, including sheltered bacteria. The challenges and future opportunities of using AIE PSs in this emerging field are also briefly discussed.
Experimental analysis of efficacy of carrier aggregation
Authors: Reddy Krishna , Bhattacharjee Arup 
Published: January 2024

Abstract3GPP introduced carrier aggregation (CA) in Release‐10 to mitigate the increasing bandwidth demand of users. The efficacy of CA in meeting user demand for higher throughput in real‐life scenarios is an important consideration. This letter undertakes a simulation route using NS3 to understand the impact of variations in specific parameter values on the performance of CA in 3GPP‐specified scenarios. This work further establishes an empirical relation between throughput and some varying parameters. The work also shows that maintaining steady cell throughput in a densely populated cell comes at the cost of an individual user throughput. Simulation results exhibit that optimal CA design by tuning physical layer parameters alone cannot provide sustained throughput to the users.
Rational prediction of immunogenicity clustering through cross‐reactivity analysis of thirteen SARS‐CoV‐2 variants
Authors: Liang Ziteng , Tong Jincheng , Sun Ziqi , Liu Shuo , Wu Jiajing , Wu Xi , Li Tao , Yu Yuanling , Zhang Li , Zhao Chenyan , Lu Qiong , Nie Jianhui , Huang Weijin , Wang Youchun 
Published: January 2024

AbstractSARS‐CoV‐2 breakthrough infections in vaccinated individuals underscore the threat posed by continuous mutating variants, such as Omicron, to vaccine‐induced immunity. This necessitates the search for broad‐spectrum immunogens capable of countering infections from such variants. This study evaluates the immunogenicity relationship among SARS‐CoV‐2 variants, from D614G to XBB, through Guinea pig vaccination, covering D614G, Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, BA.1, BA.2, BA.2.75, BA.2.75.2, BA.5, BF.7, BQ.1.1, and XBB, employing three immunization strategies: three‐dose monovalent immunogens, three‐dose bivalent immunogens, and a two‐dose vaccination with D614G followed by a booster immunization with a variant strain immunogen. Three distinct immunogenicity clusters were identified: D614G, Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta as cluster 1, BA.1, BA.2, and BA.2.75 as cluster 2, BA.2.75.2, BA.5, BF.7, BQ.1.1, and XBB as cluster 3. Broad‐spectrum protection could be achieved through a combined immunization strategy using bivalent immunogens or D614G and XBB, or two initial D614G vaccinations followed by two XBB boosters. A comparison of neutralizing antibody levels induced by XBB boosting and equivalent dosing of D614G and XBB revealed that the XBB booster produced higher antibody levels. The study suggests that vaccine antigen selection should focus on the antigenic alterations among variants, eliminating the need for updating vaccine components for each variant.
Mpox patients' experience from infection to treatment and implications for prevention and control: A multicenter qualitative study in China
Authors: Zhang Weijie , Qi Xiao , Yang Liuqing , Meng Xiaojun , Xu Guangyong , Luo Sitong , Wu Ke , Tang Jiapeng , Wang Bingyi , Fu Leiwen , Han Baihui , He Jinbo , Zhang Ye , Wang Fuxiang , Lin Yuanlong , Cao Wanxian , Liu Siyang , He Longtao , Gao Yong , Lv Fan , Lu Hongzhou , Qian Jun , Zou Huachun 
Published: January 2024

AbstractMonkeypox (mpox), a viral zoonotic disease, is spreading worldwide. However, evidence that informs prevention and control strategies in the Asia Pacific Region is very limited. Our study aims to investigate the experiences of mpox patients from infection to treatment to provide scientific basis for the prevention and control. A multicenter qualitative design was used. A total of 15 mpox patients were recruited between July 6 and July 25, 2023, from six cities in China. Semistructured interviews were conducted by telephone and analyzed using the thematic analysis. The interview was divided into two sections: patients' experiences (prediagnosis experience, treatment‐seeking experience, and quarantine experience) and advice. Prediagnosis experience was summarized into three themes: symptoms, possible routes of infection, and knowledge of mpox. Treatment‐seeking experience was summarized into three themes: time of visit to hospital, diagnostic difficulties, and attitude toward diagnosis. Quarantine experience was summarized into three themes: body and mind reactions, reluctance to self‐disclose infection status, and factors facilitating recovery. Themes identified from patients' advice were as follows: (1) Increase in testing channels and methods, (2) Development and introduction of vaccines, (3) Adjustment of quarantine program, (4) Improvement of treatment measures, and (5) Improvement of publicity and education. To effectively curb the mpox epidemic, structured measures are urgently needed to address the mpox‐related stigma and discrimination. Targeted health education should be provided to MSM, focusing on the prevention, detection, and treatment services. Hospitals should enhance the training of clinicians in key departments including infectious disease and dermatology, to improve diagnostic capability and sensitivity. Furthermore, given the absence of specific antiviral medications, supervised home quarantine may be a good option.
Vaccination against influenza viruses reduces infection, not hospitalization or death, from respiratory COVID‐19: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Pontiroli Antonio E. , Scovenna Francesco , Carlini Valentina , Tagliabue Elena , Martin‐Delgado Jimmy , La Sala Lucia , Tanzi Elisabetta , Zanoni Ivan 
Published: January 2024

AbstractSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2) causes COVID‐19 and has brought a huge burden in terms of human lives. Strict social distance and influenza vaccination have been recommended to avoid co‐infections between influenza viruses and SARS‐CoV‐2. Scattered reports suggested a protective effect of influenza vaccine on COVID‐19 development and severity. We analyzed 51 studies on the capacity of influenza vaccination to affect infection with SARS‐CoV‐2, hospitalization, admission to Intensive Care Units (ICU), and mortality. All subjects taken into consideration did not receive any anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine, although their status with respect to previous infections with SARS‐CoV‐2 is not known. Comparison between vaccinated and not‐vaccinated subjects for each of the four endpoints was expressed as odds ratio (OR), with 95% confidence intervals (CIs); all analyses were performed by DerSimonian and Laird model, and Hartung‐Knapp model when studies were less than 10. In a total of 61 029 936 subjects from 33 studies, influenza vaccination reduced frequency of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection [OR plus 95% CI = 0.70 (0.65−0.77)]. The effect was significant in all studies together, in health care workers and in the general population; distance from influenza vaccination and the type of vaccine were also of importance. In 98 174 subjects from 11 studies, frequency of ICU admission was reduced with influenza vaccination [OR (95% CI) = 0.71 (0.54−0.94)]; the effect was significant in all studies together, in pregnant women and in hospitalized subjects. In contrast, in 4 737 328 subjects from 14 studies hospitalization was not modified [OR (95% CI) = 1.05 (0.82−1.35)], and in 4 139 660 subjects from 19 studies, mortality was not modified [OR (95% CI) = 0.76 (0.26−2.20)]. Our study emphasizes the importance of influenza vaccination in the protection against SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.
Multipole Excitation of Localized Plasmon Resonance in Asymmetrically Coated Core–Shell Nanoparticles Using Optical Vortices
Authors: Tanaka Daisuke , Harajiri Shungo , Fujita Yuto , Forbes Kayn A. , Pham Tien Thanh , Andrews David L. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractPlasmonic interactions between an asymmetrically coated core–shell (ACCS) nanoparticle and an optical vortex produce a novel engagement of the spin angular momentum (SAM) and the orbital angular momentum (OAM) of the input. Simulations based on a discrete dipole approximation (DDA) indicate that the SAM and the OAM of the incident beam determine the modal order of resonance, correctly identifying the peak wavelength, and both the direction and magnitude of optical torque exerted upon the excited, localized plasmon resonance in the ACCS particle. These simulations also indicate higher‐order resonances, including hexapole and octupole modes, and a zero‐order resonance (expressible as a monopole mode), can be excited by judicious selection of the SAM and OAM. A detailed symmetry analysis shows how the multipoles associated with eigenmode excitations connect to the radiation multipoles at the heart of the multipole expansion. It is also shown how additional, distorted resonance modes due to the asymmetricity of the structure are also exhibited. These specific plasmonic characteristics, which cannot be realized by plane wave excitation, become possible through the ACCS asymmetry engaging with the distinct optical vortex nature of the excitation.
Constructing Efficient and Thermostable Red‐NIR Emitter via Cross Relaxation and Crystal‐Field Engineering of Holmium‐Based Perovskite‐Type Half Metal
Authors: Sun Ranran , Jia Mochen , Chen Xu , Zhang Fei , Ma Zhuangzhuang , Liu Ying , Zhang Jibin , Lian Linyuan , Han Yanbing , Li Mengyao , Yang Dongwen , Li Xinjian , Zhang Yu , Shan Chongxin , Shi Zhifeng 
Published: January 2024

AbstractLanthanide ions, as dopants, have evoked widespread research interest owing to the rich optical, magnetic, and electrical properties, but their luminescent intensity is always limited by typical concentration quenching. Herein, a holmium‐based double perovskite of Cs2NaHoCl6 is reported, which surprisingly breaks through this barrier and achieves efficient red‐NIR emission by virtue of the large unit cell, low phonon energy, high content of activators, and cross relaxation phenomenon between Ho3+. The heavy Ho3+ also endows the intriguing half‐metallic nature with a down‐spin conducting band and an up‐spin insulating band. After performing ion doping on crystallographic sites of Na+ and Ho3+, the photoluminescence quantum yield of such red‐NIR emitter under 450 nm excitation is dramatically promoted to 82.3%, benefiting from the improved crystal field environment that alleviates the parity forbidden rule and suppresses non‐radiative recombination loss. Furthermore, the heat‐favorable phonon‐assisted population processes enable the robust photostability against thermal quenching. By combining a 450 nm chip, the red‐NIR light‐emitting diodes are fabricated, in which the wide‐coverage NIR emissions are ideally suited for medical light source, night vision, nondestructive examination, and transmission imaging. It is believed that this work will open an avenue for enhancing the fluorescence of lanthanide ions and developing advanced spintronic materials.
Preparation of Alginic Acid/Poly(2‐Oxazoline) Hybrid Gels and Their Use in Cell Preservation
Authors: Tsurube Makoto , Takasu Akinori 
Published: January 2024

AbstractA hybrid gel is developed aiming to extend the storage period for cell preservation compared with an alginate gel. The introduction of poly(2‐oxazoline)s into alginic acid promises to improve functional materials by changing their functional groups (e.g., poly(2‐isopropyl‐2‐oxazoline) has the lower critical solution temperature behavior). This study demonstrates chemical modification of a carboxylate of sodium alginate by 1,3‐diaminopropane‐terminated poly(2‐oxazoline)s using 3‐ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) and N‐hydroxy succinimide (NHS) as the condensation reagents for the aminations. The incorporated ratio of poly(2‐oxazoline)s side chains into the carboxylates estimated by 1H NMR is ca. 5–12% and the remaining pendent carboxylates are used for gelation by adding calcium salts (CaCl2). Gelation is observed within 30 min producing 93–99% gel fractions that swell in water. Similar gelation occurs in the cultivation medium of green‐fluorescence protein (GFP)‐encoded and COVID‐19 spike protein‐encoded DNA recombinant E.coli in both the absence and presence of isopropyl β‐D‐1‐thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG). Even in the presence of IPTG, fluorescence ascribed to GFP is not observed while the cells are kept at 25 °C for 3 weeks. After solvation by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), fluorescence intensity at 508 nm is clearly observed and cell preservation at room temperature is thereby demonstrated.
Novel Calcium‐Binding Peptide from Bovine Bone Collagen Hydrolysates and Its Potential Pro‐Osteogenic Activity via Calcium‐Sensing Receptor (CaSR)
Authors: Qi Liwei , Zhang Hongru , Guo Yujie , Zhang Chunhui , Xu Yang 
Published: January 2024

ScopeThis paper aims to explore the osteogenic activity and potential mechanism of the peptide‐calcium chelate, and provides a theoretical basis for peptide‐calcium chelates as functional foods to prevent or improve osteoporosis.Methods and resultsIn this research, a novel peptide (Phe‐Gly‐Leu, FGL) with a high calcium‐binding capacity is screened from bovine bone collagen hydrolysates (CPs), calcium binding sites of which mainly included carbonyl, amino and carboxyl groups. The FGL‐Ca significantly enhances the osteogenic activity of MC3T3‐E1 cells (survival rate, differentiation, and mineralization). The results of calcium fluorescence labeling and molecular docking show that FGL‐Ca may activate calcium‐sensing receptor (CaSR), leading to an increase in intracellular calcium concentration, then enhancing osteogenic activity of MC3T3‐E1 cells. Further research found that FGL‐Ca significantly promotes the mRNA and protein expression levels of CaSR, transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β1), TGF‐β‐type II receptor (TβRII), Smad2, Smad3, osteocalcin (OCN), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteoprotegrin (OPG), and collagen type I (COLI). Subsequently, in the signal pathway intervention experiment, the expression levels of genes and proteins related to the TGF‐β1/Smad2/3 signaling pathway that are promoted by FGL‐Ca are found to decrease.ConclusionsThese results suggest that FGL‐Ca may activate CaSR, increase intracellular calcium concentration, and activate TGF‐β1/Smad2/3 signaling pathway, which may be one of the potential mechanisms for enhancing osteogenic activity.
Polypropylene nanocomposites produced by in‐situ grafting of maleic anhydride using different mixing procedures
Authors: Merchán Sandoval Julie , Failla Marcelo Daniel , Quinzani Lidia Maria 
Published: January 2024

AbstractNanocomposites (NC) of polypropylene (PP) and organophilic montmorillonite (oMt) are produced by reactive mixing with simultaneous grafting of maleic anhydride (MA) onto PP using organic peroxide as initiator. Five different strategies of incorporating reactants and clay into a laboratory mixer are used. The structure of composites is examined by FT‐IR spectroscopy, x‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Rotational rheometry, thermogravimetry and oxygen permeability are used to evaluate properties. The preparation method has a remarkable influence on NC's structure. Simultaneous addition of peroxide and MA to molten PP followed by incorporation of clay 20 minutes later produces the best degree of clay exfoliation/disaggregation. The NCs obtained using this procedure are highly transparent and have very thin tactoids with interlayer spacing more than 50% larger than the original oMt. The incorporation of just 2 wt% of clay gives place to more than 30% reduction in PP oxygen permeability. Additionally, the temperature at the maximum thermal degradation rate in nitrogen reduces in about 60°C while the temperature at which the thermal degradation process begins is not affected.Highlights
Highly intercalated/exfoliated PP/oMt nanocomposites are synthesized
Reactive mixing procedure affects the quality of nanocomposite's structure
A initial period of grafting before clay addition is the most effective method
Highly transparent materials with small tactoids of d001>4 nm is generated
PP oxygen permeability is highly reduced by the use of just 2 wt% of nanoclay
Novel compound heterozygous variants in EMC1: Overlapping phenotypes of left ventricular noncompaction and long QT syndrome warranting in‐depth exploration
Authors: Dai Xiaohui , Wang Yu , Liu Hanmin , Chen Jiao 
Published: January 2024

AbstractA couple was referred for prenatal counseling at the gestational age of 35 weeks of a male fetus (II‐2) with sinus bradycardia and suspected first degree atrioventricular block with left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC). A previous pregnancy for the couple of a female fetus (II‐1) was diagnosed prenatally as sinus bradycardia at the gestational age of 30 weeks. Both fetuses were confirmed to have long QT syndrome (LQTS) with LVNC after birth, and died of heart failure during infancy. The genetic cause of the combined cardiovascular disorders was investigated by trio whole‐exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing on DNA extracted from parental blood samples and umbilical cord serum of the proband. Compound heterozygous variants were identified in the endoplasmic reticulum membrane protein complex subunit 1 gene (EMC1, NM_015047.3), including paternally inherited c.245C>T (p. Thr82Met) and maternally inherited c.1459delC (p. Arg487Alafs*49). Pathogenic variants in EMC1 have been associated with a recessive neurodevelopmental disorder, whereas Emc10 knockout mice exhibit cardiovascular issues. The present study shows that EMC1 variation potentially causes the overlapping phenotypes of LVNC and LQTS and may expand the spectrum of diseases caused by EMC1 variation.