bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Streptococcus salivarius Probiotics to Prevent Acute Otitis Media in Children
Authors: Sarlin Suvi , Koskela Ulla , Honkila Minna , Tähtinen Paula A. , Pokka Tytti , Renko Marjo , Tapiainen Terhi 
Published: November 2023

ImportanceNew approaches for the prevention of acute otitis media (AOM), the most common reason for antibiotic use in children, are needed.ObjectiveTo assess the efficacy of the Streptococcus salivarius K12 oral probiotics in the primary prevention of AOM.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted from August 1, 2020, to May 31, 2021, at 50 day care centers in the Oulu region of Finland. A total of 827 children aged 1 to 6 years attending day care were included. The exclusion criteria consisted of ongoing antimicrobial prophylaxis or immunodeficiency. The follow-up time was 6 months and was completed on May 31, 2021. Data were analyzed from October 24, 2022, to September 16, 2023, based on intention to treat.InterventionEligible participants were randomly allocated to receive 1 daily dose of a S salivarius K12 product or placebo every evening for 6 months. A daily dose was defined as 1 sachet of soluble oral powder for children younger than 3 years or 1 chewable tablet for children 3 years or older containing 1 × 109 colony-forming units of S salivarius K12.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe primary outcome was the proportion of children with at least 1 episode of AOM requiring antimicrobial therapy within 6 months of randomization. All physician visits and purchases of antimicrobial drugs were retrieved from the electronic national medical record and prescription register. The primary outcome was met if the legal guardian had purchased an antimicrobial prescription for AOM.ResultsA total of 827 children with a mean (SD) age of 4.1 (1.6) years (433 boys [52.4%]) were randomized to S salivarius K12 oral products (n = 413) or placebo (n = 414). Thirty-four children (8.2%) in the S salivarius group and 24 children (5.8%) in the placebo group experienced at least 1 episode of AOM requiring antimicrobial therapy during the 6-month follow-up period (relative risk, 1.42 [95% CI, 0.86-2.34]; proportion difference, −2.44% [95% CI, −5.94% to 1.09%]; P = .17). Time to first AOM episode did not differ between the groups (174 [95% CI, 171-177] days in the S salivarius group vs 176 [95% CI, 173-179] days in the placebo group; P = .18).Conclusions and RelevanceIn this randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial, the daily use of the S salivarius K12 products for 6 months did not reduce the occurrence of AOM. New approaches for primary prevention of AOM among children are needed.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrialsRegister.eu Identifier: 2020-001076-14
Racial Disparities in Candidates for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Liver Transplant After 6-Month Wait Policy Change
Authors: Saberi Behnam , Gurakar Ahmet , Tamim Hani , Schneider Carolin V. , Sims Omar T. , Bonder Alan , Fricker Zachary , Alqahtani Saleh A. 
Published: November 2023

ImportanceRacial disparities in liver transplant (LT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) may be associated with unequal access to life-saving treatment.ObjectiveTo quantify racial disparities in LT for HCC and mortality after LT, adjusting for demographic, clinical, and socioeconomic factors.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis cohort study was a retrospective analysis of United Network Organ Sharing/Organ Procurement Transplant Network (OPTN) data from 2003 to 2021. Participants were adult patients with HCC on the LT waiting list and those who received LT. Data were analyzed from March 2022 to September 2023.ExposuresRace and time before and after the 2015 OPTN policy change.Main Outcomes and MeasuresProportion of LT from wait-listed candidates, the proportion of waiting list removals, and mortality after LT.ResultsAmong 12 031 patients wait-listed for LT with HCC (mean [SD] age, 60.8 [7.4] years; 9054 [75.3%] male; 7234 [60.1%] White, 2590 [21.5%] Latinx/o/a, and 1172 [9.7%] Black or African American), this study found that after the 2015 model of end-stage liver disease (MELD) exception policy changes for HCC (era 2), the overall proportion of LT for HCC across all races decreased while the proportion of dropouts on the LT waiting list remained steady compared with patients who did not have HCC. In Kaplan-Meier analysis, Asian patients demonstrated the lowest dropout rates in both era 1 and era 2 (1-year dropout, 16% and 17%, respectively; P &amp;lt; .001). In contrast, Black or African American patients had the highest dropout rates in era 1 (1-year dropout, 24%), but comparable dropout rates (23%) with White patients (23%) and Latinx/o/a patients in era 2 (23%). In both eras, Asian patients had the highest survival after LT (5-year survival, 82% for era 1 and 86% for era 2), while Black or African American patients had the worst survival after LT (5-year survival, 71% for era 1 and 79% for era 2). In the multivariable analysis for HCC LT recipients, Black or African American race was associated with increased risk of mortality in both eras, compared with White race (HR for era 1, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.05-1.35; and HR for era 2, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.10-1.56).Conclusions and RelevanceThis cohort study of LT candidates in the US found that after the 2015 MELD exception policy change for HCC, the proportion of LT for HCC had decreased for all races. Black or African American patients had worse outcomes after LT than other races. Further research is needed to identify the underlying causes of this disparity and develop strategies to improve outcomes for HCC LT candidates.
Risk Factors for Natural Hearing Evolution in Newborns With Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection
Authors: De Cuyper Elise , Acke Frederic , Keymeulen Annelies , De Leenheer Els , Van Hoecke Helen , Padalko Elizaveta , Boudewyns An , Gilles Annick , Muylle Marie , Kuhweide Rudolf , Royackers Liesbeth , Desloovere Christian , Verstreken Margriet , Schatteman Isabelle , Dhooge Ingeborg 
Published: November 2023

ImportanceCongenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) is the major cause of congenital nonhereditary sensorineural hearing loss in children. Currently, criteria to identify infants at increased risk for unfavorable hearing outcome are lacking.ObjectiveTo identify risk factors associated with cCMV-related hearing improvement, hearing deterioration, and late-onset hearing loss.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis multicenter cohort study included patients from 6 secondary and tertiary hospitals enrolled in the Flemish CMV registry (Belgium). Newborns with untreated cCMV infection with at least 4-year audiological follow-up were included. Patients who presented with other possible causes of sensorineural hearing loss were excluded. Data were collected for 15 years (January 1, 2007, to February 7, 2022) and analyzed from September 26, 2022, to January 16, 2023.Main Outcomes and MeasuresPrimary outcome was hearing evolution (per-ear analysis; described as stable hearing, improvement, or deterioration). The association of gestational characteristics, clinical findings, timing of seroconversion, viral load, and hearing status at birth with hearing evolution was investigated using effect sizes (Cramer V, odds ratio [OR], or Hedges g).ResultsOf the 387 children, 205 of 385 with nonmissing data were male (53.2%), 113 (29.2%) had a symptomatic infection, and 274 (70.8%) had an asymptomatic infection. Every child was 4 years or older at final hearing evaluation. A total of 701 of 774 ears (90%) showed stable hearing (normal hearing or stable hearing loss since birth) over time. Late-onset hearing loss (normal hearing at birth followed by hearing loss) was present in 43 of 683 ears (6.3%). Among children with hearing loss present at birth, 24 of 34 ears (70.6%) had hearing deterioration, and 6 of 91 ears (6.6%) had hearing improvement. Prematurity was associated with a higher chance of hearing improvement (OR, 12.80; 95% CI, 2.03-80.68). Late-onset hearing loss was more prevalent in a first trimester infection (OR, 10.10; 95% CI, 2.90-34.48). None of the 104 ears of children with a third trimester seroconversion developed late-onset hearing loss.Conclusions and RelevanceFindings of this cohort study support that ongoing audiological follow-up for untreated children with congenital hearing loss is important, as the majority of patients had hearing deterioration. The timing of seroconversion was associated with the risk of developing late-onset hearing loss. These insights can aid in parental counseling, patient stratification, and follow-up. Future research should focus on the effect of treatment, the influence of determined risk factors, and the study of eventual new risk factors in patients at high risk to develop hearing loss.
18.9% Efficiency Binary Organic Solar Cells Enabled by Regulating the Intrinsic Properties of PEDOT:PSS
Authors: Zhao Bin , Chung Sein , Zhang Min , Wei Wuning , Zhu Chaofeng , Deng Chenghao , Cho Kilwon , Kan Zhipeng 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAnode interlayers play critical roles in organic solar cells, impacting the electrode's work function, energy level alignment, hole extraction, and electrode surfaces. However, the development of the commonly used anode interlayer PEDOT:PSS lags behind the rapid development of organic solar cells due to its low conductivity, acidity, and poor electron‐blocking capabilities. Herein, an innovative strategy is proposed to regulate the intrinsic properties of PEDOT:PSS by incorporating molybdenum‐containing semiconductors (MoO3, MoS2), which is validated using the state‐of‐the‐art active layer consisting of PM6:Y6 in conventional devices. The addition of molybdenum‐containing semiconductors alters the aggregation morphology of the PEDOT:PSS layer, increasing its conductivity and reducing its acidity. Furthermore, the hole extraction and electron‐blocking ability are improved by changing the work function of the anode with the influence of the deep energy level and by forming a trap energy level to capture electrons. Consequently, when the interlayer is employed, a champion power conversion efficiency of 17.1% in the PM6:Y6 devices and 18.9% in organic solar cells composed of PM6:L8‐BO is achieved. The results, which enhance the intrinsic properties of PEDOT:PSS with molybdenum‐containing semiconductors, offer valuable guidelines for engineering anode interlayers to fabricate highly efficient non‐fullerene organic solar cells.
NIR‐Activatable Heterostructured Nanoadjuvant CoP/NiCoP Executing Lactate Metabolism Interventions for Boosted Photocatalytic Hydrogen Therapy and Photoimmunotherapy
Authors: Yang Chunzheng , Zhang Jiashi , Chang Mengyu , Tan Jia , Yuan Meng , Bian Yulong , Liu Bin , Liu Zhendong , Wang Meifang , Ding Binbin , Ma Ping'an , Lin Jun 
Published: November 2023

AbstractNear‐infrared (NIR) laser‐induced photoimmunotherapy has aroused great interest due to its intrinsic noninvasiveness and spatiotemporal precision, while immune evasion evoked by lactic acid (LA) accumulation severely limits its clinical outcomes. Although several metabolic interventions have been devoted to ameliorate immunosuppression, intracellular residual LA still remains a potential energy source for oncocyte proliferation. Herein, an immunomodulatory nanoadjuvant based on a yolk–shell CoP/NiCoP (CNCP) heterostructure loaded with the monocarboxylate transporter 4 inhibitor fluvastatin sodium (Flu) is constructed to concurrently relieve immunosuppression and elicit robust antitumor immunity. Under NIR irradiation, CNCP heterojunctions exhibit superior photothermal performance and photocatalytic production of reactive oxygen species and hydrogen. The continuous heat then facilitates Flu release to restrain LA exudation from tumor cells, whereas cumulative LA can be depleted as a hole scavenger to improve photocatalytic efficiency. Subsequently, potentiated photocatalytic therapy can not only initiate systematic immunoreaction, but also provoke severe mitochondrial dysfunction and disrupt the energy supply for heat shock protein synthesis, in turn realizing mild photothermal therapy. Consequently, LA metabolic remodeling endows an intensive cascade treatment with an optimal safety profile to effectually suppress tumor proliferation and metastasis, which offers a new paradigm for the development of metabolism‐regulated immunotherapy.
Flexible, Fibrous, and Rigid Chemiresistive VOC Sensors with Nanoparticle‐Structured Interfaces
Authors: Shang Guojun , Dinh Dong , Cheng Han‐Wen , Gebre Lidia , Yuan Tony , Yan Shan , Luo Jin , Lu Susan , Zhong Chuan‐Jian 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAs one of the noninvasive screening and diagnostic tools for human breath monitoring of various diseases, chemiresistive devices with nanomaterials as the sensing interfaces for detecting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have attracted increasing interests. A key challenge for the practical applications is an effective integration of all components in a system level. By integrating with the system components, it provides reliable and rapid results as a fast‐screening method for healthcare, safety, and environmental monitoring. This paper highlights some of the latest developments in chemiresistive sensors designed for the detection of VOCs and human breaths. It begins with a brief introduction to the fundamental principles of chemiresistive sensors with nanoparticle‐structured sensing interfaces. This is followed by a discussion of the recent fabrication methods, with an emphasis on nanostructured materials. Some of the recent examples will be highlighted in terms of recent innovative approaches to sensor applications and system integrations. Challenges and opportunities will also be discussed for the advancement and refinement of the chemiresistive sensor technologies in breath screening and monitoring of diseases.
The Next Generation Fecal Microbiota Transplantation: To Transplant Bacteria or Virome
Authors: Yu You , Wang Weihong , Zhang Faming 
Published: November 2023

AbstractFecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for dysbiosis‐related diseases. However, the clinical practice of crude fecal transplants presents limitations in terms of acceptability and reproductivity. Consequently, two alternative solutions to FMT are developed: transplanting bacteria communities or virome. Advanced methods for transplanting bacteria mainly include washed microbiota transplantation and bacteria spores treatment. Transplanting the virome is also explored, with the development of fecal virome transplantation, which involves filtering the virome from feces. These approaches provide more palatable options for patients and healthcare providers while minimizing research heterogeneity. In general, the evolution of the next generation of FMT in global trends is fecal microbiota components transplantation which mainly focuses on transplanting bacteria or virome.
Retina pathology as a target for biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease: Current status, ophthalmopathological background, challenges, and future directions
Authors: Alber Jessica , Bouwman Femke , den Haan Jurre , Rissman Robert A. , De Groef Lies , Koronyo‐Hamaoui Maya , Lengyel Imre , Thal Dietmar Rudolf ,   the Alzheimer's Association ISTAART “The Eye as a Biomarker for AD” Professional Interest Area
Published: November 2023

AbstractThere is emerging evidence that amyloid beta protein (Aβ) and tau‐related lesions in the retina are associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Aβ and hyperphosphorylated (p)‐tau deposits have been described in the retina and were associated with small amyloid spots visualized by in vivo imaging techniques as well as degeneration of the retina. These changes correlate with brain amyloid deposition as determined by histological quantification, positron emission tomography (PET) or clinical diagnosis of AD. However, the literature is not coherent on these histopathological and in vivo imaging findings. One important reason for this is the variability in the methods and the interpretation of findings across different studies. In this perspective, we indicate the critical methodological deviations among different groups and suggest a roadmap moving forward on how to harmonize (i) histopathologic examination of retinal tissue; (ii) in vivo imaging among different methods, devices, and interpretation algorithms; and (iii) inclusion/exclusion criteria for studies aiming at retinal biomarker validation.
A Universal, Continuous Assay for SAM‐dependent Methyltransferases
Authors: Menke Marian J. , Schneider Pascal , Badenhorst Christoffel P. S. , Kunzendorf Andreas , Heinz Florian , Dörr Mark , Hayes Martin A. , Bornscheuer Uwe T. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractEnzyme‐catalyzed late‐stage functionalization (LSF), such as methylation of drug molecules and lead structures, enables direct access to more potent active pharmaceutical ingredients (API). S‐adenosyl‐l‐methionine‐dependent methyltransferases (MTs) can play a key role in the development of new APIs, as they catalyze the chemo‐ and regioselective methylation of O‐, N‐, S‐ and C‐atoms, being superior to traditional chemical routes. To identify suitable MTs, we developed a continuous fluorescence‐based, high‐throughput assay for SAM‐dependent methyltransferases, which facilitates screening using E. coli cell lysates. This assay involves two enzymatic steps for the conversion of S‐adenosyl‐l‐homocysteine into H2S to result in a selective fluorescence readout via reduction of an azidocoumarin sulfide probe. Investigation of two O‐MTs and an N‐MT confirmed that this assay is suitable for the determination of methyltransferase activity in E. coli cell lysates.
Unusual Single Electron Transfer Reactions between Alkenes and Iodine Electrophiles†
Authors: Lou Zhengzhao , Hu Jingyu , Ni Chuanfa , Wang Xiu , Hu Jinbo 
Published: November 2023

Comprehensive SummaryThe electrophilic addition to an alkene with an electrophile has been widely studied and applied in organic synthesis. The organic chemistry textbook describes the classical reaction between an alkene and an iodine electrophile (such as elemental iodine and N‐iodosuccinimide (NIS)) as a typical ionic reaction, in which an iodonium ion is formed and then attacked by a nucleophile. However, in this article, we report a new and unusual reaction mode between an alkene and NIS; that is, a single electron transfer (SET) process occurs between these two reactants by forming an electron‐donor acceptor complex. Not only does this unusual single electron transfer reaction between an alkene and NIS add fundamentally important knowledge to organic chemistry, it also provides a valuable synthetic method as the new SET reaction mode with opposite regioselectivity as compared with the traditional ionic mode.
A novel ‘shunt fraction’ method to derive native cardiac output during liberation from central VA ECMO
Authors: Lim Hoong Sern 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe Fick principle is an established method to quantify intracardiac shunts. The Fick principle has also found utility in the practice of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). This report describes a novel ‘shunt fraction’ method to calculate intrinsic cardiac output in central (right atrial‐to‐aorta) ECMO. The physiological basis of this ‘shunt fraction’ method is described, followed by the case presentation that details the clinical application of this method of quantifying intrinsic cardiac output to guide weaning and liberation from central VA ECMO.
Electrochemical enantioselective recognition by defined chiral linkers in polysaccharides modified with carbon quantum dots
Authors: Wang Jianrong , Han Sha , Zhao Hongfang , Li Hongxia , Niu Xiaohui , Wang Yi , Wang Kunjie 
Published: November 2023

AbstractChirality exists everywhere in nature, so chiral recognition is also an extremely important field. This paper explores the recognition of amino acid configuration by an electrochemical chiral sensing platform constructed with carbon nanomaterials (carbon quantum dots (CQDs) as the substrate material) combined with chiral selectors (chitosan (CS)). CQDs/CS, which is bonded by intermolecular force, and CQDs‐CS, which is formed by covalent grafting through amidation, are selected as electrochemical chiral recognition materials, and a series of characterization methods are carried out to indicate the successful preparation of the materials, and then attached to the glass carbon electrode (GCE), forming a chiral sensing platform for amino acid enantiomers. The differential voltammetry (DPV) method was used to convert the chemical signal into electrical signal. The results showed that compared with CQDs/CS, CQDs‐CS had better enantiomer resolution to tryptophan (Trp), and the peak current ratio (IL/ID) was 2.28.
Time‐series InSAR monitoring of surface deformation in Yakutsk, a city located on continuous permafrost
Authors: Li Xianglong , Zhang Ze , Zheleznyak Mikhail , Jin Huijun , Zhang Shengrong , Wei Hao , Zhai Jinbang , Melnikov Andrey , Gagarin Leonid 
Published: November 2023

AbstractPermafrost, known for its high sensitivity to climate change and human activities, plays a crucial role in comprehending the environmental sustainability of Arctic cities. Yakutsk, being the largest city situated in continuous permafrost, has suffered irreversible damage to surface buildings due to the widespread permafrost thaw. Therefore, it is imperative to conduct detailed monitoring and assessment of surface deformation to ensure the stable operation of building facilities and to plan urban development situated above the permafrost. This study utilized 138 scenes of Sentinel‐1B images captured between 2017 and 2021 to process the surface deformation variations of Yakutsk using the Persistent Scatterer Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (PS‐InSAR) method. The surface deformation rate map reflects that the study area is undergoing extensive surface subsidence. The cumulative deformation time series maps effectively trace the temporal and spatial evolution of surface deformation, with the highest surface subsidence rates exceeding 40 mm/year and maximum cumulative subsidence exceeding 250 mm. In‐depth analysis of the obtained results indicated that the permafrost in Yakutsk is undergoing degradation, and the primary reason for surface subsidence is the thawing of foundation soils and the degradation of ice‐bearing permafrost. This study provides basic data for the investigation of geohazards caused by surface subsidence in Yakutsk.
A perspective on high‐temperature heat storage using liquid metal as heat transfer fluid
Authors: Niedermeier Klarissa 
Published: November 2023

AbstractEnergy storage systems are essential to secure a reliable electricity and heat supply in an energy system with high shares of fluctuating renewable energy sources. Thermal energy storage systems offer the possibility to store energy in the form of heat relatively simply and at low cost. In concentrating solar power systems, for instance, molten salt‐based thermal storage systems already enable a 24/7 electricity generation. The use of liquid metals as heat transfer fluids in thermal energy storage systems enables high heat transfer rates and a large operating temperature range (100°C to >700°C, depending on the liquid metal). Hence, different heat storage solutions have been proposed in the literature, which are summarized in this perspective. Based on these, future technical advances are suggested such as reducing the liquid metal share in the heat storage, using waste material as storage medium or using liquid metal as heat transfer fluids not only in sensible, but in latent or thermochemical energy storage systems. The use of waste material in a packed bed configuration with 5% porosity, for example, can bring down the storage material costs to 2%–3% of the costs of a liquid metal‐only storage system. Furthermore, future application fields beyond concentrating solar power are proposed: supply of industrial process heat, waste heat integration and power‐to‐heat‐to‐power processes.