bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vericiguat Global Study in Participants with Chronic Heart Failure: Design of the VICTOR trial
Authors: Reddy Yogesh N.V. , Butler Javed , Anstrom Kevin J. , Blaustein Robert O. , Bonaca Marc P. , Corda Stefano , Ezekowitz Justin A. , Lam Carolyn S.P. , Lewis Eldrin F. , Lindenfeld JoAnn , McMullan Ciaran J. , Mentz Robert J. , O'Connor Christopher , Patel Mahesh , Ponikowski Piotr , Rosano Giuseppe M.C. , Saldarriaga Clara I. , Senni Michele , Udelson James , Voors Adriaan A. , Zannad Faiez
Published: October 2024

Aims

In the VICTORIA (Vericiguat Global Study in Subjects with Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction) trial, the soluble guanylate cyclase stimulator vericiguat reduced the risk of hospitalization for heart failure (HHF) or cardiovascular death in patients with heart failure (HF) and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) with recent worsening HF. The effect of vericiguat in patients with HFrEF without recent worsening HF remains unknown. The VICTOR (Vericiguat Global Study in Participants with Chronic Heart Failure) trial was designed to assess the efficacy and safety of vericiguat in patients with ejection fraction ≤40% without recent worsening HF on a background of current foundational HFrEF therapy.

Methods

The primary endpoint for VICTOR is time to first event for the composite of HHF or cardiovascular death. The trial will also assess the effect of vericiguat on time to cardiovascular death, time to HHF, total HHF, and all‐cause death. As an event‐driven trial, at least 1080 primary events are expected, but follow‐up will continue until the targeted number of at least 590 cardiovascular deaths has been reached. Approximately 6000 participants will be randomized to vericiguat or placebo.

Conclusion

VICTOR is the first large event‐driven HFrEF trial performed in the contemporary era of quadruple foundational guideline‐directed medical therapy, in a compensated ambulatory HF population. VICTOR will add important information to the evidence of the effects of vericiguat across the spectrum of patients with HFrEF.
The transfer of double cleavage embryos developed from two four‐cell embryos may not represent an optimal treatment strategy in cycles with a greater number of four‐cell embryos on Day 2
Authors: Zhang Jun , Liu Shuang , Lan Yunzhu , Chen Shaowei , Wan Ying , Wang Fang
Published: October 2024

Objective

This study examined the impact of the number of Day 2 four‐cell (D2‐4C) embryos on double embryo transfer and blastocyst culture therapy in the first in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed on 1039 blastocyst culture cycles to compare outcomes between available and unavailable blastocyst cycles, emphasizing the relationship between the number of D2‐4C embryos and blastocyst availability. Furthermore, the correlation between four‐cell embryo counts and live births was analyzed in 986 transfer cycles.

Results

The analysis revealed that the number of D2‐4C embryos independently influenced the availability of blastocysts (odds ratio [OR] 1.693, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.306–2.195, P < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis indicated that D2‐4C embryos displayed the highest predictive value for available blastocysts, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.861 (95% CI 0.826–0.896). The cut‐off point was determined to be 4.5, particularly for individuals younger than 25 years, where the AUC reached 0.927. This suggests that the number of D2‐4C embryos has significant predictive value for available blastocysts. The live birth rate (LBR) of fresh embryo transfers significantly increased with the number of D2‐4C embryos (P = 0.004). LBRs for zero, one, and two four‐cell embryos in double cleavage embryo transfer were 20.24%, 34.97%, and 38.08%, respectively (P = 0.005). In the twin group, the percentages for zero, one, and two four‐cell embryos were 1.21%, 9.75%, and 89.02%, respectively (P < 0.001). Single blastocyst transfer achieved an LBR comparable to that of two four‐cell embryos (34.8% vs 39.0%, P = 0.415), while the twin rate significantly decreased with single blastocyst transfer (25.17% vs 1.40%, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The number of D2‐4C embryos exhibits significant predictive value for available blastocysts, particularly among young women. Furthermore, most twins resulted from the transfer of double cleavage embryos derived from two four‐cell embryos. Consequently, when the D2‐4C count exceeds four in a cycle, blastocyst culture therapy is preferred over double cleavage‐stage embryo transfer.
The influence of smoking on the efficacy of a single‐dose methotrexate treatment for ectopic pregnancy
Authors: Dayan‐Schwartz Adi , Elgani Suzan Abd , Abdul‐Ghani Tamam , Zilberlicht Ariel , Kogan Liron , Reiss Ari , Tal Alon
Published: October 2024

Ectopic pregnancy (EP), which complicates 2% of all pregnancies, can be treated with either methotrexate (MTX) or surgery. While most cases can be managed with a single dose of MTX, the success rate has declined in recent years. One theoretical explanation for this decline might be related to smoking, as studies of patients with rheumatoid arthritis who smoke have demonstrated an inadequate response to MTX treatment. This study aims to identify risk factors for single‐dose MTX treatment failure, with a focus on smoking status. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with EP and treated with single‐dose MTX at a single institution between January 2001 and May 2021. The primary outcome was the incidence of failed MTX treatment, defined as the need for additional surgical intervention. Logistic regression was used to adjust the results and calculate the odds ratio (OR). The final analysis included 299 patients. Overall, 209 (69.9%) patients were treated successfully with a single dose of MTX, while 79 patients (26.4%) required further surgical intervention. A day 1 β‐hCG level >1500 mIU/mL and smoking were independently associated with MTX treatment failure, with an OR of 2.69 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.41–5.13) and 2.58 (95% CI 1.16–5.75), respectively. Smoking and an initial β‐hCG level above 1500 mIU/mL might reduce the success rate of single‐dose MTX treatment for EP. Future studies should prospectively investigate alternative treatment protocols for patients with risk factors for medical treatment failure.
Prevalence and risk factors for postpartum depression and stress among mothers of preterm and low birthweight infants admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit in Accra, Ghana
Authors: Pellegrino John , Mundagowa Paddington T. , Sakyi Kwame Sarfo , Owusu Prince Gyebi , Agbinko‐Djobalar Babbel , Larson Leila M. , Kanyangarara Mufaro
Published: October 2024

To determine the prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) and postpartum stress (PPS) and identify associated risk factors among mothers of preterm and low birth weight (LBW) infants. We conducted a secondary analysis of data collected from 255 mothers with preterm and LBW infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Korle‐Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana. A standardized interviewer‐administered questionnaire collected data on maternal, pregnancy, birth, and infant characteristics. The questionnaire also included the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9) and the Perceived Stress Scale‐4 (PSS‐4) to assess PPD and PPS, respectively. Simple and multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with PPD and PPS. The prevalence of moderate to moderately severe PPD was 3.9%, and that of PPS was 43.5%. The multivariable linear regression analysis showed that an increased number of prenatal care visits (β‐estimate = 0.26; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.08–0.43; P < 0.01) was positively associated with higher scores on the PHQ‐9, whereas gestational age at birth (β = −0.21; 95% CI –0.40 to −0.03; P = 0.02) was inversely associated with PHQ‐9 scores. Moreover, a longer gestational period at the first prenatal care visit (β = 0.25; 95% CI 0.05–0.45; P = 0.01) and following the Islamic religion were associated with elevated scores on the PSS‐4 (β = 0.95; 95% CI 0.11−1.80; P = 0.011). Our findings underscore the presence of moderate PPD levels and high PPS levels among mothers. Active screening, diagnosis, and treatment for mothers at risk of mental health disorders during the peripartum period could enhance coping mechanisms for mothers navigating the challenging NICU environment and transitioning to the home environment.
A mini‐review on egg waste valorization
Authors: Younas Kashaf , Afzaal Muhammad , Saeed Farhan , Shankar Amar , Kumar Bishoyi Ashok , Khare Neeraj , Imran Ali , Mahmood Kaiser , Amhed Aftab , Asghar Aasma , Samar Namra , Rasheed Musarrat , Islam Fakhar
Published: October 2024

Each year, approximately million tons of waste is generated from eggshells disposed of in landfills. This waste is challenging to manage because of the odor and microbiological development. However, eggshells have potential applications as a solid byproduct. They can be modified and used in various industries such as metal, polymer and ceramic composites, in the production of biodiesel, heavy metal absorption from wastewater, and even as a biomaterial to substitute bone tissues. Furthermore, eggshells can be used as a cheap adsorbent for the treatment of contaminated waterways. They are also a great source of calcium and fertilizer for plants, animals and humans. Chicken eggshells can even be used as a catalyst for converting waste frying oil into biofuel. This review highlights the challenges and opportunities of eggshell waste valorization in the food industry. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Survey of Practice Patterns in the Use of Superior Laryngeal Nerve Blocks
Authors: Asi Karim , Vance Dylan G. , Tritter Andrew G.
Published: October 2024

Objective

Superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) injection is performed for a variety of upper aerodigestive tract‐related indications. Existing literature examines the efficacy of SLN injection for specific indications. However, there is a paucity of insight into overall practice patterns and a lack of standardization, particularly with regards to medication and dosing, treatment time frame, and circumstances. The goal of this study is to elucidate the practice patterns of SLN injection and allow for broader understanding of its utilization.

Data Sources/Methods

This is a descriptive study of results from an electronic survey disseminated via email to US‐based and international otolaryngologists and laryngologists.

Results

80 responses were collected. 53.8% responders endorsed utilizing SLN injection in their practice, including 39/43 laryngologists (90.7%). Responders perform SLN injection for an array of indications, using a variety of anesthetic and steroid combinations and dosages. The most used steroid is triamcinolone (81.4%). The most used anesthetic is lidocaine (53.5%). 43% of respondents endorse willingness to perform bilateral injections simultaneously. Follow‐up after initial injection is highly inconsistent, as are time intervals between injections and number of injections performed. With regards to side effects and complications discussed prior to the procedure, 95% counseled patients on pain/discomfort while roughly half of responders discussed bleeding/hematoma, aspiration risk, vasovagal response, and/or globus sensation, respectively.

Conclusions

This is the first known study investigating the practice patterns of SLN injection. The substantial variability of responses reflects a lack of standardization of this procedure despite its widespread use. Further study is needed to optimize protocols.

Level of Evidence

Levels 5 and 6 Laryngoscope, 2024
Patient Demographics and Factors Influencing Access to General Practitioner Services for Musculoskeletal Pain in the United Kingdom
Authors: Paydar Nikki , Sunmboye Kehinde
Published: October 2024

Background

Access to general practitioner (GP) services is essential for managing musculoskeletal pain. This study investigates the relationship between patient demographics, co‐morbidities, health behaviours and difficulty in accessing GP services in the United Kingdom. Significant associations were explored between age, co‐morbidities and ease of securing GP appointments. This analysis provides insights into the barriers patients face and suggests targeted interventions for improving access to primary care.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted using survey data from participants of various ages, ethnicities and socioeconomic statuses with either localised or generalised musculoskeletal pain. Relationships between key variables, such as age, co‐morbidities and difficulty in accessing GP services, were examined using chi‐square tests (for nominal variables) and Kruskal–Wallis tests (for nominal and ordinal variables).

Results

A total of 503 respondents participated in the online questionnaire. In all, 66% of the respondents were female. The majority of participants were Caucasian (69%), followed by South Asians (19%), with the remainder identifying as Black or of mixed ethnicity. Most respondents (62%) reported experiencing musculoskeletal pain for over 2 years. Significant associations were found between the age of the participants and difficulty in accessing GP services (χ2(20) = 39, p = 0.006), co‐morbidities and the impact of delayed GP reviews on patients' musculoskeletal pain (χ2(10) = 31, p = 0.001), employment status and alternative care choices (χ2(4) = 10.99, p = 0.027).

Conclusion

These results highlight the multifaceted nature of healthcare access for patients of various ages with musculoskeletal pain. Age, co‐morbidities and employment status significantly influence access to GP services. Future studies should explore additional systemic healthcare barriers and develop personalised interventions to improve access for high‐risk populations.
A Comparative Study of Vitamin D Serum Levels in Monosymptomatic Enuretic Children and Non‐Enuretic Children
Authors: Mostafa Diaaeldin , Shaker Hasan , Badr Abdallah , Abuelnaga Mohamed
Published: October 2024

Background

Enuresis refers to urinary incontinence during sleep in children over 5 years of age. The pathogenesis of enuresis is complex. It is related to low functional bladder capacity, nocturnal bladder overactivity, and high arousal threshold, and it is also related to the immaturity of the central nervous system. Also, it was related to nocturnal polyuria and decreased nocturnal urine osmolality. There are many clinical observations that link nocturnal enuresis with developmental delay in language and physical growth. Vitamin D is important for the critical biological actions involving neural function and development. It is involved in the regulation of nerve growth factor synthesis. It also has a neuroprotective effect. It not only plays a vital role in skeletal growth but also has other critical biological actions in neural development and function. Furthermore, Vitamin D deficiency was linked to increased urinary output, which raised the question of whether Vitamin D levels are linked to nocturnal polyuria and decreased nocturnal urine osmolality. It was observed in the mice model study that Vitamin D is a negative regulator of the renin‐angiotensin system, and its deficiency leads to abnormal thirst and increased water intake by mice with Vitamin D deficiency and as much as twice urinary output than normal mice.

Aim of the Study

To evaluate the relationship between Vitamin D deficiency and nocturnal enuresis and to study the correlation between Vitamin D deficiency and urine osmolality, which is an indirect indicator of ADH deficiency.

Patients and Methods

This is a case‐control study that started in February 2020 and ended in August 2020 in our tertiary hospital. The study included 60 children with primary monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis selected randomly and 60 healthy children as a control group. We compared Vitamin D levels, nocturnal polyuria, and nocturnal urine osmolality among both groups.

Results

In our study, there was a statistically significant difference between both groups regarding serum Vitamin D values. The results of the serum Vitamin D level showed that 63.3% of cases with nocturnal enuresis had low Vitamin D levels with a mean range (18.8 ± 7.1) compared with 41.7% in the control group with a higher mean range (23.7 ± 9.6), and a p value of 0.002.

Conclusion

Our study indicates that there is a significant relationship between primary monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis and serum Vitamin D deficiency in children. We also proved that Vitamin D level is correlated positively with nocturnal urine osmolality.

Trial Registration

Clinical trials registration number: NCT06243042.
Compliant Mechanism Synthesis Using Nonlinear Elastic Topology Optimization With Variable Boundary Conditions
Authors: Alacoque Lee R. , Bhattacharyya Anurag , James Kai A.
Published: October 2024

In topology optimization of compliant mechanisms, the specific placement of boundary conditions strongly affects the resulting material distribution and performance of the design. At the same time, the most effective locations of the loads and supports are often difficult to find manually. This substantially limits topology optimization's effectiveness for many mechanism design problems. We remove this limitation by developing a method which automatically determines optimal positioning of a prescribed input displacement and a set of supports simultaneously with an optimal material layout. Using nonlinear elastic physics, we synthesize a variety of compliant mechanisms with large output displacements, snap‐through responses, and prescribed output paths, producing designs with significantly improved performance in every case tested. Compared to optimal designs generated using manually designed boundary conditions used in previous studies, the mechanisms presented in this paper see performance increases ranging from 47% to 380%. The results show that nonlinear mechanism responses may be particularly sensitive to boundary condition locations and that effective placements can be difficult to find without an automated method.
The impact of weight self‐stigma on weight‐loss treatment engagement and outcome
Authors: Schram Samantha J. , Olson KayLoni L. , Panza Emily , Lillis Jason
Published: October 2024

Background

Individuals with overweight or obesity often endure significant weight‐based prejudice and discrimination in various settings. Experiencing weight‐related stigma is linked to many adverse psychosocial outcomes. Weight self‐stigma is when an individual internalizes and identifies with negative attributes ascribed to people with larger bodies and has self‐devaluing thoughts because of their weight and is associated with poorer health outcomes.

Aims

This study explored how weight self‐stigma may impact weight management efforts and outcomes for adults participating in an onlight weight‐loss intervention.

Materials and Methods

508 adults (86.2% female, 84.6% White) with overweight or obesity participated in an asynchronous 12‐week online weight‐loss intervention with computer‐generated feedback. Weight and weight self‐stigma were measured at baseline and 3 months later.

Results

Thirty‐one point five percent of the sample reported high levels of stigma, which was associated with greater program dropout than those who did not report high stigma (32.5% vs. 21.6%). Program completers reporting high self‐stigma showed better treatment engagement (77.0% vs. 69.7% lessons viewed) and weight loss (M = −6.31% vs. −5.08%); these differences were not observed when using intent‐to‐treat assumptions. When analyzed as a continuous variable, weight self‐stigma showed no association with treatment engagement and outcome.

Discussion

These findings highlight the complexity of understanding how self‐stigma affects treatment engagement and outcome in behavioral weight loss and the need for more targeted research in this understudied area.

Conclusion

Results suggest that weight self‐stigma plays a role in weight management during an online weight‐loss intervention, affecting engagement and outcomes.
Investigation of the influence of the support structure on violin components in experimental modal analysis
Authors: Rauh Benedikt , Akar Özge , Willner Kai
Published: October 2024

Various support structures are utilized in the investigation of the vibration characteristics of violins. Common mountings include rigid ropes, rubber ropes, and foam blocks arranged in different configurations. The impact of the support structure on the outcomes of experimental modal analysis on musical instruments has yet to be explored. This study aims to determine the most suitable support structure for experimental modal analysis of violin components by comparing results from various experimental modal analyses conducted on a violin top and back using different mounting configurations. Results were evaluated using criteria such as vibration characteristics, rigid body frequencies, number of modes, modal damping, amplitude, and mode shapes. In summary, the support structures using rubber ropes and foam blocks yielded the best results. The recommended configurations for rubber ropes are X‐shaped or orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the violin plates. When using foam blocks, it is essential to select foam with appropriate material parameters, as differences in density and stiffness resulted in significant variations of the measurement results.
Polyisoprene grafted white carbon black reinforced polyisobutylene‐based pressure‐sensitive adhesives: Comprehensive enhancement of adhesive performances
Authors: Kang Yuanyi , Feng Xingzhen , Zhao Yue , Fang Jiawei , Shui Lifei , Xin Meng , Hao Chuncheng
Published: October 2024

Nowadays, inorganic fillers are widely used to enhance pressure‐sensitive adhesives (PSAs), but inorganic fillers have problems with poor compatibility and agglomeration. Furthermore, these types of PSAs usually have an antagonistic effect: as the shear performance improves, the initial tack decreases. This severely limits the application of PSAs. Herein, white carbon black (WCB) grafted with polyisoprene (PI) was prepared and used to enhance polyisobutylene‐based PSAs, and the optimal reaction conditions of grafting were explored. The shear and peel strength of PSAs all increase with the increase of the mass fraction of fillers. When the filler content is less than 10 wt%, the initial tack of PSAs increases. When the filler content exceeds 10 wt%, the initial viscosity of PSAs decreases, but it is still far higher than that of the unmodified WCB‐reinforced PSAs system. In addition, the rheological performances of PSAs were tested, further exploring the role of particle grafting in PSAs.

Highlights

PSAs reinforced with white carbon black grafted with polyisoprene were prepared.

The optimal conditions for modified white carbon black have been determined.

The grafting fillers have improved all the performance of PSAs.

The grafting of fillers significantly reduces the antagonistic effect of PSAs.

Rheology was used to explore the effect of filler grafting in the PSAs.
The Reversible Gel to Gel Transition of a Phosphonocarboxylate Functionalized Strandberg‐Type Polyoxometalate System
Authors: Naulakha Pragya , Kaushik Priyanka , Raghavaiah Pallepogu , Supriya Sabbani
Published: October 2024

The Strandberg polyoxometalate (POM) metallogel Na4(H3O)2[(O2CC2H4PO3)2Mo5O15] (1) was synthesized in which the Strandberg cluster is functionalized by phosphonocarboxylate. The POM gel shows reversible sol to gel transition and gel to gel transition. The multiphase visual transitions between three states as a function of temperature and solvent are scarcely reported. The gel is characterized by temperature‐dependent and frequency‐dependent rheological studies and corresponding xerogels were characterized by FT‐IR, PXRD, FE‐SEM, EDX, TEM, and 31P NMR techniques. The stabilization of gel or obtaining single crystals from the same reaction mixture can be tuned by choice of counter cation. The single crystals of compound Cs14[(HO2CC2H4PO3)2Mo5O15]3·2Cl·10H2O (2) are obtained on addition of CsCl to compound 1 reaction mixture. Compound 2 is characterized by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. The compound 2 crystallizes in I2/a space group with unit cell parameters of a = 24.2415(16) Å, b = 10.4542(6) Å, c = 42.687(3) Å, α = 90°, β = 94.791°(3), and γ = 90°.
An Ultrasensitive Electrochemical DNA‐Nano Biosensor for Monitoring Tirapazamine as Anticancer Drug Using Zno/Co3O4 Nanocomposite
Authors: Alkhathami Ali G. , Ali Eyhab , Abdalhuseen Rasha Ali , Hammady Fathi Jihad , Hanoon Saheb Jubeir , Mizal Thair L. , Hashim Furqan S. , Abid Mohammed Kadhem , Alubaidy Mahmood Hasen , Al‐Musawi Sada Ghalib , Alawadi Ahmed Hussien , Alsaalamy Ali
Published: October 2024

In this study, we used a screen‐printed electrode (SPE) modified with polypyrrole (PP), ZnO/Co3O4 nanocomposite, and ds‐DNA as an extremely sensitive DNA biosensor to monitor tirapazamine (TPZ) real samples. To build the ds‐DNA/PP/ZnO/Co3O4 NC/SPE biosensor, the layer‐by‐layer manufacturing process was used. The proper alteration of the SPE surface as well as the effective fabrication of the ZnO/Co3O4 nanocomposite were both validated by the physicochemical characterization techniques. As a result of improving its conductivity of electricity along with allowing charged particles to move more easily, the modified SPE demonstrated much decreased the resistance of charge transfer based on the results of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. With the 0.43 nM LOD value, the suggested biosensor effectively measured TPZ throughout a broad concentration between 0.001 and 120 µM. Additionally, the molecular docking investigation among the TPZ molecule as well as the DNA was conducted to anticipate the TPZ contact sites with DNA and verified the experimental results. By combining the benefits of ZnO/Co3O4 nanocomposite with vital information from the molecular docking investigation, the current research lays the door for the creation of very sensitive DNA biosensors, which can be utilized to track and measure TPZ of real samples.
Antibacterial and Methylene Blue Dye Degradation Activity of hibiscus rosa sinensis Synthesized CoFe2O4 Nanocomposites
Authors: Singaravelan K. , Krishnamoorthi G. , Jeevanantham V. , Panyam Muralidharan Vivek
Published: October 2024

Co‐precipitated biotic CoFe2O4 nanoparticles from the leaves of the Hibiscus rosa sinensis plant were used to produce bio‐reductant nanoparticles. The CoFe2O4 biomolecules were analyzed using EDX analysis to identify their structure through XRD, FTIR, UV, VSM, and SEM characterization. The cubic phase and crystallite size of biotic CoFe2O4 nanoparticles were determined using XRD analysis. The FTIR spectroscopy was used to confirm Cation migration and Co−Fe−O interaction. Using SEM, TEM, and EDX, it was confirmed that spherical biosynthesized CoFe2O4 nanoparticles and the material they were made were present. VSM analysis confirmed the super‐paramagnetic nature of the CoFe2O4 nanoparticles and magnetic pulse. Biosynthetic CoFe2O4 nanoparticles were used to eliminate organic(MB dye) and bacterial(S. aureus, B.Substils, and E. coli bacterial strains) pollutants. Spinel ferrite biosynthetic CoFe2O4 nanoparticles are capable of generating radical superoxide ions.
Enhanced Photodegradation of Congo Red Using RSM‐Optimized TiO₂ on Borassus flabellifer Male Inflorescence Biochar
Authors: Katika Raveena Malkari , Boddu Sumalatha , Mandapati Ramesh Naidu
Published: October 2024

This study explores the use of biochar, derived from Borassus flabellifer male inflorescence biomass as an alternative support for titanium dioxide (TiO2) to enhance its photocatalytic activity in degrading Congo red (CR) dye pollutant. The biochar was synthesized through controlled pyrolysis and subsequently combined with TiO2 to form a nanocomposite via hydrothermal method. The primary goal of creating this nanocomposite is to breakdown azo dyes, such as CR, using UV irradiation. Comprehensive characterization techniques, including XRD, FTIR, SEM coupled with EDAX, XPS, and UV‐DRS confirmed the successful integration of biochar with TiO2. The enhanced photocatalyst performance is attributed to the increased surface area, improved light absorption, and efficient charge separation facilitated by the biochar support. Furthermore, the experimental parameters were optimized using the response surface methodology (RSM). These studies demonstrated that the CR concentration, contact duration, pH, and photocatalyst quantity are critical factors in the photocatalytic oxidation process. The strong correlation coefficient for the first order model indicated that the data described by the RSM, agreed with the obtained results. This study highlights the potential of agricultural waste‐derived biochar as a cost‐effective and sustainable support for TiO₂, offering a viable solution for the remediation of dye‐contaminated water.
A Detailed Review on the Green Synthesis of Selenium Nanoparticles Using Plant Extracts and Their Anticancer Applications
Authors: Tarhan Tuba
Published: October 2024

Nanobiotechnology is a field of science with tremendous promising applications in cancer chemotherapy, targeted drug delivery, molecular diagnosis, and molecular imaging. Selenium, one of the critical trace elements, participates in the structure of selenocysteine protein, which plays an important role in maintaining redox balance due to its oxidoreductase activity. Elemental selenium (Se0) has significantly lower toxicity values than its oxyanions, selenite, and selenate forms. For this reason, it is important to convert elemental selenium into atomic form in biological studies. In particular, their role in regulating the immune system makes selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) superior to others. SeNPs have been discussed effectively in the literature in anticancer activity applications. SeNPs green synthesis is focused on a more economical, biocompatible, and environmentally friendly application by using, reducing, and stabilizing agents in plants. The aim of this review is to highlight the anticancer activity applications of SeNPs synthesized with plant extracts in the last 6 years (i.e., between 2019 and 2024). In addition, it aims to shed light on the green synthesis mechanism of NPs by using plant extracts and to highlight the factors affecting green synthesis and its advantages and disadvantages.
Tuning CO2 Hydrogenation to Light Olefin Selectivity via Cu/Zn/Zr Supported on Modified SAPO‐34
Authors: Lu Peng , Ali Kime Mala , Lin Yitong , Hu Qianwen , Yu Wenjia , Xing Chuang , Wang Yanhong , Wei Qinhong
Published: October 2024

To alleviate CO2 emissions and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, a groundbreaking bifunctional catalyst system was introduced, which ingeniously merged CZZ with modified SAPO‐34 zeolite, to convert CO2 into light olefins. Different metals were impregnated into SAPO‐34 to form MeSAPO‐34 (Me = Zn, Zr, Mn) and the metal Zr content was altered. Furthermore, CZZ and MeSAPO‐34 was combined into CZZ/MeSAPO‐34 composite catalysts, which was used for CO2 hydrogenation. The MeSAPO‐34 and xZrSAPO‐34 catalysts were rigorously characterized by various techniques, revealing key physicochemical attributes. This innovative approach harnessed the synergistic effects between the metallic CZZ component and the modified zeolite to facilitate a series of reactions, effectively generating C2‐C4‐rich hydrocarbons. Benefiting from weak acid, higher oxygen vacancy concentration and interactions between components, the CZZ/ZrSAPO‐34 catalyst system has shown remarkable efficiency in enhancing the light olefin selectivity. The key aspects of this system are its ability to modulate surface acidity and oxygen vacancy concentration, thus creating favorable conditions for light olefin production via enhanced tandem reaction based on CO2 hydrogenation. This work enriches our insight into designing novel composite catalysts for promoting CO2 conversion and hence mitigating CO2 emissions.
A Flexible Asymmetric Supercapacitor with High‐Performance and Long‐Lifetime: Fabrication of Nanoworm‐Like‐Structured Electrodes Based on Polypyrrole‐Thiosemicarbazone Complex
Authors: Avcu Altıparmak Elif , Yazar Sibel , Bal‐Demirci Tulay
Published: October 2024

A thiosemicarbazone‐based iron(III) complex is prepared and used in the preparation of a supercapacitor electrode material. This electrode is produced by a solvothermal reaction of polypyrrole and the complex on carbon felt. The characterization of the complex and material is carried out using UV‐vis, elemental analysis, FT‐IR, XRD, BET, and TGA methods, and the surface morphology is examined using SEM technique. Because the interaction of electrode and electrolyte is of great importance in energy storage systems, as the surface area and pore volume increase, electrode ions at the electrode/electrolyte interface leak to the inner surfaces and interact with the larger surface area, which increases the charge storage performance. The electrode material, nano‐worm structure, reached the highest specific capacitance value of 764.6 F g−1 at 5 mV s−1. Compared to the capacitance value of polypyrrole in its pure form, it is observed to exhibit an 187.2% increase. The highest specific capacitance value of the asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) formed with a graphite electrode is 318.1 F g−1 at the current density of 1 Ag−1. Moreover, ASC reached a wide working potential of 1.8 V in an aqueous electrolyte and exhibited ultra‐long cycle life (112%), maintaining its stability after 10 000 cycles.
Metal–Organic Frameworks and Derivative Materials in Perovskite Solar Cells: Recent Advances, Emerging Trends, and Perspectives
Authors: Shah Syed Afaq Ali , Sayyad Muhammad Hassan , Guo Zhongyi
Published: October 2024

The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has reached an impressive value of 26.1%. While several initiatives such as structural modification and fabrication techniques helped steadily increase the PCE and stability of PSCs in recent years, the incorporation of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) in PSCs stands out among other innovations and has emerged as a promising path forward to make this technology the front‐runner for realizing next‐generation low‐cost photovoltaic technologies. Owing to their unique physiochemical properties and extraordinary advantages such as large specific surface area and tunable pore structures, incorporating them as/in different functional layers of PSCs endows the devices with extraordinary optoelectronic properties. This article reviews the latest research practices adapted in integrating MOFs and derivative materials into the constituent blocks of PSCs such as photoactive perovskite absorber, electron‐transport layer, hole‐transport layer, and interfacial layer. Notably, a special emphasis is placed on the aspect of stability improvement in PSCs by incorporating MOFs and derivative materials. Also, the potential of MOFs as lead absorbents in PSCs is highlighted. Finally, an outlook on the critical challenges faced and future perspectives for employing MOFs in PSCs in light of the commercialization of PSCs is provided.
Model Driven Development for AI-Based Healthcare Systems: A Review
Authors: Brandon Colm , Singh Amandeep , Margaria Tiziana
Published: October 2024

We review our experience with integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into healthcare systems following the Model-Driven Development (MDD) approach. At a time when AI has the potential to instigate a paradigm shift in the health sector, better integrating healthcare experts in the development of these technologies is of paramount importance. We see MDD as a useful way to better embed non-technical stakeholders in the development process. The main goal of this review is to reflect on our experiences to date with MDD and AI in the context of developing healthcare systems. Four case studies that fall within that scope but have different profiles are introduced and summarised: the MyMM application for Multiple Myeloma diagnosis; CNN-HAR, that studies the ability to do AI on the edge for IoT-supported human activity recognition; the HIPPP web based portal for patient information in public health; and Cinco de Bio, a new model driven platform used for the first time to support a better cell-level understanding of diseases. Based on the aforementioned case studies we discuss the characteristics, the challenges faced and the postive outcomes achieved.
AI-Related Risk and Uncertainty
Authors: Zanotti Giacomo , Chiffi Daniele , Schiaffonati Viola
Published: October 2024

Discussions on the risks involved in the deployment of AI systems are increasingly prominent in both public discourse and scientific debates. While talk of risk plays a crucial role in framing ethical and societal problems related to AI, we argue that it could profitably be associated with a clear analysis of uncertainty. Starting from a multi-component approach to AI-related risk assessment and mitigation, this chapter discusses the way the deployment of AI systems often takes place in contexts in which uncertainty is not meaningfully quantifiable.
Mapping Madness: HGIS and the Analysis of Irish Patient Records
Authors: Walsh Oonagh , Clancy Stuart
Published: October 2024

The Connaught District Lunatic Asylum (CDLA) opened at Ballinasloe, Co. Galway in 1833 as one of the first of a nationwide network of Irish District Asylums. Intended to serve the curable pauper lunatics of the counties of Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim, Galway, and Roscommon, the institution found itself at the heart of significant social, economic, and political change in the West of Ireland. From its opening, the asylum maintained a full and complex series of records that provide an exceptional level of detail on a cohort – the very poor and illiterate population of Connaught – who otherwise often lived and died unrecorded on the margins of Irish society. The CDLA admission records include information on age, sex, occupation, education, religion, marital status, places of origin and residence, migration, and family structures as well as the medical information, both mental and physical, required for treatment in the asylum.

This paper will examine the potential benefits of implementing spatial epidemiological methods into historical studies of mental illness. Using a database of patient records this paper will conduct a demographic analysis of a sample of the population of the CDLA. The paper will outline the process of transforming the data extracted from these records into visual maps using Historical GIS (HGIS). Using the geographic co-ordinates of these two locations, the unique patterns of movement of those that entered the asylum can be mapped using GIS. These maps enable the examination of the socio-spatial processes which affected the marginalised population of the asylum. (The sources used in this paper come from the Connaught District Lunatic Asylum records, held at the National Archives of Ireland in Dublin. As the material is drawn from committal warrants of patients admitted in 1889, it falls outside of the ‘100 year rule’ for accessing sensitive historic patient information in Ireland.)
Beyond MELD Score: Association of Machine Learning-derived CT Body Composition with 90-Day Mortality Post Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Placement
Authors: Elhakim Tarig , Mansur Arian , Kondo Jordan , Omar Omar Moustafa Fathy , Ahmed Khalid , Tabari Azadeh , Brea Allison , Ndakwah Gabriel , Iqbal Shams , Allegretti Andrew S. , Fintelmann Florian J. , Wehrenberg-Klee Eric , Bridge Christopher , Daye Dania
Published: October 2024

Purpose

To determine the association of machine learning-derived CT body composition and 90-day mortality after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) and to assess its predictive performance as a complement to Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score for mortality risk prediction.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective multi-center cohort study included patients who underwent TIPS from 1995 to 2018 and had a contrast-enhanced CT abdomen within 9 months prior to TIPS and at least 90 days of post-procedural clinical follow-up. A machine learning algorithm extracted CT body composition metrics at L3 vertebral level including skeletal muscle area (SMA), skeletal muscle index (SMI), skeletal muscle density (SMD), subcutaneous fat area (SFA), subcutaneous fat index (SFI), visceral fat area (VFA), visceral fat index (VFI), and visceral-to-subcutaneous fat ratio (VSR). Independent t-tests, logistic regression models, and ROC curve analysis were utilized to assess the association of those metrics in predicting 90-day mortality.

Results

A total of 122 patients (58 ± 11.8, 68% male) were included. Patients who died within 90 days of TIPS had significantly higher MELD (18.9 vs. 11.9, p < 0.001) and lower SMA (123 vs. 144.5, p = 0.002), SMI (43.7 vs. 50.5, p = 0.03), SFA (122.4 vs. 190.8, p = 0.009), SFI (44.2 vs. 66.7, p = 0.04), VFA (105.5 vs. 171.2, p = 0.003), and VFI (35.7 vs. 57.5, p = 0.02) compared to those who survived past 90 days. There were no significant associations between 90-day mortality and BMI (26 vs. 27.1, p = 0.63), SMD (30.1 vs. 31.7, p = 0.44), or VSR (0.97 vs. 1.03, p = 0.66). Multivariable logistic regression showed that SMA (OR = 0.97, p < 0.01), SMI (OR = 0.94, p = 0.03), SFA (OR = 0.99, p = 0.01), and VFA (OR = 0.99, p = 0.02) remained significant predictors of 90-day mortality when adjusted for MELD score. ROC curve analysis demonstrated that including SMA, SFA, and VFA improves the predictive power of MELD score in predicting 90-day mortality after TIPS (AUC, 0.84; 95% CI: 0.77, 0.91; p = 0.02).

Conclusion

CT body composition is positively predictive of 90-day mortality after TIPS and improves the predictive performance of MELD score.

Level of Evidence: Level 3, Retrospective multi-center cohort study.

Graphical Abstract
Coherent Set Identification Via Direct Low Rank Maximum Likelihood Estimation
Authors: Polzin Robert M. , Klebanov Ilja , Nüsken Nikolas , Koltai Péter
Published: October 2024

We analyze connections between two low rank modeling approaches from the last decade for treating dynamical data. The first one is the coherence problem (or coherent set approach), where groups of states are sought that evolve under the action of a stochastic transition matrix in a way maximally distinguishable from other groups. The second one is a low rank factorization approach for stochastic matrices, called direct Bayesian model reduction (DBMR), which estimates the low rank factors directly from observed data. We show that DBMR results in a low rank model that is a projection of the full model, and exploit this insight to infer bounds on a quantitative measure of coherence within the reduced model. Both approaches can be formulated as optimization problems, and we also prove a bound between their respective objectives. On a broader scope, this work relates the two classical loss functions of nonnegative matrix factorization, namely the Frobenius norm and the generalized Kullback–Leibler divergence, and suggests new links between likelihood-based and projection-based estimation of probabilistic models.
Primary hyperoxaluria type 3: from infancy to adulthood in a genetically unique cohort
Authors: Julius Michal , Lavsky Hadas Shasha , Kalfon Limor , Kfir Nehama Cohen , Herskovits Miriam , Wiesmann Irith , Zaccai Tzipora C. Falik
Published: October 2024

Background

Primary hyperoxaluria type 3 (PH3) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by bi-allelic genetic variants in the 4 hydroxy-2 oxoglutarate aldolase (HOGA-1) gene. We report the natural history of PH3 in a 16-patient cohort, 15 from a unique genetically isolated population.

Methods

This retrospective single-center study followed PH3 patients between 2003 and 2023 with demographic, clinical, radiographic, genetic, and biochemical parameters. Genetic population screening was performed in four villages to determine carrier frequency and identify couples at risk in a genetically isolated population.

Results

Sixteen patients with biallelic (or homozygous) pathogenic variants (PV) in HOGA-1 (c.944_946 del, c.119C > A, c.208C > T) were included in the study, 15 Druze and one Jewish, aged 0–63 years at diagnosis (4 adults and 12 pediatric patients). All symptomatic patients had clinical or imaging signs of nephrolithiasis. One developed chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 5; biopsy showed focal mesangial sclerosis and chronic tubulo-interstitial changes with few oxalate deposits. Two other patients had CKD stage 2 (eGFR 87 and 74 mL/min/1.73 m2) upon their last visit. The remaining cohort showed preserved kidney function until the latest follow-up. Of 1167 healthy individuals screened, 90 carriers were found, a rate of 1:13 in the genetically unique cohort screened.

Conclusions

A high prevalence of PH3 patients was found among a unique cohort, but probably still underdiagnosed due to relatively mild disease course. The carrier rate is high. There is no specific therapy for PH3, but early diagnosis can prevent redundant diagnostic efforts and provide early treatment for kidney stone disease. Even in our homogeneous cohort, kidney stone disease severity and CKD degree were variable, supporting a suspected contribution of yet unknown genetic or environmental factors.

Graphical abstract
Enhanced interlocking in granular jamming grippers through hard and soft particle mixtures
Authors: Santarossa Angel , Pöschel Thorsten
Published: October 2024

We investigate the influence of particle stiffness on the grasping performance of granular grippers, a class of soft robotic effectors that utilize granular jamming for object manipulation. Through experimental analyses and X-ray imaging, we show that grippers with soft particles exhibit improved wrapping of the object after jamming, in contrast to grippers with rigid particles. This results in significantly increased holding force through the interlocking. The addition of a small proportion of rigid particles into a predominantly soft particle mixture maintains the improved wrapping but also significantly increases the maximum holding force. These results suggest a tunable approach to optimizing the design of granular grippers for improved performance in soft robotics applications.

Graphic abstract