bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detecting Crystals in Suspensions: Convolutional Neural Networks vs. Gravity‐Based Approach for Size Distribution Detection
Authors: Neuendorf Laura , Höving Stefan , Bennemann Lennard , Kockmann Norbert
Published: May 2023

The majority of fine chemical and pharmaceutical processes includes some form of crystallization steps. For process optimization and control of further downstream steps, the crystal size distribution of the product is a crucial factor. To identify characteristic particle size classes from a large number of measurements, each individual probe has to be separated from the mother liquor and manually analyzed. In this contribution a deep learning‐based method is presented using microscopic images as input for crystal size analysis. Additionally, a data augmentation approach was investigated to limit the data necessary for learning. A high segmentation accuracy of the crystals was achieved with 93.02 %. To evaluate the classification performed by the presented convolutional neural network (CNN), it is tested on two sets of images, containing a previously determined particle fraction. With the classifications of the CNN, a Q3 distribution is calculated. To validate the developed approach in terms of its accuracy it is compared to two other methods as well.
Was bietet die Pumpenindustrie der Welt nach Corona – Ein Rückblick auf die vergangene ACHEMA
Authors: Wulff Sebastian , Thamsen Paul Uwe
Published: May 2023

Als erste Präsenz‐Messe nach der Covid‐Pandemie präsentierte sich die ACHEMA noch recht verhalten auf dem Messegelände in Frankfurt. Dadurch ergaben sich viele Gelegenheiten für den persönlichen Austausch mit den Kunden und Fachexperten. Eine Weiterentwicklung der Digitalisierung Pumpe 4.0 war weniger zu beobachten. Dennoch wurden viele neue Produkte präsentiert, von denen einige in diesem Artikel vorgestellt werden.
Effectiveness of interventions to address different types of vulnerabilities in community‐dwelling older adults: An umbrella review
Authors: Adekpedjou Rhéda , Léon Pascale , Dewidar Omar , Al‐Zubaidi Ali , Jbilou Jalila , Kaczorowski Janusz , Muscedere John , Hirdes John , Heckman George , Girard Magali , Hébert Paul C.
Published: May 2023

Background

Frailty, social isolation, loneliness, and poverty may render older adults vulnerable to social or health stressors. It is imperative to identify effective interventions to address them especially in the context of COVID‐19 pandemic.

Objective

To identify effective community‐based interventions to address frailty, social isolation, loneliness, and poverty among community‐dwelling older adults.

Design

Umbrella review.

Data Source

We systematically searched PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, EBM‐Reviews, CINAHL via EBSCO, and APA PsycInfo via Ovid from January 2009 to December 2022.

Eligibility Criteria

We included systematic reviews or quantitative reviews of non‐pharmacologic interventions targeting community‐dwelling older adults.

Data Selection, Extraction, and Management

Two review authors independently screened the titles and abstracts, performed data extraction and appraised the methodological quality of the reviews. We used a narrative synthesis approach to summarize and interpret the findings. We assessed the methodological quality of the studies using AMSTAR 2.0 tool.

Results

We identified 27 reviews incorporating 372 unique primary studies that met our inclusion criteria. Ten of the reviews included studies conducted in low‐middle‐income countries. Twelve reviews (46%, 12/26) included interventions that addressed frailty. Seventeen reviews (65%, 17/26) included interventions that addressed either social isolation or loneliness. Eighteen reviews included studies with single component interventions, while 23 reviews included studies with multi‐component interventions. Interventions including protein supplementation combined with physical activity may improve outcomes including frailty status, grip strength, and body weight. Physical activity alone or in combination with diet may prevent frailty. Additionally, physical activity may improve social functioning and interventions using digital technologies may decrease social isolation and loneliness. We did not find any review of interventions addressing poverty among older adults. We also noted that few reviews addressed multiple vulnerabilities within the same study, specifically addressed vulnerability among ethnic and sexual minority groups, or examined interventions that engaged communities and adapted programs to local needs.

Conclusion

Evidence from reviews support diets, physical activity, and digital technologies to improve frailty, social isolation or loneliness. However, interventions examined were primarily conducted under optimal conditions. There is a need for further interventions in community settings and conducted under real world settings in older adults living with multiple vulnerabilities.
Technical Challenges and Prospects in Sustainable Plasma Catalytic Ammonia Production from Methane and Nitrogen
Authors: M. Nguyen Hoang , Omidkar Ali , Song Hua
Published: May 2023

Ammonia is crucial for human life as an important ingredient for fertilizer, industrial and household chemicals, and is considered as a future fuel alternative and hydrogen storage molecule. There remain no viable alternatives to the energy‐and capital‐intensive Haber–Bosch (H−B) process. Efforts in the development of novel catalytic processes operated at milder conditions (low temperatures and ambient pressure), prominently electrochemistry and non‐thermal plasma (NTP), and utilization of lower‐cost H sources for ammonia formation than the ultrapure H2 have been witnessed in the last few years. Yet, limited progress from these routes has been made to date given unresolved low ammonia yield and technical challenges. Several rare works attempted to activate methane (CH4) and nitrogen (N2) by non‐thermal plasma to produce ammonia and valued‐added hydrocarbons have proven to be a promising research direction, rivalling the reaction between N2 and ultrapure H2 or water. The direct conversion of CH4 and N2 to ammonia is still at the beginning level, and it remains unclear that what extent these technologies must be improved to develop a commercial process. Toward this goal, this Perspective critiques current steps and miss‐steps of sustainable plasma catalytic ammonia production from CH4 and N2 in terms of technology, plasma‐catalyst synergy, mechanistic insights, and experimental protocols. We discuss mechanistic understandings of catalyst‐promoted ammonia production and translate such discussions as well as key metrics achieved in the field into recommendations of feasible processes for ammonia and value‐added hydrocarbons formation from CH4 and N2.
A variable step size robust normalized least mean absolute third‐based control scheme for a grid‐tied multifunctional photovoltaic system
Authors: Karthik Markala , Naik N Venkata Ramana , Panda Anup Kumar
Published: May 2023

This paper develops a variable step size robust normalized least mean absolute third (VSSRNLMAT)‐based control scheme for a three‐phase grid‐tied multifunctional photovoltaic system (GTMPVS). The GTMPVS delivers PV power to grid‐connected loads and feeds excess power to the grid through a voltage source converter (VSC) when PV power is available. It enhances power quality (PQ) by mitigating current harmonics and compensating for an unbalanced load and reactive power simultaneously. The proposed control scheme accurately extracts the fundamental active and reactive weight components of nonlinear load current. The power exchange at the grid side occurs with balanced and sinusoidal grid currents. During the absence of PV power, the VSC continues its operation as a distribution static compensator (DSTATCOM), thus increasing the effective utilization of the power electronic switches employed in the VSC. The GTMPVS model is created in MATLAB/Simulink. The response of GTMPVS is observed under steady‐state and dynamic operating conditions while feeding power to a nonlinear load. The dynamic operating conditions are created by a change in solar irradiation and an unbalanced nonlinear load. Further, the proposed VSSRNLMAT control scheme is compared with some of the other adaptive filtering‐based control schemes, including least mean square (LMS), least mean fourth (LMF), least mean absolute third (LMAT), and normalized LMAT (NLMAT) in terms of convergence, oscillations, mean square deviation (MSD), computational complexity, and grid current total harmonic distortion (THD). It is found that the VSSRNLMAT control scheme offers THD of grid current as per IEEE‐519 standard. The proposed control scheme is implemented to operate the laboratory‐developed GTMPVS to verify the simulation results.
Utilizing flow cytometry sorting signal width to enrich for cells positive to endogenous gene integration of fluorescent proteins
Authors: Faber Gabriel P. , Hauschner Hagit , Atrash Mohammad K. , Bilinsky Liat , Shav‐Tal Yaron
Published: May 2023

Endogenous gene knock‐in using CRIPSR is becoming the standard for fluorescent tagging of endogenous proteins. Some protocols, particularly those that utilize insert cassettes that carry a fluorescent protein tag, can yield many types of cells with off‐target insertions that have diffuse fluorescent signal throughout the whole cell in addition to scarce cells with on‐target gene insertions that show the correct sub‐cellular localization of the tagged protein. As such, when searching for cells with on‐target integration using flow cytometry, the off‐target fluorescent cells yield a high percentage of false positives. Here, we show that by changing the gating used to select for fluorescence during flow cytometry sorting, namely utilizing the width of the signal as opposed to the area, we can highly enrich for positively integrated cells. Reproducible gates were created to select even minuscule percentages of correct subcellular signal, and these parameters were validated by fluorescence microscopy. This method is a powerful tool to rapidly enhance the generation of cell lines with correctly integrated gene knock‐ins encoding endogenous fluorescent proteins.
Daily mindfulness, negative affect, and eating behaviors in adolescents at risk for excess weight gain
Authors: Miller Reagan L. , Bernstein Ruth M. , Sanchez Natalia , Gutierrez‐Colina Ana M. , Ruzicka Elizabeth B. , Bell Christopher , Johnson Sarah A. , Shomaker Lauren B. , Lucas‐Thompson Rachel G.
Published: May 2023

Objective

Loss‐of‐control and overeating are common in adolescents with high body mass index (BMI). Mindfulness may affect negative affect, and both may relate to loss‐of‐control and overeating. Yet, there is limited understanding of these associations in adolescents' daily lives.

Methods

Forty‐five adolescents (77% female; Mage = 14.4 years, SDage = 1.7 years) with high weight (92% with BMI [kg/m2] ≥85th percentile for age/sex) provided daily, repeated measurements of mindfulness, negative affect, loss‐of‐control, and overeating for ~7 days (M = 5.6 days; range = 1–13). Multilevel mixed modeling was conducted to test within‐person (intraindividual) and between‐person (interindividual) associations for the same‐day (concurrent) and next‐day (time‐ordered/prospective).

Results

There were within‐person and between‐person associations of higher mindfulness with lower negative affect on the same‐day and next‐day. Greater between‐person mindfulness related to lower odds of adolescents' loss‐of‐control occurrence (same‐day) and conversely, more perceived control over eating (same‐day and next‐day). Greater within‐person mindfulness related to less odds of next‐day overeating.

Discussion

Dynamic relations exist among mindfulness, negative affect, and eating in adolescents at‐risk for excess weight gain. Mindfulness may be an important element to consider in loss‐of‐control and overeating. Future work using momentary‐data within an experimental design would help disentangle the intraindividual effects of increasing mindfulness/decreasing negative affect on disordered eating.

Public Significance

Loss‐of‐control and overeating are common in teenagers with high weight. Greater mindfulness—present‐moment, non‐judgmental attention—and less negative emotions may relate to healthier eating, but we do not know how these processes play out in teenagers' daily lives. Addressing this knowledge gap, the current findings showed that greater daily mindfulness, but not negative affect, related to less loss‐of‐control/overeating, suggesting the importance of mindfulness for eating patterns in teenagers' daily lives.
Parents of children with high weight and disordered eating: Commentary on Wilksch (2023)
Authors: Tanofsky‐Kraff Marian , Schvey Natasha A.
Published: May 2023

In Wilksch (International Journal of Eating Disorders, 2023), survey results from parents of youth with eating disorders (EDs) indicate that parents are often the first to detect their children's ED symptoms, and that they face barriers in accessing appropriate, timely treatment, and experience emotional and financial strain. Wilksch highlights gaps in research and practice, and identifies recommendations to mitigate them. We propose prioritizing similar recommendations for parents of children with higher weight (HW). As EDs and body size are often inextricably entwined, our recommendations involve consideration of both eating‐ and weight‐related impacts. The fields of EDs and HW tend to work independently; as a result, disordered eating, HW, and the convergence of the two, are often overlooked or unaddressed in children. We recommend the prioritization of research, practice, training, and advocacy for youth with HW and their parents. We propose evidence‐based ED screening in youth across the weight spectrum, developing and testing therapies to address both EDs and HW concurrently, training more providers to deliver established interventions, reducing weight‐based stigmatization and parental blame, and advocating for policies that protect children with HW and their families. Finally, we urge policymakers to ensure financial coverage of early intervention to prevent adverse eating and weight‐related outcomes in youth.
Plasmodium vivax infection alters the peripheral immunoregulatory network of CD4 T follicular cells and B cells
Authors: Ferreira Natália S. , Lima Nathália F. , Sulczewski Fernando B. , Soares Irene S. , Ferreira Marcelo U. , Boscardin Silvia B.
Published: May 2023

Regulatory and effector cell responses to Plasmodium vivax, the most common human malaria parasite outside Africa, remain understudied in naturally infected populations. Here, we describe peripheral CD4+ T‐ and B‐cell populations during and shortly after an uncomplicated P. vivax infection in 38 continuously exposed adult Amazonians. Consistent with previous observations, we found an increased frequency in CD4+CD45RA−CD25+FoxP3+ T regulatory cells that express the inhibitory molecule CTLA‐4 during the acute infection, with a sustained expansion of CD21−CD27− atypical memory cells within the CD19+ B‐cell compartment. Both Th1‐ and Th2‐type subsets of CXCR5+ICOShiPD‐1+ circulating T follicular helper (cTfh) cells, which are thought to contribute to antibody production, were induced during P. vivax infection, with a positive correlation between overall cTfh cell frequency and IgG antibody titers to the P. vivax blood‐stage antigen MSP119. We identified significant changes in cell populations that had not been described in human malaria, such as an increased frequency of CTLA‐4+ T follicular regulatory cells that antagonize Tfh cells, and a decreased frequency of circulating CD24hiCD27+ B regulatory cells in response to acute infection. In conclusion, we disclose a complex immunoregulatory network that is critical to understand how naturally acquired immunity develops in P. vivax malaria.
Dielectric characterization of Babesia bovis using the dielectrophoretic crossover frequency
Authors: Oladokun Raphael , Adekanmbi Ezekiel , Ueti Massaro , Srivastava Soumya
Published: May 2023

Coinfection with the tick‐transmitted pathogen Babesia spp. is becoming a serious health problem because of the erythrocyte invasion through Ixodes scapularis tick. The transmission of this protozoan by blood transfusion often results in high morbidity and mortality in recipients. A novel way to detect parasitized erythrocytes is by utilizing dielectrophoresis, an electrokinetic technique on a microfluidic platform, to improve the diagnostics of Babesia spp. The differences in the dielectric properties of Babesia spp.–infected erythrocytes versus healthy erythrocytes were exploited to design a fast and cost‐effective diagnostic tool. One crucial factor for a successful diagnostic platform via dielectrophoretic separation is the dielectric characterization of Babesia‐infected erythrocytes, which is investigated in this paper. The influence of medium conductivity and erythrocytes phenotype and genotype over the first crossover frequency (fco1) are used to quantify the dielectric properties of the infected cells. A sigmoidal curve was plotted via curve fitting of the single‐shell model, which has been proven appropriate for parasitized cell populations where considerable cell geometry variation occurs. The difference in these curves is relevant for the separation of cells population. Microliters of sample and reagent were used throughout this experiment; the scale, results obtained, and simplicity of the system often make it very suitable for point‐of‐care babesiosis disease diagnostics.
Flexible Carbon Cloth Supercapacitors with High Power and Energy Densities
Authors: Xu Jing , Li Changli , Yu Siyu , Wang Zilong , Pritzel Christian , Jiang Xin , Yang Nianjun
Published: May 2023

Commercially available carbon cloths (CCs) are promising candidates to construct flexible and wearable electronics. Herein, post‐treated CCs are employed to construct flexible supercapacitors (SCs). CCs are first activated in KOH solution and subsequently thermally annealed, resulting in their unique porous microstructure and a wide potential window up to 2.2 V. Using these binder‐ and current‐collector‐free CCs as the capacitor electrodes, a high‐performance and flexible electrical double‐layer capacitor is constructed. In 1 m KOH aqueous solution, its specific capacitance of as high as 1 967.0 mF cm−2 is obtained at a current density of 30 mA cm−2. Moreover, it exhibits excellent capacitance retention and delivers both high energy density (e.g., 93.38 W h kg−1 at a power density of 3 890 W kg−1) and high power density (e.g., 12 850 W kg−1 at an energy density of 12 W h kg−1). Such binder‐free, easy‐assembling, scalable flexible SCs are thus promising for miniaturized electronic industries in the future.
The causal effect of serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels on epilepsy: A two‐sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Luo Xinxin , Ruan Zhichao , Liu Ling
Published: May 2023

Objective

Observational studies have shown an association between 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25 (OH) D) and epilepsy, but it is unclear whether the association is causal. Therefore, we applied Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to determine the causal relationship between serum 25 (OH) D levels and epilepsy.

Methods

We conducted a two‐sample Mendelian randomization (TSMR) study to investigate the association between serum 25 (OH) D levels and epilepsy using pooled statistics from genome‐wide association studies (GWAS). Data for 25 (OH) D came from a GWAS comprising 417,580 participants, and data for epilepsy were obtained from the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) consortium. Five methods were used to analyze TSMR, including the inverse variance weighting method, MR Egger method, weighted median method, simple model, and weighted model. In the sensitivity analysis, MR Egger and MR PRESSO methods were used to test for pleiotropy, inverse variance weighting and MR Egger in Cochran's Q statistics were used to test for heterogeneity.

Results

MR analyzed the relationship between 25 (OH) D and different types of epilepsy, and the results showed that a 1 standard deviation increase in natural log‐transformed serum 25 (OH) D levels was associated with reduced risk for juvenile absence epilepsy (IVW OR = 0.985; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.971–0.999; P‐value = 0.038). There was no apparent heterogeneity and horizontal gene pleiotropy.

Significance

Higher serum levels of 25 (OH) D were a protective factor for adolescent absence epilepsy, but had no effect on other types of epilepsy.
COP27 Loss and Damage Fund—Financial Band Aid or Effective Mechanism?
Authors: South David W.
Published: May 2023

The Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) brings together nearly 200 parties for an annual meeting to assess progress against global climate objectives and determine if, and what, additional actions are required to achieve them. For two weeks in November 2022, the 27th Conference of the Parties (COP27) was held in Sharm el‐Sheikh, Egypt.
Temporal patterns of childhood cancer survival 1991 to 2016: A nationwide register‐study based on data from the German Childhood Cancer Registry
Authors: Wellbrock Maike , Spix Claudia , Ronckers Cécile M , Grabow Desiree , Filbert Anna‐Liesa , Borkhardt Arndt , Wollschläger Daniel , Erdmann Friederike
Published: May 2023

Childhood cancer is the leading disease‐related cause of death among under 15 year olds in Europe. Since primary preventive measures are lacking, improving survival probabilities and long‐term well‐being remain primary goals. With this report, we provide the first long‐term assessment and interpretation of patterns in childhood cancer survival in Germany, covering a period of 30 years. Using data from the German Childhood Cancer Registry, we assessed temporal patterns of cancer survival among children (0‐14 years) diagnosed in Germany from 1991 to 2016, by cancer type, age at diagnosis and sex. We calculated overall survival (OS) and average annual percentage changes of the respective 5‐year OS estimates. OS improved across all cancer types, age groups as well as for boys and girls over time. Five‐year OS for all childhood cancers combined increased from 77.8% in 1991‐1995 to 86.5% in 2011‐2016, with stronger improvements during the early 1990s. The most pronounced survival improvement was seen for acute myeloid leukaemia, at 2% annually and 5‐year OS recently reaching 81.5%. Survival improvements for some diagnoses such as neuroblastoma, renal tumours and bone tumours have flattened out. Tremendous enhancements in diagnostics, treatment and supportive care have affected average survival improvements for most cancer types. Recently, survival improvements have decelerated overall and for some cancer types, it plateaued at an unsatisfactory level. As not all children benefited equally from the survival improvements, personal factors (eg, socioeconomic circumstances, health literacy, access to care) likely affect individual prognosis and warrant further investigation.
Bladder cancer risk in relation to occupations held in a nationwide case‐control study in Iran
Authors: Hosseini Bayan , Zendehdel Kazem , Bouaoun Liacine , Hall Amy L. , Rashidian Hamideh , Hadji Maryam , Gholipour Mahin , Haghdoost Ali Akbar , Schüz Joachim , Olsson Ann
Published: May 2023

Globally, bladder cancer has been identified as one of the most frequent occupational cancers, but our understanding of occupational bladder cancer risk in Iran is less advanced. This study aimed to assess the risk of bladder cancer in relation to occupation in Iran. We used the IROPICAN case‐control study data including 717 incident cases and 3477 controls. We assessed the risk of bladder cancer in relation to ever working in major groups of the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO‐68) while controlling for cigarette smoking, opium consumption. Logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). In men, decreased ORs for bladder cancer were observed in administrative and managerial workers (OR 0.4; CI: 0.2, 0.9), and clerks (OR 0.6; CI: 0.4, 0.9). Elevated ORs were observed in metal processors (OR 5.4; CI: 1.3, 23.4), and workers in occupations with likely exposure to aromatic amines (OR 2.2; CI: 1.2, 4.0). There was no evidence of interactions between working in aromatic amines‐exposed occupations and tobacco smoking or opium use. Elevated risk of bladder cancer in men in metal processors and workers likely exposed to aromatic amines aligns with associations observed outside Iran. Other previously confirmed associations between high‐risk occupations and bladder cancer were not observed, possibly due to small numbers or lack of details on exposure. Future epidemiological studies in Iran would benefit from the development of exposure assessment tools such as job exposure matrices, generally applicable for retrospective exposure assessment in epidemiological studies.
Study on depletion of ovarian function and late‐life chronic diseases in India
Authors: Kundu Sampurna , Acharya Sanghmitra Sheel
Published: May 2023

Objective

The current study aims to understand premature and early menopausal age in association with chronic conditions.

Methods

The present cross‐sectional study analyzed nationally representative data from LASI (Longitudinal Aging Study in India) from 2017 to 2018. Bivariate analysis including cross‐tabulation and χ2 tests were performed. Further multiple regression analysis was performed, using the generalized linear model of logit link.

Results

Approximately 2533 (8%) older women reported that they had experienced premature menopause (before age 40), while 3889 (12.4%) reported having early menopause (age 40–44). The likelihood of a woman with premature menopause developing cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is 15% higher (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.15; P < 0.05) than those who do not experience premature menopause, while women with early menopause have a 13% higher risk (AOR, 1.13; P < 0.05). For women who experienced premature menopause and were also smokers, the probability of developing CVDs was higher. Other chronic diseases such as bone or joint problems, diabetes, and eye vision problems were also shown to be significant health problems among women who had premature ovarian failure.

Conclusion

Our results show significant association between women with premature or early depletion of ovarian function and chronic health conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, bone or joint problems, vision problems, and neurological or psychiatric disorders at their later life ages. Comprehensive strategies in the form of lifestyle changes may regulate hormonal levels and allow the body to reach menopause at the appropriate age.
Danish women's preferences regarding gynecological examination support international recommendations: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Laschke Alexander , Blaakær Jan , Jensen Charlotte Floridon , Larsen Mette Bach
Published: May 2023

Objective

Gynecological examinations (GEs) are challenging for many women. Several recommendations and guidelines have emerged, partly based on common sense and clinicians' consensus. However, there is a lack of knowledge regarding women's opinions. Therefore, this study aimed to describe women's preferences and experiences in relation to GEs and investigate whether they are dependent on their socioeconomic status.

Methods

In Denmark, GEs are typically performed by general practitioners or resident specialists in gynecology (RSGs) in gynecological hospital departments. This cross‐sectional questionnaire and register study included approximately 3000 randomly selected patients who visited six RSGs from January 1, 2020, to March 1, 2021. The main outcome measurement involved women's preferences and experiences regarding GEs.

Results

Overall, 37% of the women thought that a changing room was important, 20% preferred a garment to cover themselves, 18% preferred a separate examination room, and 13% thought that the presence of a chaperone was important. Compared with working and retired women, more women outside the workforce felt insufficiently informed, considered their experience with RSGs unprofessional, and found GEs painful.

Conclusion

Our results support existing recommendations regarding GEs and the related environment, confirming that privacy and modesty are factors to take into consideration as they are of concern for a relatively large group of women. Thus, providers should focus on women outside the workforce, because this group appears to feel vulnerable in this environment.
Clinical application of intelligent technologies and integration in medical laboratories
Authors: Huang Wenjie , Huang Dongquan , Ding Yeran , Yu Cheng , Wang Lei , Lv Ning , Qu Jiuxin , Lu Hongzhou
Published: May 2023

With the development of scientific technology, the transition to the intelligent era of digitalization and automation is an irresistible trend for medical laboratories. Medical diagnosis systems have undergone significant changes as a result of intelligent technologies, such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things, from the collection, transmission, and detection of test samples to the review of reports and the provision of clinical feedback. In addition to significantly enhancing the efficiency, consistency, and accuracy of medical laboratory testing, these technologies also assist the improvement of individualized healthcare and medical expert systems, as well as the early detection and treatment of diseases. The future development of medical laboratories will focus on integrating big data and diverse intelligent resources, cooperating more closely with clinical departments, and realizing the effective pathway of patient‐centered care. The purpose of this review is to illustrate the current state of intelligent technology integration in medical laboratories and provide a preliminary discussion about the potential future influences of intelligent technology development on the evolution of medical laboratories.
Gas‐phase thermochemistry of noncovalent ligand–alkali metal ion clusters: An impact of low frequencies
Authors: Otlyotov Arseniy A. , Minenkov Yury
Published: May 2023

The experimental gas‐phase thermochemistry of reactions: M+(S)n–1 + S → M+(S)n and M+ + nS→ M+(S)n, where M is an alkali metal and S is acetonitrile/ammonia, is reproduced. Three approximations are tested: (1) scaled rigid‐rotor‐harmonic‐oscillator (sRRHO); (2) the sRRHO(100) identical to (1), but with all vibrational frequencies smaller than 100 cm−1 replaced with 100 cm−1; (3) Grimme's modified scaled RRHO (msRRHO) (Grimme, Chem. Eur. J., 2012, 18, 9955–9964). The msRRHO approach provides the most accurate reaction entropies with the mean unsigned error (MUE) below 5.5 cal mol−1 K−1 followed by sRRHO(100) and sRRHO with MUEs of 7.2 and 16.9 cal mol−1 K−1. For the first time, we propose using the msRRHO scheme to calculate the enthalpy contribution that is further utilized to arrive at reaction Gibbs free energies (∆Gr) ensuring the internal consistency. The final ∆Gr MUEs for msRRHO, sRRHO(100) and sRRHO schemes are 1.2, 3.6 and 3.1 kcal mol−1.
Evaluating the effect of different irrigation activation techniques on the dentin tubules penetration of two different root canal sealers by laser scanning confocal microscopy
Authors: Kaplan Fatma , Erdemir Ali
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of different irrigation activation techniques on the dentin tubules penetration of two different sealers by confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM).

Methods

A hundred premolar teeth were used in this study. The root canals were shaped and irrigated with 5% NaOCl and 17% EDTA using the following final irrigation activation techniques in each group; Group1: Conventional Syringe Irrigation (CSI), Group2: Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation (PUI), Group3: Apical Negative Pressure (EndoVac), Group4: Er:YAG laser and Group5: Er,Cr:YSGG laser. Then the teeth were separated two subgroups according to sealers (AH‐Plus and Totalfill‐BC). Horizontal sections were obtained at 2, 5, 8 mm distance of apex. Images were obtained with CLSM and the penetration areas of sealers were calculated with four different dentin tubule penetration assessment techniques. The data were statistically analyzed with Kruskal Wallis and Mann Whitney U tests.

Results

No significant difference was observed between the sealers (p > .05). EndoVac, Er:YAG and Er,Cr:YSGG laser activation groups were observed to have a significantly higher mean penetration depth, penetration percentage and penetration area than the Control group. There was a significant difference between all regions in all penetration parameters (p < .05).

Conclusions

While the use of resin or bioceramic‐based root canal sealers did not affect dentin tubule penetration, the use of activation techniques positively affect the dentin tubule penetration. The average tubule penetration and penetration area assessment techniques are suitable methods for the investigation of dentinal tubule penetration.

Research Highlights

It can be stated that the use of resin or bioceramic based root canal sealers does not affect dentin tubule penetration and the use of irrigation activation techniques during removal of the smear layer positively affects dentinal tubule penetration. In addition, it has been determined that the average tubule penetration and penetration area assessment techniques are suitable methods for the investigation of dentinal tubule penetration.
Evaluation of Er,Cr:YSGG laser technique for fiber post removal of endodontically treated teeth using micro‐computed tomography
Authors: Papoulidou Ismini , Dionysopoulos Dimitrios , Mourouzis Petros , Naka Olga , Sarris Kyriakos , Baldi Andrea , Scotti Nicola , Tolidis Kosmas
Published: May 2023

Various clinical techniques such as removal kits, ultrasonic tips, burs, and drills, have been used for fiber post removal in endodontically treated teeth. In most clinical cases, the dental practitioners prefer to use ultrasonic tips, despite the heat generation and the formation of microcracks induced in the radicular dentin. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of using erbium, chromium: yttrium‐scandium‐gallium‐garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser (2780 nm) as an alternative fiber post removal technique and to compare it to an ultrasonic method using micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT). The operating parameters of the X‐ray tube were set to 50 kVp and 300 mA. This approach allowed the generation of 2D lateral projections that were then used to reconstruct the 3D volume in DICOM format. Fiber posts were removed from 20 endodontically treated single‐rooted premolars (n = 10) using an ultrasonic vibrator with diamond‐coated ultrasonic tip (control method), or Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation protocol; average power 2.5 W, repetition rate 20 Hz, pulse duration 140 μs, 40% air and 20% water, and close‐contact mode. The number of sections with newly formed microcracks, the loss of dentinal tissue, the amount of the residual resin cement, and the removal time were evaluated for both methods. The data were analyzed using paired t‐test, Wilcoxon signed‐rank and Mann–Whitney U tests at level of significance a = .05. In the laser‐treated group the parameters regarding microcracks formation (21 ± 16) and removal time (4.7 ± 1.1 min) were advantageous compared to the ultrasonic‐treated group (42 ± 27 and 9.2 ± 1.0 min, respectively), indicating that Er,Cr:YSGG laser could be an alternative fiber post removal technique.
The research landscape of immunology research in spinal cord injury from 2012 to 2022
Authors: Zheng Bowen , Kuang Yirui , Yuan Dun , Huang Haoxuan , Liu Songlin
Published: May 2023

Background

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is defined as traumatic damage to the spinal cord, affecting over three million patients worldwide, and there is still no treatment for the injured spinal cord itself. In recent years, immunology research on SCI has been published in various journals.

Methods

To systematically analyze the research hotspots and dynamic scientific developments of immunology research in SCI, we conducted a bibliometric and knowledge map analysis to help researchers gain a global perspective in this research field.

Results

The bibliometric study we completed included 1788 English‐language papers published in 553 journals by 8861 authors from 1901 institutions in 66 countries/regions. Based on the references and keyword analysis, researchers in the past 10 years have mainly focused on the research directions of “monocyte chemoattractor protein 1,” “nitric oxide,” “pain,” and “nitric oxide synthase” related to immunological research in SCI. However, with the development of other new directions such as “extracellular vesicles” (2019–2022), “Regenerative medicine” (2019–2022), “stromal cells” (2018–2022), “motor recovery” (2019–2022), and “glial activation” (2019–2022). Researchers prefer to study the application of regenerative strategies in SCI, the mechanism of extracellular vesicles in the development of SCI, the activation of spinal glial cells in SCI, and the pathways of motor recovery. This bibliometric analysis of immunology research in SCI summarizes the current status of this research field. The relationship between extracellular vesicles, regenerative medicine, stromal cells, motor recovery, and glial activation is currently a major research frontier. Further research and cooperation worldwide need to be enhanced.

Conclusion

We believe that our research can help researchers quickly grasp the current hotspot of immunology research in SCI and determine a new direction for future research.
Landscape context and spatial attributes matter for New England cottontail occupancy
Authors: Bischoff Kathryn E. , Rittenhouse Tracy A. G. , Rittenhouse Chadwick D.
Published: May 2023

In response to the widespread threat of habitat loss, managers of imperiled species commonly focus on restoring habitat to encourage species establishment (i.e., the field of dreams hypothesis). Habitat management strategies for the rare New England cottontail (Sylvilagus transitionalis) have largely followed the field of dreams hypothesis, focusing on increasing the area of young and regenerating forest throughout the species' range to increase populations of the species. Recently researchers indicated that these practices may not be as effective when the introduced eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) co‐occupies patches with the New England cottontail. Using data from the New England Cottontail Regional Monitoring Program collected in Connecticut, USA, from 2016–2020 and geospatial data to create dynamic occupancy models, we determined how both patch and landscape characteristics influence New England cottontail and eastern cottontail occupancy patterns. We ran 4 dynamic occupancy models: 1 at the patch scale and 1 at the landscape scale for each species. Large patches and short interpatch distances increased both species' occupancy patterns more than vegetation height <2.5 m. New England cottontail occupancy and colonization positively responded to the amount of shrublands within the landscape and weakly responded to forest regeneration, the vegetation type most commonly created by management actions for the species. New England cottontail colonization probability was low at both the patch and landscape scale, and lower than extinction probabilities, suggesting the current landscape may not be sufficient to allow metapopulations to persist. Overall, our results indicate that solely focusing on habitat restoration, or applying the field of dreams hypothesis, to conserve New England cottontail, a species that is area dependent, dispersal limited, and threatened by an introduced competitor, does not promote species persistence on the landscape.
Sleep Subdomain of the Sinonasal Outcome Test as a Potential Screening Tool for Sleep Apnea in Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Duffy Alexander N. , Alapati Rahul , Chitguppi Chandala , D'Souza Glen , Parsel Sean M. , Toskala Elina M. , Rosen Marc R. , Nyquist Gurston G. , Rabinowitz Mindy R.
Published: May 2023

Objectives

Approximately 20% of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) have comorbid obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Patients with undiagnosed OSA are at high risk for perioperative complications. The Sinonasal Outcomes Test (SNOT‐22) Questionnaire is commonly administered to CRS patients, whereas OSA screening tools are less routinely employed. This study compared SNOT‐22 sleep subdomain (Sleep‐SNOT) scores among non‐OSA CRS versus OSA‐CRS patients undergoing ESS, and assessed sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of the Sleep‐SNOT for OSA screening.

Methods

Retrospective review of patients that underwent endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for CRS from 2012 to 2021. Patients either carried a reported OSA diagnosis and completed the SNOT‐22, or had undocumented OSA status and completed both STOP‐BANG and SNOT‐22. Demographics, questionnaire scores, and OSA status were collected. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve assessed cutoff scores, sensitivity, and specificity of the Sleep‐SNOT for OSA screening.

Results

Of 600 patients reviewed, 109 were included. 41% had comorbid OSA. OSA patients had a higher BMI (32.1 ± 7.7 vs. 28.35 ± 6.7 kg/m2; p = 0.02), Sleep‐SNOT (21.96 ± 12.1 vs. 16.8 ± 11.2; p = 0.021) and STOP‐BANG (3.1 ± 1.44 vs. 2.06 ± 1.27; p = 0.038) scores. A Sleep‐SNOT score of 17.5 had a sensitivity of 68.9%, specificity of 55.7%, and diagnostic accuracy of 63% for OSA detection (p = 0.022).

Conclusions

Sleep‐SNOT scores are greater for CRS‐OSA patients. The Sleep‐SNOT ROC curve demonstrates a high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for OSA screening in CRS patients. A Sleep‐SNOT score of ≥17.5 should prompt further OSA evaluation. The Sleep‐SNOT may be considered as a surrogate OSA screening tool when other validated tools are not employed.

Level of Evidence

Retrospective chart review, Level 3 Laryngoscope, 133:2029–2034, 2023
Toward Universal Transformations of Orbital Angular Momentum of a Single Photon
Authors: Chen Dong‐Xu , Wang Yunlong , Wang Feiran , Zhao Jun‐Long , Yang Chui‐Ping
Published: May 2023

High‐dimensional quantum systems offer many advantages over low‐dimensional quantum systems. Meanwhile, unitary transformations on quantum states are important parts in various quantum information tasks, whereas they become technically infeasible as the dimensionality increases. The photonic orbital angular momentum (OAM), which is inherent in the transverse spatial mode of photons, offers a natural carrier to encode information in high‐dimensional spaces. However, it is even more challenging to realize arbitrary unitary transformations on the photonic OAM states. Here, by combining the path and OAM degrees of freedom of a single photon, an efficient scheme to realize arbitrary unitary transformations on the path‐OAM coupled quantum states is proposed. The proposal reduces the number of required interferometers by approximately one quarter compared with previous works, while maintaining the symmetric structure. It is shown that by using OAM‐to‐path interfaces, this scheme can be utilized to realize arbitrary unitary transformations on the OAM states of photons. This work facilitates the development of high‐dimension quantum state transformations and opens a new door to the manipulation of the photonic OAM states.
Controlled Synthesis, Chiral Assembly, and Circularly Polarized Luminescence of Poly(Phenyl Isocyanide)‐Block‐Polyfluorene Copolymers
Authors: Zou Hui , Han Shan‐Shan , Li Guo‐Qiang , Zhou Li , Liu Na , Wu Zong‐Quan
Published: May 2023

In this work, π‐conjugated block copolymers consisting of poly(phenyl isocyanide) (PPI) and polyfluorene (PF) segments are facilely prepared by one‐pot sequential polymerization of phenyl isocyanide (monomer 1) and 7‐bromo‐9,9‐dioctylfluorene‐2‐boronic acid pinacol ester (monomer 2). The Pd(II)‐terminated PPI is first prepared via polymerizing monomer 1 catalyzed with phenyl alkyne‐Pd(II) complex and then utilized to initiate the controlled Suzuki cross‐coupling polymerization of monomer 2, yielding various PPI‐b‐PF copolymers possessing controlled molar mass and narrow dispersity. Owing to the helical conformation of PPI segment and π‐conjugated structure of PF segment, PPI‐b‐PF copolymers present distinctive optical property and fascinating chiral self‐assembly behavior. During the self‐assembly process, chirality transfer from helical PPI block to the supramolecular aggregates of helical nanofibers occurs to afford optically active helical nanofibers with high optical activity. Furthermore, the self‐assembled helical nanofibers exhibit excellent circularly polarized luminescence performance.
A field map updating algorithm to improve fat‐water spiral imaging
Authors: Chao Tzu Cheng , Wang Dinghui , Krishnamoorthy Guruprasad , Pipe James G.
Published: May 2023

Purpose

An accurate field map is essential to separate fat and water signals in a dual‐echo chemical shift encoded spiral MRI scan. A rapid low‐resolution B0 map prescan is usually performed before each exam. Occasional inaccuracy in these field map estimates can lead to misclassification of the water and fat signals as well as blurring artifacts in the reconstruction. The present work proposes a self‐consistent model to evaluate residual field offsets according to the image data to improve the reconstruction quality and facilitate the scan efficiency.

Theory and Methods

The proposed method compares the phase differences of the two‐echo data after correcting for fat frequency offsets. A more accurate field map is approximated according to the phase discrepancies and improved image quality. Experiments were conducted with simulated off‐resonance on a numerical phantom, five volunteer head scans, and four volunteer abdominal scans for validation.

Results

The initial reconstruction of the demonstrated examples exhibit blurring artifacts and misregistration of fat and water because of the inaccuracy of the field map. The proposed method updates the field map to amend the fat and water estimation and improve image quality.

Conclusions

This work presents a model to improve the quality of fat‐water imaging of the spiral MRI by estimating a better field map from the acquired data. It allows reducing the field map pre‐scans before each spiral scan under normal circumstances to increase scan efficiency.
Bachelor of nursing students' experiences of a longitudinal team training intervention and the use of teamwork skills in clinical practice—A qualitative descriptive study
Authors: Karlsen Tore , Hall‐Lord Marie Louise , Wangensteen Sigrid , Ballangrud Randi
Published: May 2023

Aims

To describe nursing students' experiences of a TeamSTEPPS® longitudinal team training program and the application of teamwork skills in clinical practice.

Design

A descriptive qualitative design.

Methods

Overall, 22 nursing students participated in six online focus group interviews after attending a TeamSTEPPS® team training program from their first semester. The data were audio‐recorded, transcribed and analysed using inductive content analysis and reported following the COREQ guidelines. The focus group interviews took place in the students' fifth's semester.

Results

The main category “Learning teamwork is not an event; it's a journey” emerged from 3 generic categories and 12 subcategories. The participants reported that grasping the relevance of team training and the use of teamwork skills takes time. Utilizing these skills improved their awareness of being a team member and facilitated learning.

Conclusion

Team training raised the participants' awareness of teamwork as an essential component of being a professional nurse. Additionally, understanding the complexity of teamwork takes time.