bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beyond blame: A systemic accident analysis through a neutralized human factors taxonomy
Authors: Stefana Elena , De Paola Emanuele , Snaiderbaur Bono Carlo Simone , Bianchini Francesco , Vagheggi Tommaso , Patriarca Riccardo
Published: April 2024

This paper investigates the usage of a systemic neutralized taxonomy for understanding human factors to foster a restorative culture when studying adverse events. The available studies supporting accident analysis from a system‐theoretic perspective with human factors‐based methods are grounded on error taxonomies and do not reinforce the non‐judgemental dimension that is encouraged by modern safety science. We propose a methodology to integrate the system‐theoretic accident analysis technique, Causal Analysis based on System Theory, with a neutralized taxonomy of human explanatory factors. The proposed methodology has been applied to an aviation accident involving a military aircraft and a glider. This case revealed various critical interactions among system components, which require dedicated safety recommendations that go beyond the identification of single points of failures and root causes, leading to a deeper understanding of socio‐technical orchestrations. Despite the use case in aviation, the proposed methodology remains suitable for various types of safety occurrences in diverse domains and industrial settings. It also represents the basis for supporting future proactive safety‐related decision‐making processes.
The epidemiology and treatment outcomes of COVID‐19 patients admitted to an intensive care unit in an Iranian hospital in Neyshabur city
Authors: Yazdanpanah Farzaneh , Jackson Alun C. , Sanaie Neda , Sharifi Farshad , Shamshirgaran Seyed Morteza , Bahramnezhad Fatemeh
Published: April 2024

Background and Aims

The COVID‐19 pandemic and the infection of numerous individuals from diverse societies have emerged as major global challenges. Given the limited resources in intensive care units, effective bed management and resource allocation require a deep understanding of the disease. This study aimed to assess the epidemiology and treatment outcomes of COVID‐19 patients admitted to an intensive care unit in an Iranian hospital in Neyshabur city.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted on COVID‐19 patients hospitalized in intensive care units in Razavi Khorasan, Iran in 2021. Census sampling was used to include all intensive care units. Of the initial 480 cases, 54 cases were excluded based on the exclusion criteria, leaving 426 cases for the study. Data were collected with the help of a data collection form that was designed by the researcher and its content validity and reliability were measured with Cronbach's alpha coefficient (α = 89%.). Data were analyzed with SPSS version 20 software. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Mean, standard deviation, and interquartile range indicators were used for descriptive statistics, and absolute frequency and relative frequency (percentage) were used to show numbers and ratios.

Results

The mean (SD) age of the patients was 66.33 (15.05) years, and 49.3% were female. The results showed that arterial blood oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, and Alzheimer's disease were significant variables for predicting mortality. Furthermore, arterial blood oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, and the need for transfusion of blood products were significant variables in predicting hospitalization and the risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that arterial blood oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, and Alzheimer's disease are crucial variables for predicting death. Furthermore, arterial blood oxygen saturation and respiratory rate are significant factors in predicting the risk of ARDS.
Undiagnosed hypertension and associated factors among adult population in central zone of Tigray, Northern Ethiopia 2020: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Mekonen Haftea Hagos , Gebru Tsegu Hailu , Kiros Kbrom Gemechu , Gebrehiwot Tesfay Gebreslassie , Tesfamichael Yohannes Ashebir
Published: April 2024

Background and Aims

Undiagnosed hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and complications such as heart attack and stroke. Limited information is available on the prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension and its associated factors in Ethiopia, particularly in the study setting. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension and its associated factors in the central zone of Tigray, Northern Ethiopia.

Methods

A community‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted from April 1 to May 31, 2020. A pretested structured questionnaire was used and both face‐to‐face interview and physical measurement were used to collect the data. Blood pressure was measured on two different days for each study participant, and an average of the measurements were taken. In addition, 736 participants were included in this study, through a systematic random sampling technique. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with undiagnosed hypertension. Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were used to show the strength of the association and declare statistical significance at p < 0.05.

Results

In the study, the mean age of the participants was 51.9 (standard deviation: 17.9) years old. Prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension was found 15.4% (N = 113). The factors associated with undiagnosed hypertension were being divorced (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 15.2, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.2–28.3), alcohol consumption (AOR = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.22–3.51), not eating fruits (AOR = 4.1, 95% CI: 2.37–7.08), not eating vegetables (AOR = 3.47, 95% CI: 2.02–5.96) and poor knowledge (AOR = 3.05, 95% CI: 2.75–7.83).

Conclusion

Around one in six study participants had undiagnosed hypertension. Being divorced, drinking alcohol, not eating fruits, not consuming vegetables, and having poor knowledge of hypertension were significant factors. Public health interventions, like providing adequate hypertension health information, frequent screening, and implementation of an appropriate intervention for particular factors, are critical for reducing the burden of undiagnosed hypertension.
Environmental and social impacts of carbon sequestration
Authors: Enríquez-de-Salamanca Álvaro
Published: April 2024

Climate change requires major mitigation efforts, mainly emission reduction. Carbon sequestration and avoided deforestation are complementary mitigation strategies that can promote nature conservation and local development but may also have undesirable impacts. We reviewed 246 articles citing impacts, risks, or concerns from carbon projects, and 78 others related to this topic. Most of the impacts cited focus on biodiversity, especially in afforestation projects, and on social effects related to avoided deforestation projects. Concerns were raised about project effectiveness, the permanence of carbon stored, and leakage. Recommendations include accounting for uncertainty, assessing both mitigation and contribution to climate change, defining permanence, creating contingency plans, promoting local projects, proposing alternative livelihoods, ensuring a fair distribution of benefits, combining timber production and carbon sequestration, ensuring sustainable development and minimizing leakage. A holistic approach that combines carbon sequestration, nature conservation, and poverty alleviation must be applied. The potential occurrence of negative impacts does not invalidate carbon projects but makes it advisable to conduct proper environmental impact assessments, considering direct and indirect impacts, minimizing the negative effects while maximizing the positive ones, and weighing the trade-offs between them to guide decision-making. Public participation and transparency are essential. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:1812–1838. © 2024 SETAC

Key Points

Forestation and avoided deforestation projects, proposed as a complementary climate change mitigation strategy, have numerous positive impacts but may also have unintended effects, as well as concerns related to effectiveness, permanence, and leakage. Impacts on biodiversity and hydrology are frequently cited in afforestation projects, whereas social impacts are cited in relation to avoided deforestation projects. Carbon projects need proper environmental impact assessments, considering direct and indirect impacts, minimizing the negative effects while maximizing the positive ones, and weighing the trade-offs between them to guide decision-making.
Exploring the efficacy of photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy on diabetic foot ulcers in rats
Authors: Zhao Zhanjuan , Pang Jinwen , Zhao Di , Guo Ning , Guo Yiman , Kong Feiyan , Yang Huizhong , Zhao Jianxi
Published: April 2024

We investigate the efficacy of photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT) and its combination with an antibiotic in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) in rats using a novel cationic amino acid porphyrin‐based photosensitizer. The research findings demonstrate that the combination of novel cationic photosensitizer‐mediated PACT and an antibiotic exhibits significant therapeutic efficacy in treating deep ulcers in a rat model of DFUs. Moreover, the PACT + Antibiotic group displays enhanced angiogenesis, improved tissue maturation, and superior wound healing effect. Micro‐computed tomography examination showed that the periosteal reaction was most obvious in the PACT + Antibiotic group. The cortical bone volume ratio (BV/TV), the bone mineral density, and trabecular thickness were significantly higher in the PACT + Antibiotic group than in the model group (p < 0.05). The combination of PACT and antibiotic plays a sensitizing therapeutic role, which provides a new idea for the clinical treatment of DFUs.
SNHG1 knockdown promotes osteogenic differentiation of hDFSCs through anti‐oxidative stress mediated by autophagy
Authors: Deng Lidi , Wu Liping , Chen Dongru , Cao Yang
Published: April 2024

The long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) small nucleolar RNA host gene 1 (SNHG1) plays a crucial role in tumorigenesis and is frequently employed as a prognostic biomarker. However, its involvement in the osteogenic differentiation of oral stem cells, particularly human dental follicle stem cells (hDFSCs), remains unclear. Our investigation revealed that the absence of SNHG1 enhances the osteogenic differentiation of hDFSCs. Furthermore, the downregulation of SNHG1 induces autophagy in hDFSCs, leading to a reduction in intracellular oxidative stress levels. Notably, this effect is orchestrated through the epigenetic regulation of EZH2. Our study unveils a novel function of SNHG1 in governing the osteogenic differentiation of hDFSCs, offering fresh insights for an in‐depth exploration of the molecular mechanisms underlying dental follicle development. These findings not only provide a foundation for advancing the understanding of SNHG1 but also present innovative perspectives for promoting the repair and regeneration of periodontal supporting tissue, ultimately contributing to the restoration of periodontal health and tooth function.
Mortality burden of pre‐treatment weight loss in patients with non‐small‐cell lung cancer: A systematic literature review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Bonomi Philip D. , Crawford Jeffrey , Dunne Richard F. , Roeland Eric J. , Smoyer Karen E. , Siddiqui Mohd Kashif , McRae Thomas D. , Rossulek Michelle I. , Revkin James H. , Tarasenko Lisa C.
Published: April 2024

Cachexia, with weight loss (WL) as a major component, is highly prevalent in patients with cancer and indicates a poor prognosis. The primary objective of this study was to conduct a meta‐analysis to estimate the risk of mortality associated with cachexia (using established WL criteria prior to treatment initiation) in patients with non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in studies identified through a systematic literature review. The review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Embase® and PubMed were searched to identify articles on survival outcomes in adult patients with NSCLC (any stage) and cachexia published in English between 1 January 2016 and 10 October 2021. Two independent reviewers screened titles, abstracts and full texts of identified records against predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria. Following a feasibility assessment, a meta‐analysis evaluating the impact of cachexia, defined per the international consensus criteria (ICC), or of pre‐treatment WL ≥ 5% without a specified time interval, on overall survival in patients with NSCLC was conducted using a random‐effects model that included the identified studies as the base case. The impact of heterogeneity was evaluated through sensitivity and subgroup analyses. The standard measures of statistical heterogeneity were calculated. Of the 40 NSCLC publications identified in the review, 20 studies that used the ICC for cachexia or reported WL ≥ 5% and that performed multivariate analyses with hazard ratios (HRs) or Kaplan–Meier curves were included in the feasibility assessment. Of these, 16 studies (80%; n = 6225 patients; published 2016–2021) met the criteria for inclusion in the meta‐analysis: 11 studies (69%) used the ICC and 5 studies (31%) used WL ≥ 5%. Combined criteria (ICC plus WL ≥ 5%) were associated with an 82% higher mortality risk versus no cachexia or WL < 5% (pooled HR [95% confidence interval, CI]: 1.82 [1.47, 2.25]). Although statistical heterogeneity was high (I2 = 88%), individual study HRs were directionally aligned with the pooled estimate, and there was considerable overlap in CIs across included studies. A subgroup analysis of studies using the ICC (HR [95% CI]: 2.26 [1.80, 2.83]) or WL ≥ 5% (HR [95% CI]: 1.28 [1.12, 1.46]) showed consistent findings. Assessments of methodological, clinical and statistical heterogeneity indicated that the meta‐analysis was robust. Overall, this analysis found that ICC‐defined cachexia or WL ≥ 5% was associated with inferior survival in patients with NSCLC. Routine assessment of both weight and weight changes in the oncology clinic may help identify patients with NSCLC at risk for worse survival, better inform clinical decision‐making and assess eligibility for cachexia clinical trials.
The two‐spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other sexual and gender identity curriculum in Canadian Dental Schools: What are the gaps and proposed next steps?
Authors: Jessani Abbas , Peter Nedra , Hernandez‐Viovy Nicole
Published: April 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate gaps in the delivery of two‐spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other sexual and gender identity (2SLGBTQ+) curricula and identify curricular challenges within Canadian dental schools.

Methods

A 21‐item closed‐ended questionnaire was distributed to curriculum experts across 10 dental schools in Canada. The survey questions were organized into three sections: institution characteristics, current 2SLGBTQ+ content and delivery, and opinions on the improvement of the 2SLGBTQ+ curriculum. Microsoft Excel (2020) was used to perform a descriptive analysis of the survey responses.

Results

Nine dental schools participated in the survey. All participating schools reported the offering of undergraduate, graduate, and degree completion programs. The most reported methods of teaching 2SLGBTQ+ content were ‘lecture‐based teaching’ (n = 5), ‘small‐group teaching’ (n = 4), and ‘case‐based discussions’ (n = 4). The most common topics taught were ‘gender identity’ (n = 7) and ‘2SLGBTQ+ discrimination in healthcare care settings’ (n = 7). The topics of ‘sex reassignment surgery,’ ‘alcohol, tobacco, or other substance use by 2SLGBTQ+ people,’ ‘2SLGBTQ+ pediatric and adolescent oral health issues,’ ‘coming out,’ and ‘sex reassignment surgery’ were not included or were unknown by the majority of dental schools (n = 8). Overall, participants were unsatisfied with the level of 2SLGBTQ+‐specific content covered at their institution and reported a ‘lack of space within the curriculum and time constraints’ as a barrier to implementation (n = 8).

Conclusion

Community‐based research is needed to identify the unmet oral health needs of the 2SLGBTQ+ population, which can be translated into the development of a risk‐based oral health curriculum within Canada and beyond.
Unveiling the micronutrient‐immunity puzzle in inactivated COVID‐19 vaccination: A comprehensive analysis of circulating micronutrient levels and humoral responses in healthy adults
Authors: Meng Huicui , Wang Yin , Zhai Yanmei , Luo Wanyu , Wang Yuanyuan , Hu Yunqi , Liu Sizhe , Xiao Weimin , Yang Guowu , Ye Feng , Chen Shifeng , Jie Yusheng , Chen Yao‐Qing
Published: April 2024

While micronutrients are crucial for immune function, their impact on humoral responses to inactivated COVID‐19 vaccination remains unclear. We investigated the associations between seven key micronutrients and antibody responses in 44 healthy adults with two doses of an inactivated COVID‐19 vaccine. Blood samples were collected pre‐vaccination and 28 days post‐booster. We measured circulating minerals (iron, zinc, copper, and selenium) and vitamins (A, D, and E) concentrations alongside antibody responses and assessed their associations using linear regression analyses. Our analysis revealed inverse associations between blood iron and zinc concentrations and anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 IgM antibody binding affinity (AUC for iron: β = −258.21, p < 0.0001; zinc: β = −17.25, p = 0.0004). Notably, antibody quality presented complex relationships. Blood selenium was positively associated (β = 18.61, p = 0.0030), while copper/selenium ratio was inversely associated (β = −1.36, p = 0.0055) with the neutralizing ability against SARS‐CoV‐2 virus at a 1:10 plasma dilution. There was no significant association between circulating micronutrient concentrations and anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG binding affinity. These findings suggest that circulating iron, zinc, and selenium concentrations and copper/selenium ratio, may serve as potential biomarkers for both quantity (binding affinity) and quality (neutralization) of humoral responses after inactivated COVID‐19 vaccination. Furthermore, they hint at the potential of pre‐vaccination dietary interventions, such as selenium supplementation, to improve vaccine efficacy. However, larger, diverse studies are needed to validate these findings. This research advances the understanding of the impact of micronutrients on vaccine response, offering the potential for personalized vaccination strategies.
State of the Science: Prolonged exposure therapy for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder
Authors: McLean Carmen P. , Foa Edna B.
Published: April 2024

Prolonged exposure therapy (PE) is a well‐established first‐line treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that is based on emotional processing theory. PE has been rigorously evaluated and tested in a large number of clinical trials in many countries covering a wide range of trauma populations. In this review, we summarize the evidence base supporting the efficacy of PE across populations, including adults with sexual assault–related PTSD and mixed trauma–related PTSD, military populations, and adolescents. We highlight important strengths and gaps in the research on PE with individuals from marginalized communities. We discuss the efficacy of PE on associated psychopathology and in the presence of the most commonly comorbid conditions, either alone or integrated with other treatments. In addition, we provide an overview of research examining strategies to augment PE. Much of this work remains preliminary, but numerous trials have tested PE in combination with other psychological or pharmacological approaches, interventions to facilitate extinction learning, and behavioral approaches, in the hopes of further increasing the efficiency and efficacy of PE. There are now several trials testing PE in novel formats that may have advantages over standard in‐person PE, such as lower dropout and increased scalability. We examine this recent work on new models of delivering PE, including massed treatment, telehealth, and brief adaptations for primary care, all of which have the potential to increase access to PE. Finally, we highlight several promising areas for future research.
Swelling Behaviors of Natural Rubber/Solvent Systems Based on the Extended Modified Double Lattice Model
Authors: Pai Sung Jin , Kang Eung Jun , Ahn Won Min , Kim Jae Sung , Bae Young Chan , Kwon Ji Won , Oh Jeong Seok
Published: April 2024

Swelling experiments are conducted on nonfiller natural rubber using four solvents (toluene, cyclohexane, tetrahydrofuran (THF), and methylethylketone (MEK)) over temperatures from 10 to 70 °C. Toluene, cyclohexane, and THF, classified as effective solvents, show swelling ratios between 3 and 7, influenced by the crosslink density of the rubber. MEK, however, has a lower ratio of 1.5 to 2. Temperature has a minor impact on swelling compared to the crosslink density. The study evaluates the Extended Modified Double Lattice (EMDL) model for its mixing contribution in polymer network swelling, aiming to improve the Flory–Hüggins (FH) model. The superiority of EMDL above FH is in the boundary condition at the unvulcanized state, the former aligning its interaction energy with values from solvent activities in primary linear polymer/solvent solutions, unlike the FH model. The EMDL model also accounts for oriented interactions in polar solvents through a secondary lattice, linking specific interaction energy with solvent dipole moments. The study observes a nonlinear correlation between crosslinking density and sulfur amount, proposing a nonrandom mixing at lower sulfur concentrations. This model shows strong alignment with experimental data, suggesting that replacing the FH model's mixing contribution with the EMDL model could improve results with minimal additional complexity.
Price discrimination in mobile gacha games: A comprehensive study of the scarcity–pricing, gachaing–user profiling, and recharging–profiting models
Authors: Cao Ran , Zhang Wenxiang , Sun Fangyuan
Published: April 2024

Price discrimination (PD) in mobile gacha games differs from that in e‐commerce platforms due to its reliance on the concealed “probability” mechanism, which appears transparent but is actually controlled, making it harder to detect and regulate by society. To confirm the existence of PD in mobile gacha games, a comprehensive analysis of its operational modes was conducted through extensive participatory observation and in‐depth interviews with over 30 domestic gamers, game developers, and data analysis website founders. The study revealed that, contrary to academic definitions, PD does indeed occur in mobile gacha games, characterized by three interconnected models: the scarcity–pricing model, gachaing–user profiling model, and recharging–profiting model. By examining the interrelated models that comprise the PD process, concentrating on China as a special context, and offering insightful information on the effects of PD on consumer behavior and economic platforms, this study makes a noteworthy and novel contribution to the understanding of PD within the realm of mobile gacha games. The research examines the influence of PD on consumer behavior and economic decision‐making processes. Furthermore, the research discusses the difficulties of controlling PD in mobile gacha games, particularly due to the opacity of the “probability” mechanism. In conclusion, recommendations aimed at addressing the issue of PD within the realm of mobile gacha gaming in China are presented, drawing upon Lawrence Lessig's framework on “Four modalities of restraining behavior in cyberspace.”
Assessing and enhancing operational efficiency in Sierra Leone's retail banking sector: A comparative analysis using CCR and BCC DEA models
Authors: Mansaray Samuel Saio , Hongyi Xu , Sawaneh Ibrahim Abdulai
Published: April 2024

This study assesses the operational efficiency of 14 Sierra Leone commercial banks from 2020 to 2022, focusing on the adoption of financial innovation, such as digital banking, mobile services, and online payments. The research evaluates banks' performance by leveraging innovations using data envelope analysis (DEA) with constant and variable returns to scale models. Findings show varied efficiency, with some banks excelling and others lagging. The study underscores the need for strategic management and optimization so that banks can benefit fully from financial innovations. The insights inform policymakers and bank managers on enhancing the sector's operational performance through technology integration.
Neurocognitive markers during maximum alcohol use in late adolescence as predictors of change in later drinking behaviors
Authors: Ferdous Nafisa , Zúñiga María Luisa , Courtney Kelly E.
Published: April 2024

The influence of alcohol use on later neurocognitive functioning is well researched, yet few studies have investigated whether neurocognition post‐drinking initiation in adolescence predicts changes in later alcohol use. The objective of this study was to investigate neurocognitive task performance during maximum alcohol use in late adolescence as predictors of drinking behaviors 3–7 years later. Analyses (n = 105) were conducted on a longitudinal data set involving adolescents (12–13 years old) who were followed for 16 years. Time 1 (T1) was defined as the individuals' maximum drinking year within the first 10 study years and Time 2 (T2) was the first available data entry 3–7 years after T1. Four hierarchical linear regression models predicting follow‐up alcohol use were estimated: drinking days, average drinks per drinking day, peak drinks, and binge episodes. All models included inhibition/cognitive flexibility, visuospatial ability, verbal memory, working memory, and their interactions with sex, while covarying for age at T1, follow‐up duration, and controlling for T1 drinking. Better visuospatial ability at T1 predicted decreases in later binge episodes at T2 (β = −0.19, p = 0.048, partial r2 = 0.039). While better inhibition/cognitive flexibility at T1 predicted increases in follow‐up drinks per drinking day at T2 (β = 0.18, p = 0.016, partial r2 = 0.057). Findings suggest specific neurocognitive abilities during maximum drinking in late adolescence are useful as predictors of change in later drinking quantity per occasion and could potentially inform intervention research targeting this age group.
A low‐profile circularly polarized cavity‐based waveguide aperture antenna
Authors: Mahmud Rashad H. , Mohammed Mustafa M. , Jarjees Raad S. , Salih Idris H. , Alkurt Fatih O. , Karaaslan Muharrem , Skaik Talal
Published: April 2024

This article proposes a new design of a circularly polarized (CP) aperture antenna based on a dual‐mode rectangular waveguide cavity‐resonator. A capacitive iris is employed to attain a strong coupling between the cavity and the input port, resulting in a larger fractional bandwidth (FBW) than a conventional aperture antenna. Another capacitive iris is embedded at the corner of the radiating aperture and extended into the cavity to maintain equal amplitude and a phase difference of 90° between the radiated electric (E) fields of the TE101 and TE110 modes, and thus yielding CP radiation. The proposed antenna has been fabricated using a computer numerical control machine. The antenna has an FBW of 18% at center frequency (f0) f0 = 10 GHz when the reflection coefficient (S11) S11 = −10 dB. The 3‐dB axial ratio bandwidth is 7%. A gain of 8.0 dBic is found at 10.06 GHz. The low profile and competitive performance of the antenna make it a good candidate in radar applications.
Real‐time imaging of decompression gas bubble growth in the spinal cord of live rats
Authors: Alvarado Roman , Scheven Ulrich M. , Meiners Jens‐Christian
Published: April 2024

Purpose

To observe the growth and resolution of decompression gas bubbles in the spinal cord of live rats in real time using MRI.

Methods

We constructed an MRI‐compatible pressure chamber system to visualize gas bubble dynamics in deep tissues in real time. The system pressurizes and depressurizes rodents inside an MRI scanner and monitors their respiratory rate, heart rate, and body temperature while providing gaseous anesthesia under pressure during the experiments.

Results

We observed the formation of decompression gas bubbles in the spinal cord of rats after compression to 7.1 bar absolute and rapid decompression inside the MRI scanner while maintaining continuous gaseous anesthesia and vital monitoring.

Conclusion

We have shown the direct observation of decompression gas bubble formation in real time by MRI in live, anesthetized rats.
Impaired metabolic flexibility to fasting is associated with increased ad libitum energy intake in healthy adults
Authors: Unlu Yigit , Piaggi Paolo , Stinson Emma J. , Cabeza De Baca Tomás , Rodzevik Theresa L. , Walter Mary , Krakoff Jonathan , Chang Douglas C.
Published: April 2024

Objective

We investigated how changes in 24‐h respiratory exchange ratio (RER) and substrate oxidation during fasting versus an energy balance condition influence subsequent ad libitum food intake.

Methods

Forty‐four healthy, weight‐stable volunteers (30 male and 14 female; mean [SD], age 39.3 [11.0] years; BMI 31.7 [8.3] kg/m2) underwent 24‐h energy expenditure measurements in a respiratory chamber during energy balance (50% carbohydrate, 30% fat, and 20% protein) and 24‐h fasting. Immediately after each chamber stay, participants were allowed 24‐h ad libitum food intake from computerized vending machines.

Results

Twenty‐four‐hour RER decreased by 9.4% (95% CI: −10.4% to −8.5%;p < 0.0001) during fasting compared to energy balance, reflecting a decrease in carbohydrate oxidation (mean [SD], −2.6 [0.8] MJ/day;p < 0.0001) and an increase in lipid oxidation (2.3 [0.9] MJ/day;p < 0.0001). Changes in 24‐h RER and carbohydrate oxidation in response to fasting were correlated with the subsequent energy intake such that smaller decreases in fasting 24‐h RER and carbohydrate oxidation, but not lipid oxidation, were associated with greater energy intake after fasting (r = 0.31,p = 0.04;r = 0.40,p = 0.007; andr = −0.27,p = 0.07, respectively).

Conclusions

Impaired metabolic flexibility to fasting, reflected by an inability to transition away from carbohydrate oxidation, is linked with increased energy intake.
Risk of bleeding during flapless immediate implant placement after tooth extraction in patients taking antithrombotics
Authors: Kang Tae‐Gyu , Park Kwan‐Soo
Published: April 2024

Objectives

To assess postoperative bleeding in patients undergoing immediate implant placement after tooth extraction without discontinuing or adjusting the dosage of oral antithrombotic drugs.

Materials and methods

Patients from February 2020 to August 2022 were selected who had undergone flapless immediate implant placements after tooth extraction and were on antithrombotics. A total of 27 patients were included. The patients were on different types of anticoagulants: vitamin K antagonists (one patient), non‐vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) (five), antiplatelet agents (15), dual antiplatelet therapy (five), and combination of anticoagulant and antiplatelet agents (one).

Results

One patient taking an anticoagulant (NOACs: apixaban) and antiplatelet agent (clopidogrel) showed mild bleeding at the implant placement site in the lower right canine area, and gauze compression was applied to control the bleeding. No special treatment was required for the other patients. There were no implant failures after surgery.

Conclusions

This study shows that the flapless immediate implant placements after tooth extraction for patients taking antithrombotics can be safely executed under adequate hemostasis without medication cessation. However, when anticoagulants and antiplatelets are taken together, it is speculated that surgeons may need careful hemorrhage management. Future research should include larger patient cohorts to yield more comprehensive evidence.
Effect of hybrid ratio on shape memory properties of graphene oxide‐carbon/glass fiber composites prepared based on vacuum infiltration hot‐press forming experimental system
Authors: Zhang Yuyang , Wu Xiaojun , Xi Changqing , Lv Jinshu , Guo Haiyin , Wang Dan , Xu Yi
Published: April 2024

Shape memory composites now have a wide range of applications in aerospace, medical devices, and smart structures. Seven graphene‐carbon oxide/glass fiber (GO‐CF/GF) hybrid reinforced shape memory composites were prepared using vacuum infiltration hot pressing system (VIHPS) and the shape memory properties of the materials were investigated in 100°C test. By comparing and analyzing the microstructure and shape memory properties of composites containing different volume fractions of GFs, the mechanism of the influence of different hybrid contents of GFs on the organizational properties and shape memory properties was investigated. The results show that when the reinforcement of the composites were all carbon fibers, the composites had the largest elasticity modulus, harder material and the fixation rate of 77.15%, the recovery rate of 95.17%, the porosity of 0.80% and the shape recovery force of 7.98 N. When the reinforcement of the composites were glass fibers, the composites had the smallest elasticity modulus, softer material and the fixation rate of 94.89%, the recovery rate of 77.21%, the porosity of 13.56% and the recovery force of 2.28 N. The results of this test can lay a foundation for subsequent research on fibers with different mixing ratios.

Highlights

The GO‐CF/GF/EP prepared by VIHPS has excellent shape memory properties.

Fiber hybrid ratio affects the composite's porosity and its properties.

Fiber hybrid ratio affects the composite's shape fixation, recovery, and memory force.

The shape fixation of G6 decreases the lowest with test cycles.

Carbon fiber content changes the zero‐stress plane of GO‐CF/GF/EP.
Effects of off‐axis load direction on tensile properties of pultruded fiber‐reinforced polymer bolted joints with multi‐directional fiber lay‐ups
Authors: Liang Mengdie , Wang Xin , Zhong Liancai , Jiang Zhen , Huang Huang , Wu Zhishen
Published: April 2024

The limited joint performance of unidirectional (UD) pultruded fiber‐reinforced polymer (FRP) composites poses a critical issue that constrains their application in structural engineering. Moreover, UD pultruded FRP joints display a notable reduction in strength and stiffness as the load angle diverges from the fiber pultrusion direction. This paper presents a numerical study of bolted pultruded FRP joints with different off‐axis loading directions. Two types of fiber lay‐ups, including UD and multi‐directional (MD), were investigated. Static tensile tests were conducted with the loading direction parallel to the pultrusion. A finite element model was validated by the test results. Studied geometric parameters includes the end‐to‐diameter (e/d) ratio, width‐to‐diameter (w/d) ratio, and bolt arrangement. Compared to UD joints, MD joints exhibited significant advantages in strength and stiffness under off‐axis loading with an increasing of 78.3% at a loading angle of 90°. Compared to the end distance, plate width has a more significant impact on the off‐axis behaviors of MD joints, especially between 30° and 75°. Multi‐bolted joints were more susceptible to net‐tension failure than single‐bolted joints. Furthermore, classical laminate theory and Hashin failure criterion were employed to predict the resistance of single‐bolted FRP joints with different loading angles, achieving high accuracy.

Highlights

Under increased off‐axis loading angles, compared with unidirectional (UD) joints, multi‐directional (MD) joints display a less reduction in both strength and stiffness. At a 90° angle UD joints displayed only 21.7% of the joint resistance of MD joints.

Compared to the end distance, plate width has a more significant impact on the off‐axis behaviors of MD joints, especially between 30° and 75°.

Classical Laminate Theory, Hashin failure criterion were effectively utilized to predict the ultimate strength of pultruded joints under various tensile loading angles, yielding high accuracy. The error between theoretical and simulated values is within 20%.
Stretch‐tolerant PECVD gas barrier coatings for sustainable flexible packaging
Authors: Alizadeh Philipp , Franke Jonas , Dahlmann Rainer
Published: April 2024

This study employs X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thickness measurements, permeation analysis and laser scanning microscopy to analyse the stretch tolerance in dependence of the chemical composition and deposition rates of plasma‐enhanced chemical vapour deposition coatings. SiOx and SiOCH coatings are deposited on polyethylene terephthalate film using a full factorial study design of three parameters (monomer/oxygen mass flow and pulse duration). They exhibit distinct differences, with the monomer mass flow emerging as a critical factor influencing deposition rates and stretch tolerance. SiOCH coatings demonstrate faster growth rates due to higher monomer flow. SiOx coatings exhibit superior barrier performance. Stretch tolerance does not solely correlate with atomic composition, since a SiOx coating with higher‐than‐predicted stretch tolerance was observed.
Placenta accreta spectrum disorders: A retrospective continuous audit of clinical outcomes of 82 cases over 18 years in a large outer London associated teaching hospital
Authors: Leung Emily , Magro Michael , Otigbah Chineze , Bologa Sorina
Published: April 2024

Objective

To analyse and describe the clinical outcomes for the women with placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders managed in our Trust over the last 18 years.

Design

Hospital‐based retrospective continuous audit.

Setting

Continuous audit of the women diagnosed with PAS between 2005 and 2023.

Population

Large outer London teaching hospital.

Methods

All women with low‐lying placenta on a previous caesarean scar were screened during their anomaly scan. Those with suspected PAS were referred to foetal medicine and once confirmed, managed using a multidisciplinary team approach.

Main Outcome Measures

Time of diagnosis, risk factors, timing of and gestation at delivery, type of surgical procedure, length of stay, intensive therapy unit admission, blood transfusion requirements, use of cell salvage, haemostatic techniques, histology, in‐utero transfer rate, need for emergency delivery and complications.

Results

Of the 82 women, 61% were nonwhite and 76% overweight or obese. Thirty‐four percent occurred in women with one previous caesarean. The number managed each year increased, with 39% occurring since 2018. Twenty‐two percent were transferred from other Trusts. Eighty‐four percent delivered >32 weeks gestation with only two women delivering live births <28 weeks. Eighty‐three percent delivered by planned caesarean. Complication rates were low overall, haemorrhage >3 L occurred in 35%. Since 2018, 72% had excision and these cases had better surgical outcomes and fewer complications.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrates that our cohort of women are a high‐risk population but despite this, our results are favourable and demonstrate a move to excision surgery with associated reduced morbidity, low rate of complications, a short hospital stay and very low rates of extremely premature deliveries.
Motion planning and contact force distribution for heavy‐duty hexapod robots walking on unknown rugged terrains
Authors: Ding Liang , Gong Xiao , Hu Lei , Wang Guanyu , Shao Zhongxi , Yang Huaiguang , Gao Haibo , Deng Zongquan
Published: April 2024

Heavy‐duty hexapod robots have impressive stability, high load‐bearing capacity, and exceptional adaptability to rugged terrains. They are capable of working in challenging outdoor environments such as planetary exploration, disaster relief and mountain transportation. Their ability to traverse terrain requires effective motion planning and accurate force distribution, neither of which is currently at the level required for widespread practical applications. In this paper, the mechanical legs are divided into support and swing legs, and the adaptability of the hexapod robot to unknown rugged terrain is enhanced by introducing the Decomposition Quadratic Programming‐based Contact Force Distribution (DQP‐based CFD) method. Moreover, an efficient replanning strategy can handle accidental collisions between swinging legs and unmodelled obstacles. Extensive field experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed motion planning and contact force distribution methods.
Study on the physicochemical properties of human hair fiber‐reinforced modified epoxidized soybean oil‐based composites
Authors: Gogoi Gitashree , Banerjee Pragya , Maji Tarun K.
Published: April 2024

This paper investigates the effect of fiber surface treatment on various properties of hair fiber reinforced composites. Human hair fiber reinforced modified epoxidized soybean oil based composites were prepared by compression molding technique. Acid treatment of hair fibers was carried out by using three different concentrations of HCl solution (0.25%, 0.75%, and 1%, respectively) in order to achieve improvement in adhesion between the fiber and the matrix. Epoxidized soybean oil was modified using methacrylic acid and methacrylic anhydride to form methacrylic anhydride modified epoxidized soybean oil. Rosin acid derivative (a rigid comonomer) was prepared and used as a crosslinker. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy was carried out to study the interaction among the components of the composites. Various properties, namely, mechanical, thermal, flame resistance, and chemical resistance were checked. Scanning electron microscopy of the fractured surface of the composites was carried out to examine the morphologies. Hair fibers treated with 0.75% of HCl showed maximum improvement in all the properties and could be employed as reinforcement in various composites to be used for structural applications.
A 3,3′‐Difluoro‐2,2′‐Bithiophene Based Donor Polymer Realizing High Efficiency (>17%) Single Junction Binary Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Su Zhiyi , Liu Wenlong , Lin Yi , Ma Zaifei , Zhang Andong , Lu Hao , Xu Xinjun , Li Cuihong , Liu Yahui , Bo Zhishan
Published: April 2024

In this study, two novel donor–acceptor (D–A) copolymers are designed and synthesized, DTBT‐2T and DTBT‐2T2F with 2,2′‐bithiophene or 3,3′‐difluoro‐2,2′‐bithiophene as the donor unit and dithienobenzothiadiazole as the acceptor unit, and used them as donor materials in non‐fullerene organic solar cells (OSCs). Due to enhanced planarity of polymer chains resulted by the intramolecular F···S noncovalent interactions, the incorporation of 3,3′‐difluoro‐2,2′‐bithiophene unit instead of 2,2′‐bithiophene into the polymers can enhance their molecular packing, crystallinity and hole mobility. The DTBT‐2T:L8‐BO based binary OSCs deliver a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of only 9.71% with a Voc of 0.78 V, a Jsc of 20.69 mA cm−2, and an FF of 59.67%. Moreover, the introduction of fluoro atoms can lower the highest occupied molecular orbital levels. As a result, DTBT‐2T2F:L8‐BO based single‐junction binary OSCs exhibited less recombination loss, more balanced charge mobility, and more favorable morphology, resulting in an impressive PCE of 17.03% with a higher Voc of 0.89 V, a Jsc of 25.40 mA cm−2, and an FF of 75.74%. These results indicate that 3,3′‐difluoro‐2,2′‐bithiophene unit can be used as an effective building block to synthesize high performance polymer donor materials. This work greatly expands the selection range of donor units for constructing high‐performance polymers.
Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering spatial fingerprinting decodes the digestion behavior of lysosomes in live single cells
Authors: Liu Fugang , Sun Zhirui , Li Bingyi , Liu Jiaqing , Chen Zhou , Ye Jian
Published: April 2024

Lysosome, the digestive organelle in eukaryotic cells, plays an important role in the degradation and recirculation of cellular products as well as in maintaining the stability of cellular metabolic microenvironment. Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is a molecular fingerprint technology with high detection sensitivity and photostability, suited for revealing various intracellular molecular information by inducing endocytosis of SERS‐active nanoparticles. However, it remains challenging to selectively extract the molecular information of specific organelles (e.g., lysosomes) from a high‐dimensional spectral set. Herein, we proposed a novel paradigm by combining label‐free SERS spectroscopy with confocal fluorescence imaging to investigate the digestion behavior of lysosomes in cells. The structural similarity algorithm was innovatively introduced and exhibited its effectiveness in screening out the wavenumbers in the SERS spectral set with high correlation with the metabolic behaviors of lysosomes. With comprehensive experiments on HeLa single cells, we captured the intracellular macromolecular digestion phenomenon and discovered the changing pattern of cellular SERS spectra after starvation‐induced autophagy, and analyzed the molecular information within the lysosomes in three‐dimensional space.
Classic publications in food security research: A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Ho Yuh‐Shan , Lwesya Francis
Published: April 2024

The article presents classic publications in the field of food security from 1993 to 2022 using bibliometric methods. Data come from the Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI‐EXPANDED) of the Web of Science database. The results show that the years 2010 and 2011 stand out as the most prolific, with a total of three classic articles receiving the highest citations. The articles show that agricultural intensification does not necessarily lead to increased yields but rather contributes to environmental degradation through deforestation, biodiversity loss, and ultimately climate change. The articles highlight the adoption of ecologically friendly methods, natural solution, and technology‐based and sustainable agricultural practices to reduce the impact of climate change and address food insecurity. However, linking agricultural intensification to biodiversity conservation and hunger and the effectiveness of different adaptation models in the increasing variability of extreme events remain complex issues that require further research in the future. Similarly, machine learning research can be used to address food insecurity, especially in crop or plant, and forestry tree breeding, precision agriculture, and so forth.
The diameter of cutaneous melanoma serves as a prognostic indicator for survival among acral‐melanoma predominant East Asian patients
Authors: Chen Kuan‐Cheng , Wang Tien‐Hsiang , Li Cheng‐Yuan , Chiu Yu‐Jen
Published: April 2024

Background

Tumor staging plays a pivotal role in melanoma management, where the depth of tumor invasion has been traditionally used as the cornerstone of staging. Paradoxically, the tumor diameter has not been integrated into the staging system. The aim of this study is to elucidate the clinical implications and prognostic value of tumor diameter in cutaneous melanoma, with a particular emphasis on the acral‐melanoma predominant East Asian population, thus potentially enriching the clinical evaluation and treatment strategies for cutaneous melanoma.

Methods

From January 1st, 2006 to December 31st, 2022, a total of 352 patients were diagnosed with melanoma in our center. Among them, there were 135 patients diagnosed as cutaneous melanoma who received complete surgical wide excision and regional lymph nodes assessment. The diameter of the tumor, the depth of tumor invasion, lymph node status and patient survival were all collected and analyzed.

Results

The diameter of cutaneous melanoma had a weak positive correlation with tumor thickness (r = 0.26), however, it still had a significant predictive value for patients' overall survival (p = 0.005) and disease free survival (p = 0.023). As for lymph node metastasis prediction, the Breslow thickness had a better predictive value than tumor diameter (p = 0.002 vs. p = 0.565).

Conclusions

In this study, though with only weak positive correlation to tumor thickness, the tumor diameter of melanoma showed a statistically significant correlation with the patients' overall survival and disease free survival. However, the larger tumor diameter cannot be used as an indicator of high risk of lymph node metastasis.