bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimised PCR assays for detecting elusive waterfowl from environmental DNA
Authors: Honka Johanna , Kvist Laura , Olli Suvi , Laaksonen Toni , Aspi Jouni
Published: April 2024

For many aquatic and semiaquatic mammal, amphibian and fish species, environmental DNA (eDNA) methods are employed to detect species distribution and to monitor their presence, but eDNA is much less employed for avian species. Here, we developed primers for the detection of true geese and swan species using eDNA and optimised a PCR protocol for eDNA. We selected taiga bean goose (Anser fabalis fabalis) as our focal (sub)species and sampled water from lakes, from which the presence of taiga bean goose was visually confirmed. To test, if taiga bean goose DNA could be detected among DNA of other goose species, we similarly sampled eDNA from a zoo pond housing several Anatidae species. We were able to detect taiga bean goose DNA in all but one of the tested lakes, including the zoo pond. The primers developed are not species‐specific, but rather specific to the genus Anser, due to the close relatedness of Anser species, which prevented the development of species‐specific primers and the use of, for example, quantitative PCR. We also developed eDNA primers for Branta species and Cygnus species and tested these primers using the same samples. Canada goose (B. canadensis) and barnacle goose (B. leucopsis) DNA were only detected in the zoo pond (in which they were present), as the sampled natural lakes fall outside the range of these species. We detected whooper swan (C. cygnus) DNA in three lakes and the zoo pond (in which the species was present). The eDNA method presented here provides a potential means to monitor elusive goose species and to study the co‐occurrence of large waterfowl.
Alkynyl Gold(I) Phosphine Complexes: Evaluation of Structure–Activity Relationships for the Alkynyl Ligands on Luminescence and Cytotoxicity
Authors: Lin Tingting , Lin Yanyan , Yao Junfei , Wu Zhongwei , Fu Nanyan , Wei Qiaohua
Published: April 2024

A series of gold (I) phoshpine complexes with diverse alkynyl ligands [Au(C≡CR)(PTA)] (R=C6H11OH, 1; C5H9OH, 2; C15H11OH, 3; C19H27O2, 4; C18H23O2, 5; C9H12N, 6; CH2OCH2C6H5, 7; C6H4OCH3, 8; PTA=1,3,5‐Triaza‐7‐phosphaadamantane) have been synthesized and characterized using a range of spectroscopic techniques. Complex 1 and 3 show an infinite one–dimensional S–type and zigzag aurophilic chain, respectively, whereas complex 2 containing 1‐ethynyl‐1‐cyclohexanol gives an approximate linear two–dimensional aurophilic chain, through intra/intermolecular Au(I)⋯Au(I) interactions as well as hydrogen bonding interactions between hydroxy groups of alkynyl ligands and PTA. Solid complexes 1–8 display strongly room/low–temperature emissive of 477–613 nm with the emission lifetime of 0.40–14.0 μs. All the complexes display higher cytotoxicities against MCF‐7, with the cytotoxicity decreasing in the following order 4>8>5>3>7>6>2>1. Complex 4 and 5 stand out for the highest selectivity towards MCF–7 (IC50=0.63–0.78 μM) compared with normal human embryonic lung fibroblasts (helf) (IC50=14.85–18.13 μM), which makes those complexes attractive for breast cancer therapy.
Application of DNA‐Conjugated Aryl Diazonium Intermediates in DNA‐Encoded Libraries
Authors: Fan Xiaohong , Li Xianfeng , Li Yangfeng , Li Yizhou
Published: April 2024

Aryl diazonium intermediates have emerged as highly versatile intermediates in modern organic synthesis and chemical biology, demonstrating remarkable reactivity under mild reaction conditions. Their significance has extended to DNA‐encoded libraries (DELs), where they serve as valuable alternatives to traditional aryl halide‐based cross‐coupling reactions. Aryl diazonium intermediates as N2‐annulation synthons can efficiently transform into benzotriazinone core on DNA besides C−C coupling. This concept paper illuminates recent advances in this field, emphasizing their applications and potential across various facets of DELs, off‐DNA chemistry, DELs selection, and DNA‐based probes. It is anticipated that these developments will propel the broader utilization of DNA‐conjugated aryl diazonium salt intermediates in DELs, protein labeling, hit discovery, and other interdisciplinary fields.
Dielectrophilic Approach to Sequential Heterofunctionalization of Ethylene from Vinylthianthrenium Salt
Authors: Magagnano Giandomenico , Poirier Valentin , Romoli Filippo , Corbisiero Dario , Calogero Francesco , Cozzi Pier Giorgio , Gualandi Andrea
Published: April 2024

Vinyl thianthrenium salt is a compound with interesting electrophilic properties capable of reacting with two distinct nucleophiles. By using β‐keto esters as one of the reaction partners, it is possible to insert a chain of two carbon atoms with a further functionalization under mild conditions. We have studied this new methodology which involves the stepwise formation of a C−C and a C−X bond (with X=N, O, etc.) in one step without the use of metals. Depending on the reaction conditions and the starting ketoester, a varied reactivity has been observed and described.
Kinetic Resolution of Cyclic Tertiary Alcohols with Lipase A from Candida Antarctica
Authors: Horino Satoshi , Wagner Karla , Hummel Anke , Kanomata Kyohei , Gröger Harald , Akai Shuji
Published: April 2024

Enzyme‐catalyzed acylative kinetic resolution (KR) and dynamic kinetic resolution (DKR) of racemic primary and secondary alcohols have been widely reported to produce esters with high enantiomeric purity. In contrast, similar KRs of tertiary alcohols have been reported for only a limited range of substrates and require prolonged reaction times of several days. To gain deeper insight into the substrate scope and increase the process efficiency, we examined the reaction conditions using commercially available immobilized lipase A from Candida antarctica and found that the addition of the heterogeneous, inorganic base sodium carbonate significantly increased the reaction rate while maintaining high enantioselectivity. The use of vinyl hexanoate as the acyl donor provided esters that were stable during chromatography purification. The optimized reaction conditions were then successfully applied to a range of cyclic tertiary alcohols containing tetralin, dihydroindene, chromane, and thiochromane skeletons having, in part, a substituent on the aromatic ring. In this study on the structure–reactivity relationship of enzymatic KR‐type reactions, we achieved >30 % conversion for various tertiary alcohols in 24 h at 25 °C, producing optically active esters with 88–99 % ee.
Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)—Looking beyond the eating disorder lens?
Authors: Duffy Fiona , Willmott Emma , Nimbley Emy , Lawton Andrew , Sharpe Helen , Buchan Kyle , Gillespie‐Smith Karri
Published: April 2024

Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) was first included as a diagnostic category in 2013, and over the past 10 years has been adopted by the international eating disorder community. While greater awareness of these difficulties has increased identification, demand and enabled advocacy for clinical services, the heterogeneous nature of ARFID poses unique challenges for eating disorder clinicians and researchers. This commentary aims to reflect on some of these challenges, focussing specifically on the risk of viewing ARFID through an eating disorder lens. This includes potential biases in the literature as most recent research has been conducted in specialist child and adolescent eating disorder clinic settings, bringing in to question the generalisability of findings to the broad spectrum of individuals affected by ARFID. We also consider whether viewing ARFID predominantly through an eating disorder lens risks us as a field being blinkered to the range of effective skills our multi‐disciplinary feeding colleagues may bring. There are opportunities that may come with the eating disorder field navigating treatment pathways for ARFID, including more joined up working with multi‐disciplinary colleagues, the ability to transfer skills used in ARFID treatment to individuals with eating disorder presentations, and most notably an opportunity to provide more effective treatment and service pathways for individuals with ARFID and their families. However, these opportunities will only be realised if eating disorder clinicians and researchers step out of their current silos.
The association between endometrial cancer and subsequent diabetic retinopathy severity: A retrospective nationwide study
Authors: Lee Chung‐Yuan , Lin Chiao‐Wen , Sun Yi‐Hung , Wang Po‐Hui , Lee Chia‐Yi , Huang Jing‐Yang , Yang Shun‐Fa
Published: April 2024

Objective

The endometrial cancer is a disorder with elevated oxidative stress. The high oxidative stress resulting from hyperglycemia can lead to diabetic retinopathy (DR) development which is a complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Accordingly, we aim to evaluate the potential relationship between the endometrial cancer and following DR development.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) of Taiwan. Individuals diagnosed with endometrial cancer were matched to the non‐endometrial cancer patients in a 1:4 ratio. The major outcomes are the presence of DR, diabetic macular edema (DME) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) according to diagnostic codes. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to show the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) of major outcomes between groups.

Results

There were 99 (2.3%), 20 (0.5%), and 14 (0.3%) cases with DR, DME and PDR in the endometrial cancer group, respectively. Another 303 (1.8%), 35 (0.2%), and 27 (0.2%) with DR, DME and PDR were observed in the control group, respectively. The endometrial cancer group revealed a significantly higher incidence of DR compared with the control group (aHR 1.51, 95% CI 1.20–1.90, P < 0.001). The cumulative probability of DR was also higher in the endometrial cancer group than in the control group (P < 0.001). The relationship between endometrial cancer and DR was significantly higher in patients aged over 70 years (P = 0.008). In addition, a higher incidence of DR was found during the first 5 years after the endometrial cancer diagnosis (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The endometrial cancer correlates to a higher incidence of subsequent DR, especially within first 5 years of endometrial cancer diagnosis.
Segmentation of the left atrium and proximal pulmonary veins based on dimensional decomposition attention
Authors: Zhang Guodong , Liang Tingyu , Li Yanlin , Liang Kaichao , Gong Zhaoxuan , Guo Wei , Zhang Zhuoning , Ju Ronghui
Published: April 2024

Pulmonary vein anatomical structure typing plays a crucial role in the preoperative assessment and postoperative evaluation of lung tumor resection, atrial fibrillation radio frequency ablation, and other medical procedures. The accuracy of such typing relies heavily on the segmentation results of the left atrium and proximal pulmonary veins. However, due to the similarities in intensity between the left atrium, proximal pulmonary veins, and adjacent tissues in CT images, segmentation errors often occur, leading to subsequent inaccuracies in pulmonary vein classification. To address this issue, we propose an attention module called Dimensional Decomposition Attention (DDA), which combines Dimensional Decomposition Spatial Attention (DDSA) and Dimensional Decomposition Channel Attention (DDCA). DDA effectively leverages the spatial and channel information of 3D images to enhance the segmentation accuracy of the left atrium and proximal pulmonary veins. In DDSA, the input features are decomposed into three one‐dimensional directional features (height, width, and depth) and fused to generate weights that emphasize spatial shape features and focus on the region of interest. On the other hand, DDCA encodes the input features into dimensional channel features, fuses them with one‐dimensional directional features, and utilizes position encoding to reinforce the channel features and prioritize channels with relevant information. The performance of DDA was evaluated using a two‐stage experimental approach on datasets provided by The People's Hospital of Liaoning Province and the MM‐WHS CT dataset, yielding average Dice values of 93.93% and 90.80%, respectively, demonstrating the effectiveness of DDA.
BDD efficiency: Survey of BDD edge ordering algorithms in network reliability
Authors: Chauhan Aakash , Verma Gourav
Published: April 2024

Network reliability analysis is vital for ensuring efficient and error‐free communication within networking and communication applications. Binary Decision Diagrams (BDDs) have emerged as a powerful tool for analyzing and optimizing complex network infrastructures. The objective of this research paper is to conduct a comparative analysis of edge‐ordering algorithms for network reliability using BDDs the study aims to evaluate and compare existing algorithms, providing valuable insights for selecting suitable edge‐ordering algorithms that enhance network reliability. The paper concludes that snooker is outperforming among selected algorithms.
Effects of silencing hsa_circ_0015326 on proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of epithelial ovarian cancer cells
Authors: Zhang Cui‐Ying , Liu Wei , Wang Jia , Zhang Wen‐Wen , Huang Jing‐Lin , Huang Xi‐Yue , Zhang Ying‐Feng , Li Chang‐Jiang , Wang Ting‐Ting , Mao Yan‐Hua , Wang Wen‐Min , Sun Cong‐Cong
Published: April 2024

Although the treatment of ovarian cancer has made great progress, there are still many patients who are not timely detected and given targeted therapy due to unknown pathogenesis. Recent studies have found that hsa_circ_0015326 is upregulated in ovarian cancer and is involved in the proliferation, invasion, and migration of ovarian cancer cells. However, whether hsa_circ_0015326 can be used as a new target of ovarian cancer needs further investigation. Therefore, the effect of hsa_circ_0015326 on epithelial ovarian cancer was investigated in this study. At first, si‐hsa_circ_0015326 lentivirus was transfected into epithelial ovarian cancer cells. Then real‐time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT‐PCR) was used to detect hsa_circ_0015326 level. The proliferation of ovarian cancer cells was detected by CCK‐8 assay. The horizontal and vertical migration abilities of the cells were detected by wound‐healing assay and Transwell assay, respectively. Transwell assay was also used to determine the invasion rate. As for the apoptosis rate, it was assessed by flow cytometry. As a result, the expression level of hsa_circ_0015326 in A2780 and SKOV3 was found to be higher than that in IOSE‐80. However, after transfecting si‐hsa_circ_0015326 and si‐NC into the cells, the proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of A2780 and SKOV3 cells in the si‐hsa_circ_0015326 group were significantly reduced in comparison to those in the si‐NC and mock groups, while their apoptosis rates were elevated. Collectively, silencing hsa_circ_0015326 bears the capability of inhibiting the proliferation, migration, and invasion of ovarian cancer cells while increasing apoptosis rate. It can be concluded that hsa_circ_0015326 promotes the malignant biological activities of epithelial ovarian cancer cells.
Assessing social determinants of mental health: Client experiences and counselor practices
Authors: Gantt‐Howrey Alexandra , Lin Mickey , Shaikh Afroze , Johnson Kaprea F. , Preston Judith W. , Wilson Liz
Published: April 2024

Increasing socioeconomic challenges and their impacts on mental health support the importance of assessing clients’ social determinants of mental health (SDMH) challenges. We examined counseling clients’ (N = 390) experiences with SDMH assessment in counseling using the Client Perceptions of SDMH Assessment Scale (CP‐SDMH). Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed a three‐factor structure for the CP‐SDMH. Results suggest potential biases in SDMH assessment practices. Clients reported that SDMH assessment most often occurred verbally and in relation to health and economic issues. Disparities emerged, indicating higher assessment frequency for Black/African American clients compared to White clients, and lower SDMH assessment rates for clients in specific settings, such as private practices. Furthermore, results indicate a significant positive correlation between assessment of SDMH challenges and client satisfaction. Implications for counseling and future research are discussed.
Clinical Performance of Immunonephelometric Assay and Chemiluminescent Immunoassay for Detection of IgG Subclasses in Chinese
Authors: Qin Yan , Jia Yuhan , Liang Congcong , Fu Rui , Liang Zhaojun , Wang Yanlin , Feng Min , Gao Chong , Luo Jing
Published: April 2024

Background

Detection of IgG subclasses (IgGSc) is vital for the diagnosis and management of disease, especially IgG4‐related diseases (IgG4‐RD). This study aimed to evaluate the performances of the chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) for detecting IgGSc and diagnosing IgG4‐RD by IgGSc.

Methods

A total of 40 individuals with IgG4‐RD, 40 with primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS), and 40 healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled. Serum samples were collected for the simultaneous detection of IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4 by the Siemens immunonephelometric assay and the CLIA. The correlation analysis was performed, and diagnostic value was analyzed by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results

Patients with IgG4‐RD had higher IgG4 (p < 0.001) and lower IgG1 (p < 0.001) than those with pSS, and HC. The results by the Siemens immunonephelometric assay and the CLIA showed a strong correlation in detecting IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4 (r = 0.937, r = 0.847, r = 0.871, r = 0.990, all p < 0.001, respectively). The sum of IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4 using two assays strongly correlated with total IgG by the IMMAGE 800 (r = 0.866, r = 0.811, both p < 0.001, respectively). For discriminating IgG4‐RD from pSS and HC, no significant differences were observed in CLIA IgG4 and Siemens immunonephelometric assay IgG4 (z = 0.138, p = 0.891), which provided the area under the curves (AUCs) of 0.951 (p < 0.001) and 0.950 (p < 0.001), respectively. The AUCs of CLIA IgG1 and Siemens immunonephelometric assay IgG1 in distinguishing pSS from IgG4‐RD and HC were 0.761 (p < 0.001) and 0.765 (p < 0.001), respectively, with no significant differences (z = 0.228, p = 0.820).

Conclusions

The CLIA and the Siemens immunonephelometric assay appeared to have good consistency with comparable diagnostic value in detecting IgGSc, especially IgG4, and IgG1 that can accurately identify IgG4‐RD or pSS in clinical practice.
Ion‐imprinted thiosalicylichydrazide‐based sorbents for selective recognition of mercury(II) ions
Authors: Alenazi Duna AK , Alamrani Nasser A , Almutairi Fahad M , Alotaibi Fatimah A , Foud Moustafa M , Al‐Sayed Hanan MA , Elsayed Nadia H
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

The study of removing heavy metals from water through the use of chelating adsorbents is an emerging and critical area of research. However, the challenge lies in the lack of specificity that these adsorbents often exhibit towards individual metals.

RESULTS

In addressing this challenge, we have synthesized a novel chelating polymer, thiosalicylichydrazidine‐modified poly(acrylonitrile‐co‐divinylbenzene) copolymer (TSH‐P), demonstrating a high affinity for Hg2+ ions. The crosslinking of the Hg2+/TSH‐P complex with a glyoxal crosslinking agent effectively encapsulates Hg2+ ions, stabilizing the functional chelating groups within the coordination geometry of Hg2+. The ions were subsequently removed with EDTA/HNO3, producing a sorbent imprinted with Hg2+ ions (Hg‐IIP). Analytical techniques were employed for a detailed examination of each synthesis step, confirming the successful chelation of Hg2+. Notably, the synthesized Hg‐IIP showed significant selectivity for Hg2+ over other metal cations, with an optimal adsorption pH of 5 and a maximum capacity of 350 mg g−1. The adsorption process was found to closely follow the Langmuir isotherm model, with kinetics that adhered to the pseudo‐second‐order model.

Conclusion

This study introduces a highly selective chelating polymer for the removal of Hg2+ ions from water, highlighting its effectiveness and potential for specificity in heavy metal remediation. The use of analytical techniques to confirm the successful synthesis and chelation process, alongside the demonstrated selectivity and high capacity of the sorbent, underscores the polymer's utility in addressing the challenge of removing heavy metals from aqueous solutions. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Kern's six‐step approach allows for meaningful implementation of an orthognathic surgery training course
Authors: Tan Kian How , Yong Chee Weng , Wong Raymond Chung Wen
Published: April 2024

Objectives

This study investigated the effectiveness of simulation training in improving the confidence and competency of oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS) residents in performing orthognathic surgery (OGS).

Methods

Kern's six‐step approach was applied when designing the simulation training for OMS residents. The difficulties encountered by the residents when learning OGS were considered when designing the training program. A training course consisting of didactic sessions, hands‐on training on three‐dimensional training models, and an assessment tool was implemented for OMS residents. Improvement in the confidence and competence of OMS residents in performing OGS, fidelity of the three‐dimensional models, and satisfaction with the course was evaluated.

Results

All OMS residents (10/10) completed the course. The perceived difficulty in learning OGS was mainly related to the manipulation of the jawbones. While there were improvements in the median confidence and competence scores (3/5 to 4/5), only the differences in competence were found to be statistically significant (p < 0.01, Wilcoxon signed‐rank test). Improvements in confidence and competence did not correlate. The mean fidelity scores of both the maxillary and mandibular models were adequate at 3.2 out of 5. Overall, satisfaction with the course was high (5/5).

Conclusions

The six‐step approach provides a guided process for educators to formulate a training course directed toward the perceived needs of students. Targeted training can significantly enhance the students’ competence. Greater efforts should also be put in place to allow simultaneous developments in the students’ confidence along with their competence.
Evaluating dental student self‐assessment across preclinical anatomy waxing and operative exercises
Authors: Liang Lang , Lin Amy J. , Ha Vivian , Chutinan Supattriya , Ohyama Hiroe
Published: April 2024

Purpose/objective

A career in healthcare is built on the foundations of continuous self‐reflection and self‐assessment. Previous studies have solely compared student self‐assessment to faculty grades in a single discipline. The objective of this study was to investigate whether associations of a student's self‐assessment skills exist across multiple disciplines in the predoctoral setting.

Methods

Sixty‐five students from two class years at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine completed preclinical competency exams in dental anatomy waxing and operative dentistry. The difference between the student's self‐assessment score and average faculty grade for each exercise was calculated as the student‒faculty (S‐F) gap, which served as a proxy to determine how students evaluate their work. Regression analysis was performed to assess associations between wax‐up and preclinical operative S‐F gaps.

Results

Mean S‐F gaps for waxing and preclinical operative procedures were positive (5.7 ± 6.1 and 7.6 ± 6.7, respectively). Additionally, students in the lower quartile tended to overestimate performance to a greater degree than their peers in the upper quartile. Furthermore, the waxing S‐F gaps were positively associated with S‐F gaps of each operative procedure, particularly with the combined operative exercise S‐F gaps, where a statistically significant association was seen (coefficient = 0.28; p = 0.04).

Conclusion(s)

Previously, we identified a negative correlation between students' self‐assessment skills (S‐F gaps) and their preclinical performance. In this study, we further demonstrated an association of S‐F gaps in two fundamental exercises: wax‐up and operative dentistry. This underscores the roles of S‐F gaps as possible indicators of students’ preclinical and clinical performance, and it holds potential to become a widely standardized and applicable calculation that may help evaluate the effectiveness of the dental curricula and optimize student learning.
院外心停止患者に対するコロナ禍での診療方針変更の転帰への影響(Impact of a change in treatment strategy on outcomes of out–of–hospital cardiac arrest patients during the COVID–19 pandemic)
Authors: 史明 岩瀬 , 善史 宮﨑 , 学 松本 , 政彦 柳沢 , 将継 笹本 , 督司 池田 , 一樹 萩原
Published: April 2024

【目的】2019年12月に発生した新型コロナウイルス感染症（COVID–19）の流行を機に変更した院外心停止患者に対する診療方針の変更が妥当であったか検討すること。【方法】COVID–19期とコロナ禍前の同様の期間をCOVID–19前期として両期間に山梨県立中央病院高度救命救急センター（以下，当センター）へ搬送された院外心停止患者を検討対象とし，後方視的に患者背景，治療内容，予後を比較検討した。【結果】COVID–19前期840例，COVID–19期993例の1,833例が検討対象となった。病院前診療はCOVID–19期で有意に減少した。消防の覚知から救急隊の現場到着までの時間は8分から9分，病院到着までの時間も37分から39分と有意に延長した。病院到着後の心拍再開率は33%から21%へと減少し，入院率も23%から13%へ減少した。生存退院は6%と5%，神経学的予後良好も4%と4%であり，両期間に有意差は認めなかった。【結語】当センターに搬送された院外心停止はコロナ禍では，救急隊の現場到着が遅延し病院到着までの時間も延長していた。病院前診療が減少し心拍再開率，入院率は減少したが，生存退院，神経学的予後良好の割合は同等を維持していた。当センターのCOVID–19期の蘇生中止基準は妥当だったと考える。
Virtual MOLLI Target: Generative Adversarial Networks Toward Improved Motion Correction in MRI Myocardial T1 Mapping
Authors: Pan Nai‐Yu , Huang Teng‐Yi , Yu Jui‐Jung , Peng Hsu‐Hsia , Chuang Tzu‐Chao , Lin Yi‐Ru , Chung Hsiao‐Wen , Wu Ming‐Ting
Published: April 2024

Background

The modified Look‐Locker inversion recovery (MOLLI) sequence is commonly used for myocardial T1 mapping. However, it acquires images with different inversion times, which causes difficulty in motion correction for respiratory‐induced misregistration to a given target image.

Hypothesis

Using a generative adversarial network (GAN) to produce virtual MOLLI images with consistent heart positions can reduce respiratory‐induced misregistration of MOLLI datasets.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

1071 MOLLI datasets from 392 human participants.

Field Strength/Sequence

Modified Look‐Locker inversion recovery sequence at 3 T.

Assessment

A GAN model with a single inversion time image as input was trained to generate virtual MOLLI target (VMT) images at different inversion times which were subsequently used in an image registration algorithm. Four VMT models were investigated and the best performing model compared with the standard vendor‐provided motion correction (MOCO) technique.

Statistical Tests

The effectiveness of the motion correction technique was assessed using the fitting quality index (FQI), mutual information (MI), and Dice coefficients of motion‐corrected images, plus subjective quality evaluation of T1 maps by three independent readers using Likert score. Wilcoxon signed‐rank test with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparison. Significance levels were defined as P < 0.01 for highly significant differences and P < 0.05 for significant differences.

Results

The best performing VMT model with iterative registration demonstrated significantly better performance (FQI 0.88 ± 0.03, MI 1.78 ± 0.20, Dice 0.84 ± 0.23, quality score 2.26 ± 0.95) compared to other approaches, including the vendor‐provided MOCO method (FQI 0.86 ± 0.04, MI 1.69 ± 0.25, Dice 0.80 ± 0.27, quality score 2.16 ± 1.01).

Data Conclusion

Our GAN model generating VMT images improved motion correction, which may assist reliable T1 mapping in the presence of respiratory motion. Its robust performance, even with considerable respiratory‐induced heart displacements, may be beneficial for patients with difficulties in breath‐holding.

Level of Evidence

3

Technical Efficacy

Stage 1
A statistical method for the attribution of change‐points in segmented Integrated Water Vapor difference time series
Authors: Nguyen Khanh Ninh , Bock Olivier , Lebarbier Emilie
Published: April 2024

Many segmentation or change‐point detection methods for homogenizing climate time series compare candidate station data with reference data to eliminate common climate signals and more efficiently detect spurious, non‐climatic changes. One drawback is that it is difficult to decide whether the detected change‐point is due to the candidate series or to the reference. A so‐called attribution procedure is typically applied in a post‐processing step for each detected change‐point. This article describes a new statistical method for the attribution of change‐points detected in Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) minus reanalysis series of integrated water vapour. It requires at least one nearby station with similar GNSS and reanalysis data. Six series of differences are formed from the four base series (BS) and are tested for a significant jump at the time of the change‐point detected in the candidate station. The six test results are analysed with a statistical predictive rule to attribute the change‐point to one, or several, of the four BS. Original aspects of our method are: (1) the significance test, which is based on a generalized linear regression approach, taking both heteroscedasticity and autocorrelation into account; (2) the predictive rule, which uses a machine learning method and is constructed from the test results obtained with the real data by using a resampling strategy. Four popular machine learning methods have been compared using cross‐validation and the best one was applied to a real data set (49 main stations with 114 change‐points). The results depend on the choice of the test significance level and the aggregation method combining the prediction results when several nearby stations are available. We find that 62% of the change‐points are attributed to GNSS, 19% to the reanalysis, and 10% are due to coincident detections.
Evaluation of acceptance and preference of topical lidocaine application versus articaine injection anesthesia after nonsurgical periodontal treatment: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Dörfer Christof , Chmiela Kathrin , Arweiler Nicole B. , Petersilka Gregor J. , Dommisch Henrik , Heckel Ralph , Kahl Maren , Kuzmanova Denica , Purucker Peter , Springer Claudia
Published: April 2024

Background

To compare acceptance and preference of topical lidocaine gel anesthesia with articaine injection anesthesia in patients with moderate periodontitis undergoing scaling and root debridement.

Methods

Ninety‐one patients completed this randomized multicenter split‐mouth controlled study and underwent two separate periodontal treatment sessions on different days, one with a topical intrapocket lidocaine gel application and the other with an articaine injection anesthesia in a different order depending on randomization. Parameters measured were the patients’ preference for topical lidocaine gel anesthesia or injection anesthesia with articaine (primary efficacy criterion), their maximum and average pain, and their intensity of numbness as well as experience of side effects; the probing depth; and the dentists’ preference and their evaluations of handling/application, onset and duration of anesthetic effect, and patient compliance.

Results

After having experienced both alternatives, 58.3% of the patients preferred the topical lidocaine gel instillation into the periodontal pockets. The safety profile of the lidocaine gel differed positively from the safety profile of articaine injection in type and frequency of adverse drug reactions. The dentistsʼ acceptance and preference regarding either anesthetic method studied were balanced.

Conclusions

Instillation of lidocaine gel into the periodontal pocket is a preferred alternative to injection anesthesia for most of the patients and an equivalent alternative for dentists in nonsurgical periodontal therapy.
Optical penetration models for practical prediction of femtosecond laser ablation of dental hard tissue
Authors: Woodfield Peter L. , Rode Andrei V. , Dao Dzung , Dau Van Thanh , Madden Steve , Walsh Laurence J. , Spallek Heiko , Walsh Lee , Sutton Andrew J. , Zuaiter Omar , Habeb Alaa , Hirst Timothy R. , Rapp Ludovic
Published: April 2024

Objectives

To develop and practically test high‐precision femtosecond laser ablation models for dental hard tissue that are useful for detailed planning of automated laser dental restorative treatment.

Methods

Analytical models are proposed, derived, and demonstrated for practical calculation of ablation rates, ablation efficiency and ablated morphology of human dental enamel and dentin using femtosecond lasers. The models assume an effective optical attenuation coefficient for the irradiated material. To achieve ablation, it is necessary for the local energy density of the attenuated pulse in the hard tissue to surpass a predefined threshold that signifies the minimum energy density required for material ionization. A 1029 nm, 40 W carbide 275 fs laser was used to ablate sliced adult human teeth and generate the data necessary for testing the models. The volume of material removed, and the shape of the ablated channel were measured using optical profilometry.

Results

The models fit with the measured ablation efficiency curve against laser fluence for both enamel and dentin, correctly capturing the fluence for optimum ablation and the volume of ablated material per pulse. The detailed shapes of a 400‐micrometer wide channel and a single‐pulse width channel are accurately predicted using the superposition of the analytical result for a single pulse.

Conclusions

The findings have value for planning automated dental restorative treatment using femtosecond lasers. The measurements and analysis give estimates of the optical properties of enamel and dentin irradiated with an infrared femtosecond laser at above‐threshold fluence and the proposed models give insight into the physics of femtosecond laser processing of dental hard tissue.
The interplay between blockchain adoption and green operations for a firm
Authors: Zhang Huanyong , Zhu Chenchen , Zhang Wen
Published: April 2024

This study considers a firm selling only green products or both ordinary and green ones to consumers with or without blockchain technology. We find that the profitability of adoption of this technology for the firm relies heavily on consumers' environmental awareness. It should be adopted when consumers have relatively high environmental awareness. Here, the selling price, sales, and greenness level of green products are relatively higher compared to those in the case without blockchain. Finally, the firm only sells green products after blockchain adoption when consumers' environmental awareness level is relatively high or the development cost coefficient of green products is relatively small.
Effect of ferrous, nickel, and tungsten fillers reinforcement on glass fiber reinforced vinyl ester/polyester composites
Authors: Hemath Mohit , Rangappa Sanjay Mavinkere , C Pandi Selvan Durai , Ramesh Periyasamy , Siengchin Suchart , Al‐Romaizan Abeer Nasser , Hussein Mahmoud A. , Khan Anish , Asiri Abdullah M. , Althomali Raed H.
Published: April 2024

The present investigation targets the physical, mechanical, and thermal characteristics of glass fabric‐reinforced vinyl ester/polyester hybrid laminates filled with ferrous, nickel, and tungsten micro‐particles. The metal‐fillers‐glass fabric reinforced vinyl ester/polyester hybrid composites was produced by distributing 1 wt% ferrous, nickel, and tungsten with an ultrasonication probe‐assisted wet layup method. Polyester resin reinforced with glass fabrics and tungsten fillers (PRGT) presents improved mechanical characteristics compared with other hybrid laminates, with tensile, compression, and flexural strength values of 157.89 MPa, 163.74 MPa, and 167.29 MPa, respectively. The fractographic microstructure of tensile fracture PRGT laminates exhibits that glass fibers pull out, microcracks, and lower gaps, because of stronger filler‐fabric‐matrix adhesion when compared with other hybrid laminates. The artificial neural network modeling was conducted to choose the best composite among the various manufactured composites. Statistical analysis was observed from the one‐way ANOVA technique, substantiating that the physical, mechanical, and thermal characteristics of metal fillers‐reinforced hybrid composites were statistically significant.

Highlights

Metal‐fillers‐glass fabric reinforced vinyl ester/polyester hybrid composites.

Selection of the best composite from developed composites by ANN.

Tungsten fillers are a useful material for reinforcement.
Association between mental health social worker staffing in psychiatric emergency wards and readmission outcomes: A nationwide survey in Japan
Authors: Suzuki Kosuke , Niitsu Tomihisa , Kimura Hiroshi , Yanagisawa Yuta , Ono Marina , Komatsu Hideki , Yoshimura Kensuke , Watanabe Hiroyuki , Iyo Masaomi
Published: April 2024

Aim

The mental healthcare system in Japan is transitioning from institution‐based to community‐based treatment. To prevent prolonged hospitalization and community integration of psychiatric patients, mental health social workers (MHSWs) are pivotal in coordinating post‐discharge arrangements for psychiatric inpatients. This study aimed to propose a care model to improve clinical outcomes in psychiatric emergency wards in Japan.

Methods

We conducted a mail‐in questionnaire survey targeting medical facilities with psychiatric emergency wards. We collected data of the psychiatric care system, including facility profiles, staffing conditions and caseloads, and the provided psychiatric services and treatment options. Using multiple regression analyses, we explored associations between these data and clinical outcomes, focusing on the average number of days for hospitalization and the integration of patients into a community.

Results

Data were collected from 82 facilities (response rate, 45.8%). The average number of days for hospitalization and community integration were 64.7 and 327.9 days, respectively. The caseloads for MHSWs were significantly associated with longer hospitalization (β = 0.31, p = 0.009) and shorter duration of community living (β = −0.28, p = 0.027).

Conclusion

The clinical performance in psychiatric emergency wards surpassed the Japanese government's targets regarding these outcomes. We found that heavy caseloads on MHSWs were associated with worse clinical outcomes for patients in psychiatric emergency wards. These findings suggest that reducing MHSW caseloads (≤20 cases) may be a potential interventional strategy to prevent prolonged hospitalization and promote successful community integration of patients.
Performance of novolac resin‐ and resole resin‐based carbon/carbon composites in relation to their fabrication conditions
Authors: Georgiou Pantelitsa , Kyriakopoulou Eleftheria , Zoumpoulakis Loukas
Published: April 2024

The demands of cost‐driven industrial applications can be satisfied by manufacturing composites with a low volume fraction of carbon fibres as phenolic carbon fibre‐reinforced composites and C/C composites, both with acceptable performances, for low‐ or high‐temperature applications, respectively. Polymeric composites reinforced with a low volume fraction (7.5% v/v) of carbon fibres were fabricated using laboratory‐produced phenolic resins, novolac (N) and resole (R), as matrices after different curing/post‐curing temperature profiles. By optimising the manufacturing conditions, the N‐based polymeric composites exhibited higher flexural strength, whereas the R‐based composites showed higher shear strength. C/C composites, namely N‐based and R‐based, were manufactured by pyrolysis of the previously prepared polymeric composites up to 1000 °C. The pyrolysed composites were then densified by impregnation with an appropriate resin solution, followed by curing and new pyrolysis, and particularly by employing 1 up to 4 consecutive cycles of ‘impregnation–curing/pyrolysis’. Weight changes resulting from the impregnation–curing and pyrolysis stages were determined. The curing of both resins was verified by Fourier Transform Infrared Analysis. The apparent density and X‐ray diffraction data of the C/C composites were used to calculate their total percent porosities. The morphology and elemental composition of the C/C composites at their failure region (after flexural testing) were examined by Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy‐Dispersive X‐ray Analyses. In comparison to the N‐based C/C composites, the R‐based ones exhibited: higher shear strength, lower flexural strength, higher Shore D hardness, slightly higher surface conductivity and lower volume conductivity. The optimum conditions for the manufacture of C/C composites were achieved by applying two consecutive cycles of ‘pyrolysis–impregnation–pyrolysis’ to the polymeric composites. © 2024 The Authors. Polymer International published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Synthesis of colorless polyimides derived from benzimidazole diamines with bis‐amide structures
Authors: Zhang Hao , Guo Feng , Xu Ke , Wang Mengxia , Chen Chunhai , Qian Guangtao , Liu Gang , Deng Zhiqing
Published: April 2024

To make the colorless polyimides (CPIs) suitable for the application of flexible display technology, the polyimide (PI) films need to have both good optical properties and thermal properties. To get the wanted properties, 2‐(2‐methyl‐4‐(2‐methyl‐4‐aminobenzamido)phenyl)‐5‐(2‐methyl‐4‐aminobenzamido)‐N‐phenylbenzimidazol (5a) and 2‐(2‐methyl‐4‐(2‐trifluoromethyl‐4‐aminobenzamido)phenyl)‐5‐(2‐trifluoromethyl‐4‐aminobenzamido)‐N‐phenylbenzimidazol (5b) were synthesized, which both contained benzimidazole and bis‐amide structures. Two kinds of PI films were polymerized with cyclobutane‐1,2,3,4‐tetracarboxylic dianhydride (CBDA). With the contribution of side groups (CH3 or CF3), the resulting PI films presented relatively superior optical properties (transmittance at 400 nm was 59% and 68% respectively) and low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE = 22 and 25 ppm K−1). These good properties suggest that these PI films have the potential for flexible display usage.
An environmentally friendly synergistic stabilization of emulsions using an ABC macrosurfactant and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose
Authors: Constantinou Anna P. , Somuncuoğlu Birsen , Georgiou Theoni K.
Published: April 2024

Here, a series of non‐ionic ABC based on the hydrophilic oligo‐ and di‐(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (OEGMA300/A and DEGMA/C), and the hydrophobic n‐butyl methacrylate (BuMA, B) are investigated as macrosurfactants. Polymers of constant composition, and four varying molar masses (MM) were synthesized via group transfer polymerization. The higher the MM, the bigger the micelles in aqueous media, and the lower the critical micellization concentration and the stability of oil‐in‐water emulsions. The best‐performing macrosurfactant was investigated under different conditions and it was proven that the oil phase volume fraction, and surfactant concentration strongly control the emulsion stability. The macrosurfactants show minimal dependence on the salinity of the water phase, thus offering suitability in preparation of emulsion in environments with different hardness. Emulsions stabilized by both the macrosurfactant and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), a naturally derived viscosity modifier, present a classical non‐Newtonian behavior; the viscosity increased when increasing the MM of the HPMC. The emulsion stabilization is attributed to the synergistic steric stabilization provided by the macrosurfactant and the increased viscosity and formation of an entangled network by HPMC. This formulation leads to emulsion stability over 65% 1 year after emulsification, highlighting its potential use in commercial applications.
Exploring the potential of ChatGPT in enhancing atmospheric pressure plasma research techniques
Authors: Bai Ruihang , Zhu Haiwei , Li Jiacheng , Liu Dawei , Lu Xin
Published: April 2024

Released in March 2023, GPT‐4 has shown remarkable proficiency in various scientific areas, including atmospheric pressure plasma research. The paper discusses how GPT‐4, supported by ScholarAI and Wolfram plugins, enhances research efficiency with its vast knowledge and inferencing skills. It focuses on plasma‐water‐based nitrogen fixation experiments, demonstrating GPT‐4's abilities in explanation, analysis, prediction, planning, and verification. The study also addresses challenges like interpreting non‐textual data and keeping pace with scientific advancements. It highlights GPT‐4's role in improving nitrogen fixation process efficiency, showcasing its utility in scientific analysis and decision‐making. The paper emphasizes the evolving role of AI in research and the need for the scientific community to adapt to the rise of more advanced AI systems.
Intra‐urban residential mobility and segregation of foreigners in Rome
Authors: Rimoldi Stefania M. L. , Crisci Massimiliano , Benassi Federico , Raymer James
Published: April 2024

This research studies the residential mobility of Italians and foreigners in Rome from 2002 to 2019. We examine the differences in residential mobility patterns for (1) Italians and foreigners, (2) foreign migrants by selected country of origin, and (3) the effect of intra‐urban mobility on residential segregation. Log‐linear models and segregation indexes are used to analyze unpublished microdata on residential mobility by neighbourhood from the population register of Rome. Results show that foreigners are more mobile than Italians and more prone to move outside the area where they live, but with an increasing process of remaining in their current locations over time. Also, similarities and differences emerge by country of origin. Finally, we find residential mobility has increased the spatial concentration and clustering of foreigners in Rome, whilst reducing the dissimilarity from Italians at the same time.
The effects of citrus flavonoids supplementation on endothelial function: A systematic review and dose–response meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Jalili Farnaz , Moradi Sajjad , Talebi Sepide , Mehrabani Sanaz , Ghoreishy Seyed Mojtaba , Wong Alexei , Jalalvand Ali R. , Kermani Mohammad Ali Hojjati , Jalili Cyrus , Jalili Faramarz
Published: April 2024

The present systematic review and dose–response meta‐analysis was conducted to synthesize existing data from randomized clinical trials (RCTs) concerning the impact of citrus flavonoids supplementation (CFS) on endothelial function. Relevant RCTs were identified through comprehensive searches of the PubMed, ISI Web of Science, and Scopus databases up to May 30, 2023. Weighted mean differences and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were pooled utilizing a random‐effects model. A total of eight eligible RCTs, comprising 596 participants, were included in the analysis. The pooled data demonstrated a statistically significant augmentation in flow‐mediated vasodilation (FMD) (2.75%; 95% CI: 1.29, 4.20; I2 = 87.3%; p < 0.001) associated with CFS compared to the placebo group. Furthermore, the linear dose–response analysis indicated that each increment of 200 mg/d in CFS led to an increase of 1.09% in FMD (95% CI: 0.70, 1.48; I2 = 94.5%; p < 0.001). The findings from the nonlinear dose–response analysis also revealed a linear relationship between CFS and FMD (Pnon‐linearity = 0.903, Pdose–response <0.001). Our findings suggest that CFS enhances endothelial function. However, more extensive RTCs encompassing longer intervention durations and different populations are warranted to establish more precise conclusions.