bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of Vaginal Estradiol Tablet With Serum Estrogen Levels in Women Who Are Postmenopausal
Authors: Mitchell Caroline M. , Larson Joseph C. , Crandall Carolyn J. , Bhasin Shalender , LaCroix Andrea Z. , Ensrud Kristine E. , Guthrie Katherine A. , Reed Susan D.
Published: November 2022

Importance

Half of women who are postmenopausal have genitourinary discomfort after menopause. Recommended therapies include low-dose vaginal estrogen. Individuals with a history of breast cancer or venous thromboembolism may have concerns about the safety of this intervention.

Objective

To compare serum estrogen concentrations with the use of vaginal estrogen, 10 μg, tablet vs placebo in women who are postmenopausal.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This is a secondary, post hoc analysis of data from a randomized clinical trial of treatment for moderate to severe genitourinary syndrome in women who are postmenopausal. The study was conducted at Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute and the University of Minnesota from April 11, 2016, to April 23, 2017. Measurements and data analysis were performed from November 3, 2020, to September 23, 2022.

Interventions

Participants were randomly assigned to vaginal estradiol tablet (10 μg/d for 2 weeks and then twice weekly) plus placebo gel (3 times weekly) or dual placebo for 12 weeks.

Main Outcomes and Measures

In this post hoc analysis, baseline and week 12 serum estradiol, estrone, and sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG) concentrations were measured by a chemiluminescent assay. Week 12 values of the 3 analytes were compared by baseline participant characteristics. Linear models compared week 12 estradiol concentrations between treatment groups, adjusted for baseline characteristics.

Results

A total of 174 women, mean (SD) age 61 (4) years, were included. Those in the estrogen group (n = 88) were more likely to have higher geometric mean (SD) week 12 serum estradiol concentrations (4.3 [2.2 pg/mL]) than those in the placebo group (n = 86) (3.5 [2.1] pg/mL) (P = .01). Adjusted for pretreatment hormone concentrations, age, clinical site, and body mass index, assignment to the estrogen vs placebo treatment group was significantly associated with higher week 12 estradiol concentrations (23.8% difference; 95% CI, 6.9%-43.3%). Most (121 of 174 [69.5%]) participants had enrollment serum estradiol concentrations higher than 2.7 pg/mL. Of women starting treatment at estradiol levels lower than or equal to 2.7 pg/mL, 38.1% (8 of 21) in the estrogen group and 34.4% (11 of 32) in the placebo group had estradiol concentrations higher than 2.7 pg/mL after 12 weeks of study participation (P = .78). Treatment assignment was not associated with week 12 estrone or SHBG concentrations.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial, a significant, although small, increase in serum estradiol levels was noted after 12 weeks of vaginal estrogen administration. The clinical relevance of this small increase is uncertain.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02516202
Association of COVID-19 Vaccination With Influenza Vaccine History and Changes in Influenza Vaccination
Authors: Parker Andrew M. , Atshan Samer , Walsh Matthew M. , Gidengil Courtney A. , Vardavas Raffaele
Published: November 2022

This survey study assesses how COVID-19 vaccination differs across historical influenza vaccination patterns and whether influenza vaccination changed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Influence of Self‐Reported Knee Instability on Outcomes Following Education and Exercise: A Cohort Study of 2,466 Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Selçuk Halit , Roos Ewa M. , Grønne Dorte T. , Thorlund Jonas B. , Sarı Zübeyir , Skou Søren T.
Published: November 2022

Objective

To study the influence of self‐reported knee instability on changes in knee pain and gait speed following patient education and supervised exercise therapy in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

We included patients enrolled in the Good Life With Osteoarthritis in Denmark (GLA:D) program, an 8‐week education and supervised neuromuscular exercise program. Patients were classified into 4 groups according to their level of self‐reported knee instability (never; rarely; sometimes; most of the time or all the time). Knee pain intensity was evaluated on a 0–100 mm scale and gait speed from the 4 × 10 meters fast‐paced walk test at baseline and after the program. Using linear regression, we examined the association between knee instability and the change in pain and gait speed, respectively. Sex, age, body mass index, physical activity level, and previous knee surgery were covariates in adjusted models.

Results

Among 2,466 patients with knee OA, mean baseline pain and gait speed varied between 38–59 mm and 1.39–1.56 meters/second in patients experiencing no instability and patients experiencing instability most or all the time, respectively. All instability groups improved in pain and gait speed. Compared to the no instability group, patients reporting instability most or all the time experienced larger improvements in pain (4.3 mm [95% confidence interval 1.2, 7.5]), while no difference between instability groups was found for gait speed.

Conclusion

Knee OA patients with self‐reported instability seem to benefit even more from a patient education and supervised exercise therapy program than OA patients without instability.
Paving the Way for High‐Performance UVB‐LEDs Through Substrate‐Dominated Strain‐Modulation
Authors: Li Tai , Luo Wei , Liu Shangfeng , Yang Jiajia , Tao Renchun , Yuan Ye , Chen Zhaoying , Wang Jinlin , Wang Tao , Rong Xin , Li Duo , Huang Zhen , Wang Weiyun , Kang Junjie , Wang Xinqiang
Published: November 2022

AlGaN‐based ultraviolet‐B light‐emitting diodes (UVB‐LEDs) exhibit great potential in phototherapy, vitamin D3 synthesis promotion, plant growth regulation, and so on. However, subjected to the excess compressive strain induced by the large lattice mismatch between multiple quantum wells (MQWs) and AlN, UVB‐LEDs that simultaneously satisfy the requirements of high light output power (LOP), low working voltage, and excellent stability are rarely reported. Here, a substrate‐dominated strain‐modulation strategy is proposed. By precisely manipulating the strain in AlN grown on nano‐patterned sapphire substrate (NPSS) to a slightly tensile one, the compressive strain in the following Al0.55Ga0.45N underlayer and Al0.28Ga0.72N/Al0.45Ga0.55N MQWs is successfully suppressed. As a result, an outstanding UVB‐LED with a peak wavelength at 303.6 nm is achieved. The 20 × 20 mil2 UVB‐LED chip shows a wall‐plug efficiency (WPE) of 3.27% under a forward current of 20 mA and a high LOP of 57.2 mW with an extremely low voltage of 5.87 V under a forward current of 800 mA. It is more exciting that the LOP degradation is as low as 17% after 1000 h operation under a forward current density of 75 A cm−2, showing excellent stability. The here‐developed UVB‐LED, with a high LOP and excellent reliability, will definitely promote the applications of AlGaN‐based UVB‐LEDs.
Superb All‐pH Hydrogen Evolution Performances Powered by Ultralow Pt‐Decorated Hierarchical Ni‐Mo Porous Microcolumns
Authors: Yu Wenli , Chen Zhi , Fu Yunlei , Xiao Weiping , Dong Bin , Chai Yongming , Wu Zexing , Wang Lei
Published: November 2022

Achieving efficient and robust hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalysts under all‐pH conditions is significant for clean hydrogen production. Herein, an ultralow Pt‐decorated hierarchical Ni‐Mo porous hybrid, consisting of Ni3Mo3N on MoO2 microcolumns, is developed for all‐pH HER with remarkable catalytic performances, owing to the porous structure, strong metal‐support interaction, along with ultralow Pt nanoparticles and multichannel nickel foam support. The superhydrophilic and aerophilic surfaces favor mass transport during the HER process. Consequently, the porous Pt/Ni‐Mo‐N‐O microcolumns present remarkable HER activity and durability with low overpotentials of 40.6, 101.1, and 89.5 mV to obtain 100 mA cm−2 in basic, neutral, and acid media, respectively. Moreover, the excellent performance in alkaline seawater (40.4 mV@100 mA cm−2) even suppresses most of over‐reported catalysts. More importantly, the two‐electrode cell, assembled with Pt/Ni‐Mo‐N‐O and NiMoO4 as cathode and anode, exhibits excellent performance towards overall‐water electrolysis with an ultralow cell voltage of 1.56 V@100 mA cm−2.
Bioactive Nonthermal Biocompatible Plasma Enhances Migration on Human Gingival Fibroblasts
Authors: Han Ihn , Song In‐Seok , Choi Seung Ah , Lee Taebok , Yusupov Maksudbek , Shaw Priyanka , Bogaerts Annemie , Choi Eun Ha , Ryu Jae Jun
Published: November 2022

This study hypothesizes that the application of low‐dose nonthermal biocompatible dielectric barrier discharge plasma (DBD‐NBP) to human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) will inhibit colony formation but not cell death and induce matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression, extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, and subsequent cell migration, which can result in enhanced wound healing. HGFs treated with plasma for 3 min migrate to each other across the gap faster than those in the control and 5‐min treatment groups on days 1 and 3. The plasma‐treated HGFs show significantly high expression levels of the cell cycle arrest‐related p21 gene and enhanced MMP activity. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) mediated attenuation of wound healing or actin cytoskeleton rearrangement, and plasma‐mediated reversal of this attenuation support the migratory effect of DBD‐NBP. Further, this work performs computer simulations to investigate the effect of oxidation on the stability and conformation of the catalytic kinase domain (KD) of FAK. It is found that the oxidation of highly reactive amino acids (AAs) Cys427, Met442, Cys559, Met571, Met617, and Met643 changes the conformation and increases the structural flexibility of the FAK protein and thus modulates its function and activity. Low‐dose DBD‐NBP‐induces host cell cycle arrest, ECM breakdown, and subsequent migration, thus contributing to the enhanced wound healing process.
Hyaluronan Receptors as Mediators and Modulators of the Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Carvalho Ana M. , Reis Rui L. , Pashkuleva Iva
Published: November 2022

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a dynamic and complex matter shaped by heterogenous cancer and cancer‐associated cells present at the tumor site. Hyaluronan (HA) is a major TME component that plays pro‐tumorigenic and carcinogenic functions. These functions are mediated by different hyaladherins expressed by cancer and tumor‐associated cells triggering downstream signaling pathways that determine cell fate and contribute to TME progression toward a carcinogenic state. Here, the interaction of HA is reviewed with several cell‐surface hyaladherins—CD44, RHAMM, TLR2 and 4, LYVE‐1, HARE, and layilin. The signaling pathways activated by these interactions and the respective response of different cell populations within the TME, and the modulation of the TME, are discussed. Potential cancer therapies via targeting these interactions are also briefly discussed.
Toward Scalable Production: Catalyst‐Coated Membranes (CCMs) for Anion‐Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis via Direct Bar Coating
Authors: Koch Susanne , Metzler Lukas , Kilian Sophia K. , Heizmann Philipp A. , Lombeck Florian , Breitwieser Matthias , Vierrath Severin
Published: November 2022

Direct catalyst coating of membranes is an obvious membrane‐electrode assembly (MEA) fabrication approach. Nevertheless, it bears significant challenges related to excessive swelling of the wetted membranes and catalyst layers during coating. Thermal decaling, which is currently used in proton exchange electrolysis, cannot be used with typical hydrocarbon‐based anion‐exchange membranes due to the lack of a glass transition point. In this work, a novel direct‐coating approach for MEAs for anion‐exchange membrane water electrolysis is proposed. An additional adhesive foil is used to minimize membrane swelling during the coating of the second catalyst layer. The resulting cell efficiency (1 A cm−2 at 1.8 V with ≥ 1.9 mgIr cm−2) is comparable to spray‐coated cells, while the mass transport is reduced at higher current densities (2.11 V vs 2.27 V at 2.7 A cm−2). A fully self‐casted catalyst‐coated membrane with low thickness (35 µm) achieves promising performance of 1.4 A cm−2 at 1.8 V in 0.1 m KOH and 2.0 A cm−2 in 1 m KOH. Constant current holds at 1 A cm−2 in 1 m KOH further shows a comparably low degradation rate of both spray‐ and bar‐coated cells (≈1 mV h−1) after a stabilization period.
Functionalization of Mesoporous Semiconductor Metal Oxides for Gas Sensing: Recent Advances and Emerging Challenges
Authors: Yang Xuanyu , Deng Yu , Yang Haitao , Liao Yaozu , Cheng Xiaowei , Zou Yidong , Wu Limin , Deng Yonghui
Published: November 2022

With the emerging of the Internet of Things, chemiresistive gas sensors have been extensively applied in industrial production, food safety, medical diagnosis, and environment detection, etc. Considerable efforts have been devoted to improving the gas‐sensing performance through tailoring the structure, functions, defects and electrical conductivity of sensitive materials. Among the numerous sensitive materials, mesoporous semiconductor metal oxides possess unparalleled properties, including tunable pore size, high specific surface area, abundant metal–oxygen bonds, and rapid mass transfer/diffusion behavior (Knudsen diffusion), which have been regarded as the most potential sensitive materials. Herein, the synthesis strategies for mesoporous metal oxides are overviewed, the classical functionalization techniques of sensitive materials are also systemically summarized as a highlight, including construction of mesoporous structure, regulation of micro‐nano structure (i.e., heterojunctions), noble metal sensitization (e.g., Au, Pt, Ag, Pd) and heteroatomic doping (e.g., C, N, Si, S). In addition, the structure–function relationship of sensitive materials has been discussed at molecular‐atomic level, especially for the chemical sensitization effect, elucidating the interface adsorption/catalytic mechanism. Moreover, the challenges and perspectives are proposed, which will open a new door for the development of intelligent gas sensor in various applications.
Scalable Al2O3–TiO2 Conductive Oxide Interfaces as Defect Reservoirs for Resistive Switching Devices
Authors: Li Yang , Wang Wei , Zhang Di , Baskin Maria , Chen Aiping , Kvatinsky Shahar , Yalon Eilam , Kornblum Lior
Published: November 2022

Resistive switching devices herald a transformative technology for memory and computation, offering considerable advantages in performance and energy efficiency. Here, a simple and scalable material system of conductive oxide interfaces is employed, and their unique properties are leveraged for a new type of resistive switching device. An Al2O3–TiO2‐based valence‐change resistive switching device, where the conductive oxide interface serves both as the bottom electrode and as a reservoir of defects for switching, is demonstrated. The amorphous–polycrystalline Al2O3–TiO2 conductive interface is obtained following the technological path of simplifying the fabrication of the 2D electron gases (2DEGs), making them scalable for practical mass integration. Physical analysis of the device chemistry and microstructure with comprehensive electrical analysis of its switching behavior and performance is combined. The origin of the resistive switching is pinpointed to the conductive oxide interface, which serves both as the bottom electrode and as a reservoir of oxygen vacancies. The latter plays a key role in valence‐change resistive switching devices. The new device, based on scalable and complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS)‐technology‐compatible fabrication processes, opens new design spaces toward increased tunability and simplification of the device selection challenge.
Tuning the Photocatalytic Activity through Linkages of Porous Conjugated Polymers Based on Triazines for a Selective Oxidation Reaction
Authors: Wang Yuexin , Li Xia , Dong Xiaoyun , Zhang Fulin , Jiang Dongting , Sun Yiling , Wang Renheng , Lang Xianjun
Published: November 2022

Conjugated polymers like conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are burgeoning metal‐free photocatalysts for selective oxidation reactions. They possess outstanding features and salient advantages that are inextricably linked to structures at the molecular level. More effort should be devoted to seeking appropriate linkages which can define their crystallinity as well as photocatalytic activity. Herein, with thiazolo[5,4‐d]thiazole (TzTz) and imine as linkages, TzTz‐TA and TTI‐COF are prepared with triazine as the core, respectively. Conclusively, TTI‐COF shows high crystallinity, whereas TzTz‐TA is amorphous, belonging to CMP. However, TzTz‐TA exhibits better photocatalytic activities than TTI‐COF for the blue light‐driven selective aerobic oxidation of amines. The superior photoelectric properties and a more suitable reduction potential are imposed by the TzTz linkages to override the shortcoming of lack of crystallinity for TzTz‐TA. High selectivities for imines by photocatalytic oxidation of benzyl amines are achieved over TzTz‐TA. In addition, TzTz‐TA emerges with remarkable recoverability and recyclable stability. This study implies that tuning the linkages is essential for boosting the photocatalytic activity of porous materials.
Anxiety in Wiedemann–Steiner syndrome
Authors: Ng Rowena , Bjornsson Hans Tomas , Fahrner Jill A. , Harris Jacqueline
Published: November 2022

This study examined anxiety in Wiedemann–Steiner syndrome (WSS). Eighteen caregivers and participants with WSS completed the parent‐ and self‐report versions of the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorder or the adapted version of the Screen for Adult Anxiety Related Disorder. Approximately 33.33% of parents and 65% of participants with WSS rated in the clinical range for overall anxiety. Across anxiety subtypes, parents primarily indicated concerns with Separation Anxiety (72%), which was also endorsed by the majority of participants with WSS (82%). The emergent trend showed Total Anxiety increased with age based on parent‐informant ratings. The behavioral phenotype of WSS includes elevated anxiety. Clinical management should include incorporating early behavioral interventions to bolster emotion regulation given the observed risk of anxiety with age.
Atrial Fibrillation Risk Assessment after Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source
Authors: von Falkenhausen Aenne S. , Feil Katharina , Sinner Moritz F. , Schönecker Sonja , Müller Johanna , Wischmann Johannes , Eiffener Elodie , Clauss Sebastian , Poli Sven , Poli Khouloud , Zuern Christine S. , Ziemann Ulf , Berrouschot Jörg , Kitsiou Alkisti , Schäbitz Wolf‐Rüdiger , Dieterich Marianne , Massberg Steffen , Kääb Stefan , Kellert Lars
Published: November 2022

Objective

Approximately 20% of strokes are embolic strokes of undetermined source (ESUS). Undetected atrial fibrillation (AF) remains an important cause. Yet, oral anticoagulation in unselected ESUS patients failed in secondary stroke prevention. Guidance on effective AF detection is lacking. Here, we introduce a novel, non‐invasive AF risk assessment after ESUS.

Methods

Catch‐Up ESUS is an investigator‐initiated, observational cohort study conducted between 2018 and 2019 at the Munich University Hospital. Besides clinical characteristics, patients received ≥72 h digital electrocardiogram recordings to generate the rhythm irregularity burden. Uni‐ and multivariable regression models predicted the primary endpoint of incident AF, ascertained by standardized follow‐up including implantable cardiac monitors. Predictors included the novel rhythm irregularity burden constructed from digital electrocardiogram recordings. We independently validated our model in ESUS patients from the University Hospital Tübingen, Germany.

Results

A total of 297 ESUS patients were followed for 15.6 ± 7.6 months. Incident AF (46 patients, 15.4%) occurred after a median of 105 days (25th to 75th percentile 31–33 days). Secondary outcomes were recurrent stroke in 7.7% and death in 6.1%. Multivariable‐adjusted analyses identified the rhythm irregularity burden as the strongest AF‐predictor (hazard ratio 3.12, 95% confidence interval 1.62–5.80, p < 0001) while accounting for the known risk factors age, CHA2DS2‐VASc‐Score, and NT‐proBNP. Independent validation confirmed the rhythm irregularity burden as the most significant AF‐predictor (hazard ratio 2.20, 95% confidence interval 1.45–3.33, p < 0001).

Interpretation

The novel, non‐invasive, electrocardiogram‐based rhythm irregularity burden may help adjudicating AF risk after ESUS, and subsequently guide AF‐detection after ESUS. Clinical trials need to clarify if high‐AF risk patients benefit from tailored secondary stroke prevention. ANN NEUROL 2023;93:479–488
Novel approach to characterize the cross‐linking effect of liquid silicone rubber via cavity pressure analysis during injection molding
Authors: Weißer Dennis F. , Mayer Dennis , Schmid Johannes , Deckert Matthias H.
Published: November 2022

The processing of liquid silicone rubber (LSR) in the injection molding process to molded parts offers high economic potential due to its great scalability. Unlike the well‐researched and understood injection molding process of thermoplastics, LSR still lacks basic process knowledge. The cavity pressure curve shows a completely different pattern, as the cold LSR expands strongly once placed in the hot mold due to volume dilation. During processing of LSR exothermic and irreversible cross‐linking, occurs. In this work, a method is introduced to display the cross‐linking reaction in the cavity pressure curve. Using a self‐developed testing device and conventional differential scanning calorimetry measurements, a correlation between cross‐linking and the pressure signal can be demonstrated. A typical deflection is evaluated in the pressure curve by differentiating, which is attributed to the cross‐linking. The relationships established are confirmed by pressure measurements in the mold during the processing of LSR in the injection molding process. The knowledge gained contributes to a better understanding of the process, helps to optimize existing processes and save resources. Existing cavity‐pressure‐measuring‐systems are to be supplemented by an evaluation logic and thus, in addition to cycle time optimization, process variations are to be detected, energy consumption optimized and quality ensured and verified.
Tuning of Microenvironment in Covalent Organic Framework via Fluorination Strategy promotes Selective CO2 Capture
Authors: Das Nitumani , Paul Ratul , Chatterjee Rupak , Shinde Digambar Balaji , Lai Zhiping , Bhaumik Asim , Mondal John
Published: November 2022

Herein, we have designed and synthesized two heteroatom (N, O) rich covalent organic frameworks (COF), PD‐COF and TF‐COF, respectively, to demonstrate their relative effect on CO2 adsorption capacity and also CO2/N2 selectivity. Compared to the non‐fluorinated PD‐COF (BET surface area 805 m2 g−1, total pore volume 0.3647 ccg−1), a decrease in BET surface area and also pore volume have been observed for fluorinated TF‐COF due to the incorporation of fluorine to the porous framework (BET surface area 451 m2 g−1, total pore volume 0.2978 ccg−1). This fact leads to an enormous decrease in the CO2 adsorption capacity and CO2/N2 selectivity of TF‐COF, though it shows stronger affinity towards CO2 with a Qst of 37.76 KJ/mol. The more CO2 adsorption capacity by PD‐COF can be attributed to the large specific surface area with considerable amount of micropore volume compared to the TF‐COF. Further, PD‐COF exhibited CO2/N2 selectivity of 16.8, higher than that of TF‐COF (CO2/N2 selectivity 13.4).
Solvent‐mediated single‐crystal‐to‐single‐crystal transformation of metal–organic cage self‐assembly
Authors: Lee Byeongchan , Moon Dohyun , Park Jinhee
Published: November 2022

Metal–organic polyhedra (MOPs) are intrinsically porous cage‐like structures; however, they frequently display low porosity due to their agglomeration caused by solvent exchange and removal, which results in the blockage of pore windows. This study presents the unprecedented single‐crystal‐to‐single‐crystal transformation of a cuboctahedral MOP‐OH ([Cu24L24], H2L = 5‐hydroxybenzene‐1,3‐dicarboxylic acid) using a simple solvent exchange from coordinating N,N‐diethylformamide to weakly coordinating chloroform. Following the solvent exchange, the interaction between the cages in the resultant MOP self‐assembly is strengthened while the interaction between the cages and solvents is decreased. The N2 uptake and the surface areas of the MOPs are highly correlated with the cage arrangements: the tightly packed MOPs in chloroform are the most porous among the prepared samples, whereas the loosely packed MOPs are less porous. Scanning electron microscopy reveals that the tight packing of MOPs prevents the crystals from being deteriorating during solvent removal.
AD leads athletics programs through merger
Authors: Elfman Lois
Published: November 2022

As William E. Martinov Jr., Ed.D., stepped into the Athletics Director position at Long Island University, the athletics department was undergoing massive change. The school's two separate athletics programs — Division I at LIU's Brooklyn campus and DII at the Long Island/Post campus — were about to be merged into one DI department with sports assigned to specific campuses. Today, it's one of the largest and most unique athletics programs in the country with 38 varsity sports.
Effect of Extraction Time on Origanum onites L. Infusions and Essential Oils – Biological Evaluation, Statistical Principal Component and Hierarchial Cluster Analyses
Authors: Demirci Betül , Kırcı Damla , Öztürk Gözde , Demirci Fatih
Published: November 2022

Origanum onites L. of Lamiaceae, is used as a culinary spice and herbal tea; also for its antioxidant, antimicrobial effects among other activities and effects. This research aims to examine the in vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the infusions and the essential oils (EOs) obtained using different conditions from the aerial parts of the processed and raw of O. onites herbal material. The EOs from O. onites were distilled at different times and characterized both by GC‐FID and GC/MS systems. The resulting main compounds were identified as carvacrol (65.5–91 %), linalool (0.3–17.9 %), γ‐terpinene (2.8–4.6 %), and thymol (0.5–1.5 %), respectively. In addition, Origanum infusions were prepared at four different time intervals, where the volatile compounds of the infusions were analysed using the HS‐SPME‐GC/MS system. Statistical Principal Component (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analyses (HCA) tools were used to demonstrate the composition variations on different times for O. onites infusion and EO samples.
Iridoid Glycosides and Flavonoids Isolated from the Twigs and Leaves of Callicarpa nudiflora and Their Anti‐Inflammatory Activities
Authors: Wang Hao , Dong Hao‐Yan , Liu Yan‐Fang , Liang Ji‐Lei , Liu Hui‐Sheng , Zhao Qin‐Shi , Wei Ping‐He
Published: November 2022

A new iridoid glycoside, named 6′‐O‐trans‐feruloyl‐8‐epiloganic acid, together with fifteen known compounds were isolated from the twigs and leaves of Callicarpa nudiflora, a traditional Chinese medicine to treat inflammatory‐related diseases. Their structures were identified by comprehensive spectroscopic analysis and comparison with reported data. Bioassay results revealed that twelve of the isolates could obviously inhibit nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced RAW 264.7 cell lines with IC50 values from 0.64 to 38.72 μM. Among them, compounds 1 (3.27 μM), 6 (5.23 μM), 13 (1.56 μM) and 14 (0.64 μM) exhibited significantly higher activities than that of the positive control (27.13 μM). Additionally, it was supposed that the presence of the carboxy group at the C‐4 position of iridoid glycosides and glycosylation at C‐3 position of flavonoids might impact their inhibitory activities against NO production.
Predictors of counselor trainees’ satisfaction with online learning during COVID‐19
Authors: Li Dan
Published: November 2022

Online learning has been experienced more acutely and affectively by students during COVID‐19. Age, program type, and online learning environment were found to significantly and uniquely contribute to students’ satisfaction through a hierarchical regression analysis. These results shed light on counselor training, particularly in the context of the pandemic.
Enhanced Performance via π‐Bridge Alteration of Porphyrin‐Based Donors for All‐Small‐Molecule Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Shen Haojiang , Ren Yi , Li Jianfeng , Xu Yixuan , Han Chenyang , Zou Wentao , Xu Huajun , Sun Yanna , Kan Yuanyuan , Gao Ke
Published: November 2022

Comprehensive Summary

All‐small‐molecule organic solar cells (ASM OSCs) are promising for commercial application due to the well‐defined chemical structures, convenient purifying process and low batch‐to‐batch variation. However, the similarity of molecule structures between small molecule donors and acceptors makes a hard regulation of their blend morphology, which will limit the efficiency. One of the efficient approaches is structural tuning, among which the π‐bridge engineering is considered as a good method to improve the blend morphology. Herein, we synthesized two porphyrin‐based small‐molecule donors, Por‐BR and Por‐TR, by introducing alkoxybenzene and alkylthiophene as π bridges. The Por‐BR‐based active layer produces poor morphology and does not achieve satisfying device efficiency because of the excessive aggregation tendency. As for Por‐TR, an efficiency of 11.26% is achieved with such a high open circuit voltage of 0.904 V. This study shows that altering π‐bridge units can facilitate the improvement of film morphology, finally increase the device performance, and also provides a sample for molecule designing in terms of structure‐property correlation.
Effect of palm biodiesel blends on cold start performance and emissions of common rail turbocharged engine at moderately cold ambient temperatures
Authors: Nursyairah Jalil , Lau Harrison Lik Nang , Jalal Rifqi Irzuan Abdul , Loh Soh Kheang
Published: November 2022

Palm biodiesel fuel is limited to 7% (v/v), that is, B7 in petroleum diesel used at Malaysian highlands due to concerns over poor flow characteristics. This article investigated the cold start performance of a common rail direct injection turbocharged diesel engine using B7, B10, B20, and B30 blends in a simulated cold climatic chamber at 5, 10, 15, and 20°C. All the blends passed the startability test at 20°C but failed at 5°C. Higher biodiesel blend of B20 could withstand moderate cold temperature (15°C) without startability issue, while B7 and B10 were usable beyond 15°C. Engine workability after start‐up was insignificantly affected though, on average, 23% increase and 56% reduction observed in engine starting time and speed stability between B7 (standard) and other blends. Emissions of CO was noticeable, <0.1%, while CO2 and NOx were reduced by 13% and 18%, respectively during cold start‐up using B10 and B20. It is expected that B20 could be destined for at the Malaysian highlands with the coldest temperature not exceeding 15°C threshold for more than 5 h. Considering the importance of cold filter plugging point, it is suggested for inclusion in existing diesel standards to minimize issues while deploying high biodiesel blends at highlands commercially.
Improved N‐acetylneuraminic acid bioproduction by optimizing pathway for reducing intermediate accumulation
Authors: Guo Haoyu , Tian Rongzhen , Wang Chenyun , Zhao Runzhi , Lv Xueqin , Liu Long , Liu Yanfeng
Published: November 2022

N‐acetylneuraminic acid (NeuAc), which has been widely used as a nutraceutical and pharmaceutical intermediate, plays an important role in improving brain development and cognition while enhancing immunity. Bacillus subtilis, generally regarded as a food‐safe microorganism, is suitable for developing as a chassis cell for efficient NeuAc synthesis. However, accumulated intermediates can lead to metabolic bottlenecks for NeuAc synthesis. To eliminate the accumulated byproduct N‐acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc), the UDP‐GlcNAc epimerase pathway without GlcNAc production was first reconstructed and optimized in B. subtilis, resulting in the NeuAc titer increase of 5.9 g/L with GlcNAc elimination. In addition, to reduce another accumulated byproduct N‐acetylmannosamine (ManNAc), the directed evolution of N‐acetylneuraminic acid synthase and the enhancement of phosphoenolpyruvate supply was implemented. Using this strategy, ManNAc decreased by 46.3%, and the NeuAc titer increased by 54.9%, reaching 7.9 g/L. Finally, the maximum titer of NeuAc in a 3‐L fermenter reached 21.8 g/L with a productivity of 0.34 g/L/h.
Why worry with friends? Problem talk and anxiety in late adolescent friendships
Authors: Herzig Kathleen A. , Stewart Catherine E. , Treadwell Kimberli R. H.
Published: November 2022

Introduction

This study investigated a theoretically derived peer conversation style, problem anxiety talk, to examine the emotional regulation of anxiety in dyads as a possible mechanism of anxiety contagion that occurs between adolescent friends.

Methods

In Study 1, 376 late adolescents residing in the United States, ages 17–24 with 68% female, responded to measures of anxiety, worry, friendship quality, depression, co‐rumination, and a new measure of problem anxiety talk. In Study 2 problem anxiety talk, stress, anxiety and depression were evaluated in 481 late adolescents, ages 17–24 with 64% female.

Results

Once controlling for worry and co‐rumination, problem anxiety talk with a close friend predicted anxiety, stress and depression for both samples of late adolescents. Factor analysis in each sample supported problem anxiety talk as a single factor with high internal consistency.

Conclusions

Findings indicate that problem anxiety talk is a distinct construct representing interpersonal disclosures between friends involving threat perception, likelihood of negative events, and lack of coping skills; results also indicate that problem anxiety talk is associated with anxiety, stress, worry, and depression. Implications of problem anxiety talk in its potential role in the etiology and spread of anxiety are discussed.
Surveying the Landscape of Social Media Usage for Health Care by Otolaryngology Patients
Authors: Kini Sameer D. , Houssein Firas A. , Derbarsegian Armo , Adams Sarah M. , Phillips Katie M. , Sedaghat Ahmad R.
Published: November 2022

Objective

To determine factors associated with social media usage for finding a doctor or seeking medical advice among otolaryngology patients.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study of 361 patients visiting our clinics. All participants were asked if they were aware social media may be used to find doctors and if they had ever done so, and also if they were aware social media could be used to get advice about a medical condition or its treatment and if they had ever done so. Demographic characteristics were examined for association with affirmative answers to these questions.

Results

Facebook was the most used social media platform with 50.7% using Facebook daily. Over 50% of participants were aware social media could be used to find a doctor or seek medical advice. Daily use of Facebook was associated with using social media for finding a doctor (OR = 2.57, 95%CI: 1.41–4.67, p = 0.002) and seeking medical advice (OR = 1.72, 95%CI: 1.09–2.71, p = 0.020). Having Medicare was associated with using social media to find a doctor (OR = 2.20, 95%CI: 1.15–4.21, p = 0.017), whereas Medicaid was associated with using social media for medical advice (OR = 1.99, 95%CI: 1.08–3.67, p = 0.027).

Conclusion

A majority of otolaryngology patients may be aware of health care applications of social media, with Facebook being the dominant platform, and Medicare insurance identifying patients who may most use social media in this manner. There is also an indication that social determinants of health, as reflected by Medicaid insurance, may be associated with using social media to seek medical advice.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 133:2116–2121, 2023
Remarks on derived complete modules and complexes
Authors: Positselski Leonid
Published: November 2022

Let R be a commutative ring and a finitely generated ideal. We discuss two definitions of derived I‐adically complete (also derived I‐torsion) complexes of R‐modules, which appear in the literature: the idealistic and the sequential ones. The two definitions are known to be equivalent for a weakly proregular ideal I; we show that they are different otherwise. We argue that the sequential approach works well, but the idealistic one needs to be reinterpreted or properly understood. We also consider I‐adically flat R‐modules.
Environmental implications of political connections and state ownership: Theory and evidence from China
Authors: Yu Haowei , Wang Ruoyu , He Ling‐Yun
Published: November 2022

Political connections and state ownership have ubiquitous impacts on the economy, yet the environmental implications are largely unexplored. This paper theoretically and empirically studies the role of political connections and state ownership on the environment in China. Our theoretical analysis indicates that political connections are conducive to more pollutant emissions, and state ownership exhibits a similar direct effect. State ownership also has an indirect effect on pollutant emissions that depends on the interplay with political connections. In the case of chemical oxygen demand (COD), our empirical results show that the effect of political connections is positive, so are the direct and indirect effects of state ownership. Moreover, firm managers' political background of government officials at the county level is mainly accountable for the environmental implication of political connections. Furthermore, we find that political connections mainly affect the implementation of environmental policies, while state ownership could have similar effects on both the implementation and the making of environmental policies.
Metabolism and Recovery of Epithionitriles from Glucosinolates—A Human Intervention Study
Authors: Hoffmann Holger , Baldermann Susanne , Wiesner‐Reinhold Melanie , Bergmann Manuela M. , Grune Tilman , Hanschen Franziska S.
Published: November 2022

Scope

Epithionitriles can be main glucosinolate hydrolysis products in Brassica vegetables such as cabbage or pak choi. Here, for the first time, the bioavailability and metabolism of longer‐chain epithionitriles (C4–C5) is studied in a human intervention study.

Methods and results

After consumption of a white cabbage or pak choi sprouts beverage, rich in either 1‐cyano‐2,3‐epithiopropane (CETP) or 1‐cyano‐3,4‐epithiobutane (CETB) and 1‐cyano‐4,5‐epithiopentane (CETPent), blood and urine samples of nine participants are taken and the metabolites are analyzed. The corresponding N‐acetyl‐S‐(cyano‐(methylthio)alkyl)‐l‐cysteine metabolites are identified and quantified by isotope dilution method using UHPLC‐TOF‐MS. The standards for N‐acetyl‐S‐(cyano‐(methylthio)alkyl)‐l‐cysteine metabolites from CETB and CETPent are synthesized for the first time and their structure confirmed by NMR spectroscopy. In contrast to the metabolites of CETP and CETPent, the expected metabolite of CETB is not detectable. The recoveries of the CETP and CETPent metabolites are 28 ± 9% for CETP and 12 ± 3% for CETPent in urine within 24 h.

Conclusion

CETP and CETPent are quickly uptaken, metabolized via the mercapturic acid pathway, and excreted via urine, while for CETB the corresponding metabolite is not detectable. Therefore, an additional metabolization pathway seems to exist.
Everyday challenges following hospital discharge. A multi‐method study identifying and describing areas of concern for patients during the first month after colorectal cancer surgery
Authors: Jakobsson Jenny , Kumlien Christine
Published: November 2022

Aim

Identify and describe areas of concern focusing on day‐to‐day variations during the first month after surgery for patients recovering from colorectal cancer surgery.

Design

A multi‐method design was applied using diaries and interviews.

Method

Data was collected using semi‐structured diaries kept 1 month after surgery by seven patients recovering from colorectal cancer surgery. Also, face‐to‐face interviews were conducted 1 month after surgery. Data from the diaries constituted a framework for the following directed content analysis of interviews.

Findings

Low levels of pain were experienced but caused reduced mobility and tiredness. Practical matters in daily living were restricted, while social life could be hampered by a frequent need to defecate. Appetite and consequently the ability to eat and drink was the most prominent concern, due to changes in taste and ability to tolerate food. Worries were mainly related to changes in bowel movements.

No Patient or Public Contribution.
Numerical approximation of the optimal control of a population dynamics model
Authors: Alahyane Mohamed , Soufyane Abdelaziz , Zahri Mostafa
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we present a numerical approach to an inverse problem of a population dynamics model. We propose a numerical approximation of the optimal control for obtaining the desired observation state using the augmented Lagrangian method. Moreover, the existence and uniqueness of the numerical solutions are mathematically investigated in this work. Finally, we present some numerical experiments to illustrate our theoretical results.
Human scattered tubular cells represent a heterogeneous population of glycolytic dedifferentiated proximal tubule cells
Authors: Eymael Jennifer , van den Broek Martijn , Miesen Laura , Monge Valerie Villacorta , van den Berge Bartholomeus T , Mooren Fieke , Velez Vicky Luna , Dijkstra Jelmer , Hermsen Meyke , Bándi Péter , Vermeulen Michiel , de Wildt Saskia , Willemsen Brigith , Florquin Sandrine , Wetzels Roy , Steenbergen Eric , Kramann Rafael , Moeller Marcus , Schreuder Michiel F , Wetzels Jack FM , van der Vlag Johan , Jansen Jitske , Smeets Bart
Published: November 2022

Scattered tubular cells (STCs) are a phenotypically distinct cell population in the proximal tubule that increase in number after acute kidney injury. We aimed to characterize the human STC population. Three‐dimensional human tissue analysis revealed that STCs are preferentially located within inner bends of the tubule and are barely present in young kidney tissue (<2 years), and their number increases with age. Increased STC numbers were associated with acute tubular injury (kidney injury molecule 1) and interstitial fibrosis (alpha smooth muscle actin). Isolated CD13+CD24−CD133− proximal tubule epithelial cells (PTECs) and CD13+CD24+ and CD13+CD133+ STCs were analyzed using RNA sequencing. Transcriptome analysis revealed an upregulation of nuclear factor κB, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and inflammatory pathways in STCs, whereas metabolism, especially the tricarboxylic acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation, was downregulated, without showing signs of cellular senescence. Using immunostaining and a publicly available single‐cell sequencing database of human kidneys, we demonstrate that STCs represent a heterogeneous population in a transient state. In conclusion, STCs are dedifferentiated PTECs showing a metabolic shift toward glycolysis, which could facilitate cellular survival after kidney injury. © 2022 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Decision aid development and its acceptability among adults with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorders regarding treatment discontinuation after remission
Authors: Tsujii Noa , Okada Takashi , Usami Masahide , Kuwabara Hidenori , Fujita Junichi , Negoro Hideki , Iida Junzo , Aoki Yumi , Takaesu Yoshikazu , Saito Takuya
Published: November 2022

Aim

Current clinical guidelines for attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) put shared decision making (SDM) at the center of care. However, there remain challenges in SDM in ADHD management, particularly regarding the decision to continue or discontinue medication after ADHD remission in adult patients. We aimed to develop a decision aid (DA) for adult patients with ADHD regarding the continuation or discontinuation of their ongoing ADHD medications after they have attained remission.

Method

We systematically developed a DA according to the International Patient Decision Aid Standard (IPDAS). First, we created a DA prototype using the results of our previous systematic review and meta‐analysis that identified the consequences of continuing and discontinuing ADHD medications. Second, we administered a mixed‐method questionnaire (alpha acceptability testing) to adult patients with ADHD and healthcare providers to improve the DA prototype and develop it into a final version that is acceptable for clinical settings.

Results

Our DA consisted of ADHD description, the option to continue or discontinue ADHD medications, the advantages and disadvantages of the consequences, as well as value clarification exercises for each option. Patients (n = 20) reported that the DA had acceptable language (85%), adequate information (75%), and a well‐balanced presentation (53%). Healthcare providers (n = 19) provided favorable feedback. The final DA met all six IPDAS requisite criteria.

Conclusions

Our results could facilitate the SDM process between patients and healthcare providers on the continuation or discontinuation of ADHD medication following remission. Further studies should verify the effects of using the DA during the SDM process among patients across the age spectrum with ADHD and healthcare providers.
Optimal interconnection of three‐terminal tandem solar cells
Authors: Schulte‐Huxel Henning , Witteck Robert , Blankemeyer Susanne , Köntges Marc
Published: November 2022

Three‐terminal (3T) tandem solar cells require an adapted module integration scheme in order to explore their full efficiency potential. The three terminals allow to extract the power of the top and bottom cell separately. In a cell string, the wide bandgap top cells are interconnected in parallel to multiple bottom cells resulting in a parallel/series interconnection. This interconnection scheme affects the operation of the subcells, the resulting current path between the subcells, the layout of the cell interconnects, and the system level. Here, we analyze by simulations and experiments the aspects of the module integration of series‐ and reverse‐connected 3T cells with their practical impact on module processes and performance as well as the effect of varying voltage ratios on the string‐end losses. If the subcells are connected in series, the module integration requires insulation layers and significantly longer interconnects compared to devices with reverse‐connected subcells. Tandem devices with a reverse connection and a voltage ratio between top and bottom cell of 2:1 allow a lean interconnection design and low integration losses. We present an approach for the integration of bypass diodes for the protection against shading effects that allow to minimize string‐end and shading losses for a system of modules featuring 3T cells.