bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Ion‐Selective Diffusion Achieved by Supramolecular Interaction for High Thermovoltage and Thermal Stability
Authors: Ke Jiale , Zhao Xing , Yang Jie , Ke Kai , Wang Yu , Yang Mingbo , Yang Wei
Published: December 2022

Thermoelectric (TE) generators capable of converting thermal energy into applicable electricity have gained great popularity among emerging energy conversion technologies. Biopolymer‐based ionic thermoelectric (i‐TE) materials are promising candidates for energy conversion systems because of their wide sources, innocuity, and low manufacturing cost. However, common physically crosslinked biopolymer gels induced by single hydrogen bonding or hydrophobic interaction suffer from low differential thermal voltage and poor thermodynamic stability. Here, we develop a novel i‐TE gel with supramolecular structures through multiple noncovalent interactions between ionic liquids (ILs) and gelatin molecular chains. The thermopower and thermoelectric power factor of the ionic gels are as high as 2.83 mV K−1 and 18.33 μW m−1 K−2, respectively. The quasi‐solid‐state gelatin–[EMIM]DCA i‐TE cells achieve ultrahigh 2 h output energy density (E2h = 9.9 mJ m−2) under an optimal temperature range. Meanwhile, the remarkable stability of the supramolecular structure provides the i‐TE hydrogels with a thermal stability of up to 80 °C. It breaks the limitation that biopolymer‐based i‐TE gels can only be applied in the low temperature range and enables biopolymer‐based i‐TE materials to pursue better performance in a higher temperature range.
Sustainable Furfural Biomass Feedstocks Electrooxidation toward Value‐Added Furoic Acid with Energy‐Saving H2 Fuel Production Using Pt‐Decorated Co3O4 Nanospheres
Authors: Begildayeva Talshyn , Theerthagiri Jayaraman , Lee Seung Jun , Min Ahreum , Kim Gyeong‐Ah , Manickam Sivakumar , Choi Myong Yong
Published: December 2022

Here, furfural oxidation was performed to replace the kinetically sluggish O2 evolution reaction (OER). Pt‐Co3O4 nanospheres were developed via pulsed laser ablation in liquid (PLAL) in a single step for the paired electrocatalysis of an H2 evolution reaction (HER) and furfural oxidation reaction (FOR). The FOR afforded a high furfural conversion (44.2%) with a major product of 2‐furoic acid after a 2‐h electrolysis at 1.55 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode in a 1.0‐M KOH/50‐mM furfural electrolyte. The Pt‐Co3O4 electrode exhibited a small overpotential of 290 mV at 10 mA cm−2. As an anode and cathode in an electrolyzer system, the Pt‐Co3O4 electrocatalyst required only a small applied cell voltage of ∼1.83 V to deliver 10 mA cm−2, compared with that of the pure water electrolyzer (OER∥HER, ∼1.99 V). This study simultaneously realized the integrated production of energy‐saving H2 fuel at the cathode and 2‐furoic acid at the anode.
Interwoven Poly(Anthraquinonyl Sulfide) Nanosheets‐Decorated Carbon Nanotubes as Core–Sheath Heteroarchitectured Cathodes for Polymer‐Based Asymmetrical Full Batteries
Authors: Wang Yonglin , Chen Kai , Zhu Yunhai , Wang Jiazhi , Jiang Nan , Yang Yingkui
Published: December 2022

Organic redox‐active polymers provide promising alternatives to metal‐containing inorganic compounds in Li‐ion batteries (LIBs), whereas suffer from low actual capacities, poor rate/power capabilities, and inferior cycling stability. Herein, poly(anthraquinonyl sulfide)‐coated carbon nanotubes (CNT@PAQS) are readily performed by in situ polymerization to form core–sheath nanostructures. Remarkably, flower‐like PAQS nanosheets are interwoven around CNTs to synergistically create robust 3D hierarchical networks with abundant cavities, internal channels, and sufficiently‐exposed surfaces/edges, thereby promoting electron transport and making more active sites accessible for electrolytes and guest ions. Apparently, the as‐fabricated CNT@PAQS cathode delivers the large reversible capacity (200.5 mAh g−1 at 0.05 A g−1), high‐rate capability (161.5 mAh g−1 at 5.0 A g−1), and impressive cycling stability (retaining 88.0% over 1000 cycles). In addition, an asymmetric full‐battery using CNT@PAQS as a cathode and cyclized polyacrylonitrile‐encapsulated CNTs as an anode is assembled that delivers a high energy density of 86.3 Wh kg−1, and retains 81.3% of initial capacity after 1000 cycles. This work opens up an efficient strategy to combine highly conductive and redox‐active phases into core–sheath heterostructures to unlock the barrier of high‐rate charge storage. The further integration of two polymer‐based electrodes into asymmetric full cells would also consolidate the development of low‐cost, sustainable, and powerful batteries.
High‐Efficiency Photo‐Induced Charge Transfer for SERS Sensing in N‐Doped 3D‐Graphene on Si Heterojunction
Authors: Zhang Guanglin , Sun Jie , Wei Genwang , Zhang Shan , He Zhengyi , Wu Huijuan , Wang Bingkun , Yang Siwei , Ding Guqiao , Liu Zhiduo , Jin Zhiwen , Ye Caichao , Wang Gang
Published: December 2022

Nitrogen‐doped three‐dimensional graphene (N‐doped 3D‐graphene) is a graphene derivative with excellent adsorption capacity, large specific surface area, high porosity, and optoelectronic properties. Herein, N‐doped 3D‐graphene/Si heterojunctions were grown in situ directly on silicon (Si) substrates via plasma‐assisted chemical vapor deposition (PACVD), which is promising for surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates candidates. Combined analyses of theoretical simulation, incorporating N atoms in 3D‐graphene are beneficial to increase the electronic state density of the system and enhance the charge transfer between the substrate and the target molecules. The enhancement of the optical and electric fields benefits from the stronger light‐matter interaction improved by the natural nano‐resonator structure of N‐doped 3D‐graphene. The as‐prepared SERS substrates based on N‐doped 3D‐graphene/Si heterojunctions achieve ultra‐low detection for various molecules: 10−8 M for methylene blue (MB) and 10−9 M for crystal violet (CRV) with rhodamine (R6G) of 10−10 M. In practical detected, 10−8 M thiram was precisely detected in apple peel extract. The results indicate that N‐doped 3D‐graphene/Si heterojunctions based‐SERS substrates have promising applications in low‐concentration molecular detection and food safety.
Lithium‐Metal Free Sulfur Battery Based on Waste Biomass Anode and Nano‐Sized Li2S Cathode
Authors: Salimi Pejman , Venezia Eleonora , Taghavi Somayeh , Tieuli Sebastiano , Carbone Lorenzo , Prato Mirko , Signoretto Michela , Qiu Jianfeng , Proietti Zaccaria Remo
Published: December 2022

The realization of a stable lithium‐metal free (LiMF) sulfur battery based on amorphous carbon anode and lithium sulfide (Li2S) cathode is here reported. In particular, a biomass waste originating full‐cell combining a carbonized brewer's spent grain (CBSG) biochar anode with a Li2S‐graphene composite cathode (Li2S70Gr30) is proposed. This design is particularly attractive for applying a cost‐effective, high performance, environment friendly, and safe anode material, as an alternative to standard graphite and metallic lithium in emerging battery technologies. The anodic and cathodic materials are characterized in terms of structure, morphology and composition through X‐ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron and Raman spectroscopies. Furthermore, an electrochemical characterization comprising galvanostatic cycling, rate capability and cyclic voltammetry tests were carried out both in half‐cell and full‐cell configurations. The systematic investigation reveals that unlike graphite, the biochar electrode displays good compatibility with the electrolyte typically employed in sulfur batteries. The CBSG/Li2S70Gr30 full‐cell demonstrates an initial charge and discharge capacities of 726 and 537 mAh g−1, respectively, at 0.05C with a coulombic efficiency of 74%. Moreover, it discloses a reversible capacity of 330 mAh g−1 (0.1C) after over 300 cycles. Based on these achievements, the CBSG/Li2S70Gr30 battery system can be considered as a promising energy storage solution for electric vehicles (EVs), especially when taking into account its easy scalability to an industrial level.
Are arrhythmias the drivers of sudden cardiac death in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction? A review
Authors: Yuyun Matthew F. , Kinlay Scott , Singh Jagmeet P. , Joseph Jacob
Published: December 2022

In patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), sudden cardiac death (SCD) accounts for approximately 25–30% of all‐cause mortality and 40% of cardiovascular mortality in properly adjudicated large clinical trials. The mechanism of SCD in HFpEF remains unknown but thought to be driven by arrhythmic events. Apart from atrial fibrillation, which is prevalent in approximately 45% of HFpEF patients, the true burden of other cardiac arrhythmias in HFpEF remains undetermined. The incidence and risk of clinically significant advanced cardiac conduction disease with bradyarrhythmias and ventricular arrhythmias remain less known. Recommendations have been made for long‐term cardiac rhythm monitoring to determine the incidence of arrhythmias and clarify mechanisms and mode of death in HFpEF patients. In animal studies, spontaneous ventricular arrhythmias and SCD are significantly elevated in HFpEF animals compared with controls without heart failure. In humans, these studies are scant, with a few published small‐size studies suggesting an increased incidence of ventricular arrhythmias in HFpEF. Higher rates of clinically significant conduction disease and cardiac pacing are seen in HFpEF compared with the general population. Excepting atrial fibrillation, the predictive effect of other arrhythmias on heart failure hospitalization, all‐cause mortality, and precisely SCD remains unknown. Given the high occurrence of SCD in the HFpEF population, it could potentially become a target for therapeutic interventions if driven by arrhythmias. Studies to address these knowledge gaps are urgently warranted. In this review, we have summarized data on arrhythmias and SCD in HFpEF while highlighting avenues for future research in this area.
Dual Catalysis in Organic Synthesis: Current Challenges and New Trends
Authors: Malakar Chandi C. , Dell'Amico Luca , Zhang Wanbin
Published: December 2022

Dual catalysis is one of the most powerful strategies for the development of chemical reactions in organic synthesis. This strategy can be divided into cooperative catalysis, relay catalysis, and sequential catalysis according to the actual mode of operation and the communication between the catalysts. In recent years, such strategy has been applied in a large number of studies since it has the advantages of: 1) increasing reactivity and enabling challenging transformations; 2) offering a powerful way of controlling the stereoselectivity of asymmetric reactions, which is challenging for traditional catalytic systems; 3) catalyze the stereodivergent synthesis of molecules bearing one or more stereocenters from the same starting materials. This Perspective, which intends to introduce the reader toEurJOC special collection on Dual Catalysis, aims to summarize and introduce the different categories of dual catalysis and demonstrate their benefits in constructing new chemical bonds in a selective manner. Finally, current challenges and new trends in dual catalysis will be also presented.
Electroosmotic flow in fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D‐printed microchannels
Authors: Barbosa Fabio Henrique Barros , Quero Reverson Fernandes , Rocha Kionnys Novaes , Costa Samuel Carvalho , de Jesus Dosil Pereira
Published: December 2022

Electroosmotic flow (EOF) was determined in tridimensional (3D)‐printed microchannels with dimensions smaller than 100 µm. Fused deposition modeling 3D printing using thermoplastic filaments of PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol), PLA (polylactic acid), and ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) were used to fabricate the microchannels. The current monitoring method and sodium phosphate solutions at different pH values (3–10) were used for the EOF mobility (µEOF) measurements, which ranged from 2.00 × 10−4 to 12.52 × 10−4 cm2 V−1 s−1. The highest and the smallest µEOF were obtained for the PLA and PETG microchannels, respectively. Adding the cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide to the sodium phosphate solution caused EOF direction reversion in all the studied microchannels. The obtained results can be interesting for developing 3D‐printed microfluidic devices, in which EOF is relevant.
Nonlinear electrophoresis of dielectric particles in Newtonian fluids
Authors: Bentor Joseph , Dort Heston , Chitrao Rajan Ashutosh , Zhang Youwei , Xuan Xiangchun
Published: December 2022

In classical electrokinetics, the electrophoretic velocity of a dielectric particle is a linear function of the applied electric field. Theoretical studies have predicted the onset of nonlinear electrophoresis at high electric fields because of the nonuniform surface conduction over the curved particle. However, experimental studies have been left behind and are insufficient for a fundamental understanding of the parametric effects on nonlinear electrophoresis. We present in this work a systematic experimental study of the effects of buffer concentration, particle size, and particle zeta potential on the electrophoretic velocity of polystyrene particles in a straight rectangular microchannel for electric fields of up to 3 kV/cm. The measured nonlinear electrophoretic particle velocity is found to exhibit a 2(±0.5)‐order dependence on the applied electric field, which appears to be within the theoretically predicted 3‐ and 3/2‐order dependences for low and high electric fields, respectively. Moreover, the obtained nonlinear electrophoretic particle mobility increases with decreasing buffer concentration (for the same particle) and particle size (for particles with similar zeta potentials) or increasing particle zeta potential (for particles with similar sizes). These observations are all consistent with the theoretical predictions for high electric fields.
Perspective on the electrochemical recovery of phosphate from wastewater streams
Authors: Snyder Nicholas A. , Morales‐Guio Carlos G.
Published: December 2022

The presently increasing global population demands increased food production. Consequently, phosphate – an indispensable fertilizer component – will be needed in ever greater amounts. Current levels of mining of phosphate's most important constituent element, phosphorus (P), are unsustainable, and P rock is predicted to soon be completely depleted. Because P is a non‐renewable resource, techniques to recover and reuse waste phosphate are necessary. Large amounts of unused phosphate exist in both municipal and agricultural wastewater streams, as well as in sewage sludge. Approaches to recovering phosphate from these sources fall into three main categories: biological, chemical, and electrochemical. Biological phosphate recovery has seen some plant‐scale use, but significant drawbacks including the complication of operation have prevented it from becoming widespread. The most common method of phosphate recovery, chemical phosphate recovery, has been applied at scale with success due to the stability and reliability of the process. However, disadvantages such as the exorbitant amounts of alkali dosing required to maintain the high pH necessary for phosphate precipitation leave room for improvement. In recent years, electrochemical phosphate recovery has gained traction because of its potential to overcome the weaknesses of traditional chemical approaches by utilizing water electrolysis to induce a high pH without the need for an added base. But before plant‐scale electrochemical methods can be considered economically viable, the steep energy requirements of water electrolysis must be mitigated through the development of improved electrocatalysts or circumvented through the discovery and application of new electrochemical processes to generate hydroxyl ions needed to induce a high pH. In this review, the three broad categories of phosphate recovery techniques are discussed and an outlook on the future of electrocatalysis for phosphate recovery is presented. Particularly, the requirements for improved and Earth‐abundant electrocatalysts are considered alongside a critical discussion of the possibility of a decentralized network of onsite wastewater treatment facilities powered by renewable electricity.
Strong interlayer transition in a staggered gap GeSe/MoTe2 heterojunction diode for highly efficient visible and near‐infrared photodetection and logic inverter
Authors: Jaffery Syed Hassan Abbas , Riaz Muhammad , Abbas Zeesham , Dastgeer Ghulam , Aftab Sikandar , Hussain Sajjad , Ali Muhammad , Jung Jongwan
Published: December 2022

Transition‐metal dichalcogenides exhibit strong light–matter interactions and unique multifunctional logic behavior. Here, the strong interlayer transition and excellent broadband photodetection of GeSe/MoTe2 van der Waals (vdW) heterojunction are demonstrated. Differential charge density and photoluminescence quenching analyses reveal a strong interlayer transition between GeSe and MoTe2. In addition, density functional theory analysis predicts the formation of staggered band alignment, which contributed to the spatial segregation of photogenerated electron–hole pairs. The diode exhibited excellent optoelectronic characteristics in the visible and near‐infrared region. A high responsivity of ~1.0 × 104 A/W, an excellent detectivity of ~8.4 × 1012 jones, and a fast rise and fall time of 458 and 498 μs, respectively. Finally, a two‐dimensional complementary inverter consisting of p‐channel GeSe and n‐channel MoTe2 is examined to analyze its application for a logic inverter. The findings of this study will play a crucial role in the stimulation and fabrication of multifunctional vdW heterostructure devices.

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An unsupervised machine learning based ground motion selection method for computationally efficient estimation of seismic fragility
Authors: Hu Jinjun , Liu Bali , Xie Lili
Published: December 2022

In the context of performance‐based earthquake engineering (PBEE), response‐history analysis is currently considered an analytical tool for developing fragility curves. Typically, this involves subjecting a structural system to a large number of ground motion records (GMRs) representing seismic hazards at a site of interest and may be a time‐consuming task. To address this computational challenge, this study proposes a method for selecting a representative subset of GMRs that enables the reproduction of the fragility curve of the general GMR set. In this method, dimension reduction techniques are used to preferentially extract the principal features of earthquake intensity measures, which are applied to construct the feature space. Then, the divisive hierarchical clustering technique is applied to the feature space to obtain a subset of GMRs from the general set until the fragility curve converges. The performance of the proposed method is successfully demonstrated through various numerical examples that include a wide class of single‐degree‐of‐freedom systems and two steel‐frame buildings. The results confirm that the seismic hazard at a given site represented by a general GMR set can be covered in structural fragility estimation using a representative subset of GMRs selected based on the proposed method. The proposed method could contribute to significantly reducing the computational costs for structural fragility estimation without compromising the accuracy.
Sulfur sources for ultramafic‐hosted sulfide mineralization in the Tianzuo hydrothermal field, 63.5° E, South‐west Indian Ridge: Insights from sulfur and carbon isotopes
Authors: Wang Jia , Ding Teng , Tan Tingting , Tao Chunhui , Liang Jin , Wu Bin
Published: December 2022

To date, discovered ultramafic‐hosted seafloor massive sulfide (UM–SMS) deposits are rare, remain poorly understood in terms of their genesis, and typically form along slow‐ and ultraslow‐spreading mid‐oceanic ridges. The Tianzuo hydrothermal field (THF) is the only UM–SMS deposit identified so far along the ultraslow‐spreading South‐west Indian Ridge (SWIR). This study presents new detailed mineralogical and S–C isotopic data for serpentinized peridotite, gabbro, serpentinite, and sulfide ore samples from the THF and to provide new insights into the processes that formed the deposit. Chromium‐reduced sulfur (CRS) and sulfate–sulfur (SS) in samples of serpentinized peridotite have positive δ34S values (up to 10.22‰ and 20.67‰, respectively). The CRS formed through thermochemical reduction of seawater sulfate during reactions between seawater and ultramafic rocks, whereas the SS most likely occurred as dissolved sulfate phases in seawater occupying the pore space of serpentinized peridotite after exposure at the seafloor. The serpentinite samples contain SS with δ34S values of 19.21‰–20.9‰, indicating infiltration by seawater that led to the deposition of seawater sulfate. The sulfide ores have acid‐volatile sulfur (AVS), CRS, and SS δ34S values of 10.99‰–12.07‰, 2.34‰–10.98‰, and −4.13‰ to 2.76‰, respectively, indicating that the AVS and CRS within the samples are dominated by sulfur reduced from seawater sulfate (e.g., anhydrite) and leached from the surrounding wall rocks, although the re‐oxidization of microbial‐reduced sulfur most likely generated the sulfate with low and negative δ34S values. The total carbon and total organic carbon δ13C values of the THF samples are negative and range from −21.99‰ to −0.34‰ and −26.7‰ to −21.02‰, respectively, further suggesting that the samples record microbial activity. Gabbro samples have strongly negative AVS (−10.69‰) and CRS (−7.2‰) δ34S values, indicating that microbial‐reduced sulfur derived from shallow levels in the crust was incorporated into the hydrothermal system that circulated through the deeper‐seated gabbroic units. Our results suggest that the ultramafic and gabbroic rocks, seawater, and microbial activity all provided sulfur to the THF, with well‐developed fractures and local magma supply probably being the key factors controlling the formation of this field and similar UM–SMS deposits elsewhere.
Prevalence and Significance of Approximate Symmetry in Organic Pc Structures
Authors: Pratt Brock Carolyn
Published: December 2022

A survey has been made of the well determined (R≤0.050) organic crystal structures that have only a single glide plane (e. g., are in space group Pc) and that have more than one crystallographically independent formula unit (Z′>1); the goal was to discover what fraction have additional approximate symmetry. Of the 377 unique structures examined 8 % should almost certainly been refined in a higher‐symmetry unit cell; 86 % of the remaining 347 have approximate symmetry that is periodic in at least one dimension. While these percentages are similar to those found for P1 structures (C. P. Brock, Acta Crystallogr., Sect. B 2022, 78, 576–588), the types of approximate symmetry differ because 89 % of the P1, Z′>1 structures were composed of enantiopure material. The 347 reliable Pc structures include 118 that are slightly distorted or mimicked Cc and P21/c structures, 15 of which were reported as having been determined at room temperature. The distortions in another 72 are so large that the approximate symmetry must be seen as periodic in two dimensions only. These results suggest that symmetry lowering may accompany transformation of a crystal nucleus to a macroscopic crystal.
Undergraduate students' experiences of participating in a Danish respite programme for young carers—A mixed methods study
Authors: Nissen Karina Brix , Laursen Sisse Heiden , Udsen Flemming Witt , Haslund‐Thomsen Helle
Published: December 2022

Background

Age‐appropriate communication and interaction are essential when meeting young carers, requiring in‐depth knowledge and experience. Volunteer programmes may enhance undergraduate students' competencies in this regard. This pilot study evaluated undergraduate students' perceptions of volunteering on the Buddies for Children and Youngsters (BCY) programme by assessing the extent to which students experienced an improvement in their relational and communication competencies and/or felt better equipped for their future work.

Methods

The researchers conducted a mixed methods study with a parallel design, focussing on undergraduate students from the University College of Northern Denmark within the field of nursing, teaching, pedagogy, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy. The students participated in the programme for at least 4 months.

Results

Forty‐two students responded to a questionnaire, and 17 students were selected to participate in four focus groups. The results showed that participation in the programme improved the students' communication and relational competencies to some degree. The programme provided the students with experience of age‐related communication on both informal and difficult topics, and of building relationships and solving relational challenges. Also, the programme generally equipped students for future work with young carers and children.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the BCY programme is a relevant supplement to regular educational activities. Decision makers within politics of health, health planning and management, should therefore consider implementation of such programmes in relevant educational areas.
The adoption of human resource practices to support employees affected by intimate partner violence: Women representation in leadership matters
Authors: Chan‐Serafin Suzanne , Sanders Karin , Wang Lu , Restubog Simon Lloyd D.
Published: December 2022

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a global public health issue that negatively impacts organizations and their employees. Research suggests that organizations can play a supportive role to lessen this negative impact. However, it has been relatively silent on the conditions under which organizations choose to play such a role. Integrating social role and critical mass perspectives, we examine the extent to which organizations adopt human resource (HR) practices to support employees affected by IPV. Specifically, we argue that organizations are more likely to adopt IPV‐related HR practices when they are led by female Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and Top Management Teams (TMTs) with more female members. Furthermore, we argue that when women's representation reaches a critical mass plateau, appointing more women in TMTs has no incremental impact, and this non‐linear relationship moderates the CEO gender effect. Overall, we found support for our hypotheses based on a survey study of HR professionals from 414 Australian organizations (Study 1) and an archival study using 2 years of the Workplace Gender Equality Agency data from 4186 Australian organizations (Study 2). Theoretical and practical implications on the influence of gender configurations in leadership positions on the adoption of diversity, equity, and inclusion‐related HR practices are discussed.
Geographical and spatial disparities in the incidence and survival of rare cancers in Australia
Authors: Dasgupta Paramita , Cameron Jessica K. , Cramb Susanna M. , Trevithick Richard W. , Aitken Joanne F. , Mengersen Kerrie , Baade Peter D.
Published: December 2022

Rare cancers collectively account for around a quarter of cancer diagnoses and deaths. However, epidemiological studies are sparse. We describe spatial and geographical patterns in incidence and survival of rare cancers across Australia using a population‐based cancer registry cohort of rare cancer cases diagnosed among Australians aged at least 15 years, 2007 to 2016. Rare cancers were defined using site‐ and histology‐based categories from the European RARECARE study, as individual cancer types having crude annual incidence rates of less than 6/100 000. Incidence and survival patterns were modelled with generalised linear and Bayesian spatial Leroux models. Spatial heterogeneity was tested using the maximised excess events test. Rare cancers (n = 268 070) collectively comprised 22% of all invasive cancer diagnoses and accounted for 27% of all cancer‐related deaths in Australia, 2007 to 2016 with an overall 5‐year relative survival of around 53%. Males and those living in more remote or more disadvantaged areas had higher incidence but lower survival. There was substantial evidence for spatial variation in both incidence and survival for rare cancers between small geographical areas across Australia, with similar patterns so that those areas with higher incidence tended to have lower survival. Rare cancers are a substantial health burden in Australia. Our study has highlighted the need to better understand the higher burden of these cancers in rural and disadvantaged regions where the logistical challenges in their diagnosis, treatment and support are magnified.
Publication trends and usefulness of research in hysteroscopic myomectomy for heavy menstrual bleeding: A review of the published literature
Authors: Dreessen Janique R. J. , van der Meulen Julia F. , Bongers Marlies Y. , Mol Ben W. J. , Langenveld Josje
Published: December 2022

Despite the amount of research into hysteroscopic myomectomy, questions about the optimal treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding remain. This study reviewed publication trends on this topic from 2002 to 2019 and assessed the usefulness of studies. A total of 580 articles were published on PubMed in this time frame, in 15 different languages. There were meta‐analyses (1.6%), systematic reviews (12%), and randomized controlled trials (4.2%). Twelve percent were published in high impact factor journals. After applying our selection criteria, the usefulness of 37 articles was assessed: one article scored high, 31 scored moderate, and five scored low. The costs of these studies were estimated at US$ 971 700.
Influence of pre‐eclampsia on 2‐year neurodevelopmental outcome of very‐low‐birth‐weight infants
Authors: Chang Hao‐Yang , Chen Chie‐Pein , Sun Fang‐Ju , Chen Chen‐Yu
Published: December 2022

Objective

To evaluate the influence of maternal pre‐eclampsia on neurodevelopmental outcome in very‐low‐birth‐weight (VLBW) infants at 6, 12, and 24 months of corrected age.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of singleton VLBW infants between 2011 and 2018. The participants were divided into three groups: (1) mothers without pre‐eclampsia, (2) pre‐eclampsia without severe features, and (3) pre‐eclampsia with severe features. The Bayley Scales of Infant Development third edition (BSID‐III) was used to assess the neurodevelopment of participants. A BSID‐III score < 85 was defined as neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI).

Results

Overall, 482 VLBW infants born to 482 mothers were enrolled, of whom 327 mothers did not have pre‐eclampsia and 155 mothers had pre‐eclampsia (58 without and 97 with severe features). The infants born to mothers with pre‐eclampsia with severe features had the lowest BSID‐III scores at 6, 12, and 24 months. After adjustments, maternal pre‐eclampsia with severe features was significantly associated with cognitive NDI in their infants (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 4.14) and language NDI (aOR 3.37) at 2 years of corrected age.

Conclusions

VLBW fetuses born to mothers with pre‐eclampsia with severe features have poorer 2‐year neurodevelopmental outcome, which mainly manifests in the cognitive and language domains.
Importance of the early diagnosis of incarcerated gravid uterus: Case report and systematic review
Authors: Pina Moreno Juan Manuel , Ruiz Minaya María , Fraile López Andrea , Feltrer Hidalgo Marta , Ortega Abad Virginia , García‐Tizón Larroca Santiago
Published: December 2022

Objective

To examine whether the early diagnosis of uterine incarceration before 20 weeks of gestation improves maternal‐perinatal prognoses.

Methods

A systematic review of all of the cases published in the past 30 years that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria was performed and reported in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses recommendations. A comparative analysis of diagnoses before and after 20 weeks of gestation was performed.

Results

Eighty‐nine studies with a total of 146 cases of uterine incarceration during pregnancy were included. For cases of incarceration diagnosed before 20 weeks of gestation, a higher proportion of clinical symptoms was observed; however, a lower proportion of complications, such as premature delivery, need for cesarean section, and poor perinatal outcomes, were observed (P < 0.05). The proportion of spontaneous resolution and minimally invasive techniques for the treatment of incarceration was significantly higher among patients diagnosed with this pathology before 20 weeks (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The literature indicates that uterine incarceration is a rare complication during pregnancy with better maternal‐perinatal results if diagnosed earlier than 20 weeks.
A randomized controlled trial comparing combined medical and mechanical method for early mid‐trimester abortion (13–20 weeks)
Authors: Sharma Chanderdeep , Dadhwal Ankita , Soni Anjali
Published: December 2022

Objective

To examine the combined effect of a medical and mechanical method on induction‐to‐abortion interval (IAI) in women undergoing early mid‐trimester abortion (MTA) (13–20 weeks of pregnancy).

Methods

A randomized controlled trial was conducted among women undergoing MTA. Primary outcome was IAI. At enrollment, 60 women were randomized (group 1: medical method alone [mifepristone 200 mg, then 48 h later vaginal misoprostol 400 μg every 4 h] versus group 2: combined medical and mechanical method [transcervical Foley catheter inflated with 60 ml of normal saline]). Demographic and clinical data were collected at enrollment and abortion.

Results

Women in group 2 had statistically significantly shorter IAI (mean ± standard deviation: 347 ± 130 min vs. 640 ± 242 min, for group 2 and group 1, respectively; P < 0.001). All the women in group 2 had complete abortion within 12 h, compared with 19 (63%) in group 1 (P < 0.001). Median number of doses of vaginal misoprostol (400 μg every 4 h) required in group 1 was 4 (interquartile range [IQR] 3–5) versus 1 (IQR 1–3) in group 2 (P < 0.001). Statistically significantly fewer women required additional oxytocin (group 1 vs. group 2; 4 vs. zero, respectively, P = 0.038). All women in the study had complete abortion. There was no significant difference with respect to maternal complications.

Conclusion

A combined medical and mechanical method significantly shortens the IAI (P < 0.001) in women undergoing early MTA (13–20 weeks of pregnancy).

Trial Registration

Clinical Trial Registry of India www.ctri.nic.in CTRI/2020/12/030077 (date; 28‐12‐2020).
Evaluation of external validity of the OVHIPEC‐1 trial in a real‐world population
Authors: van Stein Ruby M. , Sikorska Karolina , van der Aa Maaike A. , Sonke Gabe S. , van Driel Willemien J. ,   the Dutch OVHIPEC‐1 trial group
Published: December 2022

Objective

The OVHIPEC‐1 trial (Phase III randomised clinical trial for stage III ovarian carcinoma randomising between interval cytoreductive surgery with or without hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy) showed improved survival when interval cytoreductive surgery (CRS) was combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in patients with stage III epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). The authors compared the control arm of the trial with a real‐world population treated in the Netherlands during the same period to explore generalizability of the trial results.

Methods

For this nationwide comparative cohort study, all patients with EOC undergoing interval CRS between 2007 and 2016 were identified from the Netherlands Cancer Registry if they fulfilled the eligibility criteria of OVHIPEC‐1 (n = 1376). Patient and treatment characteristics, and overall survival (OS) were compared between trial and real‐world populations.

Results

Age, comorbidity, BRCA status, histologic subtype, and residual disease were similar in trial and real‐world patients. Trial patients had a better performance status, higher socioeconomic status, and underwent bowel surgery more often. In a real‐world setting, patients more often received more than six cycles. The difference in OS between the trial and the real‐world populations was not statistically significant (unadjusted hazard ratio, 1.09 [95% confidence interval, 0.87–1.37]; P = 0.44).

Conclusion

Despite differences in patient characteristics, OS of patients treated in the control arm of OVHIPEC‐1 was similar to patients treated outside the trial. The trial population accurately represents real‐world patients with stage III EOC undergoing interval CRS in terms of outcome.
Cleavage stage at compaction—a good predictor for IVF outcome
Authors: Matot Ran , Kalma Yael , Rahav Roni , Azem Foad , Amir Hadar , Ben‐Yosef Dalit
Published: December 2022

Objective

To analyze whether cleavage stage at compaction, and not only kinetics, can serve as a reliable predictor for clinical outcome.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study including 1194 embryos, classified by compaction initiation stage (Group 1: compaction at fewer than eight cells, Group 2: compaction at eight cells, Group 3: compaction at more than eight cells). Of these, 815 embryos were evaluated for morphokinetic preimplantation parameters, and 379 embryos were analyzed for clinical implantation following thawing and transfer of single blastocysts during the same period.

Results

In total, 1194 embryos were analyzed. Embryos that underwent compaction from more than eight cells (Group 3) exhibited more synchronous cleavage compared with Groups 1 and 2 (at both S2 and S3; P < 0.001), and displayed a significantly lower fragmentation rate. The likelihood of obtaining top‐quality blastocysts decreased by 73% and 44% when comparing Group 3 embryos with those of Groups 1 and 2, respectively, (P < 0.03). Clinical validation of the results shows that while compaction from fewer than eight cells barely produced blastocysts for transfer, compaction at eight or more cells is crucial for implantation and birth (birth rates 11.1% and 18.5% for Groups 2 and 3, respectively).

Conclusion

Cleavage stage at compaction has a direct effect on blastocyst quality and subsequent pregnancy, so can be included in newly developed deep learning models for embryo selection.
An osteogenic magnesium alloy with improved corrosion resistance, antibacterial, and mechanical properties for orthopedic applications
Authors: Aboutalebianaraki Nadia , Zeblisky Peter , Sarker M. D. , Jeyaranjan Aadithya , Sakthivel Tamil S. , Fu Yifei , Lucchi John , Baudelet Matthieu , Seal Sudipta , Kean Thomas J. , Razavi Mehdi
Published: December 2022

The aim of this study was to develop a novel biodegradable magnesium (Mg) alloy for bone implant applications. We used scandium (Sc; 2 wt %) and strontium (Sr; 2 wt %) as alloying elements due to their high biocompatibility, antibacterial efficacy, osteogenesis, and protective effects against corrosion. In the present work, we also examined the effect of a heat treatment process on the properties of the Mg‐Sc‐Sr alloy. Alloys were manufactured using a metal casting process followed by heat treatment. The microstructure, corrosion, mechanical properties, antibacterial activity, and osteogenic activity of the alloy were assessed in vitro. The results showed that the incorporation of Sc and Sr elements controlled the corrosion, reduced the hydrogen generation, and enhanced mechanical properties. Furthermore, alloying with Sc and Sr demonstrated a significantly enhanced antibacterial activity and decreased biofilm formation compared to control Mg. Also, culturing Mg‐Sc‐Sr alloy with human bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stromal cells showed a high degree of biocompatibility (>90% live cells) and a significant increase in osteoblastic differentiation in vitro shown by Alizarin red staining and alkaline phosphatase activity. Based on these results, the Mg‐Sc‐Sr alloy heat‐treated at 400°C displayed optimal mechanical properties, corrosion rate, antibacterial efficacy, and osteoinductivity. These characteristics make the Mg‐Sc‐Sr alloy a promising candidate for biodegradable orthopedic implants in the fixation of bone fractures such as bone plate‐screws or intramedullary nails.
Ethnic identity‐based motivation: A model emergent from US Hispanic consumers
Authors: Aguirre‐Rodriguez Alexandra , Luna David , Alvarez Cecilia M. O. , Montoya Detra
Published: December 2022

A great deal of research has investigated how various aspects of ethnic identity influence consumer behavior, yet this literature is fragmented. The objective of this article was to present an integrative theoretical model of how individuals are motivated to think and act in a manner consistent with their salient ethnic identities. The model emerges from a review of social science and consumer research about US Hispanics, but researchers could apply it in its general form and/or adapt it to other populations. Our model extends Oyserman's (Journal of Consumer Psychology, 19, 250) identity‐based motivation (IBM) model by differentiating between two types of antecedents of ethnic identity salience: longitudinal cultural processes and situational activation by contextual cues, each with different implications for the availability and accessibility of ethnic cultural knowledge. We provide new insights by introducing three ethnic identity motives that are unique to ethnic (nonmajority) cultural groups: belonging, distinctiveness, and defense. These three motives are in constant tension with one another and guide longitudinal processes like acculturation, and ultimately influence consumers' procedural readiness and action readiness. Our integrative framework organizes and offers insights into the current body of Hispanic consumer research, and highlights gaps in the literature that present opportunities for future research.
Using transvaginal ultrasounds for the identification of follicle‐like structures ≥10 mm in a multi‐center randomized contraceptive clinical trial of three 84‐day oral ulipristal acetate regimens
Authors: Rosenberg Jessica D. , Westhoff Carolyn L.
Published: December 2022

Purpose

We examine the use of transvaginal sonography in imaging ovarian follicles among non‐pregnant reproductive‐aged women enrolled in a contraceptive clinical trial.

Methods

Ten sites conducted a clinical trial comparing three oral ulipristal acetate regimens for ovulation inhibition. Enrollees underwent twice weekly transvaginal sonography and hormonal blood testing throughout treatment and until the second menses post‐treatment. The primary outcome of the present analysis was success in identifying follicles ≥10 mm in a subgroup of sonograms performed at times of likely follicular activity (estradiol <100 pg/ml and progesterone >3 ng/ml). Secondarily, an overall analysis assessed all sonograms regardless of timing.

Results

At times of likely follicular activity, 135 women underwent 969 sonograms. The proportion of sonograms without follicles ≥10 mm ranged from 8.3% to 46.3% when stratified by site (p = .01). The odds of no follicle among higher‐body mass index (BMI) women were 1.91 times those among lower‐BMI women after controlling for site and treatment arm (95% CI: 1.13, 3.22). Results were similar for the overall population.

Conclusion

Sonographers were less likely to identify follicles for higher‐BMI women and results varied by site. Machine quality slightly impacted sonogram results, but did not sufficiently explain site differences.
Case report: An unusual case of cecal mucosal bleeding
Authors: Kamara Maseray S. , Sugawa Choichi
Published: December 2022

Cecal mucosal bleeding is an undocumented and rare cause of lower gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. We present a case of a 73‐year‐old woman with end‐stage renal disease and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation on apixaban who presented with lower gastrointestinal bleed. She was found to have symptomatic, acute chronic anemia requiring multiple packed red blood cell transfusions. Colonoscopy revealed a localized area of active, cecal mucosal bleeding without evidence of Dieulafoy lesion, ulcer, mass, arteriovenous malformation, or diverticula. Hemostasis was achieved with epinephrine injection and the use of bipolar electrocautery. She was later resumed on her therapeutic anticoagulation without recurrence of bleeding. Therapeutic anticoagulation in our patient with ESRD increased her risk for gastrointestinal bleeding. Had this transient, mucosal‐limited bleeding not been active during endoscopic evaluation, the etiology of her massive gastrointestinal bleeding would have been missed. This case expands the differential of acute, lower GI bleeding to include cecal mucosal bleeding, which is a rare, intermittent, cause of bleeding that is amenable to endoscopic management.
Lipase activity inhibited by aloenin A: Glycoside from Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f.—In vitro and molecular docking studies
Authors: Deora Neha , Venkatraman Krishnan
Published: December 2022

Obesity is taking over many parts of the world and has been identified as the second leading cause of preventable death, with a dramatic increase in prevalence over the last two decades. Pancreatic lipase is a lipid‐digesting enzyme that plays an important role in fat metabolism. Inhibiting pancreatic lipase is an attractive target for obesity treatment. Phytochemicals or bioactive compounds/extracts isolated from medicinal plants offer a promising platform for the development of pancreatic lipase inhibitors. This study aims to characterize and investigate the effect of aloenin A, glycoside found in Aloe vera, as a possible inhibitor of pancreatic lipase in vitro and in silico. A. vera extract had an IC50 value of 0.5472 μg/ml, whereas aloenin A had an IC50 value of 14.95 μg/mL and was found to inhibit in a competitive manner. These findings were supported by molecular docking studies, which revealed that aloenin A binds to the substrate binding site with a binding energy of − 7.16 kcal/mol, and this binding site is stabilized by three hydrogen bonds contributed by Phe77 and Asp79. Our findings suggest that the anti‐hyperlipidemic effects of A. vera on pancreatic lipase can be attributed in part to the presence of aloenin A.
Progress in research of sulfobetaine surfactants used in tertiary oil recovery
Authors: Lu Jiayue , Pu Wanfen , He Wei , Zou Binyang , Li Bowen , Liu Rui
Published: December 2022

The synthesis of sulfobetaine surfactants and their application in tertiary oil recovery (TOR) are summarized in this paper. The synthesis of sulfobetaine surfactants was classified into three categories of single hydrophobic chain sulfobetaine surfactants, double hydrophobic chain sulfobetaine surfactants and Gemini sulfobetaine surfactants for review. Their application in TOR was classified into surfactant flooding, microemulsion flooding, surfactant/polymer (SP) flooding and foam flooding for review. The sulfonated betaine surfactants have good temperature resistance and salt tolerance, low critical micelle concentration (cmc) and surface tension corresponding to critical micelle concentration (γcmc), good foaming properties and wettability, low absorption, ultralow interfacial tension of oil/water, and excellent compatibility with other surfactants and polymers. Sulfobetaine surfactants with ethoxyl structures, hydroxyl and unsaturated bonds, and Gemini sulfobetaine surfactants will become an important direction for tertiary oil recovery because they have better interfacial activity in high‐temperature (≥90°C) and high‐salinity (≥104 mg/L) reservoirs. Some problems existing in the synthesis and practical application were also reviewed.