bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antioxidant Therapies in the Treatment of Aminoglycoside‐Induced Ototoxicity: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Gaffney Patrick J. , Shetty Kunal R. , Yuksel Sancak , Kaul Vivian F.
Published: November 2024

Objective

A feared complication of aminoglycoside treatment is ototoxicity, which is theorized to be attributed to the production of aminoglycoside‐induced reactive oxygen species. Previous studies using animal models have suggested that numerous therapies targeting reducing oxidative stress may prevent ototoxicity from aminoglycosides. However, few clinical studies have been conducted on these antioxidants. This systematic review and meta‐analysis examines the effectiveness of antioxidant therapies in the treatment of aminoglycoside‐induced ototoxicity.

Data Sources

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov.

Review Method

A literature search was conducted in August 2024. This review sought randomized controlled trials to be conducted on humans to examining otologic outcomes in aminoglycoside‐induced ototoxicity following administration of medications intended to reduce oxidative stress.

Results

A systematic review yielded 2037 results, of which seven studies met inclusion criteria. N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) was investigated in four studies, aspirin in two studies, and vitamin E in one study. Six studies examined the benefit of antioxidant treatments for up to 8 weeks after administration while one study tested subjects' hearing after 1 year. In pooled analysis, two studies assessing NAC showed the greatest reduction in ototoxicity (RR 0.112, 95% CI, 0.032–0.395; p = 0.0007; I2 = 18%), followed by two studies examining aspirin (RR 0.229, 95% CI, 0.080–0.650; p = 0.0057; I2 = 0%). One study performed with vitamin E did not find a reduction in ototoxicity compared to the placebo (RR 0.841, 95% CI, 0.153–4.617; p = 0.8416).

Conclusions

Multiple studies have shown that NAC and aspirin are effective in reducing ototoxicity from treatment with aminoglycosides. However, there is a lack of high‐quality evidence. Additional studies should examine whether aspirin and N‐acetylcysteine provide long‐term benefit, and which of the other promising antioxidants translate from animal models.

Level of Evidence

N/A Laryngoscope, 2024
Quantifying farmers' Livelihood Efficiency, Regional Indicators and Its Influencing Factors: Implementing an Improved Sustainable Livelihood Framework
Authors: Su Fang , Fan Bingjie , Song Nini , Fahad Shah
Published: November 2024

Research on sustainable livelihoods tend to emphasis on objective and macroregional aspects. However, there is space to expand research on the farmers' livelihoods in the context of poverty alleviation and rural revitalization development. This paper uses a field survey on farmers' livelihood efficiency, influencing factors and mechanisms of farmers' livelihood efficiency in the Qinba mountainous areas of southern Shaanxi China. Based on DEA and Tobit approaches, the authors investigate farmer livelihood efficiency and analyze the disparities according to the farm households' socio‐demographics descriptions. Findings of this study show that, livelihood efficiency is a new entry point of sustainable livelihoods for farmers, and currently, the overall livelihood efficiency of farmers in the study area is low, which needs to be further improved. The results also show that the willingness of environmental protection activities, village busses and government financial expenditure have a significant positive impact on the livelihood efficiency, while the abandonment has a significant negative impact on the livelihood efficiency of farmers. These factors have significant differences in the impact of farmers' technical efficiency and scale efficiency. The results further indicate that, utilization and conversion rate of the existing livelihood capital of farmers is low. Livelihood diversification should be stimulated to enhance “livelihood export” and its operation ability of livelihood capital accumulation. The study findings also propose that, there is a need of reform of dual paths to improve the efficiency of farmers' livelihood, and promote farmers' livelihood development with “wide path” and “wide choice.”
The Great Lakes Winter Grab: Limnological data from a multi‐institutional winter sampling campaign on the Laurentian Great Lakes
Authors: Pu Ge , Shchapov Kirill , Pearce Nolan J. T. , Bowen Kelly , Bramburger Andrew , Camilleri Andrew , Carrick Hunter , Chaffin Justin D. , Cody William , Coleman Maureen L. , Currie Warren J. S. , Depew David C. , Doubek Jonathan P. , Eveleth Rachel , Fitzpatrick Mark , Glyshaw Paul W. , Godwin Casey M. , McKay R. Michael , Munawar Mohiuddin , Niblock Heather , Quintanilla Maci , Rennie Michael , Sand Matthew W. , Schraitle Kimberly J. , Twiss Michael R. , Uzarski Donald G. , Vanderploeg Henry A. , Vick‐Majors Trista J. , Westrick Judy A. , Wheelock Bridget A. , Xenopoulos Marguerite A. , Zastepa Arthur , Ozersky Ted
Published: November 2024

Interest in winter limnology is growing rapidly, but progress is hindered by a shortage of standardized multivariate datasets on winter conditions. Addressing the winter data gap will enhance our understanding of winter ecosystem function and of lake response to environmental change. Here, we describe a dataset generated by a multi‐institutional winter sampling campaign across all five Laurentian Great Lakes and some of their connecting waters (the Great Lakes Winter Grab). The objective of Winter Grab was to characterize mid‐winter limnological conditions in the Great Lakes using standard sample collection and analysis methods. Nineteen research groups sampled 49 locations varying widely in depth and trophic status, collecting a range of limnological data. This dataset includes physical, chemical, and biological measurements. These data can be used to examine diverse aspects of Great Lakes ecosystems or integrated with winter observations from other lakes to improve understanding of winter limnology across different aquatic systems.
Atypical Attack of the Dissimilar Metal Welds of a Water–Water Energetic Reactor Nuclear Power Plant Secondary Circuit: Possible Mechanisms of Failure
Authors: Návoj Aleš
Published: November 2024

Dissimilar metal welds are utilized in the energy industry to connect two materials with different material characteristics. In the case of nuclear power plants, the connected materials tend to be low‐alloyed steel and high‐alloyed material. Despite different material and corrosion properties, under the proper environmental conditions, the used construction materials and weld metals are protected either by a passive layer or by a high‐temperature oxide. Although dissimilar metal welds are used in both primary and secondary circuits, the most frequently documented damage is in the secondary circuit, where, in addition to material heterogeneities, local environmental heterogeneities may form. For dissimilar metal welds in WWER nuclear power plants, a water–water energetic reactor, a subtype of pressure water reactor, we note two main types of attack near the dissimilar fusion boundary: on the carbon steel side or on the high‐alloyed weld metal side (X10CrNiMoN16‐25‐6). The possible causes of the latter “atypical” corrosion attack are debated and can be generalized as a consequence of change of the grain boundary condition.
Study on the Effect of Dry and Wet Cycle Time Ratio on the Corrosion Behavior of 2198 Aluminum–Lithium Alloy
Authors: Liu Yingyan , Deng Zhibin , Zhang Qian , Hu Xiao , Yue Hang , Tang Haiping , Li Guotao
Published: November 2024

The corrosion of 2198 aluminum–lithium alloy in a marine atmospheric environment was simulated using a wet–dry alternating experimental setup. Weight‐loss measurement methods, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), scanning electron microscopy/energy‐dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), macroscopic morphology testing, three‐dimensional morphology testing, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to study the wet–dry alternating corrosion behaviors and mechanisms of 2198 aluminum–lithium alloys under simulated marine atmospheric environment. The results indicate that corrosion weight loss increases with decreasing wet‐to‐dry ratios, accompanied by an increase in the corrosion rate. Various data suggest that the primary corrosion products are composed of Al2O3, AlO(OH), and AlCl3. The reduction in the wet‐to‐dry ratio leads to the enrichment of Cl⁻ within the corrosion products, extending the contact time between the substrate and the medium, thereby intensifying the hydrolysis of Al³⁺. This exacerbates the dissolution at pitting sites, which in turn erodes and breaks down the corrosion product film, accelerating the overall corrosion process.
LINC01764 promotes colorectal cancer cells proliferation, metastasis, and 5‐fluorouracil resistance by regulating glucose and glutamine metabolism via promoting c‐MYC translation
Authors: Duan Ran , Zhai Yujia , Wang Qiushuang , Zhao Liqin , Wang Yixuan , Yu Nuoya , Zhang Jieyun , Guo Weijian
Published: November 2024

Few biomarkers are available for predicting chemotherapeutic response and prognosis in colorectal cancer (CRC). Long‐noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are essential for CRC development and growth. Therefore, studying lncRNAs may reveal potential predictors of chemotherapy response and prognosis in CRC. LINC01764 was analyzed using datasets from Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center's advanced CRC patients’ RNA‐seq and The Cancer Genome Atlas datasets. Gene set enrichment analysis was employed to detect related pathways. Cotransfection experiments, RNA pulldown assays, RNA‐binding protein immunoprecipitation, protein synthesis activity, and dual‐luciferase reporter assays were performed to determine interactions among LINC01764, hnRNPK, and c‐MYC. High LINC01764 expression correlates with metastasis, a poor response to FOLFOX/XELOX chemotherapy, and a poor prognosis in CRC. LINC01764 enhance glycolysis and glutamine metabolism to promote CRC cells proliferation, metastasis, and 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) resistance. LINC01764 specifically binds to hnRNPK, facilitating its interaction with c‐MYC mRNA and promoting internal ribosome entry site (IRES)‐dependent translation of c‐MYC, thereby exerting oncogenic effects. LINC01764 induced 5‐FU chemoresistance by upregulating the c‐MYC, glucose, and glutamine metabolism pathways, which downregulated UPP1, crucial for activating 5‐FU. Conclusively, LINC01764 promotes CRC progression and 5‐FU resistance through hnRNPK‐mediated‐c‐MYC IRES‐dependent translational regulation, which suggests its potential as a predictor of CRC chemotherapy response and prognosis.
Non‐self‐similar solutions containing delta shock waves for nonhomogeneous zero‐pressure gas dynamics with energy conservation law by the viscosity method
Authors: Li Shiwei , Wang Hui
Published: November 2024

This article considers the zero‐pressure gas dynamics governed by the conservation laws of mass, momentum, and energy with time‐dependent source terms. By adopting the vanishing viscosity method, we propose a viscous system to prove the stability of non‐self‐similar Riemann solutions including the delta shock wave and vacuum.
Repeatability of diffusion kurtosis tensor parameters in muscles of the lower legs
Authors: Mathew Ethan , Dortch Richard , Damon Bruce , Ragunathan Sudarshan , Quarles C. Chad
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study was to provide measurements from and investigate the repeatability of diffusion kurtosis tensor parameters in the muscles of the lower legs.

Methods

Test–retest acquisition of a kurtosis tensor sequence was performed in 13 healthy volunteers. Quantitative kurtosis tensor parameters were derived, and repeatability of each parameter was evaluated by muscle group and over the whole muscle through intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and within‐subject coefficient of variation (wsCV). Bland–Altman analysis was also conducted. Differences in parameter values by muscle group were investigated through an analysis of variance.

Results

Axial kurtosis and radial kurtosis values from the test data were 0.63 ± 0.04 and 0.70 ± 0.05, respectively. Kurtosis tensor parameters from all muscle groups and over the whole muscle had wsCV below 15%. ICC for the parameters from most muscle groups was above 85%, with the lowest ICC over the whole muscle being 88.39%. The medial gastrocnemius and extensor digitorum longus showed highest repeatability. Mean, axial, and radial diffusivity had higher wsCV despite being lower‐order terms than kurtosis.

Conclusion

This study sought to examine the repeatability of diffusion kurtosis tensor–derived parameters in the legs and verify that they could potentially be used as longitudinal imaging metrics. wsCV values from test–retest data indicated high repeatability throughout all examined muscle groups. There were minimal differences in kurtosis and diffusivity parameters between muscle groups in this healthy volunteer cohort.
Reproducibility of liver ADC measurements using first moment optimized diffusion imaging
Authors: Allen Timothy J. , van der Heijden Rianne A. , Simchick Gregory , Hernando Diego
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Cardiac‐induced liver motion can bias liver ADC measurements and compromise reproducibility. The purpose of this work was to enable motion‐robust DWI on multiple MR scanners and assess reproducibility of the resulting liver ADC measurements.

Methods

First moment‐optimized diffusion imaging (MODI) was implemented on three MR scanners with various gradient performances and field strengths. MODI‐DWI and conventional Stejskal‐Tanner monopolar (MONO) DWI were acquired in eight (N = 8) healthy volunteers on each scanner, and DWI repetitions were combined using three different averaging methods. For each combination of scanner, acquisition, and averaging method, ADC measurements from each liver segment were collected. Systematic differences in ADC values between scanners and methods were assessed with linear mixed effects modeling, and reproducibility was quantified via reproducibility coefficients.

Results

MODI reduced left–right liver lobe ADC bias from 0.43 × 10−3 mm2/s (MONO) to 0.19 × 10−3 mm2/s (MODI) when simple (unweighted) repetition averaging was used. The bias was reduced from 0.23 × 10−3 mm2/s to 0.06 × 10−3 mm2/s using weighted averaging, and 0.14 × 10−3 mm2/s to 0.01 × 10−3 mm2/s using squared weighted averaging. There was no significant difference in ADC measurements between field strengths or scanner gradient performance. MODI improved reproducibility coefficients compared to MONO: 0.84 × 10−3 mm2/s vs. 0.63 × 10−3 mm2/s (MODI vs. MONO) for simple averaging, 0.66 × 10−3 mm2/s vs. 0.50 × 10−3 mm2/s for weighted averaging, and 0.61 × 10−3 mm2/s vs. 0.47 × 10−3 mm2/s for squared weighted averaging.

Conclusion

The feasibility of motion‐robust liver DWI using MODI was demonstrated on multiple MR scanners. MODI improved interlobar agreement and reproducibility of ADC measurements in a healthy cohort.
The epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor gefitinib enhances in vitro and in vivo sensory axon regeneration and functional recovery following transection in a mouse median nerve injury model
Authors: Topley Maxwell , Sparks Payton , Crotty Anne‐Marie , Kawaja Michael , Hendry J. Michael
Published: November 2024

Introduction

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR; ErbB1), a membrane bound receptor tyrosine kinase, is hypothesized to have an inhibitory influence on peripheral nerve regeneration. This study examines the impact of EGFR inhibition on nerve regeneration using the commercially available small molecule inhibitor gefitinib.

Method

In vitro assays included neurite outgrowth of cultured dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons from adult C57Bl/6 wildtype mice on immobilized chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPG). Following forelimb median nerve injury, EGFR expression, number of regenerated neurons (using retrograde labeling) and myelination of motor and sensory neurons were compared between mice that received either gefitinib or vehicle. Functional recovery was assessed using grip strength.

Results

EGFR expression on DRG and spinal motor neurons was confirmed. Gefitinib significantly increased neurite outgrowth in medium sized (30–50 μm) DRG neurons, resulting in longer neurites (183 ± 36 μm) compared with CSPG alone (49 ± 9 μm). After median nerve injury, significantly greater numbers of sensory neurons (638 ± 112 vs. 301 ± 81), but not motor neurons (31 ± 12 vs. 42 ± 13) regenerated in animals treated with gefitinib compared with controls. Regenerated axons in gefitinib treated animals displayed significantly greater diameter and increased g‐ratio compared with controls. Grip strength recovered more quickly in animals receiving gefitinib compared with controls (27.6 vs. 19.1 g 18 days post‐injury).

Discussion

This study provides data supporting the role of EGFR as a negative regulator of sensory but not motor neuron regeneration. Further, it demonstrates versatile potential uses of existing pharmaceuticals.
Sketched and Truncated Polynomial Krylov Methods: Evaluation of Matrix Functions
Authors: Palitta Davide , Schweitzer Marcel , Simoncini Valeria
Published: November 2024

Among randomized numerical linear algebra strategies, so‐called sketching procedures are emerging as effective reduction means to accelerate the computation of Krylov subspace methods for, for example, the solution of linear systems, eigenvalue computations, and the approximation of matrix functions. While there is plenty of experimental evidence showing that sketched Krylov solvers may dramatically improve performance over standard Krylov methods, especially when combined with a truncated orthogonalization step, many features of these schemes are still unexplored. We derive a new sketched Arnoldi‐type relation that allows us to obtain several different new theoretical results. These lead to an improvement of our understanding of sketched Krylov methods, in particular by explaining why the frequently occurring sketched Ritz values far outside the spectral region of do not negatively influence the convergence of sketched Krylov methods for . Our findings also help to identify, among several possible equivalent formulations, the most suitable sketched approximations according to their numerical stability properties. These results are also employed to analyze the error of sketched Krylov methods in the approximation of the action of matrix functions, significantly contributing to the theory available in the current literature.
Clinical Control and Quality of Life in Patients With Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Asthma: A Study on the Effects of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Authors: Ma Rongfeng
Published: November 2024

Objective

To determine the impact of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) on chronic rhinosinusitis with asthma (CRSwA) patients' clinical control and quality of life.

Study Design

A randomized controlled trial involving 150 CRSwA patients, equally divided into surgical and control groups.

Setting

Participants were matched for age, gender, illness duration, and computed tomography (CT) grading of the sinuses.

Methods

Random allocation was conducted using a computer‐generated table.

Results

The surgical group exhibited significant symptom score improvements across all metrics (P < .001). Lung function parameters showed substantial gains, with forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and FEV1/FVC ratios significantly higher than the control group (P < .001). Quality of life scores, measured by RQLQ and AQLQ, improved significantly in the surgical group (P < .001). At 6 months, correlations between lung function and CT grading of the sinuses were evident, with negative and positive correlations, respectively (P < .05). Inflammatory markers and medication usage were notably reduced (P < .001, P < .05), with low adverse event rates (1%).

Conclusion

ESS is effective in enhancing clinical outcomes and quality of life for CRSwA patients, reducing inflammation and medication needs, thus supporting its use as a beneficial treatment.
Corporate Social Responsibility Programs and Employee Retention: The Mediating Effects of Employee Trust in Organization
Authors: Ta'amneh Mohammad Mahmoud , Ta'amneh Abdallah Mohammad , Eid Ali Ibrahim Abu
Published: November 2024

This study aims to examine the impact of corporate social responsibility initiatives on employee retention rates in private hospitals in Jordan. Additionally, this study investigates the mediator function of employee trust in private hospitals regarding the relationship between CSR initiatives and employee retention. A stratified sample of 363 personnel from private hospitals in northern Jordan is used, representing four distinct groups: physicians, nurses, technicians, and administrators. The data analysis uses the structural equation modeling (SEM) technique. The results indicate that corporate social responsibility (CSR) measures and trust in private hospitals in Jordan benefit employee retention. Furthermore, the level of trust in hospitals plays a crucial role in mediating the connection between corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and the ability to retain employees. These findings hold promise for the healthcare sector in Jordan, offering potential solutions to the pressing issue of employee retention and the potential to improve patient care quality significantly.
Shape design optimization of a flat endmill tool
Authors: Kalu‐Uka Abraham , Moerman Kevin , Eberhard Peter
Published: November 2024

Among the many possible metal‐cutting processes, milling is regarded as one of the most widely applied processes to machine different engineering materials productively. During the milling process, there is relative motion between the endmill tool and the workpiece. Energy is required to drive the cutting force used by the tool in separating the chips from the workpiece. Several studies have focused on the effects of milling process parameters on the cutting force, for instance by varying the cutting parameters, machining properties and the extent of cooling/lubrication. Other studies have explored the influence of tool geometry and material properties on the cutting force. Results from these studies have brought about improvements in the design of milling machinery and tools. The current study presents a novel automated approach for tool geometry optimization which is fully coded in Matlab. An automated and parametrized endmill design procedure was created featuring input parameters such as rake angle, relief angle, clearance angle and helix angle, all of which have been shown, through numerous studies, to influence cutting forces. The parameters were here used to generate the shape profile for one cutting edge of a flat endmill. This cutting edge profile is next copied and rotated, as per the design's pitch angle, to form the complete set of cutting flutes for the flat endmill. Next, the surface defined by the completed profile is meshed using quadrilateral elements. The 3D endmill design is then formed by extruding, and twisting as per the helix angle, this quadrilateral mesh to form a solid hexahedral mesh. Finally, an automated iterative optimization process was defined, featuring the above parametrized design process coupled with Abaqus‐based finite element simulation of the milling process. The expected result is that the proposed optimization procedure will be able to identify the endmill design parameters which minimize the cutting force. At the completion of the optimization, a minimized maximum resultant cutting force value is obtained from using the newly optimized endmill. The resultant cutting force was reduced by 17.6%. It is anticipated that the automated design, meshing and simulation‐driven optimization approach is generalizable to other tool design variations.
Messy natures: The political aesthetics of nature recovery
Authors: Wartmann Flurina M. , Lorimer Jamie
Published: November 2024

Current aspirations for nature recovery to address biodiversity loss and climate change will involve changing what landscapes look like, which can create challenging aesthetic experiences for members of the public.

In this study, we interrogate the role of aesthetics in shaping visions of nature recovery, focussing on the construction and contestation of ‘mess’ and ‘messiness’ in nature recovery.

We examine the political aesthetics of messy natures using a qualitative approach investigating visual and text materials across different sites of production in Britain, from newspapers to social media, paying particular attention to visual materials

Our results show how the mediated debate around ‘rewilding’ urban environments and a beaver‐themed garden winning a horticultural show are examples of a backlash against untidy environments through a politicised discourse, linking messy nature with left‐wing ideologies, in contrast to the perceived orderliness and conservative ideals of good citizenship associated with tidiness.

In contrast, social media imagery of messy and wild gardens demonstrates how mess is consciously framed aesthetically as a desirable ‘look’ for restored nature, symbolising progressive and environmentalist ideals of good citizenship through activities such as nature‐friendly gardening and initiatives such as ‘No Mow May’, which celebrate the aesthetic of a more biodiverse messiness.

And finally, we traced how environmental advocacy organisations are prefiguring the future of nature recovery in Britain through commissioned graphical representations that portray a ‘tamed messiness’ and the return of charismatic megafauna. Although these aesthetics may challenge prevailing pastoral aesthetics, they normalise continued inequality in the form of concentrated land ownership, especially in the Scottish Highlands.

Policy implications. Our analysis shows that aesthetics play an important role in shaping views of what is ‘natural’, ‘normal’ and ‘good’ and therefore desirable in what a future (recovered) nature looks like. We suggest that nature recovery initiatives take aesthetics seriously, by interrogating how idealisations of ‘how nature should look’ may influence decision‐making alongside ecological and other considerations. Taking aesthetics seriously also opens avenues for engaging with social and environmental justice, where alternative aesthetics can help in imagining more socially and environmentally just futures.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Tragacanth Gum/Trimethyl Chitosan‐Derived Polyelectrolyte Complex as Potential Carriers in Drug Delivery Applications
Authors: Babaladimath Gangadhar , Chapi Sharanappa , MV Murugendrappa , Badiger Hanamanta , Raghu Anjanapura V.
Published: November 2024

A three‐step procedure described in the literature has been used to create N,N,N‐trimethyl Ct a chitosan derivative that is extremely soluble in water. By combining two polymers in aqueous media, this derivative and tragacanth gum were able to form a new polyelectrolyte complex. The TGA, FTIR, and DSC analysis established the development of TMC/XG‐PEC. SEM was used to describe the TMC/TG‐PEC's surface morphology. The features of diffusion and swelling, such as the theoretical equilibrium ratio, initial swelling rate constant, and the process of water transportation into TMC/TG‐PEC, were established. The TMC/TG‐PEC swelling is seen to be pH‐dependent. It swells in the subsequent order: pH 7.4 > 6.8 > 1.2. At pH 1.2, 6.8, and 7.4, the TMC/TG‐PEC swelling ratio was found to be 6.5, 7.7, and 9.6 g/g, respectively. The second‐order kinetics of the swelling process is indicated by the linearity of the plot “t/SR” versus “t”. The TMC/TG‐PEC's n values under various pH circumstances ranged from 0.12 to 0.16, suggesting the Fickian water transport mechanism. The utility of complex as a matrix for KP formulations for sustained‐release tablets was investigated. It was discovered that 90.5% of KP was loaded into PEC. There is evidence that pH influences how much medicine is released. When the medium's pH was altered from acidic to neutral, the KP release was considerably boosted. The TMC/TG‐PEC demonstrated a maximum drug release of 7% in a pH 1.2 medium and between 85% and 90% in a pH 7.4 medium, demonstrating the TMC/TG‐PEC's potential as a matrix substance for the drug's prolonged release formulations of KP. The Fickian drug transport mechanism was indicated by the release exponent n, which was less than 0.5.
Microstructural optimization of lignin‐based carbon fiber: Effects of purification and high‐temperature heat treatment
Authors: Huang Zhiwei , Jia Guosheng , Yuan Meng , Li Ruyu , Yu Senlong , Hu Zexu , Xiang Hengxue , Zhu Meifang
Published: November 2024

Lignin is a renewable biomass polymer with a carbon content of more than 60% and has been extensively studied for making lignin‐based carbon fibers (CFs). However, impurities and high carbohydrate content in lignin materials severely limit their molding in melt spinning, and pre‐oxidation and carbonization processes also affect the subsequent preparation of CFs. This paper presents a detailed study of lignin‐based carbon fiber preparation. Pretreatment increased lignin's decomposition temperature to 302.1°C and enabled melt‐spun fiber preparation. Then, pre‐oxidation and carbonization of lignin fibers were further discussed. The pre‐oxidized fibers prepared at 280°C and 0.4°C min−1 have high thermal stability and excellent carbonization performance. The lignin‐based carbon fibers (LCFs) prepared at 1100°C and 3°C min−1 have the highest degree of graphitization, and the surface is smooth without obvious holes. Under these conditions, LCFs have a graphitization degree of 1.50 and conductivity of 62.50 S cm−1, making them suitable for sensors and capacitors.

Highlights

Effects of pretreatment on lignin structure and properties have been studied.

Effects of pre‐oxidation and carbonization on the lignin fibers were studied.

Lignin‐based carbon fibers with high conductivity were obtained.
Kinetic and Mechanistic Investigation of L‐Phenylalanine Oxidation by Alkaline Cu(III) Periodate in CPC Micellar Medium
Authors: Srivastava Abhishek , Srivastava Neetu , Dohare Rajeev Kumar
Published: November 2024

Amino acid oxidation is fascinating because different oxidants produce diverse compounds. No research has examined how metal catalysts affect amino acid oxidation by diperiodatocuprate (III) (DPC) in micellar environments. This research is crucial to understanding amino acids in redox processes and identifying active species of Ru(III) and DPC. The study will evaluate how cationic surfactant affects Ru(III)‐facilitated L‐phenylalanine (L‐Pheala) oxidation utilizing DPC in an alkaline medium. The reaction's advancement has been assessed employing the pseudo‐first‐order condition as a gauge for [OH−], [DPC], ionic strength, [L‐Pheala], [Ru(III)], [IO4−], [Surfactant], and temperature. L‐Pheala and DPC interact stoichiometrically in a ratio of 1:4. Across the spectrum of concentrations examined, the reported reaction reflects less than unit order kinematics in relation to both [L‐Pheala] (0.61 in the aqueous medium and 0.58 in the CPC micellar medium) and [OH−] (0.47 in the aqueous medium and 0.51 in the CPC micellar medium), first‐order reliance on the [DPC] and [Ru(III)], and negative fractional‐order for [IO4−] (−0.54 in the aqueous medium and −0.56 in the CPC micellar medium). A zero salt effect is suggested by the observed constancy in oxidation rate with the inclusion of electrolytes. The oxidation rate is significantly enhanced by Ru(III) solution (as a catalyst) at ppm concentration. Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) micellar media facilitate an additional enhancement (four times) in the rate of the reaction. CPC thus exhibits an excellent compatibility with Ru(III) for the L‐Pheala oxidation using (DPC).
Non‐Isocyanate Carbamate Acrylates: Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications in UV 3D Printing
Authors: Yin Jiangdi , Zhang Xinqi , Zan Xinxin , Wang Jiaxi
Published: November 2024

In this paper, two synthetic routes for non‐isocyanate carbamate acrylates (CAs) were explored. Four amino alcohols reacted with ethylene carbonate respectively forming carbamate alcohols. Additionally, carbamate amines were synthesized through the reaction of diethylene glycol with dimethyl carbonate, followed by the reaction of 4‐methylcyclohexane‐1,3‐diamine. Five kinds of CAs were synthesized via oxa‐Michael addition of carbamate alcohols and aza‐Michael reactions of carbamate amines with neopentyl glycol diacrylate (NPGDA), respectively. The resulting intermediates and final CAs were characterized by electrospray ionization high‐resolution mass spectrometry (ESI‐HRMS), 1H NMR, and FT‐IR spectroscopy. The photopolymerization kinetics of the CAs were investigated using FT‐IR spectroscopy. Under UV irradiation and initiation by 1 wt% 2‐isopropylthioxanthone (ITX) for 30 s, the double bond conversion of the CAs synthesized by oxa‐Michael addition were over 95%. The resulting CAs can be UV cured to form a transparent film with a gel content of 90%–95%, a hardness of 4–5 H, and a flexibility of 1 mm. A formulation consisting of 79 wt% CA2, 20 wt% NPGDA, and 1 wt% ITX was applied for 3D printing to produce various models with smooth surfaces, high precision, and excellent flexibility.
Influence of Contaminated Ammonium Nitrate on Detonation Behaviour of Bulk Emulsion Explosives and Numerical Analysis of Detonation‐Induced Damage Zone
Authors: Kumar Arvind , Kumar Vishwakarma Ashish , Mallick Mousumi , Kumari Usha , Kumar Himanshu Vivek , Ali Firoj
Published: November 2024

Bulk emulsion explosives are widely used industrial explosives for mining and civil infrastructure work. Ammonium nitrate is an important ingredient for bulk emulsion explosives and plays an important role in the detonation behaviour. Considering the growing demand for bulk emulsion explosives, an in‐depth investigation is necessary to understand how the impurities in ammonium nitrate can affect the detonation behaviour and safe handling of bulk emulsion explosives. Herein, we have demonstrated the influence of contaminated ammonium nitrate on the detonation behaviour and characteristics of bulk emulsion explosive. Furthermore, the particle size of the internal phase of the all prepared bulk emulsion explosives was analyzed using optical microscopy to confirm the effect of contaminated ammonium nitrate. Time dependent chemical‐induced gassing behaviour and detonation velocity of prepared bulk explosive samples were also studied. Importantly, numerical modeling was used to stimulate the detonation‐induced rock damage zone and assess the impact of ammonium nitrate contamination. Additionally, a real‐time rock damage pattern of different prepared samples was further investigated to understand the impact of contamination on the detonation induced crack development phenomena of different bulk emulsion samples.
What motivates the choice to custom hire pest management spraying services?
Authors: Van Deynze Braeden , Malone Trey
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

This article presents a model of how farmers choose to custom hire for pest control. The decision‐making process is illustrated through a discrete choice experiment conducted via a pilot survey of soybean growers in Michigan, Illinois, and Indiana. Farmers responded to a hypothetical pest infestation by choosing between custom operators, spraying on their own, or leaving the field to its fate.

RESULTS

Among farmers who choose to spray, the mean willingness to pay for marginal increases in timeliness (as defined as the chance of late spraying) ranges from 37 to 52 cents per acre. We also find that farmers more averse to risk are more sensitive to custom operator timeliness and that farmers with better‐developed social networks are less sensitive to the risk of delay.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study can motivate future research into the drivers of on‐farm decision‐making, especially as it relates to custom hire behavior in pest control and other field operations. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
The Effect of Spirulina Supplementation on Blood Pressure in Adults: A GRADE‐Assessed Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
Authors: Shiri Hamidreza , Yasbolaghi Sharahi Javad , Alizadeh Sani Maryam , Mousavi Seyyed Mohammad Javad , Nematollahi Mohammad Hadi , Soleimani Ali Akbar , Amri Jamal , Panahi Ghodratollah
Published: November 2024

Previous studies have yielded controversial results regarding the effect of spirulina on blood pressure (BP), which need updating. So, this updated systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) carry out a more accurate estimation of the effect of spirulina on BP in adults. This systematic searches (in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science) until April 1, 2024, to identify related RCTs based on PICOS guidelines (population (individuals > 18 years old), the intervention (spirulina), the comparison (control or placebo group), the outcomes (systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP)), the study design (RCTs)), and PRISMA‐checklist (Supporting Information, data S2). We evaluated the impact of spirulina on DBP and SBP. Conventional procedures were employed for analyzing publication bias, heterogeneity, and sensitivity. The GRADE criteria and the Cochrane assessment method were employed to evaluate the risk of bias (ROB) and certainty of evidence across the studies, respectively. The result shows spirulina consumption decreases SBP (WMD: −4.41 mmHg, 95% CI: −6.74 to −2.07, I
2 = 66.1%) and DBP (WMD: −2.84 mmHg, 95% CI: −4.65 to −1.03, I
2 = 62.3%). Subgroup analysis demonstrated SBP and DBP were still lower in individuals with ≥ 120 and ≥ 80 mmHg, hypertension (HTN) individuals, overweight individuals, age > 50 years, and > 8 weeks of intervention. Indeed, we do not observe publication bias, ROB, or interference studies in the overall results of BPs, and based on GRADE, our outcomes have moderate quality. Because of the low number of studies and participants, the dose–response and meta‐regression are not significant. His study demonstrated spirulina intervention decreased SBP and DBP in HTN and overweight individuals, age > 50 years, and > 8 weeks of intervention. So, spirulina intake decreases BP and could be used in clinical practice. Furthermore, more and high‐quality RCTs are needed to establish the clinical efficacy of the spirulina and determine cutoff spirulina interventions based on dose and duration.

Trial Registration: PROSPERO: CRD42024534608
Infection and pulmonary vascular diseases consortium: United against a global health challenge
Authors: Oliveira S. D. , Almodóvar S. , Butrous G. , De Jesus Perez V , Fabro A. , Graham B. B. , Mocumbi A. , Nyasulu P. S. , Tura‐Ceide O. , Oliveira R. K. F. , Dhillon N. K. ,   Infection and Pulmonary Vascular Diseases Consortium
Published: November 2024

Leveraging the potential of virtual platforms in the post‐COVID‐19 era, the Infection and Pulmonary Vascular Diseases Consortium (iPVDc), with the support of the Pulmonary Vascular Research Institute (PVRI), launched a globally accessible educational program to highlight top‐notch research on inflammation and infectious diseases affecting the lung vasculature. This innovative virtual series has already successfully brought together distinguished investigators across five continents – Asia, Europe, South and North America, and Africa. Moreover, these open global forums have contributed to a comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay among immunology, inflammation, infection, and cardiopulmonary health, especially concerning pulmonary hypertension and related pulmonary disorders. These enlightening discussions have not only heightened awareness about the impact of various pathogenic microorganisms, including fungi, parasites, and viruses, on the onset and development of pulmonary vascular diseases but have also cast a spotlight on co‐infections and neglected illnesses like schistosomiasis ‐ a disease that continues to impose a heavy socioeconomic burden in numerous regions worldwide. Thus, the overall goal of this review article is to present the most recent breakthroughs from infectious PVDs as well as bring to light the scientific and educational insights from the 2023 iPVDc/PVRI virtual symposium series, shaping our understanding of these crucial health issues in this more than ever interconnected world.
First‐Principles Study on Electronic and Optical Properties of Novel Potential Photocatalytic Water‐Splitting Material: Blue‐P/Hf2CO2 vdW Heterostructure
Authors: Wang Zheng , Zhang Zilong , Xie Luogang , Yang Yang , Yuan Chaosheng , Li Junyu , Feng Shiquan
Published: November 2024

In this work, we set a series of blue‐P/Hf2CO2 vdW heterostructures by stacking blue‐P and Hf2CO2 monolayers together. Then the most stable structure, the AD‐stacking blue‐P/Hf2CO2 vdW structure (the HS), is selected out for further investigation. The electronic and optical properties of the HS are studied for exploring its potential applications. Result of its electronic structure investigation indicates that the HS is a type‐I band arrangement. By applying different biaxial strains parallel to the stacking direction to the HS, we regulate its band gap and band edge positions. Results show a suitable strain not only can adjust the band alignment type of the HS change from type‐I to type‐II but also regulate the band structure to a suitable band edge positions for photocatalytic water splitting. The band edge position of HS (2%) across the oxidation and reduction potential indicates that it is a potential photocatalyst of water splitting at pH = 7. By calculating the absorption coefficient, we found the HS (2%) has a good light‐harvesting ability in visible light and UV region, which further proves it has the potential as the sunlight‐driven photocatalyst for water splitting.
Pulmonary metastasis of giant cell tumour of tibia
Authors: Batool Arshia , Ain Qura‐tul , Khan Allahdad , Siddique Humaira , Islam Muhammad , Kamal Aseel
Published: November 2024

Giant cell tumour of the tibia with pulmonary metastasis is very rare and the malignancy usually appears several years after the initial lesion. Imaging at the earliest instance is highly beneficial since surgical resection to remove the metastases raises survival rates; therefore, relentless follow‐up in GCT is vital.
A Hierarchical Bayesian Model for Estimating Age‐Specific COVID‐19 Infection Fatality Rates in Developing Countries
Authors: Pugh Sierra , Levin Andrew T. , Meyerowitz‐Katz Gideon , Soman Satej , Owusu‐Boaitey Nana , Zwi Anthony B. , Malani Anup , Wilson Ander , Fosdick Bailey K.
Published: November 2024

The COVID‐19 infection fatality rate (IFR) is the proportion of individuals infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 who subsequently die. As COVID‐19 disproportionately affects older individuals, age‐specific IFR estimates are imperative to facilitate comparisons of the impact of COVID‐19 between locations and prioritize distribution of scarce resources. However, there lacks a coherent method to synthesize available data to create estimates of IFR and seroprevalence that vary continuously with age and adequately reflect uncertainties inherent in the underlying data. In this article, we introduce a novel Bayesian hierarchical model to estimate IFR as a continuous function of age that acknowledges heterogeneity in population age structure across locations and accounts for uncertainty in the estimates due to seroprevalence sampling variability and the imperfect serology test assays. Our approach simultaneously models test assay characteristics, serology, and death data, where the serology and death data are often available only for binned age groups. Information is shared across locations through hierarchical modeling to improve estimation of the parameters with limited data. Modeling data from 26 developing country locations during the first year of the COVID‐19 pandemic, we found seroprevalence did not change dramatically with age, and the IFR at age 60 was above the high‐income country estimate for most locations.
SERS‐Encoded Nanoprobes Based on Silver‐Coated Gold Nanorods for Cell Sorting
Authors: Qi Kang , Zhuang Qiaowei , Zhou Qingsong , Lin Danying , Liu Liwei , Qu Junle , Hu Rui
Published: November 2024

Optically‐encoded probes have great potential for applications in the fields of biosensing and imaging. By employing specific encoding methods, these probes enable the detection of multiple target molecules and high‐resolution imaging within the same sample. Among the various encoding methods, surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectral encoding stands out due to its extremely narrow linewidth. Compared to fluorescence spectral encoding, SERS encoding significantly reduces crosstalk between adjacent peaks, thereby achieving a larger encoding capacity and enabling multi‐channel parallel analysis. This article presents the design and construction of two novel sets of SERS‐encoded probes based on noble metal core–shell nanostructures. Two different encoding strategies are successfully applied to encode the SERS spectra of the probes: 1D encoding based on the wavenumber of characteristic peaks in the SERS spectrum, and 2D encoding combining both wavenumber and intensity of characteristic peaks in the SERS spectrum. In addition, this study also demonstrates the potential application of 1D encoded probes in cell sorting. These studies verify the feasibility of applying these two encoding methods to SERS core–shell probes and provide new insights into the construction of optically encoded probes.
Synthesis of Homoallylamine Covalent Organic Frameworks Via Hosomi–Sakurai Reaction Under Mild Conditions
Authors: Zorigt Naranchimeg , Zarei Amin , Auras Florian , Khazdooz Leila , Khosropour Ahmadreza , Abbaspourrad Alireza
Published: November 2024

One‐pot multicomponent reactions (MCRs) are a valuable strategy to synthesize functional covalent organic frameworks (COFs) in a single step. Most reported COF syntheses involve solvothermal processes, and because of the harsh reaction conditions, such as high temperature or high pressure, large‐scale production of COFs has been limited. The synthesis of homoallylamine substituted COFs via a one‐pot Hosomi–Sakurai reaction is reported. At room temperature the reaction of allyltriethylgermane with either terephthalaldehyde or [1,1′‐biphenyl]‐4,4′‐dicarbaldehyde, and 1,3,5‐tris(4‐aminophenyl)benzene (TAPB) is catalyzed by Sc(OTf)3 to produce two COFs: TAPB‐1P‐Allyl COF and TAPB‐BP‐Allyl COF. The allyl functionalized COFs shows high crystallinity, with micropores ranging from 3.2 to 3.9 nm, for TAPB‐1P‐Allyl COF and TAPB‐BP‐Allyl COF respectively, and both COFs are hydrolytically stable at different pH levels. Post‐synthetic modification of these COFs with iodomethane produces methylated cationic COFs that demonstrates >98% adsorption efficiencies below the detection limit of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) from aqueous solutions. After four cycles adsorption efficiency remains high with concentrations of PFOA below the detection limit.