bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Controlled Molecular Diffusion in Fluorescent Polymer Films for Label‐Free Detection of Volatile Organic Compounds
Authors: Megahd Heba , Carlotti Marco , Martusciello Martina , Magnasco Laura , Pucci Andrea , Comoretto Davide , Lova Paola
Published: September 2023

Aggregation‐induced emission has eliminated the problem of fluorescence quenching in the solid state, making molecules with this property excellent candidates for vapor sensing due to their portability and ease of interpretation. Here, films of polystyrene / 2‐[4‐vinyl(1,10‐biphenyl)‐40‐yl]‐cyanovinyljulolidine copolymers are reported that exhibit aggregation‐induced emission behavior for the detection of toluene, m‐xylene, dichloromethane, and chloroform. After exposure to the analytes, the emission of the copolymers shows significant changes in intensity and spectral shape corresponding to the reduced microviscosity of the molecular environment. However, these changes are similar for different analytes, resulting in low chemical selectivity. Therefore, label‐free selectivity is achieved by controlling the molecular diffusion of the four vapor analytes within the films using the Flory–Huggins solution theory with capping layers of cellulose acetate (CA) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) polymers.
Thermal/UV Respond Polydiacetylene /Ni2+ Thermal Paper with Reusability
Authors: Tan Jialing , Liu Wenwen , Liu Jiayin , Liu Hao , Yin Yunjie , Wang Chaoxia
Published: September 2023

Polydiacetylenes (PDAs) are a family of highly conjugated polymers that generate optical response sensitively if exposed to stimuli, the color would change from blue to red. PDAs with reusability and color reversibility are at the central of current research efforts generously. They enhance the electrostatic interaction between cations and the negatively charged carboxylate head groups to increase the rigidity and decrease the energy barrier by introducing Ni2+ into the side chains of PDAs. The amphiphilic 10,12‐pentacosadiynoic acid (PCDA) molecules with the hydrophilic and hydrophobic group are dispersed into Ni2+ aqueous solution and self‐assembled in situ into nanoparticles. Transferring the solution onto a paper base to yield a precisely controlled thickness of PDAs thermal paper. The thermal paper undergoes UV‐induced topological chemical polymerization and further cross‐linking to form stably blue. Because of the reduced energy barrier, red thermal paper after thermal stimulation can undergo color reduction under UV light irradiation. Increasing the photopolymerization time from 5 s to 600 s leads to the rising of the color change temperature from approximately 76.4 °C to 105.4 °C. The polydiacetylene/Ni2+ (PDA/Ni2+) thermal paper can be available for green printing, thermal history recording, and temperature visualization.
Functional Carbon Capsules Supporting Ruthenium Nanoclusters for Efficient Electrocatalytic 99TcO4−/ReO4− Removal from Acidic and Alkaline Nuclear Wastes
Authors: Liu Xiaolu , Xie Yinghui , Li Yang , Hao Mengjie , Chen Zhongshan , Yang Hui , Waterhouse Geoffrey I. N. , Ma Shengqian , Wang Xiangke
Published: September 2023

The selective removal of the β‐emitting pertechnetate ion (99TcO4−) from nuclear waste streams is technically challenging. Herein, a practical approach is proposed for the selective removal of 99TcO4− (or its surrogate ReO4−) under extreme conditions of high acidity, alkalinity, ionic strength, and radiation field. Hollow porous N‐doped carbon capsules loaded with ruthenium clusters (Ru@HNCC) are first prepared, then modified with a cationic polymeric network (R) containing imidazolium‐N+ units (Ru@HNCC‐R) for selective 99TcO4− and ReO4− binding. The Ru@HNCC‐R capsules offer high binding affinities for 99TcO4−/ReO4− under wide‐ranging conditions. An electrochemical redox process then transforms adsorbed ReO4− to bulk ReO3, delivering record‐high removal capacities, fast kinetics, and excellent long‐term durability for removing ReO4− (as a proxy for 99TcO4−) in a 3 m HNO3, simulated nuclear waste‐Hanford melter recycle stream and an alkaline high‐level waste stream (HLW) at the U.S. Savannah River Site (SRS). In situ Raman and X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) analyses showed that adsorbed Re(VII) is electrocatalytically reduced on Ru sites to a Re(IV)O2 intermediate, which can then be re‐oxidized to insoluble Re(VI)O3 for facile collection. This approach overcomes many of the challenges associated with the selective separation and removal of 99TcO4−/ReO4− under extreme conditions, offering new vistas for nuclear waste management and environmental remediation.
Renewable Hydrogen Production with Steam Reforming of Ethanol Using Siliceous Mesocellular Foam‐Supported Nickel Catalysts
Authors: Murthy Pradeep S. , Rombaut Igor R. K. , Ling Huajuan , Tao Yongwen , Ye Mengjing , Chen Fangyuan , Huang Jun
Published: September 2023

Nickel (Ni) catalysts loaded on siliceous mesocellular foam (MCF‐S) are synthesized via the wet impregnation method with 3, 5, 10, and 15 wt% NiO loadings and different aging levels (no, partial, and full ageing) to determine how both factors affect the progress of the ethanol steam reforming (ESR) reaction. After extensive material characterization testing to determine material porosity, crystallinity, and Ni metal particle size and spatial location, as well as reaction testing at 300–700 °C and 4 H2O: 1 EtOH molar ratio, the fully aged 10 wt% Ni/MCF‐S possesses the strongest structural stability and catalytic activity, reaching 100% EtOH conversion and 68% H2 selectivity at 700 °C. The aging disperses and embeds more Ni nanoparticles within the walls of the mesopores, which promote the ESR reaction from easier diffusion and more active site contact within the pores. Furthermore, the catalyst reveals little signs of deactivation, as the structure remains virtually unchanged, and any coke formed is on the silica support and not over the Ni nanoparticles after the ESR reaction. Such results have demonstrated a proven applicability for ESR and a further need to research about aging effects toward improving structural properties and the catalytic reaction activity.
Strategies to Enhance Interfacial Spatial Charge Separation for High‐Efficiency Photocatalytic Overall Water‐Splitting: A Review
Authors: Odabasi Lee Selda , Lakhera Sandeep Kumar , Yong Kijung
Published: September 2023

Developing efficient photocatalysts for overall water‐splitting (OWS) has garnered considerable attention due to their potential in renewable energy conversion and storage. Enhancing the efficiency of interfacial spatial charge separation poses a key challenge in this field, as it plays a momentous role in the photocatalytic process. In this review article, a range of strategies aimed at improving interfacial spatial charge separation in photocatalysts for realizing high‐efficiency OWS are explored. To provide a comprehensive understanding, first the fundamentals of photocatalytic water‐splitting are introduced and the main bottlenecks in the reaction process, along with various charge separation and transfer mechanisms are identified. Subsequently, recent advancements and efforts in designing spatial charge separation at the interfaces of 0D, 1D, 2D, and 3D nanostructured photocatalysts are discussed. Finally, a summary is presented and a long‐term outlook for spatial charge separation in the field of OWS is offered. By consolidating the current state‐of‐the‐art research, this review highlights the key challenges and favorable circumstances for future advancements in the pursuit of efficient OWS.
A general strategy for designing complex brush architecture using star‐like polymeric grafts
Authors: Vo Thi
Published: September 2023

Synthetic control over the shape, size, and interactions between nanoscale building blocks remains an open challenge in self‐assembly. Here, we propose to engineer triblock, star‐like polymers to design patterning on nanoparticles. We developed a theory that characterizes the structural organization of grafted polymers as a function of parameters such as grafting density, chain length, block fractions, and core shape/sizes. Stripe‐like patterning and corner/edge patch formation on arbitrarily shaped cores are readily accessible using our framework, all of which can be a priori predicted. Lastly, we employ assembly simulations to show that the resulting particles provide tighter control over structural and orientational orderings during self‐assembly. More importantly, they offer a way to pattern directional interactions that can override face–face alignment tendencies intrinsic to each core geometry. Our theory, therefore, creates a new handle for tuning nanoscale synthesis, enabling designs of complex building blocks that can target novel assemblies for materials fabrication.
Association between blood pressure and magnesium and uric acid levels in indigenousArgentinean children at high altitude
Authors: Hirschler Valeria , González Claudio , Maccallini Gustavo , Molinari Claudia , Castano Luis ,   San Antonio de los Cobres Study Group Collaborators
Published: September 2023

Objective

To determine the association between nontraditional risk factors such as magnesium and uric acid with blood pressure (BP) in Indigenous children.

Methods

A total of 263 school‐aged indigenous children living at high altitude were enrolled in a cross‐sectional study in November 2011. Prehypertension (preHTN) and hypertension (HTN) were defined by systolic and/or diastolic BP ≥ 90th to <95th percentile or ≥95th percentile respectively, according to age, sex, and height.

Results

The prevalence of preHTN and HTN was 13.7 and 8.3%, respectively. Low magnesium levels were identified in 21.7% (57/263): 28.1% (16/57) of the children with low magnesium levels had preHTN versus 9.7% (20/206) with normal magnesium values. Furthermore, 21.8% (12/57) of the children with low magnesium levels had HTN versus 4.5% (20/206) with normal magnesium values. There was a significant association between mean arterial pressure and magnesium (r = −026), uric acid (r = 0.20), phosphorus (r = −0.17), z‐BMI (r = 0.22), potassium (r = −0.10), HOMA‐IR (r = 0.17), calcium (r = −0.10), and sodium (r = −0.13). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that mean arterial pressure was associated significantly and directly with BMI, age, gender, and uric acid; and inversely with magnesium, adjusted for sodium, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and HOMA‐IR (R2 = 0.43). Furthermore, multiple logistic regression analyses showed that magnesium (OR = 0.015) and uric acid (OR = 2.95) were significantly associated with preHTN. Similar results were obtained when preHTN was replaced by HTN.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that HTN was associated inversely with magnesium and positively with uric acid in indigenous school children.
Delirium is associated with loss of feedback cortical connectivity
Authors: Gjini Klevest , Casey Cameron , Kunkel David , Her Maihlee , Banks Matthew I. , Pearce Robert A. , Lennertz Richard , Sanders Robert D.
Published: September 2023

INTRODUCTION

Post‐operative delirium (POD) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality but is bereft of treatments, largely due to our limited understanding of the underlying pathophysiology. We hypothesized that delirium reflects a disturbance in cortical connectivity that leads to altered predictions of the sensory environment.

METHODS

High‐density electroencephalogram recordings during an oddball auditory roving paradigm were collected from 131 patients. Dynamic causal modeling (DCM) analysis facilitated inference about the neuronal connectivity and inhibition–excitation dynamics underlying auditory‐evoked responses.

RESULTS

Mismatch negativity amplitudes were smaller in patients with POD. DCM showed that delirium was associated with decreased left‐sided superior temporal gyrus (l‐STG) to auditory cortex feedback connectivity. Feedback connectivity also negatively correlated with delirium severity and systemic inflammation. Increased inhibition of l‐STG, with consequent decreases in feed‐forward and feed‐back connectivity, occurred for oddball tones during delirium.

DISCUSSION

Delirium is associated with decreased feedback cortical connectivity, possibly resulting from increased intrinsic inhibitory tone.

Highlights

Mismatch negativity amplitude was reduced in patients with delirium.

Patients with postoperative delirium had increased feedforward connectivity before surgery.

Feedback connectivity was diminished from left‐side superior temporal gyrus to left primary auditory sensory area during delirium.

Feedback connectivity inversely correlated with inflammation and delirium severity.
Liquid Crystal Emulsions: A Versatile Platform for Photonics, Sensing, and Active Matter
Authors: Concellón Alberto
Published: September 2023

The self‐assembly of liquid crystals (LCs) is a fascinating method for controlling the organization of discrete molecules into nanostructured functional materials. Although LCs are traditionally processed in thin films, their confinement within micrometre‐sized droplets has recently revealed new properties and functions, paving the way for next‐generation soft responsive materials. These recent findings have unlocked a wealth of unprecedented applications in photonics (e.g. reflectors, lasing materials), sensing (e.g. biomolecule and pathogen detection), soft robotics (e.g. micropumps, artificial muscles), and beyond. This Minireview focuses on recent developments in LC emulsion designs and highlights a variety of novel potential applications. Perspectives on the opportunities and new directions for implementing LC emulsions in future innovative technologies are also provided.
Unique Octupolar 2D‐Polymer Frameworks as Mixed Conductors and Metal‐Free Catalysts for Dual‐Promoted Li and S Electrochemistry: Multi‐regulation Role of Ethoxylation Chemistry
Authors: Liu Cong , Mo Chunshao , Zhong Linfeng , Gong Xiaoqi , Zhang Yang , Wang Xiaotong , Yang Fan , Li Jing , Lu Jiang , Yu Dingshan
Published: September 2023

Here, we for the first time introduce ethoxylation chemistry to develop a new octupolar cyano‐vinylene‐linked 2D polymer framework (Cyano‐OCF‐EO) capable of acting as efficient mixed electron/ion conductors and metal‐free sulfur evolution catalysts for dual‐promoted Li and S electrochemistry. Our strategy creates a unique interconnected network of strongly‐coupled donor 3‐(acceptor‐core) octupoles in Cyano‐OCF‐EO, affording enhanced intramolecular charge transfer, substantial active sites and crowded open channels. This enables Cyano‐OCF‐EO as a new versatile separator modifier, which endows the modified separator with superior catalytic activity for sulfur conversion and rapid Li ion conduction with the high Li+ transference number up to 0.94. Thus, the incorporation of Cyano‐OCF‐EO can concurrently regulate sulfur redox reactions and Li‐ion flux in Li−S cells, attaining boosted bidirectional redox kinetics, inhibited polysulfide shuttle and dendrite‐free Li anodes. The Cyano‐OCF‐EO‐involved Li−S cell is endowed with excellent overall electrochemical performance especially large areal capacity of 7.5 mAh cm−2 at high sulfur loading of 8.7 mg cm−2. Mechanistic studies unveil the dominant multi‐promoting effect of the triethoxylation on electron and ion conduction, polysulfide adsorption and catalytic conversion as well as previously‐unexplored −CN/C−O dual‐site synergistic effect for enhanced polysulfide adsorption and reduced energy barrier toward Li2S conversion.
Structure, interaction with biomolecules, and cytotoxicity of copper (II) complexes chelating some Schiff base ligands
Authors: Mijatović Aleksandar , Caković Angelina Z. , Lolić Aleksandar , Klisurić Olivera , Živanović Marko N. , Šeklić Dragana S. , Sretenović Snežana , Ilić Marija , Bogojeski Jovana
Published: September 2023

Cancer remains one of the most common diseases worldwide in terms of deaths and claims many lives every day. Transition metal complexes are candidates in the development of anticancer drugs, with cisplatin being used in chemotherapy worldwide. Copper, an endogenous metal, is known for its pronounced redox potential and nucleophilicity, especially when bound to biological molecules. Cu (II) complexes were synthesized containing ethane‐1,2‐diamine as amine moiety and pentane‐2,4‐dione and/or 1‐phenylbutane‐1,3‐dione, pentane‐2,4‐dione and/or 1,1,1‐trifluoropentane‐2,4‐dione or 1,1,1‐trifluoropentane‐2,4‐dione and/or 1‐phenylbutane‐1,3‐dione as β‐diketone moiety. Standard methods were used to confirm the structure of complexes1–6. X‐ray crystal structure analysis characterized complex1containing the ligand ethane‐1,2‐diamine and pentane‐2,4‐dione. The interactions of complexes1–6with calf thymus DNA (ct‐DNA) were followed by electronic absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy methods and by viscosity measurements. In contrast, interaction with Salmon Sperm DNA was investigated using the electrophoretic mobility shift assay. The results indicate a moderate affinity of complexes1–6for binding to DNA. Gel electrophoresis also shows that the studied complexes have a concentration‐dependent interaction with DNA. Spectroscopic fluorescence techniques were used to monitor the affinity of the complexes for bovine serum albumin (BSA). Complexes1–6showed satisfactory binding ability for BSA. Cytotoxicity analyses were performed on the human colorectal carcinoma HCT‐116 and healthy lung fibroblast MRC‐5 cell lines, showing that complex5exhibited selectivity between cancer and normal cells, which is critical for drug development.
High‐Selectivity Hydrogen Gas Sensors based on Mesoporous PbOx‐ZnO Nanocomposites
Authors: Fegade Umesh , Alshahrani Thamraa , Wu Ren‐Jang , Lin Fan‐Hsuan , Chang Xu‐Jia , Yuan Shuo‐Huang , Al‐Ahmed Amir , Khan Firoz , Haq Bashirul , Afzaal Mohammad
Published: September 2023

Hydrogen heralded as a promising renewable and environmentally friendly energy carrier, carries inherent risks owing to its highly flammable nature. A mere 4 % concentration of hydrogen in the air can trigger an explosion. To counteract this peril, a composite material comprising PbOX‐ZnO (2 : 1) was synthesized, characterized, and subsequently employed to fabricate a hydrogen sensing device. Various analytical tools were used to characterize as‐deposited materials, including X‐ray diffraction, Scanning electron microscopy /Energy Dispersive X‐ray Spectroscopy, Transmission electron microscopy UV‐Vis Reflectance Spectroscopy and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy. The device exhibited favorable properties, such as good selectivity, stability, and a low detection limit for hydrogen. At ambient room temperature, the device demonstrated a sensing signal reaching 468.7, with a response time (T90) of 155 seconds and a recovery time (Tr90) of 69 seconds when exposed to a hydrogen concentration of 5 ppm. This performance underscores the device‘s rapid and effective response to hydrogen exposure. Moreover, the PbOX‐ZnO (2 : 1) composite‐based device exhibited a detection limit of 2.4 ppm, functioning accurately within a linear range spanning from 5 ppm to 50 ppm. This capability confirms its precision in accurately detecting hydrogen concentrations within this designated range.
Influences on Reliable Capacity Measurements of Hard Carbon in Highly Loaded Electrodes
Authors: Müller Cedric , Wang Zhengqi , Hofmann Andreas , Stüble Pirmin , Liu‐Théato Xinyang , Klemens Julian , Smith Anna
Published: September 2023

For the development of a full‐cell battery system, typically appropriate cathodes and anodes are characterized within a half‐cell setup where a metal counter electrode is installed to gather data about the employed electrodes. Ultimately, the individual capacity loadings allow for suitable balancing of the anode to cathode capacity in the full‐cell. This approach seems rather unproblematic for lithium‐ion batteries. For sodium‐ion batteries, however, we show that the high reactivity of sodium metal strongly influences hard carbon‐based electrode measurements within sodium‐ion half‐cells. As hard carbon is considered state‐of‐the‐art anode material, the presented results have high impact on the development of sodium ion batteries. Specifically, we show that the type of electrolyte, as well as cell‐ and measurement‐setup are key factors for reliable sodium half‐cell measurements of hard carbon. The investigated hard carbon electrodes have a high active material loading of 7.2 mg/cm2 (with 93 % active material content) resulting in an areal capacity of 2.4 mAh/cm2, which represent application‐relevant conditions.
Breast cancer diagnosis and management guided by data augmentation, utilizing an integrated framework of SHAP and random augmentation
Authors: Ejiyi Chukwuebuka Joseph , Qin Zhen , Monday Happy , Ejiyi Makuachukwu Bennedith , Ukwuoma Chiagoziem , Ejiyi Thomas Ugochukwu , Agbesi Victor Kwaku , Agu Amarachi , Orakwue Chiduzie
Published: September 2023

Recent research indicates that early detection of breast cancer (BC) is critical in achieving favorable treatment outcomes and reducing the mortality rate associated with it. With the difficulty in obtaining a balanced dataset that is primarily sourced for the diagnosis of the disease, many researchers have relied on data augmentation techniques, thereby having varying datasets with varying quality and results. The dataset we focused on in this study is crafted from SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP)‐augmentation and random augmentation (RA) approaches to dealing with imbalanced data. This was carried out on the Wisconsin BC dataset and the effectiveness of this approach to the diagnosis of BC was checked using six machine‐learning algorithms. RA synthetically generated some parts of the dataset while SHAP helped in assessing the quality of the attributes, which were selected and used for the training of the models. The result from our analysis shows that the performance of the models used generally increased to more than 3% for most of the models using the dataset obtained by the integration of SHAP and RA. Additionally, after diagnosis, it is important to focus on providing quality care to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients. The need for proper management of the disease state is crucial so as to reduce the recurrence of the disease and other associated complications. Thus the interpretability provided by SHAP enlightens the management strategies in this study focusing on the quality of care given to the patient and how timely the care is.
CALU‐3 lung cells three‐dimensionally assembled onto CellFate® matrix present angiotensin‐converting enzyme‐2 activity
Authors: dos Santos Jeniffer Farias , dos Reis Emily Marques , Berti Fernanda Vieira , Colla Guilherme , Koepp Janice , Nunes Viviane Abreu
Published: September 2023

Currently, there is a great need for the development of three‐dimensional (3D) in vitro lung models. Particularly, the production of a suitable 3D model of pulmonary epithelium for understanding the pathophysiology of diseases such as the COVID‐19 must consider the tissue architecture and presence, for example, of the angiotensin‐converting enzyme‐2 (ACE‐2) in the cells. Different polymeric membranes are being used to support cell culturing, especially of lung cells, however, there is still no information about the culture of these cells onto bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) matrices. We have used the BNC matrix CellFate® as a support for the assembly of a 3D in vitro model of lung epithelium, composed of human lung fibroblasts (HLF) and lung adenocarcinoma cells (CALU‐3). CellFate® matrices were made from bacterial fermentation resulting in a natural and biocompatible biopolymer. Cells were cultured onto CellFate® and maintained in a 5% CO2 humidified atmosphere at 37°C. Cell viability was assessed by the resazurin method The samples were, then, exposed to the air–liquid interface (ALI), and histologically analyzed. ACE‐2 activity was verified on the hydrolyze of the fluorogenic substrate Mca‐APK(Dnp)‐OH, and its presence was evaluated by flow cytometry. The expression of the anionic transporter SLCO3A1 was evaluated by qPCR. Cell viability analysis indicates that CellFate® was not toxic to these cells. By flow cytometry, the presence of the ACE‐2 was identified in the CALU‐3 cells surface corroborating the results obtained from enzymatic activity analysis. The SLCO3A1 transporter expression was identified in cells cultured onto CellFate®, but not in cells cultured onto the transwell (control). CALU‐3 cells cultivated onto CellFate® resulted in a pseudostratified organization, a typical morphology of the human respiratory tract epithelium. The current model opens perspectives for studies involving physiological characterization, improving its relevance for the understanding of the pathophysiology of diseases as well as the response to drugs.
Improving the Durability of Chitosan Films through Incorporation of Magnesium, Tungsten, and Graphene Oxides for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Alaithan Fatimah , Khalaf Mai M. , Gouda Mohamed , Yousef T. A. , Kenawy Sayed H. , Abou‐Krisha Mortaga M. , Abou Taleb Manal F. , Shaaban Saad , Alkars Abdullah M. , Abd El‐Lateef Hany M.
Published: September 2023

Bacterial infections that cause chronic wounds provide a challenge to healthcare worldwide because they frequently impede healing and cause a variety of problems. In this study, loaded with tungsten oxide (WO3), Magnesium oxide (MgO), and graphene oxide (GO) on chitosan (CS) membrane, an inexpensive polymer casting method was successfully prepared for wound healing applications. All fabricated composites were characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to study the synthesized film samples’ morphology as well as their microstructure. The formed WO3/MgO@CS shows a great enhancement in the UV/VIS analysis with a highly intense peak at 401 nm and a narrow band gap (3.69 eV) compared to pure CS. The enhanced electron‐hole pair separation rate is responsible for the WO3/MgO/GO@CS scaffold's antibacterial activity. Additionally, human lung cells were used to determine the average cell viability of nanocomposite scaffolds and reached 121 % of WO3/MgO/GO@CS nanocomposite, and the IC50 value was found to be 1654 μg/mL. The ability of the scaffold to inhibit the bacteria has been tested against both E. coli and S. aureus. The 4th sample showed an inhibition zone of 11.5±0.5 mm and 13.5±0.5 mm, respectively. These findings demonstrate the enormous potential for WO3/MgO/GO@CS membrane as wound dressings in the clinical management of bacterially infected wounds.
Expert consensus‐based guidance on approaches to opioid management in individuals with advanced cancer‐related pain and nonmedical stimulant use
Authors: Jones Katie Fitzgerald , Khodyakov Dmitry , Han Benjamin H. , Arnold Robert M. , Dao Emily , Morrison Jeni , Kapo Jennifer , Meier Diane E. , Paice Judith A. , Liebschutz Jane M. , Ritchie Christine S. , Merlin Jessica S. , Bulls Hailey W.
Published: September 2023

Background

Clinicians treating cancer‐related pain with opioids regularly encounter nonmedical stimulant use (i.e., methamphetamine, cocaine), yet there is little evidence‐based management guidance. The aim of the study is to identify expert consensus on opioid management strategies for an individual with advanced cancer and cancer‐related pain with nonmedical stimulant use according to prognosis.

Methods

The authors conducted two modified Delphi panels with palliative care and addiction experts. In Panel A, the patient’s prognosis was weeks to months and in Panel B the prognosis was months to years. Experts reviewed, rated, and commented on the case using a 9‐point Likert scale from 1 (very inappropriate) to 9 (very appropriate) and explained their responses. The authors applied the three‐step analytical approach outlined in the RAND/UCLA to determine consensus and level of clinical appropriateness of management strategies. To better conceptualize the quantitative results, they thematically analyzed and coded participant comments.

Results

Consensus was achieved for all management strategies. The 120 Experts were mostly women (47 [62%]), White (94 [78%]), and physicians (115 [96%]). For a patient with cancer‐related and nonmedical stimulant use, regardless of prognosis, it was deemed appropriate to continue opioids, increase monitoring, and avoid opioid tapering. Buprenorphine/naloxone transition was inappropriate for a patient with a short prognosis and of uncertain appropriateness for a patient with a longer prognosis.

Conclusion

Study findings provide urgently needed consensus‐based guidance for clinicians managing cancer‐related pain in the context of stimulant use and highlight a critical need to develop management strategies to address stimulant use disorder in people with cancer.

Plain Language Summary

Among palliative care and addiction experts, regardless of prognosis, it was deemed appropriate to continue opioids, increase monitoring, and avoid opioid tapering in the context of cancer‐related pain and nonmedical stimulant use.

Buprenorphine/naloxone transition as a harm reduction measure was inappropriate for a patient with a short prognosis and of uncertain appropriateness for a patient with a longer prognosis.
Compressive phase retrieval: Optimal sample complexity with deep generative priors
Authors: Hand Paul , Leong Oscar , Voroninski Vladislav
Published: September 2023

Advances in compressive sensing (CS) provided reconstruction algorithms of sparse signals from linear measurements with optimal sample complexity, but natural extensions of this methodology to nonlinear inverse problems have been met with potentially fundamental sample complexity bottlenecks. In particular, tractable algorithms for compressive phase retrieval with sparsity priors have not been able to achieve optimal sample complexity. This has created an open problem in compressive phase retrieval: under generic, phaseless linear measurements, are there tractable reconstruction algorithms that succeed with optimal sample complexity? Meanwhile, progress in machine learning has led to the development of new data‐driven signal priors in the form of generative models, which can outperform sparsity priors with significantly fewer measurements. In this work, we resolve the open problem in compressive phase retrieval and demonstrate that generative priors can lead to a fundamental advance by permitting optimal sample complexity by a tractable algorithm. We additionally provide empirics showing that exploiting generative priors in phase retrieval can significantly outperform sparsity priors. These results provide support for generative priors as a new paradigm for signal recovery in a variety of contexts, both empirically and theoretically. The strengths of this paradigm are that (1) generative priors can represent some classes of natural signals more concisely than sparsity priors, (2) generative priors allow for direct optimization over the natural signal manifold, which is intractable under sparsity priors, and (3) the resulting non‐convex optimization problems with generative priors can admit benign optimization landscapes at optimal sample complexity, perhaps surprisingly, even in cases of nonlinear measurements.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Insights into Chemical Vapor Deposition of Homogeneous MoS2 Film with Solid Precursors
Authors: Johari Muhammad Hilmi , Sirat Mohamad Shukri , Mohamed Mohd Ambri , Mustaffa Ahmad Fikri , Mohmad Abdul Rahman
Published: September 2023

In this work, a comprehensive computational fluid dynamics (CFD) investigation to develop an in‐depth understanding on the fluid flow to obtain a homogenous deposition of MoS2 thin film is reported. First, the effect of substrate orientations (0, 20, 45, 70, and 90°) was simulated using ANSYS Fluent. The horizontal substrate (0°) showed a non‐uniform surface deposition rate (SDR) with relative standard deviation (RSD) of 44.1 %. The non‐uniformity gradually reduces with the increase of substrate angles and reaches the lowest for 90° with RSD of 13.1 %. The transient state analysis showed that no growth occurred for the first 8 s, followed by an SDR overshoot and finally reached a steady state >200 s. Next, the effect of horizontal separation distance (d = 1 to 6 cm) between MoO3 and the substrate is investigated. It is find that the Mo/S ratio reduces with the increase of separation distance. For d between 5 and 6 cm, the Mo/S drops by >1000 times and causes the growth environment to switch from Mo to S‐rich. This work offers a fast and cost‐effective approach to understand the fluid flow and to obtain a homogeneous deposition of MoS2 and other 2D TMD thin films.
Evaluation of roots, root canal morphology, and bilateral symmetry of maxillary first molars in a Syrian subpopulation using cone beam computed tomography
Authors: Allawi Safaa , Ayoubi Helen , Al‐Tayyan Mouhammad , Toutangy Eyad , Tolibah Yasser Alsayed
Published: September 2023

Objective

Successful endodontic treatments require a comprehensive knowledge of the root canal anatomy, so this study aimed to investigate the number of roots, configurations of root canals, and their bilateral symmetry of maxillary first molars in the Syrian subpopulation, and also the effect of gender on this symmetry.

Materials and Methods

The study sample consisted of 250 cone beam computed tomography images (140 for females; and 110 for males), including 500 maxillary first molars. Images were investigated by two endodontists. Root number and canal configuration in each root were recorded, according to Vertucci classification, by studying the image at all levels (axial, coronal, sagittal, oplique, and three‐dimensional) to assess the bilateral symmetry and its relation to gender. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS and the χ2 test was used to compare the bilateral symmetry in males and females.

Result

The most common shape of the maxillary first molars was three roots (97.6%). All the roots are symmetrical by 100% in both genders. The root canal configuration was mainly Vertucci type I classification in the distobuccally (73.6%), and palatal root (98%). While the most common types in mesial root were type II (33.3%), this root showed all different types of Vertucci classifications except type VIII, and the proportion of symmetry was (37.2%) without significant difference between the gender (p = .441).

Conclusion

Most maxillary first molars in a Syrian population were three‐rooted with four root canals (type II), the numbers of roots achieved perfect symmetry 100%, and higher than symmetry ratios in the number of canals and canals configurations (37.2%).
Pain neuroscience education for reducing pain and kinesiophobia in patients with chronic neck pain: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Lin Long‐Huei , Lin Ting‐Yu , Chang Ke‐Vin , Wu Wei‐Ting , Özçakar Levent
Published: September 2023

Background

Chronic neck pain (CNP) is a common musculoskeletal disorder. Pain neuroscience education (PNE) is a promising nonpharmacological intervention for CNP, however, its effectiveness remains unclear. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of PNE in treating CNP.

Methods

Electronic databases from inception to February 2023 were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effects of PNE on CNP. The primary outcome was the change in pain intensity, and the secondary outcome was improvement in kinesiophobia, standardized using Hedges' g. Two authors independently scrutinized eligible articles, extracted data and assessed quality; a random‐effects model was employed for data pooling.

Results

In total, seven RCTs comprising 479 participants were included and demonstrated that PNE significantly reduced pain intensity (Hedges' g = −0.730, 95% CI = −1.340 to −0.119, p = 0.019, I2 = 89.288%). Subgroup analysis revealed that the adult group experienced significant pain reduction after PNE, whereas the adolescent group did not. PNE also reduced kinesiophobia which was evaluated in four of seven RCTs (Hedges' g = −0.444, 95% CI = −0.735 to −0.154, p = 0.003, I2 = 36.822%). The meta‐regression analysis indicated that an increased intervention duration contributed to greater pain reduction. No adverse events were reported following PNE or the control treatment.

Conclusions

PNE effectively reduced pain intensity and kinesiophobia in patients with CNP. A longer PNE time leads to greater pain reduction and is more effective in adults than in adolescents. Further studies are required to examine the long‐term effects on CNP management.

Significance

This is the first meta‐analysis evaluating the effectiveness of treating chronic neck pain with pain neuroscience education. Pain neuroscience education is successful in reducing pain and decreasing kinesiophobia in the chronic neck pain population. Longer treatment time leads to greater pain reduction.
Assessing land use effects on ecohydrological partitioning in the critical zone through isotope‐aided modelling
Authors: Landgraf Jessica , Tetzlaff Dörthe , Birkel Christian , Stevenson Jamie Lee , Soulsby Chris
Published: September 2023

Stable water isotopes are naturally occurring conservative tracers that can ‘fingerprint’ water sources and track ecohydrological fluxes across the critical zone (CZ). Parsimonious, tracer‐aided models allow effective quantification of the ecohydrological partitioning of rainfall into different water fluxes. We incorporated stable water isotopes into a one‐dimensional, tracer‐aided model (EcoIsoPlot) to follow the pathway of precipitation through the CZ at a lowland catchment—the long‐term experimental Demnitzer Millcreek Catchment (DMC), Germany—with contrasting vegetation covers (forest, agroforestry, grassland and arable). Precipitation (amount and δ2H), potential evapotranspiration (PET), leaf area index (LAI), air temperature and relative humidity were used as input data for modelling the growing season of 2021. The year had relatively average overall wetness, but a dry, cold spring with snowfall, and an exceptionally large summer storm event (~60 mm precipitation). Multi‐criteria calibration of the model was conducted using depth‐specific soil moisture and soil water δ2H measurements as targets. The novel incorporation of isotopes into model calibration constrained process representation of the estimated water balance with reasonable simulations and uncertainty bounds for water partitioning. Throughout the soil profile, soil moisture dynamics and stable water isotope variations were captured reasonably well. Green water fluxes (evapotranspiration) were highest at the forest site and blue water fluxes (groundwater recharge) highest at the grassland. Comparing simulations with estimated potential evapotranspiration (ET) and measured groundwater table fluctuations added further confidence to the modelling result. Overall, these may suggest a slight underestimation of ET and slight overestimation of recharge, though the results are similar to previous findings. Our study demonstrated the potential of stable water isotope data to enhance relatively simple, transferrable approaches to ecohydrological modelling of water fluxes in the CZ and to help improve model consistency. Such low‐parameterised tracer‐aided models have major potential for evidence‐based applications to aid management and help stakeholder communication.
Long‐term effects of prenatal magnesium sulfate exposure on nervous system development in preterm‐born children
Authors: Zhou Le , Liu Xinghui , Yan Xiaoli , Liu Yingwei , Xie Yao , Sun Chuntang
Published: September 2023

This study used structural magnetic resonance imaging to analyze changes in the gray matter volume (GMV) of preterm‐born (PTB) and term‐born (TB) children to help elucidate the influence of magnesium sulfate treatment on the nervous system development. A total of 51 subjects were recruited, including 28 PTB and 23 TB children. The intelligence scale and MRI scan were completed at the corrected age of 10 to 16 years. A whole‐brain voxel‐wise analysis tested the main effect of the status (PTB without magnesium, PTB with magnesium, and TB) using a factorial design in SPM8. The mean volumes of the regions that showed significant group effects on the GMV after the FDR correction were extracted in the common space for each subject. Verbal and full‐scale intelligence quotient scores were significantly lower for PTB children without magnesium than for TB children; however, the scores of PTB children with magnesium and TB children were almost identical. Compared with TB children, PTB children had significantly reduced left straight gyrus and left inferior frontal gyrus GMVs; however, the volumes of PTB children with magnesium were closer to those of TB children. Changes in the GMV of the left inferior frontal gyrus were significantly correlated with full‐scale and verbal intelligence quotient scores, whereas the lower gestational age at the time of mgsou4 treatment led to a larger GMV of the left inferior frontal gyrus. Brain structural abnormalities could exist in PTB children. The GMVs of the left straight gyrus and left inferior frontal gyrus were significantly reduced in these children. The influence of magnesium sulfate treatment was not significant, but the cognitive levels of these children were significantly increased and almost identical to those of TB children. Initiation of magnesium sulfate treatment during gestation is negatively correlated with the left inferior frontal gyrus GMV.
Formation mechanism and evolution model of buried hill reservoir in BZ19‐6 structural belt, Bozhong Sag, Bohai Bay, East China
Authors: Shi Menglin , Xie Xinong , Du Xiaofeng , Yu Xiaohang
Published: September 2023

The BZ19‐6 structural belt is the largest buried hill oil‐gas‐bearing area recently discovered in Bohai Bay Basin. The formation and evolution of the buried hill reservoirs are complex. Presently, the development law and controlling factors of this reservoir is unclear. Based on 3D seismic, drilling data, thin section, and regional tectonic background, we explored the controlling factors and development law of the high‐quality buried hill reservoir. The results show that the buried hill reservoir can be vertically divided into a weathered glutenite zone, weathered fracture zone, internal fracture zone, and tight zone. The development of reservoir is mainly controlled by lithotypes, tectonic movement, and weathering. The rocks in the study area with low compressive strength, provided the material basis for the formation of fractures. The strongly reformed multi‐stage tectonic movements provides the external dynamics for the formation of fractures. Weathering further improved the physical properties of the reservoir. The buried hill reservoir is mainly distributed in the weathered fracture zone and internal fracture zone. Currently, natural gas mainly found in nearly E‐W‐trending and N‐S‐trending fractures. The nearly E‐W‐trending fractures are developed in the thrust nappe structure formed by N‐S‐trending extrusion in the Indosinian. The hinge zone of the structure is the main development area of fractures. The nearly N‐S‐trending fractures are associated with strike‐slip faults formed by sinistral strike‐slip stress in the Yanshanian. Under the background of NNE–SSW direction extensional stress during the Himalayan, early fractures were reactivated, opened and expanded, forming the reservoir space for later natural gas charging.
Comparing the hippocampal volumetric atrophy between demented and nondemented individuals with Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Yazdan Panah Mohammad , Mokary Yousef , Shah Sangam , Thapa Sangharsha , Chand Swati , Shaygannejad Vahid , Mirmosayyeb Omid
Published: September 2023

Background

Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative conditions in the world and, when combined with dementia, can lead to immense cerebral volume loss. Of significant importance among all cerebral regions, is the hippocampus. This region plays a pivotal role in memory, and understanding its pathological alterations can answer vital questions regarding dementia. As such, we designed this study to compare the hippocampal volumes of PD patients with dementia (PDD) versus PD without dementia.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase were searched for relevant studies. We also searched the references sections of all included studies. The original search began in March 2022 and was extended to the end of July 2022. All related data were extracted from the studies. If the studies were conducted on patients from comparable patient groups, the most recent study with the most extensive data set would be included.

Results

A statistically significant difference was observed comparing the raw hippocampal volumes in participants with PDD and PD (p value = 0.01). In a comparison of normalized hippocampal volume between PDD and PD, there was a statistically significant difference (p value < 0.01), as well.

Conclusion

Although further research is required to illuminate the temporal relation between the onset of dementia and hippocampal atrophy in demented PD individuals, the present study highlights the importance of utilizing volumetric studies on memory‐related cerebral regions to diagnose the initiation of dementia in the early stages.
Evaluating the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of healthcare workers regarding high‐risk nosocomial infections: A global cross‐sectional study
Authors: Khatrawi Elham M. , Prajjwal Priyadarshi , Farhan Muhammad , Inban Pugazhendi , Gurha Shraddha , Al‐ezzi Saud M. S. , Marsool Mohammed D. M. , Ahuja Prerna , A. Mateen Mohammed , Aina Felix O. , Hussin Omniat A.
Published: September 2023

Background

Healthcare workers (HCWs) play a vital role in delivering care and are frequently exposed to the risk of acquiring infections within the hospital setting. Around 15% of hospitalized patients suffer from these infections globally. However, the role and awareness of HCWs in the transmission of hospital‐acquired infections (HAIs) or nosocomial infections is still unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) toward high‐risk microbial infections among HCWs on a global scale to identify measures to address this problem.

Method

A cross‐sectional descriptive study was conducted between 2022 and 2023, with HCWs selected as the study population. Data concerning KAP were collected through a self‐administered online survey questionnaire, using a nonprobability convenience sampling method. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were used to analyze the data.

Results

A total of 743 HCWs from various countries participated in the study, with the majority of respondents being doctors (64.9%). Data were mainly obtained from Saudi Arabia (26.78%), Iraq (25.84%), India (15.7%), the United States of America (15.2%), and Africa (Sudan, Nigeria) (13.98%). The frequency of good KAP scores among physicians (KAP: 82.5, 80.66, and 70.5), nurses (KAP: 74.1, 73.07, and 88.7), medical practitioners (KAP: 87.2, 77.58, and 75.1), and technicians (KAP: 76.1, 74.38, and 89.6) were obtained as mentioned. With respect to experience, HCWs showed good KAP scores in 1–5 years (KAP: 82.4, 83.3, and 74.1), 5–10 years (KAP: 80.6, 74.54, 83), 10–20 years (KAP: 74.7, 79.1, and 82.7), and >20 years (KAP: 84.6, 78.8, and 82.8) categories.

Conclusion

This study suggests that HCWs have good KAP regarding infection prevention, but there is still room for improvement. Educational seminars and awareness programs can provide better adherence to barrier protection measures such as hand washing, use of gloves, and hand disinfection.