bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theta Burst Stimulation Protocols for Schizophrenia
Authors: Kishi Taro , Ikuta Toshikazu , Sakuma Kenji , Hamanaka Shun , Nishii Yasufumi , Hatano Masakazu , Kito Shinsuke , Iwata Nakao
Published: October 2024

Importance

To date, several theta burst stimulation (TBS) protocols, such as intermittent TBS (iTBS), have been proposed; however, previous systematic reviews have revealed inconsistent efficacy findings in individual TBS studies for schizophrenia.

Objective

To examine which TBS protocols are associated with the most favorable and acceptable outcomes in adults with schizophrenia.

Data Sources

The Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Embase databases were searched for studies published before May 22, 2024.

Study Selection

The inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) published and unpublished randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of any TBS treatment and (2) RCTs including individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders, other psychotic disorders, or both.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

This study followed the Cochrane standards for data extraction and data quality assessment and used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guideline for reporting. The risk of bias of individual studies was assessed using the second version of the Cochrane risk of bias tool, and the Confidence in Network Meta-Analysis application was used to rate the certainty of evidence for meta-analysis results. At least 2 authors double-checked the literature search, data transfer accuracy, and calculations.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome of this study was improvement in scores related to negative symptoms. Our frequentist network meta-analysis used a random-effects model. The standardized mean difference (SMD) or odds ratio for continuous or dichotomous variables, respectively, was calculated with 95% CIs.

Results

A total of 30 RCTs of 9 TBS protocols, with 1424 participants, were included. Only iTBS over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (L-DLPFC) was associated with reduced negative symptom scores (SMD, −0.89; 95% CI, −1.24 to −0.55), overall symptom scores (SMD, −0.81; 95% CI, −1.15 to −0.48), Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale general subscale scores (SMD, −0.57; 95% CI, −0.89 to −0.25), depressive symptom scores (SMD, −0.70; 95% CI, −1.04 to −0.37), and anxiety symptom scores (SMD, −0.58; 95% CI, −0.92 to −0.24) and improved overall cognitive impairment scores (SMD, −0.52; 95% CI, −0.89 to −0.15) compared with a sham. However, positive symptom score changes, all-cause discontinuation rate, discontinuation rate due to adverse events, headache incidence, and dizziness incidence did not significantly differ between any TBS protocols and sham.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this network meta-analysis, iTBS over the L-DLPFC was associated with improved scores for negative, depressive, anxiety, and cognitive symptoms in individuals with schizophrenia and was well tolerated by the participants. Other forms of TBS were not associated with benefit. Further research is needed to assess the potential role of TBS in the treatment of schizophrenia.
Injectable Gene/Fiber‐Plexes Reverse Adipose Niche Senescence via Mito‐TERT Activation by Endogenous Mitochondrial Translocation
Authors: Zhang Yixiang , He Jiahao , Ling Shifeng , Xie Yun , Xiong Wei , Wang Juan , Du Yawei , Cui Wenguo , Li Qingfeng
Published: October 2024

Addressing adipose niche senescence is crucial for preventing obesity‐related aging. Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) is a promising target for gene therapy, but traditional methods lack precision and safety. A novel mitochondrion‐located TERT (mito‐TERT) activating approach is presented by injectable gene/short‐fiber complexes (gene/fiber‐plexes) to safely reverse adipose niche senescence from mitochondrial enhancement. The gene/fiber‐plexes are prepared from polydopamine‐coated short‐fibers to adsorb cationic dendrimers (PAMAM G3, PG3) carrying TERT plasmids and Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), termed PG3‐TERT@CoQ10. Upon intraperitoneal injection, the gene/fiber‐plexes adhere to the peritoneum and release PG3‐TERT@CoQ10, precisely targeting the adipose niche. Transient active oxygen scavenging by CoQ10 activates TERT transfection and endogenous mitochondrion translocation sequentially, enhancing mitochondrial function. In vitro and in vivo studies shows that gene/fiber‐plexes effectively targeted visceral adipose tissue, increased mito‐TERT levels and restored mitochondrial function. In an obese mouse model, they restored adipose tissue homeostasis and metabolic stability. RNA sequencing indicated reduced senescence‐related genes and restored cell cycle. This mito‐TERT activation strategy shows great promise for treating premature aging and metabolic diseases linked to adipose tissue senescence.
Synergistic Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution Catalysis over MoC Triggered by Doping Single Ru Atoms
Authors: Yin Jingwen , Lu Tingyu , Li Jing , Liu Jiayi , Lin Yingzi , Sun Dongmei , Xu Lin , Zhao Qun , Pang Huan , Zhang Songtao , Tang Yawen
Published: October 2024

The rational design of single atom‐based catalysts and precise elucidation of the synergistic interaction between the metal site and substrate are pivotal to identifying the real active sites and explicating the catalytic mechanisms at the atomic scale, thus contributing to the development of high‐performance catalysts for diverse industrial implementations. Herein, a Ru single‐atom doping strategy is developed to activate the MoC substrate with superior hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity in an alkaline medium. The atomically dispersed Ru sites are elaborately doped into MoC nanoparticles loaded on 3D N‐doped carbon nanoflowers (Ru‐SAs@MoC/NCFs hereafter). The experimental results and theoretical calculations manifest that the atomically isolated Ru dopants can effectively trigger the Mo sites with thermodynamically favorable water adsorption/dissociation energies and facilitate the OH− desorption on Ru sites and H adsorption on N sites, thus synergistically expediating the overall alkaline HER kinetics. As such, the well‐designed Ru‐SAs@MoC/NCFs demonstrate extraordinary HER activity with a low overpotential of 16 mV at 10 mA cm−2 in 1.0 m KOH electrolyte, outperforming Pt/C benchmark and a vast of molybdenum/ruthenium‐based HER catalysts reported to date. These findings disclose the alkaline HER mechanistic induced by the atomic doping modulation and suggest a design principle of high‐efficiency electrocatalysts via the atomic‐level manipulation leverage.
Synthetic Control of Water‐Stable Hybrid Perovskitoid Semiconductors
Authors: Kim Jiyoon , Ghosh Soumyadeep , Smith Nicholas W. G. , Liu Sunhao , Dou Yixuan , Slebodnick Carla , Khodaparast Giti A. , Qian Jin , Quan Lina
Published: October 2024

Hybrid metal‐halide perovskites and their derived materials have emerged as the next‐generation semiconductors with a wide range of applications, including photovoltaics, light‐emitting devices, and other optoelectronics. Over the past decade, numerous single‐crystalline perovskite derivatives have been synthesized and developed. However, the synthetic methods for these derivatives mainly rely on acidic crystallization conditions. This approach leads to crystals comprising metal halide building blocks, which show problematic stability when directly exposed to water. In this study, a methodology is developed for synthesizing hybrid metal‐halide compounds using lead iodide and the zwitterionic bifunctional molecule cysteamine (CYS), to form various perovskitoid structures under a broad pH range. Interestingly, the different pH conditions alter the coordination environment of lead halides, leading to lead‐sulfide and lead‐nitride covalent bond formation. This modification significantly enhances their stability when in direct contact with water, lasting for months. Photoluminescence measurements and first principal density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the perovskitoids synthesized under basic and acidic pH conditions exhibit a direct bandgap nature, while those synthesized under neutral conditions display an indirect bandgap. This approach opens new avenues for manipulating synthetic methods to develop water‐stable hybrid semiconductors suitable for a wide range of applications, such as solid‐state light emitters.
A Multi‐Functional New Acceptor for Ultra‐Broad Multiple Emission, Long‐Persistence Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence and Room Temperature Phosphorescence
Authors: Andruleviciene Viktorija , Leitonas Karolis , Bernard Ronit Sebastine , Woon Kai Lin , Volyniuk Dmytro , Sini Gjergji , Grazulevicius Juozas Vidas
Published: October 2024

Aiming to design new efficient organic triplet emitters, here a new electron‐accepting moiety 11,13‐dihydro‐12H‐dibenzo[a,c]imidazo[4,5‐i]phenazin‐12‐one (BIPO) are reported. Three new BIPO derivatives containing long alkyl chains, namely DBIPO (acceptor only), DBIPOBr (acceptor containing bromine atoms), and DBIPOAc with acridan moieties in a donor‐acceptor‐donor configuration, are designed and investigated. Efficient room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) is detected for the three compounds, stemming from a high‐lying (anti‐Kasha type) triplet emission occurring in the acceptor moiety. Additionally, the tetrahydrofuran‐ and dichloromethane DBIPOAc solutions show (i) a dual‐band photoluminescence profile stemming from anti‐Kasha emissions from high‐lying charge‐transfer (1CT) and locally excited (1LE) states, and (ii) a thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) from the same high‐lying 1CT state. Importantly, DBIPOAc doped in rigid nonpolar polymer Zeonex simultaneously exhibits both TADF and RTP, with the emission quantum yield reaching 69.6%. Due to these properties, the BIPO derivatives constitute promising candidates as multi‐functional new emitters for the preparation of active layers of electroluminescent devices and optical oxygen/pressure sensors. The reasons for these interesting properties are discussed in detail.
Development and Validation of a Prechiasmatic Mouse Model of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage to Measure Long‐Term Cognitive Deficits
Authors: Diwan Deepti , Mehla Jogender , Nelson James W. , Quirk James D. , Song Sheng‐Kwei , Cao Sarah , Meron Benjamin , Mostofa Aminah , Zipfel Gregory J.
Published: October 2024

Controllable and reproducible animal models of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) are crucial for the systematic study of the pathophysiology and treatment of this debilitating condition. However, current animal models have not been successful in replicating the pathology and disabilities seen in SAH patients, especially the long‐term neurocognitive deficits that affect the survivor's quality of life. Therefore, there is an unmet need to develop experimental models that reliably replicate the long‐term clinical ramifications of SAH – especially in mice where genetic manipulations are straightforward and readily available. To address this need, a standardized mouse SAH model is developed that reproducibly produced significant and trackable long‐term cognitive deficits. SAH is induced by performing double blood injections into the prechiasmatic cistern – a simple modification to the well‐characterized single prechiasmatic injection mouse model of SAH. Following SAH, mice recapitulated key characteristics of SAH patients, including cerebral edema measured by MRI ‐ an indicator of early brain injury (EBI), neuroinflammation, apoptosis, and long‐term cognitive impairment. This newly developed SAH mouse model is considered an ideal paradigm for investigating the complex SAH pathophysiology and identifying novel druggable therapeutic targets for treating SAH severity and SAH‐associated long‐term neurocognitive deficits in patients.
Photoinduced Zn‐Air Battery‐Assisted Self‐Powered Sensor Utilizing Cobalt and Sulfur Co‐Doped Carbon Nitride for Portable Detection Device
Authors: Chen Yun , Ge Yuhang , Yan Yuting , Xu Li , Zhu Xingwang , Yan Pengcheng , Ding Penghui , Li Huaming , Li Henan
Published: October 2024

Most self‐powered electrochemical sensors (SPESs) are limited by low open circuit voltage and power density, leading to a narrow detection range and low sensitivity. Herein, a photoinduced Zn‐air battery‐assisted SPES (ZAB‐SPES) is proposed based on cobalt and sulfur co‐doped carbon nitride with the cyano group (Co, S‐CN). The cyano functionalization remarkably enhances visible light utilization, and the cyano moiety acts as an electron‐withdrawing group to promote electron enrichment. Co and S co‐doping can create a p–n homojunction within carbon nitride, enabling the efficient migration and separation of carriers, thereby significantly improving the performance of the oxygen reduction reaction. The synergistic effects endow Co, S‐CN photocathode with an open circuit voltage of 1.85 V and the maximum power density of 43.5 µW cm−2 in the photoinduced ZAB. Employing heavy metal copper ions as the target model, the photoinduced ZAB‐SPES exhibited dual‐mode and sensitive detection. Furthermore, a portable detection device based on the photoinduced ZAB‐SPES is designed and exhibits high linearity in the range of 5 ~ 600 nM with a detection limit of 1.7 nM. This work offers a portable detection method based on the photoinduced ZAB‐SPES in the aquatic environment.
Achieving High Stability and Capacity in Micron‐Sized Conversion‐Type Iron Fluoride Li‐Metal Batteries
Authors: Choi Chiwon , Yoon Hyunmin , Kang Seungyeop , Kim Dong Il , Hong John , Shin Minjeong , Yoo Dong‐Joo , Kim Minkyung
Published: October 2024

Iron fluoride, a conversion‐type cathode material with high energy density and low‐cost iron, holds promise for Li‐ion batteries but faces challenges in synthesis, conductivity, and cycling stability. This study addresses these issues by synthesizing micron‐sized iron‐fluoride using a simple solid‐state synthesis. Despite a large particle size, a high capacity of 571 mAh g−1 is achieved, which is attributed to the unique surface and internal pores within the iron‐fluoride particles, which provided a large surface area. This is the first study to demonstrate the feasibility of using large iron fluoride particles to enhance the energy density of the electrode and achieve an iron fluoride full cell with high capacity. Also, the cause of the capacity fading is investigated. Electrode delamination from the current collector, which is the main cause of capacity fading in early cycles, is resolved using a carbon‐coated aluminum (C/Al) current collector. Moreover, iron (Fe) dissolution and the deposition of dissolved Fe on the Li metal also contributed significantly to the degradation. Localized high‐concentration electrolytes (LHCEs) suppress iron dissolution and Li dendrite growth, resulting in long‐cycle stability for 300 cycles. This study provides insights into the further development of conversion‐type metal fluorides across various compositions.
A rare case of disseminated amebiasis in a patient on biologic therapy for chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Omiunu Ariel , Brown Lindsey , Kayastha Darpan , Manes R. Peter
Published: October 2024

Key points

Dupilumab targets Th2‐associated inflammatory mediators to reduce disease burden in CRSwNP.

While rare, potential sequelae include viral, helminth, and potentially amebic infections.
Chaperon‐Abgeleitete Kupfer(I)‐Bindende Peptidnanofibrillen stören die Kupferhomöostase in Krebszellen
Authors: Jeena M. T. , Link Julian , Zhang Jian , Harley Iain , Turunen Petri , Graf Robert , Wagner Manfred , Baptista Luis Andre , Jonker Hendrik R. A. , Cui Liyang , Lieberwirth Ingo , Landfester Katharina , Rao Jianghong , Ng David Y. W. , Weil Tanja
Published: October 2024

Kupfer (Cu) ist ein Übergangsmetall, das eine entscheidende Rolle im Zellstoffwechsel spielt. Die Cu+‐Homöostase ist in vielen Krebsarten hochreguliert und trägt zur Tumorentstehung bei. Therapeutische Strategien zur gezielten Beeinflussung der Cu+‐Homöostase in Krebszellen werden jedoch selten erforscht, da kleine Cu+‐Chelatoren eine geringere Bindungsaffinität aufweisen als intrazelluläre Cu+‐Chaperone, Enzyme oder Liganden. Um dieses Problem anzugehen, stellen wir einen supramolekularen Ansatz vor, der von Cu+‐Chaperonen inspiriert ist, um die Cu+‐Homöostase in Krebszellen zu stören und somit den programmierten Zelltod zu induzieren. Das Peptid Nap‐FFMTCGGCR bildet in Krebszellen Nanofibrillen aus, die aufgrund des einzigartigen MTCGGC‐Motivs, das in intrazellulären Cu+‐Chaperonen konserviert ist, eine hohe Bindungsaffinität und Selektivität für Cu+ aufweisen. Nap‐FFMTCGGCR zeigt Zytotoxizität gegenüber dreifach negativen Brustkrebszellen (MDA‐MB‐231), beeinträchtigt die Aktivität des Cu+‐abhängigen Co‐Chaperons Superoxid‐Dismutase 1 (SOD1) und induziert oxidativen Stress. Im Gegensatz dazu hat Nap‐FFMTCGGCR nur minimale Auswirkungen auf normale HEK 293T‐Zellen. Kontrollpeptide zeigen, dass Selbstassemblierung und Cu+‐Bindung synergistisch wirken müssen, um die Cu+‐Homöostase erfolgreich zu stören. Wir zeigen, dass die durch Assemblierung verstärkte Affinität für Metallionen neue therapeutische Strategien eröffnet, um krankheitsrelevante Metallionen‐Homöostase anzugehen.
What am I looking at? Graduate student accuracy in identification of anatomic structures/landmarks on swallow imaging
Authors: Fleck Christy , Allen Katie
Published: October 2024

Speech‐language pathologists need to accurately identify structures/landmarks on swallow imaging. Foundational learning begins in graduate training. This study aimed to determine graduate student accuracy at identifying anatomical structures/landmarks during swallow evaluations and to determine if accuracy was predicted by type of imaging, anatomical structure, case type (i.e., normal/abnormal). Researchers recruited first‐year graduate speech‐language pathology students. Each participant reviewed five static images from lateral radiographic swallow studies and five static images from endoscopic swallow studies across 10 cases. Participants identified key anatomic structures and landmarks by clicking on the structure/landmark within a web‐based platform. Two experienced speech‐language pathologists reviewed and coded participant responses for accuracy. Sixteen graduate speech‐language pathology students participated in a within‐subjects design. Overall participant accuracy in identification of structure/landmarks was 69% (range 46%–88%). Binomial logistic regression was performed to study the effects of anatomical structure, case type (i.e., normal/abnormal), and image type on likelihood of participant accuracy in identifying anatomical structures (X
2(4) = 143.65, p < 0.001). Only anatomical structure was statistically significant (X
2(4) = 187.729, p < 0.001). The model explained 23.2% (Nagelkerke's R squared) of the variance in accuracy and correctly classified 78.4% of cases. Sensitivity was 92.1%, specificity was 47.3%, positive predictive value was 79.84%, and negative predictive value was 72.50%. The area under the ROC curve was 0.754, 95% CI [0.716, 0.791]. Graduate student's ability to correctly identify structures/landmarks overall was lower than desired and accuracy varied per structure. Results have implications for improving graduate student training for identification of structures/landmarks on swallow imaging.
The Big Five Personality Traits and Social Support During the COVID‐19 Pandemic: The Supporters, the Supported, and the Overlooked
Authors: Kratt Luise , Höltmann Gesine , Hutter Swen , Specht Jule
Published: October 2024

Social support can benefit its recipients and even its providers and is especially important in times of crisis. During the COVID‐19 pandemic, support from society and personal networks became particularly crucial but individuals greatly differed in their support reception and provision. The Big Five personality traits may be key to explaining these interindividual differences: In this study, we investigated their impact on the support provided, received and additionally needed during the COVID‐19 pandemic using data collected in October 2020 in a large German sample (N = 3330). The Big Five personality traits predicted support received from the state, civil society and the social network, with extraversion and openness emerging as positive and conscientiousness and emotional stability as negative predictors. The need for additional support was predicted positively by openness and negatively by conscientiousness, emotional stability and agreeableness. Support provision was predicted by all traits, positively by extraversion and openness and negatively by conscientiousness and emotional stability. Notably, agreeableness showed positive associations with social but negative associations with societal support reception and provision. Our findings highlight the importance of personality in social support processes during crises and the need to distinguish between different support sources. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.
Synthesis, In‐Silico Biochemical Properties, and In‐Vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Some Farmazans‐Sulfonamide Derivatives
Authors: Almehmadi Mazen , Allahyani Mamdouh , Alsuwat Meshari A. , Asif Mohammad
Published: October 2024

The low effectiveness of currently available antibiotics is driving efforts worldwide to generate new antimicrobial drugs. So, we synthesized some new formazan derivatives containing sulfonamide moiety, and assessed their in‐silico biochemical properties as well as in‐vitro antibacterial activity against some pathogenic Gram‐positive (B. subtilis and S. aureus) and Gram‐negative (E. coli and S. thyphi) bacteria and fungi (C. albicans and A. niger). These formazan derivatives were synthesized by condensing sulphanilamide with benzaldehyde in the presence of glacial acetic acid and ethanol produced a Schiff base of sulfonamide (1). After this compound 1 was reacted with substituted benzene diazonium chlorides (2a–g) by condensation reaction yields formazan derivatives (3a–g). The structures of synthesized compounds were characterized on the basis analytical and spectral (IR, 1H‐NMR, and mass) data. Agar diffusion method was utilized to assess the antibacterial activity of the synthesized compounds by measuring the zone of inhibition against tested strains of bacteria and fungi. Ciprofloxacin and ketoconazole were used as reference drugs. The result exhibited that synthesized compounds have demonstrated satisfactory in‐silico biochemical properties as well as significant level of antibacterial activity.
Effect of Macronutrients on Recombinant mCherry Production by Microalga
Authors: Arias Cesar Andres Diaz , Matsudo Marcelo Chuei , Ferreira‐Camargo Livia Seno , Molino João Vitor Dutra , Mayfield Stephen Patrick , de Carvalho João Carlos Monteiro
Published: October 2024

This study sought to evaluate the influence of five macronutrients (acetate, calcium, sulfate, nitrogen, and phosphate) on the cell growth and heterologous mCherry protein production by Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. In the first step, three nitrogen (N) sources were tested (NH4NO3, NaNO3, and NH4Cl), and NH4NO3 was selected as N source for the following step, due to the best results for mCherry protein production. In the second step, a central composite design 25 was employed to evaluate the effect of the five macronutrients. Although all nutrients had effect on maximum biomass concentration, only acetate, nitrogen, and phosphate showed to influence mCherry protein production. By employing the experimental design with small‐scale culture in multiplates and multivariable regression, it was possible to achieve 12 % increase for recombinant protein production.
Decarbonization of Metallurgy and Steelmaking Industries Using Biochar: A Review
Authors: Sarker Tumpa R. , Ethen Dilshad Z. , Nanda Sonil
Published: October 2024

The iron and steelmaking industries play a significant role in the manufacturing sector but result in significant greenhouse gas emissions. Biochar has recently gained attention as a potential substitute for coal in metallurgical processes due to its carbon capture potential. This review explores the potential of biochar as a sustainable substitute for coal in steelmaking industries. Notable research works have shown that substituting biochar in amounts ranging from as low as 5 % to as high as 50 % can be feasible and beneficial in processes such as coke making, iron sintering, blast furnaces, and electric furnaces. The information presented in this review can be applied to create sustainable and competitive alternatives to fossil fuels to help decarbonize metallurgical industries.
On the Replicability of the Thermodynamic Modeling of Spectroscopic Titration Data in the Nickel(II) En System
Authors: Lawler Fenton C. , Storteboom Ryan S. , Rosales‐Lopez Plinio D. , Hoogstra Madison N. , Selvaggio Katherine J. , Chen Trevina , Zogg Krista A. , Heule Dafna L. , Pehrson Noah J. , Baker Aerin E. , Vander Griend Douglas A.
Published: October 2024

Characterizing complicated solution phase systems in situ requires advanced modeling techniques to capture the intricate balances between the many chemical species. Due to the error inherent in any scientific measurement, a spectrophotometric titration experiment with nickel(II) and ethylenediamine (en) was repeated six times using an autotitrator to test the replicability of the data and the consistency of the resulting thermodynamic model. All six datasets could be modeled very tightly (R2 > 99.9999%) with the following eight complexes: [Ni]2+, [Ni2en]4+, [Nien]2+, [Ni2en3]4+, [Nien2]2+, [Ni2en5]4+, [Nien3]2+, and [Nien6]2+. The logK values for the stepwise associative reactions agree with existing literature values for the majority species ([Nienn = 1–3]2+) and matched expectations for the minority species; 95% confidence intervals for each logK value were determined via bootstrapping, which quantifies the variability in the binding constant value that is supported by a given dataset. The repeated experiments, which could not be successfully concatenated together, demonstrate that replication is crucial to capturing all the variability in the logK values. Conversely, bootstrapped confidence intervals across multiple experiments can be readily combined to generate an appropriate range for an experimentally determined binding constant.
Enhancing Quality of Life in Symptomatic Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation Patients: A Systematic Analysis of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Interventions
Authors: Agarwal Pratik , Sethi Yashendra , Goyal Avisham , Padda Inderbir , Fabian Daniel , Emran Talha Bin , Johal Gurpreet , Mareddy Chinmaya
Published: October 2024

Background

Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) significantly impacts patients' lives, contributing to morbidity, reduced quality of life (QoL), and psychological distress. Conventional treatment approaches primarily focus on rhythm control through pharmacologic therapy, often overlooking the patient's holistic well‐being.

Hypothesis

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a well‐established intervention for modifying dysfunctional thoughts and behaviors, may provide a beneficial nonpharmacological approach to improving QoL in symptomatic PAF patients.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted in accordance with Cochrane methodology and PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search was performed using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar to identify relevant studies on the effects of CBT on QoL in PAF patients. Various CBT interventions, including exposure‐based, internet‐delivered, and mindfulness‐based approaches, were analyzed. Study quality was assessed using JBI and Cochrane tools to evaluate the risk of bias.

Results

The review found that CBT interventions led to statistically significant improvements in several QoL domains, including physical and emotional well‐being. Psychological well‐being and self‐management skills were notably enhanced, as CBT helped address maladaptive cognitive patterns and improved coping strategies. The studies reviewed consistently demonstrated a low risk of bias, indicating reliability in the findings.

Conclusions

CBT shows promise as a holistic, nonpharmacological intervention for managing PAF, improving both psychological and physical QoL. However, future research is needed to establish standardized protocols, increase sample sizes, and conduct long‐term follow‐ups to further validate its effectiveness in this population. Incorporating CBT into PAF management could substantially enhance patient outcomes and well‐being.
Toluene Inhalant Addiction and Cardiac Functions in Young Adults: A Comparison of Electrocardiographic and Echocardiographic Parameters
Authors: Karaca Gürkan , Hatipsoylu Erdinç , Ekmekci Ahmet , Yazıcı Ömer Kamil , Kimiaei Ali , Safaei Seyedehtina , Sözen Ahmet Bilge
Published: October 2024

Background

Volatile substance (thinner) addiction can cause serious cardiac events, such as malignant ventricular arrhythmias, acute coronary syndromes, sudden death syndrome, and dilated cardiomyopathy, as reported in many case studies. We aimed to find echocardiographic and electrocardiographic parameters that could foresee these adverse outcomes in clinical settings.

Methods

We enrolled 32 healthy young adult patients with at least 1 year of thinner addiction and no cardiac symptoms. We also recruited a control group of 30 healthy individuals without any medical problems. Both groups received standard echocardiography and ECG tests. We analyzed the following echocardiographic parameters: LVEDd (left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter), LVESd (left ventricular end‐systolic diameter), mitral valve EF slope, E/A ratio, and aortic and pulmonary valve VTI (velocity time integral). We also measured the corrected (QTc), uncorrected QT intervals, and widest P‐wave values in the ECG. We used the SPSS 13 software for statistical analysis.

Results

The echocardiographic findings did not differ significantly between the groups. However, the ECG results showed that the thinner addicts had higher values of corrected (QTc), uncorrected QT intervals, and widest P‐wave values than the control group, according to Mann–Whitney U and Student's T test.

Conclusion

Corrected QT (QTc) and P‐wave duration are increased in individuals with a thinner addiction. These findings may suggest a higher risk of sudden cardiac death, atrial, and ventricular dysrhythmias in the future.
A Multiobjective Approach for E‐Commerce Website Structure Optimization
Authors: Panicker Shina , Kumar T. V. Vijay , Yadav Divakar
Published: October 2024

Complex websites comprise a variety of diverse web entities, which require constant restructuring resonating with the latest trends, shifting consumer expectations and market driven changes. Therefore, designing suitable models to optimally restructure such websites is of paramount importance and must take into consideration several factors about the web entities such as display size, download time, type, location in the page, sales likelihood, discounts, and the ongoing trend. A recent study has taken all these attributes into consideration and designed a model based on the Access Score, Interface Score, and Purchase Score. However, this model suffers from certain drawbacks such as it did not address the underlying cohesiveness between these attributes. Further, it provided a single optimal solution to the adaptive website structure optimization (AWSO) problem and relied on the a priori knowledge of weights. The basis of the new proposed model is that there can be more than one optimal solution to the AWSO problem in the real world. The novel tri‐objective optimization model uses NSGA‐II algorithm to simultaneously optimize the attributes and finds advantageous trade‐off solutions without requiring a priori knowledge of weights. The proposed MO‐AWSONSGA‐II model is shown to outperform the existing model proving it better suited for the AWSO problem.
Model‐Informed Approach to Recommend Burosumab Dosing Regimens for Pediatric and Adult Patients With the Ultrarare Disease Tumor‐Induced Osteomalacia
Authors: Hruska Matthew W. , Sid‐Otmane Lamia , Gosselin Nathalie H. , Quattrocchi Emilia , Lee Sun Ku , Mascelli Mary Ann , Mehta Krina , Jan de Beur Suzanne M. , Marsteller Douglas
Published: October 2024

Burosumab is approved for the treatment of hypophosphatemia in persistent tumor‐induced osteomalacia. This work exemplifies a model‐informed drug development approach that evaluated burosumab pharmacokinetics and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamics in the ultrarare tumor‐induced osteomalacia population to support adult and pediatric dosing. Data from tumor‐induced osteomalacia participants were combined with data from X‐linked hypophosphatemia to understand pharmacokinetic and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic characteristics and covariates specific to tumor‐induced osteomalacia. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic simulations were performed using final models to support dosing recommendations for adults and extrapolation to pediatric patients. Burosumab pharmacokinetics were described using a one‐compartment model with first‐order absorption and body weight as a significant covariate. Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationships were described using a sigmoidal Emax model with significant covariates of baseline fibroblast growth factor 23 on baseline fasting serum phosphate and potency of burosumab response and tumor‐induced osteomalacia disease state resulting in a steep slope of response; however, the covariates are not clinically meaningful. Simulations demonstrated that, in pediatric patients, starting doses of burosumab 0.3 and 0.4 mg/kg every 2 weeks at steady state would achieve normal serum phosphate levels in ≥ 30% of patients with relatively low risk of hyperphosphatemia (< 3%). In adults, burosumab 0.3 and 0.5 mg/kg every 4 weeks achieves similar percentages of responders and a relative low risk of hyperphosphatemia (< 7%). Serum phosphate titration‐based burosumab dosing increased the probability of achieving normal serum phosphate levels. The models supported a model‐informed drug development approach for global approvals of titration‐based burosumab dosing, guided by monitoring fasting serum phosphate levels.
A Comparison Between Three Types of Scaffolds for Pulp Regeneration: A Histological Study on Dogs
Authors: Alshahhoud Aliaa , Rikab Mhd. Salem , Issa Nizar , Manadili Ahmad , Alsayed Tolaibah Yasser
Published: October 2024

Objectives

This study aims to compare the application of three types of normal scaffolds—native chitosan, enzymatically modified chitosan, and blood clot (BC)—on pulp regeneration in the teeth of experimental dogs through histological examination, to determine the quantity and type of new tissues formed within the root canal.

Materials and Methods

The research sample consisted of 32 root canals from 20 premolars of two male local experimental dogs. The sample was randomly divided into a control group, in which no intervention was performed on the teeth, and three experimental groups based on the type of scaffold used: the BC group, the native chitosan combined with BC (NCS + BC) group, and the enzymatically modified chitosan combined with BC (EMCS + BC) group. Mechanical and chemical cleaning of the canals was performed, followed by the application of the studied scaffolds within the root canals. After 3 months, the teeth were extracted and prepared for histological study, where two variables were studied: the percentage of total vital tissue (soft and hard; VT%) and the percentage of soft vital tissue only (ST%). A one‐way ANOVA and Bonferroni tests were used to determine significant differences between the groups at a 95% confidence level.

Results

The VT% values were significantly higher in the EMCS + BC group compared to both the NCS + BC and BC groups. The ST% values were also significantly higher in the EMCS + BC group compared to the BC group. However, no significant differences in ST% values were observed between the NCS + BC group and either the BC or EMCS + BC groups.

Conclusions

Within the limitations of this study, we conclude that the application of enzymatically modified chitosan scaffolds combined with BC yields superior results in pulp regeneration, which contributes to the formation of pulp‐like tissue and cells resembling odontoblasts, as well as apex closure with tissue resembling bone tissue.
High‐Gain Boost Converter Based Energy Harvesting Method for the Ultra‐Low Voltage Difference of HVDC Transmission Line
Authors: Zhang Jiahua , Nie Shaoxiong , Xiao Wenxun , Du Guiping
Published: October 2024

Online monitoring sensors are crucial for ensuring the long‐term stable operation of high‐voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission systems. However, ensuring a sustainable and reliable energy supply for these sensors in the HVDC transmission line is extremely challenging. Energy harvesting is an efficient solution to meet the energy supply needs of self‐powered online monitoring sensors. This work proposes a novel method for harvesting energy from the ultra‐low voltage difference of HVDC transmission line using a high‐gain boost converter. Firstly, the structure of the energy harvesting system is proposed. Then, the mechanism by which the gain of the boost converter is easily affected by parasitic parameters of the circuit and device under ultra‐low input voltage is analyzed. A method for automatically stabilizing the output voltage of the boost converter using a post‐stage energy management circuit is proposed. This method avoids the use of closed‐loop control circuits, which would otherwise increase losses. Finally, the boost converter with high gain is designed to elevate the ultra‐low voltage difference to a higher voltage, providing sufficient power for the online monitoring sensors. The effectiveness of the proposed method has been verified through simulations and experiments, demonstrating that the energy harvesting system can extract energy from a voltage difference as low as 35 mV. Additionally, the system can produce a stable output power of up to 128 mW when the voltage difference is 100 mV.
Using Empirical Performance Data to Source Bluebunch and Snake River Wheatgrass Plant Materials to Restoration Sites in the Eastern Great Basin, USA
Authors: Jones Thomas A. , Monaco Thomas A.
Published: October 2024

To infer adaptation of plant material, restoration practitioners often consider only surrogate geographic or climatic information. However, empirical biomass data could assist in deciding what material to use where. To test this approach, we transplanted seven bluebunch wheatgrass (BBWG; Pseudoroegneria spicata) and five Snake River wheatgrass (SRWG; Elymus wawawaiensis) populations to three sites ranging from low to high precipitation (LPPT, MPPT, and HPPT). We measured establishment‐year (2011) biomass at all sites and 2012–16 biomass at MPPT and HPPT. When data were standardized by site, P‐7 and Anatone produced the most BBWG biomass across sites and Wahluke the least in both 2011 and 2012–16, while E‐58X produced the most SRWG biomass and Secar and E‐49X the least in 2011 and 2012–16, respectively. Among BBWG populations in 2011, relative performance of P‐7 (G6 generation) and Goldar increased and Whitmar decreased at wetter sites, while Columbia was stable (high) and Wahluke was stable (low) over sites. Among SRWG populations in 2011, Secar, Secar78, and E‐58X increased at drier sites and Discovery at wetter sites. However, once established, populations of both species were much more similar for trend. In 2012–16, trend somewhat increased for five BBWG populations from MPPT to HPPT, was stable for Wahluke, but declined for Columbia, while all five SRWG populations declined at HPPT. These results suggest that, once established, BBWG is mostly stable across sites, while SRWG is less adapted to wetter sites. In 2012–16, BBWG populations originating at drier (or wetter) sites mostly performed relatively better at MPPT (or HPPT), suggesting adaptation to site. However, in the establishment year (2011), this relationship did not hold, suggesting seedling vigor and immature growth rate play a stronger role than precipitation at the site of origin.
Community Trait Variation Drives Selection on Species Diversity Through Feedback With Predator Density
Authors: Vu Phuong‐Anh , Becks Lutz
Published: October 2024

Identifying the processes underlying community assembly and dynamics remains a central goal in ecology. Although much research has been devoted to analyzing how environments affect species diversity, fewer studies have resolved the link between the fundamental process of ecological selection and species diversity. It has been suggested that identifying ecological selection by estimating changes in community‐weighted variance (CWV) and mean (CWM) of functional traits may help to identify more general rules of community assembly. Here, we asked whether and how selection by predation and competition affect species diversity, and how this is determined by the initial CWV and CWM for traits governing species interactions, as in our case: Competitiveness and defense against a predator. We tracked experimental five‐species phytoplankton communities in the presence and absence of a rotifer predator over time. We manipulated the initial community composition so that communities shared at least three of the five species but differed in CWV and CWM for defense against predation. We found that species diversity was highest with higher initial trait distributions and that temporal changes in diversity correlated with trait selection. The initial distributions determined the form of selection over time, with directional selection for defense and competitiveness, followed by reduced selection and an increase in niche availability when the initial trait distribution was low or high. For intermediate initial trait distributions, we observed directional selection in only one trait, followed by stabilizing selection. Differences and changes in selection for defense, competitiveness, and species diversity correlated with the changes in predator density over time. This suggests that the initial trait distribution determined species diversity through a feedback loop with changes in selection on traits and predator density. Overall, our study shows that identifying ecological selection on functional traits can provide a mechanistic understanding of community assembly.
Impact of core thickness and opening height on the combustion characteristics of polyethylene sandwich panels
Authors: Wu Peng , Fu Jiankun , Zhang Yipeng , Zhou Ru , Hao Min , Jiang Juncheng
Published: October 2024

Polyethylene (PE) sandwich panels are being increasingly used in external building insulation, but they may also contribute to the upward spread of flames during fires. This work investigates the impact of core thickness and opening height on the combustion characteristics of PE sandwich panels. Small‐scale experiments and numerical simulations show that flame stretching and intermittent flames occurr during combustion. The average flame spread height is proportional to the thickness and the opening height, and a dimensionless relationship between the flame height and the characteristic length is established. As the thickness increases, the high‐temperature zone within the PE sandwich panels increases. The average mass loss rate is proportional to the thickness and opposite to the opening height. The findings of this study hold crucial theoretical significance for ensuring the safe design of windows and PE sandwich panels in high‐rise buildings.
Assessment of the oxygen dynamics in microalgae–bacteria systems through respirometry
Authors: Sales Marcos , Florêncio Lourdinha , Buitrón Germán
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND

A microalgae–bacteria consortium applied to the treatment of domestic wastewater can be an alternative to reduce the energy consumption of aerobic systems if the algal biomass produces enough oxygen for bacterial consumption. This study proposed to evaluate the microalgal production of photosynthetic O2 and consumption by heterotrophic organic matter‐removing and autotrophic nitrifying bacteria through respirometric tests.

RESULTS

Aggregates composed of predominantly spherical green microalgae and bacteria were formed in a photosequencing batch reactor, with 6 h cycles, and fed with synthetic domestic wastewater. Biomass reached 800 mgVSS L−1 and chlorophyll‐a content of 4 mg gVSS−1. Photosynthetic oxygen production reached 33.4 mgO2 gSS−1 h−1. Through respirometric tests and oxygen mass balance, oxygen consumption rates by ordinary heterotrophic bacteria (5.9 mgO2 gSS−1 h−1), ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria (8.67 mgO2 gSS−1 h−1) and nitrite‐oxidizing bacteria (0.78 mgO2 gSS−1 h−1) were obtained.

CONCLUSION

Photosynthetic oxygen production was 28% higher than the total O2 required by bacteria. Under the conditions studied, an artificial oxygen supply would not be necessary since the algal biomass can supply the bacterial O2 demand. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Automated coordinate system estimation: A preliminary step toward computer‐assisted radial head arthroplasty planning
Authors: Velasquez Garcia Ausberto , Oettinger Jennifer M. , Wentworth Adam J. , Nishikawa Hiroki , Chaney Grace K. , Fitzsimmons James S. , Morris Jonathan M. , O'Driscoll Shawn W.
Published: October 2024

The success of radial head arthroplasty (RHA) relies on the design of the implant and precision of the surgical technique, with preoperative planning potentially playing a crucial role. The accurate establishment of a patient‐specific anatomical coordinate system (ACS) is essential for this planning process. This study tested the hypothesis that an innovative automated method would be an accurate, reliable, and efficient framework to determine the ACS of the proximal radius, which would be a step toward improving the precision of RHA planning. We used advanced computational techniques to analyze 50 forearm CT scans, comparing the accuracy, reproducibility, reliability, and efficiency of the automated method with manually derived ACS using expert observers as benchmarks. The results showed that the automated approach was more accurate in identifying anatomical landmarks, with smaller mean distance discrepancies (0.6 mm) than manual observers (1 mm). Its reproducibility was also superior, with narrower reproducibility limits, particularly for ulnar notch landmarks (0.6 to 0.8 mm compared to manual selection 1.2 to 1.4 mm) (p = .01). In addition, the limits of agreement and the mean absolute rotational and translational differences of the axes were narrower for the automated method, which also reduced the construction time to an average of 46 s compared to 150 s manually (p < .001). These findings suggest that the automated method has the potential to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of preoperative and postoperative computer‐assisted procedures for RHA. Further research is needed to fully understand the utility of this automated system for enhancing RHA computer‐assisted surgical planning.