bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perinatal Outcomes and Long-Term Infectious Morbidity of Offspring Born to Mothers with Familial Mediterranean Fever
Authors: Asher Itay , Sheiner Eyal , Willner Nata Tifferet , Zeller Lior , Pariente Gali
Published: October 2023

Purpose
To investigate perinatal outcomes and long-term infectious morbidity in children of mothers with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF).
Methods
A population-based cohort study comparing perinatal outcomes and long-term infectious morbidity of offspring of mothers with and without FMF was conducted. All singleton deliveries between the years 1991–2021 in a tertiary medical center were included. The study groups were followed until 18 years of age for long-term infectious morbidity. A Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to compare the cumulative incidence of long-term infectious morbidity, and generalized estimation equation (GEE) models as well as Cox proportional hazards models were constructed to control for confounders.
Results
During the study period, 356,356 deliveries met the inclusion criteria. 411 of them were women with FMF. Using GEE models, preterm delivery, cesarean delivery, and low birth weight were independently associated with maternal FMF. The total infectious-related hospitalization rate was significantly higher in offspring born to mothers with FMF compared to the comparison group (Kaplan–Meier survival curve, log-rank p < 0.001). Using a Cox proportional hazards model, controlling for gestational age, maternal age, diabetes mellitus, cesarean delivery, and hypertensive disorders, being born to a mother with FMF was found to be an independent risk factor for long-term infection-related hospitalization of the offspring.
Conclusion
Maternal FMF was found to be independently associated with long-term infection-related hospitalization of the offspring. This positive correlation may reflect an intra-uterine pro-inflammatory environment which may result in the offspring's long-term susceptibility to infection.
Game Digital Therapeutics for reducing perioperative anxiety in Children: Exploring Multi-Sensory Interaction Experience
Authors: Wang Su , liu YueLin , Mei XiaoXue
Published: October 2023

The repercussions of the perioperative period on children's mental health deserve attention. Children's special characteristics lead to anxiety during the perioperative period, resulting in affecting the treatment outcome. Gamified digital therapy has been offered as a potential aid, especially true for children, however, many popular digital therapy tools have not been designed to address the needs of children. We propose that a game design approach based on multisensory interactive experiences intervenes in the field of children's mental health. It could be a foundation for digital anxiety interventions. Therefore, we designed and implemented a gamified interventions system, to study how multisensory experience design could be applied within this context. This approach uses a combination of qualitative and quantitative user research to clarify the relationship between children's multisensory experiences (visual, hearing, touch) and design elements, and presents the strategies of game therapy development. To describe this method, we present its application in the design and development of a Leap motion-based game for children. Finally, findings from a formal user testing study with 6 children showed the effectiveness of the game therapy in reducing perioperative anxiety. This research provides new insights and creative solutions for the child's mental health.
Predicting 10 year incidence of dyslipidemia based on novel anthropometric indices, using exploratory regression models and data mining
Authors: Takhttavous Alireza , Saberi-Karimian Maryam , Hafezi Somayeh Ghiasi , Esmaily Habibollah , Hosseini Marzieh , Amirfakhrian Elham , Ghamsary Mark , Ghayour-Mobarhan Majid , Alinezhad-Namaghi Maryam , Ferns Gordon A.
Published: October 2023

Background:
This study aimed to establish a 10 year dyslipidemia incidence model, investigating novel anthropometric indices using exploratory regression and data mining.
Methods:
A total of 1776 individuals without dyslipidemia were enrolled from phase 1 of the Mashhad Stroke and Heart Atherosclerotic Disorder (MASHAD) study. People who were diagnosed with dyslipidemia in phase 2 (n = 1097) were compared with healthy people in this phase. The association of dyslipidemia with novel anthropometric indices including C-Index (conicity index), BRI (body roundness index), VAI (Visceral Adiposity Index), LAP (Lipid Accumulation Product), AVI (Abdominal volume index), WWI (weight-adjusted-waist index), BMI (body mass index), BAI (Body Adiposity Index) and BSA (body surface area) have been evaluated in this study. Logistic regression (LR) and decision tree (DT) analysis were utilized to evaluate the association. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of DT were assessed through the performance of a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve using R software.
Results:
A total of 1776 subjects including 1097 and 679 individuals with and without dyslipidemia encountered the study. There were 586 (53.4%) females and 511(46.6%) males with dyslipidemia. According to the results, VAI has been identified as the most significant risk factor for dyslipidemia (OR: 2.81, (95% CI: 2.07, 3.81)) in all models. Moreover, the DT showed that VAI followed by BMI and LAP as the most critical variables in the prediction of dyslipidemia incidence.
Conclusions:
Based on our findings, the VAI was the principal anthropometric factor for predicting dyslipidemia incidence.
Race and Ethnic Background in Parkinson’s Disease: A Literature Review and Risk Factor Analysis
Authors: Siddiqi Sara , Li Juan , Ortiz Zoe , Lawrence Kamaya , Redmond Melissa , Tomlinson Julianna , Schlossmacher Michael , Salmaso Natalina
Published: October 2023

Importance: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common, neurodegenerative disorder. Inclusion of ethno-racial groups is critical to expanding current understanding of PD risk factors, pathogenesis, and increasing generalizability across diverse research populations. Presently, there is a lack of large-scale studies that evaluate links between race/ethnicity and PD risk.
Objective: (1) Using a literature review, we aimed to evaluate and assess the inclusion of ethno-racial factors in studies on PD risk. (2) Using a cross-sectional study, we aimed to validate findings in the literature and compare the relationship between PD prevalence, race, and risk factors.
Design, Setting and Participants: Targeted literature review: A PubMED search was conducted to identify studies published 2000-2023 detailing PD risk and epidemiology. Cross-sectional analysis: data downloaded in March 2022 from the Fox Insight study cohort was analysed.
Exposures: Literature review: inclusion of race/ethnicity. Cross-sectional analysis: current PD diagnosis, sex, age of diagnosis, smoking status, family history of PD, select DNA markers, history of anosmia, depression and anxiety.
Main Outcomes and Measures: Literature review: accounting for race/ethnicity in the data set. Cross-sectional analysis: logistic regression modelling was used to determine the prevalence odds ratios for PD, pairwise comparisons of age at PD diagnosis across race were conducted and minor allele frequencies were calculated.
Results: Literature review: only 22 of 497 (4.4%) articles reviewed included ethno-racial factors as an integral part of their analysis. Cross-sectional analysis: out of the 48,566 respondents, 22,776 were male (46.9%), the mean age was 65.8 (SD=12.1), 34,859 (71.7%) respondents had a diagnosis of PD, 45,712 (94.1%) self-identified with the White race. Multiracial respondents had 22% reduced odds of PD (POR=0.78 95% CI [0.65-0.93]) compared to the White race group, adjusted for age, sex and income. Race did not impact the association between PD prevalence and known risk factors.
Conclusions and Relevance: Our literature search revealed that race/ethnicity has been understudied in the context of PD risk; despite this, our data analysis demonstrated that race groups differ in prevalence. To best inform understanding of PD pathogenesis and future care, further analyses are needed with consideration of access to care and other determinants of health.
Parameters predicting postoperative pain and quality of life after hemorrhoidectomy: follow-up results from a prospective multicenter randomized trial
Authors: Mallmann Christoph , Langenbach Mike Ralf , Florescu Razvan-Valentin , Köhler Andreas , Barkus Jörg , Ritz Jörg-Peter , Gebauer Florian , Lefering Rolf , Boenicke Lars
Published: October 2023

Purpose:
Pain and reduced quality of life (QoL) is a major subject of interest after surgery for hemorrhoids. The aim of this study was to find predictive parameters for postoperative pain and QoL after hemorrhoidectomy.
Methods:
This is a follow-up analysis of data derived from a multicenter randomized controlled trial including 770 patients, which examines the usefulness of tamponade after hemorrhoidectomy. Different pre-, intra- and postoperative parameters were correlated with Pain level assessed by NRS and QoL by the EuroQuol.
Results:
At univariate analysis, relevant (NRS > 5/10 pts.) early pain within 48 hours after surgery was associated with young age (p = 0.002), use of a tamponade (p < 0.001), relevant preoperative pain (p = 0.002), pudendal block (p < 0.001), and duration of surgery (p = 0.018). At multivariate analysis, young age (p = 0.009, OR 1.66), use of a tamponade (p = < 0.001, OR 1.7) and relevant preoperative pain (p = 0.042, OR 1.63) predicted relevant early postoperative pain whereas pudendal block protected (p < 0.001, OR 2.67). Persisting relevant pain on day 7 was associated with relevant early pain (p < 0.001) and duration of surgery (p = 0.030). QoL overall remained at the same level. However, n = 229 (33%) patients presented an improvement of QoL and n = 245 (36%) an aggravation. Improvement was associated with a reduction of preoperative higher pain levels after surgery (p < 0.001) and analgesia with opioids (p < 0.001).
Conclusion
Early relevant pain affects younger patients but can be prevented by avoiding tamponades and using a pudendal block. Persisting relevant pain is associated with longer duration of surgery. Relief in preexisting pain and opioids improve QoL.
Registration number: DRKS00011590 12 April 2017.
The Cumulative Impact of Unmet Essential Needs on Indicators of Attrition: Findings from a Population-Based Sample of Public University Students in the Bronx, NY
Authors: Sanborn Jenna , Jones Heidi E. , Manze Meredith , Twiste Tara , Freudenberg Nicholas
Published: October 2023

In recent decades, a growing proportion of college students have experienced financial stress, resulting in unmet essential needs including food insecurity, housing instability, lack of healthcare access, and inadequate mental health treatment. Given that urban-based public universities constitute a substantial proportion of the U.S. college student population, understanding how unmet needs affect academic achievement in this population is crucial for developing strategies that alleviate college failure and dropout. We examined the cumulative impact of unmet essential needs on indicators of college attrition (dropout, leave of absence, risk of academic probation). The sample comprised a population-representative sample of 1,833 students attending one of three urban public colleges in the Bronx, NY. Employing multinomial and binomial logistic regression models, we assessed how total unmet essential needs predicts any indicator of college attrition. Each unit increase in unmet need increased the odds of having any attrition indicator by 32% (p < 0.01). Students with one unmet need had 17% greater odds (p = 0.04), students with two unmet needs had 55% greater odds (p < 0.01), students with three unmet needs had 73% greater odds (p < 0.01), and students with four unmet needs had 82% greater odds (p < 0.01) of having any attrition indicator. Findings revealed a modest dose-response relationship between the number of unmet needs and the likelihood of experiencing indicators of attrition, supporting a potential causal link between unmet needs on the risk of attrition. Designing interventions aimed at college students with multiple unmet essential needs, and addressing these needs holistically, can potentially enhance student retention and graduation rates.
Investigating the mechanical properties of stainless steel foams produced by dissolving spherical urea particles as a space holder
Authors: Sahraei Masood , Naserian-Nik Ali Mohammad , Sazegaran Hamid
Published: October 2023

Foam materials are a family of new and advanced materials that, due to their unique characteristics, will have a lot of potential for development in the coming years. The family of foam materials is divided into three categories: metal foams, ceramic foams, and polymer foams. Compared to ceramic and polymer foams, metal foams are newer and their properties and applications are being developed So, it seems that a bright future is waiting for these materials. The current research deals with the production of metal foams made of 316L stainless steel, which has a relatively wide application in the medical industry, especially the construction of implants. For this purpose, the method of dissolving spherical urea particles in water has been used as a spacer. In order to study the effect of porosity and production pressure on the mechanical behavior of 316L stainless steel, a standard pressure test was performed on foam samples produced under different production pressures and porosity percentages and their mechanical properties were investigated. In addition to conducting experimental tests, foam finite element models with zero and 30 percent porosity were created and pressure tests were simulated for them.
Parallel GEMM-based Convolution for Deep Learning on Multicore RISC-V Processors
Authors: Ramírez Cristian , Castelló Adrián , Martínez Héctor , Quintana-Ortí Enrique S.
Published: October 2023

We address the efficient implementation of the convolution operator on the GAP8 parallel ultra-lowpower platform (PULP), a heterogeneous multi-core processor equipped with a fabric controller (FC); a cluster of eight compute cores; and a four-level memory hierarchy with scratchpads instead of conventional, hardware-assisted cache memories. Our solution for this platform transforms the convolution into a general matrix-matrix multiplication (GEMM) via the lowering approach, demonstrating that it is possible to attain reasonable performance on the GAP8 by carefully adapting techniques such as tiling and loop parallelism, which are mainstream in the multi-threaded, cache-aware realization of GEMM.
Factors Influencing Intentions of People with Hearing Impairments to Use AR Glasses as Hearing Aids
Authors: Deng Liyuan , Chen Jiangjie , Li Dongning
Published: October 2023

The advent and progression of AR (Augmented Reality) technology, coupled with the emergence of AR hearing aid glasses, offer a novel opportunity for people with hearing impairments (PHI). This study aims to explore the willingness of this population to employ AR hearing aid glasses as their choice of hearing aid device and the specific factors influencing their preference. This study utilized the Partial least squares SEM (PLS-SEM) analytical method to create structural equation model for intentions of PHI to use AR glasses as hearing aids. Data was gathered from on-site experiences across multiple locations, resulting in 189 valid questionnaires from individuals with varying degrees of hearing disabilities. According to the data analysis results, we discovered that functionality quality, perceived interaction speed, and perceived usability significantly impact communication effectiveness. Further, communication effectiveness positively influences confidence and societal perception, and the latter has a positive impact on information. Both of these factors positively influence behavioral intention. Based on these findings, this study offers design recommendations for AR hearing aid glasses to cater to the specific needs of the hearing-impaired, aiming to enhance their quality of life. Furthermore, this study provides pivotal insights for the prospective growth of this emerging industry.
Optimization Approaches of Bucket Brigade Quantum RAM architecture
Authors: Sivakumar Ashwin , P Reena Monica
Published: October 2023

The need for a Quantum RAM (QRAM) is in high demand in the field of quantum computing research. The Bucket-Brigade architecture is the most conventional among the current proposed architectures. However, this architecture has a high circuit depth as well as a high complexity which makes this architecture susceptible to noise and errors. In order to address this, we present 3 approaches to modify the existing architecture. In these approaches, we will be attempting to reduce the T-Count in the circuit using ZX-Calculus. The second approach is by modifying the routing qubits quantum gates using Fredkin Gates. We will also be introducing dynamic circuits and their properties of mid-circuit measurement and feed-forward mechanism in order to further decrease the circuit depth and T-Count. Using ZX-Calculus, we observed a 15% reduction in T-Count and a 50% reduction in T-Count when employing dynamic circuits, despite the trade-offs involving the increase in the number of Clifford gates or latency in dynamic circuits.
Neighbour-stranger discrimination in an African wood dove inhabiting equatorial rainforest
Authors: Niśkiewicz Małgorzata , Szymański Paweł , Zampa Lia , Budka Michał , Osiejuk Tomasz S.
Published: October 2023

We investigated within- and between-individual song variation and song-based neighbour-stranger discrimination in a non-learning bird species, the blue-headed wood-dove (Turtur brehmeri), which inhabits lowland rainforests of West and Central Africa. We found that songs of this species are individually specific and have a high potential for use in individual recognition based on the time-frequency pattern of note distribution within song phrases. To test whether these differences affect behaviour, we conducted playback experiments with 19 territorial males (each tested twice). Specifically, we characterised the males’ responses to the songs of a familiar neighbour and the songs of an unfamiliar stranger. We observed that males responded more aggressively to playback of a stranger’s songs: they quickly approached close to the speaker and spent more time near it. However, there were no significant differences in the vocal responses to the playback of neighbours’ and strangers’ songs. In addition, we explored whether responses differed based on the song frequency of the focal male and/or that of the simulated intruder (i.e., playback), as this song parameter is inversely related to body size and could potentially affect males’ decisions to respond to other birds. Song frequency parameters (of either the focal male or the simulated intruder) had no effect on the approaching response during playback. However, we found that the pattern of response after playback was significantly affected by the song frequency of the focal male: males with lower-frequency songs stayed closer to the simulated intruder for a longer period of time without singing, while males with higher-frequency songs returned more quickly to their initial song posts and resumed singing. Together, these results depict a consistently strong response to strangers during and after playback that is dependent on a male’s self-assessment rather than assessment of a rival’s strength based on his song frequency. This work provides the first experimental evidence that doves (Columbidae) can use songs for neighbour-stranger discrimination and respond according to a “dear enemy” scheme that keeps the cost of territory defence at a reasonable level.
Study Protocol for a type 2 hybrid effectiveness-implementation evaluation of a multisite community-based participatory project to achieve full childhood immunization coverage in Mozambique and Malawi (Let’s talk about vaccines project)
Authors: Shuro Linda , Lawrence Emily , Knight Lucia , Schneider Helen , Tabana Hanani
Published: October 2023

Background
Full coverage of childhood vaccines is a persistent challenge in low- and middle-income countries, with the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic further worsening the situation. The complementary use of community-based participatory research (CBPR) and human-centered design (HCD) approaches has the potential to effectively create tailored solutions (interventions) to improve public health outcomes. The Let’s talk about vaccines! project is a multisite community-based participatory project by VillageReach which uses the human- centered design approach to identify the barriers and co-create solutions to address under- two routine immunization access and uptake in Malawi and Mozambique. There are a few examples of evaluations of interventions created through human-centered design. This manuscript outlines a study protocol describing the evaluation of VillageReach’s participatory solution development and solution implementation (intervention-Let’s talk about vaccines Project).
Methods
Guided by the RE-AIM (Reach Effectiveness Adoption Implementation Maintenance) framework, this three-year evaluation adopts an effectiveness-implementation type 2 hybrid approach that prospectively evaluates the effectiveness (on under-two immunization coverage) of VillageReach’s intervention and processes of implementation (reach, adoption, implementation and maintenance) in two districts in Mozambique and two in Malawi. This paper will also describe the theory of change for VillageReach’s intervention. Thematic analysis will be used to analyze the qualitative data, and interrupted time series analysis used to analyze the intervention’s effectiveness on specific under-two immunization outcomes. Complex systems thinking with consideration of constructs inherent in health systems strengthening will be applied in the overall analysis. Findings will inform the development of a comprehensive framework to guide scalability of community-based approaches on childhood immunization uptake and access into similar contexts.
Discussion
This study is among the few studies to evaluate a public health intervention (solution) created through CBPR and HCD. This protocol provides examples of methods to evaluate the use of these novel approaches in low- and middle-income countries. The evaluation will be fundamental in providing evidence of the solution impact as well as informing scalability of the solution(s) to similar contexts. It will also contribute to the evidence base on mechanisms that explain observed improvements in under- two immunization outcomes as a result of codesigned community-driven solutions.
Revolutionizing Cardiac Care: Exploring the Synergy Between Entrepreneurial Ecosystems and 3D Deep Learning for Enhanced Heart Imaging in MedTech
Authors: Sufian Md Abu , Varadarajan Jayasree
Published: October 2023

This research investigates the transformative potential of combining entrepreneurial ecosystems and 3D deep learning techniques in the realm of cardiac care within the field of medical technology. Specifically, we focus on the enhancement of heart imaging using the YOLOv5 deep learning model, with the aim of improving diagnostic accuracy. Leveraging open-source and 3D Cardiac MRI datasets, our study delves into how entrepreneurial ecosystems can expedite the development and implementation of advanced technologies like 3D deep learning in cardiac imaging. We introduce an interactive application, the "AI-powered 3D Cardiac Imaging App," developed using the Streamlit framework, which demonstrates remarkable accuracy of approximately 96.4%. This advancement highlights the potential for innovation within the MedTech sector when entrepreneurial ecosystems encourage the integration of AI methodologies. It not only attracts investments but also fosters skill development. Furthermore, our research sheds light on the influence of such technological advancements on policymaking, emphasizing the need for robust support for entrepreneurial ecosystems to foster future medical technology innovations. While this study underscores the transformative impact of AI integration in healthcare, it also underscores the necessity for more comprehensive studies, cross-disciplinary collaborations, and adaptive policymaking to keep pace with rapid technological developments. By integrating 3D deep learning techniques within entrepreneurial ecosystems, this research illuminates a path to revolutionize cardiac care, offering practical insights for medical technology entrepreneurs, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to guide their decision-making processes.
PASC (Post Acute Sequelae of COVID-19) is associated with decreased neutralizing antibody titers and increased inflammatory cytokines
Authors: Jansen Ethan B. , Ostadgavahi Ali Toloue , Hewins Benjamin , Buchanan Rachelle , Thivierge Brittany M. , Martinez Gustavo S. , Goncin Una , Francis Magen E. , Swan Cynthia L. , Scruten Erin , Bell Jack , Darbellay Joseph , Facciuolo Antonio , Falzarano Darryl , Gerdts Volker , Fenton Mark E. , Hedlin Peter , Kelvin David J. , Kelvin Alyson A.
Published: October 2023

Post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) or the continuation of COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019) symptoms past 12 weeks may affect as many as 30% of people recovering from a SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2) infection. The mechanisms regulating the development of PASC are currently not known; however, hypotheses including poor antibody responses have been suggested. Due to the importance of virus neutralizing antibodies during COVID-19 recovery and protection from reinfection, we designed a cross-sectional study to investigate systemic antibody and cytokine responses during COVID-19 recovery and PASC. In total, 195 participants were recruited in one of five groups: 1.) those who had PASC (PASC); 2.) those who recovered from COVID-19 (Recovered); 3.) those in acute recovery (Acute Recovery); 4.) those experiencing acute COVID-19 (Acute COVID-19); and 5.) those who never had COVID-19 (No COVID). Participants completed a questionnaire detailing their demographics, as well as COVID-19 experiences. Serum samples were evaluated for virus binding and neutralizing antibodies as well as serum cytokine levels. We found that participants with PASC reported more pre-existing conditions (such as hypertension), and PASC symptoms (ie., shortness of breath) following COVID-19 than Recovered individuals. PASC individuals also had significantly decreased levels of neutralizing antibodies toward both SARS-CoV-2 and the Omicron BA.1 variant. Sex analysis indicated that female PASC study participants had sustained antibody levels as well as inflammatory cytokines (GM-CSF) over time following COVID-19 while males had decreasing concentrations. Our study reports for the first time that people experiencing PASC have lower levels of virus neutralizing antibodies and females experiencing PASC have sustained levels of antibodies and inflammatory markers. With lower levels of virus neutralizing antibodies, this data suggests that PASC individuals not only have had a suboptimal antibody response during acute SARS-CoV-2 infection but may also have increased susceptibility to subsequent infections which may exacerbate or prolong current PASC illnesses. The work may be applied directly to developing PASC diagnostic screening tools, treatments, as well as public health policies.
Simulation based research for digital health pathologies: a multi-site mixed-methods study
Authors: Straw Isabel , Dobbin Joanna , Luna-Reaver Demelza , Tanczer Leonie
Published: October 2023

Background
The advance of digital health technologies has created new forms of potential pathology which are not captured in current clinical guidelines. Through simulation-based research we have identified the challenges to clinical care that emerge when patients suffer from illnesses stemming from failures in digital health technologies.
Methods
Clinical simulation sessions were designed based on patient case reports relating to (i) medical device hardware errors (ii) medical device software errors, (iii) complications of consumer technology, and (iv) technology-facilitated abuse. Clinicians were recruited to participate in simulations at three UK hospitals; audiovisual suites were used to facilitate group observation of simulation experience and focused debrief discussions. Invigilators scored clinicians on performance, clinicians provided individual qualitative and quantitative feedback, and extensive notes were taken throughout.
Findings
Paired t-tests of pre and post-simulation feedback demonstrated significant improvements in clinician’s diagnostic awareness, technical knowledge, and confidence in clinical management following simulation exposure (p<0.01). Barriers to care included: (i) low suspicion of digital agents, (ii) attribution to psychopathology, (iii) lack of education in technical mechanisms and (iv) little utility of available tests. Suggested interventions for improving future practice included: (i) education initiatives, (ii) technical support platforms, (iii) digitally-oriented assessments in hospital workflows, (iv) cross-disciplinary staff and (v) protocols for digital cases.
Conclusion
We provide an effective framework for simulation training focused on digital health pathologies and uncover barriers that impede effective care for patients dependent on technology. Our recommendations are relevant to educators, practising clinicians, and professionals working in regulation, policy and industry.
On-surface synthesis of anti-aromatic cyclo[12]carbon and aromatic cyclo[6]carbon
Authors: Xu Wei , Sun Luye , Zheng Wei , Gao Wenze , Kang Faming
Published: October 2023

A novel family of carbon allotropes, known as cyclo[n]carbons (Cn), have attracted significant attention from both experimentalists and theoreticians because of their remarkable properties. Recently, certain aromatic cyclocarbons, such as cyclo[18]carbon (C18), cyclo[14]carbon (C14), and cyclo[10]carbon (C10), as well as an anti-aromatic cyclo[16]carbon (C16), have been successfully synthesized and characterized on the thin insulating NaCl surface. However, the characterization of even smaller cyclocarbons in real space, particularly those with anti-aromatic characteristics, still remains challenging. The substantial difficulties in synthesizing smaller anti-aromatic cyclocarbons are due to their inherent high reactivity, and on the other hand, stemming from the increased strain and reduced stability owing to their anti-aromatic nature. Here, we successfully produce a smaller anti-aromatic cyclocarbon, cyclo[12]carbon (C12), via tip-induced dehalogenation and accompanied retro-Bergman ring-opening reaction of a fully halogenated biphenylene (C12Br4I4), on a bilayer NaCl/Au(111) surface at 4.7 kelvin. Moreover, the smallest aromatic cyclocarbon, cyclo[6]carbon (C6), is also generated by atom manipulation of hexachlorobenzene (C6Cl6) molecule. The polyynic structure of C12 and cumulenic structure of C6 are revealed by bond-resolved atomic force microscopy (AFM) and theoretical calculations. Our work further demonstrates the feasibility of such an on-surface synthesis strategy for the generation of cyclo[n]carbons in the condensed phase, and to further characterize their precise structures with bond-resolved resolution.
Reduced Order Model Based Nonlinear Waveform Inversion for the 1D Helmholtz Equation
Authors: Tataris Andreas , Leeuwen Tristan van
Published: October 2023

We study a reduced order model (ROM) based waveform inversion method applied to a Helmholtz problem with impedance boundary conditions and variable refractive index. The first goal of this paper is to obtain relations that allow the reconstruction of the Galerkin projection of the continuous problem onto the space spanned by solutions of the Helmholtz equation. The second goal is to study the introduced nonlinear optimization method based on the ROM aimed to estimate the refractive index from reflection and transmission data. Finally we compare numerically our method to the conventional least squares inversion based on minimizing the distance between modelled to measured data.
Justification of the Wood Polymer Material Application Conditions
Authors: Horbachova Oleksandra , Tsapko Yuriy , Tsarenko Yelena , Mazurchuk Serhii , Kasianchuk Ivan
Published: October 2023

The production of heat-insulating materials based on wood was analyzed in this paper. The expediency and efficiency of using wood waste were established. A study of the operational properties of the sample obtained from wood shavings polymerized with mixtures of polyester and epoxy resins was carried out. It was proven that the process’s primary regulator is the material’s density and porosity. Also, an increase in humidity and wetting reduces heat-insulating indicators. Based on thermophysical dependences, the thermal insulation properties of the samples were calculated. Moreover, it was established that the thermal conductivity does not exceed 0.21·10–6 m2/s, and the thermal conductivity of the sample – 2.85·10–3 W/(m·K). Therefore, these products can be classified as heat-insulating materials. A through-thickness compressive strength study showed that the wood shavings and polyester resin material are more fragile, and the strength limit was reduced by more than 1.2 times compared to the epoxy resin-based material. The moisture absorption results showed that a heat-insulating product made of shavings polymerized with polyester resin. Moisture absorption was 5 % after 90 days of exposure to water. On the other hand, the heat-insulating products made of shavings with epoxy resin of 4.41 % showed their resistance to moisture absorption.
If Galileo Published in HortScience
Authors: Little Thomas M.
Published: October 2023

In browsing through issues of HortScience and the Journal, I am often seized with a wild fantasy about Galileo reporting the results of one of his experiments with falling bodies in the pages of one of our society journals.
UV–Vis Spectroscopic Trends of Liquid-exfoliated Graphite/ Graphene Nanoplatelets/Bioactive Glass Mixtures
Authors:   School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia, Abdul Rahim Mohd Aiman Hakimi , Samsurrijal Siti Fatimah ,   Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 13200 Kepala Batas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia, Abdullah Amirul Al-Ashraf ,   School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia, Mohd Noor Siti Noor Fazliah ,   Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 13200 Kepala Batas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Published: October 2023

Liquid-phase exfoliation of graphene using a suitable solvent is safe, although the sonication period needs further exploration, which may affect the exfoliation process. This study investigated graphene exfoliation in chloroform through UV–Vis spectroscopy. Graphite powder at different ratios was soaked in chloroform and sonicated at different sonication times from 30 min to 180 min and then subjected to centrifugation at 4,000 rpm for 30 min. The supernatant was collected and analysed using UV–Vis spectroscopy at wavelengths between 220 nm and 800 nm. The UV absorbance intensity showed that the presence of exfoliated graphene peaks is free of interference at 120 min. A comparative study was conducted by using graphene in chloroform as controls and adding bioactive glass (BG) within graphite powder-chloroform emulsions in different concentrations at 120 min. Graphene appearance at the anticipated absorption peak at ~270 nm was observed, and BG addition led to agglomeration, which could provide an idea for a better material formulation strategy in developing films that combined graphene/ BG because of their exceptional properties suitable for diverse potential biomedical application.
Synthesis and Characterisation of Carbon Aerogel Derived from Carboxymethyl Cellulose as Hydrogen Storage Material
Authors:   Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Bandar Baru Nilai, 71800 Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, Ab Sabar Ahmad Solehin , Azhari Syaza ,   Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Bandar Baru Nilai, 71800 Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, Nasir Nur Atiqah ,   Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Bandar Baru Nilai, 71800 Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, Othman Muhammad Zamir ,   Infinite Opportunities Sdn. Bhd., 11, Lorong Astana 1A/KU2, Bandar Bukit Raja, 41050 Klang, Selangor, Malaysia,   Sugarbomb Worldwide Sdn. Bhd., 9, Lorong Astana 1A/KU2, Bandar Bukit Raja, 41050 Klang, Selangor, Malaysia
Published: October 2023

A direct, simple and low-cost approach to synthesising carbon aerogelmagnesium (CA-Mg) composites has been demonstrated in this research. It is conducted by carbonising sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) aerogels via a sol-gel and freezedrying process. Mg is used as an enhancer for CA in the preparation step and as a selective candidate for the hydrogen storage device. Note that the structure and morphology of CA-Mg composites are characterised using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The ability of CA-Mg composites to act as a hydrogen storage device is analysed by utilising Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) and temperature-programmed desorption analysis. The CA-Mg composites comprise porous structures with a high specific surface area of 101.4407 m2 /g, and 0.002 mol of Mg2+ is the optimum concentration for synthesising CA-Mg composites. As a potential candidate for a hydrogen storage device, the CA-Mg composites show an initial dehydrogenation temperature of 377.22°C, where they desorbed the maximum amount of hydrogen gas. This study emphasises the potential for using CA as a hydrogen storage device, which fulfils the seventh goal of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), affordable and clean energy, as well as Department of Energy (DOE)’s goal of using carbon-based materials.
Irradiation-Assisted Hydrothermal Conversion of Water Hyacinth Leaves to Fluorescence Carbon Dots with High Quantum Yield
Authors:   Nuclear Technology Research and Development Center, Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology (Public Organisation), Nakorn Nayok 26120, Thailand, Kwamman Tanagorn , Chutimasakul Threeraphat ,   Nuclear Technology Research and Development Center, Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology (Public Organisation), Nakorn Nayok 26120, Thailand, Sangangam Panida ,   Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi, Pathum Thani 12110, Thailand, Puengposop Nattamon ,   Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi, Pathum Thani 12110, Thailand, Thangsunan Pattanapong ,   Division of Biochemistry and Biochemical Innovation, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand, Phonlam Tinutda ,   Nuclear Technology Research and Development Center, Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology (Public Organisation), Nakorn Nayok 26120, Thailand, Wechakorn Kanokorn ,   Department of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering, Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi, Pathum Thani 12110, Thailand
Published: October 2023

Electron beam irradiation (EBI) (100−400 kGy) was utilised to pretreat water hyacinth (WH). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), fourier transform infrared (FTIR), UV-vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy were used to examine the effects of EBI and hydrothermal temperatures on the physical, chemical and optical characteristics of carbon dots (CDs). The combination of 400 kGy-pretreatment and 250°C-hydrothermal treatment as the optimal condition for CDs synthesis provided the highest quantum yield (QY) of 14.5% and the product yield of 7.5%. Using dynamic light scattering (DLS), the CDs showed an average size of around 180 nm, and the zeta potential analysis revealed the overall negative charge on the CDs’ surface. In comparison, the CDs synthesised via hydrothermal conversion at 250°C without EBI showed a QY of only 4.0% and a product yield of 3.8%, significantly lower than the condition with 400 kGy-pretreatment. The improved optical characteristics of the CDs could result from the high nitrogen contents of WH biomass, oxygen-rich surfaces from EBI pretreatment at 400 kGy and the aromatic skeleton of the CDs.
Annealing Temperature Dependence on Magnetic Properties, Crystalline Structure and Photocatalyst Activity of Coprecipitated Cobalt Ferrite (CoFe2O4) Synthesised from Natural Iron Sand
Authors:   Department of Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Jalan Ir. Sutami 36A Kentingan Surakarta 57126, Indonesia, Purnama Budi , Suwandi Arga Dwi ,   Department of Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Jalan Ir. Sutami 36A Kentingan Surakarta 57126, Indonesia, Hartono Rudi ,   Department of Informatics Engineering, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Jl. Ir. Sutami 36A Kentingan Jebres Surakarta 57126, Indonesia, Tri Bawono Sahirul Alim ,   Department of Informatics Engineering, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Jl. Ir. Sutami 36A Kentingan Jebres Surakarta 57126, Indonesia, Utari Utari ,   Department of Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Jalan Ir. Sutami 36A Kentingan Surakarta 57126, Indonesia, Aldila Herman ,   Department of Physics, Universitas Bangka Belitung, Gang IV No.1, Balun Ijuk, Merawang, Kabupaten Bangka, Kepulauan Bangka Belitung 33172, Indonesia, Rahwanto Adi ,   Department of Physics, Syiah Kuala University, Jl. Teuku Nyak Arief No.441, Kopelma Darussalam, Kec. Syiah Kuala, Kota Banda Aceh, Aceh 23111, Indonesia, Kusumandari Kusumandari ,   Department of Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Jalan Ir. Sutami 36A Kentingan Surakarta 57126, Indonesia
Published: October 2023

Cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) nanopowder was successfully synthesised by the coprecipitation method. For the entire experiment, natural iron sand from the Bengawan Solo River is used as an iron (Fe) cation source. The effect of the annealing temperature of a coprecipitated CoFe2O4 sample from natural iron sand was investigated. The presence of strong metal oxide bond groups at the tetrahedral and octahedral sites is revealed by fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectral results, owing to the CoFe2O4 characteristic. Then the X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern confirmed the formation of a single-phase CoFe2O4 with face centred cubic (FCC) crystal structure closely matched to reference data ICDD221086. The crystalline parameters such as lattice parameter and crystallite size modify with the increase of annealing temperature. The saturation magnetisation (Ms) decreases as the annealing temperature rises. In addition, the coercive fields (Hc) increases as the annealing temperature rises. As a result, the annealing temperature affects the performance of the CoFe2O4 photocatalyst. The photocatalytic performance of the annealing temperature sample at 300°C was found to be the best.
Классическая лимфома Ходжкина: структура опухоли и прогностическое значение иммунного микроокружения
Authors: Гусак Артем Александрович , Лепик К. В. , Федорова Л. В. , Маркелов В. В. , Байков В. В.
Published: October 2023

Classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) is a unique malignant lymphoid neoplasm characterized by tumor (Hodgkin and Reed-Sternberg) cells in the inflammatory and immunosuppressive microenvironment. The cHL microenvironment is a complex dynamic environment with immune cells, stromal elements, and extracellular matrix components, all of them interacting with each other and with tumor cells. This interaction basically underlies both disease progression and response to therapy. Currently, there is a growing interest in studying the structure and functions of cHL microenvironment, its prognostic value, and the potential of its components to be used as new therapeutic targets. During the last decade, the outcomes of refractory cHL treatment have considerably improved, in particular due to the administration of such PD-1 inhibitors as nivolumab and pembrolizumab. High cHL sensitivity to anti-PD-1 therapy can be accounted for by the PD-1/PD-L1-associated niche being formed in the tumor tissue as a result of intensive PD-L1 expression by tumor cells and macrophages as well as the expression of its PD-1 receptor by T-cells and M2-macrophages. More and more information becomes available about the possible mechanisms of antitumor response in anti-PD-1 treated cHL patients which seems to contradict the traditional understanding of CD8-mediated response in solid tumors. Cytotoxic effects of anti-PD-1 therapy in cHL tissues are likely to result from the interaction between tumor cells, macrophages, and CD4-positive Т-lymphocytes. This review discusses structural and regulatory relationships between tumor cells and microenvironment components, deals with new therapy approaches using various microenvironment components as targets, and summarizes currently available knowledge on prognosis based on the study of cHL microenvironment.
Результаты применения асциминиба, первого аллостерического ингибитора BCR::ABL1-тирозинкиназы, у больных хроническим миелолейкозом со множественной резистентностью к предшествующей терапии
Authors: Туркина А. Г. , Кузьмина Елена Андреевна
Published: October 2023

Currently, there is a crucial need for new treatment approaches to overcome the resistance and intolerance of several tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy lines in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients. Asciminib, the first in its class BCR::ABL1-tyrosine kinase inhibitor specifically targeting ABL myristoyl pocket (STAMP), demonstrated efficacy and safety in CML patients with prior TKI therapy failure, including the cases with pan-resistant T315I mutation in the chimeric BCR::ABL1 gene. The present review focuses on the asciminib mechanism of action, the results of both preclinical and clinical phase I and III studies. Due to the favorable cardiovascular toxicity profile of asciminib, the scope of its application can be extended to patients with cardiovascular co-morbidities. Asciminib is registered in the Russian Federation in January 2023, so treatment algorithms for CML patients with ineffectiveness or intolerance of prior therapy should be updated in line with this new option.