bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Weight Loss Outcomes Associated With Semaglutide Treatment for Patients With Overweight or Obesity
Authors: Ghusn Wissam , De la Rosa Alan , Sacoto Daniel , Cifuentes Lizeth , Campos Alejandro , Feris Fauzi , Hurtado Maria Daniela , Acosta Andres
Published: September 2022

Importance

No retrospective cohort study has assessed the effectiveness of semaglutide at doses used in randomized clinical trials to treat obesity (ie, 1.7 and 2.4 mg).

Objective

To study weight loss outcomes associated with semaglutide treatment at doses used in randomized clinical trials for patients with overweight or obesity.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study, conducted at a referral center for weight management, retrospectively collected data on the use of semaglutide for adults with overweight or obesity between January 1, 2021, and March 15, 2022, with a follow-up of up to 6 months. A total of 408 patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or more were prescribed weekly semaglutide subcutaneous injections for 3 months or more. Patients with a history of bariatric procedures, taking other antiobesity medications, and with an active malignant neoplasm were excluded.

Exposures

Weekly 1.7-mg or 2.4-mg semaglutide subcutaneous injections for 3 to 6 months.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary end point was the percentage of weight loss. Secondary end points were the proportion of patients achieving weight loss of 5% or more, 10% or more, 15% or more, and 20% or more after 3 and 6 months and the percentage of weight loss for patients with or without type 2 diabetes after 3 and 6 months.

Results

The study included 175 patients (132 women [75.4%]; mean [SD] age, 49.3 [12.5] years; mean [SD] BMI, 41.3 [9.1]) in the analysis at 3 months and 102 patients at 6 months. The mean (SD) weight loss after 3 months was 6.7 (4.4) kg, equivalent to a mean (SD) weight loss of 5.9% (3.7%) (P < .001), and the mean (SD) weight loss after 6 months was 12.3 (6.6) kg, equivalent to a mean (SD) weight loss of 10.9% (5.8%) (P < .001 from baseline). Of the 102 patients who were followed up at 6 months, 89 (87.3%) achieved weight loss of 5% or more, 56 (54.9%) achieved weight loss of 10% or more, 24 (23.5%) achieved weight loss of 15% or more, and 8 (7.8%) achieved weight loss of 20% or more. Patients with type 2 diabetes had a lower mean (SD) percentage weight loss at 3 and 6 months compared with those without type 2 diabetes: 3.9% (3.1%) vs 6.3% (3.7%) at 3 months (P = .001) and 7.2% (6.3%) vs 11.8% (5.3%) at 6 months (P = .005).

Conclusions and Relevance

The results of this cohort study suggest that weekly 1.7-mg and 2.4-mg doses of semaglutide were associated with weight loss similar to that seen in randomized clinical trials. Studies with longer periods of follow-up are needed to evaluate prolonged weight loss outcomes.
Efficacy and Safety of Rituximab for New-Onset Generalized Myasthenia Gravis
Authors: Piehl Fredrik , Eriksson-Dufva Ann , Budzianowska Anna , Feresiadou Amalia , Hansson William , Hietala Max Albert , Håkansson Irene , Johansson Rune , Jons Daniel , Kmezic Ivan , Lindberg Christopher , Lindh Jonas , Lundin Fredrik , Nygren Ingela , Punga Anna Rostedt , Press Rayomand , Samuelsson Kristin , Sundström Peter , Wickberg Oskar , Brauner Susanna , Frisell Thomas
Published: September 2022

Importance

Rituximab is a third-line option for refractory generalized myasthenia gravis (MG) based on empirical evidence, but its effect in new-onset disease is unknown.

Objective

To investigate the efficacy and safety of rituximab compared with placebo as an add-on to standard of care for MG.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study took place throughout 48 weeks at 7 regional clinics in Sweden. Key inclusion criteria were age older than 18 years, onset of generalized symptoms within 12 months or less, and a Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis (QMG) score of 6 or more. Patients were screened from October 20, 2016, to March 2, 2020. Key exclusion criteria included pure ocular MG, suspected thymoma, previous thymectomy, and prior noncorticosteroid immunosuppressants or high doses of corticosteroids.

Interventions

Participants were randomized 1:1 without stratification to a single intravenous infusion of 500 mg of rituximab or matching placebo.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Minimal disease manifestations at 16 weeks defined as a QMG score of 4 or less with prednisolone, 10 mg or less daily, and no rescue treatment.

Results

Of 87 potentially eligible patients, 25 were randomized to rituximab (mean [SD] age, 67.4 [13.4] years; 7 [28%] female) and 22 to placebo (mean [SD] age, 58 [18.6] years; 7 [32%] female). Compared with placebo, a greater proportion with rituximab met the primary end point; 71% (17 of 24) in the rituximab group vs 29% (6 of 21) in the placebo group (Fisher exact test P = .007; probability ratio, 2.48 [95% CI, 1.20-5.11]). Secondary end points, comparing changes in Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living and Myasthenia Gravis Quality of Life at 16 weeks with QMG at 24 weeks did not differ between groups with censoring for rescue treatment (per-protocol analysis) but were in favor of active treatment when rescue treatment was taken into account by worst rank imputation (post hoc analysis). Rescue treatments were also more frequent in the placebo arm (rituximab: 1 [4%]; placebo, 8 [36%]). One patient in the placebo arm had a myocardial infarction with cardiac arrest and 1 patient in the active arm experienced a fatal cardiac event.

Conclusions and Relevance

A single dose of 500 mg of rituximab was associated with greater probability of minimal MG manifestations and reduced need of rescue medications compared with placebo. Further studies are needed to address long-term benefit-risk balance with this treatment.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02950155
Association of Early Oseltamivir With Improved Outcomes in Hospitalized Children With Influenza, 2007-2020
Authors: Walsh Patrick S. , Schnadower David , Zhang Yin , Ramgopal Sriram , Shah Samir S. , Wilson Paria M.
Published: September 2022

Importance

Oseltamivir is recommended for all children hospitalized with influenza, despite limited evidence supporting its use in the inpatient setting.

Objective

To determine whether early oseltamivir use is associated with improved outcomes in children hospitalized with influenza.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This multicenter retrospective study included 55 799 children younger than 18 years who were hospitalized with influenza from October 1, 2007, to March 31, 2020, in 36 tertiary care pediatric hospitals who participate in the Pediatric Health Information System database. Data were analyzed from January 2021 to March 2022.

Exposures

Early oseltamivir treatment, defined as use of oseltamivir on hospital day 0 or 1.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was hospital length of stay (LOS) in calendar days. Secondary outcomes included 7-day hospital readmission, late (hospital day 2 or later) intensive care unit (ICU) transfer, and a composite outcome of in-hospital death or use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW) based on propensity scoring was used to address confounding by indication. Mixed-effects models were used to compare outcomes between children who did and did not receive early oseltamivir treatment. Outcomes were also compared within high-risk subgroups based on age, presence of a complex chronic condition, early critical illness, and history of asthma.

Results

The analysis included 55 799 encounters from 36 hospitals. The median (IQR) age of the cohort was 3.61 years (1.03-8.27); 56% were male, and 44% were female. A total of 33 207 patients (59.5%) received early oseltamivir. In propensity score–weighted models, we found that children treated with early oseltamivir had shorter LOS (median 3 vs 4 days; IPTW model ratio, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.52-0.53) and lower odds of all-cause 7-day hospital readmission (3.5% vs 4.8%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.72; 95% CI, 0.66-0.77), late ICU transfer (2.4% vs 5.5%; aOR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.37-0.46), and the composite outcome of death or ECMO use (0.9% vs 1.4%; aOR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.54-0.73).

Conclusions and Relevance

Early use of oseltamivir in hospitalized children was associated with shorter hospital stay and lower odds of 7-day readmission, ICU transfer, ECMO use, and death. These findings support the current recommendations for oseltamivir use in children hospitalized with influenza.
Spintronic Physical Unclonable Functions Based on Field‐Free Spin–Orbit‐Torque Switching
Authors: Lee Soogil , Kang Jaimin , Kim Jeong‐Mok , Kim Namhee , Han Donghyeon , Lee Taekhyeon , Ko San , Yang Jiseok , Lee Sanghwa , Lee Sungjun , Koh Daekyu , Kang Min‐Gu , Lee Jisung , Noh Sujung , Lee Hansaem , Kwon JoonHyun , Baek Seung‐heon Chris , Kim Kab‐Jin , Park Byong‐Guk
Published: September 2022

Physical unclonable function (PUFs) utilize inherent random physical variations of solid‐state devices and are a core ingredient of hardware security primitives. PUFs promise more robust information security than that provided by the conventional software‐based approaches. While silicon‐ and memristor‐based PUFs are advancing, their reliability and scalability require further improvements. These are currently limited by output fluctuations and associated additional peripherals. Here, highly reliable spintronic PUFs that exploit field‐free spin–orbit‐torque switching in IrMn/CoFeB/Ta/CoFeB structures are demonstrated. It is shown that the stochastic switching polarity of the perpendicular magnetization of the top CoFeB can be achieved by manipulating the exchange bias directions of the bottom IrMn/CoFeB. This serves as an entropy source for the spintronic PUF, which is characterized by high entropy, uniqueness, reconfigurability, and digital output. Furthermore, the device ensures a zero bit‐error‐rate under repetitive operations and robustness against external magnetic fields, and offers scalable and energy‐efficient device implementations.
Supramolecular Engineering of Amorphous Porous Polymers for Rapid Adsorption of Micropollutants and Solar‐Powered Volatile Organic Compounds Management
Authors: Cho Wansu , Lee Dongjun , Choi Gyeonghyeon , Kim Jihyo , Kojo Acquah Ebenezer , Park Chiyoung
Published: September 2022

Freshwater shortage is becoming one of the most critical global challenges owing to severe water pollution caused by micropollutants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). However, current purification technology shows slow adsorption of micropollutants and requires an energy‐intensive process for VOCs removal from water. In this study, a highly efficient molecularly engineered covalent triazine framework (CTF) for rapid adsorption of micropollutants and VOC‐intercepting performance using solar distillation is reported. Supramolecular design and mild oxidation of CTFs (CTF‐OXs) enable hydrophilic internal channels and improve molecular sieving of micropollutants. CTF‐OX shows rapid removal efficiency of micropollutants (>99.9% in 10 s) and can be regenerated several times without performance loss. Uptake rates of selected micropollutants are high, with initial pollutant uptake rates of 21.9 g mg−1 min−1, which are the highest rates recorded for bisphenol A (BPA) adsorption. Additionally, photothermal composite membrane fabrication using CTF‐OX exhibits high VOC rejection rate (up to 98%) under 1 sun irradiation (1 kW m−2). A prototype of synergistic purification system composed of adsorption and solar‐driven membrane can efficiently remove over 99.9% of mixed phenol derivatives. This study provides an effective strategy for rapid removal of micropollutants and high VOC rejection via solar‐driven evaporation process.
An Overlooked Charge‐Transfer Interaction in the Interfacial Triplet–Triplet Upconversion Process in Blue Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Nguyen Thanh Ba , Nakanotani Hajime , Adachi Chihaya
Published: September 2022

Two low‐energy triplets can generate one singlet via triplet–triplet upconversion (TTU), and result in an exciton production yield exceeding 25% in conventional fluorescence‐based organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). In most cases, since such low‐energy triplets induce no serious OLED degradation, TTU‐OLEDs are the only commercialized blue OLEDs so far. Herein, it is clarified that the charge‐transfer (CT) interaction at a hole‐transport/emitter‐layer interface is an overlooked pathway to enhance TTU yield significantly. First, a small energy offset at the interface enables the formation of a high‐energy CT exciton. Second, the lower energy triplet state originated from an anthracene moiety in the emitter layer collects the interfacial triplet CT. Third, due to the high‐density interfacial triplets formation, TTU at the interface contributes to the electroluminescence from the emitter layer or blue dopants even at low current density. This finding underlines the important role of the CT interface to exploit the full potential of TTU in pure‐blue OLEDs.
Quasicrystalline Arrays and Moiré Patterns in Nematic Liquid Crystals for Soft Photonics
Authors: Kim MinSu , Serra Francesca
Published: September 2022

The search for new strategies for large‐scale, self‐assembled arrays of soft objects is key for many applications in photonics and bottom‐up manufacturing. This work shows how liquid crystal topological defects can be assembled in controlled, aperiodic arrays. In particular, the focus is on two typical examples: quasicrystals and moiré patterns. Thanks to a combination of topographical cues, specifically a micropillar array and electrical switching, defects can be assembled in a quasicrystal structure, as seen from polarized optical microscopy and from diffraction patterns. In this setting, the liquid crystal defects assemble in multiple patterns that can be switched by tuning the applied electric field and retain the quasicrystalline symmetry. Using topographic cues, it is also possible to induce moiré patterns of defects, characterized by a long wavelength superimposed on the periodic structures over a short scale. Even when the defect density increases and the short‐scale periodicity is lost, the long‐scale one remains. This work shows how versatile the combination of topographic confinement and electro‐optic effect is, giving access to patterns that are otherwise difficult to realize.
Chiral Exciplex Acceptor Enables Circularly Polarized Electroluminescence with High Dissymmetry Factor Close to 10−2
Authors: Gu Qing , Chen Zijian , Xie Wentao , Qiu Weidong , Peng Xiaomei , Jiao Yihang , Li Mengke , Liu Zhe , Sun Guanwei , Lu Yanfei , Gan Yiyang , Liu Kunkun , Zhao Zujin , Su Shi‐Jian
Published: September 2022

Chirality is a magical property that exists in nature universally, ranging from the spin of microscopic electrons to the galaxies. Furthermore, circularly polarized organic electroluminescent materials have promising prospects in improving the brightness of displays, but there are still some problems. At present, most of chiral thermally activated delayed fluorescence small molecules show relatively low circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) dissymmetry factors between 10−4 and 10−3 because of the electric dipole‐allowed but magnetic dipole‐forbidden transition of the singlet state. In this work, a promising strategy is reported for constructing chiral exciplex systems with a chiral electron acceptor and a regular achiral donor to achieve high CPL dissymmetry factors in both photoluminescence and electroluminescence. From theoretical calculation results, the exciplex systems possess a large separation of the highest occupied molecular orbital and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital in donor and acceptor molecules, respectively, which results in comparable electric and magnetic transition dipole moments. The resultant CPL organic light‐emitting diodes based on the exciplex systems as emitters show low turn‐on voltage of 2.4 V, high external quantum efficiencies of 12.7% and 9.3%, and opposite circularly polarized electroluminescence with high dissymmetry factors (gEL) of +7.25 × 10−3 and −9.89 × 10−3.
Magneto‐hydrodynamic mixing: A new technique for preparing carbomer hydrogels
Authors: Houlleberghs Maarten , Verheyden Loes , Voorspoels Filip , Chandran C. Vinod , Duerinckx Karel , Radhakrishnan Sambhu , Martens Johan A. , Breynaert Eric
Published: September 2022

Magnetohydrodynamic mixing was evaluated as an alternative to conventional high shear mixing (HSM) in the preparation of carbomer hydrogels containing 1.22 wt% Carbopol® 980 NF. Neutralization of the carbomer dispersion (pH = 2.74) with triethanolamine (TEA) enabled to adjust the pH of the mixture and tune the viscosity of the hydrogel. Using HSM, this approach was limited to 0.2 wt% TEA (pH = 3.83) as the gel became too viscous and the recirculation flow dropped from 12 to 0.3 m3/h. Magnetohydrodynamic mixing enabled to reach TEA concentrations up to 1.0 wt% (pH = 5.31). Apparent viscosity measurements on samples having 0.2 wt% TEA revealed lower viscosities for carbomer hydrogels prepared with HSM, that is, 6800 mPa s versus 8800 mPa for magneto‐hydrodynamic mixing. Based on 1H NMR evidence, this decrease in apparent viscosity was attributed to structural damage to the carbomer backbone in combination with mechanochemical degradation of the added TEA.
Polyvinylidene fluoride/polysulfone/air plasma defected hexagonal boron nitride emerging nano blends for electrostatic dissipation
Authors: Humbe Shankar S. , Joshi Girish M. , Deshmukh Rajendrasingh R. , Kaleemulla Shaik
Published: September 2022

In the present era electrostatic dissipation (ESD) property is crucial for packaged electronic device to protect from humidity over long duration. It was important to control the ESD for better integrated packaged electronic gadgets. Polymer blends and composites were modified with nano fillers as a promising area for ESD applications. In the present investigation, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)/polysulfone (PSF) was modified by untreated (UT) and air plasma treated (PT) hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) by solution dispersion method. Spherulitic morphology of nano blends was foreseen through scanning electron microscopy. Surface topography was investigated by atomic force microscopy. Surface roughness was decreased due to plasma exposure. Phonon vibrations and Raman active mode of nano blends were confirmed by Raman spectroscopy mutually supporting ESD phenomenon. Increased electrical conductivity and semicircular impedance pattern of modified blends reveals an excellent ESD property disclosed by impedance spectroscopy. Moderate increased surface energy and decreased relative contact angle of modified blends may be due to the incorporation of polar groups during plasma exposure was confirmed by surface goniometer. Mechanical properties of nano blends were evaluated by universal testing machine. Increased 10–27% tensile strength and 34–55% Young's modulus of plasma treated admix composition. Softness of polymer nano blends was increased (20%) due to excellent interaction of filler and polymer host system were tested by Shore “A” durometer. Increased glass transition temperature (Tg = 16 and 30°C as function of treatment time) in view of thermal stability of modified nano blends were analyzed by thermogravimetric technique. Hence the PT h‐BN dispersed PVDF/PSF emerging polymer nano blends would be a choice for the new development for electrostatic dissipation applications.
Popular political attitudes in Samoa: Findings of the Pacific Attitudes Survey
Authors: Leach Michael , Barbara Julien , Chan Mow Ioana , Vaai Sina , Mudaliar Christopher , Amosa Patila , Mataia Louise , Tauaa Susana , Imo Taema , Heem Vernetta
Published: September 2022

Popular political attitudes surveys have been conducted globally for several decades, but the Pacific region remains an exception. This paper presents the findings of the first Pacific Attitudes Survey (PAS), conducted in Samoa from December 2020‐January 2021. Drawing on a nationally representative sample of Samoans of voting‐age (n = 1319) the PAS gauges the attitudes of ordinary Samoans to their democracy, levels of popular trust in institutions, attitudes towards the role of government, and to women's participation in politics. Findings reveal high levels of support for democracy and trust in democratic institutions. At the same time, popular political attitudes highlight a distinct model of Samoan democracy, in which respect for modern democratic norms is tempered and entwined with deeper traditions of Samoan community and identity.
Interval estimation and fault detection for switched nonlinear systems based on zonotope method
Authors: Li Cuicui , Zhu Fanglai , Guo Shenghui
Published: September 2022

This paper investigates the state interval estimation and fault detection (FD) problems for a Lipschitz nonlinear switched system based on the combination of the
observer and the zonotope method. To begin with, an
observer that is robust to the disturbance is designed, and the stability of the observer error dynamic system is analyzed under the average dwell time (ADT) concept. After this, the zonotope theory is applied on the
observer error dynamic system such that the interval state estimation can be calculated iteratively when the system suffers from no fault. Furthermore, for FD purpose, a residual is constructed based on the
observer. Because the constructed residual contains disturbance, it cannot be used for FD directly. To overcome this drawback, the interval estimation method of the residual is proposed by using the zonotope method, and a residual‐based FD scheme is developed. Finally, a simulation example is given to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Impact of pipe material, operation, and disinfectant on cold water plumbing microbiology
Authors: McCuin Randi M. , Masters Sheldon V. , Bartrand Timothy A. , Clancy Jennifer L.
Published: September 2022

This study examined the effects of pipe materials, pipe diameters, frequency of use, and disinfectant types on the water quality microbiology in experimental pipe rack systems. Two pipe rack systems were installed in buildings in Colorado (CO) and Pennsylvania (PA) and sampled for 8–9 months of operation, respectively, under simulated high and low use conditions. Opportunistic premise plumbing pathogens including Legionella pneumophila, nontuberculous mycobacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and free‐living amoebae (FLA) were the target organisms. Disinfectant type (free chlorine vs. chloramine) and use frequency (flushed every 12 h vs. weekly) had the greatest impact on bulk water microbiology. Under low use conditions, neither system had detectable disinfectant residual but under high use, residual was detected. Heterotrophic plate count bacteria predominated in the free chlorine system while nontuberculous mycobacteria were predominant in the chloraminated system. P. aeruginosa and FLA were not detected in the free chlorine system and legionellae were not detected in either system.
Ökologische Effizienz von Hochbaudecken – Aktuelle Systeme und Zukunftspotenzial
Authors: Warter Lukas , Kromoser Benjamin
Published: September 2022

Die Bauindustrie zählt zu den einflussreichsten Branchen hinsichtlich des anthropogenen Ressourcen‐ und Energieverbrauchs sowie des anfallenden Feststoffmülls (≥ 38 %). Die Entwicklung und Verwendung von Bauweisen und Baustoffen mit minimalem Umwelteinfluss über den gesamten Lebenszyklus ist somit von höchster Relevanz. Um den ökologischen Einfluss von Bauweisen und Baustoffen quantifizieren zu können, muss eine faktenbasierte Ökobilanzierung durchgeführt werden. Gegenwärtig ist dies meist nicht der Fall und objektive Vergleiche fehlen. Im Hochbau haben besonders Deckensysteme großen Einfluss auf die Gesamtbilanz der Tragstruktur. Deswegen widmet sich dieser Beitrag dem ökologischen Vergleich von unterschiedlichen Deckensystemen im Hochbau in Anlehnung an die EN 15804 und die EN 15978. Die Systemgrenzen sind mit den Lebenszyklusphasen Cradle‐to‐Gate und Cradle‐to‐Grave festgelegt worden. Insgesamt werden neun unterschiedliche Deckenarten aus Holz, Stahl, Beton wie auch deren Kombinationen im Rahmen unterschiedlicher statischer Systeme betrachtet. Alle Systeme wurden nach gängiger Ingenieurpraxis für die gegebenen Randbedingungen nach den aktuell gültigen Normen (ÖNORM, Eurocode) möglichst effizient dimensioniert. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass mit allen betrachteten Materialien ökologisch konkurrenzfähige Systeme umgesetzt werden können. Zentral sind jeweils ein Einsatz der Materialien entsprechend deren Eigenschaften und die Optimierung der Struktur sowie des Tragsystems.
Self‐assembly of covalent porphyrin compound and its enhanced electrochemiluminescence performance
Authors: Zhu Wen‐Kai , Cai Wen‐Rong , Yin Zhen‐Zhi , Cheng Ming‐Jie , Kong Yong
Published: September 2022

A novel Zn‐coordination covalent porphyrin assembly (TCPP‐BZA‐Zn) is designed. The assembly structure is synthesized through the amidation reaction between the porphyrin terminal carboxyl group and the amino group of benzylamine (BZA), and further assembled through π–π stacking. In particular, the inherently ordered structure of TCPP‐BZA‐Zn with Zn as the catalytic active center endows the porphyrin assembly structure with several obvious advantages, such as high ion transport properties and high electrocatalytic performance. In the presence of hydrogen peroxide as a co‐reaction reagent, TCPP‐BZA‐Zn/GCE showed excellent ECL behavior. The amplification phenomenon of ECL was further studied by cyclic voltammetry and the corresponding mechanism was proposed. Based on TCPP‐BZA‐Zn, an electrochemiluminescence sensor was constructed for copper ion detection. The ECL intensity of the sensor shows a good linear relationship with the concentration of copper ion in the range of 10 nM–1 mM, and the detection limit is 1.3 nM.
Uterine malignant leiomyosarcoma associated with high levels of serum beta‐human chorionic gonadotropin: A case report
Authors: Tsakos Elias , Xydias Emmanouil M. , Ziogas Apostolos C. , Bimpa Kanelina , Sioutas Angelos , Zarampouka Katerina , Tampakoudis Georgios
Published: September 2022

We present the case of a 54‐year‐old woman diagnosed with uterine leiomyosarcoma that produced beta‐human chorionic gonadotropin (β‐hCG), evident by both serum and immunohistologic examination. Based on this and similar cases from the available literature, β‐hCG‐producing sarcomas tend to have poorer prognosis, indicating that β‐hCG could potentially be used as a marker of disease status and response to the therapy; however, this association is inconsistent and should be further investigated.
Poly‐D,L‐lactic acid polymer and cochlear implantation
Authors: Di Berardino Federica , Messina Federica , Conte Giorgio , Cavicchiolo Sara , Rossi Diego , Giannì Aldo Bruno , Pignataro Lorenzo , Zanetti Diego
Published: September 2022

This case report describes a peculiar and innovative fixing procedure with a Poly‐D,L‐lactic acid (PDLLA) polymer in the unusual case of magnet dislodgment and rupture of the cochlear implant (CI) silicone sheath holding the magnet.
Critical Analysis of MXene Production with In‐Situ HF Forming Agents for Sustainable Manufacturing
Authors: Gentile Antonio , Marchionna Stefano , Balordi Marcella , Pagot Gioele , Ferrara Chiara , Di Noto Vito , Ruffo Riccardo
Published: September 2022

MXenes are an emerging class of materials considered for many applications, such as sensors, catalysis, energy storage devices. The main obstacle towards their massive implementation is the synthesis requiring the direct use of HF as etching agent. The development of alternative synthetic routes exploiting in‐situ forming HF agents is the main strategies to overcome this limitation. In this study four different etching methods based on the use of NH4HF2, NaF−HCl, HBF4, and NaBF4−HCl are compared to produce Ti3C2Tx from Ti3AlC2 towards the application of MXenes in sodium ion batteries. Three of such etching methods have already been reported while one is here presented for the first time. The structural analysis of the obtained products is based on X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy‐energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM‐EDX), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. All the materials have been tested in half‐cell configuration vs. Na; the charge/discharge profiles and the C‐rate tests are discussed and related to specific structural features. Overall, the results reveal that the MXene obtained using the HBF4 etching agent under mild conditions is comparable both in structure and functional properties to the benchmark material, i. e., the MXene produced using HF at 5 % concentration. Indeed, the MXene synthetized with the HBF4 presents the lowest mean voltage and potential hysteresis and shows the highest first cycle efficiency (69.7 %), overcoming the performance of the MXene produced with 5 % HF (67 %). This study proves the possibility to produce MXene with a more sustainable route.
Variable selection by permutation applied in support vector regression models
Authors: da Cunha Pedro H. P. , de Paulo Ellisson H. , Silveira Folli Gabriely , Nascimento Márcia H. C. , Moro Mariana K. , Filgueiras Paulo R.
Published: September 2022

Support vector regression (SVR) can be considered as a black box machine‐learning method. Thus, identifying the cause/effect relationship and the synergism between the most important variables is a difficult task. This study demonstrates the potential of two variable selection methods by permutation—subwindow permutation analysis (SPA) and noise incorporated subwindow permutation analysis (NISPA)—to overcome this limitation. The application of these two variable selections in SVR is poorly explored in literature, mainly for regression problems. The algorithms were applied in FTIR (Fourier transform mid infrared spectroscopy) data of crude oil samples to estimate API gravity, kinematic viscosity at 50°C, saturates, aromatics, resins, and asphaltene content. The results were compared to other variable selection methods. SPA and NISPA provided the most accurate models for kinematic viscosity, saturates, and aromatic content. The root‐mean‐squared percentage error of prediction (RMSPEP) of the SPA and NISPA were, respectively, 14.26% and 14.62% for kinematic viscosity, 4.7 wt% and 4.4 wt% for saturates content, and 3.4 wt% and 3.1 wt% for aromatic content. Regarding API prediction, despite obtaining similar accuracy to the other selection methods, SPA produced a more simplified model, using only 3.5% of the 3351 total variables, with RMSEP equal to 1.0 and R2p to 0.981. Therefore, SPA and NISPA, besides obtaining, in general, faster and more accurate and parsimonious models, revealed the most important variables for building the SVR models.
A Diamine‐Oriented Biorefinery Concept Using Ammonia and Raney Ni as a Multifaceted Catalyst
Authors: Wu Xianyuan , De bruyn Mario , Barta Katalin
Published: September 2022

Diamines are important industrial chemicals. In this paper we outline the feasibility of lignocellulose as a source of diol‐containing molecules. We also illustrate the possibility of turning these diols into their diamines in good to excellent yields. Central to these transformations is the use of commercially available Raney Ni. For diol formation, the Raney Ni engages in hydrogenation and often also demethoxylation, that way funneling multiple components to one single molecule. For diamine formation, Raney Ni catalyzes hydrogen‐borrowing mediated diamination in the presence of NH3.
Auto Machine Learning Assisted Preparation of Carboxylic Acid by TEMPO‐Catalyzed Primary Alcohol Oxidation
Authors: Qiu Jia , Xu Yougen , Su Shimin , Gao Yadong , Yu Peiyuan , Ruan Zhixiong , Liao Kuangbiao
Published: September 2022

Comprehensive Summary

Though alcohol oxidations were considered as well‐established reactions, selecting productive conditions or predicting reaction yields for unseen alcohols remained as major challenges. Herein, an auto machine learning (ML) model for TEMPO‐catalyzed oxidation of primary alcohols to the corresponding carboxylic acids is disclosed. A dataset of 3444 data, consisting of 282 primary alcohols and 45 conditions, were generated using high‐throughput experimentation (HTE). With the HTE data and 105 descriptors, a multi‐label prediction was performed with AutoGluon (an open‐source auto machine learning framework) and KNIME (an open‐source data analytics platform). For the independent test of 240 reactions (a full matrix of 20 unseen alcohols and 12 conditions), AutoGluon with multi‐label prediction for yield prediction (AGMP) gave excellent performance. For external test of 1308 reactions (consisting of 84 alcohols and 45 conditions), AGMP still afforded good results with R2 as 0.767 and MAE as 4.9%. The model also revealed that the newly generated descriptor (Y/N, classification of the reaction reactivity) was the most relevant descriptor for yield prediction, offering a new perspective to integrate HTE and ML in organic synthesis.
Constructing Pt and Pt/MoC Co‐Anchored on Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Toward Excellent Methanol‐Resilient Oxygen Reduction Performance for Zinc‐Air Batteries
Authors: Wang Xuhong , Gong Xinyi , Hu Lulu , Fan Jicong , Chen Renhui , Jia Yuhang , Cheng Yafei , Jiang Binbin , Geng Hongbo
Published: September 2022

Drastically lowering the usage of platinum while enhancing activity and stability toward oxygen reduction is critical to promoting energy conversion efficiency in metal‐air batteries. Herein, an efficient oxygen reduction catalyst was rationally designed by constructing ultrasmall Pt and Pt/MoC dual active sites co‐anchored on nitrogen‐doped carbon. Owing to the synergistic effect of the dual active sites, the optimized Pt‐MoC@NC delivers superior oxygen reduction activity with ultralow Pt loading. Especially, the Pt‐MoC@NC shows robust methanol tolerance. As the cathodic catalyst, Pt‐MoC@NC based zinc‐air battery possesses outstanding performance with a large peak power density of 100 mW cm−2 and long charge‐discharge durability.
Highly Efficient Photocatalysis and Photo Fenton‐Like Catalyst Degradation of Tetracycline and Rhodamine B Using Novel Porous Z‐Scheme WO3/g‐C3N4 of In Situ Synthesis
Authors: Zheng Jiahong , Lin Xiaopeng , Zheng Xin , Yu Pengfei
Published: September 2022

A Z‐scheme WO3/g‐C3N4 heterojunction is fabricated by adopting melamine and ammonium tungstate as the precursor by calcination and a simple in situ growth method. The morphology, structure, optical properties, and degradation efficiency of Z‐scheme WO3/g‐C3N4 heterojunctions are investigated in this paper. The photocatalytic experiments indicate that WO3/g‐C3N4 (5 wt%) has the fastest degradation rate of tetracycline (TC) and rhodamine B (RhB) under light conditions. Furthermore, the properties of WO3/g‐C3N4 (5 wt%) are also assessed according to the degradation velocity of RhB and TC by the photo Fenton‐like experiment, respectively within 30 min. A 96% RhB removal and a 76% TC removal are recorded after 30 min of photo Fenton‐like reaction, which has a big improvement of degradation velocity over photocatalytic experiments. During the calcination of ammonium tungstate, water vapor and ammonia gas are removed to promote the composition of porous structures of WO3/g‐C3N4, which is a remarkable contributor to enhancing the specific surface area and reactive activity sites. The porous structures obtained by calcination and Z‐scheme heterojunction constituted by the combination of g‐C3N4 and WO3 synergistically promote the improvement of photocatalytic activity.
Leadership support, innovative work behavior, employee work engagement, and corporate reputation: Examining the effect of female in not government organizations
Authors: Jawad Muhammad , Naz Munazza , Rizwan Sohail
Published: September 2022

Not government organizations (NGOs) work to advance organizational objectives through a sustainable agenda while having a beneficial influence on society and the environment. NGOs must thus hire creative personnel if they want to remain competitive and draw in investors. This study bases its model of innovative work behavior for women working in the top 100 NGOs in both developed and developing countries on the social exchange theory and hypothesizes that this behavior may be impacted by leadership support. In this context, the function of employee job engagement as a mediating element is studied. The reputation's moderating function was also examined. Eleven thousand nine‐hundred and one female employees from 2737 NGOs in the top 100 developed and developing countries made up the sample. The findings demonstrate the direct and indirect effects that employee engagement, which is impacted by leadership support, has on innovative work behavior. A reliable connection between them is the organizational reputation of NGOs.
Bicarbonate Electroreduction to Multicarbon Products Enabled by Cu/Ag Bilayer Electrodes and Tailored Microenviroments
Authors: Lee Jungkuk , Liu Hengzhou , Li Wenzhen
Published: September 2022

Bicarbonate electrolyzer can achieve the direct conversion of CO2 capture solutions that bypasses energy‐intensive steps of CO2 regeneration and pressurization. However, only single‐carbon chemicals (i. e., CO, formate, CH4) were reported as the major products so far. Herein, bicarbonate conversion to multicarbon (C2+) products (i. e., acetate, ethylene, ethanol, propanol) was achieved on rationally designed Cu/Ag bilayer electrodes with bilayer cation‐ and anion‐conducting ionomers. The in‐situ generated CO2 was first reduced to CO on the Ag layer, followed by its favorable further reduction to C2+ products on the Cu layer, benefiting from the locally high concentration of CO. Through optimizing the bilayer configurations, metal compositions, ionomer types, and local hydrophobicity, a microenvironment was created (high local pH, low water content, etc.) to enhance bicarbonate‐to‐C2+ conversion and suppress the hydrogen evolution reaction. Subsequently, a maximum C2+ faradaic efficiency of 41.6±0.39 % was achieved at a considerable current density of 100 mA cm−2.
Did extreme nest predation favor the evolution of obligate brood parasitism in a duck?
Authors: Lyon Bruce E. , Carminati Alejandra , Goggin Geneviève , Eadie John M.
Published: September 2022

Obligate brood parasites depend entirely on other species to raise their offspring. Most avian obligate brood parasites have altricial offspring that require enormous amounts of posthatching parental care, and the large fecundity boost that comes with complete emancipation from parental care likely played a role in the independent evolution of obligate parasitism in several altricial lineages. The evolution of obligate parasitism in the black‐headed duck, however, is puzzling because its self‐feeding precocial offspring should not constrain parental fecundity of a potential brood parasite in the way that altricial offspring do. We used an experimental nest predation study to test the idea that high nest predation rates played a role in the evolution of brood parasitism in this enigmatic duck. Experimental duck eggs in untended nests suffered massive rapid predation, while eggs in tended nests of the three main hosts, all aggressive nest defenders, had very high success, illustrating the benefits of parasitizing these ‘bodyguard’ hosts.
Genetic structure of dinoflagellate symbionts in coral recruits differs from that of parental or local adults
Authors: Coffroth Mary Alice , Leigh Noel J. , McIlroy Shelby E. , Miller Margaret W. , Sheets H. David
Published: September 2022

The symbiotic relationship between dinoflagellate algae in the family Symbiodiniaceae and scleractinian corals forms the base of the tropical reef ecosystem. In scleractinian corals, recruits acquire symbionts either “vertically” from the maternal colony or initially lack symbionts and acquire them “horizontally” from the environment. Regardless of the mode of acquisition, coral species and individual colonies harbor only a subset of the highly diverse complex of species/taxa within the Symbiodiniaceae. This suggests a genetic basis for specificity, but local environmental conditions and/or symbiont availability may also play a role in determining which symbionts within the Symbiodiniaceae are initially taken up by the host. To address the relative importance of genetic and environmental drivers of symbiont uptake/establishment, we examined the acquisition of these dinoflagellate symbionts in one to three‐month‐old recruits of Orbicella faveolata to compare symbiont types present in recruits to those of parental populations versus co‐occurring adults in their destination reef. Variation in chloroplast 23S ribosomal DNA and in three polymorphic microsatellite loci was examined. We found that, in general, symbiont communities within adult colonies differed between reefs, suggesting that endemism is common among symbiont populations of O. faveolata on a local scale. Among recruits, initial symbiont acquisition was selective. O. faveolata recruits only acquired a subset of locally available symbionts, and these generally did not reflect symbiont populations in adults at either the parental or the outplant reef. Instead, symbiont communities within new recruits at a given outplant site and region tended to be similar to each other, regardless of parental source population. These results suggest temporal variation in the local symbiont source pool, although other possible drivers behind the distinct difference between symbionts within O. faveolata adults and new generations of recruits may include different ontogenetic requirements and/or reduced host selectivity in early ontogeny.
Defaunation changes leaf trait composition of recruit communities in tropical forests in French Guiana
Authors: Vaessen Rens W. , Jansen Patrick A. , Richard‐Hansen Cécile , Boot René G. A. , Denis Thomas , Derroire Géraldine , Petronelli Pascal , de Vries Jesse S. , Barry Kathryn E. , ter Steege Hans , van Kuijk Marijke
Published: September 2022

Hunting impacts tropical vertebrate populations, causing declines of species that function as seed dispersers and predators, or that browse seedlings and saplings. Whether and how the resulting reductions in seed dispersal, seed predation, and browsing translate to changes in the tree composition is poorly understood. Here, we assess the effect of defaunation on the functional composition of communities of tree recruits in tropical rainforests in French Guiana. We selected eight sites along a gradient of defaunation, caused by differences in hunting pressure, in otherwise intact old‐growth forests in French Guiana. We measured shifts in functional composition by comparing leaf and fruit traits and wood density between tree recruits (up to 5 cm diameter at breast height) and adults, and tested whether and how these compositional shifts related to defaunation. We found a positive relationship with defaunation for shifts in specific leaf area, a negative relationship for shifts of leaf toughness and wood density, and a weak relationship for shifts in fruit traits. Our results suggest that the loss of vertebrates affects ecological processes such as seed dispersal and browsing, of which browsing remains understudied. Even though these changes sometimes seem minor, together they result in major shifts in forest composition. These changes have long‐term ramifications that may alter forest dynamics for generations.
Comparison irisin peptide serum level in pregnant women with and without gestational diabetes mellitus: A case–control study
Authors: Khorasani Zahra Mazloum , Besharat Majid , Mehrad‐Majd Hassan , Mohammadi Seyed Ali , Mahmoudinia Malihe
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a metabolic disease that affects mother and foetus during pregnancy, causing acute and chronic adverse effects. Irisin is proposed as a novel marker to predict GDM. The aim of this study was to assess the role of irisin peptide serum levels in gestational diabetes and compare with healthy pregnant women.

Methods

This case–control study was conducted on women at 24 to 34 weeks of gestation in Ghaem Hospital affiliated with Mashhad University of Medical Sciences between May 2016 and June 2019. In two study groups, GDM and non‐GDM women, an association between maternal serum irisin levels and clinical and biochemical parameters were evaluated. Maternal serum irisin levels were measured by an enzyme immunoassay method. Body mass index, serum levels of glucose, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), insulin, haemoglobin A1C, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA IR) and irisin were evaluated.

Results

Totally, 56 participants (30 non‐GDM women and 26 women with GDM) were enrolled. Not statistically significant was observed in serum irisin levels between GDM and non‐GDM women. (p = .814) Irisin levels were not significantly associated with maternal age, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, the number of pregnancies, gestational age, fasting blood sugar, insulin, HOMA IR, one‐hour and two‐hour serum glucose and body mass index.

Conclusions

There is no significant difference between GDM and non‐GDM groups in the case of irisin value and later, no association of irisin with metabolic and anthropometric parameters. These findings need to be assessed in future experiments.
Glycated albumin and continuous glucose monitoring metrics across pregnancy in women with pre‐gestational diabetes
Authors: Toft Johanne Holm , Dalen Ingvild , Skadberg Øyvind , Gøransson Lasse Gunnar , Økland Inger , Bleskestad Inger Hjørdis
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Glycated albumin (GA), a biomarker reflecting short‐term glycaemia, may be useful to assess glycaemic control in pregnancy. We examined the association between GA and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) metrics across gestation.

Methods

In this prospective cohort study including 40 women with pre‐gestational diabetes, blood samples for analysis of GA and glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) were collected at pregnancy week 12, 20, 24, 28, 32 and 36. In the CGM‐group (n = 19), CGM data were collected from first trimester until pregnancy week 36. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess the accuracy of GA and HbA1c to detect poor glycaemic control, using CGM metrics as the reference standard. This study was conducted at Stavanger University Hospital, Norway, in 2016–2018.

Results

Glycaemic control improved across gestation with more time spent in target range, coinciding with decreased glycaemic variability and lower mean GA level. There was statistically significant correlation between GA and most CGM metrics. The area under the ROC curves (AUC) for detecting time in range <70% and time above range >25% for the pregnancy glucose target 63–140 mg/dl (3.5–7.8 mmol/L) were 0.78 and 0.82 for GA, whereas AUCs of 0.60 and 0.72 were found for HbA1c, respectively.

Conclusions

Higher GA levels were associated with less time spent in target range, more time spent in the above range area and increased glycaemic variability. GA was more accurate than HbA1c to detect time above range >25% and time in range <70%.