bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploration of the relationships between clinical traits and functional connectivity based on surface morphology abnormalities in bulimia nervosa
Authors: Li Weihua , Wang Miao , Wu Guowei , Wang Jiani , Li Xiaohong , Yang Zemei , Chen Qian , Yang Zhenghan , Li Zhanjiang , Zhang Peng , Tang Lirong , Wang Zhenchang
Published: March 2023

Background

Bulimia nervosa is a recurrent eating disorder with uncertain pathogenesis. Recently, there has been growing interest in using neuroimaging techniques to explore brain structural and functional alterations in bulimia nervosa, but the findings of previous studies have a great number of inconsistencies.

Methods

Here, we collected anatomical and resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging data from 43 bulimia nervosa patients and 34 matched healthy controls (HCs). We applied a surface‐based morphology analysis to explore brain cortical morphology differences and a novel surface‐based functional connectivity (FC) analysis to investigate functional abnormalities. Principal component analysis was performed to analyze the behavioral data of the participants. We further analyzed the relationships between abnormalities in cortical characteristics or FC and clinical features.

Results

We observed increased greater sulcal depth in the right superior temporal gyrus (STG) and the right medial orbitofrontal cortex (mOFC) in bulimia nervosa patients than in the HCs. Additionally, the patients exhibited increased FC between the right STG and right ventral tegmental area but decreased function between the right mOFC and right putamen, which was significantly negatively correlated with the first principal component reflecting the severity of bulimia nervosa symptom.

Conclusions

Our findings provide evidence of neuroanatomical and functional abnormalities in bulimia nervosa patients. Moreover, the FC between the right mOFC and right putamen was associated with symptom severity of bulimia nervosa, which may be a neural marker and involved in the neuropathological mechanism of bulimia nervosa.
Unprotected left main occlusion: Rare but deadly
Authors: Yildiz Mehmet , Henry Timothy D.
Published: March 2023

Key Points

A retrospective analysis from four centers in Switzerland and France found unprotected left main coronary artery occlusion (TIMI 0 and 1 Flow) was rare (0.1%) but carried a high in‐hospital mortality rate (42%). The long‐term survival of discharged patients was relatively good.

Due to the acuity and infrequency of the condition, observational studies remain the primary source of clinical guidance, acknowledging the presence of survival biases and confounding factors.

Successful timely revascularization with percutaneous coronary intervention continues to be the preferred management.
Combined ascending aortobiiliac bypass and endovascular obliteration in the Bentall procedure for dual aortic aneurysms
Authors: Long Yanli , He Bihui , Tsao Naiwen , Liu Hongyan
Published: March 2023

Patients with Marfan syndrome who present with a dual aortic aneurysm are not uncommon in clinical practice; however, the management of these patients is a significant challenge. We present a unique case of aortic root aneurysm and challenging infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) with a short and angulated neck. We performed simultaneous repair using the Bentall procedure and ascending aortobiiliac bypass. Endovascular obliteration of the AAA neck and bilateral common iliac arteries was also performed. The perioperative process was uneventful. Normal functioning of the mechanical valve and complete thrombosis of the AAA sac were confirmed on follow‐up computed tomography and echocardiography. This report suggests that combined ascending aortobiiliac bypass and endovascular obliteration with the Bentall procedure for dual aortic aneurysm is a useful surgical strategy for patients with Marfan syndrome. Life‐long follow‐up and medication ought to be mandatory to prevent incomplete exclusion and bypass occlusion.
Clinical outcomes of left atrial appendage occlusion in patients with previous intracranial or gastrointestinal bleeding: Insights from the LOGIC (Left atrial appendage Occlusion in patients with Gastrointestinal or IntraCranial bleeding) International Multicenter Registry
Authors: Gallo Francesco , Ronco Federico , D'Amico Gianpiero , Della Rocca Domenico G. , Mazzone Patrizio , Bordignon Stefano , Casu Gavino , Giannini Francesco , Berti Sergio , Horton Rodney P. , D'Angelo Giuseppe , Urbanek Lukas , Merella Pierluigi , Ruggiero Rossella , Romeo Maria Rita , Bosica Francesco , Schmidt Boris , Atzori Enrico , Barbierato Marco , Natale Andrea , Themistoclakis Sakis
Published: March 2023

Aims

To compare outcomes of patients who underwent left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) for nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) and contraindication to anticoagulants due to history of either gastrointestinal (GI) or intracranial (IC) bleeding.

Methods

Patients with NVAF that underwent LAAO for GI or IC bleeding from seven centers were included in this observational study. Baseline characteristics, procedural features, and follow‐up data were collected, and compared between the two groups. The primary outcomes were incidence of ischemic and hemorrhagic events at 12‐month.

Results

Six hundred twenty‐eight patients were included, 57% with previous GI‐bleeding, and 43% with previous IC‐bleeding. Median CHA 2 DS 2‐VASc score was 4 (interquartile range [IQRs]: 3–5) for both GI‐bleeding and IC‐bleeding patients, while GI‐bleeding patients had a higher HAS‐BLED score (4 [IQRs: 3–4] vs. 3 [IQRs]: 2–3]; p = 0.001). At 12‐month follow‐up, relative risk reduction for stroke was similar between the two groups. The GI‐bleeding group had more hemorrhagic events compared to IC‐bleeding group (any bleeding 8.4% vs. 3.2%; p = 0.012; major bleeding BARC 3–5: 4.3% vs. 1.8; p = 0.010). At multivariate analysis history of GI bleeding was an independent predictor of hemorrhagic events (adjusted HR: 2.39, 95% confidence interval: 1.02–5.63; p = 0.047).

Conclusions

Outcomes after LAAO may be affected by the different indications for the procedure. In our study, GI‐bleeding and IC‐bleeding as indication to LAAO differ in their baseline characteristics. LAAO confirms its efficacy in ischemic risk reduction in both groups, while GI bleeding seems to be an independent predictor of bleeding recurrence at 12 months behind the antithrombotic regimen.
Congenital hyporhinia with associated malformations: Case report of a rare congenital anomaly
Authors: Mlay Kenneth , Chussi Desderius , Mtenga Philbert , Shija Peter , Msele Angela
Published: March 2023

Congenital hyporhinia, also known as partial arhinia, is a very rare congenital abnormality of nasal embryogenesis with unknown etiology. It is commonly associated with other craniofacial anomalies which are thought to be caused by an absent or rudimentary nose. A 3‐h‐old neonate presented to our facility with hypoplastic nasal pyramid, hypertelorism, microcephaly, and micrognathia, a case of congenital hyporhinia with associated anomalies is presented and the embryology and literature review are discussed.
Silver‐Based Terpyridine Complexes as Antitumor Agents
Authors: Gil‐Moles María , Olmos M. Elena , Monge Miguel , Beltrán‐Visiedo Manuel , Marzo Isabel , López‐de‐Luzuriaga José M. , Concepción Gimeno M.
Published: March 2023

Silver complexes bearing substituted terpyridine or tetra‐2‐pyridinylpyrazine ligands have been prepared and structurally characterised. The study of the anticancer properties of silver complexes with this type of ligands is scarce, despite the possibilities of combining the properties of the metal and the ability of the ligands for DNA binding. Here, the antiproliferative activity, stability, CT‐DNA binding, and mechanism of cell death of these types of derivatives are studied. High cytotoxicity against different tumour cells was observed, and, more important, a great selectivity index has been detected between tumour cells and healthy lymphocytes T for some of these compounds. The CT‐DNA interaction study has shown that these derivatives are able to interact with CT‐DNA by moderate intercalation. Furthermore, cell death studies indicate that these derivatives promote the apoptosis by a mitochondrial pathway.
A Kinetic and Heat Balance Model for Anionic Batch Block Copolymerization of Styrene and Isoprene
Authors: Kandelhard Felix , Georgopanos Prokopios
Published: March 2023

Anionic polymerization is an established process for the synthesis of well‐defined block copolymers. Due to the high reaction rates, a good knowledge of the process and its heat generation is of great importance for safe reaction control. This is to be achieved by the development and validation of a combined kinetic and heat transport model. The validation of the combined model was based on the experimentally anionic homo‐polymerization of styrene that was expanded for the block co‐polymerization of styrene and isoprene carried out in cyclohexane in batch reactors.
Application of Nanopore Single Molecule Detection Technology in Analysis of Xylan Dissolved in Ionic Liquid†
Authors: Xie Wanyi , Fang Shaoxi , Yin Bohua , Tian Rong , Liang Liyuan , He Shixuan , Wang Deqiang
Published: March 2023

Comprehensive Summary

Xylan is the most abundant hemicellulose in nature. As a new type of green organic solvent, ionic liquid shows good preservation ability for the functional groups of hemicellulose. In this paper, a single molecule detection technology based on glass nanopore was established to analyze xylan dissolved in ionic liquid. Arabino‐xylan (AX) and beech xylan (BX) are respectively taken as the representatives of heterogeneous xylan and homogeneous xylan. Firstly, unmodified glass nanopore was used to detect the dissolved xylan in ionic liquid, and then poly(ethylene imine) (PEI) was used to modify the nanopore to change the surface charge in the nanopore and further enhance the interaction between the nanopore and the xylan molecule. It was found that before and after nanopore modification, at negative voltage and low positive voltage, AX didn't generate current blocking signal. On the contrary, BX didn't generate current blocking signal at positive voltage. This phenomenon may be due to the current disturbance driven by electrophoresis and electroosmosis of xylan molecules with weak negative charge. After statistics analysis, the current blocking signal of AX showed that the modified nanopore showed multiple peaks. It indicates that heterogeneous xylan and PEI modified nanopore had stronger interaction. The results show that the nanopore detection technology can show the structural difference of heterogenous branched chain and homogeneous straight chain based on the single characteristic current blocking signal and statistical information, providing a research basis for the structural analysis of water insoluble polysaccharides.
The stage of head and neck diagnosed malignancies in COVID‐19 outbreak versus before outbreak: A retrospective study
Authors: Jahanshahi Fatemeh , Asadi Mahboobe , Movahedi Alireza
Published: March 2023

Background

Global COVID‐19 pandemic has affected cancer care systems. Recent studies show that the number of cases diagnosed with cancer has drastically decreased compared to the same period before the pandemic. Therefore, we are confronted with delayed diagnosis of critical cancers.

Aim

The aim of this study is to investigate whether the stage of known cancers has been affected by delayed diagnosis and to compare the stages of head and neck cancers diagnosed during and before the pandemic.

Methods

The present study was conducted on 132 patients with malignant head and neck tumors referred to the otolaryngology, head and neck cancer department of Taleghani Hospital from 2019 to 2021. The stage of cancers was compared between two groups of patients with head and neck malignancy referred to the Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Department of the Taleghani Hospital before and during the COVID‐19 outbreak.

Results

The results from tumor (T), nodes (N), and metastases (M) (TNM) staging (p‐value = .015) and T score (value = 0.045) showed that the stage of tumor diagnosed in patients during the COVID‐19 pandemic significantly increased compared to patients diagnosed with a tumor before pandemic.

Conclusion

In the present study, it was observed that the early symptoms of malignant head and neck tumors have been neglected by patients during COVID‐19 pandemic and resulted in delayed diagnosis. This result may be explained by the fear of COVID‐19 infection in patients, which discouraged them from visiting a doctor at healthcare centers.
Statistical harmonization of everyday functioning and dementia‐related behavioral measures across nine surveys and trials
Authors: Chen Diefei , Jutkowitz Eric , Gross Alden L.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Efforts to harmonize measures of everyday function and dementia‐related behaviors are needed to synthesize across studies in dementia research. There have been some psychometric attempts to harmonize everyday function for secondary analysis, but far less for dementia‐related behaviors.

Methods

Statistical co‐calibration was performed to generate factor scores representing everyday function and dementia‐related behaviors for participants with dementia. We evaluated convergent criterion validity of factor scores and mapped the scores onto established clinical instruments.

Results

Factor analyses of included items fit well to available data. Harmonized factors showed expected associations with the Global Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) score, with greater impairment (higher Global CDR score) corresponding to higher (more severe) levels on factor scores.

Discussion

We used large, well‐characterized samples to derive harmonized factors representing everyday functions and dementia‐related behaviors. These harmonized factors can be used to tackle questions about dementia phenotypes which require either large samples or unique subpopulations.
Regulating droplet impact symmetry by surface engineering
Authors: Zhao Zhipeng , Li Huizeng , Liu Quan , Li An , Xue Luanluan , Yuan Renxuan , Yu Xinye , Li Rujun , Deng Xiao , Song Yanlin
Published: March 2023

Droplet impact on solid surfaces is essential both in nature and industry. Precisely regulating the dynamic behavior of droplet impact is of great significance for energy harvesting, anti‐icing, inkjet printing, pesticide spraying, and many other fields. Various rebounding behaviors (deposition, rebounding, rotation, instability control, and so on) and rebounding intrinsic parameters (such as contact time) after droplets impacting on solid surfaces can be regulated by surface engineering. This paper reviews the advances in regulating droplet impact behavior from the perspective of symmetry by modifying solid surfaces from the following aspects: chemical modification and physical structure regulation, in which the symmetry is discussed from mirror symmetry and rotational symmetry. Firstly, the symmetry of the droplet impact dynamics and its influencing factors are introduced. Then the modulation of droplet impact symmetry, using homogeneous and heterogeneous chemically modified solid surfaces, is summarized. The following presents the influence of physical structures, from micro to macro scale compared to the droplet size, on the droplet impact symmetry. Finally, the future challenges and opportunities of the droplet impact behavior regulation are discussed.
Climate and fire impacts on tree recruitment in mixed conifer forests in northwestern Mexico and California
Authors: Stephens Scott L. , Steel Zachary L. , Collins Brandon M. , Fry Danny L. , Gill Samantha J. , Rivera‐Huerta Hiram , Skinner Carl N.
Published: March 2023

Frequent‐fire forests were once heterogeneous at multiple spatial scales, which contributed to their resilience to severe fire. While many studies have characterized historical spatial patterns in frequent‐fire forests, fewer studies have investigated their temporal dynamics. We investigated the influences of fire and climate on the timing of conifer recruitment in old‐growth Jeffrey pine‐mixed conifer forests in the Sierra San Pedro Martir (SSPM) and the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada. Additionally, we evaluated the impacts of fire exclusion and recent climate change on recruitment levels using statistical models with realized as well as fire suppression and climate change‐free counterfactual scenarios. Excessive soil drying from anthropogenic climate change resulted in diminished recruitment in the SSPM but not in the Sierra Nevada. Longer fire‐free intervals attributable to fire suppression and exclusion resulted in greater rates of recruitment across all sites but was particularly pronounced in the Sierra Nevada, where suppression began >100 years ago and recruitment was 28 times higher than the historical fire return interval scenario. This demonstrates the profound impact of fire's removal on tree recruitment in Sierra Nevada forests even in the context of recent climate change. Tree recruitment at the SSPM coincided with the early‐20th‐century North American pluvial, as well as a fire‐quiescent period in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Episodic recruitment occurred in the SSPM with no “average” recruitment over the last three centuries. We found that temporal heterogeneity, in conjunction with spatial heterogeneity, are critical components of frequent‐fire‐adapted forests. Episodic recruitment could be a desirable characteristic of frequent‐fire‐adapted forests, and this might be more amenable to climate change impacts that forecast more variable precipitation patterns in the future. One key to this outcome would be for frequent fire to continue to shape these forests versus continued emphasis on fire suppression in California.
Spatial and temporal non‐stationarity in long‐term population dynamics of over‐wintering birds of North America
Authors: Murphy Stephen J. , Jarzyna Marta A.
Published: March 2023

Understanding population changes across long time scales and at fine spatiotemporal resolutions is important for confronting a broad suite of conservation challenges. However, this task is hampered by a lack of quality long‐term census data for multiple species collected across large geographic regions. Here, we used century‐long (1919–2018) data from the Audubon Christmas Bird Count (CBC) survey to assess population changes in over 300 avian species in North America and evaluate their temporal non‐stationarity. To estimate population sizes across the entire century, we employed a Bayesian hierarchical model that accounts for species detection probabilities, variable sampling effort, and missing data. We evaluated population trends using generalized additive models (GAMs) and assessed temporal non‐stationarity in the rate of population change by extracting the first derivatives from the fitted GAM functions. We then summarized the population dynamics across species, space, and time using a non‐parametric clustering algorithm that categorized individual population trends into four distinct trend clusters. We found that species varied widely in their population trajectories, with over 90% of species showing a considerable degree of spatial and/or temporal non‐stationarity, and many showing strong shifts in the direction and magnitude of population trends throughout the past century. Species were roughly equally distributed across the four clusters of population trajectories, although grassland, forest, and desert specialists more commonly showed declining trends. Interestingly, for many species, region‐wide population trends often differed from those observed at individual sites, suggesting that conservation decisions need to be tailored to fine spatial scales. Together, our results highlight the importance of considering spatial and temporal non‐stationarity when assessing long‐term population changes. More generally, we demonstrate the promise of novel statistical techniques for improving the utility and extending the temporal scope of existing citizen science datasets.
A persistent influence of supernovae on biodiversity over the Phanerozoic
Authors: Svensmark Henrik
Published: March 2023

It is an open question what has constrained macroevolutionary changes in marine animal diversity on the time scale of the Phanerozoic. Here, we will show that supernovae appear to have significantly influenced the biodiversity of life. After normalizing diversity curves of major animal marine genera by the changes in the area of shallow marine margins, a close correlation between supernovae frequency and biodiversity is obtained. The interpretation is that supernovae influence Earth's climate, which controls the ocean and atmospheric circulation of nutrients. With this, supernovae influence ocean bioproductivity and are speculated to affect genera‐level diversity. The implication is a surprisingly influential role of stellar processes on evolution.
Arctic nekton uncovered by eDNA metabarcoding: Diversity, potential range expansions, and pelagic‐benthic coupling
Authors: Merten Véronique , Puebla Oscar , Bayer Till , Reusch Thorsten B. H. , Fuss Janina , Stefanschitz Julia , Metfies Katja , Stauffer Julian B. , Hoving Henk‐Jan
Published: March 2023

The Arctic Ocean is home to a unique fauna that is disproportionately affected by global warming but that remains under‐studied. Due to their high mobility and responsiveness to global warming, cephalopods and fishes are good indicators of the reshuffling of Arctic communities. Here, we established a nekton biodiversity baseline for the Fram Strait, the only deep connection between the North Atlantic and Arctic Ocean. Using universal primers for fishes (12S) and cephalopods (18S), we amplified environmental DNA (eDNA) from seawater (50–2700 m) and deep‐sea sediment samples collected at the LTER HAUSGARTEN observatory. We detected 12 cephalopod and 31 fish taxa in the seawater and seven cephalopod and 28 fish taxa in the sediment, including the elusive Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus). Our data suggest three fish (Mallotus villosus, Thunnus sp., and Micromesistius poutassou) and one squid (Histioteuthis sp.) range expansions. The detection of eDNA of pelagic origin in the sediment also suggests that M. villosus, Arctozenus risso, and M. poutassou as well as gonatid squids are potential contributors to the carbon flux. Continuous nekton monitoring is needed to understand the ecosystem impacts of rapid warming in the Arctic and eDNA proves to be a suitable tool for this endeavor.
Coupling Ternary Selenide SnSb2Se4 with Graphene Nanosheets for High‐Performance Potassium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Tian Ruiqi , Duan Liping , Xu Yifan , Man Yuehua , Sun Jianlu , Bao Jianchun , Zhou Xiaosi
Published: March 2023

Although chalcogenide anodes possess higher potassium storage capacity than intercalated‐based graphite, their drastic volume change and the irreversible electrochemical reactions still hinder the effective electron/ion transfer during the potassiation/depotassiation process. To solve the above problems, this article proposes the synthesis of a lamellar nanostructure where graphene nanosheets are embedded with SnSb2Se4 nanoparticles (SnSb2Se4/GNS). In the product, fine monodisperse SnSb2Se4 nanoparticles are coupled with graphene nanosheets to form a porous network framework, which can effectively mitigate the drastic volume changes during electrode reactions and guarantee efficient potassium‐ion storage through the synergistic interactions among multiple elements. Various electrochemical analyses prove that SnSb2Se4 inherits the advantages of the binary Sb2Se3 and SnSe while avoiding their disadvantages, confirming the synergistic effect of the ternary–chalcogenide system. When tested for potassium storage, the obtained composite delivers a high specific capacity of 368.5 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1 and a stable cycle performance of 265.8 mAh g−1 at 500 mA g−1 over 500 cycles. Additionally, the potassium iron hexacyanoferrate cathode and the SnSb2Se4/GNS anode are paired to fabricate the potassium‐ion full cell, which shows excellent cyclic stability. In conclusion, this strategy employs atomic doping and interface interaction, which provides new insights for the design of high‐rate electrode materials.
Hydrogen Production, Purification, Storage, Transportation, and Their Applications: A Review
Authors: Panda Prasanta Kumar , Sahoo Benudhar , Ramakrishna Seeram
Published: March 2023

The world is looking for clean and green energy as substitution for fossil fuels to minimize the greenhouse effect and climate changes threatening our existence. Solar energy, wind energy, and hydrogen gas‐based energy are few examples of promising sources of energy alternatives to fossil fuels. Hydrogen gas‐based energy is in focus today due to its availability in plenty of combined forms such as water, hydrocarbons, natural gases, etc. However, its storage and transportation are major challenges due to the low volumetric density and explosive nature of hydrogen. The scientific community is in search of suitable, economically viable, and energy‐efficient storage systems and transportation of hydrogen gas. Based on numerous studies, surface adsorption of hydrogen by high surface area nanoporous solids such as carbon and metal–organic framework (MOF)‐based nanofiber materials are most suitable for storage applications. Electrospinning process provides a gateway for the preparation of lightweight, highly porous nanofibers for efficient hydrogen adsorption. Herein, the production and use of electrospun polymer nanofibers and MOFs for the storage and transportation of hydrogen are presented.
Bifunctional Lewis Base‐Assisted Fabrication of High‐Quality CsPbIBr2 Perovskite for Efficient and Stable Solar Cells
Authors: Bi Jiayu , Chang Jiarun , Lei Miao , Meng Fanning , Wang Guiqiang
Published: March 2023

The inferior phase stability and unsatisfactory crystal quality of inorganic lead halide perovskites have severely impeded the development of inorganic perovskite solar cells. Herein, a bifunctional Lewis base additive, phenylthiourea (PTU), is incorporated into the CsPbIBr2 precursor to simultaneously enhance the quality and ameliorate the stability of the CsPbIBr2 perovskite film. The CS group of PTU strongly coordinates with PbBr2 to form the intermediate phase in the perovskite precursor, which effectively tunes the crystallization process of CsPbIBr2 and enables the formation of high‐quality CsPbIBr2 perovskite film with high crystallinity, large crystal grains, and indistinct grain boundaries. Meanwhile, the introduction of PTU additive leads to the sulfur insertion into the interstices of CsPbIBr2 perovskite lattice, which can stabilize the perovskite phase structure and passivate the undercoordinated Pb2+ defects. With these benefits, the assembled carbon‐based perovskite solar cell based on PTU‐CsPbIBr2 perovskite film delivers a high power conversion efficiency of 10.09%. In addition, the unencapsulated device maintains over 80% of its initial efficiency after 800 h of storage under ambient air. These results demonstrate an effective strategy to improve the performance and stability of inorganic perovskite solar cells.
Simulation and Experiment of Trapezoidal Beam‐Based Piezoelectric Energy Harvesters
Authors: Wang Jian-Xu , Su Wen-Bin , Li Ji-Chao , Zhao Xian , Wang Chun-Ming
Published: March 2023

Piezoelectric energy harvesters (PEHs) are thought to be one of the best ways to power wireless sensors. However, how to improve the electrical properties of PEHs is still a key matter. Herein, a trapezoidal beam (TB) is adopted to improve the electrical outputs of PEHs, where the elastic substrate and thinned piezoelectric ceramic element are combined to obtain a piezoelectric beam with 100 μm total thickness. The simulation results indicate that the TB‐based piezoelectric energy harvester (TB‐PEH) possesses a better electrical output performance than the traditional rectangular beam‐based piezoelectric energy harvester (RB‐PEH). The presented TB‐PEH can generate a 5.4 V voltage output, and an average power of 0.2 mW with the 55 kΩ optimal resistance. The 100, 220, and 470 μF capacitors are used to demonstrate charging from the TB‐PEH, and these capacitors are saturated at 5.1, 5.0, and 4.9 V during 40, 85, and 175 s charging time, respectively. The energy harvester can generate enough power to directly light up four light emitting diodes in real time, indicating its potential to be used as microenergy source for wireless sensor networks in mechanical vibration circumstance under harmonic vibration excitation. The proposed TB‐PEH is conclusively proved potential for charging low‐power electronic devices.
Effects of sowing methods on nitrogen compounds and protease activities of whole‐crop wheat silage
Authors: Xu Liuxing , Tang Guojian , Wu Dan , Zhang Jianguo
Published: March 2023

Background

Whole‐crop wheat (Triticum aestivum) has high nutritive value, and it has become one of the main sources of roughage for ruminants in some countries or regions. This study investigates the effects of no tillage on nitrogen compounds and protease activities of whole‐crop wheat silage.

Methods

Wheat was planted on the 9th day (NB9) and 5th day (NB5) before rice harvest and on the first day after rice harvest. Sowing before harvest involved no tillage and sowing after rice harvest involved either no tillage (NA1) or conventional tillage (CK).

Results

Compared to CK, the crude protein content of NB9 and NB5 decreased by 16.4% and 9.58%, respectively. With the delay of the sowing date, the contents of non‐protein nitrogen, rapidly degraded protein, and slowly degraded protein in whole‐plant wheat tended to increase. Compared to NA1 wheat silage, the NH3‐N content of NB9 and NB5 silages decreased by 52.7% and 34.4%, respectively. The acid protease activity of NA1 was significantly higher than that of other treatments (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

There was no significant difference in the degree of protein degradation between NA1 and CK silages. Although the degree of protein degradation in early sowing was low, the degree of fermentation was also weak.
Real‐world experience of tropomyosin receptor kinase inhibition with entrectinib in ETV6‐NTRK3 positive metastatic salivary secretory carcinoma: A case series
Authors: Yokota Tomoya , Yukino Hiroki , Doi Mihoko , Ohori Hisatsugu
Published: March 2023

Background

The efficacy of entrectinib, a potent inhibitor of tropomyosin receptor kinases, c‐ros oncogene 1, and anaplastic lymphoma kinase has been demonstrated in neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase fusion‐positive pediatric and adult solid tumors. However, real‐world data on entrectinib therapy for salivary gland malignancies are limited.

Methods

We describe a multicenter case series of four consecutive patients with ETV6‐NTRK3 fusion‐positive metastatic salivary secretory carcinoma (SSC) treated with entrectinib.

Results

All patients had a prior history of systemic therapy with cytotoxic chemotherapy or immune checkpoint inhibitors. All patients achieved durable radiographic complete response. Adverse events included weight gain, dizziness, increase in creatine kinase level, and withdrawal pain, but were manageable by the interruption and dose reduction of entrectinib.

Conclusion

Durable complete response was achieved with entrectinib in patients with ETV6‐NTRK3 fusion‐positive metastatic SSC. The clinical benefit of entrectinib supports the importance of routine screening for NTRK gene fusion in patients with SSC.
Short‐term prediction of stream turbidity using surrogate data and a meta‐model approach: A case study
Authors: Rele Bhargav , Hogan Caleb , Kandanaarachchi Sevvandi , Leigh Catherine
Published: March 2023

Many water‐quality monitoring programs aim to measure turbidity to help guide effective management of waterways and catchments, yet distributing turbidity sensors throughout networks is typically cost prohibitive. To this end, we built and compared the ability of dynamic regression (auto‐regressive integrated moving average [ARIMA]), long short‐term memory neural nets (LSTM), and generalized additive models (GAM) to forecast stream turbidity one step ahead, using surrogate data from relatively low‐cost in‐situ sensors and publicly available databases. We iteratively trialled combinations of four surrogate covariates (rainfall, water level, air temperature and total global solar exposure) selecting a final model for each type that minimized the corrected Akaike information criterion. Cross‐validation using a rolling time‐window indicated that ARIMA, which included the rainfall and water‐level covariates only, produced the most accurate predictions, followed closely by GAM, which included all four covariates. However, according to the no‐free‐lunch theorems in machine learning, no single model has an advantage over all other models for all instances. Therefore, we constructed a meta‐model, trained on time‐series features of turbidity, to take advantage of the strengths of each model over different time points and predict the best model (that with the lowest forecast error one‐step prior) for each time step. The meta‐model outperformed all other models, indicating that this methodology can yield high accuracy and may be a viable alternative to using measurements sourced directly from turbidity‐sensors where costs prohibit their deployment and maintenance, and when predicting turbidity across the short term. Our findings also indicated that temperature and light‐associated variables, for example underwater illuminance, may hold promise as cost‐effective, high‐frequency surrogates of turbidity, especially when combined with other covariates, like rainfall, that are typically measured at coarse levels of spatial resolution.
What influences dental students’ attitudes regarding the treatment of older adults? A scoping review
Authors: Bulgarelli Alexandre F , Santos Camila M , Tôrres Luísa H N , Childs Christopher A , Souza Fernanda L R , Gehrke Gabriela Hammes , Marchini Leonardo
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The aim of this study is to investigate the literature to evaluate dental students’ attitudes regarding the treatment of older adults.

Methods

A scoping review was performed following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses/PRISMA guidelines to identify articles from four electronic databases: MEDLINE via the PubMed interface, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and AgeLine. Gray literature searches were also performed in Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses‐Health and Medicine.

Results

Eleven articles were assessed. The majority (72, 72%) were published between 2011 and 2020, evidencing various contexts of dental students, such as different countries and cultures, and levels of education. The most commonly used tool/instrument to survey dental students’ attitudes was the Aging Semantic Differential Scale. Student age, race, and marital status did not seem to interfere with dental students’ attitudes regarding the treatment of older adults.

Conclusions

Dental students tend to have a positive attitude toward older people. In this context, female students, students who interact with older people, and clinical students have more positive attitudes than male and nonclinical students.
Microwave‐ultrasonic assisted synthesis, and characterization of novel 3′‐(amino, hydrazino and hydrazide)‐6′‐bromo‐spiro(isobenzofuran‐1,2′‐quinazoline)‐3,4′‐dione derivatives as antimicrobial agents
Authors: Algohary Ayman M. , Hassan A. M. A. , Alzahrani Abdullah Y. , Rizk Sameh A.
Published: March 2023

By attempts to construct new antimicrobial agents, a series of mono‐and dibromo of 3′‐(oxiranyl, hydrazide, oxadiazolo and pyrazolo)‐methylene‐spiro[isobenzofuran‐1,2′‐quinazoline]‐3,4′(3′H)‐dione derivatives were synthesized through the interaction between 6‐bromo and/or 6,8‐dibromo‐spiroiso‐benzofuran‐1,2′‐quinazolindione with carbon electrophiles, namely, ethyl chloroacetate, epichlorohydrin, chloroacetyl chloride and phosphorus pentasulfide (P2S5). Reaction of ethylester of spiroquinazolindione with hydrazine hydrate under MW‐US and UV reaction condition (green tool saves time and energy) to afford spiroquinazolindione hydrazide that used as preparatory materials for the synthesis of novel spiroquinazolin‐dione. Most of the created compounds were evaluated in vitro for their antibacterial and antifungal activity. The 6‐bromo or 6,8‐dibromo quinazolin‐3,4‐dione nucleus bears oxirane hydrazino acetyl, hydrazide, oxadiazole and pyrazole moieties at position (3) and were the most potent against the gram‐positive bacteria, gram‐negative bacteria, and fungi comparable to Chloramphenicol and Fluconazole.
Prevalence and influences of diabetes and prediabetes among adults living with HIV in Africa: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Peer Nasheeta , Nguyen Kim Anh , Hill Jillian , Sumner Anne E. , Cikomola Justin Cirhuza , Nachega Jean Bisimwa , Kengne Andre‐Pascal
Published: March 2023

Introduction

In people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV), traditional cardiovascular risk factors, exposure to HIV per se and antiretroviral therapy (ART) are assumed to contribute to cardiometabolic diseases. Nevertheless, controversy exists on the relationship of HIV and ART with diabetes. To clarify the relationship between HIV and type 2 diabetes, this review determined, in PLHIV in Africa, diabetes and prediabetes prevalence, and the extent to which their relationship was modified by socio‐demographic characteristics, body mass index (BMI), diagnostic definitions used for diabetes and prediabetes, and HIV‐related characteristics, including CD4 count, and use and duration of ART.

Methods

For this systematic review and meta‐analysis (PROSPERO registration CRD42021231547), a comprehensive search of major databases (PubMed‐MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar and WHO Global Health Library) was conducted. Original research articles published between 2000 and 2021 in English and French were included, irrespective of study design, data collection techniques and diagnostic definitions used. Observational studies comprising at least 30 PLHIV and reporting on diabetes and/or prediabetes prevalence in Africa were included. Study‐specific estimates were pooled using random effects models to generate the overall prevalence for each diagnostic definition. Data analyses used R statistical software and “meta” package.

Results

Of the 2614 records initially screened, 366 full‐text articles were assessed for eligibility and 61 were selected. In the systematic review, all studies were cross‐sectional by design and clinic‐based, except for five population‐based studies. Across studies included in the meta‐analysis, the proportion of men was 16–84%. Mean/median age was 30–62 years. Among 86,412 and 7976 participants, diabetes and prediabetes prevalence rates were 5.1% (95% CI: 4.3–5.9) and 15.1% (9.7–21.5). Self‐reported diabetes (3.5%) was lower than when combined with biochemical assessments (6.2%; 7.2%).

Discussion

While not statistically significant, diabetes and prediabetes were higher with greater BMI, in older participants, urban residents and more recent publications. Diabetes and prediabetes were not significantly different by HIV‐related factors, including CD4 count and ART.

Conclusions

Although HIV‐related factors did not modify prevalence, the diabetes burden in African PLHIV was considerable with suboptimal detection, and likely influenced by traditional risk factors. Furthermore, high prediabetes prevalence foreshadows substantial increases in future diabetes in African PLHIV.
Pdgfrβ+ lineage cells transiently increase at the site of Achilles tendon healing
Authors: Leong Natalie L. , Wu Jocelyn , Greskovich Kathryn E. , Li Yang , Jiang Jie
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this study was to track platelet‐derived growth factor receptor‐β (Pdgfr‐β) lineage cells at the site of Achilles tendon injury over time. Pdgfr‐β‐CreERT2:Ai9 mice were generated to track Pdgfr‐β lineage cells in adult mice. A surgical Achilles transection injury model was employed to examine the presence of Pdgfr‐β lineage cells in the healing tendon over time, with five mice per time point at 3, 7, 14, 28, and 56 days postoperatively. Histology and immunohistochemistry for tdTomato (Pdgfr‐β lineage cells), PCNA (proliferating cell nuclear antigen, cell proliferation), and α‐SMA (α‐smooth muscle actin, myofibroblasts) were performed. The percentage of cells at the healing tendon site staining positive for tdTomato and PCNA were quantified. Over 75% of cells at the injury site were Pdgfr‐β lineage cells at Days 3, 7, and 14, and this percentage decreased significantly by Days 28 and 56 postinjury. Cell proliferation at the injury site peaked on Day 7 and decreased thereafter. Immunohistochemistry for α‐SMA demonstrated minimal colocalization of myofibroblasts with Pdgfr‐β lineage cells. This study demonstrates that in a mouse model of Achilles tendon injury, Pdgfr‐β lineage cells' presence at the injury site is transient. Thus, we conclude that they are unlikely to be the cells that differentiate into myofibroblasts and directly contribute to tendon fibrous scar formation. Clinical Significance: This study provides some insight into the presence of Pdgfr‐β lineage cells (including pericytes) following Achilles injury, furthering our understanding of tendon healing.
Tricompartment offloader knee brace reduces contact forces in adults with multicompartment knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Bishop Emily L. , McGibbon Chris A. , Kuntze Gregor , Clark Marcia L. , Cowper‐Smith Chris , Ronsky Janet L.
Published: March 2023

The levitation tricompartment offloader (TCO) brace is designed to unload all three knee compartments by reducing compressive forces caused by muscle contraction. This study aimed to determine the effect of the TCO on knee contact forces and quadriceps muscle activity in individuals with knee osteoarthritis. Lower limb kinematics, kinetics, and electromyography data were collected during a chair rise‐and‐lower task. A three‐dimensional inverse dynamics model of the lower leg and foot was used with a sagittal plane knee model to compute knee joint forces. TCO brace use significantly decreased forces in the tibiofemoral [p = 0.001; mean difference, MD (97.5% confidence interval, CI) −0.62 (−0.91, −0.33) body weight (BW)] and patellofemoral [p = 0.001; MD (97.5% CI) −0.88 (−1.36, −0.39) BW] compartments in high‐power mode. Significant reductions in quadriceps tendon force [p = 0.002; MD (97.5% CI) −0.53 (−0.83, −0.23) BW] and electromyography intensity of the vastus medialis [p = 0.018, MD (97.5% CI) −30.7 (−59.1, −2.3)] and vastus lateralis [p = 0.012, MD (97.5% CI) −26.2 (−48.5, −3.9)] were also observed. The TCO significantly reduced tibiofemoral and patellofemoral contact forces throughout chair lower, and when knee flexion was greater than 50° during chair rise in high power. These results demonstrate that the TCO reduces contact forces in the tibiofemoral and patellofemoral joint compartments and confirms that the TCO unloads the joint by reducing compressive forces caused by the quadriceps. Clinical significance: The magnitude of knee joint unloading provided by the TCO is similar to that achieved by clinically recommended levels of bodyweight loss and is therefore expected to result in clinical benefits for knee osteoarthritis patients.
Advances in two‐dimensional engineered nanomaterials applications for the agro‑ and food‐industries
Authors: Godínez‐García Francisco Javier , Guerrero‐Rivera Rubén , Martínez‐Rivera José Antonio , Gamero‐Inda Eduardo , Ortiz‐Medina Josué
Published: March 2023

Two‐dimensional nanomaterials, such as graphene, transition metal dichalcogenides, MXenes, and other layered compounds, are the subject of intense theoretical and experimental research for applications in a wide range of advanced technological solutions, given their outstanding physical, chemical, and mechanical properties. In the context of food science and technology, their contributions are starting to appear, based on the advantages that two‐dimensional nanostructures offer to agricultural‑ and food‐related key topics, such as sustainable water use, nano‐agrochemicals, novel nanosensing devices, and smart packaging technologies. These application categories facilitate the grasping of the current and potential uses of such advanced nanomaterials in the field, backed by their advantageous physical, chemical, and structural properties. Developments for water cleaning and reuse, efficient nanofertilizers and pesticides, ultrasensitive sensors for food contamination, and intelligent nanoelectronic disposable food packages are among the most promising application examples reviewed here and demonstrate the tremendous impact that further developments would have in the area as the fundamental and applied research of two‐dimensional nanostructures continues. We expect this work will contribute to a better understanding of the promising characteristics of two‐dimensional nanomaterials that could be used for the design of novel and feasible solutions in the agriculture and food areas. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Validating a Simplified Lung Ultrasound Protocol for Detection and Quantification of Pulmonary Edema in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease Receiving Maintenance Hemodialysis
Authors: Hallgren Carl , Svensson Carl Johan , Ullerstam Tobias , Olin Max , Dezfoolian Hamid , Kashioulis Pavlos , Oras Jonatan
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Pulmonary edema is a common clinical problem and lung ultrasound (LUS) presents an efficient method for evaluating this pathology. This study aims to investigate if a clinically efficient LUS protocol can quantify the level of extravascular lung fluid in patients receiving hemodialysis, and to develop a simplified B‐line scoring system based on this protocol.

Methods

A simple 8‐area LUS approach was used for the assessment of the extravascular fluid status in patients before, during, and after receiving hemodialysis. The LUS assessments were compared to the amount of removed fluid over time. To determine the best B‐line score system, different scorings for each zone were tested in a linear mixed model with pseudo R‐square model fit against removed fluid. The B‐line score was further validated through correlations with changes in oxygen saturation, grade of dyspnea, and body weight over time.

Results

A total of 53 patients were included and examined on 108 hemodialysis occasions. Median fluid removal was 2.3 L. The B‐line score model with best fit was a score of 0 points in a zone with 0 or 1 B‐lines, 1 point with 2 or 3 B‐lines, 2 points with 3 or more B‐lines, and 3 points with any interstitial confluence. Using this B‐line score, we found a significant association with amount of removed fluid, oxygen saturation, grade of dyspnea, and change in body weight.

Conclusion

A straightforward protocol for LUS and B‐line score system was shown valid for quantification of pulmonary edema and fluid removal in hemodialysis patients. The scoring system developed here can be useful also in other patient groups, but this requires further validation.
A characterization of well‐posedness for the second order abstract Cauchy problems with finite delay
Authors: Ghavidel Seyedeh Marzieh
Published: March 2023

In this work, we introduce a strongly continuous one‐parameter family of bounded linear operators that completely describes the well‐posedness of a second order abstract differential delay equation in the initial history space , . This family, which satisfies a specific functional equation is applied to characterize the mild solution of the considered second order delay equation.