bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An ultrastable luminescent covalent organic polymer for selective Pd2+ detection in strong acid
Authors: Bai Yaoyao , Lu Huangjie , Lei Min , Qiu Jie , Lin Jian
Published: October 2024

The low natural abundance of palladium (10 ppb) in the Earth's crust highlights its considerable potential as a valuable resource, especially given that spent nuclear fuel contains approximately 1–2 kg of Pd per ton. However, the detection and separation of Pd2+ from high‐level liquid waste (HLLW) present significant challenges due to high acidity (2–5 M HNO3) and intense radiation conditions inherent in spent fuel reprocessing. We present a cyano‐olefin‐linked covalent organic polymer (COP‐TnPp) that exhibits remarkable stability in strong acidic environments and resilience to radiation. Thanks to its olefin linkage, which facilitates π‐electron conjugation, COP‐TnPp exhibits strong luminescence, whose intensity remains stable across a range of 1–5 M nitric acid solutions. Pd2+ ions can effectively quench the fluorescence of COP‐TnPp in 1 and 5 M HNO3 solutions with detection limits of 0.37 and 0.63 μM, respectively. Additionally, COP‐TnPp demonstrates exceptional selectivity for Pd2+ ions, even amidst 22 other interfering ions in a simulated HLLW solution (5 M HNO3), with the detection limit remaining at 0.697 μM. This work not only marks an advancement in the development of materials for detecting Pd2+ in extreme acidic conditions but also offers new insights into the detection of other radionuclides under similarly challenging environments.
The Implications of Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar L.) Fatty Acid Profiles for Their Thiamine Status
Authors: Todisco Vittoria , Hauber Marc M. , Brett Michael T. , Axén Charlotte , Hindar Kjetil , Tibblin Petter , Hylander Samuel
Published: October 2024

Thiamine deficiency is an ongoing issue across the Northern Hemisphere, causing reproductive failure in multiple salmonid populations. In the Baltic Sea, a large brackish water system in northern Europe, previous research has suggested that this deficiency is associated with lipid‐rich diets with a high proportion of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n‐3). The mechanism proposed is that a diet abundant in highly unsaturated fatty acids, such as DHA, depletes thiamine as an antioxidant defense in adult salmonids, rather than allocating thiamine to the offspring. In light of this existing hypothesis, we here explore the relationship between diet history and the related fatty acid (FA), profiles, and thiamine status of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) in three systems: the Baltic Sea, the North Atlantic Ocean, and Lake Vänern. Atlantic salmon inhabiting each system is known to have unique feeding histories and thiamine status. Our results showed that despite extensive sampling effort and distinct FA profiles, indicative of their diverse diets, there were no correlations between any FAs, including DHA, and the thiamine status of these populations. This finding does not support the above‐mentioned hypothesis that diets rich in easily oxidized FAs would lead to lower thiamine concentrations in salmon tissues. Additionally, we found that changes in the salmon FA profiles throughout their life cycle are consistent for both low‐thiamine populations from the Baltic Sea and medium‐thiamine populations from North Atlantic Ocean, suggesting that these changes might not be involved in thiamine deficiency development.
Temporal and spatial variation in reproductive benefits in a partial migrant
Authors: Witczak Stephanie , Kormann Urs G. , Catitti Benedetta , Scherler Patrick , van Bergen Valentijn , Grüebler Martin U.
Published: October 2024

In partial migrant systems, where residents and migrants coexist within a population, residents are commonly predicted to gain a reproductive advantage over migrants through priority access to high‐quality territories and an earlier breeding start. Annual variation in reproductive benefits has been suggested to be important for the coexistence of both strategies in a population, as differences in wintering conditions experienced by the two strategies may result in a periodic reproductive advantage for migrants. However, the importance of spatial environmental variation for reproductive output in partially migrant populations remains largely unexplored. We investigated variation in the reproductive output of migrants and residents in a population of Swiss red kites (Milvus milvus) both temporally, across and within years, and spatially, along an elevational gradient. We gathered 4 years of reproductive data combined with 183 GPS‐derived full annual cycles from individuals breeding in the Swiss Alpine foothills. At low, but not high, elevations, residents produced more fledglings than migrants. We also found evidence for annual variation in the reproductive advantage of the two strategies. Furthermore, while reproductive output did decline with a later breeding start, there was no difference in the start of breeding between the two migration strategies. The results of this study suggest that differences in reproductive output between migrants and residents in partial migrant populations can vary both due to the use of spatially distinct overwintering grounds and because the strategies are differently affected by spatial variables in the breeding area, such as elevation. The study emphasizes that spatial and temporal variation in reproductive benefits must be considered when predicting how migratory species will respond to future environmental change.
Post‐injury use of opioid analgesics in patients with traumatic injury: A registry‐based study
Authors: Torp Henrik A. , Skurtveit Svetlana O. , Gustavsen Ingebjørg , Gran Jon M. , Rosseland Leiv A.
Published: October 2024

Background

Opioid analgesics are commonly used to treat acute and chronic pain following traumatic injury. Psychiatric comorbidity has been reported to be associated with increased pain and persistent opioid use. Our aims were to determine the extent of post‐injury opioid use and assess whether pre‐injury antidepressant, benzodiazepine, and z‐hypnotic drug use is associated with increased post‐injury opioid use.

Methods

Data on trauma patients aged 15 years and older included in the Oslo University Hospital Trauma Registry between 2005 and 2014 was linked to data from the Norwegian Prescription Database. We identified opioid dispensing within the first 90 and 365 days following trauma and determined subsequent persistent use. Multivariable logistic regression was applied to examine associations between pre‐ and post‐injury drug use.

Results

3912 of 11,057 patients (35.4%) had opioids dispensed within 90 days after trauma, and 4644 (42.0%) within 365 days. Among 9800 previously opioid‐naïve, the proportions were 33.0% and 39.0%, respectively. One year after the first post‐injury opioid dispensing, 9.6% of all opioid users and 4.5% of new users were defined as persistent users. Pre‐injury benzodiazepine use and z‐hypnotic use was associated with new persistent opioid use (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.25; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.47–3.45, and aOR 2.04; 95% CI 1.33–3.13, respectively), whereas pre‐injury antidepressant use was not (aOR 1.49; 95% CI 0.97–2.30).

Conclusions

Opioid use after trauma is widespread. Development of persistent use is limited, particularly in previously opioid‐naïve patients. Pre‐injury benzodiazepine or z‐hypnotic use seem to increase odds of new persistent use.

Significance statement

This large registry‐based study adds to the body of knowledge on opioid use beyond in‐hospital care in patients having sustained traumatic injury, a field which is scarcely investigated and not yet fully understood. It suggests that both previous drug therapy and the nature of opioid treatment initiation may affect outcome. This will help guide clinicians in selecting the appropriate pain management in this patient group.
The effect of stretching intensity on pain sensitivity: A randomized crossover study on healthy adults
Authors: Støve Morten Pallisgaard , Hansen Line Ørum , Elmbæk Kristian Kloppenborg , Magnusson Stig Peter , Thomsen Janus Laust , Riis Allan
Published: October 2024

Background

Stretching exercises have effects on local and widespread pain sensitivity. A dose–response relationship may exist between the analgesic effect and the intensity of stretching, such that a higher intensity of stretching may generate a larger reduction in analgesic response, but this remains to be studied. This study aimed to examine the dose–response relationship between stretching intensity and the analgesic effect.

Methods

A randomized, repeated‐measures crossover study was performed to examine the effect of stretching to the first point of pain onset and stretching to the point of a sensation of stretching (discomfort). The primary outcome was regional and distant pressure pain thresholds.

Results

Thirty‐one participants (n = 24 female) were available for analysis. We observed a 22.2% increase in regional pressure pain thresholds (93.2 kPa, p = 0.001) and a 15.0% increase in distant pressure pain thresholds (50.9 kPa, p = 0.012) following stretching to the point of stretch. We observed a 20.0% increase in regional pressure pain thresholds (90.3 kPa, p = 0.001) and a 15.1% increase in distant pressure pain thresholds (52.1 kPa, p = 0.004) following stretching to the point of pain.

Conclusions

The results showed that local and widespread pain sensitivity decreased following acute stretching, regardless of stretching intensity. No differences in pain sensitivity were found between stretching to the point of stretch or stretching to the first onset of pain. Thus, the results showed no evidence of a dose–response relationship between stretching intensity and the analgesic effect.

Significance

The study showed a significant acute hypoalgesic effect of stretching exercises regardless of stretching intensity. This may have appropriate clinical implications for patients with musculoskeletal and nociplastic pain.
Intergroup Conflict Over Climate Change: Problems and Solutions
Authors: Hornsey Matthew J. , Fielding Kelly S. , Marshall George , Louis Winnifred R.
Published: October 2024

Global progress in combatting climate change is being slowed by intergroup conflict and tribalism. Addressing the intergroup tensions of today is a pre‐requisite for avoiding violent intergroup tensions in the future, tensions that may threaten societal structures we currently take for granted. This paper highlights five sources of intergroup conflict that compromise humans’ ability to effectively and swiftly respond to climate change: political tribalism, populist suspicion of elites, regional differences within nations, international conflicts, and tensions between and within activist identities. We then draw on established and emerging social psychological theorising to describe five strategies for constructively managing this intergroup conflict: maintaining climate justice, reducing disinformation and silencing bad‐faith actors, maintaining cohesion among progressive forces, focusing on trusted messengers, and empathic communication. Throughout we underscore the extent to which policy making and strategic communication can play roles in depolarising debate about climate change.
Impact of the socioeconomic crisis in Lebanon on people with epilepsy
Authors: Samaha Joseph N. , Dagher Jim B. , Abou Khaled Karine J.
Published: October 2024

Objective

The economic crisis in Lebanon, which began in 2019, has affected the healthcare system and patients' incomes. The aim of this study was to analyze the obstacles faced by people with epilepsy (PWE) during this crisis and to assess its impact on their quality of life.

Methods

The method used was a cross‐sectional study conducted among PWE aged 18–65 years, who were asked to complete a comprehensive questionnaire covering sociodemographic aspects, clinical aspects, the impact of the economic crisis, and the QOLIE‐31 (version 1.0), validated in English and Arabic, which assesses the quality of life of PWE.

Results

71 patients were included in the study with an average age of 35.2 years [23.5; 62.5] (53.5% were males). Their average QOLIE‐31 score was 50.3 (+/− 17.9). A significant proportion (71%) of patients reported difficulties during the crisis, with 25% reporting having had seizure‐related injuries in the years 2022–2023 and 36.6% reporting an increase in seizure frequency compared to that prior to 2020.

Moreover, many patients had to change (33.8%) or discontinue (18.3%) antiseizure medications, due to drug shortages, rising costs, and high gas prices. To mitigate these challenges, patients sought solutions such as obtaining medications from abroad (34%) or through donations (8%) or purchasing from the black market (8%).

Low quality of life was associated with unemployment, low education level, the presence of focal seizures with impaired awareness or generalized seizures, polytherapy, seizure‐related injuries, and medication changes during the economic crisis.

Significance

These results highlight the considerable challenges faced by PWE in Lebanon during the economic crisis, emphasizing the negative effect of the crisis on their quality of life and seizure control.

Plain Language Summary

This study analyzed the obstacles faced by 71 people with epilepsy during Lebanon's economic crisis and showed that many patients had to change (33.8%) or discontinue (18.3%) antiseizure medications, due to drug shortages, rising costs, and high gas prices. To mitigate these challenges, patients sought solutions such as obtaining medications from abroad (34%) or through donations (8%) or purchasing from the black market (8%). This affected their quality of life. In fact, low quality of life was associated with unemployment, low education level, focal seizures with impaired awareness or generalized seizures, polytherapy, seizure‐related injuries, and medication changes.
Enhancing Iron Oxide Electrocatalysis for Efficient Overall Water Splitting: A Study of Tailored Synthesis for Advanced Energy Generation and Storage
Authors: Maley Niharika , Patel Pratik , de Souza Felipe M. , Kumar Anuj , Gupta Ram K.
Published: October 2024

Water splitting, a critical milestone in the development of renewable energy, allows the production of pure hydrogen and oxygen. Iron oxide (Fe2O3), a fundamental component in electrochemical water splitting for both the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), offers potential because of its accessibility, low cost, and environmental safety. Herein, to analyze the impact of the methodology on its properties, Fe2O3 was produced in three different ways: freeze‐drying (aerogel) (Fe2O3‐AG), hydrothermal (Fe2O3‐HT), and microwave (Fe2O3‐MW). The Fe2O3‐AG outperformed Fe2O3‐HT and Fe2O3‐MW in most properties which showed improved current and overall water‐splitting efficiency. The resulting materials demonstrated good electrocatalytic performance for both HER and OER in alkaline media, with overpotentials for HER of 204, 235, and 255 mV and overpotentials for OER of 222, 288, and 292 mV for the Fe2O3‐AG, Fe2O3‐HT, and Fe2O3‐MW samples, respectively, at a current density of 10 mA/cm2. The freeze‐drying synthesis process has significant potential as a feasible method for the manufacture of Fe2O3‐based electrocatalysts for water‐splitting applications. This study provides important insights into the influence of electrocatalytic and energy storage properties of Fe2O3 based on the use of different methodologies, that is, hydrothermal, microwave‐assisted, and freeze‐drying. Through that, a more assertive analysis can be made concerning changes in morphology, conductivity, exposure of active area, and electrochemical stability which are crucial for the overall performance, hence providing valuable information and considerations for possible large‐scale applications for energy generation and energy storage.
Enhancing Heat Storage Capacity: Nanoparticle and Shape Optimization for PCM Systems
Authors: Mohammed Hayder I.
Published: October 2024

Phase change material (PCM)‐based heat storage systems utilize the absorption or release of latent heat during a phase change of the storage material to store thermal energy. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of these systems is restricted by the shape and structure of their confinement, as well as the heat conductivity of the storage material. This work investigates a novel method to enhance the effectiveness of PCM systems by concurrently utilizing two techniques: the inclusion of nanoparticles and the alteration of the system's geometry. Introducing nanoparticles enhances the thermal conductivity of the storage medium while altering the shape, which improves heat transfer efficiency by adjusting the surface area available for heat exchange. RT‐35 was tested for use in latent heat thermal energy storage systems for space heating and cooling. With a melting point of 35°C, RT‐35 was chosen to moderate building temperatures by storing and releasing thermal energy for space heating and cooling. The results indicate that using nanoparticles and adjusting shape can greatly enhance the effectiveness of PCM systems. By incorporating Al2O3 nanoparticles, the melting time of the PCM was reduced by 20% compared to the pure PCM, and it is more efficient than the best case of shape modification. These findings indicate that including nanoparticles and modifying the shape are effective methods to improve the performance of heat storage devices. This technology's potential surpasses this study's limits and can be utilized in diverse applications, including solar thermal energy storage, district heating and cooling, and industrial process heat.
Unveiling Geographical Variation and Chemotypes of Cupressus torulosa Needle Essential Oil: A Novel Approach Using t‐SNE and HCA
Authors: Bhalla Piyush , Chauhan Kiran , Varshney V. K.
Published: October 2024

This study aimed to assess the geographical variation in the content and chemical composition of Cupressus torulosa needles essential oil across different locations in the Himalayan region of India. The methodology involved the collection of needles from 14 distinct locations, followed by hydro‐distillation using a Clevenger‐type apparatus. Qualitative analysis was conducted using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), while gas chromatography with flame ionisation detector (GC‐FID) was employed for quantitative analysis. The GC–MS analysis identified a total of 57 compounds, with oxygenated monoterpenes and monoterpene hydrocarbons being the dominant chemical constituents, ranging from 22.5% to 63.01% and from 10.39% to 63.95%, respectively. Terpinen‐4‐ol emerged as the major compound, with concentrations ranging from 101.2 ± 45.7 μg/mg to 393.8 ± 12.5 μg/mg across different locations, with the highest concentration observed in the Dehradun location. The application of t‐distributed stochastic neighbour embedding (t‐SNE) analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) revealed the presence of five distinct chemotypes within the essential oil, characterised by different combinations of chemical constituents. These chemotypes were identified as terpinen‐4‐ol/limonene, terpinen‐4‐ol/sabinene, terpinen‐4‐ol, terpinen‐4‐ol/umbellulone, and terpinen‐4‐ol/totarol chemotypes. This research serves as a foundational framework for future investigations aimed at harnessing the unique properties of different chemotypes for specific purposes, potentially facilitating the successful commercialization and utilisation of C. torulosa needles essential oil.
A Systematic Review on the Evidence of Misdiagnosis in Dementia and Its Impact on Accessing Dementia Care
Authors: Giebel Clarissa , Silva‐Ribeiro Wagner , Watson James , Volkmer Anna , Chirico Ilaria , Diaz Ana , Heath Bronte , Hanna Kerry , Talbot Catherine
Published: October 2024

Background

Whilst there is a drive to increase diagnosis rates in dementia, there is a lack of attention on getting a correct and timely subtype diagnosis. For people with a rarer subtype of dementia, getting the correct diagnosis, and subsequent care, might be more difficult than for people aged 65+ presenting with the more common symptoms of Alzheimer's disease dementia. Thus, the aim of this mixed‐method systematic review was to synthesise the evidence base on misdiagnosis of dementia.

Methods

Misdiagnosis in dementia was defined as either receiving an initial incorrect dementia subtype diagnosis or receiving an incorrect non‐dementia diagnosis. Post‐mortem assessments of subtype diagnosis were excluded. Nine databases were searched in June 2023, with screening of titles and abstracts and consequent full texts completed independently by two researchers. Findings were synthesised using narrative synthesis.

Results

Twenty studies were included. Studies were categorised into four themes: (i) Factors associated with delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis; (ii) Difficulties related to the diagnostic process; (iii) Economic consequences of misdiagnosis; and (iv) Experiences of delayed diagnosis or help‐seeking. People with Lewy Body dementia or behavioural variant fronto‐temporal dementia were found to experience longer diagnosis times and often incorrect initial diagnoses. Whilst evidence is limited regarding the economic impacts, evidence from the US points towards increased economic costs of misdiagnosis.

Conclusions

There is an urgent need to investigate the rates and emotional and economic impacts of misdiagnosis on people with dementia, their carers, and the health and social care system. Advancing the evidence base is crucial to reduce misdiagnosis and inform clinical practice.
Developmental patterns of inhibition and fronto‐basal‐ganglia white matter organisation in healthy children and children with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Singh Mervyn , Skippen Patrick , He Jason , Thomson Phoebe , Fuelscher Ian , Caeyenberghs Karen , Anderson Vicki , Hyde Christian , Silk Timothy J.
Published: October 2024

There is robust evidence implicating inhibitory deficits as a fundamental behavioural phenotype in children with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, prior studies have not directly investigated the role in which white matter properties within the fronto‐basal‐ganglia circuit may play in the development of inhibitory control deficits in this group. Combining recent advancements in brain‐behavioural modelling, we mapped the development of stop‐signal task (SST) performance and fronto‐basal‐ganglia maturation in a longitudinal sample of children aged 9–14 with and without ADHD. In a large sample of 135 ADHD and 138 non‐ADHD children, we found that the ADHD group had poorer inhibitory control (i.e., longer stop‐signal reaction times) across age compared to non‐ADHD controls. When applying the novel parametric race model, this group effect was driven by higher within‐subject variability (sigma) and higher number of extreme responses (tau) on stop trials. The ADHD group also displayed higher within‐subject variability on correct responses to go stimuli. Moreover, we observed the ADHD group committing more task‐based failures such as responding on stop trials (trigger failures) and omissions on go trials (go failures) compared to non‐ADHD controls, suggesting the contribution of attentional lapses to poorer response inhibition performance. In contrast, longitudinal modelling of fixel‐based analysis measures revealed no significant group differences in the maturation of fronto‐basal‐ganglia fibre cross‐section in a subsample (74 ADHD and 73 non‐ADHD children). Finally, brain‐behavioural models revealed that age‐related changes in fronto‐basal‐ganglia morphology (fibre cross‐section) were significantly associated with reductions in the variability of the correct go‐trial responses (sigma.true) and skew of the stop‐trial distribution (tauS). However, this effect did not differ between ADHD and typically developing children. Overall, our findings support the growing consensus suggesting that attentional deficits subserve ADHD‐related inhibitory dysfunction. Furthermore, we show novel evidence suggesting that while children with ADHD are consistently performing worse on the SST than their non‐affected peers, they appear to have comparable rates of neurocognitive maturation across this period.
Methodological Choices Matter: A Systematic Comparison of TMS‐EEG Studies Targeting the Primary Motor Cortex
Authors: Beck Mikkel Malling , Heyl Marieke , Mejer Louise , Vinding Mikkel C. , Christiansen Lasse , Tomasevic Leo , Siebner Hartwig Roman
Published: October 2024

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) triggers time‐locked cortical activity that can be recorded with electroencephalography (EEG). Transcranial evoked potentials (TEPs) are widely used to probe brain responses to TMS. Here, we systematically reviewed 137 published experiments that studied TEPs elicited from TMS to the human primary motor cortex (M1) in healthy individuals to investigate the impact of methodological choices. We scrutinized prevalent methodological choices and assessed how consistently they were reported in published papers. We extracted amplitudes and latencies from reported TEPs and compared specific TEP peaks and components between studies using distinct methods. Reporting of methodological details was overall sufficient, but some relevant information regarding the TMS settings and the recording and preprocessing of EEG data were missing in more than 25% of the included experiments. The published TEP latencies and amplitudes confirm the “prototypical” TEP waveform following stimulation of M1, comprising distinct N15, P30, N45, P60, N100, and P180 peaks. However, variations in amplitude were evident across studies. Higher stimulation intensities were associated with overall larger TEP amplitudes. Active noise masking during TMS generally resulted in lower TEP amplitudes compared to no or passive masking but did not specifically impact those TEP peaks linked to long‐latency sensory processing. Studies implementing independent component analysis (ICA) for artifact removal generally reported lower TEP magnitudes. In summary, some aspects of reporting practices could be improved in future TEP studies to enable replication. Methodological choices, including TMS intensity and the use of noise masking or ICA, introduce systematic differences in reported TEP amplitudes. Further investigation into the significance of these and other methodological factors and their interactions is warranted.
Automated, Reproducible, and Reconfigurable Human Head Phantom for Experimental Testing of Microwave Systems for Stroke Classification
Authors: Pokorny Tomas , Drizdal Tomas , Novak Marek , Vrba Jan
Published: October 2024

Microwave systems for prehospital stroke classification are currently being developed. In the future, these systems should enable rapid recognition of the type of stroke, shorten the time to start treatment, and thus significantly improve the prognosis of patients. In this study, we realized a realistic and reconfigurable 3D human head phantom for the development, testing, and validation of these newly developed diagnostic methods. The phantom enables automated and reproducible measurements for different positions of the stroke model. The stroke model itself is also interchangeable, so measurements can be made for different types, sizes, and shapes of strokes. Furthermore, an extensive series of measurements was performed at a frequency of 1 GHz, and an SVM classification algorithm was deployed, which successfully identified ischemic stroke in 80% of the corresponding measured data. If similar classification accuracy could be achieved in patients, it would lead to a dramatic reduction in the consequences of strokes.
In Vitro Assessment of Thermo‐Responsive Scaffold as a 3D Synthetic Matrix for CAR‐T Potency Testing Against Glioblastoma Spheroids
Authors: Lizana‐Vasquez Gaby D. , Ramasubramanian Shanmathi , Davarzani Amin , Cappabianca Dan , Saha Krishanu , Karumbaiah Lohitash , Torres‐Lugo Madeline
Published: October 2024

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell immunotherapy has demonstrated exceptional efficacy against hematological malignancies, but notably less against solid tumors. To overcome this limitation, it is critical to investigate antitumor CAR‐T cell potency in synthetic 3D microenvironments that can simulate the physical barriers presented by solid tumors. The overall goal of this study was the preliminary assessment of a synthetic thermo‐responsive material as a substrate for in vitro co‐cultures of anti‐disialoganglioside (GD2) CAR‐T cells and patient‐derived glioblastoma (GBM) spheroids. Independent co‐culture experiments demonstrated that the encapsulation process did not adversely affect the cell cycle progression of glioma stem cells (GSCs) or CAR‐T cells. GSC spheroids grew over time within the terpolymer scaffold, when seeded in the same ratio as the suspension control. Co‐cultures of CAR‐T cells in suspension with hydrogel‐encapsulated GSC spheroids demonstrated that CAR‐T cells could migrate through the hydrogel and target the encapsulated GSC spheroids. CAR‐T cells killed approximately 80% of encapsulated GSCs, while maintaining effective CD4:CD8 T cell ratios and secreting inflammatory cytokines after interacting with GD2‐expressing GSCs. Importantly, the scaffolds also facilitated cell harvesting for downstream cellular analysis. This study demonstrated that a synthetic 3D terpolymer hydrogel can serve as an artificial scaffold to investigate cellular immunotherapeutic potency against solid tumors.
Barriers to seeking counseling among US military service members
Authors: Kalkbrenner Michael T. , Peterson Sage
Published: October 2024

A stigma toward accessing mental health support services exists in military culture. One of the next steps in this line of research is gaining a better understanding of the barriers or reasons behind why service members can be reluctant to seek counseling. We recruited a national sample (N = 516) of service members to test the dimensionality of scores on the Revised Fit, Stigma, and Value (RFSV) Scale for measuring barriers to seeking counseling. Results demonstrated that the meaning of RFSV scores was invariant by help‐seeking history (past attendance in counseling) and by mental health diagnosis. After establishing adequate construct validity evidence of scores, we found that the Value barrier was a significant predictor of one or more peer‐to‐peer referrals to counseling among service members. Additionally, demographic differences in the Value and Stigma barriers emerged by help‐seeking history and active duty status, respectively.
Effect of engagement in personal growth initiative skills on depression, anxiety, and stress: Multilevel mediation analysis with intensive longitudinal data
Authors: Shigemoto Yuki , White April , Baloch Rabeea
Published: October 2024

Objectives

The current study examined the association between the possession of personal growth initiative (PGI) skills and symptoms of mental illness (i.e., depression, anxiety, and stress) and the potential mediating role of daily engagement of PGI skills during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

The participants consisted of 73 individuals (Mage = 41.62, SDage = 12.44) who were recruited from Amazon's Mechanical Turk (MTurk). Data for possessed PGI was collected in April 2020, and the daily survey started approximately 1 month later at the beginning of May 2020 for 29 days.

Results

Controlling for demographic variables, multilevel mediation models revealed significant association between PGI skills and PGI engagement. However, our hypothesized indirect effects were not found. When inspecting the direct effects controlling for the effect of PGI engagement and demographic variables, the paths between PGI skills and both depression and anxiety were negatively associated. When examining the effect of time, there were no significant changes during the period of 29 days in the levels of PGI skills among individuals. However, a significant fluctuation within individuals in how much participants have utilized PGI skills during the study period was found.

Conclusion

The current study highlights the influence of PGI skills at both the between‐individual as well as within‐individual levels in predicting symptoms of mental illness, and it also uncovers the role of PGI skills by separating into general PGI skills and individual's daily engagement in utilizing the PGI skills in predicting symptoms of mental illness.
The relation between dietary polysaccharide intake and urinary excretion of tetraglucoside
Authors: Gross‐Valle Candelas , Jacobs Tessa C. , Dijck‐Brouwer Janneke D. A. , Lubberts Janniek , Bakker Barbara M. , Bakker Stephan J. L. , van der Veen Yvonne , Schreuder Andrea B. , Derks Terry G. J. , van der Krogt Jennifer , Groen Joost , Heiner‐Fokkema M. Rebecca
Published: October 2024

The urinary metabolite tetraglucoside (Glc4) is a potential biomarker for hepatic glycogen storage diseases (GSDs). Glc4 is believed to reflect body glycogen content and/or turnover. However, dietary polysaccharide intake may influence Glc4 excretion, potentially limiting the utility of Glc4 as a monitoring biomarker in hepatic GSDs. We aimed to investigate the association of dietary polysaccharide intake with Glc4 excretion. Urinary Glc4 excretion (mmol/mmol creatinine and mmol/24 h) was analyzed using a validated LC–MS/MS method. Data was analyzed from 65 kidney transplant recipients and 58 healthy kidney donors in the TransplantLines cohort study. Spearman's correlation and multivariable linear regression analyses were performed. In the multivariable analysis, dry lean body mass (DLBM), dietary polysaccharide intake, transplantation status, age, sex, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) served as independent variables. Daily variation was examined in 21 healthy individuals of urinary Glc4 excretion in 2‐h collections over a 24‐h period. Mixed generalized additive models were built to study the association of prior polysaccharide intake with Glc4 excretion. No (univariate) associations were found between polysaccharide intake and Glc4 excretion. However, a significant interaction between DLBM and polysaccharide on 24 h Glc4 excretion was observed in the multivariate analysis. Glc4 excretion throughout the day exhibited no relationship to prior polysaccharide intake. Our findings suggest an indirect effect of polysaccharide intake on Glc4 excretion, potentially due to changes in muscle glycogen content and/or turnover. We have found no evidence that dietary polysaccharides under normal intakes increase urinary Glc4 directly.
Boron availability and fertilizer response of maize in soils from sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Breure Mirjam S. , Van Eynde Elise , Njoroge Samuel , Chikowo Regis , Comans Rob N. J. , Hoffland Ellis
Published: October 2024

Background and aims

Low boron (B) availability is associated with strongly weathered, coarse‐textured, and low organic matter soils, widespread in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). It is unknown to what extent B fertilization can increase maize yields in SSA. This study aims to understand the soil properties controlling B availability to field‐grown maize.

Methods

Boron fertilizer omission trials with maize were executed at 15 sites in Kenya, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Yield, B uptake, and soil parameters potentially relevant for B availability, including extractable soil B (hot water, 0.01 M CaCl2, and 0.43 M HNO3), were determined.

Results

Soil B pools were strongly intercorrelated and were positively correlated with organic carbon, suggesting the relevance of organic matter for soil B availability. Soil parameters described limited variation in B uptake and the yield response to B fertilization. Boron fertilization did not increase yields in any of the 15 sites but increased uptake in 11 sites. Yields were reduced through B fertilization in five sites, likely because B application induced toxicity. No clear critical soil or plant B concentrations indicating deficiency could be derived, but positive yield responses to B fertilization were absent with hot water B levels above 0.69 mg kg−1.

Conclusion

Assessing B fertilizer needs in maize grown in tropical soils based on soil or plant tissue concentrations remains challenging. Improving soil organic matter status could potentially alleviate B deficiency in crops when present. Recommendations are given to overcome the identified challenges associated with studying B availability in tropical soils.
Short‐term effects of food waste composts on physicochemical soil quality and horticultural crop production
Authors: Cannavo Patrice , Herbreteau Arnaud , Juret Didier , Martin Mathieu , Guénon René
Published: October 2024

Aim

Composts made from food waste will soon become more widespread on the market thanks to the upcoming enforcement of the legal obligation to sort biowaste. Our experiment aims at improving knowledge on the short‐term effects of these composts on soils’ physicochemical properties and vegetable crops.

Methods

Three composts with contrasting characteristics were tested: a 100% v/v green waste compost (C1), and two composts composed of 50% v/v food waste and 50% v/v green waste, one prepared directly on the soil (C2) and the other from a competing producer who have the French NFU 44‐051 (AFNOR NF U 44‐051, 2006) certification for an organic amendment (C3). They were applied at a rate of 100 t ha−1 (dry matter) on two cropped soils with contrasting textures. Soil‐and‐compost mixes and compost‐free soil were planted with lettuce, radish, and potato.

Results

Seventy‐four days after planting, composts improved some soil physicochemical properties. The compost‐amended soils had better saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks, 1 10−3–2.5 10−3 cm s−1) than the compost‐free soil (0.5 10−3 cm s−1), and water‐stable aggregates were higher than the initial value in C3 soil, equal to it in C2 soil, and lower in C1 soil. pH, total nitrogen, and organic carbon increased in all compost‐amended soils. Food waste compost stimulated crop production. The yields (dry matter) of all three crops were two to three times higher in the two soils amended with food waste compost compared to unamended soil, whereas they decreased almost two times in the soil amended with green waste compost due to nitrogen immobilization. Trace metals (particularly Pb and Cd) added by the composts, although present in edible parts of the plants, did not exceed the European rules for trace metals.

Conclusion

Thus, food waste composts have positive effects on soils and vegetable crops, and the higher their organic matter content, the higher these positive effects.
Determination of Macrolides in Water Using Solid‐Phase Extraction and Supercritical Fluid Chromatography‐Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Ovchinnikov Denis V. , Vakhrameev Sergey A. , Voronov Ilya S. , Semushina Marina P. , Ul'yanovskii Nikolay V. , Kosyakov Dmitry S.
Published: October 2024

Macrolides are a group of compounds used to treat bacterial infections in humans and animals. Their widespread use results in the contamination of the water environment, which, on the one hand, has a detrimental effect on aquatic organisms and, on the other hand, can lead to the emergence of resistant strains of microorganisms. All of the above determines the need for monitoring of these compounds in the environment, particularly, in water objects. Usually, the high‐performance liquid chromatography combined with tandem mass spectrometry method is used to solve this problem, however, this work shows the possibility of using the supercritical fluid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry method. An approach for the determination of four common macrolides, namely erythromycin, clarithromycin, midecamycin, and josamycin, was developed. The use of solid‐phase extraction allowed to achieve limits of quantification at 0.57–6.8 ng/L. The presented approach was validated and tested on a real object—a sample of municipal wastewater.
Preparation of a New Hexafluorobutanol‐Farnesol Based Supramolecular Solvent and Its Application in Microextraction of Sudan Dyes From Beverage and Water Samples
Authors: Li Qi , Liu Hanqing , Wang Yigeng , Huang Xianjin , Huang Yao , Weng Zhehui , Ge Dandan , Wang Yingzhen
Published: October 2024

In this work, a new supramolecular solvent (SUPRAS) was prepared for the first time using hexafluorobutanol (HFB) and farnesol (FO). FO acts as an amphiphile and HFB as a coacervation inducer and density regulator. The method of dispersive liquid‐liquid microextraction followed by high‐performance liquid chromatography, supported by a vortex technique, was established using the prepared SUPRAS for the determination of Sudan dyes in aqueous samples. The extraction parameters, including FO content, HFB content, vortex time, salt addition, and solution pH, were thoroughly investigated and optimized. Under the optimized conditions, the linearity range is 10–750 ng/mL for Sudan I, and 10–1000 ng/mL for Sudan III and Sudan IV, respectively. The limits of detection for Sudan dyes were in the range of 0.8–3.1 ng/mL. The inter‐ and intra‐day relative standard deviations for Sudan dyes were in the range of 1.3%–4.1% and 0.2%–2.6%, respectively. Finally, the proposed method was applied to the determination of Sudan dyes in beverage and river water samples with recoveries ranging from 93.9% to 122.1%. Compared to conventional techniques for the extraction of Sudan dyes in real samples, the proposed method is simpler, faster, and more environmentally friendly.
Sparse and inconsistent reporting of pre‐ and post‐operative radiographic angles of total knee arthroplasty using true unrestricted kinematic alignment: An umbrella review and secondary meta‐analysis
Authors: Saffarini Mo , Canetti Robin , Henry Julien , Michalewska Kinga , Müller Jacobus H. , Hirschmann Michael T. ,   European Knee Associates (EKA)
Published: October 2024

Purpose

To identify, synthesise and critically appraise findings of systematic reviews and meta‐analyses on pre‐ and post‐operative radiographic angles (lateral distal femoral angle [LDFA], medial proximal tibial angle [MPTA] and hip–knee–ankle [HKA] angle) of unrestricted kinematic alignment versus mechanical alignment in total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods

Two authors searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and Epistemonikos for systematic reviews, with or without meta‐analyses, that reported on TKA outcomes using unrestricted kinematic alignment. The methodological quality of the included systematic reviews and meta‐analyses was independently assessed using A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews (AMSTAR‐2). The effect size with its 95% confidence interval (CI) for radiographic angles was extracted from the systematic reviews and meta‐analyses. The characteristics of clinical studies included in systematic reviews were listed and tabulated. Pre‐ and post‐operative MPTA, LDFA and HKA angles were summarised using meta‐analytic random‐effects models.

Results

Nineteen records were eligible for data extraction. Systematic reviews and meta‐analyses included 44 clinical studies, of which 31 were on unrestricted kinematic alignment and 13 were on restricted versions of kinematic alignment. None of the included systematic reviews or meta‐analyses fulfiled all seven critical AMSTAR‐2 domains. Few comparative studies reported both pre‐ and post‐operative angles (LDFA, n = 3; MPTA, n = 4; and HKA angle, n = 10). Mean pre‐ and post‐operative LDFAs were 88.0° (range, 83–94°) and 88.0° (range, 80–96°) for the kinematic alignment group, and 88.2° (range, 83–95°) and 90.2° (range, 84–97°) for the mechanical alignment group. Mean pre‐ and post‐operative MPTAs were 86.0° (range, 78–93°) and 87.1° (range, 78–94°) for the kinematic alignment group and 86.4° (range, 77–94°) and 89.6° (range, 84–95°) for the mechanical alignment group. Mean pre‐ and post‐operative HKA angles were −3.3° (range, −24° to 24°) and −0.3° (range, −10° to 8°) for the kinematic alignment group and −6.9° (range, −25° to 7°) and −0.9° (range, −8° to 7°) for the mechanical alignment group.

Conclusion

Most systematic reviews and meta‐analyses that report outcomes of TKA using kinematic alignment do not distinguish between the different versions of kinematic alignment. The clinical studies included in systematic reviews are limited and inconsistent in their reporting of radiographic angles. Different alignment strategies are often grouped under the umbrella term of kinematic alignment, which contributes to conflicting reports, confusion and unresolved questions regarding the efficacy of true unrestricted kinematic alignment.

Level of Evidence

Level IV.
Improving Laryngeal Procedure Workflow: Moving From the Operating Room to the Outpatient Setting
Authors: Huang Jie Lily , Khalid Hesham , Alvaran Krizzia Angelaine Biaco , Hey Shiying , Watson Natalie , Karagama Yakubu
Published: October 2024

Objectives

Laryngology disease burden is growing while theater capacity is falling. Over half a million patients are waiting for ENT care in England alone (1). The demand for laryngology services has continued to grow significantly, particularly post‐COVID (2). Meanwhile, the number and efficiency of ENT theater lists are reduced (3).

To tackle the growing backlog, NHS England has emphasized the need for innovative strategies by separating elective from emergency services and by increasing the resilience of elective delivery (4). The establishment of an office‐based laryngology procedure clinic is a potential solution.

Methods

We offer a narrative review and audit of our experience in founding an in‐office laryngology procedure service within a tertiary NHS center with the aim of streamlining this setup process for other interested ENT units.

Results

We outline an in‐depth exploration of the personnel, equipment, and processes necessary to establish an in‐office procedure clinic.

Our experience showed that the procedure clinic functions well when implemented within the framework of existing ENT elective and emergency services.

Although there is initial investment required in terms of money, effort, and time, our outcomes show that the clinical and economic benefits of the clinic outweigh the costs, also allowing for patients to access investigations and treatments reliably and efficiently.

Conclusion

Setting up a laryngology in‐office procedure clinic within the NHS confers patient, organizational, and economic benefits. It provides a novel and resilient approach in addressing the growing backlog of patients awaiting laryngology care and should be popularized in the current health care environment.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 135:1132–1142, 2025