bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surface Modification of Gold Nanorods: Multifunctional Strategies and Application Prospects
Authors: Ren Rui , Xiong Bijin , Zhu Jintao
Published: October 2024

Gold nanorods (AuNRs), as an important type of gold nanomaterials, have attracted much attention in the nano field. Compared with gold nanoparticls, AuNRs have broader application potential due to their tunable localized surface plasmon resonance properties and anisotropic shapes. Yet, conventional synthesis methods using surfactants have limited the use of AuNRs in a variety of fields such as biomedical applications, plasma‐enhanced fluorescence, optics and optoelectronic devices. To solve this problem and improve the stability and biocompatibility of AuNRs, researchers in recent years have used surface modification and functionalization to modify AuNRs, among which the introduction of organic ligands to prepare organic/gold hybrid nanorods has become an effective strategy. Organic materials have better toughness and easy processing, and by introducing organic ligands into the surface of AuNRs, the molecular‐level composite of organic and inorganic materials can be realized, thus obtaining hybrid nanorods with excellent properties. This paper reviews the research progress of hybrid nanocomposites, and introducing the synthesis methods of AuNRs and the development of surface ligand modification, then summarises the applications of a wide variety of ligands. Also, the advantages and disadvantages of different ligands and their roles in further self‐assembly processes are discussed.
Preparation of Large Perphenylbiaryls: Can Intermolecular Coupling Compete with Intramolecular Cyclization of Precursors?
Authors: Finch Ki F. , Zhang Xiaodong , McSkimming Alex , Pascal Robert A.
Published: October 2024

The highly substituted naphthalenes 1,2,3,4,5,6,7‐heptaphenylnaphthalene (13), 2,3,4,5,6,7,8‐heptaphenyl‐1‐naphthol (12), 1‐bromo‐2,3,4,5,6,7,8‐heptaphenylnaphthalene (4), and 1‐(phenylethynyl)‐2,3,4,5,6,7,8‐heptaphenylnaphthalene (5) were prepared by a variety of methods, and all but 5 were crystallographically characterized. The attempted Ullmann coupling of 4 to give tetradecaphenyl‐1,1′‐binaphthyl (3), at both 270 °C and 350 °C, yielded instead 1,2,3,4,5,6‐hexaphenylfluoranthene (17) via an intramolecular cyclization reaction. When the alkyne 5 was heated with tetracyclone (6) at 350 °C, 1‐(pentaphenylphenyl)‐2,3,4,5,6,7,8‐heptaphenylnaphthalene (7) was formed in 3 % yield. However, greater amounts of 5,6,7,8,9,14‐hexaphenyldibenzo[a,e]pyrene (20, 11 %) and 1,2,3,4,5,6,7‐heptaphenylfluoranthene (21, 11 %) were produced, the former by intramolecular cyclization and dehydrogenation of 5 and the latter by an intramolecular Diels‐Alder reaction of 5 followed by extrusion of acetylene. The X‐ray structure of 7 shows it to be an exceptionally crowded biaryl, and the X‐ray structure of 20 shows it to be a saddle shaped polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon.
How do green CSR initiatives influence green employee engagement among tourism and hospitality employees?
Authors: Srivastava Shalini , Agarwal Alpana , Madan Poornima , Kautish Pradeep
Published: October 2024

Drawing support from social identity theory (SIT), the present study examines green corporate social responsibility (GCSR) initiatives, green organizational identity (GOI), and green service‐oriented behavior (GSOB) as antecedents of green employee engagement in the hotel sector. In addition to the direct association between the study constructs, the study assessed the mediating effects of GOI and GSOB on GCSR and green engagement association. Data collected from hotel employees in India utilizing a three‐wave time lag was analyzed through PROCESS macro. The finding confirmed the direct as well as the serial mediating effects of GOI and GSOB for the relationship between green CSR and green engagement. The study is insightful in understanding how GCSR activities can build a green reputation for a company that in turn will enhance the identification of the employees. The uniqueness of this study is evident in studying the constructs that have a strong alignment with the nature of the tourism and hospitality sectors. Conceptualizing the serial mediating effects of GOI and GSOB for the relationship between GCSR and green engagement in the tourism and hospitality sector is also a novel addition to the existing literature.
Mandatory ESG disclosure and trade credit: International evidence
Authors: Liu Hao , Deng Yao , Liu Qiliang , Xia Xinping
Published: October 2024

This study investigates how mandatory ESG disclosure influences firms' access to trade credit. Using data from 79 jurisdictions from 1998 to 2020, we find that affected firms receive more trade credit following the introduction of mandatory ESG disclosure. The main result holds for a series of robustness tests. Further mechanism analysis indicates that mandatory ESG disclosure reduces affected firms' information opacity and financial risk, which exposes their suppliers to less credit risk and thus increases trade credit. In addition, cross‐sectional analysis shows that the positive effect of mandatory ESG disclosure is more pronounced for firms with low bargaining power and jurisdictions with effective legal enforcement. Overall, our findings highlight the role mandatory ESG disclosure plays in facilitating informal financing.
Diagnostic and therapeutic practice for HFpEF across continents and regions: An international survey
Authors: Ingimarsdóttir Inga J. , Vishram‐Nielsen Julie K.K. , Einarsson Hafsteinn , Goldfeder Sidney , Mewton Nathan , Barasa Anders , Basic Carmen , Oerlemans Marish I.F.J. , Niederseer David , Shchendrygina Anastasia , Gustafsson Finn , Ruschitzka Frank , Kida Keisuke , Mohty Dania , Rakotonoel Rolland R. , Tun Han Naung , Hrafnkelsdóttir Thórdís J. , Saldarriaga Clara
Published: October 2024

Aims

This study aims to evaluate the worldwide variations in the diagnosis and treatment of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), using an HF survey distributed internationally to physicians, including both cardiologists and non‐cardiologists.

Methods and results

A group of HF specialists designed an independent, academic web‐based survey focusing on HFpEF care and diagnosis, which was distributed via scientific societies and various social networks between 1 May 2023 and 1 July 2023. The survey included 1459 physicians (1242 cardiologists and 217 non‐cardiologists) from 91 countries, with a mean age of 42 (34–49) years and 61% male. Most physicians (89.2%) defined HFpEF as left ventricular ejection fraction ≥50%. Significant regional variations were observed in HFpEF management (P < 0.001 for all comparisons unless stated otherwise). Cardiologists managed 63.1% of HFpEF patients overall, with significant variability across regions (P < 0.001). The estimated HFpEF prevalence was highest in Eastern Asia and Western Europe and lowest in Africa and South America. Diagnostic practices varied: natriuretic peptide use ranged from 70%–74% in Africa to 95%–97% in Southern/Western Europe. Echocardiographic parameters showed regional differences, with diastolic stress testing used most in South‐Eastern Asia (47% vs. 13–36% elsewhere). HFpEF scoring systems were most common in South‐Eastern Asia (78%) and least in Africa (30.1%). Coronary artery disease screening approaches differed, with Eastern Asian physicians more likely to always perform routine angiograms (52%) compared with Northern Europeans (12%). Treatment preferences also varied regionally. Sodium glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) was the preferred first‐line treatment (45%–70% across regions), followed by diuretics. In an ideal setting, 52% would primarily use SGLT2i, 33% loop diuretics, and 22% beta‐blockers. Drug availability differed significantly: SGLT2i was most available (88% overall), while ARNI was least available (61%). South America and Middle Eastern/Northern Africa reported lower availability of guideline‐directed therapies. Multidisciplinary HF programmes were most common in Asia (70%) and least in Africa (24%). The perceived benefit of atrial flow regulator devices also showed significant regional differences.

Conclusions

There are considerable global variations in the diagnosis and management of HFpEF. Most physicians favour SGLT2i despite regional disparities in health care resources and guideline adherence. Harmonized practices and improved access to comprehensive care can enhance outcomes of HFpEF patients worldwide.
Long‐term follow‐up of the TRED‐HF trial: Implications for therapy in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure remission
Authors: Cheng Leanne , Hammersley Daniel , Ragavan Aaraby , Javed Saad , Mukhopadhyay Srinjay , Gregson John , Han Jennie , Khalique Zohya , Lota Amrit , Pantazis Antonis , Baksi A. John , Carr‐White Gerald , de Marvao Antonio , Ware James , Tayal Upasana , Pennell Dudley J. , Cleland John G.F. , Prasad Sanjay K. , Halliday Brian P.
Published: October 2024

Aims

In TRED‐HF, 40% of patients with recovered dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) relapsed in the short term after therapy withdrawal. This follow‐up investigates the longer‐term effects of therapy withdrawal.

Methods and results

TRED‐HF was a randomized trial investigating heart failure therapy withdrawal in patients with recovered DCM over 6 months. Those randomized to continue therapy subsequently withdrew treatment between 6 and 12 months. Participants were recommended to restart therapy post‐trial and were followed until May 2023. Clinical outcomes are reported in a non‐randomized fashion from enrolment and from the end of the trial. The primary outcome was relapse defined as ≥10% reduction in left ventricular ejection fraction to <50%, doubling in N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide to >400 ng/L, or clinical features of heart failure. From enrolment to the last follow‐up (median 6 years, interquartile range 6–7), 33 of 51 patients (65%) relapsed. The 5‐year relapse rate from enrolment was 61% (95% confidence interval [CI] 45–73) and from the end of the trial was 39% (95% CI 19–54). Of 20 patients who relapsed during the trial, nine had a recurrent relapse during follow‐up. Thirteen relapsed for the first time after the trial; seven had restarted low intensity therapy, four had not restarted therapy and two did not have therapy withdrawn. The mean intensity of therapy was lower after the trial compared to enrolment (mean difference −6 [−8 to −4]; p < 0.001). One third of relapses during follow‐up had identifiable triggers (arrhythmia [n = 4], pregnancy [n = 1], hypertension [n = 1], infection [n = 1]). Corrected atrial fibrillation was associated with reduced risk of relapse (hazard ratio 0.33, 95% CI 0.12–0.96; p = 0.042).

Conclusions

The risk of relapse in the 5 years following the TRED‐HF trial remained high. Restarting lower doses of heart failure medications at the end of the trial, external triggers and disease progression are likely to have contributed to relapse.
Chronic stimulation desensitizes β2‐adrenergic receptor responses in natural killer cells
Authors: Jürgens Martin , Claus Maren , Wingert Sabine , Niemann Jens Alexander , Picard Lea Katharina , Hennes Elisabeth , Haasler Ina , Hellwig Birte , Overbeck Nina , Reinders Jörg , Rahnenführer Jörg , Schedel Michaela , Capellino Silvia , Watzl Carsten
Published: October 2024

Adrenergic receptors (ARs) are preferentially expressed by innate lymphocytes such as natural killer (NK) cells. Here, we study the effect of epinephrine‐mediated stimulation of the β2‐adrenergic receptor (β2AR) on the function of human NK cells. Epinephrine stimulation inhibited early NK cell signaling events and blocked the function of the integrin LFA‐1. This reduced the adhesion of NK cells to ICAM‐1, explaining how NK cells are mobilized into the peripheral blood upon epinephrine release during acute stress or exercise. Additionally, epinephrine stimulation transiently reduced NK cell degranulation, serial killing, and cytokine production and affected metabolic changes upon NK cell activation via the cAMP‐protein kinase A (PKA) pathway. Repeated exposure to β2AR agonists resulted in the desensitization of the β2AR via a PKA feedback loop‐initiated G‐protein switch. Therefore, acute epinephrine stimulation of chronically β2AR stimulated NK cells no longer resulted in inhibited signaling and reduced LFA‐1 activity. Sustained stimulation by long‐acting β2‐agonists (LABA) not only inhibited NK cell functions but also resulted in desensitization of the β2AR. However, peripheral NK cells from LABA‐treated asthma patients still reacted unchanged to epinephrine stimulation, demonstrating that local LABA administration does not result in detectable systemic effects on NK cells.
Persistence, not avoidance, is associated with low back pain—An observational cohort study
Authors: Hotz‐Boendermaker Sabina , Surbeck Ursula , Morf Rita , Pfeiffer Fabian
Published: October 2024

Background

Low back pain (LBP) is increasingly understood as a long‐lasting condition with a variable course. Avoidance and persistence behaviour have been described to mediate pain persistence by potentially linking psychosocial factors and biomechanics. The resulting maladaptive changes in musculoskeletal structures can result in movement control impairment (MCI). This investigation aimed to observe avoidance and persistence behaviour and MCI in participants with acute LBP over 1 year and explore their association with pain persistence.

Methods

In this observational cohort study, 165 participants were assessed at five time points: ≤ 1 month (baseline), 2, 3, 6, and 12 months after the onset of acute LBP. Simultaneously collected clinical data such as self‐reported outcomes at baseline for avoidance and persistence and assessments of MCI were filled in linear mixed‐effects regression models.

Results

The mixed‐effects analysis revealed for the adjusted model that a one‐point increase in persistence scores resulted in a 3.31‐point increase in pain intensity while interacting with state anxiety over time (p = 0.05, 95% confidence interval 0.07–6.07). This effect was not found for avoidance behaviour at baseline (p = 0.21) and MCI.

Conclusions

The relationship between persistence and pain intensity throughout measurement suggests that continuing usual activities beyond pain, coupled with feelings of distress, may lead to persistent LBP. These results underscore the need for a therapeutic shift toward a multidimensional approach that considers the physical and psychological characteristics of persons with LBP. Screening for activity patterns in acute LBP is critical for providing tailored treatment and counselling.

Significance Statement

In acute low back pain (LBP), maintaining usual activities despite pain and distress can contribute to the continuation of LBP. Alongside a multidimensional approach that considers physical and psychological factors, attitudes toward daily activities are also important. Screening for both maladaptive and adaptive activity patterns in individuals with acute LBP is essential for effective LBP management, improving patient outcomes, and preventing persistent pain.
Study on air entrainment coefficient for different heat release rates and transverse displacements in a tunnel with unpowered ventilation cap
Authors: Luo Huan , Liang Weikang , Zhao Xueqian , Chi Junwei , Zhou Ru , Hao Min , Jiang Juncheng
Published: October 2024

An automobile accident may cause combustion and release large quantities of toxic smoke in tunnels. This article investigates how the heat release rate and fire displacements affect the air entrainment coefficient during smoke one‐dimensional motion stage along the tunnel by using a shaft with unpowered ventilation cap for natural ventilation. The results show that the air entrainment coefficient increases with the heat release rate when plug‐holing occurs in the shaft. The correlation between the air entrainment coefficient and heat release rate is analyzed by dimensionless analysis and verified using experimental data. Different transverse fire source locations do not significantly affect the temperature distribution during the one‐dimensional horizontal spread of smoke. The air entrainment coefficient exhibits no significant difference for different transverse fire source locations, but is lower for a fire closing to the sidewall than for other locations. The ratio of the air entrainment coefficient for a fire source near the sidewall to that for a fire source at the center of the tunnel is 0.76–0.96. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of smoke dynamics in tunnels, which can ultimately aid in the development of strategies to help trapped people escape.
Recurrence of mucinous prostate cancer in rectal wall due to needle‐track seeding from previous transrectal prostate biopsy
Authors: Hakariya Tomoaki , Teshima Kazune , Aoki Daiyu , Nishimura Naoki , Tominaga Tetsuro , Nonaka Takashi , Sato Shunsuke , Ueki Nozomi , Nakashima Masahiro , Imamura Ryoichi
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Needle‐track seeding of prostate cancer into the rectal wall following transrectal prostate biopsy is exceedingly rare. We report a case of mucinous prostate cancer recurrence in the rectal wall due to biopsy needle seeding, discovered after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy.

Case presentation

A 67‐year‐old man underwent robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy for mucinous prostate cancer (clinical stage T2cN0M0, Gleason score of 4 + 4, and initial prostate‐specific antigen level of 8.8 ng/mL). Five years postoperatively, endoscopy revealed a rectal tumor, which was diagnosed as needle‐track seeding from the previous transrectal prostate biopsy. Following resection of this rectal tumor, the patient's prostate‐specific antigen level fell to <0.008 ng/mL. No signs of recurrence or metastasis were observed 3 months postoperatively.

Conclusion

While rare, transrectal prostate biopsies can pose a small risk of needle‐track seeding into the rectal wall. Endorectal examination should be considered if biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer occurs following radical prostatectomy.
Robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy in patient with previous intersphincteric resection for rectal cancer
Authors: Imasato Naoki , Yajima Shugo , Ogasawara Ryo A , Inoue Minoru , Hirose Kohei , Sekiya Ken , Kataoka Madoka , Nakanishi Yasukazu , Masuda Hitoshi
Published: October 2024

Introduction

There are often opportunities to consider treatment strategies for synchronous or metachronous prostate cancer with colorectal cancer. Performing robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer following previous rectal cancer surgery in cases involving anal‐preserving surgeries such as low anterior resection or intersphincteric resection can be challenging because of the possibility of adhesions.

Case presentation

A 74‐year‐old man who had undergone laparoscopic intersphincteric resection for rectal cancer was diagnosed with prostate cancer. The patient desired to undergo robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy. During surgery, we observed the absence of Denonvillier's fascia on the dorsal surface of the prostate, the intestinal anastomosis was distal to the vesicourethral anastomosis, and the rectum was replaced with a peristaltic sigmoid colon with minimal adhesions.

Conclusion

Periprostatic conditions vary depending on previous rectal surgical approaches. It is crucial to confirm the previous surgical approach for rectal cancer when performing robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy following rectal cancer surgery.
Fluxional halogen bonds in linear complexes of tetrafluorodiiodobenzene with dinitrobenzene
Authors: Gao Cai‐Yue , Pei Bin‐Bin , Li Si‐Dian
Published: October 2024

The fluxional nature of halogen bonds (XBs) in small molecular clusters, supramolecules, and molecular crystals has received considerable attention in recent years. In this work, based on extensive density‐functional theory calculations and detailed electrostatic potential (ESP), natural bonding orbital (NBO), non‐covalent interactions‐reduced density gradient (NCI‐RDG), and quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) analyses, we unveil the existence of fluxional halogen bonds (FXBs) in a series of linear (IC6F4I)m(OONC6H4NOO)n (m + n = 2–5) complexes of tetrafluorodiiodobenzene with dinitrobenzene which appear to be similar to the previously reported fluxional hydrogen bonds (FHBs) in small water clusters (H2O)n (n = 2–6). The obtained fluxional mechanisms involve one FXB in the systems which fluctuates reversibly between two linear CI···O XBs in the ground states (GS and GS') via a bifurcated CI  O2N van der Waals interaction in the transition state (TS). The cohesive energies (Ecoh) of these complexes with up to four XBs exhibit an almost perfect linear relationship with the numbers of XBs in the systems, with the average calculated halogen bond energy of Ecoh/XB = 3.48 kcal·mol−1 in the ground states which appears to be about 55% of the average calculated hydrogen bond energy (Ecoh/HB = 6.28 kcal·mol−1) in small water clusters.
Assessment of the approach to managing medical emergencies during dental procedures
Authors: Acar Gülin , Adiloğlu Selen , Aktaş Alper , Gökçe Ilkem
Published: October 2024

Objective: This study aims to investigate the knowledge of dental interns and post‐graduated doctors regarding dental emergencies and their occurrence in the clinic and examine the doctors' ability to intervene in these emergencies.

Methods: Note that, 150 dental interns and 101 post‐graduated doctors were surveyed with sixteen questions regarding their knowledge and experience with syncope, orthostatic hypotension, myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, asthma, and anaphylactic shock. Also, post‐graduate doctors answered nine additional questions about their emergency response capabilities.

Results: This study found that interns and doctors exhibited similar knowledge about emergencies. Nonetheless, the count of dental interns encountering emergencies is relatively limited. Syncope was the most frequently encountered condition (61.8%). Doctors' increase in years of experience correlated positively with a higher rate of intervention in epilepsy, orthostatic hypotension, and anaphylactic shock (p = 0.001, 0.024, and 0.02, respectively). The ability to check the carotid pulse and to perform intramuscular injections was high in post‐graduated doctors (90.09% and 81.2%, respectively).

Discussion: Although interns believe their knowledge about emergencies to be sufficient, their intervention skills may need to be improved due to the low frequency of encounters. After graduation, their inability to intervene adequately during emergencies in the clinic can lead to fatal consequences. The lack of improvement in doctors' knowledge and intervention abilities with experience could be attributed to insufficient training after completing their formal education. To prevent such scenarios, regular training sessions should be provided to interns and doctors, focusing on the emergencies they may encounter.
Pharmacokinetic Analysis of Gatifloxacin and Dexamethasone in Rabbit Ocular Biofluid Using a Sensitive and Selective LC–MS/MS Method
Authors: Biswas Arpon , Choudhury Abhijit Deb , Mishra Anjali , Verma Sarvesh Kumar , Bisen Amol Chhatrapati , Sanap Sachin Nashik , Agrawal Sristi , Kumar Mukesh , Kumar Shivansh , Bhatta Rabi Sankar
Published: October 2024

Bacterial keratitis (BK) is an infection that causes inflammation of the cornea and, if severe, can result in blindness. Topical fluoroquinolones combined with corticosteroids have been shown to be useful in the treatment of BK. A rapid, selective, and sensitive bioanalytical method for simultaneous quantification of Gatifloxacin (GAT) and Dexamethasone (DEX) has been developed and validated using tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). Optimal separation was accomplished in under 5 min using an Agilent Zorbax C18 column (100 mm × 4.6 mm, 3.5 μm). The mobile phase was composed of a blend of 0.2% formic acid in triple distilled water and methanol with a flow rate of 0.65 mL/min in isocratic mode. GAT and DEX were detected in positive electrospray ionization multiple reaction monitoring mode (MRM), and the retention time was found to be at 1.64 and 2.93 min, respectively. The linearity of GAT and DEX was found to be in the range of 1.56–400 ng mL−1 with good precision and accuracy. The method was validated according to USFDA regulatory guidelines. The validated method was effectively utilized for preclinical pharmacokinetic analysis of GAT and DEX in rabbit tear fluid following the topical application of a commercial formulation.
Characterization of Serum Biochemical Changes in Response to Alcohol Consumption Using FT‐Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Mırsal Hasan , Ceylan Zeynep , Sarıbal Devrim , Cebulski Joseph , Depciuch Joanna , Guleken Zozan
Published: October 2024

Alcohol is one of the most widely used stimulants globally, with increasing consumption rates annually. Prolonged alcohol consumption leads to significant physiological and neurological changes, potentially resulting in various diseases, which could be detect in serum. Therefore, FT‐Raman spectroscopy was used to measure chemical changes in the serum of heavy drinkers, and these results were compared with the serum composition of a control group of non‐drinkers. Obtained results showed a significant increase in lipids and a decrease in the amide/lipid ratio after alcohol administration. Additionally, higher amide III/amide II and lower amide II/amide I ratios were observed in the serum of alcohol‐addicted patients. These shifts of 892, 966, 1286, 1459 and 2940 cm−1 peaks indicate alterations in the protein‐lipid balance due to alcohol consumption. Principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to further analyze the spectral data, with the first three principal components accounting for 95.36% of total data variability. A Bayesian‐optimized k‐nearest neighbor (BO‐KNN) model was applied for classification. The optimal hyperparameters—two neighbors, correlation distance metric, and squared inverse distance weight—were determined after seven iterations, resulting in a remarkably low classification error of 0.0384. The BO‐KNN model achieved training and test accuracies of 95.92% and 90.48%, respectively. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 1.00 for the training set and 0.90 for the test set, demonstrating the model's high precision and robustness. In conclusion, FT‐Raman spectroscopy effectively revealed significant chemical changes in the serum of alcohol‐addicted individuals, providing valuable insights into the biochemical impact of alcohol consumption.
Preparation and structural characteristics of polysaccharides from loquat peel waste, and their preliminary bioactivities
Authors: Liu Dan , Zhang Lingju , Huang Hongge , Fu Changchun , Wei Yunxiao , Yu Zuolong , Han Chao , Tang Wei
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND

Loquat peel, often as food waste, is a valuable source of bioactive polysaccharides. However, study of such polysaccharides is insufficient, leaving a significant gap in understanding their preparation, structure and bioactivities.

RESULTS

In this study, three types of loquat peel polysaccharides (LPWP, LPHP and LPNP) were sequentially extracted using hot water, HCl and NaOH solutions, respectively. Among them, LPWP was the purest, with a yield of 3.4% and molecular weight of 470.6 kDa, and it differed from LPHP and LPNP in structure, as evidenced by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, which demonstrated that LPWP consisted of more arabinose (Ara) but less galacturonic acid, rhamnose and galactose, with molar percentages of 71.3%, 23.3%, 3.5% and 1.9%, respectively. Besides, LPWP also exhibited superior antioxidant and antihyperglycemic activities in vitro, particularly in inhibiting α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase. Methylation and nuclear magnetic resonance analysis confirmed that LPWP was a methyl‐esterified pectic polysaccharide rich in branched arabinan, as evidenced by the notable proportion of α‐Ara residues, including T‐α‐Araf, 1,5‐α‐Araf and 1,2,3,5‐α‐Araf, with molar percentages of 27.1%, 23.1% and 10.2%, respectively. AFM imaging further revealed its branched‐chain morphology and aggregation behavior.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the potential of loquat peel polysaccharides as a bioactive ingredient with significant antioxidant and antihyperglycemic properties, particularly LPWP, which was found as a methyl‐esterified pectic polysaccharide with abundant‐branched arabinan. Our work provides valuable insights into the application of loquat peel polysaccharides in functional foods. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Investigation of Expectations and Satisfaction After Sinus Surgery for Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Mattos Jose L. , Hopper Haleigh , Soler Zachary , Mace Jess C. , Schlosser Rodney J. , Payne Spencer C. , Smith Timothy L. , Mattos Meghan K.
Published: October 2024

Objective

To perform the first mixed‐methods analysis of patient expectations and satisfaction after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews of subjects undergoing ESS were performed to understand pre‐operative expectations and 6‐month post‐operative satisfaction. Descriptive statistics, logistic regression, and mediation analyses were performed. Quantitative questions were followed by qualitative probes for subjects to expand on quantitative answers. Study sample size was determined by thematic saturation based on qualitative responses. Data visualization was used to triangulate quantitative and qualitative data wherein themes emerged.

Results

A total of 52 participants were included in the mixed‐method analysis, and 110 were included in the mediation analysis. 56% of participants were male, with an average age of 55.7 (SD ± 2.18). Mean change in SNOT‐22 was 20.8 (SD ± 3.74), and 25% of participants did not achieve a minimal clinically important difference (MCID). Of the participants who did not achieve MCID, 79% would still choose to have sinus surgery again. Qualitative interviews revealed multiple preliminary categories describing the patient experience with ESS. Regression analysis showed that the most important predictor of satisfaction was whether pre‐operative expectations were met (OR = 3.8, p < 0.001). In mediation analysis, the effect of the clinical outcome on patient satisfaction was completely mediated by pre‐operative expectations (indirect effect p = 0.009, direct effect p = 0.17).

Conclusion

Patient expectations and satisfaction are important yet understudied measures in CRS and ESS. In ESS, satisfaction with outcome is driven by the fulfillment of pre‐operative expectations. Aligning such expectations is the most important intervention a sinus surgeon can perform to maximize success.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 135:555–561, 2025
Does Intralesional Steroid Injection Effectively Mitigate Vocal Fold Scarring in A Rabbit Model?
Authors: Jeong Jun‐Yeong , Thapa Samjhana , Lee Seung‐Won
Published: October 2024

Objectives

To assess the efficacy of intralesional steroid treatment in preventing vocal fold scarring following vocal fold surgery using a rabbit model.

Methods

The research involved 42 male New Zealand white rabbits. Fourteen rabbits underwent vocal fold scar surgery using a 532nm laser and served as controls (control group). The remaining rabbits were divided into two groups of 14: one group received vocal fold scar surgery followed by dexamethasone injection (Dexa group) and the other received the same surgery followed by triamcinolone injection (Triam group). Four weeks after surgery, histological examinations and high‐speed video analyses of vocal fold vibration were conducted. The maximum amplitude of vibration was the primary measure for assessing vocal fold function. In addition, real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) studies were undertaken to analyze scar regeneration and remodeling.

Results

The maximum amplitude differences were notably higher in the Dexa and Triam groups than in controls. Histologically, the collagen density (CD) ratios in both the Dexa and Triam groups were significantly reduced compared with controls. Real‐time PCR analysis indicated marked elevations of Has‐2 and Mmp‐9 in the Dexa and Triam groups relative to controls.

Conclusions

Intralesional steroid injections after vocal fold surgery are effective for reducing vocal fold scarring in a rabbit model.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 2024
Survival Outcomes of Total Laryngectomy: Evaluating the Intersection of Race and Social Determinants
Authors: Oglesby Kacie R. , Warren James D. , McKee Elizabeth , Rose Alexandra , Liddell Peter H. , Jefferson Gina D. , Paul Oishika , Jackson Lana L. , Kane Anne C.
Published: October 2024

Objective

Analyze joint effects of race and social determinants on survival outcomes for patients undergoing total laryngectomy for advanced or recurrent laryngeal cancer at a tertiary care institute.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of adult patients undergoing total laryngectomy for laryngeal cancer at a tertiary care center from 2013 to 2020. Extracted data included demographics, pathological staging and features, treatment modalities, and outcomes such as recurrence, fistula formation, and 2‐ and 5‐year disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Area Deprivation Index (ADI) was calculated for each patient.

Results

Among 185 patients identified, 113 were Black (61.1%) and 69 were White (37.3%). No significant differences were observed between racial groups regarding age, gender, ADI, or cancer stage. There was no significant difference in 2‐year DFS/OS between groups. ADI was comparable between racial groups, with the majority in the highest deprivation quintile (63.8% of Whites vs. 62.5% of Blacks). No significant differences were observed in gender, race, cancer stage, positive margins, extracapsular extension, or smoking status among ADI quintiles. We observed a significant difference in 2‐year DFS stratified by ADI (p = 0.025). Stratifying by ADI and race revealed improved survival of White patients in lower quintiles but higher survival of Black patients in the highest disparity quintile (p = 0.013).

Conclusion

Overall, survival outcomes by race were comparable among laryngectomy patients, but there was a significant difference in 2‐year DFS when stratified by ADI. Further research into survival outcomes related to social determinants is needed to better delineate their effects on head and neck cancer outcomes.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 135:716–722, 2025
Artificial Intelligence in Temporal Bone Imaging: A Systematic Review
Authors: Spinos Dimitrios , Martinos Anastasios , Petsiou Dioni‐Pinelopi , Mistry Nina , Garas George
Published: October 2024

Objective

The human temporal bone comprises more than 30 identifiable anatomical components. With the demand for precise image interpretation in this complex region, the utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) applications is steadily increasing. This systematic review aims to highlight the current role of AI in temporal bone imaging.

Data Sources

A Systematic Review of English Publications searching MEDLINE (PubMed), COCHRANE Library, and EMBASE.

Review Methods

The search algorithm employed consisted of key items such as ‘artificial intelligence,’ ‘machine learning,’ ‘deep learning,’ ‘neural network,’ ‘temporal bone,’ and ‘vestibular schwannoma.’ Additionally, manual retrieval was conducted to capture any studies potentially missed in our initial search. All abstracts and full texts were screened based on our inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results

A total of 72 studies were included. 95.8% were retrospective and 88.9% were based on internal databases. Approximately two‐thirds involved an AI‐to‐human comparison. Computed tomography (CT) was the imaging modality in 54.2% of the studies, with vestibular schwannoma (VS) being the most frequent study item (37.5%). Fifty‐eight out of 72 articles employed neural networks, with 72.2% using various types of convolutional neural network models. Quality assessment of the included publications yielded a mean score of 13.6 ± 2.5 on a 20‐point scale based on the CONSORT‐AI extension.

Conclusion

Current research data highlight AI's potential in enhancing diagnostic accuracy with faster results and decreased performance errors compared to those of clinicians, thus improving patient care. However, the shortcomings of the existing research, often marked by heterogeneity and variable quality, underscore the need for more standardized methodological approaches to ensure the consistency and reliability of future data.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 135:973–981, 2025
Long‐Term Biochar Application Improved Aggregate K Availability by Affecting Soil Organic Carbon Content and Composition
Authors: Bao Zhengrong , Dai Wanning , Li Han , An Zhengfeng , Lan Yu , Jing Hang , Meng Jun , Liu Zunqi
Published: October 2024

Straw biochar is an effective amendment at improving soil aggregate structure and increasing soil carbon and potassium (K) content. However, little information is available on the relationship between soil organic carbon (SOC) and aggregate‐associated K distribution under long‐term biochar application conditions. To address this, a field trial established in 2013 was used to examine the impact of biochar (B0: 0 and B1: 2.625 t ha−1 year−1) and K fertilizer (K0: 0 and K1: 60 kg ha−1 year−1) on the variation in soil aggregate K and reveal the associated influencing factors. A total of four treatments (B0K0, B0K1, B1K0, and B1K1) were included in this study. The soil analysis results obtained in 2021 showed that after 9 years' amendment, B1K1 increased the aggregate exchangeable K (EK) and nonexchangeable K (NEK) pools by 27.40% and 39.55%, respectively, and the increment was primarily because biochar enhanced > 0.25 mm aggregate fractions and strengthened soil K+ adsorption capacity, which benefit from a synergistic increase in SOC and humic acid (HA) content by biochar. 13C NMR analysis showed that long‐term biochar applications altered the chemical composition of SOC, with an outcome of increased aromaticity and hydrophobicity but decreased the lipidation of SOC, indicating that the complexity of SOC molecular structure was enhanced and eventually contributed to strengthening the macroaggregates stability and soil K+ adsorption capacity. The correlation analysis revealed that soil aggregate EK and NEK contents were positively correlated with SOC and HA contents, which further proved that increase of SOC and soil HA is a significant mechanism for biochar ameliorate soil aggregate‐associated K availability.
Long‐Term Effects of Arable and Tree Cropping Systems on Soil Organic Carbon and Nitrogen Dynamics in a Tropical Agroecological Transition Zone
Authors: Obour Peter Bilson , Bosompem Ohene Asa , Owusu Kwadwo , Danso Eric Oppong , Plauborg Finn , Arthur Emmanuel
Published: October 2024

Continuous cropping can affect soil carbon and nitrogen stocks and litter decomposition, but research on smallholder farms in Africa is limited. This study, conducted from 2020 to 2023 in Ghana's forest‐savanna transition zone, examined four cropping systems: continuous maize monocrop (M), maize rotated with legumes (ML), young cashew intercropped with maize or legumes (YCM/L), and mature cashew (MC). The objective was to assess the long‐term impact of the cropping systems on soil organic carbon (SOC), nitrogen (N) stocks, and soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition rates using the tea bag protocol. Results showed significant variability in SOC and N stocks across the systems. At a 0–15 cm depth, SOC in the MC and M systems was 160% and 149% higher than in the YCM/L system. At 15–30 cm, SOC in the M and MC systems was 86% and 132% higher than in YCM/L. Soil nitrogen stocks followed a similar trend, with MC and M systems showing 94%–199% higher values than YCM/L at both depths. SOM decomposition rates for green and rooibos tea in the MC and ML systems were statistically similar after 90 days of incubation (p > 0.05). This study, the first to use the tea bag protocol in Ghanaian soils, revealed that mature cashew and sustainable practices, such as adding maize stover, can enhance SOC and N stocks in highly weathered tropical soils. These findings underscore the potential for specific cropping systems to improve soil health on smallholder farms.
Broadband NIR‐II Emission Generated by Tetrahedral Cr3+/Cr4+ in SrLaGa3O7
Authors: Shen Xiao‐Na , Li Zhi‐Jian , Yang Yu‐Guo , Zhang Yuan‐Yuan , Liu Bing , Yu Hua‐Jian , Qiu Cheng‐Cheng , Lv Xian‐Shun , Zhang Rui , Shi Qiang , Zhang Hua‐Di , Wang Xu‐Ping
Published: October 2024

Broadband near‐infrared (NIR) phosphors have garnered significant attention due to their potential applications in phosphor‐concerted NIR light‐emitting diodes (pc‐NIR‐LEDs). Cr3+‐doped NIR phosphors are particularly intriguing because of their broad NIR emission and high efficiency. However, reports on Cr3+‐doped NIR‐II (900–1700 nm) phosphors are scarce. In this study, a novel Cr3+‐doped SrLaGa3O7 NIR‐II phosphor is presented, where the Cr3+ ions are located at tetrahedral sites. The full width at half maximum (FWHM), peak wavelength, internal quantum efficiency (IQE), and thermal activation energy (ΔE) for the synthesized SrLaGa3O7:0.9%Cr3+ phosphor are 194 nm, 1167 nm, 76.12%, and 0.269 eV, respectively. The substitution of Sc3+ for Ga3+ enhances the luminescence performance, and the 0.9%Cr3+/3%Sc3+ co‐doped SrLaGa3O7 phosphor exhibits a peak wavelength of 1208 nm, an IQE of 92.78%, and a ΔE of 0.285 eV. Furthermore, the sintering process in the air induces a transition from Cr3+ to Cr4+, resulting in the formation of SrLaGa3O7:0.9%Cr4+ phosphor, which has a peak wavelength of 1270 nm and an FWHM of 305 nm. The potential application of the 0.9%Cr3+/3%Sc3+ co‐doped SrLaGa3O7 phosphor in pc‐NIR‐LEDs is also evaluated.
Nicotinamide mononucleotide supplementation rescues mitochondrial and energy metabolism functions and ameliorates inflammatory states in the ovaries of aging mice
Authors: Liang Jinghui , Huang Feiling , Hao Xueyu , Zhang Peng , Chen Rong
Published: October 2024

Noninvasive pharmacological strategies like nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) supplementation can effectively address age‐related ovarian infertility by maintaining or enhancing oocyte quality and quantity. This study revealed that ovarian nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide levels decline with age, but NMN administration significantly restores these levels, preventing ovarian atrophy and enhancing the quality and quantity of ovulated oocytes. Improvements in serum hormone secretion and antioxidant factors, along with decreased expression of proinflammatory factors, were observed. Additionally, a significant increase in the number of ovarian follicles in aging individuals was noted. Scanning electron microscopy data indicated that NMN significantly alters the density and morphology of lipid droplets and mitochondria in granulosa cells, suggesting potential targets and mechanisms. Transcriptomic analysis and validation experiments collectively suggested that the beneficial effects of NMN on aging ovaries are mediated through enhanced mitochondrial function, improved energy metabolism, and reduced inflammation levels. Our results suggest that NMN supplementation could improve the health status of aging ovaries and enhance ovarian reserve, offering new insights into addressing fertility challenges in older women through assisted reproductive technology.
Normalized solutions for critical Choquard equations involving logarithmic nonlinearity in the Heisenberg group
Authors: Liang Sihua , Zheng Xuechun , Guo Lifeng
Published: October 2024

In this paper, we consider the existence and multiplicity of normalized solutions for critical Choquard equations involving logarithmic nonlinearity in the Heisenberg group. Under suitable assumptions, combined with the truncation technique, the concentration‐compactness principle, and the genus theory, we obtain the existence and multiplicity of the normalized solutions in the
‐subcritical case. As far as we know, the result of the paper is completely new in the Euclidean case.
Adaptive wavelet‐VNet for single‐sample test time adaptation in medical image segmentation
Authors: Qian Xiaoxue , Lu Weiguo , Zhang You
Published: October 2024

Background

In medical image segmentation, a domain gap often exists between training and testing datasets due to different scanners or imaging protocols, which leads to performance degradation in deep learning‐based segmentation models. Given the high cost of manual labeling and the need for privacy protection, it is often challenging to annotate the testing (target) domain data for model fine‐tuning or to collect data from different domains to train domain generalization models. Therefore, using only unlabeled target domain data for test‐time adaptation (TTA) presents a more practical but challenging solution.

Purpose

To improve the segmentation accuracy of deep learning‐based models on unseen datasets, and especially to enhance the efficiency and stability of TTA for individual samples from heterogeneous domains.

Methods

In this study, we proposed to dynamically adapt a wavelet‐VNet (WaVNet) to unseen target domains with a hybrid objective function, based on each unlabeled test sample during the test time. We embedded multiscale wavelet coefficients into a V‐Net encoder and adaptively adjusted the spatial and spectral features according to the input, and the model parameters were optimized by three loss functions. We integrated a shape‐aware loss to focus on the foreground segmentations, a Refine loss to correct the incomplete and noisy segmentations caused by domain shifts, and an entropy loss to promote the global consistency of the segmentations. We evaluated the proposed method on multidomain liver and prostate segmentation datasets to assess its advantages over other TTA methods. For the source domain model training of the liver dataset, we used 15 3D MR image samples for training and 5 for validation. Correspondingly, for the prostate dataset, we used 22 3D MR image samples for training and 7 for validation. In the target domain, we used a single 3D MR image sample for adaptation and testing. The total number of testing samples is 60 in the liver dataset (for 3 different domains) and 116 in the prostate dataset (for 6 different domains).

Results

The proposed method showed the highest segmentation accuracy among all methods, achieving a mean (± SD) Dice coefficient (DSC) of 78.10 ± 5.23% and a mean 95th Hausdorff distance (HD95) of 15.52 ± 5.84 mm on the liver dataset; and a mean DSC of 80.02 ± 3.89% and a mean HD95 of 9.18 ± 3.47 mm on the prostate dataset. The DSC is 11.67% (in absolute terms) and 15.27% higher than that of the baseline (no adaptation) method, for the liver and the prostate datasets, respectively.

Conclusions

The proposed adaptive WaVNet enhanced the image segmentation accuracy from unseen domains during the test time via unsupervised learning and multi‐objective optimization. It can benefit clinical applications where data are scarce or with changing data distributions, including online adaptive radiotherapy. The code will be released at: https://github.com/sanny1226/WaVNet.