bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preventing pressure injury in open‐heart surgical patients: A systematic review
Authors: Taghiloo Hamed , Ebadi Abbas , Saeid Yaser , Jalali Farahni Alireza , Davoudian Atefeh
Published: March 2023

Background

Cardiac surgical patients are highly prone to developing surgery‐related Pressure injuries (PIs). Prevention of PIs is an important patient safety priority in healthcare settings and patients care. So the aim of this study is to detect the effectiveness of prevention strategies to decrease PIs prevalence and incidence in patients undergoing open heart surgery.

Method

We identified studies through Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane, and ProQuest databases from inception through September 2022 with restrictions on the English language. Cochrane RoB 2, JBI, and NIH checklist were carried out as critical appraisal Tools to investigate the studies risk of bias. Finally, 10 studies with a total sample No. 1348, which fulfilled eligibility criteria were included in final systematic review.

Result

Most common interventions investigated in included studies were addressing impairments skin care which included the use of multilayer silicone foam, Care bundle and multiple intervention programs, alternative head inflatable pads, pressure‐reducing foam mattresses, and electric bed frames as the effective PIs Prevention (PIP) strategies. While repositioning is one of the important causes mentioned in most PIP protocols, there was not adequate evidence to recommend any special turning regimens for PIP.

Conclusion

Given current evidence, multilayer silicone foam, Care bundle and multiple intervention programs, alternative inflatable head pads, pressure‐reducing foam mattresses, and electric bed frames are effective strategies to prevent pressure ulcers. Further investigations are needed to specify the cost‐effectiveness of mentioned strategies and RCTs to determine other PIP strategies such as repositioning and mobilization, nutritional supplementation, creams, and co‐interventions effects.
Identification of SARS CoV‐2 Omicron BA.1 and a novel Delta lineage by rapid methods and partial spike protein sequences in Sulaymaniyah Province, Iraq
Authors: Rasheed Mariwan Kadir , Awrahman Harem Abdalla , Amin Al‐Jaf Sirwan M. , Niranji Sherko S.
Published: March 2023

Background

Five variants of concern (VOCs) of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV‐2) have been globally recorded including Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron. The Omicron variant has outcompeted the other variants including the Delta variant. Molecular screenings of VOCs are important for surveillance, treatment, and vaccination programs. This study aimed to identify VOCs by using rapid inexpensive methods and partial sequencing of the virus's spike gene.

Methods

Mutation‐specific rRT PCR probes were used for both D614G and K417N mutations to potentially discriminate between Delta and Omicron variants. These were followed by sequencing of a fragment of spike gene (748 nucleotides), which covers the most notable VOC mutations in the receptor binding domain of SARS CoV‐2.

Results

Rapid methods showed that out of 24 SARS CoV‐2 positive samples, 19 carried the N417 mutation, which is present in the Omicron variant. Furthermore, 3 samples carried K417 wildtype, which is present in the Delta variant. Additionally, 2 samples containing both K417 and N417 suggested mixed infections between the two variants. The D614G mutation was present in all samples. Among the 4 samples sequenced, 3 samples carried 13 mutations, which are present in Omicron BA.1. The fourth sample contained the two common mutations (T478K and L452R) present in Delta, in addition to two more rare mutations (F456L and F490S), which are not commonly seen in Delta. Our data suggested that both Omicron variant BA.1 and a novel Delta variant might have circulated in this region that needs further investigations.
Federated learning‐based colorectal cancer classification by convolutional neural networks and general visual representation learning
Authors: Nergiz Mehmet
Published: March 2023

Colorectal cancer is the fourth fatal disease in the world, and the massive burden on the pathologists related to the classification of precancerous and cancerous colorectal lesions can be decreased by deep learning (DL) methods. However, the data privacy of the patients is a big challenge for being able to train deep learning models using big medical data. Federated Learning is a rising star in this era by providing the ability to train deep learning models on different sites without sacrificing data privacy. In this study, the Big Transfer model, which is a new General Visual Representation Learning method and six other classical DL methods are converted to the federated version. The effect of the federated learning is measured on all these models on four different data settings extracted from the MHIST and Chaoyang datasets. The proposed models are tested for single learning, centralized learning, and federated learning. The best AUC values of federated learning on Chaoyang are obtained by the Big Transfer and VGG models at 90.77% and 90.76%, respectively, whereas the best AUC value on MHIST is obtained by the Big Transfer model at 89.72%. The overall obtained results of models on all data settings show that the contribution of Federated Learning with respect to single learning is 4.71% and 11.68% for the “uniform” and “label‐biased” data settings of Chaoyang, respectively, and 6.89% for the “difficulty level‐biased” data setting of MHIST. Thus, it is experimentally shown that federated learning can be applied to the field of computational pathology for new institutional collaborations.
Rutaecarpine attenuates high glucose‐induced damage in AC16 cardiomyocytes by suppressing the MAPK pathway
Authors: Lv Jun , Ji Miaomiao , Yang Han , Wang Chao , Zhang Lingyan , Ni Hongzao
Published: March 2023

Diabetic cardiomyopathy is a common diabetic complication, resulting in heart failure. Rutaecarpine is an active compound with cardiovascular protective effects. However, the function of rutaecarpine in diabetic cardiomyopathy is largely unknown. The aim of this research was to study the effect and action mechanism of rutaecarpine in high glucose (HG)‐induced cardiomyocyte damage. The overlapping genes of diabetic cardiomyopathy and rutaecarpine were analyzed according to GeneCards, DisGeNet, and SwissTargetPrediction. Cell damage was investigated by determining apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammatory response in HG‐stimulated AC16 cells. The expression of proteins involved in the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling was measured using Western blotting. Totally seven overlapping genes of diabetic cardiomyopathy and rutaecarpine were screened out and predicted to be associated with the MAPK signaling. Rutaecarpine protected against HG‐induced cardiomyocyte damage by enhancing cell viability and reducing cell apoptosis, caspase‐3 activity, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. Rutaecarpine mitigated HG‐induced oxidative stress in cardiomyocytes through decreasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and malondialdehyde (MDA) level and elevating superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) level. Rutaecarpine alleviated HG‐induced inflammatory response via reducing the level of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, and IL‐8. Moreover, rutaecarpine inhibited HG‐induced activation of the MAPK pathway. Treatment with MAPK signaling agonist reversed the suppressive effect of rutaecarpine on HG‐induced damage. In conclusion, rutaecarpine alleviated HG‐induced cardiomyocyte damage through decreasing apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammatory response by inactivating the MAPK pathway.
Diagnostic value of imaging modalities in primary squamous cell carcinoma of the liver
Authors: Song Yuxuan , Shi Jiahong , Zhang Xiujuan , Qiao Meng , Sun Zhixia , Tian Siyu
Published: March 2023

Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the liver (PSCCL) is rare. PSCCL's lack of specific clinical manifestations and laboratory tests necessitate preoperative diagnosis via imaging examination. Conventional ultrasound (US) demonstrates a mass with mixed echogenicity, and contrast‐enhanced US shows a circular pattern of “fast forward, fast backward or slow backward, high enhancement.” Enhanced computed tomography (CT) showed enhancement in the center or edge of the lesion, and the density of the enhanced lesion was lower than that of the liver tissue in the same layer. Positron emission tomography‐CT demonstrates an inhomogeneous low‐density mass with increased 18F‐FDG metabolism. Magnetic resonance imaging shows low signal intensity on T1‐weighed images (T1WI) and high signal on T2‐weighed images (T2WI). By summarizing the imaging characteristics of PSCCL, this review aims to improve clinicians' understanding of PSCCL and its diagnosis.
Development and validation of a questionnaire on the feelings of undergraduate dental students regarding child dental care
Authors: Galdino Fabíola Fontes , dos Santos Falcão Paula Carolina , Rezende Costa Luciane , Bendo Cristiane Baccin , da Silva Fidalgo Tatiana Kelly
Published: March 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to develop and test a questionnaire's validity and reliability to evaluate undergraduate dental students' feelings regarding child dental care.

Methods

The questionnaire was developed using a focus group of 10 undergraduate dental students. This questionnaire was then structured and applied digitally via Google Forms to 90 dental students aged 22.95 years (±0.89) who had already completed or were enrolled in a pediatric dentistry discipline. The test–retest was conducted with 15 students. Descriptive analysis, exploratory factorial analysis (EFA), and intraclass correlation coefficient were performed to evaluate the test–retest reliability, Cronbach's alpha (α) to measure the internal consistency, and Mann–Whitney test was used to determine the discriminant validity (p < 0.05).

Results

The final version of the questionnaire concerning the feelings of dental students when faced with pediatric dental treatment comprised three items, which evaluated anxiety, fear, and insecurity. The visual analog scale was used to evaluate the answer for each item. The questionnaire resulted in a total score that varied from 0 to 10. The higher the score on the questionnaire, the greater the negative feelings regarding pediatric dental treatment. The results of the EFA were satisfactory (Bartlett's sphericity = 0.001; Kayser–Meyer–Olkin measure = 0.725). The EFA extracted a single dimension with an eigenvalue of 2.4 and a total explained variance of 80%. The internal consistency of the questionnaire was satisfactory (α = 0.877), and the test–retest reliability was good (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.691). Students who felt confident about carrying out invasive procedures in children demonstrated more positive feelings related to the pediatric dental treatment (average = 3.50 ± 2.73) than those who did not feel such confidence (average = 5.00 ± 2.35; p = 0.007).

Conclusions

The unidimensional questionnaire proposed by this study is valid and reliable in evaluating the feelings of undergraduate dental students regarding child dental care.
The impact of the pandemic on early career researchers' work‐life and scholarly communications: A quantitative aerial analysis
Authors: Nicholas David , Herman Eti , Clark David , Boukacem‐Zeghmouri Cherifa , Rodríguez‐Bravo Blanca , Abrizah Abdullah , Watkinson Anthony , Sims David , 'Świgoń Marzena , Xu Jie , Serbina Galina , Jamali Hamid R. , Tenopir Carol , Allard Suzie
Published: March 2023

After two‐years of repeat interviewing early career sciences/social sciences researchers from around the world about their work life and scholarly communications in pandemic‐times, the Harbingers‐2 project is in a position to release quantitative data on the pandemic's overall impact. The data comes from around 50 questions asked in the third and final round of interviews with 147 early career researchers (ECRs), which had a codifiable element to them (such as yes, no, do not know). The 19 scholarly topics covered include: pandemic‐related research; research funding; changes to the workplace/working from home; pandemic‐incurred stress and anxiety; teaching; employment security; career progression; mentoring; assessment (including metrics); collaboration; searching/finding information; ethics; networking; informal communication; publishing; sharing; pre‐prints; outreach; and scholarly transformations. The main findings are that in six broad aspects of ECRs' work‐life and scholarly behaviour, more than 50% of ECRs were impacted by the pandemic, with remote teaching having the greatest impact. By way of comparison, in another six aspects there was little change, least of all when it came to sharing activities. Among the countries studied, Malaysia stood out as being the most impacted, and of the disciplines it was the medical sciences and the soft social sciences most impacted.
Monte Carlo based continuous aperture optimization for VMAT on conventional and MR‐linacs: A proof of concept
Authors: Su Shiqin , Atwal Parmveer , Popescu I Antoniu
Published: March 2023

Background

Currently, the commercial treatment planning systems for magnetic‐resonance guided linear accelerators (MR‐linacs) only support step‐and‐shoot intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). However, recent studies have shown the feasibility of delivering arc therapy on MR‐linacs, which is expected to improve dose distributions and delivery speed. By accurately accounting for the electron return effect in the presence of a magnetic field, a Monte Carlo (MC) algorithm is ideally suited for the inverse treatment planning of this technique.

Purpose

We propose a novel MC‐based continuous aperture optimization (MCCAO) algorithm for volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), including applications to VMAT on MR‐linacs and trajectory‐based VMAT. A unique feature of MCCAO is that the continuous character of gantry rotation and multileaf collimator (MLC) motion is accounted for at every stage of the optimization.

Methods

The optimization process uses a multistage simulation of 4D dose distribution. A phase space is scored at the top surface of the MLC and the energy deposition of each particle history is mapped to its position in this phase space. A progressive sampling method is used, where both MLC leaf positions and monitor unit (MU) weights are randomly changed, while respecting the linac mechanical limits. Due to the continuous nature of the leaf motion, such changes affect not only a single control point, but propagate to the adjacent ones as well, and the corresponding dose distribution changes are accounted for. A dose–volume cost function is used, which includes the MC statistical uncertainty.

Results

We applied our optimization technique to various treatment sites, using standard and flattening‐filter‐free (FFF) 6 MV beam models, with and without a 1.5 T magnetic field. MCCAO generates deliverable plans, whose dose distributions are in good agreement with measurements on ArcCHECK and stereotactic radiosurgery End‐To‐End Phantom.

Conclusions

We show that the novel MCCAO method generates VMAT plans that meet clinical objectives for both conventional and MR‐linacs.
An imaging‐based method of mapping multi‐echo BOLD intracranial pulsatility
Authors: Valsamis Jake J. , Luciw Nicholas J. , Haq Nandinee , Atwi Sarah , Duchesne Simon , Cameron William , MacIntosh Bradley J.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Cardiac‐related intracranial pulsatility may relate to cerebrovascular health, and this information is contained in BOLD MRI data. There is broad interest in methods to isolate BOLD pulsatility, and the current study examines a deep learning approach.

Methods

Multi‐echo BOLD images, respiratory, and cardiac recordings were measured in 55 adults. Ground truth BOLD pulsatility maps were calculated with an established method. BOLD fast Fourier transform magnitude images were used as temporal‐frequency image inputs to a U‐Net deep learning model. Model performance was evaluated by mean squared error (MSE), mean absolute error (MAE), structural similarity index (SSIM), and mutual information (MI). Experiments evaluated the influence of input channel size, an age group effect during training, dependence on TE, performance without the U‐Net architecture, and importance of respiratory preprocessing.

Results

The U‐Net model generated BOLD pulsatility maps with lower MSE as additional fast Fourier transform input images were used. There was no age group effect for MSE (P > 0.14). MAE and SSIM metrics did not vary across TE (P > 0.36), whereas MI showed a significant TE dependence (P < 0.05). The U‐Net versus no U‐Net comparison showed no significant difference for MAE (P = 0.059); however, SSIM and MI were significantly different between models (P < 0.001). Within the insula, the cross‐correlation values were high (r > 0.90) when comparing the U‐Net model trained with/without respiratory preprocessing.

Conclusion

Multi‐echo BOLD pulsatility maps were synthesized from a U‐net model that was trained to use temporal‐frequency BOLD image inputs. This work adds to the deep learning methods that characterize BOLD physiological signals.
A shape optimization algorithm based on directional derivatives for three‐dimensional contact problems
Authors: Chaudet‐Dumas Bastien
Published: March 2023

This work deals with shape optimization for contact mechanics. More specifically, the linear elasticity model is considered under the small deformations hypothesis, and the elastic body is assumed to be in contact (sliding or with Tresca friction) with a rigid foundation. The mathematical formulations studied are two regularized versions of the original variational inequality: the penalty formulation and the augmented Lagrangian formulation. In order to get the shape derivatives associated to those two non‐differentiable formulations, we follow an approach based on directional derivatives introduced in previous works. This allows us to develop a gradient‐based topology optimization algorithm, built on these derivatives and a level‐set representation of shapes. The algorithm also benefits from a mesh‐cutting technique, which gives an explicit representation of the shape at each iteration, and enables us to apply the boundary conditions strongly on the contact zone. The different steps of the method are detailed. Then, to validate the approach, some numerical results on two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional benchmarks are presented.
Primary care patients with cardiovascular disease eligible for nurse‐led internet‐based cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia: Characteristics and motives for participation
Authors: Öberg Sandra , Johansson Linda , Georgsson Mattias , Sandberg Jonas , Broström Anders
Published: March 2023

Aim

To describe demographic, physical and psychological characteristics associated with insomnia in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) participating in nurse‐led Internet‐based cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (I‐CBTI), and their motives and expectations regarding participation in I‐CBTI.

Design

A mixed method design was applied, including primary care patients with angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, heart failure, atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter or arrhythmia in southern Sweden.

Methods

Data on demographics, insomnia severity and physical and psychological characteristics were collected through self‐rated validated questionnaires (n = 126). Motives and expectations were collected through interviews (n = 19) and analysed using the ‘personas’ model.

Results

Physical symptoms and psychological characteristics were associated with insomnia. Three personas were identified: the pragmatist (a curious and optimistic persona), the philosopher (a problem‐solving persona) and the philanthropist (an altruistic persona). Expectations were positive among the three personas, but comorbid conditions reduced the perceived ability to make necessary behavioural changes.
Sulfonated graphene oxide/sulfonated poly (2,6‐ dimethyl – 1,4‐phenylene oxide) as a potential proton exchange membrane for iron air flow battery application
Authors: Phela Cornelia M. , Sigwadi Rudzani , Msomi Phumlani F.
Published: March 2023

A series of proton exchange membranes (PEMs) of sulfonated poly(2,6‐dimethyl‐1,4‐phenylene oxide) (SPPO) with different sulfonated graphene oxide (SGO) (0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.5%) were prepared for possible application in Iron‐air/flow battery. The presence of SGO in the membrane improved the water uptake of all membranes prepared and decreased the swelling ratio. The SPPO/1% w/w SGO showed good properties with higher water uptake of 44.1%, water retention of 42.48% and swelling ratio of 21.4% at 25°C. However, the 0.75% SGO exhibited the highest proton conductivity of 0.98 S/cm and better dispersion, elemental distribution, and morphology. In addition, SGO improved the thermal stability of all composite membranes. The chemical stability of all membranes remained good after 7 days in a 1 M HCL solution. The SPPO/0.75%w/w SGO showed increased proton conductivity when degradation properties were evaluated. Compared to Nafion 117, all composites showed lower iron crossover. Nafion had a high permeability of 3.03 × 10−7 cm−2/s, which is 75% higher than the 7.6 × 10−8 cm−2/s of SPPO/SGO‐1.5% and 52% higher than the 1.46 × 10−7 cm−2/s of SPPO/SGO‐0.75%. The results indicate that SGO is a good inorganic filler for the composite proton exchange membrane and stable enough for possible application in an iron‐air/flow battery.
Characterization of the tensile behavior of continuous carbon fiber reinforced polyamide 6 under self‐resistance electrical heating
Authors: Xie Yuxuan , Zhai Zhanyu , Liu Yunhuan
Published: March 2023

The stamping molding with self‐resistance electric (SRE) heating is advantageous for the mass production of carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic (CFRT) because of its short production cycle and energy efficiency. The mechanism of SRE heating is different from traditional oven heating. The impact on CFRT laminates under loading is ambiguous. In this article, the tensile testing systems with SRE heating and traditional heating were designed. The temperature distribution, mechanical response, strain, and failure mode of carbon fiber reinforced polyamide 6 (CFR‐PA6) laminates under SRE heating are studied and contrasted with traditional heating. Specifically, to measure the full‐field strain distribution, digital‐image correlation (DIC) technique and high‐speed camera were introduced. It is found that the electric resistance fluctuates in tensile test with SRE heating and shown temperature sensitivity. Temperature distribution of the specimen under SRE heating is relatively uniform. Besides, the mechanical properties (i.e., tensile strength and elastic modulus) of CFR‐PA6 seem to be insensitive to heating mode. DIC results show that deconsolidation phenomenon makes the specimen fracture randomly. Inversely, heating method has an obvious influence on failure modes. To be specific, there are more shearing damage in traditional heating during high temperature. High current under SRE heating causes corrosion on fiber surface and destroy the fiber‐resin matrix interface.
Implementing physical activity vital sign as a self‐reported measure of physical activity in patients with multiple sclerosis in a clinical setting
Authors: Montagnino Jami , Hou Gloria , Lim Sara , Ciol Marcia , Lin Cindy
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Routinely assessing exercise levels during clinical visits may be a starting point for clinicians to support physical activity in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility and findings of routinely implementing a self‐reported physical activity vital sign during clinical visits.

Design

Retrospective database review.

Setting

Outpatient academic MS center.

Patients

All adult patients of our MS center with confirmed MS presenting for an in‐person or telemedicine clinic visit with a physician or nurse practitioner.

Interventions

None.

Main Measure(s)

A standard physical activity vital sign representing minutes per week of moderate‐to‐vigorous exercise was collected. Percentage of persons with MS with a recorded physical activity vital sign was retrospectively evaluated along with demographic characteristics and key findings.

Results

Ninety‐three percent of patients with MS at our center had a physical activity vital sign recorded in at least one visit, and 86% at the most recent visit. Of 1560 patients with a recorded physical activity vital sign, 24.3% of patients were consistently active (≥150 min/week of exercise), 20.8% were consistently inactive (0 min/week), and the remaining 54.9% were inconsistently active. The physical activity vital sign was inversely associated with BMI (p < .001) and 25‐foot walk test times (p < .001), but not associated with biological sex or age.

Conclusions

Approximately a quarter of patients with MS with a documented physical activity vital sign met national aerobic exercise guidelines of 150 min/week per the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Routine implementation of the physical activity vital sign at our MS center was feasible and helped identify inactive patients who may benefit from physical activity counseling.
Field methods and example applications for the Min‐Trap® mineral sampler
Authors: Divine Craig , Justicia‐León Shandra , Tilton Jennifer M. , Carter Erika , Zardouzian Erik , Clark Katherine , Taggart Dora
Published: March 2023

Important reactive minerals are commonly created during in situ groundwater remediation activities; for example, iron sulfides formed during enhanced reduction approaches can abiotically degrade many chlorinated solvents. However, cost‐effective tools to evaluate these treatment processes in field applications are limited and the collection of samples to evaluate in situ mineral formation is costly due to drilling requirements. The new passive Min‐Trap sampler is a simple and cost‐effective tool that can directly measure the formation of reactive minerals in situ without the need for additional drilling or soil core collection. The methods presented here describe how Min‐Traps deployed in conventional monitoring wells can measure reactive minerals and how these minerals can be identified through commercially available analytical methods. Several examples are presented that show how Min‐Traps can be used to characterize the rate and spatial variability of reactive mineral precipitation and these data may support operation and optimization decisions.
Understanding Software‐centered Evolutive Ecosystems through Activity Theory
Authors: Camargo‐Henríquez Ismael , Silva Andrés
Published: March 2023

This paper proposes an interdisciplinary approach aimed to bring into practice some novel Software Engineering theoretical paradigms. The premise of these news paradigms is based on the idea of “ecologies” as realities that take place in the environment of a Software product. These “ecologies” are understood as tight but flexible interactions between the human, social, and technical components involved, where Software is just another component. However, the theoretical paradigms discussed do not offer a viable way to make sense of these ecologies into the practice of Software design and development. Thus, as a more operationalized approach, this paper proposes a framework based on Networks of Activities, a concept derived from Activity Theory, as a resource to help in the design, development, and evolution of these new emergent complex socio‐technical ecologies. This framework has been conceived as a tool for the design, capture, and, especially, to analyze the evolution of these ecologies. The concepts and notations used by the proposed approach are illustrated through a proof of concept that shows the essential ideas and their use in real scenarios. In this way, the concepts discussed contribute to the improvement of related fields like Requirements Engineering, Human‐Computer Interaction, or Software Architecture, among others.
Activating Octahedral Center in Co‐Doped NiFe2O4 via Bridging Amorphous MoSx for Electrocatalytic Water Oxidation: A Case for eg Orbital Regulation in Spinel Oxide
Authors: Yao Lu , Wu Xiaofeng , Zheng Beining , Liu Jinghai , Geng Zhibin , Zhang Yuan , Cai Minmin , Shao Zhiyu , Jiang Mengpei , Zhang Yaowen , Chen Yu , Huang Keke , Feng Shouhua
Published: March 2023

Moderate eg filling for octahedral metal cations (MOh) is strongly correlated with the electrocatalytic water oxidation performance in the oxides system. Here, the eg fillings of NiOh and FeOh in NiFe2O4‐based spinel are controllably regulated by introducing an external radical of catalytically inactive MoSx as an electron acceptor via a novel ultrasonic anchored pyrolysis strategy. The electron occupied in eg orbit of MOh emigrates with the amount of MoS hanging on the apical of octahedral sites, and results in a salutary transition from high to medium eg occupancy state, as confirmed by the X‐ray absorption spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In addition, benefiting from the abundant unsaturated S atoms in amorphous MoSx, the MOh at the surface furthest activates and consequently shows a superior water oxidation performance. Density functional theory also reveals that the eg fillings of Ni and Fe decrease to 1.4 and 1.2 after MoSx modification, which can effectively reduce the free energy of the OOH* intermediates in the oxygen evolution reaction process. This work opens an avenue for further releasing the electrocatalytic activity of octahedral sites through bridging external phases with rational electron‐capturing/donating capability.
Biocompatible and Oxidation‐Resistant Ti3C2Tx MXene with Halogen‐Free Surface Terminations
Authors: Yoon Jaeeun , Kim Seongchan , Park Ki Hong , Lee Seungjun , Kim Seon Joon , Lee Hyojin , Oh Taegon , Koo Chong Min
Published: March 2023

Surface chemistry influences not only physicochemical properties but also safety and applications of MXene nanomaterials. Fluorinated Ti3C2Tx MXene, synthesized using conventional HF‐based etchants, raises concerns regarding harmful effects on electronics and toxicity to living organisms. In this study, well‐delaminated halogen‐free Ti3C2Tx flakes are synthesized using NaOH‐based etching solution. The transversal surface plasmon mode of halogen‐free Ti3C2Tx MXene (833 nm) confirmed red‐shift compared to conventional Ti3C2Tx (752 nm), and the halogen‐free Ti3C2Tx MXene has a different density of state by the high proportion of –O and –OH terminations. The synthesized halogen‐free Ti3C2Tx exhibits a lower water contact angle (34.5°) and work function (3.6 eV) than those of fluorinated Ti3C2Tx (49.8° and 4.14 eV, respectively). The synthesized halogen‐free Ti3C2Tx exhibits high biocompatibility with the living cells, as evidenced by no noticeable cytotoxicity, even at very high concentrations (2000 µg mL⁻1), at which fluorinated Ti3C2Tx caused ≈50% reduction in cell viability upon its oxidation. Additionally, the oxidation stability of halogen‐free Ti3C2Tx is enhanced unexpectedly, which cumulatively provides a good rationale for pursuing the halogen‐free routes for synthesizing MXene materials for their uses in biomedical and therapeutic applications.
The convergence dynamics of economic freedom across U.S. states
Authors: Payne James E. , Saunoris James W. , Nazlioglu Saban , Karul Cagin
Published: March 2023

This study tests for convergence in economic freedom across the 50 U.S. states from 1981 to 2019. In particular, we test for stochastic convergence in overall economic freedom using unit root tests that account for structural breaks and bounded processes, two sources of parameter instability. We find limited evidence of stochastic convergence. Further analysis of relative (club) convergence and weakσ‐convergence rejects the presence of overall convergence in the panel of the U.S. states, but the emergence of two convergence clubs with respect to state‐level economic freedom. The logit analysis of the determinants of the convergence clubs reveals that more prosperous states and states with a higher initial level of economic freedom have a higher probability of being in the club with more economic freedom. However, more racially diverse states have a lower probability of being in the club with more economic freedom.
Exploration of new and alternative sources of targeted bioflavonoids using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Singh Yatendra , Rawat Priyanka , Kumar Akhilesh , Singh Sumit K. , Mishra Dipak K. , Kanojiya Sanjeev
Published: March 2023

Bioflavonoids have exhibited remarkable pharmacological and biological properties. Moreover, many plants rich in flavonoids have been used as natural medicine or functional foods for thousands of years. Here, we introduce a liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry‐based approach for the exploration of new/alternative sources of targeted bioflavonoids from plants of the Fabaceae family. The approach includes a selection of the plants from the Digital Library of Indian Medicine Plants and their Metabolites database, the literature survey of selected plant species, and a liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry‐based experiment design for targeted analytes. Bioflavonoids were identified and structurally characterized based on tandem mass spectrometry fragmentation, comparing the retention time of authentic standard and multiple reaction monitoring transition for quantitative assessment. As a result of this study, 10 plant species were identified as a new sources of catechin, epicatechin, quercetin‐3 4'‐di‐O‐glucoside, isoorientin, orientin, vitexin, isovitexin, rutin, luteolin 7‐O‐glucoside, isoquercitrin, isorhamnetin‐3‐O‐rutinoside, quercetin, luteolin, and kaempferol. Moreover, 24 plant species were also recognized as alternative sources of targeted bioflavonoids. Moreover, the semi‐quantitative analysis of analytes revealed huge variations in the quantity of the analyzed flavonoids among the plants of the Fabaceae family. Consequently, the liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry‐based approach was successfully utilized for the exploration of chemical diversity in the Fabaceae family and to identify new/alternative sources of targeted flavonoids.
Evolutionary Many‐objective Optimization: Difficulties, Approaches, and Discussions
Authors: Sato Hiroyuki , Ishibuchi Hisao
Published: March 2023

Population‐based evolutionary algorithms are suitable for solving multi‐objective optimization problems involving multiple conflicting objectives. This is because a set of well‐distributed solutions can be obtained by a single run, which approximate the optimal tradeoff among the objectives. Over the past three decades, evolutionary multi‐objective optimization has been intensively studied and used in various real‐world applications. However, evolutionary multi‐objective optimization faces various difficulties as the number of objectives increases. The simultaneous optimization of more than three objectives, which is called many‐objective optimization, has attracted considerable research attention. This paper explains various difficulties in evolutionary many‐objective optimization, reviews representative approaches, and discusses their effects and limitations. © 2023 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Surgical anatomy of hypoglossal canal for various skull base surgeries
Authors: Kalthur Sneha Guruprasad , Padmashali Supriya , Bhattarai Chachuu , Gupta Chandni
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Anatomical knowledge of the hypoglossal canal is very important in relation to drilling of occipital condyle, jugular tubercle etc. So, this study was conducted to identify various morphometric and morphological features of the hypoglossal canal and its distance from adjacent structures relative to stable and reliable anatomic landmarks.

Methods

The study was performed on 142 hypoglossal canals of 71 adult human dry skulls. The parameters measured were the transverse, vertical diameter, depth of the hypoglossal canal. The distances from the hypoglossal canal to the foramen magnum, occipital condyle and jugular foramen were also noted. In addition, the different locations of the hypoglossal canal orifices in relation to the occipital condyle were assessed. The different shapes and types of the hypoglossal canal were also noted.

Results

There was significant difference (p < 0.05) in measurements taken on the right and left sides in males and females. The intracranial orifice of hypoglossal canal was present in middle 1/3rd in 100% of occipital condyle for both genders. The extracranial orifice of the hypoglossal canal was found to be in the anterior 1/3rd in 99% and 93.7% for male and female, respectively. Simple hypoglossal canal with no traces of partition was found to be more in males and females. The most common shape noted was oval both in males and females (71.8% and 68.7% respectively).

Conclusion

The results of the dimensions of the hypoglossal canal and its distance from other bony landmarks will be helpful for neurosurgeons to plan which surgical approaches should be undertaken while doing various surgeries in posterior cranial fossa.
Planned versus unplanned rotational atherectomy for plaque modification in severely calcified coronary lesions
Authors: Bacmeister Lucas , Breitbart Philipp , Sobolewska Karolina , Kaier Klaus , Rahimi Faridun , Löffelhardt Nikolaus , Valina Christian , Neumann Franz-Josef , Westermann Dirk , Ferenc Miroslaw
Published: March 2023

Background

Evidence on the optimal timing of RA is scarce, although increased periprocedural complications for unplanned procedures have been reported.

Aims

To compare planned versus unplanned use of rotational atherectomy (RA) for plaque modification in patients with severely calcified coronary lesions.

Methods

Procedural and 1-year follow-up data of planned (n = 562 lesions in 448 vessels of 416 patients) and unplanned (n = 490 lesions in 435 vessels of 403 patients) RA between 2008 and 2020 were analyzed using the propensity score methods. The primary composite endpoint was target lesion failure (TLF), defined as cardiovascular death (CVD), target vessel myocardial infarction (TVMI), or target lesion revascularization (TLR).

Results

Angiographic success was > 99% in both groups. Fluoroscopy time and contrast volume were significantly lower in planned RA (p < 0.001). Periprocedural complications including slow-flow, coronary dissection, and MI occurred in 4.8% after planned, and in 5.7% after unplanned RA. TLF occurred in 18.5% after planned, and in 14.7% after unplanned RA. Weighted subdistribution hazard ratios for TLFs revealed an unfavorable 1-year outcome for planned RA (sHR 1.62 [1.07–2.45], p = 0.023), which was driven by TLR (sHR 2.01 [1.18–3.46], p = 0.011), but not by CVD, or TVMI. No differences were observed in all-cause mortality.

Conclusions

Unplanned RA was associated with favorable outcome when compared to planned RA. Thus, RA can safely be reserved for lesions that prove untreatable by conventional means. Randomized and prospective trials are needed to evaluate a predominant use of rotational atherectomy as a bailout strategy in the future.

Graphical abstract
Traditional and new lifestyle interventions to prevent breast cancer recurrence (TANICA): a qualitative study
Authors: Aflague Tanisha F. , Esquivel Monica K. , Hammond Kristi , Delos Reyes Bernice , Kaholokula Joseph Keawe‘aimoku
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Breast cancer is the second cause of death from cancer in Guam and Hawai‘i and disproportionately impacts Native Hawaiian, CHamoru, and Filipino women. Although a few culturally informed interventions addressing breast cancer survivorship exist, none have been developed or tested for Native Hawaiian, CHamoru, and Filipino women. To address this, the TANICA study began with key informant interviews in 2021.

Methods

Purposive sampling and grounded theory approaches were used to conduct semi-structured interviews with individuals experienced in providing healthcare or implementing community programs and/or research with ethnic groups of interest in Guam and Hawai‘i. A literature review and expert consultation identified intervention components, engagement strategies, and settings. Interview questions aimed to understand the relevance of evidence-based interventions and explored socio-cultural factors. Participants completed demographics and cultural affiliation surveys. Interviews were independently analyzed by trained researchers. Themes were mutually agreed upon by reviewers and key themes were identified based on frequencies.

Results

Nineteen interviews were conducted in Hawai‘i (n=9) and Guam (n=10). Interviews confirmed the relevance of most of the previously identified evidence-based intervention components for Native Hawaiian, CHamoru, and Filipino breast cancer survivors. Ideas around culturally responsive intervention components and strategies emerged that were shared across and unique to each ethnic group and site.

Conclusion

Evidence-based intervention components appear relevant, yet cultural and place-based strategies are needed for Native Hawaiian, CHamoru, and Filipino women in Guam and Hawai‘i. Future research should triangulate these findings with the lived experiences of Native Hawaiian, CHamoru, and Filipino breast cancer survivors to develop culturally informed interventions.
Post-diagnostic statin use and breast cancer-specific mortality: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Scott Oliver William , TinTin Sandar , Harborg Sixten , Kuper-Hommel Marion J. J. , Lawrenson Ross , Elwood J. Mark
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Statins are the most widely prescribed cholesterol lowering medications and have been associated with both improved and unchanged breast cancer outcomes in previous studies. This study examines the association between the post-diagnostic use of statins and breast cancer outcomes (death and recurrence) in a large, representative sample of New Zealand (NZ) women with breast cancer.

Methods

Women diagnosed with a first primary breast cancer between 2007 and 2016 were identified from four population-based regional NZ breast cancer registries and linked to national pharmaceutical data, hospital discharges, and death records. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the hazard of breast cancer-specific death (BCD) associated with any post-diagnostic statin use.

Results

Of the 14,976 women included in analyses, 27% used a statin after diagnosis and the median follow up time was 4.51 years. Statin use (vs non-use) was associated with a statistically significant decreased risk of BCD (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.74; 0.63–0.86). The association was attenuated when considering a subgroup of ‘new’ statin users (HR: 0.91; 0.69–1.19), however other analyses revealed that the protective effect of statins was more pronounced in estrogen receptor positive patients (HR: 0.77; 0.63–0.94), postmenopausal women (HR: 0.74; 0.63–0.88), and in women with advanced stage disease (HR: 0.65; 0.49–0.84).

Conclusion

In this study, statin use was associated with a statistically significant decreased risk of breast cancer death, with subgroup analyses revealing a more protective effect in ER+ patients, postmenopausal women, and in women with advanced stage disease. Further research is warranted to determine if these associations are replicated in other clinical settings.
Hope speech detection in Spanish
Authors: García-Baena Daniel , García-Cumbreras Miguel Ángel , Jiménez-Zafra Salud María , García-Díaz José Antonio , Valencia-García Rafael
Published: March 2023

In recent years, systems have been developed to monitor online content and remove abusive, offensive or hateful content. Comments in online social media have been analyzed to find and stop the spread of negativity using methods such as hate speech detection, identification of offensive language or detection of abusive language. We define hope speech as the type of speech that is able to relax a hostile environment and that helps, gives suggestions and inspires for good to a number of people when they are in times of illness, stress, loneliness or depression. Detecting it automatically, in order to give greater diffusion to positive comments, can have a very significant effect when it comes to fighting against sexual or racial discrimination or when we intend to foster less bellicose environments. In this article we perform a complete study on hope speech, analyzing existing solutions and available resources. In addition, we have generated a quality resource, SpanishHopeEDI, a new Spanish Twitter dataset on LGBT community, and we have conducted some experiments that can serve as a baseline for further research.
The macroinvertebrate fauna of maintained and abandoned beaver dams
Authors: Schloemer Sara , Hörren Thomas , Lorenz Armin W. , Hering Daniel
Published: March 2023

Beavers and their dams, once common in small streams throughout Eurasia and North America, are returning to their original range. Beaver dams are special habitats in the aquatic-terrestrial interface, but their macroinvertebrate fauna is hardly known. This study aims to qualify and quantify the invertebrate fauna of beaver dams, taking into account the maintenance status of the dams. Nine different areas covering the top, middle and base zones of eight maintained and eight abandoned beaver dams were sampled using a specially designed suction device. The invertebrate community of beaver dams proved to be diverse and predominantly rheophilic. Community composition reflects higher flow velocities in streamside habitats; this gradient is more pronounced in maintained than in abandoned dams. Shredders are the most abundant feeding type, but they are less frequent in streamside habitats, in particular in those of maintained dams, where passive filter feeders prevail. Terrestrial/Semiaquatic taxa colonising hygropetric areas were found in streamside habitats especially of abandoned dams. Our results underline that beaver dams provide a wide variety of environmental conditions and habitat types, which enhance biodiversity in small streams and their floodplains. Beaver dams in riverine landscapes should therefore be much more valued in floodplain conservation and management.
Concern for cuckoo bumblebees (Bombus subgenus Psithyrus): addressing our lack of knowledge
Authors: Bower Reanne , Bulling Mark , Norton Briony
Published: March 2023

Bumblebees (genus Bombus) have received increased academic and conservation attention with the recognition of a global pollinator crisis. However, the Bombus subgenus Psithyrus (cuckoo bumblebees), has been overlooked. Psithyrus species parasitise social Bombus species and are frequently viewed as being detrimental to their hosts. This lack of attention, combined with the taxon’s relatively low abundances and enhanced vulnerability to climate change due to its phenological dependence on Bombus, means there is an urgent conservation challenge facing Psithyrus. We found that academic literature focused on Psithyrus comprised less than 2% of the total works on Bombus, despite forming approximately 11% of Bombus species. We argue that species of the Psithyrus subgenus have key roles in the ecosystem and have been potentially overlooked bioindicator of Bombus diversity. We present evidence suggesting that the close phenological ties between Psithyrus and its hosts are being impacted by climate change. Going forward, research on Psithyrus distributions and phenology will be essential for conserving this subgenus. Additionally, addressing these areas provides broader opportunities to improve our understanding of ecosystem dynamics under climate change and their associated links with ecosystem services.