bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arterial stiffness is associated with cancer mortality: Insight from Kailuan study
Authors: Li Jiatian , Hidru Tesfaldet Habtemariam , Lin Yajuan , Wang Xinying , Lin Li , Chen Shuohua , Xia Yunlong , Yang Xiaolei , Wu Shouling
Published: June 2023

Background

There is limited evidence on the association between arterial stenosis and the risk of all‐cause mortality in cancer patients (ACMC). This study investigated whether the status of arterial function and structure measured by brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) is associated with ACMC.

Methods

A total of 43,943 Chinese adults underwent a baPWV examination. Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess the association between the baPWV values and ACMC.

Results

During a total follow‐up duration of 3.81 ± 2.50 years, there were 157 deaths among 553 cancer cases diagnosed during the follow‐up. Patients with baPWV ≥18 m/s showed an increased risk of ACMC compared to patients with ideal vascular function. In the multivariate‐adjusted model, we observed a significant association between arterial stiffness severity and ACMC with a hazard ratio (HR) 2.72 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.55–4.80; p < 0.001) in those with baPWV ≥18 m/s. With a 1‐SD increase in baPWV, the HR (95% CI) for ACMC in the entire cohort, men, and patients ≤60 years old were 1.20 (95% CI: 1.03–1.41; p < 0.05), 1.20 (95% CI: 1.01–1.43; p < 0.05), and 1.44 (95% CI: 1.10–1.44; p = 0.008), respectively.

Conclusions

Increased arterial stiffness measured by baPWV is associated with ACMC. The association between high baPWV (≥18 m/s) and risk of all‐cause mortality was prominent in men and those ≤60 years of age.
Lung cancer incidences after liver transplantation: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Fu Chang , Li Xiaocong , Chen Yongjin , Long Xiaoyin , Liu Kai
Published: June 2023

Background

Liver transplantation has made significant progress in recent decades. Lung cancer is one of the most frequently occurring cancers after liver transplantation. However, the risk of lung cancer among liver transplant patients compared with the general population is unclear. The aim of this meta‐analysis was to assess the risk of developing lung cancer after liver transplantation.

Methods

All eligible studies published in PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase from database inception to April 2022 were included. Standardized incidence ratio was used to describe the increased risk of lung cancer in liver transplant recipients as compared with the general population. The random‐effects model was used for the calculations. A funnel plot and Egger test were performed to assess the potential publication bias.

Results

Our meta‐analysis included 15 studies, which involved 76,897 liver transplantation patients. Studies included in this review showed significant heterogeneity (I2 = 65.3%; p < 0.001), which required a random‐effects model for effect pooling. The results indicated a significant higher risk of developing lung cancer in liver transplant patients than the general population with a pooled SIR of 2.06 (95% CI: 1.73, 2.46, p < 0.001). When stratified by region, no significant regional difference was observed. It showed a similarly doubled risk of lung cancer in Europe and North America, but an insignificantly increased risk in Asian populations. The sensitivity analysis by removal and substitution of each literature did not change the results.

Conclusion

Our meta‐analysis suggests that liver transplant patients are twice as likely as the general population to develop lung cancer. Further research on risk factors for the development of lung cancer after liver transplantation should be conducted and appropriate surveillance protocols should be developed to reduce the risk of its occurrence.
Health status and mental distress in people with cancer and comorbid conditions: The Australian National Health Survey analysis
Authors: Ng Huah Shin , Woodman Richard , Koczwara Bogda
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Data on the impact of specific comorbidities on health outcomes is limited. We compared health status and mental distress between individuals with and without cancer according to comorbidity type.

Methods

A cross‐sectional analysis using data from the Australian National Health Survey 2017–18 including all respondents aged ≥25 years with and without a history of cancer. The odds of poor health and mental distress were reported according to cancer status, and specific individual and cluster of comorbidities.

Results

There were 1982 individuals (52% female) with cancer and 12,635 (51% female) without cancer. Individuals with cancer were older, and more likely to have a comorbidity compared with those without cancer. They were more likely to report poor health than those without cancer for each specific comorbidity; except for skin conditions and infectious diseases; with the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) ranging from 1.34 (95% CI = 1.01–1.79) for digestive disorders to 2.93 (95% CI = 1.62–5.29) for blood conditions. The strongest association with poor health (aOR 2.79, 95% CI = 2.27–3.43) and mental distress (aOR 9.01, 95% CI = 7.25–11.20) was observed for those with a comorbid mental illness. Exploratory cluster analysis identified four distinct comorbidity clusters: low comorbidity, musculoskeletal, respiratory and cardiometabolic; cancer survivors in the cardiometabolic cluster had a higher odds of reporting poor health (aOR 3.50, 95% CI = 2.48–4.92) and mental distress (aOR 2.33, 95% CI = 1.53–3.55) than those with a low comorbidity.

Conclusions

Comorbidities in cancer survivors were common and associated with inferior health status, although the magnitude of the effect varied by comorbidity type. Risk assessment and management of comorbidities should be an important priority for cancer care and research.
Nonlinearity of healing: Healing narratives of Filipino therapists‐in‐training who self‐identify as wounded healers
Authors: Dee Ariana Denise A. , Fernandez Karina Therese G.
Published: June 2023

Due to the stigma therapists‐in‐training face within the field owing to their woundedness, and the dearth of psychological literature on the healing of wounded healers (WHs), this study examined the healing journeys of nine Filipino therapists‐in‐training who self‐identify as WHs. Narrative Identity framework was utilized to analyse the healing narratives gathered from nine semi‐structured interviews with therapists‐in‐training. Results focussed on the healing narratives and how these shaped the identity and development of these future practitioners. The healing narratives of therapists‐in‐training were generally composed of four chapters: (a) identifying the wounded‐client identity and its wounds, (b) entering the counselling field brings the emergence of the healer‐therapist identity, (c) nonlinearity of healing transforms into a fluid WH, and (d) continuing the healing journey. These never‐ending and nonlinear journeys shaped how therapists‐in‐training perceived and constructed or deconstructed their identification, with their dual identities influencing their practice. Additionally, their healing journeys contributed to their development as therapists who continue to heal from their woundedness. This study contributes to the literature regarding therapists‐in‐training who self‐identify as WHs through the emphasised healing process. Moreover, this study may both lessen the stigma surrounding therapists‐in‐training's woundedness and help colleagues, educators, mentors and supervisors within the counselling field to better help trainees through the creation of open spaces, classes and training programmes that may help in enhancing their well‐being and utilising their woundedness to increase, rather than impair, their therapeutic ability.
Anatomic suitability for transapical transcatheter mitral valve implantation using a tether‐based device
Authors: Blanke Philipp , Modine Thomas , Duncan Alison , Taramasso Maurizio , Dumonteil Nicolas , Chuang Michael L. , Conradi Lenard
Published: June 2023

Background

Transcatheter mitral valve implantation (TMVI) is a novel therapeutic option for treating symptomatic mitral valve disease. Evaluating patient anatomical suitability is a critical step in the TMVI screening process, but currently requires specialized software and computerized device models.

Aims

This analysis sought to assess the effectiveness of simple and standardized multislice computed tomography (MSCT) anatomic measurements for their ability to discriminate between patients who passed anatomical screening for Tendyne™ TMVI.

Methods

Subjects screened for the Tendyne Expanded Clinical Study from January 2016 through September 2019 were included. Core laboratory screening measurements included mitral annular (MA) dimensions at end‐systole and end‐diastole, simulated device implantation, and neo‐left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) area. Additionally, nine standard measurements of patient anatomy were assessed for their predictive value of patients passing the anatomic screening process.

Results

Out of 496 subjects screened for eligibility, 257 subjects met clinical eligibility criteria with MA dimensions within the manufacturer's suggested range: 153 (59.5%) underwent TMVI while 104 (40.5%) were excluded from the study for other anatomic reasons (76% due to risk of LVOT obstruction). CT‐derived left ventricular end‐systole diameter (LVESD) had the highest discriminatory power for predicting TMVI anatomical suitability (area under the curve of 0.908, p < 0.0001). The mitral inter‐commissural (IC) dimension was best predictive of annular dimensions being within range, with dimensions <30 or >50 mm resulting in a negative predictive value of 94.4%.

Conclusions

MSCT‐derived mitral IC dimension and LVESD easily performed measures that are effective predictors of anatomical suitability or screen failure for this tether‐based TMVI device.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in an adult patient with Noonan syndrome with multiple lentigines
Authors: Rivero‐García Pamela , Campuzano‐Estrada Isabel del Carmen , Hernandez‐Felix Jorge Humberto
Published: June 2023

Key Clinical Message

Noonan syndrome with multiple lentigines (NSML) is a rare RASopathy caused by pathogenic variants (PV) predominantly in PTPN11 gene. We report a 54‐year‐old male with apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, who was diagnosed with NSML due to his short stature, multiple lentigines, winged neck, pectus excavatum, and a heterozygous PV in PTPN11 c.836A > ¡G.
Reversible paraparesis due to extramedullary hematopoiesis
Authors: Muharremi Eti , Djamandi Pavllo , Rroji Arben , Kruja Jera
Published: June 2023

Key Clinical Message

Extramedullary hematopoiesis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of spastic paraplegia in a patient with thalassemia. Radiotherapy remains the treatment of choice, and regain of motor power is expected.
CO2 Radical Anion in Photochemical Dicarboxylation of Alkenes
Authors: Wang Sai , Xu Pei , Zhu Xu
Published: June 2023

CO2 radical anion (CO2⋅−) is a highly reductive species (Ered=−2.2 V vs SCE), which can undergo Giese radical addition to an unsaturated C−C bond and install a carbonyl group to synthesize acids. Normally, it has been generated through the direct reduction of CO2 gas or from formate salts via HAT (hydrogen atom transfer) as the BDE (bond dissociation energy) of the C−H bond in formate is only around 86 kcal/mol. This concept highlights the recent developments on alkenes dicarboxylation reaction with CO2 and/or formate as the carbonyl sources. In these reactions, CO2 radical anion species played significant roles in the carboxylation step.
Zr‐Based Metal‐Organic Framework UiO‐66/Ultem® 1000 Membranes for Effective CO2/H2 Separation
Authors: Imad Muhammad , Castro-Muñoz Roberto , Bernauer Milan , Martin Violeta , Izak Pavel , Fila Vlastimil
Published: June 2023

Mixed‐matrix membranes (MMMs) using UiO‐66 nanofillers as dispersing inorganic phase and polyetherimide (PEI) as continuous polymeric matrix were synthesized. Different UiO‐66 loadings of 10, 20, and 30 wt % were applied. The morphology and UiO‐66 dispersion over the prepared MMMs were examined. Gas separation measurements were performed for H2/CO2 gas mixture to evaluate the influence of UiO‐66 on the separation yield of resulting membranes. When compared with pristine PEI membranes, MMMs containing metal‐organic framework (MOF) nanoparticles revealed superior H2 permeability and H2/CO2 separation factor, e.g., maximum permeability values of 14.6 and 5.5 Barrer were observed for H2 and CO2 at a filler loading of 10 wt % and an applied pressure of 4.0 bar.
Empowering workplace allies for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender employees to prevent and minimize psychological distress: A scoping review
Authors: Ho Laurie Long Kwan , Cheung Ankie Tan , Chan Carlo Chak Yiu , Wong Eliza Lai Yi , Tam Wilson Wai San , Chien Wai Tong
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) employees have increasingly reported experiencing different forms of workplace discrimination/harassment. Workplace allyship may be positively associated with psychological health through creating inclusive organizational cultures or reducing discrimination/harassment. However, comprehensive literature reviews or evidence syntheses on the effects of workplace allyship in mental health protection/promotion for LGBT employees are limited.

Methods

This scoping review aimed to summarize available evidence regarding the effectiveness of workplace allies for LGBT employees in preventing/minimizing psychological distress and clarify the therapeutic components. This review included published research articles and grey literature identified through 11 electronic databases, a secondary search, and other sources.

Results

We identified 27 relevant articles. Most included studies used cross‐sectional or qualitative research designs, and evidence from countries beyond the United States was limited. Three essential/effective components of workplace allies/allyship were identified that could create supportive/safe workplace relationships/climates: (a) knowledge, (b) empathy, and (c) action.

Conclusions

Further longitudinal studies and controlled trials are needed to increase the quality of evidence on the effects and change processes induced by workplace allyship. Qualitative studies are also recommended to understand the health needs and mechanism of actions of workplace allyships in different LGBT communities.
Stereoselective Intramolecular [2+2] Trapping of 1,2‐Cyclohexadienes: a Route to Rigid, Angularly Fused Tricyclic Scaffolds
Authors: Jankovic Christian L. , McIntosh Kyle C. , Lofstrand Verner A. , West F. G.
Published: June 2023

1,2‐Cyclohexadienes generated under mild fluoride‐mediated desilylative conditions undergo efficient intramolecular [2+2] trapping, providing tricyclic alkylidene cyclobutanes with complete diastereoselectivity for the cis‐fused products. Pendent styrenes or electron‐deficient olefins can trap simple 1,2‐cyclohexadienes or their oxygenated counterparts, with 14 substrates being disclosed. Reactions proceed at ambient temperature using just cesium fluoride in up to 91 % yield, and the necessary precursors are easily accessed from substituted 2‐bromocyclohexenones. Multiple synthetic routes have been developed to install the appropriate functional groups required for [2+2] trapping.
Borylated Subphthalocyanines: Versatile Precursors for the Preparation of Functional Bowl‐Shaped Aromatics
Authors: Gómez‐Gómez Marta , Labella Jorge , Torres Tomás
Published: June 2023

The peripheral borylation of porphyrinoids has become a key step to prepare advanced functional materials. This study reports the synthesis, electronic properties, and reactivity of borylated subphthalocyanines. These compounds, which are prepared by Suzuki–Miyaura borylation in excellent yields, are easily purified, display a great stability, and serve as powerful starting materials for the post‐functionalization of SubPcs via cross‐coupling reactions. Remarkably, this novel approach is more efficient than the methodologies already described and enables the preparation of exotic systems, such as SubPc dimeric species linked by C−C bonds, which are not accessible so far and present promising properties for optoelectronic devices.
Concept of Catalytic Depolymerization of Polyolefinic Plastic Waste to High Value Chemicals
Authors: Schröter Stephan , Rothgänger Thomas , Heymel Dirk , Seitz Mathias
Published: June 2023

To establish a circular economy the chemical recycling of plastic waste seems to be crucial as contaminated waste streams cannot be easily recycled by mechanical processes. Some plastic components and contaminants cause severe problems in thermo‐chemical processes and the refining of the intermediates, which leads to a crucial waste pretreatment. Therefore, robust and efficient conversion methods have to be developed. A contribution to this, a new concept regarding the catalytic conversion of plastic waste, the necessary refining steps and ecological considerations, is proposed in this work.
Prospective LCA of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Thermo‐Chemical Recycling by Pyrolysis
Authors: Schulte Anna , Lamb-Scheffler Moema , Biessey Philip , Rieger Tobias
Published: June 2023

Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) is a particularly difficult waste to manage, characterized by hazardous and valuable chemicals. Emerging chemical recycling technologies are developed to unveil the possibility of sustainable treatment providing valuable resources from WEEE. This study develops a framework for prospective life cycle assessment (LCA) to explore a range of future scenarios in which the technology can be operated with low environmental impact. This is demonstrated in a case study focusing on plastics from WEEE, which are currently predominantly incinerated. The results reveal environmental benefits by WEEE treated via chemical recycling. In terms of climate change impacts, the best‐case scenario of chemical recycling shows a reduction potential of 74 % compared to current treatment.
Safety and efficacy of durvalumab after concurrent chemoradiation in Black patients with locally advanced non–small cell lung cancer
Authors: McCall Neal S. , Janopaul‐Naylor James R. , McGinnis H. Scott , Kesarwala Aparna H. , Tian Sibo , Stokes William A. , Shelton Joseph W. , Steuer Conor E. , Carlisle Jennifer W. , Leal Ticiana A. , Ramalingam Suresh S. , Bradley Jeffrey D. , Higgins Kristin A.
Published: June 2023

Background

The PACIFIC trial established consolidative durvalumab after concurrent chemoradiation as standard‐of‐care in patients with stage III or unresectable non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Black patients, however, comprised just 2% (n = 14) of randomized patients in this trial, warranting real‐world evaluation of the PACIFIC regimen in these patients.

Methods

This single‐institution, multi‐site study included 105 patients with unresectable stage II/III NSCLC treated with concurrent chemoradiation followed by durvalumab between 2017 and 2021. Overall survival (OS), progression‐free survival (PFS), and grade ≥3 pneumonitis‐free survival (PNFS) were compared between Black and non‐Black patients using Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analyses.

Results

A total of 105 patients with a median follow‐up of 22.8 months (interquartile range, 11.3–37.3 months) were identified for analysis, including 57 Black (54.3%) and 48 (45.7%) non‐Black patients. The mean radiation prescription dose was higher among Black patients (61.5 ± 2.9 Gy vs. 60.5 ± 1.9 Gy; p = .031), but other treatment characteristics were balanced between groups. The median OS (not‐reached vs. 39.7 months; p = .379) and PFS (31.6 months vs. 19.3 months; p = .332) were not statistically different between groups. Eight (14.0%) Black patients discontinued durvalumab due to toxicity compared to 13 (27.1%) non‐Black patients (p = .096). The grade ≥3 pneumonitis rate was similar between Black and non‐Black patients (12.3% vs. 12.5%; p = .973), and there was no significant difference in time to grade ≥3 PNFS (p = .904). Three (5.3%) Black patients and one (2.1%) non‐Black patient developed grade 5 pneumonitis.

Conclusions

The efficacy and tolerability of consolidative durvalumab after chemoradiation appears to be comparable between Black and non‐Black patients.
AWC‐NIDS: Attack‐wise customized network intrusion detection system using machine learning, concurrency, and distributed systems
Authors: Güney Hüseyin
Published: June 2023

With digitization and modern network applications, information security has gained a tremendous importance. Therefore, accurate and efficient detection systems are crucial for maintaining proactive security in computer networks. Machine learning (ML) has shown great potential as a promising solution since it can teach a machine to distinguish malicious and normal network activities. However, recently proposed methods are suffering from at least one of the following: detection accuracy, false alarm rate, and computational complexity issues. The main reason behind this problem is the complexity of the model in terms of attack types. From the ML perspective, intrusion detection is a classification problem where each attack type is identified by a set of different features, and features are used for classifying network activities. Thus, training an ML algorithm to detect more than one attack type leads to a more complex model; the increasing number of used features contributes positively to the model complexity, and may result in relatively lower detection accuracy or a higher false positive rate. To tackle this problem, this study proposes an attack‐wise customized network intrusion detection system (AWC‐NIDS) based on ML, concurrency, and distributed systems to achieve accurate and efficient network‐wide intrusion detection. Since CICIDS2017 contains many modern attacks, it was used for model development and performance evaluation. The experimental results showed that the proposed methodology achieved high classification performance for all datasets with a small number of features. However, it was observed that the lowest accuracy was achieved for the comprehensive dataset (which contains all attack types); for the single attack‐type datasets, the obtained accuracy was above 99%. This finding proves the concept of attack‐wise customization for intrusion detection and shows the significance of the proposed methodology. In conclusion, this framework is promising for implementing robust and accurate cybersecurity systems for traditional and modern networking.
Production of Dihydrogen Using Ammonia Borane as Reagent and Pyrazole as Catalyst
Authors: Delgado Gómez Marta , Marazzi Marco , Elguero José , Ferrer Maxime , Alkorta Ibon
Published: June 2023

Theoretical chemistry (DLPNO‐CCSD(T)/def2‐TZVP//M06‐2x/aug‐cc‐pVDZ) was used to design a system based on ammonia boranes catalyzed by pyrazoles with the aim of producing dihydrogen, nowadays of high interest as clean fuel. The reactivity of ammonia borane and cyclotriborazane were investigated, including catalytic activation through 1H‐pyrazole, 4‐methoxy‐1H‐pyrazole, and 4‐nitro‐1H‐pyrazole. The results point toward a catalytic cycle by which, at the same time, ammonia borane can initially store and then, through catalysis, produce dihydrogen and amino borane. Subsequently, amino borane can trimerize to form cyclotriborazane that, in presence of the same catalyst, can also produce dihydrogen. This study proposes therefore a consistent progress in using environmentally sustainable (metal free) catalysts to efficiently extract dihydrogen from small B−N bonded molecules.
Patterns of Prescription Medication Use during the First Trimester of Pregnancy in the United States, 1997–2018
Authors: Werler Martha M. , Kerr Stephen M. , Ailes Elizabeth C. , Reefhuis Jennita , Gilboa Suzanne M. , Browne Marilyn L. , Kelley Katherine E. , Hernandez‐Diaz Sonia , Smith‐Webb Rashida S. , Garcia Michelle Huezo , Mitchell Allen A. ,   The National Birth Defects Prevention Study and Birth Defects Study To Evaluate Pregnancy exposureS
Published: June 2023

The objective of this analysis was to describe patterns of prescription medication use during pregnancy, including secular trends, with consideration of indication, and distributions of use within demographic subgroups. We conducted a descriptive secondary analysis using data from 9,755 women whose infants served as controls in two large United States case–control studies from 1997–2011 and 2014–2018. After excluding vitamin, herbal, mineral, vaccine, i.v. fluid, and topical products and over‐the‐counter medications, the proportion of women that reported taking at least one prescription medication in the first trimester increased over the study years, from 37% to 50% of women. The corresponding proportions increased with increasing maternal age and years of education, were highest for non‐Hispanic White women (47%) and lowest for Hispanic women (24%). The most common indication for first trimester use of a medication was infection (12–15%). Increases were observed across the years for medications used for indications related to nausea/vomiting, depression/anxiety, infertility, thyroid disease, diabetes, and epilepsy. The largest relative increase in use among women was observed for medications to treat nausea/vomiting, which increased from 3.8% in the earliest years of the study (1997–2001) to 14.8% in 2014–2018, driven in large part by ondansetron use. Prescription medication use in the first trimester of pregnancy is common and increasing. Many medical conditions require treatments among pregnant women, often involving pharmacotherapy, which necessitates consideration of the risk and safety profiles for both mother and fetus.
Study on Preparation of Magnesium Hydroxide by Continuous Forced Circulation Process
Authors: Zhang Ying , Xia Liang , Zhang Li , Li Yaxia , Feng Ying , Zhang Jianwei
Published: June 2023

A continuous process for preparation of magnesium hydroxide with a forced circulation tubular reactor is proposed. The residence time distribution of the liquid in the reactor at different flow rates is measured, and the parameters of the tanks‐in‐series model are obtained. Using soluble magnesium salt and ammonia as raw materials, magnesium hydroxide is prepared. The effect of the flow rates on the product quality is investigated. The results show that the smaller the flow rate, the longer the residence time of the liquid in the reactor and the better the dispersion and crystal morphology of the products. When the total volume of the reactor is 300 mL and the flow rates are 5–50 mL min−1, the values of the average residence time of the liquid are 3094–351 s and the parameters of tanks‐in‐series model are 1.05–1.52. The reactors are closer to the continuous stirred tank reactor. The average particle sizes of the magnesium hydroxide products are 2.32–2.47 µm, and the values of I001/I101 are 1.17–0.89. The crystal morphology is flaky. Being compared with that from magnesium sulfate, the magnesium hydroxide products from magnesium nitrate have smaller particle size and better dispersibility.
Multicell nonisolated resonant modular multilevel dc‐dc converter with self‐voltage balancing and step‐up conversion
Authors: Zhu Xiaoquan , Jiang Liming , Jin Ke , Zhang Bo
Published: June 2023

With the rapid development of renewable energy power generation technologies in high‐voltage direct‐current (HVDC) system, the high step‐up ratio dc‐dc conversion plays an important role to connect dc grids with different voltage levels. This paper presents a multicell nonisolated resonant modular multilevel dc–dc converter (MMDC) for medium‐ and high‐voltage applications. The converter exhibits expandability without using transformer. Moreover, by adding additional switched‐inductor (SL) cells, switched‐capacitor (SC) cells, and the upper arm submodules (SMs), the proposed converter can obtain high gain with low voltage stresses on switches and diodes. The operating states of SMs is regulated by the carrier phase‐shifted pulse width modulation (CPS‐PWM) to guarantee the number of inserted SMs is constant to support the high‐side load at any moment. The converter is operated in resonant mode with resonance between SM capacitors and arm inductor. The step‐up ratio could be regulated by adjusting the number of SL cells, SC cells, and upper arm SMs; thus, more flexible voltage regulation can be realized. In addition, the proposed converter has the voltage self‐balancing capability of capacitors in SMs and SC‐cells without additional balancing control strategy. The topology configuration, parameter design guideline, operating principle, and comparison with other MMDCs are presented. Finally, the theoretical analysis is verified by the simulation and bench‐scaled experimental prototype results.
Holocene evolution of the Banni Plain at the north‐east margin of the Arabian Sea: Constraints from a ca 50 m long sediment core
Authors: Kumar Abhishek , Maurya Deepak M. , Phartiyal Binita , Arif Mohammad , Khonde Niteshkumar , Bhushan Ravi , Jena Partha Sarathi , Dabhi Ankur , Chamyal L. S.
Published: June 2023

Holocene evolutionary history of the Banni Plain in the Great Rann of the Kachchh Basin is reconstructed from a subsurface sediment core of ca 50 m. Detailed data on textural and lithofacies variations, grain‐size analysis, environmental magnetism and accelerator mass spectrometry 14C dates on seven samples were generated on the sediment core retrieved from the Banni Plain near Berada. A high‐resolution record extending back to 10 ka has been reconstructed from the top ca 40 m of the core section comprising shallow marine sediments. The core is divisible into five depositional units. The basal part is a fluvial depositional unit followed upward by estuarine, sub‐tidal, intertidal and supra‐tidal environments. The sediment accumulation rate is highest in the sub‐tidal to intertidal facies (1.9 cm year−1) and decreases towards the supra‐tidal facies to 0.09 cm year−1. Environmental magnetic analysis, χlf coupled with the S‐ratio, indicates high magnetic mineral concentrations during the Early Holocene, suggesting a wet period accompanied by high monsoon precipitation. This is followed by the onset of semi‐arid conditions in the Great Rann of the Kachchh Basin as indicated by the low values of the χlf and S‐ratios. A westward and northward shift in the shoreline towards the deeper part of the basin is suggested during the Late Holocene, which is coupled with aridity and reduced monsoonal conditions. The change in depositional pattern from the retrogradational deposit of fluvial (Unit 1) to estuarine sediment (Unit 2), progressing to sub‐tidal (Unit 3), is attributed to sea‐level transgression followed by regressive intertidal (Unit 4) to supra‐tidal deposition (Unit 5), culminating in complete withdrawal of the sea, aided by tectonic uplift, during the Late Holocene. The results reveal that the sediment accumulation rates and depositional environments changed over time in response to changes in sea level from minima to maxima and then eventually to the present level.
Effects of treatment with Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist on prediabetes with overweight/obesity: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Weihao , Wei Ran , Huang Zhengxiang , Luo Jingyi , Pan Qi , Guo Lixin
Published: June 2023

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist (GLP‐1RA) on prediabetes with overweight/obesity.

Methods

A search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases was performed to identify randomised controlled trials (up to 4 July 2022) which evaluated the effect of GLP‐1RA on prediabetes with overweight/obesity.

Results

Eight hundred and nine articles were retrieved (80 from PubMed, 481 from Embase, 137 from Cochrane library, and 111 from Web of Science) and a total of 5 articles were included in this meta‐analysis. More individuals in GLP‐1RAs group regressed from prediabetes to normoglycemia than individuals in the placebo group (OR = 4.56, 95% CI:3.58, 5.80, P = 0.004); fewer individuals in GLP‐1RAs group were diagnosed with diabetes than those in the placebo group (OR = 0.31, 95% CI:0.12,0.81, P = 0.017). Results from five studies showed that GLP‐1RAs significantly reduced fasting glucose (mean difference = −0.41 mmol/L, 95% CI: −0.58, −0.25, P < 0.00001), with an acceptable heterogeneity (I2 = 42%).

Conclusions

The present meta‐analysis suggested that GLP‐1RA significantly improves glucose metabolism, reduces systolic blood pressure and body weight in prediabetes with overweight/obesity. It could also prevent the development of diabetes and reverse abnormal glucose metabolism.
Associations of broad eating disorder symptoms with later alcohol problems in Finnish adult twins: A nationwide 10‐year follow‐up
Authors: Hirvelä Leon , Keski‐Rahkonen Anna , Sipilä Pyry N.
Published: June 2023

Objective

Eating disorders are associated with subsequent alcohol problems, but it is not known whether this association also extends to broader eating disorder symptoms not captured by clinical diagnoses. We assessed the longitudinal association of broad eating disorder symptoms with alcohol problems in a nationwide twin sample (FinnTwin16).

Methods

Finnish women (N = 1905) and men (N = 1449) self‐reported their eating disorder symptoms using the Eating Disorder Inventory‐2 Bulimia, Drive for Thinness, and Body Dissatisfaction subscales at the mean age of 24.4 years in 2000–2003. A subsample of participants also completed items on drive for muscularity, height dissatisfaction, and muscle‐enhancing supplement use. Alcohol problems were assessed 10 years later at the age of 34.1 in 2010–2012 with the Rutgers Alcohol Problem Index.

Results

Eating disorder symptoms were associated with later alcohol problems (odds ratio per point increase 1.02–1.18). Bulimia showed stronger associations among men than women (p for interaction .012). Drive for muscularity and height dissatisfaction were also associated with later alcohol problems, but supplement use was not. When accounting for baseline alcohol problems, only Bulimia (among women and men) and Drive for Thinness (among men) were significantly associated with later alcohol problems. Bulimia was also significantly associated with later alcohol problems in within‐twin‐pair analyses among dizygotic twins, but not among monozygotic twins.

Discussion

In a longitudinal setting, eating disorder symptoms were associated with later alcohol problems. Bulimic symptoms were a stronger risk factor for men than women. These associations may be attributable to baseline alcohol problems, childhood environment and genetic liability.

Public significance

This study found that both young adult women and men with broad eating disorder symptoms are at a higher risk of alcohol‐related problems than those without such symptoms. Men with bulimic symptoms were at a particularly high risk. These findings emphasize the need for better prevention and treatment of disordered eating, body image concerns and alcohol problems for both young adult women and men.
Water‐Solvation‐Dependent Spin Transitions in Cobalt(II)‐Octacyanidometallate Complexes
Authors: Song Qinyu , Stefanczyk Olaf , Li Guanping , Kumar Kunal , Nakamura Kazuki , Nakabayashi Koji , Ohkoshi Shin‐ichi
Published: June 2023

The spin‐crossover (SCO) and charge‐transfer (CT) phenomena, the switching processes between two distinguishable magnetic states, are promising for developing materials capable of sophisticated memory and sensing functionalities. The majority of SCO systems are based on iron(II) complexes. However, cobalt(II)‐2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridine (terpy) systems emerge as a promising alternative. In this work, new complex salts [CoII(terpy)2]2[MoIV(CN)8] ⋅ 15H2O, Co2Mo(H2O), and [CoII(terpy)2]3[WV(CN)8]2 ⋅ 12H2O, Co3W2(H2O) were synthesized and physiochemically characterized. Structural studies for both compounds revealed [Co(terpy)2]2+ layers pillared by octacyanidometallate anions and completed with water molecules between them. Magnetic studies confirmed that the (de)solvated phases of both complexes exhibit partial SCO on the cobalt(II) centers: CoII−LS (SCo(II)‐LS=1/2)↔CoII−HS (SCo(II)‐HS=3/2). Moreover, handling dehydrated samples in a high‐humidity environment leads to partial recovery of previous magnetic properties via humidity‐induced SCO for Co2Mo: CoII−HS→CoII−LS, and the new phenomenon of isothermal humidity‐activated charge‐transfer‐induced spin transition, which we define here as HACTIST, for Co3W2: CoII−HS⋅⋅⋅WV (SCo(II)‐HS=3/2 and SW(V)=1/2)→CoIII−LS⋅⋅⋅WIV (SW(IV)=0 and SCo(III)‐LS=0). These comprehensive studies shed light on the water‐solvation‐dependent spin transitions in Co(II)‐octacyanidometallate(IV/V) complexes.
Synthesis of Soluble Quinacridone Photocatalysts for the Homogeneous Oxidation of Thioethers
Authors: Forchetta Mattia , Baia Valerio , Sabuzi Federica , Conte Valeria , Galloni Pierluca
Published: June 2023

Evaluation of quinacridone (QA) derivatives as homogeneous metal‐free photocatalysts is here presented. QA derivatives were synthetized and systematically characterized, measuring their ground state and excited state redox potentials in dichloromethane (DCM) and 1,1,1,3,3,3‐hexafluoro‐2‐propanol (HFIP), in order to understand how structural modifications influenced their photocatalytic properties. In particular, the effect of dicyanomethylene and nitro EWG groups was investigated, in order to develop a photocatalyst capable of promoting oxidative processes in the presence of molecular oxygen. Among the analyzed derivatives, 2,9‐dinitro‐N,N′‐dibutylquinacridone (DNDBQA) was the one with the highest excited state reduction potential (Ered*=1.60 V in HFIP vs SCE), while N,N’‐dibutylquinacridone (DBQA) showed valuable excited state redox potentials (Ered*=1.29 V; Eox*=−1.28 V in HFIP vs SCE), making it suitable for bimodal applications in oxidative and reductive photocatalytic processes. Afterwards, the synthetized QA derivatives were examined as photocatalysts to promote the selective aerobic oxidation of thioether to sulfoxide. Promising results in thioanisole oxidation were achieved with all the QA derivatives tested as photocatalysts, in terms of yield and selectivity. Remarkably, DBQA showed the best performances, catalyzing the reaction in only 20 minutes, using 0.5 % of the photocatalyst, and showing excellent performances in the oxidation of several thioether derivatives.
Synthesis of [1,2,3]Triazolo[1,5‐a]quinoline‐3‐carboxamides Promoted by Organocatalyst and Base
Authors: Da Costa Gabriel P. , Blödorn Gustavo B. , Barcellos Thiago , Silva Márcio S. , Luque Rafael , Alves Diego
Published: June 2023

We described here a simple and metal‐free protocol to synthesize [1,2,3]triazolo[1,5‐a]quinoline 3‐carboxamides through a two‐step synthetic strategy, in which the first step uses organocatalysis (10 mol % of diethylamine or 1,8‐diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec‐7‐ene, while the second step involves the use of inorganic base (1.2 or 0.1 equiv. of potassium hydroxide). These reactions were performed betweenβ‐keto amides ando‐carbonyl phenylazides in dimethylsulfoxide as solvent at 70 °C for 2 h. The synthetic protocol is ample, which thirteen examples of secondary [1,2,3]triazolo[1,5‐a]quinoline 3‐carboxamides were synthesized ranging from good to excellent yields (63‐96 %), and six different tertiary [1,2,3]triazolo[1,5‐a]quinolines 3‐carboxamides were obtained ranging from moderate to good yields (48–76 %).
Thermal conductivity effect on thermophoresis of charged spheroidal colloids in aqueous media
Authors: Yang Mingyuan , Zhou Yi , Chen Wenqin , Wang Weihao , Yang Chun
Published: June 2023

Thermophoresis of spheroidal colloids in aqueous media under the thermal conductivity effect is analyzed. The thermophoretic velocity and the thermodiffusion coefficient of spheroidal colloids have been formulated for extremely thin electric double layer (EDL) cases. Furthermore, a numerical thermophoretic model is built for arbitrary EDL thickness cases. The parametric studies show that the thermal conductivity mismatch of particle and liquid gives rise to a nonlinear temperature region around the spheroid, with the thickness close to the minor semiaxis. When the EDL region is thin relative to such nonlinear temperature region, the thermal conductivity effect on the thermophoresis of spheroidal colloids is significant, which strongly depends on the ratio of the minor semiaxis to the EDL thickness, the thermal conductivity ratio of particle to liquid, and the particle aspect ratio. Finally, to estimate the thermodiffusion coefficient of spheroidal colloids with arbitrary thermal conductivity, electrolyte concentration, and particle shape, the average dimensionless axial temperature gradient on the spheroidal equator plane in the EDL region is proposed.
Monovalent cation localization in DNA A‐tracts with different sequences
Authors: Stellwagen Earle , Stellwagen Nancy C.
Published: June 2023

The free solution mobilities of 26‐base pair (bp) DNA oligomers containing A‐tracts with and without internal ApT steps have been measured by capillary electrophoresis, using the mobility of a 26‐bp random‐sequence oligomer as a reference. The background electrolytes (BGEs) contained mixtures of Li+ and tetrapropylammonium (TPA+) ions, keeping the total cation concentration constant at 0.3 M. The mobility ratios equaled 1.00 in 0.3 M TPA+, indicating that the A‐tract and reference oligomers had the same B‐form conformation in this BGE. With increasing [Li+], the mobility ratio decreased as Li+ ions became localized in the A‐tract minor groove, suggesting that the A‐tract was now in the B* conformation. If the A‐tract contained an internal ApT step and the oligomer contained less than ∼50% A + T, the mobility ratio reached a reduced plateau value that remained constant as the [Li+] increased to 0.3 M. However, for A‐tracts without an internal ApT step and for A‐tracts embedded in oligomers containing more than 50% A + T, the mobility ratios increased again at high [Li+], eventually reaching a plateau value of 1.00. Hence, DNA A‐tracts in solution appear to exist as mixtures of the B and B* conformations, with the fractional concentration of each conformer depending on the [Li+], the A‐tract sequence, and the total A + T content of the oligomer.
Optimization of waste lubricating oil regeneration using acid‐clay process
Authors: Mabrouk M. A. , Eid Y. , Tarek M. , AlSayed M. , Elfakharany K. , Maher W. , Mohamed T. , Setait M. , Elazab A. , Abdel‐Hamid Shereen M. S. , Aly Sohair T.
Published: June 2023

Waste lubricating oil is non‐biodegradable materials. It is released into the environment and its disposal has become a global environmental issue due to its impact on all life aspects. The production of waste lubricating oil has recently increased rapidly. The aim of this work is to recover, optimize oil production process from waste lubricating oil. This was investigated using the acid‐clay process. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) approach was used to optimize the desludging reaction. The studied parameters were acid to oil ratio, contact time, temperature. The mixing ratio of acid to waste oil were selected in the range of 1:10 to 2:10 (v/v). Reaction time was in the range of 60–120 min. The predicted maximum viscosity index of 117.54 was obtained at the temperature of 40°C, 20% acid to oil ratio, and reaction time of 60 min. The results were assessed experimentally using five runs and the average value of viscosity index was 111.76 with standard deviation of 0.739 and error 4.91%. The samples obtained at optimum conditions were characterized by measuring flash point at 180°C, carbon residue of 0.487, kinematic viscosity at 100°C of 17cSt, the water content of 0.01%, ash content of 0.02%. Viscosity index of was found in complies with the Egyptian standards.
Barriers and facilitators affecting treatment uptake behaviours for patients with eating disorders: A systematic review synthesising patient, caregiver and clinician perspectives
Authors: Daugelat Melissa‐Claire , Pruccoli Jacopo , Schag Kathrin , Giel Katrin Elisabeth
Published: June 2023

Objective

A significant treatment gap exists between persons affected by eating disorders (ED), and those engaging with treatment services. This systematic review aims to provide a thorough understanding of the barriers and facilitators affecting eating disorder treatment engagement, including a synthesis of the perspectives of patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals.

Method

This systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines. Studies were retrieved from three databases (PubMed, PsycInfo, Web of Science) and were screened and assessed independently by two raters. A thematic analysis was completed to determine the key barriers and facilitators reported by the included studies.

Results

A total of 73 studies were included. From these studies, 12 barriers and 13 facilitators were identified. Patients reported stigma, shame and guilt as the most prominent barrier affecting their engagement with treatment services. Meanwhile, caregivers and healthcare professionals reported a lack of eating disorder knowledge of clinicians as the most important barrier. Positive social support was cited as the most prominent facilitator to promote help‐seeking.

Discussion

Patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals experience a variety of barriers and facilitators to treatment uptake for ED. Interventions addressing barriers and facilitators could increase treatment engagement, including anti‐stigma campaigns and positive peer‐support interventions.
In vivo synergistic tumor therapies based on copper sulfide photothermal therapeutic nanoplatforms
Authors: Ma Jingwen , Li Na , Wang Jingjian , Liu Zhe , Han Yulong , Zeng Yun
Published: June 2023

Tumor cells may be eliminated by increasing their temperature. This is achieved via photothermal therapy (PTT) by penetrating the tumor tissue with near‐infrared light and converting light energy into heat using photothermal agents. Copper sulfide nanoparticles (CuS NPs) are commonly used as PTAs in PTT. In this review, we aimed to discuss the synergism between tumor PTT with CuS NPs and other therapies such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, dynamic therapies (photodynamic, chemodynamic, and sonodynamic therapy), immunotherapy, gene therapy, gas therapy, and magnetic hyperthermia. Furthermore, we summarized the results obtained with a combination of two treatments and at least two therapies, with PTT as one of the included therapies. Finally, we summarized the benefits and drawbacks of various therapeutic options and state of the art CuS‐based PTT and provided future directions for such therapies.