bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improvement of tomato yield and quality using slow release NPK fertilizers prepared by carnauba wax emulsion, starch-based latex and hydrogel nanocomposite combination
Authors: Motamedi Elaheh , Safari Marzieh , Salimi Mehri
Published: July 2023

The modern agriculture is working on introducing new generation of fertilizers that apt to slow down the nutrients release to be more in synchrony with plant’s need throughout growth season, enhance fertilizer performance, and decrease nutrient losses into the environment. The aim of this research was to develop an advanced NPK slow-release fertilizer (SRF) and investigate its effect on yield, nutritional and morphological responses of tomato plant (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) as a model crop. To this goal, three water-based bio-polymeric formulations including starch-g-poly (acrylic acid-co-acrylamide) nanocomposite hydrogel, starch-g-poly(styrene-co-butylacrylate) latex, and carnauba wax emulsion were synthesized and used for production of NPK-SRF samples. Different samples of coated fertilizers (urea, potassium sulfate, and superphosphate granules) were prepared using different ratios of latex and wax emulsion, and for phosphorus and potash (R-treatment). Moreover, some of coated fertilizers (15 and 30 wt.%) was replaced with nanocomposite hydrogel containing fertilizers, named D and H treatments, respectively. The effect of SRF samples were compared with commercial fertilizers (NPK treatment) and a commercial SRF (T treatment), on the growth of tomato in the greenhouse, at two different levels (100 and 60). The efficiency of all the synthesized formulations were higher than NPK and T treatments, and among them, H100 significantly improved the morphological and physiological characteristics of tomato. For instance, amount of residual elements (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) as well as micro elements of calcium, iron and zinc in tomato cultivation bed and accordingly the uptake of these elements in the roots, aerial parts and fruits were increased in the R, H, and D treatments. The highest yield (1671.54 g), highest agricultural agronomy efficiency of fertilizer, and the highest dry matter percentage (9.52%) were obtained in H100. The highest amount of lycopene, antioxidant capacity and vitamin C was also observed in H100. Nitrate accumulation in tomato fruit in the synthesized SRF samples were decreased significantly compared to NPK100, and the lowest amount was observed in H100, which was 55.24% less than NPK100. Accordingly, it is suggested that combination of natural-based nanocomposite hydrogels along with coating latexes and wax emulsions can be a successful method to synthesize efficient NPK-SRF formulations for improvement of crop growth and quality.
The genome of the glasshouse plant noble rhubarb (Rheum nobile) provides a window into alpine adaptation
Authors: Feng Tao , Pucker Boas , Kuang Tianhui , Song Bo , Yang Ya , Lin Nan , Zhang Huajie , Moore Michael J. , Brockington Samuel F. , Wang Qingfeng , Deng Tao , Wang Hengchang , Sun Hang
Published: July 2023

Glasshouse plants are species that trap warmth via specialized morphology and physiology, mimicking a human glasshouse. In the Himalayan alpine region, the highly specialized glasshouse morphology has independently evolved in distinct lineages to adapt to intensive UV radiation and low temperature. Here we demonstrate that the glasshouse structure – specialized cauline leaves – is highly effective in absorbing UV light but transmitting visible and infrared light, creating an optimal microclimate for the development of reproductive organs. We reveal that this glasshouse syndrome has evolved at least three times independently in the rhubarb genus Rheum. We report the genome sequence of the flagship glasshouse plant Rheum nobile and identify key genetic network modules in association with the morphological transition to specialized glasshouse leaves, including active secondary cell wall biogenesis, upregulated cuticular cutin biosynthesis, and suppression of photosynthesis and terpenoid biosynthesis. The distinct cell wall organization and cuticle development might be important for the specialized optical property of glasshouse leaves. We also find that the expansion of LTRs has likely played an important role in noble rhubarb adaptation to high elevation environments. Our study will enable additional comparative analyses to identify the genetic basis underlying the convergent occurrence of glasshouse syndrome.
Construction and validation of a gene expression classifier to predict immunotherapy response in primary triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Ensenyat-Mendez Miquel , Orozco Javier I. J. , Llinàs-Arias Pere , Íñiguez-Muñoz Sandra , Baker Jennifer L. , Salomon Matthew P. , Martí Mercè , DiNome Maggie L. , Cortés Javier , Marzese Diego M.
Published: July 2023

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) improve clinical outcomes in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients. However, a subset of patients does not respond to treatment. Biomarkers that show ICI predictive potential in other solid tumors, such as levels of PD-L1 and the tumor mutational burden, among others, show a modest predictive performance in patients with TNBC.

Methods

We built machine learning models based on pre-ICI treatment gene expression profiles to construct gene expression classifiers to identify primary TNBC ICI-responder patients. This study involved 188 ICI-naïve and 721 specimens treated with ICI plus chemotherapy, including TNBC tumors, HR+/HER2− breast tumors, and other solid non-breast tumors.

Results

The 37-gene TNBC ICI predictive (TNBC-ICI) classifier performs well in predicting pathological complete response (pCR) to ICI plus chemotherapy on an independent TNBC validation cohort (AUC = 0.86). The TNBC-ICI classifier shows better performance than other molecular signatures, including PD-1 (PDCD1) and PD-L1 (CD274) gene expression (AUC = 0.67). Integrating TNBC-ICI with molecular signatures does not improve the efficiency of the classifier (AUC = 0.75). TNBC-ICI displays a modest accuracy in predicting ICI response in two different cohorts of patients with HR + /HER2- breast cancer (AUC = 0.72 to pembrolizumab and AUC = 0.75 to durvalumab). Evaluation of six cohorts of patients with non-breast solid tumors treated with ICI plus chemotherapy shows overall poor performance (median AUC = 0.67).

Conclusion

TNBC-ICI predicts pCR to ICI plus chemotherapy in patients with primary TNBC. The study provides a guide to implementing the TNBC-ICI classifier in clinical studies. Further validations will consolidate a novel predictive panel to improve the treatment decision-making for patients with TNBC.
Radical thioesterification via nickel-catalysed sensitized electron transfer
Authors: Wang Huamin , Liu Zhao , Das Ankita , Bellotti Peter , Megow Sebastian , Temps Friedrich , Qi Xiaotian , Glorius Frank
Published: July 2023

Multi-catalytic reaction modes have attracted widespread attention in synthetic chemistry. The merger of nickel catalysis with photoredox catalysis has offered a powerful platform for synthesis of molecules with attractive properties. Nonetheless, the conceptual development of nickel-catalysed, sensitized electron transfer is of pivotal relevance, but is still greatly limited. Here we describe the development of a radical cross-thioesterification process by nickel-catalysed sensitized electron transfer. The strategy can produce diverse methyl thioesters, which are not only found in natural products, materials and pharmaceuticals but also are widespread precursors in synthetic chemistry and biological processes. This catalytic mode features high chemoselectivity, good functional group tolerance and excellent scalability. Perhaps more important was the finding that various drugs and amino acids were successfully functionalized in this system. Experimental studies, nanosecond transient spectroscopic analysis, and density functional theory calculations reveal that the merger of photocatalytic electron transfer, energy transfer and nickel catalysis plays an essential role in this radical thioesterification reaction.
A systematic study of work function and electronic properties of MXenes from first principles
Authors: Yusupov Khabib , Björk Jonas , Rosen Johanna
Published: July 2023

Functional 2D materials are interesting for a wide range of applications.
In situ reversible tuning of chemical interface damping in mesoporous silica-coated gold nanorods via direct adsorption and removal of thiol
Authors: Hong Yun A. , Ha Ji Won
Published: July 2023

We present a new way for reversible tuning of CID through repeated adsorption and desorption of thiol molecules on single AuNRs@mSiO2.
Tri-part NanoLuc as a new split technology with potential applications in chemical biology: a mini-review
Authors: Oliayi Mina , Emamzadeh Rahman , Rastegar Mojgan , Nazari Mahboobeh
Published: July 2023

Inspired by split green fluorescent protein (GFP) and its β-barrel structure, tripart split NanoLuc (large fragment + 2 peptides) has been reported. It potentially offers several benefits in chemical biology.
Naphthalenediimide-based nanoarchitectonics for a fluorescent chemosensor with highly selective and sensitive detection of cyanide ions
Authors: Gawade Vilas K. , Jadhav Ratan W. , Chari Vishnu R. , Hangarge Rahul V. , Bhosale Sheshanath V.
Published: July 2023

A NDI-based fluorescent sensor has been reported for the selective detection of CN− ions.
An electrochemical microfluidic device for non-enzymatic cholesterol determination using a lab-made disposable electrode
Authors: Watanabe Emily Yamagutti , Gevaerd Ava , Caetano Fabio Roberto , Marcolino-Junior Luiz Humberto , Bergamini Márcio Fernando
Published: July 2023

Cholesterol is an important steroid and hormone precursor, and its levels in blood are associated with risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.
Mesoionic compounds: the role of intermolecular interactions in their crystalline design
Authors: Lima Priscila S. V. , Weimer Gustavo H. , Oliveira Leonardo P. , Souza Helivaldo D. S. , Fiss Gabriela F. , Bonacorso Helio G. , Martins Marcos A. P.
Published: July 2023

The quest for understanding crystal structures using supramolecular cluster demarcation has been applied to various uncharged compounds, and, more recently, to charged compounds. So, what would be the supramolecular behavior of mesoionic compounds?
Role of polyoxometalate precursors and supports in the selective oxidation of methane into formaldehyde using supported metal oxide subnanocluster catalysts
Authors: Wachi Keiju , Yabe Tomohiro , Suzuki Takaaki , Yonesato Kentaro , Suzuki Kosuke , Yamaguchi Kazuya
Published: July 2023

By examining various metal-containing polyoxometalate (POM) precursors and supports, it was found that catalysts prepared using Fe-containing POM precursors supported on SiO2with a high specific surface area were effective for CH4oxidation.
Lactobacillus casei-derived postbiotics inhibited digestion of triglycerides, glycerol phospholipids and sterol lipids via allosteric regulation of BSSL, PTL and PLA2 to prevent obesity: perspectives on deep learning integrated multi-omics
Authors: Fan Zibian , Jia Wei
Published: July 2023

The Lactobacillus casei derived postbiotics were used to mediate the inhibition of milk fat digestion. The underlying mechanism was inducing conformational regulation of lipase, thus diminishing the utilization of lipid nutrients.
First principle insights and experimental investigations of the electronic and optical properties of CuInS2 single crystals
Authors: Giri Ranjan Kr. , Chaki Sunil H. , Dave Mehul S. , Bharucha Shivani R. , Khimani Ankurkumar J. , Kannaujiya Rohitkumar M. , Deshpande Milind P. , Solanki Mitesh B.
Published: July 2023

Structural, electronic and optical properties of CuInS2 single crystals.
Catalytic effect of transition metal-doped medical grade polymer on S-nitrosothiol decomposition and its biological response
Authors: Mondal Arnab , Maffe Patrick , Wilson Sarah N. , Ghalei Sama , Palacio Ricky , Handa Hitesh , Brisbois Elizabeth J.
Published: July 2023

Comparative study investigates nitric oxide (NO)-releasing polymer composites with metal nanoparticles, revealing differential flux and biological effects, emphasizing the importance of a layered design for optimal NO release and biocompatibility.
Porous organic polymers (POPs) for environmental remediation
Authors: Fajal Sahel , Dutta Subhajit , Ghosh Sujit K.
Published: July 2023

Porous organic polymers show great potential for addressing environmental pollution challenges, including chemical sensing, wastewater treatment, toxic gas sorption, heterogeneous catalysis, and further promoting sustainable remediation strategies.
Effect of the combined addition of ultrasonicated kraft lignin and montmorillonite on hydroxypropyl methylcellulose bionanocomposites
Authors: Martín-Sampedro Raquel , Aranda Pilar , del Real Gustavo , Ruiz-Hitzky Eduardo , Darder Margarita
Published: July 2023

Lignin caused montmorillonite exfoliation improving clay compatibility with HPMC, and conferred UV-shielding, antioxidant and antibacterial properties, while montmorillonite improved barrier properties.
Synthesis of the spiroimine fragment of portimines A and B
Authors: Ding Xiao-Bo , Wung Alexander , Furkert Daniel P. , Brimble Margaret A.
Published: July 2023

Synthesis of the spirocyclic core of portimines A and B was achieved utilizing a key Diels–Alder reaction of a bromodiene with a malonate dienophile.
Amino-bridged attapulgite@perovskite nanocomposites: the role of bridge linkage in their optical properties and stabilities
Authors: Qiu Lei , Guan Mengyu , Wang Wei , Molokeev Maxim S. , Polyutov Sergey P. , Dai Zhigao , Li Guogang
Published: July 2023

The working mechanism of bridge linkage with respect to the optical and stable properties of attapulgite@perovskite nanocomposites is investigated, which inspired us to design high-performance perovskite-based nanocomposites.
Mechanistic insights into the key role of methylammonium iodide in the stability of perovskite materials
Authors: Sabahi Negin , Shahroosvand Hashem
Published: July 2023

The possible mechanisms damaging perovskite solar cells have attracted considerable attention in the photovoltaic community.
Enabling fast ionic transport in CeO2–La1−2xBaxBixFeO3 nanocomposite electrolyte for low temperature solid oxide fuel cell application
Authors: Shaheen Nusrat , Chen Zheng , Alomar Muneerah , Su Tao , Nong Yumei , Althubaiti Nada , Yousaf Muhammad , Lu Yuzheng , Liu Qiang
Published: July 2023

Recent studies indicate that electrolyte ionic conductivity plays a pivotal role in reducing the operating temperature of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs).
Surface modifications of biomaterials in different applied fields
Authors: Hu Xi , Wang Teng , Li Faqi , Mao Xiang
Published: July 2023

Biomaterial implantation into the human body plays a key role in the medical and biological field. It increases the life expectancy, reduces the rejection reaction and risk in infections.
Insight into novel anti-mucormycosis therapies: investigation of new anti-mucormycosis laser-induced photodynamic therapy based on a sulphone bis-compound loaded silica nanoemulsion
Authors: Abdelraof Mohamed , Fikry Mohamed , Hashem Amr H. , El-Naggar Mehrez E. , Rashdan Huda R. M.
Published: July 2023

For drug delivery applications, silica nanoemulsion encapsulated with organic compounds are becoming increasingly more desirable.
Microfluidic fabrication of X-ray-visible sodium hyaluronate microspheres for embolization
Authors: Shen Yang , Zhang Baoqu , Yi Zihan , Zhang Lan , Ling Jing , Wang Shibo , Sun Zhichao , Iqbal M. Zubair , Kong Xiangdong
Published: July 2023

Bi2S3@SH-1 microspheres are fabricated by single-step microfluidics, have good biocompatibility, mechanical properties, certain X-ray visibility, and excellent embolization effects, which hold great potential for embolotherapy application.
Oil-gated isoporous membrane with micro-apertures for controllable pressure-induced passive flow regulator
Authors: Park Yujin , Kim Joondong , Yun Ju-Hyung , Jang Segeun , Kim Sang Moon
Published: July 2023

An ultra-thin and flexible oil-gated isoporous membrane (OGIM) is developed as an immediately responsive and precisely controlled gas valve to maintain internal pneumatic pressure and designed to regulate constant liquid flow.
Determination of lindane in surface water samples and its degradation by hydrogen peroxide and persulfate assisted TiO2-based photocatalysis
Authors: Khan Sanaullah , Khan Javed Ali , Shah Noor S. , Sayed Murtaza , Ateeq Muhammad , Ansar Sabah , Boczkaj Grzegorz , Farooq Umar
Published: July 2023

Detection of lindane in surface waters and its degradation by hydroxyl and sulfate radical-based photocatalysis: degradation products formation and toxicity evaluation.
Polythioethers bearing side groups for efficient degradation by E1cB reaction: reaction design for polymerization and main-chain scission
Authors: Kawatani Ryo , Hagiwara Keito , Tanaka Anri , Kohsaka Yasuhiro
Published: July 2023

A pendant group led to the irreversible main chain scission of polythioether by E1cB reaction. The pendant group also led to divergent polymerization paths according to catalysts, and the optimization by understanding the mechanism was required.
Phase transitions and topological defects in discotic liquid crystal droplets with planar anchoring: a Monte Carlo simulation study
Authors: Salgado-Blanco Daniel , Díaz-Herrera Enrique , Martínez-González José A. , Mendoza Carlos I.
Published: July 2023

Monte Carlo simulations at the NpT ensemble for a discotic liquid crystal droplet whose surface promotes planar anchoring show the appearance of disclination lines and that confinement lowers the phase-transition temperatures.
A device for sorting soft capsules in a microchannel flow
Authors: Satheesh Kiran , Tomar Gaurav
Published: July 2023

A tapered constriction based compact device for sorting soft capsules with varying stiffness without a diffuser section.
Cooperative crosslinking in polyvinyl alcohol organogels
Authors: Scott Holli R. , Davis Ani N. , Peters Gretchen Marie
Published: July 2023

We report a tunable PVA organogel formed with mixtures of boric acid (BA) and 1,4-benzenediboronic acid (1,4-BDBA). We propose that tunability arises from a cooperative event in which new PVA–BA crosslinks are formed when 1,4-BDBA is introduced.
Structure of jammed ellipse packings with a wide range of aspect ratios
Authors: Rocks Sebastian , Hoy Robert S.
Published: July 2023

Motivated in part by the recent observation of liquid glass in suspensions of ellipsoidal colloids, we examine the structure of jammed ellipse packings over a much wider range of particle aspect ratios than has been previously attempted.
A non-confined gamma monoclinic sulfur cathode in carbonate electrolyte based room temperature K–S batteries
Authors: Pai Rahul , Cardoza Neal Amadeus , Natu Varun , Barsoum Michel W. , Kalra Vibha
Published: July 2023

This work extends our novel monoclinic γ-sulfur approach of polysulfide mitigation to the K–S chemistry. The lack of soluble polysulfides enable extremely stable cycling to 500 cycles in carbonate electrolyte.
Isolated iron single-atom sites for oxygen reduction derived from a porphyrin-based carbon sphere by a polymerization–coordination–pyrolysis strategy
Authors: Wei Shengjie , Yang Rongyan , Zhang Qinghua
Published: July 2023

The Fe-ISAS/CN catalyst obtained by a polymerization–coordination–pyrolysis strategy exhibited excellent catalytic performance for alkaline oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and Zn–air batteries, with a half-wave potential of 0.881 V vs. RHE.
Deposition condition impacts charge tunneling and thermoelectric properties of N-heterocyclic carbene monolayers
Authors: Kang Hungu , Jang Jiung , Kong Gyu Don , Jung Sangmin , Ohto Tatsuhiko , Yoon Hyo Jae
Published: July 2023

The reaction conditions for the deposition of N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) on a gold substrate play a crucial role in determining the surface coverage of NHC adsorbates. This, in turn, has a significant impact on the power factor.
Development of cationic peptide-based hydrogels loaded with iopamidol for CEST-MRI detection
Authors: Di Gregorio Enza , Rosa Elisabetta , Ferrauto Giuseppe , Diaferia Carlo , Gallo Enrico , Accardo Antonella , Terreno Enzo
Published: July 2023

Cationic hexapeptide Ac-K1 hydrogels were loaded with iopamidol, an X-ray and CEST-MRI contrast agent. These soft, injectable and non-toxic systems are promising candidates for the development of smart MRI detectable bioscaffolds.
Highly effective nanoparticle removal in plant-based water filters
Authors: Samineni Laxmicharan , DeRespino Sophie , Depaolis Mekayla , Mohanty Rashmi P. , Tu Yu-Ming , Pemmaraju Sanjana , Velegol Stephanie , Ghosh Debadyuti , Kumar Manish
Published: July 2023

Water treatment plants offer the opportunity to reduce the exposure of humans to nanoparticle contamination. An affinity-based filter made from natural materials and Moringa oleifera seed protein achieves high removals of various nanoparticles.
BIO‐inspired fuzzy inference system—For physiological signal analysis
Authors: Suppiah Ravi , Kim Noori , Abidi Khalid , Sharma Anurag
Published: July 2023

When a person's neuromuscular system is affected by an injury or disease, Activities‐for‐Daily‐Living (ADL), such as gripping, turning, and walking, are impaired. Electroencephalography (EEG) and Electromyography (EMG) are physiological signals generated by a body during neuromuscular activities embedding the intentions of the subject, and they are used in Brain–Computer Interface (BCI) or robotic rehabilitation systems. However, existing BCI or robotic rehabilitation systems use signal classification technique limitations such as (1) missing temporal correlation of the EEG and EMG signals in the entire window and (2) overlooking the interrelationship between different sensors in the system. Furthermore, typical existing systems are designed to operate based on the presence of dominant physiological signals associated with certain actions; (3) their effectiveness will be greatly reduced if subjects are disabled in generating the dominant signals. A novel classification model, named BIOFIS is proposed, which fuses signals from different sensors to generate inter‐channel and intra‐channel relationships. It explores the temporal correlation of the signals within a timeframe via a Long Short‐Term Memory (LSTM) block. The proposed architecture is able to classify the various subsets of a full‐range arm movement that performs actions such as forward, grip and raise, lower and release, and reverse. The system can achieve 98.6% accuracy for a 4‐way action using EEG data and 97.18% accuracy using EMG data. Moreover, even without the dominant signal, the accuracy scores were 90.1% for the EEG data and 85.2% for the EMG data. The proposed mechanism shows promise in the design of EEG/EMG‐based use in the medical device and rehabilitation industries.
Statistical analysis of hypersonic glide vehicle radar cross section
Authors: Pinto Jonathan , Whyman Neil L. , Ritchie Matthew A. , Griffiths Hugh
Published: July 2023

The capability to design, manufacture and test Hypersonic Glide Vehicles (HGVs) has been demonstrated by a number of nations, and they are increasingly forming part of military inventories, potentially offering capabilities highly unique to this technology. This article reports the simulated Monostatic Radar Cross Section of a generic HGV in five frequency ranges, HF, VHF, UHF, L, and S‐bands associated with different radar types. Full spherical datasets of complex co‐ and cross‐polar data are synthesised so that backscatter resulting from illumination by r.f./microwave energy of linear or circular polarisation can subsequently be computed from the raw dataset. Circular polarisation is commonly employed by ground‐based Ballistic Missile Early Warning Systems and Space Object Surveillance and Identification radars to avoid polarisation mis‐match losses resulting from ionospheric Faraday rotation effects. The data was generated using Ansys' Finite Element Solver at 10, 150 and 430 MHz, with the Geometric Optics/Physical Optics based SBR+ solver employed for 1.3 and 3 GHz data. All data was produced at below the Nyquist sampling interval relevant to the target's electrical size. These datasets were then imported into a Matlab routine which extracted data over limited angular ranges associated with the likely radar line‐of‐sight in particular scenarios, typically having a standard deviation of ±10° about the direction of flight, applying either a Gaussian or Uniform sampling distribution as part of a Monte Carlo analysis. These extracted data were then used to form histograms giving the probability of sampling particular RCS values. Probability density functions and cumulative distribution functions were then fitted, to aid in the representation of statistical target fluctuations for each band and angular sampling range. The HGV exists in either the ‘Rayleigh’, ‘resonance’ or ‘optical’ scattering regimes, depending on its relative electrical size. The results suggest that for this target shape at HF and VHF cases a simple Swerling 0 (fluctuation invariant) approximation is adequate in most instances, whilst a Gamma distribution may be applied for UHF band cases. At L and S‐band a Beta distribution was found to provide a good fit to the available data.
On the energy scaling behaviour of singular perturbation models with prescribed dirichlet data involving higher order laminates
Authors: Rüland Angkana , Tribuzio Antonio
Published: July 2023

Motivated by complex microstructures in the modelling of shape-memory alloys and by rigidity and flexibility considerations for the associated differential inclusions, in this article we study the energy scaling behaviour of a simplifiedm-well problem without gauge invariances. Considering wells for which the lamination convex hull consists of one-dimensional line segments of increasing order of lamination, we prove that for prescribed Dirichlet data the energy scaling is determined by theorder of lamination of the Dirichlet data. This follows by deducing matching upper and lower scaling bounds. For theupperbound we argue by providing iterated branching constructions, and complement this with ansatz-freelowerbounds. These are deduced by a careful analysis of the Fourier multipliers of the associated energies and iterated “bootstrap arguments” based on the ideas from [A. Rüland and A. Tribuzio,Arch. Rational Mech. Anal.243(2022) 401–431]. Relying on these observations, we study models involving laminates of arbitrary order.
Knowledge, attitude, and perception of dentists regarding the role of Artificial Intelligence and its applications in Oral Medicine and Radiology: a cross sectional study
Authors: Murali Sridhar , Bagewadi Anjana , Kumar S. Lokesh , Fernandes Anabelle , T. Jayapriya , Panwar Arun , Keluskar Vaishali
Published: July 2023

Background and objective:There is a paradigm shift in the medical and dental fields due to the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI). Since AI has a potential impact on current and future practitioners, understanding the basic concept, working principle, and likely applications of AI as a diagnostic tool in Oral Medicine and Radiology is necessary for its widespread use. Therefore, this study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, and perception of dental students and dentists regarding the possible applications of AI in the field of Oral Medicine and Radiology.Materials and methods:This was a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study comprising 15 questions circulated through Google Forms® to 460 dental students and professionals. The questionnaire collected demographic data of participants and assessed their knowledge, perception, and attitude about AI in Oral Medicine and Radiology answered using a 5-point Likert scale. Responses obtained were statistically analyzed using descriptive statistics and a chi-square test.Results:Out of 460 participants, majority had an idea about AI (94.13%) and its working principle (73.30%). Participants agreed that AI can be used in the diagnosis and formulating of treatment plans (88.47%), early detection of cancer (77.82%), forensic dentistry (74.13%), and as a prognostic (80.65%) and quality control tool (81.30%). A majority felt that AI should be incorporated into the dental curriculum (92.39%) and most of them were against suggesting AI in clinical incorporation (35.87%) with a fear that AI might replace the clinician in the future (76.52%).Conclusion:Based on the findings of the study, we strongly recommend that further research and insights into AI should be delivered through lectures, curricular courses, and scientific meetings to explore and increase awareness about this fascinating technology.
Philosophisch-psychiatrische Reflexionen zur Liebe
Authors: Jordan Wolfgang
Published: July 2023

Bezugnehmend auf ein Gedicht „Dialog zweier Liebender“ und eine Fabel „Die letzte Liebe“ werden wesentliche Aspekte der Liebe beschrieben: Liebe als Weltzugang, als Weg zu Weisheit, Selbsterkenntnis und Tugend, Liebe als Angst vor Verlust und der Wunsch nach Verschmelzung, Liebe als Begegnung im Dialog, Liebe als Fürsorge, Liebe als Ekstase, Lustempfinden und Glücksgefühl. Diese beruhen auf drei Theorien zur Liebe aus den Anfängen der Philosophie in der griechischen Antike bei Platon und Aristoteles. Der Beitrag erörtert diese Thesen unter einem philosophisch-psychiatrischen Blickwinkel und ergänzt sie um neuere Interpretationen. Die kurze Beschreibung einzelner psychiatrischer Störungsbilder führt zu einem neuen Liebesverständnis. Ethische Betrachtungen zum Liebesleben in der Psychiatrie legen nahe, dass trotz ihrer gestalterischen Möglichkeiten die Liebe in der Psychiatrie einem Tabu unterliegt. Mögliche Ursachen werden abschließend dargelegt. Der Beitrag regt an, über Liebe in der Psychiatrie nachzudenken.
Wie wir es heute mit der Religion halten. Liebe und Liebesgeschichten als Antwort auf die Gretchenfrage – eine Untersuchung zu Goethe und Honigmann
Authors: Donahue William Collins
Published: July 2023

Wie die schraffierte Schnittmenge eines Venn-Diagramms kann auch die Liebe als Überschneidung verstanden werden, als Gleichzeitigkeit von wesentlich religiöser Erfahrung und Moment diesseitiger Transzendenz. Faust deutet das in seiner berühmten Antwort auf Gretchens Frage nach seiner Religion an. Honigmann dreht Fausts „Entgegenkommen“ um und erweitert es zugleich. Sie zeigt, dass die Liebe in der modernen, säkularisierten Gesellschaft überkommene religiöse Zugehörigkeit ersetzen, aber auch ergänzen kann.
Gelingensfaktoren für die Arbeitsmarktintegration von
Menschen mit psychischer Beeinträchtigung – eine qualitative
Befragung von Betrieben in Österreich
Authors: Gruber Dominik , Böhm Martin , Gattringer Fabiola
Published: July 2023

Ziel Die Studie untersucht, welche Bedingungen und Maßnahmen die
Anstellung und betriebliche Integration von Menschen mit psychischen
Beeinträchtigungen befördern.

Methodik Es wurden 26 leitfadengestützte qualitative Interviews
mit Betrieben aus ganz Österreich geführt. Davon
beschäftigen 15 Betriebe zum Zeitpunkt des Interviews Personen mit
psychischen Beeinträchtigungen, 11 Betriebe haben bisher keine Person
mit psychischer Beeinträchtigung beschäftigt.

Ergebnisse Betriebe, die Personen mit psychischer Beeinträchtigung
beschäftigen, verweisen auf ein ideelles, soziales oder
gesellschaftspolitisches Motiv und setzen vielfältige Maßnahmen
ein. Betriebe, bei denen Personen mit deklarierter psychischer Erkrankung bisher
keine Anstellung fanden, äußern Unsicherheiten und damit
verbundene ambivalente Erwartungen in Bezug auf die Anstellung.

Schlussfolgerung Die Ergebnisse verdeutlichen, dass es notwendig ist,
Unternehmen zu den Möglichkeiten und Rahmenbedingungen zur
arbeitsmarktbezogenen Integration von Menschen mit psychischen
Beeinträchtigungen zu informieren und zu sensibilisieren.
COVID-19-Related Pleural Diseases
Authors: Iqbal Beenish , Rahman Najib M. , Hallifax Rob J.
Published: July 2023

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related pleural diseases are now well recognized. Since the beginning of the pandemic, increasing cases of pleural diseases including pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, and pleural effusion with severe COVID-19 infection have attracted the attention of physicians and are not incidental or due to barotrauma. The complicated course of COVID-19 illness highlights the complex pathophysiological underpinnings of pleural complications. The management of patients with pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum is challenging as the majority require assisted ventilation; physicians therefore appear to have a low threshold to intervene. Conversely, pleural effusion cases, although sharing some similar patient characteristics with pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum, are in general managed more conservatively. The evidence suggests that patients with COVID-19-related pleural diseases, either due to air leak or effusion, have more severe disease with a worse prognosis. This implies that prompt recognition of these complications and targeted management are key to improve outcomes.
Comparison of ALIF and PLIF in Isthmic Lumbosacral Spondylolisthesis. A Multicenter Surveillance Study of 602 cases from the German Spine Registry (DWG Register)
Authors: Bock Lore Marie , Rauschmann Michael , Heck Vincent , Sellei Richard , Vinas-Rios Juan Manuel
Published: July 2023

Background Isthmic spondylolisthesis most commonly occurs in the lumbosacral junction and can cause backpain and radicular pain as well as stiffness with progressive immobilization, with a negative impact on an individual's ability to work and quality of life. Multiple operative treatments are currently available. This study aims to compare complications, demography, and clinical features between anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) and posterior lumber body fusion (PLIF) in the operative treatment in isthmic spondylolisthesis.

Methods An analysis of data from the German spine registry (Deutsche Wirbelsäulengesellschaft [DWG]-Register) of patients who underwent operative treatment (PLIF and ALIF) for isthmic spondylolisthesis in the sacrolumbar junction in 170 departments between January 2017 and May 2021 was performed. Age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, surgical approach, smoker/nonsmoker, as well as severeness of the spondylolisthesis according to the Meyerding classification were evaluated.

Results In total, 602 patients undergoing fusion in L5/S1 were identified in the registry, n = 570 PLIF (group 1) and n = 32 ALIF (group 2). A significant difference in the ASA score between the two groups was noted; group 1 had more patients suffering a more debilitating disease in comparison to group 2. There was no significant difference in gender, grade of spondylolisthesis, age, or smoking status. Significant differences were found in operative and postoperative variables and complications (fusion material, dura injury).

Conclusion No difference was found between the two procedures in terms of symptomatic benefit of patients who underwent either ALIF or PLIF. According to the DWG Register, PLIF was the preferred method to treat isthmic spondylolisthesis in the sacrolumbar junction in Germany. To compare these two spine fusion techniques, further studies with an adequate sample size and follow-up period are required.
Exercise Physiology and Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing
Authors: Sietsema Kathy E. , Rossiter Harry B.
Published: July 2023

Aerobic, or endurance, exercise is an energy requiring process supported primarily by energy from oxidative adenosine triphosphate synthesis. The consumption of oxygen and production of carbon dioxide in muscle cells are dynamically linked to oxygen uptake (V̇O2) and carbon dioxide output (V̇CO2) at the lung by integrated functions of cardiovascular, pulmonary, hematologic, and neurohumoral systems. Maximum oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) is the standard expression of aerobic capacity and a predictor of outcomes in diverse populations. While commonly limited in young fit individuals by the capacity to deliver oxygen to exercising muscle, (V̇O2max) may become limited by impairment within any of the multiple systems supporting cellular or atmospheric gas exchange. In the range of available power outputs, endurance exercise can be partitioned into different intensity domains representing distinct metabolic profiles and tolerances for sustained activity. Estimates of both V̇O2max and the lactate threshold, which marks the upper limit of moderate-intensity exercise, can be determined from measures of gas exchange from respired breath during whole-body exercise. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) includes measurement of V̇O2 and V̇CO2 along with heart rate and other variables reflecting cardiac and pulmonary responses to exercise. Clinical CPET is conducted for persons with known medical conditions to quantify impairment, contribute to prognostic assessments, and help discriminate among proximal causes of symptoms or limitations for an individual. CPET is also conducted in persons without known disease as part of the diagnostic evaluation of unexplained symptoms. Although CPET quantifies a limited sample of the complex functions and interactions underlying exercise performance, both its specific and global findings are uniquely valuable. Some specific findings can aid in individualized diagnosis and treatment decisions. At the same time, CPET provides a holistic summary of an individual's exercise function, including effects not only of the primary diagnosis, but also of secondary and coexisting conditions.
Automated Detection of Intracranial Hemorrhage from Head CT Scans Applying Deep Learning Techniques in Traumatic Brain Injuries: A Comparative Review
Authors: Agrawal Deepak , Poonamallee Latha , Joshi Sharwari
Published: July 2023

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is not only an acute condition but also a chronic disease with long-term consequences. Intracranial hematomas are considered the primary consequences that occur in TBI and may have devastating effects that may lead to mass effect on the brain and eventually cause secondary brain injury. Emergent detection of hematoma in computed tomography (CT) scans and assessment of three major determinants, namely, location, volume, and size, is crucial for prognosis and decision-making, and artificial intelligence (AI) using deep learning techniques, such as convolutional neural networks (CNN) has received extended attention after demonstrations that it could perform at least as well as humans in imaging classification tasks. This article conducts a comparative review of medical and technological literature to update and establish evidence as to how technology can be utilized rightly for increasing the efficiency of the clinical workflow in emergency cases. A systematic and comprehensive literature search was conducted in the electronic database of PubMed and Google Scholar from 2013 to 2023 to identify studies related to the automated detection of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). Inclusion and exclusion criteria were set to filter out the most relevant articles. We identified 15 studies on the development and validation of computer-assisted screening and analysis algorithms that used head CT scans. Our review shows that AI algorithms can prioritize radiology worklists to reduce time to screen for ICH in the head scans sufficiently and may also identify subtle ICH overlooked by radiologists, and that automated ICH detection tool holds promise for introduction into routine clinical practice.
Anterior Skull Base Outcomes and Complications: A Propensity Score–Matched Evaluation of Age and Frailty as Measured by mFI-5 from the ACS-NSQIP Database
Authors: Bauer Sawyer , Findlay Matt , Khan Majid , Alexander Hepzibha , Lucke-Wold Brandon , Hamrick Forrest , Hunsaker Josh , Karsy Michael
Published: July 2023

Background Frailty is increasingly recognized as a predictor of surgical outcomes; however, its utility in anterior cranial fossa (ACF) surgery remains unclear. We analyzed whether age and frailty are independent predictors of outcomes after ACF surgery using a retrospective cohort study.

Methods The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried, by Current Procedural Terminology codes, for ACF procedures in 2005 to 2020. Cases included open approaches, endoscopic approaches, and all tumor types except for pituitary adenoma. A propensity score–matched data set was analyzed via multiple logistic regression.

Results Unmatched multivariate analysis of ACF cases demonstrated that severe frailty (modified 5-item frailty index [mFI-5] ≥ 3) was independently associated with having any (odds ratio [OR] = 3.67) and minor (OR = 5.00) complications (both p < 0.001). Analysis of individual mFI-5 components demonstrated poor functional status was significantly associated with any (OR = 3.39), major (OR = 3.59), and minor (OR = 3.14) complications (all p < 0.001). After propensity score matching, only age was modestly impactful on minor complications (OR = 1.02) and extended length of stay (eLOS) (OR = 1.02) (p < 0.001). Frailty did not maintain its predictive ability after matching. Nonindependent functional status, as a subcomponent of mFI maintained significant predictive ability for any (OR = 4.94), major (OR = 4.68), and minor (OR = 4.80) complications and eLOS (OR = 2.92) (all p < 0.001).

Conclusion After propensity score matching, age demonstrated a greater ability to predict postoperative complications in ACF surgery than frailty. Rather than age or frailty, functional status served as a better outcome predictor and potential guide for patient counseling. Further validation of these findings in multicenter or disease-specific studies is warranted as well as aims to preoperatively improve functional status in ACF surgery.
On the frontline of democracy: poll workers’ evaluations of elections
Authors: Högström John , Jerhov Christian
Published: July 2023

In democracies, elections in which voters elect their leaders and hold them accountable are the most important part of the democratic process. This study is about the people who work on the frontline of democracy and who play a major role in elections, namely poll workers. Surprisingly little is known about how poll workers evaluate elections, and we provide a detailed analysis of poll workers' views of how elections work in Sweden. We do this by reporting and analysing the results from a survey conducted among poll workers in Sweden shortly after the 2022 election. The results show that although many types of polling station-related problems were rare, some problems occurred to a greater extent than we expected. It is also clear that many of the problems had a negative impact on the poll workers' evaluations of the quality of the voting process.
Development and validation of PolyScan, an information technology triage tool for older adults with polypharmacy: a healthcare informatics study
Authors: Liu Lisheng , Alate Rashmi , Harrison Jeff
Published: July 2023

Introduction Polypharmacy is associated with potentially inappropriate medicine prescribing and avoidable medicine-related harm. Polypharmacy should not be perceived as inherently harmful. Instead, priority should be placed on reducing inappropriate prescribing. Aim The study aimed to develop and validate PolyScan, a primary care information technology tool, to triage older adults with polypharmacy who are prescribed potentially inappropriate medicines. Methods Twenty-one indicators from a New Zealand criteria of potentially inappropriate medicines to correct for older adults with polypharmacy were developed into a set of implementable definitions. The definitions were applied as algorithmic logic statements used to interrogate hospital and emergency department records and pharmaceutical collection data to classify whether each indicator was present at an individual patient level, and then triage individuals based on the number of indicators met. Validity was evaluated by comparing PolyScan’s accuracy against a manual review of healthcare records for 300 older adults. Results PolyScan was successfully implemented as a tool that can be used to identify potentially inappropriate prescribing in older adults with polypharmacy at different levels of aggregation. The tool has utility for individual practitioners delivering patient care, primary care organisations undertaking quality improvement programmes, and policymakers considering system-level interventions for medicines-related safety. During the validity assessment, PolyScan identified nine individuals (3%) with polypharmacy and indicators of potentially inappropriate medicine. Five unique indicators were detected. PolyScan achieved 100% sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values. Discussion PolyScan can support clinicians, clinics, and policymakers with allocation of resources, rational medicine campaigns, and identifying individuals prescribed potentially inappropriate medicines for review.
Towards development of Spark-Less-Avalanche-Microstructures
Authors: Waldmann T. , Fabbietti L. , Gasik P. , Peskov V. , Ulukutlu B.
Published: July 2023

Spark-Less-Amplification-Microstructures are a new type of gaseous detectors, which should
allow overcoming the discharge limitations of the current MPGD technologies. Preliminary studies
revealed that sparks usually appear in the narrow region of the amplification gap, where the
electric field lines are parallel to each other. The SLAM detector is specifically designed to
overcome these disadvantageous regions by ensuring radial electric fields in the anode region of
the avalanche gap.
Fucoidan and microtopography on polyvinyl alcohol hydrogels guided axons and enhanced neuritogenesis of pheochromocytoma 12 (PC12) cells
Authors: Yao Yuan , Feng Fan , David Dency , Yim Evelyn K F
Published: July 2023

Artificial nerve grafts that support axon growth hold promises in promoting nerve regeneration and function recovery. However, current artificial nerve grafts are insufficient to regenerate axons across long nerve gaps. Specific biochemical and biophysical cues are required to be incorporated to artificial nerve grafts to promote neural cell adhesion and guide neurite outgrowth. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nerve conduits have been clinically approved, but the applicability of PVA nerve conduits is limited to short injuries due to low cell binding. In this study, we explored the incorporation of biochemical cues and topographical cues for promoting neuritogenesis and axon guidance. PVA was conjugated with extracellular matrix proteins and fucoidan, a bioactive sulfated polysaccharide, to improve cell adhesion. Micro-sized topographies, including 1.8 μm convex lenses, 2 μm gratings, and 10 μm gratings were successfully fabricated on PVA by nanofabrication, and the synergistic effects of topography and biochemical molecules on pheochromocytoma 12 (PC12) neuritogenesis and neurite alignment were studied. Conjugated fucoidan promoted the percentage of PC12 with neurite outgrowth from 0% to 2.8% and further increased to 5% by presenting laminin on the surface. Additionally, fucoidan was able to bind nerve growth factor (NGF) on the surface and allow for PC12 to extend neurites in NGF-free media. The incorporation of 2 μm gratings could double the percentage of PC12 with neurite outgrowth and neurite length, and guided the neurites to extend along the grating axis. The work presents a promising strategy to enhance neurite formation and axon guidance, presenting significant value in promoting nerve regeneration.