bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Ionic Solvents in the Electrocatalytic CO2 Conversion and H2 Evolution Suppression: From Ionic Liquids to Deep Eutectic Solvents
Authors: Leal‐Duaso Alejandro , Adjez Yanis , Sánchez‐Sánchez Carlos M.
Published: January 2024

The ionic solvents, including both ionic liquids (ILs) and deep eutectic solvents (DES), are deeply studied for their potential in the carbon dioxide (CO2) capture and its further electrochemical conversion using different electrocatalysts. The aim of this review is to present and critically compare the role of ILs and DES in the activation of the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) and suppression of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Therefore, the most relevant advances in the use of these ionic solvents in CO2RR, either as neat reaction medium or as electrolyte in molecular solvents, have been summarized and discussed. A special focus has been made on comparing the current density, overpotential, faradaic efficiency and products selectivity of the CO2RR in the presence of the ionic solvents and relaying those results with their chemical composition. Herein, the most recent strategies reported in the literature based on the use of either DES or ILs for enhancing the electrocatalytic CO2 conversion are reviewed, and some new perspectives based on immobilized ILs at the electrode surface are discussed.
Polymer Backbone Chemistry Shapes the Alkaline Stability of Metallopolymer Anion‐Exchange Membranes
Authors: Aggarwal Kanika , Li Songlin , Nijem Sally , Dekel Dario R. , Diesendruck Charles E.
Published: January 2024

Anion‐exchange membrane fuel cells and water electrolyzers have garnered significant attention in past years due to their potential role in sustainable and affordable energy conversion and storage. However, the chemical stability of the polymeric anion‐exchange membranes (AEMs), the key component in these devices, currently limits their lifespan. Recently, metallopolymers have been proposed as chemically stable alternatives to organic cations, using metal centers as ion transporters. In metallopolymer AEMs, various properties such as alkaline stability, water uptake, flexibility, and performance, are determined by both the metal complex and polymer backbone. Herein we present a systematic study investigating the influence of the polymer backbone chemistry on some of these properties, focusing on the alkaline stability of low‐oxophilicity gold metallopolymers. Despite the use of a common N‐heterocyclic carbene ligand, upon gold metalation using the same reaction conditions, different polymer backbones end up forming different gold complexes. These findings suggest that polymer chemistry affects the metalation reaction in addition to the other properties relevant to AEM performance.
Practical guidance for direct oral anticoagulant use in the treatment of venous thromboembolism in primary and metastatic brain tumor patients
Authors: Ranjan Surabhi , Leung Denise , Ghiaseddin Ashley P. , Taylor Jennie W. , Lobbous Mina , Dhawan Andrew , Budhu Joshua A. , Coffee Elizabeth , Melnick Kaitlyn , Chowdhary Sajeel A. , Lu‐Emerson Christine , Kurz Sylvia C. , Burke Joy E. , Lam Keng , Patel Mallika P. , Dunbar Erin M. , Mohile Nimish A. , Peters Katherine B.
Published: January 2024

Management of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with primary and metastatic brain tumors (BT) is challenging because of the risk of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). There are no prospective clinical trials evaluating safety and efficacy of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), specifically in patients with BT, but they are widely used for VTE in this population. A group of neuro‐oncology experts convened to provide practical clinical guidance for the off‐label use of DOACs in treating VTE in patients with BT. We searched PubMed for the following terms: BTs, glioma, glioblastoma (GBM), brain metastasis, VTE, heparin, low‐molecular‐weight heparin (LWMH), DOACs, and ICH. Although prospective clinical trials are needed, the recommendations presented aim to assist clinicians in making informed decisions regarding DOACs for VTE in patients with BT.
Theoretical study of NH3, H2S, and HCN adsorption enhancement on defective graphene‐supported Cu19 clusters
Authors: Liu Naigui , Gao Delu , Wang Dunyou
Published: January 2024

Recent studies have shown that graphene‐supported metal clusters can enhance catalytic reactivity compared with corresponding metal clusters. In this study, the adsorptions of NH3, H2S, and HCN on Cu19 and defective graphene‐supported Cu19 clusters are investigated using plane‐wave density functional theory. The results reveal the three gas molecules can be adsorbed on three types of top sites of Cu atoms, respectively. The adsorption energies of the corresponding adsorption sites on the defective graphene‐supported Cu19 clusters are all increased compared with those on the Cu19 clusters. The orbital‐resolved, crystal orbital Hamilton population analysis demonstrates that the larger the integrated crystal orbital Hamilton population, the stronger the adsorption between the gas molecule and the bonded Cu atom. The center of antibonding states on the defective graphene‐supported Cu19 is shifted upward relative to Fermi level compared to the corresponding one on pure Cu19, which explains the enhanced adsorption energy on defective graphene‐supported Cu19. In addition, the closer d‐band center to the Fermi level on the defective graphene‐supported Cu19 indicates a stronger adsorption capacity than on pure Cu19.
The effect of tooth loss on the temporomandibular joint space: A CBCT study
Authors: Tabatabaei Salma , Paknahad Maryam , Poostforoosh Mahdi
Published: January 2024

Objective

The tooth loss has a significant impact on the positioning of the condyle in the glenoid fossa and joint spaces of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The aim of this study was to assess the association between tooth loss and TMJ spaces using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective investigation involved the evaluation of CBCT images of the bilateral TMJs in a cohort of 111 individuals, comprising 68 males and 43 women. The dentition of the patients was categorized into three categories, including A (65.4%), B (19.1%), and C (16.4%), based on the Eichner index. Anterior, superior, and posterior joint spaces were then measured in sagittal views. The Kruskal–Wallis test and Mann–Whitney test were employed to identify significant differences among the three Eichner groups.

Results

The findings of the present study suggested that there was no statistically significant variation in the anterior joint space among different Eichner groups within the general population (p = .781). Nevertheless, the superior and posterior joint spaces exhibited statistically significant alterations, as indicated by p‐values of .039 and .010, respectively. It was detected that condyles were positioned inferiorly and posteriorly in group C when compared to groups A and B.

Conclusion

The present study indicated that greater loss of tooth‐supporting zones is associated with posterior and inferior displacement of condyles. Understanding these relationships helps emphasize how crucial it is to replace missing teeth to enhance occlusion support and, in turn, stop the progression and further deterioration of temporomandibular disorders.
N‐Substituted piperazine‐coupled imidazo[2,1‐b]thiazoles as inhibitors of Mycobacterium tuberculosis: Synthesis, evaluation, and docking studies
Authors: Chirra Nagaraju , Abburi Naga Pranathi , Rekha Estharla Madhu , Pedapati Ravi kumar , Bollikanda Rakesh Kumar , Murahari Manikanta , Sriram Dharmarajan , Sridhar Balasubramanian , Kantevari Srinivas
Published: January 2024

An innovative series of N‐substituted piperazine‐linked imidazothiazole derivatives 7(a–x) were synthesized, and their antitubercular effectiveness was evaluated. A three‐step reaction sequence involving the condensation of 1,3‐dichloroacetone and thiourea, coupling with substituted piperazines to give the intermediates 5(a–d) and cyclization with substituted α‐bromoacetophenones produced the desired imidazothiazole derivatives 7(a–x) in excellent yields. In vitro screening of new derivatives against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv resulted in 7k (minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC]: 0.78 μg/mL) and 7g and 7h (MIC: 1.56 μg/mL) as potent hit compounds. Further, the docking studies of the promising compounds 7k, 7g, and 7h revealed that the best molecular interactions are with the DprE1 in complex with sulfonyl PBTZ of M. tuberculosis as the target protein (PDB ID: 6G83).
Stabilizing effects of spatially heterogeneous disturbance via reduced spatial synchrony on a rocky shore community
Authors: Mintrone Caterina , Rindi Luca , Benedetti‐Cecchi Lisandro
Published: January 2024

Understanding how synchronous species fluctuations affect community stability is a main research topic in ecology. Yet experimental studies evaluating how changes in disturbance regimes affect the synchrony and stability of populations and communities remain rare. We hypothesized that spatially heterogeneous disturbances of moderate intensity would promote metacommunity stability by decreasing the spatial synchrony of species fluctuations. To test this hypothesis, we exposed rocky shore communities of algae and invertebrates to homogeneous and gradient‐like spatial patterns of disturbance at two levels of intensity for 4 years and used synchrony networks to characterize community responses to these disturbances. The gradient‐like disturbance at low intensity enhanced spatial β diversity compared to the other treatments and produced the most heterogeneous and least synchronized network, which was also the most stable in terms of population and community fluctuations. In contrast, homogeneous disturbance destabilized the community, enhancing spatial synchronization. Intense disturbances always reduced spatial β diversity, indicating that strong perturbations could destabilize communities via biotic homogenization regardless of their spatial structure. Our findings corroborated theoretical predictions, emphasizing the importance of spatially heterogeneous disturbances in promoting stability by amplifying asynchronous spatial and temporal fluctuations in population and community abundance. In contrast to other networks, synchrony networks are vulnerable to the removal of most peripheral nodes, which are less synchronized, but may contribute more to stability than other nodes by dampening large fluctuations in species abundance. Our findings suggest that climate change and direct anthropogenic disturbance can compromise the stability of ecological communities through combined effects on diversity and synchrony, as well as further affecting ecosystems through habitat loss.
Too young for an acquired cardiomyopathy? Cobalt metallosis as a cardiac amyloidosis mimicker
Authors: Casian Mihnea , Bica Ramona , Ionescu Virgil , Predescu Vlad , Țincu Radu , Jurcuț Ruxandra
Published: January 2024

Metallosis with subsequent cardiac involvement is a possible long‐term complication of hip arthroplasty. We report the case of a young female referred to our centre for the suspicion of cardiac amyloidosis presenting with low electrocardiogram voltage, left ventricular hypertrophy, pericardial effusion, and global and longitudinal systolic impairment with apical sparing pattern. Her medical history was remarkable for arthroplasty in the context of congenital hip dysplasia. Two years prior to presentation, she underwent revision surgery for prosthesis malfunction, and tissue metallosis was initially documented. At the current presentation, cobalt metallosis was confirmed, as the circulating cobalt and chromium levels were severely elevated. The accurate diagnosis prompted the removal of the cobalt source with extensive tissue debridement and the use of chelating agents. Reversal of the cardiac abnormalities occurred as the circulating cobalt levels returned to normal.
Ring‐Expansion Reactions of the Biomass Derivative Cyrene via Enamine Dihalocyclopropanation
Authors: Puschnig Johannes , Greatrex Ben W.
Published: January 2024

A ring‐expansion process for the biomass derivative Cyrene obtained from levoglucosenone has been developed using gem‐dihalocyclopropanes as intermediates. The process involves conversion of Cyrene to an enamine, reaction with an in situ generated dihalocarbene, and then ring‐opening. Competition between endocyclic and exocyclic olefinic products was switchable using solvent and temperature, and ring‐expanded alkenyl halides were obtained in 50–64 % yield from Cyrene. Under extended heating, dehalogenation occurred giving homologated levoglucosenone in 25 % overall yield from Cyrene in 3 steps.
Exploring the facilitators and barriers in opioid deprescribing for non‐cancer pain treatment experienced by general practitioners: A qualitative study
Authors: de Kleijn Loes , Jansen‐Groot Koerkamp Elsemiek A. W. , van der Kooij Iris , Veen Mario , Rijkels‐Otters Hanneke J. B. M. , Koes Bart W. , Chiarotto Alessandro
Published: January 2024

Background

Guidelines recommend opioid deprescribing in patients on long‐term opioid treatment for chronic non‐cancer pain. This study aims to explore facilitators and barriers in opioid deprescribing among general practitioners in the Netherlands. In addition, this study aims to identify possibilities for improvement regarding opioid deprescribing in primary care.

Methods

Focus group discussions with Dutch General practitioners were held by two skilled moderators. The focus group discussions were transcribed verbatim and analysed using MAXQDA software. Three independent reviewers searched for overarching themes using thematic analysis with an inductive approach. Discussions were organized until data saturation was reached.

Results

Twenty‐two general practitioners participated in four focus group discussions. Five main themes emerged from the data: (1) patient‐centred care; (2) ensuring proper pain management (3) dilemmas and hardships in dealing with opioid use disorder; (4) the competency gap; (5) needs and possibilities to improve opioid deprescribing in primary care. The first theme addresses the main facilitators in opioid tapering. The following three themes emerged as main barriers in opioid deprescribing. The fifth theme identified possibilities for change.

Conclusions

This study indicates the importance of intrinsic motivation and a tailored approach to deprescribe opioids in patients with chronic pain on long‐term opioid treatment. Identified barriers include struggles in pain management, challenges caused by opioid use disorder, insufficient capacities such as time constraints and lack of skills. Recommendations for improvement involve enhanced collaboration with healthcare professionals in primary and secondary care, provision of practical tools and assurance of sufficient time.

Significance

This focus group study among 22 Dutch general practitioners elucidates the complexities of opioid deprescribing and reveals pivotal themes such as patient‐centred care, pain management challenges, and competency gaps. The findings underscore the crucial role of intrinsic motivation and that of a tailored approach in opioid deprescribing, while demonstrating how a lack in effective pain treatments, practical capacities and challenges caused by opioid dependence, impede opioid deprescribing. By uncovering these complexities, this study aims to inform future deprescribing strategies.
Maximal fat oxidation rate across the adult lifespan of trained women
Authors: Dahlgaard Hansen I. M. , Wismann J. F. , Sahl R. E. , Frandsen J. , Hansen M. , Ingersen A. , Schmücker M. , Modvig J. L. , Dela F. , Larsen S. , Helge J. W.
Published: January 2024

The fat oxidation capacity is higher in young compared to elderly subjects and higher in premenopausal compared to postmenopausal women, but the influence of age on maximal fat oxidation (MFO) is not clear. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate MFO (g/min) across the lifespan of trained adult women. In total, 36 healthy trained women were recruited into three groups: (n = 12), young (27 ± 3 years, mean ± SD) premenopausal, middle‐aged (57 ± 3 years), and older (71 ± 2 years) postmenopausal women and all had a body mass index <25 kg/m2. After an overnight fast, body composition was determined by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry, and blood samples were obtained. A FATmax‐test was performed on a cycle ergometer, and MFO was calculated from the pulmonary V̇O2 and V̇CO2 measured by indirect calorimetry. The absolute MFO was significantly higher in young (0.40 ± 0.07 g/min) compared to both middle‐aged (0.33 ± 0.07 g/min) (p = 0.035) and old (0.25 ± 0.05 g/min) women (p < 0.001). Absolute MFO was higher in middle‐aged compared to old women (p = 0.018). Relative MFO (MFO/LBM, mg/min/LBM) was higher in young (8.39 ± 1.62 mg/min/LBM) compared to old (6.16 ± 1.14 mg/min/LBM) women (p = 0.004). A significant linear relationship was observed between absolute MFO and age (R2 = 0.41; p < 0.001), V̇O2max (R2 = 0.40; p < 0.001), and LBM (R2 = 0.13; p = 0.033), respectively, and between relative MFO and fat mass (R2 = 0.12; p = 0.04). In conclusion, the maximal capacity to oxidize fat is attenuated with age in trained women. Furthermore, postmenopausal middle‐aged women have higher absolute MFO compared to older women, and this implies that it is age per se and not a change in estrogen availability that leads to lower absolute MFO.
Effect of different periodization models of combined training on the perception of barriers to physical activity in adults with obesity: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Rosa Fernanda , Tozetto Willen Remon , Benedet Jucemar , Del Duca Giovani Firpo
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to analyze the effect of combined training with linear and non‐periodized periodization and a control group on the perception of barriers to physical activity in adults with obesity. A randomized, controlled, and blinded clinical trial was conducted, comprising the control (CG), non‐periodized (NG), and linear periodization (PG) groups. Combined training was prescribed for 16 weeks. The NG kept the relative training intensity fixed (50%–59% of the heart rate reserve [HRres] and 10 to 12 repetition maximums [RMs]), while the PG linearly progressed (40%–49% HRres to 60%–69% HRres and 12 to 14 RMs to 8 to 10 RMs). The 19 barriers were obtained through a questionnaire. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used, adopting p ≤ 0.05 as a significant result, and individual responsiveness analyses. The CG significantly increased the score of lack of space (Δ = 0.6) and lack of equipment (Δ = 1.1) barriers. The NG (Δ = −0.4 and −0.6, respectively) and PG (Δ = −0.1 and −0.2, respectively) reduced their scores, showing a group*time interaction (p = 0.019 and 0.011, respectively). Through the individual responses, we verified a reduction in the number of barriers, notably in the groups with combined training (CG: 4 of 14; NG: 12 of 18; and PG: 10 of 17 individuals). Regardless of the form of periodization, the training groups reduced the score of some analyzed barriers. From a clinical point of view, individuals submitted to different forms of combined training periodization showed more expressive reductions in their total scores, when compared to the CG.
Aerobic exercise in cold weather may affect metabolic diseases and bone‐cartilage formation by increasing CTRP‐3 levels
Authors: Sebin Saime Ozbek , Sebin Engin , Gencoglu Cebrail , Ozbay Serhat , Ulupinar Suleyman , Altinkaynak Konca
Published: January 2024

Aerobic exercise is recommended by clinicians in the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of aerobic exercise in cold weather on CTRP‐3 levels and its potential implications for metabolic diseases. Twenty‐seven healthy young individuals (age = 22.1 ± 1.7 years, BMI = 22.2 ± 1.3, and n = 27; 13 female and 14 male) voluntarily participated in this study. Participants performed 40 min aerobic running exercise at 0, 12, and 20°C environmental temperatures. Our study demonstrates that 40 min of aerobic exercise at temperatures of 0 and 12°C significantly increased CTRP‐3 levels in athletes, while no significant change was observed at 24°C. The main findings indicated significant differences between pre‐and post‐exercise CTRP‐3 values for 0°C (p = 0.001) and 12°C (p = 0.005) environmental temperature, whereas no significant difference was found at 24°C (p = 0.148). Additionally, two‐way ANOVA revealed that both the temperature (0, 12, and 24°C) and exercise (pre‐ and post‐) affect serum CTRP‐3 levels (p = 0.023). CTRP‐3 elevation from baseline to post‐exercise in the 0°C, 12°C, and 24°C were +23.4%, +10.6%, and +8.1%, respectively. These findings suggest that engaging in aerobic exercise in cold weather conditions may serve as an effective intervention against metabolic disorders, including diabetes and obesity. The significant increases in CTRP‐3 levels following aerobic exercise in cold weather conditions justify the need for further, more extensive studies to assess their potential impact on metabolic diseases, as well as cartilage and bone formation.
The effects of a preconditioning vibration rolling warm‐up on multidirectional repeated sprinting‐induced muscle damage
Authors: Chang Yi‐Chieh , Tseng Wei‐Chin , Chiu Chih‐Hui , Hsieh Tsung‐Yu , Chang Chien‐KM , Dai Xiang , Chen Che‐Hsiu
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this investigation was to examine whether adding a set of vibrating foam rollers (VFR) to a regular running‐based warm‐up before a bout of multidirectional repeated sprints provides protective effects against the sprinting‐induced muscle damage. Twenty‐four elite college handball and rugby players participated in this study. After the familiarization visit, the subjects were randomly divided into either the vibration rolling (VFR) or the general warm‐up (GW) group. Before (pretest), post‐24, 48, and 72 h after the muscle‐damaging protocol (15 sets of 30‐m maximal multi directional repeated sprints), plasma creatine kinase (CK), muscle soreness, hip flexion passive range of motion (ROM), isometric strength, and hexagon agility was measured. After the VFR, the CK and DOMS were significantly less than GW (p < 0.05). In addition, when compared with the GW, the hamstring isometric strength, hexagon agility, and 0–10 m and 0–30‐m sprint performances showed faster recovery for the VFR (p < 0.05). The VFR protocol had protective effect on multidirectional repeated sprinting‐induced muscle damage markers than GW protocol. Therefore, preconditioning warm‐up activities using VFR can be integrated into a traditional sport‐specific warm‐up protocol for elite athletes before competitions/training may take advantage of this strategy to facilitate muscle recovery.
Autopilot control unmanned aerial vehicle system for sewage defect detection using deep learning
Authors: Pandey Binay Kumar , Pandey Digvijay , Sahani S. K.
Published: January 2024

This work proposes the use of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with an autopilot to identify the defects present in municipal sewerage pipes. The framework also includes an effective autopilot control mechanism that can direct the flight path of a UAV within a sewer line. Both of these breakthroughs have been addressed throughout this work. The UAV's camera proved useful throughout a sewage inspection, providing important contextual data that helped analyze the sewerage line's internal condition. A plethora of information useful for understanding the sewerage line's inner functioning and extracting interior visual details can be obtained from camera‐recorded sewerage imagery if a defect is present. In the case of sewerage inspections, nevertheless, the impact of a false negative is significantly higher than that of a false positive. One of the trickiest parts of the procedure is identifying defective sewerage pipelines and false negatives. In order to get rid of the false negative outcome or false positive outcome, a guided image filter (GIF) is implemented in this proposed method during the pre‐processing stage. Afterwards, the algorithms Gabor transform (GT) and stroke width transform (SWT) were used to obtain the features of the UAV‐captured surveillance image. The UAV camera's sewerage image is then classified as “defective” or “not defective” using the obtained features by a Weighted Naive Bayes Classifier (WNBC). Next, images of the sewerage lines captured by the UAV are analyzed using speed‐up robust features (SURF) and deep learning to identify different types of defects. As a result, the proposed methodology achieved more favorable outcomes than prior existing approaches in terms of the following metrics: mean PSNR (71.854), mean MSE (0.0618), mean RMSE (0.2485), mean SSIM (98.71%), mean accuracy (98.372), mean specificity (97.837%), mean precision (93.296%), mean recall (94.255%), mean F1‐score (93.773%), and mean processing time (35.43 min).
Enhanced Stability of Ag2BiI5 Perovskite Solar Cells by Adding Pyridine Derivatives in Hole‐Transporting Materials
Authors: Zhao Chenxu , Yao Yu , Li Jihong , Masawa Salma Maneno , Shi Ruifeng , Xu Jia , Yao Jianxi
Published: January 2024

Fabrication of air‐stable Pb‐free solar cells using the Ag2BiI5 absorber has recently attracted extensive attention. 4‐tert‐Butylpyridine (tBP) is mainly used as an additive in the hole transport layer (HTL). However, tBP can strongly destroy Ag2BiI5 perovskite structure due to the formation of the tBP‐BiI3 complex. Herein, 2‐pentyl pyridine (2‐py) is selected to replace the tBP in the Spiro‐OMeTAD precursor solution, which will promote the dissolution of lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulphonyl)imide salt in the HTL precursor solution but not destroy the crystal structure due to more considerable steric hindrance. By judiciously choosing 2‐py as the additives, the best solar cell device achieves a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 1.32% under standard one sun (AM1.5). The devices also show excellent long‐term air stability and maintain 95% of their initial PCE even after 840 h.
Bodily sensations and bariatric surgery: Links between interoceptive sensibility, intuitive and disordered eating behaviour in obesity and obesity surgery
Authors: Joshi Vrutti , Graziani Pierluigi , Del‐Monte Jonathan
Published: January 2024

Objective

This study evaluated interoceptive sensibility, intuitive and disordered eating among bariatric candidates, operated individuals and individuals with obesity seeking non‐surgical treatment.

Method

We recruited 57 individuals with obesity seeking nonsurgical weight‐loss (IOB), 84 bariatric candidates (Pre) and 22 individuals post‐bariatric surgery (Post) who responded to questionnaires: Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness, Intuitive Eating Scale‐2 (IES‐2), Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire, Binge Eating Scale, State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory, Beck's Depression Inventory.

Results

Overall, the Post group manifested higher scores on ‘Body‐Listening’ (F = 4.95, p = 0.01), ‘Emotional Awareness’ (F = 8.83, p < 0.001) and ‘Trusting’ (F = 6.71, p = 0.002) interoceptive dimensions, on the IES‐2 total score (F = 5.48, p = 0.007) and ‘Reliance on hunger and satiety cues’ (F = 31.3, p < 0.001) when age was controlled. The IOB group presented higher scores on emotional (F = 3.23, p = 0.047) and binge eating (F = 5.99, p = 0.004). Among operated individuals, intuitive eating mediated the relationship between interoceptive sensibility dimensions and binge eating: ‘Attention regulation’ (54%) ‘Self‐regulation’ (75.1%), ‘Body listening’ (94.09%) and ‘Trusting’ (84.9%).

Conclusions

Our results suggest the therapeutic potential of interoceptive sensibility and intuitive eating in obesity management in/beyond the bariatric context.
Diffusion MRI head motion correction methods are highly accurate but impacted by denoising and sampling scheme
Authors: Cieslak Matthew , Cook Philip A. , Shafiei Golia , Tapera Tinashe M. , Radhakrishnan Hamsanandini , Elliott Mark , Roalf David R. , Oathes Desmond J. , Bassett Dani S. , Tisdall M. Dylan , Rokem Ariel , Grafton Scott T. , Satterthwaite Theodore D.
Published: January 2024

Head motion correction is particularly challenging in diffusion‐weighted MRI (dMRI) scans due to the dramatic changes in image contrast at different gradient strengths and directions. Head motion correction is typically performed using a Gaussian Process model implemented in FSL's Eddy. Recently, the 3dSHORE‐based SHORELine method was introduced that does not require shell‐based acquisitions, but it has not been previously benchmarked. Here we perform a comprehensive evaluation of both methods on realistic simulations of a software fiber phantom that provides known ground‐truth head motion. We demonstrate that both methods perform remarkably well, but that performance can be impacted by sampling scheme and the extent of head motion and the denoising strategy applied before head motion correction. Furthermore, we find Eddy benefits from denoising the data first with MP‐PCA. In sum, we provide the most extensive known benchmarking of dMRI head motion correction, together with extensive simulation data and a reproducible workflow.

Practitioner points

Both Eddy and SHORELine head motion correction methods performed quite well on a large variety of simulated data.

Denoising with MP‐PCA can improve head motion correction performance when Eddy is used.

SHORELine effectively corrects motion in non‐shelled diffusion spectrum imaging data.
Integration of pretreatment tumor markers in a nomogram model for prognostic prediction of FIGO stage I endometrial cancer: A multi‐institutional cohort study
Authors: Lin Hao , Wu Chen‐Hsuan , Ou Yu‐Che , Huang Szu‐Wei , Fu Hung‐Chun
Published: January 2024

Objective

Traditionally, the prognosis of patients with FIGO stage I endometrial cancer is determined by clinicopathological risk factors. In this study, we assessed the potential contribution of pretreatment carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen‐125 (CA‐125) levels to estimating the prognosis of these patients and aimed to develop and validate a prognostic nomogram.

Methods

This retrospective study included patients with FIGO stage I endometrial cancer who underwent treatment between January 2009 and December 2021 in the four institutes of Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. To identify optimal cutoff values of CEA and CA‐125 for predicting survival, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated, the Kaplan–Meier method was used to estimate survival, and a Cox regression model was used to analyze the independent prognostic factors. Finally, a nomogram and calibration curve were constructed to predict patient survival probability.

Results

Of the 1559 patients evaluated, the optimal cutoff values of CEA and CA‐125 were 1.44 ng/mL (area under the ROC curve [AUC] 0.601) and 39.77 U/mL (AUC 0.503), respectively. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that pretreatment CEA (hazard ratio [HR] 2.11, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.35–3.28), CA‐125 (HR 2.07, 95% CI 1.31–3.27), age >70 years (HR 12.54, 95% CI 5.05–31.11), myometrial invasion >50% (HR 1.69, 95% CI 1.03–2.73), non‐endometrioid histology (HR 1.83, 95% CI 1.14–2.95), high‐grade tumor (HR 2.41, 95% CI 1.46–3.97), and lymphovascular space invasion (HR 2.32, 95% CI 1.26–4.25) were significant variables associated with overall survival. These factors were used to construct the nomogram model, which showed good concordance and accuracy.

Conclusions

Integration of pretreatment CEA and CA‐125 in a prognostic nomogram is feasible. Our prediction model has the potential to assist clinicians in guiding appropriate clinical practice.
Adenomyosis and fertility‐sparing surgery: A literature appraisal
Authors: Pecorella Giovanni , Nigdelis Meletios P. , Sparic Radmila , Morciano Andrea , Tinelli Andrea
Published: January 2024

Adenomyosis is an intricate pathological condition that negatively impacts the uterus. It is closely related to the more well‐known endometriosis, with which it shares parallels in terms of diagnosis, therapy, and both microscopic and macroscopic features. The purpose of this narrative review is to give a clear univocal definition and outlook on the different, patient‐adapted, surgical treatments. MEDLINE and PubMed searches on these topics were conducted from 1990 to 2022 using a mix of selected keywords. Papers and articles were identified and included in this narrative review after authors' revision and evaluation. From the literature analysis, authors reported the following surgical techniques: laparoscopic double/triple‐flap method, laparotomic wedge resection of the uterine wall, laparotomic transverse H‐incision of the uterine wall, laparotomic wedge‐shaped excision, and laparotomic complete debulking excision by asymmetric dissection technique. Each of these techniques has strengths and weaknesses, but the literature data on the pregnancy rate are somewhat limited. The only certain information is the risk of uterine rupture up to 6.0% after surgical treatment for uterine adenomyosis. Over the years, the surgical approach continued to reach a positive result by minimally invasive treatment, with less hospitalization, less postoperative pain, and less blood loss. Over the years, the gynecological surgeon has gained the skills, training and increasingly sophisticated surgical techniques to target effective therapy. That's why a hysterectomy is no longer the only surgical resource to treat adenomyosis, but in patients who wish to preserve the fertility, there is a wide variety of surgical alternatives.
The role of hope in college transition: Its cross‐lagged relationships with psychosocial resources and emotional well‐being in first‐year college students
Authors: Wong Wai‐lap Lance , Cheung Sing‐hang
Published: January 2024

Introduction

College transition is often regarded as the most stressful phase of life by college students. Hence, it is necessary to find ways to help them adjust more smoothly to this transition. Hope, as conceptualized by C. R. Snyder, has been widely studied as a predictor of optimal functioning and has been shown to be associated with better adjustment among college students. This study aimed to shed light on the role of hope in college transition by examining its unique reciprocal relationships with an array of important psychosocial resources and emotional well‐being among first‐year college students.

Methods

Data were collected from a sample of Hong Kong college freshmen (N = 433, Medianage = 18 years old, 63.7% female) at two time points. At each time point, participants completed self‐reported measures tapping into their levels of hope, psychosocial resources, and emotional well‐being. Psychological resources included general and academic self‐efficacy, meaning in life, and optimism. Social resources included secure attachment, perceived school environment, and social support. Emotional well‐being was operationalized as positive and negative emotions. Cross‐lagged panel models were constructed and tested by path analyses.

Results

When autoregression and the effects of other variables were controlled, a greater sense of hope uniquely predicted higher levels of general and academic self‐efficacy, greater presence of life meanings, more secure attachment, and more positive and fewer negative emotions. On the other hand, higher levels of meaning in life (both presence and search) and social support uniquely predicted greater hope. Academic hope and presence of life meanings reciprocally predicted one another, whereas other significant cross‐lagged relationships were unidirectional.

Conclusions

The findings suggest interventions that promote hope can be useful in helping college freshmen adjust to the new college environment by enhancing their psychosocial resources and emotional well‐being. Such interventions would be more effective if they included elements that boost meaning in life and social support, which are expected to further enhance the perceptions of hope.
The mediating role of social support in associations between childhood adversity, military sexual trauma, and homelessness in a nationally representative sample of US veterans
Authors: Bulanchuk Nicole , Edwards Emily , Pietrzak Robert H. , Tsai Jack
Published: January 2024

Among veterans, availability of social support and histories of military sexual trauma (MST) and/or adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are particularly salient correlates of homelessness. Using path analyses, we investigated whether social support (i.e., interpersonal social support and community integration) would at least partially account for the relationships of MST and ACEs with any lifetime homelessness in a large, nationally representative sample of veterans (N = 4069, 9.8% female). Interpersonal social support and community integration partially explained the relationship between ACEs and any lifetime homelessness. However, they did not mediate the relationship between MST and any lifetime homelessness. Female veterans also reported higher trauma rates and lower perceived social support than male counterparts during correlational analyses. These results reinforce existing literature on the importance of research and interventions tailored to veterans with low social support and integration. Results have potential to inform interventions and policy for veterans experiencing and/or at risk for homelessness.
On the heat waves over India and their future projections under different SSP scenarios from CMIP6 models
Authors: Norgate Marc , Tiwari P. R. , Das Sushant , Kumar D.
Published: January 2024

Thirteen Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 6 (CMIP6) models were employed to simulate mean, maximum, and minimum temperature across 7 homogenous temperature regions of India for both annual and summer season (June, July, and August (JJA)). The model fidelity was assessed by comparing them with observed Climate Research Unit temperature dataset. The JJA multi‐model ensemble for the present (1981–2014) suggests large warm biases in the temperature. Although the models could simulate the spatial variability of the mean and maximum temperature over most of the homogeneous regions, they do not compare well for representing the temporal variability. We also found, that although different individual models have strengths and weaknesses in representing spatial and temporal temperature characteristics over India, a few of the models perform better than the others. For example, CNRM‐CM6 could better represent the spatial temperature patterns however they struggle in capturing the temporal variability. HadGEM3‐GC31‐LL, KACE‐1‐0G, and UKESM1‐0‐LL are comparably the best‐performing models for temporal temperature features over India. The annual maximum temperature during far future period is projected to increase by 1.5°C, 2.3°C, and 4.1°C for Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) SSP1‐2.6, SSP2‐4.5, and SSP5‐8.5 respectively. At regional scales, JJA mean temperature for SSP5‐8.5 revealed significant increases in Interior Peninsula (3.8°C), Western Himalaya (5.6°C), Northwest (3.9°C), West Coast (3.6°C), East Coast (3.6°C), Northeast (3.6°C), and North Central (3.8°C), highlighting the Western Himalaya's heightened sensitivity. Further, heat wave frequency is projected to rise, with the northern territories (NW, NC, NE, and part of IP) most affected, anticipating week‐long heat waves affecting around 50% of India's population under stronger SSPs. Such unprecedented impacts seem to be less profound in case of abatement scenarios such as the SSP1‐2.6. Our findings support the urgent need for more ambitious mitigation and adaptation strategies to alleviate the public health impacts of climate change.
Chitosan‐coated soybean protein isolate/lecithin nanoparticles for enhancing the stability and bioaccessibility of phytosterol
Authors: Cheng Ming , Tao Ye , Wang Chunwei , Li Ao
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND

Phytosterols (PS) have various beneficial effects on human health, especially the property of reducing blood cholesterol. However, the low solubility and bioaccessibility of PS have greatly limited their application in functional food ingredients.

RESULTS

To improve the bioaccessibility and stability of PS, chitosan‐coated PS nanoparticles (CS‐PNP) were successfully prepared by self‐assembly. The properties of CS‐PNP, including size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency (EE) and loading amount (LA) were characterised. The optimisation of CS concentration (0.4 mg mL−1) and pH (3.5) resulted in the formation of CS‐PNP with an EE of over 90% and a particle size of 187.7 nm. Due to the special properties of CS chitosan, the interaction between CS and soybean protein isolate (SPI)/lecithin (SL) led to the formation of a soluble complex. CS‐PNP exhibited good stability to temperature variations but was more sensitive to salt ions. During in vitro digestion, CS efficiently maintained the stability of nanoparticles against the hydrolysis of SPI by pepsin under acidic conditions. However, these nanoparticles tended to aggregate in a neutral intestinal environment. After 3 h of in vitro digestion, the bioaccessibility of PS increased from 18.2% of free PS to 63.5% of CS‐PNP.

CONCLUSION

Overall, these results highlight the potential of chitosan‐coated nanoparticles as effective carriers for the oral administration of PS. This multilayer construction may serve as a promising for applications in food products as delivery vehicles for nutraceuticals. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Dietary supplementation with short‐ and long‐chain structured lipids alleviates obesity via regulating hepatic lipid metabolism, inflammation and gut microbiota in high‐fat‐diet‐induced obese mice
Authors: Yue Chonghui , Tang Yu , Chang Menghan , Wang Yueyue , Peng Huainan , Wang Xin , Wang Ziyu , Zang Xiaodan , Ben Hongyan , Yu Guoping
Published: January 2024

Background

Obesity is closely associated with lipid accumulation, inflammation and intestinal microbiota dysbiosis. Short‐ and long‐chain type structured lipids (SLCTs) are kinds of low‐calorie structured lipids and demonstrate anti‐obesity and hypolipidemia bioactivity. The objective of this study is to investigate the potential effects of dietary supplementation of SLCTs rich in short‐chain fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids on high‐fat‐diet‐induced obesity and gut microbiota modulation in C57BL/6J mice.

Results

Results showed that SLCTs supplementation ameliorated body weight, dyslipidemia, liver lipid accumulation, liver injury and systemic inflammation in obese mice. As expected, immunohistochemical analysis showed that SLCTs significantly increased the expression of proliferator‐activated receptor alpha and decreased the expression of Toll‐like receptor 4 in liver tissue. Furthermore, SLCTs supplementation significantly downregulated the expression level of liver inflammation‐related genes while upregulating the expression level of liver lipid metabolism‐related genes. Additionally, SLCTs supplementation markedly enhanced the diversity of gut microbiota, reduced the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and increased the diversity and richness of beneficial intestinal microorganisms, such as Bacteroides, Lactobacillus, Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group, Alloprevotella and Ruminococcaceae UCG‐014.

Conclusion

Our work suggested that SLCTs may have the potential to reduce obesity associated with a high‐fat diet by regulating liver metabolism, inflammation and gut microbiota. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Development and evaluation of a new intraoral voice assist device called the voice retriever
Authors: Yamada Taishi , Yamaguchi Kohei , Horike Ayane , Takahashi Kohei , Amornsuradech Sirinthip , Nakagawa Kazuharu , Yoshimi Kanako , Tohara Haruka
Published: January 2024

Objective

Patients lose their voice after laryngectomy for laryngeal cancer or aspiration prevention surgery for severe dysphagia. To assist such patients, we developed and verified the utility of a novel vocalization method using a device termed the voice retriever (VR), in which the sound source is placed in the mouth.

Methods

We investigated the effectiveness of the VR in patients. The VR consists of a mouthpiece with a built‐in speaker and a dedicated application that serves as the sound source. We compared the speech intelligibility and naturalness in normal participants using VR and an electrolarynx (EL) for the first time as well as the voice‐related quality of life (V‐RQOL) in patients with dysphonia before and after using the VR.

Results

The VR produced significantly higher 100‐syllable test scores as well as fluency, amount of additional noise, intonation, intelligibility and overall long reading test ratings in the first‐time VR and EL users. Furthermore, the VR use significantly improved the V‐RQOL of participants with dysphonia.

Conclusion

Compared to EL, VR allows more effective speech improvement in participants without experience using an alternative vocalization method and improves the V‐RQOL in patients with dysphonia.

Level of Evidence

Step 4.
Achieving Less Than 100 ppb Total Metal Ion Concentration in ESCAP Resins Synthesized by Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization
Authors: Liu Yingchao , Wang Jinshan , Li Weimin
Published: January 2024

In the photolithography process of integrated circuits （IC） manufacturing, it is desired that the photoresist resins have both smaller polydispersity index (PDI) and lower trace metal ion concentrations. The commercial environmentally stable chemical amplified photoresist (ESCAP) resins for 248 nm lithography are synthesized by free radical polymerization with PDI >1.5. Although using atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) can result in lower PDI, the potential of high metal ion contamination is a major concern, as the reaction initiators usually are copper‐containing compounds. In this study, copolymer of p‐acetoxy styrene and tert‐butyl acrylate [poly(AOST‐co‐TBA)] is synthesized via ATRP achieving PDI as low as 1.25. It is then purified by ion exchange with two different resins, IRC747 and A15, which are effective at removing Cu and other metal ions. This reduces the total metal ion concentration in the copolymer powder to <30 ppb with individual metal ion <6 ppb. This is the first reported ATRP synthesized ESCAP resin having both low PDI and metal ion concentrations suitable for 248 nm photoresist application.
Effect of Amino Acid Types on the Mechanical and Antimicrobial Properties of Amino Acid‐Based Polyionic Liquid Hydrogels
Authors: Fan Jingying , He Xiaoling , Zhou Xuanping , Li Saisai , Yang Yuqing
Published: January 2024

Polyionic liquid hydrogels attract increasing attention due to their unique properties and potential applications. However, research on amino acid‐based polyionic liquid hydrogels is still in its infancy stage. Moreover, the effect of amino acid types on the properties of hydrogels is rarely studied to date. In this work, amino acid‐based polyionic liquid hydrogels (D/L‐PCAA hydrogels) are synthesized by copolymerizing vinyl choline–amino acid ionic liquids and acrylic acids using Al3+ as a crosslinking agent and bacterial cellulose (BC) as a reinforcing agent. The effects of amino acid types on mechanical and antimicrobial properties are systematically investigated. D‐arginine‐based hydrogel (D‐PCArg) shows the highest tensile strength (220.7 KPa), D‐phenylalanine‐based hydrogel (D‐PCPhe) exhibits the highest elongation at break (1346%), and L‐aspartic acid‐based hydrogel (L‐PCAsp) has the highest elastic modulus (206.9 KPa) and toughness (1.74 MJ m−3). D/L‐PCAsp hydrogels demonstrate stronger antibacterial capacity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and D/L‐PCPhe hydrogels possess higher antifungal activity against Cryptococcus neoformans. Moreover, the resultant hydrogels exhibit prominent hemocompatibility and low toxicity, as well as excellent self‐healing capabilities (86%) and conductivity (2.8 S m−1). These results indicate that D/L‐PCAA hydrogel provides a promise for applications in wound dressings.