bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of exercise intervention on health-related quality of life in middle-aged and older people with osteoporosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Geng Di , Li Xiaogang , Shi Yan
Published: January 2025

Background

Osteoporosis is a common condition affecting middle-aged and older people, posing a serious threat to their health-related quality of life (HRQOL). In recent years, multiple studies have investigated the impact of exercise interventions on HRQOL in middle-aged and older individuals with osteoporosis, but the conclusions have been inconsistent. The aim of this study was to determine the true significance of exercise interventions on HRQOL in middle-aged and older individuals with osteoporosis and to identify optimal exercise prescriptions.

Methods

Six databases were searched for RCTs on the impact of exercise interventions on HRQOL in middle-aged and older individuals with osteoporosis. The methodological quality of the study was evaluated with Cochrane risk assessment tool. The effect size pooling, heterogeneity testing, and publication bias were analyzed using Review Manager 5.4 software.

Result

A total of 14 RCTs involving 1,214 participants were included, published between 2007 and 2022. The pooled results demonstrated that exercise interventions significantly improved general HRQOL (SMD = 0.79, 95% CI [0.34–1.24], p = 0.0006). In terms of physical HRQOL, significant improvements were observed in bodily pain (SMD = 0.51, 95% CI [0.24–0.78], p= 0.0002), physical function (SMD = 0.56, 95% CI [0.21–0.91], p = 0.002), role physical (SMD = 0.39, 95% CI [0.14–0.64], p = 0.003), and general health (SMD = 0.68, 95% CI [0.25–1.11], p = 0.002). Regarding mental HRQOL, significant improvements were found in vitality (SMD = 0.58, 95% CI [0.15–1.01], p = 0.008), social function (SMD = 0.37, 95% CI [0.17–0.58], p = 0.0004), and mental health (SMD = 0.50, 95% CI [0.25–0.74], p < 0.0001). Subgroup analysis results indicated that resistance training (SMD = 1.01, 95% CI [0.50–1.52], p = 0.0001), intervention frequency of at least three times per week (SMD = 0.80, 95% CI [0.22–1.38], p = 0.007), and intervention duration of 13–24 weeks (SMD = 0.85, 95% CI [0.37–1.33], p = 0.0005) had large and significant effects on general HRQOL improvements.

Conclusion

Exercise interventions improved HRQOL in middle-aged and older individuals with osteoporosis. Resistance training has shown greater benefits than mixed exercises. The optimal frequency is at least three per week, yielding the greatest improvement. Exercise interventions lasting 13–24 weeks had the most pronounced effect compared to other durations.

Registration

PROSPERO (No. CRD42023438771).
A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials for physical activity among colorectal cancer survivors: directions for future research
Authors: Mao Jiayu , Qiu Xiaoke , Zhang Yi , Wang Can , Yang Xueli , Li Qiuping
Published: January 2025

Background

Physical activity (PA) is critically important to cancer rehabilitation. However, PA levels are generally lower in colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors compared to other cancer survivors. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of PA interventions in increasing PA levels and to provide recommendations for developing PA interventions in CRC survivors.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted in Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wan Fang Data from January 2010 to March 1, 2024. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale was used to assess the methodological quality of eligible studies, and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) method was used to evaluate the certainty of evidence. The random-effects model was used in meta-analysis, and data were analyzed using standardized mean differences and 95% confidence intervals.

Results

A total of 22 studies were included in this review, all of which were rated as having good methodological quality based on the PEDro scale. In the meta-analysis, nine of these studies involving 684 participants were included, and results showed that PA interventions have a positive effect on increasing total PA levels in CRC survivors (Z = 2.79, p = 0.005). Results of subgroup analysis revealed that supervised PA interventions (Z = 2.82, p = 0.005) and PA interventions with multiple intervention components (Z = 3.06, p = 0.002) effectively increased total PA levels for CRC survivors. In addition, research evidence suggests that daily as the frequency (Z = 4.28, p < 0.001), Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) as the intensity (Z = 2.29, p = 0.022), aerobic combined with resistance exercise as the type of PA (Z = 4.19, p < 0.001) is appropriate for increasing total PA levels in CRC survivors.

Conclusions

The findings of this review provide strong evidence supporting the positive role of PA interventions in improving total PA levels among CRC survivors. This study offers preliminary insights into the appropriate patterns of PA interventions (e.g., frequency, intensity, type) for enhancing total PA levels in CRC survivors. However, further high-quality clinical trials are needed to determine the optimal timing, duration, and delivery methods of PA interventions to maximize their effectiveness in this population.
Investigation of geographic disparities and temporal changes of non-gestational diabetes-related emergency department visits in Florida: a retrospective ecological study
Authors: Khan Md Marufuzzaman , Odoi Agricola
Published: January 2025

Background

Rates of diabetes-related Emergency Department (ED) visits in Florida increased by 54% between 2011 and 2016. However, little information is available on geographic disparities of ED visit rates and how these disparities changed over time in Florida and yet this information is important for guiding resource allocation for diabetes control programs. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to (a) investigate geographic disparities and temporal changes in non-gestational diabetes-related ED visit rates in Florida and (b) identify predictors of geographic disparities in non-gestational diabetes-related ED visit rates.

Methods

The ED data for the period between 2016 and 2019 were obtained from the Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration. Records of non-gestational diabetes-related ED visits were extracted using the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 codes. Monthly non-gestational diabetes-related ED visit rates were computed and temporal changes were investigated using the Cochran-Armitage trend test. County-level non-gestational diabetes-related ED visit rates per 100,000 person-years were calculated and their geographic distributions were visualized using choropleth maps. Clusters of counties with high non-gestational diabetes-related ED visit rates were identified using Kulldorff’s circular and Tango’s flexible spatial scan statistics. Predictors of non-gestational diabetes-related ED visit rates were investigated using negative binomial model. The geographic distributions of significant (p ≤ 0.05) high-rate clusters and predictors of ED visit rates were displayed on maps.

Results

There was a significant (p < 0.001) increase in non-gestational diabetes-related ED visit rates from 266 visits per 100,000 person-months in January 2016 to 332 visits per 100,000 person-months in December 2019. Clusters of high non-gestational diabetes-related ED visit rates were identified in the northern and south-central parts of Florida. Counties with high percentages of non-Hispanic Black, current smokers, uninsured, and populations with diabetes had significantly higher non-gestational diabetes-related ED visit rates, while counties with high percentages of married populations had significantly lower ED visit rates.

Conclusions

The study findings confirm geographic disparities of non-gestational diabetes-related ED visit rates in Florida with high-rate areas observed in the rural northern and south-central parts of the state. Specific attention is required to address disparities in counties with high diabetes prevalence, high percentages of non-Hispanic Black, and uninsured populations. These findings are useful for guiding public health efforts geared at reducing disparities and improving diabetes outcomes in Florida.
The influence of gender stereotypes on gender judgement and impression evaluation based on face and voice
Authors: Li Jingyu , Fu Chunye , Sun Yunrui
Published: January 2025

The present study examined the influence of gender stereotype information on cognitive judgments and impression evaluations of faces and voices. A 2 × 2 × 2 design was employed, with Perceptual Target (Face vs. Voice), Gender Stereotype Information (Consistent vs. Inconsistent) and Gender of Perceptual Targets (Male and Female) serving as within-subject factors. The results demonstrated that when gender stereotype information was consistent with the perceptual target’s gender, response times for face gender judgments were shorter than for voice gender judgments. Nevertheless, the accuracy of gender judgments was higher for voices than faces. Furthermore, likability ratings for targets were significantly higher when gender stereotype information was consistent with the target than when it was inconsistent, for both face and voice judgments. These findings indicate that visual and auditory cues are processed differently in the context of gender judgments, thereby highlighting the distinct roles of facial and vocal information in gender perception. The current study contributes to understanding the complex interplay between gender stereotypes and multimodal social information processing.
Integrated analysis of ATAC-seq and RNA-seq reveals ADSCP2 regulates oxidative phosphorylation pathway in hypertrophic scar fibroblasts
Authors: Li Qian , Quan Zhe , Chen Ling , Yin Yiliang , Chen Xin , Li Jingyun
Published: January 2025

The primary effector cells involved in the formation of hypertrophic scars are fibroblasts. A potential peptide, ADSCP2 (adipose-derived stem cell peptide 2, the peptide fragment of ALCAM protein), derived from adipose-derived stem cell-conditioned medium, has been identified as having the potential to mitigate hypertrophic scar formation by targeting pyruvate carboxylase. However, the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Whether ADSCP2 attenuates hypertrophic scar fibrosis at the transcription level remains unclear. Consequently, this study sought to elucidate the potential mechanism associated with ADSCP2 by examining genome-wide transcriptional alterations and changes in chromatin accessibility in fibroblasts. This was achieved through the integrated analysis of assay for transposase accessible chromatin using sequencing (ATAC-seq) and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). In the ADSCP2 treatment group, ATAC-seq identified a total of 7,805 differential peaks associated with 3,176 genes. RNA-seq analysis revealed 345 upregulated and 399 downregulated transcripts in the same group. A combined Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis of both downregulated genes and close-ACRs (accessible chromatin regions) genes within the ADSCP2 treatment group indicated regulation of the oxidative phosphorylation pathway (OXPHOS) by ADSCP2. The amalgamation of ATAC-seq and RNA-seq data elucidates that two OXPHOS associated genes, namely COX6B1 (cytochrome c oxidase subunit 6B1) and NDUFA1 (NADH dehydrogenase (ubiquinone) alpha subcomplex-1), demonstrate significant downregulation in the presence of ADSCP2. Further analysis using the integrative genomics viewer indicates that the promoter regions of both COX6B1 and NDUFA1 exhibit a higher degree of closure in the ADSCP2 treatment group. Quantitative PCR analysis demonstrated that ADSCP2 treatment resulted in a reduction of COX6B1 and NDUFA1 mRNA expression levels. Furthermore, cellular ATP and lactic acid concentrations were diminished in the ADSCP2-treated group. Collectively, these findings suggest potential avenues for future research into the therapeutic application of the peptide ADSCP2 in the treatment of hypertrophic scars.
Optimizing in vitro fertilization in four Caribbean coral species
Authors: Chamberland Valérie F. , Bennett Matthew-James , Doblado Speck Tania , Latijnhouwers Kelly R. W. , Miller Margaret W.
Published: January 2025

Background

Larval propagation and seeding of scleractinian corals for restoration is a rapidly expanding field, with demonstrated applications to assist the recovery of declining populations on reefs. The process typically involves collecting coral reproductive material, facilitating in vitro fertilization (IVF), and settling and outplanting the resulting coral offspring. Optimizing IVF can reduce gamete wastage and increase larval yields for propagation, therefore improving the efficiency of this intervention.

Methods

In this study we tested three IVF conditions in four Caribbean broadcast-spawning coral species (i.e., Diploria labyrinthiformis, Colpophyllia natans, Pseudodiploria strigosa, Orbicella faveolata) to determine sperm concentration, gamete age, and co-incubation time resulting in the highest fertilization success. For each species, we exposed eggs from a single dam to pooled sperm samples from three sires (1) at concentrations ranging from zero to 109 cell mL−1, (2) after letting gametes age for 2 to 6 h, and (3) for a period of 15 to 120 min.

Results

These experiments revealed a gamete longevity of at least 4 h and clear minimum sperm concentration thresholds (>105 to 106 cell mL−1) in all four species. Fertilization took place much faster than expected (≤15 min) in the three brain corals under study, whereas O. faveolata gametes required a co-incubation period of 60 to 120 min to achieve maximum IVF success.

Discussion

We present these results in the context of IVF data available for other hermaphroditic broadcast-spawning scleractinians. We then provide recommendations for coral breeding practitioners to maximize larval production from gamete collections, and finally, we discuss our findings’ potential implications on fertilization dynamics during natural coral spawning events.
Fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase 1 is a potential biomarker affecting the malignant phenotype and aerobic glycolysis in glioblastoma
Authors: Lu Weihong , Huang Guozheng , Yu Yihan , Zhai Xia , Zhou Xiangfeng
Published: January 2025

Background

Fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase 1 (FBP1) has been considered as a potential prognostic biomarker in glioblastoma (GBM), and this study explored the underlying mechanism.

Methods

The expression and effect of FBP1 expression on the prognosis of GBM patients were examined applying bioinformatics analyses. After measuring the expression of FBP1 in normal glial cell line HEB and GBM cells, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), 5-ethynyl-2-deoxyuridine (EdU), colony formation, transwell, and wound healing assay were carried out to examine the effects of silencing FBP1 on the proliferation and invasion of GBM cells. Aerobic glycolysis was measured by calculating the extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) and oxygen consumption rate (OCR) of FBP1-silenced GBM cells. Furthermore, the protein levels of the mediators related to PI3K/AKT pathway and BCL2 protein family were detected via immunoblotting. Additionally, the effects of FBP1 silencing on the macrophage M2 polarization were assessed based on the fluorescence intensity of CD206 and the phosphorylation of STAT6 quantified by immunofluorescence and immunoblotting, respectively.

Results

High-expressed FBP1 was indicative of a worse prognosis of GBM. FBP1 knockdown in GBM cells suppressed the proliferation, invasion, migration, and aerobic glycolysis of GBM cells, lowered the phosphorylation levels of AKT and PI3K and the protein expression of BCL2 but promoted BAX protein expression. Moreover, FBP1 knockdown reduced CD206 fluorescence intensity and the phosphorylation of STAT6.

Conclusion

To conclude, FBP1 could be considered as a biomarker that affected the malignant phenotypes and aerobic glycolysis in GBM, contributing to the diagnosis and treatment of GBM.
Comparing Silent and Oral Reading: Their Impact on College Students' Reading Comprehension
Authors: Algones Cj Vanessa L. , Quiapo Gylden M. , Razonable Allaine , Culajara Claire Lynn
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the effects of silent and oral reading styles on comprehension outcomes among college students, addressing a gap in understanding how these methods influenced learning in academic contexts. Employing a quasi-experimental research design, 40 students college students, aged 18-25, were randomly between the two groups, suggesting that silent and oral reading methods were equally effective. The effect size (rank biserial correlation = 0.155) indicated a small relationship. The Shapiro-Wilk test (W = 0.943, p = 0.043) revealed non-normal data distribution. These findings suggest that educators could strategically employ both methods to accommodate diverse student needs, contributing to effective multimodal reading strategies that enhance comprehension and learning. However, the study's limitations include the use of quota sampling, a small sample size, and the potential influence of extraneous and confounding variables, which may affect the generalizability of the findings.
Agricultural Science Curriculum Content and Secondary School Leavers’ Job Performance in Agro-Based Industry in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Authors: Umoh Ukeme Ekpedeme , Dennis Eno John
Published: January 2025

This study investigated the extent to which Agricultural Science Curriculum Content predicts Secondary School Leavers’ Job Performance in Agro-based Industry in Akwa Ibom State. Correlational research design was used for the study. The population of the study consisted of 532 Secondary School Leavers which was also used as the sample purposively because of the small size of Secondary School leavers in the thirty two registered Agro-Based Firms in three Senatorial Districts of Akwa Ibom State. Four research objectives and questions were raised while four null hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. Two research instruments were developed for data collection, tagged “Agricultural Science Curriculum Content Questionnaire (ASCCQ) and Secondary School Leavers’ Job Performance Questionnaire (SSLJPQ). The Agricultural Science Curriculum Content Questionnaire (ASCCQ) was divided into two parts: I and II. Part I collected demographic data, while part II collected data on curriculum content exposure. The secondary school leavers’ job performance Questionnaire had 20 items.  The instruments were validated by experts and their reliability was ascertained using internal consistency method which yielded the reliability coefficient of 0.83 and 0.90 respectively. Data obtained were analyzed using mean to answer the research questions and simple linear regression to test the null hypotheses. The results showed that Agricultural Science curriculum content predicts secondary school leavers job performance in Agro-based Industry in Akwa Ibom State. Based on the findings, it has been concluded that Agricultural Science curriculum content can enhance the job performance of secondary school leavers in agro-based industry and the inclusion of these Agricultural content (crop cultivation content, livestock management content, feed formulation content and marketing content) in the Agricultural Science Curriculum will enhance job task of secondary school leavers. It is recommended, among others, that Agricultural Science should be made a core subject at the senior secondary school level, government should establish vocational centers for secondary school leavers’ who might not want to further their education and all secondary school should have school farms for plants and animals.
Uncovering Risk Factors for Heart Disease and Predicting Outcomes Using Machine Learning Approaches
Authors: Mahmud Shohel , Tania Salma Akter , Tamanna Tanzila , Rahman Md Habibur , Islam Saiful
Published: January 2025

Aims: This study aims to create a robust machine learning model capable of accurately discerning the presence of heart-related disorders. The aim of this study is to find the best machine learning classification model that is most suitable for predicting risk factors related to heart disease.
Study Design: Analytical cross-sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Statistics at the Noakhali Science and Technology University, and three tertiary level hospitals of Bangladesh (Noakhali General Hospital, Chittagong Medical College Hospital, and the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Dhaka), from June 2022 to August 2023.
Methodology: The conceptual framework underlying this study proposes a descriptive methodology in which study data are collected from hospital admitted patients who have heart disease symptoms and equal size of patients who have no heart related disease. Primary data were obtained using self-designed questionnaire which were administered by the researchers. The sample size for the study is 340 comprising of 247 males and 93 females, who were selected by convenient sample method.
Results: Evaluating simulation models reveals the Decision Tree as the most compelling choice due to its high accuracy, interpretability, and statistical significance. The outcomes of real data analysis that the Decision Tree model emerges as the preeminent candidate, showcasing extraordinary predictive proficiencies in discerning the risk quotient associated with heart disease, achieving an accuracy of 91%, a sensitivity of 88%, and a specificity of 91%.
Conclusion: The results highlight the most effective machine learning algorithms for classification in the context of heart-related disease risk factors predictions. However, future research endeavors could enhance this study by incorporating additional clinical, demographic, and social determinants.
Isolation and Screening of Plant Growth-promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) Isolates Across Different Seasons in South Gujarat, India
Authors: Patel S.G. , Garaniya N.H. , Bambharolia R.P. , Akabari P.D.
Published: January 2025

Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) a major constituent of Rhizobacteria, encourage the plant growth through their diverse mechanisms. In this investigation, 33 different Isolates were isolated from the rhizosphere soils of various research stations in south Gujarat were screened for their plant growth promoting activity. All the 33 tested isolates in pre monsoon and post monsoon were evaluated and documented various PGPR activities. Thirteen isolates of pre-monsoon season and twenty isolates of post monsoon season selected for further study. Based on colonial characteristics and morphology of isolates, 33 were selected for Siderophore, HCN, IAA production phosphate solubilizing and antagonistic activities. Among 33 isolates, 10 isolates showed phosphate solubilizing properties, 10 isolates had Siderophore production, 6 isolates had IAA activity and no one organism produced HCN. All the isolates were found to have nitrogen-fixing potential. Among these, those isolated before the monsoon season have more number of Gram positive bacteria while those isolated post monsoon were Gram positive as well as Gram negative.
Agronomic Performance of Premium Quality Advanced Breeding Lines of Indica Rice
Authors: Ruhi Nabiha Tasnim , Karim Mohammad Rezaul , Majumder Ratna Rani , Joy Md. Istiak Hossain , Kader Md. Abdul
Published: January 2025

An experiment was conducted at the Research field in the west byed of Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), Gazipur-1701 during the rabi season (December 2023 to May 2024) to assess the advanced breeding lines for yield and other agro morphological traits of select premium quality rice. The experiment was laid out using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), comprising eight treatments (five advanced breeding lines and three controls) in three replications. The total numbers of plots were 24. All treatments received full of the recommended doses of N, P, K, S & Zn fertilizers. BRRI dhan104, BRRI dhan107 and BINA dhan25 were used as Check varieties. Crops were harvested at 80% physiological maturity, and the data on the growth parameters and grain and straw yields were recorded. Statistical analyses were conducted with the PB Tools v 1.4. (Version 1.4) package. Results indicated that considering the various agronomic parameters of the advanced lines, the treatment T3 = BR10648-12-1-3-4-1 and T4 =Zira (Nachol) yielded significantly higher than other varieties under experimental trial. It possesses a superior quality long and slender grain, an excellent weight of 1000 grains, and a growth duration of 138 days. These advanced lines can be included in the variety development pipeline to release a variety.
An Assessment of Farm Households' Vulnerability to Climate Change in Samastipur, Bihar (India)
Authors: Dwivedi Shripati , Sinha D.K. , Singh KM , Ahmad Nashim , Singh Arihant , Kumar Vinay
Published: January 2025

Bihar's agrarian economy is at risk from climate change due to persistent droughts, floods, irregular rainfall, etc. The present study was conducted between 2023 and 2024 in the Samastipur district of Bihar in order to analyze the socio-economic vulnerability of farm households. Two blocks of Samastipur were randomly selected, and clusters of villages within each block were selected randomly. From each cluster, 20-20 respondents were selected randomly from all three categories of farmers, i.e. cropping only, cropping + livestock and cropping + livestock + others. The total number of farm households was 120. Socio-economic status was determined using frequency and percentage methods. The IPCC approach was used to calculate the socioeconomic vulnerability index. The majority of farmers belong to the middle age group, have a medium family income, and own marginal amounts of land. There are 66.67% of farms in the moderate vulnerability group (0.147-0.345) followed by 16.67% in the low vulnerability group (0.147-0.345) and 16.67% in the high vulnerability group (>0.345). According to the study, policy efforts can be made to improve the socio-economic status of farm households by understanding the importance of closely related variables affecting climate change vulnerability.
Biosorbent from Tomato Stems: Adsorption Properties Using Methylene Blue as Pollutant Test
Authors: Allou N’guadi Blaise , Cissé M’Bouillé , Bamba Gaoussou , Konaté Alimata , Gouli Bi Irié Marc
Published: January 2025

Dye removal from wastewater using activated carbons was the subject of much scientific research in recent decades. However, high–quality and inexpensive adsorbents production using biomass has attracted more attention from researchers. In this study, tomato stem–based bio–adsorbent was prepared for methylene blue (MB) removal from aqueous medium using batch mode adsorption. Activated carbon performance for MB adsorption was evaluated by studying several parameters effect such as contact time, solution initial pH, dye solution initial concentration, temperature and adsorbent dose. High adsorption percentage of more than 80% of dye was observed with initial pH of 11, contact time of 120 min, adsorbent dose of 3 g L–1 and temperature of 60°C. Adsorption isotherm and kinetic models results predict that Langmuir isotherm as well as pseudo–second–order kinetic would better describe adsorption process. The maximum monolayer adsorption capacity obtained according to Langmuir model was 4.15 mg g−1.
Design and Simulation of Aircraft Pitch Control Using Matrix Transformation Techniques
Authors: Kusuma Hikmat Oka , Kartini Unit Three , Suprianto Bambang , Firmansyah Rifqi , A. K Fandik , S. D. Nugroho , T. P. Aldo , Hanunnisa Nabila
Published: January 2025

Aircraft pitch control is very important in take-off and stabilization. This critical criterion exists because the pitch can cause the aircraft to be in turbulence if the aircraft's pitch control is not calibrated correctly. However, controlling this parameter is not an easy task and challenging to be solved. This research aims to design a controller used on aircraft pitches control using the matrix transformation technique. The proposed technique makes it possible to obtain linear state feedback control in an explicit form with the desired eigenvalue. Furthermore, the proposed technique can improve response time, stability, and handling various flight conditions compared to conventional PID. The proposed technique uses transformation matrix T to find the feedback gain matrix K . The controller is used to find out the response value by several experiments with fixed setpoints, changed setpoints, and by adding load to the system. Based on the results with a fixed setpoint, the system response has 0.47 s time constant, and 0.39 s delay time. The simulations show the system response can follow the setpoint well without any overshoot.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Receipt of General Anesthesia for Cesarean Delivery
Authors: Thomas Caroline Leigh , Lange Elizabeth M. S. , Banayan Jennifer M. , Zhu Yinhua , Liao Chuanhong , Peralta Feyce M. , Grobman William A. , Scavone Barbara M. , Toledo Paloma
Published: January 2024

Importance

General anesthesia for cesarean delivery is associated with increased maternal morbidity, and Black and Hispanic pregnant patients have higher rates of general anesthesia use compared with their non-Hispanic White counterparts. It is unknown whether risk factors and indications for general anesthesia differ among patients of differing race and ethnicity.

Objective

To evaluate differences in general anesthesia use for cesarean delivery and the indication for the general anesthetic by race and ethnicity.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this retrospective, cross-sectional, single-center study, electronic medical records for all 35 117 patients who underwent cesarean delivery at Northwestern Medicine’s Prentice Women’s Hospital from January 1, 2007, to March 2, 2018, were queried for maternal demographics, clinical characteristics, obstetric and anesthetic data, the indication for cesarean delivery, and the indication for general anesthesia when used. Data analysis occurred in August 2023.

Exposure

Cesarean delivery.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The rate of general anesthesia for cesarean delivery by race and ethnicity.

Results

Of the 35 117 patients (median age, 33 years [IQR, 30-36 years]) who underwent cesarean delivery, 1147 (3.3%) received general anesthesia; the rates of general anesthesia were 2.5% for Asian patients (61 of 2422), 5.0% for Black patients (194 of 3895), 3.7% for Hispanic patients (197 of 5305), 2.8% for non-Hispanic White patients (542 of 19 479), and 3.8% (153 of 4016) for all other groups (including those who declined to provide race and ethnicity information) (P < .001). A total of 19 933 pregnant patients (56.8%) were in labor at the time of their cesarean delivery. Of those, 16 363 (82.1%) had neuraxial labor analgesia in situ. Among those who had an epidural catheter in situ, there were no racial or ethnic differences in the rates of general anesthesia use vs neuraxial analgesia use (Asian patients, 34 of 503 [6.8%] vs 1289 of 15 860 [8.1%]; Black patients, 78 of 503 [15.5%] vs 1925 of 15 860 [12.1%]; Hispanic patients, 80 of 503 [15.9%] vs 2415 of 15 860 [15.2%]; non-Hispanic White patients, 255 of 503 [50.7%] vs 8285 of 15 860 [52.2%]; and patients of other race or ethnicity, 56 of 503 [11.1%] vs 1946 of 15 860 [12.3%]; P = .16). Indications for cesarean delivery and for general anesthesia were not different when stratified by race and ethnicity.

Conclusions and Relevance

Racial disparities in rates of general anesthesia continue to exist; however, this study suggests that, for laboring patients who had labor epidural catheters in situ, no disparity by race or ethnicity existed. Future studies should address whether disparities in care that occur prior to neuraxial catheter placement are associated with higher rates of general anesthesia among patients from ethnic and racial minority groups.
Patient-Reported Financial Burden of Treatment for Colon or Rectal Cancer
Authors: Kircher Sheetal , Duan Fenghai , An Na , Gareen Ilanan F. , Sicks JoRean D. , Sadigh Gelareh , Suga Jennifer M. , Kehn Heather , Mehan Paul T. , Bajaj Rajesh , Hanson David S. , Dalia Samir M. , Acoba Jared D. , Yasar Demet Gokalp , Park Elyse R. , Wagner Lynne I. , Carlos Ruth C.
Published: January 2024

Importance

The longitudinal experience of patients is critical to the development of interventions to identify and reduce financial hardship.

Objective

To evaluate financial hardship over 12 months in patients with newly diagnosed colorectal cancer (CRC) undergoing curative-intent therapy.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This prospective, longitudinal cohort study was conducted between May 2018 and July 2020, with time points over 12 months. Participants included patients at National Cance Institute Community Oncology Research Program sites. Eligibility criteria included age at least 18 years, newly diagnosed stage I to III CRC, not started chemotherapy and/or radiation, treated with curative intent, and able to speak English. Data were analyzed from December 2022 through April 2023.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary end point was financial hardship, measured using the Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity (COST), which assesses the psychological domain of financial hardship (range, 0-44; higher score indicates better financial well-being). Participants completed 30-minute surveys (online or paper) at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months.

Results

A total of 450 participants (mean [SD] age, 61.0 [12.0] years; 240 [53.3%] male) completed the baseline survey; 33 participants (7.3%) were Black and 379 participants (84.2%) were White, and 14 participants (3.1%) identified as Hispanic or Latino and 424 participants (94.2%) identified as neither Hispanic nor Latino. There were 192 participants (42.7%) with an annual household income of $60 000 or greater. There was an improvement in financial hardship from diagnosis to 12 months of 0.3 (95% CI, 0.2 to 0.3) points per month (P < .001). Patients with better quality of life and greater self-efficacy had less financial toxicity. Each 1-unit increase in Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–General (rapid version) score was associated with an increase of 0.7 (95% CI, 0.5 to 0.9) points in COST score (P < .001); each 1-unit increase in self-efficacy associated with an increase of 0.6 (95% CI, 0.2 to 1.0) points in COST score (P = .006). Patients who lived in areas with lower neighborhood socioeconomic status had greater financial toxicity. Neighborhood deprivation index was associated with a decrease of 0.3 (95% CI, −0.5 to −0.1) points in COST score (P = .009).

Conclusions and Relevance

These findings suggest that interventions for financial toxicity in cancer care should focus on counseling to improve self-efficacy and mitigate financial worry and screening for these interventions should include patients at higher risk of financial burden.
Regional‐scale effects of deer‐induced forest degradation on river ecosystem dynamics
Authors: Nakagawa Hikaru , Fujiki Daisuke , Numata Hiroo , Wu Luhan , Mori Terutaka , Minamoto Toshifumi
Published: January 2024

Almost all ecosystems are open systems, meaning that significant changes in one ecosystem can lead to unexpected changes in others. Deer overabundance has become a problem worldwide, leading to forest degradation that has impacts on not only terrestrial, but also aquatic ecosystems. This study aims to investigate the regional‐scale importance of large herbivores in inter‐ecosystem interactions by examining the effects of deer‐induced forest degradation on fish populations. We selected similar‐scale catchments from river systems in Hyogo, Japan, that differed in the time since deer‐induced forest degradation. Conventional surveys for fish densities and microhabitat environments were conducted in 23 catchments, and surveys using quantitative eDNA metabarcoding were conducted in 95 catchments. We examined the relationships between fish population densities, microhabitats, and time since forest degradation, considering confounding effects. Data from 8 and 17 fish taxa detected by snorkeling and eDNA methods, respectively, were available for statistical analysis. Snorkeling‐counts (Individuals/1 m transect) and eDNA concentrations (Copies/L) in river water were strongly correlated. Fine sediments on riverbeds were increased in the 3–15 years following forest degradation and decreased after 16 years. Population densities of sand‐preferring fishes, as inferred from both eDNA and snorkeling, reasonably followed this pattern. These patterns may be caused by the depletion of fine sediments on mountain slopes. The results of this study suggest that deer‐induced worldwide alternation may also occur in aquatic ecosystems.
A Composite Superhydrophobic, Photothermal Coating by Modified Carbon Nanotubes and the Study of Its Anti‐Icing/Deicing Behavior
Authors: Liu Yang , Shao Yawei , Wang Yanqiu , Wang Junyi
Published: January 2024

Linearly structured carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are intertwined to form complex micro‐ and nanoscale structural undulations, and the structural undulations of the coating are further enhanced using large‐size nano‐SiO2. It can be prepared by the composite superhydrophobic coating (S‐C coating) with contact angle of 165.3° and sliding angle of 1°. Small‐size nano‐SiO2 can doped into the 3D‐network structure formed by the CNTs and act as anchor points to fix the structure. This enhances the stability of the coating as well as the abrasion resistance. The coating exhibits good long‐term durability and the ability to face harsh service environments. Due to the presence of the air layer with low heat transfer rate on the coating surface, the S‐C coating demonstrates good anti‐icing properties compared to the uncoated tinplate. By the lower surface free energy and contact area with the ice layer of the coating, the coating also exhibits good deicing performance. The ice adhesion strength of the coating is only 11.5 kPa. The photothermal properties of CNTs and the ability of the micro‐ and nanostructure to reflect light enable the coating to exhibit excellent photothermal properties. This also accelerates the melting and shedding of the ice layer on the coating.
Chaotropic Effect‐Boosted Thermogalvanic Ionogel Thermocells for All‐Weather Power Generation
Authors: Yang Mingchen , Hu Yin , Wang Xiaoliang , Chen Hua , Yu Jiangtao , Li Weizheng , Li Runyin , Yan Feng
Published: January 2024

Ionic thermocells convert heat into electricity and are promising power sources for electronic devices. However, discontinuous and small electricity output limits practical use under varying environmental conditions. Here, a thermogalvanic ionogel with a high Seebeck coefficient (32.4 mV K−1) is designed. Thermocells that combine thermogalvanic ionogel‐based thermocells, which realize all‐weather power generation via passive radiative cooling, are also developed. These thermocells generate electricity continuously under varying weather conditions and over a wide temperature range (−40 to 90 °C), with a normalized power density of 25.84 mW m−2 K−2. Advanced characterization shows that the chaotropic effect enhances the Seebeck coefficient, while the self‐supplying temperature difference given the radiative cooling structure enables all‐weather power generation. These results provide an effective strategy for developing practical thermocells suitable for diverse daily and seasonal variations.
Enhanced Performance of Metal‐Semiconductor‐Metal UV Photodetectors on Algan/Gan Hemt Structure via Periodic Nanohole Patterning
Authors: Razeen Ahmed S. , Kotekar‐Patil Dharmraj , Jiang Mengting , Tang Eric X. , Yuan Gao , Ong Jesper , Wyen Viet C. , Radhakrishnan K. , Tripathy Sudhiranjan
Published: January 2024

AlGaN/GaN High Electron Mobility Transistor (HEMT) structures offer superior electrical and material properties that make them ideal for the fabrication of high‐performance Ultraviolet photodetectors (UV PDs), especially using the metal‐semiconductor‐metal (MSM) configuration. However, the metal layout of the MSM design and crystal defects in multi‐stack HEMTs can reduce photocurrent and degrade device performance. Nano‐structuring of the AlGaN/GaN surface with different nanofeatures is a promising approach to improve light absorption efficiency and increase device response. In this work, AlGaN/GaN HEMT MSM UV photodetectors with enhanced performance parameters by engineering the surface with periodic nanohole arrays are demonstrated. Optical simulations are used to optimize the design of the nanoholes' periodicity and depth. Unpatterned and nanohole‐patterned devices with varying nanohole depths are fabricated, and their performance shows substantial enhancement with the incorporation of nanoholes. The device with 40 nm deep nanoholes and 230 nm array periodicity shows the highest performance in terms of photocurrent (0.15 mA), responsivity (1.4 × 105 A W−1), UV/visible rejection ratio (≈103), and specific detectivity (4.9  ×  1014 Jones). These findings present a HEMT‐compatible strategy to enhance UV photodetector performance for power optoelectronic applications, highlighting that nanohole patterning is a promising prospect for advancements in UV photodetection technology.
Electrochemical Sensing with Spatially Patterned Pt Octahedra Electrodes
Authors: Jonker Dirk , Eyovge Cavit , Berenschot Erwin , Di Palma Valerio , Wasserberg Dorothee , Michel‐Souzy Sandra , Jonkheijm Pascal , Krol Silke , Gardeniers Han , Creatore Mariadriana , Tas Niels , Susarrey‐Arce Arturo
Published: January 2024

Locally controlling the position of electrodes in 3D can open new avenues to collect electrochemical signals in complex sensing environments. Implementing such electrodes via an electrical network requires advanced fabrication approaches. This work uses corner lithography and Pt ALD to produce electrochemical 3D electrodes. The approach allows the fabrication of (sub)micrometer size Pt octahedra electrodes spatially supported over 3D fractal‐like structures. As a proof of concept, electrochemical sensing of ferrocyanide in biofouling environments, e.g., bovine serum albumin (BSA) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), is assessed. Differences between before and after BSA addition show a reduction in the active electrode surface area (ΔAeff) ≈49% ± 7% for the flat electrode. In comparison, a ΔAeff reduction of 25% ± 2% for the 3D electrode has been found. The results are accompanied by a 24% ± 16% decrease in peak current for the flat Pt substrate and a 14% ± 5% decrease in peak current for the 3D electrode 24 h after adding BSA. In the case of P. aeruginosa, the 3D electrode retains electrochemical signals, while the flat electrode does not. The results demonstrate that the 3D Pt electrodes are more stable than their flat counterparts under biofouling conditions.
Acoustic‐Based Microbubble Grippers for Automatic On‐Chip Selection of Spherical Microrobot Models
Authors: Wei Ying , Lu Xiaolong , Bao Jinhui , Zhang Shuting , Wu Dawei
Published: January 2024

Spherical micro/nanorobots are reported as attractive candidates in nano‐surgery, contamination degradation, analytical chemistry, medical engineering, etc. Unlike macroscopic robots, the standard fabrication and inspection strategy to control the high quality of microrobots are rarely explored before. Overcoming the geometrical discrepancy is now essential to keep an identical locomotion behavior for spherical microrobot individuals for complex usages. Herein, acoustic‐based microbubble grippers are proposed controlled by a machine vision system to realize agile recognition and sorting of unqualified spherical microrobot models. Theoretical analysis and numerical simulation reveal the basic grabbing mechanisms via acoustic stimuli. The acoustic resonation of microbubbles can generate a locally enhanced acoustic field, attracting microrobots toward the bubble surface by the acoustic forces. The viscosity of microfluid makes it possible to instantaneously grab or release just by controlling the microbubble activation. Further, a machine vision‐based monitor and control system is proposed to enable automatic control for the entire process. Based on extracted characteristic parameters, target microrobot models are quickly selected and grabbed out. It is expected that such a combination of microgrippers with an advanced control system will pave the way for high‐qualified inspection for microrobots and improve their unique versatility in myriad micromanipulation scenarios.
The Combination of the Azimuthally and Radially Polarized Beams: Helicity and Momentum Densities, Generation, and Optimal Chiral Light
Authors: Herrero‐Parareda Albert , Capolino Filippo
Published: January 2024

Herein, the optical properties of the azimuthally radially polarized beam (ARPB), a superposition of an azimuthally polarized beam and a radially polarized beam, which can be tuned to exhibit maximum chirality at a given energy density, are investigated. This condition is called “optimal chiral light” since it represents the maximum possible local chirality at a given energy density. The transverse fields of an ARPB dominate in the transverse plane but vanish on the beam axis, where the magnetic and electric fields are purely longitudinal, leading to an optical chirality density and an energy density that stem solely from the longitudinal field components on the beam axis, where the linear and angular momentum densities vanish. The ARPB does not have a phase variation around the beam axis and nonetheless exhibits a power flow around the beam axis that causes a longitudinal orbital angular momentum density. Herein, a concise notation for the ARPB is introduced and field quantities are provided, especially for the optimally chiral configuration. The ARPB shows promise for precise 1D chirality probing and enantioseparation of chiral particles along the beam axis, relying solely on its longitudinal electric and magnetic fields. Herein, a setup is provided to generate ARPBs with controlled chirality and orbital angular momentum.
Liquid‐Liquid‐Gas Triphasic Hydrogenation of Bicarbonate to Formate in a Continuous Flow Tubular Reactor
Authors: Afreen Gul , Bansode Atul , Wada Kazuhito , Hirano Makoto , Matsuda Hirokazu , Urakawa Atsushi
Published: January 2024

Multiphasic reaction of bicarbonate hydrogenation to form formate using homogeneous Ru PNP pincer catalyst in a continuous flow tubular reactor is reported. The reaction system consists of three phases. Catalyst is dissolved in toluene while potassium bicarbonate is dissolved in water. The significance of efficient mixing among the organic phase, aqueous phase and gaseous hydrogen to improve hydrogenation reaction by using different inert packing materials is studied by operando visualization and also quantitatively discussed. The bicarbonate conversion of up to 67% is achieved after optimization of important reaction and reactor parameters. The designed reactor setup comprised of effective recycling system that recycles the catalyst with >99% activity.
Hybrid Milk Extracellular Vesicles as Potential Systems for Oral Delivery of siRNA
Authors: Zhang Yunyue , Luo Xiang , Ding Ning , Belaid Mona , Thanou Maya , Vllasaliu Driton
Published: January 2024

Oral administration of RNA is currently not possible and current approaches for RNA delivery by injection are not suitable for the oral route. In this work, novel bioinspired nanoparticles for oral delivery of RNA therapies are reported. Specifically, the fabrication of hybrid nanovesicles (“hybridosomes”) based on bovine milk extracellular vesicles (mEVs) and liposomes is reported. Hybridosomes are fabricated using two related methods based on freeze‐thawing of mEVs and cationic liposomes. The systems are 180–230 nm and demonstrated efficient loading of small interfering (siRNA) cargo. Hybridosomes exhibit significantly lower cytotoxicity in intestinal Caco‐2 cells compared to cationic liposomes and superior stability in a fed‐state simulated intestinal fluid compared to liposomes. Furthermore, these systems significantly increase the transport of siRNA across in vitro intestinal model. Finally, hybridosomes loaded with siRNA successfully induce transfection in J774A.1 macrophages. Overall, the results show that the hybrid systems fabricated here offer potential for oral delivery of RNA therapeutics.