bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advanced platelet‐rich fibrin versus connective tissue graft in maxillary gingival recession management
Authors: Tadepalli Anupama , Ramachandran Lakshmi , Parthasarathy Harinath , Cholan Priyanka , Chekurti Swapna , Peter Tinu George
Published: November 2024

Background

Platelet concentrates have gained significant attention in periodontology due to their regenerative properties. This randomized clinical trial was aimed to compare the clinical efficacy of advanced platelet‐rich fibrin (A‐PRF) and connective tissue graft (CTG) in the management of recession defects. The objectives were to compare changes in recession height and root coverage percentage between the groups.

Methods

Systemically healthy individuals presenting Cairo's RT1/RT2 gingival recession defects in the maxilla (n = 40) were treated with either A‐PRF or CTG in combination with coronally advanced flap (CAF). Clinical parameters were measured at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Mean and complete root coverage percentages were calculated at 3 and 6 months.

Results

In both the test (CAF + A‐PRF) and control (CAF + CTG) groups, a statistically significant reduction in mean recession height was seen from baseline values of 2.90 ± 0.55 mm and 3.15 ± 0.87 mm to 0.80 ± 0.95 mm and 0.15 ± 0.48 mm at 6 months, respectively (p < 0.001). In the test group, 10 sites had complete root coverage at 6 months with mean root coverage of 73.76 ± 29.58%. In the control group, 18 of 20 sites had complete root coverage with mean root coverage of 93.35 ± 23.1%. The control sites had a significantly greater reduction in recession height and higher mean and complete root coverage percentages at 6 months (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The study findings suggest that, the CTG had resulted in superior outcomes than A‐PRF along with CAF.

Key points

Question: To compare the efficacy of advanced platelet‐rich fibrin (A‐PRF) with connective tissue graft (CTG) in the management of gingival recession defects.

Finding: Both interventions showed satisfactory healing. At 6 months, the CTG group demonstrated superior results than the A‐PRF group.

Meaning: CTG has a greater therapeutic potential than A‐PRF in the management of gingival recessions.

Plain language summary

Platelet‐derived membranes are widely used in various dental therapies due to their healing properties. Limited studies have been conducted using the novel platelet preparations in the management of receding gums. This study compared the effects of advanced platelet‐rich fibrin membrane with conventional soft tissue harvested from the palate in the treatment of gum recession. Twenty‐three patients requiring gum augmentation were recruited and treated with either platelet‐derived membrane (test group) or tissue harvested from their palate (control group). Clinical parameters were measured at baseline (before intervention), 3 months, and 6 months. Both treatment modalities resulted in significant gum coverage at the end of 6 months. On comparison, the control sites had significantly greater improvements in all the measured clinical parameters indicating that tissue obtained from the palate had superior therapeutic potential.
Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking, and Molecular Dynamics Simulation Revealed the Molecular Targets and Potential Mechanism of Nauclea Latifolia in the Treatment of Breast Cancer
Authors: Zemnou Cromwel Tepap
Published: November 2024

Breast cancer (BRCA) incidence is increasing, posing a significant public health challenge and necessitating effective treatment solutions. Nauclea latifolia (N. latifolia) has shown anticancer activity against multidrug‐resistant BRCA cells, though its mechanism of action remains unclear. We used online databases Swiss Target Prediction and GeneCards to identify therapeutic targets for BRCA and active compounds in N. latifolia. Protein‐protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the STRING database and Cytoscape. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed using the DAVID database. Molecular docking, gene expression, and survival analyses of core targets were conducted using Autodock 4.0 and GEPIA2 database. We identified 141 intersecting targets for BRCA and N. latifolia compounds, with key targets including ALB, AKT1, ESR1, STAT3, EGFR, SRC, PTGS2, GSK3B, MMP9, and PPAR1. These targets are involved in cell proliferation and death through pathways such as the PI3 K‐Akt signaling system, metabolic pathways, cancer pathways, and proteoglycans in cancer. Gene expression and survival analysis indicated these targets as potential markers for BRCA treatment prognosis. This study provides insights into the mechanism of action of N. latifolia against BRCA cells and gives a basis to clinicians for future drug development.
Close Proximity of Cholesterol Anchors in Membrane Induces the Dissociation of Amphiphilic DNA Strand from Membrane Surface
Authors: Hu Canqiong , Liu Shuang , Huang Guoxia , Yang Fan , Li Lexun , Zhang Cao , Shao Shuxuan , Deng Xiaodan , Liu Qiaoling
Published: November 2024

Dynamic DNA nanotechnology is appealing for membrane surface engineering due to their versatility and programmability. To modulate the dynamic interactions between the DNA functional units immobilized on membrane surface, membrane‐anchored DNA functional units often come into close proximity each other due to DNA base pairing, which also leads to the close contact of the hydrophobic anchors in membrane. However, whether the close contact of hydrophobic anchors induces the dissociation of amphiphilic DNA structures from membrane surface is not concerned. Herein, we utilized cholesterol‐labelled single‐stranded DNA (ssDNA) as a simplified amphiphilic DNA structure to investigate the stability of membrane anchored DNA strands upon the closely contact of cholesterol anchors. The close contact of cholesterol‐labelled ssDNA molecules driven by toehold mediated strand displacement reaction leads to approximately 41 % membrane anchored ssDNA dissociation from membrane surface, indicating the proximal cholesterol anchors in membrane could reduce the anchoring stability of cholesterol‐modified DNA strands. This work enhances our understanding of the interactions between amphiphilic DNA and membranes, and provides valuable insights for the design of future DNA constructs intended for applications involving dynamic DNA reactions on membrane surface.
Toward Carbon‐Negative Methanol Production from Biogas: Intensified Membrane Reactor
Authors: Yoosefdoost Arash , Jazani Omid , Liguori Simona , Das Anindita , Santos Rafael M.
Published: November 2024

The modern world's major challenges, such as global warming, air pollution, and increasing energy demands, escalate the importance of sustainable development and transition toward renewables using innovative and environmentally friendly solutions, such as intensifying chemical processes, to reduce carbon footprints effectively. Aiming to enhance the process toward negative carbon emissions, this perspective explores the intensified membrane reactors for reducing the energy intensity of converting biogas into methanol, a versatile chemical feedstock, and renewable liquid fuel. Syngas and methanol synthesis processes, catalysts, and membranes were explored, and novel reactor designs were proposed. Introduction of selective membranes into the catalytic reaction zone to combine synthesis separation steps could enhance the system efficiency and intensify the process by recycling energy and materials, besides reducing costs and required energy for the separation process: the continuous harnessing of products shifts reactions toward desired species while recycling energy and materials enhances the process efficiency, and separating water from methanol reduces the required energy and costs of extra processes for methanol separation. The successful implementation of this technology holds significant promise for sustainable developments in producing chemicals and renewable fuel from renewable biogas and reducing methane and carbon dioxide emissions toward achieving carbon‐negative technologies.
Experimental study on heat transfer and resistance of round tube with tube sheet under ultrasonic action
Authors: Lv Xiaohan , Yu Chulin , Wang Wenqing , Yang Yuxi , Zhang Haiqing
Published: November 2024

Energy is vital to the survival and development of human beings. In the era of ‘carbon neutrality’, all walks of life around the world are upgrading their technological capabilities to reduce carbon emissions. As a new type of active strengthening technology to improve the comprehensive performance of heat exchangers, ultrasonic technology has attracted the attention of more and more scholars. From the actual installation situation, a set of ultrasonic enhanced heat transfer test device with tube sheet round tube was built. After experimental research and data analysis, the influence of ultrasonic sound intensity, frequency, and position on heat transfer, flow resistance, and comprehensive performance of heat exchange tube under different working conditions and without ultrasonic wave is studied. The results show that the ultrasonic enhanced heat transfer and drag reduction capacity increases with the decrease of ultrasonic frequency, and under the action of ultrasonic waves of different frequencies, the critical sound intensity of its enhanced heat transfer and drag reduction performance is different. The drag reduction performance of the ultrasonic heat exchange tube is increased by 18.41%, the heat transfer performance is increased by 36.53%, and the overall performance is increased by 20.57%.
Cation Vacancy‐Mediated Ultrafast Hole Transport in CuBi2O4 Photocathodes
Authors: Ardalı Emir , Jahangiri Hadi , Solati Navid , Yahsi Ugur , Tav Cumali , Sennaroglu Alphan , Kaya Sarp
Published: November 2024

As a promising photocathode candidate, tetragonal CuBi2O4 (CBO) has been studied extensively in recent years. As an intrinsically p‐type material, its acceptor sites originate from the cation vacancies, which are also a potential cause of hindered hole utilization in photocathodes. In this study, the ultrafast transport dynamics of the valence band hole states in CBO photocathodes were investigated by varying their atomic composition and manipulating the p‐type character. As a comprehensive ultrafast optical transient absorption spectroscopy (TAS) investigation of compositionally manipulated CBO that combines both ex situ and in situ TAS experiments with photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance tests, the study reveals the polaron formation tendencies of the valence band (VB) holes at cationic vacancy sites. Therefore, it draws a complete picture of the ultrafast hole transport dynamics and provides valuable insights into the hindrance of the photocurrent generated in CBO.
Electrocatalysts for the Formation of Hydrogen Peroxide by Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Yuan Ke , Li Hong , Gu Xindi , Zheng Yalei , Wu Xiaodong , Zhao Yihe , Zhou Jiejie , Cui Sheng
Published: November 2024

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a widely used strong oxidant, and its traditional preparation methods, anthraquinone method, and direct synthesis method, have many drawbacks. The method of producing H2O2 by two‐electron oxygen reduction reaction (2e− ORR) is considered an alternative strategy for the traditional anthraquinone method due to its high efficiency, energy saving, and environmental friendliness, but it remains a big challenge. In this review, we have described the mechanism of ORR and the principle of electrocatalytic performance testing, and have summarized the standard performance evaluation techniques for electrocatalysts to produce H2O2. Secondly, according to the theoretical calculation and experimental results, several kinds of efficient electrocatalysts are introduced. It is concluded that noble metal‐based materials, carbon‐based materials, non‐noble metal composites, and single‐atom catalysts are the preferred catalyst materials for the preparation of H2O2 by 2e− ORR. Finally, the advantages and novelty of 2e− ORR compared with traditional methods for H2O2 production, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of the above‐mentioned high‐efficiency catalysts, are summarized. The application prospect and development direction of high‐efficiency catalysts for H2O2 production by 2e− ORR has been prospected, which is of great significance for promoting the electrochemical yield of H2O2 and developing green chemical production.
Relativistic and Heavy Ion Effects on Single‐ and Multi‐Soliton Structures of Ion‐Acoustic Waves
Authors: Bhuyan Muhammad Shahnewaz , Imon Umma , Alam Mohammad Shah
Published: November 2024

The fundamental characteristics of ion‐acoustic waves (IAWs) due to the relativistic effects are investigated in a collisionless unmagnetized plasma system consisting of relativistic positively charged inertial heavy ions, kappa‐distributed electrons, and Maxwellian light ions. The reductive perturbation method (RPM) is used to derive the nonlinear evolution equation like the Korteweg‐de Vries (KdV) equation. The production of single‐, double‐, and triple‐IAW solitons (IAWSs) is also investigated. It is found that for the effects of concerned parameters only rarefactive (IAWSs) are produced. The results obtained in this study are useful not only to understand the space plasma phenomena such as plasma sheet boundary layer of earth's magnetosphere, laser‐plasma interaction, but also to validate the laboratory experiments.
Using Rhodamine to Tag Mites for Studies of Pre‐ and Post‐Copulatory Sexual Selection
Authors: Shavrova Anastasia J. , Buzatto Bruno A. , Kasumovic Michael M.
Published: November 2024

Our understanding of sexual selection is advancing with new technologies that tag individuals or their sperm, revealing how females use post‐copulatory processes to discriminate between competing mates. Many tagging methods have been devised primarily for model insect organisms like Drosophila or Gryllidae. Developing such novel methods, however, is expensive and requires intensive investment. In this experiment, we trial the use of Rhodamine B (RhB) and Rhodamine 110 (Rh110) in a small arachnid, the bulb mite Rhizoglyphus echinopus, for pre‐ and post‐copulatory observations as it is a relatively inexpensive and simple way to tag individuals and their ejaculate proteins. First, we tested whether RhB and Rh110 applied to food can be used as a tagging method to track and distinguish between individuals. Second, we explored whether Rhodamine applied in this way can be used to track sperm transfer. We found that both tagging probes worked well in tagging individuals and that we were able to distinguish between individuals using both LED and fluorescent microscopy. We also found that Rhodamine degraded rapidly in the animals, likely due to their fast metabolism. Due to the rapid degradation, we observed variable results in the sperm transfer trials. We suggest multiple uses for Rhodamine and highlight other invertebrates where this method may come into use for the study of sexual selection.
Optimization of condensing tray shapes for a multi‐effect solar still coupled with parabolic solar collectors for domestic wastewater treatment: A comparative study
Authors: Ahmad Akhlaq , Khan Zahid Mahmood , Farid Hafiz Umar
Published: November 2024

The issue of water depletion emerged as a life‐threatening problem for the world due to urbanization, groundwater over‐extraction, industrialization, and global warming. Current study aimed to address this issue by proposing a solution to distill wastewater using a multi‐effect solar still. The study optimizes two condensation tray shapes, U and V, based on the yield produced and the temperatures achieved. Two solar still units with four stages of U and V‐shaped trays were connected to a parabolic solar collector. To determine the optimal tray shapes, a rigorous optimization process was carried out using SolidWorks 2020. The optimization process yielded optimum heat flux values of 3.04e01 and 2.84e01 W/m2 for U and V‐shaped trays, respectively. Higher the value of heat flux suggested more energy available for condensation. Which was corroborated by physical findings that the U‐shaped condensation tray was more efficient, producing an average per day yield of 2.519 L/m2 h compared to the V‐shaped tray's yield of 2.041 L/m2 h. The findings provide strong evidence that the U‐shape is a better tray shape for condensation purposes. Maximum yield for both units was observed during the peak temperature time between (13:00–15:00 h), indicating a direct correlation between yield and atmospheric temperature.
Strengthening Cyber Security and FERC's Recent Directives for the Energy Sector
Authors: Hoempler Mark , Jones Betsy Soehren , Blank Elysse
Published: November 2024

As the energy sector embarks upon the clean energy transition using new products, devices, and services, integrating cyber security into operations has become non‐negotiable for mitigating the risk of an attack. The shift toward upgraded and digital technologies, along with a more connected utility environment, has introduced new vulnerabilities that, if exploited, could disrupt critical infrastructure, and have significant negative impacts on national security, and the reliability of our energy infrastructure.
Today's Rent‐Seeking in Public Utility Regulation
Authors: Costello Kenneth W.
Published: November 2024

A current regulatory issue in the United States centers on the business model of utilities, which includes asking to what extent utilities should broaden their activities to satisfy society‐wide political demands. There seems to be an inherent discordance between treating utilities as both a for‐profit business and a purveyor of public goods. This tension complicates efforts to achieve a political equilibrium (i.e., a consensus) and retain the traditional objective of utility regulation to assure “just and reasonable” prices and reliable service for households, businesses, and other users of utility services. Added objectives in recent years, as I argue below, clash with those traditional objectives.
Burden of major cancers in China attributable to modifiable risk factors: Predictions from 2012 to 2035
Authors: Pei Wei , Li Jia , Lei Shengxi , Nie Shaofa , Liu Li
Published: November 2024

The cancer burden continues to escalate in China. This study was designed to quantify the burden of deaths attributable to modifiable risk factors for major cancers in China from 2012 to 2035, and to provide evidence‐based recommendations for cancer management. Using nationally representative data on risk factors and cancer mortality, a comparative risk assessment approach was employed to calculate the temporal trend of population‐attributable fractions (PAFs) for 15 modifiable risk factors associated with major cancers in China. The PAF for modifiable risk factors decreased from 64.5% (95% uncertainty interval [UI]: 46.2%–75.3%) in 2012 to 59.3% (95% UI: 40.6%–71.2%) in 2035. Attributable deaths increased from 1,309,990 (95% UI: 938,217–1,529,170) in 2012 to 1,313,418 (95% UI: 898,411–1,577,189) in 2035, while attributable disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs) rose from 28,488,120 (95% UI: 20,471,859–33,308,237) to 33,017,705 (95% UI: 22,730,814–39,564,735). Between 2012 and 2035, the top three risk factors contributing to cancer burden shifted from smoking, insufficient fruit intake and particulate matter <2.5 μm in diameter (PM2.5) exposure to smoking, physical inactivity, and inadequate fruit intake. Controlling modifiable risk factors at recommended levels by 2020 could have prevented around 890,000 deaths and 2.2 million DALYs by 2035. The proportion of cancer burden due to modifiable risk factors is projected to decrease, but the absolute number continues to rise. Adhering to an optimal lifestyle could prevent ~40% of cancer deaths by 2035. Key modifiable risk factors including smoking, physical inactivity, and insufficient intake of fruits require high attention.
Prior antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors, and probiotics in patients with extensive stage small cell lung cancer treated with immune checkpoint blockade: A post‐hoc analysis of the phase I/III IMpower 133 trial
Authors: Takada Kazuki , Takamori Shinkichi , Shimokawa Mototsugu , Pinato David J. , Cortellini Alessio
Published: November 2024

The potential impact of concomitant medications such as systemic antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and probiotics in patients with extensive‐stage small cell lung cancer (ES‐SCLC) receiving first‐line chemo‐immunotherapy combinations remains unclear. We ran a post hoc analysis of the IMpower133 phase I/III trial, which randomized patients with ES‐SCLC to receive carboplatin/etoposide with either atezolizumab or placebo for 4 cycles, followed by maintenance therapy. We included any systemic antibiotic/probiotic exposure within 42 days prior to treatment initiation and any PPIs treatment within 30 days prior to treatment initiation. We explored the potential prognostic impact of antibiotics, PPIs and probiotics across the atezolizumab/chemotherapy and placebo/chemotherapy arms including the multivariable interaction term between the treatment modality and antibiotics/PPIs/probiotics. The analysis included 198 patients in the atezolizumab/chemotherapy arm and 195 in the placebo/chemotherapy arm. Baseline clinic‐pathologic features were well balanced between the two cohorts, with 17 (8.6%) and 14 (7.2%) patients on antibiotics, 43 (21.7%) and 55 (28.2%) on PPIs, and 3 (1.5%) and 5 (2.6%) on probiotics among the atezolizumab/chemotherapy and placebo/chemotherapy cohorts, respectively. Exposure to antibiotics, PPIs, or probiotics was not associated with overall survival or progression free survival in either cohort. Furthermore, interaction terms between these medications and treatment modalities were not statistically significant. Baseline use of antibiotics, PPIs or probiotics did not influence clinical outcomes in patients with ES‐SCLC treated with first‐line atezolizumab/placebo plus chemotherapy, suggesting that they may not have a notable impact on clinical outcomes and could be considered for use in this patient population when necessary.
Numerical simulation of electrically pumped active vertical‐cavity surface‐emitting lasers diodes based on metal halide perovskite
Authors: Liu Renjun , Ji Hong , Othman Diyar Mousa , Osypiw Alexander R. C. , Solari William , Ming Wenlong , Sohn Jung Inn , Shin Jae Cheol , Hou Bo
Published: November 2024

Metal halide perovskites (MHP)‐based electrically pumped vertical‐cavity surface‐emitting lasers (EPVCSEL) are promising candidates in optoelectronics due to low‐carbon footprint solution processing method. However, significant challenges impede MHP‐EPVCSEL manufacturing: (1) Distributed Bragg Reflectors (DBRs) composed of typical electron transport layers (ETLs) and hole transport layers (HTLs) are not conductive enough. (2) Due to large mobility difference of typical ETLs and HTLs, carriers‐unbalanced injection leads to severe performance degradation. Herein, we propose a potential strategy to address such challenges using MAPbCl3 and CsSnCl3 as carrier transport layers with mobility 3 orders larger than typical ETLs and HTLs. Via transfer matrix method calculations, we find that the reflectance of DBRs composed of MAPbCl3 (130.5 nm)/CsSnCl3 (108 nm) is larger than 91% with 10 pairs of DBRs. Furthermore, the proposed EPVCSEL device simulation shows that MHP‐EPVCSEL has the potential to achieve room temperature continuous wave lasing with a threshold current density of ∼69 A cm−2 and output optical power ∼10−4 W. This work can provide a deep insight into the practical realization of MHP‐EPVCSEL.
Minimized‐rate topramezone programs for goosegrass [Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn.] control in Florida
Authors: Joseph Mikerly M. , Gawron Katarzyna A. , MacDonald Gregory E. , Petelewicz Pawel
Published: November 2024

Goosegrass [Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn.] is one of the most troublesome warm‐season grassy weeds in subtropical climates of the southern United States. Currently, postemergence options are highly limited, and goosegrass control (GC) becomes more difficult as plants mature. Among current options, topramezone can control mature goosegrass. Research conducted in Florida suggests that despite seemingly effective control, recovery may be occurring from surviving roots. Therefore, this study assessed strategies aimed to ensure the persistent removal of mature goosegrass populations of Florida ecotypes. Two greenhouse studies were conducted to evaluate the response of goosegrass at one to three tillers and 4–10 tillers to topramezone applied once at rates from 0.8 to 12.2 g a.i. ha−1 (study 1) and at total rate reduced to 6.1 g a.i. ha−1 applied once or equally divided into two, four, or eight biweekly applications (study 2). Single topramezone applications at 6.1 g a.i. ha−1 provided comparable GC and biomass reduction to single applications at 12.2 g a.i. ha−1. Reduced rate‐based split‐programs of two and four biweekly applications improved GC and its persistence over a single application as evidenced by a >250 increase in GC area under the progress curve and a >20 days increase in days over 80% GC. Among the proposed extended application programs based on the reduced effective rate of topramezone, the most promising consists of four biweekly applications at a 0.125× rate, equivalent to 1.53 g a.i. ha−1.
Shape Memory Polyurethane Foams With Tunable Mechanical Properties and Radiation Tolerance for Breast Repair and Reconstruction
Authors: Chung Kawun , Feng Xiaojuan , Jiang Yuanzhang , Li Ka , Chen Jianming , Han Yanting , Tan Lin , Du Zhenggui
Published: November 2024

This study developed a shape memory polyurethane foam (SM‐PUF) with tunable mechanical properties and exceptional radiation tolerance for potentially implanting tissue defects after mastectomy. The PUFs were synthesized via an in situ foaming strategy using water as a foaming agent, incorporating 4,4′‐diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) as the rigid segment and both polyoxytetramethylene glycol and polycaprolactone as the soft segment. The resultant PUFs possess an open‐cell structure with a pore size of 30 ~ 800 μm, which achieves a compressive stress of 0.04 MPa under 70% compression strain and a tensile elongation of 667.9%. PUFs exhibit body temperature (37°C)‐responsive softening and shape memory abilities, with recovery and fixation ratios reaching 88% and 98%, respectively. It was verified that PUFs can resist 40 Gy radiotherapy without changing their mechanical properties and biocompatibility. This study introduces an innovative approach to produce customizable foam for the reconstruction of implant prostheses for the breast.
Protective Effects of Ascorbic Acid Against Cadmium‐Induced Toxicity in the Placenta and Fetus of Rats
Authors: Başeğmez Mehmet , Karakaya Yeliz Arman , Kan Fahriye , Gök Soner , Doğan Muhammed Fatih
Published: November 2024

This study aimed to determine the protective role of l‐ascorbic acid in a pregnant rat model of cadmium‐induced toxicity. Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal that can seriously harm placenta and fetus tissue in pregnant women. Forty‐two healthy female Wistar albino rats (250–300 g weight and 14–16 weeks) were randomly distributed into six equal groups (n = 7): control, cadmium 1 mg (CD1), cadmium 5 mg (CD5), ascorbic acid (AA), CD1+AA, CD5+AA. Cadmium was administered to pregnant rats by oral gavage every other day, and/or AA (200 mg) was administered every day. At the end of pregnancy (Day 21), blood, placenta, and fetuses were collected from rats. The results indicated that cadmium‐induced oxidative stress by increasing the level of MDA and by decreasing the levels of GSH, SOD, and CAT activity in the serum of maternal. However, AA administration significantly decreased MDA levels and increased GSH levels, SOD, and CAT activity (p < 0.05). Cadmium (5 mg/kg) exposure significantly increased creatinine levels compared to AA and CD1+AA groups (p < 0.05). In addition, AA (200 mg/kg) significantly attenuated cadmium‐induced histopathological alteration in the placental and fetal tissues. In conclusion, AA may prevent cadmium toxicity in maternal and fetal tissues, as it regulates oxidative imbalance in pregnant rat tissues and alleviates histopathological changes.
Physio‐Mechanic and Microscopic Analyses of Bioactive Glass‐Based Resin Infiltrants
Authors: Ahmed Syed Zubairuddin , Khan Abdul Samad , Nasser Wejdan Waleed , Alrushaid Methayel Abdulrahman , Alfaraj Zahrah Mohammed , Aljeshi Moayad Mohammed , Shah Asma Tufail , Sabri Budi Aslinie Md , Akhtar Sultan , Hassan Mohamed Ibrahim Abu
Published: November 2024

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and durability of bioactive glass‐based dental resin infiltrants. Resin infiltrants were formulated by combining photoinitiated dimethacrylate monomers with three variations of bioactive glass: 45S5 Bioglass (RIS), boron‐substituted (RIB), fluoride‐substituted (RIF), and pure resins (PR), whereby TOOTH group (TH) and ICON (CN) served as commercial control groups. Teeth samples were prepared, and experimental and control infiltrants were applied on demineralized human‐extracted teeth. All the samples were subjected to immersion in artificial saliva and pH cycling for 30 days. The samples from another group underwent tooth brushing simulation for 9600 cycles. Following artificial saliva immersion, the samples' hardness values showed that RIB had the highest values (318.44 ± 3.83) while PR (212.52 ± 9.02) had the lowest values. After immersing into the pH cycling solution, the RIF showed the highest hardness (286.86 ± 5.11), while the lowest values for the CN (143.76 ± 3.50). After the tooth brushing simulation, the teeth samples with RIB showed maximum microhardness values (312.06 ± 16.30) and the weakest for the TH (189.60 ± 6.43). The commercial and experimental enamel resin infiltrants showed almost similar results overall, with RIB demonstrating better microhardness and comparable surface roughness. In contrast, RIF proved more resistant to pH cycling, exhibited higher microhardness, and performed better in surface roughness analysis. These findings suggest that resin infiltrant materials, especially RIF, have promising potential for effectively and esthetically managing white spot lesions.
Integrative analyses of genetic mechanisms responsible for bone–fat imbalance in osteoporosis
Authors: Zhang Zheng , Tao Zhengbo , Zhang Yuhe , Zhang Zhanrong , Zhang Weijin , Zhang Xuanrui , Zhao Jinzhu , Tao Chunsheng , Zhou Xuhui
Published: November 2024

Osteoporosis manifests through adipocyte accrual and osteoblast diminution within bone marrow. However, the precise mechanisms driving the shift from osteogenesis to adipogenesis in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) remain largely undefined. In this study, we harnessed the power of bioinformatic tools to analyze gene expression patterns of BMSCs during adipogenic differentiation and osteoporosis using the data from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) repositories (GSE113253 and GSE35956), complemented by in vitro and in vivo experiments to validate the findings. Five distinct expression profiles of differentially expressed genes across the adipogenic timeline were identified. The initial phase is marked by ribosome biogenesis and rRNA processing, which is followed by the metabolism of organic acids and processing of inorganic ions. In contrast, the terminal phase is characterized by lipid transport, accumulation, and metabolism, alongside inorganic cation metabolism, thereby underscoring unique transcriptional signatures during the early and late stages of adipogenic differentiation. In BMSCs derived from osteoporotic samples, there is a notable decline in cellular proliferation and a diminished osteogenic capacity. Critically, the genes common to both adipogenesis and osteoporosis in BMSCs are predominantly involved in the negative regulation of Wnt signaling and cellular proliferation. Key genes including SOCS1, MYC, CEBPB, FYN, AXIN2, and RXRA are identified and show downregulation in BMSCs from aged mice. Subsequent in vitro experiments have validated the regulatory influence of RXRA on both adipogenic and osteogenic differentiations of BMSCs, highlighting its crucial role as a central modulator in bone formation and the pathophysiology of osteoporosis.
Development of a Dual‐Plane MRI‐Based Deep Learning Model to Assess the 1‐Year Postoperative Outcomes in Lumbar Disc Herniation After Tubular Microdiscectomy
Authors: Wang Kaifeng , Lin Fabin , Liao Zulin , Wang Yongjiang , Zhang Tingxin , Wang Rui
Published: November 2024

Background

Tubular microdiscectomy (TMD) is a treatment for lumbar disc herniation (LDH). Although the combination of MRI and deep learning (DL) has shown promise, its application in evaluating postoperative outcomes in TMD has not been fully explored.

Purpose/Hypothesis

To evaluate whether integrating preoperative dual‐plane MRI‐based DL features with clinical features can assess 1‐year outcomes in TMD for LDH.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population/Subjects

The study involved 548 patients who underwent TMD between January 2016 and January 2021. Training set (N = 305, mean age 51.85 ± 13.84 years, 56.4% male). Internal validation set (N = 131, mean age 51.85 ± 13.84 years, 54.2% male). External validation set (N = 112, mean age 51.54 ± 14.43 years, 50.9% male).

Field Strength/Sequence

3 T MRI with sagittal and transverse T2‐weighted sequences (Fast Spin Echo).

Assessment

Ground truth labels were based on improvement rate in 1‐year Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores. Information on 42 preoperative clinical features was collected. The largest protrusions were identified from T2 MRI by three clinicians and were used to train deep learning models (ResNet50, ResNet101, and ResNet152) to extract DL features. After feature selection, three models were built, namely, clinical, DL, and combined models.

Statistical Tests

Chi‐square or Fisher's exact tests was used for group comparisons. Quantitative differences were analyzed using the t‐test or Mann–Whitney U test. P‐values <0.05 were considered significant. Models were validated on internal and external datasets using metrics such as the area under the curve (AUC).

Results

The AUCs of the clinical models achieved 0.806 (internal) and 0.779 (external). ResNet152 performed best in three DL models, with AUCs of 0.858 (internal) and 0.834 (external). The combined model achieved AUCs of 0.889 (internal) and 0.857 (external).

Data Conclusion

A model combining preoperative dual‐plane MRI DL features and clinical features can assess 1‐year outcomes of TMD for LDH.

Evidence Level

4

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Effect of chickpea on the physicochemical, nutritional, antioxidant, and organoleptic characterization of corn extrudates
Authors: Asif Muhammad , Maan Abid Aslam , Nazir Akmal , Khan Muhammad Imran Mehmood , Khan Muhammad Kashif Iqbal
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

Ready‐to‐eat snacks are very popular. However, they have a high glycemic index and lack proteins & micronutrients. This study prepared protein‐enriched corn extrudates by adding chickpea grit supplements at varying concentrations (0–100 g kg−1).

RESULTS

The protein contents of 100 g kg−1 supplemented extrudates increased by 66.66% and dietary fiber contents increased by 48.02% in comparison with the control. Bulk density increased by 1.46 times. However, the expansion ratio, porosity, and water absorption index decreased significantly (P < 0.05). The health‐promoting characteristics of the extrudates increased in comparison with the control sample, i.e., total phenolic content increasing by 17.84%, 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) contents by 11.38%, and 2,2‐azinobis‐3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid (ABTS) content by 9.59%. Likewise, the potassium contents increased by 24.63% with the inclusion of 10% chickpea in corn extrudates. Sensory evaluation revealed that corn extrudates with up to 60 g kg−1 added chickpea achieved the highest acceptability among panelists.

CONCLUSION

The addition of chickpea produced corn extrudates with higher protein and mineral content, which could mitigate malnutrition. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Improvement of the color of potato chips from cold‐stored tubers by pretreatment with ultrasonication
Authors: Wibowo Condro , Smit Inga , Pawelzik Elke
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

Low‐temperature sweetening is a crucial aspect in the potato chips industry because of the initiation of browning. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of ultrasonication on the concentrations of reducing sugars, sucrose, asparagine and chip color on tubers with different characteristics. Therefore, samples of the cultivars (cvs.) Nicola, Laura and Golden Wonder were used in this study. The tubers were initially stored at 4 °C and a relative humidity of 90% for 18 weeks. Ultrasonication was applied at 25 and 50 °C for 10, 20 and 30 min.

RESULTS

The results showed that ultrasonication contributed to improve the color of the chips produced from the chip cultivar (cv. Golden Wonder), as well as the non‐chip cultivars (cvs. Nicola and Laura). The concentration of reducing sugars and sucrose is the main factor for the color development of the chips. Increased temperature and extended ultrasonication duration correlate with more pronounced cell wall disruption.

CONCLUSION

The present study revealed that ultrasonication could be considered as a pretreatment for production of chips from cold‐stored tubers. However, it is necessary to validate the feasibility of this application in an upscaled process. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Utilization of Artificial Intelligence in the Creation of Patient Information on Laryngology Topics
Authors: Tran Quynh‐Lam , Huynh Pauline P. , Le Bryan , Jiang Nancy
Published: November 2024

Objective

To evaluate and compare the readability and quality of patient information generated by Chat‐Generative Pre‐Trained Transformer‐3.5 (ChatGPT) and the American Academy of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery (AAO‐HNS) using validated instruments including Flesch–Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL), Flesch Reading Ease, DISCERN, and Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool for Printable Materials (PEMAT‐P).

Methods

ENTHealth.org and ChatGPT‐3.5 were queried for patient information on laryngology topics. ChatGPT‐3.5 was queried twice for a given topic to evaluate for reliability. This generated three de‐identified text documents for each topic: one from AAO‐HNS and two from ChatGPT (ChatGPT Output 1, ChatGPT Output 2). Grade level and reading ease were compared between the three sources using a one‐way analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc test. Independent t‐tests were used to compare DISCERN and PEMAT understandability and actionability scores between AAO‐HNS and ChatGPT Output 1.

Results

Material generated from ChatGPT Output 1 and ChatGPT Output 2 were at least two reading grade levels higher than that of material from AAO‐HNS (p < 0.001). Regarding reading ease, ChatGPT Output 1 and ChatGPT Output 2 documents had significantly lower mean scores compared to AAO‐HNS (p < 0.001). Moreover, ChatGPT Output 1 material on vocal cord paralysis had a lower PEMAT‐P understandability compared to that of AAO‐HNS material (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Patient information on the ENTHealth.org website for select laryngology topics was, on average, of a lower grade level and higher reading ease compared to that produced by ChatGPT, but interestingly with largely no difference in the quality of information provided.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 2024
α‐Trifluoromethylated Quinolines as Safe and Storable PET‐Donor for Radical Polymerizations.
Authors: Fall Arona , Tintori Guillaume , Rollet Marion , Zhao Yuxi , Avenel Amandine , Charles Laurence , Bergé‐Lefranc David , Clément Jean Louis , Redon Sébastien , Gigmes Didier , Huix‐Rotllant Miquel , Vanelle Patrice , Broggi Julie
Published: November 2024

In the quest for powerful, safe, and storable photoinduced‐electron transfer (PET) donors, the attention is turned to the α‐trihalomethylated amine moiety that is not studied in the context of PET‐reductants. The thermal and photophysical properties of α‐trifluoromethylated quinolines are thus studied and their reducing abilities evaluated as initiators of polymerization reactions. Polymers of high molecular weights are obtained through a radical polymerization process and the PET‐donor can be stored within the monomer for several months without losing its efficiency. Mechanistic investigations, combining spectroscopic analysis and theoretical calculations, confirm the mode of activation of these electron donors and the generation of radical intermediates through single electron transfer.
Identifying and Predicting Risk for Hospital Admission among Patients with Parkinsonism
Authors: Tenison Emma , McGrogan Anita , Ben‐Shlomo Yoav , Henderson Emily J.
Published: November 2024

Background

Patients with parkinsonism are more likely than age‐matched controls to be admitted to hospital. It may be possible to reduce the cost and negative impact by identifying patients at highest risk and intervening to reduce hospital‐related costs. Predictive models have been developed in nonparkinsonism populations.

Objectives

The aims were to (1) describe the reasons for admission, (2) describe the rates of hospital admission/emergency department attendance over time, and (3) use routine data to risk stratify unplanned hospital attendance in people with parkinsonism.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study used Clinical Practice Research Datalink GOLD, a large UK primary care database, linked to hospital admission and emergency department attendance data. The primary diagnoses for nonelective admissions were categorized, and the frequencies were compared between parkinsonism cases and matched controls. Multilevel logistic and negative binomial regression models were used to estimate the risk of any and multiple admissions, respectively, for patients with parkinsonism.

Results

There were 9189 patients with parkinsonism and 45,390 controls. The odds of emergency admission more than doubled from 2010 to 2019 (odds ratio [OR] 2.33; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.96, 2.76; P‐value for trend <0.001). Pneumonia was the most common reason for admission among cases, followed by urinary tract infection. Increasing age, multimorbidity, parkinsonism duration, deprivation, and care home residence increased the odds of admission. Rural location was associated with reduced OR for admission (OR 0.79; 95% CI 0.70, 0.89).

Conclusions

Our risk stratification tool may enable empirical targeting of interventions to reduce admission risk for parkinsonism patients.
Flexible Impedance Matching in a Self‐Diplexing Patch Antenna
Authors: Chandelkar Ashish , Kumar Arvind
Published: November 2024

This study introduces a new approach to achieve flexible impedance matching in a self‐diplexing conventional patch antenna by using paired vias for impedance bandwidth tunability. The antenna design incorporates a rectangular radiating patch, an orthogonal arrangement of a couple of paired vias, and a bottom ground plane. The patch is excited with the help of two orthogonal microstrip feeds aligned along the centerline of the broadside and narrow sides of the patch. The orthogonal vias set enables dynamic impedance matching in two frequency bands, lower and upper ranging from 2 to 3 GHz. Optimized via placement achieves high decoupling between input ports, facilitating the self‐diplexing phenomenon. To validate the proposed concept, a prototype with patch dimensions of has been analyzed, fabricated, and subjected to comprehensive experimental study. The experimental results demonstrate the successful realization of two distinct operating frequency bands, centered around 2.47 and 2.66 GHz, each exhibiting peak gain values of 5.75 and 6.31 dBi, respectively. The input port isolation values are noteworthy, measuring at −34B and −29.5 dB for lower and upper operating frequency bands, respectively. The design offers a low‐profile, minimally coupled structure with independent band control and the unique ability to simultaneously transmit and receive signals.
Oxygen consumption measurements at ultra‐high dose rate over a wide LET range
Authors: Karle Celine , Liew Hans , Tessonnier Thomas , Mein Stewart , Petersson Kristoffer , Schömers Christian , Scheloske Stefan , Brons Stephan , Cee Rainer , Major Gerald , Haberer Thomas , Abdollahi Amir , Debus Jürgen , Dokic Ivana , Mairani Andrea
Published: November 2024

Background

The role of radiolytic oxygen consumption for the in‐vitro “Ultra‐High Dose Rate” (UHDR) sparing and in‐vivo FLASH effect is subject to active debate, but data on key dependencies such as the radiation quality are lacking.

Purpose

The influence of “dose‐averaged Linear Energy Transfer” (LETd) and dose rate on radiolytic oxygen consumption was investigated by monitoring the oxygen concentration during irradiation with electrons, protons, helium, carbon, and oxygen ions at UHDR and “Standard Dose Rates” (SDR).

Methods

Sealed “Bovine Serum Albumin” (BSA) 5% samples were exposed to 15 Gy of electrons and protons, and for the first time helium, carbon, and oxygen ions with LETd values of 1, 5.4, 14.4, 65, and 100.3 keV/µm, respectively, delivered at mean dose rates of either 0.3–0.4 Gy/s for SDR or approximately 100 Gy/s for UHDR. The Oxylite (Oxford Optronics) system allowed measurements of the oxygen concentration before and after irradiation to calculate the oxygen consumption rate.

Results

The oxygen consumption rate was found to decrease with increasing LETd from 0.351 mmHg/Gy for low LET electrons to 0.1796 mmHg/Gy for high LET oxygen ions at SDR and for UHDR from 0.317 to 0.1556 mmHg/Gy, respectively. A higher consumption rate for SDR irradiation compared to the corresponding UHDR irradiation persisted for all particle types.

Conclusion

The measured consumption rates demonstrate a distinct LETd dependence. The obtained dataset, encompassing a wide range of LETd values, could serve as a benchmark for Monte Carlo simulations, which may aid in enhancing our comprehension of oxygen‐related mechanisms after irradiations. Ultimately, they could help assess the viability of different hypotheses regarding UHDR sparing mechanisms and the FLASH effect. The found LETd dependence underscores the potential of heavy ion therapy, wherein elevated consumption rates in adjacent normal tissue offer protective benefits, while leaving tumor regions with generally higher “Linear Energy Transfer” (LET) vulnerable.