bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An exploration into the nature and extent of diversity within history classrooms in Kent
Authors: Stow Clare , Burton Lizzie
Published: May 2024

Ever since the 1970s, politicised debates have raged over the teaching of history, dubbed the ‘history wars’. These debates continue to impact primary and secondary teachers' choices of history curriculum foci to this day. This research aimed to discover history teachers' understanding of how to develop diversity within their history curricula and to discuss the possible pitfalls of their decision making. We set out to answer the following questions: (1) How do history teachers and subject leads understand the concept of diversification within the history curriculum? (2) How are schools approaching the diversification of their history curriculum? We carried out this project collaboratively with 10 history teachers and subject leads from four primary and three secondary schools in Kent, South‐East England. As a result, we have developed a model of ‘school diversification’ and make several recommendations to support the development and teaching of increasingly diverse history lessons, within the confines of the current National Curriculum. This project adds to the literature by privileging the voice of teachers within classrooms and including collaboration between teachers of all phases within history education in English schools to support the development of diversity within their practice.
Entwicklung eines hochbelastbaren, korrosionsfreien Verbindungssystems für tragende Bauten in CPC
Authors: Lutz Rebecca , Kurath Josef , Lowiner Christian , Bühler Michèle
Published: May 2024

Seit November 2021 sind die CPC‐Betonplatten (carbon prestressed concrete) auch in Deutschland bauaufsichtlich zugelassen. Der Einsatzbereich beschränkt sich bislang auf einfache, hauptsächlich biegebeanspruchte Bauteile wie Balkonplatten, Treppentritte oder Bohlenbeläge für Brücken und Stege. Um komplexere Tragwerke zu ermöglichen, die ohne Stahl‐ oder Klebeverbindungen auskommen, wurde an der Zürcher Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften (ZHAW) in Zusammenarbeit mit CPC AG das hochbelastbare Steckverbindungssystem Kappa entwickelt. Das Verbindungssystem besteht lediglich aus CPC‐Betonplatten und hydraulischem Mörtel. Die Tragweise und die überraschend hohe Belastbarkeit der Verbindung werden nachfolgend aufgezeigt.
Digitally guided root removal and simultaneous implant placement: A case study
Authors: Gala Roksolana , Al Sammarraie Mohammed , Padilla Rocio Sanchez , Zhou Zheng , Neely Anthony L. , Kinaia Bassam M.
Published: May 2024

Background

Encountering a retained root tip post‐extraction and prior to implant placement is a possible clinical complication. There are numerous approaches for removing retained roots that may be traumatic or atraumatic. Regardless of the approach, careful treatment planning is important to minimize complications, reduce morbidity, and preserve bony structures. The aim of the current case study is to introduce a technique and digitally generated device used for identifying and atraumatically removing a retained root tip and simultaneously placing a stable dental implant.

Methods

A 63‐year‐old female with a history of myocardial infarction, hypertension, and acute pancreatitis presented for implant placement at site #5. Clinical examination revealed adequate interocclusal, mesiodistal, and buccolingual dimensions for implant placement. Radiographic examination using cone beam computed tomography revealed that retained root #5 interfered with implant placement. Digital planning was used to extract the root tip with minimal trauma to maintain adequate bone for simultaneous implant placement with good primary stability.

Results

The follow‐ups at 1, 3, and 6 weeks and 4, 8, and 10 months revealed good bone preservation with an osseointegrated implant.

Conclusions

Employment of digital planning to create a palatal window allowed excellent accuracy in removing the retained root while maintaining the bony foundation for a well osseointegrated dental implant.

Key points

Pre‐planning using cone beam computed tomography scan merged with an intraoral digital scan is necessary for precise location of a retained root and correct implant placement with excellent primary stability.

A digitally planned 3D surgical guide is a useful method for extracting retained roots during implant placement to minimize bone damage.

Digital planning provides a precise and minimally invasive implant surgery.
A specific surgical procedure to remove the apices in the upper jaw
Authors: Saad Issa , Al‐Raeei Marwan , Rikab Mohamad Salem , Al Manadili Ahmad , Azmeh Chadi , Alkhori Tala , Alhaja Remon , Kabani Rama , Albokaii Joudi , Saad Maya
Published: May 2024

Key Clinical Message

This clinical case report focuses on a case of surgery performed on a patient with the aim of cutting the dental apices in the patient's upper jaw. Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) was used as a filling material, and monitoring the condition showed that the operation was successful.
Synthesis and Performance of Bio‐Based Amphoteric Surfactants
Authors: Jansen Laura M. , den Bakker Pieter C. , Venbrux Niek , van Rijbroek Kim W. M. , Klaassen‐Heshof Dimphna Johanna , Lenferink Wouter B. , Lücker Sebastian , Ranoux Adeline , Raaijmakers Harry W. C. , Boltje Thomas J.
Published: May 2024

As the global surfactant market continues to expand, there is an increasing need to develop bio‐based alternatives in the shift towards a circular economy. This study focuses on the synthesis of polar, amphoteric, amine‐oxide surfactants starting from biomass‐derived monosaccharides and demonstrating their potential in various applications. The synthesis involved a reductive amination of the sugars with an alkylamine and formaldehyde followed by oxidation to produce N‐oxide surfactants. These bio‐based surfactants exhibited promising properties, including high solubility, foamability, surface tension reduction, and critical micelle concentration. In particular, N‐GalA1.10 and N‐GalA1.12 showed comparable performance to commercial surfactants. Furthermore, these bio‐based surfactants demonstrated significantly lower skin irritation potential when compared to petrochemical‐derived counterparts like sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), making them potentially suitable for personal care products. The biodegradability assessment revealed that N‐GalA1.12 exhibited good biodegradation, indicating its potential environmental compatibility. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential of bio‐based N‐oxide surfactants derived from monosaccharides as sustainable and skin‐friendly alternatives to traditional amphoteric surfactants, like cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB).
A Catalytic Approach for the Synthesis of Peptide−Oligonucleotides Conjugates in Aqueous Solution or On‐Column
Authors: Gras Marion , Adler Pauline , Smietana Michael
Published: May 2024

Peptide−oligonucleotide conjugates (POCs) are covalent architectures composed of a DNA or RNA molecules linked to a peptide. These constructs have found widespread applications ranging from hybrid nanomaterials to gene‐targeted therapies. Considering the important role of POCs, a new catalytic approach for their preparation is reported here, that could be applied either on solid support in anhydrous media, or post‐synthetically in aqueous buffer. Single amino acids, peptides and cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) were conjugated to various oligo(ribo)nucleotides with high conversions and good isolated yields. The applicability of the method was demonstrated on more than 35 examples including an analogue of a commercial therapeutic oligonucleotide. Other conjugation partners, such as deoxycholic acid and biotin were also successfully conjugated to oligonucleotides. To highlight the potential of this catalytic approach, these conditions have been applied to iterative processes, which is of high interest for the development of DNA‐Encoded Libraries.
Nanoproteases: Alternatives to Natural Protease for Biotechnological Applications
Authors: Wang Yaru , Guo Mingxiu , Xu Xiaolong
Published: May 2024

Some nanomaterials with intrinsic protease‐like activity have the advantages of good stability, biosafety, low price, large‐scale preparation and unique property of nanomaterials, which are promising alternatives for natural proteases in various applications. An especial term, “nanoprotease”, has been coined to stress the intrinsic proteolytic property of these nanomaterials. As a new generation of artificial proteases, they have become a burgeoning field, attracting many researchers to design and synthesize high performance nanoproteases. In this review, we summarize recent progress on all types of nanoproteases with regard of their activity, mechanism and application and introduce a new and effective strategy for engineering high‐performance nanoproteases. In addition, we discuss the challenges and opportunities of nanoprotease research in the future.
Application of machine learning on hydrate formation prediction of pure components with water and inhibitors solution
Authors: Nasir Qazi , Suleman Humbul , Abdul Majeed Wameath S.
Published: May 2024

The present work investigates the use of machine learning approaches for the prediction of hydrate formation pressure (HFP) in gas hydrate systems. Advanced machine learning models, including the decision tree regressor (DTR), random forest regressor (RFR), extreme gradient boosting (XGB), gradient boosting regressor (GBR), histogram gradient boosting regressor (HGBR), and CatBoost regressor (CB), are trained and evaluated on a large dataset consists of 3137 experimental data points. The models are evaluated using R‐squared (R2), mean squared error (MSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and root mean squared error (RMSE). The study indicates that for the intent of HFP prediction, CatBoost outperformed all other machine learning models. It demonstrated high accuracy on the testing set with an R2 value of 0.9922, and with the lowest RMSE (1.61 × 10−3), MAE (7.90 × 10−4), and MSE (2.58 × 10−6), CatBoost strengthened its prediction ability.
Performance and mechanism of DL‐alanine ionic liquid shale inhibitor
Authors: Feng Liu , Bo Wang , Chunshuo Han , Jia Du , Yu Wang , Weiqiang Zhou , Weichao Du , Quande Wang
Published: May 2024

Shale hydration and expansion during drilling can lead to wellbore instability, sticking, and frequent leakage accidents. To prevent these issues, an ionic liquid (IL) inhibitor solution was synthesized using DL‐alanine and 98% concentrated sulphuric acid as raw materials. The optimum composition and effect of the synthesized inhibitor in oilfield water‐based drilling fluids were evaluated through anti‐expansion, linear expansion rate, water washing resistance, and clay hydration dispersion experiments. The inhibition mechanism was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis, infrared spectroscopy, zeta potential, contact angle, and X‐ray diffraction analysis. The results show that the optimum IL consists of a 1:1 molar ratio of DL‐alanine to concentrated sulphuric acid synthesized under a reaction temperature and time of 70°C and 18 h, respectively. The resulting DL‐alanine IL exhibited the best inhibitory effect on the hydration, dispersion, and expansion of clay at a concentration of 0.5% in aqueous solution, and its linear expansion rate was only 18.49%. After adding a quantitative amount of clay to different concentrations of DL‐alanine IL aqueous solution, the expansion volume of the clay decreased and the water washing resistance significantly improved. These results provide a theoretical basis for improving the safety and efficiency of shale horizontal well drilling operations.
The World Health Organization Reporting System for Pancreaticobiliary Cytopathology: Overview and Summary
Authors: Centeno Barbara A. , Saieg Mauro , Siddiqui Momin T. , Perez‐Machado Miguel , Layfield Lester J. , Weynand Birgit , Reid Michelle D. , Stelow Edward B. , Lozano Maria D. , Fukushima Noriyoshi , Cree Ian A. , Mehrotra Ravi , Schmitt Fernando C. , Field Andrew S. , Pitman Martha B.
Published: May 2024

The recently published WHO Reporting System for Pancreaticobiliary Cytopathology (World Health Organization [WHO] System) is an international approach to the standardized reporting of pancreaticobiliary cytopathology, updating the Papanicolaou Society of Cytopathology System for Reporting Pancreaticobiliary Cytology (PSC System). Significant changes were made to the categorization of benign neoplasms, intraductal neoplasms, mucinous cystic neoplasms, and malignant neoplasms considered low grade. Benign neoplasms, such as serous cystadenoma, categorized as Neoplastic: benign in the PSC system, are categorized as Benign/negative for malignancy in the WHO system. Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor, solid‐pseudopapillary neoplasm, and gastrointestinal stromal tumor, categorized as Neoplastic: other in the PSC system, are categorized as Malignant in the WHO System in accord with their classification in the 5th edition WHO Classification of Digestive System Tumours (2019). The two new categories of Pancreaticobiliary Neoplasm Low‐risk/grade and Pancreaticobiliary Neoplasm High‐risk/grade are mostly limited to intraductal neoplasms and mucinous cystic neoplasms. Low‐risk/grade lesions are mucinous cysts, with or without low‐grade epithelial atypia. High‐risk/grade lesions contain neoplastic epithelium with high‐grade epithelial atypia. Correlation with clinical, imaging, and ancillary studies remains a key tenet. The sections for each entity are written to highlight key cytopathological features and cytopathological differential diagnoses with the pathologist working in low resource setting in mind. Each section also includes the most pertinent ancillary studies useful for the differential diagnosis. Sample reports are provided for each category. Finally, the book provides a separate section with risk of malignancy and management recommendations for each category to facilitate decision‐making for clinicians.
Infinite‐width limit of deep linear neural networks
Authors: Chizat Lénaïc , Colombo Maria , Fernández‐Real Xavier , Figalli Alessio
Published: May 2024

This paper studies the infinite‐width limit of deep linear neural networks (NNs) initialized with random parameters. We obtain that, when the number of parameters diverges, the training dynamics converge (in a precise sense) to the dynamics obtained from a gradient descent on an infinitely wide deterministic linear NN. Moreover, even if the weights remain random, we get their precise law along the training dynamics, and prove a quantitative convergence result of the linear predictor in terms of the number of parameters. We finally study the continuous‐time limit obtained for infinitely wide linear NNs and show that the linear predictors of the NN converge at an exponential rate to the minimal ‐norm minimizer of the risk.
Developing ensemble clustering through similarity measures: A semi‐supervised hierarchical clustering learning
Authors: Wang Dandan , Li Qi
Published: May 2024

A generic variation of hierarchical clustering (HC) that builds clusters from the bottom up is called agglomerative hierarchical clustering (AHC). The extension of AHC techniques using similarity criteria is the main topic of this research. Based on this, we create an AHC method that accomplishes clustering through ensemble approaches and combines the clustering of clusters with an original similarity measure. Three steps make up the proposed method's primary section. The first phase combines several individual AHC techniques to identify links between samples and create preliminary clusters. A heuristic similarity measure based on the developed clusters is used to determine how similar the samples are. The initial clusters produced using various techniques are all re‐clustered to create superclusters in the second step. The third phase involves creating the final clusters by assigning each sample to a supercluster with the greatest similarity after the clusters have been formed. Based on several benchmark datasets from the UCI machine learning repository, extensive experimental research has been done to assess the performance of the suggested approach. The outcomes unequivocally demonstrate that the suggested AHC‐based paradigm outperforms cutting‐edge techniques.
Solvatochromism in Mixtures of Hydrogen Bond Acceptor (HBA) Solvents with Water
Authors: Spange Stefan , Seifert Andreas
Published: May 2024

The UV/Vis absorption energies νmax of Reichardt's dye B30 with respect to ET(30) and 4‐nitroaniline (NA) are investigated as a function of the solvent composition Nav,z. in co‐solvent/water mixtures. Nav,z. is the average molar concentration of the solvent mixture at a given solvent fraction z. The z can be the mole, the volume or the mass fraction. The co‐solvents considered were acetonitrile, acetone, tetrahydrofuran, pyridine, piperidine and 2‐(diethylamino)‐ethanol. Acetone and acetonitrile can be expected to slightly enhance the water structure at low co‐solvent concentrations. This interpretation is supported by the analysis of the refractive index as a function of the solvent composition. In general, it can be stated that the structural complexity of the binary solvent mixtures is mainly responsible for the evolution of the absorption energies ET(30) or νmax(NA) as a function of the mixture composition. In particular, the endothermic solvation of NA in co‐solvent/water mixtures and its effect on the νmax(NA) is highlighted.
Unmet Needs, Minority Stress and Mental Health Outcomes Among Transgender Individuals: The Mediating Role of Schema Domains
Authors: Radford George , Byrne Jamie E. M. , Staiger Petra K. , Karantzas Gery C.
Published: May 2024

Exposure to gender‐related minority stressors, the negative experiences and beliefs that stem from anti‐trans stigma increases transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people's vulnerability to experiencing poor mental health outcomes. This study examined if the relationships between experiences of minority stress and mental health outcomes were mediated by early maladaptive schemas: mental representations shaping the way people view themselves, others and the world. Drawing from a schema therapy perspective, the study additionally examined if caregivers' failure to meet TGD people's core emotional needs was associated with mental health outcomes and if schemas similarly mediated these relationships. A total of 619 TGD adults completed an online survey about early maladaptive schemas, core emotional needs, gender‐related minority stress and psychological distress and wellbeing. Causal mediation analyses indicated that caregivers who did not meet TGD people's core emotional needs and greater experiences of minority stress were associated with increased distress and lower wellbeing. These relationships were mediated by schema severity, particularly the disconnection and rejection and impaired autonomy domains. These findings provide empirical support for the schema therapy model's assumption that unmet core emotional needs are associated with schema formation. For TGD people, maladaptive beliefs about the self, others and world can form in response to manifestations of anti‐trans stigma within the individual, their interpersonal relationships, community and broader society. Caregivers' failure to meet needs, plus experiences of minority stress throughout the individual's system, leads to greater distress and lower wellbeing; however, clinical interventions targeting schemas may improve outcomes for this at‐risk group.
A Self‐Reported Study on Explanatory Variables of Stress in Multiple Sclerosis Patients: Exploring the Effect of Physical Conditions and Emotion Regulation Processes
Authors: Carvalho Teresa , Sousa‐Mendes Andreia , Benedito Luís , Gomes Carolina , da Motta Carolina
Published: May 2024

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS)‐linked stress is frequent, multidetermined and facilitates the onset/exacerbation of MS. However, few explanatory models of stress analysed the joint explanatory effect of emotion regulation and clinical outcomes of MS in those patients.

Objective

This study explored whether self‐reported MS‐related conditions (number of relapses, fatigue and global disability) and specific emotion regulation processes (experiential avoidance and self‐compassion) explain stress symptoms in MS patients.

Methods

The MS sample comprised 101 patients with MS diagnosis receiving treatment in hospitals and recruited through the Portuguese MS Society. The no‐MS sample included 134 age‐, sex‐ and years of education‐matched adults without MS recruited from the general Portuguese population. Both samples did not report other neurological disorders. Data were collected using self‐response measures.

Results

All potential explanatory variables differed significantly between samples, with higher scores found in MS patients. In MS clinical sample, those variables and years of education correlated with stress symptoms and predicted stress symptoms in simple linear regression models. These results allowed their selection as covariates in a multiple linear regression model. Years of education, the number of relapses, fatigue and experiential avoidance significantly predicted 51% of stress symptoms' total variance.

Conclusions

This study provides preliminary evidence on the importance of clinicians and researchers considering the simultaneous contribution of years of education, the number of perceived relapses, fatigue and experiential avoidance as factors that can increase vulnerability to stress in MS patients. Psychological intervention programmes that tackle these factors and associated stress symptomatology should be implemented.
Potassium tert‐Butoxide‐Promoted Aerobic Dehydrazination of Arylhydrazines: From Arylhydrazines to Substituent Aromatics
Authors: Zhang Shengli , Tan Xiangdong , Wu Yingxu , Si Yu , Sun Rensong , Liu Ziang , Nie Yun , Gao Zhigang , Wang Lei
Published: May 2024

An efficiently aerobic dehydrazination of arylhydrazines promoted by potassium tert‐butoxide (tBuOK) is detailed in this study. This method smoothly produces aromatics analogues from arylhydrazines using catalytic amount of tBuOK under practical conditions, exhibiting excellent functional group tolerance and a broad substrate scope. The application potential of this approach is further demonstrated through the preparation of deuterated, iodinated and brominated aromatics. Moreover, it shows that this aerobic base‐mediated dehydrazination could be utilized to prepare unsymmetrical aryl sulfides, selenides and tellurides with high efficiency.
The social grounds of personal self: Interactions that build a sense of ‘we’ help clarify who ‘I’ am
Authors: Koudenburg Namkje , Jetten Jolanda , Enz Karalyn F. , Haslam S. Alexander
Published: May 2024

Many lay people believe that the best way to develop a clear sense of ‘who you are’ is to shut yourself off from others and engage in introspection. Increasingly, however, empirical evidence points to the social aspects of identities and identity development. Building on this, we argue that a strong sense of personal identity is more likely to be derived from meaningful social interaction. More specifically, we argue that when communication allows people to develop a sense of shared identity, it can also promote a sense of personal self. Consistent with this hypothesis, evidence from three experiments indicates that social interaction indirectly enhances people's self‐concept clarity and personal identity strength, through an increased experience of shared identity and social validation. This suggests that a sense of ‘me’ is not formed independently of others but also through the experience of ‘we’ in interaction.
New Phases in the Sc−Mn−Si and Sc−Mn−Al−Si Systems Through Molten Indium Flux Synthesis
Authors: Lefèvre Robin , Eder Felix , von Rohr Fabian O.
Published: May 2024

Through the application of synthesis via molten indium flux, we have been able to expand the ternary Sc−Mn−Si system and the quaternary Sc−Mn−Al−Si system. Specifically, we report on five previously unknown chemical compounds, namely β‐ScMnSi2, Sc4+xMn4Si7–2x, Sc2Mn4Si5, Sc2Mn3Si4, and Sc4Mn2AlSi4. The compounds with the stoichiometries Sc2Mn4Si5, Sc2Mn3Si4, and Sc4Mn2AlSi4 have previously not been reported. We find that these crystallize in the V6Si5, Hf2Ru3Si4, and Ho4Ni2InGe4 structure types, respectively. For the ternary compounds with the stoichiometries of ScMnSi2 and Sc4+xMn4Si7–2x, we find clearly deviating structural solutions compared to earlier reports. β‐ScMnSi2 is found to crystallize in the monoclinic crystal system isostructural to a supercell of the MnTiSi2 structure and clearly deviating from the known orthorhombic α‐polymorph. The compound Sc4+xMn4Si7–2x is structurally very similar to Sc4Mn4Si7, but exhibits the P4/nmm space group instead of I4/mmm, and is related to the Zr4Co4Ge7 structure. Disorder between Si and Sc sites leads to the off‐stoichiometric composition, for which we found x=0.287(5).
Loss of copy numbers of retrotransposons (HERVK) on chromosome 7p11.2 impacts EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor)‐induced phenotypes for platinum sensitivity and long‐term survival in ovarian cancer—A study from the OVCAD consortium
Authors: Fromhage Gesa , Obermayr Eva , Bednarz‐Knoll Natalia , Van Gorp Toon , Welsch Eva , Polterauer Stephan , Braicu Elena Ioana , Mahner Sven , Sehouli Jalid , Vergote Ignace , Concin Nicole , Kurtz Stefan , Steinbiss Sascha , Torge Antje , Zeillinger Robert , Wölber Linn , Brandt Burkhard
Published: May 2024

We analyzed variations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene and 5′‐upstream region to identify potential molecular predictors of treatment response in primary epithelial ovarian cancer. Tumor tissues collected during debulking surgery from the prospective multicenter OVCAD study were investigated. Copy number variations in the human endogenous retrovirus sequence human endogenous retrovirus K9 (HERVK9) and EGFR Exons 7 and 9, as well as repeat length and loss of heterozygosity of polymorphic CA‐SSR I and relative EGFR mRNA expression were determined quantitatively. At least one EGFR variation was observed in 94% of the patients. Among the 30 combinations of variations discovered, enhanced platinum sensitivity (n = 151) was found dominantly with HERVK9 haploidy and Exon 7 tetraploidy, overrepresented among patients with survival ≥120 months (24/29, p = .0212). EGFR overexpression (≥80 percentile) was significantly less likely in the responders (17% vs. 32%, p = .044). Multivariate Cox regression analysis, including age, FIGO stage, and grade, indicated that the patients' subgroup was prognostically significant for CA‐SSR I repeat length <18 CA for both alleles (HR 0.276, 95% confidence interval 0.109–0.655, p = .001). Although EGFR variations occur in ovarian cancer, the mRNA levels remain low compared to other EGFR‐mutated cancers. Notably, the inherited length of the CA‐SSR I repeat, HERVK9 haploidy, and Exon 7 tetraploidy conferred three times higher odds ratio to survive for more than 10 years under therapy. This may add value in guiding therapies if determined during follow‐up in circulating tumor cells or circulating tumor DNA and offers HERVK9 as a potential therapeutic target.
Syphilis in pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes: A nationwide longitudinal study in Brazil
Authors: da Silva Helena Benes Matos , de Cássia Ribeiro‐Silva Rita , Junior Elzo Pereira Pinto , Barreto Maurício L. , Paixão Enny S. , Ichihara Maria Yury
Published: May 2024

Objective

The present study aimed to evaluate the association between syphilis in pregnancy and low birth weight, small for gestational age, and preterm birth.

Methods

This longitudinal study used Brazilian National Information System for livebirths (SINASC) linked to the gestational syphilis cases from Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) from 2011 to 2017. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to compare the birth outcomes of pregnant women with and without syphilis. The study protocol was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Institute of Collective Health of the Federal University of Bahia (CAAE: registration no. 18022319.4.0000.5030).

Results

A total of 17 930 817 live births were included in the study. Of these, 155 214 (8.7/1000) were exposed to syphilis during pregnancy. Maternal syphilis increased the odds of low birth weight (aOR 1.88, 95% CI: 1.85–1.91), small for gestational age (aOR 1.53, 95% CI: 1.51–1.56), and preterm birth (aOR 1.35, 95% CI: 1.33–1.37). Higher odds were observed for pregnant women with VDRL titer ≥64 and untreated maternal syphilis when compared to mothers without syphilis. Analysis stratified by prenatal care showed higher odds for all adverse birth outcomes for mothers attending ≤6 prenatal appointments.

Conclusion

Our findings showed a strong association between gestational syphilis and adverse birth outcomes with increased odds observed among women with higher VDRL titers, lack of treatment, and fewer prenatal appointments. These results highlight the need for adequate screening and treatment for gestational syphilis during pregnancy to mitigate the risk of adverse birth outcomes.
Reviving forgotten techniques: Vaginal salpingectomy in public health system, a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Feldman Micaela Agustina Rosa , Sänger Ileana Verónica , Santilli Ana Lucía , Sarsotti Carlos José , Izbizky Gustavo Hernán
Published: May 2024

Objective

To evaluate the viability of the vaginal route as an alternative to laparoscopy for patients seeking permanent surgical contraception.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study in 2021, dividing patients into two groups based on their preference: vaginal and laparoscopic salpingectomy. The statistical analysis was conducted using STATA, employing standard statistical methods based on the distribution of variables.

Results

The study included 64 patients, with 34 undergoing the vaginal approach and 30 the laparoscopic route. No statistically significant differences were observed in baseline characteristics or complications between the two groups. Both surgical methods were found to be feasible. The vaginal route demonstrated a significantly shorter mean surgical time (P < 0.001). The laparoscopic route exhibited significantly less intraoperative blood loss (P < 0.001) and fewer hospitalization hours (P = 0.008). Postoperative satisfaction and pain levels did not show statistically significant differences.

Conclusion

Vaginal salpingectomy is a feasible technique with low complication rates, making it a potential option for gynecologists to offer their patients. We propose vaginal route inclusion in the training curriculum for gynecologic surgeons during the residency program, without any subspecialty requirements.
Intelligent detection of left ventricular hypertrophy from pediatric echocardiography videos
Authors: Liu Yiman , Han Xiaoxiang , Liang Tongtong , Chen Lijun , Dong Bin , Yuan Jiajun , Wang Hansong , Zhang Zhifang , Zhao Liebin , Zhang Yuqi
Published: May 2024

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a common clinical manifestation associated with cardiovascular adverse events. Relying solely on the subjective judgment, it is challenging to promptly and accurately diagnose mild LVH. Quantitatively measuring the interventricular septum and left ventricular posterior wall to diagnose mild LVH is a time‐consuming and labor‐intensive process that is prone to errors. To propose a novel method for rapid and automatic end‐to‐end diagnosis of mild LVH. We propose a novel end‐to‐end automated method for detecting mild LVH. This method achieves rapid end‐to‐end detection of mild LVH in echocardiographic videos without the need for quantitative measurements. Initially, representative frames are extracted from echocardiographic videos, and these frames are then automatically diagnosed by the proposed network to detect LVH. The network architecture primarily consists of three key components: a feature extractor, bidirectional LSTM, and attention module. The Vit‐b model achieved 88% video classification accuracy in the experiment where 32 frames are extracted, and the ViT‐l model achieves 92% video classification accuracy in the experiment where 16 frames are extracted. It is shown experimentally that extracting fewer video frames can diagnose LVH more accurately. The experiments illustrate the superior performance and competitiveness of this method compared to other approaches, potentially applicable to the clinic.
Comparison of peripheral blood automated hematopoietic progenitor cell count and flow cytometric CD34+ cell count
Authors: Hagenkötter Mischa , Mika Thomas , Ladigan‐Badura Swetlana , Schork Karin , Eisenacher Martin , Schroers Roland , Baraniskin Alexander
Published: May 2024

Background

Stem cell apheresis in the context of autologous stem cell transplantation requires an accurate cluster of differentiantion 34 (CD34+) count determined by flow cytometry as the current gold standard. Since flow cytometry is a personnel and time‐intensive diagnostic tool, automated stem cell enumeration may provide a promising alternative. Hence, this study aimed to compare automated hematopoietic progenitor enumeration carried out on a Sysmex XN‐20 module compared with conventional flow cytometric measurements.

Methods

One hundred forty‐three blood samples from 41 patients were included in this study. Correlation between the two methods was calculated over all samples, depending on leukocyte count and diagnosis.

Results

Overall, we found a high degree of correlation (r = 0.884). Furthermore, correlation was not impaired by elevated leukocyte counts (>10 000/μL, r = 0.860 vs <10 000/μL, r = 0.849; >20 000/μL, r = 0.843 vs <20 000/μL, r = 0.875). However, correlation was significantly impaired in patients with multiple myeloma (multiple myeloma r = 0.840 vs nonmyeloma r = 0.934).

Stem cell measurement carried out on the Sysmex XN‐20 module provides a significant correlation with flow cytometry and might be implemented in clinical practice. In clinical decision‐making, there was discrepancy of under 15% of cases. In multiple myeloma patients, XN‐20 should be used with caution.
A case of primary breast angiosarcoma diagnosed by multimodal ultrasound imaging with literature review
Authors: Lin Minhao , Xu Xiaohong , Dai Haixia , Huang Qiuxia , Liu Lijuan
Published: May 2024

Primary Breast Angiosarcoma (PBA) is an exceptionally rare form of breast cancer, accounting for less than 0.05% of all breast cancers. It is characterized by a high level of malignancy, invasiveness, and has a prognosis that is typically poor. The lack of distinctive clinical features makes it prone to underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis. This study retrospectively examines a case utilizing multimodal ultrasound imaging techniques (including 2D ultrasound, contrast‐enhanced ultrasound, and ultrasound elastography) for diagnosing PBA. Furthermore, the study reviews relevant literature to summarize the ultrasound characteristics of PBA, with the aim of improving understanding of this elusive condition.
The effect of seed layer cycles on the structural, optical, and morphological properties of ZnO nanorods
Authors: Oke‐Altuntas Feyza , Saritan Selin , Colak Hakan
Published: May 2024

In this study, ZnO seed layers with different cycles were formed on glass substrates by the sol–gel technique, and ZnO nanorods were grown on them by the hydrothermal method. Morphology and the structural characterization of the seed films and the ZnO nanorods are carried out by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) and x‐ray diffraction techniques. In addition, to investigate the effect of seed layer deposition cycles on the optical properties of the ZnO nanorod arrays, UV/visible spectrophotometer and photoluminescence (PL) measurements were performed. The changes in structural and optical parameters such as dislocation density, strain, crystallite size, and optical band gap values on each seed layer deposition cycle were examined. The highest optical band gap and crystallite size were obtained for ZnO nanorods with 4 cycles seed layer as 3.22 eV and 63.6 nm, respectively. Also, in the PL spectrum, the largest ratio of UV‐emission region to weak‐visible emission region was obtained in ZnO nanorods having 4 cycles. In addition, the glucose detection properties of ZnO nanorods having 4 cycles were investigated using the PL measurements and it was found that UV‐emission peak intensity of ZnO nanorods decreased as the glucose concentration increased from 8 to 40 mM. The results show that the number of deposition cycles of the seed layer has a strong influence on the orientation, crystal quality, and optical band gap of the growing ZnO nanorods, as well as significantly affecting their morphological properties.

Research Highlights

High quality ZnO nanorods were grown on glass substrates by hydrothermal method.

The effect of ZnO seed layer cycles on the structural, optical, and morphological characteristics of ZnO nanorods grown on were examined.

It was found that the number of cycles of the seed layer is a critical parameter for growing quality and well‐aligned ZnO nanorods.
How do humble leaders unleash followers' leadership potential? The roles of workplace status and individualistic orientation
Authors: Lin Xiaoshuang , Tse Herman H. M. , Shao Bo , Duan Jinyun
Published: May 2024

While leader‐expressed humility has received an upsurge in attention in recent years, a fundamental issue that remains unaddressed is whether leader‐expressed humility, as a bottom–up leadership approach, could indeed elevate followers' workplace status and eventually unleash their leadership potential; if so, how and when? Drawing on expectation states theory (EST) and using two multi‐wave datasets, including one from 216 one‐to‐one matched supervisor–subordinate dyads in China (Study 1) and the other from 210 subordinates in Western countries (Study 2), we provide evidence that leader humility is effective in elevating followers' workplace status, particularly when followers' individualistic orientation is high. This elevated perception of workplace status also increases followers' leadership potential, demonstrated by their motivation to lead and taking charge behaviors. These findings offer novel theoretical and practical insights into the implications of leader humility for followers' leadership potential.
Inflammation and tissue remodeling mediator expression during gingivitis: A comparison between experimental, naturally occurring gingivitis, and periodontal health
Authors: Hsu Yung‐Ting , Chang Ana M. , Daubert Diane , Roberts Frank , Chen Dandan , Trivedi Harsh M. , Gomez Juliana , Darveau Rich P.
Published: May 2024

Background

The aim of this study is to evaluate the immune regulation and tissue remodeling responses during experimental gingivitis (EG) and naturally occurring gingivitis (NG) to provide a comprehensive analysis of host responses. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) was obtained from 2 human studies conducted in university settings.

Methods

The EG study enrolling 26 volunteers provided controls for the baseline (Day 0) from healthy disease‐free participants, while Day 21 (the end of EG induction of the same group) was used to represent EG. Twenty‐six NG participants age‐matched with those of the EG group were recruited. GCF samples were analyzed for 39 mediators of inflammatory/immune responses and tissue remodeling using commercially available bead‐based multiplex immunoassays. The differences in GI and mediator expression among groups were determined at a 95% confidence level (p ≤ 0.05) by a 2‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with a post‐hoc Tukey's test.

Results

Our findings showed that EG had a greater gingival index than NG and was healthy (p < 0.01 of all comparisons). Furthermore, EG showed significantly higher levels of MPO (p < 0.001), CCL3 (p < 0.05), and IL‐1B (p < 0.001) than NG. In contrast, NG had increased levels of MIF (p < 0.05), Fractalkine (p < 0.001), angiogenin (p < 0.05), C3a (p < 0.001), BMP‐2 (p < 0.001), OPN (p < 0.05), RANKL (p < 0.001), and MMP‐13 (p < 0.001) than EG.

Conclusions

Consistent with the findings from chronic (NG) versus acute (EG) inflammatory lesions, these data reveal that NG displays greater immune regulation, angiogenesis, and bone remodeling compared to EG.
Angiogenic potential in periodontal stem cells from upper and lower jaw: A pilot study
Authors: Malyaran Hanna , Radermacher Chloé , Craveiro Rogerio B. , Kühnel Mark P. , Jonigk Danny , Wolf Michael , Neuss Sabine
Published: May 2024

Background

Teeth and supporting oral tissues are attractive and accessible sources of stem cells. Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSC) are readily isolated from extracted third molars, and exhibit the ability to self‐renew and differentiate into multiple mesodermal cell fates. Clinical experience suggests that the exact location of periodontal defects affects the oral bone remodeling and wound healing. Compared to the mandible, the maxilla heals quicker and more efficiently. Angiogenesis is key in tissue regeneration including dental tissues, yet few studies focus on the angiogenic potential of PDLSC, none of which considered the differences between upper and lower jaw PDLSC (u‐PDLSC and l‐PDLSC, respectively).

Methods

Here we studied the angiogenic potential of u‐PDLSC and l‐PDLSC and compared the results to well‐established mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). Cells were characterized in terms of surface markers, proliferation, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion, and angiogenic assays were performed. Newly formed capillaries were stained with CD31, and their expression of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM‐1), angiopoietin 2 (ANGPT2), and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 and 2 (VEGFR‐1, VEGFR‐2) were measured.

Results

Periodontal stem cells from the upper jaw showed a higher proliferation capacity, secreted more VEGF, and formed capillary networks faster and denser than l‐PDLSC. Gene expression of angiogenesis‐related genes was significantly higher in u‐PDLSC than in l‐PDLSC or MSC, given that culture conditions were suitable.

Conclusion

The oral cavity is a valuable source of stem cells, particularly PDLSC, which are promising for oral tissue engineering due to their robust growth, lifelong accessibility, low immunogenicity, and strong differentiation potential. Notably, u‐PDLSC exhibit higher VEGF secretion and accelerate capillary formation compared to l‐PDLSC or MSC. This study suggests a potential molecular mechanism in capillary formation, emphasizing the significance of precise location isolation of PDLSC.
Antibiotic duration and gastric dysmotility in preterm neonates
Authors: Sadder Liane Samira , Brown Larry Steven , Roblyer Lindsay , Sanghavi Rinarani , Ortigoza Eric Brum
Published: May 2024

Objectives

Prolonged antibiotic use after birth is associated with neonatal feeding intolerance and functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs). A gastric dysrhythmia (tachygastria) with frequencies >4–9 cycles per minute, measured by electrogastrography (EGG), is associated with FGIDs. The relationship between prolonged antibiotic use and % time spent in tachygastria is unknown in preterm infants. We aimed to compare weekly changes in % tachygastria between preterm infants receiving long (>48 h) versus short (≤48 h) courses of antibiotics for early onset sepsis evaluation (initiated at <3 days of life).

Methods

This was a longitudinal, prospective cohort study of 88 preterm infants (<34 weeks' gestation) with weekly EGG recordings from the first week of life until 40 weeks' post‐menstrual age, discharge, or death. We calculated % of EGG recording time in tachygastria and determined the mean across weekly sessions. A mixed effects model assessed variance in % tachygastria between the short‐ and long‐antibiotic exposure groups across all weeks.

Results

Baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups. There was no difference in % tachygastria between short and long antibiotic exposure groups across nine postnatal weeks (p = 0.08).

Conclusions

Early, prolonged antibiotic exposure among preterm infants may not lead to significant gastric dysrhythmia. Future studies including larger sample sizes and a “no antibiotic” exposure arm are essential in elucidating this potential relationship.
Multi‐Wavelength Metasurface Empowered Cryptography for Heightened Security and Improved Fidelity
Authors: Gu Zhen , Liu Haoyang , Zhang Zhengping , Wang Xiong , Zhang Hualiang , Gao Jianjun , Si Liming , Ding Jun
Published: May 2024

Information security holds paramount importance in the contemporary information society. Here, a novel cryptography method is proposed based on the multi‐wavelength complex‐amplitude metasurface, which can achieve a high security level by generating a frequency‐selective key as an additional layer of protection. Moreover, the quality of the decrypted holographic images can be significantly improved by employing the complex‐amplitude encoding method and the modified visual secret sharing scheme, which adopts a new superposition operator to prevent fidelity loss. As a proof‐of‐concept demonstration, a prototype metasurface sample is designed, fabricated, and characterized, where the measured results agree very well with the numerical ones and the design goals. The proposed method can reinforce security level and improve fidelity of the decrypted message, rendering it appealing for applications in communication and anti‐counterfeiting.
OPTIMAL LEADERSHIP AND EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE
Authors: Goleman Daniel , Cherniss Cary
Published: May 2024

Daniel Goleman is best known as the psychologist/author who brought the concept of emotional intelligence (EI) to a wider audience in the mid‐1990s. His coauthor Cary Cherniss was a founding member of the Consortium for Research on Emotional Intelligence in Organizations (CREIO), where he served as its director and co‐chair for 25 years. They note that when they co‐founded CREIO “more than 25 years ago, there was sparse evidence for the role of EI in optimal leading. Now there is substantial data from studies of hundreds of organizations that reveal a wide range of benefits when leaders, teams, and employees embody EI.” The authors further state that “the impact of a leader’s emotional intelligence goes beyond business performance to include optimal well‐being. For example, information‐technology employees working at a large medical facility who had more empathic managers reported fewer complaints like headaches and upset stomachs.” They provide numerous workplace examples to back up their research, and acknowledge the research of others such as Richard Boyatzis and his team at Case Western Reserve University and Jean Decety at the University of Chicago on the importance of empathy and the three types Decety has found: cognitive, emotional; and empathic concern.
Mathematical modeling and control of Covid‐19
Authors: Ghasemabadi Atena
Published: May 2024

In this paper, the author proposes and studies a mathematical model for the spread of coronavirus 2019. The effect of preventive programs on the control of disease is also considered. The basic reproduction number
was computed and the results showed that forward bifurcation occured. Local and global stability of the equilibrium points of the model was studied by geometric stability method and Lyapunov function. Finally, the particular data of China which was reported for Covid‐19 were used for numerical simulation.
Base‐Filling in Double‐Helical Nucleic Acids
Authors: Afari Mark Nana Kwame , Lönnberg Tuomas
Published: May 2024

Base‐filling, i. e., post‐synthetic furnishing of an oligonucleotide scaffold with base moieties or their analogues, is an interesting alternative to the conventional approach of sequential coupling of building blocks (modified or otherwise). Reversible attachment of the base moieties is particularly attractive as it allows the use of dynamic combinatorial chemistry and usually leads to higher fidelity. This concept article summarizes the various backbones and coupling reactions used for base‐filling over the past fifteen years, discusses the impact of base stacking and pairing on efficiency and fidelity and highlights potential and realized applications.