bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knee kinematics are not different between asymmetrical and symmetrical tibial baseplates in total knee arthroplasty: A fluoroscopic analysis of step‐up and lunge motions
Authors: Koster Lennard A. , Kaptein Bart L. , van der Linden‐van der Zwaag Enrike H. M. J. , Nelissen Rob G. H. H.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This clinical fluoroscopy study investigated knee kinematics of two different cemented fixed‐bearing, posterior‐stabilised (PS) total knee arthroplasty (TKA) designs: an asymmetric tibial component including an asymmetric insert designed to optimise personalised balance and fit and its precursor symmetrical design with symmetric insert.

Methods

A consecutive series of patients (16 TKAs from each treatment group) participating in a randomised controlled trial comparing TKA migration was included. The exclusion criterion was the use of walking aids. Flat‐panel fluoroscopic recordings of step‐up and lunge motions were acquired 1‐year postoperatively. Medial and lateral contact points (CPs) were determined to calculate CP displacement, femoral axial rotation and pivot position. Using linear mixed‐effects modelling techniques, kinematics between TKA designs were compared.

Results

During knee extension between 20° flexion and full extension, the CPs moved anteriorly combined with a small internal femoral rotation (a screw‐home mechanism). Whereas CP movement was reversed: femoral rollback, external femoral rotation while flexing the knee between full extension and 20° knee flexion, At larger flexion angles, femoral axial rotation (FAR) occurred around a lateral pivot point both during step‐up and lunge. The symmetric design had a 2.3° larger range of FAR compared to the asymmetric design during lunge (p = 0.02). All other kinematics were comparable.

Conclusion

Despite the differences in design, this study showed that the asymmetric and symmetric PS TKA designs had mostly comparable knee kinematics during step‐up and lunge motions. It is therefore expected that the functionality of the successor TKA design is similar to that of its precursor design.

Level of Evidence

Level II, prospective comparative study.
Information videos posted on Instagram by orthopaedics and sports traumatology surgeons mostly explain surgical technique, and the least mentioned topics are injury prevention and complications
Authors: Şahbat Yavuz , Kocaoğlu Barış , Ollivier Matthieu , Cerciello Simone , Akgün Doruk , Alentorn‐Geli Eduard , Kayaalp Mahmut Enes , Akın Hasan Furkan , Knauer Poroshista , Hariri Abdulaziz , Mocini Fabrizio , Bartroli Aleix Pons , Seil Romain
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Social media has become the new information acquisition platform for all content producers. In the current literature, there are no studies examining the content quality and the strengths and weaknesses of videos on Instagram that explain anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, which is the most discussed topic of sports surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality, strengths and weaknesses of information pertaining to ACL surgery that is disseminated on Instagram.

Method

An Instagram search was conducted from 30 May 2023 to 30 January 2024. The search encompassed six languages (English, Spanish, German, French, Italian and Turkish) and was performed by six different observers. The investigation focused on eight subheadings derived from current literature on the ACL. These subheadings were addressed in Instagram videos, covering ACL biology or biomechanics, injury mechanism, injury prevention, injury evaluation, surgical technique, injury or surgery complications, injury rehabilitation process and return to sport or work.

Result

The content was assessed of 127 videos from 127 Instagram accounts, spanning six different languages. Across the review of eight subheadings, the average number covered for the entire group was 3 (range, 0–8). Further analysis revealed that surgical technique was the most frequently mentioned subheading for the whole group (68.5%), followed by injury evaluation (54.3%). Prevention (10.2%) and complications (19.6%) were the least mentioned subheadings. The number of followers showed a correlation with video content quality.

Conclusion

Although the video quality scores were found to be moderate, the content often focused on surgery and evaluation subheadings. The prevalence of incomplete information underscores the importance of developing strategies to ensure more comprehensive and accurate dissemination of medical knowledge.

Level of Evidence

Level V.
Beyond the Microscale: Advances in Surface Nanopatterning by Laser‐Driven Self‐Organization
Authors: Nakhoul Anthony , Colombier Jean‐Philippe
Published: March 2024

Designing complex local properties that seamlessly integrate efficient functions into processed materials presents a formidable challenge. A promising solution has emerged in the form of ultrafast laser‐surface structuring. Through time‐controlled polarization ultrafast irradiation at the picosecond timescale, spontaneous self‐organization of surfaces can be induced. The thermal gradient length scale unfolds on the micro‐ and nanoscale, instigating thermoconvection that leads to structured surfaces upon quenching. Convective instabilities dynamically shape intricate yet self‐regulated periodic relief structures. The ability to achieve laser‐induced self‐organization in both surface dimensions holds immense scientific importance, as it unlocks the potential to create uniform periodic 2D patterns by harnessing the inherent regulation of nonlinear dynamics processes in fluids. This comprehensive review explores recent advances in understanding and leveraging ultrafast laser‐induced self‐organization for precise patterning across versatile scales and applications. The insights herein hold the potential to drive significant advancements in nanoscale manufacturing through 2D laser‐induced periodic surface structures.
Comparison of antimicrobial properties of inorganic peroxide polymer composites
Authors: Job Dario , Matta Justin , Dang Cat‐Thy , Raphael Yara , Vorstenbosch Joshua , Helli Bentolhoda , Merle Geraldine , Barralet Jake
Published: March 2024

Wound healing and prevention of bacterial infections are critical aspects of modern medical care. In this work, antibacterial films were produced by creating composites of polycaprolactone with inorganic peroxides. Calcium, magnesium, and zinc peroxide were incorporated in a biocompatible polymeric film. Iron oxide, sodium bicarbonate, and calcium phosphate were added to reduce hydrogen peroxide and to maintain pH in a less alkaline range, allowing for optimization of the material's antibacterial efficacy while minimizing cytotoxicity toward human fibroblasts. Experiments with common wound pathogens, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aerugonisa, confirmed significant and prolonged antibacterial effects of peroxide‐doped films. Findings showed that the addition of CaO2 and MgO2 within the film increased cytotoxicity toward human fibroblasts after 48 h (30%–40% decrease compared to control), whereas ZnO2‐based films exhibited a minimal cytotoxicity consistently maintaining over 70% cell viability throughout the course of the experiment. We examined the materials’ sustained release of reactive oxygen species and oxygen, and pH variation correlated with antibacterial activity. Given the unique combination of antibacterial efficacy and mammalian biocompatibility, these peroxides have value as components to sustain hydrogen peroxide release when appropriately compounded to reduce pH variation and avoid excessive hydrogen peroxide levels.
Contribution of MRI for the Early Diagnosis of Parkinsonism in Patients with Diagnostic Uncertainty
Authors: Chougar Lydia , Faucher Alice , Faouzi Johann , Lejeune François‐Xavier , Gama Lobo Gonçalo , Jovanovic Carna , Cormier Florence , Dupont Gwendoline , Vidailhet Marie , Corvol Jean‐Christophe , Colliot Olivier , Lehéricy Stéphane , Grabli David , Degos Bertrand
Published: March 2024

Background

International clinical criteria are the reference for the diagnosis of degenerative parkinsonism in clinical research, but they may lack sensitivity and specificity in the early stages.

Objectives

To determine whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) analysis, through visual reading or machine‐learning approaches, improves diagnostic accuracy compared with clinical diagnosis at an early stage in patients referred for suspected degenerative parkinsonism.

Materials

Patients with initial diagnostic uncertainty between Parkinson's disease (PD), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), and multisystem atrophy (MSA), with brain MRI performed at the initial visit (V1) and available 2‐year follow‐up (V2), were included. We evaluated the accuracy of the diagnosis established based on: (1) the international clinical diagnostic criteria for PD, PSP, and MSA at V1 (“Clin1”); (2) MRI visual reading blinded to the clinical diagnosis (“MRI”); (3) both MRI visual reading and clinical criteria at V1 (“MRI and Clin1”), and (4) a machine‐learning algorithm (“Algorithm”). The gold standard diagnosis was established by expert consensus after a 2‐year follow‐up.

Results

We recruited 113 patients (53 with PD, 31 with PSP, and 29 with MSA). Considering the whole population, compared with clinical criteria at the initial visit (“Clin1”: balanced accuracy, 66.2%), MRI visual reading showed a diagnostic gain of 14.3% (“MRI”: 80.5%; P = 0.01), increasing to 19.2% when combined with the clinical diagnosis at the initial visit (“MRI and Clin1”: 85.4%; P < 0.0001). The algorithm achieved a diagnostic gain of 9.9% (“Algorithm”: 76.1%; P = 0.08).

Conclusion

Our study shows the use of MRI analysis, whether by visual reading or machine‐learning methods, for early differentiation of parkinsonism. © 2024 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Veterans with PTSD may benefit from tDCS plus VR therapy
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: March 2024

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) may augment virtual reality‐guided exposure therapy for veterans with post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to findings published March 6 in JAMA Psychiatry.
On the convergence of series of fractional Hasse derivative bases in Fréchet spaces
Authors: Zayed Mohra , Hassan Gamal , Abdel‐Salam Emad A‐B.
Published: March 2024

This paper introduces a generalization of the Hasse derivative in the sense of the complex conformable derivative. The definition coincides with the classical version of the Hasse derivative of order
. Accordingly, a new base, named complex conformable Hasse derivative bases (CCHDBs), is defined. We investigate the existence of expansions of analytic functions in a series of CCHDBs in Fréchet space on closed and open disks, open regions surrounding closed disks, for all entire functions and at the origin. Moreover, an upper bound for the order and type of the CCHDBs is obtained and proved to be attainable. The
‐property of CCHDBs is also discussed. Our results improve and extend the analog results in the complex analysis related to the classical complex derivative of a base of polynomials (BPs). The obtained results clarify several implications for the CCHDBs of special functions such as Euler, Bernoulli, Chebyshev, Bessel, and Gontcharaff polynomials.
Global existence and exponential decay of the 2D density‐dependent Bénard system with vacuum in bounded domain
Authors: Liu Min , Li Yong
Published: March 2024

In this paper, an initial boundary value problem of the 2D incompressible Bénard system is concerned. The global existence of a unique strong solution is established by the energy method and a key logarithmic interpolation inequality. In particular, the exponential decay rates for the gradients of velocity and temperature field are obtained.
Multiple high‐energy solutions for an elliptic system with critical Hardy–Sobolev nonlinearity
Authors: Ri Maoji , Li Yongkun
Published: March 2024

This paper discusses the existence of multiple high‐energy solutions for a ‐Laplacian system involving critical Hardy‐Sobolev nonlinearity in . Considering that the “double” lack of compactness in the system is caused by the unboundedness of and the presence of the critical Hardy–Sobolev exponent, we demonstrate the version to of Struwe's classical global compactness result for double ‐Laplace operator. In virtue of the quantitative deformation lemma, a barycenter function, and the Brouwer degree theory, the existence of multiple high‐energy solutions is established. The results of this paper extend and complement the recent work.
Long‐Term High‐Fat Diet Consumption Aggravates β‐Amyloid Deposition and Tau Pathology Accompanied by Microglial Activation in an Alzheimer's Disease Model
Authors: Liang Zheng , Gong Xiaokang , Zhao Yang , Zhao Yanna , Yu Jing , Huang Tiantian , Yang Chaoqing , Wu Liangwei , Huang Mengbing , Wang Xiaochuan , Shu Xiji , Bao Jian
Published: March 2024

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevailing form of dementia, with long‐term high‐fat diet (HFD) consumption being a pivotal contributor to AD pathogenesis. As microglial dysfunction is a crucial factor in the AD onset, it becomes imperative to explore the effects of HFD on microglial function and AD pathogenesis. In the present study, 3xTg‐AD model mice at the age of 9‐month are subjected to random allocation, with one group receiving a standard diet (ND) and the other an HFD for 3 months. Subsequently, transcriptomic profiling of microglia unveils that HFD alters fatty acid metabolism and mediates T cell infiltration. Within the hippocampus, microglia exhibit aberrant morphology and lipid accretion in response to the HFD, evidenced by conspicuously enlarged microglial cell bodies and accumulation of lipid droplets. These lipid‐droplet‐accumulating microglia exhibit diminished migratory capacity and compromise plaque consolidation, thereby exacerbating the accumulation of β‐amyloid. Noteworthy, the HFD induces T cell infiltration, thereby aggravating neuroinflammation and Tau phosphorylation. Morris water maze test reveals that HFD‐consuming mice display marked impairment in memory performance. In summary, this study demonstrates that prolonged HFD consumption exacerbates amyloid deposition, tau pathology, and cognitive deficits, which is associated with the accumulation of lipid droplets within microglia.
Celebrating Excellence: Recognizing the 2024 SID Award Winners
Authors: Bhowmik Achin
Published: March 2024

Welcome to another issue of Information Display magazine! This issue recognizes the extraordinary achievements of our peers in the fields of display and imaging technology and business innovation.
Progress in heavy ion cancer therapy at IMP and future development
Authors: Li Qiang , Liu Xinguo , Dai Zhongying , He Pengbo , Ma Yuanyuan , Shen Guosheng , Jin Xiaodong , Ye Fei , Zheng Xiaogang , Zhao Ting , Zhang Hui , Li Zheng , Zou Bingwen , Pu Yuehu , Chen Weiqiang
Published: March 2024

Basic research on heavy ion cancer therapy such as radiobiology, medical physics, and therapeutic technique has been conducted at the Institute of Modern Physics (IMP), Chinese Academy of Sciences since 1995. Based on the achievements acquired in the basic research and the requirements for a heavy ion accelerator for radiotherapy purposes, a dedicated heavy ion therapy facility named Heavy Ion Medical Machine (HIMM) was designed at IMP and constructed in Wuwei, China. The HIMM facility consists of two electron cyclotron resonance ion sources, one cyclotron as the injector and one synchrotron as the main accelerator, and four different treatment rooms equipped with passive or active beam delivery systems, and accelerates carbon ions up to 400 MeV/u. After the performance inspection of HIMM organized by the National Medical Device Inspection Center, preclinical tests like cell and animal radiobiological experiments and dosimetric verification using anthropomorphic phantoms for elucidating the biophysical properties of the carbon ion beams provided by HIMM were carried out. According to the Chinese medical device regulations, a clinical trial in which 46 tumor patients were recruited and two hospitals participated was conducted in the HIMM facility, aiming at evaluating the treatment safety and short‐term efficacy of the medical device. The success of the clinical trial helped the HIMM facility be authorized by the Chinese government as a class III medical device. In this paper, all the aspects mentioned above are introduced and discussed, and implications for future improvements are also given.
Changes in the excitability of anterior horn cells in a mental rotation task of body parts
Authors: Nomura Makoto , Aoyagi Yoichiro , Suzuki Toshiaki
Published: March 2024

Introduction/Aims

Mental rotation (MR), a tool of implicit motor imagery, is the ability to rotate mental representations of two‐ or three‐dimensional objects. Although many reports have described changes in brain activity during MR tasks, it is not clear whether the excitability of anterior horn cells in the spinal cord can be changed. In this study, we examined whether MR tasks of hand images affect the excitability of anterior horn cells using F‐wave analysis.

Methods

Right‐handed, healthy participants were recruited for this study. F‐waves of the right abductor pollicis brevis were recorded after stimulation of the right median nerve at rest, during a non‐MR task, and during an MR task. The F‐wave persistence and the F/M amplitude ratio were calculated and analyzed.

Results

Twenty participants (11 men and 9 women; mean age, 29.2 ± 4.4 years) were initially recruited, and data from the 18 that met the inclusion criteria were analyzed. The F‐wave persistence was significantly higher in the MR task than in the resting condition (p = .001) or the non‐MR task (p = .012). The F/M amplitude ratio was significantly higher in the MR task than in the resting condition (p = .019).

Discussion

The MR task increases the excitability of anterior horn cells corresponding to the same body part. MR tasks may have the potential for improving motor function in patients with reduced excitability of the anterior horn cells, although this methodology must be further verified in a clinical setting.
Multi‐porous extension of anisotropic poroelasticity: Linkage with micromechanics
Authors: Adamus Filip P. , Healy David , Meredith Philip G. , Mitchell Thomas M.
Published: March 2024

We attempt to formalise the relationship between the poroelasticity theory and the effective medium theory of micromechanics. The assumptions of these two approaches vary, but both can be linked by considering the undrained response of a material; and that is the main focus of the paper. To analyse the linkage between poroelasticity and micromechanics, we do not limit ourselves to the original theory of Biot. Instead, we consider a multi‐porous extension of anisotropic poroelasticity, where pore fluid pressure may vary within the bulk medium of interest. As a consequence, any inhomogeneities in the material are not necessarily interconnected; instead, they may form isolated pore sets that are described by different poroelastic parameters and fluid pressures. We attempt to incorporate the effective methods inside Biot‐like theory and investigate the poroelastic response of various microstructures. We show the cases where such implementation is valid and the others that appear to be questionable. During micromechanical analysis, we derive a particular case of cylindrical transverse isotropy—commonly assumed in conventional laboratory triaxial tests—where the symmetry is induced by sets of aligned cracks.
Pt‐Fe loaded nanostructured silicon and improvement of the magnetic performance
Authors: Granitzer Petra , Rumpf Klemens , Gonzalez‐Rodriguez Roberto , Coffer Jeffery L.
Published: March 2024

This work reports the pore‐filling of porous silicon (PSi) and the loading of silicon nanotubes (SiNTs) with Pt‐Fe nanoparticles (NPs) and the corresponding different magnetic behavior of the two composite systems. The fabrication of magnetic hard/soft nanostructures is in demand for the purpose of achieving both a high energy product as well as the replacement of rare earth permanent magnets. Pt‐Fe templated by PSi shows a higher coercivity and remanence than SiNTs/Pt‐Fe and thus a higher hard magnetic performance, the difference between coercivities being about 57%. Considering that the Pt‐Fe deposits employ different molar ratios of Pt to Fe the coercivities vary in a range of 5% in the case of both template types. Comparing Pt‐Fe loaded samples with Co‐loaded samples in all cases, an increase of the coercivity and the remanence is observed for Pt‐Fe, whereas in the case of PSi as template material the increase is significantly stronger (about twice as much) than in the case of SiNTs samples. Furthermore, the samples are investigated at high temperatures up to 950 K to determine the Curie temperature of the systems.
Developing a conceptual model for understanding caregiving experience and their impacts on quality of life for Chinese breast cancer family caregivers: A qualitative study
Authors: Gao Chaoyue , Li Min , Guo Linfang , Duan Haoran , Zhang Peili , Ding Yongxia
Published: March 2024

Aim

The purpose of this study was to understand the caregiving experiences of breast cancer family caregivers and explore the profound impacts of those experiences on their quality of life.

Design

A qualitative research method was used.

Methods

We extended invitations to 23 family caregivers of outpatients and inpatients receiving breast surgery and oncology treatments in Taiyuan, China, to participate in semi‐structured interviews. The interviews were audio‐recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was employed to analyse the interview data.

Results

Four themes and associated categories were identified: (1) changes in family dynamics, (2) the socio‐medical context, (3) interactions between family and society, (4) self‐efficacy and nine subthemes and their related categories, where virtually all participants expressed future uncertainty, emotional contagion, and personal challenges, and self‐efficacy had a moderating influence on the first three themes.

Patient or Public Contribution

This study did not involve direct participation of patients or the public. However, their experiences and perspectives on caregiving were indirectly reflected through the insights provided by the family caregivers who participated in the interviews. Their valuable input contributed to a deeper understanding of the caregiving experience and its impact on the quality of life for Chinese breast cancer family caregivers.
Unconditional optimal first‐order error estimates of a full pressure segregation scheme for the magnetohydrodynamics equations
Authors: Yang Yun‐Bo , Jiang Yao‐Lin
Published: March 2024

In this article, a first‐order linear fully discrete pressure segregation scheme is studied for the time‐dependent incompressible magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) equations in three‐dimensional bounded domain. Based on an incremental pressure projection method, this scheme allows us to decouple the MHD system into two sub‐problems at each time step, one is the velocity‐magnetic field system, the other is the pressure system. Firstly, a coupled linear elliptic system is solved for the velocity and the magnetic field. Next, a Poisson‐Neumann problem is treated for the pressure. We analyze the temporal error and the spatial error, respectively, and derive the temporal‐spatial error estimates of for the velocity and the magnetic field in the discrete space and for the pressure in the discrete space without imposing constraints on the mesh width and the time step size . Finally, some numerical results are presented to confirm the theoretical predictions and demonstrate the efficiency of the method.
A balanced crew: Why discussions about foundations' governance and leadership must not forget about the non‐profits
Authors: Adams Katy
Published: March 2024

This response to Ahmad and von Schnurbein's article argues that strategies for strengthening grant‐making foundations can be expanded through an examination of the relationship between foundations and non‐profits, in particular the power balance between them. It offers a preliminary discussion of the consequences of an imbalance of power for both foundation and non‐profit and the related role of communication both between them and within the organisations. It subsequently focusses on the need for more support for balanced relationships between foundations and non‐profits from the leadership of foundations and the wider sector.
ChatGPT for Automated Cross‐Checking of Authors' Conflicts of Interest Against Industry Payments
Authors: Safranek Conrad , Liu Christina , Richmond Rhys , Boyi Trinithas , Rimmer Ryan , Manes R. Peter
Published: March 2024

Objective

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services “OpenPayments” database tracks industry payments to US physicians to improve research conflicts of interest (COIs) transparency, but manual cross‐checking of articles' authors against this database is labor‐intensive. This study aims to assess the potential of large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT to automate COI data analysis in medical publications.

Study Design

An observational study analyzing the accuracy of ChatGPT in automating the cross‐checking of COI disclosures in medical research articles against the OpenPayments database.

Setting

Publications regarding Food and Drug Administration‐approved biologics for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis: omalizumab, mepolizumab, and dupilumab.

Methods

First, ChatGPT evaluated author affiliations from PubMed to identify those based in the United States. Second, for author names matching 1 or multiple payment recipients in OpenPayments, ChatGPT undertook a comparative analysis between author affiliation and OpenPayments recipient metadata. Third, ChatGPT scrutinized full article COI statements, producing an intricate matrix of disclosures for each author against each relevant company (Sanofi, Regeneron, Genentech, Novartis, and GlaxoSmithKline). A random subset of responses was manually checked for accuracy.

Results

In total, 78 relevant articles and 294 unique US authors were included, leading to 980 LLM queries. Manual verification showed accuracies of 100% (200/200; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 98.1%‐100%) for country analysis, 97.4% (113/116; 95% CI: 92.7%‐99.1%) for matching author affiliations with OpenPayments metadata, and 99.2% (1091/1100; 95% CI: 98.5%‐99.6%) for COI statement data extraction.

Conclusion

LLMs have robust potential to automate author‐company‐specific COI cross‐checking against the OpenPayments database. Our findings pave the way for streamlined, efficient, and accurate COI assessment that could be widely employed across medical research.
Pediatric Robotic Laryngeal Cleft Repair
Authors: Worden Cameron P. , Prince Andrew C. , Kirse Samuel N. , Rutter Christopher , Hackman Trevor G. , Yarbrough Wendell G. , Zanation Adam M. , Zdanski Carlton J.
Published: March 2024

Objective

Compare surgical and swallow outcomes in robotic versus traditional laryngeal cleft (LC) repairs.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary care pediatric hospital.

Methods

Pediatric patients who underwent robotic or traditional (open or endoscopic) LC repair between 2010 and 2021 were identified. Patient characteristics, operative times, adverse events, hospital length of stay (LOS), and modified barium swallow study (MBSS) results were compared.

Results

Eighteen robotic and thirty traditional LC repairs were identified. Mean surgical (149 vs 111 min, P < .05) and OR times (207 vs 139 min, P < .002) were increased for robotic type I LC repairs, but were similar for type II and III LC. Mean hospital LOS was increased for robotic type I LC repairs (2.6 vs 1.2 days, P < .006), but was decreased for type II (4 vs 12.2 days) and type III (4.3 vs 94.5 days) LC. Postoperative MBSS results were improved for robotic type I LC repairs at 12 months (82% vs 43%, P = .05), and trended toward improvement at 6 months for type II (75% vs 22%), and type III (67% vs 50%) LC repairs, although significance was limited for type II and III LC due to the number of subjects. A robotic approach was used successfully to revise all recurrent LC that failed traditional repairs.

Conclusion

Robotic type 1 LC repairs demonstrated increased operative times and hospital LOS but improved postoperative swallow outcomes compared to traditional approaches may be particularly useful in cases of recurrent clefts.
Modern Cybersecurity Software Helps Utilities Avoid Cyberattacks
Authors: Koshko Kevin
Published: March 2024

For small public water systems, vulnerability to cyberattacks is a serious concern. This is especially true for systems operating on a low budget for upgrading outdated information technology equipment and cybersecurity plans.
Tsunamis Threaten Water and Wastewater Utilities in the Pacific Northwest
Authors: Allgeyer Anna , Goldbloom‐Helzner David
Published: March 2024

A tsunami isn’t the first natural disaster you’d expect to threaten the Pacific Northwest, but water and wastewater utilities in this region of the United States should take steps to prepare for the possibility.
Infant safe havens
Authors: Bullinger Lindsey Rose
Published: March 2024

I estimate whether the ability to anonymously surrender an infant to a safe haven site such as a hospital, police station, or fire station in the United States affects child well‐being. By analyzing variation in state safe haven policies, I find safe haven laws significantly increase infant foster care entrance. I further find suggestive evidence of safe havens reducing infant deaths. The mortality effects are immediate but subside over time, implying infants have been relinquished when their alternative was not death from abuse or abandonment. Robustness checks and falsification tests support these findings.
The relationship between cumulative risk and health‐related quality of life in youth with sickle cell disease: Moderating effects of secondary control engagement coping
Authors: Belkin Elise M. , Koskela‐Staples Natalie , Turner Elise , Black L. Vandy , Fedele David A.
Published: March 2024

Background

Youth with sickle cell disease (SCD) often experience low health‐related quality of life (HRQOL). Engagement in resilience‐promoting processes, such as secondary control engagement (SCE) coping, or adapting to stressors, may be linked to contextual risk factors (e.g., poverty status). This study aims to illuminate relationships between a cumulative risk index (CRI), SCE coping, and HRQOL in youth with SCD and test whether SCE coping moderates the relationship between CRI and HRQOL.

Procedure

Participants in this cross‐sectional study included 63 youth ages 8–18 with SCD. Participants completed measures to assess SCE coping use (Responses to Stress Questionnaire) and HRQOL (PedsQL SCD Module). Six variables from the electronic medical record were compiled in a CRI. Correlational and regression analyses examined relationships between primary variables and moderating effects of SCE coping, respectively.

Results

Model results show that SCE coping and CRI explain variation in HRQOL (p = .001), and a significant interaction exists between SCE and CRI (β = −.29, p = .02), with a stronger inverse relationship between CRI and HRQOL for higher SCE values. This suggests that lower CRI is associated with greater HRQOL for those with higher SCE coping relative to lower SCE coping.

Conclusions

SCE coping may selectively benefit children with SCD experiencing lower cumulative risk, warranting encouragement of this strategy in clinical settings. Findings do not support SCE coping benefits for youth with higher risk, suggesting that the strategy may not be useful when risk‐related stressors are especially pervasive; alternative protective factors should be identified for this risk group.
Investigation of the effect of thermal aging and wear test parameters on the wear behavior of glass fiber (GF) reinforced epoxy composites
Authors: Sahin Alp Eren , Yarar Eser , Bora Mustafa Ozgur , Yilmaz Taner
Published: March 2024

This study focused on the wear behavior of unidirectional, thick GF epoxy composites produced using the autoclave method. The thermal aging process was applied for 250 and 500 cycles to understand the wear behavior of the material as it ages over time. To evaluate the wear behavior of the samples, wear tests were carried out under three different loads (10, 20, and 30 N) and three different sliding distances (150, 300, and 450 m). Taguchi‐based regression analysis was used to analyze the experimental results. The results obtained were evaluated using ANOVA tables and main and contour graphs. When the test results are examined, it is surprisingly observed that the wear resistance of the composite material increases positively with the aging effect. With thermally aging while the coefficient of friction value of composite samples increases from approximately 0.12 to 0.3, the wear volume decreases from approximately 4 to 1.3 mm3. Taguchi based regression analysis showed that the relationship between wear and thermal cycle sliding distance and load can be established by reducing the number of experiments in wear studies.

Highlights

Thermal aging effect on wear properties of thick GFRP was determined.

Minimum wear volume and COF values were determined by applying ANOVA.

It was determined that a load increment has the most impact on wear volume.

Worn surface images supported the reduction in the wear rates of the thick GFRP.

Empirical regression models developed for the mathematical prediction.
Improvement of mechanical and thermal expansion properties of pectinase treatment plant fiber reinforced starch/PBAT composites
Authors: Yang Xingxing , Wang Min , Li Yongmei , Wang Wei , Liu Yuang
Published: March 2024

This study discussed the impact of pectinase treatment on the properties of starch/PBAT composite, using two types of plant fibers such as coconut coir and bamboo fibers. The fibers underwent pretreatment with pectinase assisted by ultrasonics, and the composite was subsequently produced through hot pressing. The research focused on evaluating the thermal properties, mechanical properties, moisture absorption properties, and microstructure of the resulting composites. The findings revealed that the inclusion of pectinase‐treated plant fibers significantly enhanced the composite's strength. In particular, the bending strength of the composite with 15 wt% bamboo fibers exhibited the highest improvement, registering a 65% increase compared to the composite without added fibers. Additionally, the linear expansion coefficient of the plant fiber composite treated with pectinase was notably lower than that without added fibers. Among these, the linear expansion coefficient of the 15 wt% coir fiber composite decreased by 73.4% in the temperature range of 40–80°C compared to the composite without added fibers. The observed effects were attributed to the pectinase treatment, which proved effective in disrupting the network structure of cell walls, eliminating pectin components from fibers, and facilitating enhanced interaction between the fillers and the polymer matrix.

Highlights

The inclusion of fibers significantly enhanced the composite's strength.

10 wt% of bamboo fibers had a greater impact on the composite's strength than coir fiber.

The linear expansion coefficient of the plant fiber composite decreased.

The composite with 5 wt% bamboo fiber demonstrated excellent moisture resistance.

The pectinase treatment enhanced interaction between fillers and matrix.
Investigation of the geometric parameters on the performance of glass fiber reinforced polymer laminated mechanical joints under fatigue loading
Authors: Gupta Akash , Singh Manjeet , Saini J. S.
Published: March 2024

The present work optimizes the geometric parameters of glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) laminated pin joints under fatigue loading conditions using response surface methodology (RSM). RSM is utilized to construct polynomial functions that optimally capture the behavior of experimental data, intending to make statistical inferences. Key geometric parameters, that is the edge and width dimensions were studied in pursuit of enhanced performance under fatigue loading of pin joints. The study aimed to validate the effectiveness of the optimized parameters, particularly for attaining load‐bearing capacity, fatigue life, and failure mode using numerical and experimental approaches. Optimal configurations were achieved, that is edge and width equal to 16 mm at which the failure mode shifts to bearing mode. Another configuration with an edge of 20 mm and a width of 22 mm was achieved for optimized fatigue life. These findings underscore the practical implications of the optimization process, with the potential for substantial gains in fatigue life and strength of GFRP laminated pin joints in engineering applications. The identified optimal configurations exhibited a non‐catastrophic bearing failure mode, emphasizing a crucial characteristic that provides prior‐warning before the occurrence of final failure. The experimental results align well with the numerical outcomes regarding fatigue life and the mode of failure.

Highlights

Parametric optimization of GFRP pin joint under cyclic loading.

Optimization of GFRP pin joints via RSM for cyclic loading.

Validation through numerical and experimental approaches.

Comparison of fatigue life at optimum design points.

Depiction of the failure modes using damage pattern under fatigue loading.
Systematic qualitative analysis of terpenes in mastic (Pistacia lentiscus L.) extract and their fragmentations by UHPLC‐Q‐Orbitrap‐HRMS
Authors: Kahaer Gulimire , Abdulla Rahima , Wu Tao , Aisa Haji Akber
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Mastic is a natural resin produced by Pistacia lentiscus L. (Anacardiaceae). The beneficial properties of this resin are attributed to its triterpenes and volatile compounds.

Objective

This study was conducted to screen and characterize the terpenes in mastic ethyl acetate extract (M‐Ex).

Methods

An ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole Orbitrap high‐resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐Q‐Orbitrap‐HRMS) method was developed for the qualitative analysis of terpenes in M‐Ex. We utilized in‐house‐isolated compounds as reference substance (Rs), including monoterpenes (A) with α‐pinane structures, tetracyclic triterpene (B) containing tirucallane skeletons, and pentacyclic triterpene (C) belonging to olean, moronic, amyrone, and lupane types. Based on the mass spectrometric characteristics of the above compounds, and the difference in characteristic diagnostic fragment ions (DFIs) in isomeric compounds, the terpene compounds were further identified in M‐Ex.

Results

Out of a total of 70 compounds, including monoterpenes and tetra‐, and pentacyclic triterpenes, 20 were accurately determined by Rs, retention time (RT), and DFIs.

Based on the cleavage patterns summarized from the above 20 compounds and with reference to the reported literature, another 50 compounds were putatively identified. Based on our discovery, six terpenic acids with A‐seco‐tirucallane types and one monoterpene dimer were identified for the first time in mastic.

Conclusion

Our research serves not only as a foundation for the rapid identification and screening of terpene compounds in mastic but also as a supplementary basis for the identification of such compounds in other types of resins.
Preparation and adsorption behavior investigation of polypropylene/organically modified saponite nanocomposites fiber membrane with strong oil‐adsorption
Authors: Luo Qiang , Li Fei , Zhen Weijun , Ge Qing , Zhou Yushen , Ma Chunmei , Sun Pengtao , Xu Jianbo , Chen Buning
Published: March 2024

To improve the adsorption and reusability of polypropylene (PP) fiber membranes, the organically modified saponite (Sap@P(St‐co‐MMA)) was prepared by solution polymerization. Furthermore, PP‐based nanocomposite fiber membranes with strong oil adsorption, thermal stability, and reusability were prepared via melt‐blown technology. The increased specific surface area of PP‐based nanocomposite fiber membranes (PP‐1.5%) provided more active sites for the oil adsorption. Simultaneous rheology and Fourier transform infrared measurements tests showed that Sap@P(St‐co‐MMA) enhanced the crystallinity of PP matrix, promoted the regular arrangement of molecules, and improved the intermolecular interaction force, which was beneficial for the oil adsorption. The adsorption of PP‐1.5% (1.5 wt% addition of Sap@P(St‐co‐MMA)) fiber membrane for xylene and kerosene reached a maximum of 15.84 and 22.84 g g−1, respectively. In the treatment of coal tar wastewater, the removal rate of oil can reach 62.9%, and the removal rate can still reach 51.17% after five cycles of experiments. In summary, PP‐1.5% fiber membrane does not produce secondary pollution to the environment, and is a kind of oil removal material with good application prospect.

Highlights

PP‐based nanocomposites fiber membrane with strong oil adsorption was prepared.

Organically modified saponite had strong heterogenous nucleation for PP matrix.

Sap@P(St‐co‐MMA) increased the specific surface area of PP‐based fiber membrane.
Characterization of diverse lysine acylations in Bacillus thuringiensis: Substrate profiling and functional exploration
Authors: Liu Tianxian , Zhang Mingya , Fan Yameng , Zhao Lei , Huang Dan , Zhao Liuchang , Tan Minjia , Ye Bang‐Ce , Xu Jun‐Yu
Published: March 2024

Lysine acylation has been extensively investigated due to its regulatory role in a diverse range of biological functions across prokaryotic and eukaryotic species. In‐depth acylomic profiles have the potential to enhance comprehension of the biological implications of organisms. However, the extent of research on global acylation profiles in microorganisms is limited. Here, four lysine acylomes were conducted in Bacillus thuringiensis by using the LC‐MS/MS based proteomics combined with antibody‐enrichment strategies, and a total of 3438 acetylated sites, 5797 propionylated sites, 1705 succinylated sites, and 925 malonylated sites were identified. The motif analysis of these modified proteins revealed a high conservation of glutamate in acetylation and propionylation, whereas such conservation was not observed in succinylation and malonylation modifications. Besides, conservation analysis showed that homologous acylated proteins in Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli were connected with ribosome and aminoacyl‐tRNA biosynthesis. Further biological experiments showed that lysine acylation lowered the RNA binding ability of CodY and impaired the in vivo protein activity of MetK. In conclusion, our study expanded the current understanding of the global acylation in Bacillus, and the comparative analysis demonstrated that shared acylation proteins could play important roles in regulating both metabolism and RNA transcription progression.
On the use of tandem mass spectra acquired from samples of evolutionarily distant organisms to validate methods for false discovery rate estimation
Authors: Madej Dominik , Lam Henry
Published: March 2024

Estimating the false discovery rate (FDR) of peptide identifications is a key step in proteomics data analysis, and many methods have been proposed for this purpose. Recently, an entrapment‐inspired protocol to validate methods for FDR estimation appeared in articles showcasing new spectral library search tools. That validation approach involves generating incorrect spectral matches by searching spectra from evolutionarily distant organisms (entrapment queries) against the original target search space. Although this approach may appear similar to the solutions using entrapment databases, it represents a distinct conceptual framework whose correctness has not been verified yet. In this viewpoint, we first discussed the background of the entrapment‐based validation protocols and then conducted a few simple computational experiments to verify the assumptions behind them. The results reveal that entrapment databases may, in some implementations, be a reasonable choice for validation, while the assumptions underpinning validation protocols based on entrapment queries are likely to be violated in practice. This article also highlights the need for well‐designed frameworks for validating FDR estimation methods in proteomics.
Development of a laser‐assisted fused deposition modeling process for improvement in bond tensile strength of ABS
Authors: Biswal Hrudaya J. , Metcalf Marshall , Stefanescu Cristina , Lucon Peter
Published: March 2024

Fused deposition modeling (FDM), an advanced 3D printing method, is a rapidly growing technology for realizing geometrically complex parts. FDM utilizes a thermoplastic feedstock that is heated and extruded through a nozzle to build up layers of material following toolpaths prescribed by three‐dimensional (3D) data. However, the rapid thermal cycles that the material undergoes during this process limit the formation, growth, and entanglement of the molecular chains in the material. Herein, we have proposed a novel laser‐assisted fused deposition modeling (LAFDM) process for the improvement in printed part properties such as bond width and tensile strength. The LAFDM system was developed consisting of an infrared laser, coupled with an industrial FDM printer. Using an adapted tensile testing method, the bond strength between deposited layers of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) in 3D‐printed structures was assessed. Thermogravimetric analysis was used to monitor the thermal stability of the polymer to detect alterations to the chemical composition of the material as a result of the processing conditions. A 9.5% increase in the average bond tensile strength for the LAFDM‐printed specimen was observed compared to that of the non‐laser‐assisted FDM‐printed specimen. The improvement to the bond strengths was achieved without compromising the thermal stability of the polymer.
Pancreatitis in cystic fibrosis: Presentation, medical and surgical management, and the impact of modulator therapies
Authors: Milano Reza V. , Morneault‐Gill Kayla , Kamal Hebat Y. , Barkin Jodie A. , Chadwick Christina Baldwin
Published: March 2024

Patients with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) are at increased risk of acute (AP) and chronic (CP) pancreatitis, and their complications. The extent of remaining healthy pancreatic parenchyma determines the risk of developing future episodes of pancreatitis, as well as pancreatic exocrine or endocrine insufficiency. Pancreatitis may be the presenting symptom of CF, and genetic testing is especially important in pediatrics. AP and recurrent AP are managed with intravenous fluid hydration and pain control, in addition to early refeeding and treatment of complications. With the use of modulator therapy in CF, pancreatic function may be restored to some extent. CP related pain is managed with analgesics and neuromodulators, with surgery if indicated in specific situations including TPIAT as a possible type of surgical intervention. Long‐term sequelae of CP in patients with CF include exocrine pancreatic insufficiency treated with pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, fat‐soluble vitamin deficiencies and associated metabolic complications such as bone disease/osteoporosis, pancreatogenic diabetes, and less commonly, pancreatic cancer. We review the presentation and etiologies of pancreatitis in CF patients as well as the management of AP and CP primarily in children.