bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biomass‐Derived Porous Carbon as an Enzyme Mimic for Colorimetric Detection of Ascorbic Acid
Authors: Shi Yunxia , Ma Sumei , Yan Wei , Kong Xia , Tian Xiuxiu , Liang Shuxin , Lu Guang , Yang Jing , Liu Qingyun
Published: March 2023

Powder porous carbon (PPC) has been fabricated by using corncob, a by‐product of corn production, through a simple calcination process. The relevant carbon material retains an intrinsic porous structure and has a large specific surface area of 577.15 m2/g. The oxidase‐like and peroxidase‐like activities of porous carbon based on corncob are explored in the pH range of 2.0‐8.0, and temperature between 15 and 60 °C, and are optimal at physiological temperature. According to fluorescence and scavenger measurements, the catalytic mechanism of porous carbon with semi‐graphitized structure is from the active species including ⋅OH radicals and ⋅O2 radicals. Taking advantages of catalytic performance, a colorimetric biosensor is designed for the determination of AA with a linear range of 8 to 90 μM and a limit of detection (LOD) of 2.65 μM (S/N=3). The result proves a sustainable and environment friendly route to establish a biosensing system with porous carbon as high‐performance peroxidase mimetic.
Contour angle and peri‐implant tissue height: Two interrelated features of the implant supracrestal complex
Authors: Puisys Algirdas , Janda Martin , Auzbikaviciute Viktorija , Gallucci German O. , Mattheos Nikos
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Recent research has suggested the contour of the prosthesis and the vertical height of the peri‐implant mucosa as important parameters that can influence the long term health and stability of the peri‐implant tissue. In particular, overcontouring of the prosthesis has been correlated with an increased risk for peri‐implantitis, while reduced soft tissue height has been associated with marginal bone loss, recession, and other soft tissue complications. Although these two parameters have been investigated as independent in the current literature, clinical experience points toward a close interrelation between transmucosal tissue height and prosthesis contour angle. It is often found that a reduced vertical height of the implant supracrestal complex is the main reason for overcontouring of the prosthesis. At the same time, achieving a favorable contour of 30o or less is not possible unless the clinician has ensured an adequate vertical height of the soft tissue. The purpose of this short communication is to establish the relation between tissue vertical height and prosthesis contour by utilizing a theoretical geometry equation based on the Pythagorean theorem. In doing so, one can use the dimensions of the implant as well as those of the prosthesis at the mucosal margin to calculate the essential vertical height for achieving a favorable prosthesis contour.

Conclusions

As the treatment plan of the implant supracrestal complex is “top‐down,” in case of deficient vertical height, subcrestal placement of the implant should be considered to achieve a proper prosthesis contour.
Roughness‐Dependent Electro‐Reductive Coupling of Nitrobenzenes and Aldehydes on Copper Electrodes
Authors: Zheng Yinjian , Wang Zhiyuan , Chen Peng , Zhang Wenbiao , Gao Qingsheng
Published: March 2023

The electro‐reductive coupling of nitro and carbonyl compounds enables a facile, environmentally friendly and energy benign transformation toward value‐added nitrones or imines, but the selectivity is still challenging. Here, the surface roughness of Cu electrodes is introduced for the first time as the determinant to switch products from nitrones to imines owing to the controllable reduction of nitroarenes to hydroxylamines or amines on tailored CuI/Cu0 interfaces. The roughness‐dependent selectivity, that is the decrease of nitrones and the increase of imines with enhanced roughness, is visible in the electro‐reductive coupling of nitrobenzene and furfural. Thus, the high selectivity of nitrone (98 %) and imine (80 %) can be achieved on a surface smooth Cu foil and the one electrochemically roughened in the presence of I−, respectively. Such roughness‐dependence of nitrone/imine selectivity on Cu electrodes is further verified in a wide substrate scope, highlighting the promise of surface/interfacial engineering for electrochemical synthesis.
Combination of chemotherapy and gaseous signaling molecular therapy: Novel β‐elemene nitric oxide donor derivatives against leukemia
Authors: Zhu Junlong , Jiang Xiaoying , Luo Xinyu , Zhao Rui , Li Junjie , Cai Hong , Ye Xiang‐Yang , Bai Renren , Xie Tian
Published: March 2023

This study aimed to design and synthesize active hybrids of β‐elemene and nitric oxide (NO) donor pharmacophore as potential agents for treating leukemia. Derivatives reported herein exerted better inhibitory effects against human chronic myeloid leukemia K562 cells compared to β‐elemene (IC50 > 100 μM). The most potent compound 18f showed an IC50 value of 0.53 μM against K562 cells, as well as a high NO release level in vitro. In the K562 xenograft tumor mice model, compound 18f effectively inhibited the growth of the tumor, with a significant inhibition rate of 73.18%. After treatment with compound 18f, the body weight of mice did not decrease, indicating that it possessed good safety profile. All these proved that compound 18f was an excellent potential agent against leukemia.
COVID‐19 and early puberty—An unintended consequence of COVID‐19 lockdown?
Authors: Sheikh Ayesha , Owais Rabia , Ali Eman , Shaikh Asim
Published: March 2023

The novel coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2) causes the disease COVID‐19, also termed as acute atypical pneumonia leading to respiratory failure. Children were more likely to spend time at home due to the lockdown mandated by governments as a preventive measure, which led to alterations in dietary habits and sleeping patterns which could have had a substantial influence on their sexual development, including but not limited to faster onset of puberty. Existing data suggested a plausible relationship between COVID‐19 and early puberty. Obesity, physical activity, mental health, and birth weight are major risk factors that have further contributed to the early onset of puberty. In order to address such health crises affecting children, comprehensive solutions are urgently required. As COVID‐19 continues to have multiple unpredictable health consequences, spreading awareness regarding this specific problem is of paramount importance.
Cognitive rigidity and restrictive eating disorders: Delineating the impact of low weight, low fat, weight suppression, acute negative energy balance, and chronic restriction
Authors: Rodgers Rachel F. , Smith Kathryn , Murray Stuart B.
Published: March 2023

Restrictive eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa (AN) are characterized by extremely rigid cognitive and behavioral patterns, understood to underpin the chronic nature of these disorders. Interrogating the mechanisms contributing to and maintaining the rigid cognitive styles and limited behavioral repertoires, particularly in terms of restrictive eating and excessive exercise is of critical importance. Dietary restriction is overall understood to underpin this rigidity to a large extent, however, to date little is understood regarding the relative contributions of different aspects of restriction including low body weight, low fat mass, weight suppression, acute negative energy balance, and chronic restriction. Clarifying the respective roles of these different factors would be useful for both the better targeting intervention efforts in AN. Extending research to other disorders such as muscle dysmorphia, avoidant restrictive food intake disorders, or atypical AN, that may present similar features to AN but differ from it on other critical dimensions, may offer unique opportunities to identify clinical elements specific to these cognitive patterns. Doing so may inform interventions and pave the way towards more effective treatment approaches.
Reducing bias in experimental ecology through directed acyclic graphs
Authors: Arif Suchinta , Massey Melanie Duc Bo
Published: March 2023

Ecologists often rely on randomized control trials (RCTs) to quantify causal relationships in nature. Many of our foundational insights of ecological phenomena can be traced back to well‐designed experiments, and RCTs continue to provide valuable insights today. Although RCTs are often regarded as the “gold standard” for causal inference, it is important to recognize that they too rely on a set of causal assumptions that must be justified and met by the researcher to draw valid causal conclusions. We use key ecological examples to show how biases such as confounding, overcontrol, and collider bias can occur in experimental setups. In tandem, we highlight how such biases can be removed through the application of the structural causal model (SCM) framework. The SCM framework visualizes the causal structure of a system or process under study using directed acyclic graphs (DAGs) and subsequently applies a set of graphical rules to remove bias from both observational and experimental data. We show how DAGs can be applied across ecological experimental studies to ensure proper study design and statistical analysis, leading to more accurate causal estimates drawn from experimental data. Although causal conclusions drawn from RCTs are often taken at face value, ecologists are increasingly becoming aware that experimental approaches must be carefully designed and analyzed to avoid potential biases. By applying DAGs as a visual and conceptual tool, experimental ecologists can increasingly meet the causal assumptions required for valid causal inference.
Cross‐depth connectivity shows that deep kelps may act as refugia by reseeding climate‐vulnerable shallow beds
Authors: Giraldo Ospina Anita , Ruiz‐Montoya Leonardo , Kendrick Gary A. , Hovey Renae K.
Published: March 2023

Refugia are habitats where species can survive or retreat to during environmental disturbances. One key assumption of habitats that constitute refugia is that they may assist in the persistence of impacted populations through the provision of reproductive propagules. This “reseeding” hypothesis assumes that demographic connectivity exists between refugia and impacted habitats. We tested this hypothesis for the kelp Ecklonia radiata, a temperate marine foundation species dominant in the temperate coast of Australia. Our study site was the coast of Western Australia, a system where deep habitats are considered to act as refugia for their shallow counterparts, yet, for which estimations of population connectivity have overlooked propagule dispersal across depth. Here, we simulated the dominant ocean circulation conditions in a three‐dimensional oceanographic model and the dispersal of kelp propagules by incorporating physical properties of zoospores within the model. The trajectories of kelp propagules were tracked and analyzed to identify their probability of settlement within the domain of the study. Measurements of kelp fecundity across depth were obtained within the study region, and used to estimate zoospore settlement densities. Here, we show that deep populations of E. radiata have the capacity to supply zoospores to shallow reefs. Our results show that zoospores released at deeper beds (40 m of depth) are transported to shallow reefs (<20 m of depth) and that settlement densities are sufficient to drive kelp fertilization. Analysis of particle exchange among depths also indicates that mid‐depth reefs (~25 m of depth) act as important “stepping stones” for cross‐depth connectivity, enhancing dispersal between the shallowest and deepest locations, which is especially important when reefs of different depths are separated by tens of kilometers. We show that after an environmental disturbance, persistent deep kelps may act as refugia by sourcing propagules and reseeding impacted shallow reefs, provided that environmental conditions are adequate for kelp recruitment and growth. This study demonstrates that through propagule exchange, populations of habitat‐building species living in areas undamaged by biophysical disturbances may reseed their impacted counterparts, aid their recovery if conditions are adequate for regrowth, and ensure their persistence.
Substrate‐Controlled Hydrogenation of Flavanones: Selective Synthesis of 2′‐Hydroxy‐1,3‐Diarylpropanes and Flavans
Authors: Soto Martín , Pérez‐Ramos Paula , Soengas Raquel G. , Rodríguez‐Solla Humberto
Published: March 2023

A new substrate‐controlled hydrogenation of flavanones to selectively obtain different hydrogenation products is herein reported. Thus, hydrogenation of flavanones bearing different electron‐donating and electron withdrawing substituents (Cl, Br, Me, OMe, OH) provided the corresponding 1,3‐diarylpropanes in excellent yields. This procedure offers a straightforward, simple, and cost‐effective method for the preparation of glycosylated 2′‐hydroxy‐1,3‐diarylpropanes derived from natural flavanones such as Naringin and Hesperedin. On the contrary, when the hydrogenation was performed over fluorinated flavanones, the corresponding flavans were selectively obtained in excellent yields.
Ultrasound‐guided percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation versus surgery for women with unilateral carpal tunnel syndrome: A randomized parallel‐group trial
Authors: Fernández‐de‐las‐Peñas César , Ortega‐Santiago Ricardo , De‐la‐Llave‐Rincón Ana I. , Cleland Joshua A. , Pareja Juan A. , Fahandezh‐Saddi‐Díaz Homid , Arias‐Buría José L.
Published: March 2023

Objective

The aim of this clinical trial was to compare the outcomes of the application of ultrasound‐guided percutaneous nerve stimulation (PENS) targeting the median nerve versus surgery for improving pain and function in women with CTS.

Methods

In this randomized parallel‐group trial (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04246216), 70 women with CTS were randomly allocated to either PENS (n = 35) or surgery (n = 35) group. Hand pain intensity (mean pain and the worst pain experienced) was the primary outcome. Functional status and symptoms severity (Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire, BCTQ) and self‐perceived improvement (Global Rating of Change, GROC) were the secondary outcomes. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after each intervention. Analysis was performed with intention to treat with mixed ANCOVAs adjusted for baseline outcomes.

Results

Analyses showed an adjusted advantage for PENS at 1 (Δ −2.0, 95% CI −2.9 to −1.1) and 3 (Δ −1.4, 95% CI −2.3 to −0.5) months for mean pain, at 1 (Δ −2.2, 95% CI −3.3 to −1.1), 3 (Δ −1.75, 95% CI −2.9 to −0.6) and 6 (Δ −1.7, 95% CI −2.8 to −0.6) months in the worst pain intensity, and at 1 (Δ −0.95, 95% CI −1.1 to −0.8), 3 (Δ −0.55, 95% CI −0.8 to −0.3) and 6 (Δ −0.4, 95% CI −0.6 to −0.8) months in function. Both groups exhibited similar changes in symptom severity. Both groups reported similar improvement at 12 months in all outcomes. Symptoms and function improved in both groups, with PENS leading to better short‐term outcomes than surgery.

Conclusion

This clinical trial confirms that PENS applied with current understanding of pain mechanisms in CTS is as useful as surgery in women with CTS without denervation. The potential placebo effect of both interventions should not be ignored.

Significance

The application of percutaneous nerve stimulation was more effective at short‐term, but similar effective at mid and long‐term, than surgery in women with carpal tunnel syndrome.
Machine learning predictive models for optimal design of photovoltaic/thermal collector with nanofluids based geothermal cooling
Authors: Jakhar Sanjeev , Paliwal Mukul Kant , Kumar Manish
Published: March 2023

This study aims to estimate the performance of photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) collector using alumina water‐based nanofluid with geothermal cooling through machine learning (ML) approach. A mathematical model is developed for the first law of thermodynamic analysis of nanofluid in PV/T system integrated with geothermal cooling and is validated with experimental results. Further, a machine learning‐based approach has been employed to simulate the cooling performance of a nanofluid cooling based PV/T system. In the study, Multi‐layer perceptron (MLP) is proposed for estimating the thermal and electrical performance of PV/T system based on design parameters like nanofluid concentration, Reynolds number, and time. The same is then compared with other state‐of‐the‐art machine learning techniques and it is evaluated based on various quality metrics such as mean square error (MSE), root mean square error (RMSE), and R2 test. The designed network is compared with the other ML algorithms available in literature like linear regression (LR), support vector machine (SVM) and decision tree (DT). The proposed MLP network is provided a significant outcome with an average accuracy of 98% and predicted PV panel temperature of 32.1–36.5°C for 0–18 sequences. It was also observed that electrical efficiency of PV/T system improved from 10.51% to 10.66% for 0–18 sequences through MLP predictions.
Semiology characteristics and location of epileptogenic zone in motor seizures of axial and shoulder girdle muscles assessed by video stereoelectroencephalography study in 65 patients
Authors: Liping Zhang , Jing Wang , Yujiao Yang , Qinqin Deng , Zhaofen Yan , Xinshan Liu , Shidan Zhang , Jian Zhou , Yuguang Guan , Changqing Liu , Guoming Luan , Mengyang Wang
Published: March 2023

Objective

To study the semiology characteristics of motor seizures of axial and shoulder girdle muscles (ASMs) by stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) and its value in determining location of epileptogenic zone.

Methods

A total of 598 patients underwent SEEG assessment in Sanbo Brain Hospital were reviewed; 65 patients with ASMs selected. Thirteen semiology feature items were extracted according to the location and symmetry of involved axial muscles, direction of movement, etc. Seizures were grouped with items, and the k‐means was used to analyze association between ASMs semiology characteristics and seizure‐onset zone (SOZ).

Results

The SOZs of ASMs involved 23 combinations of seven different brain regions: 31 patients (47.7%) had one brain region, 19 (29.2%) had two, 14 (21.5%) had three, and one patient (1.5%) had four. One hundred and fifteen brain regions were analyzed. Seven brain regions accounted for a significant difference in chi‐square test, χ2 = 62.79, p < 0.0001, with the highest proportion of insular and perisylvian. The k‐means method identified two clusters: cluster 1 had a high degree of agreement with temporal lobe epilepsy (12/15), characterized by less shrug‐like movement, later involvement of axial shoulder girdle muscles, longer duration, and lower seizure frequency; cluster 2 had a high degree of agreement with posterior cortex epilepsy (14/18), characterized by earlier involvement of axial shoulder girdle muscles, shorter duration, and higher seizure frequency. In frontal lobe, insular and perisylvian, anterior and middle cingulate gyrus, are the two categories accounted for similar proportion. Seizure‐onset lateralized at the contralateral of unilateral cervical tonic, with rate of seizure‐free was 73.7%.

Significance

The incidence of ASMs is high in insular and perisylvian. Unilateral cervical tonic seizures have good lateralizing value. Based on semiology characteristics, ASMs can be roughly clustered into two categories, which can only effectively distinguish the origins of temporal lobe and posterior cortex, with low discrimination for the seizure‐onset of other lobes.
The slow downwearing of Madagascar: Inferring patterns and controls on long‐term basin‐averaged erosion rates from in situ10Be at the catchment and regional level
Authors: Brosens Liesa , Cox Rónadh , Campforts Benjamin , Jacobs Liesbet , Vanacker Veerle , Bierman Paul , Razanamahandry Vao Fenotiana , Rakotondrazafy Amos Fety Michel , Razafimbelo Tantely , Rafolisy Tovonarivo , Govers Gerard
Published: March 2023

Cosmogenic nuclide analysis of river sediment provides insight into catchment‐wide erosion rates and dynamics. Here, we investigate spatial patterns and controls on 10Be‐inferred erosion rates in Madagascar, a moderately seismically active microcontinent surrounded by passive margins with locally steep topography and a climate that varies from humid tropical to semiarid. We use a compiled dataset of 99 detrital 10Be measurements, 63 of which are new, covering more than 30% of the country and a wide range of topographic, bioclimatic and geologic characteristics. Overall, 10Be erosion rates are low (2.4–51.1 mm kyr−1), with clear differences between regions. The lowest rates are measured on the central highlands (
8 mm kyr−1), in the Alaotra–Ankay graben (
11 mm kyr−1) and in the large north‐central catchments (
11 mm kyr−1). Higher rates are found on the steep eastern escarpment (
20 mm kyr−1), in the northwest (
31 mm kyr−1) and in the southwest (
29 mm kyr−1). A stepwise linear regression model identified elevation as the main factor associated with variations in 10Be erosion rates (lower rates for higher catchments). Random within‐between statistical models (REWB), on the other hand, indicated that the differences between different regions can be explained by differences in river concavity, seismic events and gully (lavaka) densities, whereas additional variation within regions is only linked to seismicity. We find no correlation between catchment or river steepness and 10Be‐inferred erosion rates. Our results indicate that in Madagascar, long‐term erosion rates are overall low and that simple topography‐based models do not explain variations in rates of landscape change inferred from 10Be concentrations in river sediment. We demonstrate that identifying different regions aids in interpreting spatial patterns of erosion rates and that REWB models can be a powerful tool in deciphering environmental controls on 10Be erosion rates.
Proportion and factors influencing client satisfaction with delivery services in health facilities in the Sissala East Municipality, Ghana: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Braimah Alijata , Aninanya Gifty A. , Senu Ebenezer
Published: March 2023

Background and Aims

Client satisfaction is the difference between the healthcare services delivered and the needs of the client. Anecdotal evidence suggests the quality of maternal health and delivery services in Ghana especially in the Upper West Region is appalling. Moreover, there is a paucity of data on clients' satisfaction with maternal and delivery services rendered by healthcare. This study, therefore, assessed clients' satisfaction with delivery services and their associated factors.

Methods

This analytical cross‐sectional study included 431 women who had delivered in the last 7 days from four health facilities within Sissala East Municipality using a multistage and simple random sampling technique. A well‐structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic and client satisfaction data. All statistical analyses were done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 26.0 and GraphPad Prism Version 8.0. A p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Clients’ satisfaction with general delivery services was rated as 80.3% and was significantly associated with process‐related factors (p < 0.0001) and structural‐related factors (p < 0.0001) of the health facilities. This study found that health facilities' delivery services differed significantly and were associated with clients’ satisfaction (p < 0.0001). Moreover, age group (p = 0.0200), occupation (p = 0.0090), kind of delivery (p = 0.0050), and delivery outcome (p < 0.0001) were significantly associated with client satisfaction with delivery services.

Conclusion

More than two‐thirds of women are satisfied with delivery services within selected health facilities in the Sissala East municipality, although satisfaction within health facilities differs. Furthermore, age group, occupation, kind of delivery, delivery outcome, process, and structural‐related factors significantly contribute to client satisfaction with delivery services. To provide more comprehensive coverage of customers' satisfaction with delivery services in the municipality, strategies such as free maternal health initiatives and health education on the significance of facility delivery should be reinforced.
Health facility delivery service utilization and its associated factors among women in the pastoralist regions of Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Dessie Anteneh Mengist , Anley Denekew Tenaw , Zemene Melkamu Aderajew , Aychew Eden Workneh , Debebe Habtamu Geremew , Misganaw Natnael Moges , Denku Chalachew Yenew , Abebe Tiruayehu Getinet , Gebeyehu Asaye Alamneh , Asnakew Desalegn Tesfa , Anteneh Rahel Mulatie , Feleke Sefineh Fenta
Published: March 2023

Background and Aims

Utilizing health facility delivery services is one of the pillars of lowering maternal mortality. However, the coverage of health facility delivery service utilization continues to be uneven around the world. In Ethiopia, particularly among pastoralist regions, health facility delivery service utilization is less common. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the pooled prevalence of health facility delivery service utilization and identify the associated factors among women in the pastoralist regions of Ethiopia.

Methods

A comprehensive systematic search was carried out in PubMed/MEDLINE, Hinary, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Google, and Ethiopian online university repositories. Studies were appraised using the JBI appraisal checklist. The analysis was done using STATA version 16. The pooled analysis was conducted using DerSimonian and Laird random‐effects model. I2 test and Eggers & Begg's tests were used to assess the heterogeneity and publication bias, respectively. p < 0.05 was set to determine the statistical significance of all the tests.

Results

The pooled prevalence of health facility delivery service utilization was 23.09% (95% CI: 18.05%−28.12%). Have ANC visit during pregnancy (OR = 3.75, [95% CI: 1.84−7.63]), have information regarding maternal health service fee exemption (OR = 9.51, [95% CI: 1.41−64.26]), have a nearby health facility (OR = 3.49, [95% CI: 1.48−8.20]), and women attend secondary and above education (OR = 3.06, [95% CI: 1.77−5.29]) were found to be significant associated factors.

Conclusions

Health facility delivery service utilization is very low in pastoralist regions of Ethiopia, and ANC follow‐up, distance from the health facility, women's educational status, and information regarding maternal health service fees were identified as significant associated factors. Consequently, strengthening ANC services, introducing free health services to the community, and constructing health facilities for the nearby residents are recommended to improve the practice.
Study of an eco‐efficient method for wastewater treatment and safe agricultural reuse: Effect of influent splitting rates on effluent quality parameters
Authors: El Moussaoui Tawfik , Belloulid Mohamed Oussama , El Ass Khalid , Mandi Laila , Wahbi Said , Masi Salvatore , Ouazzani Naaila
Published: March 2023

In this study, an eco‐efficient scheme (EES) that is both selective and environmentally viable is proposed and compared to a conventional activated sludge scheme (CAS). The results showed an optimal process operation and a significant difference (p < 0.001) in organic load and nutrient removal efficiencies between CAS and EES. Moreover, statistical analysis based on variance and principal component analysis highlighted a significant positive correlation between influent/effluent wastewater parameters, performance indicators and adopted process configuration. Thus, the average concentrations of activated sludge biomass were 3.11 ± 0.48 gTSS.L−1 and 2.51 ± 0.37 gVSS.L−1, and the volatile suspended solids (VSS) to average total suspended solids (TSS) ratio, which indicates the rate of active fraction of activated sludge biomass and the degree of mineralization, was approximately 81%± 2%, suggesting the optimal development of activated sludge biomass in the bioreactor. Furthermore, chemical oxygen demand and 5‐day biological oxygen demand removal efficiencies in CAS were 94% and 97% versus 55% and 66% in EES, respectively. Nitrogen abatement in terms of total Kjeldahl nitrogen and
performed by CAS was approximately 85% and 86%, respectively, and by EES 41% and 40%, respectively. Phosphorus abatements were comparable in both CAS and EES. The effluent hygienic quality parameters after disinfection conformed to applied standards for safe reuse. For agricultural purposes and environmental and socio‐economic considerations, we must consider further ecological methods. Selecting organic matter and nutrients can also provide hygienic effluent; therefore, the eco‐efficient process constitutes a promising eco‐friendly technology.
Molluscicidal activity of plant alkaloids
Authors: Wszelaki Sebastian , Podobiński Paweł , Środoń Kacper
Published: March 2023

Some snail species pose a serious threat for human health, economy, and the environment due to their widespread distribution and the transmission of dangerous parasites causing, among others, schistosomiasis and fascioliasis. Scientists from around the world have been studying the effects of plant extracts on snails for many years in order to find an alternative to molluscicides of synthetic origin. The main purpose of this study was to collect the results obtained so far on the effect of plant alkaloids on snails in the context of their molluscicidal properties. This work presents the results of publications on the effect of plant alkaloids on snails, which were published in the years 1974–2021. The Solanaceae, Papaveraceae, and Asteraceae are the plant families most frequently cited for containing alkaloids with molluscicidal activity. The alkaloids identified as molluscicidal belonged to various groups, of which the most numerous were pseudoalkaloids and tyrosine‐derived alkaloids. Most of the tested alkaloids were characterized by a high mortality rate among the studied groups of snails. Based on the collected research results, it was found that plant alkaloids can be extremely useful in the fight against problematic species of snails and cause much lower harm to the environment than synthetic molluscicides.
Three‐dimensional silk fibroin‐gelatin/chondroitin sulfate/hyaluronic acid–aloe vera scaffold supports in vitro chondrogenesis of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and reduces inflammatory effect
Authors: Wuttisiriboon Kritsarut , Tippayawat Patcharaporn , Daduang Jureerut , Limpaiboon Temduang
Published: March 2023

A limited self‐healing ability of injured articular cartilage results in osteoarthritis and a joint dysfunction afterward. Cartilage tissue engineering is a promising approach to increase the treatment efficiency. Moreover, host response to implanted biomaterial has been increasingly concerned. Thus, this study aimed to establish three‐dimensional (3D) scaffold that could support cartilage tissue engineering and reduce inflammatory. The various ratios of silk fibroin (SF), gelatin (G), chondroitin sulfate (C), hyaluronic acid (H), and aloe vera (A) were used to fabricate 3D scaffolds by lyophilization, designated as SF, SF‐A, SF‐gelatin/chondroitin sulfate/hyaluronic acid (GCH)‐A‐411, and SF‐GCH‐A‐111. The physical and biological characteristics of the scaffolds were investigated. All scaffolds possessed interconnected porous structures, which the highest pore size of 209 μm was found in SF and SF‐GCH‐A‐411 scaffolds. Moreover, high porosity, high water uptake, and good mechanical strength were observed in the SF‐GCH‐A‐411 scaffold. The SF, SF‐A, and SF‐GCH‐A‐411 scaffolds could retain their structures up to 21 days, while SF‐GCH‐A‐111 was rapidly degraded. The proliferation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM‐MSCs) was significantly higher in SF‐A and SF‐GCH‐A‐411 than in the SF scaffold. Besides, the SF‐A and SF‐GCH‐A‐411 revealed significantly lower expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokine, interleukin‐1 beta than the SF scaffold, suggesting the beneficial role of aloe vera in anti‐inflammatory effect. Furthermore, the SF‐GCH‐A‐411 scaffold could support chondrogenic differentiation of BM‐MSCs. In conclusion, based on its superior physical and biological characteristics that support chondrogenesis of BM‐MSCs, the SF‐GCH‐A‐411 scaffold is recommended for cartilage tissue engineering.
Mini‐review highlighting toxic effects of triflumuron in insects and mammalian systems
Authors: Timoumi Rim , Amara Ines , Salem Intidhar B. , Souid Ghada , Abid‐Essefi Salwa
Published: March 2023

Pesticides have been used to kill pests such as insects, fungi, rodents, and unwanted plants. As these compounds are potentially toxic to the target organisms, they could also be harmful to human health and the environment. Several chronic adverse effects have been identified even after months or years of exposure. The adverse effects of pesticides on the agricultural ecosystem have been a matter of concern in recent decades. In this review, we present an overview of the studies, including our previous studies, monitoring currently used pesticides in the Tunisian agricultural soils that belong to the class of insect growth regulators (IGRs). Triflumuron (TFM) is a benzoyl phenyl urea insecticide belonging to the class of IGRs. TFM is widely used around the world to increase crop yield by protecting them from damage caused by insects. TFM works by inhibiting the synthesis of chitin, an essential part of the insect cuticle, making it susceptible to pathogens and deformities. Consequently, insects become more susceptible to pathogens and malformations. However, studies revealing its toxicity and its mode of action in mammalian systems remain very limited. The aim of this review is to better inform the community about the impact of TFM on crops, the environment, and human beings by summarizing its toxic effects.
The effects of the lattice modulation on the intermolecular motions of the MA cations of the tetragonal MAPbI3 phase
Authors: Hsu Chih‐Sheng , Wang Houng‐Wei , Hayashi Michitoshi
Published: March 2023

Quite recently, it was shown both experimentally and theoretically that the electronic properties of MAPbI3 in the tetragonal phase can be affected by both MA+ cations and distortions of PbI3+ and phonons play an important role in the dynamical electronic properties. In particular, the fluctuation of MAPbI3 due to phase transition is also important. In this work, we shed light on the nature of the phonons in the THz region by constructing a model system, performing the first‐principles simulation method, and analyzing the normal mode via the energy decomposition method. Our simulations show that, near the phase transition condition with a particular MA1 and MA2 orientational configuration, the hydrogen atoms of MA2 will participate in the phonon in the THz region with framework distortion of PbI3+.
Collective friend group reactions to organizational change: A field theory approach
Authors: Vardaman James M. , Maher Liam P. , Sterling Christopher M. , Allen David G. , Dhaenens Andrew J.
Published: March 2023

This paper integrates field theory with a social network perspective to show that perceptions of the quality of the organization's change communication become collectively shared in friend groups, and that these collective perceptions positively influence collective job performance in those friend groups. Findings from two studies show that these collective perceptions influence collective performance both directly and by interacting with change history in friend groups. The results extend theory by highlighting the importance of friendships as a mechanism for change recipient reactions becoming collectively shared. The findings further suggest that collective histories and communication perceptions play a vital role in collective job performance during change. Practical implications and directions for future research are also discussed.
Health benefits of legume seeds
Authors: Grdeń Paula , Jakubczyk Anna
Published: March 2023

Pulses have been part of human nutrition for centuries. They are also used in folk medicine as products with multidirectional medicinal effects. They are annual plants representing the Fabaceae family. Their edible part is the fruit, i.e. the so‐called pods. Whole pods or their parts can be eaten, depending on the species and fruit ripeness. Beans, peas, peanuts, chickpeas, lentils, broad beans and soybeans are edible legume species. Legume seeds are characterized by high nutritional value. Compared to seeds from other plants, they have high protein content ranging, on average, from 20% to 35%, depending on the type, growing conditions and maturity of the fruit. This review focuses on various health‐promoting properties of legumes and presents their nutritional value and compounds exerting health‐promoting effects. Many pulses have a low glycemic index, which is important for prevention and treatment of diabetes. In addition to their low glycemic index and high fiber content, pulses have α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase inhibitors, which reduce the absorption of glucose from the gastrointestinal tract. These compounds have antidiabetic and anti‐inflammatory effects. Pulses have been shown to contain bioactive peptides with angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitory properties; hence, they are useful in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Pulses used in the nutrition of obese individuals provide compounds with pancreatic lipase inhibitory properties, thus promoting weight reduction and control. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
A daily diary study of the romantic partner relationship dynamics associated with anger and other posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms
Authors: Hyatt Courtland S. , Halvorson Max A. , Campbell Sarah B.
Published: March 2023

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is linked to negative relationship outcomes, but the relational processes that link specific PTSD symptoms to these outcomes over granular periods are not well understood. The current study used a daily diary methodology to investigate the associations between specific PTSD symptoms (i.e., anger, avoidance, reexperiencing, hyperarousal, and numbing) and proximal indices of relationship functioning (i.e., accommodation behaviors, disclosure, intimacy). Participants were members of 64 couples, each comprising a male service member (SM) and female romantic partner (RP), who completed daily assessments of PTSD symptoms and indices of relationship functioning for 2 weeks. The results suggest a somewhat unique role of anger on relationship dynamics: Although mean levels of PTSD symptom clusters were associated with negative relationship outcomes at the bivariate level, daily fluctuations in anger were uniquely related to accommodation behaviors and SM‐ and RP‐reported intimacy in multilevel models, Bs = −0.08–0.50). These findings highlight the importance of considering the differential role of specific PTSD symptoms, like anger, in dyadic interventions for PTSD; several strategies for doing so in the context of contemporary evidence‐based treatments are discussed.
Leveraging observational data to identify in‐session patient and therapist predictors of cognitive processing therapy response and completion
Authors: Alpert Elizabeth , Carpenter Joseph K. , Smith Brian N. , Woolley Mercedes G. , Raterman Chelsea , Farmer Courtney C. , Kehle‐Forbes Shannon M. , Galovski Tara E.
Published: March 2023

Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) is an evidence‐based treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but little is known about in‐session process variables that predict symptom reduction and treatment completion during CPT. Examining potentially malleable factors that may promote or impede recovery can inform care delivery and enhance outcomes. The current study used observational ratings of CPT session recordings to examine in‐session patient and therapist factors in cognitive, affective, and interpersonal domains to identify their relative contributions to predicting symptom outcomes and treatment completion. Participants were 70 adult survivors of interpersonal violence who received CPT. Predictors of better posttreatment PTSD outcomes included less patient fear, β = .32, and less patient avoidance of engaging with the therapist, β = .35. When using the last available PTSD score, less fear, β = .23, and avoidance, β = .28, continued to predict better outcomes, and more patient cognitive flexibility emerged as a stronger predictor of outcome, β = ‐.33. Predictors of a higher likelihood of treatment completion included more therapist use of Socratic dialogue, OR = 6.75, and less therapist encouragement of patient affect, OR = 0.11. Patient sadness and anger and therapist expression of empathy did not predict symptom outcomes or treatment completion versus dropout. The results highlight the importance of patients’ cognitions, emotions, and engagement with their therapist in CPT as well as the role of therapist behaviors in patient completion of treatment.
Associations between posttraumatic stress and stroke: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Nanavati Hely D. , Arevalo Andrea , Memon Adeel A. , Lin Chen
Published: March 2023

The objective of the present study was to systematically review the existing literature for studies examining the association between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and stroke risk and perform a meta‐analysis to obtain a pooled risk estimate describing the association. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, PSYCInfo, and CINAHL to identify relevant studies. Cohort and cross‐sectional studies that reported PTSD exposure (i.e., PTSD diagnosis, probable PTSD, or the presence of PTSD symptoms) at baseline and the risk or odds of stroke associated with PTSD exposure during the study period were included in the analysis. A random‐effects model was used to calculate the pooled hazard ratio (HR) for cohort studies estimating the association between PTSD and stroke. Overall, 11 studies met the inclusion criteria; eight were cohort studies, and three were cross‐sectional studies. Two cohort studies and all cross‐sectional studies used self‐report of PTSD symptoms to measure the exposure. The pooled hazard ratio for the eight cohort studies showed that having PTSD was associated with a 59% higher risk of incident stroke, HR = 1.59, 95% CI [1.36, 1.86], I2 = 81%. The association remained statistically significant in a subgroup analysis of six United States–based studies, HR = 1.38; 95% CI [1.29, 1.49], I2 = 18%. The findings suggest that PTSD is associated with an increased risk of stroke. More studies are required to explore a causal association between PTSD and stroke.
Positive emotion in posttraumatic stress disorder: A global or context‐specific problem?
Authors: Pugach Cameron P. , May Casey L. , Wisco Blair E.
Published: March 2023

Problems with positive emotion are an important component of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with competing perspectives as to why. The global model suggests that people with PTSD experience a relatively permanent shift in their capacity for positive emotion regardless of context, whereas the context‐specific model posits access to the full repertoire of positive emotion that only becomes reduced during exposure to trauma reminders. We tested the global versus context‐specific models using ecological momentary assessment (EMA). Trauma‐exposed adult community members (N = 80) with (n = 39) and without diagnosed PTSD completed 3 days of EMA (n = 2,158 observations). Participants with PTSD reported lower average momentary levels of positive emotion, B = −0.947, 95% CI [−1.35, −0.54], p < .001, and positive situations, B = −0.607, 95% CI [−1.16, −0.05], p = .032, and more thinking about trauma reminders, B = 0.360, 95% CI [0.21, 0.51], p < .001. There was no between‐group difference in positive emotion reactivity (degree of positive emotion derived from positive situations), B = 0.03, 95% CI [−0.09, 0.14], p = .635. Increased thinking about trauma reminders predicted lower momentary levels of positive emotion, B = −0.55, 95% CI [−0.83, −0.26], p < .001, but not reactivity, B = 0.02, 95% CI [−0.35, 0.40], p = .906, irrespective of PTSD status. Findings supported the global model and were inconsistent with the context‐specific model. This study helps clarify positive emotional functioning in trauma‐exposed adults and highlights future directions to better understand problems with positive emotion in PTSD.
Accuracy of narrow‐band imaging for diagnosing malignant transformation of vocal cord leukoplakia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen Jingyu , Li Zhuojun , Wu Ting , Chen Xiumei
Published: March 2023

Objective

To explore whether narrow‐band imaging (NBI) endoscopy is accurate in the diagnosis of malignant transformation of vocal cord leukoplakia.

Methods

The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases were searched to collect data on studies reporting the use of NBI endoscopy as a diagnostic test for diagnosing vocal cord leukoplakia from January 2015 to December 2021. Study design, analysis method, and extraction results were performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. The sensitivity, specificity, pooled positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR) and area under the curve (AUC) were used to summarize the performance metrics of the meta‐analysis. Risk of bias data and the quality of the included studies was evaluated according to the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies‐2 tool (QUADAS‐2).

Results

Nine studies were finally included in the analysis. The results of the meta‐analysis showed that the pooled sensitivity and specificity of NBI endoscopy for diagnosing leukoplakia lesions were 0.76 (95% CI: 0.72–0.8) and 0.93 (95% CI: 0.91–0.95), respectively. The PLR and NLR were 10.09 (95% CI: 6.53–15.59) and 0.22 (95% CI: 0.13–0.38), respectively. The comprehensive diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) was 54.96 (95% CI: 24.32–124.17), and the area under the curve was 0.9584. The eight articles had a low risk of bias risk and one article was unclear.

Conclusion

NBI likely has good accuracy for diagnosing malignant transformation of vocal cord leukoplakia. However, multicenter studies and large samples are still needed.
Gender distribution and women leadership in German Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery
Authors: Saadoun Rakan , Risse Eva‐Maria , Sadoun Leen , Kamal Abdallah , Pudszuhn Annett , Obermueller Theresa
Published: March 2023

Objective

To determine the distribution of female physicians throughout the rank from resident to leadership positions in German Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery (OHNS) departments.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study collected data about the physician workforce in the German OHNS.

The primary outcome was the proportion of female physicians. Data were collected from 165 departments from January 2022 to February 2022. The physician workforce was stratified based on gender and leadership.

Results

We included 2089 physicians from 165 departments of OHNS in German hospitals. Female residents and specialists outnumbered male peers (484/872 [55.5%] vs. 388/872 [44.5%] and 224/363 [61.71%] vs. 139/363 [38.29%], respectively). However, the women proportion decreased gradually with elevated hierarchical rank starting at the attending physician level to reaching its lowest extreme (14/165 [7.23%]) at the head of the department level. Holding a leadership position was associated with being male (n = 282 [85.2%] vs. n = 49 [14.8%], p < .0001). This persisted even after controlling the academic rank in a multivariable regression model (OR: 5.027, 95% CI: 3.536–7.146). The gap between the two genders in favor of men regarding leadership persisted in all kinds of hospitals. However, this disparity was lowest in university hospitals, (male: n = 83 [78.3%] vs. female: n = 23, [21.7%], p < .0001).

Conclusions

Even though women outnumbered men in resident and specialist positions, they are still underrepresented in leadership positions in OHNS. Continuous surveillance is needed to watch the dynamic changes in the gap between the two genders and address it with more sex equality‐supporting policies.

Level of Evidence

IV.