bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of penile fracture with complete urethral transection in a resource‐limited setting: A case report
Authors: Médéus Arens Jean Ricardo , Saint Hubert Stevenson , Sinha Mehul , Saint Jusca Kohlz Erley
Published: October 2024

Key Clinical Message

Penile fracture is a urological emergency that requires prompt surgical intervention for optimal outcomes. Early diagnosis based on clinical presentation and imaging if needed is crucial. Timely repair ensures the preservation of penile function and minimizes complications.

Penile fracture (PF) is a rare but significant urological emergency characterized by the rupture of the tunica albuginea, often resulting from blunt trauma during sexual intercourse or other activities. The typical presentation includes sudden and severe penile pain, an audible “cracking” sound followed by swelling and deformity. While PF generally does not involve the urethra, bleeding from the urethral meatus suggests an associated urethral lesion. Imaging such as ultrasonography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can assess the extent of the injury. We report a case of a 28‐year‐old male who presented with sudden‐onset penile pain, swelling, and blood dripping from the urethral meatus after a traumatic sexual encounter. The injury occurred during vigorous intercourse when his erect penis struck his partner's buttocks. He heard a cracking sound followed by immediate detumescence, penile curvature, and urethral bleeding. At the hospital, the patient exhibited tachycardia and elevated blood pressure. Examination revealed deviation of the penis to the right, urethrorrhagia, and a tender, swollen penis. A clinical diagnosis of bilateral corpora cavernosa injury and partial rupture of the penile urethra was made. A urethral catheter was placed with difficulty, draining initially reddish urine followed by clear urine. Laboratory tests showed normal hemoglobin and coagulation profiles with mild bacteriuria and hematuria. Due to clear clinical signs, no radiological imaging was performed before surgery. Surgical exploration performed 48 h postinjury revealed a PF involving the right corpus cavernosum and a complete rupture of the spongy urethra. The corpus cavernosum was repaired using Vicryl 2–0 sutures followed by urethroplasty with Vicryl 5–0. Postoperative care included antibiotics and analgesics. The patient had an uneventful recovery with preserved penile sensitivity and function. PF is a rare urological emergency that necessitates prompt diagnosis and management to prevent long‐term complications. Although clinical presentation often suffices for diagnosis, imaging can be valuable in ambiguous cases. Surgical intervention is the preferred treatment, offering the best functional and cosmetic outcomes. This case underscores the importance of timely surgical repair to ensure favorable recovery and preservation of penile function.
Isolated gastric outlet obstruction secondary to metastatic invasive lobular breast cancer: A case report
Authors: Joshi Amey , Kaila Vishal , Kale Hemangi
Published: October 2024

Key Clinical Message

Isolated gastric outlet obstruction secondary to breast carcinoma is a rare and often challenging diagnosis. Clinicians must be cognizant of this diagnosis even in cases where breast cancers have been in remission alongside more common causes of mechanical obstruction including pancreatic and gastric carcinomas and peptic ulcer disease.
Genetic architecture of Cercospora leaf spot response in table beet with implications for other Beta vulgaris crop types
Authors: Dixon Liam , Goldman Irwin L.
Published: October 2024

Table beet (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris) production is threatened by the fungal disease Cercospora leaf spot (CLS). Infections are common across table beet's closest relatives, including Swiss chard, sugar beet, and fodder beet (all B. v. subsp. vulgaris). This study was conducted to characterize the genetic architecture underlying CLS response in table beet. A secondary objective was to test whether CLS‐associated loci in table beet perform similarly across B. vulgaris crops. A diversity panel comprised of 168 table beet accessions and with an additional 70 accessions from all close relatives of table beet was screened for CLS response in replicated and inoculated field trials. Results from a genome‐wide association study of additive effects revealed seven quantitative trait loci mapped to chromosomes 1, 3, 7, and 9 to explain 30% of the phenotypic variation for CLS response in table beet. When the performance of these loci was compared between a table beet background and a background of Swiss chard, sugar beet, and fodder beet, two loci exhibited significantly different responses. Among the B. vulgaris crops, these loci may be unique to table beet germplasm and could be useful for the improvement of CLS resistance in other crop types. For the improvement of CLS resistance in table beet, this study identified the cultivar Winter Keeper as a potentially valuable source of resistance. The architecture of CLS response points to recurrent selection and backcross methods as effective strategies for the improvement of CLS resistance in table beet.
Terrestrial land use signals on groundwater fauna beyond current protection buffers
Authors: Knüsel Mara , Alther Roman , Altermatt Florian
Published: October 2024

Terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems are tightly linked, with direct implications for applied resource management and conservation. It is well known that human land use change and intensification of terrestrial systems can have large impacts on surface freshwater ecosystems. Contrastingly, the study and understanding of such land use impacts on groundwater communities is lagging behind. Both the impact strength of land use on groundwater communities and the spatial extents at which such interlinkages are operating are largely unknown, despite our reliance on groundwater for drinking water extraction as a key ecosystem service. Here, we analyzed groundwater amphipod occurrence from several hundred shallow groundwater aquifers used for drinking water extraction across a region of varying agricultural intensity and human population density in Switzerland. Despite drinking water extraction sites being generally built at locations with expected minimal aboveground impacts on water quality, we found a direct correlation between land use type and intensity within the surrounding catchment area and the locally measured nitrate concentrations, which is a direct proxy for drinking water quality. Furthermore, groundwater amphipods were more likely to be found at sites with higher forest coverage than at sites with higher crop and intensive pasture coverages, clearly indicating a tight connection between aboveground land use and groundwater biodiversity. Our results indicate that land use type effects on groundwater communities are most relevant and pronounced to spatial scales of about 400–1000 m around the groundwater sampling site. Importantly, the here identified spatial scale is 1.2‐ to 3‐fold exceeding the average extent of currently defined groundwater protection zones. We postulate that incorporating an ecosystem perspective into groundwater management strategies is needed for effective protection of groundwater quality and biodiversity.
A randomized clinical trial of emotional freedom techniques for chronic pain: Live versus self‐paced delivery with 6‐month follow‐up
Authors: Stapleton Peta , Wilson Clara , Uechtritz Nicola , Stewart Michele , McCosker Michelle , O'Keefe Tom , Blanchard Matthew
Published: October 2024

Background

Chronic pain represents a major global healthcare crisis, and current treatments are limited in effectiveness and safety. Emotional freedom techniques (EFTs) show promise as a potential psychological treatment.

Methods

The current study investigated the effect of a randomized clinical trial of EFT for chronic pain in a sample of 147 adult chronic pain sufferers (89.9% female; mean 54.63 years). Participants engaged in a 6‐week EFT programme (either online self‐paced or in‐person).

Results

The per‐protocol analysis indicated pain severity and interference scores were significantly lower at the end of treatment for the EFT group compared to waitlist, and these were sustained at follow‐up. There were no differences between the in‐person or self‐paced programmes at follow‐up for pain severity and interference. Somatic symptoms were significantly lower after EFT, although no further differences at follow‐up. Quality of life scores were significantly higher after EFT, which were sustained at follow‐up, and no differences between two styles of programme. No significant effects were found for anxiety, depression, happiness or satisfaction with life across the 6‐week programmes for either style of delivery or at follow‐up. These are discussed in terms of clinical score meanings. Intent‐to‐treat analysis was consistent with the per‐protocol analyses. Limitations of the study are identified and future directions are discussed.

Conclusions

Findings offer early promise for EFT as a potentially effective pain management strategy, as well as support for online intervention without compromising treatment outcomes.

Significance Statement

An emerging body‐based intervention for chronic pain may be a possible solution for remote clients who cannot attend in‐person sessions. In this clinical trial Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) significantly reduced chronic pain severity and interference, and there were no differences between and online self‐paced program toan online in‐person EFT intervention. Both were equally effective, also enhancing quality of life without compromising outcomes. The results were significant at 6‐month follow‐up/. These findings highlight a body‐based approach as a promising, accessible pain management strategy, and highlights that online programs may be part of the solution for chronic pain patients.
Electrostatic charge injection for reusing face masks: Mechanisms, performance, and a household alternative
Authors: Peng Zehua , Li Zhiyuan , Huang Xingcan , Yu Xinge , Leung Michael K. H. , Wang Zuankai , Yang Zhengbao
Published: October 2024

The COVID‐19 pandemic underscores the effectiveness of face masks in combating respiratory infectious diseases and the importance of adequate supply. However, the widespread use of disposable masks has led to severe environmental pollution. In this study, we propose a two‐step strategy for mask reuse, aimed at both mitigating mask waste pollution and improving mask availability in future epidemic outbreaks. Our strategy involves disinfection and corona charging processes, enabling surgical masks to maintain a filtration efficiency of 88.7% even after five cycles of reuse. We highlight the crucial role of volume charges over surface charges in maintaining filtration performance stability and durability, and we visualize the underlying mechanisms using energy band diagrams and potential well models. Additionally, we introduce a simple household solution for simultaneously drying and charging, making it accessible for widespread use. Our research offers a viable strategy for promoting environmental sustainability and alleviating mask supply pressures during significant public health crises.

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A Short Glance at the Role of Olfactory Tubercle in Odour Processing
Authors: Wang Wenqiang , Wang Haiping , Yang Jian , Wang Mengyue , Zhang Pengbo , Zhu Zheng , Wei Liya , Zhong Yanbiao , Zhang Yun‐Feng
Published: October 2024

The mammalian olfactory system is one of the most precocious sensory systems during development and is innately endowed with versatile functions distinct from other sensory systems. Perception of time‐locked olfaction‐related stimuli quickly from the external environment and encoding them accurately via the olfactory system is paramount for the survival and reproduction in the animal kingdom. The olfactory system of mammals encompasses the main and accessory parts. As one key component of the ventral striatum, the olfactory tubercle (OT), is also an important as well as indispensable sub‐region of the main olfactory system and plays a crucial role in the central processing of odours. The OT also serves as a hub linking the olfactory system with the reward system in the brain. Although extensive research has underscored the involvement of the ventral striatum in the reward and punishment process as well as motivational behaviour, the encoding mechanism of neural circuits engaged in odour detection and recognition by the OT is still largely unknown. Herein, we make a brief overview of the olfactory system and underscore the crucial role of olfactory receptors in odour detection. We also emphasize the structural and functional characterisations of the OT and corresponding neural circuits involved in odour processing.
Validation of the Chinese Version of Quality of Life Instrument (QUALIDEM‐C) for People With Dementia in Long‐Term Care Home
Authors: Yuen Ivo Y. C. , Kwok Timothy C. Y.
Published: October 2024

Objectives

To validate and examine the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of QUALIDEM (QUALIDEM‐C).

Methods

The psychometric properties of the Chinese QUALIDEM were tested in a sample of 150 residents in long‐term care homes. Concurrent validity, internal consistency, inter‐rater reliability, test‐retest reliability and factor structure were determined.

Results

QUALIDEM‐C demonstrated good semantic equivalence with original version and good content validity. QUALIDEM‐C showed satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbachs' alpha = 0.895), inter‐rater reliability (ICC = 0.970) and test‐retest reliability (ICC = 0.942). Acceptable concurrent validity was showed by consistently moderate correlations of QUALIDEM‐C with generic and disease specific quality of life measures.

Conclusions

QUALIDEM‐C is reliable and valid scales to measure quality of life of residents in long‐term care home. Its applicability across residents with different levels of cognitive function favors its use over other measures in this context. It is potentially an effective tool, rather by multiple measures, to evaluate quality of life in future long‐term care home research.
The Benefits of Silicone Laryngectomy Tubes at the Time of Laryngectomy—A Case Series Spanning 17 Years
Authors: Kearney Ann , Samad Idris , Belsky Michael A. , Doyle Philip C. , Damrose Edward J.
Published: October 2024

Objectives

Although total laryngectomy (TL) is a well‐established surgical procedure with clear functional or oncologic indications, the peri‐ and postoperative care for those undergoing TL is variable, particularly regarding postlaryngectomy tracheostoma management. This study examined TL outcomes from a single institution with the immediate perioperative use of soft silicone laryngectomy tubes. More specifically, we explored potential complications associated with immediate perioperative use of a flexible laryngectomy tube (LaryTube and StomaSoft) and the use of heat and moisture exchange (HME) devices in association with peri‐ and postoperative care.

Methods

A case series including all patients undergoing TL by one primary surgeon at a tertiary care hospital between 2006 and 2023 were assessed. Variables of interest included hospital average length of stay (LOS) in hospital, use of laryngectomy tube and an HME, primary tracheoesophageal puncture voice restoration at time of TL, discharge feeding, stoma‐related complications, and overall complications.

Results

Seventy‐two patients were included over the study period, and all utilized a laryngectomy tube and HME in the perioperative period without complications. Fifty‐six patients (77.7%) had concurrent neck dissections and nine (15%) underwent total laryngopharyngectomy. Sixty‐two patients (86%) underwent TL for squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx or hypopharynx and 35 of these (56%) were salvage surgeries. Mean LOS was 8.4 (3–45) days, and 63 patients (88%) were discharged with nasal gastric tube feeding. Of the six patients (8%) who were readmitted for complications, zero (0%) were related to the laryngectomy tube or to stoma‐related complications (e.g., dehiscence, infection, mucous plugging). No patient who utilized a laryngectomy tube and HME device in the perioperative period experienced stomal stenosis.

Conclusions

Laryngectomy tubes combined with an HME can be employed safely and successfully in a high percentage of laryngectomy patients placed perioperative. No instances of postlaryngectomy tracheostoma stenosis occurred in association with perioperative laryngectomy tube with HME use. These collective data support the use of a laryngectomy tube with HME in the immediate perioperative period, with low risk of complications.
Educational outcomes school year nine in children treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A nationwide registry‐based study from Sweden
Authors: Zhou Otto , Harila Arja , Hovén Emma , Lönnerblad Malin
Published: October 2024

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) constitutes approximately 25% of pediatric cancers, and with contemporary protocols, the 5‐year survival rate is over 90%. Despite improved survival, neurocognitive impairments from treatment raise concerns. This registry study aimed to explore the impact of ALL treatment on educational outcomes from school year nine in Swedish children. A population‐based cohort of 503 children diagnosed with ALL from 1990 to 2010 was identified from the Swedish Childhood Cancer Registry and matched with five controls each. Assessed variables were delayed graduation, high school eligibility, total merit value, school grades in Swedish, English, mathematics, and physical education, and results in national tests. Analyses were performed between cases and controls and by sex, age at diagnosis, and risk group. Our results showed that, compared to controls, cases had higher odds for delayed graduation, poorer results in physical education, and higher rates of absence in national tests in English and mathematics. Children in the standard‐risk group (treated with first‐line chemotherapy only) exhibited similar results to matched controls whereas children in the high‐risk group (treated with cranial irradiation, hematological stem cell transplantation, or/and for ALL relapse and thus likely received also radiotherapy) had lower total merit value compared to controls. We conclude that Swedish children diagnosed with ALL between the years 1990–2010 mainly exhibited comparable educational outcomes to controls, although children in the high‐risk group had lower results. These findings highlight the importance of evaluating especially children with high‐risk ALL in order to identify those requiring educational support and for designing targeted interventions.
Modelling nonlinear moderation effects with local structural equation modelling (LSEM): A non‐technical introduction
Authors: Liu Tuo , Ding Ruyi , Su Zhonghuang , Peng Zixuan , Hildebrandt Andrea
Published: October 2024

Understanding the differential strength of effects in the presence of a third variable, known as a moderation effect, is a common research goal in many psychological and behavioural science fields. If structural equation modelling is applied to test effects of interest, the investigation of differential strength of effects will typically ask how parameters of a latent variable model are influenced by categorical or continuous moderators, such as age, socio‐economic status, personality traits, etc. Traditional approaches to continuous moderators in SEMs predominantly address linear moderation effects, risking the oversight of nonlinear effects. Moreover, some approaches have methodological limitations, for example, the need to categorise moderators or to pre‐specify parametric forms of moderation. This tutorial introduces local structural equation modelling (LSEM) in a non‐technical way. LSEM is a nonparametric approach that allows the analysis of nonlinear moderation effects without the above‐mentioned limitations. Using an empirical dataset, we demonstrate the implementation of LSEM through the R‐sirt package, emphasising its versatility in both exploratory analysis of nonlinear moderation without prior knowledge and confirmatory testing of hypothesised moderation functions. The tutorial also addresses common modelling issues and extends the discussion to different application scenarios, demonstrating its flexibility.
Political Favoritism and Value of Corporate Cash Holdings
Authors: Panta Humnath , Adhikari Ramesh , Narayanasamy Arun
Published: October 2024

This paper examines the impact of political favoritism on the value of corporate cash holdings. We define stock ownership by a member of the US Congress as a measure of political favoritism to a firm. We hypothesize that political investment in a firm influences the value of cash holdings. Consistent with our hypothesis, this study finds cash holding, on average, is less valuable for politically favored firms. Economically, political favoritism is associated with a decrease of $0.44 in value for a $1.00 cash holding. We also find that political favoritism negatively affects cash value in financially unconstrained firms, which is consistent with the overinvestment hypothesis. The results are robust to controlling for many firm‐level characteristics and a spectrum of robustness tests. This study extends the literature on the role of political economy in the value of corporate cash holdings by documenting political favoritism as the stock ownership of the US Congress members and evaluating its effect on the value of corporate cash holdings.
AI may enable robots to make a clinical impact in total knee arthroplasty, where navigation has not!
Authors: Hirschmann Michael T. , von Eisenhart‐Rothe Rüdiger , Graichen Heiko , Zaffagnini Stefano
Published: October 2024

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is on the verge of being revolutionized by artificial intelligence (AI), which will make it possible for robots to have a clinical influence in areas where navigation systems have been rendered ineffective. Navigation has been shown to increase surgical accuracy; nevertheless, it has not been shown to provide major gains in terms of clinical outcome for the patient. On the other hand, robotic systems that are powered by artificial intelligence have the potential to improve functional outcomes, boost precision, and tailor procedures to the specific anatomy of each unique patient. Through the utilization of real‐time data and prediction algorithms, artificial intelligence‐guided robots have the potential to overcome the limits of conventional approaches, thereby establishing a new benchmark for TKA.
Impact of El Niño−Southern Oscillation on Quasi‐Biweekly Oscillation Over the Western North Pacific in Boreal Winter
Authors: Dong Zizhen , Wang Lin , Zhu Yan , Yang Ruowen , Cao Jie
Published: October 2024

Impacts of El Niño−Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on the quasi‐biweekly oscillation over the western North Pacific (WNP‐QBWO) in boreal winter are investigated in the study. The WNP‐QBWO in boreal winter primarily propagates westward from the tropical western Pacific to WNP. During the La Niña winter, the QBWO over the WNP has stronger intensity and propagates westward at a faster speed, while it is weaker and propagates more slowly during the El Niño winter. The possible mechanisms may involve the ENSO‐related background moisture and zonal wind vertical shear changes that can significantly modulate the WNP‐QBWO's behaviours in boreal winter. A 2.5‐layer atmospheric model is applied in the study and confirms the results. It is further revealed that the moisture change is dominant in modulating the WNP‐QBWO's intensity, while both the moisture and vertical shear changes may together contribute to the zonally propagating speed of the WNP‐QBWO in boreal winter. These results can deepen our understanding of dynamic processes associated with the WNP‐QBWO in boreal winter and are conducive to the predictability study.
Urease inhibition stimulates fungal degradation of chitin in frass‐amended soil
Authors: Watson Conor , Leal Hugo , Wichern Florian
Published: October 2024

Background

The by‐product of insect larval production, frass, can be applied to soil as an organic fertiliser. Its three main organic N fractions are assumed to be ureic, protein and chitin. The significance of the latter is unknown, and it is not known if lignaceous sources have been overlooked.

Aims

This study sought to gauge the activities of the (respectively, lignolytic and chitinolytic) enzymes peroxidase and N‐acetyl‐ß‐D‐glucosaminidase following frass application to soil. Their activities were monitored under conditions of urease inhibition, with a particular focus on the fungal domain.

Methods

Mealworm or buffalo worm frass was applied, with or without inhibitors, to a sand/soil substrate at 3% (w/w). After 16 weeks, concentrations of the fungal biomarker ergosterol and enzyme activities were determined.

Results

Soil amendment with frass had no significant effect on peroxidase activity. Fungal biomass was stimulated in particular by application of mealworm frass, which was further improved by urease inhibition. Chitinase activity was positively correlated with fungal biomass, and was increased under urease inhibition when applied with mealworm frass.

Conclusions

There were no appreciable quantities of lignaceous compounds in the frass used in this study. Importantly, the use of urease inhibitors co‐applied with frass has demonstrated that when its ureic N breakdown is prevented, chitin becomes a significant organic N source to soil fungi. The superior fungal response to mealworm frass indicates a larger chitin content than in buffalo worm frass.
Priming effects on decomposition depend on organic matter in the growing media
Authors: You Hana , Martinez Paul , Evans Richard , Volder Astrid
Published: October 2024

Background

Liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) and root exudates contain easily decomposable carbon that can stimulate microbial growth. It is unknown what role the amount of organic matter (OM) in the growing media, and potential interactions between root presence and LOF, might play in enhancing the breakdown of OM.

Aims

The aim was to better understand how the decomposition rate of plant litter is affected by added fertilizer, plant presence, and growing media OM content.

Methods

A container experiment was conducted with and without tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.; Heinz 5608 variety) present to evaluate the effect of three one‐time fertilizer additions (no fertilizer, LOF, and synthetic fertilizer) on litter decomposition rate. The equivalent amount of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium(K) was added in both fertilizer treatments. The experiment was conducted using two growing media, one containing high OM and one with negligible OM.

Results

The presence of tomato roots stimulated litter decomposition in high OM media, but not in low OM media. Adding LOF did not affect decomposition in either growing medium. Adding synthetic fertilizer led to a negative priming effect in low OM media when roots were present. The rate of decomposition was not affected by root traits.

Conclusions

When ample OM was available, the presence of plant roots had a strong positive impact on litter decomposition. In both low and high OM media, a one‐time addition of fertilizer had minimal or negative effects on litter decomposition. We speculate that the continuous nature of root exudation leads to sustained changes in the microbial population (both community composition and size). Boosting root length growth via the one‐time addition of inorganic fertilizer when OM was negligible allowed the plant to outcompete decomposing microbes for N, possibly leading to selection for microbes that primarily feed on exudates, which resulted in retarded litter decomposition rates. In conclusion, as adding inorganic fertilizer stimulated plant and root growth more than adding the equivalent nutrients in LOF, particularly in growth media with a high OM content, it is better to add inorganic nutrients than LOF to stimulate OM breakdown when plants are present.
The Role of Collaboration in Prenatal Congenital Heart Disease Diagnosis
Authors: Anuwutnavin Sanitra , Kuichanuan Matinuch , Sompagdee Nalat , Kanjanauthai Supaluck , Soongswang Jarupim
Published: October 2024

Objective

This study compared the accuracy of prenatal congenital heart disease (CHD) diagnosed by maternal‐fetal medicine specialists (MFMs) and pediatric cardiologists (PCs), using postnatal cardiac findings as the reference standard.

Methods

This retrospective analysis at Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand, involved 125 pregnancies with fetal CHD diagnosed by MFMs and evaluated by PCs later. Prenatal CHD diagnoses by either MFM or PC were compared with postnatal diagnoses obtained through echocardiography, cardiac surgery/catheterization, or autopsy. Diagnostic accuracy was classified as (A) correct diagnosis, (B) minor differences not impacting clinical management or outcomes, or (C) major differences affecting prognosis or treatment.

Results

Cardiac sonography by MFM achieved diagnostic accuracies of 73.6% (A), 16% (B), and 10.4% (C), while fetal echocardiography by PC resulted in accuracies of 72% (A), 20% (B), and 8% (C). No statistically significant differences were found between MFM and PC in each category (P = .375–.832). The MFMs' accuracy was highest for tetralogy of Fallot (94.4%; 95% CI, 72.7–99.9%) and lowest for right atrial isomerism (71.4%; 95% CI, 29–96.3%) and pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect (57.1%; 95% CI, 18.4–90.1%).

Conclusions

MFMs and PCs demonstrated high and comparable accuracy in prenatal CHD diagnosis. Although PCs tended to outperform MFMs in cases where misdiagnosis could significantly impact neonatal care and outcomes, MFMs can effectively perform primary screening for fetal CHD in all pregnancies. Collaboration with PCs remains essential when fetal CHD is suspected, particularly in complex cases.
Climate Change and Human Activities: Their Roles in Shaping Land Productivity in Northern Nigeria
Authors: Yabo Ibrahim Abdullahi , Pereira Luís Flávio , Siqueira Rafael Gomes , Imbaná Rugana , Pinheiro Alex Xavier , de Angeli Oliveira Isabelle , Schaefer Carlos Ernesto Gonçalves Reynaud , Fernandes‐Filho Elpídio Inácio
Published: October 2024

The Northern Nigeria Region (NNR) has historically suffered from land productivity changes due to anthropogenic and climatic factors. The development of methodologies that can evaluate these changes at the pixel level and spatialize the effects of driving factors is a key requisite to provide targeted solutions for land degradation, in a country with population growth and desert advancement. In this study, we applied MODIS series data to assess land productivity changes in the NNR (2001–2021) using NDVI trend analysis. We also used correlation and RESTREND analyses to discriminate between climate and human factors and map their effects. The results indicated that approximately 30.7% of the NNR showed land degradation, whereas 27.1% showed an increase in land productivity. There was a clear spatial pattern, with increasing productivity closer to the northern Nigeria boundary with Niger, and decreasing productivity concentrated in the central and southern parts of the NNR. Anthropogenic factors had a greater impact on land degradation and improvement, compared with rainfall. The climate forcing contributed most to land productivity in the northeastern part of the NNR. Land degradation is mainly associated with overgrazing and unsustainable agricultural practices, which lead to decreasing productivity of grasslands and crops. On the other hand, human influence on improvements involves land abandonment and recovery programs. These results can be used to planning initiatives to better integrate food production with environmental protection in the NNR, contributing to policies to Nigeria achieving land degradation neutrality as soon as possible.
Wideband filtering antenna design inspired by synthesis of flat‐top broadside gain curve
Authors: Zhang Chuan‐Hao , Cheng You‐Feng , Peng Fan , Liao Cheng
Published: October 2024

A common design solution of wideband filtering antennas inspired by the synthesis of a flat‐top gain curve is proposed by using mutual coupling effects. The realization of a frequency‐varied flat‐top gain curve based on specially designed subarrays is analyzed. Analysis results conclude a design process of generating filtering response based on shorting pins and parasitic structures. A single‐layer rectangle patch array loaded with parasitic shorted patches is designed and analyzed for the validation. The proposed antenna possesses an impedance bandwidth of 4.95–6.05 GHz and a peak realized gain of 11.2 dBi. Besides, the design has its out‐of‐band rejection levels higher than 15 dB.
Investigation of Upper Critical Magnetic Field in 1111‐Type High‐Temperature Iron‐Based Superconductor SmFeAsO1−xFx
Authors: Gardew Derejaw
Published: October 2024

In this research work, we used a two‐band model to study the theoretical analysis of the upper critical magnetic field of a high‐temperature iron‐based superconductor . The graphs of the high‐temperature iron‐based superconductor's upper critical magnetic field (((T) and ) and angular dependence of the field () versus temperature were effectively plotted. The phase diagrams of the temperature‐dependent upper critical magnetic fields versus temperature were suppressed at the transitional temperature and decreased with rising temperature for both directions of the symmetry axis. Additionally, we plotted the phase diagrams and derived the Ginzburg–Landau (GL) parameters (( and ). At the superconducting critical temperature of the superconducting material, these GL parameters diverge at the transitional temperature. Furthermore, a phase diagram of GL characteristic parameter temperature dependence was plotted. By doping fluorine atoms into the parent compound Sm‐1111, the transitional temperature of this superconductor material increased, reaching a value of 54 K and above. Finally, our theoretical conclusion is consistent with the previous experimental results.
Management of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in the Infant: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Leonard James A. , Blumenthal Daniel L. , Almasri Mohamad M. , Zalzal Habib , Riley Charles A. , Lawlor Claire M.
Published: October 2024

Objective

To evaluate the improvement in respiratory parameters of infants with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) treated with medical or surgical intervention.

Data Sources

A comprehensive review was completed using the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane libraries including articles published from 1975 to 2024.

Review Methods

Interventions studied included adenotonsillectomy, mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO), tongue/lip adhesion, partial glossectomy, floor‐of‐mouth release, supraglottoplasty, oral appliances, tracheostomy, and positioning. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) served as a control. Outcomes studied included pre‐ and postintervention obstructive apnea‐hypopnea index. Studies included randomized controlled trials and case‐control trials. A total of 2161 records were identified, and 59 studies were included in the analysis. Data was extracted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses guidelines and pooled using a random‐effects model. The primary study outcome established prior to data collection was a change in the apnea‐hypopnea index.

Results

A meta‐analysis of MDO performed in infants for OSA demonstrated an overall pooled mean difference (pre‐apnea‐hypopnea index minus post‐apnea hypopnea index) of 30.1 (95% confidence interval: 22.9, 37.4; 10 studies, 373 patients). No other data was pooled for analysis due to study heterogeneity. All CPAP studies showed apnea resolution. Tailored therapies including supraglottoplasty and tongue‐lip adhesion reduced but did not resolve apneic events.

Conclusion

Current investigations of the evaluation and treatment of infant OSA are limited by heterogeneity in reporting and study. Mandibular distraction and CPAP are promising.
Association between body mass index and urinary tract infections: A cross‐sectional investigation of the PERSIAN Guilan cohort study
Authors: Taramian Sonbol , Joukar Farahnaz , Maroufizadeh Saman , Hassanipour Soheil , Sheida Fateme , Mansour‐Ghanaei Fariborz
Published: October 2024

Introduction

There is a relationship between excess body weight and the risk of a number of infectious diseases, including urinary tract infections (UTIs). This study aimed to investigate the correlation between body mass index (BMI) and UTIs among Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies of the Iranian Adults (PERSIAN) Guilan Cohort Study (PGCS) population.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted on 10,520 individuals aged 35–70 years from PGCS. The demographical data and clinical characteristics of the participants were recorded. Microscopic examination of the urine samples was performed to detect the presence of bacteria or white blood cells (WBC) as indicators of infection. UTI was defined as the presence of bacteria in the urine (Few, moderate, and many) and a value of ≥10 WBC/high power field (HPF) by light microscopy.

Results

The prevalence of UTIs in this study was 8.8%, with a higher incidence in females compared to males (12.2% vs. 4.7%, p < 0.001). Among participants, the prevalence of UTIs across different weight categories was as follows: underweight/normal weight, 7.1%; overweight, 8.1%; and obesity, 10.9%. According to the unadjusted model, subjects with obesity were at significantly higher odds for UTIs than subjects with underweight/normal BMI (OR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.35–1.93, p < 0.001). However, this association was no longer significant after adjusting for demographic and clinical variables.

Conclusion

The findings of this study provide evidence supporting a higher prevalence of UTIs among individuals with obesity.
Four‐year follow‐up of weight loss maintenance using electronic medical record data: The PROPEL trial
Authors: Katzmarzyk Peter T. , Mire Emily F. , Horswell Ronald , Chu San T. , Zhang Dachuan , Martin Corby K. , Newton Robert L. , Apolzan John W. , Price‐Haywood Eboni G. , Fort Dan , Carton Thomas W. , Denstel Kara D. ,   the PROPEL Research Group
Published: October 2024

Rationale

Short‐term weight loss is possible in a variety of settings. However, long‐term, free‐living weight loss maintenance following structured weight loss interventions remains elusive.

Objective

The purpose was to study body weight trajectories over 2 years of intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) and up to 4 years of follow‐up versus usual care (UC).

Methods

Data were obtained from electronic medical records (EMRs) from participating clinics. Baseline (Day 0) was established as the EMR data point closest but prior to the baseline date of the trial. The sample included 111 ILI and 196 UC patients. The primary statistical analysis focused on differentiating weight loss trajectories between ILI and UC.

Results

The ILI group experienced significantly greater weight loss compared with the UC group from Day 100 to Day 700, beyond which there were no significant differences. Intensive lifestyle intervention patients who maintained ≥5% and ≥10% weight loss at 24 months demonstrated significantly greater weight loss (p < 0.001) across the active intervention and follow‐up.

Conclusions

Following 24 months of active intervention, patients with ILI regained weight toward their baseline to the point where ILI versus UC differences were no longer statistically or clinically significant. However, patients in the ILI who experienced ≥5% or ≥10% weight loss at the cessation of the active intervention maintained greater weight loss at the end of the follow‐up phase.

Clinical Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02561221.
One promising thermoplastic material: Poly(methyl methacrylate) and its continuous glass fiber reinforced composites by redox polymerization
Authors: Gao Yafei , Li Jing , Zhang Chong , Zhang Yiru , Liu Xiaolei , Zhou Lei , Yuan Dongming , Zhang Jianmin
Published: October 2024

Recently, thermosetting epoxy resin is expected to be substituted by thermoplastic featured from green circular economy. Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) has been well known as one promising thermoplastic resin, although its mechanical property needs to be further investigated. In this paper, the free radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) was initiated by lauroyl peroxide/N,N‐dimethylaniline (LPO/DMA) and lauroyl peroxide/N,N‐dimethyl‐p‐toluidine (LPO/DMT) redox system at room temperature, respectively. The PMMA (n(MMA:LPO:DMA) = 200:1.2:1) exhibited excellent mechanical properties, and the tensile strength was 66.5 MPa, the bending strength was 118.0 MPa. The tensile strength increased to 78.9 MPa at −40°C, which suggested a promising application at low temperature. The resin was applied to fabricate continuous glass fiber reinforced PMMA (GF/PMMA) composites by vacuum‐assisted resin infusion. The 0° tensile strength and modulus were 1.17 and 43.7 GPa and 90° tensile strength and modulus were 48.3 MPa and 13.2 GPa, respectively. The mechanical properties of GF/PMMA composites are higher than GF/epoxy. Moreover, PMMA resin and glass fiber can be recycled from GF/PMMA composites by MMA as solvent, which is more energy‐efficient and environment‐friendly. This work is of great significance for preparing sustainable resin and composites.

Highlights

GF/PMMA composites were fabricated by vacuum perfusion.

GF/PMMA composites showed higher mechanical properties than GF/epoxy.

GF/PMMA composite was recycled with MMA and closed‐loop recovery was achieved.
Comparative study of blending techniques in polylactic acid/cellulose nanofibrils green composites for benchtop 3D printing filaments
Authors: Hanipa Muhammad Alif Fitri , Zaidi Siti Aisyah Syazwani , Sajab Mohd Shaiful , Abdul Peer Mohamed , Jamil Kamal
Published: October 2024

Additive manufacturing for polylactic acid (PLA) reinforced with cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) could unlock fabrication of specialized and user‐specific biomedical devices. However, the process of combining PLA and CNF is challenging and proves complicated with possible irreversible CNF agglomeration and organic solvents leftover, particularly when involving solvent‐casting technique. Direct melt‐blending can mitigate these issues, but there are few reports of a single‐step melting and extrusion process to produce ready‐to‐use 3D printing filaments. This study compares the distribution of CNF fillers within the PLA matrix in PLA/CNF composites made by direct melt‐blending into filaments using a benchtop filament maker, and by solvent‐casting followed by extrusion into filaments. The filaments were 3D‐printed via fused deposition modeling (FDM), followed by tensile testing, morphology, and other characterizations. Uneven filament diameters were observed for the composite filaments prepared via solvent‐casting because of severe agglomeration, resulted in poor printability and tensile properties of filaments and 3D‐printed samples. Direct melt‐blended filament diameters were consistent, resulted in only slight decrease of tensile properties compared to pure PLA, contributing to the highest maximum tensile strength of 3D‐printed sample of 51.47 ± 1.73 MPa at 5% CNF loading. Morphology revealed good integration of CNF into PLA matrix starting at 3% CNF loading. Direct melt‐blending was comparable to the conventional methods, which enables simpler PLA/CNF composite preparation especially for 3D printing.

Highlights

Better dispersibility achieved by direct melt‐blending than by solvent‐casting.

PLA/CNF filaments produced via solvent‐casting suffered severe agglomeration.

Direct melt‐blended PLA/CNF5% yielded the highest maximum tensile strength.

Morphology reveals good CNF‐PLA integration starting at 3% of CNF loading.

Worsened agglomeration causing increased number of voids observed at 10% CNF.
Improvement of thermal conductivity properties of epoxy resin by constructing “sesame cookie”‐like nanodiamond‐boron nitride
Authors: Chi Qingguo , Chen Ding , Wang Xubin , Zhang Changhai , Zhang Tiandong , Wu Guanglei , Tang Chao
Published: October 2024

The development of epoxy resin (EP) potting material with high thermal conductivity (TC) and excellent electrical insulating properties plays an important role in the development of drive motors to high specific power and high voltage. In this study, a simple preparation method is presented to solve the problem of low content filler settling and low TC of EP. Firstly, small‐sized perfluoroalkyltrimethoxysilane surface‐treated nanodiamond (ND) and large‐sized hydroxylated boron nitride (BN) were adsorbed together using hydrogen bonding to construct “Sesame Cookie”‐like structures. The heterostructure filler with different “sesame” contents were obtained by modulating the ND:BN ratio, and were filled into high‐temperature resistant AG70 EP at a fixed mass ratio of 20 wt.%. By surface treatment, the dispersibility of fillers in EP was improved, and the settling problem of low content fillers was solved. Finally, when the ratio of ND: BN is 1:2, the TC value of EP composite reached 0.94 W·m−1·K−1, which was 348% higher than pure EP, and the composite possessed good electrical insulating properties. In addition, the heat‐resistance temperature of the composite exceeded 200°C, which ensured the stable operation of the drive motor. This study presents new ideas for the exploitation of EP potting materials with high TC and excellent electrical insulating properties.

Highlights

Heterostructure filler is constructed using hydrogen bonding.

Dispersion of the filler in the EP is improved by surface treatment.

The TC value of the EP composite increased by 348%.

The heat‐resistant temperature of the EP composite is more than 200°C.

The EP composite has excellent insulating properties.
Preparation and performance study of carbon nanotube/polyphenylene sulfidecomposite materials based on floating catalytic chemical vapor deposition and continuous dusting powder
Authors: Guohua Lou , Zhiyong Zhao , Yangang Wang , Yaoqi Wang , Zhenming Yue , Jun Gao , Shaolei Liu
Published: October 2024

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are commonly used to enhance composite performance due to their exceptional properties. However, existing preparation methods suffer from complexity, poor interfacial bonding, and inadequate CNT dispersion. To address these issues, a new method for CNT composite preparation using floating catalytic chemical vapor deposition (FCCVD) is proposed in this study. Here, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) powder is uniformly spread onto the continuously formed CNT network using a vibrator to prepare a CNT/PPS composite film. Subsequently, multilayer composite films are hot‐pressed into molds to produce CNT/PPS composites. The study investigates the mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties of these composites. Due to the preserved 3D CNT conductive network and strong interfacial bonding between PPS and CNTs bundles, the CNT/PPS composite demonstrates excellent electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, and electrothermal performance. This method offers a simple, effective, environmentally friendly, and promising approach for producing high‐performance CNT composite materials.

Highlights

A novel method for the fabrication of CNT/PPS composites.

3D conductive network enables composites to obtain high conductivity at low CNT content.

The prepared CNT/PPS composites have excellent electrical, mechanical, and electrothermal properties.