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While cervical cancer is associated with a persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, the progression to cancer is influenced by genomic risk factors that have remained largely obscure. Pathogenic variants in genes of the homology‐directed repair (HDR) or mismatch repair (MMR) are known to predispose to diverse tumour entities including breast and ovarian cancer (HDR) or colon and endometrial cancer (MMR). We here investigate the spectrum of HDR and MMR germline variants in cervical cancer, with particular focus on the HPV status and histological subgroups. We performed targeted next‐generation sequencing for 5 MMR genes and 12 HDR genes on 728 German patients with cervical dysplasia or invasive cancer. In total, 4% of our patients carried a pathogenic germline variant, based on ClinVar classifications and additional ESM1b and AlphaMissense predictions. These included 15 patients with truncating variants in HDR genes (BARD1, BRCA1, BRCA2, BRIP1, FANCM, RAD51D and SLX4). MMR‐related gene variants were less prevalent and mainly of the missense type. While MMR‐related gene variants tended to associate with adenocarcinomas, HDR gene variants were commonly observed in squamous cancers. While one patient with HPV‐negative cancer carried a pathogenic MMR gene variant (in MSH6), the HDR germline variants were found in patients with HPV‐positive cancers and tended to associate with HPV18. Taken together, our study supports a potentially risk‐modifying role of MMR and HDR germline variants in cervical cancer but no association with HPV‐negative status. These variants may be exploitable in future therapeutic managements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endometrial cancer has been associated with pathogenic variants in mismatch repair (MMR) genes, especially in the context of the hereditary Lynch Syndrome. More recently, pathogenic variants in genes of homology‐directed repair (HDR) have also been suggested to contribute to a subset of endometrial cancers. In the present hospital‐based study, we investigated the relative distribution of pathogenic MMR or HDR gene variants in a series of 342 endometrial cancer patients from the Oncology Clinic in Almaty, Kazakhstan. In comparison, we also sequenced 178 breast cancer patients from the same population with the same gene panel. Identified variants were classified according to ClinVar, ESM1b, and AlphaMissense prediction tools. We found 10 endometrial cancer patients (2.9%) carrying pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in MMR genes (7 MSH6, 1 MSH2, 2 MUTYH), while 14 endometrial cancer patients (4.1%) carried pathogenic variants in HDR genes (4 BRCA2, 3 BRCA1, 3 FANCM, 2 SLX4, 1 BARD1, 1 BRIP1). In the breast cancer series, we found 8 carriers (4.5%) of pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in MMR genes (2 MSH2, 2 MSH6, 4 MUTYH) while 12 patients (6.7%) harbored pathogenic or likely pathogenic HDR gene variants (5 BRCA1, 3 BRCA2, 1 BRIP1, 1 ERRC4, 1 FANCM, 1 SLX4). One patient who developed breast cancer first and endometrial cancer later carried a novel frameshift variant in MSH6. Our results indicate that MMR and HDR gene variants with predicted pathogenicity occur at substantial frequencies in both breast and endometrial cancer patients from the Kazakh population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This research proposes a novel low‐cost aperture coupled elliptic patch nanoantenna which works best when it has a stable radiation pattern and good gain. On the upper portion of the substratum, a cross‐shaped hole was additionally engraved from a metallic strip with a silver composition. Elliptical‐shaped silicon material is employed as a patch in this antenna design which is made on a substrate made of inexpensive glass epoxy. The silver substance makes up the nanometallic strip line at the substrate's base. A cross‐shaped hole has also been etched from a metallic strip with a silver composition on the upper section of the substrate. As the foam substrate to be used in between the feed and antenna substrates, Rohacell was adopted. A proposed simple cross‐shaped aperture enhanced the bandwidth of the planned antenna without degrading its radiation performance and is loaded on a proximity‐linked elliptical microstrip antenna. To achieve the highest coupling, the lowest back radiation, the least amount of spurious radiation, and good efficiency, the patch and feed line are positioned in the middle, at a right angle over the slot. The proposed antenna was simulated in HFSS, and optimum results were observed from the output. The results were evaluated based on radiation pattern, return loss, smith chart, radiation efficiency, and 3D polar plot for 300, 500, and 800 THz frequencies. Also, the impedance bandwidth, gain, and a number of bands were compared with other conventional methods and our proposed method proved to outperform the existing method in all aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arising from the increasing demand for electric vehicles (EVs), Ni‐rich LiNixCoyMnzO2 (NCM, x + y + z = 1, x ≥ 0.8) cathode with greatly increased energy density are being researched and commercialized for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). However, parasitic crack formation during the discharge–charge cycling process remains as a major degradation mechanism. Cracking leads to increase in the specific surface area, loss of electrical contact between the primary particles, and facilitates liquid electrolyte infiltration into the cathode active material, accelerating capacity fading and decrease in lifetime. In contrast, Ni‐rich NCM when used as a single crystal exhibits superior cycling performances due to its rigid mechanical property that resists cracking during long charge–discharge process even under harsh conditions. In this paper, we present comparative investigation between single crystal Ni‐rich LiNi0.92Co0.04Mn0.04O2 (SC) and polycrystalline Ni‐rich LiNi0.92Co0.04Mn0.04O2 (PC). The relatively improved cycling performances of SC are attributed to smaller anisotropic volume change, higher reversibility of phase transition, and resistance to crack formation. The superior properties of SC are demonstrated by in situ characterization and battery tests. Consequently, it is inferred from the results obtained that optimization of preparation conditions can be regarded as a key approach to obtain well crystallized and superior electrochemical performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Morphology is routinely used for detecting malignant cells in body fluids, but it has limitations. Recently, flow cytometry (FCM) is used as an effective tool for studying non‐haematological malignancies. The main objective of this study is to standardize a simple and rapid FCM test for the detection of malignant epithelial cells in body fluids. Materials and Methods: Body fluids that had been processed for cytology/cytology and FCM were enrolled in this prospective study. We developed a fluorescent‐labelled, monoclonal antibody panel composed of cell surface markers for this FCM assay. We compared the results of cytology/cell block and FCM. Results: A total of 121 fluid samples were studied. Comparing the diagnostic performance of cytology/cell block and FCM, 52 (43%) cases were positive and 60 (49.5%) cases were negative for carcinoma cells by both techniques. Nine cases showed discordant results between the two techniques. Six cases were cytology+ but FCM‐ and three cases were FCM+ cytology‐. Clustered Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule (EpCAM)‐positive events with high scatter properties were definitive for positive diagnosis by FCM. We studied PD‐L1 expression in 13 cases by FCM. Six cases were reported as false negative by this FCM assay due to hypocellularity and lack of EpCAM expression in malignant cells. Conclusions: This FCM assay is simple, easier and cost‐effective yielding sensitive results with no inter‐observer variability. FCM would become a valuable tool to complement routine diagnostic cytology and reduces misdiagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Individuals with steatotic liver disease (SLD) are at high cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, but approaches to characterise and mitigate this risk are limited. By investigating relations, and shared metabolic pathways, of hepatic steatosis/fibrosis and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), we sought to identify new avenues for CVD risk reduction in SLD. Methods: In Framingham Heart Study (FHS) participants (N = 2722, age 54 ± 9 years, 53% women), vibration‐controlled transient elastography (VCTE) was performed between 2016–2019 to assess hepatic steatosis (continuous attenuation parameter [CAP]) and fibrosis (liver fibrosis measure [LSM]). Concurrently, participants underwent maximum effort cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), and metabolomic profiling (201 circulating metabolites) was performed in a subsample (N = 1268). Results: Mean BMI was 28.0 ± 5.3, 27% had hepatic steatosis, 7.6% had fibrosis, and peak oxygen uptake (VO2) was 26.2 ± 6.8 mL/kg/min in men and 20.7 ± 6.0 mL/kg/min in women (95% predicted overall). In linear models adjusted for cardiometabolic risk factors, greater CAP and LSM were associated with lower peak VO2 (p ≤ 0.002 for all), and the CAP association remained significant after BMI adjustment (p < 0.0001). We observed shared metabolic architecture of CAP, LSM, and peak VO2, with metabolites mediating up to 35% (for CAP) and 74% (for LSM) of the association with peak VO2. Metabolite mediators included amino acids and derivatives implicated in cardiometabolic risk and both protective and deleterious lipid species. Conclusions: Hepatic steatosis and fibrosis are associated with CRF impairment in the community, and these relations are partly mediated by pathways of altered lipid metabolism and general cardiometabolic risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Litter produced by exotic grasses is known to negatively impact native species through multiple mechanisms. While litter removal is a potential restoration tool to recover native species, the effects of litter removal on overall plant community structure are not well understood as most studies focus on native species recovery. In a litter removal experiment in Southern California, U.S.A., we found that plant communities receiving litter removal treatment differed in species composition from control plots and had 4.4% higher native forb relative abundance and 7.0% higher exotic forb relative abundance, on average. These changes in exotic and native forb abundance with litter removal altered community structure by increasing overall Shannon diversity, while only having a modest positive effect on overall species richness. In contrast, we found no effect of litter removal on the species richness or Shannon diversity of native species. Taken together, these findings suggest that in herbaceous systems litter removal is likely to alter community composition primarily by increasing the abundance of native and exotic forbs already present in the community, rather than by allowing the establishment of new native species. Our study adds to a growing body of literature demonstrating that litter produced by exotic grasses inhibits native forbs in California grasslands and coastal sage scrub and highlights a potential trade‐off between controlling exotic grass invaders and controlling exotic forb invaders. If managing for increased species diversity is the goal, litter removal may be an appropriate intervention to move plant communities toward a more diverse state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we utilize density functional theory (DFT) calculations to investigate the structural and electronic properties of YAg‐B2(CsCl) and YCu‐B2(CsCl) intermetallic compounds (IMCs). Our enthalpy calculations confirm that these compounds crystallize in a CsCl‐type structure, highlighting their stability in this phase. The lattice constants provide insights into the atomic arrangement and bonding strength within the crystal, influencing the material's density and overall structural integrity. The bulk modulus reflects the material's resistance to uniform compression, indicative of its incompressibility, and rigidity, which are essential for applications requiring high strength and durability. By analyzing the density of states (DOSs) and electronic band structure (BS), we further discuss the electronic stability and metallic nature of these materials. Additionally, the electronic properties derived from the DOS and BS analysis suggest good electrical conductivity, making these materials suitable for use in electronic and optoelectronic devices. The calculated equilibrium structural parameters, including bulk modulus, lattice constants, and their derivatives, are found to be in good agreement with available experimental and theoretical data. Understanding these properties is crucial for optimizing the performance of YAg and YCu intermetallics in practical applications, from structural components to advanced electronic systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current study, a Novel synthesis of fluorescent Green carbon dots (G‐NCDs) is reported from waste Brachyura shells using a simple, green technique. G‐NCDs function as a TURN‐ON fluorescent probe for the selective detection Uric Acid (UA) in presence of Dopamine (DA). The synthesized carbon dots are sand colored under visible light and exhibit pale green fluorescence under UV radiation. The G‐NCDs are characterized using UV–vis, FTIR, XPS, SEM‐EDAX, HR‐TEM, X‐ray diffraction, and PL spectroscopic technique. The SEM‐EDAX data of G‐NCDs shows a layered, fibrous morphology and confirms the presence of only Carbon, Nitrogen, and Oxygen in the matrix. FTIR and XPS response confirms the presence of functional groups like ─C≡N, ─C≡C─, CH, ═C─H, O─H on the surface of G‐NCDs. XRD data confirms G‐NCDs to be crystalline with a particle size of 4.51 nm. The quantum yield found to be 99.8%. PL response confirms a TURN OFF fluorescence with increased addition of DA. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), a form of dynamic quenching is responsible for the DA quenching, confirmed through linear Stern‐ Volmer plot. With increase in addition of UA in presence of DA fluorescence TURNs ON with a minimum selective detection limit of UA as 0.23 × 10−12 M. Selective detection of UA in presence of DA is due to the following reasons i) decrease in bandgap of G‐NCDs in presence of UA ii) electrostatic attraction between negatively charged carboxyl group of G‐NCDs and positively charge secondary amine group of UA molecule ii) UA molecules near to the surface of G‐NCDs switches off the formation of polydopamine iv) formation of surface defects due to the formation of hydrogen bonds between the ketone/hydroxyl group in the UA molecule and the amino group on the surface of G‐NCD resulting in fluorescence. The first time the lowest detection limit of 0.23 × 10−12 M of UA is been reported in presence of DA using G‐NCDs. In future, G‐NCDs will be used for the detection of UA in biological fluids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulmonary artery aneurysmal rupture is a rare cause of massive hemoptysis. When the suspected origin of bleeding is the pulmonary artery, comprehensive evaluation is necessary to determine aetiology and guide appropriate management. Behçet's disease and Hughes–Stovin Syndrome (HSS) are important differentials to consider after infections and malignancy have been ruled out. Pulmonary artery aneurysms with aneurysmal wall enhancement and 'in‐situ' thrombus should prompt the suspicion of HSS. Early diagnosis and treatment with immunosuppressants and endovascular interventions in selected patients may improve the prognosis and prevent episodes of fatal hemoptysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The structural, optoelectronic and charge transport properties of porphyrin and its analogues are investigated using the density functional theoretical methods. Most of the above molecules absorb in visible region with high light harvesting efficiency. The small energy gap between the frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs) suggests that porphyrin and its derivatives can be used in organic semiconductors. Electronic properties such as ionization potential, electron affinity, reorganization energy and the charge transfer integral are calculated to obtain their charge transport properties. It is revealed that porphyrin, porphyrazine and phthalocyanine act as hole transporters, whereas corrole and corrolazine act as electron transporters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inspired by the fabrication of zigzag MoSe2 nanoribbons and MoS2 nanoribbons with well‐defined atomically precise edges, we study the stability, electronic structures, and magnetic properties of zigzag VS2 nanoribbons (ZNRs) with different edge structures and widths. The calculated edge energies for all studied VS2 nanoribbons are less than 0.9 eV/Å, lower than that of fabricated armchair and zigzag graphene nanoribbons, indicating the easy formation of ZNRs. The results show N‐ZNRs terminated with S and V atoms (N‐SV‐ZNRs) is a ferrimagnetic metal. The magnetic moments are mainly contributed by d orbitals of V atoms, and the V2 atom exhibits a spin that is antiparallel to the other V atoms due to the increase of through–space interaction. With hydrogen passivation, the magnetic moment of V2 atom in N‐SV‐ZNRs couples ferromagnetically with other V atoms and N‐SV‐ZNRs becomes half metallic. The N‐ZNRs terminated with V atom (N‐VV‐ZNRs) is found to be a magnetic metal, and the magnetic moments of V atoms around edges are very sensitive to ribbon width. Furthermore, N‐ZNRs with S atom terminations (N‐SS‐ZNRs) is a ferromagnetic quasi‐semiconductor. Only select bands intersect with the Fermi level near the Γ point, and the magnetic moments of all V atoms couple ferromagnetically. These findings are essential for applications of VS2 nanoribbons–based low‐dimensional spintronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Background Methods Results Conclusions Key points Plain language summary Platelet concentrates have gained significant attention in periodontology due to their regenerative properties. This randomized clinical trial was aimed to compare the clinical efficacy of advanced platelet‐rich fibrin (A‐PRF) and connective tissue graft (CTG) in the management of recession defects. The objectives were to compare changes in recession height and root coverage percentage between the groups.Systemically healthy individuals presenting Cairo's RT1/RT2 gingival recession defects in the maxilla (n = 40) were treated with either A‐PRF or CTG in combination with coronally advanced flap (CAF). Clinical parameters were measured at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Mean and complete root coverage percentages were calculated at 3 and 6 months.In both the test (CAF + A‐PRF) and control (CAF + CTG) groups, a statistically significant reduction in mean recession height was seen from baseline values of 2.90 ± 0.55 mm and 3.15 ± 0.87 mm to 0.80 ± 0.95 mm and 0.15 ± 0.48 mm at 6 months, respectively (p < 0.001). In the test group, 10 sites had complete root coverage at 6 months with mean root coverage of 73.76 ± 29.58%. In the control group, 18 of 20 sites had complete root coverage with mean root coverage of 93.35 ± 23.1%. The control sites had a significantly greater reduction in recession height and higher mean and complete root coverage percentages at 6 months (p < 0.05).The study findings suggest that, the CTG had resulted in superior outcomes than A‐PRF along with CAF. Question: To compare the efficacy of advanced platelet‐rich fibrin (A‐PRF) with connective tissue graft (CTG) in the management of gingival recession defects. Finding: Both interventions showed satisfactory healing. At 6 months, the CTG group demonstrated superior results than the A‐PRF group. Meaning: CTG has a greater therapeutic potential than A‐PRF in the management of gingival recessions. Question: To compare the efficacy of advanced platelet‐rich fibrin (A‐PRF) with connective tissue graft (CTG) in the management of gingival recession defects.Finding: Both interventions showed satisfactory healing. At 6 months, the CTG group demonstrated superior results than the A‐PRF group.Meaning: CTG has a greater therapeutic potential than A‐PRF in the management of gingival recessions.Platelet‐derived membranes are widely used in various dental therapies due to their healing properties. Limited studies have been conducted using the novel platelet preparations in the management of receding gums. This study compared the effects of advanced platelet‐rich fibrin membrane with conventional soft tissue harvested from the palate in the treatment of gum recession. Twenty‐three patients requiring gum augmentation were recruited and treated with either platelet‐derived membrane (test group) or tissue harvested from their palate (control group). Clinical parameters were measured at baseline (before intervention), 3 months, and 6 months. Both treatment modalities resulted in significant gum coverage at the end of 6 months. On comparison, the control sites had significantly greater improvements in all the measured clinical parameters indicating that tissue obtained from the palate had superior therapeutic potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Information: Microvilli are finger‐like, straight, and stable cellular protrusions that are filled with F‐actin and present a stereotypical length. They are present in a broad range of cell types across the animal tree of life and mediate several fundamental functions, including nutrient absorption, photosensation, and mechanosensation. Therefore, understanding the origin and evolution of microvilli is key to reconstructing the evolution of animal cellular form and function. Here, we review the current state of knowledge on microvilli evolution and perform a bioinformatic survey of the conservation of genes encoding microvillar proteins in animals and their unicellular relatives. Results: We first present a detailed description of mammalian microvilli based on two well‐studied examples, the brush border microvilli of enterocytes and the stereocilia of hair cells. We also survey the broader diversity of microvilli and discuss similarities and differences between microvilli and filopodia. Based on our bioinformatic survey coupled with carefully reconstructed molecular phylogenies, we reconstitute the order of evolutionary appearance of microvillar proteins. We document the stepwise evolutionary assembly of the "molecular microvillar toolkit" with notable bursts of innovation at two key nodes: the last common filozoan ancestor (correlated with the evolution of microvilli distinct from filopodia) and the last common choanozoan ancestor (correlated with the emergence of inter‐microvillar adhesions). Conclusion and Significance: We conclude with a scenario for the evolution of microvilli from filopodia‐like ancestral structures in unicellular precursors of animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nature‐based solutions (NbS) involve interventions that modify ecosystems to enhance multiple ecosystem services (ES). Yet, despite our increasing knowledge of the key role that functional traits play in determining ES, certain types of NbS often do not consider a functional trait perspective.A reason for this lack of translation may be the range of NbS approaches and levels of knowledge of trait–ES relationships. Functional traits may be most useful as targets for NbS design when knowledge on trait–ES mapping is established and the NbS involves a medium or high level of management intervention.A richer understanding of causality in trait–ES and trait–resilience linkages, and context dependency in those linkages, is needed to broaden the application of functional traits in NbS. An improved understanding of trait linkages with cultural ES and how traits interact with stakeholder values to shape NbS uptake would also improve application.Synthesis: A greater consideration of functional traits will increase the efficacy of NbS projects, and could be accelerated by tackling gaps in knowledge about functional traits. Here, we envision a research agenda that both advances NbS design and leverages the varied objectives of NbS to robustly test our knowledge about functional traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Inter‐assay variation between different immunoassays and different mass spectrometry methods hampers the biochemical confirmation of male hypogonadism. Furthermore, some laboratories utilise assay manufacturer reference ranges that do not necessarily mirror assay performance characteristics, with the lower limit of normality ranging from 4.9 nmol/L to 11 nmol/L. The quality of the normative data underlying commercial immunoassay reference ranges is uncertain. Design: A working group reviewed published evidence and agreed upon standardised reporting guidance to augment total testosterone reports. Results: Evidence‐based guidance on appropriate blood sampling, clinical action limits, and other major factors likely to affect the interpretation of results are provided. Conclusions: This article aims to improve the quality of the interpretation of testosterone results by non‐specialist clinicians. It also discusses approaches for assay harmonisation which have been successful in some but not all healthcare systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study utilizes finite element analysis (FEA) to explore the effect of standardized notch shapes—triangular, circular, and rectangular on the tensile behavior of oxide–oxide (O–O) ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) across various temperature ranges. Findings reveal that unnotched samples exhibited a superior equivalent stress of ∼425 MPa, closely aligning with experimental values. However, under elevated temperatures of 1000°C and 1200°C, degradation occurs, reaching up to 54% decrease at 1200°C. Notched samples demonstrate similar behavior, with all notches acting as stress concentrators. Analysis of single and double notches highlights that circular notches have the most significant stress concentrators due to their smooth surfaces and lack of sharp edges, in contrast to rectangular and triangular notches. Although all notch types influence stress concentration, the absence of non‐sharp corners in circular notches limit stress dissipation, resulting in higher stress concentrations. This trend persists under high temperature as well. The study emphasizes the critical need for a thorough assessment of notch effects, considering their position, orientation, shape, and size, as they significantly affect the mechanical properties of O–O CMCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increasing number of women with urea cycle disorders (UCDs) are reaching child‐bearing age and becoming pregnant. Improved diagnostics and increased awareness of inherited metabolic diseases has also led to more previously undetected women being diagnosed with a UCD during or shortly after pregnancy. Pregnancy increases the risk of acute metabolic decompensation with hyperammonemia—which can occur in any trimester, and/or the postpartum period, and may lead to encephalopathy, psychosis, coma, and even death, if not diagnosed promptly and treated appropriately. There are also (theoretical) concerns that a maternal UCD, or its treatment, may cause potential risks for the unborn child. Currently evidence on management and outcome of pregnancies in UCDs is limited to case reports and there are no clear guidelines. In order to inform management and investigate outcomes of pregnancies in women with a UCD, we performed a retrospective review of published cases and analyzed data collected from an international online survey. We conclude that, although risk during the intra‐ and postpartum period exists, multidisciplinary management by an experienced team and a prospective plan usually result in successful pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum period. No deaths were reported in mothers managed accordingly. With the exception of male neonates with Ornithine Transcarbamylase deficiency, the clinical outcome of children born to mothers with UCDs appears positive, although follow‐up is limited. The outcome for women presenting with a first acute metabolic decompensation during pregnancy or postpartum is less favorable. Deaths were associated with diagnostic delay/late management of hyperammonemia in previously undiagnosed women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the growth in the internet and e‐retailing, consumers are extremely reliant on online user‐generated reviews ("reviews") for decision‐making. Reviews often combine informational cues such as numeric (i.e., star) ratings and qualitative text, and these may not always be in alignment. To understand conflicting informational cues, this research conceptualizes and tests an incongruence frame that captures the inconsistency between a review's textual and numeric message cue components. Incongruence occurs when the valence of the review text is not in alignment with the product star rating given by the reviewer. To further qualify the findings, the paper introduces two types of incongruences: Type A (Type B) is categorized as involving low (high) star ratings alongside a positive (negative) review text. The research findings shed light on an underexplored dimension of review processing based on inconsistency between the textual and numeric components of a single review. Using primary and secondary data across four studies, the incongruence effect is shown to undermine review usage. Incongruence is found to influence both review diagnosticity and review authenticity. The initial heuristics of review evaluation generate differential effects between Type A and Type B. Incongruence in the review is also shown to influence product purchases. The incongruence frame, therefore, helps reconcile some of the inconsistencies in the extant literature and offers fruitful avenues of future research for both academics and practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasma cell mucositis (PCM) is a rare inflammatory condition affecting the oral tissues, often triggered by allergens or inflammation. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopmental condition, poses unique challenges in oral care and hygiene due to behavioral and sensory issues. These conditions have not previously been reported in concert but may share risk factors including through the development of inflammation. We present a case of severe PCM in a 23‐year‐old male with ASD, illustrating diagnostic complexities and management strategies. The patient presented with widespread and severe lesions, raising the possibility of underlying causes. After multiple interventions, including topical steroids and trigger avoidance, the patient achieved near‐complete resolution of the oral lesions. Immunohistochemical and serological investigations suggested an underlying monoclonal gammopathy, warranting hematological evaluation. Our case shows how PCM and ASD can affect each other, highlighting the importance of understanding how these conditions interact, and the need for tailored approaches to oral health in this population. Further research is needed to elucidate any pathophysiological or risk‐based link between ASD and inflammatory oral conditions and to refine management strategies for PCM in patients with neurodevelopmental disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymerization of benzoxazine at low temperatures is important because the high‐temperature polymerization restricts its utilization in a wide range of applications, though the polybenzoxazines possess excellent properties. The effect of nitro functionality and various substituents on the thermal curing of benzoxazine and the flame‐retardant behavior are mainly focused in this study. In the present work, 2,2′‐methylenebis(4‐nitrophenol) (NBP) was synthesized from 4‐nitrophenol and is used for the synthesis of benzoxazine derivatives with five structurally different aromatic amines. As the synthesized benzoxazine contains nitro‐groups in the phenolic part and various substituted functional groups in different positions of the amine part, the curing temperatures significantly varied among each other. The effect of different substituents on the thermal ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of benzoxazine was studied with exotherms of the DSC thermogram. The 4‐fluoroaniline and 2‐aminobenzotrifluoride‐based benzoxazines show the highest and lowest curing temperatures of 272 and 189 °C, respectively, which is based on their substituents and their position that can act as an internal catalyst. The resulting polybenzoxazines possess higher char yield (49% ≤ 63%) and higher values of LOI (37 ≤ 43) including excellent flame retardant (UL94‐V0) behaviors suggesting that the polybenzoxazine can be used as coatings for high‐performance industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The trap state at the surfaces and grain boundaries of perovskite is one of the major obstacles to the further commercialization of flexible perovskite solar cells (FPSCs). Herein, two innovative multifunctional fluorinated propylamine salt 2,2,3,3,3‐pentafluoropropylamine hydrochloride (PFPACl) and 3,3,3‐triflupropylamine hydrochloride (TFPACl) are in situ introduced onto the photo absorbing layer to improve the performance of the FPSCs. The nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy indicates strong interactions of both PFPACl and TFPACl with the perovskite precursor components. For the first time, the structures of the supramolecular complexes formed by two additives with FAI are deduced from NOESY NMR data, thus pointing to the importance of the preorganization of the perovskite components in solution before film casting. The experiments and density functional theory（DFT) calculations reveal that PFPACl is likely dissociated more into the form of R‐NH3+‐Cl− due to the higher electronegativity of the fluoroalkyl tail. Therefore, PFPA+ binds more strongly to VFA defects than TFPA+, and anion Cl− has strong enough interaction with VFAI and uncoordinated Pb2+, leading to homogeneous coverage of PFPACl on the entire surface of the perovskite films and better energy alignment with the hole transport layer. Consequently, PFPACl‐treated FPSCs achieved a relatively high PCE of 23.59% with excellent mechanical robustness and operational stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A stable solid‐electrolyte interphase (SEI) is crucial for cycling reversibility of Na‐ion batteries by mitigating continuous side reactions. So far, the severe SEI dissolution leads to low Coulombic efficiency (CE) and short cycle life. Meanwhile, the quantified relationship between SEI components and their solubility remains unclear. In this work, we establish the direct correlation between SEI components and SEI solubility, and quantify that the solubility of organic‐rich SEI is 3.26 times of inorganic‐rich SEI. We further propose a feasible strategy to preform inorganic‐rich insoluble SEI and demonstrate a practical hard carbon (HC)||NaMn0.33Fe0.33Ni0.33O2 full cell in a commercial electrolyte of 1 M NaPF6 in propylene carbonate (PC) with 80.0 % capacity retention for 900 cycles, and achieve a record‐high average CE of 99.95 % for a practical Na‐ion full cell. This study provides an effective strategy of preforming insoluble SEI to suppress its dissolution towards highly reversible Na‐ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Task‐based action observation and imitation (AOI) is a promising intervention to enhance upper limb (UL) motor function poststroke. However, whether whole/part task must be trained in the AOI therapy needs further substantiation. Objective: The objective of this study is to assess and compare the mirror neuron activity and UL muscle activity during AOI of reaching task in terms of whole task (complete movement) and part task (proximal arm movements and distal arm movements). Methods: In this cross‐sectional study, 26 participants with first‐time unilateral stroke were asked to observe the prerecorded videos of a reaching task in terms of a whole task and proximal and distal components, followed by imitation of the task, respectively. Electroencephalographic (EEG) mu rhythm suppression and electromyographic amplitude of six UL muscles were measured during the task. Results: The analysis of EEG revealed a statistically significant mu suppression score, indicating mirror neuron system activity, during AOI of the whole task in C3 (p = <0.001) and C4 (p = <0.001) electrodes compared to the part task. Percentage maximum voluntary contraction amplitudes of the deltoid (p = 0.002), supraspinatus (p = <0.001), triceps brachii (p = 0.002), brachioradialis (p = 0.006), and extensor carpi radialis (p = <0.001) muscles showed a significant increase in muscle activity during AOI of the whole task. Also, there seems to be a task observation–specific activation of muscles following AOI of proximal or distal tasks. Conclusion: The practice of the whole task should be given emphasis while framing the AOI treatment module to enhance reaching in people with stroke. Trial registration: Clinical Trials Registry‐India (CTRI) identifier: CTRI/2018/04/013466. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, cerium conversion coating (CeCC) was deposited on AZ91D Mg alloy using potentiostatic polarization method combined with phosphate pore‐sealing treatment. Initially, the optimum deposition parameters to obtain a crack‐free surface were found. The characterization of coating revealed the presence of a nodular morphology of cerium oxide deposits. Next, the electrochemical behavior of the coated surface was assessed using potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution. Based on electrochemical characterization, the coating exhibited a fivefold increase in the charge transfer resistance and a corresponding 76% reduction in corrosion rate, when compared to the bare surface. Furthermore, the conversion coating exhibited improved corrosion resistance when evaluated using the immersion test. Therefore, these findings demonstrate the feasibility of the potentiostatic method for creating nearly crack‐free CeCC on Mg alloys, unlike conventional conversion coatings. Moreover, this approach holds great potential for effectively mitigating the corrosion issues in Mg alloys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study compared opioid prescribing among ambulatory visits with systemic autoimmune/inflammatory rheumatic diseases (SARDs) or without and assessed factors associated with opioid prescribing in SARDs. Methods: This cross‐sectional study used the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey between 2006 and 2019. Adult (≥18 years) visits with a primary diagnosis of SARDs, including rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, or systemic lupus erythematosus were included in the study. Opioid prescribing was compared between those with vs without SARDs using multivariable logistic regression accounting for the complex survey design and adjusting for predisposing, enabling, and need factors within Andersen's Behavioral Model of Health Services Use. Another multivariable logistic regression examined the predictors associated with opioid prescribing in SARDs. Results: Annually, an average of 5.20 million (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.58–6.82) visits were made for SARDs, whereas 780.14 million (95% CI 747.56–812.72) visits were made for non‐SARDs. The SARDs group was more likely to be prescribed opioids (22.53%) than the non‐SARDs group (9.83%) (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.65; 95% CI 1.68–4.18). Among the SARDs visits, patient age from 50 to 64 (aOR 1.95; 95% CI 1.05–3.65 relative to ages 18–49) and prescribing of glucocorticoids (aOR 1.75; 95% CI 1.20–2.54) were associated with an increased odd of opioid prescribing, whereas private insurance relative to Medicare (aOR 0.50; 95% CI 0.31–0.82) was associated with a decreased odds of opioid prescribing. Conclusion: Opioid prescribing in SARDs was higher compared to non‐SARDs. Concerted efforts are needed to determine the appropriateness of opioid prescribing in SARDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: New tools are needed to identify heart failure (HF) risk earlier in its course. We evaluated the association of multidimensional cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) phenotypes with subclinical risk markers and predicted long‐term HF risk in a large community‐based cohort. Methods and results: We studied 2532 Framingham Heart Study participants [age 53 ± 9 years, 52% women, body mass index (BMI) 28.0 ± 5.3 kg/m2, peak oxygen uptake (VO2) 21.1 ± 5.9 kg/m2 in women, 26.4 ± 6.7 kg/m2 in men] who underwent maximum effort CPET and were not taking atrioventricular nodal blocking agents. Higher peak VO2 was associated with a lower estimated HF risk score (Spearman correlation r: −0.60 in men and −0.55 in women, P < 0.0001), with an observed overlap of estimated risk across peak VO2 categories. Hierarchical clustering of 26 separate CPET phenotypes (values residualized on age, sex, and BMI to provide uniformity across these variables) identified three clusters with distinct exercise physiologies: Cluster 1—impaired oxygen kinetics; Cluster 2—impaired vascular; and Cluster 3—favourable exercise response. These clusters were similar in age, sex distribution, and BMI but displayed distinct associations with relevant subclinical phenotypes [Cluster 1—higher subcutaneous and visceral fat and lower pulmonary function; Cluster 2—higher carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity (CFPWV); and Cluster 3—lower CFPWV, C‐reactive protein, fat volumes, and higher lung function; all false discovery rate < 5%]. Cluster membership provided incremental variance explained (adjusted R2 increment of 0.10 in women and men, P < 0.0001 for both) when compared with peak VO2 alone in association with predicted HF risk. Conclusions: Integrated CPET response patterns identify physiologically relevant profiles with distinct associations to subclinical phenotypes that are largely independent of standard risk factor‐based assessment, which may suggest alternate pathways for prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Optimization of ultrafiltration during hemodialysis is a critical parameter in achieving therapeutic efficacy and ensuring hemodynamic stability. While various modalities such as blood volume monitoring, inferior vena cava diameter assessment, natriuretic peptide levels, bioimpedance assay, and lung ultrasound have been widely explored in the context of maintenance hemodialysis, the concept of volume‐guided ultrafiltration in dialysis patients with acute kidney injury remains unexplored. Methods: Adult patients with acute kidney injury requiring dialysis, who were hemodynamically stable and not on ventilator support, without underlying lung pathology or cardiac failure, were randomized into two groups. All patients underwent 28‐zone lung ultrasound before dialysis. The ultrafiltration was decided based on the treating physician's clinical judgment in controls. In the intervention group, the ultrafiltration orders prescribed by the treating physician were modified, based on the Kerley B line scores obtained by lung ultrasound. The rest of the dialysis prescriptions were similar. A postdialysis lung ultrasound was done in both groups to assess the postdialysis volume status 30 min after the dialysis session. Results: A total of 74 patients undergoing hemodialysis for acute kidney injury were randomized. The baseline characteristics were comparable except for higher baseline B line score scores in the intervention arm. All patients received similar dialysis prescriptions. The lung ultrasound‐guided ultrafiltration arm had a higher change in B line scores (BLS) from baseline (4 [0–9.5] vs. 0 [0–4]; p value 0.004) during the first dialysis session. The predialysis BLS indexed to ultrafiltration (mL/kbw/h) were significantly lower in controls, reflecting a relatively higher rate of ultrafiltration in controls compared with intervention (p = 0.006). The total number of dialysis sessions done in the control and intervention arm were 61 and 59, respectively. Among controls, 23/61 sessions (37.7%) had intradialytic adverse events, whereas, in the intervention arm, only 4/59 sessions (6.7) had any adverse intradialytic events (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Lung ultrasound‐guided ultrafiltration was associated with a better safety profile, as demonstrated by reduced intradialytic events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The LaAlO3/SrTiO3 interface hosts a plethora of gate‐tunable electronic phases. Gating of LaAlO3/SrTiO3 interfaces is usually assumed to occur electrostatically. However, increasing evidence suggests that non‐local interactions can influence and, in some cases, dominate the coupling between applied gate voltages and electronic properties. Here, quasi‐1D ballistic electron waveguides are sketched at the LaAlO3/SrTiO3 interface as a probe to understand how gate tunability varies as a function of spatial separation. Gate tunability measurements reveal the scaling law to be at odds with the pure electrostatic coupling observed in traditional semiconductor systems. The non‐Coulombic gating at the interface is attributed to a long‐range nanoelectromechanical coupling between the gate and electron waveguide, possibly mediated by the ferroelastic domains in SrTiO3. The long‐range interactions at the LaAlO3/SrTiO3 interface add unexpected richness and complexity to this correlated electron system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) nonthermal plasma is applied for the gasification of kitchen waste. The gas production performance of kitchen waste gasification based on DBD under different reaction ambientes is studied. Density functional theory (DFT) simulations are used to investigate the gas production mechanism via glucose and aspartate. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Raman spectroscopy are used to investigate the physicochemical properties of the produced carbon materials and reveal the plasma reaction mechanism. The plasma treatment of millet and soybean has good gasification effect and can inhibit tar production. N2 and CO2 ambientes are more conducive to the gasification of millet and soybean. The H2 concentration in plasma‐treated millet gasification under plasma in N2 ambient can reach 4%. Glucose is finally decomposed through ring‐opening reaction, decarbonylation reaction, dehydration reaction, and carbon–carbon bond breaking. And the decomposition process of aspartic acid mainly includes decarbonylation and deammonia reaction. With the increase of gas ionization energy, the surface pore structure of the carbon material after plasma treatment is more developed, which indicates that the reaction between plasma and solid is on a layer by layer basis with the solid surface facing the inner surface. This paper aims to provide valuable theoretical support for the application of DBD in the treatment of kitchen waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Prediction of pregnancies at risk of preterm birth (PTB) may allow targeted prevention strategies. Objectives: To assess quality of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) and identify areas of agreement and contention in prediction and prevention of spontaneous PTB. Search Strategy: We searched for CPGs regarding PTB prediction and prevention in asymptomatic singleton pregnancies without language restriction in January 2024. Selection Criteria: CPGs included were published between July 2017 and December 2023 and contained statements intended to direct clinical practice. Data Collection and Analysis: CPG quality was assessed using the AGREE‐II tool. Recommendations were extracted and grouped under domains of prediction and prevention, in general populations and high‐risk groups. Main Results: We included 37 CPGs from 20 organizations; all were of moderate or high quality overall. There was consensus in prediction of PTB by identification of risk factors and cervical length screening in high‐risk pregnancies and prevention of PTB by universal screening and treatment for asymptomatic bacteriuria, screening and treatment for BV in high‐risk pregnancies, and use of preventative progesterone and cerclage. Areas of contention or limited consensus were the role of PTB clinics, universal cervical length measurement, biomarkers and cervical pessaries. Conclusions: This review identified strengths and limitations of current PTB CPGs, and areas for future research. Synopsis: International clinical guidelines agree on several interventions to predict and prevent preterm birth; these are overall of good quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Availability of safe drinking water is a major concern in many parts of the world. While many filtration units operating on various principles are available to combat this, most require electricity, which may not be consistently available in such areas. In the present study, we have designed and demonstrated a water disinfection system that can operate purely on gravity, without any electricity. For this, a potassium hydroxide modified copper‐impregnated activated carbon (KOH‐Cu‐AC) hybrid was used as a filter medium for disinfection, because it is less expensive, with performance comparable to previously reported hybrids containing silver. To maintain a constant water flow rate under gravity, during disinfection, a Mariotte bottle was used as the reservoir of the contaminated water. Using this and a constant head between the bottle and the treated water exit point, the required water‐filter contact time of 25 min (for decontamination) is maintained in the filter column, regardless of tank‐fill level. The demonstrated lab‐scale system can perform disinfection of simulated contaminated water (with an initial concentration of 104 CFU mL−1Escherichia coli), for at least 6 h, with a flow rate of 150 mL h−1. The disinfection performance from the gravity‐based filter was further validated with the conventional pump‐driven filter, used for continuous disinfection of drinking water. Equivalence of results between pump‐ and gravity‐driven operations helps us to eliminate the need for power, without any compromise in disinfection efficacy. Finally, copper concentration from treated water (106 ppb at steady state) remains very well within the safe limit (1000 ppb as per USEPA guideline). Hence, the lab‐scale design of gravity‐based packed bed filter will be useful for domestic and community‐based supply of safe drinking water in resource‐constrained areas, because it eliminated electricity requirement of conventional power‐driven systems. Practitioner Points: Cost‐effective KOH‐Cu‐AC hybrid is developed as a disinfection material.Mariotte bottle used for maintaining constant disinfected water flow rate works without any electrical power supply.This system can be used for getting on‐spot, continuous disinfected water supply.The concentration of copper in the treated water is well within the safety limit.It can be applicable in rural and remote areas (no electric power source) as well as natural calamity‐affected areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We describe studies determining the association between testosterone therapy (TTh) and mortality. Materials & methods: We used a registry database of 737 men with adult‐onset testosterone deficiency defined as presenting with low serum total testosterone (TT) levels ≤12.1 nmol/L and associated symptoms over a near 10‐year follow‐up. We compared associations between testosterone undecanoate (TU), cardio‐metabolic risk factors and mortality using non‐parametric statistics followed by separate Cox regression models to determine if any association between TU and morality was independent of age and cardio‐metabolic risk factors. Finally, the association between TU and mortality was studied in men stratified by cardio‐metabolic risk. Results: During a median follow‐up interquartile range (IQR) of 114 (84–132) months, 94 of the 737 men died. TU (ref: non‐treatment) was associated with mortality; hazard ratio = 0.23, 95% confidence intervals = 0.14–0.40. Cox's regression models showed the above association to be independent of baseline age, waist circumference, hemoglobin A1c, lipids, blood pressure, smoking, and type 2 diabetes. These variables remained associated with mortality. We finally stratified the men by the high‐risk baseline variables and established that the association between mortality and TU was only evident in men at higher risk. A possible explanation could lie with the "law of initial value," where greater improvements are evident following treatment in patients with worse baseline values. Conclusions: This study with long follow‐up confirms that TTh is associated with lower mortality in men with adult‐onset TD. This association was evident only in men with greater cardio‐metabolic risk factors who demonstrated greater benefit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT) is a cellular therapy that, whilst curative for a child's underlying disease, carries significant risk of mortality, including because of pulmonary complications. The aims of this study were to describe the burden of pulmonary complications post‐HCT in a cohort of Australian children and identify risk factors for the development of these complications. Methods: Patients were identified from the HCT databases at two paediatric transplant centres in Australia. Medical records were reviewed, and demographics, HCT characteristics and pulmonary complications documented. Relative risk ratio was used to identify risk factors for developing pulmonary complications prior to first transplant episode, and survival analysis performed to determine hazard ratio. Results: In total, 243 children underwent transplant during the study period, and pulmonary complications occurred in 48% (117/243) of children. Infectious complications were more common (55%) than non‐infective complications (18%) and 26% of patients developed both. Risk factors for the development of pulmonary complications included the following: diagnoses of MPAL (RR 2.16, P = 0.02), matched unrelated donor (RR1.34, P = 0.03), peripheral blood (RR 1.36, P = 0.028) or cord blood (RR 1.73, P = 0.012) as the stem cell source and pre‐existing lung disease (RR1.72, P < 0.0001). Children with a post‐HCT lung complication had a significantly increased risk of mortality compared with those who did not (HR 3.9, P < 0.0001). Conclusion: This study demonstrates pulmonary complications continue to occur frequently in children post‐HCT and contribute significantly to mortality. Highlighting the need for improved strategies to identify patients at risk pre‐transplant and enhanced treatments for those who develop lung disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is evidence to suggest that M‐type phospholipase A2 (PLA2R) antibodies activate the mannose‐binding lectin (MBL) cascade, resulting in glomerular damage and proteinuria in patients with primary membranous nephropathy (PMN). Furthermore, there are few reports indicating that aberrant MBL activation is associated with endothelial dysfunction and accelerated atherosclerosis. While PMN is a common cause of adult nephrotic syndrome, and patients are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), there is a lack of research that explores the factors that contribute to this condition. This study aims to determine the MBL levels in PMN and their relation to the clinical activity and endothelial dysfunction in PMN. The MBL levels of 22 biopsy‐confirmed PMN patients were assessed at baseline and after 6 months of immunosuppressive therapy. In order to evaluate endothelial dysfunction in PMN patients, flow‐mediated vasodilation (FMD) was measured at baseline and after treatment. A total of 22 healthy controls were included in this study to measure MBL levels and FMD. A significant difference was observed between MBL levels in PMN patients and healthy controls (p <.01). MBL levels decreased significantly after immunosuppressive therapy (p =.04). The baseline MBL levels and FMD levels exhibited a strong correlation (Spearman correlation coefficient [ρ] = 0.51: p =.01). In conclusion, the study signals the activation of the MBL cascade and its association with endothelial dysfunction in PMN patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This randomized controlled trial was aimed to evaluate the combined efficacy of injectable platelet‐rich fibrin (i‐PRF) and scaling and root planing (SRP) in type 2 diabetes mellitus subjects having periodontitis. Methods: Twenty‐six Stage III, grade C periodontitis subjects (HbA1c > 7) were recruited in this split‐mouth study. Following SRP, the test sites received subgingival application of i‐PRF, while the control sites received saline. Plaque index, bleeding on probing, modified gingival index, probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) were measured at baseline, 3 and 6 months. Results: Twenty‐three participants completed the course of research. The Friedman test followed by Dunn's post hoc test, revealed significant improvement in all the clinical parameters from baseline to 3 and 6 months in both the study groups (p ≤ 0.05). The mean PPD and CAL decreased from 6.30 ± 1.25 and 7.48 ± 1.75 at baseline to 3.48 ± 1.34 and 4.39 ± 1.67 at 6 months in control sites and from 6.57 ± 1.56 and 7.61 ± 1.69 to 3.39 ± 1.23 and 4.26 ± 1.81 at 6 months in test sites (p ≤ 0.0001). Intergroup analysis found no statistical significant differences in the evaluated parameters across all time intervals (p > 0.05) Conclusion: The results indicated that the adjunctive application of i‐PRF to SRP provided similar benefits as saline and SRP in diabetes mellitus subjects. Key points: Question: To find the combined efficacy of injectable platelet‐rich fibrin (i‐PRF) along with scaling and root planing (SRP) in the management of periodontal pockets of Stage III and Grade C periodontitis patients having Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM).Finding: All of the treated sites showed satisfactory healing. Both the treatment modalities (i‐PRF + SRP and Saline + SRP) were effective in the treatment of periodontal pockets. At 3 and 6 months, there were no significant differences in periodontal parameters between groups.Meaning: The application of i‐PRF as an adjunct to SRP provided similar benefits as saline and SRP in improving clinical parameters in subjects with stage III and grade C periodontitis patients having T2DM (HbA1C > 7). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims/Introduction: We analyzed patient‐reported outcomes of people with type 2 diabetes to better understand perceptions and experiences contributing to treatment adherence. Materials and Methods: In the ongoing International Diabetes Management Practices Study, we collected patient‐reported outcomes data from structured questionnaires (chronic treatment acceptance questionnaire and Diabetes Self‐Management Questionnaire) and free‐text answers to open‐ended questions to assess perceptions of treatment value and side‐effects, as well as barriers to, and enablers for, adherence and self‐management. Free‐text answers were analyzed by natural language processing. Results: In 2018–2020, we recruited 2,475 patients with type 2 diabetes (43.3% insulin‐treated, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) 8.0 ± 1.8%; 30.9% with HbA1c <7%) from 13 countries across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, Latin America and Asia. Mean ± standard deviation scores of chronic treatment acceptance questionnaire (acceptance of medication, rated out of 100) and Diabetes Self‐Management Questionnaire (self‐management, rated out of 10) were 87.8 ± 24.5 and 3.3 ± 0.9, respectively. Based on free‐text analysis and coded responses, one in three patients reported treatment non‐adherence. Overall, although most patients accepted treatment values and side‐effects, self‐management was suboptimal. Treatment duration, regimen complexity and disruption of daily routines were major barriers to adherence, whereas habit formation was a key enabler. Treatment‐adherent patients were older (60 ± 11.6 vs 55 ± 11.7 years, P < 0.001), and more likely to have longer disease duration (12 ± 8.6 vs 10 ± 7.7 years, P < 0.001), exposure to diabetes education (73.1% vs 67.8%, P < 0.05), lower HbA1c (7.9 ± 1.8% vs 8.3 ± 1.9%, P < 0.001) and attainment of HbA1c <7% (29.7% vs 23.3%, P < 0.01). Conclusions: Patient perceptions/experiences influence treatment adherence and self‐management. Patient‐centered education and support programs that consider patient‐reported outcomes aimed at promoting empowerment and developing new routines might improve glycemic control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the first‐principles study based on density functional theory was applied to investigate the geometries, electronic structures, and optical properties in four directions of the Si‐NWs surface, which are modified by oxygen atoms. The results show that the geometries, band structures, and optical properties of the Si‐NWs are affected by the modification of oxygen atoms. The Si─Si bonds adjacent to the region modified by oxygen atoms elongate, the cell volumes decrease, while the energy gaps of Si‐NWs narrow. Evident impurity bands appear on the energy bands of the modified Si‐NWs, forming S═O double bonds. A blue shift of the perpendicular component spectra of the dielectric constant relative to parallel spectra can be observed for Si [100]‐NW, Si [111]‐NW, and Si [112]‐NW. At the same time, the real and imaginary parts of the dielectric function spectra of all Si‐NWs are red‐shifted after the modification by oxygen atoms, and the spectra of Si [111]‐NWs forming Si═O double bonds are the most significant red‐shifted. These results can provide a theoretical reference for preparing nano‐silicon optoelectronic materials and devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying the predominant strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in dahi that are resistant to bacteriophages is essential for developing robust starter cultures. Dahi samples from two agroecological zones of Kerala were collected for isolation of LAB. Limosilactobacillus fermentum emerged as the dominant starter culture species based on sequence‐based identification and technological property characterisation. Dairy effluents were screened for phages targeting L. fermentum, and 10 of 11 strains of L. fermentum showed resistance to one lytic phage isolated as part of this study. The strain ADMT 15 showed sensitivity to the phage and on subsequent genome sequencing the phage revealed its close relationship to members of the Herelleviridae phage family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The current study aims to investigate the association of serum brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels with symptoms of depression in adults with and without prevalent cardiovascular disease (CVD), an often burdensome comorbidity. Methods: This cross‐sectional study included participants from FHS (Framingham Heart Study) who had available serum BDNF levels. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiological Studies–Depression Scale (CES‐D) with a score ≥16 indicating mild to moderate and ≥21 severe depression. Participants taking antidepressant medications were excluded from the study. Results: Altogether 3716 FHS participants were included in the final analysis (mean age, 64.3 ± 11.5 years; 55% women). After adjusting for potential confounders, greater BDNF levels were associated with reduced severe depression risk (odds ratio [OR], 0.78 [95% CI, 0.64–0.96]; P = 0.016). Among participants with CVD, greater BDNF levels were related to lower risk of depressive symptoms (CES‐D ≥ 16 OR, 0.63 [95% CI, 0.45–0.89], P = 0.008; CES‐D ≥ 21 OR, 0.49 [95% CI, 0.31–0.76], P = 0.002). The inverse relationship between BDNF and depressive symptom risk was present in women with CVD (CES‐D ≥ 16 OR, 0.63 [95% CI, 0.40–0.99], P = 0.047; CES‐D ≥ 21 OR, 0.38 [95% CI, 0.21–0.70], P = 0.002) but not in men. Conclusion: Lower serum BDNF levels are associated with a higher risk of depressive symptoms in CVD, particularly among women. These findings implicate BDNF in the complex biological mechanisms that underlie prior associations observed between CVD and depression. To reduce the burden of depression in the large proportion of midlife and older adults with CVD, a better understanding of how BDNF may modify these pathways is merited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liver injury caused by acetaminophen (APAP) overdose is the leading cause of acute liver failure in western countries. The mode of APAP‐induced cell death has been controversially discussed with ferroptosis emerging as a more recent hypothesis. Ferroptosis is characterized by ferrous iron‐catalyzed lipid peroxidation (LPO) causing cell death, which can be prevented by the lipophilic antioxidants ferrostatin‐1 and UAMC‐3203. To assess the efficacy of these ferroptosis inhibitors, we used two murine models of APAP hepatotoxicity, APAP overdose alone or in combination with FeSO4 in fasted male C57BL/6J mice. APAP triggered severe liver injury in the absence of LPO measured as hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. In contrast, ferrous iron co‐treatment aggravated APAP‐induced liver injury and caused extensive LPO. Standard doses of ferrostatin‐1 did not affect MDA levels or the injury in both models. In contrast, UAMC‐3203 partially protected in both models and reduced LPO in the presence of ferrous iron. However, UAMC‐3203 attenuated the translocation of phospho‐JNK through downregulation of the mitochondrial anchor protein Sab resulting in reduced mitochondrial dysfunction and liver injury. Thus, APAP toxicity does not involve ferroptosis under normal conditions. The lack of effects of ferroptosis inhibitors in the pathophysiology indicates that ferroptosis signaling pathways are not relevant therapeutic targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene, a remarkable material known for its exceptional properties, can be efficiently produced through environmentally friendly methods using renewable resources and eco‐friendly solvents. Recent studies have highlighted the potential of leaf extracts as effective reducing and stabilizing agents in converting graphene oxide (GO) to graphene. This paper presents a green and cost‐effective approach for the effective deposition of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) onto the reduced graphene oxide (RGO) nanosheets. The process involves the co‐reduction of GO and AgNO3 in water using Moringa olifera leaf extract, resulting in the formation of a nanocomposite termed reduced graphene oxide‐silver (Ag‐RGO). The formation of RGO and Ag NP is confirmed through UV‐visible spectroscopy, XRD, and Raman spectroscopy techniques. TEM images revealed the morphology of the nanocomposite, depicting 2‐dimensional graphene sheets adorned with Ag NPs. FT‐IR analysis confirmed the removal of oxygenated functional groups from GO, indicating graphene formation. The synthesized Ag‐RGO nanocomposite exhibited significant catalytic, antioxidant, and electrochemical properties. This study underscores the utilization of natural ingredients as sustainable alternatives for producing multifunctional graphene‐silver nanocomposites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]