bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Terminalia Chebula Fruits Powder as Tribopositive Material for High‐Performance Triboelectric Nanogenerator
Authors: Ghode Sourabh B. , Patil Omkar A. , Chougale Mahesh Y. , Nerlekar Nisha A. , Patil Swapnil R. , Patil Chandrashekhar S. , Pandey Tiwari Arpita , Gaikwad Pawan K. , Kamat Rajanish K. , Dandge Padma B. , Bae Jinho , Dongale Tukaram D.
Published: January 2024

Triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) has generated a lot of attention for developing self‐powered/battery‐free technology. These kinds of energy harvesting devices are required for a sustainable future. In this work, the TENG is developed by using the Terminalia Chebula (T. Chebula) biomaterial as tribopositive material. The physiochemical characterizations suggest that T. Chebula has hydroxyl and carbonyl groups which are important to get tribopositivity from the material. The T. Chebula tribopositive material has been tested for the TENG with different electronegative layers such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The T. Chebula/PTFE device exhibited a higher output performance. This pair was used for the area and frequency‐dependent studies. In the present case, 16 cm2 device area and 5 Hz frequency conditions show outstanding device performance. Furthermore, the device has been employed for operating low‐power electronic devices such as LEDs and a calculator which operated without any degradation. These results suggested that T. Chebula is a potential tribopositive material for sustainable energy harvesting technology.
Shaking table tests and numerical analysis of RC coupled shear wall structure with hybrid replaceable coupling beams
Authors: Gong Nan , Freddi Fabio , Li Peizhen
Published: January 2024

A variety of innovative structural solutions have been recently introduced to mitigate damage and expedite the repair of buildings subjected to extreme seismic events, hence contributing to the urgent need for resilient societies. In this context, the present study experimentally and numerically investigates an innovative reinforced concrete (RC) shear wall (SW) structure with replaceable coupling beams (CBs) equipped with hybrid devices. These hybrid devices couple metallic and viscoelastic dampers and aim at satisfying multiple lateral load performances effectively. To assess the seismic performance of the proposed coupled SW system and verify the design principle, comparative shaking table tests were performed on two 1/4‐scale seven‐story SW structure specimens, including a conventional RC coupled SW and the proposed coupled SW with hybrid devices. The tests results indicate the improved performance of the proposed compared with the conventional system in terms of: (1) reduced interstory drifts and story accelerations demand under a wide range of seismic intensities, (2) concentrated damage in the hybrid device and minimal damage to the other components contributing to the reparability of the structure. Furthermore, 3D finite element models for the shaking table test specimens were established in OpenSees and validated against experimental response. Successively, a numerical parametric study was conducted by performing non‐linear response history analyses under a set of 22 ground motions to investigate the influence of different design configurations of the hybrid device on the peak interstory drifts and peak story accelerations.
SSE_CIB: Secure storage and exchange of copyrighted images using blockchain
Authors: Kalita Kausthav Pratim , Boro Debojit , Bhattacharyya Dhruba Kumar
Published: January 2024

The rise of technology has resulted in the evolution of data generation at a rapid speed. With the high increase in the volume of data, it has become necessary to store it using reliable and scalable data management systems. Blockchain offers a storage structure that ensures the security and reliability of the stored data. Smart contracts further enhance the technology by enforcing more stringent record management activities. In recent times, there has been widespread utilization of IPFS in conjunction with blockchain technology. This utilization facilitates the establishment of decentralized and distributed data storage, as well as the connection of blockchain transactions to external data, thereby enhancing scalability and reducing storage expenses within blockchain applications. This paper introduces an effective collaborative ecosystem called SSE_CIB, where images undergo multiple operations including quantization before getting uploaded to IPFS. The image‐related details are stored in the blockchain to keep track of record entries. In our approach, a watermarking process has also been included to ensure the protection of copyright. Further, the images undergo block‐wise rotation based on a secret key and bit‐wise operation with a key image for enhanced security and protection. The work is implemented and tested using real‐life images in an Ethereum environment incorporated with a smart contract that enables proper execution of transactions.
How brain structure–function decoupling supports individual cognition and its molecular mechanism
Authors: Dong Xiaoxi , Li Qiongling , Wang Xuetong , He Yirong , Zeng Debin , Chu Lei , Zhao Kun , Li Shuyu
Published: January 2024

Functional signals emerge from the structural network, supporting multiple cognitive processes through underlying molecular mechanism. The link between human brain structure and function is region‐specific and hierarchical across the neocortex. However, the relationship between hierarchical structure–function decoupling and the manifestation of individual behavior and cognition, along with the significance of the functional systems involved, and the specific molecular mechanism underlying structure–function decoupling remain incompletely characterized. Here, we used the structural‐decoupling index (SDI) to quantify the dependency of functional signals on the structural connectome using a significantly larger cohort of healthy subjects. Canonical correlation analysis (CCA) was utilized to assess the general multivariate correlation pattern between region‐specific SDIs across the whole brain and multiple cognitive traits. Then, we predicted five composite cognitive scores resulting from multivariate analysis using SDIs in primary networks, association networks, and all networks, respectively. Finally, we explored the molecular mechanism related to SDI by investigating its genetic factors and relationship with neurotransmitter receptors/transporters. We demonstrated that structure–function decoupling is hierarchical across the neocortex, spanning from primary networks to association networks. We revealed better performance in cognition prediction is achieved by using high‐level hierarchical SDIs, with varying significance of different brain regions in predicting cognitive processes. We found that the SDIs were associated with the gene expression level of several receptor‐related terms, and we also found the spatial distributions of four receptors/transporters significantly correlated with SDIs, namely D2, NET, MOR, and mGluR5, which play an important role in the flexibility of neuronal function. Collectively, our findings corroborate the association between hierarchical macroscale structure–function decoupling and individual cognition and provide implications for comprehending the molecular mechanism of structure–function decoupling.

Practitioner Points

Structure–function decoupling is hierarchical across the neocortex, spanning from primary networks to association networks.

High‐level hierarchical structure–function decoupling contributes much more than low‐level decoupling to individual cognition.

Structure–function decoupling could be regulated by genes associated with pivotal receptors that are crucial for neuronal function flexibility.
Segmenting hypothalamic subunits in human newborn magnetic resonance imaging data
Authors: Rasmussen Jerod M. , Wang Yun , Graham Alice M. , Fair Damien A. , Posner Jonathan , O'Connor Thomas G. , Simhan Hyagriv N. , Yen Elizabeth , Madan Neel , Entringer Sonja , Wadhwa Pathik D. , Buss Claudia ,   program collaborators for Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes
Published: January 2024

Preclinical evidence suggests that inter‐individual variation in the structure of the hypothalamus at birth is associated with variation in the intrauterine environment, with downstream implications for future disease susceptibility. However, scientific advancement in humans is limited by a lack of validated methods for the automatic segmentation of the newborn hypothalamus. N = 215 healthy full‐term infants with paired T1‐/T2‐weighted MR images across four sites were considered for primary analyses (mean postmenstrual age = 44.3 ± 3.5 weeks, nmale/nfemale = 110/106). The outputs of FreeSurfer's hypothalamic subunit segmentation tools designed for adults (segFS) were compared against those of a novel registration‐based pipeline developed here (segATLAS) and against manually edited segmentations (segMAN) as reference. Comparisons were made using Dice Similarity Coefficients (DSCs) and through expected associations with postmenstrual age at scan. In addition, we aimed to demonstrate the validity of the segATLAS pipeline by testing for the stability of inter‐individual variation in hypothalamic volume across the first year of life (n = 41 longitudinal datasets available). SegFS and segATLAS segmentations demonstrated a wide spread in agreement (mean DSC = 0.65 ± 0.14 SD; range = {0.03–0.80}). SegATLAS volumes were more highly correlated with postmenstrual age at scan than segFS volumes (n = 215 infants; RsegATLAS2 = 65% vs. RsegFS2 = 40%), and segATLAS volumes demonstrated a higher degree of agreement with segMAN reference segmentations at the whole hypothalamus (segATLAS DSC = 0.89 ± 0.06 SD; segFS DSC = 0.68 ± 0.14 SD) and subunit levels (segATLAS DSC = 0.80 ± 0.16 SD; segFS DSC = 0.40 ± 0.26 SD). In addition, segATLAS (but not segFS) volumes demonstrated stability from near birth to ~1 years age (n = 41; R2 = 25%; p < 10−3). These findings highlight segATLAS as a valid and publicly available (https://github.com/jerodras/neonate_hypothalamus_seg) pipeline for the segmentation of hypothalamic subunits using human newborn MRI up to 3 months of age collected at resolutions on the order of 1 mm isotropic. Because the hypothalamus is traditionally understudied due to a lack of high‐quality segmentation tools during the early life period, and because the hypothalamus is of high biological relevance to human growth and development, this tool may stimulate developmental and clinical research by providing new insight into the unique role of the hypothalamus and its subunits in shaping trajectories of early life health and disease.
Into the unknown: Maternal responsiveness influences young children's support‐giving expectations of fathers but not unfamiliar others
Authors: Jia Chenglong , Shen Yuan , Zhu Ling , Sun Li , Du Kelin , Qin Jinliang
Published: January 2024

Interactions with primary caregivers shape children's expectations of interactions with others, but the mechanism is not clear yet. We included Han Chinese children aged 5–6 (N = 121, 61 boys) from a city in East China and tested their support‐giving expectations of mothers, fathers and unfamiliar others after observing mother–child interactions with different levels of maternal responsiveness. Across two studies, we found that children's support‐giving behaviour and willingness expectations decreased significantly in the unresponsive condition for mothers and fathers but not for unfamiliar others; while these expectations did not change significantly for all partners in the responsive condition. The results suggest that relationship type between children and interaction partners moderates the effects of maternal responsiveness on children's expectations of partners' support‐giving. They shed light on how young children understand and represent interpersonal interactions.
SAA1‐dependent reprogramming of adipocytes by tumor cells is associated with triple negative breast cancer aggressiveness
Authors: Rybinska Ilona , Mangano Nunzia , Romero‐Cordoba Sandra L. , Regondi Viola , Ciravolo Valentina , De Cecco Loris , Maffioli Elisa , Paolini Biagio , Bianchi Francesca , Sfondrini Lucia , Tedeschi Gabriella , Agresti Roberto , Tagliabue Elda , Triulzi Tiziana
Published: January 2024

Triple negative breast cancers (TNBC) are characterized by a poor prognosis and a lack of targeted treatments. Their progression depends on tumor cell intrinsic factors, the tumor microenvironment and host characteristics. Although adipocytes, the primary stromal cells of the breast, have been determined to be plastic in physiology and cancer, the tumor‐derived molecular mediators of tumor‐adipocyte crosstalk have not been identified yet. In this study, we report that the crosstalk between TNBC cells and adipocytes in vitro beyond adipocyte dedifferentiation, induces a unique transcriptional profile that is characterized by inflammation and pathways that are related to interaction with the tumor microenvironment. Accordingly, increased cancer stem‐like features and recruitment of pro‐tumorigenic immune cells are induced by this crosstalk through CXCL5 and IL‐8 production. We identified serum amyloid A1 (SAA1) as a regulator of the adipocyte reprogramming through CD36 and P2XR7 signaling. In human TNBC, SAA1 expression was associated with cancer‐associated adipocyte infiltration, inflammation, stimulated lipolysis, stem‐like properties, and a distinct tumor immune microenvironment. Our findings constitute evidence that the interaction between tumor cells and adipocytes through the release of SAA1 is relevant to the aggressiveness of TNBC.
Social support among English learners with disabilities and other adolescents
Authors: Pham Yen K. , Murray Christopher , Wang Qing , Bromley Katherine W. , Knowles Christen , Sinclair James , Petcu Stefania , Coleman Erin
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Social support is important for many youth but may be particularly important for English learners (ELs) with disabilities, a population that has historically faced barriers accessing resources to meet their educational needs. The current study investigates social support from parents, peers, teachers, and schools in a nationally representative sample of adolescents.

Method

Data from the National Longitudinal Transition Study 2012 was used to evaluate potential group differences in social support among participants that included ELs with (n = 440) and without disabilities (n = 100) and non‐ELs with (n = 4890) and without disabilities (n = 1090). A multivariate analysis of covariance was conducted to evaluate potential between‐group variations in social support among these student groups after controlling for variations in background demographic characteristics.

Results and Conclusions

Results showed between group differences in parental support and peer connectedness but not in teacher or school support. Parents of students with disabilities reported the highest levels of support, whereas parents of ELs without disabilities reported the lowest levels of support. Students with disabilities reported the lowest levels of peer connectedness among the four groups. Overall, levels of teacher and school supports were high across all four groups of students. These patterns contribute to our understanding of the social support network of ELs with disabilities in comparison to other students. Further investigation is needed to examine the mechanisms that contribute to these differences.
Seeing is believing: The effect of subtle communication in social media on viewers' beliefs about depression and anxiety symptom trajectories
Authors: Whitted Whitney M. , Southward Matthew W. , Howard Kristen P. , Wick Samantha B. , Strunk Daniel R. , Cheavens Jennifer S.
Published: January 2024

Objective

One barrier to treatment seeking, uptake, and engagement is the belief that nothing can be done to reduce symptoms. Given the widespread use of social media to disseminate information about important issues, including psychological health, we sought to understand how the influence of social media communication regarding mental health impacts viewers' beliefs about psychopathology recovery.

Method

Undergraduate participants from a large Midwestern university (N = 322) were randomized to view a series of Tweets characterizing psychopathology from a fixed mindset perspective, a growth mindset perspective, or, in the control condition, Tweets unrelated to psychopathology. Afterward, they completed a series of questionnaires designed to assess beliefs about recovery from depression and anxiety.

Results

Participants in the growth mindset condition endorsed less pessimistic beliefs about their ability (i.e., self‐efficacy) to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, and they believed these symptoms to be less stable and innate relative to those in the fixed mindset condition.

Conclusion

Social media communication that characterizes psychopathology from a growth mindset perspective may be a viable intervention for improving beliefs around mental health self‐efficacy and the malleable nature of mental illness, particularly depression and anxiety. Clinicians may be able to use social media platforms to promote functional beliefs around mental illness.
Uncovering an undisclosed diagnosis: a glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency diagnosis in a critically ill adult
Authors: Kasturiarachi Brittany M. , Robinson David , Karkoska Kristine , Gollamudi Jahnavi
Published: January 2024

Glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency affects over 400 million people worldwide. The most common variant of G6PD deficiency in the United States is the A‐variant, which is present amongst African‐Americans. Most people with this variant, however, do not experience severe hemolysis unless under extreme circumstances. Here, we present the case of a 44‐year‐old African‐American male who under circumstances of multiple admissions for critical illness eventually presented with a masked diagnosis of G6PD deficiency.
Vendor selection in the wake of data breaches: A longitudinal study
Authors: Wang Qian , Jiang Shenyang , Ngai Eric W. T. , Huo Baofeng
Published: January 2024

With the increasing digitization and networking of medical data and personal health information, information security has become a critical factor in vendor selection. However, limited understanding exists regarding how information security influences vendor selection. Drawing from the attention‐based view (ABV), this study examines the potential impact of data breaches on hospitals' selection of electronic medical record system (EMRS) vendors. To test our hypotheses, we compile a unique dataset spanning 12 years of observations from US hospitals. Utilizing a coarsened exact matching (CEM) technique combined with a difference‐in‐differences (DiD) approach, our study shows that hospitals tend to replace their EMRS vendors after experiencing data breaches. Moreover, breached hospitals tend to prioritize information security in such a vendor replacement process by switching to star vendors and migrating towards a single‐sourcing configuration. Further post‐hoc analyses reveal that these impacts of data breaches are mitigated as the relationship between breached hospitals and vendors matures or when hospitals belong to large healthcare systems. Additionally, we find that the effects of data breaches are contingent on the scale of the breach and are short‐term in nature. This research underscores the significance of information security as a crucial consideration in vendor selection for both academia and practitioners.
Rapid analysis of the chemical constituents in Qiangli Dingxuan tablets using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Gao Xin , Wang Yaxuan , Sun Wenjun , Li Xiaohui , Li Yunzhe , Bai Lu , Niu Xiaofeng
Published: January 2024

Qiangli Dingxuan (QLDX) tablet is a widely recognized traditional Chinese medicine formula that has been extensively used in China for decades to treat vertigo, tinnitus, and dizziness owing to its outstanding therapeutic outcomes. However, the complexity of the chemical components in this tablet makes it challenging to separate and identify these components. This study presented an effective and sensitive strategy for the rapid separation and simultaneous structural identification of QLDX tablet components using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry and the UNIFI platform. Based on retention times, accurate masses, fragment ions, related literature, and authentic standards, 119 compounds were identified or tentatively characterized; these included 9 iridoids, 12 lignans, 21 phenylpropanoids, 27 flavonoids, 7 phthalides, and 43 others. Among them, 36 were confirmed using reference standards. The representative compounds with various chemical structures were studied by analyzing their fragmentation patterns and characteristic ions. In conclusion, this study established a rapid approach for characterizing the chemical constituents in QLDX tablet. The proposed approach provides a basis for qualitative analysis and quality control in the manufacturing process and is beneficial for advancing investigations into the efficacy and mechanism of action of this tablet.
Effect of amniotic membrane/collagen scaffolds on laryngeal cartilage repair
Authors: Iravani Kamyar , Mousavi Simin , Owji Seyed Mohammad , Sani Mahsa , Owji Seyed Hossein
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Laryngeal cartilage defects are a major problem that greatly impacts structural integrity and function. Cartilage repair is also a challenging issue. This study evaluated the efficacy of a collagen scaffold enveloped by amniotic membrane (AM/C) on laryngeal cartilage repair.

Study Design

Experimental animal study.

Methods

Fourteen Dutch rabbits were enrolled in the study. A 5 mm cartilage defect was created in the right and left thyroid lamina. The animals were divided into two groups randomly. Group 1 collagen scaffolds and group 2 AM/C were applied to the right side defects. Left side defects were not repaired, serving as control. Histologic evaluation was done 45 and 90 days following collagen and AM/C application with criteria of tissue and cell morphology, lacuna formation, vascularization, and inflammation.

Results

Significant improvement in cartilage repair was observed in the AM/C side compared to the control side in all histologic criteria after 45 days (p<.05). After 90 days, cartilage repair improved in cell morphology, lacuna formation, and inflammation significantly (p<.05).

Conclusion

The combination of amniotic membrane and collagen scaffolds provides a promising treatment modality for improving the repair of laryngeal cartilage defects.

Level of Evidence

NA.
Role of dietary intake of specific polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on colorectal cancer risk in Iran
Authors: Seyyedsalehi Monireh Sadat , Hadji Maryam , Collatuzzo Giulia , Rashidian Hamideh , Sasanfar Bahareh , Huybrechts Inge , Chajes Veronique , Boffetta Paolo , Zendehdel Kazem
Published: January 2024

High‐fat diets have been associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) risk, and the role of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) has been reported to vary based on the length of PUFAs. We explored the association between dietary omega‐6 and omega‐3 PUFAs intake and CRC. We analyzed 865 CRC patients and 3206 controls from a case–control study of Iran (IROPICAN study). We used multivariate logistic regression models to calculate the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between PUFAs intake and CRC risk. Our results showed that gamma‐linolenic acid (18:3 n‐6, GLA), arachidonic acid (20:4n‐6, ARA), a‐linolenic acid (Cis‐18:3n‐3, ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n‐3, EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n‐3, DHA) consumption was not associated with the risk of CRC. However, the OR of linoleic acid (18: 2n‐6, LA) intake was 1.47 (95% CI 1.01–2.14, p = 0.04) for proximal colon and that of docosapentaenoic acid (22:5n‐3, DPA) intake was 1.33 (95% CI 1.05–1.69, p = 0.01) for rectum. This study indicates a high level of LA is associated with an increased risk of proximal colon cancer, and DPA intake was positively associated with rectum cancer risk. Furthermore, our study noted a high intake of n‐6 (from vegetable oils) compared to n‐3 PUFAs (from fish and seafood) in this population. Public awareness and government support is needed to increase fish and seafood production and consumption in Iran.
Liensinine inhibits progression of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma by regulating TGF‐β1 /P‐smad3 signaling through HIF‐1a
Authors: Zhu Xuewen , Bao Wenming , Xie Xiaozai , Chen Bo , Li Rizhao , Zhao Jungang , Wu Lijun , Yu Zhengping , Li Shi , Zhu Qiandong , Chen Gang , Li Jiacheng
Published: January 2024

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a high‐grade malignant digestive system tumor with an insidious onset and unfavorable prognosis. Liensinine, a small molecule derived from plants, has been proven to have significant tumor suppressor activity in other cancers. However, there are no reports on whether liensinine can inhibit the proliferation or metastasis of ICC. This study aimed to explore the tumor‐suppressive activity of liensinine in ICC and its underlying mechanisms. The phenotypic changes in ICC cells were monitored in vitro using cell function tests. Western blot and immunofluorescence analyses verified the efficacy of liensinine. Tumor‐bearing nude mice were used to explore the effect of liensinine on tumors and its toxicity and side effects in vivo. Liensinine suppressed ICC cell proliferation and arrested the cell cycle at the G1 phase. The epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) of ICC cells was also inhibited, thereby restraining their invasion and migration of tumor cells. In addition, this study found that the potential mechanism of liensinine inhibiting EMT may be via suppression of the TGF‐β1/P‐smad3 signaling pathway through hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF‐1a). In vivo experiments showed that liensinine inhibited the growth of Hucc‐T1 transplanted tumors in nude mice. Liensinine restrained the proliferation of ICC cells and suppressed EMT in ICC via the HIF‐1a‐mediated TGF‐β1/P‐smad3 signaling pathway.
Multicomponent gas sensors based on photoacoustic spectroscopy technology: A review
Authors: Sun Jialiang , Liu Bing , Liu Lixian , Huan Huiting , Zhang Le , Zhang Xueshi , Yang Junchao , Shao Xiaopeng
Published: January 2024

Photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS), with the advantages of high sensitivity, extensive dynamic range, high selectivity, and nondestructive, has become one of the research hotspots in multigas detection. This review aims to discuss the latest advancements in PAS for multicomponent gas detection. The key elements of the PAS technique available to support multigas detection, namely as the optical source, and the recent developments in detection methods are presented. The different optical source‐based experimental systems such as broadband light sources and various lasers are reported, and related multigas modulation methods and the performances are analyzed. Finally, in terms of the characteristics of selectivity, sensitivity, and miniaturization, we discuss the advantages and limitations of these different multicomponent trace gas PAS techniques towards practical application.
What should be next in lifelong posterior hypospadias: Conclusions from the 2023 ERN eUROGEN and EJP‐RD networking meeting
Authors: Lammers Rianne J. M. , Tsachouridis George , Andersson Marie K. , Dormeus Sarah , Ekerhult Teresa O. , Frankiewicz Mikołaj , Gunn Callum J. , Matuszewski Marcin , de Mooij Keetje L. , Schroeder Rogier P. J. , Wyndaele Michel I. A. , Xing Zhentao , De Kort Laetitia M. O. , de Graaf Petra
Published: January 2024

Background

A congenital disease is for life. Posterior hypospadias, the severe form of hypospadias with a penoscrotal, scrotal, or perineal meatus, is a challenging condition with a major impact on lifelong quality of life.

Aim

Our network meeting is aimed to identify what is currently missing in the lifelong treatment of posterior hypospadias, to improve care, quality of life, and awareness for these patients.

Methods

The network meeting “Lifelong Posterior Hypospadias” in Utrecht, The Netherlands was granted by the European Joint Programme on Rare Diseases–Networking Support Scheme. There was a combination of interactive sessions (hackathons) and lectures. This paper can be regarded as the last phase of the hackathon.

Results

Surgery for hypospadias remains challenging and complications may occur until adulthood. Posterior hypospadias affects sexual function, fertility, and hormonal status. Transitional care from childhood into adulthood is currently insufficiently established. Patients should be more involved in defining desired treatment approach and outcome measures. For optimal outcome evaluation standardization of data collection and registration at European level is necessary. Tissue engineering may provide a solution to the shortage of healthy tissue in posterior hypospadias. For optimal results, cooperation between basic researchers from different centers, as well as involving clinicians and patients is necessary.

Conclusions

To improve outcomes for patients with posterior hypospadias, patient voices should be included and lifelong care by dedicated healthcare professionals guaranteed. Other requirements are joining forces at European level in uniform registration of outcome data and cooperation in basic research.
Exploring lifelong overactive bladder: Transitions, evidence, and clinical implications; A modified Delphi process
Authors: Bou Kheir George , Verbakel Irina , Vande Walle Johan , Wyndaele Michel , Sinha Sanjay , Arlandis Salvador , Raes Ann , Abrams Paul , Wein Alan , Hervé François , Everaert Karel
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a prevalent urological condition characterized by urinary urgency, with or without urgency urinary incontinence, accompanied by increased daytime frequency and nocturia. However, the current definition of OAB lacks a specified time frame, hindering our understanding of the temporal aspects and transitions that occur within the OAB spectrum.

Methods

A modified Delphi study was conducted in three rounds, involving a panel of international experts in functional urology, urogynaecology, geriatrics, transitional medicine, and pediatric urology. The study took place between February 2023 and June 2023 and employed two sequential rounds of online surveys, followed by a final hybrid group discussion session in June 2023.

Results

The Delphi process resulted in a consensus definition of lifelong OAB as a persistent and continuous condition that may manifest differently from birth and evolve over time, with varying levels of clinical perception. The course of its progression is influenced by transition periods and modifying factors, mainly anatomical, hormonal, and psychosocial/stressors. Three main transition periods were identified: achievement of daytime continence, adulthood to elderly, and transition to frail elderly. The panel also considered the therapeutic and diagnostic implications of lifelong OAB, as well as future research prospects in terms of importance and feasibility.

Conclusions

Future longitudinal research is needed to develop this concept and further identify transitions and temporal dynamics.
Selective O‐Acylation of Enol Silyl Ethers with Acyl Fluorides Catalyzed by Fluoride Ions Derived from Potassium Fluoride and 18‐Crown‐6
Authors: Sakai Norio , Watanabe Kota , Mori Haruka , Maegawa Yuki , Takeuchi Ryuki , Ogiwara Yohei , Ishida Kento
Published: January 2024

The fluoride ion‐catalyzed selective O‐acylation of enol silyl ethers with acyl fluorides using KF and 18‐Crown‐6 is described herein. This catalytic system facilitated the practical and facile reaction of a variety of enol silyl ethers derived from aromatic/aliphatic ketones and aldehydes with acyl fluorides to afford useful and valuable enol esters.
Synthesis and performance evaluation of a novel zwitterionic quaternary copolymer for enhanced oil‐recovery application
Authors: Qin Xiaoping , Xie Zhaolin , Tang Peng , Yang Hui , Li Cuixia , Yang Xiaoliang , Peng Tong
Published: January 2024

A novel quaternary copolymer of AA/AM/AOS/C16‐DMAAC was synthesized with acrylic acid (AA), acrylamide (AM), sodium α‐alkenyl‐sulfonate (AOS), and dimethyl‐hexadecyl‐allyl‐ammonium chloride (C16‐DMAAC), using ammonium persulfate and sodium bisulfate (NH4)2S2O8‐NaHSO3) as initiators. The structure of AA/AM/AOS/C16‐DMAAC was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance hydrogen spectroscopy. It can be found that the thickening capacity, shearing resistance, temperature‐resistance, salt‐resistance, and emulsification properties of AA/AM/AOS/C16‐DMAAC were superior to those of most widely and cost‐effective partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) solution at the same concentration. Specifically, the viscosity retention rate of AA/AM/AOS/C16‐DMAAC (3000 mg/L) solution was 86%, which was better than that of HPAM solution (52%) after 30 s of mechanical shearing at 28000 r/min. In addition, the enhanced oil recovery of AA/AM/AOS/C16‐DMAAC solution was 16% at 65 °C, which was about 1.5 times higher than that of HPAM solution (11%). Significantly, successful synthesis of zwitterionic quaternary copolymer emphasizes the importance of a systematic approach to designing appropriate copolymers for enhanced oil recovery.

Highlights

A novel zwitterionic quaternary copolymer of AA/AM/AOS/C16‐DMAAC was successfully synthesized.

The performance on thickening capacity, shearing resistance, temperature‐resistance, salt‐resistance, and emulsification properties of AA/AM/AOS/C16‐DMAAC was superior to that of the most widely used partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM).

The enhanced oil recovery of AA/AM/AOS/C16‐DMAAC (16%) was about 1.5 times higher than that of HPAM (11%).
Preferences and perspectives regarding telehealth exercise interventions for adults with cystic fibrosis: A qualitative study
Authors: Poulsen Megan , Holland Anne E. , Button Brenda , Jones Arwel W.
Published: January 2024

Objective

Physical activity and exercise are key components in the management of cystic fibrosis (CF). Completing exercise programs online may minimize the risk of cross‐infection and increase access for people with CF. This study aimed to understand the perspectives of people with CF regarding intervention content for a telehealth exercise program.

Methods

Individual semistructured qualitative interviews were conducted in adults with CF purposefully sampled for age, disease severity, and social demographics. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically by two researchers independently.

Results

Participants were 23 adults with CF (14 females) aged from 21 to 60 years. Three major themes (subthemes) were generated: “Personalizing components to an exercise program” (customizing an exercise program to the individual person and their unique health and exercise needs, enjoyment and variety of exercise activities, accessibility and exercise fitting around competing demands or commitments), “The importance of maintaining connections” (challenges regarding face‐to‐face interactions for people with CF, accountability of scheduled exercise sessions with others, shared experiences between people with CF and specialist support from the CF care team), and “Monitoring health and exercise” (perception of health status and monitoring and recording exercise participation and health).

Conclusion

This study provides important information regarding the preferences of adults with CF for telehealth exercise interventions. Interventions should be tailored to the individual person with CF, include an opportunity to maintain connections with peers and the CF multidisciplinary team, and provide a method to monitor progress over time.
The increase of bronchiolitis severity in the 2022–2023 season in an Italian tertiary children's hospital: An isolated phenomenon or a warning sign?
Authors: Brisca Giacomo , Strati Marina Francesca , Buratti Silvia , Mariani Marcello , Ferretti Marta , Pirlo Daniela , Meleca Vincenzo , Piccotti Emanuela , Castagnola Elio , Moscatelli Andrea
Published: January 2024

Aim

Recent literature has shown epidemiological changes in bronchiolitis with an increased incidence in the post‐SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic period but reports regarding disease severity are conflicting. We aimed to describe the epidemiology, disease severity, and microbiology of bronchiolitis during the 2022–2023 cold season compared to the previous 5 years.

Methods

This single‐center retrospective observational study at IRCCS Gaslini, Italy, included all children aged 0–2 years hospitalized for bronchiolitis from 1 September 2017 to 31 August 2023. Findings from the 2022–2023 season were compared to the previous 5 years.

Results

We observed a statistically significant increase in the 2022–2023 season in the absolute number of bronchiolitis admissions. Children who required mechanical ventilation (MV) dramatically increased from a total of seven patients in the previous five seasons to 17 in the 2022–2023 season alone (p = .001). All other severity parameters significantly increased: the need for respiratory support (p = .002), the median length of stay (5 days vs. 4 days, p = .001), and the median duration of respiratory support (4 days vs. 3 days, p = .016).

Conclusions

We report a substantial increase in the severity of bronchiolitis in the season 2022–2023 with a remarkable number of previously healthy infants requiring MV. Further studies are needed to confirm whether our findings are an isolated phenomenon or part of a true global trend. Health systems need to be prepared and protective preventive measures should be implemented for all newborns.
Encapsulation Effects on Ge‐Rich GeSbTe Phase‐Change Materials at High Temperature
Authors: Daoudi Oumaima , Nolot Emmanuel , Dartois Mélanie , Tessaire Magali , Aussenac François , Bernier Nicolas , Gauthier Nicolas , Rochat Névine , Fillot Frédéric , Le Van‐Hoan , Renevier Hubert , Navarro Gabriele
Published: January 2024

Ge‐rich GeSbTe chalcogenide alloys have gained significant attention in the field of phase‐change materials due to their remarkable thermal stability and thus their suitability for integration in nonvolatile memories targeting embedded automotive applications. Herein, the effects of different encapsulating materials on the evolution and on the crystallization kinetic of N‐doped Ge‐rich GeSbTe films are focused on. These films are annealed with temperatures compatible with the back‐end‐of‐line of the complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (CMOS) fabrication. First, it shows how the encapsulation layer thickness should be tuned in order to protect the layer from oxidation and at the same time to avoid delamination phenomena. TaN, C, TiN, SiC, and SiN used as encapsulating layers are compared. The segregation and crystallization of Ge‐rich GeSbTe alloys appear more homogeneous in the case of C, TiN, and SiC. On the contrary, the effects of an interfacial heterogeneous nucleation in the case of TaN and SiN are observed. It results in a different final morphology of the chalcogenide layer after annealing depending on the encapsulation, with different grain sizes and kinetic of phase separation.
Atomoxetine and bupropion interaction
Authors: Lam Y. W. Francis
Published: January 2024

In addition to its approved use for the treatment of patients with attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor atomoxetine is sometimes used off‐label as an adjunctive therapy for patients with major depressive disorder. Bupropion, a norepinephrine/dopamine reuptake inhibitor approved for the treatment of depression, is also used off‐label for ADHD. Bupropion is a potent inhibitor of CYP2D6, the cytochrome P‐450 isoenzyme responsible for mediating the primary hydroxylation pathway of atomoxetine to its active metabolite 4‐hydroxy‐atomoxetine.
Good manufacturing practice in low‐ and middle‐income countries: Challenges and solutions for compliance
Authors: Chejor Pelden , Dorji Thinley , Dema Ngawang , Stafford Andrew
Published: January 2024

Approximately 2 billion people globally have limited access to essential medicines, particularly those living in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). In addition, there is a higher prevalence of substandard and counterfeit medicines in LMICs, which may cause antimicrobial resistance and therapeutic failure. Good manufacturing practice (GMP) is key to ensuring access to high‐quality, safe and effective medicines, including active pharmaceutical ingredients and excipients used for manufacturing finished dosage forms. Compliance with GMP standards saves resources for both manufacturers (e.g. avoiding expensive product recalls) and governments (e.g. minimising compliance inspections). Concerted collaborations among different countries to harmonise GMP standards and procedures have occurred, and the World Health Organisation (WHO) GMP is commonly used in LMICs. However, barriers to GMP compliance remain apparent, particularly in LMICs. Pharmaceutical manufacturers in LMICs face several barriers such as inadequate resources and infrastructure, inefficient or weak regulation, a shortage of skilled people and limited training opportunities for manufacturing personnel. Although national regulatory authorities (NRAs) have been established in LMICs, most NRAs are not fully independent and are placed within the health department. NRAs in LMICs are not able to fully utilise international and regional reliance mechanisms and collaborations. Therefore, both NRAs and pharmaceutical manufacturers must be adequately supported through resources, infrastructure and capacity‐building opportunities. NRAs must be suitably empowered with assured functional independence. A comprehensive guideline for managing conflicts of interest among pharmaceutical manufacturers, procurement agencies and NRAs is needed. NRAs must liaise with other NRAs, participate in joint GMP inspections and leverage the expertise of regional or international collaborations. Pharmaceutical manufacturers in LMICs can leverage WHO GMP standards to improve GMP compliance and expand their market. However, as these solutions may have cost implications, prioritising key gaps for GMP compliance and optimisation of available resources are essential.
A union's and university's responses to violence against a woman professor: Neoliberal restructuring, hypermasculinity, male privilege and hegemonic inequality
Authors: Majerski Maria M.
Published: January 2024

Although Eastern Canadian liberal arts universities are portrayed as progressive work environments that cultivate inclusivity and diversity, the corporatisation of these public spaces has transformed them from institutions that once encouraged pluralism and acceptance among all social groups to spaces that unevenly distribute privileges among faculty and students based on ascribed characteristics, social class, and adherence to cisnormative and heteronormative expectations. Under neoliberal reforms, universities and unions adopt their own policies and procedures that legitimate institutional power abuse over marginalised women Contract Limited Term (CLT) assistant professors. Using material evidence from complaints filed with a province's Human Rights Commission and Labour Board, this critical autoethnographic case study explores the institutionalised responses to a disenfranchised woman CLT's discrimination and harassment by a student, departmental chair, faculty and university staff. A theory of genocidal mobbing is developed to conceptualise the organisational processes and practices that maintain the status quo of white heteropatriarchy and disentitle women CLTs to safety, equality and fair representation by their unions. Genocidal mobbing is efficient, because misogynistic administrators only require weaponising one disgruntled student, and effective, because administrators utilise the most fatal and insidious of gendered narcissistic abuse: gaslighting. The current neoliberal climate within academia puts marginalised women faculty at increased risk of genocidal mobbing from those with institutional power and from students with ethnic/racial and/or economic privilege. This article illuminates the union's culpability in the genocidal mobbing of women CLTs disenfranchised by multiple marginalised intersectional identities. Implications for future research and on policy are presented.
Study on purification effect of river ammonia nitrogen and optimization of layout parameters in the combination of ecological spur dikes and deep pool shoals: Experiments and MIKE21
Authors: Wang Qihang , Li Songmin , Wang Xiaoling , Chen Yitian , Zheng Yazhi , Dong Guangyao
Published: January 2024

The construction of ecological spur dikes and deep pool shoals can increase the diversity of water flow structures while also hastening the transport and transformation of pollutants. However, current research has paid little attention to the effects of the arrangement parameters on water purification capacity when the ecological spur dikes and deep pool shoals are combined. In this study, we investigated the purification capacity of ammonia nitrogen using the combination of spur dikes and deep pool shoals through laboratory flume experiments and numerical simulation. The laboratory flume experiments revealed that the combination of staggered spur dikes and the opposite side deep pool shoals provided the most effective purification. Secondly, in order to obtain the optimal arrangement parameters for the combination of ecological spur dikes and deep pool shoals more easily, the numerical model based on MIKE21 was validated using experimental results and applied to Section 2 of the Shiqiao River in Nanling County, Wuhu City, Anhui Province. The numerical simulation showed that the length of the spur dikes had the greatest impact on the purification effect, followed by the spacing of the spur dikes and the width of the deep pool shoals, the angle of the spur dikes, the spacing of the deep pool shoals, and the length of the deep pool shoals had the least effect. The optimal parameters for the combination of spur dikes and deep pool shoals are as follows: spur dike parameters: 60°(angle), 10 m(length), 17 m(spacing); deep pool shoal parameters: 60 m(length), 10 m(width), and 210 m(spacing).