bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Permutation Strategies for Inference in ANOVA‐Based Models for Nonorthogonal Designs Including Continuous Covariates
Authors: Rasmussen Morten A. , Khakimov Bekzod , Engel Jasper , Jansen Jeroen
Published: July 2024

Analysis of variance and linear models is undoubtedly one of the most useful statistical contributions to experimental and observational science. With the ability to characterize a system through multivariate responses, these methods have emerged to be general tools regardless of response dimensionality. Contemporary methods for establishing statistical inference, such as ANOVA simultaneous component analysis (ASCA), are based on Monte Carlo sampling; however, a flat uniform resampling scheme may violate the structure of the uncertainty for unbalanced designs as well as for observational data. In this work, we provide permutation strategies for inferential testing for unbalanced designs including interaction models and establish nonuniform randomization based on the concept of propensity score matching. Lastly, we provide a general method for modelling continuous covariates based on kernel smoothers. All methods are characterized on their ability to provide unbiased Type I error results.
A high‐energy‐density long‐cycle lithium–sulfur battery enabled by 3D graphene architecture
Authors: Cheng Yan , Liu Bihan , Li Xiang , He Xin , Sun Zhiyi , Zhang Wentao , Gao Ziyao , Zhang Leyuan , Chen Xiangxiang , Chen Zhen , Chen Zhuo , Peng Lele , Duan Xiangfeng
Published: July 2024

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) battery is attracting increasing interest for its potential in low‐cost high‐density energy storage. However, it has been a persistent challenge to simultaneously realize high energy density and long cycle life. Herein, we report a synergistic strategy to exploit a unique nitrogen‐doped three‐dimensional graphene aerogel as both the lithium anode host to ensure homogeneous lithium plating/stripping and mitigate lithium dendrite formation and the sulfur cathode host to facilitate efficient sulfur redox chemistry and combat undesirable polysulfide shuttling effect, realizing Li–S battery simultaneously with ultrahigh energy density and long cycle life. The as‐demonstrated polysulfide‐based device delivers a high areal capacity of 7.5 mAh/cm2 (corresponds to 787 Wh/L) and an ultralow capacity fading of 0.025% per cycle over 1000 cycles at a high current density of 8.6 mA/cm2. Our findings suggest a novel strategy to scale up the superior electrochemical property of every microscopic unit to a macroscopic‐level performance that enables simultaneously high areal energy density and long cycling stability that are critical for practical Li–S batteries.
N‐Heterocyclic Carbene/Transition Metal Dual Catalysis
Authors: Zhang Zhao‐Fei , Zhang Chun‐Lin , Ye Song
Published: July 2024

N‐heterocyclic carbene catalysis has been developed as a versatile method for the enantioselective synthesis of complex organic molecules in organic chemistry. Merging of N‐heterocyclic carbene catalysis with transition metal catalysis holds the potential to achieve unprecedented transformations with broad substrate scope and excellent stereoselectivity, which are unfeasible with individual catalyst. Thus, this dual catalysis has attracted increasing attention, and numerous elegant dual catalytic systems have been established. In this review, we summarize the recent achievements of dual NHC/transition metal catalysis, including the reaction design, mechanistic studies and practical applications.
Cascade C−H Activation and Two C−C Bond Forming in Reaction of Azalutetacyclopentadiene with 2‐Methylbenzonitriles
Authors: Chai Zhengqi , Lv Ze‐Jie , Liu Wei , Yang Jinxiao , Wei Junnian , Zhang Wen‐Xiong
Published: July 2024

Azametallacyclopentadienes are an important class of metallacycles as the key intermediates in metal‐promoted or catalyzed carbon‐carbon coupling reaction of nitriles and alkynes. Rare‐earth azametallacyclopentadienes have shown various reactivity toward nitriles, depending on the substituents of nitriles. The reaction of azalutetacyclopentadienes toward 2‐methylbenzonitriles has been investigated in this work, which selectively affords the fused 7‐5‐6‐membered azalutetacycles as products. Computational studies reveal that the reaction of azalutetacyclopentadienes toward 2‐methylbenzonitriles selectively initiates with the remote activation of the benzylic C−H bond by the Lu−N bond, followed by the intramolecular nucleophilic attack from the deprotonated benzylic carbon to form a C−C bond. Subsequently, the high ring strain promoted the generation of the uncoordinated carbanion dissociated from the lutetium center, which then undergoes intramolecular nucleophilic attack toward C=N triple bond to give the final product containing fused 7‐5‐6‐membered azalutetacycle. This work not only achieves highly selective three‐step cascade reaction to form a unique class of rare‐earth metallacycle, but also provides a new idea for the transformation of unsaturated substrates with C−H bonds that can be activated.
Fluorinated High‐Valent Sn(IV) Porphyrins Show Remarkable Photodynamic Activity in Cancer Cells
Authors: Bora Bidisha , Das Namisha , Bera Arpan , Upadhyay Aarti , Goswami Tridib K.
Published: July 2024

In recent years, Sn(IV) porphyrins have proven to be excellent choice as photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy. This work reports the synthesis, characterization and photodynamic activity of four high‐valent fluorinated Sn(IV) porphyrins having different numbers of F‐atoms in the peripheral of meso‐phenyl groups viz. (Dichloro)meso‐tetrakis(4‐fluorophenylporphyrinato)stannic(IV), [Sn(IV)FTPP(Cl)2] or Sn1; (Dichloro)meso‐tetrakis(2,4‐difluorophenylporphyrinato)stannic(IV), [Sn(IV)2,4‐FTPP(Cl)2] or Sn2; (Dichloro)meso‐tetrakis(2,6‐difluorophenylporphyrinato)stannic(IV), [Sn(IV)2,6‐FTPP(Cl)2] or Sn3 and (Dichloro)meso‐tetrakis(4‐trifluoromethylphenylporphyrinato)stannic(IV), [Sn(IV)CF3TPP(Cl)2] or Sn4. The solid‐state structure of Sn1 has been determined by single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. The increasing number of F‐atoms attached to the meso‐phenyl positions of the porphyrin framework results in increase of their lipophilicity, singlet oxygen quantum yield (ΦΔ) and photocytotoxicity in A549 (human lung adenocarcinoma cells), MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB‐231 (human breast adenocarcinoma) cells. Sn4 predominantly localize in the mitochondria of A549 cells. The light‐induced cell death by the Sn(IV) porphyrins in A549 cells occur primarily via apoptosis.
Tailoring Energy Structure of Low‐Toxic Ternary Ag−Bi−S Quantum Dots through Solution‐Phase Synthesis for Quantum‐Dot‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Wentao , Akiyoshi Kazutaka , Kameyama Tatsuya , Torimoto Tsukasa
Published: July 2024

Low‐toxic multinary semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) showing a photoresponse in a wide wavelength range from visible to near‐IR wavelength regions have been intensively investigated for fabricating efficient solar light conversion systems. Recently, AgBiS2 QDs have attracted much attention for their application to improve the performance of QD solar cells because they have a large absorption coefficient in the visible and near‐IR regions. In this report, we describe solution‐phase preparation of ternary Ag−Bi−S QDs with different sizes and with different Ag/Bi ratios. The average size of resulting spherical Ag−Bi−S QDs was controllable from 2.7 to 8.1 nm by adjusting the reaction temperature from 373 to 473 K, while the Ag fraction of obtained QDs also increased with an increase in particle size. The absorption onset wavelength shifted from 850 to 1200 nm in the near‐IR region as the particle size increased. AgBiS2 QDs with an almost stoichiometric composition, obtained at reaction temperatures of 423 K and 473 K, contained no deep intragap states and exhibited a p‐type semiconductor behavior, while QDs prepared at a reaction temperature of 393 K or lower had non‐stoichiometric Ag‐deficient compositions producing intragap defect states. Sensitized solar cells fabricated with stoichiometric AgBiS2 QDs exhibited a photoresponse in visible and near‐IR wavelength regions, the optimal PCE being 0.74% with AgBiS2 QDs of 6.2 nm in diameter that were prepared at 423 K.
The application of IGA in urban landscape design optimization
Authors: Liu Linyu , Ahmad Raziah , Ahmad Suriati , Wang Xuejie
Published: July 2024

The foundation of urban landscape design optimization is the precise evaluation of the effectiveness. To address the issues of strong subjectivity, low efficiency, and poor accuracy in urban landscape design evaluation methods, an intelligent evaluation method combining improved genetic algorithm and error backpropagation neural network is proposed. First, based on Maslow's demand theory and questionnaire survey results, it selects indicators to construct an evaluation index system for urban landscape design. Second, in response to the performance defects of the error backpropagation neural network model, the moth flame algorithm is used to optimize it. Then, in response to the defect that the optimization effect of the moth flame algorithm is not ideal enough, a multiple strategy including improved genetic algorithm is adopted to optimize it. Finally, an urban landscape design evaluation model is constructed based on improved error backpropagation neural network. The experimental results show that the fitting coefficient of the model is 0.9523, with a minimum deviation of less than 1%. The above results indicate that the proposed model can effectively improve the accuracy and efficiency of urban landscape design evaluation, providing data support for urban landscape design optimization. The research on the intelligent development of urban landscape design is of reference significance and has to some extent promoted the development of urban landscape design.
Thickness‐Dependent Relative Dielectric Constant of Organic Ultrathin Films
Authors: Summonte Caterina , Borgatti Francesco , Albonetti Cristiano
Published: July 2024

In formulas employed for analysis of organic electronic devices, the relative dielectric constant value of the semiconductor organic films is often assumed rather than measured, even though it is a fundamental parameter for a correct interpretation. This is particularly true for ultrathin films made of discrete molecular layers. In this work, Spectroscopy Ellipsometry and Scanning Capacitance Microscopy were used to study thin films made of N,N′‐bis(n‐octyl)‐x:y,dicyanoperylene‐3,4 : 9,10‐bis(dicarboximide). The relative dielectric constant presents a non‐monotonic trend with thickness: it is equal to 2.1 for one molecular layer, saturating at 3.2 for increasing thickness. This maximum value, equivalent to the bulk one, occurs when the coverage is in between the third to the fourth layer. In this range, the growth switches from a Frank–Van der Merwe (2D growth) to a Volmer‐Weber mode (3D growth); in addition, the molecular configuration assumes a bent/distorted geometry with respect to the initial edge‐on one. These results establish a morphological dependence of the dielectric constant, especially in the vicinity of the substrate interface, that disappears at a certain distance from it.
Understanding Human Health Impacts Following Microplastic Exposure Necessitates Standardized Protocols
Authors: Morgan Sarah E. , Romanick Samantha S , DeLouise Lisa , McGrath James , Elder Alison
Published: July 2024

Microplastics (MPs; 1 µm to 5 mm) are a persistent and pervasive environmental pollutant of emergent and increasing concern. Human exposure to MPs through food, water, and air has been documented and thus motivates the need for a better understanding of the biological implications of MP exposure. These impacts are dependent on the properties of MPs, including size, morphology, and chemistry, as well as the dose and route of exposure. This overview offers a perspective on the current methods used to assess the bioactivity of MPs. First, we discuss methods associated with MP bioactivity research with an emphasis on the variety of assays, exposure conditions, and reference MP particles that have been used. Next, we review the challenges presented by common instrumentation and laboratory materials, the lack of standardized reference materials, and the limited understanding of MP dosimetry. Finally, we propose solutions that can help increase the applicability and impact of future studies while reducing redundancy in the field. The excellent protocols published in this issue are intended to contribute toward standardizing the field so that the MP knowledge base grows from a reliable foundation. © 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Evaluation of the Effects of Punica granatum Flower Tablets on Pain and Healing of Minor Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Lavaee Fatemeh , Parhizkar Elahehnaz , Tavakoli Fatemeh , Zarshenas Mohammad M. , Asmarian Naeimehossadat
Published: July 2024

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to determine the therapeutic effect of the Punica granatum (PG) flower on recurrent aphthous stomatitis in comparison with corticosteroid therapy.

Materials and Methods

This cross‐over randomized clinical trial was conducted on the patients who had been referred to Shiraz Dental School for their RAS in 2021. All the participants used both P. granatum flower tablets and Triadent a month apart for wash‐out time and all compared themselves. In the experimental group, 30 patients received pomegranate flower tablets, three tablets daily, for 6 days. In the control group, oral paste Triadent has been prescribed three times a day for 6 days. The visual analog scale (VAS) and the size of RAS were evaluated on Days 0–6. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 21. The Wilcoxon test was used.

Results

The mean age of participants was 27.8 ± 14.77 years old. In this study, 15 patients (50%) were men and 15 patients (50%) were women. The mean value of VAS after using prescribed treatment in both evaluated groups on all days was significantly different such that the VAS values were lower for PG flower tablets than Triadent (p value < 0.05). The size of oral lesions in participants who used PG flower tablets was significantly less than those who used Triadent on all evaluation days (p value < 0.05) except on Day 1 (p value = 0.29). The descending slope of VAS from Days 1 to 6 for both Triadent and PG flower tablet users was significant and noticeable. (p value < 0.05).

Conclusion

According to the result of this study, both P. granatum flower tablet and Triadent are useful in reducing the size, period of healing, and VAS of patients with RAS, but the PG flower tablet is more effective.
One size does not fit all: Responsible investor motivation and investment performance
Authors: Scholtens Bert , Willard Fabian
Published: July 2024

Most research in socially responsible investing is about how it influences financial performance. Hardly any study investigates how it affects responsibility. We investigate how different motives of responsible investors affect portfolio design and financial and nonfinancial performance of investments. We study financial, deontological, consequentialist, and expressive motivated responsible investors. The first seek to achieve financial outperformance by relying on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) information. The second avoid investing in controversial issues. The third seek to influence the most sustainable firms. The fourth try to enhance their own social identity by investing responsibly. We find that the specific motivation for socially responsible investing does not significantly affect financial performance. However, the motivation does have a substantial influence on the responsibility score of the portfolio. In particular, deontological portfolios underperform the universe regarding responsibility performance. This might reflect the origin of responsibility scoring where controversial firms usually invest more in responsibility than less controversial ones. The other portfolios all outperform the market. This has important lessons for responsible investment funds: they will need to find out about the motives of their investors to modify portfolio design when investing responsibly. “One size for all” is no option when targeting responsible investors.
Increasing and fluctuating resource availability enhances invasional meltdown
Authors: Sun Yan , Ren Zhi‐Kun , Müller‐Schärer Heinz , Callaway Ragan M. , van Kleunen Mark , Huang Wei
Published: July 2024

Exotic plant invaders can promote others via direct or indirect facilitation, known as “invasional meltdown.” Increased soil nutrients can also promote invaders by increasing their competitive impacts, but how this might affect meltdown is unknown. In a mesocosm experiment, we evaluated how eight exotic plant species and eight Eurasian native species responded individually to increasing densities of the invasive plant Conyza canadensis, while varying the supply and fluctuations of nutrients. We found that increasing density of C. canadensis intensified competitive suppression of natives but intensified facilitation of other exotics. Higher and fluctuating nutrients exacerbated the competitive effects on natives and facilitative effects on exotics. Overall, these results show a pronounced advantage of exotics over native target species with increased relative density of C. canadensis under high nutrient availability and fluctuation. We integrate these results with the observation that exotic species commonly drive increases in soil resources to suggest the Resource‐driven Invasional Meltdown and Inhibition of Natives hypothesis in which biotic acceleration of resource availability promotes other exotic species over native species, leading to invasional meltdown.
Outpatient treatment of decompensated heart failure: A systematic review and study level meta‐analysis
Authors: Bahar Jameela , Rahman Amna , Wong Grace W.Y. , Sankaranarayanan Rajiv , Ahmed Fozia Z. , Taylor Rebecca , Fuat Ahmet , Squire Iain , Cleland John G.F. , Lip Gregory Y.H. , Gamble James H.P. , Masudi Sundas , Joseph Prince Josiah S. , Wong Kenneth Y.K.
Published: July 2024

Patients with acutely decompensated heart failure (ADHF) are usually admitted to hospital for management. There is growing interest in delivering intravenous (IV) diuretic therapy at home, in the community or at hospital day‐care units; the safety and effectiveness of outpatient‐based management (OPM) for ADHF has not been established. We conducted a systematic literature review and meta‐analysis to investigate the short‐term safety and effectiveness of OPM compared with inpatient management (IPM) of ADHF. Pre‐specified endpoints were 30 day mortality and 30 day hospitalization. The meta‐analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.4 software. Twenty‐nine studies of OPM were identified, including 7683 patients. Only five studies directly compared OPM (n = 1303) with IPM (n = 2047), including three observational studies, and two randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The other 24 studies only stated OPM outcomes. For the five studies comparing IPM versus OPM, patients were generally aged >75 years and of similar age for each strategy, with a similar proportion of men (56%). In a study‐level, aggregate analysis, 30 day all‐cause mortality was 9.3% (121/1303) for OPM, compared with 15.6% (320/2047) for IPM [OR 0.29 (95% CI 0.09, 0.93) P = 0.04]. Four studies reported 30 day all‐cause hospitalization; 22.0% for IPM versus 16.8% for OPM [OR 0.73 (95% CI 0.61, 0.89), P = 0.001]. In the two RCTs, we found no difference in 30 day mortality or hospitalization. In observational studies, OPM of ADHF is associated with lower 30 day hospitalization and lower 30 day mortality; such differences were not observed in two small, single‐centre RCTs. A substantial, multicentre RCT is required to confirm the safety and effectiveness of OPM for ADHF.
Clinical features, haemodynamics, and outcomes of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in coarctation of aorta
Authors: Egbe Alexander C. , Reddy Yogesh N.V. , Ali Ahmed E. , Younis Ahmed , Borlaug Barry A.
Published: July 2024

Aims

There are similarities in the pathogenesis of cardiac remodelling and dysfunction in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and coarctation of aorta (COA). We hypothesized that clinical HFpEF would be highly prevalent in adults with COA, and that the presence of HFpEF would increase the risk of mortality in this population. The aim of this study was to define the clinical features, haemodynamics, and prognostic implications of HFpEF in COA.

Methods and results

Consecutive adults with repaired COA that underwent right heart catheterization were identified retrospectively. HFpEF was defined as heart failure symptoms (exertional dyspnoea or fatigue), preserved left ventricular ejection fraction ≥50%, and pulmonary artery wedge pressure at rest >15 mmHg. Of 99 COA patients, 32 (32%) had HFpEF. The correlates of HFpEF were obesity (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 4.15, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.31–13.2), atrial fibrillation (adjusted OR 3.13, 95% CI 1.00–10.7), total arterial compliance index (adjusted OR 0.12, 95% CI 0.06–0.41 per 1 ml/mmHg*m2), and pulmonary artery compliance index (adjusted OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.15–0.56 per 1 ml/mmHg*m2). Of 99 patients, 24 (24%) died and 5 (5%) underwent heart transplant. The 10‐year cumulative incidence of death/transplant was higher in COA patients with HFpEF compared with patients without HFpEF (39% vs. 12%, p = 0.001). The presence of HFpEF was associated with increased risk of death/transplant (adjusted hazard ratio 1.68, 95% CI 1.16–3.11).

Conclusions

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction is common in adults with COA and is associated with greater risk of death/transplant, emphasizing a pressing need for interventions to prevent and treat HFpEF in COA.
Highly Efficient Carbonylation of Propylene Oxide into β‐Butyrolactone Catalyzed over Co‐Al Bimetallic Species†
Authors: Zou Haoyu , Li Lincai , Cui Linxiao , Peng Li , Li Jun , Zhu Hongping
Published: July 2024

Rational designation of the catalyst for efficient atom‐economic conversion of propylene oxide (PO) and carbon monoxide (CO) into β‐butyrolactone is of current significance. By employing the O,N,O‐tridentate ligands R1,R2LH2 (1–4), the aluminium compounds (R1,R2LAlCl)2 (R1,R2=H,H (5), tBu,tBu (6), Cl,Cl (7), Br,Br (8)) and the derived anion‐cation pairs [H,HLAl(THF)3]+[Co(CO)4]− (9) and [(R1,R2LAl)2Cl(THF)2]+[Co(CO)4]− (R1,R2=tBu,tBu (10), Cl,Cl (11), Br,Br (12)) as well as the aluminium‐cobalt bimetallic cluster compounds [(R1,R2LAl)2Cl(THF)][Co3(CO)10] (R1,R2=tBu,tBu (13), Cl,Cl (14), Br,Br (15)) were prepared. Compounds 9–12 efficiently catalyzed the PO carbonylation into β‐butyrolactone to achieve up 93.4–98.9 % yields while 13–15 gained 95.2–99.0 % yields all at 25 °C and 0.1 MPa CO pressure. The Lewis acidic property of the aluminium compounds 5–8 was investigated. The kinetic of the catalytic reaction using compound 10 was studied. The cooperatively catalytic reaction mechanism by the Co−Al bimetallic species is proposed.
Synthesis, Structure, and Resolution of Functionalized Oxacalix[4]arenes with Planar Chirality via Dynamic SNAr Reaction
Authors: Yang Yong , Yu Yin‐Chong , Xue Min , Peng Wei‐Wei , Xue Bo‐Wen , Zong Qian‐Shou
Published: July 2024

A pair of racemic oxacalix[4]arenes featuring planar chirality and a mesomer with a symmetric plane were conveniently synthesized under mild conditions via a one‐pot dynamic SNAr reaction and separated in 20 % and 49 % yields, respectively. X‐ray single crystal analyses confirmed their structures unambiguously. The racemic mixture could further be resolved using HPLC on a chiral column. Time‐dependent products distribution and interconversion between products with CsF as a catalyst were revealed by 1H NMR studies, convincing the dynamic nature of SNAr reaction.
Asymmetric Synthesis of Seven‐Membered Lactams: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives
Authors: Xie Danyang , Zhong Sishi , Xia Yong
Published: July 2024

The optically active lactams represent an important structural motif and present in a wide range of natural products, biologically active compounds and drugs. Compared to the synthesis of chiral five‐ and six‐membered lactams, the asymmetric construction of seven‐membered lactams often presents a challenge due to their consequential entropic and enthalpic barriers. Over the past few decades, substantial efforts have been devoted to this field and chemists have developed various efficient strategies for the preparation of seven‐membered lactams. In this review, we will highlight the recent advances in enantioselective formation of seven‐membered lactams and the discussion will be logically divided into three parts according to the reaction mode. The aim of this review is to familiarize the Reader with new synthetic opportunities offered by these interesting methodologies.
Elucidating the antimicrobial and anticarcinogenic potential of methanolic and water extracts of edible Tragopogon coelesyriacus Boiss.
Authors: Unver Tuba , Uzuner Ugur , Celik‐Uzuner Selcen , Gurhan Ismet , Sivri Nur Sena , Ozdemir Zeynep
Published: July 2024

Tragopogon coelesyriacus is a pharmacotherapeutic herbaceous plant belonging to the Asteraceae family and consumed as a vegetable. Here, the methanolic and water extracts of T. coelesyriacus were obtained from its aboveground parts (stem, leaves, and flowers), and the phytochemical potentials were investigated by LC‐HRMS (liquid chromatography–high resolution mass spectrometry) analysis for the first time. The antibacterial, antifungal, and anticarcinogenic activities of T. coelesyriacus extracts were investigated using experimental and in silico methods. T. coelesyriacus methanol extract revealed remarkable inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumonia (MICs = 0.83, 1.67, and 1.67 mg/mL, respectively) compared to Escherichia coli and Enterobacter aerogenes (MIC = 53.3 mg/mL). Inhibitory effects of T. coelesyriacus methanolic extracts were also observed in all Candida species tested, with the highest inhibition on Candida krusei (MIC = 0.83 mg/mL), whereas no inhibitory effect was identified from the water extract. Additionally, both T. coelesyriacus methanolic (IC50 = 86 μg/mL) and water (IC50 = 92 μg/mL) extracts revealed significant selective anticarcinogenic effects on AR42J pancreatic cancer cells. HeLa and MDA‐MB‐231 cells were, however, more resilient to methanol and water extract, respectively. In silico analyses further elucidated the noteworthy antibacterial potential of keracyanin chloride on S. aureus MurB enzyme and the remarkable inhibitory potential of naringin on FYN kinase specific for pancreatic cancer (AR42J) development. In conclusion, T. coelesyriacus phytochemicals with antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer properties were revealed for the first time, and molecular docking studies on potential targets confirmed good agreement with experimental findings. Therefore, the current studies on T. coelesyriacus provide the basis for investigating new pharmaceutical potentials of other Tragopogon members.
Usefulness of low‐cost simulation models to learning surgical techniques for placenta accreta spectrum: An observational educational study
Authors: Nieto‐Calvache Albaro José , Palacios‐Jaraquemada José Miguel , Fox Karin A. , Benavides Juan Pablo , Sarria‐Ortiz Daniela , Muñoz‐Córdoba Laura , Galindo‐Velasco Valentina , Maya Juliana , Meade Paulo , Romero Eduardo , Mostajo Desiré , Delgado Jorge , de la Cruz Antonio , Valladares Alexis , Sánchez Amadeo , Fernández Julio , Pavón Néstor , Solo‐Nieto Alejandro , Burgos Juan Manuel , Messa‐Bryon Adriana , Hussein Ahmed M.
Published: July 2024

Objective

To evaluate the utility of low‐cost simulation models to teach surgical techniques for placenta accreta spectrum (PAS), included in a multimodal education workshop for PAS.

Methods

This was an observational, survey‐based study. Participants were surveyed before and after the use of low‐fidelity mannequins to simulate two surgical techniques for PAS (one‐step conservative surgery [OSCS] and modified subtotal hysterectomy [MSTH]), within a multimodal educational workshop. The workshops included pre‐course preparation, didactics, simulated practice of the techniques using low‐cost models, and viewing live surgery.

Results

Six OSCS/MSTH training workshops occurred across six countries and a total of 270 participants were surveyed. The responses of 127 certified obstetricians and gynecologists (OB–GYNs) were analyzed. Participants expressed favorable impressions of all components of the simulated session. Perceived anatomical simulator fidelity, scenario realism, educational component effectiveness, and self‐assessed performance improvement received ratings of 4–5 (positive end of the Likert scale) from over 90% of respondents. When asked about simulation's role in technique comprehension, comfort level in technique performance, and likelihood of recommending this workshop to others, more than 75% of participants rated these aspects with a score of 4–5 (positively) on the five‐point scale.

Conclusion

Low‐cost simulation, within a multimodal education strategy, is a well‐accepted intervention for teaching surgical techniques for PAS.
The relationship between traumatic childbirth perception, desire to avoid pregnancy, and sexual quality of life in women
Authors: Calpbinici Pelin
Published: July 2024

Objective

To identify factors influencing women's perceptions of traumatic childbirth (TCP) and to determine the relationship between TCP, desire to avoid pregnancy, and sexual quality of life.

Methods

A descriptive and correlational research study was designed. Data were collected from 225 women aged between 18 and 45 years old. A Demographic Information Form, the Desire to Avoid Pregnancy Scale (DAP), the Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire‐Female (SQLQ‐F), and the Perception of Traumatic Childbirth Scale (PTCS) were used for data collection.

Results

Women who were not employed, had given birth previously, and did not plan their last pregnancy tended to have higher levels of TCP. Conversely, women who did not experience health problems in their last pregnancy and recalled their last childbirth as very comfortable and happy tended to have lower levels of TCP. A very weak, statistically significant, positive correlation was found between the mean DAP and PTCS scores (r = 0.168, P < 0.05). A very weak, statistically significant, negative correlation was found between the mean SQLQ‐F and PTCS sores (r = −0.138, P < 0.05). A 1‐unit increase in TCP was associated with a 0.005‐unit increase in the desire to avoid pregnancy and a 0.094‐unit decrease in sexual quality of life.

Conclusion

TCP in women is associated with an increase in the desire to avoid pregnancy and a decrease in sexual quality of life. It is recommended to identify women with high levels of TCP, determine factors contributing to this perception, and plan appropriate nursing interventions accordingly.
Convolutional Neural Network‐Based CT Image Segmentation of Kidney Tumours
Authors: Hu Cong , Jiang Wenwen , Zhou Tian , Wan Chunting , Zhu Aijun
Published: July 2024

Kidney tumours are one of the most common tumours in humans and the main current treatment is surgical removal. The CT images are usually manually segmented by a specialist for pre‐operative planning, but this can be influenced by the surgeon's experience and skill and can be time‐consuming. Due to the complex lesions and different morphologies of kidney tumours that make segmentation difficult, this article proposes a convolutional neural network‐based automatic segmentation method for CT images of kidney tumours to address the most common problems of boundary blurring and false positives in tumour segmentation images. The method is highly accurate and reliable, and is used to assist doctors in surgical planning as well as diagnostic treatment, relieving medical pressure to a certain extent. The EfficientNetV2‐UNet segmentation model proposed in this article includes three main parts: feature extractor, reconstruction network and Bayesian decision algorithm. Firstly, for the phenomenon of tumour false positives, the EfficientNetV2 feature extractor, which has high training accuracy and efficiency, is selected as the backbone network, which extracts shallow features such as tumour location, morphology and texture in the CT image by downsampling. Secondly, on the basis of the backbone network, the reconstruction network is designed, which mainly consists of conversion block, deconvolution block, convolution block and output block. Then, the up‐sampling architecture is constructed to gradually recover the spatial resolution of the feature map, fully identify the contextual information and form a complete encoding–decoding structure. Multi‐scale feature fusion is achieved by superimposing all levels of feature map channels on the left and right sides of the network, preventing the loss of details and performing accurate tumour segmentation. Finally, a Bayesian decision algorithm is designed for the edge blurring phenomenon of segmented tumours and cascaded over the output of the reconstruction network, combining the edge features of the original CT image and the segmented image for probability estimation, which is used to improve the accuracy of the model edge segmentation. Medical images in NII special format were converted to Numpy matrix format using python, and then more than 2000 CT images containing only kidney tumours were selected from the KiTS19 dataset as the dataset for the model, and the dimensions were standardised to 128 × 128, and the experimental results show that the model outperforms many other advanced models with good segmentation performance.
ADRs and Audit Pricing: Influence of disclosure and legal environment regime
Authors: Callaghan Joseph , Cho Seong , Kim Junwoo , Parkash Mohinder
Published: July 2024

Cross‐listed firms natively operate in countries where regulations are less enforced, disclosure requirements and the legal environment are laxer than in the US. Thus, cross‐listed firms typically pay lower audit fees than US peer groups. Based on reported audit data of the cross‐listed firms in the US, this study explores how their home country's regulatory environment affects audit fees when they cross‐list on US stock exchanges. The empirical results indicate that the cross‐listed firms pay lower audit fees than their US counterparts. However, other regulatory environments in the home country, like disclosure requirements or anti‐director dictatorship, may require more audit efforts. Further, the cross‐listed firms that prepare reconciliation to US GAAP pay lower audit fees than other ADR firms that are using IFRS or US GAAP. However, still most of ADR firms pay lower audit fees than US counterpart firms.
Expression patterns of keratin family members during tooth development and the role of keratin 17 in cytodifferentiation of stratum intermedium and stellate reticulum
Authors: Inada Saori , Chiba Yuta , Tian Tian , Sato Hiroshi , Wang Xin , Yoshizaki Keigo , Oka Sae , Yamada Aya , Fukumoto Satoshi
Published: July 2024

Keratins are typical intermediate filament proteins of the epithelium that exhibit highly specific expression patterns related to the epithelial type and stage of cellular differentiation. They are important for cytoplasmic stability and epithelial integrity and are involved in various intracellular signaling pathways. Several keratins are associated with enamel formation. However, information on their expression patterns during tooth development remains lacking. In this study, we analyzed the spatiotemporal expression of keratin family members during tooth development using single‐cell RNA‐sequencing (scRNA‐seq) and microarray analysis. scRNA‐seq datasets from postnatal Day 1 mouse molars revealed that several keratins are highly expressed in the dental epithelium, indicating the involvement of keratin family members in cellular functions. Among various keratins, keratin 5 (Krt5), keratin 14 (Krt14), and keratin 17 (Krt17) are highly expressed in the tooth germ; KRT17 is specifically expressed in the stratum intermedium (SI) and stellate reticulum (SR). Depletion of Krt17 did not affect cell proliferation in the dental epithelial cell line SF2 but suppressed their differentiation ability. These results suggest that Krt17 is essential for SI cell differentiation. Furthermore, scRNA‐seq results indicated that Krt5, Krt14, and Krt17 exhibited distinct expression patterns in ameloblast, SI, and SR cells. Our findings contribute to the elucidation of novel mechanisms underlying tooth development.
Factors associated with skeletal muscle mass in middle‐aged men living with HIV
Authors: Xu Yide , Wang Dongdong , Chen Pei , Qi Bufeng , Li Xiaoting , Xie Chunfeng , Wu Jieshu , Li Lin , Gao Gu , Geng Shanshan , Yang Dandan
Published: July 2024

Background

Despite extensive research on muscle loss in people living with HIV (PLWH), the prevalence and contributing factors specifically among middle‐aged men remain unclear. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of low muscle mass within this demographic and to identify associated factors.

Methods

A total of 378 men living with HIV were enrolled in the study. They were classified into low muscle mass group if they displayed a skeletal muscle index (SMI) <7.00 kg/m2 or fell within the lowest quintile of SMI based on the criteria established by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019.

Results

Out of the 378 men living with HIV enrolled, 351 had normal muscle mass, while 27 (7.1%) had low muscle mass. Antiretroviral drugs Zidovudine (AZT) (OR = 0.246, P = 0.022) and higher serum albumin levels (OR = 0.899, P = 0.026) were found to be protective factors against low muscle mass according to quintile grouping. Strong positive associations between SMI and body mass index (BMI), nutritional risk index (NRI), oedema index and fat‐free mass index (FFMI) (R > 0.5, P < 0.001) were observed. In addition, both BMI (sensitivity = 0.741, specificity = 0.906) and NRI (sensitivity = 0.963, specificity = 0.601) had high sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing low muscle mass, with critical values of 19.85 and 114.177 for BMI and NRI, respectively. The oedema index was the most effective measure of body composition in detecting abnormal fluid retention with high sensitivity (92.6%) and moderate specificity (71.8%) in identifying individuals with low muscle mass. Notably, PLWH with low muscle mass participants had a significantly higher prevalence (92.6%) of a high oedema index compared with those with normal muscle mass (28.2%). This observation indicates that individuals with HIV who experience reduced muscle mass is commonly accompanied with abnormal fluid retention within the body.

Conclusions

Antiretroviral medication types, specifically Zidovudine, BMI and NRI can be independent risk factors for low muscle mass in men with HIV. These factors, along with BMI, could be used conveniently to predict low muscle mass. Furthermore, the association between the oedema index and muscle mass suggests that observing signs of oedema may indicate a risk of low muscle mass in PLWH.
Dynamic evolution of COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy over 2021–2023 among Chinese population: Repeated nationwide cross‐sectional study
Authors: Shen Zhanlei , Li Quanman , Wu Jian , Zhu Dongfang , Bai Junwen , Ren Ruizhe , Zhang Jingbao , Li Yi , Wang Meiyun , Gu Jianqin , Li Yinfei , Dong Wenyong , Wang Haipeng , Sun Tao , Yang Fan , Zhou Xue , Yang Jian , Tarimo Clifford Silver , Ma Mingze , Feng Yifei , Miao Yudong
Published: July 2024

Globally, the rollout of COVID‐19 vaccine had been faced with a significant barrier in the form of vaccine hesitancy. This study adopts a multi‐stage perspective to explore the prevalence and determinants of COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy, focusing on their dynamic evolutionary features. Guided by the integrated framework of the 3Cs model (complacency, confidence, and convenience) and the EAH model (environmental, agent, and host), this study conducted three repeated national cross‐sectional surveys. These surveys carried out from July 2021 to February 2023 across mainland China, targeted individuals aged 18 and older. They were strategically timed to coincide with three critical vaccination phases: universal coverage (stage 1), partial coverage (stage 2), and key population coverage (stage 3). From 2021 to 2023, the surveys examined sample sizes of 29 925, 6659, and 5407, respectively. The COVID‐19 vaccine hesitation rates increased from 8.39% in 2021 to 29.72% in 2023. Urban residency, chronic condition, and low trust in vaccine developer contributed to significant COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy across the pandemic. Negative correlations between the intensity of vaccination policies and vaccine hesitancy, and positive correlations between vaccine hesitancy and long COVID, were confirmed. This study provides insights for designing future effective vaccination programs for emerging vaccine‐preventable infectious X diseases.
The impacts of global warming on climate zones over China based on CMIP6 models
Authors: Wang Siyi , Mei Ying , Liu Qianze , He Wenping
Published: July 2024

Climate zones are expected to shift in response to climate change, which significantly influences vegetation distribution and provides essential guidance for human activities including production, lifestyle and economic development. Quantifying the shifts in climate zones due to global warming is therefore crucial. The primary metric for categorizing climate zones is the number of days with a daily mean temperature above 10°C (DT10). Utilizing DT10 and the ERA5 reanalysis data, it is observed that climate zones in China have gradually shifted northward over the past 65 years. Notably, the interdecadal changes in the climate zones differ between the eastern and western regions divided by the 110°E longitude. The western regions show minimal shifts, whereas the eastern regions, particularly the central and southern parts of Northeast China, exhibit obvious northward shifts. Consequently, the simulation capabilities of 41 CMIP6 models for Chinese climate zones were assessed, and it was found that 11 models demonstrated robust performance. These models were further used to analyse interdecadal variations and project future shifts in climate zones in China. The results show that the spatial pattern of climate zones in China can be well captured by the CMIP6 models, except for ACCESS‐CM2, FGOALS‐g3 and GFDL‐CM4. Each CMIP6 model seems to be more suitable for specific climatic zones concerning trends and decadal variations in China. By 2100, a northward shift is projected for all climate zones in the east of 110°E under SSP2‐4.5 and SSP5‐8.5 emission scenarios, particularly in northern China. It should be noted that the potential disappearance of the northern subtropical belt, likely to be replaced by the middle subtropical belt in the future.
Association between protein intake and functional capacity in critically ill patients: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Araújo Fábio , Posadas‐Calleja Juan G. , Raman Maitreyi , Tosh Maureen , Wischmeyer Paul , Barreto Priscilla , Gillis Chelsia
Published: July 2024

Background

Intensive care unit (ICU) protein benchmarks are based on mortality and morbidity; whether these targets also support functional recovery is unknown. We assessed whether different protein doses influenced patients' functional capacity, measured by the Chelsea Physical Assessment score (CPAx).

Methods

Single‐center retrospective cohort study on ICU survivors with length of stay ≥7 days admitted between October 2014 and September 2020. Eligible patients were divided according to protein intake (g/kg/day): low (<0.8), medium (0.8–1.19), high (1.2–1.5), and very high (>1.5). Protein dose effect on CPAx was assessed at ICU discharge with analysis of covariance adjusting for age, illness severity, hospital length of stay before ICU admission, time to start nutrition support, and mechanical ventilation duration. We also investigated effect modification by energy intake and nutrition status.

Results

Enrolled patients (n = 531) were similar for age, nutrition status, and illness severity across groups. CPAxs were nonlinearly associated with protein doses and similar among low, medium, and very high groups. The CPAx for the high group was statistically different (P = 0.014), indicating that the data of three groups could be pooled. Mean CPAx difference remained statistically significant after adjusting for confounding variables (3.9 ± 1.8, P = 0.029 in the four‐group model, and 2.7 ± 0.9, P = 0.003 in the pooled two‐group model). Energy intake was equivalent between groups and did not modify CPAx. The high group had superior CPAx in both well‐nourished and malnourished patients, indicating nutrition status was not an effect modifier.

Conclusion

Protein dose 1.2–1.5 g/kg/day was associated with superior functional capacity at ICU discharge compared with other doses. Neither energy intake nor nutrition status modified functional capacity across groups; therefore, the results appear to be influenced by 1.2–1.5 g/kg/day.
Does body weight below 6 kg modify survival of infants after liver transplant? Complete National Transplant Registry Data
Authors: Maruszewski Przemyslaw , Vilchez Monge Almudena L. , Stefanowicz Marek , Szymczak Marek , Broniszczak Dorota , Kowalski Adam , Kaliciński Piotr , Ismail Hor
Published: July 2024

Objective

To determine the impact of infant recipient body weight at primary liver transplantation (LT) on both recipient and graft survival rates in complete national data from Poland.

Methods

We conducted a single‐center, retrospective cohort study including 142 LT recipients below 1 year of age with body weights below 10 kg who received primary and isolated LT between 2001 and 2017. Patients were divided into two study groups according to body weight at the time of LT: (1) Group I (≤6.0 kg, 32 patients) and (2) Group II (6.1–9.9 kg, 110 patients). Independent impact of body weight on patient and graft survival were assessed using survival curves and a multivariable Cox regression analysis. The univariate predictors of mortality or retransplantation at 1 year post‐LT were recipient body weight of ≤6 kg at transplantation, pediatric end‐stage liver disease score, urgent LT, graft from deceased donor, cold ischemia time, post‐LT hepatic artery thrombosis, and post‐LT dialysis.

Results

No statistically significant impact of body weight ≤6 kg on 1‐year failure‐free survival was found based on the multivariable analysis (p = 0.063). Body weight ≤6 kg was associated with longer post‐LT intensive care unit and post‐LT hospital stays (p = 0.013 and 0.025, respectively).

Conclusions

Since no evidence of independent negative impact of recipient body weight ≤6 kg on failure‐free survival 1 year post‐LT was found, LT in infants with end‐stage liver disease in Poland should be performed according to medical indications and urgency when an appropriate donor is available.
Quality of life from childhood to adulthood: Perspectives from adult patients with pediatric‐onset intestinal failure
Authors: Neumann Marie L. , Kakani Swapna , Ladner Amy
Published: July 2024

Adult patients with pediatric onset short bowel syndrome (SBS) or intestinal failure (IF) have been described as a distinct population warranting further research. The aim of this exploratory study aimed was to offer initial insights into this population's navigation of childhood, adolescence, and transition into adulthood. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected from a convenience sample of adults with pediatric‐onset SBS/IF using a disease‐specific pilot survey; 14 questionnaires were completed. Responses indicated childhood and adulthood were complex and marked by joys and trials, while adolescence was experienced by many as a particularly challenging time. As adults, numerous patients experienced barriers to accessing the medical care they desired and described difficulties finding experienced and knowledgeable providers who listened and offered individualized care. This study highlights the importance of further studying this unique patient population, suggesting it can offer critical insights to inform the development of interventions and transition programs.