bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attitudes toward and experiences of clinical and non-clinical services among individuals who self-harm or attempt suicide: a systematic review
Authors: Uddin Tasnim , Pitman Alexandra , Benson Gemma , Kamal Zeast , Hawton Keith , Rowe Sarah
Published: September 2023

The prevalence of self-harm has increased substantially in recent decades. Despite the development of guidelines for better management and prevention of self-harm, service users report that quality of care remains variable. A previous systematic review of research published to June 2006 documented largely negative experiences of clinical services among patients who self-harm. This systematic review summarized the literature published since then to July 2022 to examine contemporary attitudes toward and experience of clinical and non-clinical services among individuals who self-harm and their relatives. We systematically searched for literature using seven databases. Quality of studies was assessed using the Mixed-Methods Appraisal Tool and findings were summarized using a narrative synthesis. We identified 29 studies that met our inclusion criteria, all of which were from high- or middle-income countries and were generally of high methodological quality. Our narrative synthesis identified negative attitudes toward clinical management and organizational barriers across services. Generally, more positive attitudes were found toward non-clinical services providing therapeutic contact, such as voluntary sector organizations and social services, than clinical services, such as emergency departments and inpatient units. Views suggested that negative experiences of service provision may perpetuate a cycle of self-harm. Our review suggests that in recent years there has been little improvement in attitudes toward and experiences of services for patients who self-harm. These findings should be used to reform clinical guidelines and staff training across clinical services to promote patient-centered and compassionate care and deliver more effective, acceptable and accessible services.
Scattering characteristics of a perfect electromagnetic conducting cylindrical object covered with a general Bi-isotropic layer
Authors: Awan Zeeshan Akbar , Raqeeb Abdul , Hussain Arshad
Published: September 2023

An analytic theory has been developed for the scattering of electromagnetic plane wave from a perfect electromagnetic conducting (PEMC) cylindrical object coated with a general bi-isotropic (BI) material. The proposed problem has been solved using cylindrical vector wave function expansion approach along with the application of tangential boundary conditions. Analytic expressions of the scattering coefficients have been derived in their simplest forms. It is seen that by proper selection of admittance of PEMC core, electromagnetic parameters of BI coating, and coating thickness, one can optimize the scattering characteristics for specific applications. It is shown that the specific types of BI and strong chiral-coated PEMC cylinders having certain coating thicknesses can be used to significantly enhance the co-polarized forward scattering while keeping the cross-polarized forward scattering very small. Such types of enhanced co-polarized forward scattering are preferred in point-to-point communication. Some interesting features have been discussed where co-polarized and cross-polarized backscattering may be suppressed, which find applications in radar engineering problems and stealth technology.
Spanish adaptation of the Gender-Related Variables for Health Research (GVHR): Factorial Structure and Relationship with Health Variables
Authors: Díaz-Morales Juan F. , Esteban-Gonzalo Sara , Martín-María Natalia , Puig-Navarro Yaiza
Published: September 2023

The aim of the present study was to conduct a preliminary study of the Stanford Gender-Related Variables for Health Research (GVHR) adapted to the Spanish population, testing its factor structure, sex factorial invariance and relationship with health variables. Participants were 438 adults between 19–73 years old (M = 31.90, SD = 12.12) who completed the GVHR and measures of health-related quality of life, psychological health, and health-risk behaviors. The confirmatory factorial analysis of the GVHR indicated an acceptable fit to the 7-factor structure as proposed for the North American population. Emotional intelligence and independence factors had low internal consistency, therefore, a five-factor model was tenable in the Spanish population. Sex scalar invariance was tenable, indicating that the factors latent means can be meaningfully compared across sex. Univariate logistic regressions indicated that women reported worse mental and physical health and more health limitations, but this effect dissipated when gender variables were considered. Caregiver and work strain stood out as the variables related to gender that predicted worse health-related quality of life, psychological health, and health-risk behaviors. In conclusion, factorial structure of the GVHR may differ from one culture to another. Additionally, the variables related to gender in the GVHR give a better account of the differences in health compared to biological sex.
Evaluation of chemical control and seasonal application options for smutgrass (Sporobolus indicus)
Authors: Howard Zachary S. , Nolte Scott A. , Hussey Mark , Treadwell Morgan L. , Sellers Brent
Published: September 2023

Smutgrass is a non-native perennial weed that is problematic because of its poor palatability to cattle and its difficulty to control once established. Limited literature exists to explain the effectiveness of herbicides other than hexazinone for smutgrass control and forage injury. This study aimed to evaluate seasonal applications of labeled herbicides used on forage for maximum smutgrass control. The second objective was to evaluate preemergent herbicides and hexazinone for their ability to control smutgrass germinating from seed. Hexazinone, nicosulfuron + metsulfuron-methyl, and glyphosate + imazapic were the most effective postemergence treatments, while quinclorac exhibited little activity on smutgrass. Common bermudagrass forage fully recovered from all treatments by 3 mo after treatment. Hexazinone, nicosulfuron + metsulfuron methyl, glyphosate, and imazapic were applied postemergence to smutgrass in spring, summer, and fall. Summer applications of hexazinone resulted in the greatest level of control, while spring treatments provided the least control. Applications of hexazinone or glyphosate resulted in the most effective smutgrass control. However, fall applications resulted in the least forage injury. Results of the study of preemergence herbicides indicate that treatments with indaziflam and hexazinone provide adequate control of germinating smutgrass seedlings in the greenhouse at 0.25×, 0.5×, and 0.75× of the lowest recommended labeled rate for seedling grass control. Indaziflam treatments prevented the emergence of any visible smutgrass seedling tissue, compared to hexazinone, which fully controlled the germinating seedlings by 21 d after treatment, whereas pendimethalin significantly reduced seedling numbers at the 0.5× and 0.75× rates.
New Constraints on the Complex Subduction and Tearing Model of the Cocos Plate Using Anisotropic Pn Tomography
Authors: Lü Yan , Li Juan , Zhao Lian‐Feng , Zhang Jinhai , Chen Ling , Zhao Liang
Published: September 2023

To better understand the structure and process of the Cocos plate subduction, we obtained the first Pn velocity and anisotropy model of the uppermost mantle in southern Mexico using the Pn tomography method and new ISC‐EHB data. This study confirms that the subducted Cocos oceanic plate exhibits mid‐oceanic ridge‐perpendicular anisotropy, and there is an arc‐parallel anisotropic structure beneath the subduction arc. The variation of the Pn velocity and anisotropy structure at the east and west ends of the flat‐slab subduction zone in the Guerrero area provide new and clear seismological images for a plate‐tearing model which might be caused by the Orozco and O'Gorman fracture zones. The Pn low‐velocity and trench‐perpendicular anisotropic structure found north of the flat‐slab subduction zone support the slab retreat model of the Central Cocos plate. The Pn structure supports the existence of tearing corresponding to Teuhantepec Ridge in the Cocos plate beneath the Isthmus of Tuxtlas. Our study provides a reliable tomography basis and new constraints for a complicated subduction dynamics process in the southern Mexico subduction zone.
The Occurrence and Prevalence of Magnetic Reconnection in the Kelvin‐Helmholtz Instability Under Various Solar Wind Conditions
Authors: Wilder F. D. , King A. , Gove D. , Eriksson S. , Ahmadi N. , Workman T. L. , Ergun R. E. , Burch J. L. , Torbert R. B. , Giles B. L. , Strangeway R. J.
Published: September 2023

As the shocked solar wind flows past the flank magnetopause, surface waves can form and roll up into flow vortices. This is known as the Kelvin–Helmholtz Instability, which is thought to be an important mechanism whereby energy and momentum are transferred from the solar wind into the magnetosphere. One mechanism whereby this can occur is magnetic reconnection in the equatorial plane on compressed current sheets between vortices. In 2015, the NASA Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission observed this form of in‐plane reconnection during a KHI event in the post‐noon sector of the dayside magnetopause. We use data from MMS to investigate 12 KHI events at different positions along the magnetospheric flanks. For each event, we identify periodic compressed current sheets and perform Walén tests for each to identify reconnection jets. We then investigate the fraction of current sheets that exhibit reconnection signatures, and refer to it as the “event ratio.” Results show that the event ratio decreases for events further down the magnetospheric flanks. Additionally, we investigate solar wind parameters during each event and find that the event ratio increases with an increasing northward component of the interplanetary magnetic field.
Morphologic, Atmospheric, and Oceanic Drivers Cause Multi‐Temporal Saltwater Intrusion on a Remote, Sand Island
Authors: Cantelon Julia A. , Robinson Clare E. , Kurylyk Barret L.
Published: September 2023

Small‐island populations disproportionately rely on fresh groundwater resources, which are increasingly threatened by salinization from changing ocean and climate conditions. This study investigates island groundwater dynamics and salinization over multiple timescales in response to marine, atmospheric, and morphologic drivers. New geophysical and hydrological data sets were collected on a remote sand island in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean between 2020 and 2022 and compared to historical baseline data from the 1970s. Data reveal saltwater intrusion due to multi‐decadal erosion, seasonal climate patterns, tidal forcing, and episodic flooding from Atlantic hurricanes. Long‐term dune erosion has caused the freshwater lens to thin and become asymmetrical; however, a lagged groundwater response causes the freshwater lens to be in disequilibrium with present island morphology. The maximum vertical lens thickness is seasonally constant, but the lateral transition zone along the coast thickens and moves seaward in spring when the water table is high from precipitation and frequent beach flooding. Groundwater level and electrical conductivity along low‐lying beaches significantly increase following Atlantic hurricanes due to seawater flooding, and reach a maximum of 1.93 m above sea level and 38 mS/cm, respectively. While groundwater levels recover quickly, conductivity (salinity) remains elevated due to the short intervals between winter flood events that outpace freshening from meteoric recharge. Results emphasize the importance of multi‐temporal groundwater dynamics and feedbacks between coastal flooding, erosion, and salinization. Field‐based studies considering multiple drivers and timescales of saltwater intrusion are critical for understanding and managing coastal freshwater resources in an age of rapid environmental change.
The role of Lactobacillus in inflammatory bowel disease: from actualities to prospects
Authors: Li Congxin , Peng Kaixin , Xiao Siqi , Long Yuanyuan , Yu Qin
Published: September 2023

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), a chronic nonspecific intestinal inflammatory disease, is comprised of Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Crohn’s Disease (CD). IBD is closely related to a systemic inflammatory reaction and affects the progression of many intestinal and extraintestinal diseases. As one of the representative bacteria for probiotic-assisted therapy in IBD, multiple strains of Lactobacillus have been proven to alleviate intestinal damage and strengthen the intestinal immunological barrier, epithelial cell barrier, and mucus barrier. Lactobacillus also spares no effort in the alleviation of IBD-related diseases such as Colitis-associated Colorectal cancer (CAC), Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), Depression, Anxiety, Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH), and so on via gut-brain axis and gut-liver axis. This article aims to discuss the role of Lactobacillus in IBD and IBD-related diseases, including its underlying mechanisms and related curative strategies from the present to the future.
Targeting Toll-like receptor-driven systemic inflammation by engineering an innate structural fold into drugs
Authors: Petruk Ganna , Puthia Manoj , Samsudin Firdaus , Petrlova Jitka , Olm Franziska , Mittendorfer Margareta , Hyllén Snejana , Edström Dag , Strömdahl Ann-Charlotte , Diehl Carl , Ekström Simon , Walse Björn , Kjellström Sven , Bond Peter J. , Lindstedt Sandra , Schmidtchen Artur
Published: September 2023

There is a clinical need for conceptually new treatments that target the excessive activation of inflammatory pathways during systemic infection. Thrombin-derived C-terminal peptides (TCPs) are endogenous anti-infective immunomodulators interfering with CD14-mediated TLR-dependent immune responses. Here we describe the development of a peptide-based compound for systemic use, sHVF18, expressing the evolutionarily conserved innate structural fold of natural TCPs. Using a combination of structure- and in silico-based design, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, biophysics, mass spectrometry, cellular, and in vivo studies, we here elucidate the structure, CD14 interactions, protease stability, transcriptome profiling, and therapeutic efficacy of sHVF18. The designed peptide displays a conformationally stabilized, protease resistant active innate fold and targets the LPS-binding groove of CD14. In vivo, it shows therapeutic efficacy in experimental models of endotoxin shock in mice and pigs and increases survival in mouse models of systemic polymicrobial infection. The results provide a drug class based on Nature´s own anti-infective principles.
mRNA-LNP vaccination-based immunotherapy augments CD8+ T cell responses against HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer
Authors: Qiu Ke , Duan Xing , Mao Minzi , Song Yao , Rao Yufang , Cheng Danni , Feng Lan , Shao Xiuli , Jiang Chuanhuan , Huang Hai , Wang Yan , Li Huifang , Chen Xuemei , Wu Sisi , Luo Dan , Chen Fei , Peng Xingchen , Zheng Yongbo , Wang Haiyang , Liu Jun , Zhao Yu , Song Xiangrong , Ren Jianjun
Published: September 2023

Although mRNA vaccines are known as potent activators of antigen-specific immune responses against infectious diseases, limited understanding of how they drive the functional commitment of CD8+ T cells in tumor microenvironment (TME) and secondary lymphoid organs hinders their broader application in cancer immunotherapy. Here, we systematically evaluated the immunological effects of a lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-encapsulated mRNA vaccine that encodes human papillomavirus E7 protein (HPV mRNA-LNP), a tumor-specific antigen of HPV-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). HPV mRNA-LNP vaccination activated overall and HPV-specific CD8+ T cells, as well as differentially drove the functional commitment of CD8+ T cells through distinct IFN-response and exhaustion trajectories in the spleen and TME, respectively. Combination therapies of HPV mRNA-LNP vaccination with immune checkpoint blockades boosted HPV-specific CD8+ T cells while maintaining their anti-tumor function, thus further promoting tumor regression. Our results showed that the HPV mRNA-LNP vaccination combined with immune checkpoint blockade is a promising approach for immunotherapy of HPV-positive OPSCC.
Insights into the protective immune response by immunization with full-length recombinant TprK protein: cellular and humoral responses
Authors: Liu Dan , Chen Rui , Wang Yong-Jing , Li Wei , Liu Li-Li , Lin Li-Rong , Yang Tian-Ci , Tong Man-Li
Published: September 2023

Syphilis has resurged in many countries, which has called attention to vaccine development. Based on the immunization-based rabbit model of infection with the Nichols strain, this study explored the protective immune response of a controversial syphilis vaccine candidate, TprK, and found that immunization with full-length rTprK was effective in attenuating lesion development and accelerating lesion resolution, which could reduce the probability of the pathogen spreading to distant tissue sites to prevent the progression of the disease to some extent. Furthermore, the results revealed that immunization with rTprK not only rapidly induced a strong Th1-like cellular response but also elicited a humoral immune response to produce opsonic antibodies to enhance macrophage-mediated opsonophagocytosis. Although complete protection against infection was not achieved, the study provided a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the immunogenicity of TprK and highlighted the importance of TprK as a promising syphilis vaccine component.
simKAP: simulation framework for the kidney allocation process with decision making model
Authors: Zhang Yunwei , Hu Anne , Lin Yingxin , Cao Yue , Muller Samuel , Wong Germaine , Yang Jean Yee Hwa
Published: September 2023

Organ shortage is a major barrier in transplantation and rules guarding organ allocation decisions should be robust, transparent, ethical and fair. Whilst numerous allocation strategies have been proposed, it is often unrealistic to evaluate all of them in real-life settings. Hence, the capability of conducting simulations prior to deployment is important. Here, we developed a kidney allocation simulation framework (simKAP) that aims to evaluate the allocation process and the complex clinical decision-making process of organ acceptance in kidney transplantation. Our findings have shown that incorporation of both the clinical decision-making and a dynamic wait-listing process resulted in the best agreement between the actual and simulated data in almost all scenarios. Additionally, several hypothetical risk-based allocation strategies were generated, and we found that these strategies improved recipients’ long-term post-transplant patient survival and reduced wait time for transplantation. The importance of simKAP lies in its ability for policymakers in any transplant community to evaluate any proposed allocation algorithm using in-silico simulation.
Decreased diastolic hydraulic forces incrementally associate with survival beyond conventional measures of diastolic dysfunction
Authors: Soundappan Dhnanjay , Fung Angus S. Y. , Loewenstein Daniel E. , Playford David , Strange Geoffrey , Kozor Rebecca , Otton James , Ugander Martin
Published: September 2023

Decreased hydraulic forces during diastole contribute to reduced left ventricular (LV) filling and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. However, their association with diastolic function and patient outcomes are unknown. The aim of this retrospective, cross-sectional study was to determine the mechanistic association between diastolic hydraulic forces, estimated by echocardiography as the atrioventricular area difference (AVAD), and both diastolic function and survival. Patients (n = 5176, median [interquartile range] 5.5 [5.0–6.1] years follow-up, 1213 events) were selected from the National Echo Database Australia (NEDA) based on the presence of relevant transthoracic echocardiographic measures, LV ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥ 50%, heart rate 50–100 beats/minute, the absence of moderate or severe valvular disease, and no prior prosthetic valve surgery. NEDA contains echocardiographic and linked national death index mortality outcome data from 1985 to 2019. AVAD was calculated as the cross-sectional area difference between the LV and left atrium. LV diastolic dysfunction was graded according to 2016 guidelines. AVAD was weakly associated with E/e’, left atrial volume index, and LVEF (multivariable global R2 = 0.15, p < 0.001), and not associated with e’ and peak tricuspid regurgitation velocity. Decreased AVAD was independently associated with poorer survival, and demonstrated improved model discrimination after adjustment for diastolic function grading (C-statistic [95% confidence interval] 0.644 [0.629–0.660] vs 0.606 [0.592–0.621], p < 0.001) and E/e’ (0.649 [0.635–0.664] vs 0.634 [0.618–0.649], p < 0.001), respectively. Therefore, decreased hydraulic forces, estimated by AVAD, are weakly associated with diastolic dysfunction and demonstrate an incremental prognostic association with survival beyond conventional measures used to grade diastolic dysfunction.
River zebrafish combine behavioral plasticity and generalized morphology with specialized sensory and metabolic physiology to survive in a challenging environment
Authors: Suriyampola Piyumika S. , Zúñiga-Vega José Jaime , Jayasundara Nishad , Flores Jennifer , Lopez Melissa , Bhat Anuradha , Martins Emília P.
Published: September 2023

Phenotypes that allow animals to detect, weather, and predict changes efficiently are essential for survival in fluctuating environments. Some phenotypes may remain specialized to suit an environment perfectly, while others become more plastic or generalized, shifting flexibly to match current context or adopting a form that can utilize a wide range of contexts. Here, we tested the differences in behavior, morphology, sensory and metabolic physiology between wild zebrafish (Danio rerio) in highly variable fast-flowing rivers and still-water sites. We found that river zebrafish moved at higher velocities than did still-water fish, had lower oxygen demands, and responded less vigorously to small changes in flow rate, as we might expect for fish that are well-suited to high-flow environments. River zebrafish also had less streamlined bodies and were more behaviorally plastic than were still-water zebrafish, both features that may make them better-suited to a transitional lifestyle. Our results suggest that zebrafish use distinct sensory mechanisms and metabolic physiology to reduce energetic costs of living in fast-flowing water while relying on morphology and behavior to create flexible solutions to a challenging habitat. Insights on animals’ reliance on traits with different outcomes provide a framework to better understand their survival in future environmental fluctuations.
Characteristics of antioxidant capacity and metabolomics analysis of flavonoids in the bran layer of green glutinous rice (Oryza sativa L. var. Glutinosa Matsum)
Authors: Liang Chenggang , Guan Zhixiu , Wei Kesu , Yu Wujuan , Wang Li , Chen Xuling , Wang Yan
Published: September 2023

Green glutinous rice is a unique genetic germplasm that has yet to be adequately studied. This study investigated antioxidant capacity and flavonoid metabolites in the bran layer of green glutinous rice (LvH) compared to purple (HeiH), red (HongH) and white (GJG) varieties. The results showed that LvH bran had significantly higher content of total flavonoids and anthocyanin than that of HongH (1.91-fold and 4.34-fold) and GJG (2.45-fold and 13.30-fold). LvH bran also showed significantly higher levels of vitamin B1 and vitamin E than that of HeiH (1.94-fold and 1.15-fold) and HongH (1.22-fold and 1.13-fold), indicating that green glutinous rice bran was rich in bioactive components. LvH bran showed significantly lower IC50 values for scavenging DPPH and ATBS radicals than GJG and even significantly lower IC50 value for scavenging DPPH radicals than HongH, highlighting its potential as an effective source of antioxidants. LvH bran had significantly different downstream metabolite synthesis in the flavonoid pathway compared to HeiH, HongH, and GJG, with 40, 26, and 22 different metabolites, 23, 20, and 33 up-regulated differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs), and 73, 50, and 13 down-regulated DEMs, respectively. Of the 139 flavonoid metabolites identified in colored rice bran, 26 metabolites showed significant positive correlation with both ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging capacity. Typically, quercetin derivatives showed potential for evaluating the antioxidant capacity of colored rice bran. These findings offer valuable insights into the antioxidant properties of green glutinous rice bran and provide references for better understanding of flavonoid metabolites in different colored rice bran.
Assessing cognitive workloads of assembly workers during multi-task switching
Authors: Ren Bin , Zhou Qinyu , Chen Jiayu
Published: September 2023

Complex assembly tasks with multiple manual operations and steps often require rapid judgment and action under time pressure and cause most human-related errors. The task switching and action transitions are major sources of these errors. This study intends to implement an electroencephalography (EEG) approach to quantitatively evaluate the mental workload during task switching and transition. The time–frequency and spectrum analysis were utilized to compute and reflect the task demand between the intervals of individual tasks. This study developed an experiment to validate the proposed assessment approach and benchmark the results with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration task load index (NASA-TLX) subjective evaluation scale analysis. The results show that the average value of the power spectral densities (PSDs) of the gamma band signal of the AF4 channel and the beta band signal of Channel F3 show distinctive signal patterns among task stages and intervals. During the interval between the idling stage and the part selection stage, the peak of the PSD envelope increased from 18 to 27 Hz, suggesting advanced cognition increases the mental workload of the interval between different tasks. Therefore, the task switching period cannot be regarded as rest and need to be optimized with better task organization.
Cancer-associated fibroblast-related prognostic signature predicts prognosis and immunotherapy response in pancreatic adenocarcinoma based on single-cell and bulk RNA-sequencing
Authors: Chen Yajun , Deng Qican , Chen Hui , Yang Jianguo , Chen Zhenzhou , Li Juncai , Fu Zhongxue
Published: September 2023

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) influence many aspects of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) carcinogenesis, including tumor cell proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. A six-gene prognostic signature was constructed for PAAD based on the 189 CAF marker genes identified in single-cell RNA-sequencing data. Multivariate analyses showed that the risk score was independently prognostic for survival in the TCGA (P < 0.001) and ICGC (P = 0.004) cohorts. Tumor infiltration of CD8 T (P = 0.005) cells and naïve B cells (P = 0.001) was greater in the low-risk than in the high-risk group, with infiltration of these cells negatively correlated with risk score. Moreover, the TMB score was lower in the low-risk than in the high-risk group (P = 0.0051). Importantly, patients in low-risk group had better immunotherapy responses than in the high-risk group in an independent immunotherapy cohort (IMvigor210) (P = 0.039). The CAV1 and SOD3 were highly expressed in CAFs of PAAD tissues, which revealed by immunohistochemical staining. In summary, this comprehensive analysis resulted in the development of a novel prognostic signature, which was associated with immune cell infiltration, drug sensitivity, and TMB, and could predict the prognosis and immunotherapy response of patients with PAAD.
Comparable assessment of adolescent repeated physical or psychological stress effects on adult cardiac performance in female rats
Authors: Mousavi Monireh-Sadat , Meknatkhah Sogol , Imani Alireza , Geramifar Parham , Riazi Gholamhossein
Published: September 2023

Extensive evidence highlights a robust connection between various forms of chronic stress and cardiovascular disease (CVD). In today's fast-paced world, with chronic stressors abound, CVD has emerged as a leading global cause of mortality. The intricate interplay of physical and psychological stressors triggers distinct neural networks within the brain, culminating in diverse health challenges. This study aims to discern the unique impacts of chronic physical and psychological stress on the cardiovascular system, unveiling their varying potencies in precipitating CVD. Twenty-one adolescent female rats were methodically assigned to three groups: (1) control (n = 7), (2) physical stress (n = 7), and (3) psychological stress (n = 7). Employing a two-compartment enclosure, stressors were administered to the experimental rats over five consecutive days, each session lasting 10 min. After a 1.5-month recovery period post-stress exposure, a trio of complementary techniques characterized by high specificity or high sensitivity were employed to meticulously evaluate CVD. Echocardiography and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) were harnessed to scrutinize left ventricular architecture and myocardial viability, respectively. Subsequently, the rats were ethically sacrificed to facilitate heart removal, followed by immunohistochemistry staining targeting glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Rats subjected to psychological stress showed a wider range of significant cardiac issues compared to control rats. This included left ventricular hypertrophy [IVSd: 0.1968 ± 0.0163 vs. 0.1520 ± 0.0076, P < 0.05; LVPWd: 0.2877 ± 0.0333 vs. 0.1689 ± 0.0057, P < 0.01; LVPWs: 0.3180 ± 0.0382 vs. 0.2226 ± 0.0121, P < 0.05; LV-mass: 1.283 ± 0.0836 vs. 1.000 ± 0.0241, P < 0.01], myocardial ischemia [21.30% vs. 32.97%, P < 0.001], and neuroinflammation. This outcome underscores the imperative of prioritizing psychological well-being during adolescence, presenting a compelling avenue to curtail the prevalence of CVD in adulthood. Furthermore, extending such considerations to individuals grappling with CVD might prospectively enhance their overall quality of life.
High temperature anomalous Raman and photoluminescence response of molybdenum disulfide with sulfur vacancies
Authors: Ranjuna M. K. , Balakrishnan Jayakumar
Published: September 2023

We report an intriguing anomalous behavior observed in the temperature-dependent Raman spectra of mono-, bi-, and trilayer molybdenum disulfide samples with sulfur vacancies, measured at high temperatures ranging from room temperature to 463 K. In contrast to existing reports, we observed a decrease in the FWHM of the A$$_{1g}$$

1
g

phonon mode, along with an increase in the relative intensity of the A$$_{1g}$$

1
g

mode to the E$$_{2g}^1$$

2
g

1

mode, as the temperature increased. This trend becomes less prominent as the layer number increases from monolayer, disappearing entirely in few-layer samples. Additionally, we observed an intensity enhancement in the photoluminescence spectra of MoS2 samples at high temperatures (up to 550 K), which depends on the layer number. These observations are explained by considering the presence of sulfur vacancies, their interaction with the environment, electron density reduction, and a phonon-mediated intervalley charge transfer at elevated temperatures. Our results unambiguously establish that the effect of defects (sulfur vacancies) is more prominently reflected in the temperature dependence of FWHM and the relative intensity of the Raman modes rather than in the Raman peak positions.
Intestinal disturbances associated with mortality of children with complicated severe malnutrition
Authors: Wen Bijun , Farooqui Amber , Bourdon Celine , Tarafdar Nawar , Ngari Moses , Chimwezi Emmanuel , Thitiri Johnstone , Mwalekwa Laura , Walson Judd L. , Voskuijl Wieger , Berkley James A. , Bandsma Robert H. J.
Published: September 2023

Background

Children admitted to hospital with complicated severe malnutrition (CSM) have high mortality despite compliance with standard WHO management guidelines. Limited data suggests a relationship between intestinal dysfunction and poor prognosis in CSM, but this has not been explicitly studied. This study aimed to evaluate the role of intestinal disturbances in CSM mortality.

Methods

A case-control study nested within a randomized control trial was conducted among children hospitalized with CSM in Kenya and Malawi. Children who died (cases, n = 68) were compared with those who were discharged, propensity matched to the cases on age, HIV and nutritional status (controls, n = 68) on fecal metabolomics that targeted about 70 commonly measured metabolites, and enteropathy markers: fecal myeloperoxidase (MPO), fecal calprotectin, and circulating intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP).

Results

The fecal metabolomes of cases show specific reductions in amino acids, monosaccharides, and microbial fermentation products, when compared to controls. SCFA levels did not differ between groups. The overall fecal metabolomics signature moderately differentiates cases from controls (AUC = 0.72). Enteropathy markers do not differ between groups overall, although serum I-FABP is elevated in cases in a sensitivity analysis among non-edematous children. Integrative analysis with systemic data suggests an indirect role of intestinal inflammation in the causal path of mortality.

Conclusions

Intestinal disturbances appear to have an indirect association with acute mortality. Findings of the study improve our understanding of pathophysiological pathways underlying mortality of children with CSM.
The critical role of electricity storage for a clean and renewable European economy
Authors: Santecchia Alessio , Castro-Amoedo Rafael , Nguyen Tuong-Van , Kantor Ivan , Stadler Paul , Maréchal François
Published: September 2023

Electricity generation from installed capacities in each EU country, with overbuild to compensate for storage losses.
Tuning atomic-scale sites in metal–organic framework-based nanozymes for sensitive biosensing
Authors: Wen Yating , Xu Weiqing , Hu Liuyong , Xu Miao , Gu Wenling , Sun Hongcheng , Zhu Chengzhou
Published: September 2023

This review provides an overview of the methods for tuning atomic-scale sites in metal–organic framework-based nanozymes for sensitive biosensing.
Dynamic phases and combing effects for elongated particles moving over quenched disorder
Authors: Libál A. , Stepanov S. , Reichhardt C. , Reichhardt C. J. O.
Published: September 2023

We consider a two-dimensional system of elongated particles driven over a landscape containing randomly placed pinning sites.
From waste to wealth: chelating polymeric membranes for precious palladium recovery from wastewater
Authors: Aburabie Jamaliah , Mohammed Shabin , Kumaran Anilkumar , Hashaikeh Raed
Published: September 2023

In this study, we propose a polymeric membrane adsorber that exhibits high adsorption site density capable of selectively capturing palladium Pd ions, providing an effective substitution for palladium recovery from dilute solutions.
Hybrid attention mechanism of feature fusion for medical image segmentation
Authors: Tong Shanshan , Zuo Zhentao , Liu Zuxiang , Sun Dengdi , Zhou Tiangang
Published: September 2023

Traditional convolution neural networks (CNN) have achieved good performance in multi‐organ segmentation of medical images. Due to the lack of ability to model long‐range dependencies and correlations between image pixels, CNN usually ignores the information of channel dimension. To further improve the performance of multi‐organ segmentation, a hybrid attention mechanism model is proposed. First, a CNN was used to extract multi‐scale feature maps and fed into the Channel Attention Enhancement Module (CAEM) to selectively pay attention to target organs in medical images, and the Transformer encoded tokenized image patches from CNN feature maps as the input sequence to model long‐range dependencies. Second, the decoder upsampled the output from Transformer and fused with the CAEM features in multi‐scale through skip connections. Finally, we introduced a Refinement Module (RM) after the decoder to improve feature correlations of the same organ and the feature discriminability between different organs. The model outperformed on dice coefficient (%) and hd95 on both the synapse multi‐organ segmentation and cardiac diagnosis challenge datasets. The hybrid attention mechanisms exhibited high efficiency and high segmentation accuracy in medical images.
Channel measurement and characterisation for 5G multi‐scenarios at 26 and 38 GHz
Authors: Wang Lihong , Yang Jingya , Zhu Chunhua , Zhang Dongsheng , Fei Dan , Wang Yi , Li Zhenghui
Published: September 2023

Millimetre‐wave (mmWave) frequencies play a vital role in fifth‐generation (5G) wireless systems and beyond due to the vast available bandwidth of several GHz. This paper presents channel characteristics and their channel models for mmWave based on extensive channel measurements at 26 and 38 GHz conducted in 5G scenarios, such as the rooftop, the high‐speed railway, and the Industrial Internet of Things scenarios. The channel sounder receiver (Rx) uses an omnidirectional or phased array antenna to meet the requirements of channel measurement, such as recording absolute delay and obtaining 3‐dimensional angular information. We use the classical close‐in model and floating‐intercept model to model path loss. Meanwhile, channel statistics in the delay domain are derived from the measured power delay profiles. Note that the different scenarios are measured with the same channel sounder, making the measurement results of different scenarios comparable. It is shown that the shadow fading parameter σ is 0.7 dB as fewer large scatterers exist in the rooftop scenario. Moreover, due to the significant dependence of delay spread on the geometric relationship between the transmitter (Tx), Rx, and surrounding environment, the statistical data in the delay domain varies significantly in different scenarios. The channel characteristics and models will guide future air‐interface, beamforming, and transceiver designs for 5G and beyond.
Evolution of dynamic fibrils from the cooler chromosphere to the hotter corona
Authors: Mandal Sudip , Peter Hardi , Chitta Lakshmi Pradeep , Solanki Sami K. , Aznar Cuadrado Regina , Schühle Udo , Teriaca Luca , Martínez-Sykora Juan , Berghmans David , Auchère Frédéric , Parenti Susanna , Zhukov Andrei N. , Buchlin Éric , Verbeeck Cis , Kraaikamp Emil , Rodriguez Luciano , Long David M. , Barczynski Krzysztof , Pelouze Gabriel , Smith Philip J.
Published: September 2023

Dynamic fibrils (DFs) are commonly observed chromospheric features in solar active regions. Recent observations from the Extreme Ultraviolet Imager (EUI) aboard the Solar Orbiter have revealed unambiguous signatures of DFs at the coronal base in extreme ultraviolet (EUV) emission. However, it remains unclear if the DFs detected in the EUV are linked to their chromospheric counterparts. Simultaneous detection of DFs from chromospheric to coronal temperatures could provide important information on their thermal structuring and evolution through the solar atmosphere. In this paper, we address this question by using coordinated EUV observations from the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA), Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS), and EUI to establish a one-to-one correspondence between chromospheric and transition region DFs (observed by IRIS) with their coronal counterparts (observed by EUI and AIA). Our analysis confirms a close correspondence between DFs observed at different atmospheric layers and reveals that DFs can reach temperatures of about 1.5 million Kelvin, typical of the coronal base in active regions. Furthermore, the intensity evolution of these DFs, as measured by tracking them over time, reveals a shock-driven scenario in which plasma piles up near the tips of these DFs and, subsequently, these tips appear as bright blobs in coronal images. These findings provide information on the thermal structuring of DFs and their evolution and impact through the solar atmosphere.
Etiology of Delayed Inflammatory Reaction Induced by Hyaluronic Acid Filler
Authors: Lee Won , Shah-Desai Sabrina , Rho Nark-Kyoung , Cho Jeongmok
Published: September 2023

The etiology and pathophysiology of delayed inflammatory reactions caused by hyaluronic acid fillers have not yet been elucidated. Previous studies have suggested that the etiology can be attributed to the hyaluronic acid filler itself, patient's immunological status, infection, and injection technique. Hyaluronic acid fillers are composed of high-molecular weight hyaluronic acids that are chemically cross-linked using substances such as 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether (BDDE). The mechanism by which BDDE cross-links the two hyaluronic acid disaccharides is still unclear and it may exist as a fully reacted cross-linker, pendant cross-linker, deactivated cross-linker, and residual cross-linker. The hyaluronic acid filler also contains impurities such as silicone oil and aluminum during the manufacturing process. Impurities can induce a foreign body reaction when the hyaluronic acid filler is injected into the body. Aseptic hyaluronic acid filler injections should be performed while considering the possibility of biofilm formation or delayed inflammatory reaction. Delayed inflammatory reactions tend to occur when patients experience flu-like illnesses; thus, the patient's immunological status plays an important role in delayed inflammatory reactions. Large-bolus hyaluronic acid filler injections can induce foreign body reactions and carry a relatively high risk of granuloma formation.
Rare Presentation of Morganella morganii Microorganism as Epidural and Subdural Empyema
Authors: Daoud Suleiman S. , Jarrar Sultan , Ababneh Obada E. , Jbarah Omar F.
Published: September 2023

Background Morganella morganii is a gram-negative bacterium that rarely infects the central nervous system (CNS). Few reports described such an infection in the CNS. We present a case of extremely invasive M. morganii infection in the CNS. In addition, we performed a literature review of M. morganii infection in the CNS.

Case report A 53-year-old male was admitted to the hospital due to fever, general weakness, and left-sided facial muscle twitching. He had a history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, brain tumor, and epilepsy. Multiple left frontal scalp ulcers were revealed. In addition, a computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a left side epidural abscess and subdural empyema. Moreover, the patient had left frontal bone osteomyelitis. The next day, the patient underwent craniectomy, was transferred to the intensive care unit and started an empirical antibiotic course. Morganella morganii was identified from the infected scalp ulcers. On the 13th day, the patient passed away due to uncontrolled status epilepticus.

Conclusion M. morganii can cause isolated or multiple types of CNS infections, including brain abscess, meningitis, and subdural empyema. The mortality rate may differ according to age and to the use of surgical evacuation.
“It Affects Everything about Me”: Sleep Problems among Children with Cerebral Palsy and Their Caregivers in Ile-Ife—A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Olorunmoteni Oluwatosin E. , Akande Joan I. , Babalola Toluwani E. , Kareem Abiodun , Oyetoke Temiloluwa Taiwo , Seun-Fadipe Champion
Published: September 2023

Sleep problems are common in children with cerebral palsy (CWCP). However, the effect of sleep problems in CWCP on caregivers has not been well studied. We aimed to describe the sleep problems in CWCP and their caregivers, and explore the effect of the children's sleep on the caregivers' sleep. This cross-sectional, mixed-methods research was conducted at a pediatric neurology clinic in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used for assessing sleep problems of the children and their caregivers, respectively. We held three focused group discussions (FGDs) involving 18 caregivers using a pretested FGD guide. We analyzed the quantitative data using Stata-15 software, while qualitative data were transcribed and managed using ATLAS.ti Software. We studied 71 CWCP–caregiver dyads and 69 age- and sex-matched controls. There was a male preponderance for CWCP (M:F = 1.09:1) and female preponderance for caregivers (89.5%). Sleep disturbances (SDSC > 40) occurred in 34% of CP children and poor sleep quality was seen in 39% of caregivers. When compared with age- and sex-matched typically developing peers, there was a statistically significant higher sleep disturbance in CWCP (p = 0.009). Sleep difficulties in the CWCP comprise sleep–wake transition disorders (45.0%), difficulty initiating sleep (43.3%), and sleep breathing disorders (37.5%). Caregivers experienced short sleep duration. One mother said: “It affects my sleep, health, and work. It affects everything about me.” Sleep problems in CWCP affect the well-being of their caregivers. Interventions targeted at both the children and their caregivers are needed.
Accuracy Comparison between Frameless Biopsy and Frame-Based Biopsy: A Retrospective Study of a Case Series
Authors: Braga Henrique Moura , Dellaretti Marcos Antônio , Faria Marcello Penholate , Almeida Júlio Cezar de , Nascimento Leyzeane Marques do
Published: September 2023

Objective To compare the efficacy and safety of frameless and frame-based techniques for biopsies of intracranial lesions in an exclusive assistance service at a public health center in Brazil (SUS).

Method A review of 65 medical records of patients with brain lesions who underwent a frame-based or frameless biopsy from September 2017 to July 2019 was performed.

Results Among the 65 patients who underwent biopsy, 42 were male, and 23 were female. The mean age was 53.1 years. Most patients (49; 75.4%) presented hemispheric lesions, and, of these, 27 were in the frontal lobe (41,5%). The diagnostic rate was 78.5% (51 of 65 patients), and glial neoplasia was the most common diagnosis. In addition to glial neoplasia, a wide range of pathologies were diagnosed, such as toxoplasmosis, metastasis, lymphoma, inflammatory lesions, and abscesses. Among the 14 patients (21.5%) with inconclusive results, 8 had gliosis without neoplasia (12.3%), 4 had necrosis (6.1%), and 2 had insufficient samples (3%).

The morbidity rate was 9.2%, with 4 cases of hemorrhage, 1 case of infection, and 1 case of worsening of neurological deficits. The mortality rate was 6.1% and occurred in all cases with hemorrhage.

There were no significant differences in the diagnosis or complication (morbidity and mortality) rates between the frame-based and frameless groups.

Conclusion The frame-based and frameless techniques for stereotactic biopsy present similar efficacy and safety.